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Exercise device with power input measuring capability and user applied resistance mechanismRelated Patent Categories: Exercise Devices, Involving User Translation Or Physical Simulation Thereof, Bicylcling, Utilizing Specific Resistance Generating StructureExercise device with power input measuring capability and user applied resistance mechanism description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060079382, Exercise device with power input measuring capability and user applied resistance mechanism. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/592,105 filed on Jul. 29, 2004, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to an exercise device, such as a cycling exercise device, that includes a rotating member such as a flywheel. More specifically, the invention relates to a power measurement or sensing arrangement for an exercise device having a rotating member. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Stationary exercise devices typically include a user power input area and a resistance arrangement that provides resistance to the user. An example of such an exercise device is a stationary exercise cycle, which incorporates a rotating flywheel. The flywheel provides an inertial function, and the exercise cycle includes a resistance mechanism that acts on the flywheel to impart resistance beyond that which is provided simply by the rotating mass of the flywheel. For example, many stationary exercise cycles employ a caliper-type mechanism that acts on the flywheel in response to a user-operated actuator, to provide both a braking function and a resistance function. [0004] In any type of exercise, it is desirable for a user to know information about an exercise session, both for real time user feedback as well as for use in analysis of past training sessions and planning of future training sessions. While it is known to monitor and record information relating to a wide variety of exercise parameters, it is not generally known to monitor and record information relating to power applied by the user during an exercise session, which can provide very valuable information to a user both during an exercise session and afterward for analysis and planning. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for monitoring input power applied by a user during operation of an exercise device that includes a rotating member, such as a flywheel. It is a further object of the invention to provide a system that provides real time power information, and which also records power information for future analysis and for planning and executing future exercise or training sessions. A still further object of the invention is to provide an exercise device power input monitoring arrangement that is relatively simple and reliable, and which is generally similar in components and construction to known power monitoring arrangements. Yet another object of the invention is to provide such an exercise device power monitoring arrangement which can be incorporated into the drive arrangement of the exercise device without adding to the overall complexity and cost of the exercise device. [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, an exercise device for use by a user includes a stationary support structure and a power input arrangement supported by the support structure, which are configured such that the user applies input power to the exercise device at the power input arrangement. A rotary member is supported by the support structure, and a rotary power sensing arrangement is supported by the support structure. The rotary power sensing arrangement is driven into rotation by input power applied by the user, and input power applied by the user is transferred through the rotary power sensing arrangement to impart rotation to the rotary member. The rotary member is in the form of a rotary resistance-providing member, which is rotatably supported on the support structure by the rotary power sensing arrangement. In one form, the rotary power sensing arrangement is driven into rotation via a chain drive system interposed between the power input arrangement and the rotary power sensing arrangement. The power input arrangement may be in the form of a pedal arrangement, and the rotary resistance-providing member may be in the form of a flywheel rotatably mounted to the stationary support structure via the power sensing arrangement. The chain drive system imparts rotation to the flywheel in response to input power applied by the user to the pedal arrangement. The exercise device further includes a user-operated resistance arrangement that acts on the flywheel to resist rotation of the flywheel. The user-operated resistance arrangement may be in the form of a caliper arrangement that selectively engages the flywheel in response to user actuation. Representatively, the support structure may be in the form of a stationary bicycle frame that includes a user-supporting seat and a set of handlebars. [0007] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of sensing power in an exercise device includes the acts of providing an exercise device that includes a support structure, a rotary user power input associated with the support structure, and a rotary member rotatably mounted to the support structure at a location spaced from the rotary user power input. The method further includes the acts of applying input power to the rotary user power input, rotating the rotary member in response to the input power applied by the user, and sensing the input power at the rotary member. The act of providing an exercise device having a rotary member is carried out by providing an exercise device having a frame and a flywheel rotatably mounted to the frame. The method further includes the act of applying resistance to the flywheel, which may be carried out manually by the user. The act of rotating the flywheel may be carried out via a hub that is rotatably mounted