CA2811911A1 - Rowing simulator - Google Patents

Abstract

A rowing apparatus having a frame, a seat slidably mounted on the frame, an outrigger for receiving oars, a drive mechanism coupled to the outrigger to translate the force applied to the oars to a flywheel having resistance means. The rowing apparatus having a one-way clutch for unidirectional rotary drive of the flywheel, and allowing for operation in a sweeping mode or a sculling mode, whereby the opposing motions of the oars are combined into a single motion to drive the flywheel, thus mimicking the true action of rowing a boat on water.

Description

ROWING SIMULATOR
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
100011 The present invention relates to exercise or training equipment, and more particularly it relates a rowing apparatus for simulating sculling and sweeping.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] Stationary exercise machines are well known in the art. Examples of such machines include stationary rowing machines which simulate rowing. A typical stationary rowing machine includes a flywheel having a plurality of fan-type blades. A
handle is connected to the flywheel via a chain or belt, and propels the flywheel when pulled. When the flywheel rotates, the blades encounter air resistance which tends to decelerate the flywheel. Such wind-drag type stationary rowing units are complicated, bulky, expensive, and noisy due to the blades.

[0003] It is thus an object of the present invention to mitigate or obviate at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In one of its aspects, the invention provides a rowing apparatus having a frame, a seat slidably mounted on the frame, an outrigger for receiving oars, a drive mechanism coupled to the outrigger to translate the force applied to the oars to a flywheel having resistance means, the rowing apparatus having a one-way clutch for unidirectional rotary drive of the flywheel, and allowing for operation in a sweeping mode or a sculling mode, whereby the opposing motions of the oars are combined into a single motion to drive the flywheel, thus mimicking the true action of rowing a boat on water.

[0005] Advantageously, the apparatus is easily adaptable to simulate the sweeping or sculling rowing motion characteristics of a rowing or sculling shell, and imparts a resistance to the pull of oars similar to that experienced in actual rowing on water. In addition, the rowing apparatus is less complex in design and relatively inexpensive. Another feature of the apparatus is that actual oars may be used, and these oars may be ejected from the oar locks when an improper rowing form is performed by the rower.

[0006] Another advantage of one aspect of the invention is that the resistance means is provided by a permanent magnetic brake. Therefore, the drive mechanism can operate without an external power source, actuator or controls, and the permanent magnetic brake does not include any contacting or wearing parts, or friction elements, and is relatively quiet compared to the prior art rowing machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Several preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0008] Figure 1 a shows a top view of an exemplary rowing apparatus according to an embodiment of this invention;

[0009] Figure lb shows a side view of the rowing apparatus;

[0010] Figure lc shows a back view of the rowing apparatus;

[0011] Figure 2a shows a side view of a bracket for coupling an oar lock to an outrigger;

[0012] Figure 2b shows a top view of the bracket of Figure 2a;

[0013] Figure 2c shows front top view of the bracket of Figure 2a;

[0014] Figures 3a and 3b show an exemplary oar for use with the rowing apparatus;

[0015] Figures 4a and 4b show an exemplary chain arrangement of a drive mechanism;

[0016] Figures 5a and 5b show the rowing apparatus in a sculling configuration; and [0017] Figures 5c and 5d show the rowing apparatus in a sweeping configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention herein makes reference to the accompanying block diagrams and schematic diagrams, which show the exemplary embodiment by way of illustration and its best mode. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.

[0019] Figures la to lc show an exemplary rowing simulator apparatus 10 having a horizontal frame identified generally by the reference numeral 12, resting upon a front transverse foot 14 adjacent the proximal end of the frame 12, and a rear transverse foot 16 adjacent the distal end of the frame 12. The transverse feet 14 and 16 rest on a ground plane and minimize any rocking motion of the apparatus 10 when in operation. The frame 12 comprises at least one longitudinal track 18 having a seat 20 moveably mounted thereon for smooth, continuous back and forth movement. Accordingly, the seat 20 includes rollers 22 engaging the track 18. Extending from the front transverse foot 14 is a horizontal member 24 having a pair of adjustable foot rests 26, 28 mounted at opposite sides at one end of the horizontal member 24. For added stability, the end of the horizontal member 24 comprises another transverse foot 30. The horizontal frame 12 is inclined, such that the distal end of the frame 12 is positioned higher than the proximal end of the frame 12, relative to the ground plane. Accordingly, the track 18 is also inclined at the same angle as the frame 12, by virtue of being disposed thereon. The inclination angle of the track 18 facilitates return of the seat 20 to the starting position of the rowing stroke, and provides a balanced exercise motion which simulates a smooth, continuous rowing motion. In the preferred embodiment, the inclination angle of the track 18 is 5 .

