U.S. patent application number 16/289546 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-27 for swimming assistance apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Jeong Hun KIM. Invention is credited to Jeong Hun KIM.
Application Number | 20190192916 16/289546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52143959 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-27 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190192916 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KIM; Jeong Hun |
June 27, 2019 |
SWIMMING ASSISTANCE APPARATUS
Abstract
Disclosed is a swimming assistance apparatus, which is worn on a
user's both feet to provide the user with buoyancy, such that the
user can float on water and swim in a good swimming style while
repeatedly moving the waist from side to side like a fish, thereby
reinforcing the user's waist muscles. Persons who have knee joint
arthralgia or backache or persons who have disability in the lower
body can use the swimming assistance apparatus for medical
purposes, such as pain relief or treatment.
Inventors: |
KIM; Jeong Hun; (Seoul,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KIM; Jeong Hun |
Seoul |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
52143959 |
Appl. No.: |
16/289546 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15457902 |
Mar 13, 2017 |
|
|
|
16289546 |
|
|
|
|
14436298 |
Apr 16, 2015 |
|
|
|
PCT/KR2014/005833 |
Jul 1, 2014 |
|
|
|
15457902 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/08 20130101;
A63B 69/14 20130101; A63B 2225/62 20130101; A63B 2209/10 20130101;
A63B 35/02 20130101; A63B 2225/01 20130101; A63B 31/11 20130101;
A63B 31/12 20130101; A63B 71/0009 20130101; A63B 2208/03
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 31/12 20060101
A63B031/12; A63B 31/11 20060101 A63B031/11; A63B 35/02 20060101
A63B035/02; A63B 69/14 20060101 A63B069/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 4, 2013 |
KR |
10-2013-0078586 |
Mar 18, 2014 |
KR |
10-2014-0031825 |
Claims
1. A swimming assistance apparatus comprising: a body comprising
material buoyant to water and having a first terminal end and a
second terminal end; a first fitting hole which is formed within a
first round path, as the first terminal end of the body is wound
following a first round path, for receiving a user's first lower
body; a second fitting hole which is formed within a second round
path, as the second terminal end of the body is wound following a
second round path, for receiving a user's second lower body; a
first cut part which is provided between the first terminal end and
the body as an opening of the first fitting hole for ease of
inserting the user's first lower body into the first fitting hole;
and a second cut part which is provided between the second terminal
end and the body as an opening of the second fitting hole for ease
of inserting the user's second lower body into the second fitting
hole; wherein the first terminal end and the second terminal end
are wound in same winding directions, so that the user's lower
bodies are guided through the first cut part and the second cut
part in opposite directions with respect to the body; wherein the
user's lower bodies float on water by a buoyancy of the body when
the user's lower bodies are inserted into the first fitting hole
and the second fitting hole.
2. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the winding direction of the terminal ends is clockwise
direction.
3. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
the winding direction of the terminal ends is counter-clockwise
direction.
4. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
a through hole other than the fitting hole is formed at a portion
of the body.
5. A swimming assistance apparatus comprising: a body comprising
material buoyant to water; and a fitting hole having an empty
pillar shape and defined to penetrate the body for receiving a
user's lower body, wherein the fitting hole comprises a first
fitting hole and a second fitting hole for respectively receiving
user's first lower body and second lower body; wherein a first
entrance for ease of inserting the user's first lower body into the
first fitting hole is formed as an opening at an upper side of the
first fitting hole, and a second entrance for ease of inserting the
user's second lower body into the second fitting hole is formed as
an opening at a lower side of the second fitting hole, wherein the
user's lower bodies float on water by a buoyancy of the body when
the user's lower bodies are inserted into the first fitting hole
and the second fitting hole.
6. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
a first terminal end of the body surrounding the first fitting hole
is extended through a mid-upper side of the first fitting hole and
a second terminal end of the body surrounding the second fitting
hole is extended through a mid-lower side of the second fitting
hole.
7. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
a first terminal end of the body surrounding the first fitting hole
is extended toward a lower direction of the body and a second
terminal end of the body surrounding the second fitting hole is
extended toward an upper side of the body.
8. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
the first entrance and the second entrance are symmetrically formed
with respect to a middle of the body.
9. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 5, further
comprising a hand-grip.
10. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the hand-grip is formed at a portion of the body.
11. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 9, wherein
the hand-grip is in a form of a hole.
12. A swimming assistance apparatus comprising: a body comprising
material buoyant to water; and a fitting hole having an empty
pillar shape and defined to penetrate the body for receiving a
user's lower body, wherein the fitting hole comprises a first
fitting hole and a second fitting hole for respectively receiving
user's first lower body and second lower body; and a through hole
formed at a portion of the body; wherein a first entrance for ease
of inserting the user's first lower body into the first fitting
hole is formed as an opening at an upper side of the first fitting
hole, and a second entrance for ease of inserting the user's second
lower body into the second fitting hole is formed as an opening at
a lower side of the second fitting hole, wherein the user's lower
bodies float on water by a buoyancy of the body when the user's
lower bodies are inserted into the first fitting hole and the
second fitting hole.
13. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the through hole is formed at both ends of the body.
14. The swimming assistance apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the through hole has a polygonal or circular shape.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a swimming assistance
apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
swimming assistance apparatus which supplies buoyancy to a part of
a user's body under water to aid the user to correct a swimming
posture or to concentrate on reinforcement of upper body muscles
and waist muscles. Moreover, the present invention relates to a
swimming assistance apparatus which can relieve and treat symptoms,
such as lumbar herniated intervertebral disc or scoliosis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Swimming is one of whole body exercises to improve lung
capacity or endurance and reinforce the whole body. Therefore,
swimming is being spotlighted as popular life sports all over the
worlds, such as Korea, United States, Europe, Australia, Japan,
China, and so on.
[0003] There are conventional swimming assistance apparatuses, such
20 as swim tubes, floats, boards, and the likes. The swim tube is
formed in a doughnut shape. A user can wear the swim tube to
surround the waist or to support the user's upper body by covering
a part of the swim tube with the hand. The float is formed in a
ball which has a hand-grip. The user holds the hand-grip of the
float to receive buoyancy. The board is formed in a plate type. The
user holds the board to receive buoyancy.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] However, the conventional swimming assistance apparatuses,
such as the swim tubes, the floats and the boards, have a
disadvantage in that the user has to hold them with the hand when
the user swims. Therefore, the conventional swimming assistance
apparatuses interrupt the user's arm movements. Accordingly, the
user cannot take a perfect swimming posture in case that the user
uses such swimming assistance apparatuses.
[0005] Moreover, the conventional swimming assistance apparatuses
are easily separated from the user's hand, and hence, swimming
beginners may let the swimming assistance apparatus slip through
the user's hand. Such an experience may give evasion of swimming or
resistance to swimming to the swimming beginner, and it may be
trauma in the swimming beginner's head for a long time.
[0006] Furthermore, the conventional swimming assistance
apparatuses have another disadvantage in that the user has to
always make muscle of the arm tense when using the swimming
assistance apparatuses. So, the user tires easily and cannot gain
confidence of swimming. Additionally, because muscles are tense, it
is difficult to correct the swimming posture smoothly.
[0007] In addition, the floats and the boards of the conventional
swimming assistance apparatuses has a disadvantage in that the user
can train only whip kick, because the user moves forward by whip
kick in a state where the user holds the float or the board with
both hands and keeps the user's arms and body straight.
[0008] Moreover, a vest type float of the conventional swimming
assistance apparatuses has a disadvantage in that there is a limit
in swimming styles and it is difficult to take a swimming posture
under water, because the user floats vertically under water by the
vest type float.
[0009] Furthermore, swimming styles which can be carried out when
the user uses the conventional swimming assistance apparatuses are
very limited. In general, when the user uses the conventional
swimming assistance apparatuses, the user can show just the
swimming style to move the waist up and down. Such a swimming style
increases backache of patients who suffer from backache by lumbar
herniated intervertebral disc.
[0010] Additionally, it is impossible for persons who have
disability in the lower body, such as paraplegia, to do whip kick
or move the waist up and down while swimming, and the persons who
have disability in the lower body go under water in a state where
the legs are drifted open when they enter the water. Therefore, the
persons who have disability in the lower body cannot use the
conventional swimming assistance apparatuses.
[0011] Not only the persons who have disability in the lower body
but also general teenagers and adults with normal body functions,
who have scoliosis generated when the persons study or work sitting
in chairs for a long time, it is hard to correct the twisted pelvis
or treat scoliosis through swimming.
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an
effort to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior
arts. It is an object of the present invention to provide a
swimming assistance apparatus which is worn on a use's feet to make
the user float on water by buoyancy and to make the user swim in
the swimming style like fish swimming to repeatedly move the waist
from side to side, thereby correcting the swimming posture or
concentrating on reinforcement of upper body muscles and waist
muscles.
[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
swimming assistance apparatus which makes the user swim while
moving the waist from side to side repeatedly, thereby relieving or
treating pains of patients who suffer from knee joint pain or
backache or persons who have disability in the lower body.
Technical Solution
[0014] To achieve the above objects, the present invention provides
a swimming assistance apparatus. The swimming assistance apparatus
includes a body made of a material which floats on water or formed
in a hollow tube type which floats on water, a fitting hole formed
in a hollow cylinder shape and penetrating through the body to
surround a part of a user's lower body, and a cut part formed in
the wall of one side of the fitting hole in such a way that a part
of the user's lower body can be inserted into the fitting hole.
When the user swims in a state where the user's lower body is
inserted into the fitting hole, the user's lower body floats on
water by buoyancy of the body.
[0015] Moreover, a part of the user's lower body inserted into the
fitting hole may be the ankle or the calf.
[0016] Furthermore, the fitting hole may include a first fitting
hole and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the
user can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively, and the user's legs are collected and
fixed by the first and second fitting holes.
[0017] Additionally, the fitting hole may include a first fitting
hole and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the
user can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively. The body is configured to be divided
between the first and second fitting holes. The swimming assistance
apparatus further includes detachable fixing means formed on each
inner face of the divided body. The detachable fixing means is one
of Velcro tapes, magnets, buttons, male and female coupling parts,
hooks and zippers which can attach and detach the first and second
fitting holes.
[0018] In addition, the cut part may be formed in the outer wall of
the fitting hole in the longitudinal direction of the fitting hole
to enable the user to easily insert the user's lower body.
[0019] Moreover, the fitting hole may include a first fitting hole
and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the user
can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively. The cut part may include at least one
of a first cut part formed in once side wall of the first fitting
hold and a second cut part formed in one of the second fitting
hole. At least one among the first and second cut parts may be
formed in the upper side wall of the first fitting hole and the
second fitting hole to enable the user to easily put the user's
lower body thereon.
[0020] Furthermore, the fitting hole may include a first fitting
hole and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the
user can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively. The cut part may include first and
second cut parts respectively formed in the side walls of the first
and second fitting holes. The first cut part is formed in the upper
side wall of the first fitting hole and the second cut part is
formed in the lower side wall of the second fitting hole.
[0021] Additionally, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes a plurality of protrusion parts formed on the inner face
of the fitting hole in the diameter direction and extend in the
longitudinal direction of the fitting hole so as to provide the
user's lower body with comfort and enhance fixation power of the
user's lower body.
[0022] In addition, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes a plurality of protrusion parts formed on the inner face
of the fitting hole in the diameter direction and are formed in a
spherical shape so as to provide the user's lower body with comfort
and enhance fixation power of the user's lower body.
[0023] Moreover, the swimming assistance apparatus further includes
a plurality of protrusion parts formed on the inner face of the
fitting hole in the diameter direction and extend spirally in the
longitudinal direction of the fitting hole so as to provide the
user's lower body with comfort and enhance fixation power of the
user's lower body.
[0024] Furthermore, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes at least one among: wings formed at both sides of the body
in the longitudinal direction and have a predetermined curvature at
the front face, which is the user's advancing direction, in order
to reduce underwater resistance, and at least one of fins which
vertically protrude from the upper side and the lower side of the
middle part of the body and have a predetermined curvature at the
front face, which is the user's advancing direction, in order to
reduce underwater resistance, thereby offsetting a rotational force
around the user's advancing direction.
[0025] Additionally, the body may be formed in a flat board type
and the fitting hole may be formed to get in contact with one side
of the body. The swimming assistance apparatus further includes
wings formed at both sides of the body in the longitudinal
direction and have a predetermined curvature at the front face,
which is the user's advancing direction, in order to reduce
underwater resistance.
[0026] In addition, the fitting hole may include a first fitting
hole and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the
user can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively. The swimming assistance apparatus
further includes a through hole formed in the body and penetrating
through the inside of the body between the first fitting hole and
the second fitting hole, so as to reduce underwater resistance
generated in the user's advancing direction.
[0027] Moreover, the swimming assistance apparatus further includes
at least one hand-grip depressed in one side of the body or
penetrates through the body, such that the user can insert at least
one finger into the hand-grip to grasp the body.
[0028] Furthermore, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes at least one among: wings formed at both sides of the body
in the longitudinal direction and have a predetermined curvature a
the front face, which is the user's advancing direction, in order
to reduce underwater resistance, and at least one of fins which
vertically protrude from the upper side and the lower side of the
middle part of the body and have a predetermined curvature at the
front face, which is the user's advancing direction, in order to
reduce underwater resistance, thereby offsetting a rotational force
around the user's advancing direction. The swimming assistance
apparatus further includes at least one hand-grip depressed in one
side of the wing or the fin or penetrates through the wing or the
fin, such that the user can insert at least one finger into the
hand-grip to grasp the body.
[0029] Additionally, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes a plate type partition wall formed inside the hollow body
for maintaining the form of the body and relieving distortion of
the body.
[0030] In addition, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes a plurality of plate type partition walls formed inside
the hollow body for maintaining the form of the body and relieving
distortion of the body. The plurality of partition walls cross each
other.
[0031] Moreover, the swimming assistance apparatus further includes
a plurality of plate type partition walls formed inside the hollow
body for maintaining the form of the body and relieving distortion
of the body. The plurality of partition walls are connected with
one another in a honey comb shape.
