VARIABLE BUOYANCY SWIMMING DEVICE

Abstract

A variable buoyancy swimming device and swim methodology for teaching beginner swimmers how to swim and achieve independent, non-supported swimming skill. The present device assists in teaching and learning swimming by providing stability in the water and variable buoyancy for learning swimmers. A back float with a belt attached to at least one additional float with a twist lock mechanism for easy buoyancy adjustment for swimmers who need buoyancy assistance. The removal of buoyant float pieces once the swimmer has achieved specific swim milestones and skills allows a safe transition based on skill development while providing buoyancy and safety under parent or coach supervision ultimately achieving the goal of an independent swimmer with proper technique in a methodical system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United States provisional patent application U.S. 63/506,958 filed 8 Jun. 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a variable buoyancy swimming device. The present device assists in teaching and learning swimming by providing stability in the water and variable buoyancy for learning swimmers.

BACKGROUND

Knowing how to swim and understanding water safety can save lives and is an important skill for people who live near water. However, learning how to swim can be terrifying for children as well as adults, and as such many people avoid learning how to swim. According to the World Health Organization (Global report on drowning: preventing a leading killer, 17 Nov. 2014) every hour of every day more than 40 people lose their lives to drowning. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths, with children and individuals with increased access to water most at risk of drowning. There are an estimated 236,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide, however global estimates may significantly underestimate the actual public health problem related to drowning. Teaching school-age children, teenagers, and adults basic swimming, water safety and safe rescue skills is an important step to reducing drowning deaths.

Providing access to swimming education can be challenging, as small children learning to swim often do not understand the risks and are unpredictable near water. As a lower ratio of students to instructor is required to ensure the safety of young swimmers in learn-to-swim classes, swimming classes can be more expensive. Teaching young children can also be very stressful for swim instructors, as the behavior of young children can vary from panic-stricken to hyperactive, both of which are a hazard near the water. A buoyant swimming device that is appropriate to a child's swimming level such that the child can learn to swim can provide some peace of mind to swimming instructors and parents, avert risk, and improve the learn-to-swim experience for all involved. Additionally, equipping children with swim level-appropriate buoyancy gear that positions the child in a proper swimming posture can enable more children to learn to swim, which may save their life in the future.

Various swimming devices have been designed to provide buoyancy for learning swimmers. In one example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,794B2 to Gonima et al. describes a buoyancy assistance kit including a belt for surrounding part of the trunk of a user and two armbands each including at least one element arranged so as to ensure a buoyancy assistance function. In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,987,545B2 to Harkins describes a wearable graduated-buoyancy swimming float apparatus for use by people learning to swim comprising a plurality of floats having a rounded shell shape and corresponding concave and convex opposing surfaces such that the floats are nestable and at least one strap, wherein at least some of the floats are configured to be threadable by the at least one strap to hold the floats together.

Reducing the stress around swimming lessons for children, teens, and adults, as well as instructors and parents, makes the learn-to-swim experience more pleasant, accessible, and fun. There remains a need for an easy-to-use, variable buoyancy swimming device where changing the buoyancy is quick, easy, safe and helps the learning swimmer to progress comfortably into being a swimmer.

This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a variable buoyancy swimming device that provides different buoyancy as a child is learning to swim and meets certain swim milestones. The present device assists in teaching and learning swimming by providing a learning swimmer with stability in the water and variable buoyancy while positioning the swimmer properly in the water so that they can comfortably become an independent swimmer. The methodical progression of the swimmer using the present swimming device allows floats to be removed in an orderly, safe fashion while simulating proper swim posture as the learning swimmer progresses from a more perpendicular or vertical posture to a parallel or more horizontal posture in the water. As buoyancy is gradually reduced, ultimately resulting in the swimming device being removed, the new swimmer can achieve total independence with supervised unassisted front swim in a supported swimming environment.

In an aspect of the present invention there is provided a variable buoyancy swimming device comprising: a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector; a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector.

In an embodiment of the swimming device, the back float comprises at least one flex aperture.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector comprises a bayonet mount.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, the bayonet mount comprises at least one complementary ball spring and spring lock.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, separation of the back float twist-lock connector from the middle float first twist-lock connector requires more torque than separation of the middle float second twist-lock connector and the outer float twist-lock connector.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, the back float further comprises at least one of a grommet and belt guide.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, each of the back float, middle float, and outer float have the same buoyancy.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, the back float comprises two buoyant wings.

In another embodiment, the swimming device further comprises more than one middle float, wherein the second side of a first middle float with a first twist-lock connector is reversibly engageable with the first side of a second middle float with a second twist-lock connector.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector is a quarter turn twist-lock connector.

In another embodiment of the swimming device, the back float, middle float, and outer float comprise a buoyant foam.

