Portable swimming aid

Abstract

Swimming aid (1) with buoyancy in water, comprising: a basic body (2); a first surrounding area (2a) adapted to enclose at least the upper body of a person wearing the swimming aid (1); a second surrounding area (2b) adapted to enclose at least one back of the head and / or neck region of a person wearing the swimming aid (1); a recess (3); at least one first connecting element (4a) that can be detachably connected to the first surrounding area (2a); at least one second connecting element (4b) to adapt to a diameter of the recess (3); and at least one buoyancy element (5) to give buoyancy to the swimming aid (1) in the water, wherein the basic body (2) is connected to the first surrounding area (2a) and the second surrounding area (2b), and where the second surrounding area (2b) is flexible.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a portable buoyancy aid in water, which comprises at least one surrounding area.

[0002] The use of buoyancy aids or buoyancy aid devices plays a crucial role in learning how to swim, especially in early childhood. In addition to inflatable upper-arm buoyancy aids, conventional life jackets are particularly well-known, which exclusively surround and protect the torso or provide buoyancy.

[0003] An example of such a buoyancy aid with increased buoyancy in the head or neck region of a person wearing the buoyancy aid is disclosed in document DE20007245U1. This describes a life jacket having head protection comprising an inflatable helmet and a visor for shading the eyes. Furthermore, a space is provided that at least partially accommodates and supports the head of a person wearing the life jacket.

[0004] Furthermore, the document DE2360740A1 is known from the prior art, which discloses a swimming aid for children, which has a collar part that can be folded around an air passage point and several inflatable tube parts.

[0005] However, not only reliable, safe handling is desirable to ensure even breathing of a person in the water, but also high mobility (i.e., the most unrestricted freedom of movement possible). A compact, close-fitting buoyancy aid would be particularly advantageous to support improved propulsion in the water, requiring less effort per distance covered. However, conventional buoyancy aids or devices do not provide any buoyancy in the head or neck region.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a buoyancy aid which has a high degree of reliability and an adapted fit in order to keep a neck or head region stable above the water surface in particular, so that the airways can be kept clear even during longer stays in the water or in turbulent conditions (such as in a counter-current system, etc.).

[0007] This object is achieved by a buoyancy aid having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0008] The present invention includes a wearable buoyancy aid in water, which has at least a base body and a recess. The base body is connected to a first surrounding region and a second surrounding region. The recess is arranged between the base body and the second surrounding region and is adapted to receive a neck or head region of a user. The second surrounding region is flexible and serves to support a neck and / or head region of a person wearing the buoyancy aid in the water. The base body includes at least one buoyancy element adapted to impart buoyancy to the buoyancy aid in the water. Furthermore, the buoyancy aid has at least one first connecting element that can be detachably connected to the first surrounding region.By using this first connecting element, the freely movable end of the first surrounding area can be connected to the base body in such a way that a space is formed that can accommodate at least the torso region of a user. Thus, a buoyancy aid has a first surrounding area that is adapted to enclose at least the upper body or torso of a person wearing the buoyancy aid.

[0009] Connecting the first surrounding area to the base body primarily serves to ensure a comfortable fit both while in the water and on land. It also ensures that the buoyancy aid does not slip, which could, in the worst case, lead to the loss of the buoyancy aid in the water, for example, if the buoyancy aid slides over the user's head. Uncontrolled movements by a user, especially during a panic situation or an emergency in the water, can accelerate this process.

[0010] The buoyancy aid according to the invention further comprises at least one second connecting element, which is detachably connectable and arranged near the recess at the boundary between the first surrounding area and the second surrounding area. The diameter of the recess can be adjusted by the second connecting element. This arrangement, on the one hand, improves wearing comfort. On the other hand, it ensures that the second surrounding area at least partially encloses the neck and / or head region of a person wearing the buoyancy aid, which in turn ensures increased buoyancy in the neck and / or head region.

[0011] Preferably, the second surrounding area is pivotable out of the plane of the base body. Particularly preferably, the second surrounding area, which is pivotable, includes at least one buoyancy element. This ensures increased buoyancy, allowing the user's entire body to be kept above the water surface. Furthermore, this allows for an improved, i.e., in particular, a more stable, posture while swimming.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the first connecting element is designed as an adjustable and resealable closure. This ensures improved wearing comfort. Furthermore, it allows for a precise fit to the individual body measurements of different users.

