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US20050227813A1 - Starting aid for use in swimming - Google Patents

Starting aid for use in swimming Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050227813A1
US20050227813A1 US10/513,559 US51355905A US2005227813A1 US 20050227813 A1 US20050227813 A1 US 20050227813A1 US 51355905 A US51355905 A US 51355905A US 2005227813 A1 US2005227813 A1 US 2005227813A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
platform
aid according
starting aid
leading edge
starting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US10/513,559
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English (en)
Inventor
Francesca Curry
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20050227813A1 publication Critical patent/US20050227813A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B5/00—Apparatus for jumping
    • A63B5/08—Spring-boards
    • A63B5/10—Spring-boards for aquatic sports

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to starting aids and in particular to starting aids for use in competitive swimming, or in swimming training.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a useful alternative thereto.
  • a starting aid for use in swimming comprising a platform with a leading edge, the platform being configured to be disposed with said leading edge adjacent to an edge of a swimming pool, and comprising a first surface extending back from said leading edge and upon which a swimmer can stand, and a further surface upwardly inclined with respect to said platform, for a swimmer to push against with the other foot whilst diving from the platform, the further surface being disposed behind the first surface so that the swimmers feet are positioned for a track start.
  • One advantage of such an aid is that it may assist younger swimmers whilst learning the track start.
  • a track start as the athlete leans forward to grab the front of the starting platform, the heel of the back foot lifts up off the platform, reducing the athlete's stability.
  • a faster start may also be obtainable because the swimmer can push more effectively against the inclined surface.
  • the angle of inclination of the surface is adjustable. This adjustment makes the aid flexible enough to cater for different individual's physique.
  • the degree of support provided by the surface may be gradually reduced by decreasing its inclination as the swimmer becomes more proficient at the track start. More preferably, additional flexibility may be provided by enabling adjustment of the distance of the surface behind the leading edge of the platform. In one preferred form, this may be achieved by configuring the surface to be provided on structure slidable along a track provided in the platform, where the track extends rearwardly from the leading edge of the platform.
  • the platform may be provided with an array of spaced recesses adapted to receive corresponding projections on structure providing a said inclined surface.
  • the starting aid is adapted to enable its height above the surface of the pool to be varied.
  • the platform and the inclined surface are integrally formed. More preferably again, the aid may include a second inclined surface positioned forward of the first inclined surface and wherein the second inclined surface has a width less than that of the platform. The second inclined surface is preferably configured for removable attachment to the platform at or adjacent to either of the platform's lateral edges.
  • a starting aid for use in swimming comprising an inclined surface configured for attachment to a platform having a leading edge adjacent a pool edge such that said surface is located behind said leading edge and upwardly inclined with respect to said platform for a swimmer to push against with one foot whilst diving from the platform.
  • One advantage of this second aspect of the invention is that it is possible to retrofit a starting aid to an existing start platform.
  • FIG. 1 shows a prior art starting platform
  • FIG. 2 shows a swimmer in a conventional “grab” starting position
  • FIG. 3 shows a swimmer preparing to start using the “track” starting position
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a starting aid according to the invention
  • FIG. 5 shows the starting aid of FIG. 4 with a user adopting a “track” starting position
  • FIG. 6 shows a second embodiment of a starting aid according to the invention
  • FIG. 7 shows a third embodiment of a starting aid according to the invention.
  • FIG. 8 shows a fourth embodiment of a starting aid according to the invention.
  • a typical known starting platform comprises a frame 10 to be disposed at the side of the pool, and having a platform 12 , a leading edge 14 of which in use is directly over the edge of the pool.
  • the “track” start differs from the grab start in that the swimmer's feet are staggered with a front foot adjacent the leading edge of the start platform and the other foot parallel to but behind the front foot. This is shown to good effect in FIG. 3 .
  • the swimmers centre of mass lies at some position between the two spaced feet offering greater stability.
  • track start requires a different technique to the grab start; the feet have to come from being at a distance from one another when on the block, to being together before entering the water, to gain a streamlined position. Perhaps because of this more demanding requirement, it has been found that a regular problem with track starts is that the back foot can slip when in the process of starting, causing a false start and possibly an injury.
  • a starting aid includes a platform 12 , having a leading edge 14 which in use is located adjacent the edge of a swimming pool.
  • the platform 12 is slightly upwardly inclined rewardly from its leading edge 14 .
  • Towards the rear of the platform is provided a surface 16 which is more steeply inclined than the platform 12 .
  • the inclined surface 16 provides support for a swimmer's rear foot when taking the track starting position. This added support increases the area of contact between the swimmers feet and the starting platform increasing stability. This extra surface area, and its inclination relative to the platform 12 also enables the swimmer to drive more strongly with the rear foot increasing the speed and airborne distance of a racing start.
  • the platform of FIG. 4 is a prototype of fixed height. In production versions it is envisaged that the height of the platform above the pool surface can be varied to achieve the same versatility as in conventional starting platforms. This is illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 6 . Height variation can be achieved by using interchangeable legs 18 of different lengths.
  • FIGS. 4 to 6 Whilst the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 have the inclined surface fixed with respect to the platform, other embodiments implement the inclined surface as a separate structure. In this fashion, the spacing of the surface 16 from the leading edge 14 can be varied.
  • variable spacing is provided by way of a block 20 with pins 22 extending from a lower surface and an array of corresponding holes in the upper surface 24 of the platform as shown in FIG. 7 .
  • This principle may be developed so that the holes 24 are in the form of shaped recesses which engage correspondingly-shaped projections on the underside of the block 20 , and lock the block more securely in position.
  • a longitudinal slide or track may be provided set into the surface of the platform.
  • the block 20 or other inclined surface is mounted to slide along the track and a ratchet assembly is used to retain the block in a desired position.
  • the embodiment as shown in FIG. 7 has the advantage that, with minimal difficulty, it can be fitted to existing starting platforms simply by drilling the surface of the existing platform. This has obvious cost savings for existing facilities.
  • Future starting aids may include a second inclined surface for the front foot.
  • the width of each inclined surface will be less than the width of the platform and releasable fastening means eg. as in FIG. 7 will enable the surfaces to be adjusted to accommodate the preferences and physiques of different swimmers, in particular whether the swimmer wishes to have his left or right foot to the rear.
  • the angle of the inclined surface or surfaces 16 can be made adjustable by configuring the block 20 to be adjustable in the same manner as are starting blocks for track athletes.
  • FIG. 8 One simple way of achieving variable inclination in the embodiment of FIG. 7 is shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the block 20 is made of four plates 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 pin-jointed (pivoted) together at their edges at 34 , 36 , 38 .
  • the pins 22 are carried by the plates 26 , 32 .
  • the plate 28 provides the inclined surface 16 , the inclination of which is adjusted by putting the pins 22 into the holes 24 in the surface 12 either closer together or further apart, as desired. Maximum inclination of the surface 16 is achieved when the angle between plates 28 and 30 is 90°.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Toys (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Unknown Time Intervals (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Chemical And Physical Treatments For Wood And The Like (AREA)
US10/513,559 2002-05-03 2003-05-02 Starting aid for use in swimming Abandoned US20050227813A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0210230A GB2388050B (en) 2002-05-03 2002-05-03 Starting aid for use in swimming
GB0210230.9 2002-05-03
PCT/GB2003/001941 WO2003092819A2 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-05-02 Starting aid for use in swimming

