US-12623754-B2 - Swimming kickboard with adjustable flap and method of use

US12623754B2US 12623754 B2US12623754 B2US 12623754B2US-12623754-B2

Abstract

A swim training apparatus in the form of a swimming kickboard with an adjustable flap. The base of the kickboard is constructed from a buoyant material, providing ample support to the user in water. The adjustable flap attached to the base is adjusted using a means that allows for the user to customize the flap's position between 0 and 90 degrees. This feature adds variation to workouts as it changes water resistance and buoyancy levels experienced by the user. A locking mechanism secures the adjustable flap at the chosen angle. Additional features may include an integrated handle in the buoyant base, a textured surface on the base for enhanced grip and the ability to detach the adjustable flap for easy maintenance or replacement. The method of use involves selecting the desired angle, properly securing it, and proceeding with the swimming or exercise session. It also provides the option of adjusting the angle during the swimming session and offering convenient storage with a flat or compact configuration.

Inventors

Seena Tabibi
Nassim Banisaeed

Assignees

Seena Tabibi
Nassim Banisaeed

Dates

Publication Date: 20260512
Application Date: 20231114

Claims (19)

1 . A swimming kickboard, comprising: a buoyant base designed for user support in water; an adjustable flap attached to the base; and one or more hinges coupling the adjustable flap to the buoyant base, wherein the angle of the adjustable flap with respect to the kickboard base has a range of adjustability of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, offering varying degrees of resistance; and a handle integrated into the buoyant base.
2 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable flap comprises a rigid panel.
3 . The kickboard of claim 2 , wherein the adjustable flap is pivotally attached to the base.
4 . The kickboard of claim 3 , wherein the means for adjusting the angle of the adjustable flap, may comprise a locking mechanism that secures the adjustable flap at the user-selected angle relative to the kickboard base.
5 . The kickboard of claim 1 , further comprising a textured surface on the base to enhance grip during use.
6 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable flap is detachable and re-attachable including one of a tongue and groove fitting mechanism and subsequent sliding and secure attachment to the kickboard base-for easy use replacement, or maintenance.
7 . The kickboard of claim 1 , comprising a continuous hinge or a piano hinge to adjust a position of the adjustable flap.
8 . The kickboard of claim 1 , comprising corresponding magnets or other secure attachments on a base of the board and the flap to secure the adjustable flap to the board at a zero resistance setting.
9 . The kickboard of claim 1 , comprising flexible hinge(s) with multi-angle locking to adjust a position of the adjustable flap between 0 and ninety degrees (and including these two angles as well).
10 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the base or the flap is textured or smooth.
11 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the base or the flap comprises a material that is biofriendly, buoyant and reusable.
12 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the base or the flap comprises wood, including but not limited to Paulownia wood, or other materials including but not limited to EVA, HDPE, PVC or other plastics.
13 . A swimming kickboard, comprising: a buoyant base designed for user support in water; and an adjustable flap attached to the base; one or more hinges coupling the adjustable flap to the buoyant base, wherein the angle of the adjustable flap with respect to the kickboard base has a range of adjustability of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, offering varying degrees of resistance; and one or more handles placed on the sides, the front, the back of the base.
14 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the flap is positioned relative to the base with a range of angles from 0 to 90 degrees.
15 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the flap is positioned relative to the base with a range of angles from 90 to 180 degrees.
16 . The kickboard of claim 1 , wherein the flap is positioned relative to the base with a range of angles from 0 to 360 degrees.
17 . A method of using a swimming kickboard with a buoyant base designed for user support in water; an adjustable flap attached to the base; one or more hinges coupling the adjustable flap to the buoyant base, wherein the angle of the adjustable flap with respect to the kickboard base has a range of adjustability of 0 degrees to 90 degrees, offering varying degrees of resistance; and a handle, comprising: selecting an angle for the adjustable flap of the kickboard at 0 degrees, at 90 degrees and within the range between 0 degrees to 90 degrees; securing the adjustable flap at the selected angle; using the kickboard in a swimming or exercise session to vary resistance and buoyancy.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising adjusting the angle of the adjustable flap during the swimming or exercise session.
19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising storing the kickboard with the adjustable flap in a flat or compact configuration.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Swimming kickboards are commonly used training tools for swimmers to perfect their kicks and for water exercises. It allows swimmers to focus on their kicking technique and improve the strength of lower body muscles, particularly the legs. Traditional kickboards have a simple, flat design made from buoyant materials, and they serve to help the user float while they focus on their kicking technique. Swim training and water workout routines often involve different types of movements and exercises. Therefore, the fixed design of conventional kickboards can be restrictive. There is a desire for more versatile swimming aids that offer the ability to adjust and modify their function to cater to the variety of needs and preferences of different users. Furthermore, the typical kickboards are not always comfortable to use and may cause strain over time due to their one-size-fits-all design. A new kickboard design providing adjustable features would allow the user to customize the kickboard's orientation, thereby potentially improving comfort and effectiveness of swimming or exercising sessions in addition to challenging swimmers during different training sets. Thus, an adjustable swimming kickboard is proposed to overcome these limitations, potentially maximizing the benefits attained from swim training or aquatic workouts. Further, this new design includes the ability to adjust the kickboard's angle, enhancing its functionality and offering more varied options for its user. Adjusting the angle can change the resistance and buoyancy, allowing for a more customizable workout. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A swim training apparatus in the form of a swimming kickboard with an adjustable flap. The base of the kickboard is constructed from a buoyant material, providing ample support to the user in water. The adjustable flap attached to the base is adjusted using a means that allows for the user to customize the flap's position between 0 and 90 degrees. This feature adds variation to workouts as it changes water resistance and buoyancy levels experienced by the user. A locking mechanism secures the adjustable flap at the chosen angle. Additional features may include an integrated handle in the buoyant base, a textured surface on the base for enhanced grip and the ability to detach the adjustable flap for easy maintenance or replacement. The method of use involves selecting the desired angle, properly securing it, and proceeding with the swimming or exercise session. It also provides the option of adjusting the angle during the swimming session and offering convenient storage with a flat or compact configuration. Advantages of the invention may include one or more of the following: 1. Enhances water resistance and buoyancy levels during swimming sessions.2. Allows for versatility of exercises with adjustable angle positions.3. Offers convenient storage in a flat or compact configuration.4. Provides an integrated handle in the buoyant base for easy handling.5. Includes a textured surface on the base for enhanced grip.6. Allows for easy maintenance, maneuvering, and replacement of the adjustable flap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a kickboard with a water resistance flap. FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a kickboard with a water resistance flap. FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of a kickboard with a water resistance flap. FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of a kickboard with a water resistance flap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the following paragraphs, the present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the attached drawings. Throughout this description, the preferred embodiment and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the present invention. As used herein, the “present invention” refers to any one of the embodiments of the invention described herein, and any equivalents. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the “present invention” throughout this document does not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced feature(s). This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings, wherein such as reference numerals are used to refer to such elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodim