FR3096238A1 - BATH RESTRAINT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a retention device (1) for a small object (70) for carrying said small object during a swim, comprising: a band (2) closed on itself in a loop by a non-removable closure means (30-33), this band comprising, over at least 25% of its length a layer of rubber, the loop being intended to be threaded around the waist or a member of a user, and at least a retainer (40,50,60), this retainer being fixed to or defined in the band, and being shaped to retain the small object. Figure for the abstract: figure 1

Description

Description Title of the invention: RETENTION DEVICE FOR SWIMMING

The invention relates to a retention device allowing a user to keep one or more small objects on him, such as keys, a credit card, a mobile phone, etc., during a swim, and in particular during practicing a water sport such as surfing or windsurfing.

When a person wants to swim, for example in a river or in the sea, it is generally faced with the problem of storing such small objects.

We know a case to be installed under a car to store the dice of the car, and which is opened with a code.

Nevertheless, there is a risk of theft.

[0004] There is also known a pouch for receiving a smart phone which can be closed tightly, and which the user takes with him by means of a cord around his neck.

[0005] The document FR2892001 describes a waterproof bag mounted on a belt, the buckle of which incorporates an alarm.

[0006] There is a need for a retention device making it possible to reconcile reliability and freedom of movement for the user.

[0007] There is proposed a device for retaining a small object, to carry this small object while swimming, comprising:

[0008] - a strip closed on itself in a loop by a non-removable fastening means, this strip comprising, over at least 25% of its length, a layer of rubber, the loop being intended to be threaded around the the waist or a limb (arm, leg, etc.) of a user, and

- at least one retaining member, this retaining member being fixed to or defined in the strip, and being shaped to retain the small object.

[0010] Thus, rather than a belt with a removable closure means, of the belt buckle, Vecro® band or other type, a loop is provided, for example of neoprene, with an irremovable closure means, which can be both more reliable (no risk of opening during swimming) and less inconvenient for the user (no risk of snagging, injury, deterioration of any wetsuit, etc.).

[0011] The elasticity of the rubber may be sufficient to maintain the loop around the user regardless of the facticity practiced and the forces undergone (speed, waves, eddies, etc.).

[0012] The irremovable closure means may be free of reliefs, which may enable the user not to be hampered in his movements. 2

[0013] By “irremovable”, we mean that the user cannot, under normal conditions of use, open (let alone then close) the closure means of the loop thus closed.

[0014] In particular, the loop can be closed on itself by sewing, by gluing, or otherwise.

The non-removable closure means may thus comprise a sewing line.

[0015] Advantageously, the strip may comprise at least one layer of rubber over 50% or more of its length, advantageously over 75% or more, advantageously over 90% or more.

In particular, the strip may include a layer of rubber over its entire length.

[0016] The strip may comprise one (or more) section(s) occupying at least 25% of its length, and each comprising a layer of rubber.

The rubber, material of the rubber layer, can be cellular or not, natural or not, and for example include neoprene in the conventional sense of the term (polychloroprene), Yulex®, or other.

[0018] The rubber, material of the rubber layer, can comprise raw rubber (for example between 20% and 40% by mass of raw elastomers), mixed with fillers, in particular calcium carbonate, sulphate barium, carbon black, zinc oxide, etc., plasticizers, additives and/or the like.

It may or may not have been vulcanized.

The rubber can be compact or cellular.

In the latter case, the cells can be open or closed.

It is possible, for example, to use neoprene (polychloroprene) with open cells and/or neoprene (polychloroprene) with closed cells.

[0021] In the present application, unless otherwise specified, the term neoprene "denotes a material comprising a layer of rubber, natural or not, smooth or not, generally cellular, for example Yulex® , neoprene in the classic sense of the term (polychloroprene) mixed with fillers, additives etc., "limestone" or other neoprene, and optionally comprising one or more layer(s) of fabric more elastic than the rubber layer, for example Lycra, jersey or other, covering the rubber layer.

The term “neoprene” therefore designates a material with one or more layers as used to form wetsuits for surfing, diving, etc.

According to a preferred embodiment, the strip comprises, over at least 25% of its length, advantageously over 50% or more of its length, advantageously over 75% or more, advantageously over 90% or more, for example over its entire length, neoprene.

[0023] The choice of neoprene can be interesting because of its lack of relief, its softness and its buoyancy.

The user is thus not bothered by the retaining device. 3

[0024] The choice of neoprene can be interesting because of its common use to form suits today.

Thus, provision may be made to recycle a suit at the end of its life to form the retaining device.

By misuse of language we will speak in the present application of "neoprene loop" to speak of the closed loop comprising a layer of rubber over at least 25% of the length, for example neoprene over at least 25% of its length.

