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 horizontal handles at either end; internal electrical components for measuring applied force; internal electrical components for measuring handle movement; internal electrical components for collecting data input from internal electrical measuring components; internal electrical components for transmitting collected data to external electrical displays; internal power source for internal electrical components; internal wiring to connect various internal electrical components; a connector to enable handle to be attached to the various rowing machines; and handle grips for comfort and ease of use.

2. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 1 which is of similar size, shape, weight, and orientation to current rowing machine handles which are used by popular models of rowing machine which typically operate by means of flywheel and pulley, and to which the original handle is connected to the machine by chain, cable, belt or similar method.

3. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 2 further incorporating hollow cylindrical handles at either end of a central triangular framework, the handles being of a diameter typical of and similar to current rowing machine handles and rowing oar handles and sufficient in length to accommodate a range of hand placement as is typical among rowing machine users, between which is a framework roughly triangular in shape rigidly securing both end handles.

4. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 3 further comprising a metal connector for said various models of rowing machine, which is situated at the apex of the triangular framework, on one side when viewed from above.

5. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 4 further incorporating within its hollow spaces a load cell (or other known force measuring device) secured within the framework and connecting to said metal connector; accelerometers or other known technology for measuring speed, position, distance traveled, and relative fluctuations thereof; a Bluetooth transmitter or similar existing technology for the purpose of transmitting data collected by said force and position measuring devices to an external display; a programmable computer chip or similar technological device to communicate with all internal electrical components, collate collected data, and convert data to a transmittable form to be interpreted and displayed by existing external devices such as desktop, laptop, or tablet computers, or mobile phones with display capabilities; a circuit board or similar technological device to mount and facilitate the use of said computer chip, position sensors, and transmitter; a power source such as replaceable or rechargeable battery to sufficiently power said internal electrical handle components; and wiring to connect said power source to said components, and said components to each other as needed.

6. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 5 further incorporating a removable end cap at the end of either handle to allow access to said internal spaces and components within each handle.

7. A rowing machine handle in accordance with claim 6 wherein said handles are covered with a removable grip giving comfort and reliability to the user while providing protection for said internal components and increasing the durability of said handle framework.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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

[0022] A is the main framework of the invention, with removable end caps, and to or within which the below elements are attached or embedded.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] D are the spaces within the handle framework which will accommodate the electronic and mechanical elements of the invention.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] J is the circuit board for collating and processing (M), then transmitting (L) information gathered by the above elements when in use.

[0029] K is the power source, typically a replaceable or rechargeable battery, for powering the above elements included within the invention.

[0030] L is an electronic device, such as Bluetooth, for transmitting collected data to an external display or device.

[0031] M is the electronic processing device for collecting and collating data, and communicating with all internal electronic components.

[0032] N is the wiring to connect all embedded elements together for, power and information transmission.

[0033] Placements of the above elements and embedded spaces may change relative to each other in FIG. 3.