US20160114234A1 - Ankle float buoy - Google Patents
Ankle float buoy Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160114234A1 US20160114234A1 US14/985,008 US201514985008A US2016114234A1 US 20160114234 A1 US20160114234 A1 US 20160114234A1 US 201514985008 A US201514985008 A US 201514985008A US 2016114234 A1 US2016114234 A1 US 2016114234A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ankle
- buoy
- central body
- wing
- jaw
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 210000003423 ankle Anatomy 0.000 title claims abstract description 85
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- 230000003100 immobilizing effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000013518 molded foam Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 244000309466 calf Species 0.000 abstract description 12
- 210000002683 foot Anatomy 0.000 abstract description 4
- 210000002414 leg Anatomy 0.000 description 16
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 3
- 210000003484 anatomy Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010033892 Paraplegia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000748 compression moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007812 deficiency Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000003205 muscle Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- -1 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000000689 upper leg Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/12—Arrangements in swimming pools for teaching swimming or for training
- A63B69/14—Teaching frames for swimming ; Swimming boards
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/12—Arrangements in swimming pools for teaching swimming or for training
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/02—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for the abdomen, the spinal column or the torso muscles related to shoulders (e.g. chest muscles)
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B31/00—Swimming aids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B31/00—Swimming aids
- A63B31/08—Swim fins, flippers or other swimming aids held by, or attachable to, the hands, arms, feet or legs
- A63B31/12—Swim fins, flippers or other swimming aids held by, or attachable to, the hands, arms, feet or legs held by, or attachable to, the arms or legs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B2225/00—Miscellaneous features of sport apparatus, devices or equipment
- A63B2225/60—Apparatus used in water
- A63B2225/605—Floating
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to an ankle floatation device, and more particularly to a swim training device that maintains a swimmer's legs in a fixed position to focus on the swimmer's core and shoulder training while swimming.
- swimming utilizes an arm stroke and kicking of the legs to propel the swimmer through water. While the arm stroke generally provides the majority of thrust, strong kicking can often compensate for a weak arm stroke. In order to overcome this compensating ability, it is often desired to remove the legs from the stroke to focus on the core and arm muscles to improve the arm stroke. However, one cannot simply stop kicking, as the legs would sink in the water causing an increased amount of drag that would need to be overcome. Additionally, paraplegic swimmers, or others with inabilities to kick their legs sufficiently, would be aided by a device to maintain and float the legs, while allowing them to swim only using the arm stroke.
- 7,169,000 which discloses a swimming aid training device that includes a buoy assembly that attaches to a swimmer's calf area and a fin assembly to prevent the swimmer from twisting their torso.
- a buoy assembly that attaches to a swimmer's calf area and a fin assembly to prevent the swimmer from twisting their torso.
- the swimmer's torso rolls from side to side during the arm stroke. This side-to-side roll requires the swimmer to exhibit a great deal of core strength and endurance. If the swimmer lacks the necessary core strength, the swimmer may break form. As such, if one is desiring to increase the strength and proficiency of their core, this device is not ideal.
- a unitary ankle float buoy for immobilizing the legs during swim training.
- the buoy is formed of a central portion connecting a top wall and a lower wall.
- the top wall extends outward from the central portion in both directions and curves downward at distal ends, while the lower wall extends outward from the central portion in both directions and curves upward at distal ends.
- the buoy has a pair of ankle openings disposed on each side of the central portion, below the top wall and above the lower wall. Each ankle opening is defined by a sidewall of the central portion, a rear opening, a front opening, and a side opening.
- the central portion, top wall, and lower wall define a front edge on the side of the buoy having front openings and a rear edge on the side of the buoy having rear openings.
- the ankle float buoy is designed and configured to be worn upon both ankles of a swimmer below the calf and above the foot.
- the rear edge may narrow from the central portion to the distal ends to comfortably accommodate the swimmer's lateral malleolus.
- the ankle openings may be formed in a substantially straight cylindrical configuration, wherein the front and rear openings, and the portions between the two openings, are substantially the same size.
