Exercise devices – Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof – Bicycling
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-10
2001-02-20
Yu, Mickey (Department: 3764)
Exercise devices
Involving user translation or physical simulation thereof
Bicycling
C482S061000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190290
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to exercise devices and, more particularly, to an accessory for use with an exercise device.
Bicycle trainers are exercise devices generally in which the rear wheel of a bicycle is supported by a frame in a raised position and in contact with a resistance element. As a result of raising the rear end of the bicycle for mounting in a trainer, the bicycle and its rider may be pitched forward, i.e., may be placed in an inclined position with respect to the normal riding position where both front and rear bicycle tires are in contact with the ground. Such an angled position may be uncomfortable and, in some riders, may even produce temporary injury to the nerve structure of the hands, and other physical strains.
It should be noted that some riders prefer to ride in an inclined position wherein the rear of the bicycle is lower or higher. Some riders may attempt to jury-rig a front wheel support system which may be unstable and dangerous.
SUMMARY
In general, in a first aspect, the invention features apparatus for supporting a wheel at a plurality of heights above a surface, including a housing adapted to rest upon the surface, a first wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a first height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, and a second wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a second height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, the second height being different from the first height.
Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features. The wheel can be of a bicycle being used in a bicycle trainer. A third wheel receiving region can be configured to support the wheel at a third height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, the third height being different from either the first or second heights. The first and second wheel receiving regions can be substantially trough shaped, and can intersect. The first and second wheel receiving regions can have respective side walls, wherein the side walls are adapted to support the wheel in a substantially upright position respective to the surface. The first and second wheel receiving regions can be adapted to receive wheels having different radii. A support web can be within the housing and between the surface and each respective wheel receiving region.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features apparatus for supporting a wheel of a bicycle being used in a bicycle trainer at a plurality of heights above a surface, including a housing adapted to rest upon the surface, a first wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a first height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, a second wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a second height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, and a third wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a third height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, the first, second, and third heights being different from one another, the first, second, and third wheel receiving regions being substantially trough shaped, the first, second, and third wheel receiving regions having respective side walls, wherein the side walls are adapted to support the wheel in a substantially upright position respective to the surface.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features apparatus for supporting wheels above a surface, including a housing adapted to rest upon the surface, a first wheel receiving region configured to support a first wheel having a first radius at a height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, and a second wheel receiving region configured to support a second wheel having a second radius at a height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features apparatus for supporting bicycle wheels being used in a bicycle trainer above a surface, including a housing adapted to rest upon the surface, a first wheel receiving region configured to support a first wheel having a first radius above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, a second wheel receiving region configured to support a second wheel having a second radius above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, and a third wheel receiving region configured to support a third wheel having a third radius above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, the first, second, and third radii being different from one another, the first, second, and third wheel receiving regions being substantially trough shaped, the first, second, and third wheel receiving regions having respective side walls, wherein the side walls are adapted to support the wheel in a substantially upright position respective to the surface.
In general, in another aspect, the invention features a method for supporting a wheel at a plurality of heights above a surface, including providing, in a housing adapted to rest upon the surface, a first wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a first height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, and providing, in the housing, a second wheel receiving region configured to support the wheel at a second height above the surface when the housing rests upon the surface, the second height being different from the first height.
Advantages of the invention may include one or more of the following. A riser block for supporting a bicycle wheel can be a unitary, single-piece structure, whose upper surface can be contoured to receive any one of a number (for example, three) of bicycle tire sizes, each having a different radius. When in place within a particular wheel support, a bicycle coupled to a trainer can be supported laterally to enhance stability. The riser block can be adapted to receive and support more than one different size of bicycle tires. Differently sized support nodes can support different ranges of tire sizes. The nodes can also support the same tire at a variety of different heights, allowing a user, for example, to set their bicycle during training at an even, incline, or decline position. The riser block can have a honeycomb-like internal support structure to provide a riser block that is light in weight, yet provides sufficient support and stability for a bicycle.
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Andrus Sceales Starke & Sawall LLP
Graber Products, Inc.
Pothier Denise
Yu Mickey
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