U.S. patent application number 14/221116 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for paddle exercise apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is ICON Health & Fitness, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dale Alan Buchanan.
Application Number | 20140287884 14/221116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51569552 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140287884 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Buchanan; Dale Alan |
September 25, 2014 |
Paddle Exercise Apparatus
Abstract
A paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod, a handle, and a
weight member. The a rod includes first and second ends and is
configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location
between the first and second ends. The handle is positioned at the
first end of the rod and is configured for grasping by a second
hand of the user. The weight member is mounted to the rod and
adjustably positioned between the first and second ends of the rod
to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus when the
user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling
motion.
Inventors: |
Buchanan; Dale Alan;
(Nibley, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
ICON Health & Fitness, Inc. |
Logan |
UT |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
ICON Health & Fitness,
Inc.
Logan
UT
|
Family ID: |
51569552 |
Appl. No.: |
14/221116 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61803682 |
Mar 20, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
482/72 ;
482/106 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 21/4023 20151001;
A63B 21/00072 20130101; A63B 2069/068 20130101; A63B 22/0076
20130101; A63B 21/4035 20151001; A63B 21/4043 20151001; A63B
21/0608 20130101; A63B 21/0724 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/72 ;
482/106 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/072 20060101
A63B021/072; A63B 22/00 20060101 A63B022/00 |
Claims
1. An paddle exercise apparatus, comprising: a rod having first and
second ends and being configured for grasping by a first hand of a
user at a location between the first and second ends; a handle
positioned at the first end of the rod and being configured for
grasping by a second hand of the user; a weight member mounted to
the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second ends
of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise apparatus
when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through a
paddling motion.
2. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle has
an asymmetrical shape.
3. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod passes
through the weight member.
4. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight
member comprises a releasable locking assembly operable to fix a
position of the weight member along a length of the rod.
5. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the releasable
locking assembly comprises a twist locking assembly.
6. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 4, wherein the releasable
locking assembly comprises a pivot locking assembly.
7. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an
end cap positioned at the second end of the rod.
8. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 7, wherein the end cap
comprises a cushioning material.
9. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rod has a
length of at least 5 ft between the first and second ends.
10. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 1, wherein the weight
member has a weight of at least 3 lbs.
11. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 10, wherein the weight
member has a weight in the range of about 5 lbs to about 7 lbs.
12. An paddle exercise apparatus comprising: an elongate rod; a
weight member slidable along a length of the rod and operable to
fix a position of the weight member a different locations along the
length of the rod to vary a resistance to movement of the rod when
the paddle exercise apparatus is used to simulate a paddling motion
by a user.
13. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a
handle positioned at an end of the rod.
14. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, further comprising
an end cap positioned at an end of the rod.
15. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 12, wherein the weight
member includes a body portion and a locking assembly, the locking
assembly being operable to releasably fix an axial position of the
weight member along the length of the rod.
16. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking
assembly comprises a lever, and rotating the lever applies a
clamping force to the rod to releasably connect the weight member
to the rod.
17. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 15, wherein the locking
assembly comprises mating tapered surfaces and an actuator, and
rotating the actuator moves the tapered surfaces relative to each
other to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.
18. A method of exercising, comprising: providing a paddle exercise
apparatus comprising a rod, a handle positioned at one end of the
rod, and a weight member; releasably mounting the weight member to
the rod at a first location along a length of the rod; grasping the
handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second
hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through
a paddling motion; releasably mounting the weight member to the rod
at a second location along the length of the rod; grasping the
handle with the first hand of a user, grasping the rod with the
second hand of the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus
through the paddling motion; wherein the weight member provides
different resistance during the paddling motion when in the first
and second locations.
19. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 18, wherein the weight
member comprising a locking assembly, and releasably mounting the
weight member to the rod includes operating the locking assembly to
releasably secure the weight member to the rod.
20. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking
assembly comprises an actuator, and operating the locking assembly
includes rotating the actuator about a longitudinal axis of the
rod.
21. The paddle exercise apparatus of claim 19, wherein the locking
assembly comprises an actuator, and operating the locking assembly
includes pivoting the actuator about an axis arranged perpendicular
to a longitudinal axis of the rod.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/803,682, entitled Paddle Exercise Apparatus,
filed on Mar. 20, 2013; which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing have been
proven to yield a number of health benefits as an active form of
exercise. However, such water-based activities require a boat and a
body of water in order to participate and enjoy the full benefits
associated with the activity. A variety of overhead costs are
involved with purchasing or renting a boat, equipment, gear and
clothing in order to participate in such water-based
activities.
[0003] It may be desirable to provide an exercise device that can
simulate the movements or weight resistance athletes typically
experience when actually rowing, kayaking, paddle boarding or
canoeing in the outdoors.
[0004] One type of rowing machine is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
7,104,933 issued to Hsueh-Sen Liao. In this reference, a rower is
disclosed that includes a seat on a base, a stepper disposed on the
other end of the base and an oar provided between the seat and the
stepper, the stepper being linked to the oar by means of a linkage,
a return device being disposed between the base and the linkage for
the user to sit on the seat to practice rowing and doing the
stretching of muscles of the extremities by the resistance from the
stepper. Another type of rowing is described in U.S. Pat. No.
7,862,484 issued to Calvin T. Coffey.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect of the disclosure, an paddle exercise
apparatus includes a rod having first and second ends and being
configured for grasping by a first hand of a user at a location
between the first and second ends.
[0006] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a handle positioned at
the first end of the rod and being configured for grasping by a
second hand of the user.
[0007] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a weight member mounted
to the rod and adjustably positioned between the first and second
ends of the rod to alter a resistance of the paddle exercise
apparatus when the user moves the paddle exercise apparatus through
a paddling motion.
[0008] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the handle having an
asymmetrical shape.
[0009] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the rod passing through
the weight member.
[0010] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member
comprising a releasable locking assembly operable to fix a position
of the weight member along a length of the rod.
[0011] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the releasable locking
assembly comprising a twist locking assembly.
[0012] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the releasable locking
assembly comprising a pivot locking assembly.
[0013] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include an end cap positioned at
the second end of the rod.
[0014] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the end cap comprising a
cushioning material.
[0015] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the rod having a length
of at least 5 ft between the first and second ends.
[0016] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member having
a weight of at least 3 lbs.
[0017] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member having
a weight in the range of about 5 lbs to about 7 lbs.
[0018] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a paddle exercise
apparatus comprising an elongate rod and a weight member slidable
along a length of the rod and operable to fix a position of the
weight member a different locations along the length of the rod to
vary a resistance to movement of the rod when the paddle exercise
apparatus is used to simulate a paddling motion by a user.
[0019] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a handle positioned at
an end of the rod.
[0020] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include an end cap positioned at
an end of the rod.
[0021] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member
comprising a body portion and a locking assembly, the locking
assembly being operable to releasably fix an axial position of the
weight member along the length of the rod.
[0022] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly
comprising a lever, and rotating the lever applies a clamping force
to the rod to releasably connect the weight member to the rod.
[0023] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly
comprising mating tapered surfaces and an actuator, and rotating
the actuator moves the tapered surfaces relative to each other to
releasably connect the weight member to the rod.
[0024] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include a method of exercising
comprises providing a paddle exercise apparatus comprising a rod, a
handle positioned at one end of the rod, and a weight member.
[0025] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include releasably mounting the
weight member to the rod at a first location along a length of the
rod.
[0026] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include grasping the handle with
a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the
user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through a paddling
motion.
[0027] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include releasably mounting the
weight member to the rod at a second location along the length of
the rod.
[0028] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include grasping the handle with
the first hand of a user, grasping the rod with the second hand of
the user, and moving the paddle exercise apparatus through the
paddling motion.
