FR2953730A3 - Floating device for use by e.g. visually impaired person and handicapped person to learn swimming, has cord-holder arranged on each side of keystone and maintaining ball-holding cord, and ball anchored at bottom of cord - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has two floats (2), where each float is provided with a maintaining stand (4). A displacement limiter is provided with two locking flanges, and is arranged on a guiding cord (71) placed at any location. A direction bar-holder is installed on a keystone (26). The direction bar-holder maintains a direction bar that includes a handle adjusted to front or rear position. A cord-holder is arranged on each side of the keystone, and maintains a ball-holding cord. A ball is anchored at a bottom of a cord.

Description

The present invention relates to a device allowing people of all ages to learn very easily to swim safely without any risk of immersion and therefore without apprehension. The device allows the swimmer total freedom in the execution of swimming movements and without any discomfort. After a while, people can still swim while they are no longer supported by the device, but still safe, having the proof that they really know and swim very well. no help. The present invention allows blind people to learn and practice swimming without the risk of straying on the body of water used. The present invention is also useful in thalassotherapy, in aquatic rehabilitation centers and by persons with disabilities at different stages.

There are many devices to support the swimmer's apprentice. The best known and used are: two small buoys placed around each arm at the level of the biceps, or a buoy around the thorax, or an inflatable vest, or a light board attached to the front of the chest or any other device more or less similar to support the swimmer permanently. In any case, the use of the aforementioned devices impede the swimmer in his movements. As soon as the swimmer thinks he can swim alone without being supported by the device he uses, he must take the risk of leaving it. From this moment; he knows that at any moment he can run and he panics especially if he is in a place where he knows he does not have a foot. None of the above-mentioned devices allows the support effect to be progressively canceled and up to 100% and thus to ensure that the swimmer can actually swim without any support while being totally safe.

The device according to the invention overcomes these disadvantages. It comprises two main sets: first the floating part called floating device 2953730 - 2

and then the fixed material remaining on the ground such as the support frames and the guidance system located above the water. The floating device has several elements: --- Two floats sufficiently spaced to not interfere with the movements of the swimmer and provided to support the weight of the entire floating device and part of the weight of the swimmer. A novice swimmer is advancing at a very low speed and, as a result, the drag from both floats is almost zero. Two feet of support are fixed each on the top of a float. At the upper part of the support leg is welded an assembly plate. At each end of the support leg is welded a square tube provided to receive the nameplates. --- Two bent carrier tubes forming a quarter circle each have at each end a welded joint plate. Each carrier tube is bolted to the mounting plate of a support leg. --- A keystone allows, among other functions, to assemble the two support tubes. This keystone comprises a horizontal tube under which is welded a connecting plate on which is fixed by bolting the two connecting plates located at the top of the carrier tubes.

At each end of the horizontal tube of the keystone is welded a ring-holder plate on top of which is welded a guide ring for the passage of the guide rope. --- A support sling is hooked up with a safety carabiner directly into the hole at the bottom of the keystone connection plate. The support sling has two parts. in the upper part, a link chain to adjust the length of the support sling by hooking to the hole at the bottom of the connecting plate a safety carabiner itself connected to the link chosen to support more or less the swimmer. The lower part of this support sling consists of a flexible halyard with each end has a loop. The link at the bottom of the chain is connected to the loop - 3

from the top of the halyard with a swivel carabiner. the bottom loop of the halyard is connected to the hooking ring of the swimmer's harness by a safety carabiner. The complete harness worn by the swimmer can be very flexible and very light manufacturing given the little effort it undergoes. Its great flexibility will not interfere with the swimmer in his movements. This harness will be provided to stay long in the water taking into account the presence of chlorine in the water of some pools.

On the harness and towards the middle of the back of the swimmer will be attached a snap ring.

Thus, all the equipment described in the six para-graphs above: - floats - support legs - support tubes - keystone support sling - full harness - form what is called a floating device allowing a person to evolve on a body of water and in complete safety.

However, to prevent a beginner from going astray in the middle of a swimming pool and thus to disturb other swimmers, the following equipment is planned;

--- A support frame is placed on the ground at each end of the body of water. This support frame is. maintained and plated on the ground by a counterweight which can be simply and by way of example four solid blocks totaling a weight of about 115 kg. This counterweight is placed on the rear portion of the support frame.

