FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure generally relates to swim garments for providing buoyant support to a person in a body of water.
BACKGROUND
Accidental deaths due to drowning are prevalent for early swimmers as they transition from swimming with the assistance of a swim-aid device to swimming on their own without the support of a swim-aid device. These accidental incidents of drowning are due in large part to the swimmer's position while in a body of water. People learning to swim can position themselves in many different positions while in a body of water, including a vertical position or a horizontal position. Swim-aids attempt to strike a balance between keeping the user afloat, regardless of the user's position in the water, and allowing the user to become acclimated to the water so that the user can become comfortable while swimming in the water.
SUMMARY
To accommodate all these factors, the swim apparatus can include an outer shell that is made of a water-resistant material and fit to conform around a user. The outer shell contains a plurality of cavities, spanning throughout the torso portion and limb portion(s) of the outer shell and that can contain a torso flotation device and at least one limb flotation device. The torso flotation device is located within the torso portion of the outer shell and includes a first cavity of the plurality of cavities and some removable flotation material. The at least one limb flotation device is located within the limb portion of the outer shell and includes a second cavity of the plurality of cavities and some removeable flotation material. Each cavity can be made to hold a removable piece of flotation material. The outer shell also includes a flexible torso band located at the waist of the user. The flexible torso band allows the outer shell to expand as the user puts the swim apparatus on and allows the outer shell to fit around the waist of the user so that the swim apparatus is not loose. The outer shell also includes at least one strap that allows the user to connect each side of the outer shell together so that the outer shell can fasten around the torso of the user. Finally, the swim apparatus includes two adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps, each of which connect from the front side of the outer shell to the back side of the outer shell. Each strap creates a loop for an arm of the user to fit through. The adjustable over-the-should-straps vertically fasten the user within the swim apparatus around a user wearing the swim apparatus and will also include a plurality of cavities.
The swim apparatus is practical because it is quick to put on and easy to wear since the swim apparatus is designed to fit over the swimsuit of the user. Further, the location of flotation devices within the swim apparatus provides the user with buoyant support all throughout the torso and limbs of the user. If the user positions itself in a non-horizontal position while in a body of water, the distribution of flotation devices allows the swim apparatus to prompt the user back to a proper horizontal position. By prompting the user back to a proper horizontal position, new swimmers learn that a horizontal position is the correct position, so when the user final stops using a swim-aid, the user will not endanger itself by incorrectly swimming in a vertical position. Along with this, the positioning of the flotation devices does not restrict the user's ability to move either its arms or legs while swimming. This allows the user to learn the motions required to swim, while not needing to focus on staying afloat while in the water, since the buoyant support provided by the swim apparatus will keep the user afloat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 depicts a user wearing a swim apparatus.
FIG. 2 depicts the user wearing the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 to maintain a proper horizontal position while in a body of water.
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 and further illustrates the outer shell of the swim apparatus, a plurality of cavities, the distribution of flotation devices within the plurality of cavities, a flexible torso band, and two adjustable over-the-shoulder straps.
FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 and further illustrates the distribution of flotation devices within the plurality of cavities within the outer shell, the adjustable straps, and a coupling mechanism used to fasten together two portions of the outer shell.
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the outer shell of FIG. 3 configured in an expanded position.
FIG. 6 depicts a back view of the outer shell of FIG. 3 configured in an expanded position.
FIGS. 7a and 7b depict a side view of the outer shell of FIG. 3 with an additional cross-sectional view of the flexible torso band.
FIGS. 8a and 8b depict the adjustable over-the-shoulder straps of the outer shell of FIG. 3 fixedly coupled to the outer shell.
FIGS. 8c and 8d depict a second embodiment of the adjustable over-the-shoulder straps of the outer shell of FIG. 3 and the various connection methods for attaching the adjustable over-the-shoulder straps to the outer shell.
FIGS. 9a and 9b depict an isometric view of the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 further including a head-neck flotation device and a bottom view of the head-neck flotation device. Further illustrated are the attachment connections between the head-neck flotation device and the outer shell.
FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c depict the removable flotation material of the torso flotation device and the limb flotation device.
FIGS. 11a and 11b depict a zoomed-in view of the adjustable straps of FIG. 4 fixedly coupled to the outer shell and used to connect the adjustable strap to the outer shell and to connect two portions of the outer shell together around a user.
FIGS. 11c and 11d depict a zoomed-in view of the adjustable strap of FIG. 4 along with attachment mechanisms used to connect the adjustable straps to the outer shell and to connect two portions of the outer shell together around a user.
FIG. 12 depicts a front, isometric view of a second embodiment of the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 and further illustrates the outer shell, the plurality of cavities, and the distribution of flotation devices within each cavity.
FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the outer shell of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and illustrates the distribution of each cavity of the plurality of cavities along with the distribution of flotation devices within each cavity.
FIG. 14 is a back view of the outer shell of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and illustrates the distribution of each cavity of the plurality of cavities, the flotation devices within each cavity, the coupling mechanism of the outer shell, and the plurality of adjustable straps to attach and detach external flotation devices.
FIG. 15 depicts a back view of the outer shell of the second embodiment of FIG. 14 and illustrates two attachable mechanisms used to couple together two portions of the outer shell.
FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c depict the removable flotation material of the upper torso flotation device, the lower torso flotation device, and the limb flotation device.
FIG. 17 depicts a front, isometric view of the second embodiment of the swim apparatus of FIG. 12, further including a detachable flotation device fit to secure around the lower torso of the user.
FIG. 18 depicts a back view of the detachable flotation device of FIG. 17 illustrating each of the straps coupled to the sides of the detachable flotation device.
FIG. 19 depicts a back view of a second embodiment of the detachable flotation device of FIG. 17, illustrating each of the strap coupled to the back side of the detachable flotation device.
FIG. 20 depicts a back view of the outer shell of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and illustrates the detachable flotation device of FIG. 16 mechanically coupled to the straps coupled to the outer shell.
FIG. 21 depicts a front, isometric view of a third embodiment of the swim apparatus of FIG. 1 and further illustrates the outer shell, the flexible torso band, the plurality of cavities, the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps, the torso flotation device, the at least one limb flotation device, and the head-neck flotation device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A swim apparatus may include an outer shell of layered, water-resistant fabric that can span from the top of a user's shoulders all the way down to just above the knees of a user. The outer shell can include a flexible torso band that is located at a waist of the user and that allows the outer shell to expand as the user puts the outer shell on. Once fully expanded to fit around the user, the flexible torso band can contract so that the outer shell conforms around the circumference of the waist of the user. The outer shell can further include many different cavities within the outer shell, all capable of holding flotation devices. The flotation devices are placed within the cavities of the outer shell and are made up of a removeable and buoyant flotation material. The flotation devices are dispersed throughout the torso portion of the outer shell and the limb portions of the outer shell to provide the user with sufficient buoyant support to allow the user to maintain a proper horizontal position while in the water. Further, there a two adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps that are coupled to the top portions of a front side and a back side of the outer shell. The two adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps creates loops for the user to place each of its arms through. Finally, there are two adjustable straps coupled to the back of the outer shell. These adjustable straps are fixed with attachment mechanisms that allow each of the two adjustable straps to connect. This connection allows the outer shell to wrap around the torso of the user to keep the user fastened within the outer shell.
FIGS. 1 and 2 depicts a user 50 wearing a swim apparatus 1000. The swim apparatus 1000 can be configured to fit around the user 50 to provide support that enables the user 50 to maintain a proper horizontal position while in the body of water. A proper horizontal position refers to a body position, covered with the swim apparatus 1000, of the user 50 that is parallel to a surface of the body of water. The swim apparatus 1000 is designed to conform around the body of the user 50. “Fit” refers to the swim apparatus 1000 conforming to the size and shape of the body of the user 50. The swim apparatus 1000 provides the user with sufficient buoyant support to maintain a horizontal position while in a body of water. The buoyant support provided by the swim apparatus 1000, however, is not so rigid that the user 50 cannot adjust his or her position in the water and it does not prevent the user 50 from using any limb(s) 53 of the user 50 to move through the body of water. The buoyant support provided by the swim apparatus 1000 adapts the position of the user 50 by prompting the user 50 to return to a proper horizontal position. This means that if the user 50 is in a vertical position or is positioned sideways while in a body of water, the swim apparatus 1000 will forcibly rotate or move the user 50, using the distribution of removeable flotation material, to adjust the position of the user 50 so that the user 50 returns to a proper horizontal position where a face of the user 50 is positioned downward towards the body of water. The horizontal position will allow the user 50 to stay balanced in the body of water, subsequently developing the tendency of the user 50 to remain in this position when the user 50 eventually swims without the assistance of a swim-aid device. Maintaining a proper horizontal position while in the water is extremely important to an early swimmer's success as they transition away from the use of a swim-aid, given that accidental deaths due to drowning are from swimmers maintaining a vertical position in the water. The community of swimmers needs a swim-aid that provides enough buoyant support to correct an early swimmer's positioning in the water, allows the early swimmer to user their limbs to navigate through the water, and allows early swimmers to become acclimated to being in the water.