to the frame, wherein the flywheel is secured to the hub. In this embodiment, the act of sensing the input power is carried out by sensing power applied to the hub. [0008] The invention also contemplates an exerciser, including an exerciser frame capable of supporting a user, at least one wheel rotatably mounted to the frame, and a drive arrangement operably attached to the frame for rotating the wheel. The drive arrangement includes a user power input, and the exerciser further includes a user-operated resistance control mechanism that acts on the wheel to selectively adjust the amount of resistance applied to the wheel. A power measuring apparatus is interposed between the power input and the wheel. The power measuring apparatus is operable to measure input power applied by the user to the user power input to impart rotation to the wheel through the drive arrangement. The wheel is rotatably mounted to the exerciser frame by means of a hub, and the power measuring apparatus measures power applied to the hub through the drive arrangement. The resistance control mechanism may be in the form of a user-operated caliper mechanism that acts on the wheel to resist rotation of the wheel. The frame may be in the form of a stationary cycling exerciser frame having a seat for supporting the user and a handlebar arrangement located forwardly of the seat, with the caliper mechanism including a user-operated resistance input carried by one of the frame and the handlebar arrangement. [0009] The invention also contemplates a method of measuring power applied to a drive assembly of an exerciser having a frame, a rotating member rotatably mounted to the frame, and a user power input carried by the frame. The drive assembly is drivingly interconnected with the rotating member. In accordance with this aspect, input power is applied by the user to the user power input of the exerciser, and the drive arrangement transfers input power applied by the user to drive the rotating member into rotation. This aspect further includes the act of measuring the input power applied by the user at the rotating member. The rotating member is rotatably mounted to the frame via a hub, and the act of measuring the input power applied by the user is carried out by measuring the input power at the hub. The rotating member is in the form of a flywheel or other part of the drive assembly, and the method further includes the act of resisting rotation of the flywheel or other part of the drive assembly. The act of resisting rotation of the flywheel or other part of the drive assembly is carried out by means of a user-operated resistance control arrangement. The act of resisting rotation of the flywheel or other part of the drive assembly may be carried out by applying frictional resistance to rotation of the flywheel o other part of the drive assembly in response to the user-operated resistance control arrangement. [0010] Various other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be made apparent from the following description taken together with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] The drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings: [0012] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an exercise device, in the form of a cycling exerciser, in accordance with the present invention; [0013] FIGS. 2-5 are views illustrating a representative cable-type actuator arrangement incorporated in the exercise device of FIG. 1, for use in actuating a caliper-type frictional resistance arrangement in order to provide either a braking function or a resistance control function in the cycling exerciser; [0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a power measuring arrangement for the exercise device of FIG. 1, in the form of a flywheel mounted to the frame of the exercise device via a power sensing hub; and [0015] FIG. 7 is a partial section view through the flywheel and power sensing hub assembly of FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention contemplates a cycling exerciser, shown generally at 20, that includes an actuator assembly 22 for braking and for user applied resistance adjustment. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator assembly 22 is a cable-type actuator assembly that allows for a single caliper actuation cable 24 to be actuated by either a brake cable 26 or a resistance adjustment cable 28 of the cycling exerciser 20. In a manner to be explained, cable-type actuator assembly 22 can be used to actuate a caliper 30 or other resistance means on cycling exerciser 20. [0017] Cycling exerciser 20 includes a self-supporting frame 32. Attached to frame 32 are an adjustable seat 34, a flywheel or wheel 36 and handlebars 38. Frame 32 can take a variety of configurations, and is shown in the illustrated embodiment as a rear wheel spin bike incorporating a "forkless frame." Frame 32 is generally diamond-shaped and includes a neck 33, an upper frame member 35, a lower frame member 37, an upright seat support 40 and a rear fork 42. A front support member 44 and a rear support member 46 are connected to frame 32 and elevate frame 32 off the ground or other support surface, such that wheel 36 spins freely in the air. As illustrated in FIG. 1, support members 44, 46 may also include feet 48 to raise the frame 32 off the ground. A transport wheel 50 may also be included to assist a user in moving the cycling exerciser 20. [0018] "Bull-horn" handlebars 38 are adjustably attached to the front of the frame 32 above neck 33. Handlebars 38 include at least one right handle 54 and one left handle (not shown). Handlebars 38 may additionally include an alternative upright right handle 52 and upright left handle (not shown), which can be utilized when a rider desires a more upright riding position when exercising. Continue reading about Exercise device with power input measuring capability and user applied resistance mechanism... 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