WO2016029256A1

WO2016029256A1 - A swimming stroke correction aid

Info

Publication number: WO2016029256A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/050468
Authority: WO
Inventors: Craig RIDDINGTON; Norman OLIVERIA; Craig Andrews
Original assignee: Riddington Craig
Priority date: 2014-08-26
Filing date: 2015-08-18
Publication date: 2016-03-03

Abstract

A swimming stroke correction aid (10) comprising an elongated body (14) being of a predetermined length, said aid (10) including arm holders (12) which are adapted to receive the arms (50.1) of a user (50) in an elbow region (50.2) of the user (50), said arm holders (20) being secured to said body (14) so as to maintain said user's elbow region (50.2) at a predetermined spacing during use of said aid (10) during drills which develop the front end of swimming strokes.

Description

A swimming stroke correction aid

Field of the invention

[001 ] The present invention relates to aids which can be used to correct the swimming stroke of a swimmer, as well as a method of stroke correction utilising such a swimming stroke correction aid for use with drills to improve a swimmer's front of stroke.

Background of the invention

[002] Out-of-water or in-gym stroke correction aids have been available for some time.

To date no in-water stroke correction aids have been available to coaches, instructors or swimmers.

[003] Serious swimmers and athletes can spend countless hours in the pool developing efficient strokes using drills and form strokes (butterfly and breast stroke) to improve the catch and a distinct action at the front end of stroke. However poor or late swimmers have not been given this development opportunity and in some cases, swimming coaches have failed to identify this as an important part of an economical and efficient swimming stroke. Due to a growing trend in the need for swimmers to beat their times or peers in events by training harder, swimmers lose track of why they are not improving by ignoring their inefficient technique. A major factor contributing to this is poor water feel at the front end of stroke.

[004] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Summary of the invention

[005] The present invention provides a swimming stroke correction aid comprising an elongated body being of a predetermined length, said aid including arm holders which are adapted to receive the arms of a user in an elbow region of the user, said arm holders being secured to said body so as to maintain said user's elbow region at a predetermined spacing during use of said aid during drills which develop the front end of swimming strokes.

[006] The elongated body can provide buoyancy.

[007] The elongated body can be manufactured from one or more than one of the following: a watertight hollow construction; a solid construction; a flotation material.

[008] The arm holders can be one of the following: secured to, or integrally formed with, the body and not repositionable on the body, as in a made to measure aid; removable and securable to the body and not repositionable; removeable and or securable and or repositionable with respect to the length of the body.

[009] The arm holders can have a construction which is one of the following: closed loops to receive the arms so that a user must thread their arms through the loops; an openable and closable loop made from members with free ends that can be joined together so as to secure an arm in position with respect to the loop; an openable and closable loop made from members with free ends that are joined by means of hook and loop fastenings so as to secure an arm in position with respect to the loop.

[010] The arm holders can include securing means so that the holder will be secured to the arm.

[01 1 ] The arm holders can include soft material, such as neoprene rubber and such like, to engage a user's arm.

[012] The arm holders can be securable to the body via a mounting system which includes a hook and loop faster system.

[013] The arm holders can include a mounting formation while the body includes one or more mating mounting formations to receive the mounting formation of the arm holder.

[014] The mounting formation and the mating mounting formation can include respectively a magnet and a metal portion or vica-versa, so as to releasably secure the arm holder to the body.

[015] The magnet and the metal part are contained within moulded parts.

[016] Respective ones of the moulded parts also include one of a spigot and or a mating recess, which will assist in the releasable securement of the arm holder to the body, in addition to the magnetic means.

[017] The mounting formation and the mating mounting formation can also respectively include interference formations to provide mechanical and or frictional forces to assist the magnetic forces.

[018] Alternatively the mounting formation and the mating mounting formation can respectively include cooperating bayonet formations for the respective components to be connected together.

[019] Alternatively the mounting formation and the mating mounting formation can respectively include a slot which opens laterally relative to the elongated body and a mating spigot, or can respectively include a mating spigot and a slot which opens laterally relative to the elongated body. The slot and spigot can also include a securing or locking mechanism to assist in holding the two together in use.

[020] The arm holder when secured to the body can provide relative rotation means whereby the users arm to rotate relative to the body.

[021 ] The relative rotation means can include one or more than one of the following: a hinge means; the arm holder being made from a flexible construction; the join between the arm holder and the body being constructed to provide sufficient degrees of freedom to allow relative rotation between the arm and the body.