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the swim apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, wherein the swim apparatus 1000 can include an outer shell 100, comprised of a flexible torso band 110, a plurality of cavities 120 and a non-flotation portion 160; a torso flotation device 170; a limb flotation device 190; and the adjustable over-the-shoulder straps 130.
The outer shell 100 can be configured to wrap around the body of the user 50 to keep the user 50 contained within the swim apparatus 1000. By wrapping around the body of the user 50, the outer shell 100 creates a tight seal around the user 50 so that the flotation devices can conform around a torso 52 and the limb(s) 53 of the user 50. A “tight seal” means that there is no excess space between the inside of the outer shell 100 and user 50. The flexible torso band 110, within the outer shell 100, is located around a waist 51 of the user 50 and assists in adjusting the size of the outer shell 100 so that the outer shell 100 can conform to the body of the user 50. The flexible torso band is further explained in FIGS. 7a and 7b. The outer shell 100 is comprised of a water-resistant fabric that has stretchable qualities to allow the outer shell 100 to conform to the user 50. In certain embodiments, these materials can include nylon, polyester, a blend of the two, spandex, or any other suitable material.
As part of the outer shell 100, the plurality of cavities 120 may include at least a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122. Each of the first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 contains an open area of space in which the torso flotation device 170 and the at least one limb flotation device can reside. Each cavity of the plurality of cavities 120 is formed when at least one piece of material is coupled either to an inner side 101 of the outer shell 100 or to an outer side 102 of the outer shell 100. The outer side 102 of the outer shell 100 is depicted further in FIG. 5 and the inner side 101 of the outer shell 100 is depicted in FIG. 6. Further, each cavity of the plurality of cavities 120 can be closed either through an overlay of material or through a mechanical fastener, such as a zipper or button. The overlay of material means that the cavity can have an opening at all times. Further, the overlay of formed when one piece of material that forms the cavity overlaps with another piece of material that forms the same cavity. Both overlapping materials in the overlay can be separated to access the inside of the cavity. The overlay of material or mechanical fastener allows for a removable piece of flotation material 171, located within each of the cavities of the plurality of cavities 120, to be removable. The removable flotation material 171 can provide the user 50 with the ability to remove individual pieces of flotation material 171. The ability for a user 50 to remove individual removable pieces of flotation material 171 can allow the user 50 to have a much easier, and less drastic, transition as the user 50 switches from using the swim apparatus 1000 to swimming without the assistance of the swim apparatus 1000. The removable flotation material 171 is further depicted in FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 9c. In certain other embodiments, any cavity of the plurality of cavities 120 may be closed and contain a fixedly positioned flotation material 171 inside.
The non-flotation portion 160 is the same piece of material as the rest of the outer shell but does not contain any flotation device or cavity within it.
The torso flotation device 170 is dispersed along a torso portion 140 of the outer shell 100 to allow the user 50 to have buoyant support throughout all along the torso 52 of the user 50. This buoyant support allows the torso 52 of the user 50 to remain in a horizontal position while in a body of water.
The limb flotation device 190 is dispersed along one or more limbs 53 of a limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100 to allow the user 50 to have buoyant support throughout their limbs 53. This buoyant support allows at least one limb 53 of the user 50 to remain in a horizontal position while in a body of water.
The one or more adjustable over-the-shoulder straps 130 connect to the outer shell 100 and are further explained in FIGS. 8a-8d.
FIG. 4 depicts a back view of the swim apparatus 1000 and the at least one adjustable strap 180 that can be coupled to the outer shell 100. The adjustable straps 180 includes a first attachable mechanism 183 that can be used to coupled together one portion of the outer shell to another portion of the outer shell 100, so that the user 50, while inside of the outer shell 100, is securely fastened within the outer shell 100. To enter the swim apparatus 1000, the user 50 steps into the limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100, and then slides each limb 53 through the respective loop formed from the adjustable over-the-shoulder straps 130. The user 50 is then fastened inside of the outer shell 100 by coupling the attachable mechanisms together that are coupled to each of the at least one strap 180. Other embodiments can contain one single adjustable strap 180 to fasten the user 50 inside of the outer shell 100. FIGS. 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d further depict a multiple adjustable strap 180 embodiment.
