WO2005095202A1 - Swimming aid - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a swimming aid that is to be worn on the body and provides floatability. Said swimming aid comprises a dimensionally variable part that can be adjusted to the body size and is provided with a first, detachable closing means, with the aid of which the variable body size adjustment can be made, and at least one buoyancy element. The inventive swimming aid comprises an additional second, detachable closing means that can be detached without modifying the set body size adjustment of the dimensionally variable part. A swimming aid in the form of a jacket and a swimming aid encompassing a supporting belt system are particularly preferred embodiments.

Description

 Swimming aid device

The invention relates to buoyancy aids and buoyancy aids which can be flexibly adapted to the body size over many clothing sizes. The buoyancy aid or buoyancy aid according to the invention can be designed in a lightweight, highly elastic form and can be adjusted to the desired body size of the user.

Swimming aids, which consist of film with air chambers, are mainly used for application to the body. The widespread "floating wings" that are worn on the upper arm should be mentioned in this context. With this type of construction, the load-bearing capacity is given in the water, but an undisturbed movement sequence is severely restricted. Known swimming aid devices that are attached with belts only have buoyancy elements the back, as can be seen from DE 200 05 183 U1. Safety and functionality are limited in this case A swimming aid with buoyancy elements around the chest area and around the arms is described in DE 3239929 C2.

Furthermore, swimsuits combined with insertable styrofoam or enclosed air chambers are known - see also US 5413485A - which, however, only fit the size of the swimsuit and are mainly worn only by girls.

For the purpose of a sail / surf vest with distribution of the force load, US 4545773A describes a device in which a hook enables a detachable connection to a part of the sail / surfboard and straps or straps that on the one hand with the hook and on the other hand with hip and shoulder parts the sail / surf vest are connected, allow a distribution of the load.

The object of the invention is to ensure sufficient buoyancy and safety in the water with extensive freedom of movement, pleasant wearing properties and flexibility for the user or wearer of the swimming aid device. This object is achieved according to the invention with the swimming aid device defined in claim 1. Preferred embodiments are defined in the subclaims. According to the invention, the swimming aid device can be adapted precisely to the respective body.

With the invention, to a certain extent, unique sizes are created, that is, due to the very great variability of the setting options for the swimming aid device, depending on the design in children, e.g. sizes 92 to 122 and for adults e.g. sizes 48 to 62 (German size standard, for adults M to XL) are covered with a single size of the swimming aid. This swimming aid "grows" so practically with children.

The swimming aid device according to the invention has significant advantages over the prior art, which cannot be deduced from the conventional swimming aid devices. The swimming aid device according to the invention thus enables the size to be adjusted variably, but at the same time ensures safety for the user in use and improves the functionality. The first, releasable closure means is used to preset the variable size. The design according to the invention allows that the ability to float and / or the ability to carry the swimming aid device on the user's body is advantageously not lost by opening or releasing the second closure means. Regardless of the first closure means, ie without having to release it, the second closure means can, if necessary, be completely detached and separated by the user when worn. Thus, depending on the embodiment, the second, releasable closure means offers the possibility, after use, of allowing the swimming aid device to be put on and taken off conveniently and quickly, or the possibility of additional securing against the removal of the swimming aid device. The second, releasable closure means can be used, for example, to additionally open the variable-size part, which is explained in more detail below using the example of the second preferred embodiment in the form of a vest, or to attach the buoyancy element and preferably an additional buoyancy element, which is shown below using the example of the first preferred embodiment in Form of a carrier belt system is explained in more detail, but in the case of the embodiment, the complete release or separation of the second fastener accessible by the user himself can be effected without changing the preset body size setting. This significantly increases security and functionality. The features of the subclaims offer further clear advantages: The features of claims 2 and 3 each enable improved versions with simple and safe, variable presetting of the body size setting, while at the same time a very convenient and quick putting on and taking off of the swimming aid device is possible. The swimming aid device can be flexibly adapted to exactly one body size of the user via a number of clothing sizes. The features of claim 4 serve for additional security. The features of claim 5 improve the accuracy of fit of the swimming aid device as a whole, while still being easy and quick to put on and take off. The features of claim 6 relate to an alternative embodiment that enables a particularly light and highly elastic swimming aid device, which in turn can be adapted very flexibly to the body size over a number of clothing sizes, while at the same time the safety when wearing is further improved. The features of claim 7 further improve the functionality in a simple and efficient manner. With the features of claim 8 and claim 11, security, in particular for children and the disabled, is additionally improved. An inadvertent opening of the swimming aid device is prevented by a buoyancy element attached to the fastening point of the carrier belt. The features of claim 9 cause a particularly suitable swimming aid device with high wearing comfort. With the features of claim 10, a particularly advantageous, simultaneous combination of size variability on the one hand and reliable closure on the other hand is achieved with a suitably designed first closure means. The designs defined in claim 12 improve or expand the functionality. The same applies to the features of claims 13 and 14.

