AU2005100281A4 - Swimming Aid - Google Patents

Description

I

Our Ref: 12498391/AJC/AJS P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Applicant(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: Sontaria Holdings Pty Ltd 26 Chelmsbrook Drive Rainbow Flat New South Wales 2430 Australia DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Swimming Aid The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- Tep doc-5/4/2005 -1- SWIMMING AID Background of the Invention O The present invention relates to a device for use as an aid in swimming.

00 Description of the Prior Art The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Presently, a number of devices have been developed which assist swimming performed by a user.

One such device includes a pair of fins placed on the feet of a user, known as "flippers", allowing a user to increase the propulsion generated by the user kicking their feet with the attached flippers in water. However, this device suffers from awkwardness, as a user typically finds it difficult to walk on a surface in a pair of flippers, either in or out of the water.

Another such device includes a glove or paddle-like device that is placed on or over the hand of a user. Again, this device is awkward to use, as the hands of the user are prevented from gripping other objects due to the device covering a substantial portion of the palm's surface area.

Summary of the Present Invention According to a first broad form, the present invention provides a swimming aid including: a releasable band to be worn on a limb of a user; two or more fins extending from the releasable band; a fastener located on each fin; and, a fastening member which engages with opposing fasteners.

Optionally, each fin includes a proximate end integrated with the releasable band, and a distal end, the proximate end having a substantially larger cross-section than the distal end.

Tanplatc .dc-5/04/2005 -2- (I Optionally, a region of each fin is substantially tangential with respect to a curved surface Sof the releasable band near the proximate end.

Optionally, an inner surface of the releasable band includes one or more ridges.

Optionally, the releasable band and each fin are integrally formed using an injection 00 5 moulding process or a compression moulding process.

Brief Description of the Drawings An example of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of an example of a swimming aid including fastening members; Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a swimming aid worn on a forearm of a user; Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 7 illustrates a bottom view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 8(a) illustrates a top view of an example of a swimming aid with a first arrangement of fastening members; Fig. 8(b) illustrates a top view of an example of a swimming aid with a second arrangement of fastening members; Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective top view of an example of a swimming aid; Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective bottom view of an example of a swimming aid; and Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective side view of an example of a swimming aid.

Tmplate.dc-5104/2005 -3- SDetailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments a An example of a swimming aid will now be described with reference to Figures 1 through tt to 11.

In particular, the swimming aid 10 includes a releasable band 20 including two fins 00 5 30b extending from the releasable band 20, a fastener 40 located on each fin 30, and a 0 fastening member 50 which engages with opposing fasteners 40a, The releasable band 20 is worn on the limb of a user. The releasable band 20 is typically N partially enclosed for allowing a limb to be easily inserted into the releasable band The cross-section of the releasable band 20 typically varies from a first end 55 of the io swimming aid 10 through to a second end 60 of the swimming aid 10 to accommodate a typical cross-section of a limb. Thus, the first end 55 of the swimming aid 10 is narrower in cross-section than the second end 60 of the swimming aid 10. Furthermore, the releasable band may be contoured to fit a particular limb of a user.

The swimming aid 10 may be fitted to various limbs of a user. For example, if the swimming aid 10 was to be fitted to the forearm of a user, the region of the forearm proximate to the wrist would be located near the first end 55 of the swimming aid Accordingly, the region of the forearm proximate to the elbow would be located near the second end 60 of the swimming aid Similarly, for example, the swimming aid 10 may be fitted to the leg of a user, where the region of the leg proximate to the ankle would be located near the first end 55 of the swimming aid 10, and the region of the leg proximate to the knee would be located near the second end 60 of the swimming aid The releasable band 20 includes an inner surface 70 that rests against the limb when the swimming aid 10 is being worn. As shown in Figure 1, the inner surface 70 may include one or more ridges 80. The ridges 80 may be provided on the inner surface 70 such as to prevent rotation of the swimming aid 10 about the limb. Additionally, the ridges 80 may assist in providing a tighter fit for the limb at the first end 55 and second end 60 of the swimming aid. Furthermore, the inner surface 70 may include an inner layer that assists in providing comfort and/or grip to the user's limb.

