Swimmer's training buoy with variable ballast

Abstract

Aspects of disclosed implementations include a training and teaching aid for swimmers and coaches in the form of a buoy incorporating removable ballasting devices in the form of refillable vessels, or alternatively, weights. The buoy is provided with means for securing the buoy to the body or clothing of the swimmer utilizing the device. Aspects include an optional warning device utilizing a flag or other three-dimensional device that extends from the buoy above the surface of the water while a swimmer is swimming with the buoy in place. Observers such as coaches can use the optional warning device to observe, document and quantify the extent and symmetry of a swimmer's hip and body rotation during swimming to perform stroke analysis and assist in teaching.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 556,306, filed Jul. 24, 2012 which claims priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 511,462, filed Jul. 25, 2011.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The invention relates generally to flotation devices for use by swimmers and swim coaches for teaching and training. More particularly, the invention pertains to flotation device designed to be secured to swimmers' clothing or the swimmers' bodies, and provided with ballasting containers for adjusting the amount of flotation afforded by the device.DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0003]For competition swimmers, in particular, effective teaching and training can be facilitated by the use of flotation devices for supporting the swimmer's hips and legs so that an appropriately level position is maintained during training. It is known that improved performance by competitive swimmers can be achieved by training which conditions the s...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved swimming buoy that can be adjusted for different swimmers. The buoy is readily attached to the swimmer and includes a warning device that signals the swimmer's presence to others. It also has the ability to carry refreshments or other materials, and can be securely attached to the swimmer to prevent dislodgement during use. The buoy has an adjustable foam member that can be easily secured to the swimmer's body or clothing. It can be formed in a non-unitary or three-part manner, with interconnection between the elements using straps or other means. The buoy can also interconnect with an existing swimming buoy or be used with an ad hoc buoy. The buoy can provide a wide range of buoyancies to accommodate different swimmers needs with the use of removable vessels.

Problems solved by technology

Further, these buoys can be quickly outgrown by youthful swimmers as they age and develop.

This device, too, suffers from many of the same limitations of Rademacher.

The lack of securement means on the prior art devices renders them susceptible to becoming dislodged during training, and inconvenience for the swimmer and coach.

There are further limitations in prior art devices.

Because swimmers' training is physically demanding, and because swimmers, especially open water swimmers, frequently carry with them personal articles such as identification cards, wallets, spectacles, cell phones and the like, current swimmers' training aids provide no facility for carrying and protecting such personal items, which often must be left poolside, in a locker or changing room, on the beach or in a car where they may be subject to loss or theft.

Current flotation training devices are not equipped with the capability of storing and carrying such items.

However, the swimmer is unable to put personal belongings inside the ballast cavity because of the device's small ballast filling aperture.

Further, swimmers are unlikely to fill the ballast with refreshments because the ballast's small filling aperture makes access to the ballast compartment difficult.

The lack of securement means the device is susceptible to becoming dislodged during training, and an inconvenience for the swimmer and coach.

However, the device does not teach the support of the swimmer's legs and hips.

Lastly, another limitation of the prior art devices is the lack of a warning element substantially above the surface of the water, which is needed to increase the visibility of the swimmer to observers, coaches and even watercraft.

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