Bicycle trainer

Abstract

The present invention is a bicycle trainer that allows a person to utilize their own bicycle and simulates real and varied road conditions. The device includes the front forks of a bicycle mounted to a stand; the stand including a flexible support arm allowing the bicycle to rock back and forth along a rocking arc; and the rear tire of the bicycle making contact with a roller face of a roller such that the roller is free to rotate in proportion to the rotation of the rear tire. Further, the roller is rotationally connected to a motor for selectively applying resistance and assistance to the rear tire rotation, for simulating real course conditions. Preferably it further includes a motor assembly which includes a frame for housing the roller and motor and rigidly connecting the motor assembly to the stand, the motor is pivotally mounted to the frame about its shaft, such that the motor and roller rotate in proportional unison with each other.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A bicycle trainer comprising:
 a) the front forks of a bicycle mounted to a stand;   b) the stand including a flexible support arm allowing the bicycle to rock back and forth along a rocking arc;   c) the rear tire of the bicycle making contact with a roller face of a roller such that the roller is free to rotate in proportion to the rotation of rear tire;   d) wherein the roller is rotationally connected to a motor for selectively applying resistance and assistance to the rear tire rotation, for simulating real course conditions.   
     
     
         2 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 1  further comprising a motor assembly which includes a frame for housing the roller and motor and rigidly connecting the motor assembly to the stand, the motor is pivotally mounted to the frame about its shaft, such that the motor and roller rotate in proportional unison with each other. 
     
     
         3 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 2  wherein the motor assembly further including a force sensor for measuring the tangential force between the roller and the bicycle. 
     
     
         4 . The bicycle trailer claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the motor is rigidly mounted to a base plate which has a top side and bottom side which is free to pivot with the motor. 
     
     
         5 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 4  wherein the motor assembly includes the force sensor in contact with one side of the plate, and a spring on the other side of the plate such that the force sensor and spring restrict the rotational deflection of the base plate and thereby measure the tangential force between the roller . 
     
     
         6 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 5  where the force sensor and spring are opposing each other mounted on opposite sides of the plate, in order to maintain positive bias of force on the force sensor. 
     
     
         7 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 6  wherein the force sensor is chosen from the group comprising piezo electric, and strain gauge and load cell and magneto elastic transducers. 
     
     
         8 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 7  further including a controller which includes data sets for simulating real and imaginary road conditions. 
     
     
         9 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 8  wherein the motor assembly in response to the controllers input imparts resistance to tire rotation thereby simulating uphill or head wind conditions. 
     
     
         10 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 9  wherein the motor assembly in response to the controllers input imparts assistance to tire rotation thereby simulating downhill or downwind conditions. 
     
     
         11 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flexible support arm selected to allow a rocking arc of 45° each side of centre for a total arc of 90°. 
     
     
         12 . The bicycle trainer claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flexible support arm selected to allow a rocking arc of 30° each side of centre for a total arc of 60°.