EP1392405A2

EP1392405A2 - Portable mini exercise-bike

Info

Publication number: EP1392405A2
Application number: EP02737880A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto Balbo
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-09
Filing date: 2002-03-09
Publication date: 2004-03-03
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-09
Also published as: AU2002312760A1; WO2002074393A3; DE60223529D1; US20040116257A1; EP1392405B1; ATE378094T1; CA2440039A1; WO2002074393A2; ITGE20010024A1

Abstract

The portable mini exercise-bike which occupies a minimum space, is made up of a pedal section (100) which by means of supporting elements is fixed to a resting surface. The fixing element used to fix the mini exercise-bike to the resting surface, can be realized with a suction cup (10) or a base plate (63, 83). On the pedal (45) of the pedal section, a removable pedal cover (46) fits perfectly, on which are placed slippers (47), having slots (50) to allow straps to pass. The pedal covers (46) have a lateral element with a nut screw (52) which permits the screwing of a rod (53). On the axle of pedal (45) it is possible to insert a specially formed handle instead of the pedals, using straps to fix the hand in position. A flywheel (63) can be assembled with the mini exercise-bike.

Description

PORTABLE MINI EXERCISE-BIKE DESCRIPTION

The invention hereby presented regards a portable mini exercise-bike, which can be installed in front of any seat . Until now, the present technology used exercise-bikes called "cyclettes" for use in both therapeutic and aesthetic exercise. These exercise-bikes presented several inconveniences. The biggest being, that these bikes are cumbersome, the more so when one one's living space is limited. The result was that often the users, after some time, removed the bike as it became too space consuming.

Another inconvenience that to often becomes clear is that these bikes, when used by the elderly in a therapeutic capacity, is the obvious difficulty in mounting the bike for someone who has limited movements and also the obvious insecurity such a person would experience to remain in equilibrium on the saddle of a bicycle.

An added inconvenience of the known exercise-bikes is that to remain seated on such a small seat as that of a saddle of a bicycle, can generate serious problems. All those above cited inconvenients may be overcome with the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention..

The aim of this invention is the realization of a mini exercise-bike which occupies the minimum space, even when left assembled, and the minimum storage space it requires whilst allowing a comfortable usage for anyone. To the ends the present invention occupies the minimum space possible, as all the framework which would support a saddle of bicycle has been eliminated, and it can be placed before any type of seat. This objective is accomplished by using a pedal section assembled onto the special elements of support that connect it with a device, to be fixed firmly onto a resting surface allowing to the user to utilize it confortably seated on ones favourite chair.

Listed here are some of the numerous advantages. The dimension of the mini exercise-bike are so reduced that it can be contained in a bag, and when mounted can even be stored under a piece of furniture.

The mini exercise-bike according to the invention can be put to use with advantage for physical re-education purpose or to allow persons who have anytype of physical impediment to benefit from exercise or to recuperate movement, in particular for the elderly or invalids, who can thus move their limbs whilst sitting comfortable in a stable way.

Another advantage is that a person disabled in a limb, either arm or leg, by blocking said limb to the mini exercise-bike, may exercise it by using the other limbs, either by manually moving the pedals using one or two rods and by arm power to reactivate the circulation and retone the leg muscles.

The mini exercise-bike according to the invention may be fixed to any surface, for example to the floor to be used as an exercise-bike, or resting onto a table to exercise the upper limbs, in this case the handles replace the pedals on the framework.

The whole structure may be fixed to any resting surface using suction cups or a base plate.

All that above advantage plus others become evident from the description of the following figures that are enclosed to illustrate and not limit, in which:

Figure 1 is a frontal view of the first prototype of the portable mini exercise- bike according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a lateral view of the portable mini exercise-bike of figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a lateral view of the suction cup element used for the realization of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a plan view of suction cup element of figure 3.

Figure 5 is a exploded frontal view of support for the connection between the suction cup and the pedal section illustrated in figure 1.

Figure 6 is an exploded lateral view of support of figure 5. Figure 7 is a view from above of the slipper to be fixed to the pedals, according to the invention. Figure 8 is a lateral view of slipper of figure 7.

Figure 9 shows in a plan view the removable pedal cover, according to the invention.

Figure 10 is a lateral view of removable pedal cover of figure 9. Figure 11 illustration of a rod to be inserted sideways on the removable pedal cover of figure 9.

Figure 12 illustrates in front view a variation of the the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention present invention.