I

Teplae.doc-5/04/2005 -4- As shown in Figure 1, two fins 30a, 30b extend from the releasable band 20. Preferably, Sthe fins 30a, 30b extend from the releasable band 20 in a symmetrical distribution about a central axis 130 of the swimming aid 10. A symmetrical distribution of the fins about the O central axis 130 of the swimming aid 10 allows for an equal distribution of force to be generated by each fin 30a, 30b, thus preventing rotation of the swimming aid 10 about the 00 limb.

_Each fin 30a, 30b includes a leading surface 90 and a trailing surface 100, where the Sleading surface 90 typically displaces liquid, thus propelling the user through the liquid.

The leading surface 90 may be concave, whilst the trailing surface 100 may be convex, although a wide variety of other geometries are possible. As shown in Figure 5, each fin 30b includes a proximate end 110 a, 110 b that is located near to the band 20, and a distal end 120a, 120b.

Preferably a region of each fin 30a, 30b is substantially tangential with respect to a curved surface of the releasable band 10 near the proximate end 11 0a, 100b of each fin 30a, This arrangement allows for a substantial amount of resistive force to be generated whilst the swimming aid 10 is moved through the liquid as the leading surface 90 of each fin displaces liquid. Additionally, the tangential location of each fin 30a, 30b provides an advantage of a streamlined design in regard to the trailing surface 100 displacing a minimal amount of liquid when the swimming aid 10 is moved in a reverse action.

Thus, when the swimming aid is worn on the forearm of a user, as the user performs a stroke the user will generally move their arm through the water so that water flows over the surface of the swimming aid in the direction shown by the arrows 150 in Figure 2. As a result of this, the fins 30A, 30B operate to increase the effective surface area of the annrm, thereby increasing the amount of propulsion that can be obtained. An additional effect of this, is that it will urge the releasable band in the direction of arrows 155, which in turn ensures that the fastening member is not under tension during the propulsion phase of a stroke, thereby helping to provide an increased degree of comfort in use.

During the return phase of the stroke water flows over the swimming aid in the direction shown by the arrows 160. It will be appreciated that in this instance the fins 30A, provide a reduced resistive force and therefore do not increase the amount of effort which needs to be expended during the return phase of the stroke and therefore does not operate Tmplat.do-5//2005 to slow the swimmer down. This effect is in fact most notable in front crawl swimming 2 strokes in which the arm in any event leaves the water during the return phase of the stroke and accordingly no increased stroke resistance is felt.

Preferably the fins 30a, 30b and releasable band 20 are integrally formed. This may be 00 achieved by using a moulding process such as an injection or compression moulding process. For example, the injection moulding process involves injecting a liquid or viscous _mixture into a mould, and subsequently allowing the mixture to set and turn substantially solid, thus adopting the shape of the mould. In an alternate form, the mould may include a number of cavities allowing for fasteners 40a, 40b to be integrally formed with the fins 30a, 30b and releasable band The mixture used for a moulding process may include any one of thermoplastic, a two-part silicone mix, urethane, rubber, or any other flexible material. It will be appreciated that this is particularly advantageous as such materials tend to be non-corrosive, thereby ensuring a long life span for the swimming aid. Furthermore, the use of such materials allows the density and hence relative buoyancy of the swimming aid to be controlled. This in turn allows the swimming aid 10 to be neutrally buoyant, so as to reduce the effect of the additional weight on the swimmer. However as an alternative, the material can be selected to provide positive buoyancy, which will in turn allow the swimming aid to be used by inexperienced swimmers, or swimmers that have difficulty staying afloat, thereby further enhancing its usefulness.

Preferably, the proximate end 110a, 100b of each fin 30a, 30b includes a substantially larger cross-section than the distal end 120a, 120b of each fin 30a, 30b. This larger crosssection may provide structural strength for the fin 30a, 30b as it bears the resistive force endured whilst the swimming aid 10 is moved through the liquid.

The swimming aid 10 includes a fastener 40a, 40b located on each fin 30a, 30b and at least one fastening member 50a, 50b which engages with opposing fasteners 40a, 40b, as shown in Figure 2. The fastening member 50 and fastener 40a, 40b engage with one another to fasten the swimming aid 10 to the limb of the user.