[0026] In the case of a loop whose rubber layer does not extend over its entire length, this loop may comprise one or more sections, occupying at most 75% of the length of the loop, in one or more other materials, for example fabric or the like.

[0027] The strip may for example have a width comprised between 3 centimeters and 25 centimeters, advantageously comprised between 5 and 20 centimeters.

[0028] The strip may for example have a thickness of between 0.1 millimeter and 10 millimeters, for example between 0.5 and 5 millimeters.

In the case of a belt, the neoprene buckle can have a circumference of between 35 centimeters and 100 centimeters, for example between 40 and 70 centimeters (for example between 60 and 70 centimeters for a men's model, between 50 and 60 centimeters for a women's model and between 40 and 50 centimeters for a children's model).

Alternatively, the neoprene loop may have a circumference of between 10 centimeters and 50 centimeters, for example between 20 and 30 centimeters.

This band, of the armband type, can then be put on an arm or a leg.

The invention is not limited to a particular retainer.

[0032] It is possible, for example, to form four rectilinear cutouts in the band, oblique and arranged in corners to receive the four respective corners of a waterproof pocket receiving a small object such as a smart phone.

It is also possible to fix to the strip, for example by sewing, a linear element in the form of a loop, so that a cord fixed to a waterproof pocket receiving a small object can be attached to this linear element.

[0034] Advantageously, the retainer may comprise an element forming a pocket, fixed to the band.

This element can be made from elastic fabric, for example Lycra®, or non-elastic, from transparent plastic or not, from neoprene, etc.

It will be noted that this pocket-forming element can be made of one or more material(s) less robust than the material(s) of the loop.

For example, in the case of a neoprene pocket, a less thick neoprene could be chosen, for example 1 millimeter when the loop is made with neoprene 2 millimeters thick.

[0037] This pocket-forming element can be attached to an inner face of the neoprene loop, so that the object is received between the neoprene loop and the user, who can participate in its retention.

[0038] Advantageously and in a non-limiting manner, the pocket-forming element can be attached to the strip on three sides.

The small object can then be introduced from the 4th side.

[0039] Alternatively, the attachment to the band can be more restricted, for example on one or two points of the element forming a pocket (in particular in the case of a two-ply element, forming a pocket on its own), or on one or two segments or arc of a circle.

[0040] The device, and in particular said at least one retaining member, can advantageously further comprise a means of removable closure of the element forming a pocket, for example a zipper, a magnet, a press stud, or other.

[0041] It is possible to provide a closure means that is both removable and waterproof, for example a Zipper® closure, or the like, in particular in the case of a pocket-forming element made of waterproof material.

The retention device can then define a sealed pocket to receive one or more small objects.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the removable closure means of the pocket-forming element may simply comprise a flap made of elastic material, for example Lycra, with a rubber layer, for example neoprene, or the like.

Advantageously, this flap can, in the released state, cover a free side of the pocket-forming element and at least part of this pocket-forming element, thus closing the opening of the pocket.

To introduce or remove an object from the pocket, the user forces this flap and possibly the pocket-forming element if made of elastic material.

In the absence of stress, the pocket is therefore closed.

[0044] Advantageously, the retention device, and in particular said at least one retaining member, may further comprise a clip defining an opening for the passage of a linear element, so that a cord can be introduced through the opening and tied at the tie.

Insofar as this cord is also secured to a small object, this attachment can thus make it possible to further limit the risk of loss of the object.

[0045] In addition, the user can enter the object at sea, for example by taking it out of the pocket-forming element, without the risk of losing it thanks to this attachment via the clip.

This can be particularly interesting in the case of a device capable of transmitting radio frequency frames, such as a mobile phone, because in the event of danger the user can then release this device from the band (for example by taking it out of the element forming the pocket or by releasing it from the four corner cutouts defined in the strip), grab it, and dial a number to call for help without risking losing your device.

This can be all the more advantageous if the device can be geolocated, because searches can then be facilitated.

[0048] The small object may in particular comprise a tracer allowing the geolocation of the user and the measurement of his movements.

[0049] This seizure of the object can of course allow other actions: for example a surfer can take photos, film, telephone, read a jump height made a few moments before, etc. while in the ocean.

[0050] The restraint device described above can thus prove to be more reliable and more comfortable than a waterproof pouch threaded around the neck, which runs the risk of being lost unless a very short length of cord is provided - which would make its use at sea difficult.

Given the attachment to a fixed point of the strip, for example to the belt or armband, the wire length can be relatively long, without risk of loss.

The fastener defining an opening for the passage of a linear element may for example comprise a rigid ring, for example a metal ring, or even a closed loop of a flexible linear element of the ribbon or cord type.