- this substantially straight configuration may be achieved when the buoy is formed from a solid piece of buoyant, resilient foam and the ankle openings are cut from the piece of foam.
- the ankle openings may be formed in a convex configuration, such that the front and rear openings are wider than a segment of the ankle openings located between the front and rear openings.
- this convex configuration may be achieved readily when the buoy is formed from a compression molded foam.
- One benefit of the convex shape may be that the narrower portion between the rear and front openings may assist in securing the buoy to the swimmer as the portion of the ankle between the swimmer's foot and calf region is generally narrower, thereby allowing the convex formation to better fit to the swimmer's anatomy.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an ankle float buoy in use on a swimmer
- FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ankle float buoy in use on a swimmer
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 2 with the swimmer's legs in place;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 2 with the swimmer's legs partially in place;
- FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of an ankle float buoy
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 9 is a front view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the ankle float buoy of FIG. 7 .
- an ankle float buoy 10 is attached to the ankle region of a swimmer 15 .
- the buoy 10 may formed of a buoyant, resilient material and is configured to be easily attachable to the ankle region 25 of the swimmer 15 .
- the buoyant force provided by the buoy 10 is at a distalmost portion to maintain the swimmer's body in proper form, while also maintaining a secure attachment to the swimmer 15 .
- the ankle region 25 defines a narrow point of the swimmer's leg.
- the buoy 10 is easily attachable and removable from the swimmer's body, it remains securely attached during swimming without the need for cumbersome straps or other securing means.
- the design and configuration of the buoy 10 can be simplified to maintain its position at the ankle, in comparison to other configurations where the device would be attached to a user's calf area.
- the calf is wider at the upper portion and narrows to the lower portion as you approach the ankle.
- the geometry of the openings have to be tapered in such a fashion to match the user's calf, resulting in more complicated and/or expensive fabrication demands along with the possibility of shifting or unintended detachment from the swimmer during use.
- the buoy 10 is attached to the ankles 25 of the swimmer 15 such that the buoy 10 has a front edge 12 facing in the direction of the swimmer's movement through the water and a trailing rear edge 14 .
- the buoy 10 includes a pair of ankle openings for receiving the ankles 25 of the swimmer 15 .
- the ankle openings are defined by various openings and walls to receive and maintain the ankles.
- the ankle openings include a rear opening 16 that, in use, is located at the bottom of the ankle 25 near the swimmer's foot and a front opening 18 disposed on the opposite side of the buoy 10 that, in use, is located at the top of the ankle 25 near the swimmer's calf.
- the ankle openings have a side opening 20 that allows for the easy entry and exit of the swimmer's ankles 25 from the buoy 10 .
- the ankle openings are open on three of its six sides.
- the three non-open sides are defined by a top wall 22 , a lower wall 24 , and an inside sidewall 28 .
- the top 22 , lower 24 , and sidewalls 28 form a substantially C-shape configuration for maintaining the ankles 25 in place during use.
- the top wall 22 is connected to the lower wall 24 by a central portion 26 , wherein the central portion has the sidewalls 28 on each respective side. As shown in FIGS.
- the top wall 22 and lower wall 24 both extend bilaterally outward in a horizontal direction from the central portion 26 .
- the distal ends 30 a of the top wall 22 curve in a downward fashion to help secure the ankle 25 in place, while the distal ends 30 b of the lower wall 24 curve in an upward fashion.
- the distal ends 30 a, 30 b while not connected, approach each other to form a substantially C-shape configuration.
- the front edge 12 is defined by the top wall 22 , lower wall 24 , and central portion 26 on the side of the buoy 10 having front openings 18 and the rear edge 14 is defined by the top wall 22 , lower wall 24 , and central portion 26 on the side of the buoy 10 having the rear openings 16 .
- the rear edge 14 may be contoured to better accommodate the swimmer's lateral malleolus (the outer protrusion of the ankle).
