Bicycle trainer

Abstract

A bicycle trainer includes a frame having a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle. The axle supports define a laterally extending first axis. A drive wheel is rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis. A resistance unit is supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel. A bicycle trainer system includes a bicycle having a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports. A method of using the trainer is also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A bicycle trainer comprising:
 a frame comprising a pair of laterally spaced axle supports configured to support a rear wheel axle of a bicycle, wherein the axle supports define a laterally extending first axis;   a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis; and   a resistance unit supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.   
     
     
         2 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 1  wherein the resistance unit is positioned rearwardly of the axle supports, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearwardly of the first axis. 
     
     
         3 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 1  further comprising a cog rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein the cog is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the cog is positioned and configured to be coupled to a bicycle drive chain. 
     
     
         4 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 3  wherein the drive wheel is spaced laterally outwardly from the cog. 
     
     
         5 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 3  wherein the drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit with a closed loop component. 
     
     
         6 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 5  wherein the resistance unit comprises a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and further comprising a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop component is moveably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel. 
     
     
         7 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 6  wherein the cog comprises a first cog, and wherein the drive wheel comprises a second cog and the driven wheel comprises a third cog, wherein the closed loop component comprises a chain moveably engaged with the second and third cogs. 
     
     
         8 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 6  wherein the resistance unit comprises at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, an electric generator and/or a centrifugal pressure plate. 
     
     
         9 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the axle supports comprises an upwardly opening channel. 
     
     
         10 . The bicycle trainer of  claim 9  wherein the channel comprises a bottom recess shaped to receive one end of the axle, wherein the bottom recess defines the first axis. 
     
     
         11 . A bicycler trainer system comprising:
 a frame comprising a pair of laterally spaced axle supports;   a bicycle comprising a rear wheel axle removably supported by the axle supports, wherein the axle defines a laterally extending first axis;   a drive wheel rotatably supported by the frame, wherein the drive wheel is rotatable about a second axis parallel to, and radially spaced from, the first axis; and   a resistance unit supported by the frame and operably coupled to the drive wheel.   
     
     
         12 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 11  wherein the resistance unit is positioned rearwardly of the axle supports, and wherein the second axis is positioned rearwardly of the first axis. 
     
     
         13 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 11  further comprising a cog rotatably supported by the frame about the second axis, wherein the cog is laterally spaced from the drive wheel, and wherein the bicycle comprises a drive chain engageable with the cog. 
     
     
         14 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 13  wherein the bicycle comprises a cassette rotatable about the first axis, wherein the drive chain is moveable between a riding configuration wherein the chain is engaged with the cassette and a training configuration wherein the drive chain is engaged with the cog, wherein the drive chain is disengaged from the cassette when the drive chain is in the training configuration. 
     
     
         15 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 13  wherein the drive wheel is spaced laterally outwardly from the cog. 
     
     
         16 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 13  wherein the drive wheel is operably coupled to the resistance unit with a closed loop component. 
     
     
         17 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 16  wherein the resistance unit comprises a hub rotatable about a third axis parallel to the first and second axes, and further comprising a driven wheel mounted on the hub, wherein the closed loop component is moveably engaged with the drive wheel and the driven wheel. 
     
     
         18 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 17  wherein the cog comprises a first cog, and wherein the drive wheel comprises a second cog and the driven wheel comprises a third cog, wherein the closed loop component comprises a chain moveably engaged with the second and third cogs. 
     
     
         19 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 17  wherein the resistance unit comprises at least one of a fan, a magnetic flywheel, a fluid resistance chamber, an electric generator and/or a centrifugal pressure plate coupled to the hub. 
     
     
         20 . The bicycle trainer system of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the axle supports comprises an upwardly opening channel, and wherein the rear wheel axle comprises an end disposed in the channel.