[0029] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include providing different
resistance with the weight member during the paddling motion when
in the first and second positions.
[0030] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the weight member
comprising a locking assembly, and releasably mounting the weight
member to the rod includes operating the locking assembly to
releasably secure the weight member to the rod.
[0031] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly
comprising an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes
rotating the actuator about a longitudinal axis of the rod.
[0032] In one or more other aspects that may be combined with any
of the aspects herein, may further include the locking assembly
comprising an actuator, and operating the locking assembly includes
pivoting the actuator about an axis arranged perpendicular to a
longitudinal axis of the rod.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of
the present method and system and are a part of the specification.
The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of the present
system and method and do not limit the scope thereof.
[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example paddle
exercise apparatus being operated by user in accordance with the
present disclosure.
[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate top perspective views of the paddle
exercise apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of the paddle exercise
apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates an opposite end view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 1.
[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 5 taken along cross-section indicator
7-7.
[0040] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 with a weight member in different
axial positions.
[0041] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate perspective views of another
example paddle exercise apparatus in accordance with the present
disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise
apparatus of FIG. 10 with a weight assembly in an unlocked
position.
[0043] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the paddle exercise
apparatus of FIG. 10 with the weight assembly in a locked
position.
[0044] FIG. 14 illustrates an end view of the paddle exercise
apparatus of FIG. 10.
[0045] FIG. 15 illustrates an opposite end view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 10.
[0046] FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 14 taken along cross-section indicator
16-16.
[0047] FIG. 17 illustrates the cross-sectional view of FIG. 16 with
the weight assembly in an unlocked position.
[0048] FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 16 taken along cross-section indicator
18-18.
[0049] FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 17 taken along cross-section indicator
19-19.
[0050] FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate perspective views of the paddle
exercise apparatus of FIG. 10 with the weight assembly in different
axial positions.
[0051] Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers
designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] The paddle exercise apparatus is configured for use as an
exercise device that simulates a paddling motion used, for example,
when paddling a canoe or paddle board, or may be used as a
resistance element in paddle-based workouts. The paddle exercise
apparatus includes an elongate rod with a handle at one end and a
weight member positioned at a location along a length of the rod.
The user may grasp the handle with one hand, grasp the rod with
another hand, and then swing the paddle exercise apparatus through
a swinging and rotation movement that simulates paddling a canoe or
paddle board (e.g., a paddling motion).
[0053] The weight member may be adjustably positioned along the
length of the rod. Positioning the weight member at various
locations along the length of the rod alters resistance for the
user during movement of the paddle exercise apparatus through the
paddling motion. The weight member may include a locking mechanism
that releasably fixes an axial position of the weight member at a
desired location along the length of the rod.
[0054] The paddle exercise apparatus may further include an end cap
positioned at an opposite end of the rod from the handle. The end
cap may provide a position stop for the weight member to assure
that the weight member does not inadvertently slide off of the rod.
The end cap may have a construction and material composition that
provides a cushioning effect if the end of the rod hits a ground
surface or other object when moving the paddle exercise apparatus
through the paddling motion. Additionally, the end cap construction
may be a non-slip material configured to facilitate pivoting,
dragging, or other movements that may be incorporated into a
physical activity.
[0055] The handle may have an asymmetrical shape about at least one
plane passing centrally through the handle. The handle may have
contoured surfaces that provide improved ergonomics when grasping
the handle with the user's hand.
[0056] The lock mechanism used for fixing the position of the
weight member may have a quick release feature such as, for
example, a twist lock mechanism or a lever assembly that provide a
clamping force to the rod. In some embodiments, the lock mechanism
may be operable with a single hand of the user.
