Personal flotation device

Abstract

Personal flotation device The invention relates to a personal flotation device comprising at least one pair of floats configured to be fixed on different arms, each float having: - an opening for passage of the arm extending along a longitudinal axis and - a portion of maximum height extending from the longitudinal axis of the opening along a first axis transverse to the longitudinal axis, the portion of maximum height having, in front view, a portion of lateral size, along a second axis transverse to the first axis and to the longitudinal axis of the opening, reduced on at least one side compared to the lateral size at the longitudinal axis of the opening, said portion extending from the longitudinal axis of the opening over a height greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum height of the portion of maximum height, the floats being of asymmetrical contour along the first and / or the second axis.Figure for abstract: Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Personal flotation device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an individual flotation aid device intended for exploring the aquatic environment and / or learning to swim. It also relates to a method of using such a device and a method of learning to swim. Prior art

[0002] Many flotation aid devices are known for exploring the aquatic environment and / or learning to swim. Examples include inflatable armbands with or without a belt, swimming discs and vests or swimsuits with integrated floating elements.

[0003] International application WO2015121590 describes, for example, a device comprising a belt intended to surround at least part of the user's torso and two armbands intended to surround part of the user's arms. The belt and the armbands provide a buoyancy aid function through the presence of inflatable and / or foam elements, and are connected to each other by detachable elastic elements. Such armbands obstruct the user's visibility while swimming, in particular breaststroke, in particular when the user stretches their arms out in front of them and laterally when the arms are at the side of the torso. Due to this defect, this device is rarely used in the context of learning to swim. It is mainly used in a safety context.

[0004] Foam floats are also known which have an opening for the arm to pass through which may or may not be adapted to the circumference of the user's arm. They are preferably of a substantially circular or oval shape with an opening for the arm to pass through which is offset downwards. The shape of the swimming discs also obstructs the user's view when learning to swim, in particular when learning breaststroke with the arms in an outstretched position in front of the user and laterally when the arms are at the side of the torso.

[0005] There are also flotation aid devices with inflatable and / or foam armbands integrated directly into a harness or swimsuit worn by the user. The shape of the armbands obstructs the user's view when learning breaststroke with the arms in an outstretched position in front of the user and laterally when the arms are at the side of the torso.

[0006] Such discomfort in vision reduces the user's comfort in swimming, which results in discomfort for the user, particularly a young user, learning and can generate a feeling of insecurity. This can lead the user to use the armbands in a way that is unsuitable for effective learning to swim.

[0007] There is therefore a need to facilitate learning to swim and improve safety in the aquatic environment while providing comfort of use and a feeling of safety for the user. Statement of the invention

[0008] The invention meets this need, according to a first aspect, using an individual flotation device comprising at least one pair of floats configured to be fixed on different arms, each float having: - an arm passage opening extending along a longitudinal axis and - a portion of maximum height extending from the longitudinal axis of the opening along a first axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the opening, the part of maximum height having, in front view, a portion having a lateral size, taken along a second axis transverse to the first axis and to the longitudinal axis of the opening, reduced on at least one side compared to the lateral size of the float at the level of the longitudinal axis of the opening, said portion extending from the longitudinal axis of the opening over a height greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum height of the part of maximum height, the floats each being of asymmetrical contour along at least one of the first or second axes.

[0009] By "float" is meant a member configured to float on water, in particular a member having an average volume density less than or equal to 1.

[0010] By "in front view", we mean in view along the longitudinal axis of the opening.

[0011] By "portion having a reduced lateral size on at least one side in front view", we mean a portion having, in front view of the float, over its entire height, a size, in projection on the second axis less than or equal to the size of the float on said second axis on at least one side. Thus, the portion has over its entire height a projection on the second axis having on one side ends of the projection extending in the projection of the float on the second axis at the level of the longitudinal axis.

[0012] In the following, the portion having reduced lateral bulk on at least one side will be called a reduced bulk portion for simplification.

[0013] The fact that there is a portion of reduced lateral bulk on each float allows, when the flotation device is used with a float positioned on each arm at the shoulders or upper arms, the reduced bulk sides towards the front, to improve the user's visibility towards the front when the arms are stretched forward, particularly when doing breaststroke, and to improve the user's visibility at the periphery when the arms are at the side of the torso. This facilitates learning to swim by improving the comfort of vision during swimming, which reassures the user and thus increases safety. Furthermore, this reduces the discomfort of the user in his movements linked to the bulk of the floats of the prior art, particularly with the user's face.

[0014] Furthermore, the fact that the contour is asymmetrical along the first and / or second axis makes it possible to improve user comfort and to offer new usage functionalities, in particular depending on the direction of use of the floats on the arms or according to different usage methods.

[0015] The fact that the contour is asymmetrical along the second axis makes it possible in particular to position the smaller side downwards when positioning the floats at shoulder level in order to limit the rise by the floats above the water due to the lower part of the float, which improves the comfort of the user in use, in particular in the case of use by children.

[0016] The fact that the contour is asymmetrical along the first axis makes it possible in particular to be able to choose the orientation of the floats with different characteristics on the two sides. This makes it possible in particular to add additional functionalities to the floats as indicated below. Floats

[0017] Preferably, the floats are identical. This allows for identical flotation and comfort on both arms when the floats are worn identically on the arms.

[0018] Preferably, the floats each comprise two opposite faces and an outer side wall, the passage opening of the arm passing through said float between the two opposite faces.

[0019] Preferably, the floats each comprise a body made of a floating porous material, in particular foam. The body may be - foam, in particular polyethylene foam or synthetic rubber foam made from acrylonitrile copolymer (ACN) with or without polyvinyl chloride, - polystyrene, - in cork, - made of wood, particularly bamboo or balsa, - floating hard plastic, or - made from ecological materials from natural sources or waste, particularly corn starch or green seaweed from beached seaweed. Such materials have good durability over time due to their intrinsic buoyancy.

[0020] Alternatively, the floats may each comprise a body delimiting a cavity can be filled with a gas or other for buoyancy. The body can be in this case made of recycled or non-recycled plastic, in particular PVC, or carbon, or resin. These materials, although less durable, have the advantage of having light and / or space-saving floats, especially when they are deflated for inflatable ones.

[0021] The floats may each have a covering on the body, in particular a covering made of foam, elastane (LYCRA ®), polyamide, polyester or chloroprene polymer (NEOPRENE ®). Such a covering makes it possible to improve the comfort of the user by coming into contact with the skin instead of the body and for some, in particular chloroprene polymer, to retain heat for the user.

[0022] The floats may be at least partially phosphorescent or luminescent. This improves safety, particularly for rescuers, especially when using the device as a user safety device. This also makes the floats fun for young users.

[0023] The maximum thickness of each float, taken along the longitudinal axis of the opening, may be less than or equal to 15 cm, better still less than or equal to 10 cm, even better still less than or equal to 7 cm, even better still less than or equal to 6 cm and / or greater than or equal to 1 cm, better still greater than or equal to 1.5 cm, even better still greater than or equal to 1.8 cm, preferably between 2 cm and 4 cm.

[0024] Preferably, the thickness of the floats is constant.

[0025] The maximum width of the floats may be greater than or equal to 10 cm, better still greater than or equal to 15 cm, even better still greater than or equal to 16 cm and / or less than or equal to 40 cm, better still less than or equal to 35 cm, even better still less than or equal to 32 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 20 cm.

[0026] In the remainder of the text, by “maximum width” of a part, portion or object, we understand the dimension of the size of the part, portion or object in projection along the second axis.

[0027] The maximum height of the floats may be greater than or equal to 25 cm, better still 28 cm and / or less than or equal to 60 cm, better still less than or equal to 55 cm, even better still less than or equal to 52 cm, preferably between 25 cm and 35 cm.

[0028] In the remainder of the text, by “maximum height” of a part, portion or object, we understand the dimension of the size of the part, portion or object in projection along the first axis. Shape

[0029] The portion of reduced lateral bulk may have a height greater than or equal to 60%, better still greater than or equal to 70%, even better still greater than or equal to 80%, of the maximum height of the part of maximum height. Preferably, the portion of reduced lateral bulk may be the entire part of maximum height.

[0030] The floats may each be of slender shape in front view. Preferably, the floats each have a ratio between their maximum height and their maximum width greater than or equal to 1.25, better still greater than or equal to 1.5, even better still greater than or equal to 1.75, even better still greater than or equal to 2.

[0031] The second axis may separate the float into two parts, a high part and a low part, each extending on one side of the second axis, the high part being defined by the part of maximum height.

[0032] The floats may each be asymmetrical in front view relative to the second axis. The upper part and the lower part may be of different shapes and / or different heights. Preferably, the ratio of the maximum height of the upper part to the maximum height of the lower part is greater than or equal to 1.10, better still greater than 1.2, even better still greater than or equal to 2, even better still greater than or equal to 2.2.

[0033] At least one of the lower portion or the upper portion of each float may be tapered towards one end over a portion of its height in front view. By "tapered" is understood that a portion of said lower or upper portion has a decreasing width, in front view, to one end along an extension axis, defined as the longitudinal central axis of said portion. The extension axis may be rectilinear or not, in particular curved towards the side opposite the reduced size side of the reduced size portion.

[0034] Preferably, the lower part and / or the upper part are tapered in front view over their entire height.

[0035] Each float has, in the upper part, an external side wall of variable curvature.

[0036] Preferably, the portion of reduced lateral bulk is of reduced bulk on the second axis on both sides relative to the lateral bulk of the float at the level of the longitudinal axis of the opening over a height greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum height of the portion of maximum height.

[0037] In front view, each float may be asymmetrical with respect to the first axis.

[0038] Preferably, each float has, in front view, a first part of the outer side wall of the upper part which is convex outwards. Said first part preferably extends on the side of the reduced size of the reduced size portion in front view.

[0039] Preferably, each float has, in front view, a second part of the outer side wall of the upper part, opposite the first part of the outer side wall of the upper part with respect to the first axis, which is concave over at least a portion of its height. The second part of the outer side wall may have a change in convexity over its height. It may have a portion convex near the opening and a concave portion up to its end connecting it to the first part of the outer side wall of the upper part.

[0040] The convex portion of the second part of the outer side wall may have a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the concave portion of the second part of the outer side wall.

[0041] The convex portion of the second part of the outer side wall may have a radius of curvature substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the outer side wall of the lower part.

[0042] Preferably, the first part of the outer side wall of the upper part and the second part of the outer side wall of the upper part are joined at one end of the upper part, in particular forming a point.