These two support frames, weighted their counterweight, are provided to maintain a guide rope stretched between the two support frames and passing through the guide rings welded to the keystone of the floating device. On the vertical tube of the support frame is welded a snap bar pierced with numerous holes for positioning the guide rope according to the height of the body of water relative to the ground. To take up the forces applied on the vertical tube, especially when the guide rope is hooked on the top of 2953730 - 4

the snap bar, two pull bars are provided. At the front, bottom and on each side of the frame supports is provided a small tube provided with its cap to allow the winding of additional guide rope. 5 A counterweight hood is provided for the protection of the public and for safety. Two oblong holes are provided for the passage of the bonnet pads which are welded at the bottom and rear of the support frame. Once the hood is installed, it is possible to place two padlocks using the 10, oblong holes located at the top of the hood pads to prevent malicious acts. At the bottom and at the front of the support frames a tube welded vertically against the large front gusset and the front horizontal tube is of sufficient internal dimension so that 15 can freely enter the vertical tube on which is welded the snap bar of the guide rope. The assembly of a support frame can be dismounted into four pieces: the rectangular tubular frame, the vertical tube and the two drawbars. This disassembly facilitates storage and simplifies transport. The design of the support frame equipped with its counterweight allows a quick installation anywhere and avoiding any anchoring or other fixing system in the ground or the bottom of a body of water. Moving to another site becomes easy and can be done immediately without leaving disturbing implants such as anchoring rods, concrete blocks or other systems attached to the ground.

--- A guidance system makes it possible to oblige the novice swimmer 30 to remain in the corridor assigned to him. For this installation, it is necessary to provide a long guide rope which, as an indication, may be a polypropylene halyard of about 6 to 8 millimeters in diameter. At one end is formed a closed loop permanently using, for example, a two-bolt flat cable clamp. This loop is attached to an eye / eye pulling spring using an oval quick link. In the other eye of the spring, we pass another oval quick link that is temporarily attached to one of the holes located on the hook bar 2953730 - 5 -

Chassis of the support frame. The other end of the guide rope is threaded into the two rings of the floating device. The guide rope is approached near the latching bar of the second support frame. A loop is formed which is closed with a flat cable clamp. We keep the extra guide rope without cutting it. The second eye / eye pulling spring is attached to this loop by means of an oval quick link. In the other eye of the spring, another oval quick link is passed without closing it. The guide rope is pulled until a sufficient clearance is obtained and the support frame is approached at the right distance to be able to hang the oval quick link to one of the holes on the support bar of the support frame. It is possible to remove the counterweight to move the support frame but it must be replaced before hanging the guide rope which is under tension. The last operation is to adjust the height of the guide rope to ensure that it is always in the middle of the guide rings during the entire movement of the floating device. For this adjustment, it is sufficient to unhook and up or down the guide rope by using the attachment holes on the latch bar of each support frame, and this, approaching the floating device of each support frame. The guide rope does not have the function of supporting the floating device but simply of guiding it in the axis of this guide rope. It is only the floats that carry the floating device on the water.

--- A displacement limiter is provided and used in the case where it is desired to limit the movement of the swimmer on the water. This limiter is composed of a stop plate provided with a clearance hole allowing the passage of the guide rope and two clamping cheeks to block the displacement limiter at the chosen location by tightening the four bolts connecting the two clamping cheeks. The guide rope is located between the four bolts, two above and two below to maintain the horizontal displacement limiter and thus ensure that the 2953730 - 6

stop plate is vertical. When the floating device arrives on the displacement limiter, one of the guide rings comes into contact with the stop plate of the displacement limiter which is in the axis of the ring. When the swimmer wants to start in the other direction, it is he who makes a U-turn, the floating device always remaining in the same position and always in the axis of the guide rope.

10 = _ = According to particular embodiments, adaptations are provided for the use of the device according to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

--- The floating device can be used freely without using the guidance system allowing the swimmer to evolve over the entire surface of the body of water.-In this case, the swimmer can no longer direct the floating device. To remedy this problem, the following equipment is provided: A steering rod holder and a steering bar. 20 --- The steering rod holder is fixed on the keystone using the rectangular hole of the hole provided on the bottom of each ring-holder plate and allowing to thread the bar-holder which is then bolted to the plate connecting the keystone using the hole located in. 25 top of this plate and the hole at the end of the steering bar holder. At the front of the bar holder, a curved oblong hole has the axis of curvature the hole below. The steering rod is a tube at the top of which is welded the hinge head whose hole at the bottom is the axis of rotation. The hole at the top locks the steering bar with a bolt through the oblong hole in the steering bar holder. At the bottom of the tube is fixed a handle located above the water level at a height so that it can not interfere with the movements of the swimmer's hands while allowing the swimmer to take this handle easily to orient the floating device. --- The oblong hole located at the front of the bar holder allows

position the steering bar more or less forward or backward depending on the size and length of the swimmer's arms. This steering bar allows the swimmer to orient the floating device to where it wants to go by exerting more or less pressure with its left hand or right hand on the handle. --- The floating device, equipped with a rod holder and a steering bar, can be used by a person who knows how to swim well, but who has. Health problems is far-sighted and will use the floating device equipped in this way especially if it is alone.

