ES2306864T3 - DEVICE HELP DEVICE FOR USE IN SWIMMING. - Google Patents

Abstract

A starting aid for use in swimming comprising a platform with a leading edge wherein said platform is configured to be disposed with said leading edge adjacent to an edge of a swimming pool said aid further comprising a surface, located behind said leading edge and upwardly inclined with respect to said platform, for a swimmer to push against with one foot whilst diving from the platform.

Description

Help device at the exit for use in swimming.

The present invention relates to devices help in the output, in particular to assistive devices in the Departure for use in competition swimming or training Swimming

While swimming in its pure form is a simple sport that requires nothing more than a body of water to swimming, at elite levels each facet is examined and refined with precision to maximize performance and performance. This process has seen the constant aerodynamization and development of various styles, material and cut of an athlete's swimsuit, and even the design of the pools themselves.

A relatively recent development in competition swimming techniques is the type exit "track" that differs from the conventional "grab" type output by positioning a foot some distance behind the edge of the exit platform. The difficulty of this technique of output is greater than that of the "grab" technique. How consequently, young swimmers are initially taught the grab output and, consequently, they must learn again his career starts at a later stage when they are capable of carrying out the track type output.

The objective of the present invention is to overcome or improve at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or provide a useful alternative to it.

Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention an assistive device is provided at the exit for use in swimming comprising a platform with an edge of attack, the platform being configured to be ready with said leading edge adjacent to an edge of a pool, and that it comprises a first surface that extends backwards from said leading edge and on which a swimmer may stand, and an additional surface inclined upwards relative to said platform, so that a swimmer pushes against it with the another foot while launching from the platform, the additional surface behind the leading edge so that The swimmer's feet are positioned for a type exit "track".

An advantage of said assistive device is that this can help young swimmers while they learn the track type output. On a track-type exit, as the athlete leans forward to grab the front of the platform exit, the heel of the back foot is lifted off the platform, reducing the stability of the athlete. Providing a inclined surface towards the rear of the platform, you can keep full contact for both feet, making it simpler Young swimmers safely master this technique. A faster exit can also be obtained because the swimmer It can push more effectively against the inclined surface.

In preferred embodiments, the angle of Surface tilt is adjustable. This adjustment makes the quite flexible help to meet the physicists of the different individuals Also, the degree of support provided by the surface can be gradually reduced by decreasing of his inclination as the swimmer becomes more skilled in the track type output. More preferably, a additional flexibility allowing adjustment of the distance of the surface behind the leading edge of the platform. In a preferred way, this can be achieved by configuring the surface to be provided on a sliding structure so along a track provided on the platform, in which the track extends backwards from the leading edge of the platform. Alternatively, the platform can be provided with a series of separate holes adapted to receive the corresponding projections on the structure it provides said inclined surface.

In another preferred embodiment, the device exit help is adapted to allow your height above the surface of the pool. In yet another preferred embodiment, the platform and the inclined surface are comprehensively formed. Again, more preferably, the assistive device may include a second inclined surface positioned in front of the first inclined surface, and on which the second inclined surface has a width smaller than that of the platform. The second inclined surface is configured preferably for a detachable attachment to the platform in, or adjacent to any of the side edges of the platform.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provides an assistive device at the exit for use in swimming pools, which comprises an inclined surface configured to be attached to a platform that has a leading edge adjacent to an edge of a pool, such that said surface is located by behind said leading edge and tilted up with regarding said platform for a swimmer to position their feet for a track type output.

An advantage of this second aspect of the invention is that it is possible to adapt an assistive device in the Exit to an existing exit platform.

A preferred embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, with reference to the figures in which:

Figure 1 shows an exit platform of the prior art;

Figure 2 shows a swimmer in a position conventional "grab" output;

Figure 3 shows a swimmer preparing for exit using the "track" type exit position.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an output assist device according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows the help device in the output of Figure 4 with a user adopting a position of "track" type output;

Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of an output assist device according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows a third embodiment of an output assist device according to the invention; Y

Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment of a exit aid device according to the invention.

With reference to Figure 1, a platform of typical known output comprises a frame 10 to be arranged in the side of the pool and it has a platform 12 and an edge of attack 14 which, during use, is directly on the edge of the pool.

As seen in Figure 2, in the position of exit type "grab" the swimmer's shoulders are vertically in line with their feet, which are both positioned with the fingers adjacent to the leading edge of the exit platform. In this position, the center of gravity of the swimmer is over the toes becoming difficult to stabilize, with effects negative about the explosive character and speed of the exit.

The "track" type output differs from the output type "grab" in which the swimmer's feet are alternated with a front foot adjacent to the leading edge of the platform exit and the other foot parallel but behind the front foot. Be shows that this has a good effect in Figure 3. When the swimmer leans forward to grab the front of the platform, the center of gravity of the swimmer is located in some position between the two separate feet, offering greater stability.

However, track type output requires a different technique than the grab type output; the feet have to arrive, from being at a certain distance from each other when they are on the block, to be together before entering the water to reach an aerodynamic position. Maybe due to this requirement more demanding, it has been found that a regular problem with Track type outputs is that the rear foot can slide when is in the exit process, causing a false exit and, Possibly an injury.

With reference to Figures 4 and 5, a output assist device according to the invention includes a platform 12 which has a leading edge 14 which, during use, It is located adjacent to the edge of the pool. Platform 12 is slightly tilted up and back from its edge of attack 14. Towards the back of the platform provides a surface 16 that is inclined more pronounced that platform 12.

