DE69806536T2 - Rubber swimsuit to reduce drag - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a swimsuit with low flow resistance.

As is known, swimsuits are traditionally made of elasticized fabrics, which suffer from the disadvantage that they absorb water in different amounts depending on the fabric construction, thereby making the swimmer wearing such a swimsuit heavier.

A solution to the above problem would be very important for an athlete mainly in swimming competitions, since the knitted elasticized fabric forming the swimsuit would inevitably have a comparatively rough surface, which can easily generate high friction during swimming, which can greatly reduce the athlete's performance.

In the case of a women's swimsuit, the problems mentioned above are further aggravated, since the typical anatomy of a female body would create further surface irregularities which would constitute a braking element detrimental to the drag of a swimming athlete.

Document US 5 586 340 A discloses a swimsuit made of a molded material, which, however, does not cover the neck and shoulder areas of the wearer and could lead to water ingress from above during use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantage by providing a swimsuit as defined in claim 1, having a very low flow resistance so as to absolutely prevent any water absorption, thereby increasing the muscular power exerted by an athlete during a swimming activity.

Within the scope of the above-mentioned object, a main object of the present invention is to provide a swimsuit specifically designed for a female body, thereby enhancing the swimming performance of female athletes.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swimsuit with low flow resistance that is very reliable and safe to use.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a swimsuit with low flow resistance, which is easy to manufacture from readily available elements and materials, and is also very competitive from an economic point of view.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned object and objects, as well as other objects which will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a low drag swimsuit according to claim 1, characterized in that the swimsuit comprises a swimsuit top made of a rubber latex or silicone rubber material and having a smooth outer surface to reduce water drag or friction to a minimum.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed disclosure of a preferred embodiment of a low-drag swimsuit according to the invention, which can be worn by means of a indicative but non-limiting example of a low drag swimsuit is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a front view illustrating the swimsuit according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a side view illustrating the same swimsuit; and

Fig. 3 is a rear view illustrating the swimsuit according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the reference numerals of the above-mentioned figures, the low-drag swimsuit according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, comprises a swimsuit top 2 and a torso part 3 of a conventional type.

The swimsuit top 2 has as its main feature that it is made of a rubber latex or silicone rubber material, the top being easily manufacturable using suitable templates to provide a swimsuit top with a completely smooth outer surface to reduce water resistance or friction to a minimum.

The swimsuit top is specifically designed to cover the swimmer's torso and chest as well as the swimmer's shoulder area, while leaving the swimmer's arms completely free.

Since the swimsuit top is made of a rubber latex or silicone rubber material, it is effectively impermeable, preventing any kind of water absorption, and in addition, providing the effect of elastic containment, which derives from the material used, which in turn provides a surface rounding of the swimmer's anatomical outline, further reducing friction with water.

During tests, it was found that the revealed swimsuit made it much easier for the swimmer to glide through the water, as there was no water friction on the smooth outer surface of the swimsuit top.

From the above disclosure, it should be apparent that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

It is particularly worth highlighting the fact that a swimsuit has been provided that can be put on quickly and which, being made of silicone rubber or latex rubber material, is completely is impermeable and elastic and therefore has a very good containment effect.

In the practical implementation of the invention, the models used as well as the possible sizes and the shapes may be any within the scope of the claims, depending on the requirements.

Claims (3)

1. A women's swimsuit with low flow resistance (1) for swimming competitions, comprising a top (2) made of moldable rubber latex or silicone rubber material and a lower short part or panty part (3), the top (2) and the panty part being separate from each other, the panty part (3) being of a conventional type, characterized in that the top (2) covers both a part of the swimmer's body from half the height of the swimmer's neck to just below the chest area of the swimmer, and a part of the swimmer's neck and shoulders, leaving the swimmer's arms completely free. 2. Suit according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part (2) is a cast upper part (2). 3. Suit according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper part (2) is made of an elastic, impermeable material.