[0043] Alternatively, each float is symmetrical with respect to the first axis.

[0044] In front view, at the height of the highest point of an internal side wall at the opening relative to the second axis, the external side wall on the side of the reduced size of the reduced size portion may have a tangent inclined relative to the first axis, in particular forming an angle greater than or equal to 5°, better still greater than or equal to 10°, better still greater than or equal to 20°.

[0045] Preferably, the lower part of each float has, in front view, a convex external side wall, in particular in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0046] The thickness of the lower part of each float, defined between an internal wall of the passage opening of the arm and the external side wall, can be substantially identical over the entire lower part.

[0047] Each float may have a drop-shaped outline in front view. The extension axis of the drop may be rectilinear or curved.

[0048] Alternatively, each float may have a substantially ray-wing shape and / or the upper part may have a single point or a plurality of points. Arm passage opening

[0049] The passage opening of the arm of each float can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the first axis.

[0050] The passage opening of the arm of each float may be asymmetrical with respect to the second axis. Alternatively, it is symmetrical with respect to the second axis.

[0051] The passage opening of the arm of each float may have, in front view, a substantially circular or oval or drop-shaped outline. Preferably, in the case of a drop-shaped opening, the tapered end of the opening extends into the upper part of the float.

[0052] The passage opening of the arm of each float can be off-center on each float. By "off-center", we understand that the ratio of the upper part to the lower part is strictly greater than 1.

[0053] The width of the opening taken along the second axis may be greater than 4 cm, and / or less than or equal to 40 cm, better still less than or equal to 30 cm, even better still less than or equal to 20 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm. Arm adaptation system

[0054] Preferably, each float comprises an arm adaptation system extending into the opening and configured to adapt the float to several arm sizes. Such an arm adaptation system makes it possible in particular to adapt the float to arms of different sizes while having good comfort of use and good retention of the float on the arm.

[0055] The arm adaptation system of each float may comprise at least one arm contact member having a variable thickness. Preferably, the radius of the largest circle inscribed in the opening may be adjustable between a maximum radius and a minimum radius, the minimum radius being between 50% and 90%, better still between 60% and 80%, of the maximum radius. Thus, all persons having an arm circumference between these maximum and minimum radii may use the floats.

[0056] The contact member with the arm of each float may be flexible, elastic and / or compressible.

[0057] The arm adaptation system of each float may comprise a plurality of flexible teeth extending over at least a portion of the inner side wall of the opening, preferably over the entire inner side wall of the opening. Such teeth make it possible to adjust the diameter of the passage opening of the arm according to the inclination of the teeth, the straight teeth defining the minimum radius and the teeth curved on each other defining the maximum radius.

[0058] Preferably, the maximum height of the teeth is between 1 cm and 10 cm, better between 2 and 5 cm, even better between 2 and 4 cm. Preferably, the teeth are of different heights from each other, the teeth extending in the lower part being preferably higher than that of the upper part. In the case of a drop-shaped opening, the teeth may have a decreasing height towards the tapered end of the opening.

[0059] The maximum width of the teeth, in particular at their base, can be between 0.5 cm and 2 cm, better between 0.5 cm and 1 cm. The teeth can be of variable width over their height, in particular of decreasing width towards their distal end or of constant width. Such dimensions allow good adaptation to several arms while having good durability of the float teeth.

[0060] The teeth may be separated from each other and spaced apart by a non-zero distance, in particular greater than or equal to their maximum width. The space between the teeth may be of substantially constant width.

[0061] The teeth may be integral with the body of the float. In particular in the case of a foam body, the teeth may be made of foam. Alternatively, the teeth may be made of a different material from the body, in particular attached to the inner side wall of the opening or integrated into the body at this wall.

[0062] Alternatively, the arm fitting system may be a flexible and / or resilient collar extending into the opening. The collar may be flat or have a corrugated surface. The collar may extend around the entire circumference of the inner side wall of the body defining the opening.

[0063] As a further variant, the arm adaptation system may be a compressible foam attached to the inner side wall of the body defining the opening.

[0064] As a further variant, the arm adaptation system may be inflatable. Slot

[0065] Each float may have a slot extending from the passage opening of the arm towards the outside of the float. Preferably, the slot may extend into the upper part. Such a slot makes it possible in particular to facilitate the insertion of the floats on the arms by allowing a spacing at the level of the slot at the time of insertion.

[0066] The slot may extend from the tapered portion of the drop or alternatively from the concave portion of the drop, towards an outer side wall, in particular towards the convex outer wall or alternatively towards the concave outer wall of the upper portion or towards a tip of the upper portion.

[0067] The slot may be straight or curved. In particular, it is parallel and of the same shape as the concave outer wall.

[0068] The tapered portion of the droplet may point towards the slot present in each float.

[0069] The device may comprise a slot closing system. The slot closing system may comprise two holes passing through the float between the two opposite faces, arranged on either side of the slot to receive a slot closing link connecting them.

[0070] Assembly of floats by their side walls

[0071] The floats can be nestable together by at least a portion of their outer side walls. By "nestable", it is understood that each float has at least a portion of its outer side wall with a shape complementary to a portion of the outer side wall of the other float. In the case of identical floats, it is understood that each float has two portions of its side walls with a shape complementary to each other when they are placed opposite each other by bringing the two floats together. The assembly of the floats by their outer side wall makes it possible to diversify the possible uses of the floats, in particular by allowing their use as a board or pull buoy.

