Swimming aid and method for adjusting the buoyancy effect of a swimming aid

Abstract

The invention relates to a swimming aid (1), in particular a swimming vest, at least comprising: - a garment covering at least part of the wearer's torso (2), and - a plurality of buoyancy bodies (3) attached to the garment (2), wherein a static buoyancy force of the buoyancy bodies (3) is each different and continuously adjustable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a swimming aid, in particular a swimming vest.

[0002] The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy effect of a swimming aid.

[0003] Swimming aids that support a wearer while swimming are known from the general state of the art.

[0004] Furthermore, specially designed swimming aids are also known from the state of the art, which can be used to support learning to swim.

[0005] A disadvantage of the current types of swimming aids, which are intended to simplify the learning process of swimming in particular, is that they can only be adjusted to a limited extent to the individual needs of the swimmer or swimming student.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of creating a swimming aid which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enabling improved support when swimming.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a swimming aid having the features mentioned in claim 1.

[0008] The invention is further based on the object of creating a method for adjusting the buoyancy effect of a swimming aid, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enables improved support for swimming.

[0009] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features mentioned in claim 8.

[0010] The swimming aid according to the invention, in particular a swimming vest, comprises at least one item of clothing that at least partially covers the torso of a wearer, and a plurality of buoyancy bodies attached to the item of clothing, wherein a static buoyancy force of the buoyancy bodies is each different and continuously adjustable.

[0011] Because the static buoyancy of the buoyancy bodies can be adjusted to different degrees, the position of the wearer in the water, for example, can be individually adjusted.

[0012] This results in a beneficially improved support of the swimming process.

[0013] Furthermore, the swimming aid according to the invention can serve as a universal swimming aid and can be optimized for different swimming styles.

[0014] In particular, it can be provided that the buoyancy aid is adjusted and / or adjustable in such a way that the wearer is subsequently stabilized in a horizontal swimming position in the water.

[0015] In an advantageous development of the swimming aid according to the invention, it can be provided that the buoyancy bodies are air chambers that can be filled with air in different ways.

[0016] The use of air (or other gases) enables particularly simple, continuous and individual adjustment by varying the amount of air in the respective buoyancy bodies.

[0017] The resulting buoyancy force can therefore be continuously regulated via the amount of air.

[0018] Preferably four air chambers are provided.

[0019] In an advantageous development of the buoyancy aid according to the invention, a distribution device can be provided for setting a respective individual filling state of the air chambers with air.

[0020] The distribution device may preferably comprise a control system for adjusting the air pressure in the respective air chamber.

[0021] A plurality, preferably four, orally inflatable safety valves with non-return valves can be provided as a control system for adjusting the air pressure in the respective air chamber.

[0022] Preferably, the safety valves are arranged in parallel on a holder that can be removed from the buoyancy aid.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the holder which can be removed from the buoyancy aid is arranged on the item of clothing by means of a Velcro fastener.

[0024] In an advantageous development of the buoyancy aid according to the invention, it can be provided that the distribution device has a multi-way valve and / or an air pressure sensor device.

[0025] If the distribution device has a multi-way valve, the various air chambers can be filled via a single mouthpiece or a single air supply device.

[0026] If the distribution device further comprises an air pressure sensor device, for example, a respective air pressure in the respective air chambers can be measured.

[0027] In an advantageous development of the buoyancy aid according to the invention, it can be provided that the distribution device is designed to control the filling state of the air chambers in such a way that the air chambers each have a desired buoyancy force.

[0028] If the distribution device is designed, preferably using electronic means, to carry out the continuous individual adjustment of the buoyancy bodies, the respective distribution of the buoyancy forces can advantageously be carried out simply and reliably.

[0029] In an advantageous development of the buoyancy aid according to the invention, it can be provided that the distribution device is designed to fill the air chambers according to one or more predetermined filling schemes.

[0030] If the distribution device is designed to fill the air chambers according to one or more predetermined filling schemes, the position of the wearer in the water can preferably be individually and easily adjusted by the wearer himself and / or a swimming instructor.

[0031] Furthermore, the wearer or the swimming instructor can easily and reliably adjust the optimal incline of a position in the water.

[0032] In particular, the distribution of buoyancy forces on the body can be adjusted depending on the wearer's swimming abilities.

[0033] For example, the buoyancy force distribution can be adjusted so that the wearer is pushed or pulled upwards at the level of the navel.

[0034] When properly adjusted, this buoyancy aid is particularly suitable for maintaining a relaxed posture in water. It also allows the wearer to float in the water in a relaxed manner.

