A Swimming Apparatus.
Year: 1899

page_text: Date of Application, 18th July, 1899
Complete Specification Left, 20th Feb., 1900-Accepted, 7th Apr., 1900
A Swimming Apparatus.
INGEBRIGT MARTIN ELVIK, 150, Leathwaite Road, Clapham Common, London,
S.W., Insurance Superintendent, do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a device consisting of two inflated bladders by the
use of which anyone while in the water can with great comfort and ease, in a
very short time acquire the art of swimming. The way in which this device
can be used is by having the two bladders connected with a belt made of
webbing or some other light material to a length sufficiently to go round the
body under the armpits, and thus let the bladders remain in a position between
the shoulderblades so as to give perfect freedom for the movements of the
The bladders can be covered with india rubber, or thin canvas, and I
claim owing to the buoyancy of the inflated bladders that they will support the
body while in the water, for a unlimited time, and be a reliable and inexpensive
appliance for assisting anyone in learning to swim.
arms.
I, INGEBRIGT MARTIN ELVIK, 106, Bramfield Road, late of 150 Leathwaite
Road, Clapham Common, S.W., Insurance Superintendent, 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 relates to a device consisting of two inflated bladders by the
use of which anyone while in the water can with great comfort and ease in
a very short time acquire the art of swimming.
The way in which this device can be used, is by having the two bladders
connected with a belt made of webbing or some other light material, to a length
sufficiently to go round the body under the armpits, and thus let the bladders
remain in a position between the shoulder blades so as to give perfect freedom
for the movements of the arms.
The bladders can be covered with india rubber, or thin canvas, and owing to
the buoyancy of the inflated bladders, they will support the body while in the
water, and be a reliable and inexpensive appliance for assisting anyone in
learning to swim.

page_text: For purposes of illustration, I will now refer to the annexed drawings in
which:-
Figure 1, is a view of my invention.
Figure 2, view shewing same in position.
is a belt formed of any suitable material and provided with the hooks or
attachments to which the bladders or floats c are connected.
This belt a is secured around the body of the wearer & as shewn in Figure 2
by means of the buckle e or other suitable attachment. It will be seen that the
position of the bladders or floats, is arranged so as to leave the wearer free
play of the armis, and in the illustration, they are connected to the belt at or
about the shoulder blades and arm-pit. Of course it will be readily seen that
although I have shewn, one bladder, or float at the two points of connection, I
may without departing from the spirit of my invention employ two or more
bladders or floats. The essential feature consists in supporting an individual in
the water in such a way as not to hamper the movement of the limbs. Again,
the position of the connecting pieces upon the belt may be varied according to
the position in which the individual wishes to be supported in the water, such
as for purpose of what is known as breast, side or back swimming or floating.
What I term bladders or floats, may be formed of any suitable material and
"enclosed in a casing or cover as required, a suitable valve f being provided for
the purpose of inflation.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is
1. The device for swimming consisting of bladders or floats connected to a
belt, substantially as described and illustrated herein, and for the purpose set
forth.
2. In devices for supporting individuals in the water in combination, a belt
adapted to be buckled or secured around the wearer, and having bladders or
floats attached thereto at suitable positions upon said belt, for the purpose of
ensuring the freedom of the limbs of the wearer, substantially as described and
illustrated herein and for the purpose set forth.
Dated this 20th day of February 1900.