[0032] Furthermore, the swimming assistance apparatus further
includes separation preventing means disposed at one side of the
cut part to close the cut part and prevents the inserted user's
lower body from being separated from the cut part.
[0033] Additionally, the separation preventing means may be one of
Velcro tapes, magnets, buttons, male and female coupling parts,
hooks and zippers.
[0034] In addition, the fitting hole may include a first fitting
hole and a second fitting hole configured in such a manner that the
user can insert the right and left legs into the first and second
fitting holes respectively. The swimming assistance apparatus
further includes a depressed part inwardly depressed to a specific
depth between the first fitting hole and the second fitting hole of
the body, such that the user inserts and fixes a part of the user's
lower body into the first fitting hole and the second fitting hole
or compresses and fixes a part of the user's lower body to the
depressed part.
[0035] As described above, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the embodiments of the present invention has the
following effects.
[0036] First, the swimming assistance apparatus according to the
embodiments of the present invention makes the swimming beginners
to concentrate on arm movements or the swimming style to move the
waist from side to side.
[0037] Second, the swimming assistance apparatus according to the
embodiments of the present invention can relieve or treat pains of
the patients who suffer from knee joint pain or backache or the
persons who have disability in the lower body.
[0038] Third, the swimming assistance apparatus according to the
embodiments of the present invention can give great help to
rehabilitation and enhance swimming skills by training upper body
muscles and waist muscles because the user can move the waist from
side to side.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] The following drawings attached to the description of the
present invention are to illustrate embodiments of the present
invention and for a more complete understanding of the detailed
description and technical idea of the present invention. Therefore,
it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that
the present invention is not limited to the matters described or
illustrated in the attached drawings.
[0040] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present
invention.
[0045] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment
of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a second modification of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0049] FIGS. 10 to 12 are side views and a plan view showing used
states of the swimming assistance apparatus according to the second
modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0051] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a modification of the seventh embodiment of
the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0054] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a modification of the eighth embodiment of
the present invention.
[0055] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0056] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0057] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to an eleventh embodiment of the present
invention.
[0058] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the eleventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a second modification of the eleventh
embodiment of the present invention.
[0060] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0061] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the twelfth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a second modification of the twelfth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0063] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0065] FIGS. 28 and 29 are a side view and a plan view showing a
used state of the swimming assistance apparatus according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0066] Reference will be now made in detail to the embodiments of
the present invention with reference to the attached drawings. In
the description of the present invention, when it is judged that
detailed descriptions of known functions or structures related with
the present invention may make the essential points vague, the
detailed descriptions of the known functions or structures will be
omitted.
[0067] Moreover, in the drawings, parts having similar functions
and actions have the same reference numerals. In the description of
the present invention, to connect some part with another part means
that some part is directly connected with another part and that
some part is indirectly connected with another part through an
element. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined herein, to include a
component does not mean that the mortise lock excludes other
component but means that the mortise lock can include other
components more.
Embodiment 1
[0068] In relation with the basic structure of a swimming
assistance apparatus, the first embodiment of the present invention
will be described. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swimming
assistance apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a
body 10, a fitting hole 20 and a cut part 30.
[0069] The body 10 may be made of a material which floats on water
or be formed in a hollow tube type which floats on water. The
material for the body 10 may be a resin material, for instance,
compressed polystyrene foam. The body 10 is basically, formed in a
shape of an elliptic cylinder, and may be formed in various shapes
as described hereinafter.
[0070] The body 10 provides a user's lower body with buoyancy.
Buoyancy of the body 10 is determined by volume of the body 10
which is submerged in water and density of the body 10. If volume
of the body 10 submerged in water is large and density of the body
10 is small, buoyancy becomes stronger.
[0071] The fitting hole 20 is formed in a hollow cylinder shape and
penetrates through the body 10. Just one fitting hole 20 may be
formed in such a way that the user's both ankles are inserted and
fixed into the fitting hole and are surrounded by the swimming
assistance apparatus. Alternatively, two fitting holes 20 may be
formed in such a way that the user's right ankle and left ankle are
respectively inserted and fixed into the fitting holes 20 and are
surrounded by the swimming assistance apparatus. In a case that the
two fitting holes 20 are formed, the fitting hole to which the left
ankle is inserted and fixed is defined as a first fitting hole, and
the fitting hole to which the right ankle is inserted and fixed is
defined as a second fitting hole.
[0072] The fitting hole 20 may have different sizes according to
the user's body conditions. For instance, the size of the fitting
hole 30 is varied according to age or gender of the users.
[0073] The fitting hole 20 can collect the user's legs within a
distance that the user does not feel inconvenience. That is, the
first fitting hole and the second fitting hole may be formed to
have a specific distance from each other. The user's legs are fixed
by the fitting hole 20. The user who is fixed in legs can
concentrate on the upper body's movements while swimming, reinforce
upper body muscles and waist muscles, and especially, show the
swimming style to move the waist from side to side. Moreover,
persons who have disability in the lower body can enjoy swimming.