- the rear edge 14 may take a convex configuration such that the central portion 26 extends further than the distal ends 30 a, 30 b along the rear edge 14 .
- the buoy 10 may avoid encompassing the swimmer's lateral malleolus during use, thereby providing a more comfortable design than if the buoy 10 were provided in a substantially straight configuration that encompassed the user's lateral malleolus during use.
- the buoy 10 is preferably formed from a buoyant and resilient material in order to provide floatation assistance to the swimmer while maintaining its shape during use, but being readily deformable to allow for easy entry and exit of the swimmer's ankle 25 .
- the buoy may be formed from a foam polymer such as polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
- FIG. 6 shows the entry of the ankle 25 into the ankle openings of the buoy 10 .
- the distal ends 30 a, 30 b may be deformed away from their typical closed position into an open configuration to allow for the entry of the ankle 25 .
- the resilient material returns to its normal closed position thereby securing the buoy 10 in proper position during use (as seen in FIG. 5 ).
- the ankle openings may be formed in a substantially straight cylindrical shape.
- This embodiment may be formed, for example, by cutting the ankle openings out of a block of foam. This configuration, while easy to form does not perfectly follow the anatomy of the ankle and allows for some play between the buoy 10 and the ankles 25 , while still maintaining the buoy 10 in position during use.
- the ankle openings may be formed in a convex configuration. That is, the portion of the ankle opening at the rear 16 and front opening 18 is wider than the portion between the two openings. This configuration allows for the buoy 10 to better grip the swimmer's ankles 25 .
- This configuration may formed by compression molding a piece of foam to form the convex shape of the ankle openings.
- the buoy may be easily placed upon the user and removed from the user without a need for complicated and cumbersome straps or other attaching devices. Further, the configuration allows for easy and economy in the manufacturing process in that complex geometries and shapes are not necessary to maintain the position of the buoy on the user's ankles. Additionally, the placement of the buoy on the swimmer's ankle region, as opposed to the calf or thigh region, places the source of buoyancy at a distalmost portion of the leg region, thereby providing buoyancy in a location that is able to maintain the swimmer in proper alignment within the water.
- the buoy may further be configured in such a fashion to act as a hydrofoil. That is, the outer shape of the buoy may be optimized such that the lift generated by propulsion through the water while in use is substantially larger than the drag generated by the buoy. By shaping the buoy in such a manner, it further acts in a manner to maintain the swimmer's body in proper alignment during use.
Abstract
A unitary ankle float buoy for immobilizing the legs during swim training. The buoy is formed of a central portion connecting a top wall and a lower wall and a pair of ankle openings disposed on each side of the central portion. The ankle float buoy is designed and configured to be worn upon both ankles of a swimmer below the calf and above the foot.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The present disclosure relates generally to an ankle floatation device, and more particularly to a swim training device that maintains a swimmer's legs in a fixed position to focus on the swimmer's core and shoulder training while swimming.
- Typically, swimming utilizes an arm stroke and kicking of the legs to propel the swimmer through water. While the arm stroke generally provides the majority of thrust, strong kicking can often compensate for a weak arm stroke. In order to overcome this compensating ability, it is often desired to remove the legs from the stroke to focus on the core and arm muscles to improve the arm stroke. However, one cannot simply stop kicking, as the legs would sink in the water causing an increased amount of drag that would need to be overcome. Additionally, paraplegic swimmers, or others with inabilities to kick their legs sufficiently, would be aided by a device to maintain and float the legs, while allowing them to swim only using the arm stroke.
