U.S. patent application number 14/441332 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-15 for swimming training system and methods of use.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tajaldeen Abdulla Alhaj Naji Saleh. Invention is credited to Tajaldeen Saleh.
Application Number | 20150290517 14/441332 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50684131 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150290517 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Saleh; Tajaldeen |
October 15, 2015 |
SWIMMING TRAINING SYSTEM AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A swimming training system is described herein that includes a
vertical pillar connected to a horizontal sliding grooved bar with
flexible rope or tether member to be tied to a swimmer's belt to
provide float support while in the swimming crawl position. In a
related embodiment, the training system is configured for
portability and yet in another example embodiment the training
system is configured to be permanently affixed to a large
commercial swimming pool such as used in a fitness club. Not only
can this system be used widely for beginners to learn how to swim
but it can also be used by experienced swimmers who are seeking to
improve their swimming technique or are using same to as a
resistance training aid.
Inventors: |
Saleh; Tajaldeen; (Abu
Dhabi, AE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Saleh; Tajaldeen Abdulla Alhaj Naji |
|
|
US |
|
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Family ID: |
50684131 |
Appl. No.: |
14/441332 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
November 8, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2013/002910 |
371 Date: |
May 7, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61724840 |
Nov 9, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/254 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/12 20130101;
A63B 31/00 20130101; A63B 2225/09 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/12 20060101
A63B069/12 |
Claims
1. A swimming training system comprising: a support frame; a
bracket assembly; a cable and a harness configured to secure around
the waist of a swimmer, wherein said support frame comprises at
least one track, a plurality of poles and a plurality of pillars
and wherein said track is configured to receive said bracket
assembly and allow said bracket assembly to move along the long
axis of said track.
2. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket
assembly further comprises a brace portion.
3. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket
assembly further comprises at least one wheel.
4. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket
assembly further comprises at least two wheels.
5. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said bracket
assembly further comprises an attachment appendage.
6. The swimming training system of claim 5 wherein said bracket
assembly is coupled to a carabineer.
7. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said at least
one track further comprises at least one sidewall.
8. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said at least
one track further comprises a support platform.
9. The swimming training system of claim 8 wherein said at least
one track further comprises a flange.
10. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness
comprises a flotation material.
11. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness
further comprises suspenders.
12. The swimming training system of claim 1 wherein said harness
comprises an adjustment means wherein said adjustment means allows
an instructor to adjust the length of the cable between the harness
and the swimmer training system.
13. A swimming training system comprising: a support frame; a cable
roller; a cable and a harness configured to secure around the waist
of a swimmer, wherein said support frame comprises a plurality of
pillars, at least one of said plurality of pillars being positioned
on each terminal end of said cable roller and wherein a terminal
portion of said cable is attached to said harness and wherein said
opposing terminal end of said cable is coupled to said cable
roller.
14. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a
support platform.
15. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a
cable resistance means wherein said resistance means is capable of
increasing or decreasing the resistance of said cable being pulled
from said cable roller.
16. The swimming training system of claim 13 further comprising a
cable retraction means wherein said retraction means provides a
mechanism to pull released cable back to said cable roller.
17. The swimming training system of claim 13 wherein said harness
comprises a flotation material.
18. The swimming training system of claim 13 wherein said harness
further comprises suspenders.
19. A swimming training system comprising: a base; a boom having a
proximal end and a distal end; a cable roller; a cable and a
harness configured to secure around the waist of a swimmer, wherein
said proximal end of said boom is integrally related to said base
and said distal end of said boom is mechanically related to said
cable roller and wherein a terminal portion of said cable is
attached to said harness and wherein said opposing terminal end of
said cable is coupled to said cable roller.
20. The swimming training system of claim 19 further comprising a
hinge wherein said hinge positioned adjacent said base and said
proximal end of said boom.
21. The swimming training system of claim 19 further comprising a
cable resistance means wherein said resistance means is capable of
increasing or decreasing the resistance of said cable being pulled
from said cable roller.
22. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of
Securing a swimmer to the harness of the swimming training system
of claim 1; Adjusting the cable to a distance substantially similar
to the distance between said bracket assembly and said harness and
Positioning a swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path
substantially similar to the longitudinal axis of said track.
23. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of
attaching the cable to the harness of the swimming training system
of claim 13; securing a swimmer to said harness; positioning a
swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path to increase
the distance between said swimming training system and the
swimmer.
24. The swimming training system of claim 23 further comprising the
step of increasing the resistance of the cable being removed from
said cable roller.
25. The method of training a swimmer comprising the steps of
attaching the cable to the harness of the swimming training system
of claim 19; securing a swimmer to said harness; positioning a
swimmer being trained in a pool to swim along a path to increase
the distance between said swimming training system and the
swimmer.
26. The swimming training system of claim 25 further comprising the
step of increasing the resistance of the cable being removed from
said cable roller.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to a swimming teaching aid
and system that provides an elevated conveyor system to support a
swimmer but allow free range of motion for a variety of swimming
strokes.
[0002] In many common production lines and other assembly
applications, workpieces are transported along an overhead rail,
for instance a monorail. Motor-driven trolleys travel along the
rail to and between various workstations. Electrical conductors can
be provided along the rail to provide power. The carriages carry
workpieces along the path defined by the rail for delivering the
workpieces to the various workstations. However, there is no frame
structure designed to support a swimmer in a pool.
[0003] Currently there are a number of solutions for teaching
people how to swim. The most common way to teach people how to swim
is to either use flotation devices or having someone hold the
person up in the water. Some of these solutions attempt to make
beginner swimmers feel more comfortable in the water, but these
solutions are inconvenient and fail to meet the needs of the
industry because small children and first time swimmers still need
to have a person close by in the event something happens. Other
solutions attempt to teach people to swim, such as holding a
Sheppard's hook near the swimmer, but these solutions are similarly
unable to meet the needs of the industry because they require
one-on-one supervision, are typically uncomfortable and restrict
the motion of a swimmer.
[0004] It would be desirable to have a system and device that
allows beginning swimmers to feel safe even without one-on-one
supervision. Additionally, it would be desirable to have a swimming
training device that provides beginner swimmers to learn to swim
away from the pool walls. Furthermore, it would be desirable to
have a system that advanced swimmers can use for resistance
training and to provide them the flexibility of practicing,
training and/or exercising using all kinds of swimming technique
and styles such as front crawl, backstroke, butterfly, and
sidestroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned
deficiencies by providing a swimming training system and device
that includes a support frame which helps to promote safety and
provides peace of mind to new swimmers. Since the swimming is
recommended by exercise experts to enhance individual health, this
invention will help those people who desire to learn how to swim
while helping to lower some of the risk. One of the advantages of
the swim training system described herein is that it will hold the
user right at the surface level of the water, yet enable them to
move up and down a designated lane in a pool to practice
swimming.
[0006] In one example embodiment, a swimming training system
includes vertical poles connected to a track which allows for a
bracket assembly, attached to a flexible rope or tether
(hereinafter a cable) to be tied to a swimmer's belt or harness to
provide float support while in the swimming crawl position. In a
related embodiment, the training system is configured for
portability and yet in another example embodiment the training
system is configured to be permanently or semi-permanently affixed
to a large commercial swimming pool such as used in a fitness club.
Not only can this system be used widely for beginners to learn how
to swim but it can also be used by experienced swimmers who are
seeking to improve their swimming technique or are using it as a
resistance training aid.
[0007] Several advantages of the swimming trainer system and device
described herein includes enabling gyms, schools and other places
that have swimming lesson, reduce their payroll and liability
insurance expenses because they can have a higher student to
teacher ratio while increasing safety; allows for resistance
training without the cost of expensive air pumping systems
typically used by resistance trainers; and assists beginners to
feel more at ease in the water
[0008] The invention described herein could also be used to advance
aquatic sports. In one example a new sport is contemplated that
provides different weights or different resistance connected to the
swimmer harness. In another related embodiment the swimming
training device includes a monitor (electronic and/or manual;
wireless and/or wired) that will display various forces or measures
from each individual swimmer.
[0009] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to
be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed
description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments
specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather,
these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so
that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully
convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the
art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a multiple track swimming
training system.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an perspective view of a one-track swimming
training system.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates a bracket assembly configured for a track
of the swimming training system.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevation view of a pillar with
the bracket assembly and carabineer.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates an perspective view of the bracket
assembly that attaches to the track.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the swimming
training system.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the swimming
training system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] In one example embodiment, there is disclosed a swimming
training system 10 configured for use with a pool that includes a
steel (or other metal such as aluminum or plastic) pillar or pole
fixed on the ground. Referring now to FIGS. 1-2 which illustrate a
perspective view of two embodiments disclosed herein. The swimming
training system 10 generally includes a support frame 15 and a
bracket assembly 20. Bracket assembly 20 further comprises a roller
25 and a brace portion 30. The swimming training system 10 is
configurable to be erected adjacent a swimming pool to allow for a
person to improve their swimming mechanics.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, where support frame 15 structure is
illustrated with a plurality of tracks 35, poles 40 and pillars 45.
In at least this example embodiment support frame 15 is configured
to be positioned over a swimming pool. Although one of ordinary
skill in the art would readily understand the variety of means to
secure support frame 15 to a position adjacent a swimming pool, a
removable securement means is preferred. Still referring to FIG. 1,
pillar 45 has a terminal end 46 which is connected to support plate
50. As illustrated, support plate 50 is coupled to terminal end 46
by known means, such as welding or mechanical fastening. Support
plate 50 may further include apertures to allow securement means
such as bolts (not shown) to removeably couple support frame to
surfaces in and around the swimming pool. It should be appreciated
that track 35 is positioned in manner that will allow continuity
with swimming lanes, if such configuration is desired.
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 2 which illustrates support frame 15
with a single track 35 affixed to a plurality of poles 40 and
pillars 45. As described above, pillars 45 have a terminal end 46
which is connected to support plate 50. Support plate 50 may
further include apertures to allow securement means to removeably
couple support frame 15 to surfaces in and around the swimming
pool.
[0020] Support frame 15 may be any number of shapes and
configurations suitable for supporting the load of a swimmer or
swimmers when in use. The support frame 15 materials are
conventional and well known to those skilled in the art. The
support frame 15 generally includes at least one track 35 and a
plurality of poles 40 which are used to form the support matrix to
attach track 35.
[0021] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, which depict track 35 that is
substantially perpendicular to poles 40. As best shown in FIG. 3,
track 35 can be arranged through appropriate configuration of at
least one sidewall 60 and a support platform 65. Support platform
65 may further comprise flange 55 defining a channel or slot
therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, sidewall(s) 60 can be
part of a channel to support bracket assembly 20 along a
substantial portion of the longitudinal length track 35. In one
example embodiment a side elevation view would illustrate a
U-shaped channel defining a path of travel for the swimmer training
system 10. Support platform 65 can be any desired cross-sectional
configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the support platform 65
includes a surface engaged with an exterior surface of each roller
25. Preferably, the support platform 65 is in the form of an
elongate member extending along a substantial portion of the
longitudinal length of the corresponding track 35.
[0022] The addition of the flange 55 in combination with the
support platform 65 and the generally complementary surface on the
exterior of the roller 25 provides a self righting function to
bracket assembly 20 as it moves along the long-axis of track 35. In
other words, any side to side motion caused by a swimmer attached
to swimming training system 10 that deviates from a generally
parallel orientation with track 35 will not cause track 35 to
become dislodged from support frame 15.
[0023] Referring now to FIGS. 3-5 bracket assembly 20 generally
comprises a plurality of rollers 25 that are rotatably mounted to a
brace portion 30. As best shown in FIG. 5, rollers 25 may pass
through an aperture 84 adjacent a terminal end 46 of brace portion
30. Rollers 25 in fixed locations spaced along the path of travel.
Referring specifically to FIG. 3-5, bracket assembly 20 is shown
with rollers 25 and a brace portion 30. Brace portion 30 is
configured to provide structural support between rollers 25. Brace
portion 30 may optionally include an additional attachment
appendage 80 to allow for easily attaching additional securement
means to bracket assembly 20. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, appendage
80 allows for a carabineer 83 to be readily attached before a
swimmer begins training In order to further describe the purpose of
the bracket assembly 20, an elongate cable (not shown) is attached
at one terminal end 46 to attachment appendage 80 or carabineer 83.
At the other opposed end, the cable is coupled to a harness,
further described below, to allow for a swimmer to be secured to
swimming training system 10.
[0024] Referring now to FIG. 6, which illustrates an alternative
embodiment of swimming training system 10. In at least this example
embodiment, swimming training system 10 generally includes a base
85 and a boom 90. Base 85 is constructed in a manner that includes
a generally planar bottom surface to be placed adjacent a pool.
Base 85 may further comprises a non-skid surface (not shown) to
prevent swimming training system 10 from being easily moved along a
surface when in use. Similar to the description above, base 85 may
also include support plates or apertures to allow for removeably
securing base 85 to the surface adjacent a pool.
[0025] A boom 90 generally includes a proximal end 100 and a distal
end 105. Boom 90 is positioned in a manner to extend outwardly and
upwardly from base 85 when in use. Proximal end 100 is coupled to
base 85 which may further comprise a hinge 95 affixed to the bottom
of the boom 90 which will facilitate adjusting the height of
proximal end 100 and the angle at which boom 90 is positioned. The
distal end 105 includes a cable roller 110 which helps to
conveniently store cable 75 when not in use. Cable 75 is attached
to swimming training system 10 on one terminal end 115 and the
opposed terminal end 120 is attached to a harness 70.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 7, which depicts another exemplary
embodiment of swimming training system 10 that generally includes a
pair of pillars 45 that are positioned on the opposing longitudinal
ends of a cable roller 110 which helps to conveniently store cable
75 when not in use. Similar to aforementioned embodiments, cable 75
is attached to swimming training system 10 on one terminal end 115
and the opposed terminal end 120 is attached to a harness 70. This
example embodiment may further include pillars 45 connected to
support plate 50. Support plate 50 may further include apertures to
allow securement means to removeably couple support plate 50 to
surfaces in and around the swimming pool.
[0027] Cable 75 generally provides elastic resistance to the user
and can be comprised of several materials known to one of ordinary
skill in the art. For example, a list of non-limiting materials
includes rubber, plastics and nylon materials. Cable 75 will
typically be comprised of a single unitary body. One terminal
portion of cable 75 is connected to harness 70 where the opposing
terminal end 46 is coupled to swimming training system 10.
[0028] Harness 70 is attached to a terminal portion of cable 75
through known means. The attachment means may include an adjustment
feature to allow for quick adjustment before a swimmer enters the
pool when the distance between harness 70 and bracket assembly 20
is to remain substantially constant (i.e. FIGS. 1 and 2).
Conversely, the terminal end 46 of cable 75 may be coupled to
harness 70 without an adjustment means, when the distance between
cable roller 110 and harness 70 will vary when a swimmer is
training (i.e. FIGS. 6 and 7). It should be appreciated that having
a means to adjust harness 70 width will allow for a system that is
adapted to be used for a variety of sized of midlines of the user.
To state another way, harness 70 is structured in manner to fit the
user, in most instances, regardless of the person's physical build.
The adjustment could include any number of fastening mechanisms,
such as hook and loop fasteners or a buckle. In a preferred
embodiment, the use of a fastening mechanism will be substantially
water resistant to avoid rust or deterioration over extended time
and use.
[0029] Harness 70 is generally a semi-stretchable belt of suitable
width and preferably-made of canvas, neoprene or another material
that will securely fix around the midline of a swimmer. Harness 70
may optionally include suspenders (not shown) to prevent harness 70
from slipping when swimming training system 10 is in use. Harness
70 may also include a floatation material to allow added buoyancy
to a user.
[0030] When in use, at least the example embodiments in FIGS. 6 and
7 provide a means of releasing cable 75 to allow a swimmer to move
without incurring any additional pull except for the frictional
relationship of the cable 75 being pulled from cable roller 110.
However, swimming training system 10 may also include a resistance
means to increase and decrease resistance on the cable 75 to
provide the swimmer with increased force while swimming.
[0031] Alternatively, the cable roller 110 may also include a
retraction means to provide an opposing force while swimmer is
training This type of retraction means may also be utilized to
retract cable 75 back on cable roller 110 to help facilitate
preparing the swimming train system 10 for storage. Although not
wanting to be bound by any particular theory, the retraction means
could be initiated by pushing a button or lever, similar to
mechanisms on a variety of vacuum cleaners. Alternatively, cord
could be manually retracted with a crank-style mechanism.
[0032] When in use swimming training system 10 may be used for a
number of swimming applications. In one example use, swimming
training system 10 may be used to facilitate a swimming class to
help beginners and intermediate swimmers gain confidence in
swimming away from the wall, as is classically done in introductory
swimming classes.
[0033] Additionally, swimming training system 10 also allows for an
instructor to reduce liability of an inadvertent drowning when
students are attached to swimming training system 10. In another
example method of use swimming training system 10 may be used to
help train swimmers by increasing resistance on a cable attached to
a swimmer thereby increasing the amount of force a swimmer must use
to achieve a goal (i.e. time. distance, etc.).
[0034] Comparing FIGS. 1 and 2, the various embodiments illustrated
may be more useful depending on the type of swimming area used in
combination with swimming training system 10. For example, FIG. 1
describes an embodiment which is configured to cover a substantial
portion of a large or commercial sixed swimming pool. However, this
embodiment could also be configured in a manner to facilitate
swimmers in a residential swimming pool.
[0035] Alternatively, FIG. 2, illustrating a one-track swimming
training system 10 is configurable for use in a personal or small
pool. Additionally, this embodiment may be used to allow for large
commercial pools to only occupy a single lane to allow for other
swimmers, not using swimming training system 10 to utilize the
facilities.
[0036] While the invention has been described above in terms of
specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the
teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other
embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in
the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to
be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims.
It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be
determined by proper interpretation and construction of the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those
of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this
specification and the attached drawings.
* * * * *