[0035] In an advantageous development of the buoyancy aid according to the invention, a computing device can be provided which is designed to determine the at least one filling scheme, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer.

[0036] If the design of the filling scheme is implemented by a computing device, the individual distribution of the required buoyancy forces can be realized in a particularly simple manner.

[0037] Furthermore, it can be provided that the respective filling scheme of the chamber is adapted to the respective swimming style to be learned.

[0038] The buoyancy aids can be arranged symmetrically on the garment with respect to both center planes of the wearer's body. The symmetrical arrangement of the buoyancy aids with respect to both center planes of the wearer's body results in a similar buoyancy effect for both backstroke and breaststroke strokes. This allows the buoyancy force settings of the buoyancy aid's buoyancy aids to be set identically for both swimming styles.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the buoyancy aid, a total of four buoyancy bodies, in particular air chambers, are provided.

[0040] It can be provided that a maximum total volume of the air chambers is 1 liter to 10 liters, preferably 3 liters to 4 liters.

[0041] It can be provided that a maximum volume of the respective individual air chambers is 0.25 liters to 2.5 liters, preferably 0.75 liters to 1 liter.

[0042] Preferably, two of the buoyancy bodies are formed and arranged at chest height on the garment to the left and right of the wearer's body in such a way that the wearer's body is partially encompassed or clasped on both sides by the buoyancy bodies when wearing the buoyancy aid.

[0043] Two further buoyancy bodies are preferably arranged on the garment in such a way that they surround the wearer's body at hip height in the manner described above.

[0044] If the buoyancy bodies or air chambers are arranged on the side of the garment or the body of the wearer, preferably as described above, the wearer can be stabilized in an optimal swimming position.

[0045] A preferred embodiment is one in which no buoyancy aids or air chambers are provided in the chest area of ​​the garment. This means that the wearer's chest area is not covered by buoyancy aids, allowing for an unrestricted swimming experience.

[0046] A preferred embodiment is one in which the garment is designed in the form of a vest and / or shirt. Alternatively or additionally, the garment can also be designed in the form of a suit or full-body suit.

[0047] Furthermore, the garment can be designed in the form of a bodysuit to ensure a secure and fixed fit. For this purpose, extensions of the garment can be connected in the crotch area of ​​the user, preferably by means of a hook-and-loop fastener or by means of fasteners. This also advantageously secures the buoyancy bodies.

[0048] Furthermore, the garment to which the buoyancy aids, in particular the air chambers, are attached can be made of neoprene. This can protect the wearer from cold and / or hypothermia.

[0049] The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy effect of a swimming aid having the features mentioned in claim 8.

[0050] In the method according to the invention for adjusting the buoyancy effect of a swimming aid, a respective static buoyancy force of a plurality of buoyancy bodies attached to a piece of clothing that at least partially covers the torso of a wearer is adjusted differently and continuously.

[0051] The method according to the invention allows the support effect of the buoyancy aid to be adjusted particularly reliably and appropriately for the wearer.

[0052] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the buoyancy bodies designed as air chambers are filled by means of a distribution device according to one or more predetermined filling schemes.

[0053] The buoyancy aid may be provided in the form of an upper body garment. Furthermore, air chambers may be arranged on the hip side of the garment.

[0054] By inflating the hip-side air chambers, the garment tightens in the wearer's hip area. This reduces water penetration into the garment or buoyancy aid, allowing the wearer to perform swimming movements without hindrance.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, one or more additional chambers can be arranged in the wearer's hip area. When these are filled with air, the garment or buoyancy aid tightens further in the wearer's hip area. This makes the garment fit even more tightly and prevents even less water from penetrating. When designed with additional chambers, their buoyancy effect is less important. Preferably, the additional chambers are optimized for a seal against water penetration.

[0056] In an advantageous development of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one filling scheme is determined by means of a computing device, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer.

[0057] It may be provided that parameters related to the wearer are incorporated into the determination of the filling pattern. This allows an optimal filling pattern for the respective wearer, their body type, and their swimming skills to be determined in a reproducible and objective manner.

[0058] It can be provided that the computing device is at least partially designed as part of a mobile phone. Using a camera device present in the mobile phone, for example, the wearer's body type can be taken into account to determine the optimal filling pattern.

[0059] Features described in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention, specifically the buoyancy aid and the method according to the invention, can also be advantageously implemented for the other subject matters of the invention. Likewise, advantages mentioned in connection with one of the subject matters of the invention can also be understood to apply to the other subject matters of the invention.

