GB2480368A

GB2480368A - Hand held float for swimmer

Info

Publication number: GB2480368A
Application number: GB1107620A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter John Charles Spurgeon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-05-10
Filing date: 2011-05-06
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-06
Also published as: GB2480368B; GB201107620D0; GB201009246D0; GB201007686D0

Abstract

A float 2 for a swimmer comprises a first part 4 which in use extends above water, a second part 6 which in use extends below the water, a hand grip formation 8 on the second part 6, and depth markingsl 0 on the first part 4. The depth markings 10 are such that they indicate a plurality of depths of submersion of the first part 4 and thereby indicate degrees of performance of a swimmer holding the float 2. The float may include a first depth marking 12 indicating the water surface at which the first part 4 will be positioned in use when not subjected to submersion forces by the swimmer, and a plurality of second depth markings 14 indicating different depths to which the first part will be positioned when subjected to progressively increasing submersion forces by the swimmer.

Description

I

A HAND HELD FLOAT FOR A SWIMMER

This invention relates to a float for a swimmer and, more especially, this invention relates to a hand held float for a swimmer.

Hand held floats for swimmers are well known. One such float is known as a kickboard. The kickboard is a panel structure made of a low density material that enables the kickboard to float on water. The kickboard tips when weight is put on one of its edges by a swimmer exerting pressure with their hand on the edge. If a swimmer wishes to use the kickboard as a stable floating device, then it is necessary for the swimmer to hold the kickboard with two hands and such that equal pressure is applied to the kickboard. The kickboard is widely used by swimmers for various swimming exercises. The kickboard gives no indication of the proficiency of the swimmer in doing the exercises.

It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a float for a swimmer, which float comprises a first part which in use extends above water, a second part which in use extends below the water, a hand grip formation on the second part, and depth markings on the first part, the depth markings being such that they indicate a plurality of depths of submersion of the first part and thereby indicate degrees of performance of a swimmer holding the float.

The float of the present invention is advantageous in that it is able to be held by the hand grip formation such that the float is stable in the water.

The float is also advantageous in that the depth marking are able to indicate a plurality of depths of submersion of the first part, and thereby indicate degrees of performance of a swimmer holding the float, for example degrees of performance of a swimming stroke, part of a swimming stroke, or simply the ability of the swimmer to float.

The float may be one in which the depth markings include a first depth marking indicating a water surface at which the first part will be positioned in use and when not subjected to submersion forces by the swimmer, and a plurality of second depth markings indicating different depths to which the first part will be positioned in use and when subjected to progressively increasing submersion forces by the swimmer.

The second depth markings may be a series of lines arranged one above the other so that the lines form a vertically extending depth scale in use of the float. Other types of second depth markings may be employed so that, for example, the markings may be arrowheads. The second depth markings may be numbered if desired. The second depth markings may be spaced apart by equal distances. Alternatively, the second depth markings may be spaced apart by unequal distances.

The float may include third depth markings which enable the size and shape of a bow wave to be seen. This bow wave is created as the float moves through the water, and the bow wave provides an indication of the swimmer's speed through the water.

The depth markings may be formed such that they are visible both to the swimmer for self-appraisement, and to a third party for third part appraisement. The third part may be a coach, judge, spectator of an event, or simply a' general observer. If desired, the depth markings may be such that they are visible only to the swimmer, or only visible to the third party.

When the depth markings are visible both to the swimmer and to the third party, then the depth markings are preferably on at least three sides of the first part.

Preferably, the second part is in the form of a panel. Other constructions for the second part may be employed.

Preferably, the first part is in the form of a panel. Other constructions for the first part may be employed.

Preferably, the first part is thicker than the second part. However, if desired, the reverse arrangement may be employed, or the first and second parts may be of the same thickness. The first part may alternatively be a plurality of cylinders.

The first part may be rectangular. Alternatively, the first part may be shaped to represent a part of a person, animal or object. Other representations for the first part may be employed. The first part may be shaped to represent the head of a mythical creature.

Preferably, the hand grip formation is a slot. In this case, the float may be one in which the slot extends at a angle to a vertical axis of the float, and in which the angle enables the swimmer to hold the float in the water in a vertical position and without twisting their wrist. The slot is preferably a closed slot. Other types of hand grip formation may be employed.

The float may include a cut out portion which is adjacent the hand grip formation and which is for receiving a part of the swimmer's hand between their thumb and forefinger.

The float may include one or more apertures to assist in user location and grip by receiving parts of the swimmer's fingers, for example, their thumb and forefinger.

The float may be provided with a means for attaching a towline or a safety tine for sport or rescue use.

The second part may be heavier than the first part to make the second part naturally lie underneath the first part when the float is in the water. The second part may be made heavier than the first part by being made of a more dense material and/or by being separately weighted.

The float may be made of one or more plastics materials. Any suitable and appropriate plastics material may be employed. The plastics material is preferably a closed cell foam plastics material. If an open cell foam plastics material is used, it may be sealed in an airtight cover. Such a cover may also have a valve device to enable the cover to be deflated by squeezing the air out, or to be inflated by allowing the air in under natural air pressure. The plastics material may be polyvinyl chloride so that, for example, the float may be made of a closed cell foam polyvinyl chloride.

The float may be such that it is used in combination with another one of the floats, with the two floats being connected by a connecting member which connects the two floats together in a spaced apart manner. The swimmer will then use two hands, with one hand gripping each float.

The connecting member is preferably a connecting panel. Other types of connecting member, for example a connecting bar, may be employed.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first float for a swimmer; Figure 2 is an end view of the float shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows the float of Figures 1 and 2 in a first mode of use; Figure 4 shows the float of Figures 1 and 2 in a second mode of use; Figure 5is a side view of a second float for a swimmer; Figure 6 is an end view of the float shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of a third float for a swimmer; Figure 8 is an end view of the float shown in Figure 7; Figure 9 is an end view of a fourth float for a swimmer; Figure 10 is a top view of the float as shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is a side view of the float as shown in Figure 9; Figure 12 is an end view of a fifth float for a swimmer; Figure 13 is a side view of the float as shown in Figure 12; Figure 14 is an end view of a sixth float for a swimmer; Figure 15 is a side view of the float as shown in Figure 14; and Figure 16 shows the float of Figure 14 in a folded position for transportation and storage.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a float 2 for a swimmer.

The float 2 comprise a first part 4 which in use extends about water, a second part 6 which in use extends below the water, a hand grip formation 8 on the second part 6, and depth markings 10 on the first part 4. The depth markings are such that they indicate a plurality of depths of submersion of the first part 4 and thereby indicate degrees of performance of a swimmer holding the float 2.

The depth markings 10 include a first depth marking 12 indicating a waterline at which the first part 4 will be positioned in use and when not subjected to submersion forces by the swimmer. The depth markings 10 include a plurality of second depth markings 14 indicating depths to which the first part 4 will be positioned in use and when subjected to progressively increasing submersion forces by the swimmer. The second depth markings 14 are a series of lines arranged one above the other so that the lines form a vertically extending depth scale in use of the float 2. The second depth markings 14 are spaced apart by equal distances as shown. A third set of markings 15 represent the profile of a bow wave created when the apparatus is travelling through the water at different speeds, possibly when the swimmer is being towed.

The depth markings 10 are visible to both the swimmer for self-appraisement, and to a third party for third party appraisement. The third party may be a coach, a judge, a spectator of an event, or just a general observer.

The visibility to the swimmer and to the third party is effected by having the depth markings 10 extend on three sides of the first part 4 as can be appreciated from Figures 1 and 2, the three sides being the two major flat sides 16 of the float 2 and the edge 18 of the float 2.

The first part 4 is in the form of a panel. The second part 6 is also in the form of a panel. As can be seen from Figure 2, the first part 4 is thicker than the second part 6. As can also be seen from Figure 2, the second part 6 has an inclined front edge 20. As can be seen from Figure 1, the first part 4 is provided with a directional marking in the form of an arrow 22 and a number I which maybe given to the swimmer, for example for use in a competition or for other identification purposes. The first part 4 is rectangular. The first part 4 may be inflatable or self-inflatable by means of a valve 23.

The hand grip formation 8 is a slot. The hand grip formation 8 extends at an angle to a vertical axis of the float 2. The angle enables the swimmer to hold the float 2 in the water in a vertical position and without twisting their wrist.

Apertures 25 provide other finger location and gripping formations.

A hole 27 enables the towline to be attached to the float by a shackle enabling the surfer to "body surf' when towed behind the speed boat.

Alternatively a rope loop through the hole 27 enables the swimmer to be more easily lifted aboard a rescue craft.

The float 2 includes a cut-out portion 24 which is adjacent the hand grip formation 8 and which is for receiving a part of the swimmer's hand between their thumb and their forefinger.

If desired, the second part 6 may be made heavier than the first part 4 to make the second part 6 naturally lie underneath the first part 4 when the float 2 is in the water. The second part 6 may be made heavier than the first part 4 by being made of a more dense material and/or by being separately weighted. Any suitable weighting material may be employed. The float may be made from one or more plastics materials. The plastics material may be a closed cell foam plastics material, for example a closed cell foam polyvinyl chloride. Alternatively, the plastics material may be inflatable. The depth markings 10 may be printed on the first part 4, or they may be integrally formed as ridges or grooves on the first part 4, for example during the formation of the first part 4.

Figure 3 shows the float 2 being used by a swimmer 26. The swimmer 26 is shown using the float 2 for the purpose of exercising their legs 28. The float 2 is held by the swimmer's arms 30 such that the first depth marking 12 is level with the water surface 32.

Figure 4 shows the swimmer 26 using the float 2 such that the swimmer 26 has exerted sufficient downward pressure on the float 2 to cause the float 2 to become submerged. The use of the float 2 as shown in Figure 4 enables the swimmer 26 to keep their head 34 more above water than as shown in Figure 3, and thus the position shown in Figure 4 may be more comfortable to some people such for example as ladies not wishing to wear bathing caps which may upset their hairstyle. In the position shown in Figure 4, the person 26 is still able to perform leg exercises with their legs 28. The leg exercises may be for the crawl or for the breaststroke.

Figures 5 and 6 show a second float 36. Similar parts as in the float 2 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The float 36 is such that the first part 4 has sloping sides 16 so that the first part 4 is wider at its top than at its bottom where it joins the second part 6. The increasing size from the bottom of the first part 4 to the top of the first part 4 enables the second depth markings 14 to be unequally spaced apart from each other as shown, whilst at the same time giving equal increments of force required by the swimmer to submerse the second part 4 to the depth indicated by the second depth markings 14.

Figures 7 and 8 show a third float 38 which is such that the first part 4 is shaped to represent the head of a mythical animal having teeth 40.

Figures 9, 10 and 11 show a fourth float 42 in which the first part 4 is formed of seven cylinders 44.

Figures 12 and 13 show a fifth float comprising two floats 46, 48 which are like the float 2 shown in Figure 1 except that they each have a top portion 50. Each top portion 50 has two apertures 52 which form additional hand grip formations for the floats 46, 48. The floats 46, 48 are joined by a connecting member in the form of a connecting panel 54.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 show a sixth float 56 which is formed from two half-circular members 58 as shown. Each half circular member 58 has two apertures 60 at its top for receiving a flexible connecting member 62. The connecting member 62 may be a tie member. Each member 58 also has two apertures 64 at its bottom for receiving a connecting member 66. The connecting member 66 may be of the same material as the connecting member 62 but longer, as can be appreciated from Figure 14. The two connecting members 62, 66 enable the float 56 to fold as shown in Figure 16.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the shape of the floats shown in the drawings may be varied. Other types of depth markings 10 may be employed. The depth markings may be of equal increments or unequal increment. Depending upon the type of increment chosen, the increments may indicate constant or varying pressures applied by the swimmer to the float. individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A float for a swimmer, which float comprises a first part which in use extends above water, a second part which in use extends below the water, a hand grip formation on the second part, and depth markings on the first part, the depth markings being such that they indicate a plurality of depths of submersion of the first part and thereby indicate degrees of performance of a swimmer holding the float.
2. A float according to claim 1 in which the depth markings include a first depth marking indicating a water surface at which the first part will be positioned in use and when not subjected to submersion forces by the swimmer, and a plurality of second depth markings indicating different depths to which the first part will be positioned in use and when subjected to progressively increasing submersion forces by the swimmer.
3. A float according to claim I or claim 2 in which the second depth markings are a series of lines arranged one above the other so that the lines form a vertically extending depth scale in use of the float.
4. A float according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the second depth markings are spaced apart by equal distances.
5. A float according to claim 2 or claim 3 in which the second depth markings are spaced apart by unequal distances.
6. A float according to any one of the preceding claims and including third depth markings which represent the shape or height of a bow wave created by the float at different speeds through the water.
7. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the depth markings are formed such that they are visible both to the swimmer for self-appraisement, and to third party for third party appraisement.
8. A float according to claim 7 in which the depth markings are on at least three sides of the first part.
9. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second part is in the form of a panel.
10. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first part is thicker than the second part.
11. A float according to any one of claims I -9 in which the first part comprises a plurality of cylinders.
1.2. A float according to any one of claims 1 -9 in which the first part is rectangular.
13. A float according to any one of claims I -11 in which the first part is shaped to represent a part of a person, animal, or object.
14. A float according to claim 13 in which the first part is shaped to represent the head of a mythical creature.
15. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the hand grip formation is a slot.
16. A float according to claim 15 in which the slot extends at an angle to a vertical axis of the float, and in which the angle enables the swimmer to hold the float in the water in a vertical position and without twisting their wrist.
17. A float according to any one of the preceding claims and including a cut-out portion which is adjacent the hand grip formation and which is for receiving a part of the swimmer's hand between their thumb and forefinger.
18. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second part is heavier than the first part to make the second part naturally lie underneath the first part when the float is in the water.
19. A float according to claim 18 in which the second part is made heavier than the first part by being made of a more dense material, and/or by being separately weighted.
20. A float according to any one of the preceding claims in which the float is made of one or more plastics materials.
21. A float according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising two of the floats, and a connecting member which connects the two floats together in a space apart manner.
22. A float according to claim 21 in which the connecting member is a connecting panel.
23. A float for a swimmer, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.