[0057] The weight member may include a weight portion such as a
cylindrical shaped object comprising a metal material, and an
overmold that provides cushioning in the event the weight member
hits the ground surface or an object proximity to the user during
use. The overmold may also provide improved grasping of the weight
assembly by the user. The weight member may also include bushings
or other bearing features that provide a low friction interface
with the rod to permit easier sliding of the weight member along
the length of the rod when adjusting an axial position of the
weight member.
[0058] While the illustrated embodiments of the paddle exercise
apparatus include a handle on one end and an end cap at the
opposite end, other embodiments may include only the weight member
mounted to the rod without at least one of the handle and end cap
also mounted to the rod.
[0059] Particularly, with reference to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a
perspective view of an example paddle exercise apparatus 10 in use
by a user U. The user U has first and second hands H.sub.1 and
H.sub.2. The first hand H.sub.1 grasps the paddle exercise
apparatus 10 at one end, and the second hand H.sub.2 grasps the
paddle exercise apparatus a location spaced between the ends. The
user U then moves the paddle exercise apparatus 10 through a
rotation or swinging motion that simulates paddling a canoe or
paddle board or similar device (e.g., a paddling motion).
[0060] The paddle exercise apparatus 10 may have various lengths
that correlate with the length of an actual paddle used for a given
application. For example, a longer paddle exercise apparatus 10 may
be used when simulating a paddle board application (e.g., wherein
the user typically stands while paddling and is further from the
water). In another example, the paddle exercise apparatus 10 has a
shorter length to simulate a paddle used with a canoe (e.g.,
wherein the user sits down in the canoe and is positioned closer to
the water).
[0061] The paddle exercise apparatus includes a rod 12, a handle
14, a weight assembly 16, and an end cap assembly 18. The handle 14
and end cap assembly 18 are positioned at opposite ends of the rod
12. The weight assembly 16 may be adjustably mounted to the rod 12.
The weight assembly 16 may move axially along a length of the rod
12 and be releasably fixed at a desired axial location. Each axial
position of the weight assembly 16 may provide a different
resistance for the user U when moving the paddle exercise apparatus
10 through a paddling motion. Typically, the closer the weight
assembly 16 is to the user's body the lower the resistance, and the
further the weight assembly 16 from the user's body the greater the
resistance. The weight assembly 16 may be positioned between the
second hand H.sub.2 and the end cap assembly 18. Alternatively, the
weight assembly 16 may be positioned between the first and second
hands H.sub.1, H.sub.2.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 2-9, and particularly the
cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the rod 12, handle 14, weight
assembly 16, and end cap assembly 18 are described in further
detail. The rod 12 includes first and second ends 20, 22 and a
hollow interior 24. The rod 12 also has a length L.sub.1 and an
external diameter D.sub.1.
[0063] The handle 14 includes a grip portion 30 and an insert
portion 32 (see FIG. 7). The grip portion 30 includes a front
surface 34 and a rear surface 36 (see FIG. 4). The insert portion
32 is inserted into the hollow interior 24 of the rod 12. The grip
portion 30 may have an asymmetrical construction about a plane P,
which extends laterally through the handle 14 (see FIGS. 4 and 6).
The grip portion 30 may have contoured surfaces, protrusions and/or
recesses that enhance easier grasping by the user and may provide
improved ergonomics during use. The handle 14 may comprise
materials and surface features that also provide improved grasping
and comfort during use.
[0064] The handle 14 may be connected to the rod 12 using, for
example, an interference fit between the insert portion 32 and the
hollow interior 24. In other examples, fasteners, bonding agents
(e.g., adhesives), and other connection features may be used to
provide the desired connection. The handle 14 may be releasably
mounted to the rod 12. The handle 14 may be replaceable with
handles of different sizes, shapes, or other physical features to
customize the paddle exercise apparatus 10 for various uses and
users. The handle 14 may be removable to permit removal of the
weight assembly 16 from the rod 12.
[0065] The weight assembly 16 includes a weight 40, an overmold 42,
first, second and third slide bushings 44-46, and a locking
assembly 48 (see FIG. 7). The weight 40 may include a rod aperture
50 sized to receive the rod 12, a tapered entrance 52, a bearing
recess 54 sized to accommodate the first, second and third slide
bushings 44-46, and a plurality of internal threads 56. The weight
40 may comprise a relatively dense material such as, for example, a
metal material. The tapered entrance 52 may promote easier axial
adjustment of the weight assembly 16 along the rod 12. The tapered
entrance 52 may have a horn shape.
[0066] The overmold 42 may be connected to an exterior surface of
the weight 40. The overmold 42 may comprise a protective or
cushioning material that covers most, if not all, of the exposed
surfaces of the weight 40 when the weight assembly 16 is mounted to
the rod. The overmold 42 may comprise a polymer material such as
urethane. The overmold 42 may be co-molded directly onto the weight
40. Alternatively, the overmold 42 may be separately formed and
then secured to the weight 40 in a separate assembly step using,
for example, an adhesive.
[0067] The first and second slide bushings 44, 45 may be positioned
within the bearing recess 54 of the weight 40. The first and second
slide bushings 44, 45 may provide a low-friction interface between
the weight assembly 16 and the rod 12. The first and second slide
bushings 44, 45 may be positioned end-to-end within the bearing
recess 54. In some embodiments, the weight assembly 16 may be
operable without using the bushings 44-46. For example, the weight
40 may be coated with a low friction material such as Teflon to
reduce friction at an interface between the weight 40 and rod
12.
[0068] The locking assembly 48 may include a wedge bushing 58 and a
lock collar 60. The wedge bushing 58 may include a tapered end
surface 62. The wedge bushing 58 may be positioned within the
bearing recess 54 end-to-end with the second slide bushing 45.
[0069] The lock collar 60 may include a plurality of external
threads 64, a locking member 66 having a tapered lock surface 68,
and a bushing recess 70. A set of external threads 64 may be formed
on the locking member 66. The threads 64 may be arranged to
threadably engage the threads 56 formed on a radially inward facing
surface of the weight 40. The meeting interface between the threads
56 and the threads 64 may provide mounting of the lock collar 60 to
the weight 40 and provide relative rotational adjustment
therebetween. The bushing recess 70 may be sized to receive the
third slide bushing 46.
[0070] The locking assembly 48 may rotate about a longitudinal axis
of the rod 12. The locking assembly 48 may provide a twist lock
connection of the weight assembly 16 to the rod 12. Rotating the
lock collar 60 in a first direction moves the tapered lock surface
68 toward the tapered end surface 62 of the wedge bushing 58 to
create a radially inward directed force onto the wedge bushing 58.
This radially inward directed force presses the wedge bushing 58
onto the outer surface of the rod 12 to fix an axial position of
the weight assembly 16 relative to the rod 12. Rotating the lock
collar 60 in an opposite direction moves the tapered lock surface
68 away from the tapered end surface 62 to relieve the radially
inward directed force. By relieving the radially inward directed
force, the wedge bushing 58 releases from the outer surface of the
rod 12 to permit axial and rotational movement of the weight
assembly 16 relative to the rod 12.
[0071] The locking assembly 48 may be operated by holding the
weight 40 and overmold 42 with one hand of the user while rotating
the lock collar 60 relative to the weight 40 and overmold 42. The
locking assembly 48 may operate without having to apply an axially
directed force to the weight 40, overmold 42, or lock collar 60 as
the lock collar 60 is rotated with the user's hand.
[0072] The end cap assembly 18 is shown in FIG. 7 having an end cap
80, a fastener assembly 82, and a spider nut 84. The end cap 80
includes a recess 86 sized to receive the second end 22 of the rod
12. The end cap 80 may have a shape and material composition that
limits damage to objects inadvertently hit by the end cap 80 during
use of the paddle exercise apparatus 10. The end cap 80 may
comprise, for example, a urethane or foam material. The end cap 80
may have a contoured surface that provides a blunt contact surface
for the end of the paddle exercise apparatus 10.
[0073] The fastener assembly 82 may include a fastener having a
head 88 and a threaded shank 90. The fastener assembly 82 may also
include a bracket 92. The bracket 92 may be embedded within the end
cap 80 to provide improved connection between the end cap 80 and
the fastener assembly 82. The threaded shank 90 extends into the
hollow interior 24 of the rod 12 to connect with the spider nut 84.
The spider nut 84 may include an aperture 94. The threaded shank 90
may threadably mate with threads of aperture 94 to provide a
releasable connection of the end cap 80 to the rod 12. The end cap
80 may be detachable from the rod to permit removal of the weight
assembly 16 from the rod 12. The spider nut 84 may have be
compression fitted within the hollow interior 24 of rod 12.
[0074] Other types of connection assemblies may be used to secure
end cap 80 to the rod 12. For example, a fastener (e.g., a set
screw) may extend through an exterior surface of the end cap 80 and
into contact an outer surface of the rod 12 to provide a connection
therebetween. In other examples, a permanent connection may be
formed using, for example, an adhesive between the end cap 80 and
the rod 12.
[0075] The end cap 80 may have a tapered surface facing axially
toward the weight assembly 16. The tapered surface may mate with
the tapered entrance 52 of the weight 40 to provide a mating
interface between the end cap assembly 18 and the weight assembly
16.
[0076] FIGS. 3, 8 and 9 show the weight assembly 16 in various
axial positions along the length of rod 12. In each of the
positions shown in FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, the locking assembly 48 may be
operated to fix the axial position of the weight assembly 16
relative to rod 12. The operator may also operate the locking
assembly 48 to release the weight assembly 16 to permit sliding of
the weight assembly 16 along the length of the rod 12 to another
axial position.
[0077] FIGS. 10-21 show another example paddle exercise apparatus
100. The paddle exercise apparatus 100 includes a rod 112, a handle
114, and an end cap assembly 118, which have the same or similar
construction and function as the rod 12, handle 14 and end cap
assembly 18, respectively, described above with reference to FIGS.
1-9. The weight assembly 116 may have a different locking mechanism
as compared to the weight assembly 16 described above. The locking
mechanism of the weight assembly 116 may utilize a lever to create
a clamping force that secures the weight assembly 116 to the rod
112. Other features of the weight assembly 116 besides the locking
mechanism may be the same or similar to the features of weight
assembly 16.
[0078] The rod 112 includes first and second ends 120, 122. The
weight assembly 116 may be adjustably positioned along a length of
the rod 112 between the first and second ends 120, 122. The weight
assembly 116 may include a weight 140, an overmold 142, first,
second and third slide bushings 144-146, and a locking assembly 148
(see FIGS. 16-17). The weight 140 may include a rod aperture 150 in
which the rod 112 extends. The weight 140 may also include a
tapered entrance 152 and a bearing recess 154 sized to accommodate
the first and second slide bushings 144, 145. The overmold 142 may
extend around portions of the weight 140 which are exposed to the
user when the weight assembly 116 is mounted to the rod 112.
[0079] The locking assembly 148 may include an actuator handle 158
and a lock collar 160. The actuator handle 158 may include an axle
bore 164 at an end thereof that is connected to the lock collar
160. The actuator handle 158 may also include head and nut seats
163, 165.
[0080] The lock collar 160 includes handle supports 166A,B and an
axle bore 168 (see FIGS. 18 and 19). A connector screw 170 may
secure the lock collar 160 to the weight 140 as shown in FIGS. 16
and 17. The lock collar 160 may have a slot or gap G.sub.1 as shown
in FIG. 18. Operating the actuator handle 158 between a locked
position (see FIGS. 16 and 18) and an unlocked position (see FIGS.