- In order to overcome these problems, various solutions have been introduced. Traditionally, foam pull buoys have been used. These pull buoys are figure-8 shaped devices that are held between the legs of the swimmer, by the swimmer exerting a closing force with their legs onto the pull buoy. This closing exertion, however, can be uncomfortable and tiring for the user and still allows for a certain degree of kicking being performed by the swimmer. Initial attempts to overcome these deficiencies include further tying straps to the swimmer's leg to maintain the pull buoy in position without requiring a closing exertion from the swimmer and to further limit the kicking ability. However, these straps can be cumbersome and difficult to attach and remove. An advance on this technology was described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,169,000, which discloses a swimming aid training device that includes a buoy assembly that attaches to a swimmer's calf area and a fin assembly to prevent the swimmer from twisting their torso. However, in most swimming strokes, the swimmer's torso rolls from side to side during the arm stroke. This side-to-side roll requires the swimmer to exhibit a great deal of core strength and endurance. If the swimmer lacks the necessary core strength, the swimmer may break form. As such, if one is desiring to increase the strength and proficiency of their core, this device is not ideal. Further, its placement on the calf area does not place the buoyant force at a distal region of the swimmer's legs and, due to the tapering shape of the calf region, requires a difficult to form configuration that tapers from the opening to the exit and is described as a “substantially rotated H-shape”.
- As such, there is a need for an improved swim training device that not only allows a swimmer to focus on their arm stroke, but also allows the swimmer to properly work their core, while maintaining their legs in a fixed position with a buoyant force being provided at the ankle region, in an easy to enter and exit configuration, that is further easily and economically manufactured.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is contemplated a unitary ankle float buoy for immobilizing the legs during swim training. The buoy is formed of a central portion connecting a top wall and a lower wall. The top wall extends outward from the central portion in both directions and curves downward at distal ends, while the lower wall extends outward from the central portion in both directions and curves upward at distal ends. Further, the buoy has a pair of ankle openings disposed on each side of the central portion, below the top wall and above the lower wall. Each ankle opening is defined by a sidewall of the central portion, a rear opening, a front opening, and a side opening. The central portion, top wall, and lower wall define a front edge on the side of the buoy having front openings and a rear edge on the side of the buoy having rear openings. The ankle float buoy is designed and configured to be worn upon both ankles of a swimmer below the calf and above the foot. To aid in fitting the buoy on the swimmer's ankles, the rear edge may narrow from the central portion to the distal ends to comfortably accommodate the swimmer's lateral malleolus.
- In certain embodiments, the ankle openings may be formed in a substantially straight cylindrical configuration, wherein the front and rear openings, and the portions between the two openings, are substantially the same size. In particular, this substantially straight configuration may be achieved when the buoy is formed from a solid piece of buoyant, resilient foam and the ankle openings are cut from the piece of foam.
- In other embodiments, the ankle openings may be formed in a convex configuration, such that the front and rear openings are wider than a segment of the ankle openings located between the front and rear openings. In particular, this convex configuration may be achieved readily when the buoy is formed from a compression molded foam. One benefit of the convex shape may be that the narrower portion between the rear and front openings may assist in securing the buoy to the swimmer as the portion of the ankle between the swimmer's foot and calf region is generally narrower, thereby allowing the convex formation to better fit to the swimmer's anatomy.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of an ankle float buoy in use on a swimmer; -
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an ankle float buoy in use on a swimmer; -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 2 with the swimmer's legs in place; -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 2 with the swimmer's legs partially in place; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of another embodiment of an ankle float buoy; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 7 ; -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the ankle float buoy ofFIG. 7 . - The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments and that they are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.
