U.S. patent application number 13/682287 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-22 for hydrofoil kickboard.
This patent application is currently assigned to TYR SPORT, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is TYR Sport, Inc.. Invention is credited to Matthew DiLorenzo, Kyle Sola.
Application Number | 20140141667 13/682287 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50728346 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140141667 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiLorenzo; Matthew ; et
al. |
May 22, 2014 |
HYDROFOIL KICKBOARD
Abstract
There is provided a kickboard for use in water, the kickboard
comprising a central hull having a first surface and a generally
opposing second surface. The hull is disposable in the water such
that the first surface faces away from the water and the second
surface is in the water. The second surface defines a convex
configuration. The kickboard further includes an arm rest extending
on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a
user
Inventors: |
DiLorenzo; Matthew; (Laurel
Hollow, NY) ; Sola; Kyle; (Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TYR Sport, Inc. |
Huntington Beach |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TYR SPORT, INC.
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
50728346 |
Appl. No.: |
13/682287 |
Filed: |
November 20, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/74 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/50 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/74 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/79 20060101
B63B035/79 |
Claims
1. A kickboard for use in water, the kickboard comprising: a
central hull having a first surface and a generally opposing second
surface, the hull being disposable in the water such that the first
surface faces away from the water and the second surface is in the
water, the second surface defining a convex configuration; and an
arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull and being
grippable by a user.
2. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull
defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such
that the second surface is curved within a plane perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis.
3. The kickboard recited in claim 2 wherein the second surface is
curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
4. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull
defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such
that the second surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a
plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
5. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the first surface
defines a concave configuration.
6. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull
defines a longitudinal axis and the second surface defines an apex
having a first plane tangent to the apex, central hull extending
from the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane
and terminating to define a second plane parallel to the first
plane, the kickboard defining a maximum height as the distance
between the first plane and the second plane, the maximum height
being greater than 30 mm.
7. The kickboard recited in claim 6 wherein the maximum height is
approximately 62 mm.
8. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein distance between the
first surface and second surface is substantially uniform.
9. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the central hull
defines a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the
rearward end portion terminating to define a concave edge.
10. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the arm rest is
integrally formed with the hull portion.
11. The kickboard recited in claim 1 wherein the hull is formed
from a foam material.
12. A kickboard for use in water, the kickboard comprising: a
central hull defining a longitudinal axis and having a curved
external surface disposable in the water; and an arm rest extending
on opposed sides of the central hull and being grippable by a user,
the arm rest defining an arm; the kickboard being pivotable about
the longitudinal axis during use of the kickboard in the water.
13. The kickboard recited in claim 12, the hull including a first
surface and an opposing second surface, the hull being disposable
in the water such that the first surface faces away from the water
and the second surface is in the water, the second surface defining
a convex configuration.
14. The kickboard recited in claim 13 wherein the second surface is
curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis.
15. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull
defines a longitudinal axis, the central hull being configured such
that the second surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a
plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
16. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the first surface
defines a concave configuration.
17. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull
defines a longitudinal axis and the second surface defines an apex
having a first plane tangent to the apex, central hull extending
from the first plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane
and terminating to define a second plane parallel to the first
plane, the kickboard defining a maximum height as the distance
between the first plane and the second plane, the maximum height
being greater than 30 mm.
18. The kickboard recited in claim 17 wherein the maximum height is
approximately 62 mm.
19. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein distance between the
first surface and second surface is substantially uniform.
20. The kickboard recited in claim 12 wherein the central hull
defines a forward end portion and a rearward end portion, the
rearward end portion terminating to define a concave edge.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT RE: FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH/DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0003] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a kickboard for a
swimmer, and more specifically to a kickboard designed to roll from
side-to-side within the water in connection with the kicking motion
of the swimmer to work out the swimmer's torso while the swimmer
holds onto the kickboard.
[0005] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0006] Kicking is a vitally important component of a swimmer's
overall performance. Swimmers obtain much of their swimming power
and speed from kicking. It is well recognized that isolating and
training the muscles used in kicking strengthens the kicking
muscles and allows the swimmer to concentrate on the muscle
movements used in their kicking stroke. This typically results in
increased endurance and power of the swimmer's kicking stroke and
the swimmer's overall swimming speed.
[0007] To this end, several swim training devices have been
developed for training a swimmer's legs. A well-known training
device is a kickboard which is typically designed to be held by the
swimmer's arms or hands to essentially prevent the user from using
his hands to propel himself, which thereby forces the swimmer to
rely almost entirely on his legs for propulsion.
