CA2064657A1 - Pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle having independent left and right cranks - Google Patents
Pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle having independent left and right cranksInfo
- Publication number
- CA2064657A1 CA2064657A1 CA 2064657 CA2064657A CA2064657A1 CA 2064657 A1 CA2064657 A1 CA 2064657A1 CA 2064657 CA2064657 CA 2064657 CA 2064657 A CA2064657 A CA 2064657A CA 2064657 A1 CA2064657 A1 CA 2064657A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pedal
- cylinder
- flywheel
- pedal mechanism
- cranks
- Prior art date
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle comprises first and second pivotal connections. The left and right cranks have respective first ends mounted on these first and second pivotal connections, respectively, to rotate independently about a common axis. The left pedal, mounted rotatable on the second end of the left crank is provided with a system for attaching the left foot of a user person thereto. The right pedal, mounted rotatable on the second end of the right crank is also provided with the same system for attaching the right foot thereto. Resistance to rotational movement of the left and right cranks about the common axis is applied. Accordingly, in order to rotate any of the left and right cranks at constant speed about this common axis, the user person must apply a steady force on the corresponding left or right pedal over 360° for each revolution.
A pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle comprises first and second pivotal connections. The left and right cranks have respective first ends mounted on these first and second pivotal connections, respectively, to rotate independently about a common axis. The left pedal, mounted rotatable on the second end of the left crank is provided with a system for attaching the left foot of a user person thereto. The right pedal, mounted rotatable on the second end of the right crank is also provided with the same system for attaching the right foot thereto. Resistance to rotational movement of the left and right cranks about the common axis is applied. Accordingly, in order to rotate any of the left and right cranks at constant speed about this common axis, the user person must apply a steady force on the corresponding left or right pedal over 360° for each revolution.
Description
206~657 PEDAL MECHANISM FOR STATIONARY EXERCISING BICYCLE
HAVING INDEPENDENT LEFT AND RIGHT CRANKS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle, in which the left and right cranks are individually and pivotally connected to the bicycle about a common axis.
HAVING INDEPENDENT LEFT AND RIGHT CRANKS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle, in which the left and right cranks are individually and pivotally connected to the bicycle about a common axis.
2. Brief description of the prior art:
To present a good performance during competitions, the legs of a cyclist must apply a steady force on the pedals in the four sectors of pedalling, that is over 360 during each revolution of the pedal.
The four sectors of pedalling comprise:
(a) a first power sector in which the pedal is lowered by extending the thigh and then the leg to apply a downward force on that pedal;
(b) a second sector, said lower dead point, in which the pedal, in the lower position, is moved rearwardly by extending the foot and then the leg;
(c~ a third sector in which the pedal is lifted through a flexion of the thigh and then of the leg; and (d) a fourth sector, said upper dead point, in which the pedal, in its upper position, is moved forwardly by extending the leg and then the foot, before being lowered again (first sector).
Obviously, this cycle is repeated during each revolution of the pedal.
During a competition, many cyclists apply efficiently a force on the pedal only in the first sector. Under these conditions, the three other sectors are not exploited efficiently and the performance of these cyclists is thereby reduced.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pedal mechanism for a stationary exercising apparatus, for example of the bicycle type, that forces the cyclist to apply an steady and therefore efficient force on the pedal in the four sectors of pedalling, and that during each revolution.
206~657 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pedal mechanism for stationary exercising apparatus, comprising (a) first and second pivotal connections mounted on the apparatus, (b) left and right cranks having respective first ends mounted on the first and second pivotal conn~ctions, respectively, to rotate independently about a common axis, each of these left and right cranks comprising a second end remote from the common axis, (c) a left pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the left crank about a second axis parallel to the common axis, this left pedal comprising means for attaching the left foot of a user person thereto, (d) a right pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the right crank about a third axis parallel to the common a~is, the right pedal comprising means for attaching the right foot of the user person thereto, and ~e) means for resisting to rotational movement of the left and right cranks about the common axis.
Therefore, as resistance to rotational movement of the left and right cranks is applied and as these two cranks rotate independently about the common axis, a user person must, in order to rotate any of the left and right cranks at constant speed about the common axis, apply a steady force on the corresponding left or right pedal over 360 for each revolution, that is in the four sectors of pedalling.
2~646~7 In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first pivotal connection comprises a left cylinder mounted rotatable on a shaft section about the longitudinal axis of this shaft section, the second pivotal connection comprises a right cylinder mounted rotatable on the shaft section about the longitudinal axis, the first end of the left crank is mounted on the left rotatable cylinder, the first end of the right crank is mounted on the right rotatable cylinder, the left cylinder is rotatively mounted in a first cylindrical bushing itself mounted on the exercising apparatus, and the right cylinder is rotatively mounted in a second cylindrical bushing itself mounted on the exercising apparatus.
