Rowing Device for Exercise

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/339,118, filed May 6, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

This application relates generally to exercise equipment, and more specifically, to exercise rowing devices.

Rowing machines or devices, which are also referred to as, among other things, ergometers, indoor rowers and rowers, offer many health benefits for users. For example, rowing the machine provides both aerobic fitness and full-body strength fitness. Further, rowing is a low-impact experience, reducing the wear and tear on joints. Rowing devices offer additional benefits and advantages to users, such as, for example, they provide a full-body workout, they improve lower body conditioning, they lower injury risk, they improve posture, etc. A need exists for improved rowing device configurations.

According to some embodiments, a rowing device for exercise comprises a lower or base portion configured to be positioned along a ground surface, the lower or base portion configured to remain stationary during use, an upper portion configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion during use, wherein the upper portion comprises a resistance element, a handle assembly and a footrest assembly, and a seat assembly coupled to the lower or base portion, wherein the seat assembly is configured to not slidably move relative to the upper portion when the upper portion is moved relative to the lower or base portion.

According to some embodiments, the upper portion is configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion using a rail system. In some embodiments, the upper portion is configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion using at least one wheel or other movable member. In some embodiments, the at least one wheel or other movable member comprises at least one grooved or recessed wheel. In some arrangements, the at least one wheel or other movable member is configured to be positioned along the upper portion. In several embodiments, the at least one wheel or other movable member is configured to at least partially mate with a corresponding element or feature of the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the corresponding element or feature comprises an elongated member with a rounded or curved surface.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is directly coupled to the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled to the lower or base portion using at least one hinge, joint or other movable connection.

According to some embodiments, the resistance element comprises a flywheel or other mechanical resistance element. In some arrangements, the resistance element comprises a water, air or other fluid-based resistance element, a hydraulic resistance element or a magnetic resistance element.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is located away from the forward and rear longitudinal ends of the device. In some embodiments, each of the forward and rear ends of the device comprises 0% to 15% of a length of the device along a longitudinal axis at the forward and rear ends of the device. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is located along the middle third of the device along a longitudinal axis of the device (e.g., at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, etc. of the length of the device away from each longitudinal end of the device).

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is configured to move in an up-and-down motion or in an angular manner when the upper portion slidably moves relative to the lower or base portion.

According to some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a handlebar that configured to be grasped and manipulated by the user during use. In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises at least one oar or oar-like member configured to be grasped and manipulated by the user during use.

According to some embodiments, the device further comprises a protective member, the protective member being configured to reduce the likelihood of injury to individuals located adjacent the protective member. In some embodiments, the protective member is located along a rear of the device.

According to some embodiments, the resistance element remains in front of the user during use. In some embodiments, at least a part of the upper portion is configured to move behind the user during use. In some arrangements, the resistance element remains in front of the user during use, and wherein at least a part of the upper portion is configured to move behind the user during use.

According to some embodiments, a rowing device for exercise comprises a lower or base portion configured to be positioned along a ground surface, the lower or base portion configured to remain stationary during use, an upper portion configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion during use, and a seat assembly, wherein the upper portion comprises a resistance element, a handle assembly and a footrest assembly, and wherein the seat assembly is located away from the forward and rear longitudinal ends of the device.

According to some embodiments, the upper portion is configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion using a rail system. In some embodiments, the upper portion is configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion using at least one wheel or other movable member. In some embodiments, the at least one wheel or other movable member comprises at least one grooved or recessed wheel. In some arrangements, the at least one wheel or other movable member is configured to be positioned along the upper portion. In several embodiments, the at least one wheel or other movable member is configured to at least partially mate with a corresponding element or feature of the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the corresponding element or feature comprises an elongated member with a rounded or curved surface.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is directly coupled to the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled to the lower or base portion using at least one hinge, joint or other movable connection.

According to some embodiments, the resistance element comprises a flywheel or other mechanical resistance element. In some arrangements, the resistance element comprises a water, air or other fluid-based resistance element, a hydraulic resistance element or a magnetic resistance element.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is located away from the forward and rear longitudinal ends of the device. In some embodiments, each of the forward and rear ends of the device comprises 0% to 15% of a length of the device along a longitudinal axis at the forward and rear ends of the device. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is located along the middle third of the device along a longitudinal axis of the device.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is configured to move in an up-and-down motion or in an angular manner when the upper portion slidably moves relative to the lower or base portion.

According to some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises a handlebar that configured to be grasped and manipulated by the user during use. In some embodiments, the handle assembly comprises at least one oar or oar-like member configured to be grasped and manipulated by the user during use.