[0008] Although kickboards have proven to be useful training
devices, conventional kickboards generally suffer from several
deficiencies. In particular, conventional kickboards are prone to
not only immobilize the swimmer's hands and arms, but also the
swimmer's torso. In most swimming strokes, the swimmer's torso
rolls from side-to-side as the swimmer propels himself through the
water. The side-to-side roll of the swimmer's torso typically
requires the swimmer to exhibit a great deal of core strength and
endurance. If the swimmer lacks the necessary core strength
endurance, the swimmer may break form, which typically has a
detrimental effect on the overall performance of the swimmer.
[0009] Therefore, there is a need in the art for an improved
kickboard which not only provides the swimmer with a suitable leg
workout, but additionally works the swimmer's core. Various aspects
of the present invention address these particular needs, as will be
discussed in more detail below.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] Various aspects of the present invention are directed toward
an improved kickboard which addresses the above-described
deficiencies in the art. In particular, there is provided a
kickboard specifically designed to allow a swimmer's torso to roll
from side-to-side while the swimmer holds onto the kickboard. The
kickboard includes a central hull that includes a bulged or convex
lower surface designed to allow the kickboard to roll from
side-to-side in accordance with the swimmer's body as the swimmer
propels himself through the water. As such, when a swimmer trains
with the improved kickboard, the swimmer not only works out his
legs, but also the swimmer's torso to allow the swimmer to develop
leg muscle and core muscle strength and endurance.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the kickboard includes a
central hull having a first surface and a generally opposing second
surface. The hull is disposable in the water in an intended
training orientation such that the first surface faces away from
the water and the second surface is in the water. The second
surface may define a convex configuration. The kickboard further
includes an arm rest extending on opposed sides of the central hull
and being grippable by a user.
[0012] The central hull may define a longitudinal axis. The central
hull may be configured such that the second surface is curved
within a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second
surface may also curved within a plane parallel to the longitudinal
axis. The central hull may be configured such that the second
surface defines a V-shaped configuration within a plane
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first surface may be
complimentary to the second surface and define a concave or
V-shaped configuration.
[0013] The second surface may define an apex having a first plane
tangent to the apex. The central hull may extend from the first
plane along an axis perpendicular to the first plane and terminate
to define a second plane parallel to the first plane. The kickboard
may define a maximum height as the distance between the first plane
and the second plane, the maximum height being greater than 30 mm.
The maximum height may also be approximately equal to 62 mm.
[0014] The kickboard may be configured such that the distance
between the first surface and second surface is substantially
uniform.
[0015] The central hull may define a forward end portion and a
rearward end portion, the rearward end portion terminating to
define a concave edge. The hull may be formed from a foam material.
The arm rest may be integrally formed with the hull portion.
[0016] The present invention is best understood by reference to the
following detailed description when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] These and other features and advantages of the various
embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect
to the following description and drawings, in which like numbers
refer to like parts throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a swimmer using a
kickboard constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the swimmer and
kickboard of FIG. 1, wherein the swimmer's head is positioned down,
facing the water;
[0020] FIG. 3 front view of the kickboard arranged in substantially
co-planar relation to the water, with the swimmer shown in
phantom;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of the kickboard pivoted in a first
direction relative to the orientation of the kickboard illustrated
in FIG. 3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a front view of the kickboard pivoted in a second
direction relative to the orientation of the kickboard illustrated
in FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a top view of the kickboard;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG.
6;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a front view of the kickboard illustrated in FIG.
6;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a side cross sectional view of the kickboard
illustrated in FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a front cross sectional view of the kickboard
illustrated in FIG. 6, wherein the kickboard includes a
convex-shaped hull; and
[0028] FIG. 11 is a front cross sectional view of another
embodiment of a kickboard, wherein the kickboard includes a
V-shaped hull.
[0029] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings
and detailed description to indicate like elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The detailed description set forth below is intended as a
description of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention,
and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present
invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets
forth the functions and sequences of steps for constructing and
operating the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the
same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by
different embodiments and that they are also intended to be
encompassed within the scope of the invention.
[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for
purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present
invention only, and are not for purposes of limiting the same,
there is shown an improved kickboard 10 for use in swim training.
The kickboard 10 is uniquely configured with a bulged or convex
lower surface, which causes the kickboard 10 to roll from
side-to-side as a swimmer 15 swims with the kickboard 10. In this
regard, the kickboard 10 is distinguishable from conventional
kickboards which typically include a flat bottom surface which
causes the plane of the kickboard to remain relatively parallel
with the waterline as a swimmer propels himself with his legs while
holding onto the conventional kickboard. In contrast, the bulged,
non-planar lower surface of the kickboard 10 allows the kickboard
10 to roll or pivot from side-to-side during swim training to mimic
the natural body motion of the swimmer's body when the swimmer 15
kicks. The shape of the kickboard 10 provides a natural roll with
the swimmer's hips, torso and shoulders while swimming with the
kickboard 10. In this regard. the kickboard 10 not only glides
along the surface of the water, the kickboard 10 additionally rolls
from side-to-side as the swimmer 15 swims. Therefore, the muscles
used during conventional swimming strokes are exercised when
training with the kickboard 10, thereby providing the swimmer 15
with an improved strength and endurance.