Further depicted are the plurality of cavities 120 and the torso flotation device 170 and limb flotation devices 190. The plurality of cavities 120 may be configured to span from the back of the outer shell 100, around the front of the outer shell 100, and then to the opposite side of the back of the outer shell 100. The removable flotation material 171 that makes up each of the torso flotation device 170 and the limb flotation devices 190 are further explained in FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c. The devices can be configured to wrap around the torso and limbs of the user as one continuous removeable piece of flotation material or as multiple removable pieces of flotation material.
FIG. 5 depicts a front view of the outer shell 100 in an expanded position and illustrates an outer side 102 of the outer shell 100. The outer side 102 of the outer shell 100 is the fabric material of the outer shell 100 that is exposed to either water or air while a user 50 is swimming.
FIG. 6 depicts a back view of the outer shell 100 in an expanded position and illustrates an inner side 101 of the outer shell 100. Also depicted is the torso portion 140 of the outer shell 100 and the limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100. The inner side 101 of the outer shell 100 is the fabric material of the outer shell 100 that is in contact with the user 50 while the user 50 is wearing the outer shell 100. The vertical dashed lines represent the points of the outer shell 100 that rotate around the user 50 while the user 50 is wearing the outer shell 100. The dashed lines around the waist 51 of the outer shell 100 represent the portion of the outer shell 100 that the user 50 will step into in order to wear the swim apparatus 1000.
FIGS. 7a and 7b depict a cross-sectional view of the flexible torso band 110 within the outer shell 100. The flexible torso band 110 can either be: (1) disposed within the inner side 101 of the outer shell 100 and the outer side 102 of the outer shell 100; or (2) can be coupled to at least one of the inner side 101 of the outer shell 100 or the outer side 102 of the outer shell 100.
The flexible torso band 110 is approximately located at the waist 51 of the user 50 and wraps around the full circumference of the user 50. “Approximately located at the waist 51 of the user 50” refers to a portion of the body of the user 50 where the bottom of the torso 52 connects to the top of the legs of the user 50. The flexible torso band 110 is comprised of an elastic material that can stretch the outer shell 100 to conform and accommodate the waist 51 of the user 50. The flexible torso band 110 is stretchable to fit the circumference of the waist 51 of the user 50. “Fit” refers to the ability of the flexible torso band 110 to adjust the size of the outer shell 100 to conform to the specific body and size of the user 50. The flexible torso band 110 also allows for the torso portion 140 and the limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100 to conform to the body of the user 50 so that the flotation devices are positioned in a conform way on the body of the user 50.
FIGS. 8a and 8b depicts two adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 and the non-flotation portion 160 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 8b further depicts a bottom view of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130. The adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can further include a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The outer shell 100 can further include a first location 105 and a second location 106. The first portion 131 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 fixedly couples to the first location 105 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling can be achieved by sewing the first portion 131 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 to the first location 105 of the outer shell 100 as depicted in FIG. 8a. The second portion 132 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 fixedly couples to the second location 106 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling can be achieved by sewing the second portion 132 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 to the second location 106 of the outer shell 100 as depicted in FIG. 8a. In certain embodiments, the two adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can be made of an elastic material that can have rigid stretching qualities, such as a nylon, polyester, a blend of the two, spandex or any other suitable material.
FIGS. 8c and 8d depicts an alternate embodiment to the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 and the non-flotation portion 160 of the outer shell 100. This embodiment illustrates an adjustable embodiment of the over-the-shoulder-straps 130. FIG. 8d further depicts a bottom view of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130. The adjustable over-the-shoulder-strap 130 can further include a first portion 131 and a second portion 132. The outer shell 100 can further include a first location 105 and a second location 106. The first portion 131 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can further include a first mechanical attachable mechanism 133 and the second portion of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can further include a second mechanical attachable mechanism 134. The first location 105 of the outer shell 100 can further include a third mechanical attachable mechanism 135 and the second location 106 of the outer shell 100 can further include a fourth mechanical attachable mechanism 136. The first mechanical attachable mechanism 133 of the first portion 131 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can be configured to attach to the third mechanical attachable mechanism 135 at the first location 105 of the outer shell 100. The second mechanical attachable mechanism 134 of the second portion 132 of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 can be configured to attach to the fourth mechanical attachable mechanism 136 at the second location 106 of the outer shell 100. In certain embodiments, each of the mechanical attachable mechanisms can be a button, clip, or any other suitable locking mechanism.
