EP2363176B1 - Flotation device for a swimmer or diver - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a floatation device for a swimmer, in particular divers, with a monofin in the XY plane formed surface and movable in + / - Z-direction, a power transmission element for moving the monofin by muscle power in the water and with a fastening device for fastening having by means of a plate-like power transmission element formed on the lower leg of the float.

As swimming device monofins and flippers for individual feet are known.

Under the name Lunocet, Ted Ciamillo, Ciamillo Components Inc., USA, www.lunocet.com, manufactures and distributes a floating device in which two shoes are pivotally attached to a monofin. With this floating device, speeds up to about 13 km / h, about twice as fast as Olympic swims swim, can be achieved with pure muscle movement.

The FR 26 12 407 describes a Monoflosse that is elongated, so that by means of fastening these rigidly attached to the lower legs of a float. The feet of the float are secured at a fixed angle to the monofin by means of fastening buckles. The FR-A-2679460 describes a monofin with a two-piece body. It is an object of the invention to develop a floating device of the type mentioned in such a way so that the floating device by mechanical movement achieved the highest possible propulsion through the least possible use of force in the water.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the invention the object is achieved by the subject matter of patent claim 1. The dependent claims define preferred embodiments of the invention.

It is an idea of the invention to design the floating device such that the water resistance is minimized as far as possible. This is of central importance insofar as the water resistance at the same speed is a factor of 800 higher than the air resistance. The force transmission element according to the invention comprises a plate-shaped or plate-like leg rail with form elements which is formed in cross-section perpendicular to the body axis of a float using the float at least in the lower leg portion lenticular biconvex with the long axis in the +/- Z direction. Thus, as laminar flow conditions are created when moving in the water, which thus significantly reduces the force required to move in the water, so that on the one hand the movement can be performed more powerful and faster and over a longer period of time. Furthermore, increased propulsion is generated because less brake flow conditions are allowed. The floating device thus leans for locomotion on the movement of swimming and diving animals, specifically of dolphins "Bottlenose Dolphins", so that a propulsion is realized, the bionic principles improved realized. A further feature of the invention is that the force is discharged from the lower leg, which has the advantage that the comparatively very weak ligaments, tendons and muscles of the foot lifter, (extensor digorus longus muscle, tibialis anterior, dorsal flexor) in the ankle or not hardly be claimed.

In order to achieve a streamlined shape, form elements and filling elements are provided on and around the grease splints.

In order to achieve high propulsion easily, the floating device has an angle-limited joint, in particular hinge joint, between the force transmission element and the fin.

To improve the flow efficiency and propulsion, the monofin is formed in the Y-Z plane flat oval with a long Y-axis and a short Z-axis.

Preferably, the fin blade is designed to be substantially rigid. Preferably, the monofin is movable via a joint as a whole at certain angles in the +/- Z direction.

Preferably, the force transmission element is elastic, so that mechanical energy is elastically deformable by means of elastic deformation of the force transmission element during an up and / or down movement while swimming. As a result, load peaks can be reduced to relieve the muscles and joints of the float, or increase the efficiency of the floating device. In addition, thus a defined mechanism is created, which realizes a locomotion similar to the dolphins.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the force transmission element is made of a spring-elastic, preferably rod-shaped strut, preferably with sections of varying stiffness. The geometry of the strut cross section (for example, rectangular, oval, round) also allows the desired rigidity in different spatial directions to be adapted within wide limits to the requirements.

According to an alternative embodiment, an adjusting device for varying the angle between the fin and the force transmission element is formed on the fin and the force transmission element. Thus, the swimming with the floating device can be particularly influenced to improve the propulsion efficiency.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the floating device comprises an adjusting device for varying the rigidity of the fin, in particular also in its mobility relative to the force transmission element. This has the advantage that the propulsion efficiency at different speeds - comparable, for example, with turbines and propellers in aerospace and power plants - is improved. Furthermore, it is possible to realize particularly sensitive swimming maneuvers.

The aforementioned embodiments allow individually or jointly to easily optimize both the ergonomics and the efficiency of the floating device, for example, for different swimming situations.

Moreover, it is preferred that the floating device has at least one actuating device for actuating at least one adjusting device, in particular according to one or both of the aforementioned embodiments, wherein the actuating device is preferably designed for actuation with a foot. Thus, other functions of the floating device, such as the angle and the stiffness of the fin or other effects, can be controlled by the float. Alternatively, the functions can be triggered manually controlled.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the force transmission element is formed from the fuselage to the fin section. As a result, the muscles usable for operating the fin are widened; in particular, forces of the thigh muscles and of the muscles in the region of the trunk can be supplied to the fin by means of the force transmission element in order to increase the applicable force and thus the propulsion of the floating device.

In this development, it is preferred that, in order to increase the power, the floating device has at least three, in particular four, fastening devices for fastening the force transmission element to the body of the float, which are arranged in particular in the lower leg section, in the knee section and in the hip section, and in particular in the shoulder section Power from the legs and the fuselage is transferred to the fin particularly efficient and at the same time the body of the swimmer is protected from excessive bending and, above all, from overloading in the lumbar vertebra area.

Suitably, the power transmission element is two-fold bendable to increase the performance of the floating device by being movable like an artificial spine. Also, the power transmission element may be particularly preferably carried out in the unloaded state biased. By biasing the naturally different strength muscles for opposite movements, for example, for corresponding flexion and / or stretching movements, compensate.

Advantageously, the floating device comprises a suit, which in particular has a leg portion and preferably also a body portion in order to reduce the flow resistance during swimming. In addition, alternatively, the floating device on both sides of the power transmission element holding devices, in particular pockets, preferably for a breathing air supply (compressed air breathing apparatus or rebreather),

Furthermore, the floating device may comprise a taring device, in particular with at least one container for a taring medium, in particular for gas, so that the swimmer or diver can adjust his balance and his buoyancy in or under water. The taring device preferably has an adjusting device, and this adjusting device can be actuated by an actuating device, in particular pneumatically. Thus, a separate BCD is unnecessary, which are currently not available in streamlined versions.

To stabilize the floating position under water, the floating device may comprise a dorsal fin.

It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively specified combination but also in other combinations.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1a, b

eine Draufsicht und eine Seitenansicht einer Schwimmvorrichtung gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 1c

einen Querschnitt in X-Z-Ebene

Fig. 2a, b

eine Draufsicht und eine Seitenansicht einer Schwimmvorrichtung gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform,

Fig. 3a, b, c

Seitenansichten zur Veranschaulichung einer Schwimmbewegung

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform und

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Show it:

Fig. 1a, b

a top view and a side view of a floating device according to a first embodiment,

Fig. 1c

a cross section in XZ plane

Fig. 2a, b

a top view and a side view of a floating device according to a second embodiment,

Fig. 3a, b, c

Side views to illustrate a swimming movement

Fig. 4

a side view according to a third embodiment and

Embodiments of the invention

The Fig. 1a shows a plan view and the Fig. 1b a side view of a floating device 1 for a float 2 or 2 diver with exactly one fin 3, a power transmission element 4 for moving the fin 3 by muscle power and a fastening device 5 for securing the power transmission element 4 on both lower legs of the float 2, wherein the force transmission element 4 a Lower leg portion 500, a foot portion 400 and a fin portion 300 includes and is formed substantially as a linear strut. In addition, the floating device 1 comprises an optional suit 6 with a leg portion which encloses the legs and feet of the float 2 up to the fin 3 in order to reduce a flow resistance of the float 2, so that a stronger propulsion and higher floating speeds can be achieved.

The feet are free to move. The ankle joints of the float 2 are also exposed during swimming no, in particular significant, loads because the force required for propulsion from the leg muscles, especially the thigh muscles by means of the fastening device 5 is transmitted directly from both lower legs on the power transmission element 4 and the fin 3. The lower leg muscles are not used for propulsion.

The fin 3 is designed as a monofin, which can be moved up and down as a fluke in the +/- Z direction, by a substantially synchronous movement of both legs. Thus, a large force, in particular the thigh muscles, transferred to the fin 3 for efficient propulsion compared to conventional diver fins, which are attached with shoe-like forms on the feet, without stressing the ankle and the lower leg muscles. In a proper use of the floating device 1, the fin 3 is thus arranged along a longitudinal axis of the lower leg below the soles of the feet so that they in a rest position, namely in the extended body of the float 2, is also arranged along a longitudinal axis of the float 2 and thus allows a low-resistance sliding of the float 2 in the water. Further, even with a swimming movement, the ankle joints 27 straining overstretching of the feet 26 is avoided because they can be kept in a largely relaxed position to the lower legs. The feet 26 can be placed on a footrest 5a.

The fin 3 is, in particular one piece, elastic, but preferably of low flexibility, designed to transfer large forces to the water can. The power transmission element 4 is elastic, for example, made of a composite material, so that it is in each case oppositely bendable in an up and down movement of the legs. As a result, load peaks are damped to increase the ergonomics of the floating device, and also a favorable inclination of the fin 3 is achieved to a floating direction for a larger propulsion.

The fastening device 5 comprises a leg splint, which may be formed as a plate, which is provided with fasteners for the lower leg. In this case, the fastening device 5 comprises a closure device 5b, for example, with textile bands, for a fixation on the lower legs in the knee area and a closure device 5c in the ankle area. Incidentally, the power transmission element 4 is fixed to the fastening device 5.

The Fig. 1c shows a cross section of the floating device 1 according to the invention in the XZ plane at the level of about an ankle. The force transmission element is designed as a plate 48 and has in the rounded at the front and rear edge to the outside mold elements 47. The outer skin forms a suit 6. In the middle, the legs 24, 25 are provided by the float and are fastened to the rail 48 by means of a two-sided closure device 5c. The force transmission element 4 is formed in the cross-section, ie in the XZ plane lens-shaped biconvex. Thus, in a movement in the +/- Z direction, the laminar flow is maintained in this area, which is formed in comparison to the prior art without corresponding mold elements 47 with filling elements 49 with a significantly streamlined shape. The effort is thus lower and the propulsion, which is transmitted to the fin 3, much higher.

The Fig. 2a shows a plan view and the Fig. 2b a side view of a floating device 10, wherein subsequently only the differences from those in the Fig. 1 described floating device 1 will be explained.

The force transmission element 14 is formed by a body portion 600, namely from a region of the shoulder of the float 2, to the fin portion 300, so that the force transmission element 14 extends substantially along a spinal column and this quasi progresses to the fin 3. By means of this embodiment of the force transmission element 14, more muscle and body parts, in particular the entire leg musculature and also considerable parts of the trunk musculature, can be used for propulsion for swimming. The swimming movement will become too Fig. 3a, b, c explained. In addition, the float 2 is supported by this embodiment and protected against overloading in particular the lumbar spine.

The force transmission element 14, as described above, can be fastened to the lower legs by means of a fastening device 15, wherein in this embodiment the force transmission element 14 is displaceably mounted on the molded part 15a, 15b along its longitudinal axis.

In addition, the floating device 10 has three further fastening devices 17, 18, 19, for example, with textile bands or a support frame similar to a backpack or a safety harness, for attachment of the power transmission element 14 on the body of the float 2. In the knee section 700, the fastening device 17a, 17b is arranged with two straps in the hip section 680 and in the shoulder section 650. In this case, the fastening devices 17, 18 and 19 are formed with bearings for the power transmission element 14 and allow a secure coupling of the floating device 10 with the legs and the trunk. Incidentally, the bearings of the fastening devices 5, 15, 17, 18, 19 may be formed by means of elastomer bodies in order to realize a certain mobility of the force transmission element 4, 14 with respect to the body of float 2 for improved ergonomics and / or to dampen vibrations.

To generate the bending movement, the floating device 10 padding 20, 21, which are formed for example as an elastomeric body or gel pad and which are arranged on the force transmission element 14, wherein they extend, when the swimming device 10 is used as intended, between the force transmission element 14 and the body, at least in sections. Also, the floatation device 10 preferably includes a padding 22, such as an elastomeric body or gel pad, that is arrangeable between the legs to cushion each other.

Incidentally, the padding 20 is formed in the knee section 700 as a spacer between the legs and the power transmission element 14 to specify a rest position of the float with slightly bent legs and the following in Fig. 3a, b, c to allow explained swimming movement. In this case, the upholstery 20 constitutes a bending device in the knee section 700, which is designed for sectionally bending the force transmission element 14, that is to say also the fin 3.

Incidentally, the suit 16 includes a leg portion and a trunk portion 600 so as to extend from the fin 3 to the shoulders of the float 2 while enclosing the feet, legs and torso for a better streamlined shape. The suit 16 preferably comprises an at least partially extending closure, for example a zipper, to facilitate tightening the floating device 10. In addition, the floating device 10 optionally includes a dorsal fin 23 to better stabilize the swimming position.

The Fig. 3a, b, c show a simplified side view of the floating device 10 according to the Fig. 2 , wherein from top to bottom, the use of the floating device 10 for a floating movement from a first extreme position, a rest position and a second extreme position in the movement are shown.

In the first extreme position, the legs of the float 2 are stretched, so that the force transmission element 14 is bent by means of the previously described bending device with the padding 20 as a spacer between the other, not shown holding devices 15, 18, 19. In the bending of the elastic force transmission element 14 on the one hand energy is stored in this and on the other hand at the same time the fin 13 in the Fig. 3 swung downwards. As a result, a propulsion of the float 2 is effected, in the Fig. 3a in the direction of the arrow.

In the transition to the rest position, the stored energy in the power transmission element 14 is released, whereby this assumes its rectilinear, non-curved shape and at the same time the fin 13 is moved upwards, so that propulsion is performed. The flexor muscles, which can transmit only small forces with low flexion of the legs, supported by the previously stored in the power transmission element 14 energy, so the efficiency of the floating device 10 increases. Starting from the rest position, the float 2 reaches the second extreme position by increasing the angle of the legs. In this case, the force transmission element 14 is now bent in the opposite direction, so that the fin 13 is moved upwards for continued propulsion. In addition, energy is stored in the power transmission element 14 again, which in a subsequent movement back to the rest position ( Fig. 3b ) is being used.

The Fig. 4 shows a simplified side view of a floating device 30, which differs from that in the Fig. 2 illustrated swimming device 10 differs in that it has on both sides of the power transmission element 14 holding devices, in particular pockets, for a breathing air supply 31, for example with compressed air cylinders for diving with compressed air diving or rebreather. In addition, the flow resistance is kept low by the breathing air supply 31 is enclosed by the suit 36. All figures show only schematic not to scale representations. Moreover, reference is made in particular to the drawings for the invention as essential.

Claims (9)

1. A swimming device (1, 10, 30) for a swimmer (2), in particular a diver (2), with a monofin (3) laminar shape on a X-Y level and primarily movable in the +/- Z-direction, a power transfer element (4, 14) for moving the monofin (3) using muscle power in water and featuring a fastening device (5, 15) for fastening the power transfer element (4, 14) formed as a shin pad (48) with forming elements to the lower leg of the swimmer, whereby a hinge (45) is arranged between the power transfer element and the monofin, whereby the power transfer element (4, 14) comprises a section of the lower leg (500), a section of the foot (400), and a section of the fin (300), whereby the swimming device is configured in the cross section at least at the section of the lower leg (500) at a right-angle to the body axis for a movement in the +/- Z-direction in the X-Z level lenticular-biconvex with an axis in Z-direction and configured in that way, that the Z-axis is longer as an orthogonal x-axis, which is shorter in contrast to the aforementioned Z-axis.
2. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, whereby form elements (47,) and fill elements (49) are arranged on and around the shin pad (48).
3. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, whereby the swimming device comprises a limited angle hinge, in particular hinged joint, between the power transfer element and fin.
4. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, whereby the monofin has a laminar and oval shape in the Y-Z level with a long Y-axis and a short Z-axis.
5. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, characterized by the power transfer element (4, 14) which is manufactured using spring-elastic, preferably from a rod-shaped brace, preferred with sectional varying stiffness.
6. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, characterized by the adjustment device for the adjustment of the angle between the fin (3) and the power transfer element (4, 14) is designed on the fin and the power transfer element (4, 14).
7. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, characterized by an adjustment device for varying the stiffness of the fin (3, 43), in particular, also its mobility relative to the power transfer element (4, 14) is included with the swimming device (1, 10, 30).
8. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, characterized by the power transfer element (4, 14) extends from a torso section 600 to the fin section (300), whereby a bending device, over the knee section, for the bending of the power transfer element (4, 14) is particularly designed at that end of the fin (3).
9. The swimming device (1, 10, 30) according to claim 1, whereby the swimming device (1, 10, 30) has at least three, particularly four, fastening devices (5, 15, 17, 18, 19) for fastening the power transfer element (4, 14) to the body of the swimmer (2) which is arranged in the lower leg section (400), in the knee section (700) and in the hip section (680) as well as in the shoulder section (650) and whereby the power transfer element is mainly configured in a linear, two dimensional bendable, especially preferred, pre-stressed bracer from a shoulder section (650) to the fin section (680).

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