GB2191705A - Swimming aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A propulsion device for use in swimming comprises a float 3 and a paddle-carrying handle bar 2 connected to the float. Preferably the device forms part of a structure that includes a second float 3' and a foot support, wherein the structure is in the form of a parallelogram, each corner of which has a hinged connection. The distance between the handle bar 2 and the foot supports 7 is adjustable, as they are interconnected through a telescopic connection, and the hinged connections are demountable, being either in the form of pins held by the resilient bias of their support or else outwardly screw-threaded bolts engaging inwardly screw-threaded supports. <IMAGE>

Description

E;PECIFICATION A propulsion devicefor use in swimming Thisinvention relatesto a propulsion device for use in swimming,the device having especial recreational and educational application.

According to the present invention there is provided a propulsion device for use in swimming comprising a float and a paddle-carrying handle bar connected to the float.

Preferably, the float andthe handle bar form part of a structure which includes a second float and a foot support.

Preferably, the structure sin the form of a parallelogram, each cornerofwhich has a hinged connection.

Preferably, the hinged connections are demountable; they may comprise pins held bythe resilient bias oftheir support or outwardy screw-threaded bolts engaging inwardly screw-threaded supports.

Preferably, the distance between the handle bar and thefootsupport is adustable; this may be through a telescopic connection.

Preferably, a second foot support is provided.

Preferably, a pair of paddle-carrying handle bars extend in opposite directions from the float.

Preferably, the abovedescribed devices for swimming are assembled from kits of parts.

The structure may comprise tubular metal, plastics or wood materials, and the floats and paddles may be hollow or solid and of metal, plastics or wood materials.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. lisa front elevation of a propulsion devicefor use in swimming according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a propulsion device for use in swimming accordingto the present invention; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the device of Fig. 2 in an alternative configuration;:: Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the propulsion device of Figs. 2 and 3; Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional viewthrough a joint and float of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view at X-X on Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view at A-A on Fig. 3; Fig. 8 is an enlarged sideelevation of a pedal of the device of Fig. 2 Fig. 9 is an enlarged pant-sectional view of a float of Fig. 5; Fig. 10 is-an enlarge. part-sectional view of de mountfsjoint of the device of Fig. 2; Fig. 1::1 is a plan view of a third embodiment of a propulsion devicefor use in swimming according to thepresent inver,ttion; Fig. 12 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a propulsion device for use in swimming according to the present invention; Fig. 13 is an alternative configuration of the propulsion device of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is an enlarged back view ofthe joint between paddle and bar of Fig. 12 Fig. 15 is a backview ofthe joint of Fig. 14 in the open position; Fig. 16 isa backviewofthe hinge ofthe joint of Fig.

14; Fig. 17 is a side view of the jointof Fig. 16; and, Fig. 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a demountablejoint ofthe device of Fig. 12.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, a propulsion device 1 for use in swimming comprises a float 3 centrally placed on a handle bar 2 which has paddle blades 4 placed at either end. The float 3 is a hollow inflatable sphere, which acts as a fulcrum during user-propulsion generated by alternate paddling with the oppositely placed blades 4.

Referring to Figs. 2 to 10, there is shown a second embodimentofthe propulsion device 1 comprising a more substantial parallelogram structure oftubular plastics, the structure including a second float 3' and bar 2', interconnected to the firstfloat3 and bar 2 by struts 6 bearing foot supports in the form of pedals 7.

The interconnections of bars 2,2' and struts 6 are hinged joints 5 at each corner of the parallelogram.

The struts 6 are telescopic such thatthe distance between the handle bar 2 and the pedals 7 is adjustable. Each pedal 7 has a plastics core 8 and two rubber angled mouldings 9 (see Fig. 8 in particular) and is attached to its strut 6 by a pin 13. The construction is such as to allowthe pedals 7 to flex in use under the force applied by a user's feet.

The hinged joints 5 each comprise a tenon-shaped end to strut 6, the end corresponding to mortise slot in a bar 2 or 2'. The joints 5 are secured by pins 13' that allow up to a 90" pivoting action such thatthe parallelogram form of the structure 1 has several alternative configurations (see Figs. 2 and 3 in particular).

The floats 3,3' may be fixed or, as in the embodiment of Figs. 2to 10, free-spinning with rubber gaskets 10 sealing the floats 3,3' to a cylindrial core 11.

The core 11 spins on the bar2,2' and is provided with collars 12, adjustable for the size of the floats 3,3', to keep the floats 3,3' centrally placed.

In use, propulsion is obtained bytheusergripping the handle bar 2, placing a foot on each pedal 7 and commencing a swimming motion, which altersthe configuration ofthe parallelogram (see Figs. 2 and 3) and which moves the paddles 4 alternately through the water, with the floats 3 acting as fulcrums and giving greater drive, stability and control.