17 and 19) moves the handle supports 166A,B toward each other to
reduce the size of gap G.sub.1 to a smaller sized gap G.sub.2 (see
FIG. 19). Reducing the size of the gap G.sub.1 provides application
of a radially inward directed force to the rod 112.
[0081] A fastener 172 may extend through the axle bore 164 of the
actuator handle 158 and through the axle bore 168 of the lock
collar 160 to secure the actuator handle 158 to the lock collar 160
(see FIGS. 18 and 19). The fastener 172 includes a head 176 and a
threaded shank 178. The head 176 is positioned within the head seat
163. A nut 174 is positioned within the nut seat 165. The threaded
shank 178 is threadably engaged with internal threads of the nut
174.
[0082] The head 176 is rotatably fixed in the actuator handle 158
adjacent to the handle support 166A, and the nut 174 is rotatably
fixed in the actuator handle 158 adjacent to the handle support
166B. Rotating the actuator handle 158 relative to the lock collar
160 advances the fastener 172 within the nut 174 thereby applying
an axially directed force that moves the handle supports 166A,B
toward each other. Moving the handle supports 166A,B toward each
other applies a radially inward directed clamping force from the
lock collar 160 onto an outer surface of the rod 112 (e.g., via the
third slide bushing 146). This radially inward directed clamping
force fixes a position of the weight assembly 116 relative to the
rod 112. Moving the actuator handle 158 into the release position
shown in FIGS. 17 and 19 releases the clamping force to permit
axial and rotational movement of the weight assembly 116 relative
to the rod 112.
[0083] The locking assembly 148 may be operated using a single hand
of the user. The locking assembly 148 may be referred to as a quick
release mechanism. The locking assembly 148 may be referred to as a
pivot locking assembly or mechanism.
[0084] FIGS. 11, 20 and 21 show the weight assembly 116 at
different axial positions along the length of the rod 112. FIG. 11
shows the weight assembly 116 positioned against the end cap
assembly 118 at the second end 122 of rod 112. The end cap assembly
118 may act as an axial position stop for the weight assembly 116
at he second end 122. The handle 114 may act as an axial position
stop at the opposite first end 120 of the rod 112. The weight
assembly 116 may be positioned at any axial and rotational position
relative to rod 112.
[0085] Other types of weight assemblies and locking mechanisms may
be used in combination with or in place of the locking assemblies
48, 148. Other example lock mechanisms may include, for example, at
least one cam surface or a fastener such as a set screw.
[0086] The weight assemblies disclosed herein may have a relatively
elongate, low profile shape. Further, the outer periphery of the
weight assemblies shown in the figures may have a generally
circular cross-sectional shape with a cylindrical construction.
FIG. 4 shows the weight assembly 16 having a maximum outer diameter
D.sub.2 and a length L.sub.2. The diameter D.sub.2 may be in the
range of, for example, about 2 inches to about 8 inches, and more
particularly in the range of about 3 inches to about 4 inches. The
length L.sub.2 may be in the range of about 4 inches to about 12
inches, and more particularly in the range of about 6 inches to
about 8 inches. The weight assembly 16 may have a weight in the
range of about 2 lb to about 10 lbs, and more particularly in the
range of about 4 lb to about 6 lb.
[0087] The length L.sub.1 of the rod 12 (see FIG. 7) may be in the
range of about 3 ft. to about 8 ft., and more particularly in the
range of about 5 ft to about 6 ft. The diameter D.sub.1 may be in
the range of about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches, and more
particularly in the range of about 1 inches to about 2 inches. The
rod 12 may have a weight in the range of about 1 lb to about 3
lbs.