In another aspect there is provided a method of teaching swimming comprising: fitting a learning swimmer with a swimming device comprising: a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector; a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector; when the swimmer has completed a first set of milestones, removing the outer float by twisting the outer float relative to the middle float; when the swimmer has completed a second set of milestones, removing the middle float by twisting the middle float relative to the back float; when the swimmer has completed a third set of milestones, removing the back float by undoing the belt.

In an embodiment of the method, the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones are the same.

In another embodiment of the method, the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, or third set of milestones comprise a 20 m front swim.

In another embodiment of the method, during progression through the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones the swimmer progresses from a more vertical posture to a more horizontal posture in the water.

In another embodiment of the method, after the swimmer has completed the third set of milestones the swimmer is capable of independent swimming for at least 5 metres.

In another aspect there is provided a variable buoyancy swimming device comprising: a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector; a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; and an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector.

In an embodiment, the back float further comprises at least one of a grommet and belt guide.

In another embodiment, each of the back float and outer float have the same buoyancy.

In another embodiment, the back float comprises at least one flex aperture.

Embodiments of the present invention as recited herein may be combined in any combination or permutation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the present invention, as well as other aspects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be used in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate embodiments or aspects of the invention, where:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a swimming device;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a swimming device with attached outer, middle, and back floats;

FIG. 2B is a front view of a back float of a swimming device;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a swimming device through the float and mounting components;

FIG. 4 is a close-up side cross-sectional view of mounting components for a swimming device;

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a swimming device with detached floats;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the mounting components attached together;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device;

FIG. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting components for the outer float;

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting components for the middle float;

FIG. 8C is a side cross-sectional view of the mounting components for the back float;

FIG. 9 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device;

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the mounting components for the outer float;

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of the mounting components for the middle float;

FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the mounting components for the back float;

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device;

FIG. 12A is a side view of the top mount;

FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the top mount;

FIG. 13A is a top view of the bayonet guide;

FIG. 13B is a side view of the bayonet guide;

FIG. 13C is a front view of the bayonet guide;

FIG. 14A is a top view of the bayonet mount;

FIG. 14B is a side view of the bayonet mount;

FIG. 14C is a front view of the bayonet mount;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with attached back float, middle float, and outer float;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with attached back float and middle float;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with only the back float;

FIG. 18A is a front view of a swimming device with a detached belt; and

FIG. 18B is a rear view of a swimming device with a attached belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Working examples provided herein are considered to be non-limiting and merely for purposes of illustration.

As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The term “comprise” and any of its derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which it refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied. The term “comprising” as used herein will also be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional suitable items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or element(s) as appropriate.

As used herein, the terms “having,” “including” and “containing,” and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and/or method steps, and that that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional suitable items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or element(s) as appropriate. A composition, device, article, system, use, process, or method described herein as comprising certain elements and/or steps may also, in certain embodiments consist essentially of those elements and/or steps, and in other embodiments consist of those elements and/or steps and additional elements and/or steps, whether or not these embodiments are specifically referred to.

As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/−10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to. The recitation of ranges herein is intended to convey both the ranges and individual values falling within the ranges, to the same place value as the numerals used to denote the range, unless otherwise indicated herein.

The use of any examples or exemplary language, e.g. “such as”, “exemplary embodiment”, “illustrative embodiment” and “for example” is intended to illustrate or denote aspects, embodiments, variations, elements or features relating to the invention and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “connect” and “connected” refer to any direct or indirect physical association between elements or features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, these terms may be understood to denote elements or features that are partly or completely contained within one another, attached, coupled, disposed on, joined together, in communication with, operatively associated with, etc., even if there are other elements or features intervening between the elements or features described as being connected.

Herein is described a variable buoyancy swimming device and method of use thereof. The present device assists in teaching and learning swimming by providing stability in the water and variable buoyancy for learning swimmers. The swimming device is designed to provide variable buoyancy such that the swimmer can progress from a fully assisted buoyancy stage to a full swim progression stage where the swimming device is no longer needed, with minimal effort required to add or remove floats to adjust the buoyancy without requiring removal of the swimming device from the learning swimmer. By easily adding or removing buoyant components, the assistive buoyancy needs of the swimmer based on their swimming level can be accommodated during swimming. Because the back float that the swimmer is wearing remains the same, the swimmer may not even notice if the attached floats have been removed. A systematic swim methodology has also been developed based on the amount of buoyancy provided by the swimming device to progress a non-swimmer into an independent swimmer by gradually removing flotation as the swimmer's strength and skill improves and meets the specific swim milestones required to remove flotation pieces.

