WO2006115340A1

WO2006115340A1 - Exercising equipment utilizing a bicycle

Info

Publication number: WO2006115340A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/001275
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Bae Joung
Original assignee: Young Bae Joung
Priority date: 2005-04-08
Filing date: 2006-04-07
Publication date: 2006-11-02

Abstract

The present invention provides an indoor/outdoor exercise equipment using a bicycle. The exercise equipment of the present invention includes a front wheel support unit (120) and a rear wheel support unit (150). The front wheel support unit includes a front wheel seating member (140), on which a front wheel of the bicycle is placed, an inclination adjusting means (130), which adjusts an angle of inclination of the bicycle, and a base plate (121), on which the inclination adjusting means is placed. The rear wheel support unit includes a nut fastening member (157), which is fitted over a rotating shaft of a rear wheel of the bicycle, a screw type support (155), which adjusts the height of the nut fastening member, a base frame (151), to which the screw type support is screwed, and a frictional force adjusting means (160), which has a compression roller (167) and adjusts frictional force between the rear wheel and the compression roller.

Description

EXERCISING EQUIPMENT UTILIZING A BICYCLE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to exercise equipments using bicycles and, more particularly, to an indoor/outdoor exercise equipment using a bicycle which allows a user to easily mount a bicycle, which is mainly used outdoors, thereto, and exercise even indoors in various modes.

[2] Bicycling is one of a number of popular leisure sports. Bicycles are devised such that, when users pedal the bicycles, the bicycles are moved forwards by drive force transmitted from the user to rear wheels through chains. Basically, the bicycles are exercise equipments which are mainly used outdoors. Recently, various kinds of fitness bicycles, which are representative aerobic exercise equipments and are used indoors, for example, in fitness gyms or houses, have been commercialized. However, because such a fitness bicycle is used in a stationary state, it cannot be used outdoors as a typical bicycle.

[3] Meanwhile, typical bicycles for outdoor use cannot be used indoors due to spatial restrictions. Therefore, a person who wants to conduct bicycling exercise indoors must purchase a separate fitness bicycle, even if the person has a bicycle for outdoor use. Similarly, if a person who has a fitness bicycle wants to bicycle outdoors, the person must purchase a separate bicycle for outdoor use.

Background Art

[4] In an effort to overcome the above-mentioned inconveniences, various exercise equipments, which make it possible to exercise using typical bicycles indoors as well as outdoors, have been developed. Of them, a bicycle support equipment was proposed in Korean Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 1988-7609, entitled "BICYCLE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT FOR INDOOR EXERCISE". In this equipment, as shown in FIG. 1, a support frame 12 rotatably supports only a rear wheel 11 of a bicycle 10. Shaft support protrusions 13, which support a rotating shaft of the rear wheel 11, are provided on the support frame 12. A contact roller 15, which comes into contact with the rear wheel 11, is mounted to a seating member 14, which is provided on a rear part of the support frame 12. Furthermore, an adjusting bolt 16, which adjusts the degree of contact between the contact roller 15 and the rear wheel 11, is provided on the seating member 14. The conventional bicycle support equipment having the above-mentioned construction makes it possible to ride an outdoor bicycle indoors merely by supporting the outdoor bicycle on the support frame 12. However, because this bicycle support equipment supports only the rear wheel of the bicycle, the angle of inclination of the bicycle cannot be adjusted. Therefore, only the effect of exercising on level ground is provided. Furthermore, the extent to which frictional force of the rear wheel can be adjusted using the contact roller 15 is very limited, so that it cannot meet various needs of the user.

[5] Meanwhile, another equipment, which makes it possible to use an outdoor bicycle indoors, was proposed in Korean Utility Model Laid-Open Publication No. 1998-6726, entitled "BICYCLE SUPPORT EQUIPMENT USING ROLLERS". As shown in FIG. 2, at a position at which a front wheel of a bicycle 20 is placed, a circular table 26, on which the front wheel is placed, and a front wheel support plate 25, to which the circular table 26 is rotatably mounted, are provided. At the position at which the rear wheel of the bicycle 20 is placed, two support rods 22, which support the rotating shaft of the rear wheel, are elastically provided on a rear wheel support 21 using a spring 23. Furthermore, two support rollers 24 are rotatably mounted to the real wheel support 21, so that the rear wheel of the bicycle is seated on the support rollers 24. The front wheel support plate 25 and the rear wheel support 21 are provided on a base plate 27. When using this bicycle support equipment, having the above-mentioned construction, the user can exercise indoors using a bicycle for outdoor use. However, because the distance between the front wheel support plate 25 and the rear wheel support 21 is fixed, various kinds of bicycles for adults and children cannot be used with the equipment. Moreover, the rear wheel of the bicycle is merely placed on the support rollers 24, and frictional force between the real wheel and the support rollers is not adjustable. Hence, the user must pedal with constant force, so that bicycling exercise cannot be conducted in various modes. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[6] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an indoor/outdoor exercise equipment using a bicycle which makes it possible to ride the outdoor bicycle in place, and in which a means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the bicycle is provided at a position corresponding to the front wheel, and a means of adjusting frictional force of the rear wheel of the bicycle is provided at a position corresponding to the rear wheel, thus making it possible for the user to conduct bicycle exercise in various modes. Technical Solution

[7] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides an indoor/ outdoor exercise equipment using a bicycle which allows a user to easily mount a bicycle, which is mainly used outdoors, thereto, and exercise even indoors in various modes. The exercise equipment of the present invention includes: a front wheel support unit, having a front wheel seating member, on which a front wheel of the bicycle is placed, an inclination adjusting means for rotatably supporting the front wheel seating member and for adjusting an angle of inclination of the bicycle, and a base plate, on which the inclination adjusting means is placed, and which is placed on an indoor or outdoor support surface; and a rear wheel support unit, having a nut fastening member to be fitted over a rotating shaft of a rear wheel of the bicycle, a screw type support to support the nut fastening member and to adjust a height of the nut fastening member, a base frame, to which the screw type support is screwed, and which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface, and a frictional force adjusting means mounted to the base frame and having a compression roller contacting the rear wheel of the bicycle, the frictional force adjusting means adjusting frictional force between the rear wheel and the compression roller.

Advantageous Effects

[8] The exercise equipment of the present invention allows a user to easily mount a bicycle for outdoor use thereon and makes it possible to ride the bicycle even in place. Furthermore, because the inclination of the bicycle and the frictional force of the rear wheel of the bicycle can easily be adjusted, the user can exercise in various modes. As well, because a process of assembling or disassembling the exercise equipment is simple, transport and maintenance thereof are convenient. In addition, it is possible to use the exercise equipment outdoors, so that it may be used during a family trip. Brief Description of the Drawings

[9] FIG. 1 is a view showing a conventional exercise equipment using a bicycle;

[10] FIG. 2 is a view showing another conventional exercise equipment using a bicycle;

[11] FIG. 3 is a view showing the operation of a first embodiment of the present invention;

[12] FIG. 4 is a view showing a front wheel support unit of the first embodiment according to the present invention;

[13] FIG. 5 is a view showing a rear wheel support unit of the first embodiment according to the present invention;

[14] FIG. 6 is a view showing a frictional force adjusting means of the rear wheel support unit of FIG. 5;

[15] FIGS. 7 and 8 are views showing the operation of the frictional force adjusting means according to the present invention;

[16] FIG. 9 is a view showing the operation of a second embodiment of the present invention;

[17] FIG. 10 is a view showing a front wheel support unit of the second embodiment according to the present invention;

[18] FIG. 11 is a view showing a rear wheel support unit of the second embodiment according to the present invention;

[19] FIG. 12 is a view showing a frictional force adjusting means of the rear wheel support unit of FIG. 11 ; and

[20] FIG. 13 is a view showing an uneven bicycling means according to the present invention.

[21] *Description of the elements in the drawings*

[22] 110: bicycle 120,220: front wheel support unit

[23] 130,230: inclination adjusting means

[24] 140,240: front wheel seating member

[25] 150,250: rear wheel support unit

[26] 160,260: frictional force adjusting means

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[27] Hereinafter, an exercise equipment using a bicycle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. FIGS. 3 through 6 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.

[28] The general construction of the bicycle 110 will be explained in brief with reference to FIG. 3. The bicycle 110 includes a main frame 111, to which a seat is mounted, and which is formed such that two wheels can be mounted thereto at front and real positions, and a front wheel 112 and a rear wheel 113 which are rotatably mounted to the main frame 111. The bicycle 110 further includes a pedal assembly 114, which is rotated by pedaling motion of a user, and a chain 115, which transmits power from the pedal assembly 114 to the rear wheel to propel the bicycle forwards.

[29] The exercise equipment of the present invention allows the user to easily mount a bicycle 110, which is mainly used outdoors, thereto and makes it possible to ride the bicycle 110 even in place. The front wheel support unit 120 includes a front wheel seating member 140, on which the front wheel 112 of the bicycle is placed, and which is provided with left and right support stops 141 to hold the front wheel 112. The front wheel support unit 120 further includes an inclination adjusting means 130, which rotatably supports the front wheel seating member 140 and makes it possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the bicycle, and a base plate 121, which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface, and on which the inclination adjusting means 130 is placed.

[30] The rear wheel support unit 150 includes screw type supports 155, which support a rotating shaft of the rear wheel 113 and make it possible to adjust the height of the rear wheel 113, and a base frame 151, which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface, and to which the screw type supports 155 are screwed. The rear wheel support unit 150 further includes a frictional force adjusting means 160, which is mounted to the base frame 151, contacts the rear wheel 113, and is constructed such that friction therebetween is adjustable. In place of the screw type supports 155, gas lifters may be used to elastically support the rear wheel of the bicycle. Since the gas lifters conduct a role similar to that of shock absorbers for automobiles, they can provide a smooth comfortable ride to the user while exercising. The gas lifters are usual devices in this art, and so should be regarded as substitutions for the screw type supports 155.

[31] The front wheel support unit 120 and the rear wheel support unit 150 are coupled to each other such that the distance therebetween is adjustable. For this, a connection screw 124 is provided on a rear end of the base plate 121 of the front wheel support unit 120 so as to be independently rotatable with respect to the base plate 121, and a through hole 152 is formed through the front end of the base frame 151 of the rear wheel support unit 150, so that the connection screw 124 is fitted into the through hole 152. Furthermore, connection nuts 125 are provided on the connection screw 124, which is coupled to the base frame 151, ahead of and behind the front end of the base frame 151, so that, after the distance between the front wheel support unit 120 and the rear wheel support unit 150 has been set, the set distance is maintained by tightening the connection nuts 125. Thanks to this construction, various bicycles having different lengths, that is, almost all kinds of bicycles for adults or for children, can be used with the exercise equipment of the present invention.

[32] In FIG. 4, the front wheel support unit 120 according to this embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail. Referring to the drawing, in the front wheel support unit 120, a rod-shaped support frame 122 is provided around the base plate 121 to enhance the stability thereof. Anti-slip pads 123 made of rubber or the like are fitted over the support frame 122, such that the front wheel support unit 120 can be stably placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface without slipping.

[33] Meanwhile, the inclination adjusting means 130, which is provided on the base plate 121, moves the front wheel seating member 140 upwards or downwards in the same operational manner as that of a jack for automobiles, thus adjusting the angle of inclination of the bicycle. The detailed construction of the inclination adjusting means 130 is presented below. Two rotating panels 132 are hinged to a fastening plate 131, which is placed on the base plate 121, such that first ends thereof are vertically rotatable. Furthermore, second ends of the rotating panels 132 are rotatably hinged to respective longitudinal movable members 133. An adjustment screw 135 is installed parallel to the base plate 121. The two longitudinal movable members 133 are screwed in opposite directions on the adjustment screw 135. An adjusting knob 136 is provided on an end of the adjustment screw 135. When the adjusting knob 136 is rotated, the longitudinal movable members 133 are moved in opposite directions so that the distance therebetween is adjusted. Furthermore, two other rotating panels 132 are provided above the adjustment screw 135. In detail, first ends of the rotating panels 132 are rotatably hinged to the respective longitudinal movable members 133, and second ends thereof are rotatably hinged to a vertical movable member 134. Thus, when the longitudinal movable members 133 are moved in horizontal directions, the vertical movable member 134 is moved in a vertical direction.

[34] Furthermore, the front wheel seating member 140 is mounted to a mounting pin

137, which is provided on the vertical movable member 134, so that, when the vertical movable member 134 is moved upwards or downwards, the front wheel seating member 140 is moved upwards or downwards along with the vertical movable member 134. Thereby, when the adjusting knob 136 is manipulated, the inclination angle of the bicycle, which is placed on the front wheel seating member 140, is adjusted. Therefore, the present invention can be set in various exercising modes to correspond to the fitness level of the user. Meanwhile, the front wheel seating member 140 is mounted to the mounting pin 137 so as to be rotatable using a ball bearing 138. Therefore, every rotation of the bicycle pedals by the user, the handle of the bicycle is moved to the left or right, such that the user can feel as if he/she were really riding a bicycle outdoors.

[35] FIG. 5 illustrates the detailed construction of the rear wheel support unit 150 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The base frame 151 of the rear wheel support unit 150 is a rod type and has a U shape when viewed in a plan view. Anti-slip pads 153 are provided on opposite rod parts of the base frame 151, such that the base frame 151 is stably seated on the indoor or outdoor support surface without slipping. A through hole 152, into which the connection screw 124 for connection to the front wheel support unit 120 is fitted, is formed through the front part of the base frame 151.

[36] Furthermore, a means for holding the rear wheel of the bicycle and a means for adjusting frictional force applied to the rear wheel while exercising are provided in the rear part of the base frame 151. As the rear wheel holding means, the screw type supports 155 are screwed to respective support frames 154, which are integrally provided on the rear part of the base frame 151, so as to be vertically movable. A nut fastening member 157, which is coupled to a nut for fastening the rotating shaft of the rear wheel of the bicycle to the main frame of the bicycle, is inserted into a support member 156, which is provided on the upper end of each screw type support 155. Furthermore, a tightening screw 158, having a tightening knob 159, is inserted into each nut fastening member 157, so that the nut fastening members 157 can be completely fitted over the rotating shaft of the rear wheel of the bicycle by rotating the tightening knobs 159. In the rear wheel holding means having the above-mentioned structure, because the positions of the support members 156 for holding the rear wheel are adjustable, the present invention can be applied to almost all bicycles, regardless of the height of a bicycle or the diameter of the rear wheel of a bicycle.

[37] The frictional force adjusting means 160 of the rear wheel support unit 150 which is shown in FIG. 6 is the main characteristic structure of the present invention. In the frictional force adjusting means 160, a pair of guide rails 163, which face each other, is coupled to support plates 161 of the base frame 151 using locking bolts 162 in the longitudinal direction of the bicycle. A pair of support slides 164, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, is slidably provided between the guide rails 163. For this, a sliding member 165 is provided on each of the opposite ends of each support slide 164 and is slidably fitted over each guide rail 163. Furthermore, mounting holes 166, which have therein internal threads formed in opposite directions, are formed at medial positions in respective support slides 164. An adjustment screw 170, which engages with the mounting holes 166, has at a predetermined position a left thread 171 corresponding to the mounting hole 166 of one support slide and has at another predetermined position a right thread 172 corresponding to the mounting hole

166 of the remaining support slide. Thus, when the adjustment screw 170 is rotated in one direction, the support slides 164 are moved in directions approaching each other or in directions away from each other. As well, a rotating handle 173 is provided on an end of the adjustment screw 170 for ease of rotation of the adjustment screw 170.

[38] Compression rollers 167 are mounted to the respective support slide 164 so as to be rotatable using bearings 168. Each compression roller 167 has a shape that decreases in diameter from the opposite ends thereof to the medial portion thereof, so that the rear wheel of the bicycle can be stably seated on the compression rollers 167.

