GB2437507A

GB2437507A - Energy efficient rowing oarlock with bearings

Info

Publication number: GB2437507A
Application number: GB0608331A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sean Meehan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-26
Filing date: 2006-04-26
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Also published as: GB0608331D0

Abstract

A rowing and sculling oarlock (gate) that includes an inner body 5 and ball bearings 3. Stoppers 4 and 6 restrict the rotation of the aforementioned inner body 5 which is a safety feature. The ball bearings 3 facilitate a smooth rotation which helps the rowing stroke become more efficient. The inner body 5 holds the oar and prevents 'oar/blade slip' which is a hydrodynamic inefficiency. Teflon (RTM) coated plastic may also be used to facilitate the oars rotation. A locking arm 1 may be provided to stop the oar from coming out during rowing.

Description

24375Q7

I

ENERGY EFFICIENT ROWING OARLOCK (GATE) The invention relates to a rowing and sculling oarlock (gate) to be fitted to a rowing racing boat and used with modern carbon-fibre oars (blades).

Rowing is currently very inefficient; much energy is wasted while executing basic technique skills while racing. Current oarlocks are to blame; oarlock design has changed little in the last 20 years.

The objects of this invention are to revolutionise the rowing stroke efficiency, ease the fatigue on the rower's forearms and wrists, and also improve the safety of the sport.

Accordingly, this invention holds the oar (blade) and thus reduces the rattle during the stroke but still allows the oar (blade) handle to spin. The oarlock (gate) features steel/plastic ball bearings or Teflon coated plastic to facilitate the aforementioned spinning of the oar (blade) handle. Finally, stoppers' restrict the range of spin and therefore eliminate the chance of catching a crab' (losing the oar/blade into the water).

Preferably the oarlock (gate) will be manufactured using Nylon or a similar plastic.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows a side view of the whole gate including locking arm' FIGURE 2 shows an aerial view without locking arm.

As shown in Figure 1, the oarlock (gate) compromises of the main body 7, inner body 5 and locking arm 1.

The locking arm 1 swings over the gate and attaches to the main body 7, this stops the oar from coming free during use. The locking arm 1 can be detached at the end of the training session to allow the oar to be removed.

The hole 2 allows the oarlock to be attached to the rowing racing boat, while ball bearings 3 facilitate a smooth rotation/spin of inner body 5 (which holds the oar) The rotation/spin is restricted by stoppers 6 on inner body 5, they cannot move past stoppers 4 on the main body 7 and this is a safety feature so the rower cannot over-rotate' the oar and catch a crab.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. An oarlock (gate) with an inner body supported by ball bearings that holds the oar. Stoppers restrict the rotational range of the oar.

2. An oarlock as claimed in Claim 1 where a locking arm stops the oar from coming out during rowing.

3. An oarlock as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 where ball bearings or Teflon coated plastic facilitate the oars rotation 4. An oarlock as claimed in Claim 3 where the inner body holds the oar and prevents inefficiencies such as oar/blade slip' and rattle.

5. An oarlock as claimed in any preceding claim where safety stoppers restrict the oars rotational range and prevent catching a crab'.