__ = Still, without departing from the scope of the invention, another version is provided for the blind. This material is only usable with the guidance system.

--- This installation allows the blind swimmer to identify himself at any time to stay in the axis of the guide rope. This system comprises two pieces, each 20 in two identical copies: A cord holder and a ball-carrying cord. The cord holder is fixed on the keystone using the rectangular hole passage provided on the bottom of each ring holder plate and allowing threading of the cord holder which is then bolted to the connecting plate. of the keystone using the hole located> at the top of this plate and the hole located at the end of the cord holder. A cord holder has several attachment holes 30 at the front. The two rope holders are installed in the same way, one at the front of the keystone and the other at the back. They use the same assembly hole located at the top of the keystone connection plate and are bolted along this axis. 35 --- The ball-carrying cord is a halyard At the bottom of this cord a ball, like tennis ball, is fixed by any suitable means to maintain it well. At the top of the cord is formed a loop held by a flat cable clamp. A carabiner is hooked to one of the 2953730 - 8

holes of the cord holder and the loop of the cord is passed in the carabiner. The other cord is also hung in the same way on the other cord holder. The number of holes on a cord holder makes it possible to position each cord at a distance taking into account the size and length of the arm of the blind swimmer. The two cords are hooked to the cord holders equidistant from the support sling which is the axis of the floating device. The length of the cord is adjusted to ensure that the ball is a height that can not hinder the movements of the hands of the blind swimmer while allowing him to reach easily to check his position along the axis of the guide rope. The cord holder being at the top and in the axis of the guide rope, the ball suspended at the end of the cord will necessarily and always in the middle and in the axis of the floating device.

20 = _ = Always, without departing from the scope of the invention, and to allow a blind swimmer to know that he is at the end of the course, the following device is provided:

At each end of the guide rope is fixed a displacement limiter. A few centimeters and in front of the stop plate of the displacement limiters is hooked, by any suitable means, a bell or several small bells that can snap as soon as a guide ring comes touching said bell or bells. This ringing warns the blind swimmer that he is at the end of the course and must turn around. When placed in the other direction, the blind swimmer found at the same distance as before the other ball allowing him to resume position in the axis of the guide rope. At the other end of the course the same sound system is installed.

__ = Still, without departing from the scope of the invention, a smaller device is intended to be used by young children.

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--- This mini floating device can be manufactured in the same way as adult equipment but on a smaller scale, for example and as an indication, on a two-thirds scale. However, some pieces may remain at the scale of adult material. This two-thirds size is enough to be used by children from 4 to 7 years old. The average height of a 7-year-old child is approximately 1.20 meters for an average weight of about 23 kg. For group swimming lessons given to young 10 elementary school children, many mini floating devices can be put into service at the same time. Mini floating devices must be equipped with a steering bar holder and a steering bar. The children will be able to evolve on all the surface 15 of the body of water being able to move freely. In this case, the steering bar can be shortened by sliding two tubes into one another with a locking system to the correct length. Guiding systems comprising: - support frame - 20 counterweights - guide rope - displacement limiter - will be useless. On the occasion of these group swimming lessons, the instructor is asked to give instructions to different swimmers. Since the instructor can not recognize or even know the name of each student, a visual system of nameplates is provided to remedy it. - - A nameplate consists of two parts assembled by welding: The inscription panel and the plate holder. 30 --- On the inscription panel appears, on each side, the same number or the same drawing for very young children who can not read. - - The plate holder is a square tube that can enter freely into the square tubes located at each end of the 35 feet of support fixed on the floats. This system of square tubes entering each other makes it possible to maintain a nameplate along the two axes: X or Y. A floating device can receive four signal-tick plates, two X-oriented and two Y-oriented. 2953730 - 10 -

--- This provision of the nameplates allows the monitor to always easily identify the number or the drawing assigned to the student regardless of the position of the floating device, especially since these inscriptions are 5 recto / verso, either eight numbers or visible drawings. This same identification system with nameplates can be used in group classes for adults. - To facilitate the storage of nameplates, it is provided on the top of. each inscription panel a grouping hole allowing, with the aid of a carabiner, to gather by four the nameplates bearing the same number or the same drawing.