According to some embodiments, the device further comprises a protective member, the protective member being configured to reduce the likelihood of injury to individuals located adjacent the protective member. In some embodiments, the protective member is located along a rear of the device.

According to some embodiments, the resistance element remains in front of the user during use. In some embodiments, at least a part of the upper portion is configured to move behind the user during use. In some arrangements, the resistance element remains in front of the user during use, and wherein at least a part of the upper portion is configured to move behind the user during use.

According to some embodiments, a rowing device is provided that comprises an upper portion that is movable (e.g., slidably movable) relative to a lower or base portion and a seat assembly. As discussed herein, the seat assembly can be decoupled from the sliding movement of the upper portion during use. In some embodiments, the seat assembly may still move slightly (e.g., in an up and down manner, using a slight rocking or arced manner, in an angular or partly arcuate motion, etc.) when the upper portion moves relative to the lower portion. However, in such embodiments, the seat assembly, like the lower portion, does not slidably move relative to the upper portion, the lower or base portion or the ground.

According to some embodiments, the resistance element of the rowing device is positioned on the upper portion that is slidably movable relative to the lower or base portion, the ground and/or the seat assembly and the user positioned thereon. In some arrangements, the resistance clement remains in front of the user at all times during use (e.g., despite the fact that the separation distance between the resistance element and the user, and thus, the seat assembly, varies during use). In some embodiments, at least a part of the upper portion of the device is configured to move behind the user, and thus the seat assembly, during use. As noted herein, because the moving element (e.g., the upper portion) moves behind the user and the seat assembly during the execution of a rowing stroke, one or more protective elements can be incorporated into the design of the rowing device. Such protective elements can help prevent or reduce the likelihood of impact, pinching and/or other types of injuries to the user and others that may be near the device.

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled (e.g., directly) to the lower or base portion of the rowing device. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is situated above the upper portion (e.g., the slidable or otherwise moving portion), at least in the location where the seat assembly is located. The seat assembly can be located toward the middle of the rowing device with respect to its longitudinal location (e.g., along the length of the device as defined by the longitudinal axis). In some embodiments, the seat and/or other portions of the seat assembly are located within the middle third of the device along the device's longitudinal axis. In other embodiments, the seat and/or other portions of the seat assembly are located away from the longitudinal front and rear ends of the device. For example, the seat and/or other portions of the seat assembly are located away from the forward and rear longitudinal ends of the device, wherein the longitudinal ends are defined by the last 0% to 15% of the length within the device on either end of the device.

According to some embodiments, as discussed herein, the upper portion of the rowing device is configured to move relative to the lower or base portion using a first wheel, roller, rail and/or other movement system, while the upper portion also moves relative to the seat assembly using a second, separate wheel, roller, rail and/or other movement system.

According to some embodiments, the upper portion of the rowing device moves (e.g., slidably) as a unitary member, together with all the components of the upper portion, including, for example, the resistance element, the handle assembly and the footrest assembly, relative to the lower or base portion, the seat assembly and/or the ground.

According to some embodiments, a rowing device for exercise comprises a scat assembly that moves in a non-slidable manner (e.g., using an up-and-down, rocking, rotational, arcuate, etc.) such that the seat assembly mimics or re-creates, at least partially, movement of a seat in an actual rowing boat during use.

The various features and concepts disclosed herein are well-suited for use in rowing machines or devices for exercise. Such exercise devices can be placed in a home, gymnasium or other indoor or outdoor space. However, such features and concepts may have application in devices, systems and methods outside the rowing device context, such as, for example, other types of exercise equipment and other types of mechanical devices and equipment generally.

The various embodiments disclosed herein offer one or more advantages and benefits. For example, the rowing device configurations provided herein: simplify the design of a rowing device by having key components moving in unison relative to a lower or base portion: maintain a stationary seat during use; provide a smaller footprint by allowing at least part of the moving portion to move behind the user during use; improves the safety of rowing devices; and the like.

According to some embodiments, one or more of the rowing machine or device embodiments disclosed herein comprise a lower or base portion that is slidably movable relative to an upper portion. The upper portion is configured to move relative to the lower portion. As discussed in greater detail herein, the relative movement between the upper and lower portions can be facilitated by the use of a rail or similar system. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled to the base portion (e.g., the seat assembly is configured to not slide relative to the lower or base portion).

According to some embodiments, the seat assembly of the rowing device is configured to not slidably move relative to the lower or base portion (e.g., lower frame) of the device. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled (e.g., directly or indirectly) to the frame or other component of the lower or base portion using a hinge or other movable joint. Therefore, although the seat portion of the seat assembly may move (e.g., slightly in an up-and-down and/or angular motion) relative to the lower or base portion, the seat assembly does not slide (e.g., along a rail or other system) during use.