[0072] Preferably, a first portion of the outer side wall of the floats may be of complementary shape to a second part of the outer side wall of the floats over an area greater than or equal to 15% of the total area of ​​the outer side wall of the floats.

[0073] The concave portion of the second part of the side wall of a float may be of a complementary shape to the convex portion of the second part of the side wall of a float and / or to the outer side wall of the lower part of another float when the latter are assembled.

[0074] The floats may be configured to assemble together so as to form an assembly with a substantially continuous outer contour, in particular oval or of a more complex shape.

[0075] The floats may be configured to fit together by the second parts of the outer side wall by placing them head to tail facing each other. The first outer walls of the upper part may be configured to form an oval-shaped outline with the outer walls of the lower part.

[0076] The floats may be configured to engage by the portion of the second part of the outer side wall of the upper part and the outer side wall of the lower part.

[0077] The floats may include on their outer side wall a system for fixing the floats together, in particular a male-female type interlocking fixing system, of the VELCRO ® type, or any other complementary fixing system.

[0078] Preferably, the opposite faces of the floats nested by their outer side wall form substantially flat surfaces.

[0079] Each float may include removable portions, in particular portions of the lower part. This makes it possible to adapt the buoyancy assistance provided by the flotation device with the user's progress in learning to swim by simply adding or removing the removable portions. The removable portions may in particular be grippable to be held by the user at hand level. Plurality of floats

[0080] Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of pairs of floats, in particular at least three pairs of floats. The pairs of floats are preferably identical to each other.

[0081] The floats may be nestable at least in pairs. Preferably, all the floats are identical and are all nestable together as described above. The assembly of the floats allows them to be used to perform other flotation aid functions. This allows in particular an assembly of several floats per arm and an adaptability of the quantity of floats on the arms according to the user's progress or the user's comfort in the water.

[0082] Preferably, the floats can be attached to a harness, in particular using the attachment system or independently. Attachment system

[0083] Each float may comprise a system for attaching the floats to each other on the opposite faces of the floats. One of the faces of each float may comprise one or more first attachment members complementary to one or more second attachment members arranged on the opposite face. The first and second attachment members may be in the same location on each of the faces. In this way, the floats may be attached to each other so as to be in the same direction. This allows in particular that the side of reduced bulk of the floats assembled together is on the same side in the assembly.

[0084] Alternatively, the attachment system may comprise holes passing through the floats between the two opposite faces and at least one attachment link passing through the holes. The holes for the connection may be located in the same place on all of the floats. Preferably, the holes for the connection may be located above or below the opening for the passage of the arm. The holes may also form the device for closing the slot.

[0085] The attachment system allows the association of a plurality of floats together on a single arm and modularity in the quantity of floats per arm. It is thus possible to adapt the number of floats to the user's swimming level or to change the number of floats to facilitate learning to swim as we will see later.

[0086] Preferably, the attachment system is configured so that the user cannot easily detach a float from the other float(s) to which it is attached when the float is worn on the arm. The attachment system may be inaccessible to the user, require too much force to detach, require the use of two hands to detach, or require a sufficient degree of maturity to detach. This makes it possible to enhance the safety of the device, particularly when the device is used by children in a learning environment. Gripping element

[0087] The device, in particular at least one of the floats, better each float, may comprise at least one visibility member, such as reflective strips, a colored, reflective, fluorescent or luminescent coating, reflectors or lights.

[0088] The device, in particular at least one of the floats, may comprise at least one member for gripping or attaching to an external element for holding the user, in particular a handle or a loop at the distal end of at least one of the floats. in particular of the upper part of at least one of the floats. Such a gripping device can facilitate supervision during learning and limit physical contact between the user and the supervisor. Sensors

[0089] The device, in particular at least one of the floats, better each float, may comprise one or more connected sensors configured to generate information and / or send it to a data reception system of the device or remote from the device. The sensor(s) may measure proprioceptive and / or kinesthetic information, for example vital constants such as heart rate and / or respiratory rate and / or absence of consciousness due to absence of movement, or user performance information.

[0090] The device may comprise one or more swimming aids, in particular visual organs giving indications of movement or proprioceptive organs giving indications of movement by mechanical action or by localized vibration.

[0091] The flotation device may include an audible alert system connected or not to a connected object to emit an alarm based on information from the sensor(s), in particular in the event of detection of absence of consciousness detected by the sensors.

[0092] Flotation device: assembly

[0093] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a flotation device comprising at least one pair of floats, the floats each comprising - two opposite faces and an outer side wall, and - an opening for the arm to pass through said float between the two opposite faces, a first portion of the side wall being of complementary shape to a second portion of the side wall over a surface area greater than or equal to 15% of the total surface area of ​​the side wall so as to be able to assemble the two floats together.

[0094] This allows the floats to be nested together by at least part of their outer side walls. Assembling the floats by their outer side wall allows the possible uses of the floats to be diversified, in particular by allowing their use as a board or pull buoy.

[0095] According to this second aspect of the invention, the floats have a modularity of shape allowing other uses. This makes it possible to have a versatile device offering significant modularity and new uses.

[0096] The device may comprise a portion of maximum height H extending along a first axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the opening and from the Ion- axis longitudinal of the opening. The part of maximum height may have, in front view, a portion of lateral size, taken along a second axis transverse to the first axis and to the longitudinal axis of the opening, reduced on at least one side compared to the lateral size of the float at the level of the longitudinal axis of the opening, the portion of lateral size reduced on at least one side extending from the longitudinal axis of the opening over a height greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum height of the part of maximum height,

[0097] The floats may each have an asymmetrical contour along at least one of the first or second axes.

[0098] The features described above in relation to the first aspect of the invention may be applied to this second aspect of the invention independently of the first aspect of the invention.

[0099] Device and harness

[0100] The invention also meets these needs, according to a third aspect using a flotation assembly comprising - the flotation device as previously described in connection with the first or second aspect and - a harness comprising at least one trunk attachment portion configured to surround a user's trunk, the flotation assembly further comprising at least one removable harness connection system per arm of the user configured to removably connect to the harness one or more floats of the flotation device arranged on said arm.

[0101] Attaching to the harness ensures that the flotation device cannot be removed involuntarily by users, particularly young users, without assistance. This makes it possible to secure the wearing of the flotation device in a safe environment. In addition, the presence of the harness close to the body makes it possible to reassure the user while maintaining the airways as high as possible outside of the water.

[0102] The trunk attachment part may be a belt.

[0103] The trunk attachment part may or may not include a flotation member, including an inflatable or foam member. The flotation member may or may not be removable at the part where it is attached to the trunk. This also provides a flotation aid function in addition to the floats. Support on the shoulders

[0104] The harness may comprise a shoulder and / or neck attachment portion. The shoulder and / or neck attachment portion may be connected to the trunk attachment portion in a removable or non-removable manner.

[0105] The shoulder and / or neck attachment portion may be one or more straps connected to the trunk attachment portion.

[0106] The shoulder and / or neck attachment part may or may not include a flotation member, in particular an inflatable or foam member. The flotation member may or may not be removable from the shoulder and / or neck attachment part. Connection system

[0107] The connecting system may connect the flotation device to the trunk attachment portion or to the shoulder and / or neck attachment portion.

[0108] Preferably, the connecting system is configured so that the user cannot detach the floats from the harness alone when the harness is worn and the floats of the device are worn on the arms at shoulder level. The connecting system may be inaccessible to the user, require too much force to detach it or require the use of two hands to detach it. The connecting system may comprise a knot-type connecting member on a link passing through a loop or between two links, belt and complementary loop, complementary clips, quick-release buckle with 2 or more points, in particular with 3 points of the swimming belt buckle type. This makes it possible to reinforce the safety of the device, in particular in the case of use of the device by children in a learning environment. Support between the legs

[0109] The harness may include a leg attachment portion, such as a strap passing between the wearer's legs or part of a one-piece suit. This improves the fit of the harness on the wearer by creating a low attachment point.

[0110] The attachment portion between the legs may be one or more straps connected to the attachment portion to the trunk. Garment

[0111] The harness may be a garment having a portion extending over the shoulders forming the shoulder attachment portion and a torso portion covering the torso. Furthermore, the garment may be a jumpsuit and have a lower abdomen portion extending between the legs and forming the leg attachment portion.

[0112] The garment may be made of chloroprene polymer, in particular NEOPRENE ®, and / or elastane. In particular, the suit may be elastane under the arms and made of chloroprene polymer, in particular NEOPRENE ® on the rest. This improves the mobility of the arms and conserves body heat for the user.

[0113] Method of use

[0114] The invention also relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a method of using the flotation devices as described previously according to the first or second aspect or the assembly as described previously according to the third. appearance.

[0115] The use of the flotation device or assembly makes it possible to facilitate learning through a scalable and secure method. The flotation device can be located at the user's shoulder or upper arm and at the hands, allowing several stages in learning with a plurality of different configurations of the flotation device possible. Steps

[0116] The method comprises an initial step which consists of placing, on each arm at the shoulders or upper arms, one or more floats of the flotation device by inserting the arm into the arm passage opening. Preferably, the initial step comprises attaching several floats to each other for each arm by the float attachment system and / or attaching the float(s) on each arm to the harness by the harness connection system. Preferably, the floats are attached to each other by the float attachment system by positioning the floats face to face on the arm. Preferably, the floats are inserted on the arms so that the side with reduced lateral bulk is oriented towards the other arm when the arms are stretched forward.

[0117] The system for attaching floats to each other and the system for connecting to the harness may be connected to each other. For example, the floats on an arm may be connected to each other by a link which is then fixed to the harness. Alternatively, the system for attaching floats to each other and the system for connecting to the harness are dissociated from each other.

[0118] The method of use may include a final step of removing the flotation device and / or the harness, when the user is able to swim unaided.

[0119] The method of use may comprise one or more intermediate steps comprising: - the movement of one float per arm at hand level and / or the removal of one float per arm, in particular one float on each arm or one float at each hand level, and / or - the detachment of a float by arm from the other floats and / or the harness, in particular to place it at hand level or remove it and / or - fixing a plurality of floats not carried on the arms to each other by their outer side wall to form an assembly.

[0120] The method may include moving the user with one or more floats on each arm or at the hands. The movement may be done by kicking the legs on the stomach or on the back.

[0121] Learning method

[0122] The invention also relates, according to a fourth aspect, to a method for learning to swim using a flotation device, the flotation device comprising a plurality of pairs of floats, each float having an opening for the passage of an arm, the method comprising: - a first learning stage including: - inserting one float from each pair on each arm near the shoulders, and - the movement of the user at least by leg movement, and - a second learning stage including: - the movement of at least one float per arm at hand level and - the movement of the user at least by leg movement.

[0123] This learning process makes it possible to adapt to the user's level and to evolve with the user's progress, to accompany them step by step, until they no longer need flotation aids.

[0124] The flotation device may be a flotation device according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0125] The user can move with his arms stretched out laterally to the body, in particular with his arms stretched out at 90° from the body.

[0126] The user can move on his stomach or on his back.

[0127] The learning method may include a third learning step including the removal of at least one float per arm at the level of the hands and the movement of the user at least by movement of the legs.

[0128] The learning method may include repeating the second and third steps as long as the user has floats on their arms.

[0129] The method as described above allows for progressive learning of swimming in progressive stages allowing the user to gradually gain confidence in his swimming abilities. Brief description of the drawings

[0130] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a pair of floats worn by a user,

[0131] [Fig.2] represents a float in front view of a float of [Fig.l],

[0132] [Fig.3] represents a float in side view the float of [Fig.2],

[0133] [Fig.4] represents float variants of the device according to the invention.

[0134] [Fig.5] represents an example of an opening for the passage of the arm of a float of the device according to the invention.

[0135] [Fig.6] is a float variant in front view of the device according to the invention.

[0136] [Fig.7] represents the floats of figures 1 to 3 assembled to form a board represents two floats assembled in another configuration.

[0137] [Fig.8] represents a variant of assembly of two floats of figures 1 to 3,

[0138] [Fig.9] represents a variant of assembly of two floats of figures 1 to 3,

[0139] [Fig. 10] represents a variant of assembly of two floats of figures 1 to 3,

[0140] [Fig. 11] shows a float with a handle at a distal end.

[0141] [Fig. 12] shows a flotation device attached to a harness worn by a user reader.

[0142] [Fig. 13] depicts a flotation device attached to a portion of a chest protector worn by a user.

[0143] [Fig. 14] depicts a flotation device attached to a chest protector worn by a user.

[0144] [Fig. 15] depicts a flotation device attached to a suit worn by a user.

[0145] [Fig. 16] represents the learning steps with a flotation device. Detailed description

[0146] In the remainder of the description, elements that are identical or have identical functions bear the same reference sign. For the sake of brevity in this description, they are not described with reference to each of the figures, only the differences between the embodiments being described.

[0147] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0148] The flotation device 1 comprises at least one pair of floats 10 configured to be attached to different arms of a user as illustrated in [Fig.l]. The floats 10 of a flotation device may be identical as illustrated. Alternatively, they could be different, in particular symmetrical with respect to each other with respect to a plane. The floats have a body 11, made of a floating porous material as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 16, but may also be made of wood, or may also comprise a cavity filled with gas, in particular be made of inflatable plastic. The floats 10 may also be coated with foam or elastane to improve the comfort of the user. The floats 10 may be phosphorescent or luminescent.

[0149] The floats each comprise two opposite faces 12 and a side wall 14. The thickness E of the float is defined between the two opposite faces 12 along a longitudinal axis X. The thickness E of the float may be constant as in [Fig.3]. The thickness E taken along the longitudinal axis from the front face 12 to the rear face 16 may be between 6 cm and 1.5 cm, in particular depending on the type of user. The maximum height L of the floats 10 may be between 28 cm and 52 cm, in particular depending on the type of user. The maximum width V of the floats 10 may be between 16 cm and 32 cm, in particular depending on the type of user.

[0150] In the example illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the floats 10 each have a ratio between their maximum height L and their maximum width V greater than or equal to 1.25, better still greater than or equal to 1.5, even better greater than or equal to 1.75, even better still greater than or equal to 2.

[0151] The floats 10 are shaped to allow a clear view in front of the user when he stretches his arms with at least one float 10 worn on each arm as illustrated in [Fig.l]. Each float 10 has an opening for the passage of the arm 20 which extends from one side to the other between the two opposite faces 12 along a longitudinal axis X.

[0152] A first axis 60 transverse to the longitudinal axis and extending in the length of the floats and a second 62 transverse to the first axis 60 and to the longitudinal axis X extending in the width of the floats are represented. The second axis delimits two parts, a high part Hh and a low part Hb, the high part being positioned on the side of the second axis 62 containing the maximum height H. The maximum height H is defined between the second transverse axis 62 along the first transverse axis 60.