- As shown in
FIG. 1 , anankle float buoy 10 is attached to the ankle region of aswimmer 15. This configuration allows theswimmer 15 to isolate and train their arms, shoulders, and core region by focusing on the arm stroke. Thebuoy 10 may formed of a buoyant, resilient material and is configured to be easily attachable to theankle region 25 of theswimmer 15. By locating thebuoy 10 on theankles 25, the buoyant force provided by thebuoy 10 is at a distalmost portion to maintain the swimmer's body in proper form, while also maintaining a secure attachment to theswimmer 15. As can be seen, theankle region 25 defines a narrow point of the swimmer's leg. As such, while thebuoy 10 is easily attachable and removable from the swimmer's body, it remains securely attached during swimming without the need for cumbersome straps or other securing means. Further, the design and configuration of thebuoy 10 can be simplified to maintain its position at the ankle, in comparison to other configurations where the device would be attached to a user's calf area. Generally, the calf is wider at the upper portion and narrows to the lower portion as you approach the ankle. As such, in devices attached to a swimmer's calf, the geometry of the openings have to be tapered in such a fashion to match the user's calf, resulting in more complicated and/or expensive fabrication demands along with the possibility of shifting or unintended detachment from the swimmer during use. - As can be seen in
FIG. 2 , thebuoy 10 is attached to theankles 25 of theswimmer 15 such that thebuoy 10 has afront edge 12 facing in the direction of the swimmer's movement through the water and a trailingrear edge 14. As best seen inFIGS. 3 and 4 , thebuoy 10 includes a pair of ankle openings for receiving theankles 25 of theswimmer 15. The ankle openings are defined by various openings and walls to receive and maintain the ankles. In particular, the ankle openings include arear opening 16 that, in use, is located at the bottom of theankle 25 near the swimmer's foot and afront opening 18 disposed on the opposite side of thebuoy 10 that, in use, is located at the top of theankle 25 near the swimmer's calf. Further, the ankle openings have aside opening 20 that allows for the easy entry and exit of the swimmer'sankles 25 from thebuoy 10. As such, it can be seen that the ankle openings are open on three of its six sides. The three non-open sides are defined by atop wall 22, alower wall 24, and aninside sidewall 28. As can be seen, the top 22, lower 24, and sidewalls 28 form a substantially C-shape configuration for maintaining theankles 25 in place during use. Thetop wall 22 is connected to thelower wall 24 by acentral portion 26, wherein the central portion has thesidewalls 28 on each respective side. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 5 , thetop wall 22 andlower wall 24 both extend bilaterally outward in a horizontal direction from thecentral portion 26. The distal ends 30 a of thetop wall 22 curve in a downward fashion to help secure theankle 25 in place, while the distal ends 30 b of thelower wall 24 curve in an upward fashion. As such the distal ends 30 a, 30 b, while not connected, approach each other to form a substantially C-shape configuration. - The
front edge 12 is defined by thetop wall 22,lower wall 24, andcentral portion 26 on the side of thebuoy 10 havingfront openings 18 and therear edge 14 is defined by thetop wall 22,lower wall 24, andcentral portion 26 on the side of thebuoy 10 having therear openings 16. In certain embodiments, therear edge 14 may be contoured to better accommodate the swimmer's lateral malleolus (the outer protrusion of the ankle). In particular, therear edge 14 may take a convex configuration such that thecentral portion 26 extends further than the distal ends 30 a, 30 b along therear edge 14. By tapering inward at the distal ends 30 a, 30 b, thebuoy 10 may avoid encompassing the swimmer's lateral malleolus during use, thereby providing a more comfortable design than if thebuoy 10 were provided in a substantially straight configuration that encompassed the user's lateral malleolus during use. - The
buoy 10 is preferably formed from a buoyant and resilient material in order to provide floatation assistance to the swimmer while maintaining its shape during use, but being readily deformable to allow for easy entry and exit of the swimmer'sankle 25. For example, the buoy may be formed from a foam polymer such as polyethylene or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)FIG. 6 shows the entry of theankle 25 into the ankle openings of thebuoy 10. As can be seen in this figure, the distal ends 30 a, 30 b may be deformed away from their typical closed position into an open configuration to allow for the entry of theankle 25. Whereupon when theankle 25 is in position in the ankle opening of thebuoy 10, the resilient material returns to its normal closed position thereby securing thebuoy 10 in proper position during use (as seen inFIG. 5 ). - As shown in phantom in