In particular, this linear element can be elastic in order to damp any rapid movements of the attached object.

[0052] TI is also offered a kit comprising the retaining device described above and a waterproof pouch.

[0053] The waterproof pouch can for example be shaped to receive a smart phone, or another object, such as an electronic key.

The waterproof pouch may for example be intended to be attached to the clip and/or received in the pocket-forming element, or not.

In one embodiment, provision can be made for the strip to be closed on itself at its ends.

Alternatively, at least one end of the strip may be outside the loop.

[0057] In this case, the retention device may also comprise two fastening elements, capable of cooperating together in a removable and adjustable manner, one installed on this free end and the other on the buckle.

These elements can for example form a Velcro strip (foam and hooks), a press stud with several identical elements on the loop (to allow the closure to be adjusted), or other.

Thus the user can better adjust the retention device to his morphology.

[0058] As this attachment serves to adjust, and not to close the buckle, the attachment elements can be relatively weak and therefore relatively compact.

The user will thus be little bothered by these removable and adjustable fastening means.

[0059] The removable and adjustable fastening elements can for example form 6 neoprene Velcro®.

For example, a section of the strip forming the loop, this section having for example a length of between 5 and 20 centimeters can be made of neoprene forming the foam, while one or more strips forming the hooks are fixed at the end free from the band.

It is also possible to provide at least one zone of the strip on which an anti-slip material, such as silicone, has been deposited.

The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, non-limiting, in which:

[0062] [fig.1] schematically represents an example of a kit according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0063] [fig.2] schematically shows an example of the retention device shown in Figure 1, seen upside down.

[0064] [fig.3] shows a side view of the inside of a device according to a variant embodiment of the invention, with an open pocket.

[0065] [fig.4] shows a side view of the interior of the device of Figure 3, with a closed pocket.

[0066] [fig.5] shows a side view of the exterior of the device of figure 3.

Identical references can be used to designate identical or similar elements from one figure to another.

Referring to Figure 1, a retention device comprises a strip 2 made of several sections of neoprene 21, 22, 23, 25 or neoprene foam 24 assembled by sewing to each other.

Each neoprene section comprises a layer of rubber, resulting from a mixture of raw rubber, fillers, etc., and two layers of elastic fabric bonded to the two respective faces of the rubber layer.

One can for example use a neoprene material as commonly used for nautical suits.

[0070] A seam 30 makes it possible to secure one end of the section 24 to one end of the section 21, thus closing the strip 2 in a loop.

In this example, this loop has a length of 60 centimeters, while the section 25 outside the loop has a length of approximately 3 centimeters.

The height of the strip 2 is identical for all sections 21-25 and close to 15 centimeters.

The strips 21-25 can have a thickness of 2 millimeters for example.

A neoprene panel 40 is superimposed on the section 21 and is fixed by seam lines 41-43 on three of its sides to the section 21, so as to form a pocket.

A neoprene flap 50 is superimposed on the end of this panel 40, so as to cover the side 44 which has remained free of this panel 40, and is fixed by three lines of stitching 51-53 forming an inverted U to the U. formed by seam lines 41-43. 7

[0076] A clip 60 is also sewn on the inner face of the panel 40, this clip 60 defining an opening 61 for the passage of a cord 71 also attached to a waterproof pocket 70 able to receive a smart phone in a waterproof manner not shown.

To return to strip 2, sections 21 and 22 are secured together by a seam line 31, sections 22 and 23 are secured together by a seam line 32 and sections 23 and 24 are secured together. them by a seam line 33.

With reference to Figure 2, four strips 80-84 of Velcro® hooks capable of gripping the foam of section 24 have been sewn to section 25.

For example, for this section 24 and these strips 80-84, it is possible to choose a neoprene Velcro (L') as marketed by the company D&D ITALY, manufactured by the company SHEICO, 2 millimeters thick for the foam part. .

These elements 24, 80-84 make it possible to adjust the buckle forming the belt 2 to the size of the user and can thus present little relief.

On the other hand, cc are seams 30-34 which join together the sections 21-24 of the neoprene loop.

These non-removable, relief-free seams make it possible to ensure that the belt does not break, even in sometimes difficult conditions, without disturbing the user.

[0082] As a variant (not shown), provision could be made to replace the four strips 80-84 with a strip of Velcro® hooks extending over at least 80% of and advantageously the entire height of the belt 2.

When the user tightens the belt by pulling this strip of hooks, the forces are thus distributed more evenly over the height of the belt.

This band can for example extend beyond the end of the section 25 over a length of between 1 and 15 centimeters, for example over 3 centimeters.

In Figure 2, the fastener 40, nor the cord 71, nor the waterproof pouch 70 has not been shown, but these various elements can of course be present.

[0084] The pocket formed by the panels 21, 40, 50 can be used to store a waterproof pouch, keys (which can be attached to the ribbon of the fastener 60), a credit card, a GPS beacon, a plotter, and/or other.

The keys may or may not be electronic.

[0086] In the embodiment of Figures 3 to 5, which will be commented on simultaneously, the strip 2' is made of one or more neoprene sections, and is closed at its ends by a line of stitching 30' in order to form a neoprene loop.

[0087] A neoprene panel 40' is sewn on three of its sides to the internal face of the strip 2', so as to form a pocket.

[0088] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the free end of the panel is rounded, so as to form a flap 50' which can be folded over the rest of the panel 40' in order to open the pocket.

[0089] A waterproof pocket 70′ can then be inserted therein, receiving a smart telephone.

This waterproof pouch can be attached to a 6'0 clip sewn to the 2' waistband.

[0090] A tab 90 is provided so that the user can easily grasp the flap 50'.

In this example, there are also three magnetic clasps with two elements 91, 92, to keep the pocket closed as in Figure 4.

[0092] Referring to Figure 5, it is possible to print the outer face of the belt, in particular with a fluorescent paint.

The invention can find an application in the case of simple swimming, but also in many water sports, in particular Surfing, Windsurfing, KitSurf, Jetski, boat, Stand Up Paddlc, Kayak, diving, swimming. .

[0094] The neoprene or equivalent loop can be adapted in its dimensions and its elasticity (by carefully choosing the material) to be worn around the waist, by putting it on through the head or the legs, or alternatively around a thigh, calf, arm, forearm.

[0095] The retention device proposed makes it possible to take electronic keys or mobile telephones in complete safety during a water sports session.

[0096] In one embodiment, the device is a kit, comprising a neoprene belt which is put around the waist, above or below the neoprene suit used for the practice of its nautical sport but also directly on her bathing suit in the summer, and a waterproof pouch.

[0097] The belt can comprise a closed neoprene pocket in which one puts the waterproof pouch containing, for example, the car keys, the mobile telephone or the like.

[0098] Depending on the sport practiced, the belt can be turned around the waist in order to put the contents of the neoprene pocket, either in front or behind.

For example a surfer will put the belt with a positioning of the keys or telephone, in the back.

Conversely a windsurfer (Windsurfer) will put the belt with a positioning of the content on the front so as not to be embarrassed during the practice.

When the small object carried includes a mobile phone, a significant advantage is that you can easily take your phone out of the neoprene pocket while keeping your phone in the waterproof pocket.

Athletes will therefore be able to film themselves or take photos in complete safety and without fear of losing their phones since the waterproof pocket is connected to the neoprene pocket by a cord.

[0100] The device can also play a safety role since in the event of a problem, the practitioner can take out his telephone to call for help. 9

[0101] After use, the mobile phone or the keys can be returned directly and with ease to the neoprene pocket and thus the sportsman can continue to take full advantage of his sport on the open sea without returning to dry land. 10

Claims (1)

CLAIMS[Claim I] Retention device (I) for a small object for carrying said small object while swimming, comprising: a band (2) closed on itself in a loop by an irremovable fastening means (30-33 ), this band comprising, over at least 25% of its length, a layer of rubber, the loop being intended to be threaded around the waist or a member of a user, and at least one retaining member (40 ,50,60), this retaining member being fixed to or defined in the band, and being shaped to retain the small object. [Claim 2] A retention device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the band (2; 2') comprises, over at least 25% of its length, neoprene. [Claim 3] Retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, in which the irremovable closure means comprises at least one line of stitching (30-33; 30'). [Claim 4] Retaining device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the retaining member comprises a pocket member (40; 40'), fixed to the band (2; 2') . [Claim 5] A retention device (1) according to claim 5, further comprising a flap of elastic material (50; 50') for closing the pocket member (40). [Claim 6] A retention device (1) according to claim 5, in which, in the relaxed state, the flap of elastic material (50) covers a free side (44) of the pocket member and at least part of said pocket-forming element, thereby closing the opening of the pocket. [Claim 7] Retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a clip (60) defining an opening (61) for the passage of a linear element (71). [Claim 8] Retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which the band (2) is closed on itself so as to leave one end (25) of the band outside the loop , characterized in that the retention device further comprises two fastening elements (24, 80-83) capable of cooperating together in a removable and adjustable manner installed on, respectively, this end (25) and on the buckle. [Claim 9] A retention device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the securing elements (24,80-83) form. Velcro® neoprene. 11 [Claim 10] Kit comprising a retention device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a waterproof pouch (70; 70').