AU722342B2 - Swimming pool exercise device - Google Patents

Description

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AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT a a..

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ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address of Service: Invention Title: STEPHEN GEORGE COX STEPHEN GEORGE COX SHELSTON WATERS MARGARET STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 SWIMMING POOL EXERCISE DEVICE Details of Associated Provisional Application No. PN9949 dated 20 May 1996 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 1, 1, -2- The present invention relates generally to exercise devices, and more particularly to an exercise device for use in swimming pools.

Swimming is a well known form of exercise. However, it is also well known that to train effectively a relatively large pool, normally at least 25 metres in length, is required. Most domestic pools, being typically less than 10 meters in length, are inadequate for the purpose. This is partly because the push-off from each end imparts sufficient momentum to carry the swimmer to the opposite end of the pool with minimal •additional effort, and partly because the shorter length is insufficient to allow the swimmer to settle into regular stroke and breathing rates.

10 To permit effective training in such pools, several devices have hitherto been S"°developed, with the general aim of restraining forward movement of the swimmer within i the pool. However, such devices have not come into wide spread use because of several inherent disadvantages. For example, one known device relies upon ajet of water to produce a counter-current against which the swimmer swims. However, this relies on a complex arrangement of pumps and nozzles which is costly to install and maintain.

Another known device relies upon suction cups to secure a respective pair of spaced apart restraining cords to an inner side wall of the pool. However, there are many conventional pool surfaces, notably "pebblecrete" and relative small tiles, to which suction cups will not adhere. Furthermore, such devices cannot freely accommodate the periodic rotational movement of the swimmer about a longitudinal axis, which occurs in several swimming styles involving asymmetrical arm strokes, notably freestyle and backstroke. Known devices have also generally been excessively complex, expensive, and cumbersome to use.

-3- It is therefore an object of the present invention, at least in the preferred embodiment, to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of these deficiencies of the prior art.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a swimming pool exercise device comprising a harness assembly adapted to be releasably secured around the body of a swimmer, a flexible cord adapted in use to extend between the harness assembly and a fixed support thereby to restrain forward movement of the swimmer within the pool, and connection means adapted releasably to connect the proximal end of the cord to the harness assembly, said connection means permitting a degree of lateral 0 displacement of the proximal end of the cord relative to the harness assembly and thereby accommodating a degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer about a ""longitudinal axis.

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Preferably, the harness assembly is adapted for releasable securement about the swimmer's waist.

In the preferred embodiment, the remote end of the cord incorporates hook means adapted for connection to a fence extending around the perimeter of the pool. The hook means is preferably also adapted to permit adjustment of the effective length of the cord to suit individual pools.

The cord is preferably formed from a flexible, at least partially elastomeric material such as polyurethane, or surfing "leg rope" cord, such that the swimmer can gauge his effective "speed" by the degree of elastic extension of the cord.

The connection means preferably comprises a ring slidably disposed on a closed loop of material extending across the rear of the harness assembly, whereby a limited -4degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer within the water is accommodated by a corresponding sliding movement of the ring along the loop, without substantial displacement of the cord itself.

The harness assembly is preferably formed from polypropylene seat belt strapping, fitted with a plastics buckle. Preferably, the seat belt strapping is lined, at least partially, with a layer or sleeve of neoprene foam rubber for enhanced comfort.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a swimming pool exercise device comprising: •a harness assembly adapted to be releasably secured around the body of a 10 swimmer; S•a flexible cord including two end portions for releasable spaced apart attachment to a fixed support and an engagement portion intermediate the end portions for interengaging with the harness assembly thereby to restrain forward movement of the swimmer within the pool; and connection means permitting a degree of lateral displacement of the engagement portion relative to the harness assembly and thereby accommodating a degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer about a longitudinal axis.

Preferably, the connection means slidably progresses along the engagement portion. More preferably, the connection means includes a closed loop of material extending across the rear of the harness assembly and a ring slidably disposed on the closed loop, wherein the engagement portion passes through the ring and, in use, is slidably engaged therewith.