[0060] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawing.

[0061] The figures each show preferred embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are illustrated in combination with one another. Features of one embodiment can also be implemented independently of the other features of the same embodiment and can therefore be readily combined by a person skilled in the art with features of other embodiments to form further useful combinations and subcombinations.

[0062] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0063] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a rear view; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid according to the invention in a front view; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a distribution device; and Fig. 8 a block diagram representation of a possible embodiment of a method for operating a buoyancy aid.

[0064] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a buoyancy aid 1. The buoyancy aid 1 shown is preferably a swimming aid vest. It comprises a garment 2 that at least partially covers the torso of a wearer, as well as a plurality of buoyancy bodies 3 attached to the garment 2. The static buoyancy force of each of the buoyancy bodies 3 is individually and continuously adjustable.

[0065] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the buoyancy bodies 3 are designed as air chambers that can be filled with air in different ways.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, a distribution device 4 is preferably provided for setting a respective individual filling state of the air chambers 3 with air or with any other gas.

[0067] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distribution device 4 comprises a plurality of mouth-fillable safety valves 5 arranged next to one another in a pipe-like manner, which are connected to the respective air chambers 3 via pressure lines 6. The wearer can individually and continuously pressurize each of the air chambers 3 with the desired amount of air via the safety valves 5. This allows the wearer to adjust the buoyancy of the buoyancy aid 1 to their needs.

[0068] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distribution device 4 is accordingly designed to control the filling state of the air chamber 3 such that the air chambers 3 each have a desired buoyancy force.

[0069] For the purposes of the invention, the term "buoyancy force" refers, in particular, to the buoyancy force acting on the buoyancy bodies in water. However, according to the laws of physics, a buoyancy force acting on the air chambers 3 occurs in every fluid medium.

[0070] In the Fig. The embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1 shown in Figure 1 further includes an additional chamber 7, which is arranged on the garment 2 in a hip area of ​​the wearer. If the additional chamber 7 is pressurized with air via a safety valve 5, the garment 2 tightens in an area around the wearer's hip, thus preventing water from penetrating the garment 2.

[0071] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1 according to Fig. 1 in a rear view.

[0072] A summary of the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows that the buoyancy bodies 3 partially wrap around the wearer's torso. The buoyancy bodies 3 are attached to the garment 2 in such a way that they clasp or grip the wearer's torso laterally.

[0073] The distribution device 4 is, as can be seen from Fig. 1, arranged on a front side of the garment 2, preferably by means of a Velcro fastener, so that the wearer has access to the safety valves 5 at any time.

[0074] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show an embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1 in which four buoyancy bodies 3 are provided.

[0075] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1.

[0076] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the buoyancy bodies 3 are constructed in two parts.

[0077] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, three buoyancy bodies 3 are provided, each formed by interconnecting two air chambers. Each of the two-part buoyancy bodies 3 formed by the interconnection is in the Fig. 3 illustrated embodiment can be individually and continuously adjusted in its buoyancy force.

[0078] The buoyancy body 3 comprises in the Fig. 3, two interconnected buoyancy elements 3a each have been provided, which are filled by the same safety valve 5 of the distribution device 4 and thus have the same pressure conditions or filling states.

[0079] The air flowing to and / or away from the buoyancy elements 3a through the pressure line 6 is preferably distributed to the respective buoyancy elements 3a by a distribution device 8.

[0080] The buoyancy elements 3a preferably surround the body of the wearer laterally, as in connection with Fig. 1 described.

[0081] It may also be provided that the Fig. 1 arranged buoyancy bodies 3 are connected to each other by connecting lines (not shown) in order to establish a, preferably controllable, pressure equalization between the buoyancy bodies 3.

[0082] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1.

[0083] In the Fig. 4, the buoyancy bodies 3 are arranged analogously to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, each formed by groups of buoyancy elements 3a.

[0084] In contrast to the Fig. 3 are shown in the embodiment shown in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the buoyancy bodies 3 are arranged directly in a front region of the garment 2, without enclosing the wearer's body. This embodiment enables simple and cost-effective production of the buoyancy aid 1.

[0085] If the buoyancy elements 3a are positioned as in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is filled via common pressure lines 6, the air can shift between the individual buoyancy elements 3a if pressure differences occur between the individual buoyancy elements 3a.

