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Convertible cycle exerciserConvertible cycle exerciser description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070243975, Convertible cycle exerciser. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001]1. Field of the Invention [0002]The invention relates to cycle exercisers and in particular to a cycle exerciser easily convertible to a position providing an additional upper body exercise component. [0003]2. Description of the Related Art [0004]Stationary bicycle-type exercise devices are well known, and numerous advances in the design thereof have been made, improving performance and enhancing fitness benefits and user experience thereof. Even so, while ample cardiovascular and lower body workout components are provided, for dedicated upper body exercise components, additional devices and/or programs must be accessed by a user. [0005]Accordingly, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,422, Bishop Jr. discloses an exercise device having a driving sprocket coupled to a resistive driven sprocket, in which pedals are connected to the driven sprocket and rotated by foot about an axis in a first direction. The driving sprocket and pedals may be repositioned to a second position where the sprocket is rotatable by hand, providing an upper body exercise component. Repositioning of the mechanism, however, requires complicated operation by the user. Further, upper body-targeted use of the device is still largely restricted to either a seated posture or a relatively awkward standing posture in which the seat is straddled, since the seat apparatus remains fixed. As well, when the device is repositioned, operation of the sprocket requires the user to engage the pedals of the device in a position that may be awkward, uncomfortable, or even harmful. In addition, such requirement for direct contact with the pedals by the hands presents a potential encounter with dirt or residue from prior contact with a user's feet or shoes, an undesirable situation compounded in environments such as gyms or health clubs where the device is operated by multiple users. [0006]In WO 2005/107882, incorporated herein in its entirety by reference, Gearon (the inventor of the present disclosure) discloses an exercise apparatus for selectively exercising an upper or lower body portion. Unlike the previous disclosure, rotation to the upper body-targeted position allows the user to stand. Further, Gearon provides dedicated handgrips extending outwardly from the pedals, obviating direct contact with the pedals by the user's hands. [0007]In both cited devices, however, complexity of structure creates considerable issues of size, weight, and, accordingly, price. As well, the abundance of moving parts and linkages increases likelihood of component fatigue and breakdown, with associated cost and inconvenience. [0008]Additionally, the current fitness environment has seen an overwhelming upsurge in the popularity of spinning classes, in which as many as 40 or more students ride cycle exercisers at varying speeds and intensities, as directed by a class leader. As mentioned previously, though, the stationary cycle exercisers employed provide no upper body component to the workout. [0009]Existing devices providing an additional upper body component, however, such as those cited, are unsuitable for use in spinning classes, since switching between positions is complicated and time-consuming enough that the flow of the class would be negatively affected. Further, since loading applicable to upper body exercise is a fraction of that for lower body work, upon switching from one position to the other, the resistance must be changed. No current devices allow convenient resetting of resistance from both positions. [0010]Thus, a need exists for an easily operated convertible cycle exerciser providing an additional upper body exercise component, with simplified structure and convenient engagement and resistance adjustment access in all positions of use. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011]Accordingly, a convertible cycle exerciser is provided. [0012]The exerciser comprises a base and a supporting member extending upwards therefrom with a main exerciser body pivotally connected to the supporting member by at least one pivot point. At least one supplementary connecting mechanism may also connect the main exerciser body with the supporting member or base. The main exerciser body comprises a first rotating member rotated around a first axis by rotating action applied to a second rotating member around a second axis, parallel to the first axis. [0013]Rotating action generated by the second rotating member is transferred to the first rotating member by a chain or other running flexible member. [0014]Force is applied to reciprocating crank arms attached substantially perpendicular to the second axis. [0015]Engaging members rotatably attached to the ends of the crank arms, substantially parallel to the second axis, may each comprise a combination of pedal and handgrip. [0016]Rotation of all rotating members, irrespective of exerciser position, can take place in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. [0017]An adjustable resistance mechanism acts on the first rotating member to vary the load requirement applied to the second rotating member. [0018]The main exerciser body is movable between a first position and at least one second position by means of at least one pivot point on the supporting member. [0019]In the first position, force is applied to the crank arms via a user's feet on the engaging members with the user seated and operating the exerciser in a conventional cycling mode. [0020]In the at least one second position, force is applied to the crank arms via a user's hands on the engaging members with the user standing. [0021]At least one resistance control is disposed in a location conveniently accessed in each of the first and at least one second positions. [0022]The resistance controls may further provide a braking capability to instantly terminate rotation. Continue reading about Convertible cycle exerciser... Full patent description for Convertible cycle exerciser Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Convertible cycle exerciser patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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