STARTING BLOCK OR BASE PLATE WITH A DEVICE WITH A SUPPORT EDGE AS A STARTING AID IN A BACKSWIM COMPETITION

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a starting block or pad with a support edge device for starting a backstroke swimming race. Background of the invention

[0002] For a swimming race, starting blocks are provided, arranged respectively at each race lane, often in a number of 10 lanes. Each swimming starting block is particularly adapted to the type of swimming race during a competition. The starting blocks are all arranged in a single line along one side of the pool. The swimmer takes support on an upper platform of the starting block for a front crawl, breaststroke or dolphin stroke. For these types of swimming, he can take support on a front part of the starting block, or also on an inclined push plane arranged towards the rear of the platform.

[0003] On the other hand, for a backstroke swimming race, each swimmer must first enter the water and position themselves near a contact plate used for the finish of a race. This contact plate is mounted against a vertical wall of the pool below the starting block. The swimmer can manually adjust for this type of backstroke race a device with a support edge so as to place their feet before the start on a support edge plate in the water. In addition, the starting block may also include on the front a horizontal bar and two vertical bars connected to the ends of the horizontal bar and fixed to the base of the starting block. This arrangement of bars forms a stirrup structure allowing the swimmer to grip with their hands while having taken support on the support edge plate with their feet to position themselves before the start of the race.

[0004] There figure 1represents precisely a starting block 1 with a support edge device 10 for a backstroke swimming race. The starting block or pad 1 comprises a platform 5 and an inclined plane 3 towards the rear of the platform 5, and a base 9 for fixing the starting block 1 to the ground at the edge of a swimming pool. The starting block 1 further comprises a bar-like structure 7 fixed to the base 9 or to the platform 5 on the base 9 of the starting block 1. The support edge device 10 comprises a support plate or edge 13, which is located in the water and connected at its ends by at least one or two flexible straps 11. The support edge device 10 further comprises an action means 12 of the strap(s) 11 of the support edge device on the starting block 1, for example placed on the platform 5 in front of the inclined plane 3. Before the competition, the swimmer can still manually adjust the position of the support edge 13 of the support edge device 10 in the water.

[0005] A disadvantage of such a support edge device 10 is that it must be placed and adjusted on a starting block 1, which causes additional mechanical manipulations when mounting each starting block 1. In addition, since a judge of a backstroke swimming competition must come and put away the support edge device 10, in particular remove the support edge from the water during the race, no means are provided to make this work easier for him, which is another disadvantage.

[0006] Patent application EP 3 669 953 A1 describes a swimming starting block, in particular for a backstroke swimming race. A foot support edge is connected by straps to a member for adjusting the position of the edge in the water. This adjustment member is a cylinder passing through two opposite side walls of the starting block and with a handling wheel at one end of the cylinder for winding the straps onto the cylinder in a resting position or for placing the edge in a position determined for the swimmer. However, this does not allow the correct position of the edge in the water to be precisely or easily adjusted for each swimmer and no other means are provided for storing the edge outside the water, which can be a disadvantage during a swimming race.Furthermore, since the support edge adjustment device is not integrated into the starting block, it must still be added before each race start, which complicates the adjustment of each starting block.

[0007] Patent application AU 2019 250 208 A1 describes a support piece for a starting block of a swimming race. The starting block comprises at least one base fixed around a swimming pool and a platform mounted or fixed on the base and on which the swimmer and his hands rest before the start of a race. The support piece is a front support piece which is arranged to be mounted interchangeably on a front part of the platform of the starting block without specifying the arrangement at rest of the elements. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention therefore aims to overcome the disadvantages of the aforementioned state of the art by proposing a support edge device which is integrated into a starting block or pad or into a base plate for fixing a starting block to the ground. In this way, the support edge device is quickly installed and easily adjusted to the correct position by the swimmer. In addition, no additional parts are required to perform a backstroke swimming competition.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a starting block with a support rim device for a backstroke swimming competition, which comprises the features defined in independent claim 1.

[0010] Particular embodiments of the starting block or pad with a support rim device are defined in dependent claims 2 to 7.

[0011] An advantage of the starting block is that the support edge device is at least partially integrated into the starting block or base plate to facilitate its use and storage without additional handling to secure it. In this way, the support edge device is quickly installed and easily adjusted by the competitor. Then, after the start and during the race, the judge(s) can store it quickly and easily.

