Strap Clip for a Rowing Machine

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/575,294, filed Apr. 5, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to accessories for exercise equipment. Preferred embodiments relate to rowing machine hardware and, in particular, a clip to hold straps on a handle for a rowing machine. Devices of the present disclosure are contemplated as being useful and provided in other applications including, for example, weight racks and various devices including one or more human-machine interfaces.

The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present inventive subject matter. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Rowing machines include a handle that is used to operate the rowing machine. The handle is attached to a first end of a chain, rope, or the like. A force applied by an operator pulling on the handle during a stroke is transferred via the chain, rope, or the like to a flywheel (or waterwheel, depending on the fluid inside the housing of the rowing machine) to which a second end of the chain, rope, or the like is attached.

The handle is often a rigid, substantially straight bar, that resembles an oar handle (or dual oar handles). This typical configuration for the handle forces the operator to adjust their body throughout the motion of the stroke, which can be uncomfortable for an operator. For example, the rigid handle prevents the natural rotation of the wrist during the stroke. In addition, the rigid handle prevents the operator from using different hand, or wrist, positions to interact with the rowing machine.

Select alternative designs for rowing machine handles are known. One known design includes handles that are pivotably rotatable in a single plane either toward or away from the user, however, the ability to change the handle orientation in this manner does not affect the prevention of natural wrist rotation during the stroke. Additionally, due to natural wear and imperfect manufacturing of the handles, it is possible that a component of the pivot member might fail, thereby potentially causing the handle to abruptly change positions and discomfort or injure a user.

Another known design includes a complex handle system that attempts to mimic how a single rower (or a sculler) would operate a dual-oared scull. Both halves of the handlebar are pivotable about a central axis and each handle grip is itself rotatable relative to its handlebar half, thereby simulating the range of motion from each oar as well as the natural flexion and rotation of each hand throughout the rowing motion. However, accomplishing this action may require components of the known design to extend downward, which may cause injury to users through contact with portions of their legs during the rowing motion. In addition, in situations where a number of embodiments require dozens of components, it is possible that failure of a single component may cause the entire system to become unusable. Further, it is possible that each of these embodiments relate to the motions of a dual-oared sculler but not that of a sweeper, or a single rower operating a single oar, within a scull having multiple rowers.

A further design known in the art includes a larger rowing machine having two sets of entirely separate pairs of individually grippable handles that are optionally connected by a rigid handlebar that engages the greppable handles. However, utilizing disconnected separate handles may cause users to form improper technique, and is overall inequivalent to general concepts and skills required for rowing. In addition, inserting the rigid handlebar into the greppable handles may again require the user to perform incorrect motions during the draw and/or return.

Further examples known in the art include a rowing machine with two separate cables that may each independently apply torque to a single flywheel so that its handle, which is separable into two portions, may be used in tandem to individually pull the flywheel. However, this will also likely cause users to form improper technique due to its overall non-equivalency to a proper rowing technique.

As such, there exists a need for an improved pulling device for rowing machines, while still maintaining the functionality of the handle of the rowing machine, to provide increased operator options for using the rowing machine by supplementing the operation with the handle without detracting from the equivalency of operation relative to rowing a scull. The improved pulling device is contemplated as being able to couple to the rowing machine and/or to the handle without interfering with the roller chain, rope, or the like nor the overall method of operation of the rowing machine. An operator should be able to transition between the handle and the improved pulling device smoothly during use of the rowing machine.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a strap clip for a rowing machine and/or for a set of straps to be used as the improved pulling device on the rowing machine. It is contemplated that straps offer more comfortable grip material and alterability of grip compared to the typically hard and generally rigid polymer used for rowing machine handles, of which there are few shapes. The strap clip is operable to secure an attachment end (i.e., that is engaged to the handle) of the straps to the handle by passing through the attachment end of the straps and through the handle. In this manner, the straps may be used to exercise a rowing motion, without losing the uniformity and singularity of the rowing action provided by the rigid handle, allowing for proper technique to be maintained (unlike some aforementioned examples known in the art) while offering greater range of motion for the hands and arms of a user.

The strap clip is additionally able to receive an interaction end of the straps (i.e., that an operator holds when using the straps) as well as the length of straps between the attachment and interaction ends. The strap clip is further able to hold the interaction end to the handle in a position that does not interfere with the use of the handle and/or with the storage of the handle on the rowing machine. The location of the strap clip positions the interaction end of the straps proximate to the grips of the handle, to allow the operator to transition between the handle and the interaction end of the straps smoothly during operation of the rowing machine. In some embodiments, the interaction end is a loop of material. In select embodiments, the loop of material has an applied gripping compound or tape, and/or is passed through a separate grip.