[022] The arm holders can be repositionable at different locations on the body according to one of the following manners: at multiple discrete and predetermined locations on the body; at multiple positions anywhere along portions of the length of the body; anywhere along opposed predetermined lengths of the body at respective ends of the body.

[023] The aid can have a reinforcing bar or tube positioned internally of the body so as to provide both compressive and tensile strength and or rigidity, to assist in maintaining the predetermined spacing of the elbows during drills to improve swimming strokes.

[024] The aid can include end caps so as to prevent ends of the reinforcing bar escaping from the body.

[025] The aid can be such that the body is one or more of the following: extendible; collapsible; telescopic; made up of a number of parts to provide a body of different lengths.

[026] The arm holders can be mounted to the body by means of a translational track mounting connected to the body.

[027] The translational track mounting can allows a pin or recess to be positioned by the track at a range of locations on the track. The pin or recess can then be locked to the track to prevent movement along the track during use.

[028] The predetermined length and or the predetermined spacing can be one of the following: less than the shoulder width of a user; approximately equal to the shoulder width of the user; greater than the shoulder width of a user..

[029] The present invention also provides a method of correcting the stroke of a swimmer, the method including the steps of: a securing an aid as described above and herein, to arms of a user at the elbows of a user; having the user conduct drills which develop the front end of stroke. Brief description of the drawings

[030] A detailed description of a preferred embodiment will follow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings, in which:

[031 ] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled swimming stroke correction aid;

[032] Figure 2 illustrates the aid of figure 1 in an in use condition on a user;

[033] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the swimming stroke correction aid of figures 1 and 2, showing the body, arm holders and mounting system between the arm holders and body;

[034] Figure 4 illustrates plan view of the apparatus of figure 1 ;

[035] Figure 5 illustrates a cross section through the apparatus of figure 4 through the plane A-A;

[036] Figure 6 illustrates a portion of the cross section of figure 4 in detail;

[037] Figure 7 illustrates the portion of figure 6 with the arm holder separated from the body;

[038] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of a mounting component which is secured to the body so as to receive an arm holder;

[039] Figure 9 illustrates a plan view of the mounting component of figure 8;

[040] Figure 10 illustrates a cross section through the plane A-A of figure 9;

[041 ] Figure 1 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the component of figure 8, with the metal discs and end caps visible;

[042] Figure 12 illustrates a detailed cross section through part of figure 10;

[043] Figure 13 illustrates an underneath exploded perspective view of an arm holder;

[044] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of an assembled arm holder;

[045] Figure 15 illustrates a plan view of the arm holder of figure 14;

[046] Figure 16 illustrates a cross section through the arm holder of figure 515 through plane A-A;

[047] Figure 17 illustrates a detailed cross section through part of the cross section of figure 16;

[048] Figure 18 illustrates a schematic of an aid or device with slide adjustable arm holders; [049] Figure 19 illustrates the first stage of separation of two halves of the body of the aid or device of figure 18;

[050] Figure 19A illustrates the package or transport arrangement of the components in figure 19;

[051 ] Figure 20 illustrates an aid or device with body having telescoping ends;

[052] Figure 20A illustrates the device of figure 20 in a deployed condition ready for use;

[053] Figure 21 illustrates a device having a hinged body in a package or transport condition;

[054] Figure 21 A illustrates the device of figure 21 in an in use condition;

[055] Figure 22 illustrates another device in a transport or package condition, with interlocking body halves;

[056] Figure 22A illustrates the halves of figure 22 in process of being interlocked;

[057] Figure 22B illustrates the two halves of figures 22 and 22A in interlocked condition ready for use;

[058] Figure 23 illustrates a device having arm holders attached by gluing or sewing to the device body;

[059] Figure 24 illustrates a device where the arm holder is formed with an elastic portion to secure the arm holder to the body of the device, and the arm holder has fee ends to secure to an arm or elbow;

[060] Figure 25 is similar to that of figure 24, except that a buckle and strap is used to join the arm holder to the body of the device, and the body has depressions to locate the buckle and strap;

[061 ] Figure 26 illustrates a perspective view of a device where arm holders have apertures to secure to pins on the body;

[062] Figure 27 illustrates a device having a sliding and locking arm holder mounting;

[063] Figure 28 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the mounting system of

Figure 28;

[064] Figure 29 illustrates a perspective view of another device having loops on the body to secure arm holder straps;

[065] Figure 30 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a device where arm holders lock to discrete mating receptors; [066] Figure 31 illustrates a perspective view of the device of figure 30 in an assembled condition before attachment of the arm holders;

[067] Figure 32 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of figure 31 with the arm holders attached;

[068] Figure 33 illustrates a plan view of the device of figure 32, showing section plane

A-A;

[069] Figure 34 illustrates a cross section of the arm holder of the device of figures 30 to 34 though section plane A-A of figure 33;

[070] Figure 35 illustrates a cross section through the device of figure 33;

[071 ] Figure 36 illustrates a cross section through the end assembly of the device of figure 33;

[072] Figure 37 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the end assembly of the device of figures 30 to 36;

[073] Figure 38 illustrates a detailed perspective view of the illustration of figure 37, but from a different angle;

[074] Figure 39 illustrates the view of figure 38 where the arm holder button secured to the mating receptor or slot;

[075] Figure 40 illustrates an exploded perspective view of another device or embodiment, where the arm holders have a bayonet fitting to engage a mating fitting in the body of the device;

[076] Figures 41 illustrates the orientation of the arm holder of figure 40 aligned so as to enter the mating fitting;

[077] Figure 42 illustrates the arm holder entering the mating fitting;

[078] Figure 43 illustrates the arm holder rotated through 90 degrees and thus locked to the bayonet fitting; and

[079] Figure 44 illustrates a perspective view of the underneath of the spigot as used in the embodiment of figures 30 to 39.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

[080] Illustrated in Figure 1 and 2 is a swimming stroke correction aid 10 which is comprised of an elongated body 14 which is preferably of a length which is approximately equal to or greater than the shoulder width of a user 50. If needed for particular exercises, the length can be less than the shoulder width of a user, but this may limit the variety of exercises that the correction aid can be used for. The aid 10 includes two arm holders 12 which will receive the arms 50.1 of the user 50 in an elbow region 50.1 . The arm holders 12 are secured to the body 14, by means of the mounting formations 16, so as to maintain the user's elbow region 50.1 at approximately the same spacing during rotation of the elbow regions 50.1 during swimming strokes.

[081 ] The elongated body 10 provides buoyancy as it is of a cylindrical construction and manufactured from EPE (Expanded Polyethylene or Polyethylene Foam), EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate Foam), EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Foam) or PU (polyurethane foam). Preferably the body 10 is tubular so that a reinforcing member can be inserted in the hollow section, as will be described later. The construction of the body 10 is such that is provides both compressive strength and rigidity, as well as tensile strength, to assist in maintaining the spacing of the elbows 50.2 during swimming strokes.

[082] Aid 10 is of a watertight hollow construction. To achieve this end caps 18 are provided on each end to close off the hollow or tubular body 14. The end caps 18 can be made of any appropriate material such as ABS or rubber.

[083] The device 10 also includes four cap closures 20 which are used to close off unused mounting apertures in the mounting formation 16.

[084] As illustrated in Figure 2, the user will mount the device 10 by locating and centering their elbows 50.2 in the arm holders 12, and the arm holders 12 will be spaced apart on the body 14, so that they are preferably slightly outside the user's shoulder width, and that the positioning is comfortable. To assist this, the mounting apertures 16.1 as illustrated in figure 3, are located at approx. 50mm spacings so that a user can find an appropriate distance apart for their body. In the situation where the length of the body 14 is wider than the width of a user's shoulders, then the innermost inboard mounting apertures 16.1 can be provided at a spacing which is less than a user's shoulder width for those stroke correction exercises where this is helpful, and the outermost mounting apertures 16.1 can be provided at a spacing which is approximately equal to or just wider than a user's shoulder width, for those exercises, such as a "dog" paddle drill, which are best helped by such spacing. By providing some 3, 4 or 5 mounting apertures 16.1 on each side, it is expected that the combinations of apertures 16.1 used at either end should give a sufficiently wide range of elbow spacings for most swimmers and or exercises ot be performed.

[085] While the preferred material for the construction is an expanded foam, alternative constructions based on solid construction, such as a closed end tubular PVC material, which will also be relatively lightweight, but still provide a flotation effect due to its closed ends and solid wall construction. Such a closed PVC tube will also provide the requisite compressive and tensile strength to maintain the users elbows 50.2 maintained at a constant spacing during a swimming stroke.

[086] The arm holders 12 are secured to the body 14 by means of the mounting formation 16, which has, as illustrated in Figure 3, three mounting apertures 16.1 , so that the arm holders 12 are able to be repositioned at different locations along the length of the body 14, so as to provide different elbow separation spacing. The interaction of the mounting formation 16 and the arm holders 12, will be discussed in more detail below.

[087] While the embodiment of Figure 1 and 3 has the arm holder 12 being repositionable at different spacings, it will be understood that an embodiment of the invention can be manufactured in a made to measure aid 10, whereby the option of repositioning along the length of the body 14 is not provided, and whereby the arm holders are not able to be separated from the body 14, that is the arm holders 12 can be integrally formed with the body 14. Alternatively they can be separable from the body but are only positioned on the body 14 at respective single locations at either end of the body 14.

[088] It will also be noted that the arm holders 12 are both removable from and resectable to the body 14 as well as repositionable. If desired the arm holders 12 can be slidably captured by the body 14 or fittings attached thereto, whereby the arm holders 12 are not removable, but are repositionable along the length of the body 14.

[089] The arm holders 14 are preferably made of neoprene rubber, such as that used to make wetsuits and swimming shoes and the like. The arm holders 12 are illustrated as being closed loops to receive the arms 50.1 so that a user 50 must thread their arms 50.1 through the loops. The loops, as illustrated in Figures 13 14 and 16 have ends 12.8 and 12.9 which are at angles to each other. The neoprene construction allows the user 50 to bend their elbow quite readily. While a "one size fits all" approach to the arm holders 12 can be taken, by making the arm holders 12 detachable form the body 14, means that different diameter loops for the arm holders 12 can be provided to accommodate different diameter arms.

[090] Alternatively, the arm holders 12 can be provided as openable and closable loops which are made from members having free ends that can be joined together in use, so as to secure the arm holder 12 to an arm 50.1 . The members with free ends can be joined by means of hook and loop fastenings (such as Velcro and the like) so as to secure an arm in position with respect to said loop.

[091 ] As best illustrated in figures 3 to 17, the arm holders include a mounting formation or spigot 12.1 while the body 14 includes one or more mating mounting formations 16, in this case two with one being located on each end of the body 14. The mounting formations 16 receive the spigot 12.1 of the arm holder 12. [092] The mounting formation 16, as best illustrated in figures 1 1 and 12 has a series of three blind apertures or recesses 16.1 , with centres spaced at approximately 50 mm on the moulding 16. On the opposite side of the base 16.3 of the recesses 16.1 is a cylindrical cavity 16.4 into which can be received either an appropriately sized rare earth or super magnet 16.2, or a ferrous metal or iron based disc, which will be attracted to a super or rare earth magnet. The magnet or disc 16.2 can be glued or adhered into position in the cavity 16.4 so that is will not separate from the moulding 16.

[093] The moulding 16 can be made of rubber or similar polymeric material, and can be adhered to the body 14 or it can be made by an overmoulding process. The body 14 will need to have appropriate recesses formed in it to receive the underside of the moulding 16.

[094] The spigot 12.1 will include an appropriate polarity rare earth magnet captured therein by for example moulding the spigot 12.1 around the magnet. By the spigot 12.1 including a magnet, it will provide a relatively strong securing mechanism to keep the spigot 12.1 located in the aperture 16.1 . To assist this connection, the diameter of the aperture 16.1 is sized so as to be a mild interference fit with the outside diameter of the spigot 12.1 . This can be enhanced by low profile ribs and ribbing, so as to provide additional mechanical forces to assist in keeping the parts interconnected in addition to the magnetic forces (or as a replacement thereof if desired). The manner of connection between the spigot 12.1 and the recess 16.1 is such that the arm holder 12 is able to rotate around an axis defined by the longitudinal axis of the aperture 16.1 and or spigot 12.1 . This will provide to the arm holder 12 the ability, when secured to the body 14, a relative rotation means whereby the user's arm 50.1 can rotate laterally relative to body 14. However, as will be seen from later embodiments, this ability to rotate laterally need not always be present.

[095] To construct the arm holder 12 and its spigot 12.1 , as best illustrated in figure 13, a rubber or plastic constructed spigot 12.1 has a mounting flange 12.4 with a series of holes 12.41 peripherally or circumferentially located around the mounting flange 12.4. These holes 12.41 are used to stitch the mounting flange 12.41 , by the schematically represented stitching 12.3, which will pass into and out of the centre of the neoprene loops of the arm holders so as to securely interconnect them whereby they will not come apart when the arm holders 12 are connected to and disconnected from the body 14.

[096] While the illustrated embodiment of the figures utilises the spigot 12.1 and the aperture 16.1 the arm holder could alternatively be connected to the body 14 by a hinge or other flexible connection. The capability of the arm holder 12 to rotate relative to the body 14, together with the flexible construction of the neoprene loops then sufficient degrees of freedom are provided to the user 50 to allow relative rotation between the arm and the body 14. [097] The mouldings 16 each provide a multiple number of discrete and or predetermined locations on the body 14 to secure the arm holders to. However, if desired, multiple positions anywhere along portions of the length of the body 14 can be provided by for example a slidable mounting rail. Alternatively there can be provided hook formations (such as are used in Velcro hook and loop fastenings) along the whole length of the body 14, whereby the arm holders will have the corresponding loop formations so they can be connected anywhere along the body 14 length.

[098] As best illustrated in figures 6 and 7, through the middle of the expanded foam body 14 is positioned a reinforcing rod 22 which is preferably 5mm or 10mm stainless steel or aluminium rod or polymeric rod, so as to give to the body 14 when assembled, the needed compressive strength or rigidity and tensile strength to bear the compressive and tensile loads that may be applied by a user 50 during swimming strokes.

[099] The ends of the body 14 are finished and closed off by means of end caps 18, which make a water tight seal with the outer circumferences or ends of the body 14. Inside the end caps 18 there can be included discs 22.1 which engage the ends of the rod 22 to prevent the rod 22 inadvertently punching or otherwise escaping through the end caps 18, by providing a bigger contact surface area between the discs 22.1 and the end caps 18.

[0100] By the above described embodiments, the device 10 can be utilised in a method of correcting the stroke of a swimmer, which includes the steps of: a securing the aid 10 to the arms 50.1 of a user 50 at the elbows 50.2 and having the user undertake or conduct drills which develop the front end of stroke, while the relative locations of the elbows are maintained with respect to each other and at the spacing relative to each other by the body 14 and arm holders 12.

[0101 ] The above described embodiments describe a body of made from a single tubular member. However in figures 18, 19 and 19A, the device 10 has a two part body 14 with parts 14A and 14B. The parts 14A and 14B are joined by a joiner piece 14C which can be secured to the hollow in part 14B. As illustrated in figure 19, the two parts can be separated, so as to be placed side by side as in figure 19A for transport or packaging purposes.

[0102] The above description of embodiments has body 14 which is of a pre-set or predetermined length. However, as illustrated in figure 20 and 20A, the schematic of the device shows a body 14 having a central body 14C with left and right side body parts 14A and 14B which are telescopingly mounted to the central body 14C. To the parts 14A and 14B the arm holders 12 are respectively mounted. The parts 14A and 14B can be locked for movement relative to central part 14C for use or storage and transport and or packaging. [0103] In figures 21 and 21 A the body 14 has two main parts 14A and 14B which are hinged together by a hinge 14C.

[0104] Whereas in Figures 22, 22A and 22B the two parts 14A and 14B have interconnecting formations 14C and 14D, which will allow the two halves to be interlocked together before use to provide a body 14 assembly.

[0105] Illustrated in figure 23 is a device which is made to length by separate segments

14A, 14B and 14C, which are joined or interlocked together to obtain a desired length. The arm holder 12 is attached by sewing or otherwise to a mounting member 16 which is adhered to the body 14.

[0106] Illustrated in figure 24 is also a device which is made to length by multiple separate segments 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and 14E, which are joined or interlocked together to get a desired length. It can be seen from the join of segment 14A to the main body 14, that a mating interlocking formation 14.1 is provided, to lock the two parts together. The arm holder 12 is attached to an elastic loop mounting member 16 which is placed around the end body segment 14E.

[0107] Illustrated in figure 25 is a unitary body 14, with the arm holder 12 being secured to a band or strap 16 which has a buckle so that the band or strap 16can be secured to the body 14 at one of three discrete locations 16.45 which are depressions or recesses formed in the body to limit the longitudinal movement of the strap 16 when secured thereto.

[0108] Illustrated in Figure 26 is another embodiment where the body 14 has multiple pins 60, which can be received into clips 12.1 1 under the arm holders 12. The ci lips 12.1 1 are better illustrated in figure 28 and are stitched to the arm holder 12. The clips 12.1 1 have a slot

12.1 1 1 that receives the shank under the head of the pin 60, and opposed grooves or channels

12.1 12 which receive the sides or flanges of the head of the pin 60. The pins 60 as illustrated in figure 26 can be mounted and locked to the body 14 by means of locking pins, or integrally formed with the body 14 by co-moulding or like processes.

[0109] Illustrated in figures 27 and 28 is a device 10 which has a unitary body, but the arm holders 12 are mounted into the body, by means of a sliding track or repositioning system 80 as depicted in figure 28. The system 80 utilises clips 12.1 1 as described in the previous paragraph, which receive the pin 60 which has a base 80.1 . The base 80.1 slides on top of the elongated mount 80.2. The mount 80.2 has a profiled side walls on its under-surface 80.3 into which the locking part 80.4 can slide and lock. The locking part 80.4 comprises two opposed tongues 80.6 which have lateral projecting ends to engage recesses in the under-surface 80.3, which will be forced outwardly when locking pin 80.7 is pushed through both aperture 80.5 in locking part 80.4 and aperture 60.1 in the pin 60. This occurs because spigots 80.9, on either side of the central pin part 80.8 pushes out the tongues 80.6 when the pin part is properly engaged and pushed home. This arrangement allows for the mounting pins 60 to be located at various distances from the body 14 ends, then secured in place by the locking pin 80.7 being properly engaged, and then clip 12.1 1 stitched to the underside of the arm holder 12 is used to mount the arm holder 12 to the mounting system 80. The mounting pin 60 has a recess 60.19 and the clips 12.1 1 has a tongue 12.32 and a domed portion 12.31 , and these components work in the same manner components in figures 12.19, 16.32 and 16.31 from figures 30 to 39 and 44, and the reader is referred to the description below in respect of this.

[01 10] Illustrated in Figure 29 is a device or aid 10 which is similar to preceding embodiments, where the arm holders 12 are secured to the body 14 by straps 12.5 through discrete bars in the mounting formations 16. The arm holders can be positioned at one of three positions. The body 14, like some above described embodiments, has two halves 14A and 14B and these are locked together in an in -use condition by a lock 83 which will secure the two halves together releasably so that the body can be broken into two pieces to transport or package the device.

[01 1 1 ] As is visible in Figures 24 to 27, the arm holders 12 while being of a single piece of neoprene, has one bifurcated end 12.33 which proved a pair of overlapping free ends 12.34 and 12.35 to allow a user to wrap the ends around their arms on one side of their elbow, with the free ends 12.34 and 12.35 having respective hook and loop fasteners members (such as the Velcro brand fasteners) so that the user can secure the free ends 12.34 and 12.35 together.

[01 12] Illustrated in figures 30 to 39 is another embodiment of the device 10, which has a foam body 14 which has a central passage through it. The hollow body 14 receives the hollow reinforcing rod 22 so that the four apertures 22.1 at each end vertically align with the respective four apertures 14.4 through the body 14at the shaped mounting member receiving portion. The mounting member 16, as best illustrated in the cross section of figure 36 has a series of four barbs 16.5 extending downwardly from the underside of the mounting member 16. The barbs 16.5 pass through the apertures 14.4 and into the apertures 22.1 where the respective barbs 16.5 pass into the reinforcing tube 22 and are thus secured thereto.

[01 13] Each mounting member 16 has three laterally accessed mounting apertures or slots 16.1 , so that a user can locate the arm holder 12 at the appropriate location for the user's shoulder width. The slots 16.1 are open at one end to receive the mounting spigot 12.1 which is attached to the base of the arm holder 12. This is best illustrated in figures 37 to 39 where the mounting spigot 12.1 is mounted on a button formation having a downwardly depending head portion and an upper flange with apertures 12.41 through it, so as to allow the spigot 12.1 to be stitched to the arm holder 12, which is made from a fabric or material construction. [01 14] As is best visible from figures 35 to 39, the base of each slot 16.1 includes a cantilevered tongue 16.32 on which is formed a bulbous or domed portion or mound 16.31 which projects upwardly or away from the body 14 of the device. The domed portion 16.31 acts as a biased locking formation which in use, when spigot 12.1 slides into slot 16.1 , will move into a recess 12.19 in the spigot 12.1 (see figure 24) so as to lock the two component together. The foam of the body 14, underneath the base of the member 16, will act as a biasing means to the tongue 16.32 to urge it away from the body 14, whereby the tongue is aided to maintain its rest position to enable locking with spigot 12.1 . To disengage the spigot 12.1 from the slot 16.1 , by applying sufficient lateral force in the direction the opening of the sot 16.1 , the interaction of the recess 12.19 against the upper inclined or tapered surface of domed portion 16.31 , will force the domed portion and thus the tongue 16.32 to press into the body 14 beneath the member 16, as the spigot 12.1 leaves the slot 16.1 . Once the spigot 12.1 is removed from the slot 16.1 , the tongue 16.32 will be able to move back to its rest position.

