Perfect power rowing ergometer handle

Abstract

A replacement handle for rowing exercise machines. The rowing machine handle described herein is a simple tool which can be added to existing machines to give the user greater feedback and control over training and exercise sessions, on a variety of rowing exercise machines, than is currently available. It is easy to use, and with included applications for mobile devices will help the user to create more effective training sessions and training programs. Said rowing machine handle can be used effectively by a wide range of users. Current rowing machine handles do not provide electronic feedback about the rowing motion or exercise performance. The above replacement handle will provide direct and immediate feedback to the user about his exercise session, including information about his rowing motion (technique) and his exercise performance (physiology).

Claims

1. A rowing machine handle, comprising a central framework with handle portions extending at either end of the central framework; internal electrical components within the handle for measuring applied force; internal electrical components within the handle for measuring handle movement; internal electrical components within the handle for collecting data input from the internal electrical measuring components; internal electrical components within the handle for transmitting collected data to an external electrical display; internal power source within the handle for the internal electrical components; internal wiring within the handle to connect various internal electrical components; a connector on the handle to enable handle to be attachable to and detachable from and used with various rowing machines; and handle grips on the handle portions; wherein the handle portions are hollow cylindrical handle portions at either end of and rigidly secured to a central triangular framework; and a metal connector at the apex of the triangular framework.

2. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 1, wherein the handle is attachable to and detachable from a rowing machine by a chain, cable or belt attachable to or detachable from the connector on the handle.

3. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 1, the handle further incorporating a hollow portion between the handle portions encompassing at least a portion of the central triangular framework, the hollow portion and the hollow handle portions each enclosing internal spaces: a force measuring device secured within the internal space of the hollow portion to the framework and connecting to the metal connector for collecting data corresponding to the force applied to the handle; and within at least one of the internal spaces: a device for measuring and collecting data corresponding to speed, position, distance traveled, and relative fluctuations thereof; a transmitter for transmitting the data collected by the devices for measuring and collecting the data corresponding to the force, speed, position, distance traveled and relative fluctuations thereof to an external display; a programmable computer to communicate with all internal electrical components, collate the collected data, and convert the data to a transmittable form to be interpreted and displayed by an existing external device with display capabilities; a transmitter for transmitting the data collected by the devices and interpreted by the programmable computer to an external display; a circuit board to mount the computer, transmitter and the devices for measuring and collecting the data corresponding to the force, speed, position, distance traveled and relative fluctuations thereof; a power source to sufficiently power the internal electrical handle components; and wiring to connect the power source to the components, the devices, the computer, and the components, devices and computer to each other as needed.

4. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 1, each of the hollow handle portions encompassing an internal space, further incorporating a removable end cap at an end of each handle portion to allow access to the internal spaces and components within each handle portion.

5. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 4, wherein the handles are covered with a removable grip.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The preferred embodiments of the present invention are specifically illustrated in the drawings, in such a manner that the above objects, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention become clearer. Same letter designations in the drawings refer to the same elements listed below. The drawings are deliberately not drawn in a uniform scale according to the actual scaling. The emphasis of the drawings is to show a purport of the present invention.

(2) FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views showing operating methods of a conventional rowing machine, wherein FIG. 1A shows an initial state before force is applied to the rowing machine and FIG. 1B shows the final position after force has been applied.

(3) FIG. 2 is a close-up view with an arrow indicating a typical handle (shown in profile) held in the hands of the rowing figure.

(4) FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional overhead view of the above invention, where the body of the rowing machine would be to the left of drawing, and showing approximate number and placements of the elements included in the preferred embodiment. These elements, listed below, are referenced in FIG. 3, wherein

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(5) A is the main framework of the invention, with removable end caps, and to or within which the below elements are attached or embedded.

(6) B are non-slip grips attached to either end of the handle, each of which is of sufficient length to accommodate a hand of any size and width, at various placements.

(7) C is an interchangeable connector or joint to accommodate the various rowing machines, to which the chain, belt, cable, or other pulling mechanism is connected.

(8) D are the spaces within the handle framework which will accommodate the electronic and mechanical elements of the invention.

(9) E is a load cell or other force-measuring device which will measure force applied to the handle through the connector C via the chain, belt or cable of the rowing machine, when in use.

(10) F, G, and H are electronic devices, such as accelerometers, used to measure handle movement so as to extrapolate accurate information about distance traveled by the handle over the course of a single repetition of the rowing motion, handle position within said repetition, handle height during said repetition, frequency of repetitions, and other data inputs the inventor may wish to add, as the technology allows.

(11) J is the circuit board for collating and processing (M), then transmitting (L) information gathered by the above elements when in use.

(12) K is the power source, typically a replaceable or rechargeable battery, for powering the above elements included within the invention.

(13) L is an electronic device, such as Bluetooth, for transmitting collected data to an external display or device.

(14) M is the electronic processing device for collecting and collating data, and communicating with all internal electronic components.

(15) N is the wiring to connect all embedded elements together for, power and information transmission.

(16) Placements of the above elements and embedded spaces may change relative to each other in FIG. 3.