Furthermore, the problem that swimming beginners cannot concentrate
on the upper body posture because splashing water with the feet,
which is the swimming beginners' typical problem, can be
solved.
[0074] The cut part 30 is formed at one side of the fitting hole 20
to make the user's lower body be inserted into the fitting hole 20
easily. Preferably, the cut direction of the cut part 30 is formed
in the longitudinal direction of the fitting hole 20. The cut part
30 may be formed at both sides of the longitudinal direction of the
body 10, namely, at upper and lower sides of the fitting hole
20.
[0075] The cut part 30 makes the user easily insert the legs into
the fitting hole 20. Due to the cut part 30 formed in the
longitudinal direction of the fitting hole 20 in the embodiment of
the present invention, the user's legs are not easily separated
from each other under water, and the user can take the legs out of
the fitting hole 20 if the user puts his or her mind to it in an
emergency situation. Finally, the cut part 30 increases the utility
of the swimming assistance apparatus but decreases dangerousness.
According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the cut
part 30 is formed at right and left sides of the fitting hole 20.
However, if the user does not try to take the legs out of the
fitting hole 20, the user's legs are not separated from the fitting
hole 20 because power is applied to the inside of both legs when
the user is swimming.
[0076] The cut part 30 may be formed in at least one among the
first fitting hole and the second fitting hole. That is, there is
no need to form the cut part 30 in both fitting holes 20. Even
though the cut part 30 is formed only in one fitting hole 20, the
object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0077] In a case that the body 10 is made of a synthetic resin
material with elasticity, the cut part 30 is widened when the user
inserts the user's lower part into the fitting hole 20 and is
returned to its initial width when the user's lower part is
completely inserted into the fitting hole 20.
[0078] The swimming assistance apparatus according to the
embodiment of the present invention has not only the first
embodiment but also other various embodiments which will be
described later.
Embodiment 2
[0079] In connection with the second embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 2, the swimming assistance
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention may include a male and female coupling part 40, which is
detachable fixing means configured to divide the body 10 in half
and separate the fitting holed 20 from each other.
[0080] The swimming assistance apparatus according to the second
embodiment of the present invention enhances convenience in
wearing. The user wears the swimming assistance apparatus by each
leg and inserts a male coupling part 42 into the female coupling
part 41. Moreover, a magnet may be mounted on the male and female
coupling part 40. Alternatively, instead of the male and female
coupling part 40, as the detachable fixing means, Velcro tapes,
snap fasteners, magnets, hooks, or zippers or combinations of the
Velcro tapes, the snap fasteners, the magnets, the hooks and the
zippers may be disposed on the inner faces of the divided body
10.
[0081] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a modification of the second embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the swimming assistance
apparatus according to the modification of the second embodiment of
the present invention is identical with the swimming assistance
apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present
invention in that the body is divided in half. As the modification
of the second embodiment, the detachable fixing means configured in
such a manner that the fitting holes 20 are separated from each
other may be round magnets which are coupled in male and female
coupling.
Embodiment 3
[0082] In connection with the third embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the third embodiment of the present invention may
include the cut part 30 formed at an upper side of the fitting hole
20.
[0083] According to the third embodiment of the present invention,
a lower side of the fitting hole 20 comes into contact with the
user's leg by buoyancy of the body 10, such that the fitting hole
is not easily separated from the user's leg under water. At the
same time, when the user lifts the leg upwardly from the fitting
hole 20, the leg can be easily separated from the fitting hole 20,
and hence, the user can attach and detach the swimming assistance
apparatus under an emergent situation if the user puts the user's
mind to it.
Embodiment 4
[0084] In connection with the fourth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention may
include the cut parts 30 which are formed in the first fitting hole
and the second fitting hole cornerwise. For instance, the cut part
30 is formed at an upper side of the first fitting hole, and the
other cut part 30 is formed at a lower side of the second fitting
hole. Alternatively, the cut part 30 is formed at an upper side of
the first fitting hole, and the other cut part 30 is formed at a
right or left side of the second fitting hole.
[0085] The swimming assistance apparatus according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention can provide various effects
according to positions of the cut parts 30. For instance, when the
cut part 30 is formed at an upper side of the first fitting hole
20, because the lower side of the fitting hole 20 comes into
contact with the user's leg under water by buoyancy of the body 10,
the swimming assistance apparatus is not easily separated from the
user's leg under water but the user can easily take the legs from
the fitting holes 20 by lifting the legs upwardly from the fitting
holes 20, and hence, the user can attach and detach the swimming
assistance apparatus under an emergent situation if the user puts
the user's mind to it.
