Personal flotation device

Abstract

The invention relates to a personal flotation device (1) comprising at least one pair of floats (10) that are configured to be attached to different arms, each float (10) having: - an opening (20) through which the arm is passed and which extends along a longitudinal axis (X), and - a part of maximum height (Hh) extending from the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening along a first axis (60) transverse to the longitudinal axis, the part of maximum height (Hh) having, in a front view, a portion of lateral bulk (V), along a second axis (62) transverse to the first axis (60) and to the longitudinal axis (X) of the opening, reduced on at least one side with respect to the lateral bulk 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) being of asymmetrical contour along the first and / or the second axis.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: Personal flotation device

[0003] Technical field

[0004] 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.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] There are many known flotation aids designed 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.

[0007] 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 hinder the user's visibility during swimming, particularly 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.

[0008] Foam floats are also known which have an arm opening which may or may not be adapted to the circumference of the user's arm. They are preferably substantially circular or oval in shape with an arm opening which is offset downwards. The shape of swimming discs also obstructs the user's view when learning to swim, particularly when learning breaststroke with the arms extended in front of the user and laterally when the arms are at the side of the torso.

[0009] There are also flotation aids 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 extended in front of the user and laterally when the arms are at the side of the torso. Such hindrance to vision reduces the user's comfort in swimming, which causes the user, especially young users, to experience discomfort when learning and can generate a feeling of insecurity. This can lead to the user using the armbands in a way that is unsuitable for effective learning to swim.

[0010] 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 security for the user.

[0011] Statement of the invention

[0012] 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 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 of the opening, the portion 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 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 each being of asymmetrical contour along at least one of the first or second axes.,

[0013] 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.

[0014] By "front view" we mean viewed along the longitudinal axis of the opening.

[0015] By "portion having reduced lateral bulk on at least one side in front view", we mean a portion having, in front view of the float, over its entire height, a bulk, in projection on the second axis less than or equal to the bulk 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. In the following, the portion having reduced lateral bulk on at least one side will be called a portion of reduced bulk for simplification.

[0016] 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 sides of reduced bulk towards the front, to improve the visibility of the user towards the front when the arms are stretched out towards the front, in particular when doing breaststroke, and to improve the visibility of the user at the periphery when the arms are at the side of the bust. 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, in particular the user's face.

[0017] Furthermore, the fact that the contour is asymmetrical along the first and / or second axis makes it possible to improve user comfort and offer new usage functionalities, in particular depending on the direction of use of the floats on the arms or according to different usage methods.

[0018] 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 of the floats above the water due to the lower part of the float, which improves user comfort in use, particularly in the case of use by children.

[0019] The fact that the contour is asymmetrical along the first axis allows, in particular, the choice of the orientation of the floats with different characteristics on both sides. This allows, in particular, the addition of additional functionalities to the floats as indicated below.

[0020] Floats

[0021] Preferably, the floats are identical. This allows for identical flotation and comfort on both arms when the floats are worn identically on the arms.

[0022] 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. Preferably, the floats each comprise a body made of a floating porous material, in particular foam. The body may be made of foam, in particular polyethylene foam or acrylonitrile copolymer (ACN) synthetic rubber foam with or without polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, cork, wood, in particular bamboo or balsa, floating hard plastic, or ecological materials from natural sources or waste, in particular corn starch or beached green algae. Such materials have good durability over time due to their intrinsic buoyancy.

[0023] Alternatively, the floats may each have a body delimiting a cavity that can be filled with a gas or other material for buoyancy. The body may in this case be made of recycled or non-recycled plastic, in particular PVC, or carbon, or resin. These materials, although less durable, have the advantage of having lightweight and / or space-saving floats, particularly when they are deflated for inflatable ones.

[0024] 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 improves the user's comfort by coming into contact with the skin instead of the body and for some, in particular chloroprene polymer, to retain heat for the user.

[0025] The floats may be at least partially phosphorescent or luminescent. This improves safety, particularly for rescuers, especially when the device is used as a user safety device. It also makes the floats fun for young users.

[0026] 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.

[0027] Preferably, the thickness of the floats is constant. 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 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.

[0028] In the rest 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] In the rest 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.

[0031] Shape

[0032] The reduced lateral bulk portion 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 maximum height portion. Preferably, the reduced lateral bulk portion may be the entire maximum height portion.

