Crab resistant, load shifting, puller oarlock and rigger assembly

Abstract

An oar or scull is attached to the racing shell with an assembly that assures all motions required for rowing and restricts others. Over squaring and over feathering of the blade is prevented using stops which also provide positive feedback of blade orientation to the athlete and eliminate oarlock slap and rattle. Pulling on the oar handle inboard approximately 0.2 inches prior to squaring or feathering the blade moves the oarshaft outboard or inboard respectively, changing the leverage or load, at the completion of squaring or feathering. Normal rowing at the selected load is maintained with a steady outboard force of the oar handle. The oarlock is situated on the bow side of the vertical pin pulling the pin toward the bow during the propulsive phase of the rowing stroke. The vertical pin is supported by rigging which extends from the top and bottom of the vertical pin toward the stern. This rigging arrangement assures a stable pin that remains vertical because the restraining member is in tension toward the stern.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. patent provisional application No. 60 / 170,001, filed Dec. 9, 1999 by Zolnay, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.[0002] The present invention relates to oarlock and rigger assemblies, and more particularity, relates to sculls and oars equipped with a mechanism for adjusting the leverage of oar and rigger assembly.[0003] Boats used for rowing competition are very narrow to minimize hydrodynamic drag. The athlete sits in the boat facing towards the stern on a seat which is mounted on tracks. The vertical pin about which the oarlock, holding the oar shaft, rotates, is supported by a tubular structure or rigging bolted to the edge of the boat. The term oar refers to sweep rowing where each athlete has only one oar and rows on the port or starboard side of the boat. The term scull refers to sculling with a port scull in the right hand and a starboard scull in the left hand.[0004] The oarlock rotates ab...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] Accordingly, the oar is attached to the racing shell with an assembly that assures all motions required for rowing and restricts others. Over squaring and over feathering of the blade is prevented using stops which also provide positive feedback of blade orientation to the athlete and eliminate oarlock slap and rattle. Pulling on the oar handle inboard approximately 0.2 inches prior to squaring or feathering the blade moves the oarshaft outboard or inboard respectively, changing the leverage or load, at the completion of squaring or feathering. Normal rowing at the selected load is maintained with a steady outboard force of the oar handle.

[0015] The oarlock is situated on the bow side of the vertical pin pulling the pin toward the bow during the propulsive phase of the rowing stroke. The vertical pin is supported by rigging which extends from the top and bottom of the vertical pin toward the stern. This rigging arrangement assures a stable pin that remains vertical because the restraining member is in tension toward the stern.

Problems solved by technology

The oar can be under squared or over feathered beyond the stable positions determined by the flat portion of the sleeve resting on the oarlock causing crabbing which can result in injury to the athlete, damage to the equipment, and loss of a race.

This brace is under compressive load and tends to buckle during pull through when the oarlock pushes the pin toward the bow.

The oar can be under squared or over feathered beyond the stable positions determined by the flat portion of the sleeve resting on the oarlock causing crabbing which can result in injury to the athlete, damage to the equipment, and loss of a race.

This brace is under compressive load and tends to buckle during pull through when the oarlock pushes the pin toward the bow.

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