WO2022113035A1

WO2022113035A1 - Cycle ergometer

Info

Publication number: WO2022113035A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/061062
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silvia Giuseppa Privitera
Original assignee: Alternative Diversified Allocation Capital Srl
Priority date: 2020-11-30
Filing date: 2021-11-29
Publication date: 2022-06-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cycle ergometer, in particular a static bicycle, which generally comprises a seat for a user and a pair of pedals associated to an inertial braking device, therewith the user can exert pedalling with a control of the effort made; the cycle ergometer then is an instrument suitable to be used for example both by healthy people and by people with pathologies of various nature, requiring a training and/or rehabilitation form. The cycle ergometer comprises: a columnar element, extending vertically from a base according to a vertical axis; a seat, apt to receive a user facing frontally towards the columnar element in a prefixed position, which can move along a predefined direction, approaching or moving away from said columnar element; a pair of cycling pedals and respective crankarms, associated to an inertial braking device, defining a pedalling plane perpendicular to the axis of pedals; and a tilting actuator, connected to said columnar element and adjustable in height therealong, thereon the pair of pedals is mounted, wherein said tilting actuator allows the side tilting of the pair of pedals with an angle variable between said pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element.

Description

Cycle ergometer Description

The present invention relates to a cycle ergometer, in particular to a static bicycle, which generally comprises a seat for a user and a pair of pedals associated to an inertial braking device, therewith the user can exert pedalling with a control of the effort made; the cycle ergometer then is an instrument suitable to be used for example both by healthy people and by people with pathologies of various nature, requiring a training and/or rehabilitation form. Currently, in the field of machines for the multifunctional training, in particular machines for in-door training or more generally a fixed location, specific needs of athletes, patients in rehabilitating phase, pregnant women and older people are neglected.

In particular, the static bicycles, commonly known to the state of art with the trade name of "cyclette", are not suitable for those who have problems to the lymphatic and vascular system; to this category not only people with chronic conditions belong, but even pregnant women with a particular temporary clinic condition.

Another group of perfectly healthy people requiring particular attentions in the fitness care are athletes. In the heating phase, or after a training, it is necessary to activate muscles without fatiguing the lymphatic and circulatory system and without burdening on the skeletal system, in particular on the vertebral column.

Up to now there are two main types of static bicycles: the classical one, which can be defined vertical and the horizontal static bicycle.

The vertical static bicycle reproduces an out-door bicycle, and its main purpose has always been to allow performing of physical activity to all people who, for reasons of lack of time or preference, have not the will and/or possibility to train outdoors. Disadvantageously, such vertical bicycles are not suitable for older people, who may have difficulties in getting on the bicycle even before incurring in problems due to the posture. They are not suitable for all people who have problems in the lymphatic and circulatory system, since the forward tilted torso position reduces the blood and liquid flow; moreover, the gravity does not ease the venous return, by making this type of physical activity difficult, unpleasant or even dangerous.

Moreover, in the vertical static bicycle, the lack of a support for the back is noted, in particular for the lumbar region which is the one most subjected to stresses during training. This limits the use of the vertical bicycle for all people with low back pains, hernia or general problems to the column. In case there is a backrest, usually this is not adjustable, and it is stiff, by preventing from assuming a position comfortable for the user. The other type of static bicycle known to the state of art is the horizontal bicycle. This machine, in which the pedals are raised more or less at the level of the user's pelvis, is generally equipped with a movable ergonomic seat which allows to adjust the distance between the pedals and the seat depending upon the user's physical features. Despite this type of bicycle is more suitable and comfortable for those having back problems, not providing the position of the torso bent forward, and then reducing the circulation and lymphatic problems, it is not yet a machine suitable to all categories of people and which allows a training with antigravitational exercises, and it does not allow to assume a position of complete discharge of the lower limbs.

Moreover, no static bicycle on the market allows to assume a supine position, with the back parallel to the ground, position which would allow the patient to stretch wholly the column and the back. Moreover, the static bicycles known to the state of art do not allow to adjust the tilting of the backrest from 90° to 180°, to go from a sitting position to a supine position. Moreover, often these machines do not allow to seat easily since they have an element which is about 50cm high in continuity between the pedals and the sitting portion, which hinders older people or with mobility problems, which are forced to raise the leg and climb over this element. Many known vertical or horizontal static bicycles provide a touch screen or a screen with buttons, fixed and integral to a supporting element which is positioned, in case of the vertical bicycle, above the handlebar and, in case of the horizontal bicycle, above the flywheel.

However, the screen is fixed, and it does not suit to the user's position. For example, in the horizontal bicycle, very tall people could find at a distance so as not to be able to easily touch the screen or the buttons or, worse, as not to see clearly the shown information.

Alternatively, very short people could have the latter problem, perhaps due to an unfavourable angulation.

At last, no one of the bicycles known in the art provides a fractioned reclinable backrest which makes possible tilting the different back's portions depending upon the needs and allowing to train with antigravitational exercises.

Apart from these two types of static bicycles, in the state of art there are other multifunctional training devices, such as for example the one shown in the US patent Nr. 2016/082311 Al.

Said multifunctional training device provides a configuration for horizontal static bicycle, a configuration for vertical static bicycle and a configuration for cycle ergometer for upper limbs.

In this device the pedals or knobs, and the respective crankarms can move only vertically and by varying their distance from the user, but they cannot move on planes substantially in front of the user.

In conclusion, from examining the state of art it appears that cycle ergometers are not provided allowing to carry out antigravitational exercises which provide not only the training of the lower limbs, but even of the muscles of the so-called core, that is the central section of the body (thorax, chest, abdomen, back and pelvis) which comprises several muscles with relatively limited sizes and which stretch both at surface level and in depth, without burdening on the skeletal system, in particular on the user's column.

The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide a cycle ergometer allowing to obviate to the drawback mentioned with reference to the known art.

According to a main aspect of the invention, defined in the enclosed claim 1, such problem is solved by a cycle ergometer comprising a columnar element, extending vertically from a base according to a vertical axis; a seat, apt to receive a user facing frontally towards the columnar element in a prefixed position, which can move along a predefined direction, approaching or moving away from said columnar element; a pair of cycling pedals and respective crankarms, associated to an inertial braking device, defining a pedalling plane perpendicular to the axis of pedals; a tilting actuator, connected to said columnar element and adjustable in height therealong, thereon the pair of pedals is mounted.

In the cycle ergometer according to the invention, said tilting actuator allows the side tilting of the pair of pedals with an angle (y) variable between said pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element. The main advantage of said cycle ergometer according to the present invention lies in the fact of allowing the user to be able to move vertically the pedals along the columnar element, to carry out even antigravitational exercises and at the same time to be able to move the legs from one side to the other one of the torso by performing a more complete physical training, which trains both legs and core, apart from functional to many sports.

The fact of performing antigravitational exercises eases the operation of the circulatory and lymphatic system by guaranteeing muscle training.

Preferably, the side tilting angle of the pedals is comprised between ±60°.

Preferably, this type of motion of the pedals is possible thanks to a tilting actuator consisting of a first and a second leverage and which moves as a double pendulum.

Alternatively, the shifting along a side tilting angle of the pedals would be possible by making to slide an element comprising the pedals along an arc-shaped track, connected centrally to the columnar element and which can be moved vertically along the columnar element.

Facultatively, said inertial braking device can vary its resistance to pedalling. Preferably, said braking device is a servomotor interposed directly between the crankarms of said pedals, and it is supported by the first and the second leverage which can be articulated between each other by means of a respective first and second coupling joint. Preferably, the above-mentioned coupling joints can consist of respective servomotors, alternatively they can be simply friction-resistant elements.

The inertial braking device could further be formed by a flywheel integral with the base of the cycle ergometer, thus connected to the pedals with a series of mechanical transmissions.

The seat in turn can include a sitting portion, a backrest and a headrest, and the backrest can be connected to said sitting portion through a first joint which makes it reclinable, whereas the headrest is connected to said backrest through a second joint therefore it can be tilted with respect to the backrest.

From the components and the above-shown features one can understand that the presence of a fractioned seat, allowing the adjustments of the portions thereof it consists, guarantees an ergonomic shape which adapts to the user's needs and guarantees the maximum comfort. For example, a pregnant woman could wish to recline the backrest beyond the standard position, in which it is substantially perpendicular to the ground, in order not to push on the abdomen while pedalling, apart from favouring circulation, but she would have her head slightly tilted forwards to look around. The backrest is reclinable as far as a substantially horizontal position, parallel to the ground, in which it is aligned with the sitting portion.