In some arrangements, the seat assembly is secured to the lower or base portion along a middle or central portion of the lower or base portion (e.g., in a direction along the length of the device).

According to some embodiments, the rowing device comprises a flywheel or other resistance element. The resistance element can include any type, as desired or required by a particular design or configuration. For example, the resistance element can include, without limitation, a flywheel or other mechanical resistance element, a water or liquid resistance element, a wind-based or other type of hydraulic resistance element, a magnetic resistance element and/or the like.

In some configurations, the resistance element, regardless of its type and other details, is configured to provide a desired resistance to the movement of one or more handles, straps, oar members or other components that are adapted to be moved (e.g., directly or indirectly) by the user. According to some embodiments, the resistance element is positioned on the upper portion of the rowing device. Thus, in arrangements where the upper portion is adapted to slidably move relative to a lower or base portion, the resistance element also moves (e.g., slidably) relative to the lower or base portion during use.

In some embodiments, the resistance element is configured to remain in front of the user during use (e.g., at all times). In some embodiments, the upper portion extends in the rearward direction such that at least a portion of it moves (e.g., slidably) behind the user during use. In one arrangement, a rear part of the upper portion is configured to extend both behind the user and in front of the user, and thus the seat of the seat assembly, during use (e.g., during a normal stroke).

According to some embodiments, one or more members (e.g., struts) of the upper portion are configured to move relative to at least a portion of the adjacent seat assembly using a separate rail or similar system. Therefore, in certain arrangements, the rowing device includes an upper portion that, during use, moves relative to the lower or base portion using a first rail or other movement system, and moves relative to the seat assembly using a second rail or other movement system.

In some arrangements, the upper portion of the device includes the resistance element and components that are coupled to the resistance element (e.g., straps, handles, oars, etc.) and the footrest. Accordingly, in several embodiments, the upper portion, together with the components or elements secured thereto, are configured to move (e.g., in unison or as a unitary portion) relative to the lower or base portion during use. As discussed in greater detail herein, such a “unitary” upper portion can be configured to slidably move relative to the lower or base portion and/or the seat assembly.

For any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the lower or base portion of the device can be configured to be stationary relative to the ground on which the device is positioned, even during use of the rowing device.

According to some configurations, the rowing device comprises a protective member to restrict access to moving portions of the device during use. For example, the device can include a protective member that extends along, toward and/or near the rear of the upper portion of the device that is configured to move (e.g., slidably) relative to the lower or base portion. The use of such protective members or configurations can help improve the safety of the device. For example, the protective members can prevent injuries to individuals who are positioned or move behind the device during use.

With reference to the perspective view of, in some embodiments, the rowing machine or devicecomprises a lower or base portionand an upper portion. According to some arrangements, the upper portionis configured to move relative to the lower portion. As discussed in greater detail herein, the relative movement between the upper and lower portions can be facilitated by the use of a rail or similar system R. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is coupled to the base portion(e.g., the seat assembly is configured to not slide relative to the lower or base portion).

Additional views of the rowing deviceofare provided in(side view),(top view),(bottom view),(rear view) and(front view). Moreover,is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a rowing device.

As illustrated in, the lower or base portionof the rowing devicecan be configured to be positioned along a ground surface (e.g., floor) and to be stationary relative to the ground surface during use. The base portioncan include one or more structural membersthat form a frame. In the depicted arrangement, for example, such a frame can include elongated members (e.g., struts, tubular members, members having a different cross-sectional shape, etc.)that are aligned along two or more direction or orientations (e.g., lengthwise and widthwise relative to the overall rowing device). However, in other embodiments, the structural memberscan include a different configuration or design, as desired or required. For instance, the frame of the lower or base portioncan include structural members that are not elongated, such as, by way of example, plates, I-beams, channels and/or the like.

For any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the rowing device can include one or more elements or membersthat help form the lower or base portion(e.g., at least one or more frames of the base portion). Such elements or memberscan include a rigid or semi-rigid construction and design that are configured to withstand the forces, moments, wear-and-tear and/or other potentially-damaging circumstances created by use of the device. In some arrangements, the structural elementsand/or any other portion of the lower portioncomprises one or more metals, alloys, thermoplastics and/or other materials (e.g., steel, iron, composites, etc.).

