Dynamic Rowing Machine

Abstract

Featured is a rowing simulation machine including a single base having a first pair of spaced apart rails; a carriage having a second pair of spaced apart rails and engaged with the first pair of rails and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation; a seat engaged with the second pair of rails and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation. Also included is an energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage. The energy dissipating unit includes a frame for supporting a flywheel, the flywheel being rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft; a handle; a drive device connected to the handle, for converting a translation of the handle into a flywheel rotation; and a take up device for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on the drive device. The carriage includes a foot rest assembly disposed therein between the second pair of spaced apart rails.

1 . A rowing simulation machine comprising:
 a single base having a first pair of spaced apart rails;   a carriage having a second pair of spaced apart rails is engaged with said first pair of spaced apart rails of said base and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation;   a seat engaged with said second pair of spaced apart rails of said carriage and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation;   an energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage, said energy dissipating unit comprising:   a frame for supporting a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft;   a handle;   a drive means connected to said handle, for converting a translation of said handle into a rotation of said flywheel;   a take up means, for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on said drive means; and   wherein said carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed therein between said second pair of spaced apart rails.   
     
     
         2 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein in use said seat and carriage move relative to each other and relative to said base. 
     
     
         3 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the length of each rail of said first pair of rails is longer than the length of each rail of said second pair. 
     
     
         4 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein the length of each rail of said first pair of rails is about 500 mm longer than the length of each rail of said second pair. 
     
     
         5 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said carriage comprising rollers which engage with said first set of spaced apart rails of said base. 
     
     
         6 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said seat comprising rollers which engage with said second set of spaced apart rails of said carriage. 
     
     
         7 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a bias means is used to centre the carriage relative to said base. 
     
     
         8 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the footrest assembly is adapted to receive a foot plate system of the type used in a rowing boat. 
     
     
         9 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said base has a plurality of legs. 
     
     
         10 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said legs are height adjustable. 
     
     
         11 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a like machine can be connected thereto in an end to end relationship to simulate crew rowing. 
     
     
         12 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein a like machine can be connected thereto in side by side relationship. 
     
     
         13 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said carriage can be locked to said base so that no relative movement occurs therebetween. 
     
     
         14 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said flywheel is mounted to one side of said frame. 
     
     
         15 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said base comprises wheels that can be used to assist moving said machine, when machine is stood up so that its aft-end is above its fore-end. 
     
     
         16 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said bias means comprises an elastic cord. 
     
     
         17 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein each of said rails of said second set of rails is curved or inclined at least one end thereof. 
     
     
         18 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said take up means comprises an elastic cord and a plurality of pulleys. 
     
     
         19 . A rowing simulation machine as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said rails of said second pair of spaced rails having opposed internal side walls facing each other, and wherein when in use the feet of user are seated within said foot rest assembly, and the heels of said user are disposed between said side walls. 
     
     
         20 . A rowing simulation machine comprising:
 a base having a first pair of spaced apart rails elevated above the ground;   a carriage having a second pair of spaced apart rails is engaged with said first pair of spaced apart rails of said base and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation, said rails of said second pair of spaced rails having opposed internal side walls facing each other;   a seat engaged with said second pair of spaced apart rails of said carriage and moveable therealong in a generally horizontal translation;   an energy dissipating unit fixed to the carriage, said energy dissipating unit comprising:   a frame for supporting a flywheel, said flywheel rotatably mounted on a flywheel shaft;   a handle;   a drive means connected to said handle, for converting a translation of said handle into a rotation of said flywheel;   a take up means, for rewinding and maintaining a predetermined tension on said drive means;   and   wherein said carriage has a foot rest assembly disposed therein between said second pair of spaced apart rails, said foot rest assembly comprising mounts for the removable attachment of a row boat foot plate system, and wherein when in use the feet of user are seated within said row boat foot plate system such that the heels of said user are disposed between said opposed internal side walls.   
     
     
         21 . (canceled)