[0013] Preferably, the second connecting element is designed as an adjustable closure. Particularly preferably, the second connecting element is designed as an adjustable and resealable closure, thereby providing improved buoyancy in the neck and head area of ​​a user in the water. Furthermore, this allows for individual adjustment to different users. Furthermore, putting on and taking off the buoyancy aid is made considerably easier.

[0014] Preferably, the at least one connecting element is designed in the form of a snap buckle. Furthermore, the snap buckle preferably has at least one child-proof mechanism, which can further prevent accidental opening. Furthermore, the snap buckle makes putting on and taking off the buoyancy aid considerably easier and faster.

[0015] Most preferably, at least a third connecting element is provided in addition to the first connecting element and the second connecting element. This ensures, in particular, that the buoyancy aid provides reliable support even under harsh water conditions (e.g., in the case of a counter-current system). Furthermore, it provides improved support on the user's upper body.

[0016] Preferably, the at least one first connecting element is made of plastic and / or composite material. Most preferably, the at least one first connecting element is made of hard plastic. However, a zipper device is also possible, which enables the first surrounding area to be closed and reopened. Alternatively, a hook and loop fastener can be provided. Preferably, the first connecting element, the second connecting element, and the third connecting element comprise plastic and / or composite material. Preferably, the first connecting element and the third connecting element have a similar size and a similar geometry, which results in advantages including lower manufacturing costs for the product. Furthermore, the best possible protection for a user in the water can thus be ensured, especially since a precisely fitting shape can be implemented.Advantageously, the first connecting element, the second connecting element, and the third connecting element further comprise a suitable device for adjustment depending on the physical characteristics (e.g., chest circumference) of a user. This ensures, in particular, an improved fit of the buoyancy aid on the user's body and increased wearing comfort.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the diameter of the recess is variably adjustable and can be adjusted using the second connecting element, which is adjustable. This enables individual, precise adaptation to different body geometries.

[0018] Preferably, a tab is further provided at one end of the first surrounding area, which overlaps with a part of the base body when the buoyancy aid is closed. The tab can serve in particular to ensure improved handling and increased wearing comfort. For example, it can prevent skin from becoming trapped when the buoyancy aid is closed - for example, by a snap buckle. At least part of a hook-and-loop fastener can also be provided in an area of ​​the tab on the first surrounding area, wherein the complementary part of the hook-and-loop fastener is arranged on at least one part located on an opposite side of the first surrounding area, thus enabling closure of the first surrounding area.

[0019] A buoyancy aid according to the invention preferably comprises at least one porous or foamed plastic or foam as a buoyancy element, which provides sufficient buoyancy in the water, is preferably water-repellent and thus absorbs only small amounts of water and has the lowest possible density. Examples of materials that are preferably suitable as buoyancy elements are polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or one or more combinations thereof. The buoyancy element particularly preferably comprises a porous foam that is at least partially closed-cell. A closed-cell foam is very particularly preferred, with a suitable minimum buoyancy depending on the age and / or weight of the user. This minimum buoyancy is at least 20 N.The minimum buoyancy is particularly preferably 20 N, although values ​​of 25 N, 30 N, 35 N or 40 N are also possible. However, one or more air cushions or one or more air chambers can also be provided. In principle, any material can be used as the buoyancy element which, according to Archimedes' density principle, is suitable for generating a sufficiently high buoyancy force through displacement in the water. For example, combinations of air-filled chambers and foamed plastic or foam are also possible. Furthermore, devices can be provided on the buoyancy aid which enable the removal and replacement of a buoyancy element from the base body and / or the first surrounding area and / or the second surrounding area. Preferably, the at least one buoyancy element extends from the base body into the first surrounding area and / or the second surrounding area.For economic reasons and, for example, to save weight, it is also possible to provide one or more air chambers in combination with a porous foam. Most preferably, the at least one buoyancy element is provided in both the first surrounding area and the second surrounding area to achieve an overall increased buoyancy in the water. The position of the buoyancy element on the human body can be adjusted to influence the desired level of support when learning to swim.

[0020] The at least one buoyancy element is preferably enclosed in a shell. The shell may further have one or more seams. This ensures, among other things, that the at least one buoyancy element is protected from wear and tear.

[0021] Preferably, the cover is made at least partially of synthetic rubber, e.g., neoprene. This improves wearing comfort, especially during prolonged use (over several hours) in the water. It also accelerates the drying process of the buoyancy aid after use.

[0022] The cover is particularly preferably made of a skin-friendly material.