Figure 13 is a lateral view of the variation of the portable mini exercise-bike of figure 12.

Figure 14 illustrates a lateral view of a second model of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.

Figure 15 is a frontal view, in partial sectional view, according to the line

XV-XV of figure 14. Figure 16 illustrate, in a plan view, a blocking plate for the example of figure 14.

Figure 17 is a lateral view of the blocking plate of figure 16.

Figure 18 is a frontal view of the blocking plate of figure 16.

Figure 19 illustrates in a lateral view a third model of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.

Figure 20 is a lateral view of a part of realization of figure 19 in its folded position.

Figure 21 is a plan view of figure 20.

Figure 22 illustrates in lateral view a fourth example of the portable mini exercise-bike according to the present invention.

Figure 23 is a plan view of the example of figure 22.

Figure 24 is a particular of figure 22 with the clasp open.

Figure 25 shows in a plan view the prop used in the realization of figure 22.

Figure 26 is a lateral view of the prop illustrated in figure 22. Figure 27 is a frontal view of removable pedal cover of figure 9. Figure 28 shows a suction cup element with two suction cups and a transversal handle.

Figure 29 shows a suction cup element with two suction cups and a longitudinal handle. Figure 30 illustrates a suction cup element with three suction cups.

Figure 31 is an exploded view of another supporting strut coupling onto the fixing element and pedal section.

Figure 32 is a lateral view showing the coupling of supporting strut of figure

31 and the suction cup element of figure 28. Figure 33 is a frontal view denoting the coupling of supporting strut of figure

31 and the suction cup element of figure 29.

Figure 34 is a frontal view of the coupling of supporting strut of figure 31 both figure 31 and the suction cup element of figure 30.

Figure 35 is an exploded view of pedal section. Figures 36, 37 and 38 show respectively a lateral view, a frontal view and a view from the top of the example of realization of figure 32, in that the structure is closed in a protective shell.

Figures 39 and 40 show a lateral view and a perspective view of a sixth example of realization of the portable mini-bike, according to the present invention, with a connecting rod.

Figure 41 shows a lateral view of figures 39 and 40 with the insertion of a support and the structure covered by a shell.

Figure 42 shows in perspective the example of realization shown in figures

39 and 40, with the structure covered by a shell. Figures 43 and 44 show a lateral view and a perspective of the example shown in figure 42 without the rod of connection.

Figure 45 shows a lateral view of the example shown in figure 41 with the element of support without the shell.

Figure 46 shows a perspective view of a variant of the realization of the invention.

Figure 47 it's a lateral view of a footwear to apply on the pedals. Figure 48 shows an exploded view of the pedal section, according to another solution of the connection of the ring gear and the pedal section at the nucleus of central movement.

Figure 49 it's a sectional view, by the board XLIX-XLIX indicated in figure 48.

Figure 50 shows an example of realization with the insertion of a small engine.

Figure 51 shows the example of figure 50 covered by a shell.

In the different figures the identical pieces are indicated with the same numbers.

In the figures 1 and 2 are illustrated two views of a first example of the complete portable mini exercise-bike, according to the invention.

The fixing element used to fix the bike either to the floor or any suitable surface, adapted for use as intended for portable mini exercise-bike, is formed of a suction cup 10.

The suction cup element, commercially known as OCTOPUS

SUPERFILTRO" may also be used advantageously.

As seen in figures 3 and 4, the suction cup 10 has a rubber base 11 , made to grip onto the resting surface, and a cylinder 12 within which a piston 13 moves which causes the vacuum needed to fix the model.

The conformation of the individual pieces of the support section which unite the pedal section 100 to the suction cup 10 is clearly visible in exploded views of figures 5 and 6.

Between the rubber base 11 and cylinder 12 a small bar 14 is inserted which contains a hollow small column 15.

On the small bar 14, to embrace the cylinder 12 at its lower part, is arranged a stirrup 17, which is U-shaped with two lateral wings 18 and 19, both containing a threaded hole 20 and 21.

It is preferable to insert a hollow small column 16 between the wing 19 and the small bar 14, similar to the small column 15. The hollow small column

16 has an upper edge 22, which may be bevelled to facilitate insertion. Astride of cylinder 12 is placed an intermediary element 23 made up at its lower end of a stirrup 24 upside-down U-shaped, with two wings 25 and 26, each of which have a hole in correspondence of the threaded holes 20 and 21 , to tighten the screws 27 and 28 which fixes the intermediary element 23 to the cylinder 12 and then to the supporting surface when the suction cup 10 is blocked on said surface.