In accordance with other preferred embodiments of the pedal mechanism:
a left flywheel is mounted on the left cylinder to rotate with this left cylinder about the longitudinal axis, this left flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a first friction band attached to the exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the left flywheel slides upon rotation thereof;
means for tensioning this first friction band;
a right flywheel mounted on the right cylinder to rotate with the right cylinder about the 2~64~57 longitudinal axis, this right flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a second friction band attached to the exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the right flywheel slides upon rotation thereof; and means for tensioning the second friction band.
Furthermore, the pedal mechanism may comprise means for interconnecting the left and right flywheels whereby the pedal mechanism can be operated as a conventional pedal and gear mechanism.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a stationary exercising bicycle comprising a pedal mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
206~657 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pedal mechanism of the exercising bicycle of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an elevational, cross sectional front view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 4 - 4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 5 - 5 of Figure 3; and Figure 6 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 6 - 6 of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 of the appended drawings illustrates a stationary exercising bicycle 10 comprising a pedal mechanism 27 (Figure 2) in accordance with the present invention.
The bicycle 10 comprises a metallic frame 14 provided with a head tube 15. A metallic fork 12 includes a stem 16 pivotally mounted in the head tube 15. On the upper end of the stem 16 are mounted 206~6~7 handlebars 13. A front wheel 11 is conventionally, rotatively installed on the free end of the fork 12.
The frame 14 further comprises a crossbar 17, a down tube 18, a seat tube 19, a pair of seat stays 20, and a pair of chain stays 21.
A seat 24 is mounted on the upper free end of a seat post 25 itself mounted in the seat tube 19 and fixed in the desired position by means of a conventional collar 26.
Two plates 22, located at the intersection of the seat 20 and chain 21 stays on the left and right sides of the bicycle 10 where the rear wheel (not shown) is normally mounted, are secured to a massive, stable and stationary support ~3, of suitable design. As can be appreciated, the support 23 renders the exercising bicycle 10 stationary.
As better shown in Figure 2, the seat tube 19, in the region of the pedal mechanism 27, separates into a pair of left 19' and right 19'' tubes. The tubes 191 and 19 " are divergent but comprises end sections 190 and 191 parallel to each other. The lower, free end of the tube 19' is welded to a left cylindrical sleeve 28 (Figure 3) while the lower, free end of the tube 19'' is welded (Figure 5) to a right cylindrical sleeve 29. The sleeves 28 and 29 are centered on the same transversal axis 40 (Figure 3).
The down tube 18 also separates, in the region of the pedal mechanism 27, into left 18' and 20646~7 right 18'' tubes (Figure 2). These tubes 18' and 18'' are divergent but comprise end sections 180 and 181 parallel to each other. Again the lower, free ends of the tubes 18' and 18'' are welded to the left and right sleeves 28 and 29, respectively (Figures 2 and 5).
As also illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the front ends of the chain strays 21 are welded to the left and right cylindrical sleeves 28 and 29, respectively.
As will become apparent upon reading of the following description, this construction will provide for adequate spacing between the sleeves 28 and 29, between the down tubes 18' and 18'', between the seat tubes 19' and 19 ", and between the chain stays 21 to install the pedal mechanism 27.
The pedal mechanism 27 will now be described with reference. to Figures 1 - 6 of the appended drawings.
The pedal mechanism 27 comprises a cylindrical bushiny 30 snugly fitted into the right sleeve 29. The sleeve 29 and the bushing 30 are both centered on the transversal axis 40 (Figure 3), and the length of the bushing 30 is equal to that of the sleeve 29. The inner cylindrical surface of the bushing 30 is formed with a flange 36 at the proximate end of that bushing.
A cylinder 32 is mounted rotatable on the inner surface of the bushing 30 through needle bearing 33, resting on the flange 36.
The cylinder 32 (Figures 3 and 6) comprises a proximate end 34 of reduced outer diameter on which the central cylindrical hole of a right flywheel 35 snugly fits. The flywheel 35 is formed on the side of the sleeve 29 with an annular cavity 37 defining a tube section 38 around the central hole o~
the flywheel. A threaded hole is formed through the tube section 38 in order to lock the flywheel 35 on the proximate end 34 by means of a screw 39. ~s can be seen, the cavity 37 creates a passage that enables tightening of the screw 39. Of course, the flywheel 35 will rotate with the cylinder 32 about the axis 40.