[0012] Another advantage of integrating the support flange device into the starting block or base plate is that the integrated support flange device is more aesthetic and safer than a non-integrated version of the support flange device. Brief description of the drawings

[0013] The aims, advantages and characteristics of the starting block with a support rim device will appear better in the following description of non-limiting embodiments illustrated by the drawings in which: there figure 1 represents a starting block with a support rim device according to the prior art, the figure 2 represents a first embodiment of the starting block with a support rim device at least partially integrated into the starting block according to the invention, the figure 3 represents a second embodiment of the starting block with a support rim device at least partially integrated into the starting block according to the invention, the figure 4 represents a first embodiment of a base plate for mounting the starting block, with the support flange device at least partially integrated in the base plate according to the invention, the Figures 5a and 5brepresent a detailed embodiment of the support edge device for a backstroke start at least partially integrated into the starting block with adjustable selection positions for the swimmer at the Figure 5a and a resting position with the support edge outside the water at the Figure 5b according to the invention, the Figures 6a and 6b represent the spring or elastic box for pulling or pushing the strap(s) towards the water outside the adjustable selection positions and the rest position according to the invention, and the figure 7 represents a cross-section at the entrance of a strap passage box and in the direction of the exit towards the support edge of the Figure 6a . Detailed description of the invention

[0014] In the following description, the well-known elements of a starting block with a support edge device used for the start of a backstroke swimming competition will be described only in a simplified manner.

[0015] There figure 2 represents a first embodiment of the starting block 1 with a support rim device 10. As previously mentioned, the support rim device 10 is at least partially integrated into the starting block 1. The starting block 1 comprises a base 9, the lower part of which can be fixed either on a ground around a swimming pool as shown in figure 2 , or on a base plate to be fixed to the ground and on which the starting block 1 is mounted. In this embodiment, the support rim device 10 is shown fully deployed outside the starting block and mainly in the lower part of the base 9 of the starting block 1.

[0016] The support rim device 10 comprises in particular a support plate or rim 13, which, in a rest position, can be stored in a housing in the lower part of the base 9. The support plate or rim 13 is held from the inside or the outside of the base 9 of the starting block 1 by at least one attachment element 11 and preferably by attachment elements 11, for example two attachment elements fixed respectively to the two ends of the support plate or rim 13. This support plate or rim 13 can be made of a solid material, for example a plastic material. The attachment elements 11 are preferably flexible. They can be straps similar to the seat belts of a car, or a chain preferably made of non-metallic material, or various other flexible attachment means.

[0017] It may be envisaged inside the base 9 to have the attachment element(s) 11 which are connected to return means of an actuating assembly of the support rim device as explained below in Figures 5a and 5b of a preferred embodiment. These return means may consist of either one or two elastics or one or two return springs, one end of each elastic or spring being fixed, while the other end of each elastic or spring is connected or fixed respectively to each attachment element 11. Mainly in a rest position, each elastic or spring is tensioned with a certain return force. Each elastic or spring is intended to push each attachment element 11 with a certain return force until the support edge 13 is placed in the water.

[0018] The actuating assembly of the support rim device 10 is mounted at least partly in the starting block 1 or in the base plate shown in figure 4 with a position adjustment disposed on a rear side of the base 9 of the starting block 1 or the base plate. Provision may also be made to have at least a portion of the actuating assembly secured to side and rear walls of the base 9 of the starting block.

[0019] As shown in the figure 2 , the upper part of the base 9 comprises a platform 5, a support element 3 with an inclined plane, which is arranged on the rear part of the platform 5. The starting block 1 further comprises a bar-shaped structure 7 fixed to the base 9, and which extends towards the front of the starting block 1 so as to be grasped by the hands of the swimmer for a backstroke. As shown in figure 1previous, this structure of metal bars 7 must preferably comprise two horizontal bars connected at their ends by two vertical bars, which extend in the direction of the starting block 1 by two more or less rectilinear bars on each side of the base 9 so as to be fixed at their end to said base 9 of the starting block 1.

[0020] After the start of the backstroke swimming race and during the race, the support edge device 10 may be stowed or placed in a resting position by manual action of the judge(s). The manner of placing the support edge device 10 in a resting position is explained below with reference to Figures 5a and 5b of the preferred embodiment. For the smooth running of the race, it is important to remove the support edge 13 from the water to avoid any disturbances or possible injuries or various inconveniences.

[0021] There figure 3represents a second embodiment of the starting block 1 with the support rim device 10 which is at least partially integrated into the starting block 1. Most of the elements already described with reference to the figure 2 will not be described again for simplification. Rather, only the new elements and their functions in the starting block 1 will be described.

[0022] The starting block 1 comprises a bar-shaped structure 7 fixed to the base 9, and which extends towards the front of the starting block 1 so as to be grasped by the hands of the competitive swimmer. This metal bar structure 7 is shown with two horizontal bars connected at their ends by two vertical bars, which extend towards the starting block 1 by two more or less rectilinear bars on each side of the base 9 so as to be fixed at their end to said base 9 of the starting block 1.