The upside-down U-shaped stirrup 24 is enbloc with a strut 29, which on the upper part has an U-shaped stirrup 30, which is perpendicular in respect to the stirrup 24. The U-shaped stirrup 30 has 2 lateral wings 31 and 32 both with threaded holes 33 and 34 for screwing devises.

The stirrups 24 and 30 and the strut 29 constitute the intermediary element 23.

On the U-shaped stirrup 30 rests the carrying axle 35 of a pedal section 100, which blocks into place thanks to an upside-down U-shaped stirrup 36, with two wings 37 and 38, each having a hole corresponding with threaded holes 33 and 34 to screw the screws 39 and 40 which fix the carrying axle 35 of pedal section 100 on the intermediary element 23 and thus to the surface. The pedal-arms 41 and 42 of the pedal section 100 are preferably shorter than those known, to limit the bulk of the pedal arms. The screws 39 and 40 can be complemented by nuts 43 and 44.

The screws 27 and 28 are preferably of a length permitting at the bar 14 to hold firmly in position the stirrups 17 and 24 and block the intermediary element 23 to the suction cups. Alternatively a nut may be attached at the base of the screws 27 and 28.

A removable pedal cover 46 fits perfectly on the pedal 45, it is illustrated in plan view in figure 9, in lateral view in figure 10, in frontal view in figure 27. On the pedal covers 46 the slipper 47 are placed, illustrated in figures 7 and 8. Both pedal covers 46 and slippers 47 are provided with holes 48 for the passage of the bolts 49 to fix the pedals 45 to pedal covers 46 and slippers 47. The slippers 47 have slots 50 to allow straps to pass (not illustrated) thus fixing the users feet to slippers and then to pedals, for example when one wants to exercise a disabled limb using the able limb with the other pedal. The slippers 47 have raised edge 51 which holds the foot in place. The pedal covers 46 have a lateral element with a nut screw 52 which permits the screwing of a rod 53, which allows a user who has a disability in a limb, to combine, arm movements to leg movements. For example: pushing down the rod 53 obtains the rising movement of the leg on the opposite side of the body. The rod 53, illustrated in figure 11 , has a threaded lower part 54 and a handle 55 at the other extremity. The rod 53 is made up of two elements 56 and 57 which slide into each other and block able at the desired length using a blocking ring 58. In the case of the user's inability to keep his limb on a perpendicular base in respect of the base surface, it may be useful to use a band (not illustrated) applied to the thigh, with a handle into which a hand may be inserted to guide and aid the pedalling movement of said limb.

According to an improvement of this invention, as illustrated in figures 12 and 13, with a view to overcome the dead point of the rotation of the pedal section 100, an extra piece has been mounted on the mini exercise-bike to act as a flywheel.

To this end on the shaft 59 of the pedal section 100 a ring gear 60 which by means of a chain 61 commands a pinion 62 pivoted to a strut 29. On the pinion 62 is fixed a flywheel 63. According to the noted technique, the ratio of the speed between the various turning parts may be varied by the diameter of the same, and, according to the needs a flywheel of different weight may be used.

In the figures 14 and 15 a second model shown of the mini exercise-bike with a different system of connecting the pedal section 100 to the suction cup 10. The carrying axle 35 of the pedal section 100 is fixed by means of a stirrup

73 to an inclined support 74 which slides on a vertical stand 75 thanks to a terminal part 94 that encloses the vertical stand 75. This terminal part 94 tightens on the vertical stand 75 by means of blocking screws 76. To increment the hold between the vertical stand 75 and the terminal part

94, a thickness 95 may be inserted.

By the means of pedal's height is readily adjustable to suit the user.

The blockage of the vertical stand 75 to the suction cup 10 is obtained using two plates 77 that are illustrated in figures 16, 17, and 18. Each plate 77 has two slots 78 which allow it to position astride of the two struts 79 of the suction cup 10.

These two plates 77 may be kept in position using elastic straps (not illustrated).

The lower part of the vertical stand 75 has two screws 80, on which it rests, that, descending on the two sides of the cylinder 12 of the suction cup 10, screw onto a stirrup 81 and pressing onto the plates 77 block the vertical stand 75 to the suction cup 10 and thereby fixing it firmly to the resting surface.

