US 5,899,780 A · Rowing apparatus

Abstract

A rowing apparatus having support tubing that extends over the gunnels of the canoe, and to which the oars are mounted, is angled upwardly to provide added clearance in choppy waters. The elongated track support to which the seat and the support tubing are mounted is provided with repositionable mounting brackets that enable the height from the floor of the elongated support member to be adjusted within a range of several inches to maintain a suitable center of gravity for a wide range of weather conditions. In this manner the rower is capable of maximizing the transfer of power through the rowing apparatus, and still maintain the stability of the canoe. Since wilderness rowing is a physically demanding activity, the rowing apparatus is easily adaptable for use as a training device, permitting the user of the apparatus to use the same device in their home for exercise and training purposes that they can also use in their canoe on an actual wilderness rowing expedition.

Claims39

Dependent claims

A rowing apparatus for use with a canoe or other small watercraft, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid longitudinal support member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side and an intermediate portion;
a multi-segmented outrigger member attached to said longitudinal support member, said outrigger member having a central portion and first and second wing portions projecting from said central portion, said central portion being attached to said intermediate portion of said longitudinal support member, each said wing portion having a first angled segment extending from said central portion, a second angled segment extending from said first angled segment, and an end segment, said end segments extending generally parallel to said central portion, whereby oarlocks may be attached to said end segments of said first and second wing portions;
a seat assembly, said seat assembly slidably attached to said longitudinal support member;
a foot support assembly, said foot support assembly including first and second foot supports;
and
a strut assembly including a support tower, said strut assembly supporting said outrigger member, said support tower of said strut assembly being attached to said longitudinal support member.

3 more elements

A rowing apparatus for use with a canoe or other small watercraft, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid longitudinal support member comprising a single beam member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side and an intermediate portion, said rigid longitudinal support member having a seat assembly slidably attached thereto, said rigid longitudinal support member further including first and second generally downwardly extending rail portions projecting from said top of said right and left sides, respectfully, of said beam member, and first and second generally upwardly extending rail portions projecting from said bottom of said right and left sides, respectfully, of said beam member, said first generally downwardly extending rail portion and said first generally upwardly extending rail portion forming a first seat assembly engagement portion for cooperation with said seat assembly, and said second generally downwardly extending rail portion and said second generally upwardly extending rail portion forming a second seat assembly engagement portion for cooperation with said seat assembly, whereby said first and second seat engagement portions facilitate said slidable relationship between said seat assembly and said longitudinal support member;
a multi-segmented outrigger member attached to said longitudinal support member, said outrigger member having a central portion and first and second wing portions projecting from said central portion, said central portion being attached to said intermediate portion of said longitudinal support member, each said wing portion having a first angled segment extending from said central portion, a second angled segment extending from said first angled segment, and an end segment, said end segments extending generally parallel to said central portion, whereby oarlocks may be attached to said end segments of said first and second wing portions;
and
a foot support assembly attached to said rigid longitudinal support member, said foot support assembly including first and second foot supports.

1 more element

A rowing apparatus for use with a canoe or other small watercraft, the apparatus comprising:

a rigid longitudinal support member having a first end, a second end, a top side, a bottom side, a left side, a right side and an intermediate portion;
a multi-segmented outrigger member attached to said longitudinal support member, said outrigger member having a central portion and first and second symmetrical wing portions projecting from opposite ends of said central portion, said central portion being attached to said intermediate portion of said longitudinal support member;
a strut assembly including a support tower, said strut assembly supporting said outrigger member, said support tower of said strut assembly being attached to said longitudinal support member;
a seat assembly, said seat assembly slidably attached to said longitudinal support member;
and
a foot support assembly, said foot support assembly including first and second foot supports.

3 more elements

A seat assembly and longitudinal seat support for rolling engagement of the seat assembly with the longitudinal seat support, comprising:

rigid longitudinal seat support member having a left side and a right side;
seat assembly engaging means extending along said right side and said left side of said longitudinal seat support for engaging the seat assembly;
a carriage plate on the seat assembly, said carriage plate having a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion;
rolling means rotatably attached to said carriage plate and engageable with said seat assembly engaging means of said longitudinal support member;
a seat plate attached to first and second spring means and at least one first bearing assembly and at least one second bearing assembly, said seat plate having a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion, whereby said first spring means is attached to said front portion of said carriage plate and said front portion of said seat plate, and said second spring means is attached to said rear portion of said carriage plate and said rear portion of said seat plate;
a pivot rod attached to said intermediate portion of said carriage plate and said intermediate portion of said seat plate, said pivot rod having a first end and a second end, said pivot rod passing through said at least one first bearing assembly and said at least one second bearing assembly;
an upwardly angled support portion projecting from said rear portion of said seat plate, said support portion providing support to the spine of the person resting on the seat assembly;
and
a cushioned seat assembly releasably attachable to said seat plate.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rowing apparatus

Life of this patent

Rowing apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims39