Improvements in Rowing Machines.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 9th Sept., 1890-Accepted, 29th Nov., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Rowing Machines.
I, EDWARD JAMES KERNS, of Worcester, in the County of Worcester, and State
of Massachusetts, one of the United States of America, Manufacturer, do hereby
declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement:
My invention relates to exercising, or rowing machines, and consists in certain
novel features of construction and operation thereof, as will be hereinafter fully
described.
The object of my invention is to improve upon rowing machines as ordinarily
constructed, and to make the operation thereof correspond as nearly as possible with
the actual operation of rowing a boat.
Referring to the drawings,
Figure 1 is a plan view of my rowing machine.
Figure 2 is a side view taken at line z, z, Figure 1, looking in the direction of
arrow a, same figure.
Figures 3 and 4 are details, on an enlarged scale of the oars, Figure 3 being a
plan, and Figure 4 a side view, looking in the direction of arrow b, Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows, on an enlarged scale, the head of the machine taken on line w, w
Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrow e, same figure.
Figure 6 is an end view of the head shown in Figure 5, looking in the direction
of the arrow d, same figure.
Figure 7 is a horizontal cross section on line v, v, Figure 5 looking in the direction
of the arrow e, same figure.
Figure 8 is a view of the clutch mechanism, for connecting the several parts with
the operating shaft, taken on line i, i, Figure 5 looking in the direction of the arrow f,
same figure.
Figure 9 is a detail of the driving whoel and sprocket wheel.
Figure 10 is a detail of the sprocket wheel, and clutch mechanism.
Figure 11 is an opposite end view of the head, from that shown in Figure 6, taken
on line u, u, Figure 5, looking in the direction of arrow f, same figure, showing only
the friction pulley, and belt, and lever detached.
Figure 12 is a vertical cross section of the head, corresponding to the horizontal
section shown in Figure 7, with some of the parts shown in Figure 5, left off.
Figure 13 is the inner side view of the driving wheel, looking in the direction of
arrow g, Figure 14.
Figure 14 is an edge view of the driving wheel looking in the direction of the
arrow h, Figure 13.
Figure 15 is a view of that side of the sprocket wheel which comes against the side
of the driving wheel shown in Figure 13.
Figure 16 is a horizontal cross section on line a, a, Figure 1.5.
Figure 17 is a sectional detail of the oar handle, showing the manner of connecting
the movable bandle, which is left off in said figure.
Figure 18 is a cross section on line y, y, Figure 17, looking in the direction of
arrow i, same figure.
Figure 19 is a sectional detail showing the manner of connecting the oar at its
pivoted end.
Figure 20 is a vertical cross section on line 8, s, Figure 19, looking in the
direction of arrow j, same figure.
Figure 21 is a detail, showing the manner of connecting the pivoted cross bar to
the sprocket chain.

page_text: Figure 22 is a vertical cross section on linor, r, Figure 21, looking in the direction
of arrow k, same figure, and,
Figure 23 is a vertical section on line 1, 1, Figure 22, looking in the direction of
arrow 1, same figure, the supporting bar being left off.
In the accompanying drawings, I is the fram or skeleton upon which the soveral
parts of my rowing machine are supported, 2 is the sliding seat of ordinary con-
struction, mounted to slide back and forth on tracks 8: 4 are the shoes in which
the feet of the rower are placed; 5 are the outriggers or ro is secured to the frame 1,
and in the outer ends of which are pivotedly supporteul the oars 6.
The ours 6, shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, and 17 to 20 inclusive, consist of a
bar of wood provided with handles C, which are alapted to turn or revolve on a pin 7,
which is secured to the bar in the manner shown in Figure 17. A cap piece 8 is
secured to the end of the bar 6 provided with a hole in the outer and, through which
the inner end of the pin 7 passes, and is secured.
Said cap piece 8 is also provided with a top 8, to limit the revolving motion of
the handle 6, by means of the projections on the inner face of the thimble 9,
which turns on the pin 7 with the handle 6', and is fast in the end of said handle,
coming in contact with said stop 8¹.
The opposite end of the oar 6 is provided with a vertical hole or opening 10,
in the metal cap piece 11, with the rigid arm 11' extending out therefrom in the
direction of the length of the oar. In the opening 10 is pivoted by pins 12,
see Figure 20, the hub 13 having the arm 14 integral therewith, and oxtending
out therefrom over the arm 11'.
The outer end of armn 14 is provided with a bub 14' into which extends the
upper end of the pin 15 resting on the arm 11', a spring 16 encircles said pin 15,
and is interposed between the upper side of arm 11 and the lower side of the
hub 14, as shown in Figures 4 and 19.