The Schwiπ-mhilfsvorrichtung according to the invention can be used in children and equally in adults.

For children, this swimming aid is ideal for learning to swim. Design variants with the possibility of buoyancy regulation are also sensible. Initially, the overall buoyancy is used for a feeling of security, for getting used to the water and for practicing swimming. With child's learning progress to reduce the buoyancy by reducing the volume and / or the material of the buoyancy element (s) of the buoyancy aid device and thus move to free swimming.

In general, this invention can be worn for the safety of children during activities on and in the water.

Adults can also wear this buoyancy aid for safety in the water and in connection with various sports and leisure activities. Particularly suitable here are e.g. Swimming courses, aqua jogging and aqua aerobics, also e.g. Surfing, water skiing, sailing, rafting, paragliding and water rides with boats and fungi.

In addition, with the appropriate coloring, it can be found more quickly and, with a vest-shaped design of the swimming aid device, the body is better protected against UV radiation, injuries and cooling.

Important areas of application are also rehabilitation and support for the disabled. With this swimming aid, a very high level of comfort is guaranteed and the natural movements are not hindered, so that appropriate therapies find good support.

The invention is described in more detail below by means of exemplary embodiments.

The drawings illustrate non-limiting examples of the use and implementation of buoyancy aids according to the invention, wherein:

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show a swimming aid device with a carrier belt and buoyancy elements according to a first embodiment of the invention for children, FIG. 1 showing the view from the front and FIG. 2 the view from the rear. In this illustration, breast and back cushions are sewn from textile material and filled with closed-cell foam panels.

3 and 4 show a swimming aid device with a carrying strap for children, FIG. 3 showing the front view and FIG. 4 the back view. At this Representation, the chest and back part are cut from a closed-cell foam and connected directly to the chest strap.

- Fig. 5 shows a special embodiment of the swimming aid device according to the principle of the first embodiment of the invention in horizontal cross section, in addition to the first closure means for variable body size adjustment, an additional closure means is provided on the first closure means including a buoyancy element.

6a to 6f show individual parts of the swimming aid device with a carrier belt according to the first embodiment of the invention, with FIG. 6a showing the outside view of the carrier belt and FIG. 6b showing the view of the body side of the carrier belt. 6c and 6d show the breast pillow, FIG. 6c showing the outside view (the side facing away from the body) and FIG. 6d the inside view (the side facing the body). 6e and 6f show the back cushion, FIG. 6e the external view and FIG. 6f the view of the body side. In this illustration, all parts are sewn from textile and filled with buoyancy material.

FIGS. 7a and 7b show a vest-shaped swimming aid device according to the invention in an embodiment for children, FIG. 7a showing the view from the front and FIG. 7b the view from the rear. In this illustration, the swimming aid device is sewn from textile material and filled with closed-cell foam panels. In this embodiment, all tabs are closed for safety reasons and the zipper handle is secured with a cover.

8a and 8b show a vest-shaped swimming aid device according to the invention in an embodiment for adults, with FIG. 8a showing the front view and FIG. 8b the rear view. In this illustration, the swimming aid device is sewn from textile material and filled with closed-cell foam panels. FIGS. 9a to 9c show a swimming aid device according to the principle of the second embodiment as a vest-shaped design in individual parts, FIG. 9a showing the back part and FIGS. 9b and 9c showing two front parts. All parts are sewn of textile and filled with buoyancy material.

Description of preferred embodiments:

First preferred embodiment

For the production of the swimming aid device according to the invention, plates made of closed-cell foam with different thickness, elasticity and different weight can be used as the buoyancy material. All suitable floatable materials can be used, so floatable granules, flakes and balls, e.g. made of polystyrene and cork. Furthermore, chambers made of water- and airtight material, filled with air, can ensure buoyancy. From the plate material 6 and 7 (Fig. 3 to 5) shapes, e.g. Animals, heads and figures are cut out, which are colored, e.g. dyed through, printed, coated and pasted. Buoyancy materials, which are surrounded by textile material, can be designed with prints, patches, embroidery, stickers and patches of various motifs as well as advertising. Due to molded foams, figurative and semi-plastic objects, which can also be colored, can be used as buoyancy elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a closed-cell polyethylene foam (for example 10 mm thick) sewn into textile is used as the carrier belt 1 (FIGS. 1-5, 6a and 6b). By means of Velcro 20 and 21 (Fig. 6a and 6b)) a stepless adjustment on the body is possible. The attachment parts are sewn from textile material and filled with closed-cell foam, such as polyethylene or polyurethane foam. The filling can consist of several plates until the desired buoyancy is achieved. The plates are inserted loosely, which causes greater elasticity. The back cushions 3 (FIGS. 2, 6e and 6f) are attached to the carrier belt 1 with belt loops 5 and the Front cushions 2 (FIGS. 1, 6c and 6d) are fastened by means of Velcro strips 23, 24 (FIGS. 6c and 6d). The size of the pillows is such that they give sufficient buoyancy.

In the swimming aid device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in general and in individual parts in FIGS. 6a-6f with a carrier belt and buoyancy elements for children, breast and back cushions are sewn from textile material and filled with closed-cell foam plates. To fasten the carrier belt, Velcro strips are attached at various points on the carrier belt as the first fastening means. Thus, at the first end of the carrier belt, a Velcro strap 20 is attached only on the outside, which hooks into the Velcro strap 21 of the second end of the carrier belt, which is attached on the inside. To attach the breast pad 2 to the fastening point of the carrier belt, a Velcro strip is additionally attached as a second fastening means on the outside at the second end 22 and on the inside of the breast pad 23. The breast pad 2 is fixed once more via 2 Velcro straps (4 in Fig. 1, 19 in Fig. 6a), each of which is attached in an area in front of the strap ends (23 and 24 in Fig. 6c and 6d).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in addition to the size-variable presetting of the carrier belt 1 with the first fastening means, the connection to the carrier belt is carried out by means of the second fastening means, which is in the form of cutouts in the buoyancy element 6, 7 and continuous Velcro strip 8 on the front buoyancy element 6 or loops 9 on the rear buoyancy element 7. FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment in horizontal cross section, wherein a Velcro tape 4 as the second fastening means is not flipped forward through a recess in the front buoyancy element as in FIG. 3, but along the side surface of the front buoyancy element 6. With the embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 5, examples are shown, according to which the first closure on the carrier belt 1 is closed again by the second closure and is thus further secured. The body 6 serving as a buoyancy element thus sits securely on the variable closure.

The material for the strap can be varied widely. The belt can, for example, be formed from foam sewn into textile material, as described, but can also be formed only from fabric materials, from an elastic band or from commercially available belts. Width and thickness can also be selected as required. A suitable width is for example 1 to 15 cm, preferably 2 to 7.5 cm and in particular 3 to 5 cm. A suitable thickness is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 cm, preferably 2 mm to 1 cm.

Second preferred embodiment:

In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the swimming aid device is made in the form of a vest made of textile material. The textile fabric is connected with a thin buoyancy material (e.g. approx. 3 - 5 mm), e.g. by sewing or gluing, which above all has a positive effect on the appearance. The individual parts are then sewn together, filled with buoyancy material (eg closed-cell polyethylene or polyurethane foam slats, eg approx. 10 mm thick) and closed. The buoyancy material filling can consist of several plates until the desired buoyancy is achieved. The plates are inserted loosely, which causes greater elasticity. Material properties of the panels such as volume, type of material and porosity are dimensioned in such a way that sufficient buoyancy is imparted. In the chest area and in the upper back area, the filling is made stronger, which corresponds better to the body weight proportions and the desired behavior in the water. A continuous adjustment on the body is possible with Velcro on the sides and in the shoulder area. The lateral adjustments are made by means of overlapping tabs 10 (FIGS. 7b and 8a) on which Velcro strips or Velcro surfaces 15, 17 (FIGS. 9a-9c) are sewn on. The adjustment option in the shoulder area by means of a further strap 11 and Velcro fasteners 16, 18 (FIGS. 7b, 9a-9c) is used to adapt to the respective upper arm or shoulder, so that the arm cutout is always an exact fit. This adjustment option also has the purpose of preventing the effect of the buoyancy aid on the body slipping up as a result of the buoyancy in the water. Due to the precisely fitting closing of the shoulder straps, the side straps are always directly under the armpits, which prevents slipping up in the water. A comfortable and quick putting on and taking off is possible with an additional fastener, such as a zipper or another reclosable fastener such as a click fastener. So a user can leave the adjustment of the Velcro fasteners and put on the buoyancy aid like a vest; you just have to open and Close the (here second in this embodiment) closure means, for example actuate the zipper 14 (FIGS. 7a, 9b).