[39] The operation of the frictional force adjusting means having the above-mentioned construction will be explained herein below with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown in FIG. 7, the rear wheel 113 of the bicycle is placed on the two compression rollers

167 in a state in which the rotating shaft thereof is fastened to the rear wheel support unit. At this time, the distance between the compression rollers 167 is d, and the height between the rotating shaft of the rear wheel and the junction between the compression rollers 167 and the rear wheel is t. If a user who has been exercising in the above state wants to increase the exercise load, the user rotates the rotating handle of the adjustment screw such that the two compression rollers 167 are moved in directions approaching each other. Then, the distance between the compression rollers 167 is reduced to d', and the positions of the junctions between the compression rollers 167 and the rear wheel 113 are raised. However, at this time, because the rotating shaft of the rear wheel 113 is in a fixed state, the position of the rear wheel 113 does not change. Thus, the height between the rotating shaft of the rear wheel 113 and the junctions between the compression rollers 167 and the rear wheel is reduced to t'. As a result, frictional force between the compression rollers 167 and the rear wheel 113 is increased by the corresponding degree. Therefore, the user must pedal the bicycle with increased power. At this time, the change in height between the rotating shaft 113 and the junctions between the compression rollers 167 and the rear wheel is compensated for by elastic deformation of the tire or metal frame of the rear wheel. The frictional force of the rear wheel is adjusted via the above-mentioned principle, thus providing various exercise modes.

[40] In this embodiment, the inclination adjusting means 130 of the front wheel support unit 120 and the frictional force adjusting means 160 of the rear wheel support unit 150 are operated manually, but, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned adjusting means may be automatically operated, thus being more convenient for the user. For example, an end of the adjustment screw 135 of the inclination adjusting means 130 and an end of the adjustment screw 170 of the frictional force adjusting means 160 are coupled to respective drive motors, and a control panel, which outputs signals for controlling the drive motors in response to manipulation of the user, is provided in the bicycle. Then, the user riding the bicycle can change the exercise mode through automatic control. Furthermore, an inclination angle sensor, which detects the angle of inclination of the front wheel seating member 140, may be provided in the inclination adjusting means 130, and a speed sensor, which measures the revolution speed of the compression rollers 167, may be provided in the frictional force adjusting means 160. In this case, the inclination angle, speed, and travel distance of the bicycle are calculated using signals transmitted from the above sensors, and the calculated values are displayed through the control panel to let the user easily know the values and check the momentum. Mode for the Invention

[41] FIGS. 9 through 13 illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment in that it includes a front wheel support unit 220 and a rear wheel support unit 250 to make it possible for a user to ride a bicycle in place after setting the bicycle in the support units through a simple installation process. The front wheel support unit 220 includes a front wheel seating member 240, on which the front wheel of the bicycle is placed, and which is provided with left and right support stops 241 to hold the front wheel. The front wheel support unit 220 further includes an inclination adjusting means 230, which rotatably supports the front wheel seating member 240 and makes it possible to adjust the angle of inclination of the bicycle, and a base plate 221, which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface, and on which the inclination adjusting means 230 is placed. The front wheel support unit 220 further includes a circular support frame 222, which is coupled to the base plate 221. The detailed construction of the inclination adjusting means 230 of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment and will be explained in detail later herein with reference to FIG. 10.

[42] The rear wheel support unit 250 of the second embodiment includes screw type supports 255, which support the rotating shaft of the rear wheel of the bicycle and make it possible to adjust the height of the rotating shaft of the rear wheel, a base frame 251, which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface, and to which the screw type supports 255 are screwed, and a frictional force adjusting means 260, which is mounted to the base frame 251, contacts the rear wheel, and is constructed such that friction therebetween is adjustable. The detailed construction of the frictional force adjusting means 260 of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment, and will be explained in detail later herein with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[43] Meanwhile, in the second embodiment, the distance between the front wheel support unit 220 and the rear wheel support unit 250 is adjusted in a more convenient method without using the connection screw 124 and the connection nuts 125, unlike the first embodiment of FIG. 3. In detail, as shown in FIG. 9, a fastening pipe 221a is provided on a rear end of the base plate 221, which supports the front wheel support unit 220. A distance adjustment bar 224, which is inserted into the fastening pipe 221a, is provided on a front end of the base frame 251, which supports the rear wheel support unit 250. A locking screw 225, which holds the distance adjustment bar 224 at a desired position, is provided through the fastening pipe 221a. According to this construction, to adjust the distance between the front wheel support unit 220 and the rear wheel support unit 250, the distance adjustment bar 224, which is inserted into the fastening pipe 221a, is moved forwards or rearwards with respect to the fastening pipe 221a. Thereafter, the position of the distance adjustment bar 224 is fixed by tightening the locking screw 225. As such, in the second embodiment, the distance between the support units can be easily adjusted.