[0020] The frame 12 also comprises a modified rowing outrigger 32 fixedly mounted between the midpoint and the distal end of frame 12, as shown in Figure la.
Also mounted adjacent the distal end of the frame 12 is a horizontal flywheel assembly 34 having a flywheel 35 with resistance means, as part of a drive mechanism 36, as shown in detail in Figure 4a. The flywheel 35 is mounted on a suitable shaft/bearing combination.
The drive mechanism 36 further includes central sprockets 38, 39 rotating about a common axis, a pair of sprockets 40, 42 rotatably mounted to the outrigger 32, and an endless chain 43 extending from the flywheel assembly 34 to sprocket 40 and back to sprocket 38, then to sprocket 42 and back to sprocket 39, and finally to the flywheel 35. The outrigger 32 includes a pair of oar locks 45, 46 comprising oar cradles 47, 48 pivotally attached thereto, for receiving a pair of oars 49, 50, as shown in Figure 5a. Each of the oar cradles 47 or 48 is generally U-shaped comprising a base 51 with a pair of upwardly-projecting yoke-arms which retain the oars 49, 50. The oar cradles 47, 48 are provided with rotational freedom about the outrigger 32, and are connected to the sprockets 40, 42 such that the pulling action on the oars 49, 50 by a rower 52 is imparted to the drive mechanism 36 to cause rotation of the flywheel 35, as shown in Figure 4a.

[0021] Looking at Figure 1 b, the outrigger 32 comprises two arcuate, tubular arms 53, 54, with arm 53 being joined to arm 54. Relative to the ground plane, arm 53 is joined to the underside of arm 54 and adjacent to the ends of arms 53, 54 at points 56, 58.
Generally, the tubular arms 53, 54 are separately affixed to about the mid-point of the frame 12. As can be seen in Figure lc, the tubular arms 53, 54 extend upward away from the frame 12 to provide sufficient clearance between the sprockets 40, 42 and the ground plane, and to place the oar cradles 47, 48 at the desired rowing position relative to the seated rower 52. A pair of C-shaped brackets 60, 62 is releasably attached to the ends of arm 53 or 54, and these brackets 60, 62 receive drive-shafts 64, 66 extending from the base 51 of oar cradles 47, 48, as shown in Figures 2a to 2c. Accordingly, bracket 60 or 62 comprises two slots for guiding the drive-shaft 64 or 66 from the base 51 of oar cradles 47, 48 to the sprocket 40 or 42. At least one washer may be included between the base 51 and the brackets 60, 62 and between the sprocket 40, 42 and the brackets 60, 62. As shown in Figure 2a, disposed at the opening of each end of the tubular arm 54 is a disc-plate 67 having an elongate slot 68 formed therein. Each bracket 60 or 62 includes a pin 69 to releasably engage the slot 68 to secure or unsecure the bracket 60 or 62 to the tubular arm 54 of the outrigger 32. For example, when the pin 69 is engaged with slot 68, then the rowing apparatus 10 is operable in a sculling mode, and when the pin 69 is disengaged from the slot 68 then the rowing apparatus 10 is operable in a sweeping mode.
Accordingly, the rowing apparatus 10 can be easily adapted to operate in a sculling or sweeping mode. Also the C-shaped brackets 60, 62 are adjustable in a horizontal plane to allow for the different spreads or widths when used in a sculling or sweeping mode.

[0022] In more detail, the oar 49 or 50 is an elongate member comprising an oar handle 70 at one end, and a blade 72 at the other end, and a double oar collar therebetween, as shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The double oar collar 74 is received by the oar cradle 47, and the oar 49 is retained within the oar cradle 47 through the various rowing stages, but may be ejected from the oar cradle 47 when an improper rowing form is being performed, as occurs in actual, non-simulated rowing. Conventional oars 49, 50 may be used with the apparatus 10, however, shortened conventional oars 49, 50 dimensioned to fit the rowing apparatus 10's dimensions may also be suitable.

