WO2021107942A1

WO2021107942A1 - Dragon-boat training device

Info

Publication number: WO2021107942A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/063501
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stanton REICH
Original assignee: Reich Stanton
Priority date: 2019-11-27
Filing date: 2019-11-27
Publication date: 2021-06-03

Abstract

Dragon boat training devices, systems and methods of training using the devices and systems are provided. A device includes a longitudinal strut having a handle connected thereto. The strut has longitudinal slots therethrough. A piston includes a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end. The outer wall of the piston slidably engaging the strut. A foot is connected to the second end of the piston. A pin frictionally engages the pinhole and extends through the piston and the slots thereby forming a stop. An elastic element has a first end and a second end. The elastic element is disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston. The first end of the elastic element engages the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engages the handle.

Description

DRAGON-BOAT TRAINING DEVICE

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to devices, systems, and methods used to train paddlers in the sport of dragon boat racing. The invention functions to encourage proper dragon boat paddling technique in order to assist users practice and to develop optimized paddling techniques and skills.

Background

[0002] A dragon boat is a human-powered watercraft originating from the Pearl River Delta region of China's southern Guangdong Province. The sport of dragon boat racing has its roots in an ancient folk ritual of contending villagers, which dates back 2000 years throughout southern China, and even further to the original games of Olympia in ancient Greece.

[0003] Dragon boat racing is a canoe-sport, and began as a modem international sport in Hong Kong in 1976 Boats are typically made of wood, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and other lightweight materials. For races, there are usually 18-20 people in a standard boat, and 8-10 in a small boat, not including the steersperson and the drummer.

[0004] Pairs of paddlers sit facing forward in the boat, and use a specific type of paddle which, unlike equipment used in rowing, is not rigged to the boat in any way. Because the paddlers face the direction of boat-movement, dragon boaters "paddle," and do not "row."

[0005] The paddle now accepted by the International Dragon Boat Federation has a standardized, fixed blade surface area and distinctive shape. The paddle has straight flared edges and circular arced shoulders, based geometrically on an equilateral triangle positioned between the blade face and the neck of the shaft. [0006] The first pair of paddlers, called "pacers," "strokes" or "timers," set the pace for the team and are responsible for synchronizing their strokes with one another. It is critical that all paddlers are synchronized and use proper technique to maximize performance.

[0007] The direction of the dragon boat while racing is set by the steerer, but for docking and other maneuvers, individual paddlers may be asked to paddle (while others either stop the boat or rest) according to the commands given by the drummer or steerer. There are generally three different strokes used by paddlers: a (normal) forward stroke, a backstroke, and a draw stroke.

[0008] Dragon boat motion is caused by the 10-20 paddlers driving a paddle into the water at about 3-5 inches perpendicular to the boat and about a 45-degree angle. This motion causes the boat to move forward as all paddlers as employ their core and leg muscles to work in unison and to prepare for the next motion in a process.

[0009] There are six basic elements of the paddling stroke commonly known as reach, catch, drive, pull, recover, and rotate.

[0010] The reach position, also known as paddles up position, is an extended position wherein the paddle is few inches above the water. The shoulder is extended similar to a karate punch and the outside arm is straight. When the paddle enters the water, the torso is twisted forward. The bottom arm is extended to a positioned parallel to the water and the elbow is locked. The top hand is about at the height of the forehead.

[0011] In the catch position, the paddle enters the water, and the angle made by the blade relative to the boat is preferably about 45 degrees.

[0012] The main purpose the drive position is to set the paddle blade in the water. Until the drive, the paddle is not fully immersed in the water. The paddle is driven into the water with both hands up to about 18 inches deep; significant force is required to drive the paddle. For maximum efficiency, the angle made by the paddle blade with the side of the boat in the drive position is preferably about 90 degrees. [0013] Once the paddle blade is properly set in the water, the next step is to pull the paddle in the water. Pulling back of the paddle is performed parallel to the boat. The top arm stabilizes the paddle whereas bottom arm and back muscles are used to pull back. While pulling, the paddler sits back and drives the paddle in the downward direction with the top hand. The paddler relies on the back, shoulder, and trunk to pull. The total length of pull phase is preferably about 10 to about 20 inches.