This position of the backrest, coupled with the positioning of the pedals above the geometric plane defined by the sitting portion, allows to perform antigravitational exercises which ease the venous return in the limbs and allow not to burden on the vertebral column and on the joints.

Moreover, this type of antigravitational exercises is particularly suitable for people with problems to the lymphatic and circulatory system, both under pathological and healthy conditions.

Preferably, the cycle ergometer comprises a supporting element of the seat extending from said base, in front of the columnar element and which in turn comprises a movable portion and a fixed portion; said movable portion being tiltable through a sitting portion actuator; the fixed portion and the movable portion are connected though a hinge which allows the tilting of the movable portion. Thanks to the presence of the hinge and of the sitting portion actuator, the whole seat can be reclined forward or rearward, independently from the tilting of the backrest and of the headrest. The forward tilting of the seat could be advantageous in helping an older person to get up from the cycle ergometer, apart from performing specific training for athletes. The backward tilting of the seat allows to adapt the seat to half- antigravitational configurations with the more or less erected back. Moreover, the fact of having the tiltable seat allows to perform the exercises with the sitting portion coplanar to the pedals, by making the training still more comfortable.

Preferably, the seat is between 40 cm and 70 cm from the ground.

Optionally, the sitting portion and the headrest are removable.

The removal of the sitting portion allows to make the athletes to perform a very effective and training exercise, which provides the supine position, with the raised legs and then the pedals above the plane of the sitting portion and to rest only on the back, having the buttocks raised and contracted.

Considering the several positions which one can assume with said cycle ergometer, some thereof could make it difficult to keep the feet integral with the pedals, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, they are equipped with a first band blocking the midfoot and a posterior support of the heel therefrom a second band, blocking the ankle, extends.

Said pedals, for example, can be at a height from the ground comprised between 40 cm and 150 cm.

In the configuration in which the pedals are at greater distance from the ground, the pedals can be replaced by the knobs and the cycle ergometer can be used as cycle ergometer for upper limbs.

The cycle ergometer comprises a sliding runner, thereon said seat is assembled, and an actuator, in case a motorized actuator, which is arranged to adjust the position of the runner with respect to the pedals.

The cycle ergometer is also provided with a support for a displaying device, and with an articulated arm having a first end connected to the runner and a second end having a spherical joint fixed to the support for a displaying device, so as to be able to keep the displaying device always facing the user and at the optimum distance therefrom, so that the user could interact therewith in optimum way.

Said device can be integrated in the cycle ergometer or it can be a portable device, for example a mobile phone or a tablet capable of connecting to the cycle ergometer through Wi-Fi^® or Bluetooth^®. Said portable devices could be equipped with an application with which it is possible to monitor the parameters of the cycle ergometer and of the user and to set the parameters of the cycle ergometer. An additional advantage of the present invention is given by the fact that, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the base has a maximum height of 10 cm and a minimum distance between the seat supporting element and the columnar element comprised between 60 cm and 130 cm. This configuration guarantees an easy sitting even for the older people or people with mobility problems, which can have difficulty in raising the legs to climb over possibly higher bases.

Preferably, said columnar element includes a vertical actuator to move vertically the tilting actuator, the respective crankarms and the respective pedals.

Alternatively, said columnar element is telescopic and includes said vertical actuator to vary its own height, the tilting actuator being fixed at one end of the columnar element distal from the ground.

Preferably, the cycle ergometer even comprises a control unit for controlling the parameters of said cycle ergometer and its user.

Preferably, the control unit is connected electronically to the runner, and it activates the motion thereof along a predefined direction approaching or moving away from said columnar element; to the sitting portion actuator, allowing the tilting of the seat; to the vertical actuator and to the tilting actuator thereof it activates the motion between the pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element.

Said control unit preferably can be consulted and set by means of the displaying device. Preferably, the resistance of the inertial braking device is controlled by the control unit and it can be adjusted through the displaying device.

Alternatively, said control unit is also connected to a proximal joystick on one side of the sitting portion and integral with the runner. Said joystick, for example, allows to move the seat along a predetermined direction approaching or moving away from the columnar element, the sitting portion actuator, the vertical actuator, the tilting actuator.

Preferably, said cycle ergometer even comprises at least two wheels placed on the base, which in case can be extracted.

Preferably, said cycle ergometer comprises reclinable armrests, to support the arms during an exercise, and/or handles integral with the runner placed on the sides of the sitting portion, which allow the user to have greater stability while performing some exercises.