From the first swimming lesson, it is interesting to experience the following: the swimmer settles where he has his foot. It hooks the support sling to the last link in the chain, the longest position, with the carabiner at the bottom of the support sling slightly below the water level. He. hang the carabiner from the bottom of the sling to the ring of his harness. He raises his legs and immediately realizes that he is holding his head out of the water. If he puts himself in a swimming position, he is no longer supported, the flexible halyard of his harness being completely relaxed. If he starts swimming under these conditions, he has the proof that he is really swimming without any support. If it ceases all movement and lets itself flow, is found as at the beginning of the experiment, the head well outside the water. This experiment is clearly explained and represented by the following figures: FIG. 39, FIG. 40 and FIG.

However, the swimmer may very well, from its first lesson, shorten the sling by adjusting the position of the link chain with the carabiner and thus be continuously supported even in the swimming position.

The attached drawings illustrate the invention: ## EQU1 ##

FIG. is a 3/4 front view of the floating device with one of the two support frames and a part of the guidance system. FIG. 2 is a general view showing the position of the two support frames, the floating device and the entire guide system. FIG. 3 is a 3/4 front view of a float. FIG.4 is a 3/4 front view of a support leg. FIG. 5 is a plan view of a footplate. FIG.6 is a plan view of an assembly plate. FIG. 7 is a plan view of a large reinforcing cheek. FIG.8 is a plan view of a small reinforcing cheek. FIG.9 is a front view of a carrier tube. FIG. 10 is a side view of a carrier tube. FIG. 11 is a plan view of a junction plate. FIG.12 is a perspective view of a keystone. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a ring carrier plate. FIG. 14 is a plan view of a connection plate. FIG. 15 is an overview of a support sling. FIG.16 is an overview of a full body harness. FIG.17 is a 3/4 front view of a support frame. FIG.18 is a perspective view of a bent plate of two holes. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a bent plate of a hole. FIG.20 is a plan view of a large front gusset. FIG. 21 is a plan view of a hood plate. FIG.22 is a perspective view of a cord eriroulage tube, provided with its cap. FIG. 23 is a plan view of a snap bar. FIG.24 is a plan view of a drawbar. FIG.25 is a perspective view of a counterweight hood.

FIG.26 is an overview of the mounting of a guidance system. FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a displacement limiter. FIG. 28 is a plan view of a stop plate. 2953730 - 12 -

FIG.29 is a plan view of a clamping cheek. FIG. 30 is a 3/4 front view of a floating device equipped with a steering bar holder, a steering bar and four nameplates. FIG. 31 is a side view showing the positioning of the steering rod carrier and the possible adjustment of the steering rod. FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a steering rod holder. FIG.33 is a perspective view of a steering bar. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a nameplate. FIG. 35 is a side view showing the positioning of two cord holders supporting the two ball-carrying cords. FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a cord holder. FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a ball cord. FIG. 38 is a diagram showing, seen from above, the folds of the bar-holders or the cord-holders. FIG. 39 shows a support sling hooked by the last link of the chain and the carabiner 25 from the bottom slightly under water. FIG.40 shows a swimmer in the rest position, the flexible halyard being tensioned. FIG.41 shows the swimmer in swimming position, the flexible halyard being relaxed. With reference to these drawings, certain parts of the device according to the invention may be made of steel, aluminum, injected plastic or molded plastic or plastic boiler. In the description of the invention, it is assumed that all metal parts are steel. All sheet metal parts are designed to be laser cut which simplifies manufacturing and avoids drilling operations. The design will have no holes in the tubes 2953730 - 13 -

which will avoid having many drilling fixtures. All assemblies of mechanically welded parts and other parts are designed to allow a very good and rapid evacuation of liquids at the outlet of the baths during 5 surface treatment operations such as: zinc plating or galvanizing or other treatments.

Referring to the drawings listed above: FIG. 1 represents a 3/4 front view of the floating device (1) with one of the two support frames (46) and the guide system (70) . On the water is placed the entire floating device (1). On the top of the two floats (2) are placed and maintained by bolting the holding feet (4). The two support tubes (21) are held by bolting on the holding feet (4). and at the top they are interconnected by bolting on the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26). On the top of this keystone (26) are welded two guide rings 20 (35) allowing the passage of the guide rope (71). At the bottom of the connecting plate (28), the hole (30) is used to hook the link chain (37) of the support sling (36). The flexible halyard (38) constituting the lower part of the support sling (36) is connected to the attachment ring (45) of the flexible harness (44). The support frame (46) is held on the ground by the counterweight (69). The snap bar (62) has a plurality of holes (64) for hanging and positioning the guide rope (71) at an appropriate height using an oval quick link (76) hooked to a tension spring ( 75). The same principle of attachment of the entire guide system (70) is installed on the other side of the body of water on the other support frame (46). On the guide rope (71) is a displacement limiter (77). FIG. 2 represents a general view showing the assembly of a device according to the invention composed of the floating device (1), the two support frames (46), the two counterweights (69) and the guide system (70). ) and a displacement limiter (77). 10 15 2953730 - 14 -

