Convertible rowing machine

Abstract

A rowing machine includes a handle having a first portion and a second portion that are selectively connectable. The rowing machine includes a flywheel driven by two separate cables. A first cable is connected to the first portion of the handle and a second cable is connected to the second portion. A spreader extends the width between the first portion and the second portion, allowing a user to perform kayak and canoeing exercises.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rowing machine, comprising:
 a sliding seat;   a flywheel;   a first cable connected to the flywheel;   a second cable connected to the flywheel;   a handle connected to the first cable and the second cable, wherein the handle includes:
 a first portion connected to the first cable; and 
 a second portion connected to the second cable, wherein the first portion is selectively couplable to the second portion with a handle connection. 
   
     
     
         2 . The rowing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle connection is a dovetail connection. 
     
     
         3 . The rowing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle connection includes a detent and pin, the pin being inserted into the detent to retain the first portion and the second portion in a connected position. 
     
     
         4 . The rowing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle connection includes a spreader configured to connect to the first portion and the second portion to extend a width of the handle. 
     
     
         5 . The rowing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the sliding seat includes a seat catch to fix the seat to the rowing machine. 
     
     
         6 . A rowing machine, comprising:
 a sliding seat;   a flywheel;   a cable connected to the flywheel; and   a footrest, wherein the footrest includes:
 a platform; 
 a toe strap connected to the platform; and 
 a plurality of heel catches, wherein the plurality of heel catches are connected to the platform with a catch connection that biases each heel catch of the plurality of heel catches away from the platform. 
   
     
     
         7 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of heel catches are arranged longitudinally along the platform. 
     
     
         8 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein an extended portion of each heel catch is biased away from the platform. 
     
     
         9 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of heel catches are formed from an elastically deformable material. 
     
     
         10 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the catch connection includes a spring hinge. 
     
     
         11 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of heel catches includes seven heel catches. 
     
     
         12 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of heel catches are independently actuatable. 
     
     
         13 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the toe strap is adjustable. 
     
     
         14 . The rowing machine of  claim 6 , wherein the platform includes one or more depressions positioned underneath the plurality of heel catches. 
     
     
         15 . The rowing machine of  claim 14 , wherein the one or more depressions are complementarily shaped to the plurality of heel catches. 
     
     
         16 . A method for securing a user's foot to a rowing machine, comprising:
 inserting toes of said user's foot underneath a toe strap connected to a platform of a footrest;   depressing one or more heel catches of a plurality of heel catches connected to the platform; and   securing said foot to the platform with a rearward heel catch oriented rearward of the one or more depressed heel catches.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein depressing the one or more heel catches includes depressing the one or more heel catches at least partially as a result of inserting said toes underneath the foot strap. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising releasing at least one of the one or more depressed heel catches as said toes are inserted into the foot strap. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein securing said user's foot to the platform includes pulling an extended portion of the rearward heel catch to engage with a heel of said user's foot. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of heel catches are secured to the platform with a catch connector that biases the plurality of heel catches above the platform.