EXERCISE ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING DIFFERENT ROWING ROUTINES

Abstract

An exercise assembly structured to perform different rowing routines characterized different rowing motions. A resistance device is movable within a chamber and is cooperatively structured therewith to resist such movement. A drive assembly includes two drive sections each independently connected in driving relation to said resistance device. A connector structure includes two connector members each attached to a handle and connected in driving relation to a different one of said drive sections. The handle is selectively movable through the plurality of different rowing motions, at least one of which results in the two drive sections concurrently driving the resistance member and being concurrently driven by the two connector members. At least one other rowing motion of the handle is defined by each drive section alternately driving the resistance member and being alternately driven by interconnected ones of said connector members.

Claims

1. An exercise assembly structured to perform different rowing routines, said exercise assembly comprising: a chamber including a resistance device movably disposed therein, said resistance device structured to resist predetermined movement thereof within said chamber, a drive assembly connected in driving relation to said resistance device, a handle connected in driving relation to said drive assembly; said handle concurrently movable with and relative to said driving assembly, through a plurality of different rowing motions, and manual movement of said handle, by a user, through a selected one of said plurality of different rowing motions being determinative of performance of a predetermined one of the different rowing routines.

2. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a connector structure disposed in interconnecting relation between said handle and said drive assembly; said connector structure movable with both said handle and said drive assembly concurrent to said manual movement of said handle through said plurality of different rowing motions.

3. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive assembly comprises at least two drive sections each movably and independently connected in driving relation to said resistance member.

4. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 3 further comprising a connector structure movably interconnecting said handle to each of said at least two drive sections.

5. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said connector structure and each of said at least two drive sections are cooperatively structured to be independently and concurrently disposed in driving engagement with said resistance member, dependent at least in part on said selected one of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle.

6. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said connector structure comprises at least two connector members each disposed in interconnecting relation between said handle and a different one of said drive sections.

7. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle comprises each of said at least two drive sections alternately connected in driving relation to said resistance member and in driven relation to interconnected ones of said connector members.

8. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein said handle comprises a one-piece orientation; said at least two connector members attached to said handle in spaced relation to one another and movable therewith during movement of said handle through said at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions.

9. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 7 wherein at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle comprises said at least two drive sections concurrently connected in driving relation to said resistance member and in driven relation to interconnected ones of said connector members.

10. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein each of said at least two connector members comprise an elongated, flexible construction.

11. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle comprises said at least two drive sections concurrently connected in driving relation to said resistance member and in driven relation to interconnected ones of said at least two connector members.

12. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said drive assembly comprises two drive sections each connected to said connector structure, said two drive sections selectively disposable independently and concurrently in driving relation to said resistance member.

13. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said connector structure comprises at least two connector members each disposed in interconnecting relation between said handle and a different one of said drive sections.

14. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein each of said drive sections comprises drive linkage and a pulley, said pulley rotationally connected to a corresponding one of said connector members; said drive linkage drivingly interconnecting said pulley to said resistance member.

15. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said drive linkage comprises a directional drive structure disposed and structured to facilitate one-way, freewheeling rotation of said resistance member during at least a portion of said plurality of different rowing motions.

16. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said chamber comprises an air chamber, said resistance device comprising a fan structure including a plurality of blades said plurality of blades disposed and configured to provide a resistance to rotation of said fan structure within said air chamber.

17. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 16 further comprising an adjustable air intake connected to said air chamber and configured to regulate airflow into an interior of said air chamber and into interactive relation with said fan structure.

18. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said air chamber comprises an air inlet including at least one opening, said air intake including an apertured construction selectively positionable on said air chamber, into air flow regulating relation with said at least one opening of said air inlet.

19. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a housing disposed in at least partially closing relation to said chamber and said resistance device; said housing including the support assembly structured to movably and fixedly position said housing on a supporting surface.

20. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 19 further comprising a retaining structure connected to said housing and disposed in removable retaining engagement with a portion of the user; said housing movable with and relative to the user concurrent to said retaining engagement with a portion of the user and said support assembly movably positioning said housing on the supporting surface, during at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions.

21. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 20 wherein said housing is disposed in a fixed position relative to the user, concurrent to said retaining engagement and said support assembly fixedly positioning said housing on the supporting surface, during at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions.

22. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising a motion sensor assembly configured to detect and process said rowing motion of said handle, said motion sensor assembly structured to configure motion data associated with said processed rowing motion and including transmission capabilities operative to transmit said motion data to a corresponding interactive display.

23. An exercise assembly structured to perform different rowing routines, said exercise assembly comprising: a housing comprising a chamber including a resistance device movably disposed therein, said resistance device cooperatively structured with said chamber to resist rotation thereof within said chamber, a drive assembly including two drive sections independently connected in driving relation to said resistance device; a handle and a connector structure; said connector structure comprising at least two connector members each disposed in driving relation between said handle and a different one of said drive sections, said handle concurrently movable with and relative to said driving assembly, through a plurality of different rowing motions, at least one of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle defined by said at least two drive sections concurrently connected in driving relation to said resistance member and in driven relation to interconnected ones of said at least two connector members, and at least one other of said plurality of different rowing motions of said handle defined by each of said at least two drive sections alternately connected in driving relation to said resistance member and in driven relation to interconnected ones of said connector member.

24. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 23 further comprising a motion sensor assembly configured to detect and process said rowing motion of said handle, said motion sensor assembly structured to configure motion data associated with said processed rowing motion and said motion sensor assembly including transmission capabilities operative to transmit said motion data to a corresponding interactive display.

25. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 24 said motion data configured to replicate said rowing motion of said handle into a corresponding one of the rowing routines for visualization on the interactive display.

26. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 23 further comprising two ball joint mountings each including a cavity formed on an exterior of said housing, each of said ball joint mountings including a ball movably mounted within a corresponding one of said cavities, each of said balls including an opening dimensioned to allow passage of a different one of said connector members there through into chamber.

27. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 26 wherein each of said two connector members passes through a different one of said ball joint mountings into connected relation with a different one of drive sections.

28. The exercise assembly as recited in claim 26 where in each of said balls are disposable in and at least partially universal range of movement within a corresponding one of said cavities.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of at least one preferred embodiment of the exercise assembly of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in partial cutaway representing both exterior and interior portions of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective, interior detail view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior, operative components of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a detailed view in perspective of the structural components represented in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a top view of the interior structure and components primarily of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic representation of a motion sensor assembly and operatively associated display assembly usable with the embodiments of at least FIGS. 1-6.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a detailed interior schematic view of operative components of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6.

[0033] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] As represented in the accompanying Figures, the present invention is directed to an exercise assembly generally indicated as 10 including a housing 12 disposed in enclosing relation to a chamber generally indicated as 14. The chamber 14 as explained in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 may be more accurately and definitively described as an air chamber through which air flows and in which air is at least partially or temporarily retained. In addition, the exercise assembly 10 of the present invention includes a resistance device, generally indicated as 16, which is preferably in the form of fan or fan-like structure having a plurality of blades 18. The blades 18 are preferably, but not necessarily, disposed about an interior periphery of the resistance device/fan structure 16.

[0035] The resistance device 16 is rotationally driven within the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14 through activation of a drive assembly generally indicated as 20. The drive assembly 20 is represented in greater detail in FIG. 6 and includes at least two drive sections 22 and 24 each structured to independently and concurrently drive/rotate the resistance device/fan 16. Further, driving activation of the drive assembly 20 is accomplished by movement of a handle 26 through a variety of different “rowing motions” by a user (not represented in the accompanying Figures). Movement of the handle 26 through a variety of possible, different rowing motions results in driving of the drive assembly 20 including the alternate or concurrent driving of each of the driving sections 22 and 24. As such, the handle 26 is connected in driving relation to the drive assembly 20 by a connector structure 30, preferably including two connector members 32 and 34. As should be noted, each of the connector members 32 and 34 pass through the interior of the housing 12, through a ball joint mounting 27, which includes a ball 28, having an opening 31, and being movably disposed within a cavity 29. Further, each of the connector members is attached to a different one of the drive sections 22 and 24. In more specific terms, each of the connector members 32 and 34 enter the body 12 through the opening or aperture's 31 formed in correspondingly positioned ones of the spherical balls 28 of the different ball joint mountings 27. In addition, each of the balls 28 are made of a low-friction material movably disposed in an at least partial universal range of motion within corresponding ones of the cavities 29. The dimension and or length or other cross-section dimension of each of the openings 31 is slightly larger than the corresponding transverse dimension or cross-section of the connector members 32 and 34. This allows each of the connector members 32 and 34 to pass through the opening 31, where in the ball 28 is loosely disposed and movable within the low friction cavity. This enables the ball 28 to slide within the cavity and rotate in at least three dimensions.

[0036] Also, the opposite or outer, exposed portions of the connector members 32 and 34 are connected to the handle 26 in spaced relation to one another such as at, but not limited to, the opposite distal or free ends 26, and 26″. By virtue of spaced apart connection of the connector members 32 and 34 to the handle 26, the different rowing motions capable of being performed by a user more closely represent the actual, real-life rowing motion associated with kayaking, conventional rowing, canoeing, etc.