The pin 17 extends loosely through a vertical hole in the hub 13, and is provided
with a shoulder 17 extending out therefrom, upon which the hub 13 rests and
has its bearing. The lower end of said pin 17 is secured by said thumb screw 18
in the block 19 upon the outer ends of the outrigger or rods 5.
By pivoting the outer ends of the oars 6 in the manner as above described, and
as fully shown in Figures 3 and 4, and 19 and 20, of the drawings, a swinging
motion in a horizontal plane can be imparted to the oars, as indicated by full and
dotted lines, Figure 1, and also a slight tilting motion in a vertical plane,
corresponding to the dipping of the oars in the actual process of rowing in a boat.
By means of the movable handles of the oars, a movement of the hand and wrist of
the rower is obtained, similar to the movement of feathering the oars in the actual
process of rowing in a boat, and this movement is limited, so as not to exceed the
feathering movement of the oars, and at the same time conveying the feeling that a
rower has when his oar is in the proper position in the rowlock, ready to put into the
water.
The oars 6 are connected by rods 20 with the pivoted cross bar 21, said rods 20 aro
pivoted at one end to the oars 6, between the pivot point, and the handle of said oars,
proferably nearer the handle, as shown in the drawings.
The other ends of the rods 20 are pivoted to the outer ends of cross bar 21. A
stud 22 extends through the cross bar 21, and acts as a pivot upon which said cross
bar turns; the upper end of said stud extends through a link in the sprocket chain 23
and may be connected therewith at any point, and attached to snid sprocket chain by
a pin 24, see Figures 21 and 22.
Upon the lower surface of the cross bar 21 is pivoted by means of the stud 22 tho
cross head 25, preferably of the shape shown in cross section, Figure 22, and to which
the lower end of the stud 22 is secured. Cross head 25, upon which the cross har is
pivotedly supported by means of the stud 22, is adapted to extend over and slide
back and forth on the way 26, supported at each end on stands 27 and 28,
seo Figure 2.
On the stand 27 is supported the sprocket wheel 29, said sprocket wheel revolves

page_text: on a stud 30, which extends out from a plate 31, which is secured to a stand 27 by
means of bolts 32 extending through slots 33 in said stands.
By means of the slots 33 and bolts 32, the adjustment of the sprocket wheel 29
back and forth in a horizontal plaue is obtained, so as to tighten or loosen the
sprocket chain 23 as desired. The enlless sprocket chain 23 also passes around the
sprocket wheel 34, forming a part of what I term the head of the machine.
The movement of the oars, from the position shown in full lines, Figure 1, to the
position shown in dotted lines, causes the cross bar 21, attached to the sprocket
chain 23, as above described, to slide along on the way 26, to the position shown in
dotted lines, Figure 1, carrying the sprocket chain 23 with it, and causing the
sprocket wheels 29 and 34 to revolve, and the mechanism of the head of the machine
to be operated, as will be hereinafter fully described.
It will be understood that in the construction and operation of a rowing machine,
the object is to produce a resistance while pulling a stroke of the oars, corresponding
to the resistance of the water in the passage of the oars through the same, and to
do away with that resistance in the return movement of the oars, preparatory to a
new stroke.
I will now proceed to describe the head of my machine, which contains the
mechanism which produces the resistance while pulling a stroke of the oars, and
removes said resistance upon the return of the oars, preparatory to a new stroke.
The resistance may be increased or diminished as desired.
The hoad of my machine consists of the base 35, which is supported or secured
to the frame 1, at the opposite end from the sliding seat 2. Stands 36 are secured
upon the base 35, and in this nstance have adjustable centres 37 at their upper ends,
between which centres is supp rted the shaft BS, said shaft having tapering holes in
its ends into which the pointen ends of the centres 37 extend, see Figure 7 Upon
the shaft 38 is mounted the friction pulley 39, fast thereon, and having its hub 391
extending out from one side the eof.
Also mounted on the shaft 38, but loose thereon, is the driving wheel 40, having,
in this instance, a beveled driving face, sprocket wheel 34, and the flange disc 41,
carrying the clutch mechanisin, moans of which said driving wheel 40, sprocket
connected at the proper time with the friction
the same, and the friction or resistance mechanisin
wheel 34, and flange disc 41 ar
pulley 39, and shaft 38, to operate
connected therewith.
Driving wheel 40, sprocket whee 34, and flange disc 41, are connected together by
pins 42, see Figure 12; the purpos of said pins being to hold the driving wheel 40,
and flange dise 41 in place while the sprocket wheel 34 is operating the mechanism
connected therewith.