Unlike the above examples of known designs, the present disclosure is a simple, efficient, and easily installable device that allows users to alter their grip while using a rowing machine. In particular, the user is able to adjust or switch their grip without hindering the natural flow of rowing and causing the formation of improper technique/muscle memory, or the affecting the natural flexion of their hands and wrists during the rowing motions. In addition, in contrast to the known designs known in the art, there is a lower possibility for operator injury, discomfort, or confusion during installation and use of the straps, while maintaining an equivalence of balance, movement, and form relative to the act of rowing with the handle of the rowing machine.

Although it is contemplated that it may be possible for owners of rowing machines to create a makeshift combination of the straps and the rowing handle, this ad hoc merging would suffer from shortcomings related to a multitude of issues depending on the type of combining medium used. For example, using zip-ties or an equivalent component would require a user to first need to orient the attachment components of the strap onto or about the handle then insert the zip-tie and tighten. The user would then likely be impeded by excess length and/or be required to use a sharpened tool to cut away the excess portion (which would otherwise repeatedly make contact with the user during exercise). If the user decides during the exercise that they'd rather utilize the rowing handle, the zip-tied straps would dangle from the handle and possibly interfere with the user, potentially causing discomfort or injury while also disrupting the natural flow of the rowing motion. Once done, the user may need to carefully remove each zip-tie with the sharpened tool after every use, if other uses of the straps are desired.

By way of another example, using a carabiner or some equivalent component (e.g., presuming the body of the rigid carabiner with spring-loaded access point could navigate through the attachment component of the strap and the apertures of the handle), would cause similar issues. The straps would need to be removed anytime the user wishes to utilize the rowing handle, as they would dangle and potentially interfere with the user throughout the exercise. Additionally, it is likely that the straps would jostle throughout use, thereby disrupting the natural flow of the row, as the straps would be more loosely attached and able to slide along the carabiner than if attached with the present strap clip.

Unlike these makeshift combinations using components such as zip-ties, carabiners, or other coupling components, the present disclosure requires no additional components for securement or attachment aside from the easily insertable and removable single-piece strap clip. The present disclosure requires no sharpened tools for modification and/or removal, no complex navigation or orientation of devices with enclosed areas and spring-loaded access points and reduces risk of discomfort or injury during use of either straps or the handle of the original rowing machine handle while the straps are stored thereon within the installed presently disclosed strap clip. Additionally, the present disclosure offers a balanced alternative to the handle, whereas it is contemplated that the ad hoc methods would create an imbalanced system.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a strap clip with a body including a crossmember, a first arm, and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are insertable into or through apertures to engage interior surfaces within a handle of a rowing machine, and/or around exterior surfaces of the handle of the rowing machine, to secure the strap clip to the handle. The first arm and the second arm are additionally couplable to the attachment end of straps already installed on the handle, where grips of the handle first engage the attachment ends of the straps to cause the straps to hang from the handle. The first and second arms of the strap clip secure the attachment ends of the straps within the strap clip after the first arm and the second arm are inserted through the attachment ends of each strap. Once secured with the first and second arms, the body and crossmember of the strap clip securely pin the attachment ends of the straps into a set position wherein each strap may rotate about its attachment end for storage purposes when not in use but cannot otherwise become dislodged.

Given the differences in sizing of attachment ends of straps, it is contemplated that the first and second arms of the present disclosure may include inner arms that sit within the first and second arms. These inner arms are contemplated as being sized to receive a smaller, narrower, or otherwise differently sized strap attachment end in the same manner as previously described, but without affecting the overall quality and capability of the strap clip.