[44] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 10, in the inclination adjusting means 230 of this embodiment, a screw casing 231, which has guide slots 231a in an upper surface thereof, is provided on the base plate 221. An adjustment screw 235, which is coupled at an end thereof to a drive motor 236, is inserted into the screw casing 231. Two longitudinal movable members 233, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, are fitted over the adjustment screw 235 so as to be movable in opposite directions. Thus, when the drive motor 236 is rotated, the longitudinal movable members 233 are moved in opposite directions along the guide slots 231a, so that the distance therebetween is adjusted. Furthermore, a rotating support rod 232 is hinged at a first end thereof to a mounting bracket 233a, which is provided on each longitudinal movable member 233. A vertical movable member 234 is hinged at opposite ends thereof to second ends of the rotating support rods 232, so that the vertical movable member 234 is moved upwards or downwards depending on movement of the longitudinal movable members 233. As well, a mounting pin 237, to which the front wheel seating member 240 is rotatably mounted, is provided on the vertical movable member 234. The mounting pin 237 is inserted into a pin casing 237a, which has a spring therein, so that the front wheel of the bicycle can be elastically supported by the mounting pin 237.

[45] According to the inclination adjusting means 230 of this embodiment having the above-mentioned construction, unlike the first embodiment, because the longitudinal movable members 233 move along the guide slots 231a in the screw casing 231, they can be stably operated without vibrating in a lateral direction. Furthermore, because the adjustment screw 235 is placed in the screw casing 231, there is the advantage of exhibiting a good appearance. As well, in place of the adjusting knob 136, the drive motor 236 is provided, so that the inclination of the bicycle can be automatically adjusted. In addition, because the mounting pin 237 elastically supports the front wheel seating member 240 in a manner similar to that of shock absorbers for automobiles, it provides a smooth comfortable ride to the user while exercising.

[46] As shown in FIG. 11, the rear wheel support unit 250 according to the second embodiment is equal to that of the first embodiment in that the base frame 251 thereof has a U shape. However, in the second embodiment, additional lateral frames 251a are provided at a central portion in the base frame 251 in order to enhance the structural stability, and a subsidiary support beam 251b is inserted into the end of each lateral frame 251a in order to prevent the exercise equipment from moving in a lateral direction. Preferably, each subsidiary support beam 251b is constructed such that the length thereof can be adjusted depending on the size of an indoor space.

[47] Meanwhile, a means for holding the rear wheel of the bicycle and a means for adjusting frictional force applied to the rear wheel while exercising are provided in the rear part of the base frame 251. The rear wheel holding means includes the screw type supports 255, which are screwed to respective support frames 254 that are integrally provided on the rear part of the base frame 251, a support member 256, which is provided on an upper end of each screw type support 255, nut fastening members 257, tightening screws 258 and tightening knobs 259. Thanks to this construction, the bicycle can be easily supported by the rear wheel holding means regardless of the height of the bicycle or the diameter of the rear wheel of the bicycle. The construction and operation of the rear wheel holding means of the second embodiment are equal to those of the first embodiment, therefore further explanation is deemed unnecessary.

[48] As shown in FIG. 12, in the frictional force adjusting means 260 according to the second embodiment, a screw casing 263, which has guide slots 263a in an upper surface thereof, is provided on the base frame 251. An adjustment screw 270, which is coupled at an end thereof to a drive motor 273, is inserted into the screw casing 263. Two longitudinal movable members 264, which are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, are fitted over the adjustment screw 270 so as to be movable in opposite directions. Thus, when the drive motor 273 is rotated, the longitudinal movable members 264 are moved in opposite directions along the guide slots 263a, so that the distance therebetween is adjusted. Furthermore, a mounting bracket 268 is coupled to mounting holes 265, which are formed in the upper surface of each longitudinal movable member 264, using bolts. A compression roller 267 is rotatably mounted to each mounting bracket 268 using a rotating shaft 269 and washer 269a. On the two compression rollers 267, the rear wheel of the bicycle is seated and rotated.