Therefore, considering the great adaptability of the cycle ergometer some working positions which the users can assume for example are:

• like a L, with the straight back and the horizontal legs;

• like an acute angle, with the straight back and the legs tilted upwards;

• supine, with the wholly reclined backrest and the legs horizontal;

• like an obtuse angle, with the stretched back and the legs up, or with the tilted back and the horizontal legs, going through all possible intermediate configurations, so as to allow the optimum working mode for the users.

According to an additional aspect thereof, the present invention provides a method for the physical training of people, in particular pregnant women, people with problems to the lymphatic and/or circulatory system and athletes, which does not damage the organism, does not burden on the vertebral column and on the joints of the lower limbs by means of the cycle ergometer as described, comprising the following steps of: a) positioning the cycle ergometer by moving it using the at least two wheels; b) seating on the cycle ergometer; c) switching-on the cycle ergometer from the displaying device of the control unit; d) setting the height of the pedals from the displaying device of the control unit; e) adjusting the tilting of the pedals from the displaying device of the control unit; f) adjusting the tilting of the seat from the displaying device of the control unit; g) positioning the feet in the pedals and blocking them by using the first and second band; h) positioning the displaying device according to his/her own preferences; i) programming the exercise from the displaying device of the control unit; j) repeating the procedures from (d) to (i) for each new exercise.

Optionally, after step (g.), it is possible to extract the sitting portion. The cycle ergometer of the invention is an extremely versatile instrument, suitable for athletes and healthy people who want to perform functional exercises allowing to train the legs, by assuming a sitting position, a supine position or any intermediate position; to train the lower limbs and the core muscles, by varying the tilting of the pedals, always assuming the back position more comfortable for them; to train the legs, the core muscles and the buttocks, the latter in particular, by removing the sitting portion and having the buttock and sacrum portion suspended.

The present invention will be described hereinafter according to a preferred embodiment example thereof, provided by way of example and not for limitative purpose with reference to the enclosed drawings wherein:

* figure 1 shows a side view of the cycle ergometer according to the invention;

* figure 2 shows a top view of the cycle ergometer according to the invention;

* figure 3 shows a perspective view of the cycle ergometer according to the invention;

* figure 4 shows a rear view of the cycle ergometer according to the invention; * figure 5 shows the tilting actuator according to the invention;

* figure 6 shows a pedal of the cycle ergometer according to the invention; and

* figure 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the cycle ergometer according to the invention.

In a first aspect thereof with reference to the figures, the present invention relates to a cycle ergometer 1 comprising a columnar element 15, extending vertically from a base 2 according to a vertical axis; a seat 4, apt to receive a user facing frontally towards the columnar element 15 in a prefixed position, which can move along a predefined direction, approaching or moving away from said columnar element 15; a pair of cycling pedals 18 and respective crankarms 17, associated to an inertial braking device 31, defining a pedalling plane perpendicular to the axis of pedals 18; a tilting actuator 19, connected to said columnar element 15 and adjustable in height therealong, thereon the pair of pedals 18 is mounted.

Said tilting actuator 19 allows the side tilting of the pair of pedals 18 with an angle y variable between said pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element. Preferably, said base 2 is extended longitudinally and at its ends it has stability elements 8 substantially perpendicular thereto.

Said seat 4 in turn comprises a sitting portion 5, a backrest 10 and a headrest 12, wherein said backrest 10 connected to said sitting portion 5 through a first joint which makes it reclinable with respect to said sitting portion 5, and said headrest 12 is connected to said backrest 10 through a second joint which makes it tiltable with respect to said backrest 10.

In the present embodiment, said backrest 10 comprises two armrests 14 reclinable on the sides thereof.

The sitting portion 5 and the headrest 12 are removable, and the backrest 10 is tiltable as far as a substantially horizontal configuration.

The cycle ergometer 1 also comprises a seat supporting element 3 extending from said base 2, in front of the columnar element 15 and which in turn comprises a movable portion 3a and a fixed portion 3b; said movable portion 3a being tiltable through a sitting portion actuator 6; the fixed portion 3c and the movable portion 3b are connected though a hinge 7 which allows the tilting of the movable portion 3b.

Optionally, such seat support 3 could be coated with any type of profile, made of any material; moreover, it could be decorated with logos, inscriptions and advertisement.