[0014] An important component of the stroke is rotation which helps in attaining maximum extension. By using rotation, a paddler can add 2-4 inches of additional displacement with every stroke. On an average, if 20 people properly use the rotational component simultaneously, this motion can add an additional 7 feet to the stroke, and can be a significant competitive advantage.

[0015] Known training devices do not simulate the specific dragon boat paddling stroke and may only exercise certain portions of the most desirable stroke form. Thus, it is desirable to have a training device that accurately simulates critical parts of a proper stroke thus allowing an individual or paddling team to attain maximum forward acceleration and velocity during a dragon boat race, and thereby attaining a competitive advantage.

Summary

[0016] In one aspect, there is disclosed herein a dragon boat training device. In a non-limiting embodiment, the device includes a hollow longitudinal strut. The strut has a tee shaped handle connected thereto. The strut has an inner wall and longitudinal slots therethrough. A piston includes a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end. The outer wall of the piston slidably engages the inner wall of the strut. A foot is connected to the second end of the piston. A pin frictionally engages the pinhole and extends through the piston and the slots beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop. An elastic element has a first end and a second end. The elastic element is disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston. The first end of the elastic element engages the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle. [0017] In certain embodiments, the elastic element is a spring.

[0018] In some embodiments, the handle is hollow. The handle includes a first circular aperture and a second circular aperture. The first and second apertures are substantially perpendicular to one another.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the elastic element has a spring force Fs between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs.

[0020] In some embodiments, the device has a length LI and the piston has a length L4. The ratio of the length L4 to the length LI is between about 50% and about 75%.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the device has a length LI and the slot has a length L3. The ratio of the length L3 to the length LI is between about 10% and about 40%.

[0022] In other embodiments, the piston has a length L4 and the slot has a length L3. The ratio of the length L3 to the length L4 is between about 10% and about 40%.

[0023] Yet in other embodiments, the piston has a stroke length L2 and a length L4. The ratio of the stroke length L2 to the length L4 is between about 30% and about 70%.

[0024] In some embodiments, the piston has a stroke length L2 between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.

[0025] In a particular aspect of the instant invention, there is disclosed herein a dragon boat training system. In one non-limiting embodiment, the system has a hollow longitudinal strut including a tee shaped handle connected thereto. The strut includes an inner wall and has longitudinal slots therethrough. A piston includes a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end. The outer wall of the piston slidably engages the inner wall of the strut. A foot is connected to the second end of the piston. A pin frictionally engages the pinhole and extends through the piston and the slots and beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop. An elastic element has a first end and a second end. The elastic element is disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston. The first end of the elastic element engages the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle. A wear pad includes a surface for engaging the foot.

[0026] In some embodiments, the wear pad includes a stroke initiation target mark and a stroke termination target mark.

[0027] In some embodiments, the wear pad includes a stroke target zone.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the stroke target zone is oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad.

[0029] In some particular embodiments, the angle Q is between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees.

[0030] In another aspect there is disclosed herein a method of dragon boat training. In one non limiting embodiment method includes the steps of: engaging a foot of a dragon boat training device with a wear pad, the dragon boat training device including a hollow longitudinal strut having a tee shaped handle connected thereto, the strut including an inner wall having longitudinal slots therethrough, a piston including a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end, the outer wall of the piston slidably engaging the inner wall of the strut, the foot connected to the second end of the piston, a pin frictionally engaging the pinhole and extending through the piston and the slots beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop, an elastic element having a first end and a second end, the elastic element being disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston, the first end of the elastic element engaging the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle; depressing the handle by application of a user force Fu in the direction of the foot thereby causing the strut to translate in relation to the piston and the pin to move longitudinally in the slots; maintaining the user force while moving the foot of the device from a first position on a wear pad to a second position on the wear pad; and releasing the user force, thereby allowing the device to return to an initial position.

[0031] In some embodiments, the user force is between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs.

[0032] In particular embodiments, the user force is between about 15 lbs and about 25 lbs.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the wear pad includes a stroke target zone. The zone is oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad.

[0034] In some embodiments, the angle Q is between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees.

