Handle for rowing machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handle (100) for a rowing machine. The handle (100) comprises one or more sensors for providing feedback of a performance of a rowing stroke by a user by measuring force applied to, and / or movement of the handle (100) during the rowing stroke. In some arrangements the handle (100) comprise a haptic module, that includes a vibration motor, for providing feedback to the user of the performance. The haptic module comprises one or more haptic elements that are arranged within the handle (100) to provide directional feedback to the user for applying a corrective movement of the handle (100).

Description

[0001] HANDLE FOR ROWING MACHINE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a handle for a rowing machine, and in particular to a handle for a rowing machine that provides feedback on mechanical force parameters experienced by the handle.

[0004] Background

[0005] Rowing provides a full body exercise and has numerous well known cardiovascular, strength and conditioning benefits. With this in mind, numerous home rowing machines have been introduced onto the market. Such systems broadly comprise a seat on which the user sits, with their feet retained in position, mounted on rails. In use, the user grasps a handle that is attached to a belt or chain that allows a user to pull the handle against a resistance (typically fan, or a paddle wheel) via a hub translating the belt drive into rotational movement, and moves the seat along the rails.

[0006] Whilst a basic rowing action is a fairly natural action for novice users to grasp, many struggle to get into the right position for an efficient and most importantly, safe rowing exercise. Many new users lift the handlebars over their knees on the return of the stroke, a rough transition of delivering the power between their legs and arms, thus demonstrating that their posture was wrong.

[0007] Additionally, whilst products are known that measure the force of the stroke, speed and the other metrics needed for rowing, these are located within the structural components of the rower, particularly the hub. The data collected by such devices typically create metrics information for the rower itself, rather than providing the user with feedback on their stroke form.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to at least ameliorate the above defined issues with the existing prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a handle for a rowing machine, said handle comprising one or more sensors for providing feedback of a performance of a rowing stroke by a user by measuring force during the rowing stroke, and / or movement of the handle during the rowing stroke.

[0010] The present invention analyses the rowing stroke of a user and provides feedback to improve the user’s stroke. Whilst basic user monitoring sensors, such as heartrate monitors, are known they do not provide feedback to a user of a rowing machine on their rowing stroke. Instead they are focused on the current health state of the user. By monitoring a force applied by the user during the rowing stroke and / or movement of the handle during the rowing stroke the feedback can be tailored to improving the movement of and / or force delivery to the handle during the rowing stroke.

[0011] In an embodiment the handle may further comprise a haptic module for providing haptic feedback to the user of the performance. Such haptic module may comprise a vibration motor. It can be appreciated that multiple haptic modules may be provided, for example one to provide feedback to prevent twisting of the handle, and one to prevent lifting of the handle. By prevention, it is intended to mean to educate the user to encourage them to address faults in their form.

[0012] The haptic module may comprise one or more haptic elements, said haptic elements arranged within the handle to provide directional feedback to the user for applying a corrective movement to the handle.

[0013] In embodiments, the one or more sensors may comprise an accelerometer for determining relative movement of the handle. For example, the accelerometer may measure movement of the handle in the z-axis to monitor movement of the handle relative to the ground. Accordingly, by detecting motion of the handle during the return stroke it can be determined whether the rowing stroke form is optimal. For example, if the accelerometer detects that the handle has been lifted over the knees on the return of the stroke, this can result in a rough transition of power between the legs and arms. This can in turn be suggestive that their posture was wrong. Based on the sensor data, corrective measures can be suggested.

[0014] In an example, the accelerometer may measure the acceleration and time taken of the rowing stroke. In this way, the full movement of the handle during the rowing stroke may be analysed. This may aid in determining weaknesses in the user’s rowing stroke, for example during a leg press phase of the rowing stroke, or whilst transitioning at the beginning or mid-point of the rowing stroke.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the one or more sensors may comprise a force sensor, said force sensor configured to determine the force applied to the handle during the rowing stroke. The force sensor may comprise a load cell, said load cell connectable to a strap, belt or chain of a rowing machine.

[0016] Accordingly, it can be appreciated that the sensor data may be compared to an expected, or desired sensor output. In the case of a linear sensor, such as a force sensor, the overall graph profile over time of the sensor output may be compared to a desired graph profile. For an accelerometer sensor, the derivative may be examined to highlight inefficient movements of the handle, such as jerking forces.