Embodiment 5
[0086] In connection with the fifth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention may
include a depressed part 50 which is transversely depressed in the
middle of the body 10. The depressed part 50 may be formed from the
upper side to the lower side of the body 10 or from the lower side
to the upper side of the body 10. Moreover, the depressed part 50
may be formed from the upper and lower sides toward the inside of
the body 10. Furthermore, the depressed part 50 may be formed
inwardly from the back and forth direction.
[0087] According to the fifth embodiment of the present invention,
the depressed part 50 decreases manufacturing costs of the swimming
assistance apparatus. Additionally, because a vertical
cross-section area of the body 10 is decreased, underwater
resistance is also decreased. The swimming assistance apparatus
illustrated in FIG. 7 is depressed from the upper side to the lower
side of the body 10 and a cut part is formed at the upper side of
the fitting hole 20.
[0088] In relation with a first modification of the fifth
embodiment, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment
of the present invention. The swimming assistance apparatus
according to the first modification of the fifth embodiment of the
present invention may include a depressed part 50 which is
depressed from the upper side to the lower side of the body 10 and
the cut parts 30 which are respectively formed at right and left
sides of fitting holes 20. According to the first modification of
the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the swimming
assistance apparatus can obtain an effect by the depressed part 50
and effects created by the cut parts 30 formed at the right and
left sides of the fitting holes 20.
[0089] In relation with a second modification of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a perspective view
of a swimming assistance apparatus according to the second
modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The
swimming assistance apparatus according to the second modification
of the fifth embodiment of the present invention may include
depressed parts 50 which is depressed from the upper and lower
sides of the body 10 toward the inside of the body 10 and cut parts
30 which are respectively formed at right and left sides of fitting
holes 20. According to the second modification of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention, the swimming assistance
apparatus can carry out as a pull buoy for swimming training which
is called a `peanut` or a `peanut helper`.
[0090] In a case that the user wants to train the upper body or
correct the swimming posture, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment of the
present invention is fit between the knees or the thighs and
inwardly presses the user's lower body to serve as the pull
buoy.
[0091] In a case that the user wants to do aquarobics, the swimming
assistance apparatus according to the second modification of the
fifth embodiment of the present invention serves as the pull buoy
when the user insert the ankles into the depressed parts 50 to
press the user's lower body, when the user uses the swimming
assistance apparatus while grasping the depressed parts 50 with
both hands, or when the user fits the swimming assistance apparatus
under the user's arm in such a manner that the user's upper arms
and the sides of the chest are inserted into the depressed parts
50. The user can selectively use the general function of the
swimming assistance apparatus and the pull buoy function according
to the second modification of the fifth embodiment as described
above.
[0092] FIGS. 10 to 12 are side views and a plan view showing used
states of the swimming assistance apparatus according to the second
modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The
swimming assistance apparatus according to the second modification
of the fifth embodiment of the present invention can be used in the
first used state illustrated in FIG. 10 or in the second used state
illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0093] In the first used state of the second modification of the
fifth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, like the first embodiment,
the user wears the swimming assistance apparatus by inserting the
user's legs into the fitting holes through the cut parts formed at
the sides of the body 10 of the swimming assistance apparatus. By
the swimming assistance apparatus according to the second
modification of the fifth embodiment, the user's legs are collected
and fixed.
[0094] In the second used state of the second modification of the
fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the user wears the
swimming assistance apparatus according to the second modification
of the fifth embodiment between the knees and the thighs by fitting
the knees or thighs on the depressed parts 50, and strongly presses
the swimming assistance apparatus toward the inside of the user's
lower body.
Embodiment 6
[0095] In relation with the sixth embodiment, FIG. 13 is a
perspective view of a swimming assistance apparatus according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13,
the swimming assistance apparatus according to the sixth embodiment
of the present invention may include wings 62 disposed at right and
left sides of the body 10. The wings 62 are formed in a shape of a
plate which becomes gradually narrowed in width when they become
further from the body 10. The wings 62 may have a streamlined
shape, namely, an oval cross section, to reduce underwater
resistance in front of the swimming assistance apparatus. The wings
62 are formed outside the body 10 in the lateral direction, and the
longitudinal direction of the body 10 and the plane of the wing are
generally parallel.
[0096] The swimming assistance apparatus having the wings 62
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention may be a
form that two fitting holes 20 are formed in the board, which is
one of the conventional swimming assistance apparatuses. The
swimming assistance apparatus having the wings 62 is increased in
volume occupying underwater and increases buoyancy by the wings 62.
Moreover, the swimming assistance apparatus having the wings 62
increases power to overcome surface tension of the surface of the
water because a contact area between the swimming assistance
apparatus and the surface of water is widened. That is, because
underwater resistance is increased vertically, the user's legs
float well on water. Finally, the wings 62 have an effect to
provide the swimming beginners with more buoyancy. Furthermore, the
wings 62 prevent the swimming assistance apparatus from rotating
around the progress direction under water.