It has been found that a twist lock connector mechanism works well in reversibly connecting the floats of the present swimming device, however it is understood that a variety of twist lock connector mechanisms can be used in addition to the one exemplary connector shown. Some examples of twist lock connector mechanisms include but are not limited to bayonet mounts, spring latches, push-turn button mechanisms, and ball catches. In addition to or instead of the twist lock connector, other mechanical locking mechanisms that provide secure but reversible attachment of the floats together can also be used, including but not limited to one or more snap connection, friction fit connection, button lock, hasp latch, snap lock, chest latch, plunger latch, hinge pin, spring catch, spring-loaded toggle, and other spring-loaded or other mechanisms.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a swimming device according to the present invention. The swimming device has a back float 12 which is comfortably attached to a swimmer around a swimmer's chest or rib cage with a belt and clasp. The back float 12 is reversibly connected to a middle float 14, which is reversibly connected to an outer float 16. One middle float 14 is shown, however it is understood that the swimming device can have one or more middle floats, or no middle float at all such that the outer float 16 is connected to the back float 12. The connectors between the floats are any kind of reversible connectors, preferably bayonet-style connectors wherein turning of one float relative to the one it is attached to will connect or disconnect the two floats from one another. The buoyant material of each of the back float 12, middle float 14, and outer float 16, is a water-resistant, hydrophobic material, preferably a foam that is resistant to and resilient in water. Preferably the buoyant material is also hypo-allergenic and bacteria and mold resistant. An example of a suitable buoyant foam is a closed cell, cross-linked polyolefin block foam, made from, for example, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), vinyl acetate (VA), or polyethylene (PE). One foam that has been found to be useful in the present swimming device is EVAZOTE® manufactured by Zotefoams PLC. The connection between the floats can be a twist and lock system which allows the user a foolproof method of assembly, as each piece can be twisted and locked into place to adjust buoyancy while being stably connected during swimming. The design of each piece shown is symmetrical with no upside or downside, ensuring correct assembly. The float shapes shown are oval with the outer float 16 slightly smaller than the middle float 14, however it is understood that the floats can be made in any desired shape, including circular, polygonal shapes, and animal or vehicle shapes to appeal to young children, teens, and adults. Some animal shapes that the floats can be made to resemble are, for example, a whale, shark, turtle, dolphin, fish, octopus, beaver, otter, and duck. Other shapes that the swimming device can be made to resemble are a mermaid, merman, boat, scuba pack, sea monster, and fictional character.

FIG. 2A is a front view of a swimming device with attached outer, middle, and back floats. Back float 12 has, on each side where the back float 12 wraps around a child's rib cage or chest, a belt guide 20 and a grommet 22 for securing the back float 12 to a belt. The belt guide 20 and grommet 22 can be made of a resilient polymer and pressure fitted into apertures cut into the foam to secure the belt while protecting the foam from ripping, tearing, or other damage caused by movement of the belt relative to the back float 12. The belt guide 20 and grommet 22 also keep the belt securely in place on the back float 12. Middle float 14 is attached to the back float 12 with a turn and lock mechanism, and outer float 16 is attached to the middle float 14 with a turn and lock mechanism. The presently described connector system also provides for variable torque in the connection of the back float and middle float compared to the connection between the middle float 14 and the outer float 16 such that torque applied to the outer float 16 when the swimming device is fully connected will only turn the outer float 16 relative to the middle float 14 and leave the locked connection between the middle float 14 and back float 12 intact.

FIG. 2B is a front view of a back float 12 of a swimming device with the middle float and outer float removed. The back float 12 comprises wings 18a, 18b which are able to securely shape around the swimmer's rib cage when the belt is fastened. In use, the back float 12 is positioned on a swimmer's back, and wings 18a, 18b are curved around the swimmer's rib cage preferably below the pectoral muscles chest when the belt is tightened and the swimming device secured. Grommets 22a, 22b are apertures in the back float 12 preferably fitted with a resilient material to allow the belt to pass through the aperture while protecting the float material from abrasion from the belt. Optional belt guides 20a, 20b further provide an aperture to receive the belt to properly position the wings of the back float 12 around the swimmer's chest while limiting movement of the belt relative to the back float 12.

When the belt is positioned around the rib cage of a swimmer, preferably below the pectoral muscles on the upper middle part of the stomach or chest, the belt preferably using a clip or buckle system, the wings 18a, 18b of the back float 12 will curve around the sides of the swimmer's rib cage. Flex apertures 28a, 28b in the back float 12 guide the curving of the back float into a C-shape and prevent flex damage of the back float material during flexing. A bayonet mount is one preferable type of twist and turn lock used in the present swimming device. A bayonet mount is a method of mechanical attachment or fastening mechanism or device consisting of a cylindrical male side, also referred to as a stem, with one or more radial locking pins or claws, and a female receptor with one or more matching slots for receiving the pin or claw, with one or more spring device to keep the two parts locked together. There are a wide variety of bayonet mount mechanisms known, and all perform a twist and lock function, which is the preferred connection between floats in the present swimming device. Bayonet guide 32 is shown as one example of the female part of a twist and turn bayonet mount on the back float 12. Alignment of a mating bayonet guide with a step matching the receiving aperture of the bayonet guide 32 on a connecting float, such as a middle float or outer float, can be used to reversibly connect a float to the back float 12. Directionality of the alignment of the mating bayonet stem is shown with arrows on the bayonet guide 32.

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of a swimming device through the float and mounting components through axis A-A′ in FIG. 2A. The swimming device shown has a back float 12, attached middle float 14, and attached outer float 16. The floats are each comprised of a buoyant material and attached to one another using a bayonet mount mechanism as previously described. Belt guides 20a, 20b and grommets 22a, 22b are also shown on back float 12 are also shown. The outline of the buoyant material component of each of the back float 12, attached middle float 14, and attached outer float 16 is shown. In the design shown, which is only one design of the present swimming device, the back float 12 is thinner than the middle float 14, which is thinner yet than the outer float 16. The volume of buoyant material for each of the float components is preferably the same, such that the buoyancy provided by each float individually is approximately the same. The bayonet mount can also be designed to accommodate variable thicknesses for each float to limit the number of mounting pieces required for manufacturing. A bayonet mount with different possible configurations for linkages can enable variable linkages through the mounting pieces for providing secure attachment of the mounting pieces to the buoyant material of the floats in addition to variable locking mechanisms in the bayonet mounting components based on positioning of each mounting piece relating to one another. In the presently illustrated design, varying the float thickness enables a bayonet mount design that provides a lower locking torque between the outer float 16 and middle float 14 compared to the locking torque between the middle float 14 and the back float 12 to facilitate attachment and removal of floats from the swimming device.

FIG. 4 is a close-up side cross-sectional view of the mounting components for a swimming device in area B of FIG. 3. Bayonet mount mounting components are provided as one example of the construction of a swimming device, however it is understood that various other configurations of twist and lock mechanisms are possible. Back float 12 is shown connected to middle float 14, which is connected to outer float 16. The mounting mechanism illustrated employs a bayonet mount style twist and lock system. Shown are bayonet guides 32a, 32b which comprise a receiving aperture for receiving a stem or protrusion on bayonet mount 34a, 34b. As shown, the twist and lock connection between outer float 16 and middle float 14 is achieved between bayonet mount 34a which is on outer float 16 and bayonet guide 32a which is on middle float 14. It is understood that the reverse configuration is also workable, with the bayonet mount on the middle float 14 and the bayonet guide on the outer float 16. Also shown is a twist and lock connection between middle float 14 and back float 12, which is achieved between bayonet mount 34b which is on middle float 14 and bayonet guide 32b which is on back float 12. Any combination of twist and lock mechanism to provide easy and reversible connection of the floats is conceivable with the present swimming device.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of a swimming device with detached floats. Back float 12, middle float 14, and outer float 16 can be easily detached using a twist and lock mechanism to provide variable buoyancy for a swimmer. Bayonet guides 32a, 32b on back float 12 and middle float 14, respectively, are shown as the locations of attachment of each float to the next. The belt for attaching the back float 12 around the chest of a swimmer is not shown, however it is understood that the belt can be any type of flat webbing or strip of material that is comfortable for wearing with little or no stretch in the water. Some suitable belt materials are woven materials made of nylon, polypropylene or polyester.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the mounting components attached together. The buoyant material is not shown so that the positioning of the example twist and lock mechanism can be illustrated. Axis C-C′ is referred to as the horizontal axis and D-D′ is referred to as the vertical axis solely for the purpose of illustration, though it is understood that twisting of each mounting mechanism will change the relative location of the axis to the back float and belt.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device through axis C-C′ in FIG. 6. The mounting components are shown in a connected configuration where each twist and lock bayonet mount are in their connected and locked position. To reduce manufacturing costs the exemplary design shown provides three separate parts that can be connected together in a number of ways to create the twist and lock configuration desired for the present swimming device. With three components, specifically a top mount, a bayonet guide, and a bayonet mount, only three moulds are required to assemble the present swimming device as shown. It is understood that different types and configurations of mounting components can be used and the present example provides only one configuration of many possible twist and lock mechanisms. The buoyant material of each float is not shown for the purposes of illustrating the mounting components and twist and locking mechanism between each float. Top mounts 30a, 30b interconnect with bayonet guides 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d and bayonet mounts 34a, 34b to create a three-float swimming device where each of the three floats can be disconnected via a twist and lock mechanism. Outer float mounting components 70 (when connected together) form a twist and lock connection with middle float mounting components 72 (when connected together), which in turn form a twist and lock connection with back float mounting components 74 (when connected together). The mounting components are preferably manufactured from a resilient but strong polymer, thermoplastic, or plastic that can be 3-D printed, machined, or moulded to provide strength, stiffness, and durable, long-lasting parts. Preferred polymers include but are limited to nylon, acetal copolymers, acetal homopolymers or polyoxymethylene such as Delrin®, polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET-P), and polyketone polymers (PK). Each set of mounting components is assembled and attached to the buoyant material of the float through the hole in the buoyant material to provide a secure attachment of the mounting components to the buoyant material. Preferably, the resilient foam or buoyant material of each float will be slightly compressed by the mounting components such that the mounting components engage securely with the buoyant material. Preferably the hole and mounting components are configured to provide a pressure and/or friction fit, or shape orientation to prevent rotation of the buoyant material relative to the mounting components once secured.

FIG. 8A is a side cross-sectional view of the outer float mounting components 70 through axis C-C″ in FIG. 6. Top mount 30 comprises top mount clip 38 which fits securely into bayonet guide slit 48 of bayonet guide 32. The outer float mounting components 70 are received in a hole or aperture in the buoyant material or buoyant foam of the outer float. Bayonet guide 32 can be securely connected to bayonet mount 34 by the attachment of bayonet guide clip 46 on bayonet guide 32 into bayonet slit 58 of bayonet mount 34 through the hole or aperture in the buoyant material of the outer float. When bayonet guide 32 is connected to bayonet mount 34 by engagement of bayonet guide clip 46 on bayonet guide 32 to bayonet slit 58 on bayonet mount 34 and bayonet clip 60 on bayonet mount 34 to bayonet guide slit 48 on bayonet guide 32 through the hole in the buoyant material of the outer float, the resilient foam or buoyant material of the outer float will be slightly compressed such that the mounting components engage securely with the buoyant material. The outer surface of the outer float (top) has a flat surface which is the top of top mount 30, and bottom surface with a bayonet stem 50 and bayonet claws 52a, 52b for engaging with a bayonet guide on the middle float or back float.

FIG. 8B is a side cross-sectional view of the middle float mounting components 72 through axis C-C′ in FIG. 6. Bayonet guide 32, which is configured to receive the bayonet stem from the bayonet mount in the outer float, securely attaches to bayonet mount 34 through the hole in the buoyant material of the middle float. Secure attachment of the bayonet guide 32 to bayonet mount 34 is achieved by connection of bayonet guide clip 46 on bayonet guide 32 to bayonet slit 58 on bayonet mount 34 and bayonet guide slit 48 on bayonet guide 32 to bayonet clip 60 on bayonet mount 34. The top surface of the middle float has a receiving aperture which is the top of bayonet guide 32 to receive the bayonet stem from the bottom surface of the outer float, and a bottom surface with a bayonet stem 50 and bayonet claws 52a, 52b for engaging with the receiving aperture on a bayonet guide on the outer surface of the back float.

FIG. 8C is a side cross-sectional view of the back float mounting components 74 through axis C-C′ in FIG. 6. The back float mounting components 74 illustrated are comprised of a top mount 30, a first bayonet guide 32a, and a second bayonet guide 32b. First bayonet guide clip 46a of first bayonet guide 32a engages with second bayonet guide slit 48b on second bayonet guide 32b, and second bayonet guide clip 46b of second bayonet guide 32b engages with first bayonet guide slit 48a on first bayonet guide 32a. Top mount clip 38 on top mount 30 further engages with third bayonet guide slit 48c on second bayonet guide 32b to form a solid surface which is on the surface of the back float adjacent the swimmer's back. It is understood that the first bayonet guide 32a and the second bayonet guide 32b can but need not be identical, and could differ for example in height.

FIG. 9 is an isometric cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device through axis D-D′ in FIG. 6. Illustrated are outer float mounting components 70, middle float mounting components 72, and back float mounting components 74, which are illustrative of one example twist lock mechanism which can be used in the present swimming device. Outer float mounting components 70 are comprised of top mount 30a, bayonet guide 32a, bayonet mount 34a; middle float mounting components 72 are comprised of bayonet guide 32b and bayonet mount 34b; and back float mounting components 74 are comprised of bayonet guide 32c, bayonet guide 32d turned upside down relative to 32c, and top mount 30b.

FIG. 10A is an isometric view of the outer float mounting components 70 connected together.

FIG. 10B is an isometric view of the middle float mounting components 72 connected together.

FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the back float mounting components 74 connected together.

FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the attached mounting components of the swimming device through axis D-D′ in FIG. 6. Outer float mounting components 70 are comprised of top mount 30a, bayonet guide 32a, bayonet mount 34a; middle float mounting components 72 are comprised of bayonet guide 32b and bayonet mount 34b; and back float mounting components 74 are comprised of bayonet guide 32c, bayonet guide 32d turned upside down relative to 32c, and top mount 30b. Shown are the outer float mounting components 70, middle float mounting components 72, and back float mounting components 74 connected together in a twist lock configuration, which is the configuration shown in FIG. 1 with all three floats reversibly attached together. The combination of ball spring 56 on bayonet mount 34a (on the outer float mounting components 70) and spring lock 44 on bayonet guide 32b (middle float mounting components 72) form a reversible locking mechanism to reversibly secure the outer float to the middle float when the bayonet mechanism is turned into place. Spring lock 44 is a divot or mating component that receives the ball spring 56 on the bayonet mount. The ball spring illustrated is a leaf spring biased in a closed configuration but sufficiently resilient to move up as the claws of the bayonet mount turn against the bayonet guide before locking. Once the ball spring 56 and spring lock 44 are aligned, the mating of these components secures the two floats together until torque is applied in the opposite direction to release the ball spring 56 from the spring lock 44. In the present design, a quarter turn of the bayonet mount and step relative to the bayonet guide will release and enable separation of the floats. Similarly, engagement of the floats is achieved with alignment of one bayonet mount to a mating bayonet guide, and performing a quarter turn in the locking direction of the floats relative to one another to engage the ball spring 56 and spring lock 44. The reversible twist locking mechanism connecting the middle float to the back float has the same ball spring 56 and spring lock 44 twist lock mechanism, and optionally an additional locking mechanism which uses protrusion 54 on the bayonet stem of bayonet mount 34b. In this secondary twist lock mechanism, protrusion 54 on bayonet mount 34b, which is biased in a closed configuration, is able to widen when turned against a non-circular engagement feature in top mount 30b to engage with one or more top mount notch 36 which receives the protrusion 54 on bayonet mount 34b. The protrusion 54 on bayonet mount 34b is pushed out of the way during twisting engagement of the middle float to the back float and top mount notch 36 provides an additional twist locking mechanism. This dual twist locking mechanism on the connection between middle float to the back float means that more torque is required to remove the middle float from the back float than is required to remove the outer float from the middle float. In use, when a swimmer has all of back float, middle float and outer float worn, a simple twist on the outer float will enable disconnection and removal of the outer float from the middle float while the connection between the middle float and the back float remains intact.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the top mount 30 showing top mount notch 36 which can receive a protrusion on bayonet mount to enable a secondary twist-lock mating connection, and top mount clips 38a, 38b.

FIG. 12B is a bottom view of the top mount 30 showing top mount notch 36 to receive protrusion on bayonet mount and top mount clips 38a, 38b.

FIG. 13A is a top view of the bayonet guide 32 showing receiving aperture 40, which is preferably non-round to encourage correct alignment of a received bayonet stem and claws prior to twisting engagement. In the example case shown, bayonet notch 42 receives a protruding claw on the mating bayonet stem. Spring lock 44 is designed to receive a resilient ball spring on a bayonet mount to provide the locking engagement of the bayonet stem in the bayonet guide 32. Arrows show the turning directionality to engage a bayonet mount into the receiving aperture 40 of bayonet guide 32.

FIG. 13B is a side view of a bayonet guide 32 with bayonet guide clip 46 and bayonet guide slits 48a, 48b.

FIG. 13C is a front view of the bayonet guide 32 showing bayonet guide slits 48a, 48b.

FIG. 14A is a top view of the bayonet mount 34 with stem 50 and bayonet claws 52a, 52b, which are preferably beveled for sliding engagement into a bayonet guide. Protrusions 54a, 54b, are resilient and biased closed but able to widen without breaking when turned to provide a secondary twist-lock mechanism. Ball springs 56a, 56b act as leaf springs and are also resilient when pressure is applied. When engaged with a matching spring lock on a bayonet guide the ball spring creates a first twist-lock mechanism as presently described.

FIG. 14B is a side view of a bayonet mount 34 with stem 50 and bayonet claws 52a, 52b. Bayonet slits 58a, 58b are capable of engaging with clip type components in the present design. Bayonet clip 60 is capable of engaging with slit type components in the present design.

FIG. 14C is a front view of the bayonet mount 34 with stem 50 and bayonet claw 52. Protruding but resilient ball spring 56a, 56b are shown. Bayonet slits 58a, 58b are capable of engaging with clip type components in the present design.

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with attached back float, middle float, and outer float. To advance a non-swimmer to being able to swim independently, in a final milestone of completing a learn to swim curriculum a beginner swimmer, in use of the present device, can learn to swim for at least about 5 metres independently with parent or coach supervision. To achieve this milestone, a non-swimmer is equipped with the present device such that they are supported in the water and can begin to develop skills for swimming, with buoyancy support from the device. The device is attached with the belt secured around the rib cage of the swimmer, below the pectoral muscles, with the buoyant floats positioned at the center of the swimmer's back. As shown, in a first configuration of the device the two detachable buoyant floats along with the back float are securely attached together with twist-lock connectors, and the belt, which is attached to the back float, is secured around the swimmer's chest.

At Step 1 of a method of teaching swimming using the present variable buoyancy swimming device as shown in FIG. 15, the swimmer enters the water and is buoyant and can float while the swimming device system is comfortable and secure around the torso of the swimmer. At this Step all three floats are connected and the swimmer is provided with a high buoyancy swimming assist. The body position of the swimmer is more vertical because of the buoyancy of the swimming device. The swimmer can now begin learning to swim, with instructors, parents, and swimmer feeling secure that they are well supported in the water. A first set of stroke techniques can be taught to the swimmer while the swimmer is wearing the complete swimming device. These stroke technique can include but are not limited to flutter kick, scooping, chin position, and bum position. In flutter kick the swimmer should have straight legs, knees together, toes pointed, and is encouraged to achieve a continuous flutter kick with splashes on top of water. In scooping the swimmer is encouraged to position their hand with fingers together, have full arm extension forward, pull back their hand to their chin, and perform continuous scooping one arm at a time. In chin positioning, the swimmer is encouraged to position their chin on the surface of the water and have their eyes looking forward. In bum positioning, the swimmer is encouraged to keep their bum up and on the surface of the water. A first set of swimming milestones is presented to the swimmer and the milestones are encouraged, understanding that each learning swimmer will progress at their own pace and in their own time. Once the swimmer can pass the first set of milestones they are ready for the next step of swimming independence. In an example, a first set of milestones can be:

• • 1. 20 m front swim continuously, without stopping, optionally at least three times with a break in between each time
  • 2. Flutter kick must have straight legs, knees together, toes pointed and continuous flutter kicking
  • 3. Hand scooping technique must have fingers together, full arm extension, pull back to chin, and continuous scooping
  • 4. Chin on the surface of the water
  • 5. Bum must be on the surface

One suggested test milestone for the beginner swimmer at Step 1 is 20 m with proper hand scooping and flutter kick with splashes on top of the water while wearing the full swimming device. Once all of the milestones for the first swimming step have been achieved then the beginner swimmer is ready to have the outer float removed. At that point the buoyancy support will be reduced, and the learning swimmer will be encouraged to do the same set of milestones again, but with less buoyancy support.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with attached back float and middle float. The intermediate beginner swimmer in Step 2 of learning to swim has had the outer float removed as they have demonstrated the requirements to pass the first swimming milestone in Step 1 and are more comfortable in the water. Once the outer float is removed the body position of the beginner swimmer is more horizontal in the water and their face is closer to the water in a more optimal swimming position. In the case where the back float, middle float, and outer float have about the same buoyancy, approximately one third of the buoyancy has been removed by removing the outer float. The swimmer needs to complete the same milestone requirements as Step 1, except now has one fewer float to depend on, or a third less buoyancy. In addition, the swimmer's positioning is more parallel to the water due to the removal of the outer float. As the beginner swimmer is taught the proper techniques for flutter kick, scooping, chin in water, and bum positioning, they start to swim with fewer parts than the full swimming device system. A second set of milestones for Step 2 of learning to swim independently can include:

• • 1. 20 m front swim
  • 2. Flutter kick must have straight legs, knees together, toes pointed & continuous flutter kicking
  • 3. Hand scooping technique must have fingers together, full arm extension, pull back to chin & continuous scooping
  • 4. Chin on the surface of the water
  • 5. Bum must be on the surface
    One suggested test milestone for passing Step 2 is a 20 m swim with proper hand scooping and kicking and comfort in deep water or at the deep end of a pool. Once the swimmer has completed the same milestones with the middle float and back float connected the middle float can be removed.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a beginner swimmer wearing the swimming device with only the back float. In Step 3 of learning to swim, only the back float of the swimming device remains and about two thirds of the buoyancy has been removed by removing the outer and middle floats. The beginner swimmer is now positioned more parallel to water, closely simulating an independent swimmer's proper positioning. A third set of milestones for Step 3 of learning to swim independently with only the back float can include the same set of milestones as Steps 1 and 2, however the swimmer has much less buoyancy assistance than before. These can include, for example:

• • 1. 20 m front swim
  • 2. Flutter kick must have straight legs, knees together, toes pointed and continuous flutter kicking
  • 3. Hand scooping technique must have fingers together, full arm extension, pull back to chin and continuous scooping
  • 4. Chin on the surface of the water
  • 5. Bum must be on the surface
    One suggested test milestone for Step 3 is a 20 m swim with proper technique with minimal stops. Once the final milestone is achieved with just the back float and belt, the entire swimming device can be removed. At this point the beginner swimmer should be able to swim unassisted and independently on their front for at least 5 metres without the assistive swimming device and the beginner swimmer can advance to the next swimming level. This last stage is accomplished with parental or coach supervision. By completing this three-step swimming device system methodology the swimmer will now be able to swim for at least 5 metres unassisted front swim with parental or coach supervision. Preferably, the swim milestones are the same for each swimming device configuration, which means that the only thing that changes for the swimmer is the buoyancy and posture, which is adjusted upon completion of a set of milestones by removal of the outermost float. Other than that, the swimmer's feeling of being supported by the back float remains exactly the same through the learn-to-swim process. This decreases anxiety around swimming as there is no change in the fit of the back float around the chest during the learn-to-swim process. This safe, supervised and structured methodology allows the swimmer to progress at their own pace, ultimately developing the skill set to move from supported flotation in a learn-to-swim posture to independent swimmer.

FIG. 18A is a front view of a swimming device 2 with a detached belt 24. Components for the present swimming device should preferably be selected to be comfortable for wearing, hypoallergenic, and resilient to mold and chemicals typically used in pools. The components of the present swimming device may also be surface-treated or embedded with antibacterial and anti-mold compounds to increase the lifetime of performance of the swimming device. Shown are attached back float 12, middle float 14, and outer float 16 with belt guide 20 and grommet 22 supporting the attachment of the belt 24 to the back float 12.

It is clear that the present swimming device could be configured using various arrangements (including omission of any element or elements) of back float, one or more middle floats, and outer float to support learning of different aspects or styles of swimming more generally, in both progressive non-progressive systems. This swimming device could also be held or worn differently, with or without a belt, to achieve specific training and learning goals.

FIG. 18B is a rear view of a swimming device with an attached belt 24. Back float 12 is shown with flex apertures 28a, 28b which assist the curvature of back float 12 around the chest of a swimmer while protecting the resilient buoyant material of the back float 12. Belt clasp 26 secures the belt comfortably around the chest of a swimmer.

It is contemplated that different sizes of swimming devices with different amounts of foam and therefore variable amounts of buoyancy can be used to accommodate different sizes and ages of beginner swimmers. Sizing from small children (over 6 months of age) all the way through adult can be accommodated using the present swimming device by changing the float foam density and/or size and shape of each of the floats to accommodate a range of body sizes and weights. Additionally, anyone who requires buoyancy assistance to get in the water can be fitted with a swimming device that gives them a comfortable amount of buoyancy and appropriate vertical positioning in the water as an assistive swimming device, providing a safe and secure buoyancy assist to anyone who needs buoyancy assistance while swimming.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains and are herein incorporated by reference. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A variable buoyancy swimming device comprising:

a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector;

a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp;

a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and

an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the back float comprises at least one flex aperture.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector comprises a bayonet mount.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the bayonet mount comprises at least one complementary ball spring and spring lock.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein separation of the back float twist-lock connector from the middle float first twist-lock connector requires more torque than separation of the middle float second twist-lock connector and the outer float twist-lock connector.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the back float further comprises at least one of a grommet and belt guide.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the back float, middle float, and outer float have the same buoyancy.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the back float comprises two buoyant wings.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising more than one middle float, wherein the second side of a first middle float with a first twist-lock connector is reversibly engageable with the first side of a second middle float with a second twist-lock connector.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the back float twist-lock connector and middle float first twist-lock connector, and middle float second twist-lock connector and outer float twist-lock connector is a quarter turn twist-lock connector.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the back float, middle float, and outer float comprise a buoyant foam.

12. A method of teaching swimming comprising:

fitting a learning swimmer with a swimming device comprising: a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector; a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; a middle float comprising a first side with a middle float first twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector and a second side with a middle float second twist-lock connector; and an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the middle float second twist-lock connector;

when the swimmer has completed a first set of milestones, removing the outer float by twisting the outer float relative to the middle float;

when the swimmer has completed a second set of milestones, removing the middle float by twisting the middle float relative to the back float;

when the swimmer has completed a third set of milestones, removing the back float by undoing the belt.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones are the same.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, or third set of milestones comprise a 20 m front swim.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein during progression through the first set of milestones, second set of milestones, and third set of milestones the swimmer progresses from a more vertical posture to a more horizontal posture in the water.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein after the swimmer has completed the third set of milestones the swimmer is capable of independent swimming for at least 5 metres.

17. A variable buoyancy swimming device comprising:

a back float comprising a back float twist-lock connector;

a belt secured to the back float comprising a belt clasp; and

an outer float comprising an outer float twist-lock connector reversibly engageable with the back float twist-lock connector.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the back float further comprise at least one of a grommet and belt guide.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein each of the back float and outer float have the same buoyancy.

20. The device of claim 17, wherein the back float comprises at least one flex aperture.