Swimmer's training method

Details Swimmer's training method Swimmer's training method

1997-07-07

2001-04-10

Richman, Glenn E. (Department: 3764)

Exercise devices

Having specific electrical feature

Pace setting indicator

C434S247000, C434S254000, C368S010000, C368S107000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06213917

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to training methods and more particularly to a method for improving a swimmer's performance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Small changes in form or movement, such as changes in the angle of a hand or the movement of a head can significantly reduce the swimmer's speed and increase fatigue. Heretofore, only lap counters and timing devices such as stop watches have been used for evaluating a swimmer's performance. The effects of small changes in form and movement have either been overlooked or not been readily detectable by either the swimmer or an observer such as a coach. Consequently, there was no way for the swimmer to know, while swimming, whether a specific change in his swimming technique increased or decreased his speed.
Linden, U.S. Pat. No. 4,796,987; Kreutzfeld, U.S. Pat. No. 4,823,367; and Malone, U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,085 are exemplary of the prior art. Linden merely discloses a stop watch mounted in a transparent lens of a goggle, mask, or shield worn by a swimmer. The stop watch reset button is manually activated by the swimmer before the swimmer starts swimming and after the swimmer stops swimming.
Kreutzfeld discloses an apparatus for counting the number of laps of a swimmer comprised of a portable unit worn by the swimmer and a stationary unit which establishes a zone of detection. Each time the portable unit passes the stationary unit a signal is conveyed to register a completion of a lap.
Malone discloses a lap timing device consisting of a clock/timer, a switch for starting the clock/timer and a proximity sensor for detecting a completion of a lap.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A principal object of the present invention is to enable a swimmer to immediately determine, while swimming, whether small changes in form and/or movement have improved or deteriorated his swimming performance. Another object is to provide a portable training apparatus which can be attached to a swimmer.
These objects are accomplished by attaching a compact module to a mid portion of a swimmer which transmits a train of audio signals to the swimmer that vary directly in frequency with the swimmer's speed. The invention resides in novel steps which individually and collectively contribute to its ability to immediately inform a swimmer of the effects of changes in his form and/or movements and thus enable him to optimize his technique.
One characteristic feature of the invention is that an audio signal is used to inform a swimmer of whether his speed has increased or decreased. Another characteristic feature is that a compact module is attached to the swimmer for monitoring the swimmer's performance.
Another feature of the invention is that the module is automatically activated when it is immersed in water and deactivated when it is taken out of the water. Another feature of the invention is that the module can be re-positioned on a swimmer to accommodate different swimming strokes.
In a first form of the module, a propeller rotates about an axis which is aligned with the path of the swimmer. A permanent magnet driven by the propeller produces rotating magnetic field which acts on a magnetic field transducer, such as a Hall effect or magneto-resistive transducer to produce a pulsating signal whose frequency varies directly with the swimmer's speed. The sensor's output is multiplied, amplified and fed to an earphone worn by the swimmer. Changes in frequency immediately inform the swimmer of whether his performance has improved or deteriorated.
In a second form of the module, permanent magnets are driven by an impeller which rotates about a horizontal axis which is at right angles to the path of the swimmer. Rotating magnetic fields of the magnet act on a magnetic field sensor.
Further objects, benefits and features of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing detailed description and drawings which disclose the invention. The property in which exclusive rights are claimed is set forth in each of the numbered claims at the conclusion of the detailed description.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4780085 (1988-10-01), Malone
patent: 4796987 (1989-01-01), Linden
patent: 4823367 (1989-04-01), Kreutzfeld
patent: 5585871 (1996-12-01), Linden
patent: 5600730 (1997-02-01), Kenning et al.
patent: 5921890 (1999-07-01), Miley

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