FIG. 3 represents a 3/4 front view of a float (2). Its design will be light while being strong enough. The interior may be of medium density polystyrene, for example 20 Kg / m3. The exterior can be covered with a polyurethane reinforcement layer with polyurethane paint. A float (2) will comprise four through holes (3) which can receive long screws, (not shown), to maintain on the top of the float (2) a support foot (4) also having four holes of the same distance the four holes (3) of the float (2). The volume of the floats (2) will be calculated to ensure that both of them, they can withstand the load that will be imposed by sinking into the water only up to a third of their thickness. FIG.4 is a 3/4 front view of a support leg (4). All the parts (5), (10), (13), (16), (20) is mechanically welded. The three tubes (20) are square and identical in section, thickness and length, (the same identical tubes will be found on the support frames (46) and bearing the reference number (59)). FIG. 5 is a plan view of a foot sole (5) of a support leg (4). The three square holes (6) serve to position the three tubes (20) during welding. The four holes (7) have the same spacing as the four holes (3) of the float (2) and serve to bolt the holding foot (4) on the top of a float (2). The six large positioning holes (8) are provided to receive the large positioning tabs (11) of the large reinforcing cheeks (10). The four small square positioning holes (9) are provided to receive the small, low positioning tabs (14) of the small reinforcing cheeks (13). FIG. 6 represents a plan view of an assembly plate (16) of a support leg (4). The square hole (17) serves to position the tube (20) during welding. The four round assembly holes (18) serve to bolt the joining plates (23) welded to the carrier tubes (21) and whose center distances are identical. The four small square positioning holes (19) are provided to accommodate the small locating tabs (12) of the large cheeks 5 10 15 - 15 -

reinforcement (10) and the small high positioning tabs (15) of the small reinforcing cheeks (13). FIG. 7 represents a plan view of a large reinforcing cheek (10) of a support leg (4).

FIG.8 shows a plan view of a small reinforcing cheek (13) of a support leg (4). FIG.9presents a front view of a carrier tube (21). The two tubes (22) of a floating device (1) have the same bending. Each tube (22) forms a quarter circle. The ends are cut so that their cutting line meet at the bending axis, ie 90 degrees. The junction plates (23) are welded to each end of the tubes (22). For welding, the tubes (22) are positioned and centered by entering the round holes (24) of the joining plates (23). FIG. 10 shows a side view of a carrier tube (21) showing the perpendicular position in both directions of the connecting plates (23). FIG.11 shows a plan view of a junction plate (23). The round hole (24) allows the entry of the tube (22) for positioning during welding. The four assembly holes (25) are used for bolting the support tubes (21), on the one hand below on the assembly plate (16) of the holding foot (4) and on the other hand, at the top, on the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26). The holes (18) of the connecting plates (16), the holes (25) of the connecting plates (23) and the holes (29) of the connecting plate (28) have the same spacings. FIG.12 shows a perspective view of a keystone (26). Under the horizontal square tube (27) the connection plate (28) is welded in the middle, (we find the same tubes identical in section, thickness and length on the support frames (46) and bearing the reference number (48). )). At each end of the horizontal tube (27) are welded the ring-holder plates (32). FIG. 13 shows a plan view of a ring plate (32). At the bottom of this ring-holder plate is a rectangular hole (34), positioned vertically, for free spinning either a horizontal bar (85) of the door.

