FR2864820A1 - Swimmers float guiding device for use during e.g. aqua-aerobics, has two hasps connected based on fixed angle on bottom portion of inflatable core portion at each of its ends - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an inflatable core portion (1) whose ends are closed by using a hook, where the core portion is maintained around neck or waist of a swimmer. Respective hasps (11, 12) are connected based on a fixed angle on a bottom portion of the portion at each of its ends. A cord (13) passes across the hasps to form a loop, where two ends of the loop are reunited by a cord-band (7).

Description

The present invention relates to an accessory for assisting the flotation of

swimmers.

  In addition to the need to provide sufficient levitation, this device must be properly held around the neck or waist so as not to slip and not hinder the movements of its user.

  Current devices provide a partial or too complex solution for multiple and convenient use. To date there is for example the patent FR1028633 which proposes a closure of the torus by its two ends with the help of a lace. By its design, this process is revealed to the insufficiently reliable use so that in fact: it squeezes too much the neck and embarrasses the user, or it does not tighten it enough and risks to slide upwards during certain activities aquatic. The DE1213284 patent provides for the passage of the closing lace by an inner conduit to the device: this complicates the manufacture of the device and the introduction of the lace in the conduit. In addition, the cumbersome volume of its front part, requires pulling it down by circling the waist with the ends of the lace. The patent FR1103026 and the patent FR2033529, require inflation of the buoy after its introduction and therefore: the deflation of the latter before being able to remove it. This constraint is inconvenient for water aerobics exercises for example. Patent FR1430355 does not have a closure system, nor an opening sufficient to allow easy use from above the head or horseback between the legs. - 2

  The present invention aims to overcome these disadvantages.

  The open device is comparable to a round child buoy to which a portion of the torus 5 has been removed representing about 2/5 of its volume.

  On the underside of each of its two ends, it comprises according to a first feature: a bridge welded according to a given angle. Each of these bridges passes a polypropylene cord to form a loop. Both ends of this loop are assembled to pass through a cordset. At the exit, the two ends of the rope are knotted. The knot is then hidden in a mouthpiece. After putting the buoy around the neck, it is sufficient for the user to pull the tip down with one hand, and with the other hand to raise the cord to the desired height to tighten, at its convenience, the buoy around the neck.

  On the top face, it comprises according to a second feature: a saddle welded on each side; thus after having passed a strap by these two bridges, the user has the possibility of using the device as a flotation belt.

  The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: FIG. 1 represents the top view of the open device of the invention.

  Figure 2 shows the bottom view of the open device of the invention.

  Figure 3 shows the top view of the closed device of the invention.

  Figure 4 shows the bottom view of the closed device of the invention.

(Face in contact with the shoulders).

  With reference to these drawings, the open device (1) is comparable to a round child buoy to which a portion of the torus having approximately 2/5 of its volume has been removed. In pvc film, or any other similar material: it is manufactured by heat-sealing (9) and (10). On the underside of Figure 2, at each of its two ends, it comprises: a trigger guard (11) and a trigger guard (12) welded according to a given angle. By each of these bridges (11) and (12) passes a polypropylene string (13) of about 1300 mm in length and about 3 mm in diameter to form a loop. The two ends of this loop are assembled to pass through a cordset (7). At the exit, the 2 ends of the rope (13) are knotted. The knot is then hidden in a mouthpiece (6): after having put the buoy (1) around the neck, it is sufficient for the user to pull the tip (6) down with one hand and, Another hand pull the cord holder (7) up to the desired height to tighten the buoy (1) around the neck as desired. This closure system, particularly fast and reliable, is ideal for water exercises. The positioning of the two bridges (11) and (12) on the underside, cancels the risk of passing the head through the device; once it's closed.

  On the top face 3, the closed device comprises a bridge (2) and a bridge (3) welded to the edge of the outer weld (9) on the horizontal axis (X) perpendicular to the opening axis ( Y). The bridges (2) and (3) allow the passage of a strap (4) of 25mm width, completed by a quick loop (5) and (8) pvc. The user thus has the possibility of using the device, around the waist, as a floatation belt.

  A non-return valve (14) on the bottom face 2, is welded in position offset to the left or right with respect to the axis (Y) Figure 3. The diameter of the torus (1) little varied between 100 mm and 110 mm for an average adult. Several sizes can be made: by modulating the diameter of the torus and the space between the two ends. Thanks to its wide opening, it is particularly easy to set up and remove. By the different possibilities of use that it offers, the device according to the invention is particularly intended for practitioners of aquatic activities such as water aerobics, soft swimming, relaxation.

Claims (3)

- 5 Claims   1) Device for assisting the buoyancy of swimmers comprising a portion of inflatable torus closed by its two ends with the aid of a lace to hold it around the neck or the swimmer's size, characterized in that the underside the torus has, at each of its two ends, a bridge (11) and a bridge (12) welded according to a given angle, and through which passes a cord (13) to form a loop, the two ends of this loop being joined by a cord clamp (7).   2) buoyancy aid device according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises on the top face two bridges (2) and (3) welded on each side, to allow the passage of a strap terminated by a quick closing thus transforming the device placed on the kidneys, into a flotation belt.   3) Device according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that, at the outlet of the clamp-cords, the two ends of the cord (13) are knotted, the node is then hidden in a tip (6).