[0023] Furthermore, the surface, which can refer to both the outer (i.e., outward-facing) and the inner (i.e., inward-facing) peripheral surface, preferably comprises one or more prints and / or embroidery and / or pockets, or the like. This allows, for example, (auxiliary) items to be safely stowed and kept close to the body. This further increases the user's safety.

[0024] Preferably, at least one holding device is also provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first surrounding area, which is particularly preferably mounted on the back of the buoyancy aid facing outwards. This further increases the safety of a user, especially in the case of small children.

[0025] Preferably, the second connecting element is selected from one or more of the following: cord stopper, cord clamp, belt buckle, snap buckle, bar buckle, and ladder buckle.

[0026] Furthermore, at least a first part of the second connecting element is preferably attached (e.g., sewn) to an upper end of a front side of the base body. Furthermore, a second part of the second connecting element is preferably attached (sewn) to a front side of the second surrounding area, creating a detachable connection between the base body and the second surrounding area. This results in increased stability of the entire buoyancy aid, which simultaneously offers a high degree of reliability and individual adjustment options to the physical characteristics of a user.

[0027] In the following, a preferred embodiment is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, without, however, limiting the invention thereto. Fig. 1 shows an internal view of a buoyancy aid according to a preferred embodiment, which has three connecting elements, and wherein the first surrounding area is in an open (unfolded) state. Fig. 2 shows a rear view of a buoyancy aid according to a preferred embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a front view of a buoyancy aid according to a preferred embodiment, which has three connecting elements. Fig. 4 shows a front view of a buoyancy aid according to another preferred embodiment, showing three connecting elements, and wherein the first surrounding area is in an open (unfolded) state.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows an interior view of an embodiment of the buoyancy aid 1, which has a base body 2 which is connected to a first surrounding area 2a and a second surrounding area 2b. The base body 2 is adapted to rest in the chest / abdominal area of ​​the wearer. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surrounding area 2a is shown in the open state (i.e. in the unfolded state). On an upper side of the base body 2, a recess 3 is provided which has a circular or approximately circular diameter. The diameter of the recess 3 is variably adjustable and can be changed using a second connecting element 4b (not shown here). The recess 3 is located between the base body 2 and the second surrounding area 2b and serves to accommodate a neck or head region of a user when worn.On one side of the recess 3 (here on the left side of the recess 3) a seam 10 is also visible, by means of which the main body 2 is firmly connected on one side to the second surrounding region 2b. The seam 10 forms a step between the main body 2 and the second surrounding region 2b, wherein there is no buoyancy element in the vicinity of the seam 10 or said buoyancy element is divided by the seam 10. This ensures that the second surrounding region 2b can be flexibly pivoted or tilted. Furthermore, the buoyancy aid 1 has a shell 7 on the outer peripheral surface, which is adapted to enclose the at least one buoyancy element 5 (not shown in FIG. Fig. 1) in the buoyancy aid 1. Furthermore, the buoyancy aid 1 has a tab 6, which is arranged on the part of the first surrounding area 2a facing away from the base body 2, and serves to facilitate donning or fastening and to protect underlying skin or clothing. A first connecting element 4a and a third connecting element 4c are also arranged near the tab 6. These each comprise a snap buckle 40 with an associated (strap) band to connect the first surrounding area 2a to the base body 2, thereby facilitating adjustment to a body circumference and also ensuring a secure hold when moving in the water.Furthermore, the buoyancy aid 1 has a holding device 9 (only partially visible here) on the outer surface of the back, which is particularly advantageous when used with small children, for example, when additional assistance from another person can support a learning process. In this context, the holding device 9 offers, for example, a possibility for additional stabilization in the water. Furthermore, the drying process can be accelerated if the buoyancy aid 1 is hung up to dry after use using the holding device 9.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 shows a rear view of a buoyancy aid 1 according to the invention. The buoyancy aid 1 has a base body 2, a first surrounding area 2a and a second surrounding area 2b and a recess 3, wherein in this example the first surrounding area 2a is opposite the base body 2. Thus, here - unlike in Fig. 1 - a folded or closed state of the buoyancy aid 1 is illustrated. There are free spaces between the main body 2 and the second surrounding area 2b and also between the main body 2 and the first surrounding area 2a. These free spaces are provided for accommodating a neck / head region or a torso region of a user, respectively. The main body 2 is detachably connectable to the second surrounding area 2b. As schematically illustrated in the present figure, at least a part of the main body 2 can overlap with at least a part of the second surrounding area 2b, for example when a second connecting element 4b (not visible in Fig. 2) is tensioned. On one side of the recess 3 (here on the left side of the recess 3), a seam 10 is again visible, by means of which the base body 2 is firmly connected on one side to the second surrounding area 2b. The seam 10 forms a shoulder between the base body 2 and the second surrounding area 2b, wherein there is no buoyancy element in the vicinity of the seam 10 or said buoyancy element is divided by the seam 10. Furthermore, a first connecting element 4a and a third connecting element 4c are shown, which detachably connect the freely movable end of the first surrounding area 2a to the base body 2. Furthermore, the buoyancy aid 1 has a holding device 9 in the form of a belt ring, which is oriented vertically and is arranged on the outside of the first surrounding area 2a. This makes it possible, for example, to hold a (small) child (or e.g.to provide additional support (and assistance) to a beginner swimmer in a prone position in critical situations, for example when strong waves and / or currents occur.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a front view of a buoyancy aid 1, which comprises a combination of a first connecting element 4a, a second connecting element 4b, and a third connecting element 4c, wherein the first and third connecting elements 4a, 4c are each connected to one another, and wherein a second connecting element 4b, here in the form of a bar buckle, is also connected. This forms an approximately circular recess 3 between the main body 2 and the second surrounding region 2b. It is clear that at least a part of the main body 2 overlaps at least a part of the second surrounding region 2b near the second connecting element 4b. On the opposite side of the recess 3 (here on the right side of the recess 3), a seam 10 is also visible, by means of which the main body 2 is firmly connected to the second surrounding region 2b on one side.The seam 10 forms a shoulder between the base body 2 and the second surrounding region 2b, wherein there is no buoyancy element in the vicinity of the seam 10 or said region is divided by the seam 10. The first surrounding region 2a is flexible and detachably connected to the base body 2 by the first and third connecting elements 4a, 4c on one side. A tab 6 is provided within the first and third connecting elements 4a, 4c on one side of the buoyancy aid 1. The tab 6 overlaps with the base body 2. The first and third connecting elements 4a, 4c, which are located on one side of the buoyancy aid 1, represent snap buckles 40, 40', which each additionally have a child safety mechanism 400, 400'.