Moreover, it comprises a support for a displaying device, thereon a displaying device 25 is mounted; a sliding runner 9 thereon said seat 4 is mounted; an articulated arm 21 having a first end 20 connected to the runner 9 and a second end 22 having a spherical joint 23 with the attached support for a displaying device 24 for a displaying device 25, so as to keep the displaying device 25 always facing the user.

In the present preferred embodiment, the displaying device 25 is integrated in its support for a displaying device 24. As represented in figure 3, on the sides of the sitting portion 5, integral with the runner 9 the cycle ergometer comprises two handles 13.

Said pedals 18 are equipped with a first band 27 blocking the midfoot and a rear support 26 of the heel therefrom a second band 28, blocking the ankle, extends and they can be at a height from the ground comprised between 40 cm and 150 cm.

The base 2 has a maximum height of 10 cm and a minimum distance between the supporting element 3 of the seat 4 and the columnar element 15 comprised between 60 cm and 130 cm and at both ends thereof it has two retractable wheels 29, to ease the shifting of the cycle ergometer 1.

Said columnar element 15 includes a vertical actuator to move vertically the tilting actuator 19, the respective crankarms 17 and the respective pedals 18.

The cycle ergometer 1, moreover, comprises a control unit for controlling the parameters of said cycle ergometer 1 and of its user; the control unit is connected electronically to the runner 9, by activating the motion thereof along a predefined direction approaching or moving away from said columnar element 15; to the sitting portion actuator 6, allowing the tilting of the seat 4; to the vertical actuator; to the tilting actuator 19, by moving it between the pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element 15.

Said control unit can be consulted and set through the displaying device 25. As shown in particular in figure 3, said tilting actuator 19 according to this preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a mechanical shaft 32 suitable to rotate around an axis parallel to the ground, a first leverage 33, a second leverage 34, a first coupling joint 35, a second coupling joint 36. Said mechanical shaft 32 is connected at a distal end thereof to an inertial braking device 31 and at a proximal end thereof to the first leverage 33. Said first leverage 33 is connected at a distal end thereof to the mechanical shaft 32 and at the proximal end thereof to the second leverage 34, through a first coupling joint 35. Said first coupling joint 35 is suitable to allow the tilting of the first leverage 33 with respect to the second leverage 34. Said second leverage 34 is connected at a distal end thereof to the first coupling joint 35 and at a proximal end thereof to the columnar element 15 through a second coupling joint 36 which allows the swinging of the first leverage 33 on a geometrical plane perpendicular to the ground and substantially in front of the seat 4. Said second coupling joint 36 is movable vertically along the columnar element 15. The terms distal and proximal are meant with respect to the columnar element 15.

According to some preferred embodiments of the invention shown in the figures, the inertial braking device 31 is a servomotor interposed between said pedals 18 and connected electronically to said control unit.

Preferably, in the configuration in which the inertial braking device 31 is a servomotor, the coupling joints 35, 36 too are servomotors connected electronically to said control unit; alternatively, they are resistant elements.

Preferably, said resistant elements are sensorized with a load cell which disengages the coupling joints 35, 36 if a force, which overcomes a predetermined value, is applied.

Advantageously, the cycle ergometer 1 of the invention allows to be able to work by controlling the column position, by working even unloaded, but making muscle, articular, vascular and lymphatic exercise.

Alternatively, according to some embodiments of the invention as in figure 7, said columnar element 15 comprises, near the base 2, an extension 16 which can include a possible flywheel connected through transmissions to said pedals 18, a counterweight, a stereo and/or light system.

To the above-described cycle ergometer a person skilled in the art, with the purpose of satisfying additional and contingent needs, could introduce several additional modifications and variants, however all comprised within the protective scope of the present invention, as defined by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. A cycle ergometer (1), of the static bicycle type, comprising:

• a columnar element (15), extending vertically from a base (2) according to a vertical axis;

• a seat (4), apt to receive a user facing frontally towards the columnar element (15) in a prefixed position, which can move along a predefined direction, approaching or moving away from said columnar element (15);

• a pair of cycling pedals (18) and of respective crankarms (17), associated to an inertial braking device (31), defining a pedalling plane perpendicular to the axis of pedals (18);

• a tilting actuator (19), connected to said columnar element (15) and adjustable in height therealong, thereon the pair of pedals (18) is mounted, wherein said tilting actuator (19) allows the side tilting of the pair of pedals (18) with an angle (y) variable between said pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element (15).

2. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claim 1, wherein the seat (4) in turn comprises a sitting portion (5), a backrest (10) and a headrest (12), and wherein said backrest (10) connected to said sitting portion (5) through a first joint which makes it reclinable with respect to said sitting portion (5), and said headrest (12) is connected to said backrest (10) through a second joint which makes it tiltable with respect to said backrest (10).

3. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an element (3) supporting the seat (4) extending from said base (2), in front of the columnar element (15) and which in turn comprises a movable portion (3a) and a fixed portion (3b); said movable portion (3a) being tiltable through a sitting portion actuator (6); the fixed portion (3b) and the movable portion (3a) are connected though a hinge (7) allowing the tilting of the movable portion (3a).

4. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: • a support (24) for a displaying device (25);

• a sliding runner (9) thereon said seat (4) is mounted;

• an articulated arm (21) having a first end (20) connected to the runner (9) and a second end (22) having a spherical joint (23) with the attached support (24) for a displaying device (25), so as to keep the displaying device (25) always facing the user.

5. The cycle ergometer (1) according to the preceding claims, wherein the pedals (18) are equipped with a first band (27) blocking the midfoot and a posterior support of the heel (26) therefrom a second band (28), blocking the ankle, extends.

6. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the pair of the pedals (18) is at a height from the ground comprised between 40 cm and 150 cm.

7. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claim 3, wherein said base (2) has a maximum height of 10 cm and a minimum distance between the element (3) supporting the seat (4) and the columnar element (15) comprised between 60 cm and 130 cm.

8. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tilting actuator (19) comprises

• a mechanical shaft (32) suitable to rotate around an axis parallel to the ground;

• a first leverage (33);

• a second leverage (34);

• a first coupling joint (35);

• a second coupling joint (36); said mechanical shaft (32) connected at a distal end thereof to an inertial braking device (31) and at a proximal end thereof to the first leverage (33); said first leverage (33) connected at a distal end thereof to the mechanical shaft (32) and at a proximal end thereof to the second leverage (34), through a first coupling joint (35); said first coupling joint (35) suitable to allow the tilting of the first leverage (33) with respect to the second leverage (34); said second leverage (34) connected at a distal end thereof to the first coupling joint (35) and at a proximal end thereof to the columnar element (15) through a second coupling joint (36) which allows the swinging of the first leverage (33) on a geometrical plane perpendicular to the ground and substantially in front of the seat (4); such second coupling joint (36) being movable vertically along the columnar element (15); the terms distal and proximal are meant with respect to the columnar element (15).

9. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claim 8, wherein the inertial braking device (31) is a servomotor interposed between the pedals (18) and electronically connected to said control unit.

10. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the coupling joints (35, 36) are servomotors electronically connected to the control unit.

11. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the coupling joints (35, 36) are resistant elements; each resistant elements being sensorized with a load cell, which disengages them if a force exceeding a predetermined value is applied on said joints.

12. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said columnar element (15) includes a vertical actuator to move vertically the tilting actuator (19), the respective crankarms (31) and the respective pedals (18).

13. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said columnar element (15) is telescopic and includes said vertical actuator to vary its own height, the tilting actuator (19) being fixed at one end of the columnar element (15) distal from the ground.

14. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claims 12 or 13 comprising a control unit for controlling the parameters of said cycle ergometer (1) and of his/her user; the control unit being connected electronically:

• to the runner (9), by activating the motion thereof along a predefined direction approaching or moving away from said columnar element (15); · to the sitting portion actuator (6), allowing the tilting of the seat (4);

• to the vertical actuator;

• to the tilting actuator (19) by moving it between the pedalling plane and the vertical axis of the columnar element (15).

15. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit can be consulted and set through the displaying device (25).

16. The cycle ergometer (1) according to claim 14 comprising a proximal joystick on one side of the sitting portion (4) and integral with the runner (9), such joystick being connected to the control unit and thus allowing to move the seat (4) along a predetermined direction approaching or moving away from the columnar element (15), the sitting portion actuator (6), the vertical actuator, the tilting actuator (19).

17. The cycle ergometer (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sitting portion (5) and/or the headrest (12) are removable, and the backrest (10) is tiltable as far as a substantially horizontal configuration.