[0023] The flywheel assembly 34 further comprises a one-way clutch (not shown) and the resistance means, such as a magnetic break 75 comprising at least one permanent magnet. The one-way clutch allows for unidirectional rotary drive of the flywheel 35, while the magnetic break 75 provides resistance to the rower 52. The magnetic brake 75 thus =
provides low maintenance braking without the need for external power sources, actuators or controls.
100241 The rotational motion of the flywheel mechanism 34 in combination with the magnetic break 75 simulates the resistance forces that slow down an actual boat moving in a fluid, such as skin drag, due to friction between the hull entraining water along with the hull; form drag, due to turbulence created by the passage of the hull; and wave drag, due to energy lost in creating waves. Accordingly, the rowing apparatus 10 duplicates the typical arrangement of a rowing boat and can thus be used to teach rowing techniques, for training or as exercise or for measuring and recording individual performance.
100251 Figures 4a and 4b show the loop arrangement of the drive chain 43 comprising sprockets 38, 39, 40, 42, and the flywheel 35. The arrows indicate the direction of motion of the drive chain 43 when the oars 49, 50 are stroked or pulled. The sprockets 38, 39, 40, 42, and the flywheel 35 may each include at least one flange (not shown) to maintain the engagement of the drive chain 43 therewith and proper drive chain 43 alignment, and to substantially guarantee proper operation of the drive mechanism 36. Figure 4b shows a side view of the afore-mentioned arrangement, in which the sprockets 38 and 40 are disposed substantially along a common plane, while sprockets 39 and 42 are disposed substantially along another common plane, and the flywheel mechanism 34 lies on a plane between the afore-mentioned planes. Accordingly, this arrangement of the drive chain 43 combines the opposing motions of the oars 49, 50 into a single force to cause unidirectional rotation of the flywheel 35, thus mimicking the true action of rowing a boat on water.
[0026] In operation, the rower 52 sits on the seat 20 and the rower's 52 feet are pushed against the foot rests 26, 28; with legs compressed, arms extended and hands grasping the oars 49, 50, corresponding to a catch position, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b.
The foot rests 26, 28 are provided for positioning of the rower 52's feet, and preferably, the foot rests 26, 28 have heel rests and foot straps to secure the rower 52's feet against the foot rests 26, 28. In this position, the seat 20 is slid adjacent one end of the track 18 near the proximal end of the frame 12. The oar 49 acts as a lever with the oar cradle 47 acting as the fulcrum, the pulling force being applied on the oar 49 handle, and the load, typically on the blade of the oar 49, being provided by the resistance means, in the form of the magnetic break 75. In the sculling mode, as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the seat 20 moves along the track 18 extending from the proximal end of the frame 12 to about the middle of the frame 12. As the rower 52 transforms to the drive position, the rower 52's legs are nearly extended and the arms are beginning to bend. In the drive position, the maximum transfer of effort is applied to the oars 49, 50 and transferred to the sprockets 40, 42 to drive the flywheel mechanism 34. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the drive position, in which the seat 20 has now been forced to about the mid-point of the track 18. At the end of the rowing stroke, the finish position, the rower 52's legs are extended, the arms bent and the oar handles are at the rower 52's side, and the seat 20 is adjacent the other end of the track 18. During the recovery part of the stroke, as the rower 52 returns to the catch position, the one-way clutch does not engage, such that the drive mechanism 36 does not drive the flywheel 35. In the sweeping mode, only one of the oars 49 or 50 is used, as shown in Figures 5c and 5d.
10027] A monitor or speed coach 76 is mounted adjacent the proximal end of frame 12 on a mount 78. The monitor 76 provides feedback to the rower 52 regarding the rowing activity. Accordingly, the monitor 76 includes a power source, such as batteries, and may be coupled to a processing means and a computer readable medium comprising instructions to output statistics pertaining to the rowing activity, such as elapsed time, distance, speed, stroke rate, resistance, energy expended, and memory recall for performance review, among other features. The monitor 76 also allows for data input pertaining to the rower 52's training or exercise preferences, target heart rates, goals (distance or time), including the rower 52's characteristics, such as age, weight, and so forth.
[0028] Although the rowing apparatus 10 has been described as having a linked drive chain 43, in another embodiment a V-belt or a toothed belt may also be used.
[0029] In another embodiment, the angle of inclination of the frame 12 and track 18 is adjustable.
[0030] In another embodiment, the apparatus 10 comprises a means for manually controlling the level of resistance via a control coupled to the magnetic break 75, and the total range of resistance may be numbered for quick reference, with the low range signifying a lower resistance, while the higher range corresponds to higher resistance. For example, different ranges of resistance may be set for sculling and sweeping.
[0031] In another embodiment, the outrigger is hingedly mounted to the frame 12, such that the tubular arms 53, 54 may be swung to be longitudinally disposed and substantially parallel to the frame 12 for storage or transport.

[0032] In another embodiment, the frame 12, seat 20, and oar assemblies 49, 50 may be made of an alloy, aluminum, steel, or may be made in whole or in part of a plastic material, with suitable reinforcement.
[0033] In yet another embodiment, the seat 20 is anatomically contoured so as to provide a comfortable seat 20 for the rower 52. The seat 20 is cushioned and is preferably made of a high-density resilient foam material, and may include a rear support portion to provide support for the rower 52's lower back.
[0034] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. As used herein, the terms "comprises,"
"comprising," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, no element described herein is required for the practice of the invention unless expressly described as "essential" or "critical."

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A rowing apparatus having:
a frame;
a seat slidably mounted on said frame;
an outrigger for receiving oars;
a drive mechanism coupled to said outrigger to translate a force applied to said oars to a flywheel having resistance means;
said rowing apparatus having a one-way clutch for unidirectional rotary drive of said flywheel, and allowing for operation in a sweeping mode or a sculling mode;
whereby the opposing motions of said oars are combined into a single motion to drive said flywheel, thus mimicking the true action of rowing a boat on water.