The present invention relates to training aids used for swimming, in

particular kickboards and pull buoys.

BACKGROUND ART

For many people who use swimming pools for lap swimming, swimming

training or learning to swim, a device such as a floating kickboard is used to hold in

front of the body to allow the isolation of the upper body so the person can propel

themself through the water by kicking the legs only. These kickboards are usually

square and cumbersome and non-hydrodynamically shaped.

Swimmers also use a peanut-shaped floating device to place between their

thighs which isolates their legs allowing the user to concentrate on arm stroke

correction. These devices can be uncomfortable and shaφ or small and non-floating.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to overcome or at least ameliorate the problems

associated with these prior art devices by providing a flotation device which can

function as a kickboard and a leg floating device in one.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a flotation device

having at least two generally elongate buoyant pontoons joined by a bridging portion

of reduced thickness relative to the thickness of said pontoons.

Preferably, said bridging portion is generally concave in section to provide

said reduced thickness. More preferably, said bridging portion is concavo-concave in

section. For preference, the pontoons are joined at one adjacent end by said bridging

portion extending partway along the length of said pontoons. Preferably, the device is

tapered towards said one end in both the vertical and horizontal planes.

In one preferred form of the invention, a "boomerang" or V-shaped flotation

device is formed by two opposing pontoons which taper in both the vertical and

horizontal planes to join at the front or nose of the device. The nose takes the shape of

a diminishing convex style where the pontoons meet and join together. The nose at

which the pontoons meet and diminish continues in the same shape along the inner

opposing sides of each pontoon to define a pair of opposed concave cavities extending

partway along each pontoon from the nose. This concavo-concave section bridging

portion allows the user ^' s thighs to fit snugly and comfortably when the device is

placed between the thighs. The device can be made from any suitable buoyant

material such as polystyrene foam, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acrylate) (EVA) or

polyethylene. It will be appreciated that other means could be used to provide

buoyancy, for example, air containing chambers and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of

example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a rear elevation view of the flotation device according to one

embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the flotation device of Figure 1

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the flotation device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 shows a front elevation view of the flotation device of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the flotation device of Figure 1 : and

Figures. 6(a) and (b) show the application of such a device by a user in the

two basic positions.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the flotation device 1 comprises two pontoons 2

and 3 meeting at a common tapered point 4 and joined by a bridging portion 5. The

taper continues part way down each inner opposed side of pontoons 2 and 3 to define a

pair of opposed concave cavities 6, 7 in each opposed side of the bridging portion 5.

The cavities 6 and 7 taper inwardly in width and depth towards the nose 4 of the

device as best shown in Figure 5. A pair of opposed depressions 8 are provided in the

upper and underside surfaces of each free end of the pontoons 2 and 3. These

depressions provide gripping means for the device in use. The device 1 is generally

symmetric about its vertical and horizontal central axes.

The device is typically moulded from a buoyant material, such as polystyrene

foam, in two symmetric sections about the horizontal axis and then joined by an

appropriate adhesive.

The device is ergonomically-shaped to be used in front of the body and to

create less drag or water resistance than conventional similar devices. Also when

placed between the thighs it offers maximum flotation and comfort and less resistance

for the user. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show the device in use as a pull buoy and

kickboard, respectively.