SWIMMING FLOAT WHEREON THE DISTAL PART OF AN ARM OF A USER IS INTENDED TO BE FIXED

Abstract

The invention concerns a swimming float presenting an upper wall whereon the distal part of an arm of a user is intended to be fixed and a lower propelling wing, the float being equipped with at least one fixing device comprising at least one strap which is arranged to be able to support the distal part on said upper wall, the fixing device having at least one loop and an adjusting element, each one connected to the upper wall being spaced out transversally on both sides of the upper wall, the strap being joined sliding into the loop while presenting a free end which is arranged to be able to be bound in the adjusting element by adjusting the size between the strap and the upper wall.

Description

The invention concerns a swimming float presenting a lower propelling wing and an upper wall, whereon the distal part of an arm of a user is intended to be fixed.

When learning to swim, or when perfecting one's swimming, it is common to use a pair of swimming floats, which allow the propulsive area to be increased, in order to improve the feelings of sliding on water and being able to correct the movement and/or specifically building the muscles of the upper limbs in the water.

Such floats are presented in several shapes and sizes according to the desired effect, while extending under a distal part of the arm of the user, in particular only under the hand and/or under the forearm of the user, with the propulsive area which is higher than that of said distal part.

To ensure the positioning of the floats during swimming, these are generally equipped with one or several straps, arranged to be able to reversibly hold the distal part of the arm against the upper wall of said float. For example, from document EP-0 844 901, a palmar float is known, that is fixed under the hand of the user by means of interchangeable elastic connections which are arranged to surround in an adjustable manner respectively the fingers and the wrist joint of the user.

In particular, each elastic connection comprises two free ends, which are respectively bound in an orifice crossing said float to form an upper surrounding section, each free end then being inserted into an adjacent orifice to allow said connection to be held relating to the float.

However, the assembly of these connections can be cumbersome, requiring an adjusted insertion of said connections into the orifices, the imparted adjustment, moreover, relatively not being very reliable as regards the risks of modification, even the loss of connections when using the floats.

Also, from document U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,011, a swimming float is known, that comprises two straps to hold the forearm, which are each assembled in two lateral slots, in such a way to surround and fit tightly around the forearm above said float.

However, this holding solution is not entirely satisfactory, in that the straps apply a tightening all around the forearm, but which does not ensure a support effort of the distal part on the float. The result of this, is a less effective use of the float, in particular for correcting the swimming technique, which requires a correct holding and contact position of the distal part on said float.

The invention aims to improve the prior art by offering a swimming float equipped with at least one device for fixing the distal part of the arm of the user, said device allowing to adjust the holding of the distal part on said float, in order to optimise the propulsion and the correction of the swimming movement, and this while being able to be fixed and removed easily.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a swimming float presenting an upper wall whereon the distal part of an arm of a user is intended to be fixed and a lower propelling wing, said float being equipped with at least one fixing device, comprising at least one strap which is arranged to be able to support said distal part on said upper wall, said fixing device comprising at least one loop and one adjusting element, each one connected to the upper wall, while being transversally spaced out on both sides of said upper wall, said strap being joined by sliding into said loop while presenting a free end which is arranged to be able to be bound into said adjusting element by adjusting the size between said strap and said upper wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows, made in reference to the appended figures, wherein:

FIG. 1a is a profile view of a swimming float according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1b is a top view of the swimming float of FIG. 1a;

FIG. 2a is a profile view of a swimming float according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2b is a top view of the swimming float of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 is a representation of a device for fixing a swimming float according to an embodiment of the invention, said device comprising, in particular, a strap equipped with an adjusting buckle; and

FIG. 4 is a detailed representation of the fixing device of FIG. 3, showing the assembly of an end of the strap in the adjusting buckle and the binding of said adjusting buckle into a loop of a second strap, equipped with a stopper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In relation to these figures, below is described, a swimming float generally used in pairs, each one being supported by the arm of a user in view of improving the swimming technique and/or building the muscles of said arms. In particular, the float is arranged to extend under a distal part of the arm, namely the forearm and/or the hand of the user, leaving the elbow joint free to allow a correct swimming movement.