FIG. 2 , the ankle openings may be formed in a substantially straight cylindrical shape. This embodiment may be formed, for example, by cutting the ankle openings out of a block of foam. This configuration, while easy to form does not perfectly follow the anatomy of the ankle and allows for some play between thebuoy 10 and theankles 25, while still maintaining thebuoy 10 in position during use. - In an alternative embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 7-10 , the ankle openings may be formed in a convex configuration. That is, the portion of the ankle opening at the rear 16 andfront opening 18 is wider than the portion between the two openings. This configuration allows for thebuoy 10 to better grip the swimmer'sankles 25. This configuration may formed by compression molding a piece of foam to form the convex shape of the ankle openings. - As such, it can be seen from the unique configuration disclosed herein, the buoy may be easily placed upon the user and removed from the user without a need for complicated and cumbersome straps or other attaching devices. Further, the configuration allows for easy and economy in the manufacturing process in that complex geometries and shapes are not necessary to maintain the position of the buoy on the user's ankles. Additionally, the placement of the buoy on the swimmer's ankle region, as opposed to the calf or thigh region, places the source of buoyancy at a distalmost portion of the leg region, thereby providing buoyancy in a location that is able to maintain the swimmer in proper alignment within the water. In addition to the use of a buoyant material in forming the buoy, it is envisioned that the buoy may further be configured in such a fashion to act as a hydrofoil. That is, the outer shape of the buoy may be optimized such that the lift generated by propulsion through the water while in use is substantially larger than the drag generated by the buoy. By shaping the buoy in such a manner, it further acts in a manner to maintain the swimmer's body in proper alignment during use.
- The above description is given by way of example, and not limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein, including various ways of forming the ankle float buoy and various sizes of the ankle float buoy for swimmers of different ages and sizes. Further, the various features of the embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
Claims (14)
1. A unitary ankle float buoy for immobilizing the legs during swim training, said buoy comprising:
a central body;
a left set of jaws comprising a first left jaw element comprising a first end attached to a left upper outside edge of the central body and extending away from the central body to a second end which curves downward, and a second left jaw element with a first end attached to a left lower outside edge of the central body and mirroring the first jaw element;
a left gap formed between the second end of the first left jaw element and the second end of the second left jaw element;
a right set of jaws comprising a first right jaw element comprising a first end attached to a right upper outside edge of the central body and extending away from the central body to a second end which curves downward, and a right second jaw element with a first end attached to a right lower outside edge of the central body and mirroring the first jaw element; and
a right gap formed between the second end of the first right jaw element and the second end of the second right jaw element;
wherein the first left jaw element, the second left jaw element, the first right jaw element, and second right jaw element all have a closed position to which the jaw elements are biased and return to without application of an outside force.
2. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 1 , wherein a rear edge narrows from the central body to a distal end to comfortably accommodate a swimmer's lateral malleolus.
3. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 1 , wherein a space between the first right jaw element and the second right jaw element forms a right ankle opening, and a space between the first left jaw element and the second left jaw element forms a left ankle opening.
4. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 3 , wherein the buoy is formed from a solid piece of buoyant, resilient foam.
5. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 1 , wherein a left ankle gap between the first left jaw element and the second left jaw element is wider in a middle of the left jaw elements than at left gap.
6. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 5 , wherein the buoy is formed from a compression molded foam.
7. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 3 , wherein the left ankle gap is formed in a substantially straight cylindrical configuration.
8. The unitary ankle float buoy of claim 1 , wherein, when viewed form the front, the left set of jaws forms a substantially reverse-C shape and the right set of jaws forms a substantially C shape.
9. An ankle float buoy, comprising:
a top half, comprising:
a central body element;
a left wing element extending away from the central body element, comprising a width, a first end attached to the central body element, and a second end opposite the first end;
a right wing element extending away from the central body element in an opposite direction to the left wing element the right wing element comprising a width, a first end attach to the central body element, and a second end opposite the first end;
a bottom half, comprising:
a central body element mirroring the top half central body element;
a left wing element mirroring the top half left wing element, the bottom half left wing element comprising a width, a first end attached to the bottom half central body element, and a second end opposite the first end; and
a right wing element mirroring the top half central body element, the bottom half right wing element comprising a width, a first end attached to the bottom half central body element, and a second end opposite the first end;
wherein the width of the left wing top half element tapers from the first end to the second end, the width of the right wing top half element tapers from the first end to the second end, the width of the left wing bottom half element tapers from the first end to the second end, and the width of the right wing bottom half element tapers from the first end to the second end.