Alternatively, the engagement portion is fixed to the ring, the limited degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer being accommodated entirely by a corresponding sliding movement of the ring along the loop.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- 10 Figure 1 is a plan view showing the harness assembly of a swimming pool exercise "o0 device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Sa Figure 2 is a side elevation showing the harness of Figure 1; •Figure 3 shows the connecting cord for use with the harness of Figures 1 and 2; •Figure 4 is a diagrammatic partially section side elevation showingthe device of 0. 15 Figures 1 to 3 in use in a swimming pool; Figure 5 is a plan view showing the harness assembly of a swimming pool exercise device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 shows an alternative arrangement of restraining cord and hook fittings, for S• use with the harness of Figure 20 Figure 7 is a partially sectioned front elevation showing the buckle arrangement and surrounding neoprene sleeve of the harness of Figure Figure 8 is a plan view showing the device of Figures 5 to 7 fitted around the waist of a swimmer Figure 9 is a plan view of a further alternative harness according to the invention; Figure 10 is an enlarged front elevation of the buckle arrangement of the harness of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing a device according to a second ~jL

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19781-O0O.DOC aspect of the invention fitted around the waist of a swimmer; Figure 12 is a schematic plan view of the device of Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a schematic enlarged view of the connection between the cord and the harness assembly.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4, wherein corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, the invention provides an exercise device 1 for use in a swimming pool 2 by a swimmer 3.

The device comprises a harness assembly 5 adapted to be releasably secured around the waist of the swimmer. Assembly 5 comprises a length of polypropylene seat 10 belt strapping 10, the ends of which are adjustably fitted with complementary buckle portions 11, which in normal use connect across the swimmer's stomach. The seat belt strapping 10 is threaded through appropriately positioned slots 12 formed in a length of e neoprene foam 13 approximately 5 mm thick. In this way, the neoprene foam acts as a lining member around the front and side portions of the belt, which are the regions of

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highest contact pressure with the swimmer, and so enhances the comfort of the user.

Assembly 5 is connected to a flexible, partially elastic restraining cord 14 by means of an intermediate connecting assembly 15. The connecting assembly comprises a smaller length of seat belt strapping 16, the opposite ends of which are stitched to the main belt strapping 10, to form a closed loop extending generally across the rear portion of the harness. This loop is fitted with a sliding metal ring 18, which ideally takes the form of a conventional split loop keyring. The metal ring 18 in turn is releasably connected to a complementary hook 20 formed on the proximal end of the restraining cord.

In alternative embodiments strapping 16 is constructed from a plastics strip such as nylon or the like. Such a strip offers low resistance to lateral progression of ring 18 while also being rot-proof.

The remote end of the restraining cord is fitted with a relatively larger hook 22 which is adapted for connection to any suitable fixture, ideally the perimeter fence which surrounds most pools. The restraining cord further incorporates a loose fitting sleeve 23, which can be positioned to prevent the cord from rubbing against the edge of the pool or other obstacles, if required.

The cord itself is formed from a flexible, elastic material such as polyurethane and ideally is formed from "leg-rope" cord, of the type commonly used to connect surfboards to the surfer's ankle. This material has the advantage of allowing sufficient resilient stretching so that the swimmer can gauge the power and effective "speed" of the S•swimming stroke, yet without the risk of the cord flicking back violently in the event of the cord breaking. An alternative to this material is elastic "shock cord". It will be appreciated, however, that any suitable material may be used.

°ca• The remote end 25 of the cord doubles back through an eye formed in the hook o 22 and is joined to the main body of the cord by means of an off-set connecting collar 26. The collar 26 can freely slide along the cord when no load is applied. However, when the cord is tensioned, as occurs in use, an off-set load is applied to the connecting collar 26 by the remote end 25 of the cord. This produces a twisting force couple which temporarily locks the sleeve in position on the cord. This mechanism thereby permits simple adjustment of the effective length of the cord, to suit individual pools.

-8- Figures 5 to 7 show an alternative embodiment of the invention, where again, corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals. In this case, the neoprene lining member of the harness is replaced by a neoprene sleeve 30 which can slide along the length of the main strap 10. In order fit the harness, the sleeve is initially slid along the strap, away from the buckle. With the buckle done up and the strap appropriately adjusted for length, the sleeve 30 is then slide back into position over the buckle, to isolate the swimmer from any hard or sharp protrusions on the buckle, in the region of highest contact pressure.

In this case, the large hook 22 on the remote end of the cord is adapted especially *10 for use with polyurethane cord, whereby the cord is looped back on itself through parallel spaced apart eyelets, to permit easy adjustment of its effective length.

i •In both embodiments of the invention, it will be noted that each end of the loop of belt strapping 16 of the connecting assembly is stitched to the main belt strapping at an angle c. Angle cx is preferably between 300 and 600, and most preferably around 45' It has been found that such a configuration transfers load relatively uniformly to the restraining cord 14 via the intermediate metal ring 18, with minimal distortion to the harness.

