AU662983B2

AU662983B2 - Towable board

Info

Publication number: AU662983B2
Application number: AU40700/93A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Fernando Garrido Salvadores
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-29
Filing date: 1993-05-25
Publication date: 1995-09-21
Anticipated expiration: 2013-05-25
Also published as: ES2081738B1; ATE149368T1; ES2081738A2; DE69308532D1; ES2081738R; EP0609447B1; CA2113158A1; WO1993024185A1; EP0609447A1; AU4070093A; BR9305544A; ES2101312T3; JPH06509967A

Abstract

The rudder is comprisied of a planar body (1) wherein a large front notch (3) and a rear notch (6) form two lobes or side wings which are perfectly symmetric with respect to the front-to-rear axis (11). On said axis and at the vicinity of the front notch (3) is provided the unique point of towing (4), variable through a movable part (10), to which is fixed the corresponding towing line. On each side wing, there are arranged, symmetrically and forward of the towing point, two windows (7) that the user can grip with his or her hands and, behind said windows, in the lower part of the device and also in a symmetrical arrangement there are provided two rudder-like fins (8). Said apparatus can be gripped manually with the arms extended forwards and allows a swimmer-diver to move on the water or in the water. <IMAGE>

Description

OPI DATE 30/12/93 AOJP DATE 10/03/94 APPLN. ID 40700/93 PCT NUMBER PCT/ES93/00044 1111 111 11111 111 111111111111 AU9340700 (51) Clasificaci6n Internacional de Patentes 5 (11)Nfimero de publicacin internacional: WO 93/24185 A63B 35/00, B63C 11/46 Al (43) Fecha de publicaci6n internacional: 9 de diciembre de 1993 (09.12.93) (21) Solicitud internacional: PCT/ES93/00044 431) Estados designados: AU, BR, CA, JP, US, Patente europea (AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, (22) Fecha de presentacibn internacional: MC, NL, PT, SE).

de mayo de 1993 (25.05.93) Publicada Datos relativos a la prioridad: Con informe de btsqueda internacional, P 9201104 29 de mayo de 1992 ES Con reivindicaciones nmodificadas.

(29.05.92) (71)(72) Solicitante e inventor: GARRIDO SALVADORES, Fernando [ES/ES]; Agastia, 74 Dpdo., E-28043 Madrid 3 (74) Mandatario: UNGRIA, Javier; Ungria Patentes y Marcas, Avenida Ram6n y Cajal, 78, E-28043 Madrid (ES).

(54) Title: APPARATUS FOR SWIMMING AND DIVING TOWED BY A BOAT (54) itulo: APARATO PARA NADAR Y/O BUCEAR ARRASTRADO POR UN BOTE (57) Abstract The rudder is comprisied of a planar body wherein a large front notch and a rear notch form two lobes or side wings which are perfectly symmetric with respect to the front-to-rear axis On said axis and at the vicinity of the front notch is provided the unique point of towing variable through a movable part to which is fixed the corresponding towing line. On each side wing, there are arranged, symmetrically and forward of the towing point, two windows that the user can grip with his or her hands and, behind said windows, in the lower part of the device and also in a symmetrical arrangement there are provided two rudder-like fins Said apparatus can be gripped manually with the arms extended forwards and allows a swimmer-diver to move on the water or in the water.

(57) Resumen Esti constituido a partir de un cuerpo plano, en el que una amplia escotadura frontal y una escotadura posterior determinan dos 16bulos o alas laterales, perfectamente sim6tricas con respecto a su eje antero-posterior situindose sobre dicho eje y en las proximidades de la escotadura frontal el punto 6nico de tracci6n variable mediante une pieza movil al que se fija el correspondiente cabo de arrastre, mientras que en cada uno de los 16bulos laterales citados y tambitn en disposici6n sim6trica, se sitian, por delante del punto de tracci6n, una pareja de ventanas para agarre de las manos del usuario y tras ellas, en la parte inferior, igualmente en forma sim6trica, una pareja de aletas en funci6n de timones El aparato asi estructurado se agarra manualemente con los brazos extendidos hacia adelante y permite al nadador-buceador evolucionar sobre el agua y en el seno de ella.