[0032] According to one embodiment, the kickboard 10 generally
includes a central hull 12 and a peripheral arm rest 14 extending
from the central hull 12. The central hull 12 includes a first
(top) surface 16 and a generally opposed second (bottom) surfaces
18, as well as a forward end portion 20, a rearward end portion 22,
a first side portion 24 and a second side portion 26. The hull 12
is positionable in the water in a training orientation as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2, with the first surface 16 facing away from the water
and the second surface 18 in the water when the plane of the
kickboard 10 is generally parallel to the waterline. The kickboard
10 is designed for an intended use such that the kickboard 10 is
advanced through the water with the forward end portion 22 leading
the rearward end portion 22.
[0033] Various aspects of the present invention are related to the
shape of the second surface 18 which allows the kickboard 10 to
pivot from side-to-side about a longitudinal axis 28, which extends
between the forward end portion 20 and the rearward end portion 22,
as the swimmer 15 kicks his feet in the water while holding the
kickboard 10. According to one embodiment, the pivoting motion is
achieved by forming the second surface 18 to define to a bulged
configuration which projects outwardly to define an apex between
the first and second side portions 24, 26 of the hull 12.
Preferably, the apex is located along a midline of the kickboard 10
to allow for balanced pivotal movement, i.e., the kickboard 10 will
pivot in a first direction as well as an opposing second direction
(see FIGS. 3-5). In other words, if the swimmer 15 is not kicking,
the kickboard 10 may be generally parallel to the waterline, as
shown in FIG. 3. However, as the swimmer 15 kicks while holding the
kickboard 10. the kickboard 10 will roll in first and second
directions between a first angled configuration (see FIG. 4) and a
second angled configuration (see FIG. 5). Therefore, side-to-side
movement of the kickboard 10 exercises the swimmer's hips,
mid-section and shoulders in a manner consistent with several
swimming strokes.
[0034] Various aspects of the unique configuration of the second
surface 18 are illustrated in the cross sectional drawings depicted
in FIGS. 9-11. A first embodiment of the second surface 18 is shown
in FIGS. 9 and 10, wherein FIG. 9 illustrates a longitudinal cross
section of the kickboard 10 illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 and FIG. 10
illustrates a latitudinal cross section of the kickboard 10.
[0035] The longitudinal cross section is taken within a cross
sectional plane that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 28 and is
perpendicular to an imaginary plane 30 that is tangent to the apex
of the second surface 18 (referred to herein as "imaginary apex
plane"). In the longitudinal cross section, the second surface 18
is spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30 at the forward-most tip,
represented by reference numeral 32 in FIG. 9, by a distance
D.sub.1. The distance between the second surface 18 and the
imaginary apex plane 30 decreases in a direction from the forward
end portion 20 to the rearward end portion 22 until the second
surface 18 intersects the imaginary apex plane 30 at the location
represented by reference numeral 34. As the second surface 18
continues toward the rearward end portion 22 from location 34, the
distance between the second surface 18 and the imaginary apex plane
30 increases. The rearward end portion 22 terminates at location
36, which is spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30 by a distance
D.sub.2. According to one embodiment, the distance D.sub.2 is less
than the distance D.sub.1, meaning that location 32 on the forward
end portion 20 is spaced more from the imaginary apex plane 30 than
the distance D.sub.2.
[0036] Referring now specifically to the latitudinal cross section
depicted in FIG. 10, the latitudinal plane is perpendicular to both
the imaginary apex plane 30 as well as the longitudinal axis 28. In
the latitudinal plane, the second surface 18 defines a generally
convex configuration. The lateral-most point of the first side
portion 24 of the second surface 18 is represented by reference
numeral 38, while the lateral-most point of the second side portion
26 of the second surface 18 is represented by reference numeral 40.
Locations 38, 40 are both spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30
by a distance D.sub.3. In this regard, locations 38 and 40 are
equally spaced from the imaginary apex plane 30. In a preferred
embodiment, the second surface 18 is symmetrical in the latitudinal
cross sectional about an axis which is perpendicular to the
imaginary apex plane 30 and passes through the apex 42. The second
surface 18 transitions from the location 38 toward the apex 42
along a curved path, wherein the magnitude of the slope of the
curved path decreases in a direction from the location 38 toward
the apex 42. Similarly, the second surface 18 transitions from the
location 40 toward the apex 42 along a curved path, wherein the
magnitude of the slope of the curved path decreases in a direction
from the location 40 toward the apex 42.