[0031] Fig.4 shows a front view of a buoyancy aid 1, which has a combination of a first connecting element 4a, a second connecting element 4b and a third connecting element 4c, wherein the first and third connecting elements 4a, 4c each represent a snap buckle 40, 40' and are not connected to one another in this view. The buoyancy aid 1 is shown in an unfolded state, lying on a flat surface, wherein the second connecting element 4b is connected. Furthermore, an approximately circular recess 3 is again formed between the main body 2 and the second surrounding region 2b. It is also clear that at least a part of the main body 2 overlaps at least a part of the second surrounding region 2b near the second connecting element 4b.On the opposite side of the recess 3 (here on the right side of the recess 3), a seam 10 is again visible, by means of which the base body 2 is firmly connected on one side to the second surrounding region 2b. The seam 10 forms a shoulder between the base body 2 and the second surrounding region 2b, wherein there is no buoyancy element in the vicinity of the seam 10 or said buoyancy element is divided by the seam 10. Furthermore, the buoyancy aid 1 has a holding device 9 in the form of a belt ring, which is oriented approximately vertically and is arranged on the outside of the first surrounding region 2a. On the left side, a tab 6 is shown, which is arranged at the freely movable end of the first surrounding region 2a.On the right side, a hook and loop fastener 8 is also provided, which is located laterally on an outer side of the base body 2 and is adapted to support a connection of the first surrounding area 2a to the base body 2.

[0032] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0033] For example, it would be possible to provide more than one first surrounding region 2a, for example by providing an additional third surrounding region, wherein, for example, the first and third surrounding regions are arranged on opposite sides of the base body and are detachably connectable to one another and are further adapted to be able to enclose a torso region of a user. A total of more than three connecting elements would also be possible. However, a design with a first connecting element 4a, a second connecting element 4b, and a third connecting element 4c results in a firm and secure connection that is also as easy to handle as possible. Furthermore, a combination of one or more snap buckles 40, 40' and a zipper for connecting the first surrounding region 2a to the base body 2 is also conceivable.

[0034] Furthermore, the shape of the base body 2 of the buoyancy aid 1 is not limited to a specific shape. Rectangular, polygonal, round, oval, or triangular shapes are conceivable.

[0035] Furthermore, it would be possible to provide the connection by the first connecting element not laterally, but for example on a front side or a rear side of the base body.

