Concept2 Ergometer End Cap Adapter

Abstract

The Adapter is an aluminum replacement part for the Concept 2 rowing machine. It replaces the plastic end cap at the upper end of the box frame. Attachment is achieved with pre-existing bolts on the machine. The adapter provides a safe and secure attachment point on the Concept 2 rowing ergometer for coaches/trainers/athletes to attach a 1 tie-down strap used in teaching and training.

Claims

1. The Adapter is the only solution currently available for this application.

2. Reduce damage: When hanging or suspending your body in the air, a strong athlete is producing hundreds of pounds of force on the handle/strap. Currently coaches will either wrap the strap completely around the flywheel cage (plastic) or to the monitor bracket (structurally unsound). The Adapter will reduce damage to the rowing machine when coaches/trainers use straps in their teaching and training.

3. Reduce risk: The current methods of hanging or suspending your body in the air by use of straps, while commonplace, are risky. When you wrap the strap around the flywheel cage, you risk the strap slipping or the cage collapsing. When you attach the strap to the monitor bracket, you risk breaking the bracket. By providing an attachment point that is directly attached to the frame of the machine, you greatly reduce the risk of injury to the athlete.

4. Improve training efficiency: A team with multiple machines (50-60 is not uncommon on a team) can use the Adapter as a training tool since one-on-one supervision is not required. The previous methods used required one coach to monitor each athlete to insure safe execution.

Description

DRAWING DESCRIPTIONS

[0004] FIG. 1: This is a general view of the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter.

[0005] FIG. 2: This is a side view with the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter installed on the end of the rowing machine box frame. Attachment is accomplished by the two machine bolts already installed on the machine.

[0006] FIG. 3: This is an aerial view of the Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0007] Manufacturing:

[0008] The Concept 2 Ergometer End Cap Replacement Adapter is a single piece of metal with no moving parts or pieces. It is manufactured out of aluminum plate and is currently produced by means of water-jet cutting and mechanical bending to achieve the final product.

[0009] Installation: [0010] 1. Use the hex-key provided with rowing machine to remove the existing plastic end-cap/bolt/washer/metal hook. [0011] 2. Use hex-key to remove one of the two bolts in FIG. 3 [0012] 3. Align the corresponding hole on the Adapter with the empty hole and thread the bolt in loosely. [0013] 4. Once first bolt is started, repeat the same procedure with second bolt. [0014] 5. Removing/installing each bolt separately prevents the front leg of the machine from coming unattached. [0015] 6. Tighten both bolts firmly.

[0016] Usage: [0017] 1. Thread the end of the strap through the 1 opening on the Adapter. [0018] 2. Thread the end of the strap through the u-bolt on the handle [0019] 3. Thread the end of the strap through the cam and adjust to desired length [0020] 4. NOTE: Do not loop strap around the handle as it can cause the handle to break. Only thread it through the u-bolt [0021] 5. Whether you are using the adapter for teaching or training, the installation is the same. The only thing that changes is the coach's/trainer's methodology and the length of the strap adjustment.