The adjustable over-the-should-straps 130 of FIGS. 8a-8d can be attached to the outer shell 100 of the swim apparatus 1000 and can keep the outer shell 100 vertically fastened on the user 50 while the user 50 is in a body of water. The loops created by either the fixed coupling of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps 130 and the outer shell 100, as depicted in FIGS. 8a and 8b, or by the detachable coupling of the at least one adjustable over-the-shoulder-strap 130 and the outer shell 100, as depicted in FIGS. 8c and 8d, provide a place for the user 50 to place each limb 53 through. The looped created can be adjusted by either tightening the fixed coupling of the first embodiment or by adjusting the connection position of the mechanical attachable mechanism of the second embodiment. The design of the adjustable over-the-shoulder-straps can provide the user 50 with free range of motion for each limb so that the user 50 can perform the motions needed to execute swimming movements, such as paddling, while still allowing the user 50 to receive the benefit of the buoyant support provided for by the other components of the swim apparatus 1000. In certain embodiments, there can be a single adjustable over-the-shoulder strap 130, or there can be a plurality of over-the-shoulder-straps 130.
FIGS. 9a and 9b depict the swim apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1 and a head-neck flotation device 200. FIG. 9a depicts a front isometric view of the swim apparatus 1000 further including the head-neck flotation device 200. The outer shell 100 of the swim apparatus 1000 can include a third position 109 on the outer side 102 of the outer shell 100. The third position 109 on the outer side 102 of the outer shell 100 can include a first mechanical attachment 203. FIG. 9b depicts a bottom view of the head-neck flotation device 200. The head-neck flotation device 200 can include a top portion 201 and a bottom portion 202. As depicted in FIG. 9a, the top portion 201 of the head-neck flotation device 200 is fixedly coupled to a bottom portion 161 of the non-flotation portion 160 of the outer shell 100. This fixed coupling can be achieved by sewing the top portion 201 of the head-neck flotation device 200 to the bottom portion 161 of the non-flotation portion 160 of the outer shell 110. As depicted in FIG. 9b, the bottom portion 202 of the head-neck flotation device 200 can further include a mechanical attachment 204. As depicted in FIG. 9a, the mechanical attachment 204 of the head-neck flotation device 200 can be configured to mechanically couple to the mechanical attachment 203 of the third position 109 of the outer side 102 of the outer shell 100.
When released from the mechanical attachment 203 of the outer shell 100, the bottom portion 202 of the head-neck flotation device 200 can be flipped upward, either by the user 50 or by the force provided by the body of water, so that it is positioned above the top portion 201 of the head-neck flotation device 200 and positioned underneath the head, chin, or neck of the user 50. Users 50 learning to swim typically have mental difficulties in bringing their head underwater when they swim, thereby inhibiting their ability to become acclimated to placing their face in the water. The head-neck flotation device 200 provides a tool for the user 50 to use when the user 50 is not comfortable with placing their face or head in the body of water. By being positioned underneath the head, chin, or neck of the user 50 while the user 50 swims, the head-neck flotation device 200 allows the user 50 to learn the movements required to swim, with the buoyant support provided for by the swim apparatus 1000, without having to support the weight of the head of the user 50 to keep the head above the water while swimming.
FIGS. 10a, 10b, and 10c each depict the removable flotation material 171 of each the torso flotation device 170 and the at least one limb flotation device 190, that can be placed within each of the first cavity 121 and the second cavity 122 of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 10a illustrates a single, continuous removable piece of flotation material 171 that conforms around the body of the user 50. The single, continuous removable piece of flotation material 171 can be housed in the first cavity 121 of the torso portion 140 of the outer shell 100 and also can be housed within the second cavity 122 of the limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 10b illustrates a plurality of removable flotation material 171 that can be divided horizontally to fit within at least the first cavity 121 or at least the second cavity 122 of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 10c illustrates a plurality of removable flotation material 171 that can be divided vertically to fit within at least the first cavity 121 or at least the second cavity 122 of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. All three embodiments of the removable flotation material 171 can be made of a buoyant, water-resistant foam material, such as polyvinyl chloride foam or polyethylene foam, that can provide the user 50 with support to float in a horizontal position while in a body of water without the user 50 needing to perform any swim movements to stay afloat. Further, in other embodiments, the removeable flotation material 171 may be fixedly positioned within a cavity of the plurality of cavities 120 so that the flotation material 171 cannot be removed.
FIGS. 11a and 11b depict an embodiment of the adjustable strap 180 of FIG. 3 that can be configured to tighten the outer shell 100 around the user 50. The adjustable strap 180 can be a plurality of adjustable straps, including a first adjustable strap 180a and a second adjustable strap 180b. The first adjustable strap 180a can include a first portion 181 and a second portion 182. The outer shell can include a first portion 107 and a second portion 108. The first portion 181 of the adjustable strap 180a can be fixedly coupled to the first portion 107 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling can be achieved through sewing the first portion 181 of the first adjustable strap 180a to the first position 107 of the outer shell 100. The second portion 182 of the first adjustable strap 180a can be coupled to a first attachable mechanism 183. The second adjustable strap 180b can include a first portion 185 and a second portion 186. The first portion 185 of the second adjustable strap 180b can be fixedly coupled to the second portion 108 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling can be achieved through sewing the first portion 184 of the second adjustable strap 180b to the second position 108 of the outer shell 100. The second portion 186 of the second adjustable strap 180b can be coupled to a second attachable mechanism 184. The first attachable mechanism 183 can be configured to couple to the second attachable mechanism 184 so that the outer shell 100 is in a locked position around the user 50, while the user 50 is wearing the swim apparatus 1000.
FIGS. 11c and 11d depict an alternate coupling embodiment between the outer shell 100 and the plurality of adjustable straps. The first adjustable strap 180a can include a first portion 181 and a second portion 182. The first adjustable strap 180a can further include a second mechanical attachment 188a and the second adjustable strap 180b can further include a second mechanical attachment 188b. The outer shell can include a first portion 107 and a second portion 108. The first portion 107 of the outer shell 100 can further include a first mechanical attachment 187a and the second position 108 of the outer shell 100 can further include a second mechanical attachment 187b. The second mechanical attachment 188a of the first portion 181 of the first adjustable strap 180a can be coupled to the first mechanical attachment 187a of the first portion 107 of the outer shell 100. The coupling can be achieved through either a clip, button, or other similar mechanical locking mechanism. The second mechanical attachment 188b of the first portion 185 of the second adjustable strap 180a can be coupled to the second mechanical attachment 187b of the second portion 108 of the outer shell 100. The coupling can be achieved through either a clip, button, or other similar mechanical locking mechanism. The first attachable mechanism 183 can be configured to couple to the second attachable mechanism 184, as described in the description for FIGS. 11a and 11c, so that the outer shell 100 is in a locked position around the user 50, while the user 50 is wearing the swim apparatus 1000.
Certain embodiments can include a single, continuous strap 180 that can be wrapped around the circumference of the outer shell 100 to connect the first portion 107 and second portion 108 of the outer shell 100, where each end of the continuous strap 180 is coupled to an attachable mechanism. The attachable mechanisms can be coupled together to fasten two portions of the outer shell together.
FIG. 12 depicts a front, isometric view of a second embodiment of the swim apparatus 1000. FIG. 12 further illustrates the outer shell 100, which can further include the plurality of cavities 120. The outer shell 100 of the second embodiment of the swim apparatus 1000 is one continuous piece of material configured to receive the torso 52 and at least one limb 53 of the user 50. The second embodiment is configured to work and operate like a swimsuit, meaning the user 50 will put the swim apparatus 1000 onto the body of the user 50 and will not need to wear additional swim related materials or clothing underneath the swim apparatus 1000.
FIG. 13 depicts a front view of the outer shell 100 of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and further illustrates the first cavity 121, the second cavity 122, and a third cavity 123 of the polarity of cavities 120, along with an upper torso flotation device 170a, a lower torso flotation device 170b, and the at least one limb flotation device 190. An upper torso 52a refers to the portion of the body of the user 50 that spans from the collarbone to the bottom of the chest of the user 50. A lower torso 52b refers to the portion of the body of the user 50 that spans from the top of the bottom of the chest to the waist of the user 50. The upper torso flotation device 170a can be enclosed within the first cavity 121 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100. The lower torso flotation device 170b can be enclosed within the second cavity 122 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100. The at least one limb flotation device 190 can be enclosed within the third cavity 123 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100. Positioning flotation devices at the upper torso 52a and the lower torso 52b can provide the user 50 with a balanced distribution of buoyant support while the user 50 is performing swim movements. The balanced distribution can allow the user 50 to maintain a level horizontal position while in the body of water and can allow the user to focus on practicing the movements needed to swim.
FIG. 14 depicts a back view of the outer shell 100 of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and illustrates the upper torso flotation device 170a, the lower torso flotation device 170b, and the at least one limb flotation device 190. The outer shell 100 further includes a coupling mechanism portion 210. Also illustrated is a first adjustable strap 180a and a second adjustable strap 180b, a first attachable mechanism 183, and a second detachable mechanism 184.