Embodiment 7
[0097] In relation with the seventh embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention may
include fins 60 which are formed in a shape of a plate which
becomes gradually narrowed in width when they become further from
the body 10. The fins 60 may have a streamlined shape, namely, an
oval cross section, to reduce underwater resistance in front of the
swimming assistance apparatus. The fins 60 are formed outside the
body 10 in the vertical direction of the body 10, and the
longitudinal direction of the body 10 and the normal line direction
of the plane of the fin 60 are generally parallel.
[0098] The swimming assistance apparatus having the fins 60
according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention
enhances the user's propulsive force because the fins 60 push out
water when the user swims while moving the waist from side to side.
Finally, when the user uses the swimming assistance apparatus
having the fins 60, it increases exercise effect. Additionally, the
fins 60 serve to keep the balance of the swimming assistance
apparatus so as to prevent the swimming assistance apparatus from
rotating around the progress direction under water.
[0099] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a modification of the seventh embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 15, the swimming assistance
apparatus according to the modification of the seventh embodiment
of the present invention may include a fin 60 which is formed at
one side of the upper and lower sides of the body 10.
Embodiment 8
[0100] In relation with the eighth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a swimming
assistance apparatus according to a modification of the eighth
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17,
the swimming assistance apparatus according to the eighth
embodiment of the present invention may include a protrusion part
70 which protrudes inwardly from at least a part of the inner face
of the fitting hole 20. The protrusion part 70 may be in a straight
line form as shown in FIG. 16 or in a semi-spherical form as shown
in FIG. 17 showing the modification of the eighth embodiment.
Additionally, the protrusion part 70 may has a spiral shape like a
screw thread in order to increase grounding power with the user's
legs in the back and forth direction of the swimming assistance
apparatus.
[0101] According to the eighth embodiment of the present invention,
the swimming assistance apparatus having the protrusion part 70
reinforces grounding power between the inside of the fitting holes
20 and the user's legs.
Embodiment 9
[0102] In relation with the ninth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the ninth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 18, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention may
include a through hole which is formed in the middle of the body 10
and penetrates through the swimming assistance apparatus in the
back and forth direction. The cross section form of the through
hole 80 may be one of a circle, a polygon, an oval and so on.
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 18, a wall of uniform thickness is
formed on the outside of the fitting holes 20, and the through hole
80 may have a rectangular cross section of which the middle part is
concave to secure the maximum cross section area of the hole.
[0103] According to the ninth embodiment of the present invention,
the swimming assistance apparatus having the through hole 80 can
reduce underwater resistance and manufacturing costs.
Embodiment 10
[0104] In relation with the tenth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 19, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention may
include a fin 60 which is vertically formed at right angles to the
body 10 and formed outside the central portion of the body 10 and a
plurality of hand-grips 90 of a hole form which penetrate the fin
60 in the width direction. One to five hand-grips 90 may be formed
in such a manner that the user can insert each finger into each
hand-grip or the plural fingers into one hand-grip. According to a
modification of the tenth embodiment of the present invention, the
hand-grip 90 may be formed in the body 10 or in one side of the
wing 62. According to the tenth embodiment of the present
invention, the swimming assistance apparatus having the hand-grip
90 enables the user to easily grasp the swimming assistance
apparatus.
Embodiment 11
[0105] In relation with the eleventh embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the eleventh
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a perspective
view of a swimming assistance apparatus according to a second
modification of the eleventh embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIGS. 20, 21 and 22, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention may
be formed in a hollow tube type and include partition walls 100
formed inside the body 10 to increase the general strength of the
swimming assistance apparatus. The partition walls 100 may be in a
flat form as shown in FIG. 20, in a crisscross form as shown in
FIG. 21, or in a honeycomb form as shown in FIG. 22.
[0106] The swimming assistance apparatus having the partition walls
100 according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention
reduces manufacturing costs and reinforces buoyancy because the
inside of the swimming assistance apparatus is generally hollow.
Furthermore, swimming assistance apparatus having the partition
walls 100 of the crisscross form as shown in FIG. 21 prevents
distortion of the swimming assistance apparatus because it
increases strength of the swimming assistance apparatus in all
directions. In addition, swimming assistance apparatus having the
partition walls 100 of the honeycomb form as shown in FIG. 22
increases strength of the swimming assistance apparatus the
most.