-barre direction (84) or the perforated bars (104) of the cord holders (103). The square hole (33) allows a good positioning of the ring-holder plate (32) during welding. The two guide rings (35) are vertically welded to the top of the ring carrier plates (32). The guide rope (71), which is stretched between the two support frames (46), passes through the two guide rings (35) which makes it possible for the floating device (1) to always move while remaining in the axis of the guide rope 10. (71) without the intervention of the swimmer. FIF.14 represents a plan view of a connection plate (28). At the top of this plate, a hand hole (31) is provided for the connection of either a horizontal bar (85) or perforated bars (104), the connection and the maintenance being carried out at the same time. using a bolt. The four assembly holes (29) have the same spacing as the holes (25) of the connecting plates (23) of the carrier tubes (21). The hanging hole (30) is of sufficient diameter to allow easy passage. safety carabiner (42) holding the support sling (36). FIG. 15 represents an overview of the support sling (36). The top of the support sling is a link chain (37) which adjusts the length of the support sling (36) by hooking the safety karabiner (42) to one of the links of the chain ( 37). The carabiner (42) is itself hooked to the hole (30) of the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26). The links of the chain (37) will be of sufficient size to support the swimmer and allow to easily pass the carabiner security (42). The bottom of the support sling is a flexible halyard (38) strong enough to securely support the swimmer. At each end of the flexible halyard (38) is formed a loop (39) permanently held by a flat cable clamp (40) or by any other suitable means that can not be undone. The chain (37) and the halyard (38) are connected by a permanently closed snap hook (41). The bottom of the halyard (38) is connected to the hitching ring (45) of the flexible harness (44) by a safety carabiner (42). The maximum length 2953730 - 17 -

possible for the support sling (36) to be provided so that it can be hooked by the last link of the chain (37) with a safety carabiner (42) to the attachment hole ( 30) of the connecting plate (28) of the vault key (26), the safety carabiner (42) hooked in the buckle (39) of the bottom of the flexible halyard (38) is slightly above below the water level. FIG.16 shows an overview of a full body harness (43). Its design can be very simple and réa-10 used with thin and very light straps given the small efforts it must support. Its great flexibility will not disturb the swimmer in his movements. The snap ring (45) will be fixed permanently on the top of the harness (44) so that it is located towards the middle. the back of the swimmer. FIG.17 shows a 3/4 front view of a support frame (46). The two longitudinal members (47) and the three connecting tubes (48) are welded together. (These tubes (48) are identical in cross-section, thickness and length to the tube (27) of the keystone (26) and on this lower part of the support frame (46) are welded the following parts: (49), ( 50), (51), (53) and (59). The vertical tube tube (49), (not shown in a separate figure), is of square section and inner dimension allowing the vertical tube (61) 25 (not shown by a separate figure), to enter therein freely. is lying. This tube (49) is welded to both the connecting tube (48) and the large front gusset (50). This large gusset (50) is a sheet used to maintain in position the vertical tube (61). The two bent plates of a hole (51) 30 are provided to hold the two drawbars (65). The two bonnet pads (53) are provided to position and maintain the counterweight hood (67). The oblong hole (54), located at the top, allows to install a padlock to prevent any malicious act. The two winding tubes (59) are provided to be able to wind up the extra guide rope (74), (these tubes (59) are identical in section, thickness and length to the tubes (20) of the holding feet (4). On the top of these winding tubes (59) is welded a tube cap (60) facilitating

winding said rope and allowing good hand-hold on the winding tube (59). FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a two-hole bent plate (55) provided to hold the two drawbars (65). This plate (55) has a square hole (56) to hold it well during welding on the vertical tube (61). At the front of the wafer (55) a positioning notch (58) is provided to be able to hold during the welding the snap bar (62) on the vertical tube (61). FIGs. 19, 20, 21 and 22 have already been the subject of descriptions and explanations. FIG. 23 shows a plan view of a strut bar (62). This bar has numerous holes (64) 15 spaced, for example and indicative of 50 millimeters. The snap bar has a positioning slot (63). For its welding on the front of the vertical tube (61), it is positioned by the interlocking notches 58/63. FIG. 24 shows a plan view of a draw bar (65) having at each end an elongated hole (66) for easily securing said drawbars (65) to the platelets (51) and to the pad (55). FIG.25 shows a perspective view of a counterweight hood (67). Its manufacture will preferably be of composite material of a sufficient thickness for a person to mount on it. Its internal dimensions will make it possible to easily cover the counterweight (69). At the front and rear of this hood (67), on the bottom edge, there will be provided an oblong hole (68) large enough to allow a hood plate (53), whose oblong hole ( 54) will far exceed. The counterweight (69) is shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2. If as counterweight, four solid blocks are used, the installation of the counterweight cover (67) 35 with padlocks will be essential for the protection of the public and especially to avoid that the solid blocks are removed from the support frame (46) during use of the floating device (1) with the guide system (70). The use of solid blocks totaling, for four 2953730 - 19