[0153] As illustrated in [Fig.2], the upper part Hh of the float has a lateral size projected onto the second axis 62 which is reduced on at least one of the sides compared to the lateral size V of the float on the second axis 62. This reduced lateral size is present over the entire height H of the upper part Hh in the illustrated example. However, it could only be present over a portion of the height of the float from the second axis 62 and in particular over a height greater than 50% of the height of the upper part H. The float 10 may comprise at the height Hp of the highest point of the passage opening of the arm 20, on the outer side wall 14 a tangent D which forms an angle α with the first axis 60. The angle α may be greater than or equal to 5°, better still greater than or equal to 10°, better still greater than or equal to 20°. Furthermore, the lateral bulk can be reduced by at least 5% on the reduced bulk side at this height Hp.Such features include a space on one side of the float allowing the user good visibility in front when using the device, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0154] The floats 10 may have an asymmetrical contour relative to at least one of the axes 60 and 62, better still relative to both axes 60 and 62 as illustrated. The upper part Hh and the lower part Hb may be of different shapes and / or different heights, here of different shapes and heights. Preferably, the ratio of the height of the upper part Hh to the height of the lower part Hb is greater than or equal to 2.2.

[0155] In [Fig.l], the contour is asymmetrical along the two axes 60 and 62 and has a drop shape. Alternatively, the floats 10 may be of another shape as illustrated in [Fig.4]; in particular in the shape of a double point as illustrated in embodiment a) of [Fig.4] or in the form of a stripe as illustrated in embodiment b) of [Fig.4]. The float 10 has in [Fig.l], a tapered shape on the upper part with a point 76 at the maximum height H and has, on the upper part Hh, a portion of the side wall 14 convex 72 on the reduced size side. The upper part Hh also has a portion 70 of the side wall opposite the convex portion 72 with respect to the first axis 60 joining the portion 72 at the point 76. Said opposite portion 70 may have a change in convexity. It may be convex from the second axis 62 over part of its height and concave up to the point 76. The concave portion may be of a complementary shape to the convex portion of the portion 70 to allow the floats to be assembled head to tail as illustrated in [Fig.7].

[0156] Preferably, the lower part has a portion of the convex side wall in the shape of an arc of a circle. The concave part of the convex part of the portion 70 may be of a complementary shape to the portion of the side wall of the lower part. This allows an assembly as illustrated in [Fig. 10].

[0157] As a variant in [Fig.4] to embodiment a) the float 10 has an asymmetry along the second axis 62 only.

[0158] The passage opening of the arm 20 is drop-shaped as in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3, but it could be otherwise. It could, for example, be circular in shape as in [Fig.6], or oval.

[0159] The passage opening of the arm 20 can be off-center, when the ratio of the upper part Hh to the lower part Hb is greater than 1 as illustrated in Figures 1 to 3. It could also be centered, as illustrated in embodiment b) of [Fig.4].

[0160] The body of the float 10 may have a slot 22 extending from the inner wall of the passage opening of the arm 20 to the outer side wall 14. The slot may be substantially parallel and of the same shape as the concave part of the portion 70 of the outer side wall 72 and extend from the tip of the drop of the passage opening of the arm to the portion 72 of the side wall. Alternatively, the slot 22 may be rectilinear. The float 10 may comprise a device for closing the slot 26 passing through holes 28 passing right through the float 10 and being positioned on either side of the slot 22.

[0161] The inner wall of the passage opening of the arm 20 may comprise an arm adaptation system 24. The arm adaptation system 24 makes it possible to adapt the size of the passage opening of the arm 20 while having good support for the float on the arm. The radius of the opening may be extensible between two limit values ​​Rd and Rr. The floats 10 may be used by any user having an arm radius between Rd and Rr. The minimum radius Rd is between 50% and 90%, better between 60% and 80% of the maximum radius Rr. The arm adaptation system 24 may consist of disjointed flexible teeth as illustrated in [Fig.5], a flexible collar as illustrated in [Fig.6] or another flexible, pliable and / or compressible material.

[0162] The floats 10 may be nestable together by at least part of their outline as illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 to provide other buoyancy aid functions. For example, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the floats may be used as a pull buoy, the two openings allowing the legs and / or ankles to be placed according to the user. The floats 10 may have on their outer side wall 14 complementary fixing members not shown allowing the floats to be held together in the different configurations. The fixing members may be of male and female types or of any other type allowing such maintenance.

[0163] The floats 10 of the flotation device 1 may comprise a gripping system 80 in place of the tip 76 of the upper part Hh as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. Such a gripping system may facilitate the handling of the user by a swimming instructor during swimming training without it being necessary to handle the user. It may also facilitate the transport of the device, or even secure users by attaching the gripping system 80 to a fastening device, in particular a cable in the case of use in an environment with particular conditions, in particular the presence of current.

[0164] The floats 10 may comprise one or more sensors, not shown, notably configured to generate information and / or send it to a data reception system of the device or transferred outside the float 10.

[0165] [Fig. 12] illustrates the flotation device 1, composed of 3 pairs of floats 10. The floats 10 may comprise a fastening system between them. The opposite faces 12 may comprise one or more complementary fastening systems not shown between them. Alternatively, the fastening system may comprise holes 29 between the two opposite faces 12 as well as a fastening link. The holes 29 may form the closing holes of the slot 28.

[0166] The flotation device 1 may be attached to a harness 32 worn by a user. The harness 32 comprises a belt surrounding at least a portion of the user's torso. It may also comprise a fastening portion between the legs 34 and / or a fastening portion on the shoulders or at the neck 33. The flotation device 1 may be attached to the harness 32 by means of a connecting system 30, configured so that the user cannot detach the float alone when the harness is worn, in particular one or more clips or buckles or ties. The harness 32 may comprise a wetsuit portion, in particular made of a polymer of chloropene, such as NEOPRENE ® and / or elastane as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 or a full suit as illustrated in [Fig. 15]. The harness, in particular the suit, may carry a plurality of sensors 50 as illustrated in [Fig. 15].

