U.S. patent application number 12/796357 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for dynamic rowing machine.
Invention is credited to Matthew D. Roach.
Application Number | 20110028278 12/796357 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43527558 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110028278 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roach; Matthew D. |
February 3, 2011 |
Dynamic Rowing Machine
Abstract
Featured is a rowing simulation machine including a single base
having a first pair of spaced apart rails; a carriage having a
second pair of spaced apart rails and engaged with the first pair
of rails and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal
translation; a seat engaged with the second pair of rails and
moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation. Also
included is an energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage. The
energy dissipating unit includes a frame for supporting a flywheel,
the flywheel being rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft; a handle;
a drive device connected to the handle, for converting a
translation of the handle into a flywheel rotation; and a take up
device for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on the
drive device. The carriage includes a foot rest assembly disposed
therein between the second pair of spaced apart rails.
Inventors: |
Roach; Matthew D.; (Sydney,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWARDS ANGELL PALMER & DODGE LLP
P.O. BOX 55874
BOSTON
MA
02205
US
|
Family ID: |
43527558 |
Appl. No.: |
12/796357 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/0051 20130101;
A63B 22/0076 20130101; A63B 21/225 20130101; A63B 24/0062 20130101;
A63B 2022/0079 20130101; A63B 21/0088 20130101; A63B 2071/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/72 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/06 20060101
A63B069/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2009 |
AU |
2009902612 |
Claims
1. A rowing simulation machine comprising: a single base having a
first pair of spaced apart rails; a carriage having a second pair
of spaced apart rails is engaged with said first pair of spaced
apart rails of said base and moveable therealong in a generally
horizontal translation; a seat engaged with said second pair of
spaced apart rails of said carriage and moveable therealong in a
generally horizontal translation; an energy dissipating unit fixed
to the carriage, said energy dissipating unit comprising: a frame
for supporting a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably mounted on a
flywheel shaft; a handle; a drive means connected to said handle,
for converting a translation of said handle into a rotation of said
flywheel; a take up means, for rewinding and maintaining a
predetermined tension on said drive means; and wherein said
carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed therein between said
second pair of spaced apart rails.
2. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein in
use said seat and carriage move relative to each other and relative
to said base.
3. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
length of each rail of said first pair of rails is longer than the
length of each rail of said second pair.
4. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the
length of each rail of said first pair of rails is about 500 mm
longer than the length of each rail of said second pair.
5. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
carriage comprising rollers which engage with said first set of
spaced apart rails of said base.
6. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
seat comprising rollers which engage with said second set of spaced
apart rails of said carriage.
7. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
bias means is used to centre the carriage relative to said
base.
8. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
footrest assembly is adapted to receive a foot plate system of the
type used in a rowing boat.
9. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
base has a plurality of legs.
10. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
legs are height adjustable.
11. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
like machine can be connected thereto in an end to end relationship
to simulate crew rowing.
12. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
like machine can be connected thereto in side by side
relationship.
13. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
carriage can be locked to said base so that no relative movement
occurs therebetween.
14. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
flywheel is mounted to one side of said frame.
15. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
base comprises wheels that can be used to assist moving said
machine, when machine is stood up so that its aft-end is above its
fore-end.
16. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said
bias means comprises an elastic cord.
17. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein each
of said rails of said second set of rails is curved or inclined at
least one end thereof.
18. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
take up means comprises an elastic cord and a plurality of
pulleys.
19. A rowing simulation machine as claimed in claim 1, wherein said
rails of said second pair of spaced rails having opposed internal
side walls facing each other, and wherein when in use the feet of
user are seated within said foot rest assembly, and the heels of
said user are disposed between said side walls.
20. A rowing simulation machine comprising: a base having a first
pair of spaced apart rails elevated above the ground; a carriage
having a second pair of spaced apart rails is engaged with said
first pair of spaced apart rails of said base and moveable
therealong in a generally horizontal translation, said rails of
said second pair of spaced rails having opposed internal side walls
facing each other; a seat engaged with said second pair of spaced
apart rails of said carriage and moveable therealong in a generally
horizontal translation; an energy dissipating unit fixed to the
carriage, said energy dissipating unit comprising: a frame for
supporting a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably mounted on a
flywheel shaft; a handle; a drive means connected to said handle,
for converting a translation of said handle into a rotation of said
flywheel; a take up means, for rewinding and maintaining a
predetermined tension on said drive means; and wherein said
carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed therein between said
second pair of spaced apart rails, said foot rest assembly
comprising mounts for the removable attachment of a row boat foot
plate system, and wherein when in use the feet of user are seated
within said row boat foot plate system such that the heels of said
user are disposed between said opposed internal side walls.
21. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to rowing simulation machines
and in particular to dynamic rowing machines.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rowing machines are well-known for the purposes of building
up general fitness and/or for training specifically for rowing and
related sports. Rowing machines allow the user to exercise both
upper body and lower body strength by simulating roughly the
movement required to propel a row boat through the water.
[0003] There is a variety of prior art rowing machines, including
stationary rowing machines used in gymnasiums, rowing clubs and the
like. In many instances these stationary rowing machines are used
as ergometers. One such prior art stationary rowing machine is
shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,188 (Dreissigacker et al). This
machine has a monorail beam upon which a seat with rollers is able
to slidably move therealong. A second beam (or arm) supporting a
flywheel/fan mechanism is connected at the fore end of the monorail
beam. The beam has footrests on either side thereof. A rowing
handle is connected to the flywheel/fan mechanism via a drive
cable. The flywheel/fan mechanism acts as an "energy dissipating
system" and is stationary relative to the frame. A rower (user)
seated in the movable seat and with feet secured to the footrests,
is able to exercise by holding the rowing handle. Typically the
user will start in a "catch position", then drives backwards by
extending his legs and swinging his torso through the vertical
position, and finishes the stroke by drawing the handle into his
abdomen. The user then uses his legs to draw his body back to the
catch position.
[0004] There are also variations on similar machines where drag
mechanisms acting on air or water provide resistance to the
rower.
[0005] There are also known rowing machines that simulate or
attempt to simulate the movement of oars such as U.S. Pat. No.
4,743,011 (Coffey), U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,581 (Koz) and Publication
No. WO2005/025685 (Roach). Most of these machines have oars or
other components simulating the movement of oars, and generally
require more space than the machines of the type shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,396,188. These rowing machines that simulate oars are
generally more complex and costly than stationary rowing machines,
and occupy more space when in use.
[0006] As such, there has been a preference in many rowing clubs to
use the stationary rowing machines similar to those shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,396,188, particularly where cost and space are of
importance. However, these known stationary rowing machines are
acknowledged by health professionals as being potentially
detrimental to the rower, by increasing the likelihood of injury to
the rower's knee, back and shoulders due to the increased loading
on the body. Another disadvantage is that they cause rowers to
develop improper coordination patterns.
[0007] A number of attempts have been made to provide a dynamically
balanced rowing machine, which more closely simulates the power
distribution characteristics of rowed boats, to overcome the
disadvantages and health risks associated with stationary rowing
machines.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,210 (Rekers) describes a dynamically
balanced rowing simulator with an independently moving energy
dissipating system and seat mounted on a substantially horizontal
monorail beam frame. At least one end of the monorail is curved to
prohibit the moving energy dissipating system and seated rower from
hitting the end stops of the monorail beam frame during use, and to
operate in the centre of the monorail beam length.
[0009] Another attempt to provide a dynamic rowing simulator, is to
mount a stationary rowing machine of the type described in U.S.
Pat. No. 4,396,188 on a sliding track system as is offered by
Concept 2, Inc as a "Concept 2 Slide". The sliding track system
comprises two slides. Each slide comprises a base with two tracks
and a carriage with wheels that runs on the tracks. Light shock
cord tension keeps the carriage centered on the base. It takes two
slides aligned aft to fore to "float" or "dynamically support" a
prior art stationary rowing machine. By mounting the complete
stationary rowing machine on a fore and aft sliding track system
the rowing machine converts to a dynamic rowing machine whereby the
seat and the energy dissipating system can now move independently
of each other.
[0010] The disadvantage of the prior art stationary machine being
mounted on sliding tracks to convert to a dynamic rowing simulator,
is that the substantial length of floorspace area it uses and the
risk to the rower getting on and off the machine, and to others in
close proximity of the moving tracks at floor level. Also the
sliding tracks are large accessories that have to be stored
separately when not in use. The sliding tracks also make it
difficult/practical to maintain the hygiene of the floorspace below
the machine after active use of the machine, particularly important
in public gyms and rowing clubs.
[0011] The "Concept 2 Slide" system is also designed to also allow
two or more machines to be connected end to end to simulate a crew
boat. The space required to connect these machines in a room is
significant.
[0012] Whilst these prior art dynamic simulators provide a
realistic motion and the benefits are widely publicised, the foot
plate where the rower attaches his feet are mounted either side of
a monorail beam or energy dissipating unit, and increase the width
position of the feet further apart than would be found in a
conventional rowing boat. This is a disadvantage, as to correctly
simulate the biodynamics of the rower's leg drive during the rowing
stroke it is preferable that the rower's feet be positioned closer
together, than can be achieved with his feet on either side of a
monorail beam, as is the case with the Concept 2 machines.
[0013] Because the power distribution character of a dynamic rowing
machine is closest to the power distribution profile of what is
produced in a rowing boat, it is then important that the use of
rowing machines for training to be utilised and maximised to
achieve the optimum performance from the rower. Studies have found
that the foot position of the rower can affect the efficiency,
effectiveness and maximum power output of the rowers. Therefore the
ability to use on a dynamic rowing machine the same efficient foot
plate system as used on row boats, would ameliorate rowing
simulation machines and the training of rowers using them.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0014] According to a first aspect the present invention consists
in a rowing simulation machine comprising:
a single base having a first pair of spaced apart rails; a carriage
having a second pair of spaced apart rails is engaged with said
first pair of spaced apart rails of said base and moveable
therealong in a generally horizontal translation; a seat engaged
with said second pair of spaced apart rails of said carriage and
moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation; an
energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage, said energy
dissipating unit comprising: a frame for supporting a flywheel,
said flywheel rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft; a handle; a
drive means connected to said handle, for converting a translation
of said handle into a rotation of said flywheel; a take up means,
for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on said drive
means; and wherein said carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed
therein between said second pair of spaced apart rails.
[0015] Preferably in use said seat and carriage move relative to
each other and relative to said base.
[0016] Preferably the length of each rail of said first set of
rails is longer than the length of each rail of said second set.
Preferably the length of each rail of said first set of rails is
about 500 mm longer than the length of each rail of said second
set.
[0017] Preferably said carriage comprises rollers, which engage
with said first set of spaced apart rails of said base.
[0018] Preferably said seat comprises rollers, which engage with
said second set of spaced apart rails of said carriage.
[0019] Preferably a bias means is used to centre the carriage
relative to said base.
[0020] Preferably the footrest assembly is adapted to receive a
foot plate system of the type used in a rowing boat.
[0021] Preferably said base has a plurality of legs.
[0022] Preferably said legs are height adjustable.
[0023] Preferably a like machine can be connected thereto in an end
to end relationship to simulate crew rowing.
[0024] Preferably a like machine can be connected thereto in side
by side relationship.
[0025] Preferably said carriage can be locked to said base so that
no relative movement occurs therebetween.
[0026] Preferably said flywheel is mounted to one side of said
frame.
[0027] Preferably said base comprises wheels that can be used to
assist moving said machine, when machine is stood up so that its
aft-end is above its fore-end.
[0028] Preferably each of said rails of said second set of rails is
curved or inclined at least one end thereof.
[0029] Preferably said take up means comprises an elastic cord and
a plurality of pulleys.
[0030] Preferably said rails of said second pair of spaced rails
having opposed internal side walls facing each other, and wherein
when in use the feet of user are seated within said foot rest
assembly, and the heels of said user are disposed between said side
walls.
[0031] According to a second aspect the present invention consists
in a rowing simulation machine comprising:
a base having a first pair of spaced apart rails elevated above the
ground; a carriage having a second pair of spaced apart rails is
engaged with said first pair of spaced apart rails of said base and
moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation, said
rails of said second pair of spaced rails having opposed internal
side walls facing each other; a seat engaged with said second pair
of spaced apart rails of said carriage and moveable therealong in a
generally horizontal translation; an energy dissipating unit fixed
to the carriage, said energy dissipating unit comprising: a frame
for supporting a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably mounted on a
flywheel shaft; a handle; a drive means connected to said handle,
for converting a translation of said handle into a rotation of said
flywheel; a take up means, for rewinding and maintaining a
predetermined tension on said drive means; and wherein said
carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed therein between said
second pair of spaced apart rails, said foot rest assembly
comprising mounts for the removable attachment of a row boat foot
plate system, and wherein when in use the feet of a user are seated
within said row boat foot plate system such that the heels of said
user are disposed between said opposed internal side walls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings in which:
[0033] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a rowing simulation
machine according to a first preferred embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the rowing simulation
machine of FIG. 1.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an enlarged aft end view of the rowing simulation
machine of FIG. 1
[0036] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the rowing simulation machine
of FIG. 1,
[0037] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of the rowing simulation machine
of FIG. 1, with the carriage moved rearwardly so that it overhangs
the aft-end of the base.
[0038] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the rowing simulation machine
of FIG. 1, with the carriage moved forwardly so that carriage is
centrally positioned relative to the base.
[0039] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of the rowing simulation machine
of FIG. 1, with the carriage moved forwardly so that it overhangs
the fore-end of the base.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a rower using the rowing
simulation machine, with the rower shown in two distinct
positions.
[0041] FIG. 9 is an exploded front perspective view of rowing
simulation machine.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0042] FIGS. 1 to 9 depict a rowing simulation machine 1 on which a
user (rower) simulates a rowing motion. The rowing simulation
machine 1 imparts a resistance to the rowing.
[0043] Rowing simulation machine 1 comprises a single base 2, a
carriage 3, a seat 4, and an energy dissipating unit 5. Rowing
simulation machine 1 has a fore-end 6, and aft-end 7.
[0044] Base 2 has a first pair of spaced apart rails 8 held in
parallel relationship to each other by base cross-members 9. Base 2
also has ground engaging legs 10 which are height adjustable.
Wheels 25 are attached to leg(s) 10 near the fore-end 6 of machine
1. Wheels 25 are provided so that they can be used to assist moving
of machine 1, when machine is stood up so that its aft-end 7 is
above its fore-end 6, for storage, space saving and cleaning of the
floor beneath.
[0045] Carriage 3 has a second pair of spaced apart rails 11 held
in parallel relationship to each other by carriage cross-members
12. Carriage 3 having rollers 14 disposed on the under side of
second pair of rails 11 is engaged with first pair of rails 8 of
base 2, and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal
translation. Rollers 14 which are attached to carriage 3 are best
seen in FIG. 9. Each rail 11 has an internal side wall 26. The Side
walls 26 of rails 11 are opposed to and face each other.
[0046] Seat 4 having rollers 15 disposed thereon, is engaged with
rails 11 and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal
translation. Seat 4 may preferably be attached to a bias means (not
shown), such as an elastic cord which is used to centre carriage 3
relative to base 2.
[0047] The length of each rail 8 of the first pair of rails on base
2 is longer than the length of each rail 11 of the second pair of
rails on carriage 3. The length of each rail 8 of the first pair of
rails is preferably about 500 mm longer than the length of each
rail 11 of the second pair.
[0048] Energy dissipating unit 5 is fixed to carriage 3. Energy
dissipating unit 5 comprises a frame 16 for supporting a flywheel
17 mounted on a rotatable shaft 18. In this embodiment flywheel 17
is a conventional flywheel that provides resistance by air, however
in another not shown embodiments could provide resistance by water
or magnetic means.
[0049] A handle 19 is connected to a drive means 20 for converting
a translation of handle 19 into a rotation of flywheel 17. In this
embodiment drive means 20 is a bicycle type chain, however in other
not shown embodiment cable, belt or rope may be substituted for the
chain.
[0050] Chain 20 passes through a take up means that allows chain 20
long enough to permit a normal stroke of about 1.6 meters to be
housed in a relatively small compartment. The detail of the take up
means is not provided here, as it can be of a known type using
elastic cord and pulleys, such as that described with reference to
FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,382,210.
[0051] Flywheel 17 may have an adjustable resistive load. Details
of how the resistive load flywheel can be adjusted by conventional
means known in the prior art, including U.S. Pat. No.
5,383,210.
[0052] Energy dissipation unit 5 also includes a conventional
monitoring unit 13, including a display panel, tachometer and the
like for monitoring training and for ergometer use.
[0053] A foot rest assembly 21 is disposed within carriage 2
between the second set of rails 11. The foot rest assembly 21 may
preferably comprise mounts to receive a foot plate system 22, which
is provided with the machine 1.
[0054] However, the provided foot plate system 22 may be replaced
or interchanged with the foot plate systems used in rowing boats.
This allows rowers to use exactly the same foot positioning they
use in a boat. This ability to use the same foot positioning as
achieved in a boat is achievable because carriage 2 is provided
with a sufficient width between rails 11, so that the conventional
row boat foot plate systems can be used.
[0055] This feature is important because it allows for correct
biodynamic positioning of the feet due to the foot plate system
being identical to, or near identical to a rowing boat, which is an
advantage over the prior art foot rests which straddle beams or are
not set up correctly due to other positioning constraints.
[0056] In use a rower (user) 30 is seated in seat 4, and places his
feet in the foot plate system 22 mounted on assembly 21. The heels
of the rower's feet are disposed between the side walls 26 of rails
11, with carriage 3 mimicking or simulating a row boat. This can be
seen from the positioning of heel portions 23 of foot plate system
22 in FIG. 2, and by the location of the feet 31 of rower 30 shown
in FIG. 8.
[0057] The rower grasps handle 19 and begins to row. As carriage 3
and seat 4 are relatively moveable to each other as well as base 2,
the machine 1 allows carriage 2 to move backward and forward under
the rower. This action is similar to the movement of a boat on the
water.
[0058] FIGS. 4 to 7, show various positions of the carriage as it
is moved relative to the base.
[0059] FIG. 8 depicts an overlay view of a "rower 30" in two
distinct positions, the first in a "catch position", shown as A,
and the second shown as B with legs extended similar to the end of
stroke. The positions A and B are also indicated for the handle
carriage 3, handle 19 and feet 31.
[0060] This relative movement between the seat, carriage and base
together with the advantageous positioning of the rower's feet,
provides a simulation set-up which is dynamically desirable to
mimic row boat rowing. As previously mentioned, a rower could
transfer directly to machine 1 their foot plate system from the
rowing boat. This is important, particularly at the elite level,
where footplate systems have become more sophisticated and
specifically tailored to compensate for the rower's heel
flexibility and optimum power output. It makes sense to be able to
replicate the rower's set up in the boat, on a rowing simulation
machine relied upon for a significant proportion of alternate
training load, if this customised set up is used to maximise
performance and also avoid injury from repetitive movement
exercise.
[0061] As previously indicated the spacing of rails 11 of carriage
3 allows the mounting of the conventional and modern/customised
footplate systems available on the market today. The feet position
can be varied to match different boat types where the feet spacings
are of different widths.
[0062] Because the power distribution character of a dynamic
"rowing simulation machine" is closest to the power distribution
profile of what is produced in a rowing boat, it is then important
that the use of rowing machines for training be utilised and
maximised to achieve the optimum performance from the rower.
Studies have found that the foot position of the rower can affect
the efficiency, effectiveness and power output of the rowers.
Therefore the ability to use the same row boat foot plate system
that has been developed for this reason on rowing simulation
machine 1 is advantageous.
[0063] It should be understood that the rowing simulation machine 1
of the present invention can also be connected in end-to-end
relationship or side-by-side relationship to mimic real on water
crew rowing. This is achieved by using simple rod connectors to
join the carriages of the machines.
[0064] Another advantage of this embodiment of the present
invention is that not only does it achieve "dynamic simulated
rowing", it also uses less floor space than the "Concept 2 Slide"
sliding track system by Concept 2, Inc. This is because the overall
length of the machine of the present embodiment can be constructed
so that it is about 300 mm shorter than the Concept 2 Slide
arrangement when stationary, and about 400 mm shorter comparing the
extent of the machines when used dynamically.
[0065] The reduced overall length of the present embodiment, by
eliminating the need to provide a pair of slides for each machine,
improves greatly the floorspace required to connect two or more
machines. This allows the possible connection of more machines in
the space available. As most gyms and rowing clubs are limited in
the space available for the crew simulation option, a reduced
overall length and simplified connection method increases the
opportunity for this crew simulation option.
[0066] Another advantage of the present embodiment of machine 1,
when compared to the "Concept 2 Slide" prior art, is that as a
result of the shape and configuration of base 2 on legs 10, it is
relatively easy to maintain the hygiene of the floorspace below
machine 1, after active use of the machine. This is particularly
important in public gyms and rowing clubs.
[0067] It should be noted that carriage 3 should preferably be
lockable to base 2, so that the machine can be used in similar
fashion to a stationary rowing machine to perform specific
exercises or for coaching purposes.
[0068] In another not shown embodiment each of said rails of said
second set of rails is curved or inclined at least one end thereof.
This could be used instead of elastic cord centering, to prevent
the seated rower from hitting the end stops of carriage 3 during
use.
[0069] The term "comprising" as used herein (and its grammatical
variations) is used in the inclusive sense of "having" or
"including" and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only
of".
* * * * *