A strap 41 extends around the flange disc 41, and is fast at one end to the
stand 35, and adjustably secured at the other end by a spring 41". The object of
the strap 41' is to produce friction enough to hold the flange disc 41, and clutch
mechanism, and also the driving wheel 40, until the sprocket wheel 34 operates the
mechanisms connected therewith.
The adjacent faces of the sprocket wheel 34, and the driving wheel 40, are each
provided with inclined surfaces 45 and 46, which are adapted to come in contact with
each other, and ride up on each other, to press the driving wheel 40 away from the
sprocket wheel 34, when said sprocket wheel is moved in one direction, against the
action of the springs 47 secured to the inner stand 36, see Figure 7, which press
the collar 48 loose on the end of the shaft 38, against the hub of the driving
wheel 40.
The opposite movement of the sprocket wheel 34 disconnects the inclined
surfaces 45 and 46, and allows the springs 47 to act on the collar 48, and press the
driving wheel 40 back into its normal position, as shown in Figure 12, so as not to
operate as a driving wheel.
The holes 50 in the sprocket wheel 34, through which the bolts 42 pass, are made
elongated, and the knob 43 is made to fit loosely in slot 44 in wheel 40, so that there
uay be a slight movement of the sprocket wheel 34 in either direction without

page_text: moving the driving wheel 40 in a rotary direction, but pushing it outward, and away
from the sprocket wheel.
Connected with the opposite face of the sprocket wheel 34, from the driving
wheel 40, by means of bolts 42, is the flange dise 41, carrying the clutch mechanism.
A knob 51 extends out from the fare of the sprocket wheel 34, and fits into a
slot 52 in the flange dise 41, Figure 12. By means of the elongate i slot 50
n the sprocket wheel 34, through which the hills 42 extend, which are fast in
the flange dise 1, a slight movement is given to the sprocket wheel in either
direction, without moving the flange dise 41.
The flange dise 41 carries the clutch mechanism for clutching the hub 391 of the
friction pulley 39, fast on the shaft. 38, causing said pulley and shaft to revolve with
the driving wheel 40, sprocket wheel 34, and flange dise 41, and to operate the
mechanism connected with said shaft when moving in one direction, and for
releasing the hub 391 of the pulley 39, and allowing the pulley 39, and the
shaft 38 to remain stationary, when the driving wheel 40, sprocket wheel 34, and
flange disc 41 are moved in the opposite direction.
The clutch mechanism supported on the flange diso 41, consists in this instance, of
a split ring 53, secured by screw 54, see Figure 12, on flange disc 41, and mounted
on the hub 39 of the friction pulley 39 seo Figures 7 and 8, and two levers 55,
pivoted by pins 56 on the flange dise 41, and provided at one end with adjusting
screws 58, the inner ends of which come in contact with the ends of the split ring 53,
see Figure 8.
A pin 59, pivoted by means of a screw 66 in the flanged olge of the dise 41, sea
Figures 8, 10, and 12, extends between the opposite ends of the lever 56, from the
adjusting screws 58; the other end of said pin 59 extends into a notch 51', in the end
of the sprocket wheel 34, see Figure 12.
The inner end of the pin 59 pisses through an enlarged slot 61 in the flange
disc 41, see dotted lines Figure 10, so as to allow of a slight movement of the pin 59
in one direction, causing it to spread the ends of the levers 56 between which it
extends, and causing the adjusting screws 58, in the opposite ends of said levers, to
compress the split ring 58 and bind it on the hub 391, and cause said huh, and the
friction pulley 39, and the shalt 38, and the parts connected therewith to revolve,
when the flange dise 41 is revolve hy its connection with the sprocket wheel 31,
when said sprocket wheel is moved in one direction by the sprocket chain 23.
When the sprocket wheel 34 is moved in the opposite direction, pivoted pin 59 is
stationary, and the levers 56 are not operated to compress the split ring 53.
An upright shaft 61 is arranged in suitable bearings at the inner end of the shaft 38,
and has secured thereon a beveled pulley 62, the beveled face of which is adapted
to come in contact with and be operated by the driving wheel 40, when said driving
wheel is pressed out by the inclined surfaces on the sprocket wheel 34, as shown in
Figure 5.
The upper end of the upright shaft 61 passes through and has its hearing in the
hub 63, upon the upper end of the stand 6-1. The balance bur 65 is mounted on said
shaft, and is fast thereon. A governor 66 is mounted on the upper end of the
shaft 61, and is provided with a grooved collar 67 at its lower part which rests on the
hub of the balance bar 65, see Figures 5 and 6.
