Aquatic Exercise Cycle

Abstract

An underwater exercise cycle that improves on existing designs through the use of a compact flywheel transmission with adjustable resistance. The invention allows for smooth and continuous pedaling across a range of distinct levels of resistance, thereby enhancing comfort, low-impact, and effectiveness of aquatic exercise.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An aquatic exercise cycle comprising:
 a stationary cycle frame;   an adjustable seat post;   a seat;   handlebars;   pedals mounted to the frame for rotation of a transmission;   a flywheel transmission coupled to the pedals; and   a flywheel tensioning means.   
     
     
         2 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 1 , wherein the flywheel tensioning means provides variable pedal resistance; 
     
     
         3 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 1 , wherein the flywheel transmission comprises:
 a drive shaft rigidly connected to a main gear;   a second shaft parallel to the drive shaft;   a secondary gear rigidly connected to the second shaft, comprising of two integrated gears of different diameters;   a flywheel with an integrated gear that is freely mounted on the drive shaft to allow rotation independently from the main gear;   wherein the smaller gear of the secondary gear meshes with the main gear on the drive shaft and the larger gear of the secondary gear meshes with the flywheel gear.   
     
     
         4 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 2  wherein the tensioning means comprises:
 a tension belt for placement around the flywheel; 
 a floating tension pulley positioned between the tension belt and the flywheel; 
 a tension bar with a first and second end and placed within a tension adjustment sleeve rigidly fixed to the cycle frame, said first end connected to the floating tension pulley; 
 a tension adjustment rod connected to the second end of the tension bar linking it to tension adjustment knob rigidly mounted to the cycle frame; 
 whereby the tension adjustment knob is used to pull or push the floating tension pulley thereby adjusting the tension of the belt around the flywheel. 
 
     
     
         5 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 4 , wherein the tension adjustment knob utilizes a detent mechanism to allow multiple preset levels of tension with less than ⅓ of a revolution of the tension adjustment knob. 
     
     
         6 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 4 , wherein the flywheel contains a groove to hold the tensioning belt in position. 
     
     
         7 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 6 , further comprising a fixed tension pulley attached to the frame and placed between the tension belt and the flywheel, in conjunction with the floating pulley. 
     
     
         8 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 1 , wherein the flywheel tensioning means utilizes one or more fixed tension pulleys;
 a tension belt for placement around the fixed tension pulley(s) and the flywheel,   whereby the flywheel transmission provides fixed pedal resistance.   
     
     
         9 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 8 , wherein the flywheel contains a groove to hold the tensioning belt in position. 
     
     
         10 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 1 , wherein the cycle frame is foldable. 
     
     
         11 . The aquatic exercise cycle according to  claim 1 , wherein side handlebars and a back rest are rigidly attached to the adjustable seat post, which allows users to sit upright with their legs out in front of them.