The upper torso flotation device 170a can be enclosed within the first cavity 121 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100. The lower torso flotation device 170b can be enclosed within the second cavity 122 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100. The limb flotation device 190 can be enclosed within the third cavity 123 of the plurality of cavities 120 within the outer shell 100.
The coupling mechanism portion 210 can be configured to assist in securing a user 50 insider of the outer shell 100. The coupling mechanism portion 210 is further discussed in FIG. 15.
The first adjustable strap 180a and the second adjustable strap 180b are further discussed in FIG. 20.
FIG. 15 depicts a back view of the outer shell 100 of the second embodiment of FIG. 12 and illustrates the coupling mechanism portion 210 of FIG. 14 in an unzipped position. The coupling mechanism portion 210 may include a first mechanical attachment 211 and a second mechanical attachment 212. The outer shell 100 may include a first back portion 103 and a second back portion 104. The first mechanical attachment 211 of the coupling mechanism portion 210 fixedly couples to the first back portion 103 of the outer shell 100. The second mechanical attachment 212 of the coupling mechanism portion 210 fixedly couples to the second back portion 104 of the outer shell 100. Certain embodiments of the first mechanical attachment 211 and the second mechanical attachment 212 can be either a zipper, a series of buttons, or any other similar fastening mechanism. The coupling mechanism portion 210 allows for a user 50 to be securely fastened within the swim apparatus 1000. Because the coupling mechanism portion 210 allows for the outer shell 100 to be securely fastened around the user 50, the upper torso flotation device 170a, the lower torso flotation device 170b, and the limb flotation devices 190 can conform to the body of the user 50.
FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c depict the removable flotation material 171 of each of the upper torso flotation device 170a, the lower torso flotation device 170b, and the limb flotation device 190, that can be placed within each of the first cavity 121, the second cavity 122, and the third cavity 123, respectively, of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 16a illustrates a single, continuous removable flotation material 171 that can conform around the body of the user 50. The single, continuous removable flotation material 171 can be housed in the first cavity 121 of an upper torso portion 140a of the outer shell 100, in the second cavity 122 of a lower torso portion 140b of the outer shell 100, and in the limb portion 150 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 16b illustrates a plurality of removeable flotation material 171 that may be divided horizontally to fit within at least the first cavity 121, at least the second cavity 122, or at least the third cavity 123 of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. FIG. 16c illustrates a plurality of removeable flotation material 171 that may be divided vertically to fit within at least the first cavity 121, at least the second cavity 122, or at least the third cavity 123 of the plurality of cavities 120 of the outer shell 100. All three embodiments of the removable flotation material 171 can be made of a buoyant, water-resistant foam material, such as polyvinyl chloride foam, polyethylene foam, or any other similar material, that can provide the user 50 with support to float in a horizontal position while in a body of water without the user 50 needing to perform any swim movements to stay afloat. Further, in other embodiments, the removeable flotation material 171 may be fixedly positioned within a cavity of the plurality of cavities 120 so that the flotation material 171 cannot be removed.
FIG. 17 depicts a front, isometric view of a second embodiment of the swim apparatus 1000 of FIG. 12 further including an attachable flotation device 220. The attachable flotation device 220 may include a first strap 221, a second strap 222, a first side 223, a second side 224, and a back side 225. The second side 224 is depicted in FIG. 18 and the back side 225 is depicted in FIG. 19. The first strap 221 may couple to either the first side 223 of the attachable flotation device 220 or may couple to the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220 as explained in FIGS. 18 and 19, respectively. The second strap 222 may couple to either the second side 224 of the attachable flotation device 220 or may couple to the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device. When attached to the swim apparatus 1000, the attachable flotation device 220 may be positioned so that the lower torso portion 140b of the user 50 can produce buoyant support sufficient to keep the user 50 in a level and horizontal position while in the body of water. By allowing the user 50 to remain level in a horizontal position can prevent the lower torso portion 140b of the body of the user 50 to sink downward below the level of the upper torso portion 140b and the level of the limb portion 150, and thus can allow the user 50 to practice swim movements without needing to focus on how to remain afloat. The attachable flotation device can be made of the same foam material as describe in paragraphs and depicted in FIGS. 16a, 16b, and 16c.