The float comprises an upper wall 1 whereon the distal part of the arm is intended to be fixed, said wall being able to present a shape that is flat or complementary to said distal part to optimise the ergonomics. Favourably, the upper wall 1 is arranged to support equally the distal part of the left arm or the right arm of the user.

The float comprises a lower propelling wing 2 which is arranged to improve the thrust in the water and allow an optimal sliding feeling. In particular, the propelling wing 2 extends to at least under the upper wall 1 while presenting larger sizes to that of the distal part fixed on said wall to increase its propulsive area, said propelling wing being able additionally to present an ergonomic form favouring swimming stability.

The float is preferably stiff for a better support grip and is made from one single component, for example by injection moulding one or several thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene or an elastomeric material (SEBS).

In the embodiments represented, the float presents sizes arranged to extend under the hand and the forearm of the user, by continuously comprising two front 3 and rear 4 holding platforms, respectively of said hand and said forearm.

In relation to FIGS. 1a and 2a, the float comprises a transition section 5 connecting the two platforms 3, 4, said transition section being bent relating to said platforms in order to position the hand and the forearm of the user in a predetermined alignment and angle for a more effective swimming movement.

In particular, the upper wall 1 presents a support 6 formed on the front platform 3 which is arranged to hold the palm of the hand of the user by supporting it, in particular by being curved to mould said hand and optimise comfort in use.

A second support 7 of the upper wall 1 is formed on the rear platform 4, the forearm of the user being intended to be supported on said second support. The front 6 and rear 7 supports are connected by a bent section 8 of the transition section 5, said bent section being arranged to support, in particular, the wrist joint of the user.

The propelling wing 2 presents two surfaces 9, 10 formed respectively under a platform 3, 4 in particular by respectively extending under the front 6 and rear 7 supports. In particular, the platforms 3, 4 each present a symmetry following a central axis whereon a part of the front 6 and rear 7 supports extend, in order to particularly favour an aligned positioning of the hand relating to the forearm.

In relation to the FIGS. 1a, 1b, a first embodiment is described, wherein the float presents a shape with a widened rear platform 4 and a front platform 3 of a lesser width. In particular, the float presents two lateral extensions 11a, 11b which extend longitudinally on both sides of the rear support 7, the rear surface 10 of the propelling wing 2 also extending under said extensions.

The propelling wing 2 thus presents a rear surface 10 of a propulsive size larger than that of the front surface 9, which allows the lever arm and the thrust effort in the water to be decreased during swimming movements of arms.

Favourably, extensions 11a, 11b are each tilted towards the bottom, relatively to the rear support 7, the rear surface 10 of the propelling wing 2 presenting a slightly concave shape to favour the propulsive effort and improve the entry of the distal part into the water.

In relation to the FIGS. 2, a second embodiment is described, wherein the float presents a rectangular shape. The propelling wing 2 thus presents a substantially constant width over its two surfaces 9, 10 allowing a uniform application of the propulsive force under the hand and the forearm of the user.

However, the invention is not limited to these two embodiments of the float, in particular, relating to its propulsive sizes and its shape, said float being able to, in particular, extend only under the hand or the forearm of the user depending on the desired effect.

To allow the distal part to be held on the upper wall 1, it is planned to equip the float with at least one fixing device, said device comprising at least one strap 12 assembled in said float and arranged to be able to support said distal part on said upper wall.

To do this, the fixing device comprises at least one loop 13, wherein the strap 12 is joined sliding and an adjusting element 14, wherein a free end 12a of said strap is assembled, said loop and said element being connected to the upper wall 1 by being transversally spaced out on both sides of said upper wall.

In particular, the free end 12a of the strap 12 is arranged to be able to be bound into the adjusting element 14 by adjusting the size between said strap and the upper wall 1, allowing, whoever the user is, adequate support of the distal part on said upper wall. Such support allows an efficient use of the float to be ensured, with a hold in contact and in position of the distal part on the upper wall 1, allowing optimal feelings and grips of support in the water.

The strap 12 can be presented in the form of a resistant textile strip, for example, with a nylon base. As a variant, the strap 12 can be made from an elastic material and/or present means of extension, allowing a certain freedom of movement of the distal part of the user. The adjusting element 14 can have a plastic or metal material base.

At least one loop 13 can comprise a slot 15 formed through the float, the strap 12 assembled in said slot, thus presenting a section positioned on the side of the upper wall 1 and a section positioned facing the propelling wing 2, the length of said upper strap section being adjusted to modulate the support effort. As a variant, at least one loop 13 can be formed into a loop connected on the upper wall 1.

The fixing device can comprise one single strap 12 assembled in a loop 13 and an adjusting element 14 to ensure the support of the distal part on the float.

The fixing device can thus comprise two slots 15, wherein the strap 12 is assembled sliding while presenting a central section positioned under the propelling wing 2 and two free ends positioned on the side of the upper wall 1. One of the free ends of the strap 12 is equipped with the adjusting element 14, wherein the opposite free end is bound, said strap thus surrounding the distal part of the arm and the float, while supporting one against the other in an adjustable way.

In particular, the adjusting element 14 can be fixed to the free end of the strap 12, for example by overmoulding or by assembly in a sheath formed on said free end. As a variant, the adjusting element 14 can be embedded in the upper wall 1, for example by overmoulding.

In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjusting element 14 is in the form of a buckle, the fixing device comprising a second strap 16 assembled sliding in a second loop 13, the adjusting buckle 14 being joined to said second strap.

In relation to the FIG. 3, the device comprises two straps 12, 16 assembled respectively in a slot 15 of the float, said slots extending axially and parallel on the upper wall 1. The second strap 16 forms a loop 17, wherein the adjusting buckle 14 is bound, the first strap 12 presenting a free end 12a assembled sliding in said adjusting buckle, in order to allow, by traction of said free end, the adjustment of the length of the section of said first strap positioned between the axial slot 15 and said adjusting buckle.

In particular, the strap 12 and the loop 17 are assembled sliding into a loop 13, while respectively presenting a free end 12b and two ends 16a, 16b, which are fixed reversibly in said loop at the end of the sliding part. This reversible fixing allows the holding of the support to be ensured when using the float while allowing the withdrawal of each free end 12b, 16a, 16b when not being used, in order to be able to remove the straps 12, 16 by sliding, particularly in view of their replacement, for example, in the event of damage.

For this purpose, at least one strap 12, 16 presents an end 12b, 16a, 16b equipped with a stopper 18 which is arranged to form a stop for the sliding of said strap into the loop 13. The stopper 18 can be one component fixed onto the strap 12, 16, for example by overmoulding a plastic material. As a variant, the strap 16 can present two ends, whereon a stopper 18 and an adjusting element 14 are respectively overmoulded.

In the embodiment represented, each one of the two straps 12, 16 present a free end 12b, 16a, 16b assembled under a loop 13 by being equipped with a stopper 18, bound into an abutment in said loop at the end of the adjustment.

In particular, each stopper 18 presents a shape complementary to that of the loop 13 to be bound in the abutment in said loop and to be reversibly fixed in said loop when using the float, ensuring the straps 12, 16 are tensioned on the distal part and the holding of the support.

In relation to FIG. 4, the loop 17 of the strap 16 is closed up on its two ends 16a, 16b by the intermediary of the stopper 18, said stopper being able to be overmoulded around said ends to join them together.

For particularly aesthetic reasons, each stopper 18 is fully accommodated in the propelling wing 2, in such a way that said stopper is not extended beyond the propulsive area of said propelling wing. In relation to the FIGS. 3 and 4, the stoppers 18 can each present a part slotted into the corresponding axial slot 15, the remaining part of said stoppers being positioned, for example, in an imprint of the propelling wing 2.

In the event where a fixing device comprising one single strap 12, equipped with an adjusting element 14, the stopper 18 can be formed by said adjusting element, which comes to the abutment on the loop 13 at the end of adjusting said strap against the distal part of the arm.

Moreover, the adjusting buckle 14 can be self-blocking, allowing quick support and loosening. In relation to the FIG. 4, the adjusting buckle 14 is formed from one single component by presenting an accommodation 19 defined between two longitudinal walls, one zipper 20 and one external pin 21 connecting said walls by transversally defining said accommodation.

The loop 17 of the strap 16 is assembled around the external pin 21, the strap 12 being assembled in the accommodation 19. In particular, the accommodation 19 is equipped with a central pin 22 around which the strap 12 is assembling sliding, said strap being bound in two assembly slots, formed on both sides of said central pin. The accommodation 19 is arranged to allow the sliding of the strap 12 in a support direction by pulling on its free end 12a and to block the sliding in the opposite direction when there is none of said pulling.

When the user wants to fix the float, all they need to do is pull the free end 12a towards the inside of the strap 12 to bring about its sliding in the direction of the support. The lifting of the zipper 20 towards the top, freeing the sliding in the opposite direction to be able to remove the float after use.

The float can present several fixing devices according to the invention, allowing a freedom of movement of the distal part, according to the number and the position of said fixing devices. In relation to the embodiments described, the rear support 7 can be equipped with one or several fixing devices for the forearm of the user.

According to the FIGS. 1a, 1b and 2a, 2b, the rear support 7 is equipped with two fixing devices which are spaced out longitudinally on said support, said devices being arranged to ensure the aligned support, respectively of a proximal area of the forearm and of the wrist on the rear support 7.

In particular, the front support 6 has no fixing device, thus being arranged to serve as a support for the hand and fingers of the user which are free, allowing the feeling of sliding to improve on contact with water.

The support of the wrist and the forearm of the user, in particular, allows the position of the arm to be forced with a lifted elbow and the hand aligned with said forearm during the crawl movement, in order to optimise and/or correct the swimming technique.

Claims

1. A swimming float presenting an upper wall, whereon the distal part of an arm of a user is intended to be fixed, and a lower propelling wing, said float being equipped with at least one fixing device comprising at least one strap, which is arranged to be able to support said distal part on said upper wall, said float being characterised in that the fixing device comprises at least one loop and an adjusting element, each one connected to the upper wall by being transversally spaced out on both sides of said upper wall, said strap being joined sliding in said loop by presenting a free end which is arranged to be able to be bound in said adjusting element by adjusting the size between said strap and said upper wall.

2. The swimming float according to claim 1, at least one loop comprising a slot formed through the float, the strap presenting a section positioned on the side of the upper wall and a section positioned on the side of the propelling wing.

3. The swimming float according to claim 2, the fixing device comprising two slots, wherein a strap is assembled sliding by presenting a central section positioned on the side of the propelling wing and two free ends positioned on the side of the upper wall, one of said free ends being equipped with the adjusting element.

4. The swimming float according to claim 1, the fixing device comprising a second strap assembled sliding into a second loop, the adjusting element being joined to said second strap.

5. The swimming float according to claim 4, the second strap forming a loop, wherein the adjusting element is bound.

6. The swimming float according to claim 4, the second strap presenting an end whereon the adjusting element is overmolded.

7. The swimming float according to claim 1, at least one strap presenting an end equipped with a stopper which is arranged to form an abutment of the sliding of said strap in the loop.

8. The swimming float according to claim 7, and the stopper is overmolded on the end of the strap.

9. The swimming float according to claim 7, the stopper presenting a shape complementary to that of the loop to be bound into an abutment in said loop.

10. The swimming float according to claim 1, the adjusting element presenting an accommodation (19) equipped with a pin around which the strap (12) is assembled sliding, said accommodation being arranged to allow the sliding of said strap in a supporting direction by pulling from its free end (12a) and to block the sliding in the opposite direction when there is none of said pulling.

11. The swimming float according to claim 1, the upper wall presenting a front support arranged to hold the hand of the user by supporting it.

12. The swimming float according to claim 11, the front support having no fixing device, said front support being arranged to serve as a support to the hand of the user.

13. The swimming float according to claim 1, the upper wall presenting a rear support which is arranged to hold the forearm of the user by supporting it.

14. The swimming float according to claim 13, the rear support equipped with a fixing device for the forearm of the user.

15. The swimming float according to claim 13, the rear support equipped with two fixing devices which are spaced out longitudinally on said support, a front device being arranged to support the wrist of the user on said rear support.

16. The swimming float according to claim 11, the front and rear supports being connected by a bent section.

17. The swimming float according to claim 1, the propelling wing presenting a rear surface and a front surface, said rear surface presenting a propulsive size which is larger than that of the front surface.