[0017] Furthermore, by providing sensors that measure force applied to and / or movement of the handle during the rowing stroke, the feedback may be provided to the user in a visual manner using an external program, such as a mobile phone application. Accordingly, the handle may comprise a communication module for providing the feedback to an application on a mobile device of the user. The communication module may comprise a Bluetooth™, wireless or other communication protocol. The handle may comprise a user input means configured to communicate with the application, and wherein the input means allows navigating the application. The user input may also allow for activating and deactivating the sensors during use. The user input may be further used to control gaming elements on the application. For example the gaming elements may include virtual targets or the like.

[0018] In some embodiments the one or more sensors may comprise a gyroscope for determining twist in the handle during the rowing stroke. The use of a gyroscopic sensor may highlight an imbalance in the user’s stroke. It can be appreciated that in embodiments that include an application, the gyroscope may be used as a navigation tool or gaming control.

[0019] The handle may comprise a dedicated power source for powering the sensors. Typically batteries may be used. The power source may comprise a dual source, each source located at opposing ends of the handle. In this manner the weight of the power source may be evenly distributed within the handle.

[0020] The handle may comprise a status light, such as an RGB LED or the like. Said light may be used to indicate one or more of a status of the handle, the feedback of the performance or a communication status.

[0021] Embodiments of the aspects may comprise any element of any embodiment of the other aspects of the invention.

[0022] Brief Description of the Figures

[0023] The invention is described in further detail below by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 shows an isometric skeleton view of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention; figure 2 shows a second isometric skeleton view of the handle of figure

[0024] 1 ; figure 3 is a side view of the handle shown in figure 1 ; and figure 4 is a partial cutaway view of the handle of figure 1 .

[0025] It should be noted that the Figures are diagrammatic and not drawn to scale. Relative dimensions and proportions of parts of the Figures have been shown exaggerated or reduced in size, for the sake of clarity and convenience in the drawings. The same reference signs are generally used to refer to corresponding or similar feature in modified and different embodiments.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] Figure 1 shows an isometric skeleton view of a handle 100 for attachment to a rowing machine. In particular, the handle is configured to attach to a strap 500, although it can be appreciated that a chain or other linkage may be used, depending on the rowing machine set-up. The handle comprises a handle body 1 10 that is generally an elongate cylinder into which components may be housed. Typically the handle body 1 10 is a textured plastic to aid grip of the handle for a user, although other materials may be used, including wood. The handle body 1 10 is capped by a detachable end plate 1 15, which is secured by attachment means 117, such as screws of the like.

[0028] In the embodiment shown, handle 100 is broadly oblong in cross-section with a constant cross-section along its length, although it can be appreciated that other handle shapes may be used. The strap 500 attaches to the handle at a centrepoint of the handle 100 via a housing 120. The housing 120 encircles the handle body 1 10 as shown in figure 3. Accordingly, the housing 120 and handle body 1 10 form a substantial T when connected to the strap 500.

[0029] Beneath the housing 120, within the handle body 1 10 is an electronic board 130. The board comprises the electronic components of the handle. For example, a plurality of sensors, such as accelerometer, gyroscope, etc. are mounted to the board 130. Additionally, communication modules, such as a Bluetooth™ or Wireless communication module can be included on the board. One or more vibration motors are provided to provide haptic feedback to the user. On a top surface of the housing 120 is provided a LED indicator 140. The indicator may be an RGB LED indicator. The indicator 140 is used to provide status information to the user. This can include feedback on the performance of the stroke, for example a flashing light may indicate that the force is being applied to the handle incorrectly and / or another output by the sensor is suggesting a correction. Alternatively or additionally, a solid colour, for example green, may indicate a that the stroke is broadly correct. A communication status, such as a solid or flashing blue, may be used for Bluetooth™ connection or pairing, for example.

[0030] Beneath the removable end plates 1 15 are provided a power source, in the example shown batteries 150. It can be appreciated that the batteries are provided in both sides of the handle body 1 10 to allow for an even weight distribution. Whilst the batteries may be provided in only one position, by distributing them evenly the weight of the handle is not compromised if the batteries are removed, allowing the handle to be used without the smart features.

[0031] For control of the handle 100, buttons 160a, 160b may be used as input means. This can allow for navigation of an application that accompanies the handle, such as a mobile application or the like. The buttons may also be used to control gaming elements in said application, or indeed may be used to generally control features on a paired mobile device. The buttons may be used to control music, phone calls, etc.