On the distal end of the cylinder 32 is formed an outer shoulder 41. Therefore, after the cylinder 32 and needle bearing 33 have been inserted into the bushing 30 from the right side of the bicycle and the flywheel 35 has been locked onto the proximate end 34 by means of the screw 39, the shoulder 41 and the tube section 38 will rest on the respective ends of the bushing 30 to retain the cylinder 32 in the position illustrated in Figure 3.
The inner surface of the cylinder 32 is formed with a generally central, annular and rectangular cavity 42 (Figure 3). The distal end of the cylinder 32 is also formed with an inner annular shoulder 43.
20646~7 A central shaft section 44, having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis 40, is mounted in the cylinder 32 through needle bearing ~5 received into the annular cavity 42. The cylinder 32 is ther~fore rotatable on the shaft section 44. The right end of the shaft section 44 is formed with an axial threaded hole (not shown) in which a bolt 59 is screwed. The bolt 59 is associated with a washer 46 of which one face rests on the shoulder 43 to thereby prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft section 44 toward the left.
The distal annular end surface 47 (Figure 4) of the cylinder 32 is formed with aligned and diametrically opposed V-shaped groove portions 48 and 49. The end surface 47 is also provided with a pair of diametrically opposed threaded holes 50 and 51, 90 apart from the groove portions 48 and 49.
The right crank 52 of the bicycle 10 has a circular end provided with a pair of diametrically opposed holes 53 and 54 and with a straight triangular tongue 55 on the inner face thereof. The crank 52 is mounted on the distal end of the cylinder 32 by inserting the triangular groove 55 in the V-shaped groove portions 48 and 49 and by tightening a screw 5Ç, passing through the hole 53, in the threaded hole 50, and by tightening a screw 57, passing through the hole 54, in the threaded hole 51.
Upon operation of the crank 52 through the pedal 58 (Figure 1) rotatively mounted on the free end of the crank 52 about an axis parallel to the axis 40, 206~6~7 the cylinder 32 along with the flywheel 35 will rotate about the transversal axis 40, as this cylinder can rotate on the inner surface of the bushing 30 through the needle bearing 33 and on the outer surface of the shaft section 44 through the needle bearing 45.
The flywheel 35 comprises a peripheral circular edga surface 60 on which a flexible friction band 61 is placed. The two ends of this band 61 are attached to a conventional device 62 capable of tensioning the band and thereby produce a resistance, by friction, to rotational movement of the flywheel 35, an therefore of the cylinder 32 and crank 52.
$5 As can be appreciated, operation of the right pedal 58 and crank 52 is independent from operation of the corresponding left pedal and crank.
The pedal mechanism 27 further comprises a cylindrical bushing 31 snugly fitting into the left sleeve 28. The sleeve 28 and the bushing 31 are both centered on the transversal axis 40 (Figure 3), and the length of the bushing 31 is equal to that of the sleeve 28. The inner cylindrical surface of the bushing 31 is formed with a flange 63 at the proximate end of that bushing.
A cylinder 64 is mounted rotatable on the inner surface of the bushing 31 through needle bearing 65, resting on the flange 63.
The cylinder 64 (Figure 3) comprises a proximate end 66 of reduced outer diameter on which 2064~7 the central cylindrical hole of a left flywheel 67 snugly fits. The flywheel 67 is formed on the side of the sleeve 28 with an annular cavity 68 defining a tube section 69 around the central hole of the flywheel 67. A threaded hole is formed through the tube section 69 in order to lock the flywheel 67 on th~ proximate end 69 by means of a screw 70. As can be seen, the cavity 68 creates a passage that enables tightening of the screw 70. Of course, the flywheel 67 will rotate with the cylinder 64 about the axis 40.
On the distal end of the cylinder 64 is formed an outer shoulder 71. Therefore, after the cylinder 64 and needle bearing 65 have been inserted into the bushing 31 from the left side of the bicycle 10 and the flywheel 67 has been locked onto the proximate end 66 by means of the screw 70, the shoulder 71 and the tube section 69 will rest on the respective ends of the bushing 31 to retain the cylinder 64 in the position illustrated in Figure 3.
The inner surface of the cylinder 64 is formed with a generally central, annular and rectangular cavity 72 (Figure 3). The distal end of the cylinder 64 is also formed with an inner shoulder 73.
The central shaft section 44 is also mounted in the cylinder 64 through needle bearing 74 received into the annular cavity 72, whereby the cylinder 64 is also rotatable onto the shaft section 44. A bolt 75 is screwed into an axial threaded hole (not shown) provided at the left end of the shaft 206~657 section. The bolt 75 is associated with a washer 76 of which one face rests on the shoulder 73 to prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft section 44 toward the right. Accordingly/ the bolts 59 and 75 along with the washers 46 and 76 maintain the shaft section 44 in the position shown in Figure 3.