FIG. 18 depicts a back view of the attachable flotation device 220, with the first strap 221 of the attachable flotation device 220 and the second strap 222 of the attachable flotation device 220 coupled to the first side 223 and the second side 224 of the attachable flotation device, respectively. The attachable flotation device 220 may further include a first attachable mechanism 226, a second attachable mechanism 227, a first side portion 228, and a second side portion 229. The first strap 221 can include a first portion 232 and a second portion 233. The first portion 232 of the first strap 221 can be fixedly coupled to the first side portion 228 of the first side 223 of the attachable flotation device 220. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the first portion 232 of the first strap 221 to the first side 223 of the attachable flotation device 220. The second portion 233 of the first strap 221 can couple to the first attachable mechanism 226. Certain embodiments of the first attachable mechanism 226 may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism. The second strap 222 can include a first portion 234 and a second portion 235. The first portion 234 of the second strap 222 can be fixedly coupled to the second side portion 229 of the second side 224 of the attachable flotation device 220. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the first portion 234 of the second strap 222 to the second side 224 of the attachable flotation device 220. The second portion 235 of the second strap 222 can couple to the second attachable mechanism 227. Certain embodiments of the second attachable mechanism 227 may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism. Each of the first attachable mechanism 226 and the second attachable mechanism 227 can be configured to couple to a corresponding attachable mechanism on the outer shell 100, as shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 19 depicts a back view for an alternate embodiment of the attachable flotation device 220, that can include the first strap 221 of the attachable flotation device 220 and the second strap 222 of the attachable flotation device 220 each coupled to the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220. Further depicted is the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220, which may include a first back portion 230 and a second back portion 231. The attachable flotation device 220 may also include a first attachable mechanism 226 and a second attachable mechanism 227. The first strap 221 can include a first portion 232 and a second portion 233. The first portion 232 of the first strap 221 can be fixedly coupled to the first back portion 230 of the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the first portion 232 of the first strap 221 to the first back portion 230 of the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220. The second portion 233 of the first strap 221 can couple to the first attachable mechanism 226. Certain embodiments of the first attachable mechanism 226 may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism. The second strap 222 can include a first portion 234 and a second portion 235. The first portion 234 of the second strap 222 can be fixedly coupled to the second back portion 231 of the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the first portion 234 of the second strap 222 to the second back portion 231 of the back side 225 of the attachable flotation device 220. The second portion 235 of the second strap 222 can couple to the second attachable mechanism 227. Certain embodiments of the second attachable mechanism 227 may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism. Each of the first attachable mechanism 226 and the second attachable mechanism 227 can be configured to couple to a corresponding attachable mechanism on the outer shell 100, as shown in FIG. 20.
FIG. 20 depicts a back view of the outer shell 100 of the second embodiment of the swim apparatus 1000 of FIG. 16 and further illustrates a fully connected attachable flotation device 220 to the outer shell 100. Further included is a plurality of adjustable straps 180, which includes the first adjustable strap 180a of the outer shell 100 and the second adjustable strap 180b of the outer shell 100. The outer shell can include a third back portion 236 and a fourth back portion 237. The first adjustable strap 180a can include a first portion 181a and a second portion 182a. The first portion 181a of the first adjustable strap 180a can be fixedly coupled to the third back portion 236 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the first portion 181a of the first adjustable strap 180a onto the third back portion 236 of the outer shell 100. The second portion 182a of the first adjustable strap 180a can couple to the first attachable mechanism 183. Certain embodiments of the first attachable mechanism 183 of the first adjustable strap 180a may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism. The second portion 181b of the second adjustable strap 180b can be fixedly coupled to the fourth back portion 237 of the outer shell 100. The fixed coupling may be achieved by sewing the second portion 181b of the second adjustable strap 180b onto the fourth back portion 237 of the outer shell 100. The second portion 182b of the second adjustable strap 180b can couple to a second attachable mechanism 184. The second attachable mechanism 184 of the second adjustable strap 180b may be either a clip, button, or any other similar mechanical locking mechanism.
Once the attachable flotation device 220 is placed at the front of the outer shell 100, each of the first strap 221 of the attachable flotation device 220 and the second strap 222 of the attachable flotation device 220 can be wrapped around either the upper torso portion 104a or the lower torso portion 140b of the outer shell 100. The first attachable mechanism 226 of the first strap 221 of the attachable flotation device 220 can couple to the first attachable mechanism 183 of the first adjustable strap 180a. The second attachable mechanism 227 of the second strap 222 of the attachable flotation device 220 can couple to the second attachable mechanism 184 of the second adjustable strap 180b.
FIG. 21 depicts the swim apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, comprising of the outer shell 100, the flexible torso band 110, the plurality of cavities 120, two over the shoulder straps 130, the torso flotation device 170, the at least one limb flotation device 190, and a head dash neck flotation device 200. The plurality of cavities 120 can include a first cavity 121 and a second cavity 122.
Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that performs substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
Patent Application
20240215657
