Handle-Actuated Aquatic Device

Abstract

A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising a paddlewheel and a body board, wherein the body board is buoyant in water and configured to engage a portion of a user's body, and a first handle and a second handle are operatively connected to the paddlewheel, wherein each handle is configured to rotate the paddle wheel, and wherein the paddlewheel is attached to a body board frame, the body board frame also being configured to receive at least a portion of the body board.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application relates to an aquatic device and, more particularly, to a handle-actuated aquatic device for aiding a user in swimming.

2. Technical Background

Swimming is a very popular recreational activity for people of all ages, and provides a good full-body exercise. The low-impact nature of swimming has a lower risk of injury than other higher impact exercises, and is an ideal exercise for those who have experienced an injury, or have otherwise limited mobility. As such, swimming may also be an integral part of a rehabilitation program.

However, inexperienced swimmers, such as children, may require assistance developing the appropriate level of confidence and developing appropriate swimming technique. Similarly, elderly or infirm people, and those who have mobility issues may have difficulty adequately performing swimming strokes. For example, people having limited shoulder mobility may not be able to adequately perform traditional swimming strokes, therefore needing assistance to float and swim in water.

Accordingly, the aquatic devices disclosed herein have been developed in view of these issues, and therefore, an object is to provide an aquatic device to assist people to float and swim in water.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a handle-actuated aquatic device includes a paddlewheel that is operatively connected to a first handle and a second handle. The paddlewheel is encapsulated inside of a housing that is coupled to a buoyant body board by a body board frame.

In another embodiment, a handle-actuated aquatic device includes an axle, and a hub placed circumferentially around and operatively coupled to the axle. A plurality of blades is attached to and extends radially outward from the hub, and a first handle and a second handle are operatively connected to the axle. The handle-actuated aquatic device further includes a buoyant body board, the buoyant body board having a top surface configured to engage a portion of a user's body, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. A body board frame couples the axle, hub, and plurality of blades to the bottom surface of the body board.

Additional features and advantages of the methods described herein will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description which follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description describe various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals in which:

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an aquatic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 1B depicts a side view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C depicts a front view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D depicts a top view of the aquatic device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A depicts a cutaway view of the aquatic device shown and described in FIGS. 1A-1D;

FIG. 2B depicts a magnified view of the body board and body board frame according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an aquatic device according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;

FIG. 3B depicts a side view of the aquatic device of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C depicts a front view of the aquatic device of FIG. 3A; and

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of a user positioned on an aquatic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of aquatic devices, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to handle-actuated aquatic devices. The aquatic devices include a paddlewheel, and a first handle and a second handle operatively coupled to the paddlewheel. The devices further include a buoyant body board that is attached to the paddlewheel by a body board frame.

Depicted in FIGS. 1-4 are multiple views of a handle-actuated aquatic device (100) according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The handle-actuated aquatic device (100) includes a body board (101). The body board (101) has a top surface (102) and a bottom surface (103), and is buoyant in water. The body board (101) is coupled to a body board frame (112). Body boards (101) of different sizes and shapes may be used to accommodate different sizes of users. It is contemplated that the handle-actuated aquatic device (100) will be used by persons of different sizes, including both children and adults. Further, the body board frame (112) may be capable of interchangeably accepting different size body boards (101).

Referring to FIG. 2A, one embodiment of the hand-actuated aquatic device (100) is depicted in cross-section. The handle-actuated aquatic device (100) has a paddlewheel (106). The paddlewheel (106) includes an axle (107) and a hub (108) located circumferentially around and operatively coupled to the axle (107). A plurality of blades (109) is coupled to the hub (108), such that when the axle (107) is rotated, the blades (109) will rotate in conjunction with the axle (107). Each of the blades (109) may be planar or curved such that the blades have a convex or concave shape, so as to provide different levels of resistance in the water when the paddlewheel (106) is rotated.

In one embodiment, the paddlewheel (106) is encapsulated in a housing (110). The housing (110) is shaped such that the plurality of blades (109) are free to rotate within the housing (110). The housing also has plurality of openings (111). The openings (111) are located about the circumference of the housing (110), and on surfaces of the housing (110). The openings (111) on the housing (110) are of a size and shape to allow water to communicate with the paddlewheel (106), while preventing the user, or persons around the user from being struck by the paddlewheel (106). Different embodiments of the handle-actuated aquatic device (100) may use larger or smaller paddlewheels (106) and housings (110) to serve different size users or accommodate specific user needs.

Referring to FIG. 1C, in one embodiment of the device, the first handle (104) has an outer end (113) and an inner end (115), where the outer end (113) is configured as a grip for a user's hand, and the inner end (115) is connected to the axle (107). The outer end (113) is at least partially offset from the inner end (115), giving the first handle (104) a crank shape. Likewise, the second handle (105) has an inner end (116) and an outer end (114), where the outer end (114) is configured as a grip for a user's hand, and the inner end (116) is connected to the axle (107). The outer end (114) is at least partially offset from the inner end (116), giving the second handle (105) a crank shape.

In another embodiment, the inner end (115) of the first handle (104), and the inner end (116) of the second handle (105) share a common elongated axis (117). Further, the outer end (113) of the first handle (104) is at least partially offset from the common elongated axis (117). The outer end (114) of the second handle (105) is at least partially offset from the common elongated axis (117) in a direction opposite from the outer end (113) of the first handle (104), such that a user rotating the first handle (104) and the second handle (105) simultaneously simulates a swimming stroke.

As noted above, it is contemplated that the handle-actuated aquatic device (100) will be used by persons of different sizes, including both children and adults. The length of the first handle (104) and second handle (105), as well as the distance of the offset of the outer end (113) of the first handle (104) and the offset of the outer end (114) of the second handle (105) may be selected to accommodate a variety of users having different arm lengths, or to accommodate a user with limited mobility. The length of the first handle (105) and second handle (106) may be adjustable to accommodate different users. Further, the offset of the outer end (113) of the first handle (104) and the offset of the outer end (114) of the second handle (105) may be adjustable. In one embodiment, a variety of first handles (104) and second handles (105) having different lengths and different offsets may be interchangeably connected to the paddlewheel (106).

In one embodiment, the first handle (104) and the second handle (105) are operatively connected to the paddlewheel (106) through a gearbox (not depicted). The gearbox is configured to transmit torque from the first handle (104) and the second handle (105) to the paddlewheel (106) in such a manner that the paddlewheel (106) rotates at a different rate than the first handle (104) and the second handle (105).

The top surface (102) of the body board (101) is configured to engage a portion of a user's body. At least a portion of the bottom surface (103) of the body board (101) is configured to be secured to a body board frame (112). As shown in FIG. 2B, the body board frame (112) may comprise a lip (119) that extends over and encapsulates a portion of the top surface (102) of the body board (101), securing the body board (101) to the body board frame (112) by a snap fit. It should be understood, however, that other means for securing the body board (101) to the body board frame (112) are contemplated herein, and can include, for example, the use of attachment materials there between, such as, an adhesive, or a fastener.

In one embodiment, the body board frame (112) further comprises a loop (120) or pair of loops (120), allowing the body board frame to be tied to a stationary object while in use. By tying the handle-actuated aquatic device to a stationary object, a user may use the device to simulate a swimming stroke in a small area so as to avoid other swimmers, or use the device in an otherwise limited space.

Depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C are multiple views of a handle-actuated aquatic device (100) according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. The handle-actuated aquatic device (100) includes a body board (101). The body board (101) has a top surface (102) and a bottom surface (103), and is buoyant in water. The paddlewheel (106) is operatively attached to the bottom surface (103) of the body board (101) by an elongated rod (118).

As depicted in FIGS. 3A-3C, the housing (110) may be mounted to a body board frame (112) by an elongated rod (118). The elongated rod (118) connects the housing (110) to the body board frame (112) which is in turn connected to the bottom surface (103) of the body board (101). The elongated rod (118) may include a swivel mounted to the body board frame (112), such that the housing (110) is rotatable relative to the body board frame (112). Likewise, the elongated rod (118) may include a swivel mounted to the housing (110), so that the housing (110) is rotatable relative to the body board frame (112).

The elongated rod (118) may be adjustable in length to accommodate a variety of users with different arm lengths. The length of the elongated rod (118) may be selected depending on the size of the user, or may be selected to accommodate a user's limited range of motion. The elongated rod (118) may be telescoping to achieve adjustability. In another embodiment, multiple elongated rods (118) of different lengths may be installed interchangeably to the handle-actuated aquatic device.

FIG. 4 depicts a user engaging an embodiment of the handle-actuated aquatic device. As shown in FIG. 4, a user may engage the top surface of the body board, and use the first handle and second handle to rotate the paddlewheel, which is connected to the bottom surface of the body board.