The same mini exercise-bike may be used to active, or reactive, the muscles of the upper limbs by inserting onto the pedal axle a specially formed handle 82 instead of the pedals, as illustrated in figures 14 and 15, and using straps (not illustrated to fix the hand in position. In this case the resting surface used may be a table.

In figures 19, 20 and 21 a third model of this invention is illustrated. This model is more simple and economical and the suction cup is substituted by a base plate 64, preferably of iron, with a thickness of 5 mm.

In this case, and contrary to the previous examples, the base plate 64 is fixed in the front onto a fixed surface for example a wall) thereby blocking any forward movement when the pedal section 100 are in function. For this reason, the base plate 64 has an upturned edge 65 at the front and feet 66 by which it can rest on the resting surface. The pedal section 100 are united to the base plate 64 by a support 67, which at its top extremity ends like the intermediary part 23, so that it blocks the carrying axle 35 to the pedal section 100.

At the base the support 67 is fixed to a plate 68 of a hinge 69 whose second plate 70 is blocked to base plate 64. Two screws 71 are inserted in holes on the plate 68, when the support 67 is in its upright position for use, as illustrated in figure 19, and in this position the plate 68 is held by two nuts 72.

To put away the mini exercise-bike one has to just unscrew the two nuts 72 put down the support 67, as shown in figures 20 and 21. To simplify the illustration the pedal section have been left out in any case these do not need dismounting.

In this position the mini exercise-bike reaches a maximum height of 10 cm, which means it can be stored under furniture, such as a bed. It is, consequently, less cumbersome and more economical with respect to the other models here illustrated, because the cost and bulk of the suction cup 10 is eliminated.

In the place of the simple hinge 69, a spring attachment (not illustrated) can be foreseen. For means of transport the support 67 is lowered and blocked to the base plate 64 with a belt and the whole bike may be packed into an overnight bag with pockets for the various accessories.

In figures 22, 23 and 24 a fourth model of the mini exercise-bike is illustrated. Again, in this model, a base plate 83 is used, instead of the suction cup 10 to fix the pedal section 100 to the resting surface.

The base plate 83 is provided with a bridge-shaped part 84 made up of two lateral vertical struts and of a horizontal bar on which is gripped a clasp 85, internally knurled, tightened by a bolt 86. In figure 24 the clasp is illustrated in an open position thereby allowing the horizontal bar of the bridge 84 to be inserted. The clasp 85 is the lower part of an inclined strut 87 on which a support 88 runs. This support 88, thanks to a site 89 and an opposite stirrup 90, is able to block the carrying axle 35 of pedal section 100 in the same way as previous models. The support 88 is fixed to the inclined strut 87 by means of clamping screws 97. To increment the hold, between the inclined strut 87 and the support 88 a thickness 96 may be inserted.

To improve stability of the model a prop 91 has been inserted, illustrated in figures 25 and 26 both frontally and laterally. This prop 91 has in its upper end a hole 92 whose diameter is slightly superior to the external diameter of the inclined strut 87, thus allowing the inclined strut 87 to be inclined until it is forced in position into the hole 92. To avoid any sliding of the prop 91 on the base plate 83 indentations 93 have been made as stoppers. Due to the inclination of the inclined strut 87 and the different positions that the girder 91 can assume, in correspondence with the various indentations 93, the upper part of the support 88 and thus the pedal section 100 can be regulated in height according to the needs of the consumer. In figures 28, 29 and 30 are illustrated other known types of the suction cup elements 130, 131 , 132 on which the present invention may be mounted.

In figure 28 the suction cup element 130 has two suction cups 101 and 102 that are joined together by two lateral bands 124 and 125 united by a transversal handle 103. The levers 126 are positioned to obtain the desired vacuum in the suction cups 101 and 102. The figure 29 illustrate a suction element 131 with two suction cups 127 and 128 joined directly by a longitudinal handle 129.

Figures 30 illustrate a suction cup element 132 with 3 suction cups 104, 105 and 106. The handle 107 unites two of the three suction cups that the element contains. The figure 31 shows an exploded view of another example of the supporting strut 133 used to unite the pedal section to the supporting base, which rest on the surface, whether this base is constituted of a base plate or of suction cup. In other words, the supporting strut 133 embraces an axis joined with elements enabling it to be fixed to a surface. It is made up of tubular strut 113 threaded at each end 114 and 115. On the inferior threaded end 114 is screwed a piece 112 integral with a stirrup 111. An opposed stirrup 110 fixed by screws 119 and 120 embraces, when assembling, the handles 109 or 129 or 132, according to the type of suction cups used. In the same way a part 117, integral with a stirrup 116, screws on the threaded top end 115. An opposed stirrup 118 fixed with screws 122 and 123 embraces, when assembled, to the carrying axle 35 of the pedal section 100.

