A New or Improved Propelling Appliance for use in Swimming.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 21st June, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 9th Mar., 1891-Accepted, 2nd May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Propelling Appliance for use in Swimming.
1, WILLIAM COWAN, of 48 Dundas Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
Surgical Instrument Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
This invention which relates to a new or improved propelling apparatus applicable
both to the wrists and ankles has for its object in the act of swimming to give an
increased propulsive action over what is obtained by the use of the hands and feet
alone. The apparatus constituting the invention consists of a metallic or other
band which is or may be lined with leather or any suitable fabric and at its ends
provided with studs by passing a leather or other strap over which the band is
clasped in position or the band may have at one end a buckle and at the other end
a flexible tab or strap for that purpose. To the band there are hinged a number of
blades or fans preferably three the attachment being such that in the act of drawing
in the arms or legs preparatory to each propulsive action the said blades or fans
fold back so as to avoid resistance and in the act of throwing out the arms or legs
the blades or fans move through the quadrant of a circle being stopped at that
point where the greatest propulsive resistance is obtained by heels formed on the
hinges coming in contact with the metallic or other band.
Under a modification the edges of the blades or fans may be connected together
by any suitable web or fabric which is capable of being easily spread and folded in.
Dated this Twentieth day of June 1890.
CRUIKSHANK & FAIRWEATHER,
62, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow, Agents.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Propelling Appliance for use in Swimming.
I, WILLIAM COWAN, of 48 Dundas Street, Glasgow, in the County of Lanark,
Surgical Instrument Maker, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This invention which relates to a new or improved apparatus applicable both to
the wrists & ankles, has for its object in the art of swimming to give an increased
propulsive action over that which is obtained by the use of the hands & feet alone.
The apparatus constituting the invention consists of a metallic or other band as
shown at A Fig. 1 & A' Fig. 2, which is or may be lined with leather or any
suitable fabric & at its ends provided with studs, buckles, tabs, or other suitable
appliances, for clasping the band in position as shown at B Fig. 1 & B¹ Fig. 2.
To the band are hinged one or more blades or fans, the attachment being such that
in the act of drawing in the legs or throwing out the arms preparatory to each
propulsive action the said blades or fans fold back so as to avoid resistance, & in
the act of throwing out the legs or drawing in the arms, the blades or fans move
through about the quadrant of a circle, being stopped at that point where the
greatest propulsive resistance is obtained by heels formed on the hinges or bands.
The blades or fans are shown at CC Fig. & CC Fig. 2 in positions for giving
greatest propulsive resistance when legs are being thrown out or arms being drawn
in, & are also shown by dotted lines at C2 C2, Fig. 2 in positions to avoid resistance
while the legs are being drawn or the arms being thrown out. DD Fig. 2 &
D' D D D Fig. shew the parts of the hinges attached to the flexible band.

page_text: EE Fig. 2 & E E E E¹ Fig. 1 shew the parts of the hinges attached to the
blades or fans, these are extended to F F forming the heels to prevent the blades
or fans going further back. An alternative arrangement is shewn at Fig. 3 the
heel in this case being in the form of a bracket or stud H fixed to or forming part
of flexible band.
Under a modification the edges of the blades or fans may be connected together
by any suitable web or fabric which is capable of being easily spread out &
folded in.
Under other modifications the blades or fans may be attached to a boot, slipper,
glove or other contrivance of a like nature fastened to any of the various limbs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention, & in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. The hinged blades or fans as described above.
2. The attachment of the said hinged blades or fans to the flexible band, boot,
slipper, glove or other contrivance of a like nature.
3. The arrangement of the hinges with heels or brackets, whereby the resistance
to motion through the water in one direction is avoided & in the other direction the
greatest possible resistance is obtained.
Dated this 7th day of March 1891