Each fastener 40a, 40b may typically be a buckle. The buckle may preferably protrude from the fin 30a, 30b, allowing for the fastening member 50 to adjustably engage with Trplate.do-/042005 -6opposing buckles located on each fin 30a, 30b, such as to secure the swimming aid to the limb of the user. As shown in Figure 7, each buckle may protrude through both the leading surface 90 and trailing surface 100 of the fin 30a, 30b. The buckle may be fixed to the fin O 30a, 30b using a coupling element, such as a hexagonal nut 140 or the like. However, as previously discussed, in an alternate form, the fasteners 40a, 40b may be integrally formed 00 with the fins 30a, 30b and releasable band _The fastening member 50 may preferably include a hook and loop material such as

SVELCRO

T M However, it will be appreciated that other forms of fastening members Nmay be used such as a strap, a resilient or flexible clamping arm, or the like.

In an alternate form, the fastener 40a, 40b may be a slot in at least one fin 30a, 30b which allows the fastening member 50 to pass through such a fastener 40a, 40b so as to secure the swimming aid 10 to the limb. Additionally, the fastening member 50 may be partially embedded in the releasable band Optionally, the leading surface 90 of each fin 30a, 30b may include a plurality of grooves or ridges to provide a greater resistive force when the swimming aid moves through the liquid.

The fasteners 40a, 40b may be located in a number of different arrangements on each fin 30b. The fasteners 40a, 40b may be located in a staggered pattern along the length of the fin 30a, 30b. Alternatively, the fasteners 40a, 40b may be aligned along the length of the fin 30a, 30b. Additionally or alternatively, two or more fasteners 40a, 40b may be located on each fin 30a, 30b. If a plurality of fasteners 40 are provided on each fin 30a, the fasteners 40a, 40b may be substantially evenly distributed along the length of each fin 30b to allow secure fastening of the swimming aid 10 to the user's limb.

The fastening members 50 may engage with the fasteners 40 in various arrangements. For example, as shown in Figure 8(a) each fastening member 50a, 50b may respectively engage with an opposing fastener 40c, 40d and 40e, 40f such that each fastening member 50b does not cross over. Referring to Figure a first fastening member 50a would engage between a first fastener 40e and an opposing second fastener 40f. Similarly, a second fastening member 50b would engage between a third fastener 40c and an opposing fourth fastener 40d, such that the first fastening member 50a and second fastening T-nplate.dc-5/04/2005 -7members 50b do not overlap. However, it will be appreciated that other arrangements are possible, for example as shown in Figure 8(b) where the first fastening member engages between the third fastener 40c and opposing second fastener 40f. Furthermore, the O second fastening member 50a engages between the fourth fastener 40d with opposing first fastener 40e. This arrangement forms a crossover arrangement where the first fastening 00 member 50a overlaps the second fastening member

(N

As described in detail above, the use of the swimming aid increases the propulsive force that a swimmer can achieve for a given amount of effort. This in turn has a number of N effects.

Firstly, this allows a swimmer to increase the distance and speed with which they may swim, which in turn can provide associated exercise and health benefits, for example by allowing individuals to undergo cardio-vascular exercise for extended time periods.

Secondly, the swimming aid can be used by individuals who would otherwise struggle with swimming. This can include, for example, use in therapeutic situations such as assisting in the rehabilitation of injured persons by allowing the individuals to swim when this would not otherwise be physically possible. Similarly, the swimming aid can be used for assisting elderly people or the like, who would otherwise struggle with generating sufficient propulsion to swim.

Thirdly, the swimming aid can assist in teaching people to swim. In this regard, the swimming aid assists by making swimming easier, thereby encouraging the individual learning to swim, and allowing them to gain confidence. In addition to this however, the flow of water over the swimming aid, and in particular, the difference in flow of water over the swimming aid during the propulsion phase and return phase of a stroke tends to constrain the swimmers limb movements. Thus, when a swimmer is making an incorrect movement, for example, y moving their limb through the water in a manner that reduces stroke power, this effect will be exacerbated. This in turn helps to force the individual into an efficient swimming style, thereby helping assist the individual in learning to swim.

The swimming aid also provides a number of other benefits. For example, by forming the swimming aid from suitable material combinations, it can be ensured that the swimming aid has sufficient rigidity to provide increased propulsion, whilst the swimming aid Templatedoc-5/04/2005 -8remains relatively soft, thereby ensuring that individuals cannot be injured if struck by the swimming aid in use. Additionally, by adjusting the buoyancy of the swimming aid, the swimming aid can be used to provide buoyancy assistance further helping the swimmer.

Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the 00 5 parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in Sany or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if N individually set forth.

Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

For example, it will be appreciated by a skilled person in the art that more than two fins may extend from the band.