It is contemplated herein that an embodiment of the strap clip may include a first arm and a second arm that is removably attachable, couplable, joinable, or connectable to the crossmember. It is further contemplated that an embodiment of the strap clip may include a first arm and a second arm that are connected to the same crossmember but offset from one another such that one is a rotation of the other (as opposed to a mirror image) about a longitudinal axis of the strap. In this manner, an embodiment of the strap clip may include hinges, fasteners, or removably attachable arms from/to the crossmember such that each arm may collapse against the crossmember or be removed therefrom for transportation, storage, and/or packaging purposes. It is further contemplated that the strap clip may be a multi-piece assembly, with each assembly including an arm and a portion of the crossmember. The portions of the crossmember are connectible to and slidable relative to one another, increasing or decreasing a width (or widths) between the arms extending from each respective portion of the crossmember to adjust and accommodate difference sizes of attachment ends of straps.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to storing interaction ends of the straps proximate to a surface of the handle and within the strap clip. In particular, the interaction ends of the straps are insertable into an opening between ends of the arms of the body of the installed strap clip, such that the straps are stored on the handle either when the handle is not in use and mounted on the rowing machine, or during operation of the rowing machine while an operator is using the handle.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to the operator being able to transition between using the handle and using the straps while operating the rowing machine. The operator can engage a first strap located on the handle through engagement by the strap clip with a first hand by letting go of a first grip on the handle and removing the first strap from a first position of rest in the strap clip and on the handle with the first hand. The operator can then engage a second strap located on the handle through engagement by the strap clip with a second hand by letting go of a second grip on the handle and removing the second strap from a second position of rest in the strap clip and on the handle with the second hand.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are further directed to the operator being able to transition between using the straps and the handle both while at rest and during operation of the rowing machine. The operator can engage a first grip of the handle by placing the first strap in a first position of rest in the strap clip and on the handle with a first hand, letting go of the first strap with the first hand, and transitioning to the first grip on the handle with the first hand. The operator can then engage a second grip of the handle by placing the second strap in a second position of rest in the strap clip and on the handle with a second hand, letting go of the second strap with the second hand, and transitioning to the second grip on the handle with the second hand.

A first aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a strap clip for a rowing machine. The strap clip includes a body with a crossmember, a first arm extending from the crossmember, and a second arm extending from the crossmember. The first arm and the second arm are configured to engage a handle of the rowing machine to secure the body to the handle of the rowing machine. The crossmember is configured to secure an attachment end of at least one strap to the handle. At least one of the first arm and the second arm are configured to receive an interaction end of the at least one strap and hold the interaction end of the at least one strap against a body of the handle when the at least one strap is not engaged by an operator during use of the rowing machine.

The strap clip of the first aspect may include, optionally, wherein the first arm and the second arm have a bend that secures the body to the handle of the rowing machine.

The strap clip of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the attachment end of the at least one strap includes an attachment component operable to receive a grip of the handle. The first arm or the second arm is insertable into the attachment component prior to being inserted an aperture in the body of the handle. Alternatively, a portion of the handle is insertable into an attachment component then the first or second arm is inserted into the attachment component and handle aperture combination, preferably in the order of attachment component then handle aperture. The body of the strap clip secures the attachment component between the crossmember and the body of the handle and within a cavity defined by the body of the strap clip.

The strap clip of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, a first and/or second inner arm that is disposed within and concentric to the first and/or second arm, respectively. For example, the first and/or second inner arm may be dimensioned for an attachment component of a strap that is too small or narrow to receive a grip of the handle. The first and/or second inner arm may receive the smaller attachment component (or other attachment end) and retain it in place.

The strap clip of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the first arm or the second arm includes a bend that defines a recess proximate to the crossmember. The recess is configured to receive the attachment component of the at least one strap after insertion of the first arm or the second arm.

The strap clip of the first aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the at least one strap includes a loop of material, wherein the first arm and the second arm define an opening that is able to receive the loop of material. Optionally, the at least one strap includes a grip.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a system for a rowing machine. The system includes at least one strap with an attachment end and an interaction end, and a strap clip. The strap clip includes a body with a crossmember, a first arm extending from the crossmember, and a second arm extending from the crossmember. The first arm and the second arm are configured to engage a handle of the rowing machine to secure the body to the handle of the rowing machine. The crossmember is configured to secure the attachment end of the at least one strap to the handle. At least one of the first arm and the second arm are configured to receive the interaction end of the at least one strap, and hold the interaction end of the at least one strap against the body of the handle when the at least one strap is not engaged by an operator during use of the rowing machine.

The strap clip of the second aspect may include, optionally, wherein the attachment end of the at least one strap includes an attachment component operable to receive a grip of the handle and/or an arm of the strap clip.

