Abstract:
An article for simulating the activity of kayaking is provided comprising a base including a seat portion, a shaft operatively associated with said base and extending upward from said base, a paddle attached on the uppermost portion of said shaft whereby said paddle is constructed and arranged relative to a person seating in said seat portion such that said paddle is in position that simulates the activity of kayaking.

Description:
INDEX TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of and claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/893,705 filed Oct. 21, 2013 the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
       [0002]    A wide range of people, from recreational to professional, enjoys kayaking. There currently exist multiple types of kayaks and paddles depending on the users needs. However, often times cold winters or lack of access to water prevents a person from kayaking. There currently exist products on the market that allow a kayaker to simulate kayaking mechanically from their home or gym. The current versions are both large and cumbersome, do not accurately simulate kayaking motions, or are too expensive for the wider kayaking market. 
         [0003]    With the growing popularity of kayaking, there exists a need to overcome these deficiencies and provide a kayak simulation exercise machine which is easily portable, affordable, and customizable to the users form of kayaking. 
         [0004]    The present invention addresses many recognized prior deficiencies and provides a novel article for use. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention is an article and system having at least one unit for simulating kayaking, said unit comprising an advantageous configuration including:
       1. Foldable and storable design which allows the unit to be hidden from view in a home setting.   2. Provides adjustability of all areas (paddle shaft height, seat height, seat angle, seat position, foot rest straps, paddle position, and foot rest position) to suit all heights, arm and leg lengths.   3. Provides an easy to manufacture, repeatable, and lightweight injection molded design and other methods of manufacture.   4. An overall configuration including adjustable parts provides various resistance settings in the x-y paddle shaft rotation. Provides various resistance settings (paddle x and y motion and paddle rotational motion) allowing for an increase in workload in all dimensions.   5. Provides technology for electronically synching with other existing MyStroke Technology widget.   6. Provides the ability to join multiple units together (inline) to simulate multiple people kayaking.   7. Provides quiet mechanisms for low use noise.   8. Provides guiding of a correct kayak stroke form while also determining the exact natural feather of paddle blades.   9. Provides a mechanism allowing for forward, reverse and sidestrokes as well as complex core body motions.   10. Provides an OMNI ball assembly that enables the user to adjust the amount of friction on the vertical handle assembly by rotating a collar to increase resistance on the ball assembly.   11. Provides a Transcatch assembly that enables the user to adjust the X and Y resistance of the horizontal shaft to simulate various kayaking scenarios.       
 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the invention is an article for simulating the activity of kayaking comprising: 
         [0000]    a base including a seat portion;
 
a shaft operatively associated with said base and extending upward from said base;
 
a paddle attached on the uppermost portion of said shaft whereby said paddle is constructed and arranged relative to a person seating in said seat portion such that said paddle is in a position that simulates the activity of kayaking.
 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the shaft includes an adjustable mounting mechanism for holding said paddle whereby said adjustable mechanism is a user selected adjustment along the length of said shaft. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the shaft is constructed of a durable lightweight material including, but not limited to aluminum, carbon fiber, or other suitable material. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the shaft includes at least one indexing grip on at least one side of said shaft. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the base is formed of a single unitary piece. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the base is formed of a plurality of pieces secured to form a single base. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the base includes at least one footboard. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the base includes at least one footboard adjustable along the upper horizontal surface of said base.
       12. In one embodiment, the paddle includes at least one mechanism for adjusting tension of said paddle, whereby said tension is imparted when said paddle is moved.       
 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the paddle includes at least one mechanism for adjusting tension of said paddle when said paddle is moved in an x-plane, y-plane, or combinations thereof, said plane defined relative to the upper horizontal surface of said base. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the paddle rotationally moves about a central axis in the region including a center portion of said paddle and a connector of said paddle on said shaft, in x, y, and z planes relative to the upper horizontal surface of said base. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the shaft includes at least one ball detent clevis pin mechanism or ball lock pin mechanism configured to selectively adjust said paddle mount along the length of said shaft. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, the paddle includes a rotationally adjustable paddle blade on each terminal end of said paddle. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the shaft is dependent on a rotational swivel ball mounted on or associated with said base. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the shaft is dependent on a rotational swivel ball mounted on or associated with said base said ball configured with at least one mechanism for imparting adjustable resistance to movement. 
         [0032]    Also contemplated is a method for simulating kayaking comprising the steps of: 
         [0000]    providing an article according to the invention disclosed herein;
 
seating a user on the seat of said article;
 
grasping said paddle by said user;
 
moving said paddle in a movement to simulate kayaking.
 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the resistance applied is imparted my mechanical and/or electrical and/or hydraulic and/or pneumatic means. 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the method is utilized by an individual in need of physical and/or rehabilitative therapy. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention 
           [0036]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view demonstrating separated components of the base of one body but of the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the seat assembly according to one about in the present invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the footrest according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0039]      FIG. 5  is a view of the paddle and shafts assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0040]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view demonstrating separated components of the swivel ball (omniball) assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of components of the shaft Transcatch assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0042]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view demonstrating the separated components of the paddle trans catch assembly according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the components of the Omni ball tension assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0044]      FIG. 10  is a side cross-sectional view of the Omni ball and swivel ball assemblies from  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 6 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the assembled components of one embodiment according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0046]    System  10  includes a horizontal base assembly  12  having a seat assembly  14  and foot rest assembly  16  positioned at opposing ends of base assembly  12 . Paddle blade  18  are affixed to opposing ends of paddle shaft  20  whereby paddle shaft  20  includes paddle angle degree markers  36  proximate to each of paddle blade  18 . 
         [0047]    Paddle Transcatch assembly  22  is centrally positioned on paddle shaft  20  and is constructed and arranged to selectively adjust the resistance of rotation of paddle shaft  20 . Shaft Transcatch assembly  24  is positioned below paddle trans catch assembly  22  and is constructed and arranged to selectively adjust the resistance of side to side movement of paddle trans catch assembly  22 . On the ball tension assembly  26  is positioned on base assembly  12  and supports swivel ball assembly  28 . Lower paddle shaft height adjustment shaft  30  connects to swivel ball assembly  28 . Upper paddle shaft height adjustment pole  32  attached is on its lower end to lower paddle shaft height adjustment shaft  30  and on its upper end to shaft trans catch assembly  24 . Foot strap retainer  34  hold foot strap  38  onto footrest assembly  16 . Foot strap cam lever  40  is constructed and arranged to adjust foot strap  38 . Footrest placement nut  42  is constructed and arranged with a spring that urges top  42  into position along rail  46  and blocks footrest  16  into a fixed position along base assembly  12 . Omni ball Lever  44  is constructed and arranged to lock Omni ball tension assembly  26  into a fixed and immovable position. In one embodiment, attachment rod  48  is constructed and arranged for a attaching a second assembly  10  such that persons utilize assembly  10  in tandem, or 4 units in line for K4 simulation. 
         [0048]    Wheels  50  on the underside of the base assembly  12  are constructed and arranged for moving assembly  10  as desired. Seat  14  has a rear seat height adjustment knob  52  for adjustably moving the vertical position of seat  14  relative to base assembly  12 . Adjustment knob  54  is constructed and arranged to affix seat  14  into a position laterally along the upper surface of base assembly  12  front seat height adjustment knob  56  is constructed and arranged to fix the front portion of seat assembly  14  into a desired height relative to the upper portion of base assembly  12 . A person can selectively adjusts any one or combination of the lateral position using adjust  54  the rear seat height using adjust  52  and the front seat height using adjust  56 . 