10. The ankle float buoy of claim 9 , wherein the top half and the bottom half are molded from a foam polymer.
11. The ankle float buoy of claim 10 , wherein the top half and the bottom half are integrated.
12. The ankle float buoy of claim 9 , wherein, when viewed form the front, the left set wing of the top half and the left wing of the bottom half form a substantially reverse-C shape and the right wing of the top half and the right wing of the bottom half form a substantially C shape.
13. The ankle float buoy of claim 9 , wherein the second end of the top half left wing element and the second end of the bottom half left wing element form a gap, and the second end of the top half right wing element and the second end of the bottom half right wing element form a gap.
14. The ankle float buoy of claim 9 , wherein the top half right wing element, top half left wing element, the bottom half right wing element, and bottom half left wing element are biased to a closed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/985,008 US20160114234A1 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-12-30 | Ankle float buoy |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/247,407 US9259632B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2014-04-08 | Ankle float buoy |
US14/985,008 US20160114234A1 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-12-30 | Ankle float buoy |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/247,407 Continuation US9259632B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2014-04-08 | Ankle float buoy |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160114234A1 true US20160114234A1 (en) | 2016-04-28 |
Family
ID=54208879
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/247,407 Active US9259632B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2014-04-08 | Ankle float buoy |
US14/985,008 Abandoned US20160114234A1 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2015-12-30 | Ankle float buoy |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/247,407 Active US9259632B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2014-04-08 | Ankle float buoy |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9259632B2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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USD832384S1 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2018-10-30 | Jordan Frank | Flotation device |
US10596434B2 (en) | 2016-07-11 | 2020-03-24 | Jordan Frank | Pull buoy |
US10603563B2 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2020-03-31 | Jordan Frank | Flotation device |
USD891555S1 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-07-28 | Jordan Frank | Pull buoy |
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EP3017849B1 (en) * | 2013-07-04 | 2019-09-04 | Jeong Hun Kim | Swimming aid |
USD763389S1 (en) * | 2014-10-08 | 2016-08-09 | Jeong Hun Kim | Swimming assistance apparatus |
USD835222S1 (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2018-12-04 | Jeong Hun Kim | Swimming assistance apparatus |
KR20180065763A (en) | 2016-12-08 | 2018-06-18 | 김정훈 | Swimming assistance apparatus |
WO2019030420A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 | 2019-02-14 | Kzoomi, S.L. | Swimming accessory |
KR102001726B1 (en) * | 2017-10-16 | 2019-07-18 | 김정훈 | Ict swimming assistance apparatus capable of improving swimming posture |
USD888179S1 (en) * | 2017-11-13 | 2020-06-23 | Daniel Jurado Navarro | Flotation device |
KR102064126B1 (en) * | 2019-07-12 | 2020-01-08 | 김정훈 | Ict swimming assistance apparatus capable of improving swimming posture |
USD977604S1 (en) * | 2020-10-27 | 2023-02-07 | Jeong Hun Kim | Swimming assistance apparatus |
US11148029B1 (en) | 2021-04-14 | 2021-10-19 | Danielle Bakic | Leg band trainer |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10596434B2 (en) | 2016-07-11 | 2020-03-24 | Jordan Frank | Pull buoy |
USD832384S1 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2018-10-30 | Jordan Frank | Flotation device |
US10603563B2 (en) | 2017-05-15 | 2020-03-31 | Jordan Frank | Flotation device |
USD891555S1 (en) | 2017-12-19 | 2020-07-28 | Jordan Frank | Pull buoy |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20150283447A1 (en) | 2015-10-08 |
US9259632B2 (en) | 2016-02-16 |
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