blocks, a weight of about 115 Kg is largely sufficient to maintain the support frames and seems to be the most economical solution. However, any other counterweight system can be used as long as the proper support 5 of the support frame is ensured. A counterweight system secured to the support frame will have the advantage of not having to use a counterweight cover (67). FIG.26 shows an overview of the mounting of a guide system (70). The guide rope (71) may be a polypropylene halyard of sufficient strength to withstand the tensile force it receives from the two tension springs (75). The first loop (72) formed from the guide rope (71) is closed definitively by a two-bolt flat cable tie (73) or any other suitable means that can not be discarded. The second loop (72) is closed by a two-bolt flat cable clamp (73) with the provision that it can be disassembled to change the distance between the two loops (72) along the length of the water plane used. The inner dimension of the two loops (72) will allow easy passage of an oval quick link (76). The traction springs (75), eye / eye, will support a force sufficient to tension the guide rope (71). Each pull spring (75) will be hooked to each loop (72) by an oval quick link (76). The springs (75) will be hooked to one of the holes (64) of the hook bars (62) with an oval quick link (76). The additional guide rope (74) of the guide rope (71) will be wound on the rope winding tubes (59) which are welded to both the beam (47) and the connecting pipe ( 48) of the support frame (46). FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a displacement limiter (77) composed of three parts: an abutment plate (78) and two identical clamping flanges (81). FIG. 28 shows a plan view of an abutment plate (78). It has a clearance (79) to allow the passage of the guide rope (71) and four small square positioning holes (80) to set up and maintain the two clamping flanges (81) during welding operations . 2953730 - 20 -

FIG.29 shows a plan view of a clamping flange (81). It has four holes (82) allowing the passage of cheek clamp bolts (81) against the guide rope (71). The two small locating tabs (83) are provided to freely enter the small square holes (80) of the abutment plate (78) to hold said clamping flanges (81) during the welding operations. on the stop plate (78). FIG.30 shows a 3/4 front view of a floating device (1) equipped with a steering rod holder (84), a steering bar (92) and, on the feet of maintenance of four nameplates (98). FIG. 31 depicts a side view showing the position of the steering bar carrier (84), the steering bar (92) with its possible setting (dashed). FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of a steering bar holder (84). On the front portion of the horizontal bar (85) the arcuate oblong hole (87) has the axis of the hole (86) as the axis of curvature. At the other end of the horizontal bar (85), a hole (88) is provided for fixing by bolting said bar to the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26). using the hole (31) at the top of this plate (28). On this horizontal bar (85) is provided a double folding (117) to allow a good alignment of said bar on the connecting plate (28) along the locking pin (107) as shown in FIG. 38. FIG. .33 shows a perspective view of a steering bar (92). The hinge head {94) has two holes: at the bottom the hole (96) for the passage of the axis of rotation (90) and at the top the hole (97) for the passage of the locking bolt according to the axis (91). At the bottom, the bolt along the axis (90) is slightly tightened allowing articulation of the hinge head (94) and at the top blocking 35 can be done using a screw with wing nut facilitating loosening to allow a new positioning of the steering bar (92). At the top of the tube (93) is welded, in the axis of said tube, the hinge head (94). At the bottom of the tube (93) is locked a handle (95) such that,

as an indication, a handlebar handlebars. The diameter of the tube (93) will allow a good hold of the handle (95). FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a nameplate (98) which is composed of two parts assembled by welding. On the inscription panel (99) a grouping hole (102) must allow a carabiner to enter freely. The plate foot (100) is a square tube that can freely enter the tubes (20) of the holding feet (4) fixed on the floats (2). FIG. 35 is a side view showing the positioning of two cord holders (103) supporting the two ball-carrying cords (108). FIG. 36 represents a perspective view of a carrier (103). On the front portion of the perforated bar (104), a number of attachment holes (105) are provided and will have a diameter sufficient to easily hook a carabiner (113) therein. The holes {105) may be spaced, for example and by way of indication, of 50 millimeters. At the other end of this perforated bar (104) a hole (106) is provided for the bolted fastening of said perforated bar to the keystone connection plate (28) using the hole ( 31) located at the top of this plate {28). On this perforated bar (104) is provided a double folding (117) to allow a good alignment of two perforated bars (104) connected to the connecting plate (28) along the locking pin (107) as shown on the Fig. 38. Fig. 37 shows a perspective view of a ball carrier string (108). The cord (109) is a halyard with a relatively small diameter given the very low load that it supports. At the top of this cord (109) is formed a loop (110) held by a two bolt flat cable clamp (112) provided to be disassembled. The inner dimension of the loop (110) will allow to easily pass a carabiner (113). The cord extension (111) is provided to change the length of the ball cord (108). The ball (114) will be heavy enough to remain upright and particularly under the influence of wind. This ball, of 30 35 2953730 - 22 -

any design, will be fixed by any suitable means at the bottom of the cord (109). FIG. 38 has already been explained above with respect to the utility of performing double folding (117) on parts (85) and (104). FIGs. 39, 40 and 41 are grouped and present the principle of safety for the swimmer. Only Figure 41 has a new and last reference number (118) showing the flexible halyard (38) completely relaxed. __ = A smaller model for only the floating device can be made by modifying only the following four main parts: - Float (2) - Bearing tube (21) - Support sling (36) 15 - Bar of direction (92) -