[0033] The floats may each be slender in shape when viewed from the front. Preferably, the floats each have a ratio between their maximum height and their maximum width greater than or equal to 1.25, more preferably greater than or equal to 1.5, even more preferably greater than or equal to 1.75, even more preferably greater than or equal to 2.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] At least one of the lower portion or the upper portion of each float may be tapered toward one end over a portion of its height in front view. “Tapered” is understood to mean 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 toward the side opposite the reduced-dimension side of the reduced-dimension portion.

[0037] Preferably, the lower part and / or the upper part are tapered in front view over their entire height.

[0038] Each float has, in the upper part, an external side wall of variable curvature.

[0039] Preferably, the portion of reduced lateral size is of reduced size on the second axis on both sides compared to the lateral size of the float at 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.

[0040] In front view, each float can be asymmetrical with respect to the first axis.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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 convex portion 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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. 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.

[0045] Alternatively, each float is symmetrical about the first axis.

[0046] 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°.

[0047] 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.

[0048] The thickness of the lower part of each float, defined between an internal wall of the arm passage opening and the external side wall, may be substantially identical over the entire lower part.

[0049] Each float may have a drop-shaped outline in front view. The drop's extension axis may be straight or curved.

[0050] Alternatively, each float may have a substantially ray wing shape and / or the upper portion may have a single point or a plurality of points.

[0051] Arm passage opening

[0052] The passage opening of the arm of each float can be substantially symmetrical with respect to the first axis.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 between 60% and 80%, of the maximum radius. Thus all persons having an arm circumference between these maximum and minimum radii can use the floats.

[0059] The contact member with the arm of each float can be flexible, elastic and / or compressible.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The maximum width of the teeth, especially 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 along their height, in particular decreasing width towards their distal end or constant width. Such dimensions allow good adaptation to several arms while having good durability of the float teeth.

[0063] 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. The teeth may be a single piece 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 material different from the body, in particular attached to the inner side wall of the opening or integrated into the body at this wall.

[0064] Alternatively, the arm fitting system may be a flexible and / or resilient flange extending into the opening. The flange may be flat or have a corrugated surface. The flange may extend around the entire circumference of the inner sidewall of the body defining the opening.

[0065] Alternatively, the arm adaptation system may be a compressible foam attached to the inner side wall of the body defining the opening.

[0066] Alternatively, the arm adaptation system can be inflatable.

[0067] Slot

[0068] 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 gap at the slot at the time of insertion.

[0069] The slit 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.

[0070] The slit can be straight or curved. It is notably parallel and of the same shape as the concave outer wall.

[0071] The tapered part of the drop can point towards the slot present in each float.

[0072] The device may include a slot closing system. The slot closing system may include 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.

[0073] Assembly of floats by their side walls

[0074] The floats may be nestable with each other by at least part of their outer side walls. By "nestable", it is understood that each float has at least part of its outer side wall of a shape complementary to a part of the outer side wall of the other float. In the case of identical floats, it is understood that each float has two parts of its side walls of 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.

[0075] Preferably, a first portion of the outer side wall of the floats may be of complementary shape to a second portion 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.

[0076] 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 the outer side wall of the lower part of another float when the latter are assembled.

[0077] The floats may be configured to assemble together to form an assembly with a substantially continuous outer contour, such as an oval or more complex shape.

[0078] 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.

[0079] The floats may be configured to interlock 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.

[0080] The floats may have on their external 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.

[0081] Preferably, the opposite faces of the floats nested by their outer side wall form substantially flat surfaces.

[0082] Each float may include removable portions, including portions of the lower part. This allows the buoyancy aid provided by the flotation device to be adapted to the user's progress in learning to swim by simply adding or removing the removable portions. The removable portions may in particular be grippable so that they can be held by the user at hand level. Plurality of floats

[0083] 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Preferably, the floats can be attached to a harness, in particular using the attachment system or independently.

[0086] Attachment system

[0087] 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 size of the floats assembled together is on the same side in the assembly.

[0088] Alternatively, the attachment system may include 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 arm to pass through. The holes may also form the device for closing the slot.

[0089] 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. 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 it, require the use of two hands to detach it or require a sufficient degree of maturity to detach it. 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 setting.

[0090] Input element

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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 the upper part of at least one of the floats. Such a gripping member may facilitate supervision during learning and limit physical contact between the user and the supervisor.

[0093] Sensors

[0094] 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.

[0095] The device may include one or more swimming aids, in particular visual organs providing movement indications or proprioceptive organs providing movement indications by mechanical action or by localized vibration.

[0096] 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 lack of consciousness detected by the sensors. Flotation device: assembly

[0097] 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 greater than or equal to 15% of the total surface of the side wall so as to be able to assemble the two floats together.

[0098] 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 for a variety of uses for the floats, particularly by allowing them to be used as a board or pull buoy.

[0099] According to this second aspect of the invention, the floats have a modularity of shape allowing other uses. This allows for a versatile device offering significant modularity and new uses.

[0100] 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 longitudinal axis of the opening. The portion 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 portion of maximum height,

[0101] The floats may each be of asymmetrical contour along at least one of the first or second axes.

[0102] 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.

[0103] Device and harness

[0104] The invention also meets these needs, according to a third aspect using a flotation assembly comprising the flotation device as described previously in connection with the first or second aspect and a harness comprising a trunk attachment part at least configured to surround the trunk of a user, 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.

[0105] The harness attachment prevents the flotation device from being accidentally removed by users, especially young children, without assistance. This ensures the flotation device is worn safely. In addition, the harness's close fit helps reassure the user while keeping the airway as high as possible out of the water.

[0106] The part for attaching to the trunk can be a belt.

[0107] The trunk attachment portion may or may not include a flotation device, in particular an inflatable or foam device. The flotation device may or may not be removable from the trunk attachment portion. This also provides a flotation aid function in addition to the floats.

[0108] Support on the shoulders

[0109] The harness may include 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.

[0110] The shoulder and / or neck attachment portion may be one or more straps connected to the trunk attachment portion.

[0111] The shoulder and / or neck attachment portion may or may not include a flotation device, including an inflatable or foam device. The flotation device may or may not be removable from the shoulder and / or neck attachment portion.

[0112] Link system

[0113] The connection system may connect the flotation device to the trunk attachment portion or to the shoulder and / or neck attachment portion.

[0114] 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 include 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.

[0115] Support between the legs

[0116] The harness may have 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.

[0117] The attachment portion between the legs may be one or more straps connected to the attachment portion to the trunk.

[0118] Garment

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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 retains body heat for the user.

[0121] Method of use

[0122] 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 aspect.

[0123] Using the flotation device or set facilitates 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 for several stages in learning with a plurality of different configurations of the flotation device possible.

[0124] Steps 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.

[0125] The system for attaching the floats to each other and the system for connecting them to the harness may be linked together. For example, the floats on an arm may be attached to each other by a link which is then attached to the harness. Alternatively, the system for attaching the floats to each other and the system for connecting them to the harness are separate from each other.

[0126] The method of use may include a final step of removing the flotation device and / or harness when the user is able to swim unaided.

[0127] The method of use may comprise one or more intermediate steps comprising: moving one float per arm to the level of the hands and / or removing one float per arm, in particular one float on each arm or one float at the level of each hand, and / or detaching one float per arm from the other floats and / or from the harness, in particular to place it at the level of the hands or remove it and / or fixing a plurality of floats not worn on the arms to each other by their external side wall to form an assembly.

[0128] The method may involve the user moving with one or more floats on each arm or at the hands. Movement may be by kicking the legs on the stomach or on the back.

[0129] Learning process

[0130] 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 step comprising: inserting a float 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 per arm at the level of the hands and moving the user at least by movement of the legs.

[0131] This learning process allows it to adapt to the user's level and evolve with the user's progress, to accompany them step by step, until they no longer need flotation aids.

[0132] The flotation device may be a flotation device according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0133] The user can move with their arms stretched out laterally to the body, in particular with their arms stretched out at 90° from the body.

[0134] The user can move on their stomach or back.

[0135] The learning method may include a third learning step comprising 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.

[0136] The learning process may involve repeating the second and third steps as long as the user has floats on their arms.

[0137] The process as described above allows for progressive learning of swimming in progressive stages, allowing the user to gradually gain confidence in their swimming abilities.

