Abstract:
Disclosed is a swimming device which allows a swimmer to read while swimming. A support structure is configured to support reading material in the form of a book, newspaper, or electronic reading device. An attachment device is operatively connected to the support structure and rigidly connects the support structure to the swimmer&#39;s body.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/842,376 filed Sep. 6, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
       [0002]     This application includes material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0003]      FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of swimming device of the invention. The invention allows swimmers to comfortably read text, for example a newspaper, while swimming. Many people who need more exercise could consider swimming; however, many people find swimming to be lacking in mental stimulation. The invention helps solve this problem by providing mental stimulation for swimmers.  
         [0004]     One specific example of the invention allows the swimmer to perform the backstroke while reading a newspaper. The invention includes the use of a device to support the newspaper (or other mentally stimulating material) out of the water and above the swimmer so that the newspaper is able to stay dry and visible for reading by the swimmer. The invention may provide a means to form a waterproof sealed enclosure around the swimmer&#39;s reading material.  
         [0005]     The device includes optional use of a floatation devices which assist swimmers who may not be able to comfortably stay afloat while simultaneously swimming and reading.  
         [0006]     The device includes optional methods of: (1) comfortably turning the page with mechanical devices; (2) preventing water from splashing into the swimmer&#39;s eyes, nose, and mouth; (3) preventing water from splashing onto the newspaper; (4) providing the swimmer with advance warnings of obstructions in the swimmer&#39;s path such as the end of the lane; (5) providing warnings and deterrents from all dangers including but not limited to: sharks, whales; coral, sea nettles, jelly fish; (6) providing notifications pertaining to the swimmer&#39;s medical conditions including but not limited to: heart rate, pulse, calories burned; (7) providing notifications to medical staff; (8) providing communications between fellow swimmers including but not limited to attached waterproof cell phone or walkie talkie; (9) providing protection against chlorine (or other chemicals or elements) having contact with the swimmer&#39;s hair including but not limited to water shields attached to the apparatus; (10) providing warnings of other conditions of all kinds; (11) using various technologies to provide information to the swimmer including but not limited to depth detection, radar, sonar, global positioning system (GPS).  
         [0007]     Another permutation of the invention is waterproof goggles or glasses which have the ability to function as a computer monitor of graphic user interface (GUI) so that text can be displayed in conjunction with a computer. The computer can transfer the text to the waterproof monitor (for example inside goggles) via any number of wired or wireless technologies including but not limited to WI-FI, Bluetooth, etc.  
         [0008]     With the invention, the swimmer is able to swim for long distances very comfortably while reading text such as a newspaper or book without worrying about hitting the wall at the end of the lap lane or hitting another swimmer.  
         [0009]     The invention includes the options of various protections against the swimmer banging her head into the wall at the end of the swimming pool&#39;s lap lane, for example.  
         [0010]     The invention includes options of communications between fellow swimmers using this device and communications to others, including but not limited to communications via waterproof cell phone; walkie talkie, etc.  
         [0011]     The invention includes the option of various dynamic adjustments that can be made while swimming so that, for example, the swimmer can make major and minor modifications for comfort, safety, and creature features which allow, for example, long distance swimming.  
         [0012]     This device includes options for a myriad of other interactive entertainment devices which can be used while swimming, including but not limited to electronic interactive games which can be played while swimming between various players including other swimmers.  
         [0013]     An optional computer network connection may be employed while swimming including but not limited to an optional computer network and/or computer devices optionally with remote control devices and optional other interactive digital controls for a myriad of functions (eg: music controls, newspaper page turning, other sensory device controls).  
         [0014]     The invention may optionally include design elements which physically prevent, block or deflect water splashes away from the user&#39;s eyes and nose and mouth and newspaper, etc.  
         [0015]     The invention may include waterproof goggles with video for reading.  
         [0016]     The user may optionally use an electronic or computerized reading device.  
         [0017]     The invention may assist the user by providing some floatation.  
         [0018]     The invention may optionally include the ability to electronically sense (via any of various means including but not limited to sonar, radar, laser, photo images, etc.) the end of swimming pool&#39;s lane or other obstructions in the path of the swimmer.  
         [0019]     The invention may optionally include page turning devices to facilitate the user&#39;s ability to read without interruption.  
         [0020]     The invention may optionally include items to protect the swimmer&#39;s body and head from impact.  
         [0021]     The invention may optionally include providing warning to the user of various dangers and providing protection from various dangers including but not limited to: shark deterrents, coral; sea nettles; jelly fish.  
         [0022]     The invention may optionally include providing feedback and warnings to the user about the user&#39;s medical conditions including but not limited to heart rate, pulse, data pertaining to exercise such as calories burned, duration of exercise, distance traveled, etc and may optionally provide notifications to medical staff.  
         [0023]     The invention may optionally provide communications between fellow swimmers using this device. For example, communications via waterproof cell phone or walkie talkie, etc. may be provided.  
         [0024]     The device may optionally provide hair protection from chlorine.  
         [0025]     One embodiment of the invention is in the form of an attachment for a swimmer&#39;s own personal flotation device, such as a life vest (for example a water skiing floatation vest which is commonly available). This embodiment provides one or more devices to be added or attached as attachments to the flotation device which provide all of the features described herein, including but not limited to flotation device attachments which optionally allow the user to attach a book or newspaper to the flotation device so that it is held up in a position for reading by the user; a reading light. Any suitable attachment means, such as a clip, may be used. A warning system provides data to the user and may assist in providing various protections to the user from dangers (for example: end of lap lane; presence of sharks; presence of jelly fish; presence of sea urchins; etc). One embodiment provides a personal flotation device in combination with one or more of the attachments described herein.  
         [0026]     The swimming device may include a means to add resistance to the user&#39;s exercise, including but not limited to: stretchable materials which assist with exercise by providing resistance (such as surgical tubing); paddles which provide resistance in the water; paddles and other physical objects attached by stretchable materials (such as surgical tubing) to the flotation device or to the swimmer&#39;s body or to the swimmer&#39;s clothing or the swimmer&#39;s water shoes.  
         [0027]     While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.