[49] Moreover, two rows of guide slots 263a are formed through the upper surface of the screw casing 263 at a position corresponding to each longitudinal movable member 264, and each mounting bracket 268, to which the compression roller 267 is mounted, is fastened to the mounting holes 265 of each longitudinal movable member 264 through the two rows of guide slots 263a.

[50] According to the frictional force adjusting means 260 having the above-mentioned construction, unlike that of the first embodiment, because the longitudinal movable members 264 are moved along the guide slots 263a formed in the screw casing 263, they can be stably operated without vibrating in a lateral direction. Particularly, each of the compression rollers 267, on which the rear wheel of the bicycle is seated, is coupled at two positions to the upper end of each longitudinal movable member 264 and moves along the two rows of guide slots 263a, thus further enhancing the stability of the exercise equipment. Furthermore, because the adjusting screw 270 is placed in the screw casing 263, a good appearance is ensured. As well, the drive motor 273 is provided in place of the rotating handle 173, so that there is an advantage in that the frictional force of the rear wheel of the bicycle is automatically adjusted.

[51] The operational principle of the frictional force adjusting means 260 of this embodiment is equal to that described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, therefore further explanation will be omitted.

[52] As shown in FIG. 13, according to a third embodiment of the present invention, a front wheel seating member 240, on which a front wheel of a bicycle is seated, may be constructed to have a roller structure having an uneven circumferential outer surface. In this case, while exercising, the front wheel of the bicycle vibrates due to the uneven surface of the front wheel seating member, thus having the effect of traveling a bumpy road. Therefore, this embodiment can affect the user as if he/she were riding a bicycle outdoors, so that there is the advantage of making exercise interesting.

[53] In methods of rotating the front wheel seating member 240 having the roller structure, there is a method in which, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the front wheel seating member 240 is directly connected to a separate drive motor 242 through a connection belt 243, and a method in which, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the front wheel seating member 240 is connected to a compression roller 267 using two connection belts 244 and 245 and two connection pulleys 244a and 245 a such that it is operated in conjunction with the compression roller 267. In the former case, the equipment constantly vibrates the front wheel regardless of the pedaling speed of the user who is riding the bicycle. In the latter case, the degree of vibration of the front wheel varies depending on the pedaling speed of the user, that is, depending on the revolution speed of the rear wheel. Industrial Applicability

[54] The exercise equipment using a bicycle according to the present invention makes it possible for a user to ride a bicycle even in place, and has a structure capable of adjusting the angle of inclination of the bicycle and the degree of frictional force of the rear wheel of the bicycle. Therefore, the user can conduct bicycle exercise in various modes. Thus, the present invention is regarded as a technique having high applicability.

Claims

[1] An exercise equipment using a bicycle, comprising: a front wheel support unit, comprising: a front wheel seating member, on which a front wheel of the bicycle is placed; inclination adjusting means for rotatably supporting the front wheel seating member and for adjusting an angle of inclination of the front wheel of the bicycle; and a base plate, on which the inclination adjusting means is placed, and which is placed on an indoor or outdoor support surface; and a rear wheel support unit, comprising: a nut fastening member to be fitted over a rotating shaft of a rear wheel of the bicycle; a screw type support to support the nut fastening member and to adjust a height of the nut fastening member; a base frame, to which the screw type support is screwed, and which is placed on the indoor or outdoor support surface; and frictional force adjusting means mounted to the base frame and having a compression roller contacting the rear wheel of the bicycle, the frictional force adjusting means adjusting frictional force between the rear wheel and the compression roller.

[2] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the inclination adjusting means comprises: an adjustment screw provided on the base plate, with an adjusting knob provided on an end of the adjustment screw; a pair of longitudinal movable members screwed over the adjustment screw and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that, when the adjusting knob is rotated, the longitudinal movable members are moved, thereby adjusting the distance between the longitudinal movable members; rotating panels hinged at first ends thereof to the respective longitudinal movable members; a vertical movable member hinged to second ends of the rotating panels, the vertical movable member being moved upwards or downwards depending on movement of the longitudinal movable members; and a mounting pin provided on the vertical movable member, with the front wheel seating member rotatably coupled to the mounting pin.