2 APPARATUS FOR SWIMMING AND DIVING TOWED BY A BOAT The present invention refers to an apparatus that has been conceived and structured in order to allow one to perform a new water sport and that, when towed, permits a person to do exercises whilst riding on the surface of water, and also underwater swimming. This may be achieved with the possibility of controlling one's own movements by tilting the apparatus or rudder vertically and transversely as well as in combination, specifically .0 to achieve lateral movement of the body in terms of an imaginary path defined by a tractor vehicle, as well as upward and downward movements in the water.

tees e There are a large number of sports and activities *Oe *performed in water; -ome are performed on the surface 15 and others underwater. Within this broad range of Sgo possible groups of sports there can be established those which are based exclusively on human skill, without any other type of element, including swimming, waterpolo, apnoea diving, etc. A second group involving human skill includes the use of floating elements, eg. "paragiAismo", sailing, surfing, wind-surfing, etc. There is a third group in which floating and mechanical elements are combined, such as for example, motorised sailing boards, water-skiing, etc. There is a fourth group in which 25 elements which permit one to stay underwater, such as diving, skin diving with air tanks, etc are used.

OVOSpecifically within the scope of sports that combine floating and mechanical elements, the possibilities that these types of sports permit are rather restricted, specifically in relation to motorised sailing, which is simply concerned with driving vehicles on the surface of water, in a way relatively similar to driving done on the ground, and without the possibilities of immersion. The same thing is true for water skiing, where the skier can only try to achieve a speed record on water, towed by a corresponding boat.

S:23102A/11.7.95 3 In FR-A-2 635 307 there is disclosed a towable board for underwater swimming and riding on the water-surface.

The board comprises a substantially flat body having a front-to-rear axis, the body having a deep front notch and a rear notch dividing the body into two wings that are symmetrical with respect to each other about the front-to-rear axis. The board further comprises at least two gripping means for permitting gripping by the user's hands, the gripping means being disposed in each of the wings and being symmetrical with respect to each other about the front-to-rear axis. Finally, there is a traction point having means for being connected to a towing rope, the traction point being disposed on the o front-to-rear axis. Finally, the body is equipped with 15 some wings. According to FR-A-2 635 307, the traction point is situated on a transverse line passing between gripping means. A disadvantage of the towable board known from FR-A-2 635 307 is its low manoeuvrability, .too which results from the position of the traction point with respect to the transverse line passing between the gripping means.

It would be advantageous if a combined rudder could be provided that could be used in sports in which floating and mechanical elements are combined, but that offers a considerably higher level and/or new possibilities than the above cited group of sports.

The present invention provides a towable board for underwater swimming and riding on the water-surface comprising: s e: 30 a substantially flat body having a front-to-rear axis, the body having a front notch and a rear notch dividing the body into two wings on either side of the front-to-rear axis; at least two gripping means for permitting gripping by a user's hands, each gripping means being disposed in a respective wing and being opposed to the other across the front-to-rear axis; S:23102A/11.7.95 4 a traction point having means for being connected to a towing rope, the traction point being disposed on the front-to-rear axis; and at least one fin being disposed on a bottom surface of the body, wherein the traction point is disposed in a rear position with respect to a transverse line passing through the gripping means.

Preferably the front notch is deeply recessed into the body, the two wings are symmetrical about the frontto-rear axis, and each gripping means is symmetrically arranged in its respective wing with respect to the other gripping means.

In a more specific manner and as it has already been 15 stated, the towable board that is proposed can allow for riding on the surface of water, with control of lateral movement similar to that of water skiing, although at a slower speed, and likewise underwater swimming, with the same control of lateral movement and with a parallel control of the level of depth, either with the limitation of having to come up periodically for air, or else without this need upon using air tanks for breathing purposes.

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C* CS More specifically, the towable board that is proposed may be structured from a flat body, made of a suitable light and resistant material with the two side lobes perfectly symmetrical with regard to the anteroposterior (or front to rear) axis of the body, in such a way that in correspondence with this axis a broad front S 30 notch which provides access to a sole traction point located upon the axis is defined, and a rear structure that permits the device to be placed in front of the swimmer's/diver's head, when he grasps the apparatus with his arms extended, in the normal usage position, without any risk of the flat body hitting his head.

In each one of the two side wings or lobes of the flat body, aligned transversely and placed in front of the traction point, two transversal windows suitable S:23102A/11.7.95 formally and dimensionally to permit one to insert one's fingers in order to grip the apparatus in a normal fashion can be provided, the rear edge of the windows having the possibility of being shaped anatomically in order to make it easier to grip the same.

Finally, and as a complement of the described structure, in each one of these two lobes or wings of the sheet-like body, on the bottom surface thereof and preferably behind the cited windows, a pair of fins can be established. These fins will preferably adopt an arrangement perpendicular to the flat body, but they can likewise adopt an oblique arrangement, enhancing controllability of the apparatus in any case.

sees The two lobes or wings of the flat body need not be perfectly symmetrical to the front to rear axis of the t' apparatus, but the windows and fins should adopt perfectly symmetrical positions, in order to ensure a e suitable balance, it being understandable that the larger *age the distance between the traction point and the transverse line corresponding to the windows defining the hand grips, the greater the manoeuvrability of the apparatus. This manoeuvrability, however, may be more idifficult, requiring some better physical conditions and greater mastery, for which reason the existence of different apparatus, suitable to different levels of use, from beginners up to real experts, or optionally the arrangement of a sole apparatus in which the traction point is unrelated to the flat body can be provided.