The forked end of the lever 68 which is pivotedly supported on the upper end of a
bar 69, scenred to the base 35, extends into the grooved collar 67 of the governor 66;
the opposite end of the lover 68 is connected by a link 69 to the outer end of the
lever 70, which extends under the friction pulley 39, and is pivoted at its inner end in
a stand 71 on the base 35.
A belt. 72 passes over the pulley 39, and is secured at its two ends to the lever 70.
Said lever 70 extends through a slot 73 in a stand 74, secured to the base 35, to hold
the same in a proper position.
A weight 75 may be attached to the outer end of the lover 70, to increase the
friction of the belt. 72 on the pulley 89.
I have shown two supplementary attachments which may be used in connection

page_text: with my rowing machine, one of which consists of a dial 76 for marking the number
of miles, provided with an indicating hand 77, see Figure 5, and means for operating
the same, consisting, in this instance. of a worn 78 on the lower end of the upright
shaft 61, which meshes with the worm gear 79, carrying a pin 80, which engages and
operates a small pinion 81, fast on one end of a stud 8.1, which operates pinion 82 on
the opposite end of said stud, an 1 drives the gear 88 connected with the dial hand 77,
see Figures 6 and 7.
My other supplementary mechanism consists of an endless belt 84, having there on
a pasteboard boat or indicator 85, and passing around pulleys 86 and S6, supported in
suitable bearings on stands 87 and 88. The endless belt 84 is driven by means of an
endless belt 89, passing around a flange pulley 90, fast on the upright shaft 61, and a
pulley 91 fast on the shaft 92, of the pulley 86.
The purpose of the last above described mechanism is in case my rowing machine
is used in exhibitions, when the endless bult 84, carrying the pasteboard boat or
indicator 85, will exhibit the different degrees of speed between two or more rowing
machines.
The dial 76 above described is for the purpose of recording the number of miles
rowed on the machine.
The operation of my rowing machine will be read.ly understood from the above
description in connection with the drawings, and is as follows:-
The movement of the oars 6, from the position shown in full lines, toward the
position shown in dotted lines, Figure 1, in the operation of rowing, will cause the
cross bar 21 to move along on the way 26, towards the position shown by dotted lines,
Figure 1, and cause the endless sprocket chain 23 to move in the direction of arrown,
Figure 1, and to revolve the sprocket wheels 29 and 31. The revolution of the
sprocket wheel 34, in this direction, causes the clutch mechanism to operate, through
pin 59, and to clutch the hub of the friction pulley 39, and cause said pulley and
shaft 38 to revolve with the sprocket wheel 34.
The revolution of the sprocket wheel 34 also causes the driving wheel 40 to be
forced away from said sprocket wheel by means of the inclined surfaces 45 and 46, and
also to revolve with said sprocket wheel, and to operate the beveled face pulley 62,
fast on the vertical shaft 61.
The revolution of said shaft 61, at varying speeds according to the strength and
quickness of the rower, operates the governor 66, and through lever 68, link 69, and
lever 70, draws down the belt 72, on the friction pulley 39, producing greater friction
and resistance, as the speed of the endless belt 84, carrying the boat or indicator 85 is
increased.
At the same time the revolution of the shaft 61 causes the dial hand 77 to move,
through the intervening mechanism, and also causes the endless belt 84 to move,
through the intervening mechanism, as above described.
At the end of a stroke, the return movement of the oars, from the position shown
in dotted lines to the position shown in full lines, Figure 1, causes the cross bar 21,
and the sprocket chain 23 connected therewith, to move in the opposite direction, and
the sprocket wheel 29 and 34, to be revolved in the opposite direction.
The revolution of the sprocket wheel 34 in this direction causes the clutch
mechanism to release the hub of the friction pulley 39, and to allow the same to
remain stationary, at the same time this revolution of the sprocket wheel 34 separates
the inclined surfaces 45 and 46 on said sprocket wheel, and the driving wheel 40, and
allows the springs 47 to act, to force back the driving wheel 40, to disengage the
same from the beveled pulley 62, allowing said pulley 62 and the upright shaft 61
and the mechanism connected therewith, to continue to operate independently of the
driving wheel 40, while the rower is recovering for another stroke.
It will thus be seen, that upon the return movement of the oars, preparatory to a
new stroke, only the sprocket wheel 34, flange disc 41, carrying the clutch mechanism,
and the driving wheel 40 are revolved loosely on the shaft 3S, requiring only the
exertion of power, of the return of the oar in rowing, and it will also be seen, that
upon the forward movement of the oar all of the mechanism of the head of the machine

page_text: 13 operated, and the proper friction or resistance is produced, by belt 72, encircling
or partially encircling the pulley 39, and the operating mechanism connected
therowith.