- - Float (2): Only the length of the float will be shortened. The width, thickness, diameter and center distance of the holes (3) will not change. --- Support tube (21): Only the bending radius is smaller, the tube (22) always forming a quarter circle. The diameter and the thickness of the tube (22) remain identical. The junction plates (23) remain the same. Support sling (36) Only the flexible halyard (38) 25 is shortened. Steering bar (92) Only the round tube (93) is shorter. However, it is possible to provide from the start a double tube sliding one inside the other with locking system to the desired length by any suitable means and mainly by a pinch system of the large tube on the small tube , the large tube being split a few centimeters at its base and the clamping on the small tube being provided by a clamp itself being partially welded to the base of the large tube. (This design is not the subject of a figure).

Regarding the ball-carrying cord (108), its shortening is already provided by using the cable clamp (112). 2953730 - 23

The industrial applications of the device according to the invention are particularly intended for learning-swimming for people of all ages, recreation parks, aquatic rehabilitation centers, 5 thalassotherapy, blind people or having another disability. The simplicity of the design of the device according to the invention makes it possible for a person skilled in the art to be able to manufacture it very easily.

All of this material is intended to be marketed as a KIT.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS1) Device allowing valid persons of any age or to the blind or other disabled to learn quickly and easily to swim safely, characterized in that it comprises a floating device (1) consisting of two floats (2) each equipped with a support leg (4) each having two square tubes (20), each support leg (4) being surmounted by a carrier tube (21), these two tubes (21) being connected at the top to the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26) on which are welded two guide rings (35) above the horizontal tube (27) allowing the passage of the guide rope (71) to to cause the floating device (1) to move only along the axis of the guide rope (71), not to be able to deviate from it or to be crosswise with respect to the axis of the rope of guiding (71). A support sling (36) has in its upper part a link chain (37) connected by a carabiner (42) to the hooking hole (30) of the connecting plate (28). The swimmer wears a soft harness (44) with a snap ring (45). On the support legs (4) can be placed four nameplates (98) whose plate feet (100) are square tube freely entering the square tubes (20) of the holding feet (4). Two support frames (46), held on the ground by counterweights (69), have on the front of the vertical tube (61) a hooking bar (62) having a number of attachment holes (64) for hanging therein. a guide rope (71) stretched by two springs (75), this guide rope (71) forming part of the guide system (70). On said guide rope (71) can be placed at any location a displacement limiter (77) provided with two clamping flanges (81). On the keystone (26) can be installed a steering rod holder (84) holding a steering rod (92) - 25 - whose handle (95) is adjustable in front or rear position with locking using the hole oblong (87) located on the front portion of the horizontal bar (85). This steering bar (92) can be telescopic, with a lock, to allow its adjustment in length. Also on the keystone (26), there may be installed another system for blind swimmers and having, on each side of the keystone (26), a string holder (103) holding a string holder (108) hooked from the top to one of the holes (105) of the perforated bar (104), a ball (114) being hung down the cord (109). 2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the upper part of the support sling (36) is a chain link (37) for adjusting the length of the support sling (36) by hooking to the using a carabiner (42) one of the links of the chain (37) to the hooking hole (30) of the connecting plate (28) of the keystone (26). 3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that on each of the two support frames (46) is welded to the front of the vertical tube (61) a snap bar (62) provided with numerous holes (64) for hanging at one of these holes (64) each end of the guide rope (71) stretched by two springs (75) to ensure that said rope (71) is parallel to the water plane and to the height of the the axis of the two guide rings (35). 4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that a steering rod (92), provided so that the swimmer can direct the floating device (1) in the absence of the guide system (70), is adjustable in length by using the principle of two telescopic tubes with locking at the desired length, thus making it possible to use the same steering bar (92) on floating devices (1) manufactured on a smaller scale. 5) Device according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the nameplates (98) comprise a plate holder foot (100) in square tube section allowing free entry into the square tubes (20). holding feet (4), this design for positioning the nameplates (98) in two different orientations, X or Y.