The supporting strut 133 can also be installed, for example, on cylinder 12 of the suction cup illustrated in figure 3 or on the inclined strut 87 illustrated in figure 22.

Screws 119 and 120 are of required length but may be longer, as in figure 31 , when they must function to meet the base element, when necessary, Thanks to the tubular shape of the supporting strut 133 and his threaded ends 114 and 115, the two struts 111 and 116 can be mounted parallelly or perpendicularly to each other, according to base element used. To fix them solidly in place either rivets 134 and 135 or soldering may be employed. Figure 32 illustrate the assembling of the supporting strut 133 on suction cup element 130. Figure 33 denote the coupling of the supporting strut 133 on suction cup element 131. For a better stability of the structure, unlike figure 33, in this case, the pedal system may be mounted with his own carrying axle perpendicular to the longitudinal handle 129, advantageously. Similarly, figure 34 is a frontal view of the coupling of the supporting strut 133 and suction cup element 132. Figure 35 shows an exploded view of the pedal section 100. With 136 is shown the nucleus of central movement carrying axle 35 of the pedal section 100, with 41 the pedal-arm and with 45 the pedals. Figures 36, 37 and 38 shows respectively a lateral view, a frontal view and a view from the top of the example of realization represented in figure 32. In these figures the structure is closed in a protective shell 137, to avoid any physical damage of the user during use or handling, due to the exposition of the gears or of the elements of the structure itself. This shell 137 is made up preferably of two opposite shaped elements 137', 137", that are pressurised in union on the supporting strut 133 (see figure32) with clamps (not illustrated) that are inserted by spring on the strut 113 (see figure33). Figures 39 and 40 shows, in the lateral vision and perspective view, a sixth example of realization of the portable mini-bike according to the present invention. To fix it to the floor, or to any other surface adaptable for the use that the mini-bike is destined, it's used an element with an only suction cup 144.The suction cup 144 has a rubber base 152 which adheres to the resting surfaces, a control knob 150 screw shaped, that must be rotated until a void is formed for a correct grip, and a manometer 151 that controls if the depression created is enough to consent suction cup to grip and fix entire the structure.

At the upper part 153 of the suction cup 144 it's fixed the support structure of the pedal section 100 (see figurel) with an element 161 made by two brackets 155 united at their ends by a hollow cylinder 154, on this hollow cylinder 154 is gripped the intermediary element 23 on which is fastened the carrying axle 35 of the pedal section 100. Figure 5 and 6 illustrates the single pieces that make up the intermediary element 23. The suction cup 144 can be of the type commercially known as VACUUMCUP200. In the realization shown as figure39 and 40, on the structure a rod 145 is mounted to allow the user to link the arm movements with that of the lower limbs. The rod 145 has in fact its lower extremity screwed onto a threaded tubular support 162, that is fixed enbloc onto the stirrup 36. On the upper part of the rod 145 there are fixed, in a similar manner, two handles 82, that by the ring gears 163 and the connecting chain (not illustrated), transmit the movements of the upper limbs to the lower limbs and vice-versa.

In figure 42 a perspective view is illustrated of the examples of figures 39 and 40 in which the upright structure and suction cup are covered by a protective shell 138, which adapts to the structure and is designed to protect the user from eventual mishaps during handling or use. The said shell 138 leaves free only the pedal section 100 and handles 82 with relatives pedal-arms 41 , and also the control elements of the suction cup. The shell 138 is made up of a lower part 156, with a substantially rounded form, with edges 157 turned downwards that substantially cover the suction cup 144 and has, on its upper surface, a hole 158 that permits the control knob 150 and the manometer 151 to remain outside of the shell 138. The lower part 156 of the shell 138 extends upwards and obliquely into a back part 159, following the shape of the brackets 155 and of the hollow cylinder 154 to cover them. The shell 138 proceeds upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering the intermediary element 23, the nucleus of central movement 136, carrying the axle of the pedal section 100 (figure 35), the entire length of the rod 145, the two ring gears 163 with the connecting chain 170 (illustrated in figure 45) and the nucleus of central movement 136' of the handles 82. The shell 138 is formed preferably by two opposite shaped elements that are pressured in union and blocked by means of clips (not illustrated) that are inserted by springs onto the strut 29 (see figure 5) and on the rod 145. Figures 43 and 44 illustrate a lateral view and a perspective view of the example of figure 42, but without rod 145. The structure is similar of that of figures 39 and 40 and the shell 171 is basically similar to that of figure 42, but it is limited in the lower part relative to only the pedal section 100. During use of the mini-bike of the type illustrated in figures 39, 40 and 42, some oscillation of the rod 145 may be noted. According to a perfection of the invention, to eliminate this annoying movement, a support 149 has been inserted, indicated in figures 41 and 45, that illustrate the structure with and without the shell. The said support 149 is made up of two elements 139 and 143, that are connected to each other by means of a rapid fastener 147. The first element is made up of an arm 139, fixed at one extremity to the rod 145, by means of clamping element 140, which is clamp-like ,which at the other extremity it has a first hook 141 of the rapid fastener 147. The second element is made up of a support 143, which one extremity has a second hook 142 of the rapid fastener 147, which blocks it with the first hook 141 , and at the other extremity is fixed to the ground by means of a suction cup 146. In figure 45 is shown the connecting chain 170, between the two ring gears 163.

Figure 46 illustrates a further example of the invention. The structure of the mini exercise-bike is made up of a single body 164 which is rendered integral whit the suction cup element 131 , incorporating the longitudinal handle 129 (see figure 29) of union of the two suction cups. The nucleus of central movement 136 carrying the axle of the pedal section 100 (figure 35) is inserted on the single body 164 by means of screws in an opening 165 especially threaded.

Figure 47 is a lateral view of footwear 166 which may be applied to pedal 45, with mind to hold the users foot firmly in the pedal, with respect to the slipper 47, illustrated in figures 7 and 8.

The removable pedal cover 46 is inserted onto the pedal 45 in the same manner as illustrated in figures 1 and 2. The removable pedal cover 46 is similar to the one illustrated in figures 9, 10 and 27, but it is integral on the top, for example by welding, to a rigid plate 167, having a back edge 168 turned upwards, to allow the footwear 166 to the held into place, to prevent it the slipping backwards. To permit the use of footwear 166 of the users size, the footwear 166 is screwed onto the rigid plate 167 by means of bolts 169. The removable pedal cover 46 is blocked to the pedal 45 by hidden screws not visible in the drawing. Figure 48 shows an exploded view of the pedal section 100, in which the ring gear 60 is fixed solidly to the axle 35 of the pedal section 100, as shown in the figure 49, that is a cross-sectional view executed according a plan XLIX-XLIX. The pedal arm 41 is coupled to the nucleus of central movement 136, fixing it to the end of the carrying axle 35 of the pedal section 100. In the realizations of the present invention having a chain transmission, a small engine 148 may be inserted with some advantage, as shown in figure 50, connected to the mains or battery-powered, eventually having a remote- control 173 to regulate the speed of pedalling. Even in this case, as shown in figure 51 , the entire structure may be covered by a shell 172, which leaves free only the pedal section 100, the control elements 150 of the suction cup and the electrical parts. This present invention includes all these various variations in details and modifications that may seem obvious to a technician in this branch, but don't go beyond this invention, but are included in the following claims.

Claims

1. Exercise-bike characterised by the fact that it occupies a minimum space and that is made up of a pedal section (100) which by means of supporting elements is fixed to a resting surface.

2. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the means to fix it to a resting surface is a suction cup (10).

3. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the means to fix it to a resting surface is a base plate (64, 83).

4. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the supporting elements consist of a small bar (14) provided with a hollow small column (15) that is inserted between the rubber base (11) belonging to the suction cup (10) and its cylinder (12), that on the small bar (14), to embrace at its lower end the cylinder (12), is placed a U-shaped stirrup (17) with two lateral wings (18, 19), each containing a threaded hole (20, 21), that astride of the cylinder (12) is placed an intermediary element (23) constituted at the lower end of a upside-down U-shaped stirrup (24), with two wings (25, 26) each equipped with a hole in correspondence of the threaded holes (20, 21), thus permitting the tighten of screws (27, 28), that the upside-down U- shaped stirrup (24) is enbloc with a strut (29), which on the upper part has an U-shaped stirrup (30) perpendicular in respect to stirrup (24), the stirrup (30) having two lateral wings (31 , 32), both with threaded holes (33, 34), that on the U-shaped stirrup (30) rest a carrying axle (35) with pedal section (100), blocking into position thanks to an upside-down U-shaped stirrup (36), with two wings (37, 38) each having a hole corresponding with threaded holes (33, 34) permitting to screw the screws (39, 40).

5. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that on the pedals (45) of the pedal section (100) removable pedal covers (46) are fitted perfectly, on which slippers (47) are placed.

6. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 5, characterized in that the pedal covers (46) and the slippers (47) are provided with holes (48) to allows bolts (49) to fix them to the pedals (45).

7. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the slippers (47) have slots (50) for the passage of straps and have a raised heel rest (51).

8. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 5 characterized in that the pedal covers (46) have an element laterally with a nut screw (52) to screw it to the rod (53) which has a threaded lower part (54) and the other extremity has a handle (55).

9. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 8 characterized in that the upright rod (53) is realized in two pieces (56, 57) sliding into each other and blocking at the desired length with a blocking ring (58).

10. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 4, characterized in that between the wing (19) of the U-shaped stirrup (17) and the small bar (14) a small column (16) is inserted, similar to small column (15), with the upper edge (22) eventually bevelled.

11. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the screws (39, 40) are complemented by nuts (43, 44).

12. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 4, characterized in that the screws (27, 28) are long enough to press against the small bar (14).

13. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 4, characterized in that at the base of screws (27, 28) a nut has been attached.

14. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the suction cup used is commercially known as the "OCTOPUS SUPERFILTRO".

15. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that onto the axle of the pedals (45) of the pedal section (100) is inserted a handle (82) with possibly straps to fix the users hand.

16. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the shaft (59) of the pedal section (100) is blocked with a ring gear (60) that, by means of a chain (61), commands a pinion (62) pivoted onto a strut (29) and that on the said pinion (62) a flywheel (63) is mounted.

17. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100) is fixed by a stirrup (73) to an inclined support (74) which slides on a vertical stand (75), thanks to a terminal part (94) that encloses the vertical stand (75), and that the vertical stand (75) is blocked onto the suction cup (10) using two resting screws

(80) which, descending the two sides of the cylinder (12) of the suction cup (10), screw onto a stirrup (81), pushing against two plates (77) which have two slots (78) for the positioning astride of the two struts (79) of the suction cup (10).

18. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 17, characterized in that the terminal part (94) is fixed onto the vertical stand (75) by means of blocking screws (76) and that between the vertical stand (75) and the terminal part (94) a thickness (95) is inserted.

19. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 17, characterized in that two plates (77) are fixed using elastic straps.

20. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the pedal section (100) is joined to the base plate (64) using a support (67) that at the lower end is fixed to a plate (68) of a hinge (69) whose second plate (70) is blocked on the base plate (64).

21. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 3 and 20, characterized in that the screws (71) are inserted in the corresponding holes on the plate (68) when the support (67) is in an upright position for use and that in this position the plate (68) is held by nuts (72).

22. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 3 and 20, characterized in that the support (67) is joined to the base plate (64) by means of a spring attachment.

23. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the base plate (64) has an upturned edge (65) at the front and that has resting feet (66).

24. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the base plate (64) is of iron with a thickness of 5 mm.

25. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 3, characterized in that the base plate (83) is provided with a bridge-shaped part (84) made of two lateral vertical struts and of a horizontal bar on which is gripped a clasp (85), internally knurled, tightened by a bolt (86), the clasp (85) being the lower part of an inclined strut (87), on which runs a support (88) that at its upper part, thanks to a site (89) and to an opposite stirrup (90) can block the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

26. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 3, characterized in that a prop (91), that has at its upper end a hole (92) whose diameter is slightly superior to the external diameter of the inclined strut (87), is forced on the inclined strut (87), and that is fixed in the lower part by indentations (93) on the base plate (83).

27. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 25, characterized in that the support (88) in fixed to the inclined strut (87) by means of clamping screws (97) and that between the inclined strut (87) and the support (88) a thickness (96) is inserted.

28. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that a band is applied to the thigh, said band having a handle into which the hand may be inserted.

29. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the supporting strut (133) is made of a tubular strut (113) with threading (114, 115) at both ends, that on the inferior threaded end (114) a piece (112) is screwed, integral with a stirrup (111), and that an opposed stirrup (110), fixed by screws (119, 120), embraces a handle united by means of fixing to the resting surface, and that on the threaded top end (115) a part (117) integral with a stirrup (116) screws, and that an opposed stirrup (118), fixed with screws (122, 123), embrace the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

30. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 29, characterized in that the support structure is closed in a protective shell (137), made up of two opposite shaped elements (137', 137") that are pressurised in union on the supporting strut (133) with clamps that are inserted by spring on the strut (113).

31. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized in that an element is used with an only suction cup (144), with a control knob (150) and a manometer (151), that on its the upper part (153) is fixed the support structure of the pedal section (100) made up of an element (161) made by two brackets (155) united at their ends by a hollow cylinder (154), on which is gripped an intermediary element (23) on which is fastened the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100) by means a stirrup (36).

32. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 31 , characterized in that the suction cup (144) is of the type commercially known as the VACUUMCUP200.

33. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 31 , characterized in that on the support structure is mounted a rod (145) that has its lower extremity screwed onto a threaded tubular support (162), that is fixed enbloc onto the stirrup (36), being . fixed, in a similar manner, on the upper part of the rod (145) two handles (82), that are connected to the support structure by ring gears (163) and a connecting chain (170).

34. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 31 , characterized by the fact that the support structure and the suction cup are covered by a shell

(138) that is constituted by a lower part (156), with a substantially rounded form, with the edges (157) turned downwards that substantially cover the suction cup (144), that has on its upper surface a hole (158 ), that leaves at the outside of the shell (138) the control knob (150) and the manometer (151), extending its lower part (156) upwards and obliquely into a back part (159), following the shape of the elements of the brackets (155) and of the hollow cylinder (154) to cover them, then proceeding upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering the intermediary element (23), the nucleus of central movement (136) carrying the axle of the pedal section (100), the entire length of the rod (145), the two ring gears (163) with the connecting chain (170) and the nucleus of central movement (136') of the handles (82).

35. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 , 2 and 34, characterized by the fact that the shell ( 138) is formed by two opposite shaped elements pressured in union and blocked by means of clips inserted by spring onto the strut (29) and on the rod (145).

36. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 33, characterized by the fact that the support structure and the suction cup are covered by a shell (171) that is formed by a lower part (156), with a substantially rounded form, with the edges (157) turned downwards that substantially cover the suction cup (144) that has on its upper surface a hole (158) that leaves at the outside of the shell (138) the control knob (150) and the manometer (151) extending its lower part (156) upwards and obliquely into a back part (159), following the shape of the elements of the brackets (155) and of the hollow cylinder (154) to cover them, then proceeding upwards with a basically parallelepiped form covering the intermediary element (23) and the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

37. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 33, characterized by the fact that on the rod (145) is inserted a support (149) made up of two elements (139, 143), that are connected to each other by means of a rapid fastener (147), the first element being made up of an arm (139), fixed at one extremity to the rod (145) by means of a clamping element (140), which is clamping like, which at the other extremity have a first hook (141) of the a rapid fastener (147), the second element is made up of a support (143), which at one extremity has a second hook (142) of the rapid fastener (147) which blocks it with the first hook (141) and the other extremity is fixed to the ground by means of a suction cup (146).

38. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the structure of the mini exercise-bike is made up of a single body (164) which is integral with the suction cup element (131) incorporating the handle (129) of union of the two suction cups, and that the single body (164) has a threaded opening (165) to which the nucleus of central movement (136) carrying the axle of the pedal section (100) will be screwed.

39. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that onto the pedals (45) is applied a footwear (166) by means a removable pedal cover (46), inserted onto the pedal (45), the removable pedal cover (46) on its upper part has a rigid plate (167), having a back edge (168) turned upwards, on the rigid plate (167) there being screwed the footwear (166) by means of bolts (169), being the removable pedal cover (46) blocked to the pedal (45) by screws.

40. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterized by the fact that the ring gear (60) is fixed solidly to the axle (35) of the pedal section (100) and that the pedal arm (41) is coupled to the nucleus of central movement (136), fixing it to the end of the carrying axle (35) of the pedal section (100).

41. Exercise-bike as claimed in claim 1, characterized by the fact that there a small engine (148) is inserted, connected to the mains or battery- powered, eventually having a remote control (173).

42. Exercise-bike as claimed in claims 1 and 41 , characterized by the fact that the entire structure is covered by a shell (172), that leaves free only the pedal section (100), the control elements (150) of the suction cup and the electrical parts.