The distal annular end surface 77 (Figure 3) of the cylinder 64 is formed with aligned and diametrically opposed V-shaped groove portions (see 48 and 49 in Figure 4 for the cylinder 32). The end surface 77 is also provided with a pair of diametrically opposed threaded holes 78 and 79, 90 apart from the groove portions in the surface 77.
The right crank 80 of the bicycle lO has a circular end provided with a pair of diametrically opposed holes 81 and 82 and with a straight triangular tongue 83 on the inner face thereof. The crank 80 is mounted on the distal end of the cylinder 6~ by inserting the triangular tongue 83 in the V-shaped groove portions of surface 77 and by tightening a screw 84, passing through the hole 81, in the threaded hole 78, and by tightening a screw 85, passing through the hole 82, in the threaded hole 79.
Upon operation of the crank 80 through the left pedal 86 (Figure 1) rotatively mounted on the free end of the crank 80 about an axis parallel to the axis 40, the cylinder 64 along with the flywheel 67 will rotate about the transversal axis 40, as this cylinder 64 can rotate on the inner surface of the bushing 31 through the needle bearing 74 and on the 20~657 outer surface of the shaft section 44 through the needle bearing 65.
The flywheel 80 comprises a peripheral circular edge surface 87 on which a flexible friction band 88 is placed. The two ends of this band 88 are attached to the conventional device 62 capable of tensioning the band 88 and thereby produce a resistance, by friction, to rotational movement of the flywheel 67, and therefore of the cylinder 64 and crank 80.
As can be appreciate, operation of the right pedal 86 and crank 80 is independent from operation of the corresponding left pedal 58 and crank 52.
With a pedal mechanism 27, rotation of one pedal will not cause rotation of the other pedal.
In particular, lowering of one pedal will not cause lifting of the other pedal. The cyclist will therefore have to apply separate forces to each pedal.
As resistance to rotational movement of the left 80 and right 52 cranks is produced by the friction bands 61 and 88, and as these two cranks 52 and 80 are capable of rotating independently about the axis 40, a cyclist must, in order to rotate any of the left 80 and right 52 cranks at constant speed about the common axis 40, apply a steady force on the corresponding left 86 or right 58 pedal over 360~ for each revolution, that is in the four sectors of pedalling (see for example the arrows 94 - 97 in Figures 1 and 2). This will force the cyclist to practice the 20646~7 correct movements to apply a steady force in the four sectors of pedalling, to thereby improve his performance during competitions. Obviously, it is important to provide the pedals 58 and 86 with mechanisms capable of attaching the shoes of the cyclist to these pedals. These mechanisms are schematically illustrated in Figure 1 by grooves 92 and 93 for the pedals 58 and 86, respectively.
As illustrated in Figure 3, aligned holes 89 and 90 can be drilled through the flywheels 35 and 67, respectively. Hole 89 is threaded and hole 90 is of larger diameter to receive a shoulder bolt 91 that will lock the two flywheel 35 and 67 together with the cranks 52 and 80 diametrically opposed. This will enable, if desired, normal operation of the exercising bicycle.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention.
, ~ .
To present a good performance during competitions, the legs of a cyclist must apply a steady force on the pedals in the four sectors of pedalling, that is over 360 during each revolution of the pedal.
The four sectors of pedalling comprise:
(a) a first power sector in which the pedal is lowered by extending the thigh and then the leg to apply a downward force on that pedal;
(b) a second sector, said lower dead point, in which the pedal, in the lower position, is moved rearwardly by extending the foot and then the leg;
(c~ a third sector in which the pedal is lifted through a flexion of the thigh and then of the leg; and (d) a fourth sector, said upper dead point, in which the pedal, in its upper position, is moved forwardly by extending the leg and then the foot, before being lowered again (first sector).
Obviously, this cycle is repeated during each revolution of the pedal.
During a competition, many cyclists apply efficiently a force on the pedal only in the first sector. Under these conditions, the three other sectors are not exploited efficiently and the performance of these cyclists is thereby reduced.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a pedal mechanism for a stationary exercising apparatus, for example of the bicycle type, that forces the cyclist to apply an steady and therefore efficient force on the pedal in the four sectors of pedalling, and that during each revolution.
