The present invention relates to a device and particularly but not exclusively to a device for providing an indication of the distance swam by a swimmer.

Swimming has become more popular over recent years and is the favoured exercise method, particularly amongst the elderly, given that the act of swimming does not impose any impact stress upon the joints within a person's body. As a person's swimming improves, it is common for swimmers to record the total distance swam during a particular swimming session to monitor their level of fitness. This can be difficult particularly during recreational swimming sessions in which children play within the pool, as it can be difficult to follow a structured training programme. As such, it is possible for swimmers to miscount the number of lengths of a swimming pool that they have swam.

I have now devised a device which alleviates the above mentioned problem.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a first aspect, there is provided a device for providing an indication of the number of units of distance swam by a swimmer, the device comprising means for incrementing the number of units of distance, wherein, the means for incrementing the number of units of distance is operated by the swimmer while swimming.

The swimmer can thus record the total distance swam during a particular swimming session by operating the means for incrementing the number of units while swimming, or for example on completion of a length of a swimming pool. At the end of the swimming session, the swimmer can then refer to the device which provides an accurate indication of the total distance swam.

Preferably, the device further comprises display means for displaying the number of units of distance.

Preferably, the means for incrementing the number of units of distance comprises a depressible section of the device. Preferably, the depressible section comprises the display means. The display means is preferably convex so that the swimmer can easily locate the display means to depress the display means and thus record the distance swam.

Preferably, the device comprises at least one strap for securing the device to a swimmer's wrist.

The device preferably comprises additional and/or alternative means for incrementing the number of units of distance. Preferably, the additional and/or alternative means comprises a strap that is secured at one end to the swimmers' finger and at the other end to the device. The strap preferably comprises sensing means for sensing the contact of the finger with the pool side, for example. The detection of the contact with the pool side is preferably communicated to the body 11 of the device 10 via a communication channel arranged within the strap.

The device preferably comprises further functionality. Preferably, the further functionality comprises at least one of a timer, heart rate monitor and conversion means for converting the units of distance to an alternative unit of distance.

Preferably, the further functionality is operated by the means for incrementing the number of units and/or at least one button.

Preferably, the device is waterproof.

In accordance with the present invention as seen from a second aspect, there is provided a wrist worn device for providing an indication of the number of units of distance swam by a swimmer, the device comprising display means for displaying the indication of the number of units, means for incrementing the number of units of distance and a strap for securing the device to a swimmer's wrist.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the device of the present invention;

Figure 2A is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 comprising a finger strap; Figure 2B is a magnified view of the port arranged at the side of the device of the present invention, through which the recordal strap is inserted; and,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the device of Figure 1 during use.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a device 10 for providing an indication of the number of units of distance swam by a swimmer. The device 10 comprises a body 1 1 and a pair of straps 12a, 12b which separately extend from opposite sides of the body 1 1 to secure the device to a person's wrist 13, for example.

The straps 12a, 12b may be secured to the body 11 or may be formed integrally with the body 1 1. One of the straps 12a comprises a plurality of apertures or serrations 14 disposed longitudinally and substantially centrally of the strap 12a and which are arranged to engage with cooperating projections 15 disposed at the distal end of the other strap 12b. The other strap 12b further comprises retaining loops 16 which extend around the other strap 12b and which are free to slide along the other strap. The loops 16 serve to secure the free end of strap 12a to strap 12b after it has been looped around a person's wrist 13.

The body 11 comprises a face 17 that is generally convex in form and comprises a display window 18 for displaying an indication of the distance swam by a swimmer. The face 17 may further comprise a solar panel 17a disposed substantially around the display window 18, for powering the device 10 and/or recharging a battery supply (not shown) of the device 10.

The display window 18 can be depressed into the face 17 and this action serves to advance the count of a counter (not shown) arranged with the body 1 1. The counter (not shown) is in communication with processing means (not shown) which may be configured to convert the count to a specific distance or from one particular unit of distance to another, for example number of lengths of a swimming pool to metres, or from metres to yards. The processing means (not shown) is also arranged to provide a timer function that is operated and displayed via the display window 18. For example, upon depressing the display window 18 into the face 17, the timer (not shown) may be arranged to start and by depressing the display window 18 a second time, the timer (not shown) may be arranged to stop. This additional functionality and the interchange between the functions are accessed by operating buttons 19a, 19b disposed on the periphery of the body 11.

Referring to Figure 2 of the drawings, the device 10 further comprises a port 20 arranged on the side of the body 1 1 , which is arranged to receive a plug 21 (as shown in Figure 2B) that is secured to one end of a finger strap 22. The opposite end of the finger strap 22 is secured to a finger pocket 23 which is arranged to fit over a person's finger 24. It is envisaged that the port 20 may be arranged on opposite sides of the body 1 1 so that the device 10 can be worn on either wrist and operated via the finger strap 22.

The plug 21 connects to the body 11 via the preferred port 20 (of which only one is shown in figure 2 of the drawings) and comprises a rubber type material to provide a water tight seal to the port 20. When not in use, the port or ports 20 may be closed by a closure 25, which may comprise a rubber seal, or similar.

The plug 21 further comprises connections (not shown) to operate the counter and the additional functionality within the body 1 1. The various functions are separately operated by a contact sensor (not shown) arranged within the finger pocket 23. For example, when the swimmer reaches the end of a length of the swimming pool and touches the pool side, the sensor will communicate this contact via the connections (not shown) arranged within the strap 22 to advance the count of the counter (not shown) or start and stop the timer, for example. The finger strap 22 and pocket 23 enable a swimmer to record the distance swam and/or the particular time without disrupting their swimming stroke, as would be necessary if they had to depress the display window 18. In this manner, the finger strap 22 and pocket 23 is particularly useful during races and periods of continuous swimming.

It is also envisaged that the contact sensor (not shown) may be arranged to detect a persons' pulse. In this respect, the processor (not shown) of the device 10 may comprise the additional function of a heart rate monitor. By selecting this operating mode using the appropriate buttons, for example buttons 19a, 19b, the sensor (not shown) arranged within the pocket 23 is arranged to detect the beating of a persons' heart as a pulse within the finger upon which the finger pocket 23 has been placed. The device 10 is then arranged to display the number of heart beats per minute on the display window 18.

At the end of a swimming session, the count or time or heart rate recorded by the device may be reset for further use, by depressing and holding the display window 18 within the face 17 for a predetermined time, for example.

From the foregoing therefore it is evident that the device of the present invention provides for a simple, yet versatile means of monitoring a persons' fitness.