[0037] With primary reference to FIG. 6, at least one preferred embodiment of the drive assembly 20 includes at least two drive sections 22 and 24, as set forth above. Further, each drive section 22 and 24 includes a pulley 36 connected to a correspondingly positioned, different one of the connector members 32 and 34. As such, the exertion of a pulling force on the handle 26 results in the connector members 32 and 34 exerting a concurrent or alternate pulling force on the respective pulleys 36. Such a pulling force in turn results in the rotation of the corresponding pulleys 36. Each pulley 36 is connected and forces rotation of a different driving gear 38. As such the rotation of the respective pulleys 36 in turn causes a rotation of respective ones of the driving gears 38.

[0038] As also represented in detail in FIG. 6, each of the driving gears 38 are connected in intermeshing, driving engagement with a driven gear 40. Moreover, each of the driven gears 40 are connected to and rotational with a different drive axle 42. In addition, each drive axle 42 is independently connected and/or disposed in driving engagement with the air chamber 14, through appropriate linkage. Further, such appropriate linkage is operative to independently and/or concurrently dispose the different drive axles 42 in driving in relation to the air chamber 14 and may include a clutch and/or “freewheeling” structure. Such clutch/freewheeling structure allows the air chamber 14 to continue to rotate in an intended direction, concurrently to a retraction or rewinding of the connector members 32 and 34 on respective/corresponding ones of the pulleys 36.

[0039] As represented in FIG. 8, each of the pulleys 36 may include a biasing member 36′ disposed on an interior of a casing 36″. The biasing member 36′ is disposed and structured to facilitate the respective pulley 36 being “rewound” by rotating in an opposite direction, once a pulling force, exerted thereon by corresponding ones of the connector members 32 and 34, is no longer being applied thereto. Such rewinding of the pulley members 36 will result in a rewinding of corresponding connector members 32 and 34 back onto the corresponding pulley 36, so as to be operationally position to exert the next pulling force on the corresponding pulleys 36.

[0040] Further, such a biasing member 36′ may be in the form of a coil spring or other biasing structure which facilitates a reverse rotation of the corresponding ones of the pulleys 36 once a pulling force is no longer exerted thereon by the handle 26 and a corresponding one of the connector members 32 and 34. Once rewound, each pulley 36 will thereby be in a position to again exert a driving, rotational force on corresponding ones of the drive gears 38 concurrent to corresponding ones of the connector members 32 and 34 exerting a pulling force thereon through movement/pulling/manipulation of the handle 26 by a user. In addition, each of the pulley members 36 may also be connected to corresponding ones of the drive gears 38 by an appropriate clutch mechanism and/or freewheeling drive structure. As a result, a reversed, rewinding rotation of each of the pulleys 36 is permitted without causing a concurrent reversed rotation of the drive gears 38. However, such a clutch mechanism/freewheeling structure may be associated directly with the drive axles 42. In such an embodiment, each of the drive gears 38 would rotate in a reverse orientation upon a rewinding of the pulley 36 and in turn cause the driven gears 40 and corresponding drive axles 42 to freely rotate without driving or interfering with the intended direction of rotation of the air cylinder 14.

[0041] As set forth above and otherwise herein, resistance to movement and/or rotation of the resistance device/fan structure 16 within the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14 is a result of resistive, interaction of the plurality of fan blades 18 with air within the interior 14′. Such resistance to rotation of the resistance device 16 within the chamber interior 14′ may be at least partially dependent on the quantity and/or flow of air within and through the air chamber 14.

[0042] Accordingly and with primary reference to FIGS. 3-5, the exercise assembly 10 of the present invention includes an air intake generally indicated as 50. The air intake 50 may include a rotationally mounted plate or like structure having an apertured configuration including at least one, but more practically, a plurality of apertures as at 52. Further, the air chamber 14 preferably includes dual air inlets 54, which may be defined by spaced apart walls or sides of the air chamber 14. Each of the air inlets 54 also includes at least one or a plurality of openings or apertures 54′. The air intake 50 is movable relative to the dual air inlets 54, by manipulation of the knob or like structure 51, to accomplish rotational or other appropriate movement of the air intake 50. Such adjustment or movement of the air intake 50 results in an alignment or misalignment of the corresponding apertures 52 in the air intake and the apertures 54′ in each of the dual air inlets. As should be apparent, an alignment of the apertures 52 and 54′ will in turn result in a greater flow of air passing into and through the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14 from an exterior thereof. In contrast, a purposeful misalignment of the apertures 52 and 54′ will result in less air flowing into the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14.

[0043] The air at least partially and temporarily retained within the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14 is also regulated through the provision of an exhaust or exit 53 having an open end 53′ through which air exits from the chamber interior 14′. Further, as represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 the housing 12 includes a plurality of vents 55 and 56 which are respectively disposed and structured to allow the intake and exiting of air there through. As such, air may pass into the interior 14′ of the air chamber 14 through vents 55 and exit the interior 14′ through the open and 53′ of the exhaust 53 and also through the exhaust vents 56. As also represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, the amount of air exiting the air chamber interior 14′ through the exhaust vents 56 and aligned opening 53′ of the air exhaust 53 may be regulated to the extent of being at least partially opened or closed. Such regulation may occur by manipulation of a knob or like structure 57 which controls the positioning of an exhaust regulator structure 57′ disposed and structured to at least partially enclosed within its 56.

[0044] As such, a closing of the vents 56 will result in more air being retained within the interior 14′. In contrast an opening of the vents 56 will result in a free flow of air through the interior 14′, assuming that the corresponding openings or apertures 52 and 54′ of the air intake 50 and air inlet 54 are at least partially aligned.

[0045] Yet additional structural features associated with one or more preferred embodiments of the exercise assembly 10 include the housing 12 having a handle 13 facilitating the lifting and or otherwise positioning of the housing 12 in a variety of different locations. The housing 12 also includes a support area or platform 60 mounted on an exterior portion thereof and being dimensioned and structured to support or be structurally associated with a display assembly, generally indicated as 80, to be described in greater detail with specific reference to FIG. 7. Also, the housing 12 may include straps or like structures 62 serving to interconnect the housing 12 with an appropriate seat or other user support structure for operative and proper positioning of a user relative to the housing 12, handle 26 and connector structure 30.

[0046] When so positioned, the housing 12 also includes a retaining assembly including foot or engagement pads 64 for placement of a user's foot or other appropriate portion of the user body. Also, the retaining assembly may include retaining members 66 such as one or more straps, belts or other appropriate retaining members. When in use, the retaining members 66 engage the user's feet in a manner which allows the user to move relative to the housing 12 during the performance of certain one or more rowing motions. In addition the retaining member 66 are structured to allow movement of the housing with and relative to the user when he is attached to the retaining members 66, such as being engagement with the engagement pads 64.

[0047] In more specific terms, the housing 12 includes a movable support generally indicated as 70, which may be in the form of one or more rollers, castors, or like movable support member 72 serving to support the housing 12 on a supporting surface 100. Further, the movable support 70 and each of the one or more movable support members 72 may be operatively associated with a locking structure or assembly 74. The locking assembly 74 may be selectively disposed between a “locked” and “unlocked” position relative to the movable support members 72. When in the locked orientation the housing 12 is fixed relative to the supporting surface and relative to the operative position of a user, when in use. As a result, the user may move relative to the housing 12 when performing the various rowing motions, such as a rowing motion associated with kayaking.

[0048] In contrast, when the one or more locking members 74 are disposed in a locked orientation relative to the movable support member 72, the housing 12 may move over the supporting surface 100. Therefore, when the user performs any one of a plurality of different rowing motions, the housing 12 and the user may move relative to one another. Such relative movement is facilitated by the retaining straps or like member 66 engaging the feet or other portion of the user. For example, the extension and retraction of a user's legs will result in the movement of the user relative to the housing 12 and in certain instances the concurrent movement of the housing 12 and user, relative to one another, such as when performing a conventional two “oar” rowing motion.

[0049] One or more preferred embodiments of the exercise assembly 10 of the present invention also includes a motion sensor assembly 76, as schematically represented in FIGS. 1 and 7. The motion sensor assembly 76 is connected to, mounted on or otherwise operatively associated with the handle 26. As such the motion sensor assembly 76 will include a sensor device which may have the operative capabilities of an accelerometer, gyroscope or other analyzer component 77 operative to detect and process, in cooperation with a processor 78 each “rowing motion” of the handle 26, as performed by a user. Further, the motion sensor assembly 76, through operative association with the analyzer 77 and processor 78, will generate or establish different “motion data” which distinguishes each of a plurality of different rowing motions from one another. Such motion data will then be transmitted, via a short range or other operable communication facility 79, to a display assembly 80.

[0050] The display assembly 80, including a processor 82 associated therewith, may also include a software application 84 facilitating the processing of the received motion data and the conversion thereof into display signals. In turn, the display signals may be transmitted to and visualized on a display device 86. The visual representation on the display device 86 may be in the form of a replication of a user, actual paddle, watercraft, etc. performing the “real life” rowing motion or movement which the user of the exercise assembly is attempting to perform using the handle 26 thereof. The visual representation on the display device 86 may be in the form of or incorporated within video games, videos, virtual reality videos and/or fitness tracking software, etc. Further, the display assembly may comprise or include smartphones, tablets, or virtual reality goggles with appropriate software 84, which translates and integrates the motion data into matching 3-dimensional paddle movement and projected 3-dimensional movement of a kayaker, rower and/or a kayak and/or rowing boat, displayed within video games, videos, virtual reality videos, and fitness tracking software.

[0051] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

[0052] Now that the invention has been described,