Once the vest-like embodiment of the swimming aid device according to the invention has been set for a specific person, in the future the person will no longer need to make any further settings. The swimming aid is then simply put on and taken off like a vest. The putting on and taking off as well as the adjustment of the buoyancy aid to the respective body size can be handled quickly and safely.

The end product should be skin-friendly and harmless to health

Examples:

Example 1:

Construction of a buoyancy aid device with carrier belt for children according to the invention with approx. 4 liters of buoyancy volume, e.g .:

Carrier belt 1 (Fig. 1-4; 6a and 6b): 110 mm wide, 10 mm thick (thick) closed-cell polyethylene foam (30 kg / m ³ , e.g. Cellu-Cushion from SEALED AIR) sewn into fabric (e.g. Polyester fabric 5407-7200 from UCO) with Velcro provided for connection (50 mm wide, eg polyester warp from APLIX). - Breast pad 2 (Fig. 1; 6c and 6d): 4 pieces of 10 mm thick PE foam in a reclosable fabric cover with sewn-on Velcro tape for attachment to the strap (materials such as strap), the chest pad can be attached to the side with Velcro strap 4 (Fig. 1) or 19 (Fig. 6a) are secured. The buckle of the strap, which is used for variable size adjustment, is then additionally secured against unintentional opening. - Back cushions 3 (Fig. 2; 6e and 6f): 4 pieces of 10 mm thick PE foam, materials such as breast pads, but instead of a Velcro connection with sewn-on tape loops 5 (Fig. 2; 6f) for pulling on the carrier belt. Example 2:

Construction of a vest-shaped swimming aid for children according to the invention with approx. 4 liters of buoyancy volume and approx. 230 g total weight, e.g .:

- The swimming aid device is sewn from textile material (eg polyester material 5407-7200 from UCO). The textile fabric is sewn completely with a thin, closed-cell foam (e.g. 3mm thick, e.g. TEE 3003-00 from ALVEO). A closed-cell polyethylene foam (eg 30 kg / m ³ , 10 mm thick, eg Cellu-Cushion from SEALED AIR) is used as the buoyancy material. A little more polyethylene foam is introduced in the chest and upper back area and fixed with darts 12 to prevent it from slipping (see Fig. 7-9). For size-variable adjustment, tabs 10 with sewn-on Velcro tape 17, which comes to lie against a Velcro tape 15 for detachable closure, are provided as the first closure means (for example 50 mm wide, for example polyester Velcro tape from APLIX), and for putting on, ie fast putting on and taking off the vest, a zipper 14 (eg 270 mm, eg P60 from Coast) is used (Fig. 7-9). In the case of small children, for safety reasons, the locking tabs can be closed towards the back (see FIG. 7b) and the zip handle can be secured with a cover 25 (FIG. 7a).

In order to achieve a variability in the buoyancy volume, cushions with buoyancy material or foam sheets are attached to the front and / or back of the buoyancy aid device or the buoyancy aid device is manufactured with reclosable pockets (e.g. with Velcro, zipper or other reclosable closure techniques), so that if necessary Simply remove the buoyancy material and add it again. The additional buoyancy elements can be attached or removed as required. Further features of the swimming aid device according to the invention are that a particularly comfortable fit is ensured by the precise adjustment options and the use of particularly light and elastic materials. The putting on and taking off and the adjustment of the swimming aid device to the respective body size can be handled quickly and safely.