         [0049]    Omni ball position slider  58  is constructed and arranged to interact with Omni ball positioning track  60  whereby Omni ball tension assembly  26  is movable along positioning track  60  and positioned based on Omni ball positioning indicia  64 . Base  62  is constructed and arranged with the rest positioning rails  46  on opposing longitudinal sides of base  62 . In one embodiment, latch member  66  is constructed and arranged to facilitate connection of multiple assemblies  10  one to another. Each rail  46  is held into position along base  62  by a plurality of fasteners  68 . Fastener  68  can be screw fasteners rivets or other type of fasteners known in the art including combinations thereof. Bracket  70  supports attaching rod  70  for and includes caps  72  and  76  on rod  74 . Seat assembly  14  includes a seat  78  that is supported by the base  80 . Foot rest assembly  16  includes foot rest  82  and put rest fasteners  84  that are used for attaching foot rest  42  foot rest assembly  16 . 
         [0050]    Incorporated with up paddle shaft  32  are a plurality of openings  92  and a spring tension height adjustment tab  94  that is urged outward from the center of shaft  32  such that in  94  protrudes through a selected opening  92  and locks shaft  32  into a fixed position. 
         [0051]    Paddle trans catch assembly  22  includes a tension knob  86  that selectively adjusts the rotational movement tension of paddle trans catch assembly  22  and a tension knob  90  that selectively adjusts rotational movement of shaft trans catch assembly  24 . Fasteners  88  secure trans catch assembly  22  onto paddle shaft  20 . 
         [0052]    Omni ball tension assembly  28  includes a pair of opposing hemispheric ball members  98  that are interconnected with ball assembly connecting bolt  96  passing through washer  104  subsequently exiting assembly  28  Omni ball assembly orifice  146  and further fastened into position with exit washer  106  and exit bolt  108 . The top of assembly  28  includes retainer ring  100  that hold each hemisphere  98  into position about a neck portion formed in the top of each of said hemisphere portions. Clip  102  is position on top of retainer ring  100 . 
         [0053]    Shaft trans catch assembly  24  includes a base  110  having an a indicator dial  112  having tension indicia disposed thereon whereby tension knob  90  passes through assembly  24  and is secured into position with washer  114  and connecting nut  116 . 
         [0054]    Paddle trans catch assembly  22  includes a front plate  118  a rear plate  120  constructed and arranged for receiving tension knob  86  they are through whereby tension knob  86  is connected using connector nut  116 . 
         [0055]    Omni ball tension assembly  26  includes a top cam  124  having a pair of opposing horizontal slits  126  formed thereon whereby said slits are constructed and arranged to receive retaining pins  130  there in. Top cam  124  rest upon retaining cup cover  128  that further is upon cup  132  end bottom cup  134  that interacts with spring  136  held with in Omni ball base  140 . Connection assembly  138  is constructed and arranged to connect the assembly to front seat height adjustment knob  56 . Connection assembly  142  is constructed and arranged to interact with foot rest placement adjustment  42 . Assembly  26  rests ultimately upon assembly base  144 . 
       Paddle Shaft Horizontal: 
       [0056]    In one embodiment a high tech aluminum, Carbon Fiber, or other material, paddle horizontal shaft ( 20 ) is used to cut down on weight and increase strength over existing designs and more accurately simulate a true kayak paddle. There will be an indexing grip incorporated on one side of the horizontal shaft ( 36 ). This assembly includes a trans catch assembly that enables the user to increase the resistance or reduce the resistance of the horizontal shaft to simulate various kayaking scenarios. This is achieved by the adjustment knobs located on this assembly. ( 22 ) 
       Base: 
       [0057]    In one embodiment a low-pressure injection or other materials such as wood or molded base is used as a platform for mounting all other components to ( 12 ). The platform has rails on both sides ( 46 ) that serve as adjustment points for the seat ( 14 ) and footrest ( 16 ). The base will also be offered in an extendable 3-piece construction, the 3 rd  piece being an insert to cater to taller users. 
       Adjustable Foot Rest &amp; Straps: 
       [0058]    In one embodiment an injection-molded footrest ( 16 ) is used to provide a simulation of the footrest currently used in a real kayak. The footrest is textured to avoid slipping of the foot. The footrest is adjustable on the Base rails to accommodate different leg lengths ( 42 ). The footrest utilizes an adjustable and soft feel straps ( 38 ) to secure the feet in position ( 40 ). 