206~657 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a pedal mechanism for stationary exercising apparatus, comprising (a) first and second pivotal connections mounted on the apparatus, (b) left and right cranks having respective first ends mounted on the first and second pivotal conn~ctions, respectively, to rotate independently about a common axis, each of these left and right cranks comprising a second end remote from the common axis, (c) a left pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the left crank about a second axis parallel to the common axis, this left pedal comprising means for attaching the left foot of a user person thereto, (d) a right pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the right crank about a third axis parallel to the common a~is, the right pedal comprising means for attaching the right foot of the user person thereto, and ~e) means for resisting to rotational movement of the left and right cranks about the common axis.
Therefore, as resistance to rotational movement of the left and right cranks is applied and as these two cranks rotate independently about the common axis, a user person must, in order to rotate any of the left and right cranks at constant speed about the common axis, apply a steady force on the corresponding left or right pedal over 360 for each revolution, that is in the four sectors of pedalling.
2~646~7 In accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention, the first pivotal connection comprises a left cylinder mounted rotatable on a shaft section about the longitudinal axis of this shaft section, the second pivotal connection comprises a right cylinder mounted rotatable on the shaft section about the longitudinal axis, the first end of the left crank is mounted on the left rotatable cylinder, the first end of the right crank is mounted on the right rotatable cylinder, the left cylinder is rotatively mounted in a first cylindrical bushing itself mounted on the exercising apparatus, and the right cylinder is rotatively mounted in a second cylindrical bushing itself mounted on the exercising apparatus.
In accordance with other preferred embodiments of the pedal mechanism:
a left flywheel is mounted on the left cylinder to rotate with this left cylinder about the longitudinal axis, this left flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a first friction band attached to the exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the left flywheel slides upon rotation thereof;
means for tensioning this first friction band;
a right flywheel mounted on the right cylinder to rotate with the right cylinder about the 2~64~57 longitudinal axis, this right flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a second friction band attached to the exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the right flywheel slides upon rotation thereof; and means for tensioning the second friction band.
Furthermore, the pedal mechanism may comprise means for interconnecting the left and right flywheels whereby the pedal mechanism can be operated as a conventional pedal and gear mechanism.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the appended drawings:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a stationary exercising bicycle comprising a pedal mechanism in accordance with the present invention;
206~657 Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pedal mechanism of the exercising bicycle of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an elevational, cross sectional front view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 4 - 4 of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 5 - 5 of Figure 3; and Figure 6 is an elevational, cross sectional view of the pedal mechanism of Figure 2, taken along line 6 - 6 of Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 of the appended drawings illustrates a stationary exercising bicycle 10 comprising a pedal mechanism 27 (Figure 2) in accordance with the present invention.
The bicycle 10 comprises a metallic frame 14 provided with a head tube 15. A metallic fork 12 includes a stem 16 pivotally mounted in the head tube 15. On the upper end of the stem 16 are mounted 206~6~7 handlebars 13. A front wheel 11 is conventionally, rotatively installed on the free end of the fork 12.
The frame 14 further comprises a crossbar 17, a down tube 18, a seat tube 19, a pair of seat stays 20, and a pair of chain stays 21.
A seat 24 is mounted on the upper free end of a seat post 25 itself mounted in the seat tube 19 and fixed in the desired position by means of a conventional collar 26.
Two plates 22, located at the intersection of the seat 20 and chain 21 stays on the left and right sides of the bicycle 10 where the rear wheel (not shown) is normally mounted, are secured to a massive, stable and stationary support ~3, of suitable design. As can be appreciated, the support 23 renders the exercising bicycle 10 stationary.
As better shown in Figure 2, the seat tube 19, in the region of the pedal mechanism 27, separates into a pair of left 19' and right 19'' tubes. The tubes 191 and 19 " are divergent but comprises end sections 190 and 191 parallel to each other. The lower, free end of the tube 19' is welded to a left cylindrical sleeve 28 (Figure 3) while the lower, free end of the tube 19'' is welded (Figure 5) to a right cylindrical sleeve 29. The sleeves 28 and 29 are centered on the same transversal axis 40 (Figure 3).
The down tube 18 also separates, in the region of the pedal mechanism 27, into left 18' and 20646~7 right 18'' tubes (Figure 2). These tubes 18' and 18'' are divergent but comprise end sections 180 and 181 parallel to each other. Again the lower, free ends of the tubes 18' and 18'' are welded to the left and right sleeves 28 and 29, respectively (Figures 2 and 5).
As also illustrated in Figures 2 and 5, the front ends of the chain strays 21 are welded to the left and right cylindrical sleeves 28 and 29, respectively.
As will become apparent upon reading of the following description, this construction will provide for adequate spacing between the sleeves 28 and 29, between the down tubes 18' and 18'', between the seat tubes 19' and 19 ", and between the chain stays 21 to install the pedal mechanism 27.
The pedal mechanism 27 will now be described with reference. to Figures 1 - 6 of the appended drawings.
The pedal mechanism 27 comprises a cylindrical bushiny 30 snugly fitted into the right sleeve 29. The sleeve 29 and the bushing 30 are both centered on the transversal axis 40 (Figure 3), and the length of the bushing 30 is equal to that of the sleeve 29. The inner cylindrical surface of the bushing 30 is formed with a flange 36 at the proximate end of that bushing.
A cylinder 32 is mounted rotatable on the inner surface of the bushing 30 through needle bearing 33, resting on the flange 36.
The cylinder 32 (Figures 3 and 6) comprises a proximate end 34 of reduced outer diameter on which the central cylindrical hole of a right flywheel 35 snugly fits. The flywheel 35 is formed on the side of the sleeve 29 with an annular cavity 37 defining a tube section 38 around the central hole o~
the flywheel. A threaded hole is formed through the tube section 38 in order to lock the flywheel 35 on the proximate end 34 by means of a screw 39. ~s can be seen, the cavity 37 creates a passage that enables tightening of the screw 39. Of course, the flywheel 35 will rotate with the cylinder 32 about the axis 40.
On the distal end of the cylinder 32 is formed an outer shoulder 41. Therefore, after the cylinder 32 and needle bearing 33 have been inserted into the bushing 30 from the right side of the bicycle and the flywheel 35 has been locked onto the proximate end 34 by means of the screw 39, the shoulder 41 and the tube section 38 will rest on the respective ends of the bushing 30 to retain the cylinder 32 in the position illustrated in Figure 3.
The inner surface of the cylinder 32 is formed with a generally central, annular and rectangular cavity 42 (Figure 3). The distal end of the cylinder 32 is also formed with an inner annular shoulder 43.
20646~7 A central shaft section 44, having a longitudinal axis corresponding to the axis 40, is mounted in the cylinder 32 through needle bearing ~5 received into the annular cavity 42. The cylinder 32 is ther~fore rotatable on the shaft section 44. The right end of the shaft section 44 is formed with an axial threaded hole (not shown) in which a bolt 59 is screwed. The bolt 59 is associated with a washer 46 of which one face rests on the shoulder 43 to thereby prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft section 44 toward the left.
The distal annular end surface 47 (Figure 4) of the cylinder 32 is formed with aligned and diametrically opposed V-shaped groove portions 48 and 49. The end surface 47 is also provided with a pair of diametrically opposed threaded holes 50 and 51, 90 apart from the groove portions 48 and 49.
The right crank 52 of the bicycle 10 has a circular end provided with a pair of diametrically opposed holes 53 and 54 and with a straight triangular tongue 55 on the inner face thereof. The crank 52 is mounted on the distal end of the cylinder 32 by inserting the triangular groove 55 in the V-shaped groove portions 48 and 49 and by tightening a screw 5Ç, passing through the hole 53, in the threaded hole 50, and by tightening a screw 57, passing through the hole 54, in the threaded hole 51.
Upon operation of the crank 52 through the pedal 58 (Figure 1) rotatively mounted on the free end of the crank 52 about an axis parallel to the axis 40, 206~6~7 the cylinder 32 along with the flywheel 35 will rotate about the transversal axis 40, as this cylinder can rotate on the inner surface of the bushing 30 through the needle bearing 33 and on the outer surface of the shaft section 44 through the needle bearing 45.
The flywheel 35 comprises a peripheral circular edga surface 60 on which a flexible friction band 61 is placed. The two ends of this band 61 are attached to a conventional device 62 capable of tensioning the band and thereby produce a resistance, by friction, to rotational movement of the flywheel 35, an therefore of the cylinder 32 and crank 52.
$5 As can be appreciated, operation of the right pedal 58 and crank 52 is independent from operation of the corresponding left pedal and crank.
The pedal mechanism 27 further comprises a cylindrical bushing 31 snugly fitting into the left sleeve 28. The sleeve 28 and the bushing 31 are both centered on the transversal axis 40 (Figure 3), and the length of the bushing 31 is equal to that of the sleeve 28. The inner cylindrical surface of the bushing 31 is formed with a flange 63 at the proximate end of that bushing.
A cylinder 64 is mounted rotatable on the inner surface of the bushing 31 through needle bearing 65, resting on the flange 63.
