SWIMMING TRAINING DEVICE
A device for improving the swimming performance of a user. The device includes an upper layer made of a translucent or transparent material, a middle layer disposed adjacent the first layer and made of a reflective material, and a lower layer disposed adjacent the second layer. The third layer is made of an opaque material. Additionally, a line is disposed along a length of at least one of the upper, middle, and lower layers to assist the user in determining a position of the user, so as to correct movements of the user.
Many devices exist that are directed to the problem of assisting swimmers in improving their performance. Most of these devices include elements which require the strapping of the swimmer's limbs to various moving elements of the apparatus which provides an artificial character to the instruction and forces rather than guiding the swimmer through the proper motions.
One particular device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,570 (Kryder). The device of Kryder comprises a mirror assembly including two sheets of shatter resistant acrylic plastic having reflective characteristics. The acrylic plastic sheets are held together by a peripheral channel-like framework engaging the exposed edges of the sheet members. The framework includes means for suspending the mirror assembly from a wall or the like. Due to its lightweight construction, the mirror assembly of Kryder is portable and easily positioned for use without requiring special mounting equipment. For example, the mirror assembly may be hung on a wall suspended from a rope or wire having the ends thereof extending through channel in the fashion of a picture or the like. Nevertheless, the device of U.S. Pat. No. 4,693,570 is devised to be applied or used in various sports, so it is limited when considering extra elements that might assist in a specific sport, such as swimming.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe embodiments discussed herein relate to a device for assisting a user (e.g. a swimmer) in training or performing an activity inside a swimming pool.
In one embodiment, the device includes a reflective surface and marks which allow the user to follow his body movements for improving his performance.
In another embodiment, the device further includes luminous means which permits the user to follow his body movements for improving his performance
The device 1 shown in
The second or middle layer 3 is a reflective sheet made of a mirror-like material of varying intensities, from clear glass to darker shades, but always allowing the swimmer to see his own reflection. Layer 3 is placed below layer 2 in facing contact with layer 2, as shown in
The lower and third layer 4 may be an opaque sheet or material. The material may be made of a polymer, such as plastics, acrylics, polycarbonates, etc., metallic materials, carbon fiber, fiberglass, and in general, composite materials. Layer 4 is placed below layer 3 in facing contact with layer 3, as shown in
It is noted that all layers of the device are made of a material resistant to breaking or other deterioration induced by submersion in water.
In an alternative embodiment, the device may include fewer than three layers. For example, the line and/or marks may be incorporated in a single layer having at least one reflective surface. Or, a double-layered device may include the lines and/or marks in an upper layer disposed on a lower layer, and either layer may have a reflective surface or coating thereon.
In
The dimensions of device 1 may be adapted according to the swimming pool or the athlete's requirements. Preferably, the dimensions of the device 1 (Length×Width) are about 2′×0.8′, 2.6′×0.82′, or 3.28′×0.98′, for example. Preferably, the thickness of the device 1 ranges from about 0.2″ to 2″.
In one preferred embodiment, more than one device 1 can be joined to form an arrangement of a multi-piece long line (path) of the desired length as partially shown in
It is to be understood that the device as here disclosed, is not limited in scope to the drawings and/or specification. It will be clear that while the forms of the invention disclosed herein are intended to fulfill the requirement of clearness and sufficiency, the invention is susceptible of embodiments in various other forms. For instance, in one embodiment, the lower layer 4 could be made of a metallic material so as to fulfill the purpose of weight 7 for keeping the device 1 in the desired position.
Claims
1. A device for improving the swimming performance of a user, comprising:
- an upper layer made of a translucent or transparent material;
- a middle layer disposed adjacent the first layer and made of a reflective material;
- a lower layer disposed adjacent the second layer, the third layer being made of an opaque material; and
- a line disposed along a length of at least one of the upper, middle, and lower layers to assist the user in determining a position of the user, so as to correct movements of the user.
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising marks disposed on one of the upper, middle, and lower layers to assist the user in determining the position of the user, so as to correct movements of the user.
3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper layer, the lower layer, or both the upper layer and the lower layer are made of an acrylic material.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the line includes a lighting system.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the lighting system is an LED lighting system.
6. The device according to claim 5, wherein each LED is operated independently, so as to display as a continuous water drop effect at a predetermined speed, and
- wherein the speed is set with a speed controller.
7. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means for fastening the device to a bottom of a swimming pool.
8. The device according to claim 1, further comprising weights attached to at least one of the upper, middle, and lower layers.
9. The device according to claim 1, further comprising means for fastening the device to a bottom of a swimming pool, the means for fastening simultaneously functioning as weights, which prevent movement of the device with respect to the bottom of the swimming pool.
10. An assembly apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of the devices according to claim 1, the plurality of devices being configured to be assembled together.
11. The assembly apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of devices are joined together by one or more of magnets, hooks, and VELCRO® fasteners.
12. The assembly apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of devices are joined together by a VELCRO® fastener.
13. The device according to claim 2, wherein the upper layer, the lower layer, or both the upper layer and the lower layer are made of an acrylic material.
14. An apparatus, comprising:
- an first layer made of a translucent or transparent material;
- a second layer disposed adjacent the first layer and made of a reflective material;
- a third layer disposed adjacent the second layer such that the second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer, the third layer being made of an opaque material; and
- a marking disposed along a length of at least one of the first, second, and third layers, the marking enabling the user to determine a position of the user, so as to correct movements of the user.
15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the marking includes a line disposed substantially in the center of one of the first, second, and third layers.
16. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the marking includes a plurality of marks having geometric shapes, the plurality of marks being intermittently disposed along the length of one of the first, second, and third layers.
17. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the marking includes
- a line disposed substantially in the center of one of the first, second, and third layers, and
- a plurality of marks intermittently disposed along the length of one of the first, second, and third layers.
18. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a lighting system that corresponds to the marking, the lighting system displaying a successive display of lights indicating a swimming speed for a user.
19. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein a material of the third layer is such that the material functions as a weight to permit the apparatus to rest against a bottom of a swimming pool and hinder movement of the apparatus with respect to the swimming pool.
20. An apparatus, comprising:
- an elongated layer including a reflective surface; and
- a line extending substantially in a center of and lengthwise along the elongated layer, the line being printed on, stuck on, or embedded within the elongated layer,
- wherein the elongated layer and the line are made of a material resistant to breaking or other deterioration induced by submersion in water.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 19, 2012
Publication Date: Jan 23, 2014
Inventors: Juan Cruz TABENA ISERN (Caracas), Roberto ALFONZO-LARRAIN (Caracas)
Application Number: 13/553,306