As shown in Figure 5 as an advantage, the inclined surface 16 provides support for the rear foot of a swimmer when he takes the starting position track type. This additional support increases the contact area between the foot of the Swimmer and exit platform, increasing stability. This extra surface area and its inclination relative to the platform 12, also allows the swimmer to thrust more strongly with his foot rear, increasing the speed and distance in the air of a career start

The platform in Figure 4 is a prototype of fixed height In production versions, it is expected to be varied the height of the platform above the surface of the pool to achieve the same versatility as in platforms conventional output. This is schematically illustrated in the Figure 6. Height variation can be achieved using legs Interchangeable 18 of different lengths.

While the realizations shown in the Figures 4 to 6 have the fixed inclined surface with respect to the platform, other embodiments implement the inclined surface As a separate structure. In this way, the surface separation 16 from leading edge 14.

In one form, such variable separation is provided by means of a block 20 with pins 22 which is extend from the bottom surface and a series of holes 24 corresponding on the upper surface of the platform, as shown in Figure 7. This principle can be developed from such that the holes 24 are in the form of shaped holes, which are coupled to shaped projections corresponding on the bottom side of block 20 and lock the block more securely in position.

Alternatively, a Sliding or longitudinal track on the surface of the platform. He block 20, or other inclined surface, is mounted to slide to along the track and a ratchet unit is used to hold the block in a desired position.

The embodiment as shown in Figure 7 It has the advantage that, with minimal difficulty, it can be adapted to Existing exit platforms simply by drilling the surface of the existing platform. This has savings of obvious cost for existing facilities.

Future exit assist devices may include a second inclined foot surface Forward. In this way, swimmers will be able to leave explosive form with both feet in total contact with the platform Exit very similar to a 100 meter runner, especially if the platform gets longer. In realizations as such, the width of each inclined surface will be smaller than the platform width and removable clamping means, by example like those in Figure 7, will allow surfaces to be adjusted to accommodate the preferences and physicals of different swimmers, particularly if the swimmer wishes to have his foot left or right back.

The angle of the surface or surfaces inclined 16 can be made adjustable by setting the block 20 to be adjustable in the same way as are the exit blocks for runners.

A simple way to get the inclination variable in the embodiment of Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8.  Here, block 20 is made of four plates 26, 28, 30, 32 joined by bolts (rotating) to each other by their edges at 34, 36, 38. Pins 22 are carried by plates 26, 32. The plate 28 provides the inclined surface 16, whose inclination is adjusted by placing pins 22 inside holes 24 of the surface 12, either close to each other or more separated, as wish. The maximum inclination of the surface 16 is reached when The angle between plates 28 and 30 is 90 °.

Although the present invention has been described With reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those experts in the art that this can be done from many others shapes.

Each feature described in this specification (whose term includes the claims) and / or shown in the drawings, can be incorporated in the invention, the which is defined by the claims, regardless of other features described and / or illustrated.

The statements in this specification of the "Objectives of the invention" refer to embodiments preferred of the invention, but not necessarily to all embodiments of the invention that are included within the claims.

Claims (18)

1. An assistive device at the exit for use in swimming, comprising a platform (12) with a leading edge (14), the platform being configured to be arranged with said leading edge adjacent to an edge of a pool, and comprising a first surface (12) extending backward from said leading edge and on which a swimmer may stand, and an additional surface (16) inclined upwardly with respect to said first surface, so that a Swimmer push against it with one foot while launching from the platform, characterized in that the additional surface is arranged behind the leading edge so that the swimmer's feet are positioned for a "track" type exit. 2. A device to assist in the exit according to the claim 1, comprising a second inclined surface positioned in front of said additional surface (16). 3. An assistive device in the exit according to the claim 2, wherein said second inclined surface has a width smaller than that of the platform. 4. A device to assist in the exit according to any preceding claim, wherein the angle of inclination of said additional surface (16) is adjustable. 5. An assistive device in the exit according any preceding claim, wherein the distance of said additional surface (16) behind the leading edge of the platform is adjustable. 6. An assistive device in the exit according to the claim 5, wherein said additional surface is provided on a sliding structure (20) along a track on said platform, said track extending backwards from said leading edge. 7. A device to assist in the exit according to the claim 5, wherein the platform is provided with a series of holes (24) separated, adapted to receive some corresponding projections (22) on a structure (20) that provides said additional inclined surface (16). 8. An assistive device at the exit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Height of said platform is adjustable. 9. A device to assist in the exit according to the claim 5 or claim 2, wherein said platform and said additional surface are integrally formed. 10. A device to assist in the exit according claim 2 or any claim dependent on the same, wherein said second inclined surface is configured for a detachable attachment to the platform at, or adjacent to, any of the lateral edges of said platform. 11. An exit assist device for use in swimming pools, comprising an inclined surface (16) configured for attachment to a platform (12) having an leading edge (14) adjacent to an edge of a swimming pool, characterized because said inclined surface is located behind said leading edge and inclined upwards with respect to said platform so that a swimmer positions his feet for a track type exit. 12. An assistive device at the exit according to claim 11, comprising a second inclined surface (12) positioned in front of said inclined surface. 13. An assistive device at the exit according to claim 12, wherein said second inclined surface It is smaller than the platform. 14. An assistive device at the exit according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the angle of inclination of said inclined surface is adjustable. 15. An assistive device at the exit according to any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the distance of said surface inclined behind the leading edge of the platform is adjustable. 16. An assistive device at the exit according to claim 15, wherein said inclined surface is provided on a sliding structure (20) along a track fixed to said platform, such that it extends towards back from said leading edge. 17. An assistive device at the exit according to claim 15, wherein the platform is provided with a series of separate holes, adapted to receive some corresponding projections (22) on a structure (20) that provides said inclined surface. 18. An assistive device at the exit according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein said device is adapted for detachable attachment to said platform.