The cylinder 64 (Figure 3) comprises a proximate end 66 of reduced outer diameter on which 2064~7 the central cylindrical hole of a left flywheel 67 snugly fits. The flywheel 67 is formed on the side of the sleeve 28 with an annular cavity 68 defining a tube section 69 around the central hole of the flywheel 67. A threaded hole is formed through the tube section 69 in order to lock the flywheel 67 on th~ proximate end 69 by means of a screw 70. As can be seen, the cavity 68 creates a passage that enables tightening of the screw 70. Of course, the flywheel 67 will rotate with the cylinder 64 about the axis 40.
On the distal end of the cylinder 64 is formed an outer shoulder 71. Therefore, after the cylinder 64 and needle bearing 65 have been inserted into the bushing 31 from the left side of the bicycle 10 and the flywheel 67 has been locked onto the proximate end 66 by means of the screw 70, the shoulder 71 and the tube section 69 will rest on the respective ends of the bushing 31 to retain the cylinder 64 in the position illustrated in Figure 3.
The inner surface of the cylinder 64 is formed with a generally central, annular and rectangular cavity 72 (Figure 3). The distal end of the cylinder 64 is also formed with an inner shoulder 73.
The central shaft section 44 is also mounted in the cylinder 64 through needle bearing 74 received into the annular cavity 72, whereby the cylinder 64 is also rotatable onto the shaft section 44. A bolt 75 is screwed into an axial threaded hole (not shown) provided at the left end of the shaft 206~657 section. The bolt 75 is associated with a washer 76 of which one face rests on the shoulder 73 to prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft section 44 toward the right. Accordingly/ the bolts 59 and 75 along with the washers 46 and 76 maintain the shaft section 44 in the position shown in Figure 3.
The distal annular end surface 77 (Figure 3) of the cylinder 64 is formed with aligned and diametrically opposed V-shaped groove portions (see 48 and 49 in Figure 4 for the cylinder 32). The end surface 77 is also provided with a pair of diametrically opposed threaded holes 78 and 79, 90 apart from the groove portions in the surface 77.
The right crank 80 of the bicycle lO has a circular end provided with a pair of diametrically opposed holes 81 and 82 and with a straight triangular tongue 83 on the inner face thereof. The crank 80 is mounted on the distal end of the cylinder 6~ by inserting the triangular tongue 83 in the V-shaped groove portions of surface 77 and by tightening a screw 84, passing through the hole 81, in the threaded hole 78, and by tightening a screw 85, passing through the hole 82, in the threaded hole 79.
Upon operation of the crank 80 through the left pedal 86 (Figure 1) rotatively mounted on the free end of the crank 80 about an axis parallel to the axis 40, the cylinder 64 along with the flywheel 67 will rotate about the transversal axis 40, as this cylinder 64 can rotate on the inner surface of the bushing 31 through the needle bearing 74 and on the 20~657 outer surface of the shaft section 44 through the needle bearing 65.
The flywheel 80 comprises a peripheral circular edge surface 87 on which a flexible friction band 88 is placed. The two ends of this band 88 are attached to the conventional device 62 capable of tensioning the band 88 and thereby produce a resistance, by friction, to rotational movement of the flywheel 67, and therefore of the cylinder 64 and crank 80.
As can be appreciate, operation of the right pedal 86 and crank 80 is independent from operation of the corresponding left pedal 58 and crank 52.
With a pedal mechanism 27, rotation of one pedal will not cause rotation of the other pedal.
In particular, lowering of one pedal will not cause lifting of the other pedal. The cyclist will therefore have to apply separate forces to each pedal.
As resistance to rotational movement of the left 80 and right 52 cranks is produced by the friction bands 61 and 88, and as these two cranks 52 and 80 are capable of rotating independently about the axis 40, a cyclist must, in order to rotate any of the left 80 and right 52 cranks at constant speed about the common axis 40, apply a steady force on the corresponding left 86 or right 58 pedal over 360~ for each revolution, that is in the four sectors of pedalling (see for example the arrows 94 - 97 in Figures 1 and 2). This will force the cyclist to practice the 20646~7 correct movements to apply a steady force in the four sectors of pedalling, to thereby improve his performance during competitions. Obviously, it is important to provide the pedals 58 and 86 with mechanisms capable of attaching the shoes of the cyclist to these pedals. These mechanisms are schematically illustrated in Figure 1 by grooves 92 and 93 for the pedals 58 and 86, respectively.
As illustrated in Figure 3, aligned holes 89 and 90 can be drilled through the flywheels 35 and 67, respectively. Hole 89 is threaded and hole 90 is of larger diameter to receive a shoulder bolt 91 that will lock the two flywheel 35 and 67 together with the cranks 52 and 80 diametrically opposed. This will enable, if desired, normal operation of the exercising bicycle.
Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of a preferred embodiment thereof, this embodiment can be modified at will, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit and nature of the present invention.