[0167] The belt and the shoulder or neck attachment part may include a flotation member not shown.

[0168] [Fig. 16] illustrates the different phases of learning to swim using a flotation device 1 composed of three pairs of floats 10. Phase 1 consists of wearing the three floats 10 at shoulder level on each arm of the user and kicking the legs with the arms stretched laterally to the body at 90° to the body. Phase 2 consists of moving one float 10 of each arm to the user's hands, stretching the arms laterally to the body at 90° to the body and kicking the legs. During phase 3, the floats 10 at the arms are removed and one float 10 of each arm is moved to the hands to replace those removed and the user kicks the legs with the arms stretched laterally to the body at 90° to the body.Phase 4 is similar to phase 3, with the floats 10 at the hands removed by the user, the last float 10 of each arm carried is moved to the hands and the user kicks with the arms stretched laterally to the body at 90° to the body. Phase 5 consists of removing the last float 10 carried by each arm at the hands at the end of the learning period and kicking with the arms stretched laterally to the body at 90° to the body. These learning phases can be implemented with or without the harness. Such learning phases allow for progressive learning of swimming by gradually reducing the support provided by the floats.

[0169] It is also possible to combine it with arm movements by removing the intermediate steps with floats at hand level. This allows in particular the learning of arm movements for breaststroke swimming.

Claims

Claims

1. Individual flotation device (1) comprising at least one pair of floats (10) configured to be fixed on different arms, each float having: - an opening for passage of the arm (20) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and - a portion of maximum height (Hh) extending from the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening along a first axis (60) transverse to the longitudinal axis of the opening, the portion of maximum height (Hh) having, in front view, a portion having a lateral size (V), taken along a second axis (62) transverse to the first axis (60) and to the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening (20), reduced on at least one side compared to the lateral size of the float at the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening (20),said portion extending from the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening (20) over a height greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum height (H) of the part of maximum height (Hh), the floats (10) each being of asymmetrical contour along at least one of the first (60) or the second (62) axis.,

2. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the floats (10) each have a ratio between their maximum height (H) and their maximum width (V) greater than or equal to 1.25, better still greater than or equal to 1.5, even better still greater than or equal to 1.75, even better still greater than or equal to 2.

3. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the floats (10) may each be asymmetrical in front view relative to the second axis (62) and the first axis (60).

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each float (10) comprises an arm adaptation system (24) extending into the opening (20) and configured to adapt the float (10) to several arm sizes, the arm adaptation system (24) comprising at least one arm contact member having a variable thickness, the radius of the largest circle inscribed in the opening being in particular adjustable between a maximum radius (Rr) and a minimum radius (Rd), the minimum radius (Rd) being between 50% and 90%, better between 60% and 80%, of the maximum radius (Rr).

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each float (10) may have a slot (22) extending from the passage opening of the arm (20) towards the outside of the float.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the floats (10) each comprise a front face (12), a rear face (16), an outer side wall (14) and the passage opening of the arm (20) passing through said float between the front face (12) and the rear face (16), each float (10) having, in front view, a first part (72) of the outer side wall (14) of the maximum height part (Hh) of said float (10) which is convex towards the outside, said first part (72) preferably extending on the side of the reduced size of the reduced size portion in front view, and each float (10) having, in front view, a second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) of the maximum height part (Hh), opposite the first part (72) of the outer side wall (14) of the maximum height part (Hh) relative to the first axis (60),which is concave over at least a portion of its height.,

7. Device according to claim 6, in which the second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) has a convex portion near the opening (20) and a concave portion up to its end (76) connecting it to the first part (72) of the outer side wall (14) of the part of maximum height (Hh), the convex portion of the second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) having a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the concave portion of the second part (70) of the outer side wall (14).

8. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 7, in which the second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) has a convex portion near the opening (20) and a concave portion up to its end (76) connecting it to the first part (72) of the outer side wall (14) of the part of maximum height (Hh), the convex portion of the second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) having a radius of curvature substantially equal to a radius of curvature of the outer side wall (14) of a lower part (Hb) of said float, extending on the side of the second axis opposite the upper part.

9. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the floats (10) are nestable together by at least part of their external side walls (14).

10. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a plurality of pairs of floats (10), in particular at least three pairs of floats (10).

11. Device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, in which each float (10) comprises a system for attaching the floats to each other on the front (12) and rear (16) faces of the floats (10).

12. Flotation assembly comprising - the flotation device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and - a harness (32) comprising a trunk attachment portion at least configured to surround the trunk of a user, the flotation assembly further comprising at least one removable harness connection system (32) per arm of the user configured to removably connect to the harness (32) one or more floats (10) of the flotation device (1) arranged on said arm.

13. A method of using the flotation devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the assembly according to claim 12.

14. A method of learning to swim using a flotation device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the flotation device (1) comprising a plurality of pairs of floats (10), each float (10) having an opening for the passage of an arm (20), the method comprising: - a first learning step comprising: - inserting a float (10) of each pair on each of the arms near the shoulders, and - moving the user at least by movement of the legs, and - a second learning step comprising: - moving at least one float (10) per arm at the level of the hands and - moving the user at least by movement of the legs.

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