Abstract:
A method and apparatus for swim training utilizing mirrors. Waterproof, shatterproof mirrors are used to assist in getting children acclimated to a swimming pool, and to provide an instructional amusement for beginning swimmers learning to go underwater. A mirror with a handle is provided allowing an instructor to hold the mirror with one hand while holding an infant with the other to allow the infant to see itself while in the water. The handle also attaches to the side or bottom of a swimming pool, allowing the mirror to be mounted underwater to amuse swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater. A method utilizes the hand held mirror to alternatively let an infant see himself while in the water, or be used as a motivational amusement device for novice swimmers, by mounting it underwater, allowing the swimmers to see themselves when they go underwater.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and device relating swim instruction of infants and small children, particularly relating to the use of a hand held mirror. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Swimming is a common past-time practiced by a large segment of the population. It is also an important survival skill that is taught and learned by many persons as a small child. In addition, competitive swimming is an internationally competitive sport featured prominently as an Olympic sport and in scholastic and intercollegiate athletics. As such, the methods and devices used in the instruction of swimming have wide appeal. 
     Swim instruction is provided at many different levels and for many different reasons, from taking an infant and acclimating it to the water to teaching basic water safety to small children, all the way up to perfecting strokes of skilled experienced swimmers competing at the highest levels. The need for an innovative mirror that can be used in and around water at various stages of swim instruction is identified. 
     Small children, particularly infants, have been demonstrated to be more secure and readily acclimated to the water if they are able to see a familiar face when being introduced to the water, including their own reflection. A child or infant seeing his own face, reflected in a nearby mirror, is more comfortable and receptive to swim instruction. Thus there is identified a need for a mirror that can be positioned to provide a child&#39;s reflection, which is also safe and easily maintained around pools, particularly a mirror that is shatterproof, waterproof, impervious to chlorine and scratch and scuff resistant. 
     As children get older and move from infants to toddlers and beyond, swim instruction and learning remains important, although different skills are being taught and refined as the child ages. For example, a child&#39;s ability to go underwater and remain underwater, and to swim down to a certain depth, becomes an important building block in the instruction of swimming. Incentives to motivate children to go underwater and to swim down are well known, such as sink toys that go to the bottom of a pool and must be retrieved. It has also been found that a mirror placed underwater, that allows children to see themselves while underwater, is popular as a motivational tool to get them to go underwater. There is thus identified a need for a mirror that can be positioned underwater and which is safe and easily maintained around pools, particularly a mirror that is shatterproof, waterproof, impervious to chlorine and scratch and scuff resistant. 
     A wide array of training devices are well known for competitive swimmers that allow them to see, analyze and modify their stroke while in the water. Examples of such training devices include tanks and devices that hold a swimmer stationary either by mechanical means or by creating a current against which the swimmer swims. 
     A vast number of prior art devices and methods have been utilized in the instruction of swimming, including kickboards such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,518,364; 6,955,577; 6,840,831; and 5,518,429. In addition, devices and methods for holding a swimmer afloat or stationary in the water so that swimming strokes can be safely practiced and perfected are well known, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 644,593; 1,238,380; 5,236,404; 5,391,080; 5,813,945; 6,905,444; 6,960,086; and 6,347,971. 
     In addition, other prior art devices have disclosed the use of mirrors in water to allow competitive swimmers to observe their strokes while in water, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,693,570 and 2,875,528. In both of those patents, the mirrors utilized underwater were large and permanently mounted underwater and intended to give the swimmer a full view of his arms and legs while underwater. Those mirrors were not capable of being hand held, or of being detached from the pool wall or bottom to which they were affixed. 
     To improve the method and devices for swim instruction, there is thus provided a need for a shatterproof, scratch resistant, waterproof and chlorine resistant mirror that can be easily held by a swim instructor with one hand while holding an infant or small child with the other hand. By holding the mirror above the child while entering the water, such that the child can see himself, the instructor improves the acclimation of the child to the water. The mirror is also capable of being used by an instructor in later stages of swim instruction by attaching it to the sides or bottom of a pool to provide an amusing incentive for children to go underwater and to swim down to a depth such that they can see themselves. 
