Bicycle trainer allowing laterial rocking motion

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improvement in a stationary bicycle exercising device adapted to reside on a ground surface having a frame that supports a bicycle engaged within said apparatus at the rear wheel of said bicycle. It comprises: a frame including at least one but preferably two support structures that are engaged to each other, one said support structure being located on one side of said rear wheel, and the other support structure being located on the other side of said rear wheel adapted at one end to provide support to the axle of said rear wheel, and adapted for fastening to a support base for the bicycle at the other end. The bicycle device allows for lateral movement of said bicycle from side to side of the vertical plane while pedaling in the standing position by means of support limits for the frame members.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . In a stationary bicycle exercising device adapted to reside on a ground surface having a frame that supports a bicycle engaged within said apparatus at the rear wheel of said bicycle, which comprises: 
 a frame including at least one but preferably two generally U-shaped support structures that are engaged to each other, one said support structure being located toward the front of said rear wheel, and the other support structure being located toward the rear of said rear wheel; and,    said U-shaped support structure including support arms adapted at one end to provide support to the axle of said rear wheel, and adapted for fastening to a support base for the bicycle at the other end, said support arms being disposed to substantially lie in a plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said bicycle and thereby allow for rotation of the rear wheel between said support arms;    the improvement for allowing for lateral movement of said bicycle from side to side of the vertical plane while pedaling in the standing position which comprises:    said frame members pivotally fastened to said support base for permitting lateral movement.    
     
     
         2 . The stationary bicycle exercising device of  claim 1  wherein at least one shock/spring support for at least one frame member is pivotally supported to the support base at one end and pivotally fastened to the frame member at the other end.  
     
     
         3 . The stationary bicycle exercising device of  claim 2  wherein the shock/spring supports are comprised of a limit means whereby lateral movement of the bicycle while pedaling in a standing position is limited to an angle of from 0 to 30° from the vertical plane.  
     
     
         4 . The stationary bicycle exercising device of  claim 1  wherein a means of imparting a variable load resistance to the rear tire during riding is provided.  
     
     
         5 . The stationary bicycle exercising device of  claim 3  wherein at least one shock/spring support is attached to each arm to provide compressive and/or expansive forces between said frame and base structures of the stationary trainer.