In the embodiments described herein, the blades (109) of the paddlewheel (106) may be made from nylon, blown plastic, or other polymers suitable for an aquatic environment. The body board (101) may be made of any suitable materials used for floatation, including, but not limited to, foam, rubber, plastic and combinations thereof. The body board (101) may be shaped as shown in the figures, however the shape of the body board (101) may vary to accommodate different users.

The housing (110) may be constructed from a variety of materials suitable for use in an aquatic environment. Such materials include but are not limited to nylon, blown plastic, or other polymers suitable for an aquatic environment and combinations thereof.

The first handle (104) and second handle (105) may be constructed from a variety of materials suitable for use in an aquatic environment, including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, and hard plastic.

The above described handle-actuated aquatic devices provide flotation and support to a swimmer, while allowing the user to simulate a swimming stroke. By placing the paddlewheel beneath a body board configured to receive a portion of a user's body and by enclosing the paddlewheel in a housing, the above described handle-actuated devices provide a compact design that also prevents the rotating paddlewheel from striking the user or other persons around the user. As a result, the handle-actuated devices described above allow a user to simulate a swimming stroke with a device that is compact enough and safe to use in a swimming pool environment. Having different sizes of body boards, handles, and elongated rods, as well as different shapes of body boards and handles allows the above described handle-actuated aquatic devices to assist a variety of different users having different needs. Specifically, the size and shape of the components may be selected to cater to a user's specific needs, including accommodating a limited range of motion. Rehabilitation programs may need to serve patients of various sizes and various specific needs, and the versatility of the above described handle-actuated aquatic devices allows the devices to accommodate those needs.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Thus it is intended that the specification cover the modifications and variations of the various embodiments described herein provided such modification and variations come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising:

a paddlewheel;

a first handle operatively connected to the paddlewheel;

a second handle operatively connected to the paddlewheel;

a housing that encapsulates the paddlewheel; and

a body board frame that couples the housing to a buoyant body board.

2. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of openings.

3. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the first handle has an inner end operatively connected to the paddlewheel and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a user and is at least partially offset from the inner end; and

the second handle has an inner end operatively connected to the paddlewheel and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a user and is at least partially offset from the inner end.

4. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 3, wherein the inner end of the first handle and the inner end of the second handle share a common axis, and the outer end of the second handle is offset in a different direction than the outer end of the first handle.

5. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the buoyant body board has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the body board frame couples the housing to the bottom surface of the buoyant body board.

6. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 5, wherein the housing is coupled to the bottom surface of the body board by an elongated rod.

7. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 6, wherein the rod is configured such that the housing is rotatable relative to the body board frame.

8. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the paddlewheel comprises at least two blades.

9. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 8, wherein the blades are convex in shape.

10. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the first handle and second handle are operatively connected to the paddlewheel through a gearbox, wherein the gearbox transmits torque from the first handle and second handle to the paddlewheel such that the first handle and second handle rotate at a different rate than the paddlewheel.

11. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 1, wherein the body board frame comprises a loop to allow the body board frame to be tied to a stationary object.

12. A handle-actuated aquatic device comprising:

an axle;

a hub placed circumferentially around and operatively coupled to the axle;

a plurality of blades attached to and extending radially outward from the hub;

a first handle operatively connected to the axle;

a second handle operatively connected to the axle; and

a buoyant body board, wherein the buoyant body board has a top surface configured to engage a portion of a user's body, and a bottom surface opposite the top surface; and

a body board frame, wherein the body board frame couples the axle, hub, and plurality of blades to the bottom surface of the buoyant body board.

13. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein a housing encapsulates the axle, hub, and the plurality of blades.

14. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 13, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of openings.

15. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein the first handle has an inner end operatively connected to the axle and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a user and is at least partially offset from the inner end; and the second handle has an inner end operatively connected to the axle and an outer end opposite the inner end, wherein the outer end is configured as a grip for a user and is at least partially offset from the inner end.

16. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 15, wherein the inner end of the first handle and the inner end of the second handle share a common axis, and the outer end of the second handle is offset in a different direction than the outer end of the first handle.

17. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of blades are convex in shape.

18. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein the first handle and second handle are operatively connected to the axle through a gearbox, wherein the gearbox transmits torque from the first handle and second handle to the axle such that the first handle and second handle rotate at a different rate than the axle.

19. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 13, wherein the housing is coupled to the body board frame by an elongated rod.

20. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 19, wherein the rod is configured such that the housing is rotatable relative to the body board frame.

21. The handle-actuated aquatic device of claim 12, wherein the body board frame comprises a loop to allow the body board frame to be tied to a stationary object.