An advantage of the swimming aid device of variable size according to the invention is that you can cover all clothing sizes with a few models. Production costs are minimized due to the small number of parts and materials required, and customers, dealers, distributors, trainers and therapists have lower acquisition and storage costs due to the less required different sizes.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 Carrier belt 2 Chest cushion 3 Back cushion 4 Additional securing device for buoyancy element on the carrier belt 5 Strap loops for pulling on the carrier belt 6 Buoyancy element from 7 buoyancy element back 8 Fastening for buoyancy element with carrier belt, front side 9 Fastening for buoyancy element, back side 10 Side plate for adaptation to body size 11 Shoulder plate for adjustment the armholes 12 topstitching 13 hangers 14 zipper 15 side flap with hook and loop tape 16 shoulder flap with hook and loop tape 17 side flap with Velcro strap 18 shoulder strap with Velcro strap 19 Velcro strap for securing buoyancy elements 20 harness strap fastener with hook and loop tape 21 straps with Velcro strap for attaching the buoyancy element 23 Velcro tape for fastening with the carrier belt 24 Velcro tape for additional securing of the buoyancy element 25 zip fastener

Claims

claims Buoyancy aid for wearing on the body and for providing buoyancy a size-variable part (1; 100) which can be adjusted to the body size and has a first, releasable closure means (20, 21; 10, 15, 17) by means of which the variable body size setting can be set, - At least one buoyancy element, the device - Has another second, releasable closure means (4,19,22,23,24; 14) that can be released without changing the set body size setting of the size-variable part (1; 100). Swimming aid device according to Claim 1, which is designed in the form of a vest (100), the size-variable part (100) which can be adjusted to the body size, for body size adjustment in the hip and / or waist region, with an adjustable, reclosable fastening technique as the first, releasable fastening means (10,15,17), and wherein the second, releasable closure means is a reclosable closure (14), which allows a comfortable and quick putting on and taking off the Schwirnmhilfsvorrichtung without changing the body size setting of the buoyancy aid. Swimming aid device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first, releasable closure means is formed by side flaps with Velcro strips (10, 15, 17), and in that the further, second, resealable closure means is designed as a zipper (14) or as click closures. Swimming aid device according to Anspmch 3, characterized in that the side flaps are closed towards the back of the vest, and / or that another second, reclosable closure means (14) is secured with a cover (25). 5. Schwirnmhilfsvorrichtung according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the vest has a variably adjustable arm opening, with an adjustable reclosable closure, preferably in the form of a shoulder strap with Velcro, for the variable adjustment on the back part and on the front part in the upper region (11, 16, 18) is provided. 6. Swimming aid device according spoke 1, characterized in that the adjustable to the body size, size-variable part is designed as a carrier belt (1). 7. Swimming aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for regulating the buoyancy at least one of the following configurations of the at least one buoyancy element is provided: - the at least one buoyancy element is firmly integrated into the variable-size part (1; 100); - On the front and back parts of the size-variable part (1; 100), if necessary, further, buoyancy elements, e.g. Pillows filled with buoyancy material or plates made of closed-cell foam, provided, or front and / or back parts of the variable-sized part (1; 100) are themselves evidently and resealable in such a way that buoyancy material can be removed or added; - In addition to a buoyancy element (3; 7) on the back side, a buoyancy element (2; 6) can be fastened on the front side. 8. Buoyancy aid according to Anspmch 6, characterized in that on the fastening point (20, 21) of the carrier belt a buoyancy element (6) with Velcro (23) or another reclosable fastening means can be fastened in such a way that the carrier belt (1) as a complete system locked again (4, 19, 24) and secured against unintentional opening. 9. Swimming aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the size-variable part (1; 100) has air-filled chambers made of water- and airtight material and - if necessary in combination with other buoyant materials - form buoyancy elements and ensure buoyancy. 10. Swimming aid according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the carrier belt (1) by means of Velcro or by means of another reclosable fastening technique, such as e.g. Buttons, ribbons and click closures, preferably in the area of the shoulder, can be closed in a detachable manner. 11. Swimming aid device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the bmst-side buoyancy element (2; 6) on the body facing side a fastener (23) for attachment to the carrier belt (1) and on the body facing away another fastener (24) has as additional security for an additional closing (4, 19) of the carrier belt (1), a Velcro fastener (23, 24, 4) preferably serving as the closing means. 12. Swimming aid according to one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the buoyancy element has a closed-cell foam and is designed in one or more of the following forms: - introduced as a filling in the carrier belt (1); - as plates of various shapes, e.g. Figures or heads, cut and designed in color and releasably connected to the carrier belt (1); - as molded foam, plastic or semi-plastic shapes or figures. 13. Swimming aid according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustable to the body size, size-variable part (1; 100), in particular the vest or the harness, and / or the (the) buoyancy element (s) (2,3 , 6,7) are covered with fabric and decorated with embroidery, embroidery, Iron-on patches and patches are equipped. 14. Swimming aid device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the buoyancy element has filler material with buoyant granules, flakes, balls or material combinations.