This may be established, for example, on a small transverse bridge with adjustable positioning all along the axis of the apparatus, so that each user, in terms of his own possibilities and criteria, will place the bridge in the working position considered most convenient.

In order to complete the description that is being made and for the purpose of providing a better understanding of advantages of the invention, the present specification is accompanied by a set of drawings by way of example only, in which the following has been S 23102A/11.7.95 6 represented in an illustrative and non-restrictive manner and in which: Figure 1 shows a plan view of a towable board for underwater swimming and riding on the surface, made in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 shows a front raised view of the board of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a side raised view of the board of Figure 1, in which two windows corresponding to the grips of the apparatus have been represented with a broken line; Figure 4 shows a schematic and perspective view of an example of practical use of the board of Figures 1 to 3; and S. 15 Figure 5 shows a plan view similar to that of Figure 1 but corresponding to a board with an adjustable traction point.

oo r .:Referring to the drawings it can be seen that a preferred board apparatus is constructed from a considerably flat body 1, which is typically made from a light and resistant material, such as suitable rigid plastic material and, for example, whose contour adapts to a shape relatively similar to that of a butterfly, with its wings extended. The shape is perfectly 25 symmetrical to the imaginary front-to-rear axis 2 and defines in the same a deep front notch 3, which *:approaches the traction point of the apparatus, materialised in a simple hole 4, to which a towing rope can be connected and that connects the apparatus with a boat towing the same. Another broad outer notch 6, as is also seen in Figure 4, enables movement of the user's head, without the risk if hitting his head on the flat body, in the normal tilting of the arms to manoeuvre the apparatus.

In each one of the side wings or lobes of the flat body 1 and in the front, a transverse window 7 is established. Window 7, as can also be seen in Figure 4, S:23102A/11.7.95 7 constitutes the grips of the apparatus, so that the user can rest his arms on the top surface of the lobes, passing his fingers through these windows.

Complementary to the bottom surface of the flat body 1 and in each one of its lobes, a longitudinal fin 8, that can have the generally triangular shape represented in Figure 3 or any other shape that is considered convenient, is established. Likewise, these fins 8 can be perpendicular to the flat body 1, as seen in Figure 2, or from any other suitable angle with the flat body, without this affecting basic principles of operation.

The windows 7 adopt (like the fins 8) positions perfectly symmetrical to the front-to-rear axis 2, and are preferably slanted slightly outwards and backwards 15 for the purpose of attaining a perfect placement for one's hands, taking into consideration the slightly *diverging position that a user's arms must adopt (and as seesalso represented in Figure 4) As has already been pointed out above, the distance between the imaginary line that connects the two side windows 7 and the traction point 4 determines the degree of manoeuvrability of the apparatus, which is greater the greater this distance is, though this requires better user physical condition and greater experience. Hence, it is implied that whilst initially, that is to say for "beginners, this distance must be minimal, the same can be increased progressively with the user's experience. In this sense and in accordance with the representation of oS*o Figure 5, a variant of the embodiment of the apparatus is 30 provided in which a modified front notch 3' is considerably deeper, and established on both sides of the same are alignments of holes 9 that permit fastening, with the possibility of positional adjustment, for a transverse bridge 10 including the traction point 4 therein. This bridge 10 can be positioned in any suitable position by means of screws or any other -uitable fastening means.

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e C C e Ce Furthermore, that portion 11 between the front notch 3 and the rear notch 6 can be delimited in such a degree that for normal front-to-rear and side tilting movements for the first body 1 a relative tilting movement between the side wings or lobes thereof can be added. This permits one to make "spirals" under the water, though obviously this possibility should be reserved for real expert sportsmen.

In accordance with the above, a user gripping the apparatus with his hands, as is shown in Figure 4, can ride on the surface of the water, dive underwater, swim underwater and come up for air voluntarily, with a minimal effort and without any further conditions, in principle, than those of a non-specialised swimmer/diver.

15 As one gains experience and improves in skill, the possibilities are multiplied progressively, the limits being set by the sportsman's physical capacity and playfulness.

