Year: 1896

page_text: Date of Application, 30th July, 1898
Complete Specification Left, 29th Apr., 1897-Accepted, 26th June, 1817
I LIBORIO PEDRAZZOLLI of No. 11 Hoxton Street London N. Wholesale and
Export Looking Glass Manufacturer do hereby declare the nature of this invention
to be as follows:-
This invention relates to a machine or apparatus for obtaining greater speed
when swimming by means of an apparatus fixable to each hand or to one only, as
desired.
The invention consists of two small umbrella shaped apparati (one for each
hand) which close when the hands are thrust forward thereby causing but little
resistance or obstruction and when the hands are returned to the side of the
swimmer such apparati will expand in umbrella form and the resistance thus given
enables such swimmers to pull themselves forward at very greatly increased
speed.
The substance of which my apparatus will be made may be oiled fabrics or
leather with the necessary umbrella like frame work of ribs to allow it to open and
close and a handle with strap or hoop for the hand to go through and either hand
can be separated from the apparatus by merely allowing it to come through the
strap or hoop.
Dated this 30th day of July 1806
I LIBORIO PEDRAZZOLLI, of No. 11, Hoxton Street, London, Wholesale and
Export Looking Glass Manufacturer, 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 improved apparatus for use in swimming and has for
object to provide means whereby a greatly accelerated speed can be obtained by a
swimmer employing such means.
And in order that this my said invention may the more readily be understood
and carried into practical effect, reference is hereby made to the accompanying
sheet of illustrative drawings, wherein :-
Fig. 1 is an elevational view of my improved apparatus shewn open, and
Fig. 2 a perspective view of the apparatus in actual use.
Referring to the drawing in which like letters of reference indicate corresponding
parts throughout a is a small umbrella-shaped cover formed of suitable oiled fabric
or leather, which is secured upon a wire or other frame b consisting of ribs,
runners and runner notch similar to the parts comprising the frame of an
umbrella.

page_text: A stick c is provided, such stick having a handle o' and a loop c³ for the swimmer's
hand to be inserted therein.
In operation there will be two of these apparati employed, one for each hand of
the swimmer.
The hands are inserted through the loops c and the handles e grasped. When
the forward stroke takes place in swimming the apparati close up and thereby
offer a minimum amount of resistance to the water, but when the return stroke is
made the apparati expand in umbrella form and the resistance thus offered enables
the swimmer to pull or propel himself through the water at a speed hitherto
impossible.
It is essential that the frame of the apparatus be so constructed as to close up when
the slightest backward pressure (such as that caused when the swimmer thrusts his
hands forward in the water) is brought to bear upon it, and to readily open
when a vice-versa pressure takes place.
The loops c are so arranged as to enable the swimmer to readily withdraw his
hands when desirable.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I-declare that what I
claim is :-
The improved apparatus for use in swimming, consisting of an umbrella-like
frame capable of opening and closing, having a cover of oiled fabric or leather,
said frame being mounted on a stick having a handle and also a loop to encircle
the swimmer's hand, all constructed and operating substantially as described and
illustrated.
HUGHES, SON & Co.,
38, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agents for the Applicant.