, ~ .
Claims (6)
1. A pedal mechanism for stationary exercising apparatus, comprising (a) first and second pivotal connections mounted on said apparatus, (b) left and right cranks having respective first ends mounted on said first and second pivotal connections, respectively, to rotate independently about a common axis, each of said left and right cranks comprising a second end remote from said common axis, (c) a left pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the left crank about a second axis parallel to said common axis, said left pedal comprising means for attaching the left foot of a user person thereto, (d) a right pedal mounted rotatable on the second end of the right crank about a third axis parallel to said common axis, said right pedal comprising means for attaching the right foot of said user person thereto, and (e) means for resisting to rotational movement of the left and right cranks about said common axis, whereby, in order to rotate any of the left and right cranks at constant speed about the common axis, the user person must apply a steady force on the corresponding left or right pedal over 360° for each revolution.
2. The pedal mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said first pivotal connection comprises a left cylinder mounted rotatable on a shaft section about the longitudinal axis of said shaft section, said second pivotal connection comprises a right cylinder mounted rotatable on said shaft section about said longitudinal axis, the first end of the left crank is mounted on the left rotatable cylinder, and the first end of the right crank is mounted on the right rotatable cylinder.
3. The pedal mechanism according to claim 2, in which said left cylinder is rotatively mounted in a first cylindrical bushing itself mounted on said exercising apparatus, and said right cylinder is rotatively mounted in a second cylindrical bushing itself mounted on said apparatus.
4. The pedal mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said resisting means comprises:
a left flywheel mounted on the left cylinder to rotate with said left cylinder about said longitudinal axis, said left flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a first friction band attached to said exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the left flywheel slides upon rotation thereof;
means for tensioning said first friction band;
a right flywheel mounted on the right cylinder to rotate with said right cylinder about said longitudinal axis, said right flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a second friction band attached to said exercising apparatus and on which said edge surface of the right flywheel slides upon rotation thereof; and means for tensioning said second friction band.
a left flywheel mounted on the left cylinder to rotate with said left cylinder about said longitudinal axis, said left flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a first friction band attached to said exercising apparatus and on which the edge surface of the left flywheel slides upon rotation thereof;
means for tensioning said first friction band;
a right flywheel mounted on the right cylinder to rotate with said right cylinder about said longitudinal axis, said right flywheel comprising a peripheral, circular edge surface;
a second friction band attached to said exercising apparatus and on which said edge surface of the right flywheel slides upon rotation thereof; and means for tensioning said second friction band.
5. The pedal mechanism according to claim 4, further comprising means for interconnecting said left and right flywheels whereby said pedal mechanism can be operated as a conventional pedal and gear mechanism of bicycle.
6. The pedal mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising means for interconnecting said left and right cranks whereby said pedal mechanism can be operated as a conventional pedal and gear mechanism of bicycle.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2064657 CA2064657A1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1992-04-01 | Pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle having independent left and right cranks |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2064657 CA2064657A1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1992-04-01 | Pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle having independent left and right cranks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2064657A1 true CA2064657A1 (en) | 1993-10-02 |
Family
ID=4149552
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2064657 Abandoned CA2064657A1 (en) | 1992-04-01 | 1992-04-01 | Pedal mechanism for stationary exercising bicycle having independent left and right cranks |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2064657A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102764489A (en) * | 2012-07-09 | 2012-11-07 | 俞维安 | Resistance adjusting device of body-building vehicle |
| US9050498B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-06-09 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having foot pedal members that are movable along user defined paths |
| US9114275B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-08-25 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having crank members with limited rotation |
| US9138614B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-09-22 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having linear motion synchronizing mechanism |
| US9610475B1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2017-04-04 | Brunswick Corporation | Linear motion synchronizing mechanism and exercise assemblies having linear motion synchronizing mechanism |
-
1992
- 1992-04-01 CA CA 2064657 patent/CA2064657A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN102764489A (en) * | 2012-07-09 | 2012-11-07 | 俞维安 | Resistance adjusting device of body-building vehicle |
| US9050498B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-06-09 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having foot pedal members that are movable along user defined paths |
| US9114275B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-08-25 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having crank members with limited rotation |
| US9138614B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2015-09-22 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having linear motion synchronizing mechanism |
| US9283425B2 (en) | 2013-03-04 | 2016-03-15 | Brunswick Corporation | Exercise assemblies having foot pedal members that are movable along user defined paths |
| US9610475B1 (en) | 2014-11-11 | 2017-04-04 | Brunswick Corporation | Linear motion synchronizing mechanism and exercise assemblies having linear motion synchronizing mechanism |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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