[0032] Additionally, as shown in figures 3 and 4, a load cell 170 is provided on the board 130. The load cell 170 determines the force applied to the strap 500 by the user during a rowing stroke. The load cell determines the strain applied to the strap attachment means 172 used to hold the strap 500. In the embodiment shown, the strap 500 comprises a loop, with the strap attachment means 172 sitting within the loop to contain the strap. In use, a user can power on the handle using the buttons 160a, 160b. This is indicated by the LED indicator 140. As the user performs a rowing stroke the load applied by the user to the rowing machine strap 500 via the handle 100 is recorded by the load cell 170.

[0033] Additionally, the rate and time of acceleration is detected by an accelerometer mounted on the circuit board 130. This determines the relative motion of the handle during the rowing stroke. It can also determine vertical motion through the use of a 6-axis accelerometer.

[0034] Further data is collected by a gyroscope mounted on the circuit board 130. The gyroscope determines the relative pitch, yaw or roll of the handle during the stroke. Accordingly, if the user is twisting the handle during the stroke, this can be determined.

[0035] The sensor data may be transmitted to an application, such as a mobile phone application installed on the user’s mobile device. The data may be transmitted in real-time or may be downloaded after a workout. Communication protocols between the handle 100 and the application can include Bluetooth™, wireless internet, or the like.

[0036] Based on the sensor data, the application can communicate with the handle 100 to convey corrections or suggestions to the user. For example, haptic feedback may be used to provide vibrations within the handle to indicate that the handle is too high, or twisted, or the like (e.g. the force is being applied in an incorrect manner). By using multiple haptic modules the feedback may be tailored to one hand of the other.

[0037] Similarly, the LED indicator 140 may be used to provide feedback to the user. The application may provide feedback based on the sensor data which is indicated to the user. Alternatively, or additionally, some on-device sensing and feedback may be provided. For example, if the load cell detects a load over a predetermined threshold limit, the feedback may be directly indicated to the user.

[0038] Whilst described in relation to the shape and configuration of the handle described above, it can be appreciated that alternative shaped handles may be used having the same sensors embedded therein. Additionally, as noted above, the handle may be connected to a rowing machine strap, chain or the like, allowing the handle to be connected to existing rowing machines, providing “smart” features without the need to add additional components to the rowing machine itself. Accordingly a user may, for example, take the handle to a gym and replace the handle on the rowing machine of the gym with the smart handle allowing them to record and obtain feedback on their performance without requiring any other changes to the rowing machine.

[0039] It can be appreciated that the various embodiments described above contain complimentary features that may be combined depending upon the need of the user.

[0040] Other embodiments are intentionally within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A handle for a rowing machine, said handle comprising: one or more sensors for providing feedback of a performance of a rowing stroke by a user by measuring force applied to, and / or movement of the handle during the rowing stroke.

2. The handle of claim 1 , wherein the handle further comprises a haptic module for providing haptic feedback to the user of the performance.

3. The handle of claim 2, wherein the haptic module comprises a vibration motor.

4. The handle of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the haptic module comprises one or more haptic elements, said haptic elements arranged within the handle to provide directional feedback to the user for applying a corrective movement to the handle.

5. The handle of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors comprises an accelerometer for determining relative movement of the handle.

6. The handle of claim 5, wherein the accelerometer measures movement of the handle in the z-axis to monitor movement of the handle relative to the ground.

7. The handle of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the accelerometer measures the acceleration and time taken of the rowing stroke.

8. The handle of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a force sensor, said force sensor configured to determine the force applied to the handle during the rowing stroke.

9. The handle of claim 8, wherein the force sensor comprises a load cell, said load cell connectable to a strap, belt or chain of a rowing machine.

10. The handle of any preceding claim, wherein the handle further comprises a communication module for providing the feedback to an application on a mobile device of the user.

11. The handle of any preceding claim, further comprising a user input means configured to communicate with the application, and wherein the input means allows navigating the application.

12. The handle of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more sensors comprises a gyroscope for determining twist in the handle during the rowing stroke.

13. The handle of any preceding claim, further comprising a power source for powering the sensors.

14. The handle of claim 13, wherein the power source comprises a dual source, each source located at opposing ends of the handle.

15. The handle of any preceding claim, wherein the handle comprises a status light, said light indicating one or more of a status of the handle, the feedback of the performance or a communication status.

Images