As shown in, the rowing devicecan include a plurality of foot padsthat are positioned under selected portions of the structural elementsand that contact the ground surface. Such foot pads can be at least partially flexible or compressible, which can assist in stabilizing the rowing devicerelative to the ground surface. In some embodiments, the foot padscan be configured to be adjusted (e.g., to assist with the proper balancing and positioning of the device along the ground).

With continued reference to, the upper portionof the rowing devicecan be configured to slide or otherwise move relative to the lower or base portionalong the longitudinal axis L of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the rowing devicecomprises a rail system R to facilitate the movement of the upper portionrelative to the stationary lower or base portion. As shown, the rail system R can include a plurality of wheelsextending from the lower end of a one or more structural members or elementsthat help form the upper portion.

In the illustrated arrangement, the upper portioncomprises a total of four wheels, with two wheelslocated along the front of the upper portionand two wheelslocated along the rear. In other embodiments, however, more or fewer than four wheels can be used (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, more than 10, etc.), as desired or required by a particular application or design. In some embodiments, the wheelsare sized, spaced and otherwise configured to at least partially couple with, rest on and/or otherwise mate with corresponding features, components and/or other surfaces of the lower or base portion. In the illustrated embodiment, the wheelsof the upper portioninclude track wheel or groove wheel designs. For example, the wheelscan include one or more grooves or other recesses, one or more flanges (e.g., on or along one lateral end of the wheel, on or along both ends of the wheel, etc.) and/or any other features (e.g., protrusions, recesses, etc.) that help guide the wheel relative to a corresponding feature or portion of the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the wheelsof the upper portioninclude U-grooved or V-grooved wheels. The groove(s) of the wheelscan be shaped, sized and otherwise configured to at least partially mate and/or align with the corresponding member, feature and/or other surface of the lower or base portionalong which the wheelswill move when the rowing deviceis in use. By way of example, the groove of the wheels can include a central rounded groove having a radius of curvature that matches or substantially matches and/or otherwise mates with, at least in part, the rounded or curved upper surface of the circular elongated membersincluded in the base portion.

In alternative embodiments, the relative movement between the upper portionand the lower portioncan be replaced and/or supplemented by a different system. For instance, in some arrangements, the wheels can include a protruding portion that is configured to mate with a corresponding groove or recess of the elongated membersof the lower portion. In other embodiments, the wheels can be included on the lower portion instead of the upper portion, thereby reversing the configuration illustrated in. In yet other embodiments, one or more wheels can include one or more flanges or other features that facilitate the interaction between the wheel and a corresponding portion of the opposite portion,, as desired or required.

According to some embodiments, the wheels and the corresponding components, features, elements or surfaces along which the wheels are configured to move, a rail system and/or any other system configured to facilitate relative movement between the lower and upper portions,are configured to prevent or reduce the likelihood of relative separation between the different mating or contacting components or surfaces. For instance, the rowing devicecan include one or more locking or anti-separation features (e.g., channels, locks, clips, housings, etc.) that reduce the likelihood of undesirable separation or detachment while the upper portionis moving relative to the lower or base portionduring use. However, in other arrangements, such features are not included.

As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the upper portioncan include the resistance element, the footrest assembly, which may comprise individual footrests, the handle assemblythat is operatively (e.g., mechanically) coupled to the resistance elementand/or any other components (e.g., straps or other components coupled to, directly or indirectly, to the resistance element and/or the handle assembly, displays, monitors or other visual components, speakers or other audible components, sensors, power supply components, etc.). In some arrangements, all such components and/or features are configured to move in unison or as a unitary or monolithic component during use (e.g., relative to the lower or base portionand the ground surface). According to some embodiments, the seat assemblyextends above the top of the upper portion, at least in certain locations along the length of the deviceand does not slide or is not otherwise laterally displaced relative to the lower portionand the ground on which the rowing deviceis positioned. In some embodiments, the seat assemblyis coupled to (e.g., directly or indirectly, rigidly or rotatably/movably, etc.) at least a portion of the lower or base portion. In some embodiments, the seat assemblyis configured to not slide relative to the lower or base portionduring use.

With reference to, in some embodiments, the seat assemblyis coupled to the lower or base portion. As discussed herein, although the seat assemblymay still move slightly during use of the rowing device, the seat assemblyis configured to not slide relative to the lower portion. Therefore, the seat assemblycan be slidably decoupled from the upper portionof the device. In the schematic of, the seat assemblyis connected to the lower or base portionusing a connecting member or system. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the upper portionof the device can be configured to slidably move relative to the lower portionand the seat assembly. In some embodiments, the seat assembly is slidably decoupled from the upper portionand all the components and elements positioned on the upper portion, including, for example, the resistance element, the handle assemblyand the footrest assembly.