     There is thus identified a need for a mirror that is safe around water in that it is shatterproof and waterproof. Also, the mirror should be scratch and scuff resistant and should be non-reactive with chlorine for long life around pools. Providing a mirror that has a convenient and accessible handle allows its use as an infant comforting mirror by allowing an instructor to hold the mirror with one hand while holding the infant with the other. Further, a means for attaching the mirror to the wall or bottom of a pool would be similarly advantageous. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand held mirror to be used in swim instruction of infants, toddlers and small children. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a hand held mirror that can be easily handled, manipulated, oriented and positioned by an instructor using one hand while holding the infant, toddler or small child with the other hand so that they can see themselves. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a hand held mirror having a means for attachment to the walls, sides or bottom of a swimming pool to provide small children an incentive to go underwater to see themselves in the mirror. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mirror that is shatterproof and safe for use in and around pools. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a swim mirror having a handle and attachment device comprising the same structural elements. 
     It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a method for teaching infants, toddlers and small children to swim incorporating the use of hand held mirrors to assist in the acclimation of infants, toddlers and small children to the water. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for swim instruction comprising the use of mirrors mounted underwater that provide incentive and motivation for small children to go underwater to see their reflections in the mirrors. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a multiple step method of swim instruction for infants, toddlers and small children utilizing shatterproof, waterproof mirrors that are hand held in an initial phase to help get the infants acclimated to the water and, in a subsequent phase, are mounted underwater in a swimming pool to provide an amusing incentive for small children to go underwater to see themselves. 
     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the following specification and accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a multiple layer, handheld mirror used in swim instruction having a layer of transparent material and a layer of reflective material affixed to the layer of transparent material. A means for holding the handheld mirror with one hand is provided by a handle affixed to the layer of reflective material opposite the layer of transparent material. The swim mirror, and all of its elements, are safe for use in and around water, most notably by being shatterproof. The handheld mirror is also waterproof, and the layer of transparent material and the layer of reflective material are scratch resistant. In addition, the mirror and all of its elements are non-reactive with chlorine, so that the mirrors do not deteriorate when subjected to chlorinated water of a swimming pool. 
     The handheld mirror of the present invention includes a handle that is easily engaged with one hand allowing manipulation and changes to orientation and position of the mirror with one hand. A fixation means is provided that allows attachment of the mirror to the sides and bottom of a swimming pool, fixation means further comprising a first flange permanently affixed to the handheld mirror and a second flange removably affixed to the sides or bottom of a swimming pool. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second flange comprises a suction cup with a transitional stem for connecting the suction cup to the first flange. The transitional stem defines a gap between the first flange and suction cup, the gap being sufficiently broad for a typical adult hand to be positioned therein, although the cross section of the stem is sufficiently narrow to allow typical adult fingers to engage said stem. 
     Also disclosed in the present invention is a method for teaching a small child to swim comprising the steps of providing a mirror having a reflective surface that is easily picked up, held and manipulated with one hand, followed by picking up and holding the small child with the hand not holding the mirror during an initial phase of instruction, while holding the mirror with the second hand during the initial phase of instruction. The instructor then uses the mirror by holding, manipulating and orienting the reflective surface such that the small child can see itself in the reflective surface as it is being introduced to the water. 
     The method utilizing the mirror utilizes a handheld mirror that is safe for use near a pool and that further comprises a handle easily engaged by one hand. The mirror used in the inventive swim instruction method is also waterproof and non-reactive with chlorine, and includes means for mounting the reflective surface underwater to a side or bottom of a swimming pool, and the inventive swim instruction method includes mounting the reflective surface underwater to a side or bottom of a swimming pool and using the reflective surface mounted underwater as an amusement for small children to encourage small children to go underwater to see themselves. 
     In a significant feature of the present invention, the mirror used in the swim instruction method has a handle and a mounting means comprising the same structural element, specifically wherein the handle and the mounting means comprise a first flange permanently affixed to a back side of the non-reflective surface and a second flange comprises a handle affixed to the first flange. 
     Another method for swim instruction for teaching a small child to swim is disclosed which comprises the steps of providing a reflective surface having a means for removably being mounted underwater to a side or bottom of a swimming pool. The reflective surface is then mounted to a side or bottom of a swimming pool and, using the reflective surface mounted underwater as an amusement for small children learning to swim, the small children are encouraged to go underwater to see their reflections in the mirror. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the use of the hand held mirror being held by an instructor in one hand while holding a small infant in the other hand. 