Turning now to describe briefly the use and operation of the device, and with particular reference to Figures 4 and 8, the harness is initially wrapped around the swimmer's waist, the belt strapping 10 adjusted to provide a snug fit, and in the case of the second embodiment of the invention, the neoprene sleeve is then slid into position over the buckle. For most swimming styles, the buckle is positioned across the -9swimmer's stomach, although in the case of backstroke, the harness would be rotated through 1800 and the buckle positioned across the swimmer's back.

The connecting cord is then adjusted for length and the small hook 20 connected to the sliding metal ring 18 on the harness. The large hook 22 on the remote end of the cord is then connected to a suitably positioned fixture, such as a fence 40 adjacent the appropriate end of the pool.

If the cord comes into contact with the edge of the pool or any other obstacle, the sleeve 23 can be slid into the appropriate position so as to protect the cord itself from •abrasive wear or other mechanical damage.

o 10 The swimmer can then begin training by swimming against the restraining force of the cord. It will be appreciated, however, that because of the elastic nature of the •cord, the effective power or "speed" of the swimmer's strokes can be gauged according to the degree of elastic extension of the cord. Thus, the swimmer is provided with feedback, despite not actually moving through the water to any significant degree.

,•.oo In the case of swimming styles employing asymmetrical arm strokes, such as freestyle and backstroke as distinct from, say, breaststroke and butterfly, the swimmer's body inevitably rotates to some degree from side to side about a generally longitudinal axis with each stroke. This movement is accommodated by sliding of the metal ring 18 across the small loop of belt strapping 16, so as to minimise the effect of the training device on the swimmer's technique. It will also be appreciated that the connecting assembly 15 distributes the load from the cord 14 more uniformly to the harness. This in turn enhances the comfort of the harness, and also minimises the effect of the device on the swimmer's technique. Thus, the invention represents a commercially significant improvement over the prior art.

A further embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.

More particularly, harness assembly 5 includes strapping 10 which extends between two complementary buckle portions 1 la and 1 lb. The ends of strapping 10 are slidably engaged with the buckle portions and doubled back along their length.

Accordingly, a large range of waist sizes can be accommodated.

Additionally, assembly 5 includes two 425 denier nylon sleeves 13a and 13b se 10 disposed adjacent buckle portions 1 la and 1 lb respectively. The sleeves are generally rectangular in shape and include open cell foam inserts (not shown) to prevent point i loading of the buckle against the swimmer. Sleeves 13a and 13b each include loops 31 and 32 through which strapping 10 is fed for maintaining the sleeves adjacent respective buckle portions. The nylon sleeves are rot and abrasion resistant as well as durable.

,o oo As with the other described embodiments, strapping 16 is stitched at its ends 32 and 34 to strapping 10. As illustrated, the length of strapping 16 is substantially greater than the distance between ends 32 and 33. This allows ring 18, in use, to slide along strapping 16 to accommodate any rotation about a longitudinal axis, while maintaining a substantially uniform load distribution on strapping Referring to Figures 11 to 13, where corresponding features are denoted by corresponding reference numerals, there is shown a device according to a second aspect of the invention. More particularly, the restraining cord 50 includes two resiliently deformable end portions 51 and 52 which have their respective free ends 53 and 54 -11secured to hooks 55 and 56. These hooks, in use, are spaced apart and releasably attached to a fixed support (not shown) such as a fence or poles adjacent the pool. Cord also includes an engagement portion 57 intermediate portions 51 and 52 which passes through ring 18. Accordingly, rotational displacement of the swimmer is accommodated by movement of ring 18 along both strapping 16 and portion 57.

In alternative embodiments portion 57 is fixed to ring 18 and the rotational displacement of the swimmer is accommodated only by movement of ring 18 along strapping 16.

Because portions 51 and 52 diverge from ring 18, hooks 55 and 56 can be mounted at or near water level without portions 51 and 52 interfering with the swimmer's stroke, and more particularly, the swimmer's leg action. This is important for strokes such as butterfly where the swimmer's calves and feet can rise significantly above water level.