It will be understood, that the details of construction of the several parts of my
rowing machine may be varied somewhat if desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the samo is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is:
1. In a rowing machine, the combination with the oars, pivoted at one end, of
mechanism for producing friction or resistance upon the forward stroke of the oars,
and for releasing said friction or resistance upon the return stroke of the oars, and
the intervening mechanism for connecting the oars with the mechanism for operating
said friction or resistance mechanism, substantially as shown und described.
2. In a rowing machine, the combination with the outriggers or supporting rods
of the oars, pivoted thereon in such a manner as to have a swinging motion in a
horizontal plane, and also a tilting motion in a vertical plane, substantially as shown
and described.
3. In a rowing machine, the combination with the outriggers or supports for the
oars, of the oars, pivoted at one end thereon, and provided with movable handles at
the other end thereof, for the purpose stated, substantially as shown and described.
4. In a rowing machine, the combination with the oars pivoted at one end, of
movable handles secured on the other end, and means for limiting the revolving
motion of said handles, substantially as set forth.
5. In a rowing machine, the combination with the oar 6, having the projecting
arm 11' at its pivoted ond carrying the pin 15, and a spring 16 thereon, and having a
hole 10 in the end thereof, of the hub 13 pivoted in said hole 10, and having its
bearing on the shoulder 17', of the pin 17, supported in the outer end of the out-
riggers, and said hub 13 having an arm 14 extemling out therefrom, provided with a
hub 14 adapted to fit over the pin 15, all constructed and arranged for the purpose
stated, substantially as set forth.
6. In a rowing machine, the combination with the oars, connecting rods 20, cross
har 21, pivotedly supported and adapted to slide on the track or way 26, and the
endless sprocket chain 23 connected with said cross bar, and passing around and
operating two sprocket wheels, of one of said sprocket wheels contained in the head
of the machine, and adapted to operate a cluich mechanism when moved in one
direction, to operate the friction or resistance mechanism, and to release the clutch
mechanism and not operate the friction or resistance mechanism when said sprocket
wheel is moved in the opposite direction, substantially as shown and described.
7. In a rowing machine, the friction or resistance mechanism, consisting of the
upright shaft 61 carrying a pulley 62, a balance wheel and a governor, a pulley 39,
shaft 38, belt 72 passing around said pulley, and the intervening connections between
said belt and the governor, for regulating the friction of said helt, of means for
operating said friction or resistance imechanism at the proper time, and for releasing
the same, consisting of the driving wheel 40, sprocket wheel 34, operated by a sprocket
chain, and the flange dise 41 carrying the clutch mechanism, and mounted on the
shaft 38, and constructed and operated, substantially as shown and described.
8. In a rowing machine, the combination with a dial and moving hand mounted
thereon, of means for operating said hand, consisting of a system of gears operated
by the upright shaft in the hond of the machine, substantially as shown and
described.
9. The combination with a rowing machine, of an endless belt or chain having the
representation of a boat or indicator thereon, and two pulleys around which said bole
passes, and mechanism connecting said bolt with the operating mechanism of the
rowing machine to operate said belt, and to indicate thereby the speed of the rowing
machine, substantially as set forth.
10. In a rowing machine, the resistance or friction mechanism, consisting of

page_text: mechanism having a rotary motion and supported on a shaft, substantially as set
forth.
11. In a rowing machine the resistance or friction mechanism, consisting of a
horizontal shaft, and the mechanism mounted thereon, in combination with a vertical
shaft, and the mechanism mounted thereon, to regulate the resistance, substantially as
set forth.
12. In a rowing machine, the combination with the oars, connecting rods, and cross
bar pivotedly supported and adapted to slide on a track or way, and an endless
sprocket chain connected with said cross bar, and passing around and operating two
sprocket wheels, of one of said sprocket wheels contained in the bend of the machine,
and adapted to operate a driving wheel when moved in one direction, which operates
a vertical shaft carrying a governor and regulates the resistance friction, and to release
the driving wheel when said sprocket wheel is moved in the opposite direction,
substantially as shown and described.
13. In a rowing machine, the combination with tho upright shaft 61, carrying a
worm 78, and means for operating said shaft, of the indicating mechanism, consisting
of the worm gear 79 carrying a pin 80, pinions 81, and 82, and gear 83, and movable
hand 77, and dial face, substantially as shown and described.
Dated tins on day of August
Witnesses,
JOHN CLARKE DEWEY.
EDMUND FRANK SEYMOUR.
EDWARD JAMES KERNS.