[0088] Many other shapes, sizes and configurations are possible for
the weight assembly. For example, various cross-sectional shapes
such as triangular or hexagonal shapes, or a generally spherical
shape may be used. Further, the weight assembly may be modified for
connection to rods having different cross-sectional shapes than the
circular cross-sectional shapes shown in the Figures. Other
cross-sectional shapes for the rod may include, for example,
rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, and oval shapes. In still
further embodiments, the weight assembly may have a construction
that is asymmetrical about a plane extending through and arranged
parallel with the longitudinal axis of the rod. Other embodiments
may include weight assemblies in which projections or wing shaped
features extend therefrom to simulate the shape of a paddle.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0089] The paddle exercise apparatuses disclosed herein provide an
exercise device that simulates, at least in part, the resistance
experienced by a user when paddling a canoe, paddle board, or
similar device. An example paddle exercise apparatus includes a
weight member, which is adjustable along a length of the apparatus
to vary a resistance provided during the paddling motion. The
paddle exercise apparatus may also include a handle at one end for
grasping by a first hand of a user. A second hand of the user may
grasp a rod portion of the apparatus at a location between the
handle and an opposing end of the apparatus. The second hand of the
user may grasp the apparatus at a location between the weight
member and the handle. Alternatively, the second hand of the user
may grasp the apparatus at a location spaced distal (e.g., a
direction away from the user) of the weight member.
[0090] In general, the structure of the present disclosure provides
a paddle exercise apparatus that may be customized to provide
different amounts of resistance when using the apparatus to
simulate a paddling motion. The customization may include moving
the weight member to different locations along a length of the
apparatus. The apparatus may include a rod to which the weight
member is mounted and movable along to provide the customization of
resistance. The weight member may be releasably fixed at various
locations along the length of the rod. The weight member may
include a locking assembly, which is operable to releasably fix a
position of the weight member relative to the rod.
[0091] The locking assembly may have a twist lock mechanism, which
twists about a longitudinal axis of the rod to provide a locking
function. The locking assembly may include mating tapered surfaces,
which when moved axially relative to each other as a result of
twisting a portion of the twist lock mechanism create a radially
inward directed force to an outer surface of the rod.
[0092] Alternatively, the lock mechanism may include a lever that
operates to impose a clamping function. In one arrangement, the
lever pivots about an axis arranged perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the rod, and pivoting the lever creates a
clamping force around an outer surface of the rod.
[0093] Moving the weight member along the rod may alter a center of
gravity for the apparatus. Moving the weight member closer to the
handle shifts the center of gravity closer to the user, making it
easier to move the apparatus through the paddling motion. Moving
the weight member away from the handle shifts the center of gravity
further away from the user, making it more difficult to move the
apparatus through the paddling motion.
[0094] The paddle exercise apparatus may also include an end cap
positioned at an end of the rod opposite the handle. The end cap
may provide a cushioning function or at least a blunt surface at
that end of the rod. The end cap may also function as a position
stop for the weight member to limit inadvertent removal of the
weight member from the rod. The handle may function as a position
stop for the weight member at the opposite end of the rod.
[0095] A method of assembling the example paddle exercise
apparatuses disclosed herein may include positioning the weight
member on the rod, mounting the handle to a first end of the rod,
and mounting the end cap to a second end of the rod. The handle and
end cap may help maintain the weight member mounted to the rod. The
method may further include sliding the weight member along the rod
to a desired axial position, and then operating a locking mechanism
into a locked position to fix the axial position of the weight
member relative to the rod. The locking mechanism may be operated
into a released position to permit sliding movement of the weight
member relative to the rod to position the weight member at a
different axial position.
[0096] A method of simulating a paddling motion using the paddle
exercise apparatuses disclosed herein may include fixing the weight
member at a first location along a length of the rod, grasping the
handle with a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second
hand of the user, and moving the paddle through a paddling motion.
The method further includes moving the weight member to a different
location along the length of the rod to a second location, fixing
the weight member at the second location, grasping the handle with
a first hand of a user, grasping the rod with a second hand of the
user, and moving the paddle through the paddling motion, wherein
the apparatus has a different resistance to motion when the weight
member is in the second position as compared to when the weight
member is in the second position.
* * * * *