[01 15] The manner in which the arm holder 12 connects to the tube 14 in the embodiment of figures 30 to 39, is the mechanical inverse of the manner of the embodiment of figures to 26 to 28, except that in the embodiment to figures 30 to 39, the slots are not translatable or moveable relative to the body 14.

[01 16] Illustrated in figures 40 to 43 is another device 10 which has six individual mounting members 16, in sets of three at each end of the body 14, which are secured into apertures 14.7, by means of a bifurcated lock member 16.10 which enters the through apertures 14.7 from the reverse side, of the body 14, to that through which mounting members 16 enter. Then when the barbed bifurcated ends 16.12 pass into the members 16, the barbs 16.12 engage the apertures 16.1 1 in the side walls, and thereby lock the two components together with the foam body 14 sandwiched there between. The locations of the barbs 16.12 on the locks 16.10 and the location of the apertures 16.1 1 on the mounting members 16, together with the respective larger dimensioned heads or outboard flanges 16.13 and 16.14, ensure that the assembled elements will not pull through the body 14 when in use, and further will apply some compression to the foam body 14 between the respective flanges 16.13 and 16.14, whereby the foam acts as a bias to keep an urging to pull apart the locks 16.10 and member 16, thus ensuring they remain positively locked together.

[01 17] Each mounting member 16 includes a bayonet formation 16.15, which receives mating shaped formations on the mounting spigot 12.1 , best seen in figure 41 . The bayonet formation 16.15 and mating formation on spigot 12.1 , will require the arm holder 12 to be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body 14 as illustrated in figure 41 , so that the spigot 12.1 can fully axially enter into the formation 16.5. Once therein as illustrated in figure 42, further axial engaging movement is not possible between the two components. Then, as in figure 43, the user rotates the arm holder 12 through 90 degrees, thereby interlocking and or inter- engaging the formation 16.5 and the mating formations on the spigot 12.1 , allowing the device 10 to be used.

[01 18] By the above swimming stroke correction aid 10, a swimmer can do drills which will help to develop a firm hold on the water out in front of the body - allowing the elbow to remain high and the hand to drop creating a bend in the elbow of up to 90 degrees or more. This allows the swimmers body to move over the hand with greater ease and less resistance, and to greater than 90 degrees during the recovery stroke.

[01 19] Introducing drills by attaching the device 10 to the user's elbows will allow a swimmer to roll over the device 10 forward from elbows forcing correct elbow angles for most swimming strokes and other water based skills. The device 10 can train swimmers to keep elbows high and hand lower than elbow (up to 90 degrees or more) at catch through the front end of a stroke.

[0120] The device 10 can create a "down-hill feel", which is uncommon in poor swimmers water position. By creating floatation under the elbows will ensure the swimmers catch is in front of the body (not underneath) and this will allow the swimmer to start extending their catch forward by way of drills, without dropping elbows.

[0121 ] By using this device 10 regularly for drills will train specific swim catch movement

(front of stroke) for (freestyle, butterfly and breast stroke) out in front of the body and creating water feel and strength for all swimming strokes and water based exercises. The device 10 will force the swimmer to bend their elbow and complete the drills and specific strengthening exercises minimising the resurfacing of bad habits by training for correct muscle memory for swimming. Drills include, but are not limited to - dog paddle, extended double arm fast hand movement (scull), and broader sculling drill (like breast stroke).

[0122] The device 10 can also be used: for strength training, as a replacement for a kick board - using the device 10 as resistance during kicking sets whilst also allowing swimmer to practice drills, to coordinate a 6 beat kick with arm stroke (freestyle) and the same with butterfly kick/catch, and to assist with ease of breathing & hypoxic training. The device 10 can also be used to train efficient and streamlined recovery (breastroke) and entry (freestyle, butterfly) and can be used for specific strength training or as a replacement for a kick board using the device as resistance during kicking sets whilst also allowing swimmer to practice drills.

[0123] While much f the above description and drawings show three mounting locations at each end of the body 14, it will be readily understood that any number can be provided at respective ends. Thus for example, on a "made to measure" unit it is possible to provide only one mounting location at each end of the body,, but for manufacturing it is expected that 3, 4 or 5 mounting locations at each end may be provided, or possibly 3 on one end with 4 or 5 on the other, or other combinations such as 4 on one end and 3 or 5 on other end.