The structure is designed in accord,.nce with all 20 safety regulations, it usuilly being impossible for the same to injure the user, since it is always in front of the user, the grips being designed ergonomically, for easy grip as well as for the loss of grip, freeing pressure from one's hands, there being no impediment at all that permits separation from the motorboat and its moving away at will. The profiles, curves and ends have smooth and rounded shapes, incapable of causing even minimal injury or scratches on the user's skin.

The material forming the apparatus will have the 30 density required to ensure optimal floatability and submergibility, allowing the swimmer to rest while being supported and without requiring great effort in underwater swimming.

Underwater swimming can be done apnoea with goggles and a snorkel, or with breathing air tanks.

It permits several people to sail parallel, just like in water skiing with the required separation in the pulling points of the motorboat.

e e S:23102A/11.7.95 9 The speed of the motorboat and the length of the towing rope 5 are elements that can affect in a directly proportional manner the speed of riding on the water and the scope of possible manoeuvrability.

The scope of manoeuvrability can be circumscribed in a semicircle base of a cone whose vortex is the tracticr.

point of the motorboat. The diameter of this semicircle can be larger or smaller depending on two parameters, on the one hand the riding speed and on the other hand the length of the towing rope. The longer the rope and the slower the speed, within the required minimum, the possible manoeuvrability diameter increases. Likewise, the manoeuvrability response will be a result of the see* S:a riding speed; at maximum possible speeds the responses i* 15 to the changes of direction will be rapid and spectacular, similar to manoeuvres of dolphins.

Si The riding speed necessary is variable, eg. varying *e tbet .een one and eight knots, which permits easy enjoyable riding and even acrobatics. Higher speeds will be possible for experienced skin divers, equipped with diving suits and goggles.

The length of the pulling line can start with a •minimum of 24 metres for boats with a motor up to 25 HP.

With more powerful motors the length will be progressively longer, eg 2 or more metres for each HP increased.

The ease of riding on water and manoeuvrability, with minimal effort, makes it possible for this apparatus to have multiple uses, among which the following may be 30 listed: gliding and slalom on the surface of water; observing the bottom of the sea, fauna and flora; recreational exercise; entertaining sports; competitive sports; locating sunken bodies and objects; locating wreckage or remains of shipwrecks; S:23102A/11.7.95 10 underwater photography; filming underwater movies; recreational devices at water installations or underwater amusement parks; underwater sightseeing at reefs or coral beds; recreation and competition on rapids; ski acrobatics and underwater acrobatics, sports and exhibition acrobatics.

It is not considered necessary to make this description any longer in order for any expert in the material to be able to understand the scope of the invention and the advantages that are derived from the same. The material, shape, size and arrangement of the elements are able to be varied as long as they do not 15 imply change of the essence of the invention. Thus, the terms in which this specification has been written should pos always be taken in a broad and non-restrictive sense.

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Claims

1. A towable board for underwater swimming and riding on the water-surface comprising: a substantially flat body having a front-to-rear axis, the body having a front notch and a rear notch dividing the body into two wings on either side of the front-to-rear axis; at least two gripping means for permitting gripping by a user's hands, each gripping means being disposed in a respective wing and being opposed to the other across the front-to-rear axis; a traction point having means for being connected to a towing rope, the traction point being disposed on the front-to-rear axis; and V, 15 at least one fin being disposed on a bottom 00, surface of the body, 0 wherein the traction point is disposed in a rear position with respect to a transverse line passing through the gripping means. 20

2. A towable board as claimed in claim 1, wherein the 4* front notch is deeply recessed into the body, the two wings are symmetrical about the front-to-rear axis, and each gripping means is symmetrically arranged in its respective wing with respect to the other gripping means.

3. A towable board according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the gripping means are windows.

4. A towable board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction point is a hole. A towable board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the traction point is located in a detachable piece.

S:23102A/11.7.95 12

6. A towable board according to claim 5, wherein the detachable piece is a transverse bridge shaped piece fastened to the body by means of holes disposed in the wings.

7. A towable board according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the position of the traction point can be adjusted along the front-to-rear axis.

8. A towable board according to claim 7, wherein the adjustable position is defined by lines of consecutive holes disposed on both sides of the front-to-rear axis. 0060

9. A towable board according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the detachable piece has consecutive holes by means of which it is coupled to at least two holes in the wings of the body. 600 p. 0:6V ae.* 15

10. A towable board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping means have ergonomical edges, and the at least one fin and the body have smooth and rounded shapes without any sharp edges. 00 S. 0

11. A towable board according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front notch has a saddle- *e point that is located in a rear position with respect to the transverse line passing through the gripping means and wherein the traction point is located between the ,saddle-point and the transverse line. S

12. A towable board substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this llth day of July 1995 FERNANDO GARRIDO SALVADORES By his Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK CO S:23102A/11.7.95