[0086] This effect may be undesirable under certain circumstances, since a change in the position of the carrier in the water can lead to a relocation of the air. To prevent such relocation, check valves 8a can preferably be provided.

[0087] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of another possible embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1 in a front view.

[0088] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the distribution device 4 is designed for the central filling of the buoyancy bodies 3.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a rear view of the buoyancy aid 1 according to Fig. 5.

[0090] With regard to the other reference symbols in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 be on the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0091] Furthermore, the Fig. 1 to 6, the buoyancy bodies 3 and / or the buoyancy elements 3a are arranged on the item of clothing 2 in such a way that, when the buoyancy aid 1 is worn, they are positioned in a chest area and / or a hip area of ​​the wearer.

[0092] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of the distribution device 4.

[0093] The Fig. The embodiment of the distributor device 4 shown in Figure 7 can advantageously be used with all embodiments of the buoyancy aid 1, in particular those shown in the Fig. 1 to 6 are combined.

[0094] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the distributor device 4 preferably has a multi-way valve 9 and / or an air pressure sensor device 10.

[0095] The multi-way valve 9 is installed in the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the cylinder is pressurized with air via a safety valve 5. The air can be supplied to a respective pressure line 6 via the multi-way valve 9.

[0096] The respective pressure line 6 leads to the respective Fig. 7 not shown, air chambers 3.

[0097] Through the Fig. 7, an operator can feed only one safety valve 5, which is in Fig. 7 is designed in the manner of a mouthpiece, all air chambers 3 can be controlled individually.

[0098] Furthermore, the Fig. In the embodiment of the distribution device 4 shown in Fig. 7, it is designed to fill the air chambers 3 according to one or more predetermined filling schemes.

[0099] In particular, the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, a computing device 11 is preferably provided which is configured to determine the aforementioned filling schemes, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer.

[0100] The distribution device 4, the computing device 11, the air pressure sensor device 10 and the multi-way valve 9 can together form a control system for adjusting the respective buoyancy force.

[0101] Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of a possible embodiment of a method for operating the buoyancy aid 1.

[0102] The Fig. The procedure shown in Figure 8 is used to adjust the buoyancy effect of the buoyancy aid 1.

[0103] In an adjustment block 15, a respective static buoyancy force of the plurality of buoyancy bodies 3, which are fixed to the item of clothing 2, which at least partially covers the torso of the wearer, is adjusted differently and continuously.

[0104] In a filling block 16, the buoyancy bodies 3 designed as air chambers are preferably filled by means of the distribution device 4 according to one or more predetermined filling schemes.

[0105] In a determination block 14, the at least one filling scheme is preferably determined by means of the computing device 11, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer. List of reference symbols 1 buoyancy aid 2 items of clothing 3 buoyancy bodies 3a Buoyancy element 4 Distribution device 5 safety valves 6 pressure line 7 Additional Chamber 8 Dividing device 8a Check valve 9 Multi-way valve 10 Air pressure sensor device 11 Computing device 14 Investigation Block 15 Settings block 16 filling block

Claims

[1] Swimming aid (1), in particular a swimming vest, comprising at least: - a garment (2) at least partially covering the torso of a wearer, and - a plurality of buoyancy bodies (3) fixed to the item of clothing (2), wherein a static buoyancy force of the buoyancy bodies (3) is each different and continuously adjustable. [2] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the buoyancy bodies (3) are air chambers that can be filled with air in different ways. [3] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that a distribution device (4) is provided for setting a respective individual filling state of the air chambers (3) with air. [4] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 3, characterized by that the distribution device (4) has a multi-way valve (9) and / or an air pressure sensor device (10). [5] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the distribution device (4) is arranged to control the filling state of the air chambers (3) in such a way that the air chambers (3) have a respective desired buoyancy force. [6] Buoyancy aid (1) according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized by that the distribution device (4) is arranged to fill the air chambers (3) according to one or more predetermined filling schemes. [7] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that a computing device (11) is provided which is designed to determine the at least one filling scheme, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer. [8] Method for adjusting a buoyancy effect of a swimming aid (1), wherein a respective static buoyancy force of a plurality of buoyancy bodies (3) fixed to an item of clothing (2) at least partially covering the torso of a wearer is adjusted differently and continuously. [9] Method according to claim 8, characterized by that the buoyancy bodies (3) designed as air chambers are filled by means of a distribution device (4) according to one or more predetermined filling schemes. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that the at least one filling scheme, in particular from a body size, a weight, a weight distribution and / or a learning state of the wearer, is determined by means of a computing device (11).

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