The strap clip of the second aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the at least one strap includes a loop of material, and wherein the interaction end includes a grip through which the loop of material is passed.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a strap clip for a rowing machine. The strap clip includes a body with a crossmember, a first arm extending from the crossmember, and a second arm extending from the crossmember. The first arm is configured to receive an attachment end of a strap. After engagement of the attachment end of the strap by the first arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage a handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine, wherein engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the attachment end of the strap proximate to the handle. The first arm is configured to receive an interaction end of the strap, and maintain the interaction end of the strap proximate to the handle in a storage position for the strap when the strap is not in use.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include, optionally, wherein at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the crossmember exhibit elastic properties allowing for deformation and reformation of the body during installation and removal of the body with the handle of the rowing machine.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the first arm and the second arm are comprised of a first section, a second section, and a third section, and wherein at least one of the first section, the second section, and the third section operates as a living hinge that allows for the deformation and reformation of the body.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the crossmember operates as a living hinge that allows for the deformation and reformation of the body.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the attachment end of the strap includes an attachment component operable to receive a grip of the handle, wherein the first arm or the second arm is insertable into the attachment component prior to being inserted through an aperture of the handle, and wherein the body of the strap clip secures the attachment component between the crossmember and the handle within a cavity defined by the body of the strap clip.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein at least one of the first arm and the second arm includes a bend that defines a recess proximate to the crossmember, and wherein the recess is configured to receive the attachment component of the strap after insertion of the first arm.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the respective bend of the first arm and the second arm each operates as a living hinge that allows for the deformation and reformation of the body.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the interaction end of the strap includes a grip on a loop of material, and wherein the first arm and the second arm define an opening that is able to receive the loop of material when the strap is in the storage position on the handle and not in use.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the storage position for the strap is within an envelope defined at least in part by a length of the handle.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the second arm is configured to receive a second attachment end of a second strap.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein, after engagement of the second attachment end of the second strap by the second arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage the handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine, wherein engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the second attachment end of the second strap proximate to the handle.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the second arm is configured to receive a second interaction end of the second strap, and maintain the second interaction end of the second strap proximate to the handle in a second storage position for the second strap when the second strap is not in use.

The strap clip of the third aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, wherein the storage position for the second strap is within an envelope defined at least in part by a length of the handle.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a system for a rowing machine. The system includes a strap with an attachment end and an interaction end. The system includes a strap clip comprising a body including a crossmember, a first arm extending from the crossmember, and a second arm extending from the crossmember. The first arm is configured to receive the attachment end of the strap. After engagement of the attachment end of the strap by the first arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage a handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine, wherein engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the attachment end of the strap proximate to the handle. The first arm is configured to receive the interaction end of the strap, and maintain the interaction end of the strap proximate to the handle in a storage position for the strap when the strap is not in use.

The system of the fourth aspect may include, optionally, wherein the attachment end of the strap includes an attachment component operable to receive a grip of the handle.

The system of the fourth aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, a second strap comprising a second attachment end and a second interaction end. The second arm is configured to receive the second attachment end of the second strap. After engagement of the second attachment end of the second strap by the second arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage a handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine. Engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the second attachment end of the second strap proximate to the handle. The second arm is configured to receive the second interaction end of the second strap, and maintain the second interaction end of the second strap proximate to the handle in a second storage position for the second strap when the second strap is not in use.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method. The method may include, but is not limited to, positioning an attachment end of a strap proximate to a body of a handle of a rowing machine. The method may include, but is not limited to, engaging the attachment end of the strap and the handle with a strap clip to secure the strap to the handle, wherein the strap clip comprises a body including a crossmember, a first arm extending from the crossmember, and a second arm extending from the crossmember. The first arm is configured to receive the attachment end of the strap during engagement of the attachment end of the strap. After engagement of the attachment end of the strap by the first arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage the handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine. Engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the attachment end of the strap proximate to the handle.

The method of the fifth aspect may include, optionally, positioning an interaction end of the strap on the strap clip to store the interaction end on the handle when the strap is not in use.

The method of the fifth aspect may include one or more of the previous embodiments and, optionally, positioning a second attachment end of a second strap proximate to the body of the handle of the rowing machine; and further optionally engaging the second attachment end of the second strap and the handle with the strap clip to secure the second strap to the handle. The second arm is configured to receive the second attachment end of the second strap during engagement of the attachment end of the second strap. After engagement of the second attachment end of the second strap by the second arm, the first arm and the second arm are configured to engage the handle of the rowing machine to removably engage the body with the handle of the rowing machine. Engagement of the handle with the first arm and the second arm causes the crossmember to secure the second attachment end of the second strap proximate to the handle.