[3] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the frictional force adjusting means comprises: a pair of guide rails provided on the base frame in a longitudinal direction of the bicycle and facing each other; a pair of support slides slidably provided between the guide rails; mounting holes formed through the respective support slides, with internal threads formed on inner surfaces of the respective mounting holes in opposite directions; an adjustment screw inserted into the mounting holes of the support slides, so that, when the adjustment screw is rotated in one direction, the support slides are moved in directions approaching each other; and compression rollers rotatably mounted to the respective support slides so that the rear wheel of the bicycle is seated on the compression rollers.

[4] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 3, wherein a sliding member is provided on each of opposite ends of the support slides and is slidably fitted over each of the guide rails, and a rotating handle is provided on an end of the adjusting screw so as to allow rotation of the adjusting screw.

[5] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to any one of claims 1 through 4, further comprising: a connection screw coupled to the base plate of the front wheel support unit; a through hole formed in the base frame of the rear wheel support unit, so that the connection screw is inserted into the through hole; and a connection nut provided on the connection screw, inserted into the through hole, so as to maintain an adjusted distance between the front wheel support unit and the rear wheel support unit.

[6] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising: an inclination angle sensor provided in the inclination adjusting means to measure an angle of inclination of the front wheel support unit; a speed sensor provided in the frictional force adjusting means to measure a revolution speed of the compression rollers; a drive motor coupled to an end of each of the adjustment screw of the inclination adjusting means and the adjustment screw of the frictional force adjusting means; and a control panel to calculate and display an angle of inclination, a traveling speed and a traveling distance using signals transmitted from the inclination angle sensor and the speed sensor and to output a signal controlling the drive motors of the inclination adjusting means and the frictional force adjusting means according to manipulation by a user.

[7] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the inclination adjusting means comprises: a screw casing provided on the base plate, with a guide slot formed through an upper surface of the screw casing; an adjustment screw provided in the screw casing and coupled at an end thereof to a drive motor; a pair of longitudinal movable members screwed over the adjustment screw and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that, when the drive motor is rotated, the longitudinal movable members are moved along the guide slot, thereby the distance between the longitudinal movable members is adjusted; rotating support rods hinged at first ends thereof to the respective longitudinal movable members; a vertical movable member hinged to second ends of the rotating support rods, the vertical movable member being moved upwards or downwards depending on movement of the longitudinal movable members; and a mounting pin provided on the vertical movable member, with the front wheel seating member rotatably coupled to the mounting pin.

[8] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the frictional force adjusting means comprises: a screw casing provided on the base frame, with a guide slot formed through an upper surface of the screw casing; an adjustment screw provided in the screw casing and coupled at an end thereof to a drive motor; a pair of longitudinal movable members screwed over the adjustment screw and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, so that, when the drive motor is rotated, the longitudinal movable members are moved along the guide slot, thereby the distance between the longitudinal movable members is adjusted; and compression rollers rotatably mounted to the respective longitudinal movable members so that the rear wheel of the bicycle is seated onto the compression rollers.

[9] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 8, wherein the guide slot comprises two rows of guide slots, which are formed through the upper surface of the screw casing at a position corresponding to each of the longitudinal movable members, and a mounting bracket, to which each of the compression rollers is mounted, is fastened to an upper end of each of the longitudinal movable members through the two rows of guide slots.

[10] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to any one of claims 1 and 7 through 9, further comprising: a fastening pipe provided on a rear end of the base plate, which supports the front wheel support unit; a distance adjustment bar provided on a front end of the base frame, which support the rear wheel support unit, the distance adjustment bar being inserted into the fastening pipe; and a locking screw provided through the fastening pipe to maintain the distance adjustment bar, which is inserted into the fastening pipe, at an appropriate position with respect to the fastening pipe.

[11] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of subsidiary support beams provided on opposite sides of the base frame so as to be adjustable in length, thus preventing the exercise equipment from moving left and right.

[12] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the front wheel seating member comprises a roller having an uneven circumferential outer surface, on which the front wheel of the bicycle is seated, the roller being coupled to a separate drive motor so that the roller is rotated by the drive motor.

[13] The exercise equipment using the bicycle according to claim 1, wherein the front wheel seating member comprises a roller having an uneven circumferential outer surface, on which the front wheel of the bicycle is seated, and the roller is coupled to the compression rollers through a belt so that the roller is rotated in conjunction with the rear wheel of the bicycle.