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050227813A1 true US20050227813A1 (en) 2005-10-13

Family

ID=9936067

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/513,559 Abandoned US20050227813A1 (en) 2002-05-03 2003-05-02 Starting aid for use in swimming

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20050227813A1 (zh)
EP (1) EP1501609B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN1299785C (zh)
AT (1) ATE400328T1 (zh)
AU (1) AU2003223008B2 (zh)
DE (1) DE60322045D1 (zh)
ES (1) ES2306864T3 (zh)
GB (1) GB2388050B (zh)
WO (1) WO2003092819A2 (zh)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130095980A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-04-18 Colorado Time Systems Track start block for swimming
US20130252788A1 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-26 S.R. Smith, Llc Starting block
USD742984S1 (en) 2014-01-08 2015-11-10 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Swimmer starting platform
US9623272B2 (en) 2014-01-08 2017-04-18 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Adjustable plate for starting block
DE102018118455A1 (de) * 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 Kai Böhme Startvorrichtung für Schwimmer
US20220401778A1 (en) * 2021-06-22 2022-12-22 Tamas Kereszy Swimming starting block front foot support

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7035878B1 (en) 2000-01-25 2006-04-25 Fusionone, Inc. Base rolling engine for data transfer and synchronization system
DE202009010285U1 (de) * 2009-07-29 2010-02-11 Mes, Johannes B. M. Startvorrichtung
ES2388505B1 (es) * 2011-03-18 2013-09-18 Metalast, S. A. (Sociedad Unipersonal) Dispositivo para obtener un control posicional.
KR101475300B1 (ko) * 2013-02-20 2014-12-22 이정율 수영장용 출발대
JP6438296B2 (ja) * 2014-12-25 2018-12-12 株式会社メタルテック大藪 背泳用スタート補助装置

Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1793898A (en) * 1929-10-08 1931-02-24 Barron Albert Milton Starting block
US2144962A (en) * 1938-02-09 1939-01-24 George T Bresnahan Starting block
US3401931A (en) * 1965-09-13 1968-09-17 George R. Mccafferty Adjustable starting block
US3724843A (en) * 1970-01-28 1973-04-03 Junghans Gmbh Geb Starting control device for running events
US3799542A (en) * 1971-07-09 1974-03-26 J Potgieter Starting blocks for athletes
US4134583A (en) * 1976-03-09 1979-01-16 Davidson James J Starting assist device for swimmers
USD293009S (en) * 1984-05-17 1987-12-01 Esa Pieniniemi Starting-block
US4754965A (en) * 1986-04-25 1988-07-05 Moye Charles W Starting block for runners
US4913420A (en) * 1986-04-25 1990-04-03 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
US5033738A (en) * 1989-06-06 1991-07-23 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
US5465964A (en) * 1990-08-15 1995-11-14 Thompson Broom Manufacturers Ltd. Curling hack
US5540638A (en) * 1990-09-26 1996-07-30 Wilkinson; William T. Multi-level aerobic step device
USD385606S (en) * 1996-07-29 1997-10-28 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
US5916031A (en) * 1997-08-05 1999-06-29 Casillan; Ramoncito Diving platform cover
US6342029B1 (en) * 1998-02-23 2002-01-29 Lawrence W. Richards Runners starting block
US6494812B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2002-12-17 Charles R. Grimes, Jr. Inclined ramp for track and field training and training methods therefor
US7193167B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2007-03-20 Keith Brice Competitive swimming starting system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2358876A1 (de) * 1973-07-30 1975-02-13 Jovan Gajic Vorrichtung zum erlernen des kopfsprunges in das wasser
DE2517738A1 (de) * 1975-04-22 1976-11-04 Newestin Rennert Alexander Von Absprungvorrichtung fuer schwimmer
US4017069A (en) * 1975-10-28 1977-04-12 Robert C. Stevens Diving platform
US4666147A (en) * 1984-03-19 1987-05-19 Warman Richard B Invert diving platform

Patent Citations (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1793898A (en) * 1929-10-08 1931-02-24 Barron Albert Milton Starting block
US2144962A (en) * 1938-02-09 1939-01-24 George T Bresnahan Starting block
US3401931A (en) * 1965-09-13 1968-09-17 George R. Mccafferty Adjustable starting block
US3724843A (en) * 1970-01-28 1973-04-03 Junghans Gmbh Geb Starting control device for running events
US3799542A (en) * 1971-07-09 1974-03-26 J Potgieter Starting blocks for athletes
US4134583A (en) * 1976-03-09 1979-01-16 Davidson James J Starting assist device for swimmers
USD293009S (en) * 1984-05-17 1987-12-01 Esa Pieniniemi Starting-block
US4754965A (en) * 1986-04-25 1988-07-05 Moye Charles W Starting block for runners
US4913420A (en) * 1986-04-25 1990-04-03 All Ohio Youth Athletic Club Starting block for runners
US5033738A (en) * 1989-06-06 1991-07-23 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
US5465964A (en) * 1990-08-15 1995-11-14 Thompson Broom Manufacturers Ltd. Curling hack
US5540638A (en) * 1990-09-26 1996-07-30 Wilkinson; William T. Multi-level aerobic step device
USD385606S (en) * 1996-07-29 1997-10-28 Newton Jr Milton A Runner's starting block assembly
US5916031A (en) * 1997-08-05 1999-06-29 Casillan; Ramoncito Diving platform cover
US6342029B1 (en) * 1998-02-23 2002-01-29 Lawrence W. Richards Runners starting block
US6494812B1 (en) * 1999-09-30 2002-12-17 Charles R. Grimes, Jr. Inclined ramp for track and field training and training methods therefor
US7193167B1 (en) * 2000-01-21 2007-03-20 Keith Brice Competitive swimming starting system

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130095980A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-04-18 Colorado Time Systems Track start block for swimming
US8696525B2 (en) * 2011-10-18 2014-04-15 Colorado Time Systems Track start block for swimming
US20140171271A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2014-06-19 Colorado Time Systems Track start block for swimming
US8795140B2 (en) * 2011-10-18 2014-08-05 Colorado Time Systems Track start block for swimming
US20130252788A1 (en) * 2012-03-23 2013-09-26 S.R. Smith, Llc Starting block
US9623272B2 (en) 2014-01-08 2017-04-18 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Adjustable plate for starting block
USD742984S1 (en) 2014-01-08 2015-11-10 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Swimmer starting platform
USD784475S1 (en) 2014-01-08 2017-04-18 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Swimmer starting platform
USD791261S1 (en) 2014-01-08 2017-07-04 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Swimmer starting platform
USD852913S1 (en) * 2014-01-08 2019-07-02 Pentair Water Pool And Spa, Inc. Swimmer starting platform
DE102018118455A1 (de) * 2018-07-31 2020-02-06 Kai Böhme Startvorrichtung für Schwimmer
US20220401778A1 (en) * 2021-06-22 2022-12-22 Tamas Kereszy Swimming starting block front foot support
US12194348B2 (en) * 2021-06-22 2025-01-14 Tamas Kereszy Swimming starting block front foot support

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1501609A2 (en) 2005-02-02
ATE400328T1 (de) 2008-07-15
GB0210230D0 (en) 2002-06-12
DE60322045D1 (de) 2008-08-21
EP1501609B1 (en) 2008-07-09
CN1649648A (zh) 2005-08-03
ES2306864T3 (es) 2008-11-16
WO2003092819A3 (en) 2003-12-18
GB2388050A (en) 2003-11-05
WO2003092819A2 (en) 2003-11-13
CN1299785C (zh) 2007-02-14
AU2003223008B2 (en) 2007-08-02
AU2003223008A1 (en) 2003-11-17
GB2388050B (en) 2005-10-12

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