[0035] In some other embodiments, the method further includes the step of disengaging the foot from the wear pad at the second position on the wear pad and returning the device to the first position on the wear pad.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] FIG. 1 is a front view of some of the elements of a dragon boat training device;

[0037] FIG. 2 is a side view of some of the elements shown in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 3 is an isometric view demonstrating a method of using a dragon- boat training device;

[0039] FIG. 4 is another isometric view demonstrating a method of using a dragon- boat training device. Detailed Description

[0040] A non-limiting embodiment device 100 used for training dragon boat paddlers is depicted in FIGS. 1-2. The device 100 includes a tee shaped handle 2. The handle can be hollow and can include a first circular aperture 2 A and a second circular aperture 2B. The first and second apertures 2A, 2B are substantially perpendicular to one another. The handle 2 is connected to a hollow longitudinal strut 4. Strut 4 includes an inner wall 4A and longitudinal slots 10.

A piston 6 includes an outer wall 6A, a first end 6B, a second end 6C, and a pinhole 12A. The outer wall of the piston 6 slidably engages the inner wall 4A of strut 4. A foot 8 is mounted to the second end 6C of the strut 4. The foot 8 can be made of a high wear / low friction material such ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or other polymers suited for the application which requires application of force to the foot while the foot contacts a hard surface. A pin 12 is frictionally engaged in pinhole 12A and extends through the piston 6 and the slots 10, and beyond the outer wall 6A of piston 6 thereby forming a stop.

[0041] The device 100 includes an elastic element 14. In this embodiment, the elastic element 14 is a spring. Other types of elastic elements such as elastomers, shock absorbers, shaped memory alloys and the like are also contemplated to be within the scope of the instant invention. The elastic element is mounted colinearly with the piston 6 and the strut 4 such that the first end of the elastic element 14A engages the end 6B of the piston and the second end 14B engages the handle 2 within the apertures 2 A, 2B.

[0042] The elastic element has a spring force Fs. The force Fs can be in the range from about 5 lbs to about 50 lbs and can be adjustable depending on the characteristics of the elastic element. For example, if the element is a spring, the spring can be replaced with different stiffnesses to achieve different spring forces. Alternatively, the elastic element can be a shock absorber or a hydraulic device which is variably adjustable to suit the needs of the user.

[0043] The device has a length LI and the piston has a length L4; the ratio of the length L4 to the length LI is preferably between about 50% and about 75%. The slot has a length L3; the ratio of the length L3 to the length LI is preferably between about 10% and about 40%. The ratio of the length L3 to the length L4 is preferably between about 10% and about 40%. The piston has a stroke length L2; the ratio of the stroke length L2 to the length L4 is preferably between about 30% and about 70%. In some embodiments, the stroke length L2 is between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, a non-limiting embodiment of a system 200 for dragon boat training is depicted. The system includes a dragon boat paddle training device 100 as discussed above. The system further includes a wear pad 50 having a surface 52 for use in contacting the foot 8 of the device 100 during a training stroke. The pad 50 can be rectangular or can be any convenient shape. The pad 50 includes a stroke target initiation mark 54 and a stroke target termination mark 56. The pad 50 also include a stroke target zone 58 having a length L5 between the stroke target initiation mark 54 and the stroke target termination mark 56. The stroke target zone 58 can be oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad 50. The stroke target zone is oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad. The angle Q is preferably between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees.

[0045] In operation, the handle 2 is depressed by a user 300 in a seated position by application of a longitudinal user force Fu in the direction of foot 8. This force causes the strut 4 to translate in relation to the piston 6. The user force Fu can be between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs.

Preferably the user force is between about 15 lbs and about 25 lbs. The spring force Fs supplied by elastic element 14 resists the translation in opposition to the user force Fu. The spring force can be between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs, preferably between about 15 lbs and about 25 lbs. During the translation, the pin 12 moves longitudinally relative to the slots 10. When the pin 12 reaches the end of the slots 10, the pin prevents further translation of the piston 6 in relation to the strut 4.

[0046] The user 300 locates the foot 8 of the device 100 proximate to the stroke target initiation mark 54 on the wear pad 50 then applies the user force Fu as discussed above to simulate the drive stroke. Next, while maintaining the user force Fu, the user moves the device 100 from the stoke initiation target mark 54 to the stroke termination target mark 56 while maintaining the foot 8 of the device 100 in contact with the wear pad 50 within the target zone 58. [0047] When the device 100 reaches the stroke termination target mark 56, the user force Fu is released by the user, and the spring force Fs returns the piston 6 to its initial resting position in relation to the strut 4 while the user moves the device back to the stroke initiation target mark 54 on the wear pad 50 and repeats the process. This method accurately and realistically simulates the forces required in dragon boat racing and can dramatically improve a user’s performance.