An additional oralternativefloat may be attached to the device, as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, wherein the additional float in the form of an air cushion 17 is attached by elastic cord 28 passing through eyelets 29 in the cushion 17 to the struts 6.

The propulsion devices of Figs. 2 to 11 are assembled from kits of parts comprising struts 6, bars 2,2', paddles 4, pedals 7, air cushions 17, and floats 3,3' with their accessories of cores 11, gaskets 10 and collars 12. To assemble,thefloats 3,3' and accessories 10,11,12 arethreaded onefloat3 or3'to a bar2 or2' and the floats 3'3' inflated; the struts are 6telescoped or extended to the length corresponding to a user's height; extensions ofthe paddles 4 and pedals 7 are inserted into respective recesses on bars 2,2' and struts 6, and the sturts 6 and bars 2,2' are interconnected at the hinged joints 5.The interconnections are bythe use of pins 13' inserted through aligned apertures 14 in the struts 6 and bars 2,2', the resilient bias ofthe constituent plastics material of bars 2,2' tightly engaging the pins 13' which are provided with shoulders 18 forth is purpose. The pedals 7 are also securely engaged by the use of similar pins 13 and apertures 14. Each aperture 14 is surrounded by rubber grommet 15 to increase the strength of the engagement. The pins 13,13' are provided with ring-pulls for rapid and easy disassembly ofthe device after use.

Referring to Figs. 12 to 18, there is shown a fourth embodiment of the propulsion device 1, in which the pins 13,13' with shoulders 18 of Figs. 2to 10, are replaced byoutwardlyscrew-threaded bolts 19, that screw into internally screw-threaded grommets 20, the bolts 19 being provided with a handwheel 21 for rapid assembly and disassembly.

The embodiment of Figs. 12 to 18 is additionally provided with steering means in the form of a control for hingedly attached paddles 4', the hinged connec tion being in the form of a cylindrical plug 22 with central nylon hinge 23, one end ofthe plug 22being inserted into the hollow shank 24 ofthe paddle 4';the other end being inserted into the hollowinteriorofa bar 2,2'. The opening and closing ofthe hinge 23 is controlled by a cable 25 which runs in the hollow interiors of the bars 2,2' and struts 6 and passes round the bolts 19 acting as strainers, and which is attached to a steel eyelet 26 on the paddle-side of each hinge 23.

The tension ofthe cable 25 is controlled by a handle mechanism 27 on the handle bar 2. There are two handle mechanisms 27,27, the right one 27 controlling the paddles4' onthe left and the left one27' controlling the paddles 4' the rightofthe structure.

When the handle mechanism 27,27' and attached cables 25 (one for each paddle) are relaxed, the hinges 23 open and the paddles 4' feather in the drag of the water. If the paddles 4' are relaxed on the ieft, the structure may be steered to the left; if relaxed on the right, the structure may be steered to the right. To re-tension the cables 25 and thus closethe hinges 23 and straighten the paddles 4' with respect to a bar 2,2', a handle mechanisms 27 is gripped by a user and rotated away from the relaxed position, the handle mechanisms 27 being prevented from returning to the relaxed position by a stud or ratchet (not shown).

Modifications and improvements may be incorpo rated without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (13)

1. A propulsion device for use in swimming comprising afloatand a paddle-carrying handle bar connected to the float.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein thefloat and.the handle bar form part of a structure which includes a second float and a foot support.

3. AdeviceasclaimedinCfaim2,whereinthe structure is in the form of a parallelogrnm, each corner ofwhich has a hinged connection.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the hinged connections are demountable.

5. Adevice as claimed in Claim 3 or4, wherein the hinged connections comprise pins held by the resilient bias oftheirsupport.

6. Advice as claimed in any one of Claims 3,4and 5, wherein the hinged connections comprise outwardly screw-threaded bolts engaging inwardly screwthreaded supports.

7. A device as claimed in anyoneofClaims2to 6, wherein the distance between the handle bar and the foot support is adjustable.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the handle bar and the foot support are interconnected through a telescopic connection.

9. A device as claimed in anyone of Claims 2to 8, wherein a second foot support is provided.

10. A device as claimed in any one ofthe preceding Claims, wherein a pair of paddle-carrying handle bars extend in opposite directions from the float.

11. A propulsion devicefor use i n swimming substantially as herein before described with referenceto Fig 1 of the accompanying drawings.

12. A propulsion device for use in swimming suhstantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fits. 2 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.

13. A propulsion device for use in swimming substantially as hereinbefore described with refer encetoFig. 11 oftheaccompanying drawings.

14 Apropulsion deviceforuse in swimming substantially as hereinbefore described with referenceto Figs. 12to l8oftheaccompanying drawings.