[0138] Brief description of the drawings

[0139] [Fig 1] schematically represents a pair of floats worn by a user,

[0140] [Fig 2] represents a float in front view of a float of figure 1,

[0141] [Fig 3] represents a float in side view the float of figure 2,

[0142] [Fig 4] represents float variants of the device according to the invention.

[0143] [Fig 5] represents an example of an opening for the passage of the arm of a float of the device according to the invention. [Fig 6] is a variant of the float in front view of the device according to the invention.

[0144] [Fig 7] represents the floats of figures 1 to 3 assembled to form a board represents two floats assembled in another configuration.

[0145] [Fig 8] represents an assembly variant of two floats of figures 1 to 3, [Fig 9] represents an assembly variant of two floats of figures 1 to 3, [Fig 10] represents an assembly variant of two floats of figures 1 to 3,

[0146] [Fig 11] shows a float with a handle at a distal end.

[0147] [Fig 12] depicts a flotation device attached to a harness worn by a user.

[0148] [Fig 13] depicts a flotation device attached to a portion of a chest protector worn by a user.

[0149] [Fig 14] depicts a flotation device attached to a chest protector worn by a user.

[0150] [Fig 15] depicts a flotation device attached to a suit worn by a user.

[0151] [Fig 16] represents the learning steps with a flotation device.

[0152] Detailed description

[0153] 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.

[0154] In the figures, the actual proportions have not always been respected, for the sake of clarity.

[0155] 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. 1. 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 gas-filled cavity, in particular be made of inflatable plastic. The floats 10 may also be coated with foam or elastane to improve user comfort. The floats 10 may be phosphorescent or luminescent. 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 Figure 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.

[0156] 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 still greater than or equal to 1.75, even better still greater than or equal to 2.

[0157] 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 carried on each arm as illustrated in FIG. 1. 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] As illustrated in Figure 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 space requirement can be reduced by at least 5% on the reduced space requirement 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 Figure 1.

[0160] 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.

[0161] In Figure 1, 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 Figure 4; in particular in the shape of a double point as illustrated in embodiment a) of Figure 4 or in the shape of a stripe as illustrated in embodiment b) of Figure 4. The float 10 has in Figure 1, 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 relative to the first axis 60 joining the portion 72 at the point 76. Said opposite portion 70 may have a change in convexity. It can be convex from the second axis 62 over part of its height and concave up to the tip 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 Figure 7.

[0162] Preferably, the lower portion has a portion of the convex side wall in the shape of an arc of a circle. The concave portion of the convex portion of the portion 70 may be of a complementary shape to the portion of the side wall of the lower portion. This allows an assembly as illustrated in Figure 10.

[0163] As a variant in Figure 4 of embodiment a), the float 10 has an asymmetry along the second axis 62 only.

[0164] The passage opening of the arm 20 is drop-shaped as in the embodiments of figures 1 to 3, but it could be otherwise. It could, for example, be circular in shape as in figure 6, or oval.

[0165] 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 figure 4.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] The floats 10 may be nestable together by at least part of their contour as illustrated in Figures 7 to 10 to provide other buoyancy aid functions. For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, the floats may be used as a pull buoy, the two openings allowing the legs and / or ankles to be positioned 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] Figure 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.

[0172] 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 connection 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 chloropene polymer, such as NEOPRENE ® and / or elastane as illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14 or even a full wetsuit as illustrated in FIG. 15. The harness, in particular the wetsuit, may carry a plurality of sensors 50 as illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0173] The belt and the shoulder or neck attachment part may include a flotation device not shown.

[0174] Figure 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 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. During phase 3, the floats 10 at arm level are removed and one float 10 of each arm is moved to the hands to replace those removed and the user kicks 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 carried arm 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.

[0175] It is also possible to combine it with arm movements by eliminating the intermediate steps with floats at hand level. This allows in particular the learning of arm movements for swimming breaststroke.

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 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. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, in which 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 part of maximum height (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 portion of reduced size in front view, and each float (10) having, in front view, a second part (70) of the outer side wall (14) of the part of maximum height (Hh), opposite the first part (72) of the outer side wall (14) of the part of maximum height (Hh) relative to the first axis (60),which is concave over at least a portion of its height., 7. Device according to claim 6, wherein 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, wherein 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) can be fitted together by at least part of their outer 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. 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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