Embodiment 12
[0107] In relation with the twelfth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the twelfth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to a first modification of the twelfth
embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 25 is a perspective
view of a swimming assistance apparatus according to a second
modification of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIGS. 23, 24 and 25, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the twelfth embodiment of the present invention may
include separation preventing means to close at least a part of the
cut part 30 according to the user's selection. The separation
preventing means may be a Velcro tape 110 as shown in FIG. 23, may
be male and female coupling means, such as a button 112 as shown in
FIG. 24, or may be a zipper 114 as shown in FIG. 25. In the first
modification of the twelfth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 24, as
detachable fixing means of the separation preventing means, a
magnet may be used. The magnet makes use of the separation
preventing means easy.
[0108] The swimming assistance apparatus having the separation
preventing means according to the twelfth embodiment of the present
invention can have an effect to fix the swimming assistance
apparatus to the user's legs according to the user's selection. The
swimming assistance apparatus having the separation preventing
means can be used usefully to the persons who have disability in
the lower body, such as paraplegia, because it prevents the user's
legs from being separated from the fitting holes 20.
Embodiment 13
[0109] In relation with the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 26, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present invention may
be formed in a hollow tube type and include an air injection hole
45 for injecting air into the swimming assistance apparatus. In
order to minimize underwater friction, the air injection hole 45 is
formed on the front face of the body 10. The swimming assistance
apparatus according to the thirteenth embodiment of the present
invention can compress the swimming assistance apparatus to the
minimum volume to be stored and carried easily by discharging the
air, which fills the inside the swimming assistance apparatus, out
of the air injection hole 45.
Embodiment 14
[0110] In relation with the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention, FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a swimming assistance
apparatus according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 27, the swimming assistance apparatus
according to the fourteenth embodiment of the present invention may
include the fitting holes 20 having outer walls which are
dislocated at the cut parts 30. The swimming assistance apparatus
having the outer walls of the fitting holes 20 which are dislocated
at the cut parts 30 makes the user easily insert the legs into the
fitting holes 20 and makes the swimming assistance apparatus be
fixed to the user's legs more stably. Preferably, the dislocated
size of the outer walls of the fitting holes 20 at the cutting
parts 30 is 0.5 cm to 3 cm, and more preferably, is 1 cm. If the
dislocated size of the outer walls of the fitting holes 20 at the
cutting parts 30 becomes larger, the swimming assistance apparatus
is fixed to the user's legs more stably. However, if the dislocated
size of the outer walls of the fitting holes 20 at the cutting
parts 30 becomes smaller, the user's legs are inserted into the
fitting holes 20 more easily.
[0111] Used States of Swimming Assistance Apparatus
[0112] In relation with used states of the swimming assistance
apparatus, FIGS. 28 and 29 are a side view and a plan view showing
a used state of the swimming assistance apparatus according to the
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,
the swimming assistance apparatus according to the embodiment of
the present invention is worn to the user's legs when the user
inserts the user's legs into the fitting holes through the cut
parts of the sides of the body 10 of the swimming assistance
apparatus. By the swimming assistance apparatus, the user's legs
are gathered and fixed. The user can wear the swimming assistance
apparatus onto the calves, knees or thighs, and more preferably,
onto the ankles. Moreover, the swimming assistance apparatus having
the fins 60 as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 can be used.
[0113] The user can train various swimming styles while moving the
waist from side to side or swinging the arms in the state where the
user's legs are fixed using the swimming assistance apparatus. The
user's lower body floats on water by buoyancy of the swimming
assistance apparatus. Therefore, the user can perform various
swimming styles without taking care about the lower body. The user
can move forward in a good swimming style while moving the waist
from side to side like a fish which swims using the caudal fin.
Therefore, the user can reinforce upper body muscles and waist
muscles and correct the user's twisted pelvises.
[0114] Because the user can swim while moving only the upper body
using the swimming assistance apparatus according to the embodiment
of the present invention without whip kick, the persons who have
disability in the lower body, children or the aged who are weak in
strength of the lower body can swim using the swimming assistance
apparatus.
[0115] Especially, the persons who have disability in the lower
body can use the swimming assistance apparatus for medical
purposes, such as pain relief or treatment. The persons who have
disability in the lower body, such as paraplegia, cannot swim while
doing whip kick or moving the waist up and down, and they go under
water with the legs drifted open when they enter the water.
Therefore, when the persons who have disability in the lower body
uses the swimming assistance apparatus according to the embodiment
of the present invention, it can help in treating pains because a
physical therapist can keep eye contact with the patients and
communion between the physical therapist and the patients is
increased.
[0116] As described above, while the present invention has been
particularly shown and described with reference to the example
embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art that the present invention can be executed in
other forms without changing the technical idea or essential
features of the present invention. Therefore, it would be
understood that the embodiments disclosed in the present invention
are all exemplified and are not limited to the specific embodiments
of the present invention. It should be also understood that the
protective scope of the present invention is interpreted by the
following claims and all changes and modifications derived from the
meaning, scope and equivalent concept of the claims belong to the
technical scope of the present invention.
* * * * *