[0023] The support rim device 10 is shown in figure 3 in the rest position with the support plate 13 stored in an input housing in the bottom of the base 9 of the starting block 1.

[0024] Preferably, there may be an elastic or return spring as explained with reference to Figures 5a and 5b below to automatically eject the support edge 13 into the water for at least the position selected from among in particular 5 defined positions (+4cm, +2cm, 0, -2cm, - 4cm).

[0025] It should also be noted that electronic means, not shown, may be provided in a part of the starting block 1 to signal a reaction time of the swimmer at the time of the start signal in order to be able to determine any false start by monitoring the time difference between the start signal and the swimmer's actual start. To do this, in conjunction with the electronic signal processing means, strain gauges or force sensors may be provided in connection with the bar-shaped structure 7 gripped by the swimmer or possibly the force exerted on the support edge 13 at the time of the start.

[0026] There figure 4 represents a base plate 20 to be fixed to the ground at the edge of a swimming pool, and on which the starting block 1 is mounted and fixed. In this case, not all the same elements already described with reference to the figures 2 And 3. It is noted that the support rim device 10 can also be in a rest position with the support rim 13 arranged on an input support of the base plate 20. The support rim device 10 can be placed in a stowed rest position as preferably explained with reference to Figures 5a and 5b below.

[0027] In the forms of execution presented to the figures 2 to 4 , it can be considered that the support rim device 10 in the rest position can be as if entirely integrated in the starting block 1 or in the base plate 20 or partly towards the rear exterior of the base plate.

[0028] THE Figures 5a and 5b represent a preferred embodiment of the support edge device 10 for a backstroke start.

[0029] There Figure 5arepresents the positioning of the support rim 13 by means of at least one positioning notched element 30 of an actuating assembly of the support rim device 10. In the case shown, two positioning notched elements 30 are provided if two attachment elements 11 are used, which are two flexible straps 11. A first end of the first strap 11 is fixed respectively to a first end of the support rim 13, while the first end of the second strap 11 is fixed respectively to a second end of the support rim 13, which is opposite the first end of the support rim 13.

[0030] Each second end of the straps 11 is fixed to one of the two respective ends of a positioning rod 17. Since it is intended to place the positioning and resting elements of the support rim device 10 on a rear side of the base 9 of the starting block 1, each positioning notched element 30 is preferably arranged on a rear external wall of the base 9 of the starting block 1. In this case, five positions for adjusting the position of the support rim 13 are provided, namely +4 cm (31), +2 cm (32), 0 (33), -2 cm (34) and -4 cm (35). In this case, it is preferable to have a starting block 1 of substantially parallelepipedal shape where only the rear wall and the bottom wall 19 of the base 9 are shown on the Figures 5a and 5bto clearly show all the components of the actuation assembly of the support rim device 13. However, it can still be envisaged to have at least the front and rear walls of the base 9 inclined towards the rear of the starting block 1.

[0031] When the race has started, at least one referee can pull the positioning rod 17 towards at least one resting element 40 having a hook 41 to hold the rod 17 and put the device 10 to rest with the support rim 13 outside the water against the base of the front wall of the starting block 1. By pulling the rod 17 upwards towards the resting position, a certain force must be applied to the rod against a return spring or an elastic band, arranged in at least one box 14 for the passage of at least one strap 11. This return spring or the elastic band can be fixed to an entrance of the box 14 on the front side, while the other end of the return spring or the elastic band is fixed to the strap 11.The elastic or return spring is used to allow the support rim 13 to be ejected towards the water either in the selected position or when the rod 17 is at the exit of the rear external wall of the base 9 below the positioning notched element 30.

[0032] Preferably, two boxes 14 are provided for the respective passage of each strip 11. Each of the boxes 14 is for example fixed inside the starting block 1 on a base plate 19. In a rectilinear passage direction of each strip 11 of each box 14.

[0033] As will be described in the Figures 6a and 6b, each strap 11 enters through an opening 16 of a dimension slightly greater than the cross-section of each strap, but of substantially equivalent rectangular shape. In the box 14 for passage of one of the straps 11, said strap 11 is guided in a groove 25 of complementary shape made in the box 14. This is necessary to be able to carry out the ejection of the support edge 13 towards a determined position in the water without the strap folding in the box 14 when the elastic or the return spring pulls each strap 11 towards the front of the starting block 1. Each strap 11 leaves through an outlet opening of the box of the same dimension as the inlet opening 16. Of course, the dimension of the box is adapted to the path that each strap takes from the rest position to the completely released position at the bottom of the rear wall of the base 9. In an embodiment presented to the Figures 6a and 6b, each strip 11 can pass through an opening 22 in the rear wall of the base 9 while being guided at the outlet, for example, by an axis 21 to avoid any problem of damage to each strip 11. The axis 21 is rotatably mounted or fixed above the outlet openings 22 of the strips 11 in the rear wall of the base 9.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment not shown and depending on the dimension of the base 9 of the starting block 1, it can be imagined to have the fixing of the boxes 14 for the passage of the strips 11 fixed on side walls outside the base 9. This also makes it possible to avoid making openings 22 for the passage of each strip 11 of the rear wall of the base 9 and also to avoid placing an axis 21 for guiding the strips behind the rear wall of the base 9.

