Folding mechanism for a rowing device

Abstract

A foldable rowing machine having a base, a sliding seat bar, and a wire-winding wheel. A resistance mechanism box extending from the base cooperates with an upright post to receive a rotating shaft in a shaft hole for rotatably supporting the sliding seat bar and the wire-winding wheel. Accordingly, in rotating the sliding seat upwardly and downwardly on the rotating shaft, the sliding seat bar is foldable in a storage and a operational position, respectively.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Fields of the Invention

[0002] The invention relates to a rowing machine with a folding function, and more particularly, to a rowing machine having a sliding seat bar rotatable on a rotating shaft in a use or a storage position.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,069 teaches a rowing exerciser with magnetic resistance having a L-shaped front main frame, a sliding seat bar and a rear support plate. An adjustable magnet-controlled rotation mechanism is interposed between two side bars of the front main frame. Corresponding screw holes are provided between the main frame and the sliding seat bar. A screw knob is employed for connection and disconnection. In other words, the sliding seat bar is upwardly foldable only when the screw knob is removed. After the folding action, another screw hole is necessary for positioning the screw knob and protecting the sliding seat bar from an unexpected release. Similarly, the above-mentioned procedures have to be repeated to bring the sliding seat bar back to an operational position. Therefore, this conventional configuration causes much trouble to the operators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is a primary object of the invention is to provide a foldable rowing machine having a base, a sliding seat bar, and a wire-winding wheel. A resistance mechanism box extending from the base cooperates with an upright post to receive a rotating shaft in a shaft hole for rotatably supporting the sliding seat bar and the wire-winding wheel whereby, in rotating the sliding seat upwardly on the rotating shaft, the sliding seat bar is foldable in a storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accomplishment of this and other objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and its accompanying drawings of which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of the invention after assembly;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a side view of the first embodiment of the invention in a folded position;

[0009] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the invention;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a side view of a second embodiment of the invention after assembly; and

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of the second embodiment of the invention in a folded position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0012] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a rowing machine with a folding mechanism in accordance with the invention includes a base 10, a sliding seat bar 20, and a wire-winding wheel 30. A resistance mechanism box 11 extending from the base 10 cooperates with an upright post 13 to receive a rotating shaft 14 in a shaft hole 12 for rotatably supporting the sliding seat bar 20 and the wire-winding wheel 30. Accordingly, in rotating the sliding seat 20 upwardly on the rotating shaft, the sliding seat bar is foldable in a storage position.

[0013] The wire-winding wheel 30 is used to wind a pull wire 31 that is carried by a plurality of pulleys 16 within an upright frame 15 and brought up to a pull grip 32, thereby allowing an user to take a rowing exercise.

[0014] Moreover, the sliding seat bar 20 can be provided with a movable seat 21 thereon, foot braces 22 on both sides thereof, and a ground-touching support 23 at a distal end thereof.

[0015] A coil spring (not shown) is fitted in the resistance mechanism box 11 for providing a strong reversing force to the transmission shaft 14 after being extended. Meanwhile, an adjustable flywheel resistance mechanism (not shown) is installed in the resistance mechanism box 11 as well for providing resistance to the pull wire 31. The resistance mechanism of the rowing machine belongs to the prior art so that no further descriptions are given hereinafter.

[0016] In order to limit the folding angle of the sliding seat bar 20, an end stop 18 is fitted to a crossbar 17 under the sliding seat bar 20.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, another preferred embodiment is shown. In this embodiment, the upright frame 15 and the sliding seat bar 20 are integrally formed to a single unit that is rotatable on the rotating shaft 14 and foldable in a storage position

[0018] Many changes and modifications in the above-described embodiments of the invention can, of course, be carried out without departing from the scope thereof. Accordingly, to promote the progress in science and the useful arts, the invention is disclosed and is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A foldable rowing machine comprising a base, a sliding seat bar, and a wire-winding wheel, a resistance mechanism box extending from the base and cooperating with an upright post to receive a rotating shaft in a shaft hole for rotatably supporting the sliding seat bar and the wire-winding wheel, whereby, in rotating the sliding seat upwardly and downwardly on the rotating shaft, the sliding seat bar is foldable in a storage and a operational position, respectively.

2. A foldable rowing machine comprising a base, a sliding seat bar, and a wire-winding wheel, a resistance mechanism box extending from the base and cooperating with an upright post to receive a rotating shaft in a shaft hole for rotatably supporting the sliding seat bar and the wire-winding wheel, an upright frame being integrally connected to a front end of the sliding seat bar, whereby, in rotating the sliding seat upwardly and downwardly on the rotating shaft, the upright frame is moved with the sliding seat bar in a storage and a operational position, respectively.