Aquatic propulsion device for swimmers

An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to aquatic propulsion systems, particularly to training aids for swimming.

There is an ever-present need for improved aquatic propulsion systems. Such systems may be used to assist in training novice-to-expert swimmers in proper techniques, including the proper positioning of a swimmer's hands for a given swimming stroke, for example, to gain a competitive advantage in professional or amateur swimming events. A propulsion system is also needed to improve swimming technique and thus improve enjoyment of leisure swimming. There is also a need for an aquatic propulsion system that may be worn when swimming to improve efficiency, power, and speed, or to rehabilitate an injured muscle group. There is also a need for a system that will enhance pleasure and improve the effects of swimming as an exercise.

One disadvantage of conventional aquatic propulsion devices is that they do not train the proper hand position or align the hand with other anatomical regions. For example, prior-art devices such as kick boards, swimming fins worn on the feet, paddles for the hands, or flotation devices do not position the hand in proper anatomical alignment for efficient propulsion through the water.

When swimming, the most efficient position of the hand, forearm, fingertips, and elbow is a position that provides a uniform application of force on the pulling surface and an increased surface area for holding water, resulting in the generation of more power and speed. This efficient alignment of the fingertips, hand, forearm, and elbow is generally known as the “paddle-blade position.” The paddle-blade position is essential to create the maximum amount of power and speed for each stroke. The prior art does not adequately address training a swimmer to maintain the paddle-blade position throughout the swimming stroke. As a result, many swimmers “break their wrists,” that is, lose the paddle-blade position alignment at some point during a swimming stroke. This misalignment results in inefficient swimming technique that may lead to fatigue, reduced power, and speed loss when swimming.

Additionally, the prior art does not train muscle memory of the hand, fingertips, elbow, and forearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes problems in the prior art by providing a novel aquatic propulsion device that places the anatomy of a swimmer in the paddle-blade position and trains muscle memory of the paddle-blade position. The present invention may also be used to place anatomy in other desired positions that the swimmer may find advantageous. The present invention may be used as a training-aid to improve speed, improve efficiency, reduce fatigue, and enhance pleasure of swimming for novice to professional swimmers.

The present invention contemplates an aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position. The device includes a curvilinear support surface, which can align the hand or foot in a position for efficient swimming. The support surface may be secured to the foot or hand. To maintain a fixed relation across the joint, a linking element is linked to the curvilinear support surface at a desired angle.

These and other embodiments are described in more detail in the following detailed descriptions and in the figures.

The foregoing is not intended to be a limiting description of the invention: Persons skilled in the art are capable of appreciating other embodiments and features from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel aquatic propulsion system that trains a swimmer's muscles to attain and retain the paddle-blade position. The system according to the present invention introduces a uniquely curved paddle device that can be comfortably worn by a swimmer.

FIGS. 1A,1B show an aquatic propulsion system1according to the present invention. The system1may include a first and second propulsion device, such as right paddle3and left paddle5. While this disclosure discusses a pair of propulsion devices, the system1of the present invention may also work as a single device. Similarly, while this disclosure discusses distinct right- and left-handed paddle shapes, it is understood that distinct right-hand and left-hand shapes are not an essential aspect of the invention. Some embodiments may employ intermediate shapes suitable for use with either hand, eliminating the need to manufacture and ship unique right-hand and left-hand parts.

Each device includes a hand support9that is generally curvilinear, for example, a convex shape. Opposite the hand support9may be a correspondingly curved propulsion surface7, for example, a concave shape as shown inFIG. 2. Shown inFIG. 3, a hand support9has a generally curvilinear profile. The propulsion surface7may have any shape or size. For example, the propulsion surface7may be substantially planar and have a large surface area as shown inFIG. 5. Also, as shown inFIG. 8, propulsion surface7may include any number of holes20, of any diameter, in any location. The size and number of holes20could be selected to vary the amount of resistance against the propulsion surface. These optional features would be useful to develop muscles and endurance, for example, while simultaneously training the swimmer to use the paddle-blade position or other desired position.

The hand support9may have slots15adapted to receive corresponding securing elements17, so that a swimmer's hand may be removably secured to the propulsion surface. For example, one set of slots may be arranged to secure a thumb of a swimmer, while a second set of slots may be positioned to secure the fingers of a swimmer.

A linking element11aligns the propulsion surface7and hand support9in fixed relation to a support platform13. To place the hand in the paddle-blade position, the fixed relation maintains an acute angle from the mean surface of propulsion surface7. This linking element11may be arranged in relation to the support platform13at an angle of about 10 to 15 degrees from horizontal, for example. To place the hand in other desired positions, other non-adjustable angles are within the scope of the invention. Means for adjusting the angle between the linking element11and support platform13are also within the scope of the present invention, so that a swimmer may manipulate the device into the paddle-blade position or into other desired positions. Contemplated adjustment devices include, without limitation, ratcheting or pivoting devices that let the user change the angle and then lock the selected angle in place during use. Additionally, the length of element11may be pre-determined based on the specific anatomy of the swimmer.

The angled linking element is adapted so that a swimmer's anatomy is aligned in the paddle-blade position and connects the hand support to the support platform. This fixed relationship between the hand support9and support platform13also facilitates securing of the device to the forearm of a swimmer.

One contemplated support platform13is a forearm/wrist support as shown inFIGS. 1 through 4. The support13may have sets of slots15adapted to receive a securing element17, so that the wrist and forearm of a swimmer may be removably secured to the device3or5. To assist securing, the support13may also include opposing upward-sweeping flanges, adapted to cradle a swimmer's forearm and otherwise assist in securing the device to the swimmer. Support13may include slots15on the upward-sweeping opposing flanges. Although the support13is depicted in the figures as having upturned opposing flanges, many other configurations are possible including, for example, exclusion of the flanges. This exclusion would leave a generally planar surface. Also, while a preferred embodiment may include slots15in the support surface13, it is contemplated that other retention means may be used. For example, a strap may simply be fitted around the forearm of the swimmer and encapsulate the securing surface13.

Each element of the device—the hand support9, the linking element11, the support platform13, and securing elements (i.e., straps)—are aligned in relation to each other so that a swimmer's anatomy including the forearm, wrist, hand, and fingertips are aligned in the paddle-blade position when worn. This relationship is depicted inFIG. 4.

In an alternative embodiment, the system of the present invention may additionally, and/or independently, include a swimming aid for the feet. A desired foot position is shown inFIG. 7. This position is desired for efficient swimming. To train and develop muscle memory, a foot device may be similarly configured as the hand device described herein. As such, the foot propulsion device may place the foot, ankle, and lower leg in an efficient swimming position. This position may be termed “the propulsion position.”

A device101may include an ankle support surface113which can be attached to the lower leg of a swimmer by a securing element117, for example, by straps. The support surface113may have flanged edges to facilitate placement and securing on the lower leg. Connected to the support surface113by an intermediate member111is a footpad107. The footpad107is adapted to receive the foot of a swimmer and is contoured to place the foot in the propulsion position. The footpad107may also include a securing element117to hold the foot securely against the footpad107.

The intermediate member111connects the footpad107to the support113at an angle that aligns the lower leg, ankle, and foot in the desired position. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate member is constructed of a flexible material of sufficient rigidity to maintain the foot and lower leg alignment in the propulsion position during a stroke, but is flexible enough to permit the foot to rotate when required to push off the pool wall when swimming laps, for example. Alternatively, the intermediate member111may include a frictional hinge mechanism, which may be adapted to pivotably retain alignment between the footpad107and the support113.

Contemplated material for the device include a rigid or substantially rigid material such as plastic, wood, metal, or a composite material that is water resistant and holds the anatomy in a desired position during use.

One contemplated method of using the present invention includes securing a first the device, such as paddle3, to one hand of a swimmer. Securing of the paddle may be accomplished by using one or more securing elements17. The securing elements17may be arranged on the device adjacent to the hand support9. A second set of securing elements17may be arranged on the device adjacent the support platform13. A second paddle5may be attached to a second hand by similar means. Then, a swimmer would swim while wearing at least one device. The system would force alignment of the swimmers, fingers, hand, wrist, and forearm, for example, into proper paddle-blade position.

An alternative method of using the present invention includes securing a foot device to the foot and lower leg of a swimmer. A securing support may be used to attach a portion of the foot device101to the lower leg. This portion may be a support surface113. To maintain proper alignment a connecting element111may link the support surface113to a propulsion surface107and foot support107. Securing elements may be attached to the foot, as well.

Persons skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications and variations are possible in the details, materials, and arrangements of the parts and actions which have been described and illustrated in order to explain the nature of this invention and that such modifications and variations do not depart from the spirit and scope of the teachings and claims contained therein.