[0124] Where ever it is used, the word "comprising" is to be understood in its "open" sense, that is, in the sense of "including", and thus not limited to its "closed" sense, that is the sense of "consisting only of". A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words "comprise", "comprised" and "comprises" where they appear.

[0125] It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

[0126] While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1 . A swimming stroke correction aid comprising an elongated body being of a

predetermined length, said aid including arm holders which are adapted to receive the arms of a user in an elbow region of the user, said arm holders being secured to said body so as to maintain said user's elbow region at a predetermined spacing during use of said aid during drills which develop the front end of swimming strokes.

2. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said elongated body provides buoyancy.

3. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said elongated body is manufactured from one or more than one of the following: a watertight hollow construction; a solid construction; a flotation material.

4. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said arm holders are one of the following: secured to, or integrally formed with, said body and not repositionable on said body, as in a made to measure aid; removable and securable to said body and not repositionable; removeable and or securable and or repositionable with respect to the length of said body.

5. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said arm holders have a construction which is one of the following: closed loops to receive said arms so that a user must thread their arms through said loops; an openable and closable loop made from members with free ends that can be joined together so as to secure an arm in position with respect to said loop; an openable and closable loop made from members with free ends that are joined by means of hook and loop fastenings so as to secure an arm in position with respect to said loop.

6. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said arm holders include securing means so that said holder will be secured to said arm.

7. A swimming stroke correction aid, wherein said arm holders include soft material, such as neoprene rubber and such like, to engage a user's arm.

8. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said arm holders are securable to said body by a mounting system which includes hook and loop faster systems.

9. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 8, wherein said arm holders include a mounting formation while said body includes one or more mating mounting formations to receive said mounting formation of said arm holder.

10. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 9, wherein said mounting formation and said mating mounting formation include respectively a magnet and a metal portion or vica versa, so as to releasably secure said arm holder to said body.

1 1 . A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 10 wherein said magnet and said metal part are contained within moulded parts.

12. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein respective ones of said moulded parts also include one of a spigot and or a mating recess, which will assist in the releasable securement of said arm holder to said body, in addition to said magnetic means.

13. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein said mounting formation and said mating mounting formation also respectively include interference formations to provide mechanical and or frictional forces to assist the magnetic forces.

14. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said mounting formation and said mating mounting formation respectively include cooperating bayonet formations for the respective components to be connected together.

15. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said mounting formation and said mating mounting formation respectively include a slot which opens laterally relative to the elongated body and mating spigot, or a mating spigot and a slot which opens laterally relative to the elongated body.

16. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 15, wherein said slot and spigot include a securing or locking mechanism to assist in holding the two together in use.

17. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said arm holder when secured to said body provides relative rotation means whereby said users arm can rotate relative to said body.

18. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 16, wherein said relative rotation means can include one or more than one of the following: a hinge means; the arm holder being made from a flexible construction; the join between said arm holder and said body being constructed to provide sufficient degrees of freedom to allow relative rotation between said arm and said body.

19. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said arm holders are repositionable at different locations on said body according to one of the following manners: multiple discrete and predetermined locations on said body; multiple positions anywhere along portions of the length of said body; anywhere along opposed predetermined lengths of said body at respective ends of said body.

20. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a reinforcing bar or tube is positioned internally of said body so as to provide both compressive and tensile strength and or rigidity, to assist in maintaining the spacing of said elbows during drills to improve swimming strokes.

21 . A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 19, wherein end caps are provided so as to prevent ends of said reinforcing bar escaping from said body.

22. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said body is one or more of the following: extendible; collapsible; telescopic; made up of a number of parts to provide a body of different lengths; able to be transformed from an in use condition to a transport or package condition.

23. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said arm holders are mounted to said body by means of a translational track mounting connected to said body.

24. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 22, wherein said translational track mounting allows a pin or recess to be positioned by said track at a range of locations on said track.

25. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in claim 23, wherein the pin or recess is lockable to said track to prevent movement along said track during use.

26. A swimming stroke correction aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said predetermined length and or said predetermined spacing is one of the following: less than the shoulder width of a user; approximately equal to the shoulder width of the user; greater than the shoulder width of a user.

27. A method of correcting the stroke of a swimmer, said method including the steps of: securing an aid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 26 to the arms of a user at the elbows of a user; having the user conduct drills which develop the front end of stroke.