[0048] The components of the device can be made of any structural materials that can adequately withstand the forces required for operation. Materials such as metallic materials, polymers, ceramics or elastomers can be utilized.

[0049] Although this invention has been shown and described with respect to the detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed in the above detailed description, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dragon boat training device comprising: a hollow longitudinal strut including a tee shaped handle connected thereto, the strut including an inner wall and longitudinal slots therethrough; a piston including a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end; the outer wall of the piston slidably engaging the inner wall of the strut; a foot connected to the second end of the piston; a pin, the pin frictionally engaging the pinhole and extending through the piston and the slots and beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop; and an elastic element having a first end and a second end, the elastic element being disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston, the first end of the elastic element engaging the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle.

2. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the elastic element is a spring.

3. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the handle is hollow and includes a first circular aperture and a second circular aperture, the first and second apertures being substantially perpendicular to one another.

4. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the elastic element has a spring force Fs between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs.

5. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the device has a length LI and the piston has a length L4, the ratio of the length L4 to the length LI being between about 50% and about 75%.

6. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the device has a length LI and the slot has a length L3, the ratio of the length L3 to the length LI being between about 10% and about 40%.

7. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the piston has a length L4 and the slot has a length L3, the ratio of the length L3 to the length L4 being between about 10% and about 40%.

8. The dragon boat training device of claim 1, wherein the piston has a stroke length L2 and a length L4, the ratio of the stroke length L2 to the length L4 being between about 30% and about 70%.

9. The dragon boat training device of claim 8, wherein the stroke length L2 is between about 6 inches and about 12 inches.

10. A dragon boat training system comprising: a hollow longitudinal strut including a tee shaped handle connected thereto, the strut including an inner wall and longitudinal slots therethrough; a piston including a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end; the outer wall of the piston slidably engaging the inner wall of the strut; a foot connected to the second end of the piston; a pin, the pin frictionally engaging the pinhole and extending through the piston and the slots and beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop; and an elastic element having a first end and a second end, the elastic element being disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston, the first end of the elastic element engaging the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle; and a wear pad, the wear pad including a surface for engaging the foot.

11. The dragon boat training system of claim 10, wherein the wear pad includes a stroke initiation target mark and a stroke termination target mark.

12. The dragon boat training system of claim 11, wherein the wear pad further includes a stroke target zone.

13. The dragon boat training system of claim 13, wherein the stroke target zone is oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad.

14. The dragon boat training system of claim 13, wherein the angle Q is between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees.

15. A method of dragon boat training comprising: engaging a foot of a dragon boat training device with a wear pad, the dragon boat training device including a hollow longitudinal strut having a tee shaped handle connected thereto, the strut including an inner wall having longitudinal slots therethrough, a piston including a pinhole therethrough, an outer wall, a first end and a second end, the outer wall of the piston slidably engaging the inner wall of the strut, the foot connected to the second end of the piston, a pin frictionally engaging the pinhole and extending through the piston and the slots beyond the outer wall of the strut thereby forming a stop, an elastic element having a first end and a second end, the elastic element being disposed colinearly with the strut and the piston, the first end of the elastic element engaging the first end on the strut and the second end of the elastic element engaging the handle; depressing the handle by application of a user force Fu in the direction of the foot thereby causing the strut to translate in relation to the piston and the pin to move longitudinally in the slots; maintaining the user force while moving the foot of the device from a first target position on a wear pad to a second target position on the wear pad; and releasing the user force, thereby allowing the foot of the device to return to an initial position.

16. The method of dragon boat training of claim 15, wherein the user force is between about 5 lbs and about 50 lbs.

17. The method of dragon boat training of claim 15, wherein the user force is between about 15 lbs and about 25 lbs.

18. The method of dragon boat training of claim 15, wherein the wear pad includes a stroke target zone is oriented at an angle Q in relation to the wear pad.

19. The method of dragon boat training of claim 18, wherein the angle Q is between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees.

20. The method of dragon boat training of claim 15 further including the step of: disengaging the foot from the wear pad at the second target position on the wear pad and returning the device to the first target position on the wear pad.