Variable pitch oarlock

摘要

An improved variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, including a gate for securing an oar, which is adapted to swivel about a vertical pin of a rigger of the rowing shell. The improvement residing in the inclusion of horizontal pivot means adapted to vary the horizontal angular displacement of the gate as it swivels about the vertical pin. In operation, the pitch of the oar blade can be correspondingly varied and accurately determined during all phases of the rowing stroke. The horizontal pin also provides the mounting for force sensors; ensuring horizontal and/or vertical forces can be measured. Also claimed is a method of coaching or training rowing crew(s), utilizing the variable pitch oarlock as herein described, wherein force, angle and depth measurements are taken and analyzed.

主权项

1. A variable pitch oarlock of a rowing shell, comprising:
an oar clamp adapted to secure an oar; a vertical pin adapted to permit the oarlock to swivel about a rigger of the rowing shell; and a horizontal hinge or pivot between the oar clamp and a vertical bearing assembly to thereby permit the oar clamp to pivot in the horizontal plane and to swivel about the vertical pin, wherein during a rowing stroke oar blade pitch is both variable and accurately measureable and wherein the horizontal hinge or pivot is further configured to provide a mounting for a force sensor, the force sensor configured to measure horizontal forces during the rowing stroke; and wherein the oar clamp further comprises a cam follower in contact with a cam or spacer having a specific profile, which is adapted to affect the horizontal displacement of the oar clamp, and wherein in operation the cam or spacer having the specific profile is configured to allow the vertical angular displacement of the oar clamp to be precisely set thereby controlling blade angle at all phases of the rowing stroke.