[0035] THE Figures 6a and 6brepresent one of the two boxes 14 for the passage of one of the straps 11 shown in longitudinal section. It is noted that the spring 23 or the elastic, is fixed to one end of the box and is connected in position 24 to a portion of the strap arranged in its groove 25. The box 14 can be in two parts 14a, 14b to facilitate the passage of the strap 11 and the fixing of the spring 23 or the elastic where one of the parts 14b comprises the groove 25 housing the strap 11 as it passes with the part 14a closing the groove 25 a little so as to allow the strap 11 not to bend when the return spring 23 or the elastic in certain cases pushes the end of the support edge 13 towards the water and to the selected position.

[0036] There figure 7shows in more detail the internal shape of the box 14 for the passage of one of the straps 11. Since it is necessary to have a flexible strap 11 which does not bend during the action of the tensile spring to push the support rim 13 into the water, the part 14b can be fixed on the bottom wall 19 of the base 9. The part 14b therefore comprises a groove 25 of a width slightly greater than the width of a strap 11 and arranged over practically the entire length of the box up to the strap passage openings. The part 14a comprises an edge of a width greater than the edge of the part 14b with groove 25, so as to slightly cover the groove 25 so that the strap 11 does not bend under the action of the spring or the elastic. Part 14a may be fixed to part 14b by any known mechanical means, such as by a set of screws and threaded bores, or by gluing.

[0037] It is also possible to imagine making the box 14 in one piece, but the assembly of the spring 23 and the strap 11 in this case is made difficult.

[0038] It can also be imagined, depending on the placement of the recall means in the boxes, to pull the support edge by the swimmer into a position he wishes for his race. In this specific case, positioning notches can be provided to lock the position selected by the swimmer.

[0039] The entire arrangement described for the starting block can be adapted according to the same principle to the base plate.

[0040] From the description which has just been given, several variants of the starting block and of the base plate for a starting block having a support rim device at least partially integrated in the starting block or in the base plate, can be produced without departing from the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Starting block (1) with a supporting ledge device (10) for a start of a backstroke race, the supporting ledge device (10) being at least partially integrated into the starting block, the supporting ledge device (10) comprising an actuation assembly for placing a support ledge (13), via at least one fastening element (11), into a rest position or into one of the positions to be selected for a swimmer towards the rear of a base (9) of the starting block (1), and the actuation assembly comprising return means intended to pull the fastening element (11) and push the support ledge (13) towards the swimming pool, or to push the fastening element (11) and pull the support ledge (13) towards the rest position out of the water, characterised in that the supporting ledge device (10) is fully integrated inside the starting block in a rest position.

2. Starting block (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the supporting ledge device (10) comprises the support ledge (13) on which at least one foot of a swimmer can be supported before the start of a backstroke race, the support ledge (13) being held from within or from outside a base (9) of the starting block (1) by two fastening elements (11) respectively fixed to the two ends of the support ledge (13).

3. Starting block (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that in a rest position, the support ledge (13) is stowed inside a recess in the lower part of the base (9) of the starting block (1).

4. Starting block (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the supporting ledge device (10) comprises two flexible fastening elements (11) in the form of straps respectively connected to the two ends of the support ledge (13) and to return means within the starting block at ends opposite the fixation to the support ledge (13).

5. Starting block (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that each of the straps (11) pass into a respective longitudinal box (14) of the actuation assembly, each box for passing one of the straps comprising an inlet opening (16) and an outlet opening for the strap having a shape that substantially complements the cross-section of the strap (14), the strap (11) being guided inside a groove (25) made in the box (14) and connected to one end of a spring (23) or of an elastic band acting as a return means, the other end whereof is fixed in an opposite position in the box (14) so as to prevent the strap from becoming folded when it is pushed or pulled by the spring (23) or the elastic band.

6. Starting block (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that a rod (17) connected to the two ends of the straps opposite the fixation to the support ledge (13) disposed at the rear of the starting block (1) can be manually pulled so as to be placed within a positioning notch of an element (30) with positioning notches or on a hook (41) of a rest element (40).

7. Starting block (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that when not in the rest position, the straps (11) are intended to push the support ledge (13) towards the water under the action of the return spring (23) or elastic band in each box (14).