         FIG. 2  is a illustration of the means for holding the mirror comprising a rim provided on the perimeter of the mirror. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the mirror having a handle and suction cup assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of the hand held mirror having a suction cup acting as a handle, particularly illustrating engagement by a user&#39;s hand. 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of the mirror mounted underwater to the side of pool. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a handheld mirror  10  used in and around swimming pools, and in particular in the swim instruction of infants, toddlers and small children, and methods related to swim instruction incorporating the use of the mirror  10 . The mirror  10  has a front reflective surface  12  in which a person, in most instances an infant, toddler or small child, can see itself, and back opaque surface  14 . 
     The mirror  10  is constructed from a layer of transparent material  16  and a layer of reflective material  18  affixed to the layer of transparent material  16 . The layer of reflective material  18  may be sheet like material adhesively affixed to the layer of transparent material  16  or it may be a layer of reflective paint that adheres to the layer of reflective material  16 . A wide variety of reflective materials, and means of affixing them to the layer of transparent material  16 , are possible and are specifically contemplated by the principles of the present invention. Similarly, the nature, thickness and properties of the layer of transparent material  16  may vary, and the use of acrylic and plastics is specifically contemplated, although other materials may be used without departing from the principles of the present invention, as long as the limitations set forth in more detail are complied with. Specifically, because the mirror  10  is used in and around a swimming pool, the materials used for the layer of transparent material  16  and layer of reflective material  18  are safe for use in and around water. They are not glass products, or any similar product that is prone to shatter creating jagged shards that would present a safety risk. The layer of transparent material  16  and layer of reflective material  18  are both constructed from shatterproof materials such as, without limitation, acrylic or plastic. 
     To provide for a long life for the mirror  10 , it is also important that the layer of transparent material  16  and layer of reflective material  18  are constructed from materials that are waterproof, i.e. materials that do not react with, absorb or retain water, and which do not deteriorate and are not affected by being in and around water for extended periods of time. Also, because the mirror  10  is used in and around swimming pools, which often are surrounded by concrete decks, the layer of transparent material  16  and layer of reflective material  18  are constructed from materials that are scuff and scratch resistant so that laying the mirror  10  down on the concrete, with either the reflective surface  12  down or the opaque surface  14  down will not result in scuffs or scratches that affect the use of the mirror  10 . 
     The use of the mirror  10  in and around chlorinated swimming pools necessitates the use of materials for the layer of transparent material  16  and layer of reflective material  18  that are non-reactive with chlorine. 
     One use of the handheld mirror  10 , set forth in more detail herein, is as a handheld mirror used in swim instruction of infants, toddlers and small children. To accommodate such use, a means for holding the mirror  10  with one hand is provided. In a first embodiment, a rim  20  is affixed to the perimeter of the mirror  10  and provides the means for holding the mirror  10  with one hand. In a second embodiment, a handle  22  extends from the back surface  14  of the layer of reflective material  18 , which handle  22  is easily engaged, grasped and manipulated by an adult size hand. In general, the means for holding comprises a device affixed to the front, side or rear of the mirror  10  which allows an instructor to manipulate, orient and handle with one hand and with minimal effort. By allowing the infant or toddler to see himself while in the water, the psychological comfort level of the infant or toddler is improved. In using the mirror  10  in swim instruction, as set forth in more detail herein, the means for holding is easily engaged with one hand and allows manipulation, reorientation and repositioning of the mirror  10  with one hand. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mirror  10  further includes a fixation means allowing removable attachment of the mirror  10  to the sides or bottom of a swimming pool. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fixation means  24  comprises an assembly comprising a first flange  26  affixed to the mirror  10  and a second flange  28  that removably attaches to the side or bottom of a swimming pool. The second flange  28  preferably comprises at least one suction cup  30  which bonds to the sides or bottom of a swimming pool when, as is well known, the suction cup  30  is depressed to purge air from between the suction cup  30  and the surface to which it is attached. It is specifically contemplated that additional suction cups can be added to the mirror  10 , as additional attachment means, without departing from the principles of the present invention. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second flange  28  is affixed to the first flange  26  with at least one transitional stem  32 . The transitional stem  32  is sufficiently rigid that, when the second flange  28  is attached to the side or bottom of a swimming pool, the mirror  10  and reflective surface  12  are maintained substantially parallel to the side or bottom surface to which the second flange  28  is attached. Use of additional suction cups would stabilize the attachment to the side or bottom, and are specifically contemplated for that purpose. At the same time the transitional stem  32  is long enough along its length to define a gap  34  between the first flange  26  and second flange  28  that is sufficiently broad for a typical adult hand to be positioned in the gap  34 . The transitional stem  32  is also of sufficiently narrow cross-section to fit between typical sized adult fingers. Thus, by mounting the suction cup  30  on the rear side of the mirror  10 , a handle is created that can be engaged by an adult hand as shown in  FIG. 4  such that the same structure defining the fixation means  24  also defines the means for holding the mirror  10 . When utilized as a handle, the transitional stem  32  is positioned between the adult instructor&#39;s fingers, with the gap  34  being wide enough for the adult instructor&#39;s hand to be positioned therein. The second flange suction cup  30  has a broad enough diameter to span the back of at least two fingers of the adult instructor that is holding the mirror  10 . The combination of the width of the second flange suction cup  30  and the narrowness of the transitional stem  32  provide a structural element that is easily and firmly engaged by the instructor&#39;s hand by positioning the fingers around the stem  32  and under the suction cup  30 . 
     The principles of the present invention also include methods utilizing the mirror  10  in teaching infants, toddlers and small children to swim in multiple steps or phases including, without limitation, an introductory phase in which infants and toddlers are held by the instructor and acquainted with the water, and subsequent instructional phases in which children are learning to go underwater on their own and to swim down into the water. 
     Specifically, the mirror  10  is used by an instructor first to make infants more comfortable upon first being introduced to the water by allowing them to see themselves as they are being introduced to the water for the first time. First, a mirror  10  having a reflective surface  12  is provided that is safe for use in and around a swimming pool. The mirror  10  is easily picked up using one hand, having provisions therefor, and is held and manipulated by an instructor using one hand, allowing the instructor to simultaneously pick up and hold an infant or toddler with the other hand during an initial phase of introduction to the water. The instructor then holds, manipulates and orients the mirror  10  so that the infant or toddler can see itself in the mirror as it is being introduced to the water. By allowing the infant or toddler to see himself while in the water, the psychological comfort level of the infant or toddler is improved. 
     The mirror  10  provided as part of the inventive method of swim instruction is also provided comprising a layer of transparent and layer of reflective material which are waterproof and non-reactive with chlorine. In a critical feature of the invention, the mirror  10  is provided with a handle easily engaged by one hand of the instructor for use during the initial introductory instruction with infants and toddlers. The handle that is provided allows the instructor to re-position and re-orient the reflective surface so that the infant or toddler can continue to see himself, even if the infant or toddler is squirming or restless from the anxiety of being placed in the water. 
     The mirror  10  utilized in the multi-step swim instruction method is also provided with a means for mounting the mirror  10  underwater to a side or bottom of a swimming pool to provide a motivation and amusement to small children that are just beginning to learn to go underwater to attempt to go underwater and swim down to see themselves in the mirror  10 . 
     It is a significant beneficial feature of the present invention that the handle used by the instructor to manipulate the mirror  10  and the mounting means utilized to position the mirror  10  underwater comprise the same structural elements, in the most preferred embodiment being the suction cup  30  attached to the first flange  26  through the transitional stem  32 . The combination of the width of the second flange suction cup  30  and the narrowness of the transitional stem  32  provide a structural element that is easily and firmly engaged by the instructor&#39;s hand by positioning the fingers around the stem  32  and under the suction cup  30 . 
     It is also contemplated by the principles of the present invention that the mirror  10 , having a mounting device, such as suction cup  30 , by which it can be removably attached to a side or bottom of a pool, can be utilized in a method of teaching a small child to swim even in the absence of providing a handle on the mirror  10  or using the mirror  10  in a related introductory swim instruction. 
     The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.