[0037] FIG. 11 shows a latitudinal cross section of another
embodiment of a kickboard 110 having a second surface 118 which is
slightly different from the curved second surface depicted in FIG.
10. In FIG. 11, the second surface 118 is V-shaped, which is in
contrast to the curved surface shown in FIG. 10 and described
above. In the V-shaped embodiment, the lateral-most points of the
first and second side portions are represented by 138, 140,
respectively, and are spaced from the imaginary apex plane 130 by a
distance D.sub.4. The V-shaped configuration includes a pair of
generally opposed straight segments that extend generally between
the apex 142 and the respective locations 138, 140. As such, the
distance between the second surface 118 and the imaginary apex
plane 130 varies linearly between the locations 138, 140 and a
location adjacent the apex 142. In particular, the distance between
the second surface 118 and the imaginary apex plane 130 decreases
substantially linearly from the location 138 toward the apex 142.
Furthermore, the distance between the second surface 118 and the
imaginary apex plane 130 increases substantially linearly between
the apex 142 and the location 140.
[0038] According to one embodiment, the first surface 16 of the
hull 12 is generally complimentary in shape to the second surface
18 of the hull 12 to define a generally uniform hull height,
wherein the hull height is defined as the distance between the
first surface 16 and the second surface 18 along an axis
perpendicular to both the first and second surfaces 16, 18. Thus,
where the second surface 18 protrudes outwardly, the first surface
16 extends inwardly to define a generally concave configuration.
The first surface 16 may be rounded (see FIG. 10) to correspond to
a rounded second surface 18 or V-shaped (see FIG. 11) to correspond
to a V-shaped second surface 118.
[0039] The rearward end portion 22 of the hull 12 defines a
rearward edge 44 that is curved and defines a concave shape (see
FIGS. 1 and 6). The curved, concave shape of the rearward edge 44
accommodates the user's head when the user 15 places his head down
while swimming (see FIG. 2). In this regard, the kickboard 10 is
specifically configured and adapted to allow the user 15 to swim
with his head up and looking forward (see FIG. 1), or with his head
down looking into the water (see FIG. 2).
[0040] The shape of the hull 12 is aerodynamic and does not impose
an appreciable increase in the amount of drag created by the hull
12. In this regard, the hull 12 configured to move through the
water, while at the same time minimizing the amount of water that
is displaced by the hull 12.
[0041] The user 15 grabs the kickboard 10 and extends his arms over
the arm rest 14 of the kickboard 10. The arm rest 14 extends on
opposed sides of the central hull 12. The arm rest 14 includes a
first side portion 46 coupled to and extending laterally outward
from the first side portion 24 of the hull 12, a second side
portion 48 coupled to and extending laterally outward from the
second side portion 26 of the hull 12. Various embodiments of the
arm rest 14 additionally include a forward portion 50 extending
between the first and second side portions 46, 48, and extending in
front of the forward end portion 50 of the hull 12.
[0042] The kickboard 10 may also be configured to define a height
which is greater than conventional kickboards. Referring now to
FIG. 7, the height, "H", is defined as the distance between a first
plane 52 tangent to the bottom of the kickboard 10, and a second
plane 52 parallel to the first plane 52 and tangent to the top of
the kickboard 10. In this regard, the first plane 52 may include
the imaginary apex plane 30 tangent to the apex of the second
surface 18, and the second plane 54 may be tangent to an upper
surface of the arm rest 14. Many conventional kickboards define a
maximum height equal to approximately 30 mm. Various embodiments of
the kickboard 10 define a height that exceeds 30 mm. A preferred
implementation of the kickboard 10 defines a height equal to
approximately 62 mm. although other embodiments of the kickboard 10
define heights that exceed 62 mm.
[0043] The kickboard 10 may be formed from a material that is
preferably lightweight, can float in water, and can withstand
repeated uses in water. According to one embodiment, the kickboard
10 is formed from compression molded ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)
foam, or other materials known by those skilled in the art.
[0044] The above description is given by way of example, and not
limitation. Given the above disclosure, one skilled in the art
could devise variations that are within the scope and spirit of the
invention disclosed herein. Further, the various features of the
embodiments disclosed herein can be used alone, or in varying
combinations with each other and are not intended to be limited to
the specific combination described herein. Thus, the scope of the
claims is not to be limited by the illustrated embodiments.
* * * * *