Preferably, portion 57 is 6mm nylon cord and portions 51 and 52 are 7mm diameter polyurethane cord. More preferably, the joints between portion 57 and adjacent a portions 51 and 52 are effected by respective knots which are encased by heat shrink material 58. This material 58 prevents discomfort to the swimmer in the event of any inadvertent contact with the joints and provides an aesthetically pleasing transition. An additional function is to ensure that, in use, the only engagement of cord 50 with ring 18 is along portion 57. That is, the joints and material 58 provides opposed abuttments for limiting the lateral travel of ring 18 along card Preferably, the polyurethane cord defining portions 51 and 52 provides, at 100% elongation, a tensile strength of 61kg/cm 2 Preferably, also the cord includes, at 300% -12- 2 elongation, a tensile strength of 114kg/cm Even more preferably, the tensile strength at the breaking point of the cord is 401kg/cm 2 and the elongation at the breaking point is 571%.

In an alternative embodiment portion 57 includes two distinct cords, the first of which extends between two ends respectively engaged with the ends of portion 51 and 52, and a second cord which extends from the first and into engagement with ring 18.

The described embodiments of the second aspect of the invention limit the lateral possible excursion from a central position that can be achieved by the swimmer.

Accordingly, even if the swimmer has a poor stroke he or she can be kept clear of the edges of the pool by the restraining action of the exercise device.

The invention also finds application in the testing and monitoring of athletes, •owhere the athlete concerned can carry out the necessary stroke or exercise while remaining at a substantially fixed point in the pool. This monitoring can take the form of electronic monitoring such as a camera which records the details of the athlete's swimming stroke and/or other sensors for providing signals indicative of heart rate, blood pressure or the like.

Another application of the invention is as a therapeutic exercise device for injured or disabled persons. The low impact nature of swimming is well recognised as a beneficial aid in recovery from injury, and the invention allows such persons to be easily supervised and/or monitored during the exercise or treatments.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (15)

1. A swimming pool exercise device comprising a harness assembly adapted to be releasably secure around the body of a swimmer, a flexible cord adapted in use to extend between the harness assembly and a fixed support thereby to restrain forward movement of the swimmer within the pool, and connection means adapted releasably to connect the proximal end of the cord to the harness assembly, the connection means permitting a degree of lateral displacement of the proximal end of the cord relative to the harness assembly and thereby accommodating a degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer about a longitudinal axis.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the remote end of the cord incorporates hook means adapted for connection to a fence extending around the perimeter of the pool.

3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the hook means is adapted to permit adjustment of the effective length of the cord.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cord is formed •SSo S *from a flexible, at least partially elastomeric material.

A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the connection means comprises a ring slidably disposed on a closed loop of material extending across the rear of the harness assembly, whereby a limited degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer within the water is accommodated by a corresponding sliding movement of the ring along the loop, without substantial displacement of the cord itself.

6. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the harness assembly is formed from polypropylene strapping, fitted with a plastics buckle. -14-

7. A device according to claim 6 wherein the strapping is lined, at least partially, with a layer or sleeve of neoprene foam rubber for enhanced comfort.

8. A swimming pool exercise device comprising: a harness assembly adapted to be releasably secured around the body of a swimmer; a flexible cord including two end portions for releasable spaced apart attachment to a fixed support and an engagement portion intermediate the end portions for interengaging with the harness assembly thereby to restrain forward movement of the swimmer within the pool; and S: 10 connection means permitting a degree of lateral displacement of the engagement portion relative to the harness assembly and thereby accommodating a degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer about a longitudinal axis.

9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the connection means slidably progresses along the engagement portion.

10. A device according to claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the connection means includes a closed loop of material extending across the rear of the harness assembly and a ring slidably disposed on the closed loop.

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the engagement portion passes through the ring and, in use, is slidably engaged therewith.

12. A device according to claim 10 wherein the engagement portion is fixed to the ring, the limited degree of rotational displacement of the swimmer being accommodated entirely by a corresponding sliding movement of the ring along the loop.

13. A device according to claim 8 including abutment means for limiting the lateral displacement of the swimmer.

14. A device according to claim 8 wherein said abutment means is disposed at or adjacent the interface between the engagement portion and the end portions.

15. A swimming pool exercise device substantially hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 20th Day of May, 1997 STEPHEN GEORGE COX *o Attorney: JOHN B. REDFERN Fellow Institute of Patent Attorneys of Australia S of SHELSTON WATERS