Convertible cycle exerciser

Abstract

A convertible cycle exerciser. The exerciser, moveable between a first position and at least one second position, 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. In the first position, force is applied to crank arms via a user's feet in a conventional cycling mode, and in the at least one second position, applied to the crank arms with a user standing and operating the exerciser via hands and arms. An adjustable resistance mechanism acting on a first rotating member to vary the load requirement is controlled by at least one resistance control conveniently accessed in each of the first and at least one second positions. Movement of the exerciser between the first and at least one second positions is facilitated by operation of a simple release mechanism. Compared with conventional convertible systems, the cycle exerciser presents a considerably simpler mechanism, reducing complexity of the system and thereby cost, weight, and maintenance requirements, providing an additional upper body exercise component with simplified and convenient engagement and resistance adjustment access in all positions of use.

1 . A convertible cycle exerciser, moveable between a first position and at least one second position, the convertible cycle exerciser comprising;
 a base, a supporting member extending upwards therefrom, and a main exerciser body pivotally attached to the supporting member by at least one pivot point;
 wherein the main exerciser body comprises a first rotating member rotating around a first axis, a second rotating member rotating around a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a running flexible member connected therebetween; 
 wherein the second rotating member comprises a pair of reciprocating crank arms attached and extending substantially perpendicular to the second axis, and a pair of engaging members rotatably attached to free ends thereof, and 
 wherein at least one resistance mechanism is disposed on or near the first rotating member, resisting rotation thereof, irrespective of direction of rotation, to increase workload applied on the second rotating member, controllable by at least one first resistance control when in the first position, and at least one second resistance control when in the at least one second position, with both resistance controls disposed on the main exerciser body; and 
   a release mechanism detachably connecting the main exerciser body to the base, such that, upon disconnection thereof, the main exerciser body freely pivots on the at least one pivot point between the first position and the at least one second position and vice versa.   
     
     
         2 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the main exerciser body further comprises a seat and handlebar assembly. 
     
     
         3 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises a footplate. 
     
     
         4 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the engaging members comprise a combined pedal and handgrip mechanism, wherein the handgrip component extends outwardly from the pedal component. 
     
     
         5 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the main exerciser body is further movably attached to the supporting member by at least one supplementary connecting mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the at least one supplementary connecting mechanism comprises a hydraulic piston, counterbalance mechanism, spring mechanism or other applicable system. 
     
     
         7 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a braking mechanism is provided at either or both of the at least one first resistance control and the at least one second resistance control and which, when applied, instantly terminates rotation. 
     
     
         8 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein movement of the first rotating member and the second rotating member takes place with equal facility in both clockwise and counter/anti-clockwise directions. 
     
     
         9 . The convertible cycle exerciser as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the running flexible member connected between the first rotating member and the second rotating member comprises a chain, belt, cable, or other suitable element.