[0036] The first surrounding region can be flexible or rigid or dimensionally stable. If a third connecting element is provided in addition to the first connecting element and the second connecting element, this third connecting element can, for example, be arranged on the same side relative to the recess next to the second connecting element. However, an arrangement on different sides of the recess is also possible, i.e., on an opposite side of the recess relative to the second connecting element.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the person wearing the buoyancy aid, for example depending on the weight or body measurements of the person, additional fourth and fifth (and possibly further) connecting elements can be provided, which improve adaptation to at least the upper body or to a torso region.

[0038] Furthermore, it would be possible for the first connecting element 4a and / or the second connecting element 4b to contain metal, for example a lightweight metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. This metal should ideally have sufficient buoyancy in water and not be prone to rust formation. However, plastic represents the more cost-effective and at the same time more corrosion-resistant variant. It would be conceivable, although less preferred for practical handling reasons, to provide a cord which is guided through suitably arranged eyelets and thus enables a detachable connection of the base body 2 to the first surrounding area 2a and / or a detachable connection of the base body 2 to the second surrounding area 2b in the sense of the first connecting element 4a or the second connecting element 4b.

[0039] Another variant would be to design the buoyancy aid 1 as an inflatable buoyancy aid with a hollow, inflatable base body 2—in this case, the buoyancy element 5 would then be provided as a hollow space fillable with air. It would also be conceivable for the first surrounding area 2a and / or the second surrounding area 2b to be hollow and inflatable.

[0040] Furthermore, it is possible to provide a plurality of holding devices 9, which can be arranged on the back and / or on the front and / or also on the side of the buoyancy aid 1.

[0041] Further embodiments are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 1 buoyancy aid 2 basic bodies 2a first surrounding area 2b second surrounding area 3 recess 4a first connecting element 4b second connecting element 4c third connecting element 5 buoyancy element 6 tab 7 Cover 8 Velcro fastener 9 Holding device 10 seam 40, 40' buckle 400, 400' child safety lock mechanism QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20007245U1

[0003] DE 2360740A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Swimming aid (1) with buoyancy in water, comprising: a base body (2); a first surrounding area (2a) adapted to enclose at least the upper body of a person wearing the buoyancy aid (1); a second surrounding area (2b) adapted to enclose at least a back of the head and / or neck region of a person wearing the buoyancy aid (1); a recess (3); at least one first connecting element (4a) which is detachably connectable to the first surrounding region (2a); at least one second connecting element (4b) to adjust a diameter of the recess (3); and at least one buoyancy element (5) to give the buoyancy aid (1) buoyancy in the water, wherein the base body (2) is connected to the first surrounding area (2a) and the second surrounding area (2b), and wherein the second surrounding region (2b) is flexible. [2] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second surrounding region is pivotable from a plane of the base body. [3] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first connecting element (4a) is designed as an adjustable and resealable closure. [4] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second connecting element (4b) is designed as an adjustable closure. [5] Buoyancy aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first connecting element (4a) is a buckle (40, 40'). [6] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 5, wherein the plug-in buckle (40, 40') has a child safety mechanism (400, 400') by which unintentional opening can be additionally prevented. [7] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one third connecting element (4c) is additionally provided. [8] Buoyancy aid (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first connecting element (4a) and the third connecting element (4c) are each made of plastic or composite material, or a combination thereof. [9] Buoyancy aid (1) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first connecting element (4a) and the third connecting element (4c) have a similar size and a similar geometry. [10] Buoyancy aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a diameter of the recess (3) is variably adjustable and can be adjusted by adjusting by means of the second connecting element (4b), which is adjustable. [11] Buoyancy aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a tab (6) is provided at one end of the first surrounding region (2a), which overlaps with a part of the opposite end of the first surrounding region (2a) when the buoyancy aid (1) is closed. [12] Swimming aid (1) according to claim 11, further comprising a hook and loop fastener (8) in the region of the tab (6) on the first surrounding region (2a). [13] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the buoyancy element (5) comprises an air cushion and / or a porous foam, e.g. polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, or one or more combinations thereof. [14] A buoyancy aid according to claim 13, wherein the porous foam is closed-cell. [15] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the buoyancy element (5) is enclosed by a cover (7). [16] Buoyancy aid (1) according to claim 15, wherein the cover (7) consists at least partially of synthetic rubber, e.g. neoprene material. [17] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the cover (7) consists of a skin-compatible material. [18] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising one or more prints and / or embroideries and / or pockets. [19] Swimming aid (1) according to one of claims 1 to 18, further comprising at least one holding device (9) which is mounted on a rear side of the first surrounding area (2a) facing outwards.

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