       Paddle Y-axis Resistance Setting: 
       [0059]    In one embodiment a cam-locking system ( 24 ) is used to provide variable resistance to the y-axis movement of the paddle shaft. A section of pliable high molecular weight polyethylene ( 114 ) is used as a buffer that is squeezed onto the paddle providing greater resistance at set increments. ( 112 ) A resistance knob ( 90 ) is tightened by the user. 
       Paddle X-Axis Resistance Setting 
       [0060]    In one embodiment a cam-locking system is used to provide variable resistance to the x-axis movement of the paddle shaft ( 122 ). 
       Paddle Catch 
       [0061]    Omission of the invention of the double wedging catch as the v wedge male of the center of the horizontal shaft comes in to the v wedge female molding at the top of the vertical shaft. The action of the v wedge male entering the v wedge female and imparts resistance on the paddle and is configured to simulate the paddle blade resistance on entry into the water. AS understood, there are a pair of opposing v wedge female structures each configured to receive a single v wedge mail structure on each side of the rotation axis. ( 110 ) 
       Adjustable Height Vertical Shaft: 
       [0062]    In one embodiment a system of adjustment is used to provide an adjustable high tech aluminum, carbon fiber, or other material, vertical shaft height dependent on the users torso length. One piece is attached to the Omniball ( 30 ) and has a spring button ( 94 ) while the other ( 32 ) has drilled holes ( 92 ) for the height adjustment. For hospital therapy and institutional use stainless steel made be used. 
       Adjustable Mini Paddle Blade: 
       [0063]    In one embodiment an adjustable mini paddle blade ( 18 ) is used to simulate different pitches-control of paddles. Users are able to rotate the paddle blade to pre-set angle markings for more accurate simulation ( 36 ). This allows the user to deduce their own (Exact Feather). Feather defined as angle of blade control. 
       Rotation Ball (Omni Ball) and Adjustable Resistance and Adjustable Position: 
       [0064]    In one embodiment a hand rotated locking system is used to provide variable resistance to the ball movement ( 28 ) in various tension settings ( 26 ). As the tension settings are increased ( 126 ) the top ball housing ( 128 ) squeezes down on the ball creating increased friction equal to the cube of the ball radius. The entire ball mechanism is adjustable depending on the users arm length and leg inside seam and torso length. Tension mechanics may be electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or some other means. 
       Adjustable Seat Length, Height and Angle Adjustable: 
       [0065]    In one embodiment an adjustable, contoured seat is used ( 78 ). The seat has an adjustable front and back along the Base rails ( 54 ). The seat is also adjustable at an angle allowing the user to tilt the seat back up and down ( 52 ) to suit the users needs and forward and backwards away from the (Omni Ball) ( 56 ). 
       Foldable Configuration: 
       [0066]    In one embodiment the horizontal shaft and vertical shaft are foldable ( 58 ) and removable ( 44 ) allowing the user to collapse the unit. Wheels attached to the base allow the user to easily roll the unit to a storage space. 
       Attachment Points for Multiple Unit Use: 
       [0067]    In one embodiment a set of tongue and groove notches are molded into the front ( 56 ) and back ( 48 ) of the base allowing multiple units to be connected tandem in a linear fashion, simulating a multiple person kayak. 
       MyStroke Technology: 
       [0068]    In one embodiment users are able to attach current existing MyStroke products to the paddle shaft to gain the advantages of digital performance gauging. 
         [0069]    In one embodiment an attachment point for a smartphone/tablet computer is added to the footrest to provide a heads-up display of exercise data. 
         [0070]    In yet another embodiment a built-in touchscreen LCD is added to the top of the footrest, integrating MyStroke technology directly into the unit. 
       Medical/Rehabilitation Use: 
       [0071]    In one embodiment the system is used for medical rehabilitation of persons who have as example experienced a stroke or other injury associated motor-function disabilities. In this embodiment the unit has an additional stand to raise it off the floor and straps to keep the user secure. Additional high grade/easily cleaned materials are used as a substitute for many plastic parts. The seat/footrest format will change to accommodate the various medical/rehabilitation needs. 
         [0072]    While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.