Dual-wedge swim platform with rotating handlebars

Abstract

A swim platform with a higher level of performance offered by an increase in the horizontal velocity and force off of the swim platform, thus enabling the athlete to enter the water further from the start. The athlete having full control over adjustments can create an optimal setup for their specifications.

Claims

1. A swim platform comprising: a top surface operable to support a swimmer above the water and having a center axis; a first wedge removably attachable to the top surface and adjustable along the length of the center axis of the top surface; a second wedge removably attachable to the top surface and adjustable along the length of the center axis of the top surface independent of the adjustment of the first wedge; and at least one handlebar mounted to the top surface and adjustable between a first position wherein the handlebar is generally parallel to the center axis and a second position wherein the handlebar defines an acute angle relative to the center axis; said handlebar being lockable in the first position but moveable when in the second position.

2. The swim platform of claim 1, wherein the wedges are generally triangular in shape and form an obtuse angle with the top surface.

3. The swim platform of claim 2 wherein the internal acute angle of the wedges are within a range of 20 degrees and 60 degrees.

4. The swim platform of claim 1, wherein the acute angle of the handlebar is within a range of 45 degrees and 75 degrees.

5. The swim platform of claim 1, further comprising a second handlebar mounted to the top surface and adjustable between a first position wherein the second handlebar is generally parallel to the center axis and a second position wherein the second handlebar defines an acute angle relative to the center axis.

6. The swim platform of claim 1, wherein the first and second wedges are independent and are interchangeable with each other.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the present technology are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swim platform in accordance with the present invention. Handlebars are shown in an inward, free-moving, position. Two wedges are shown in a configuration that would likely be used by an athlete who is dominant in the right foot. A base frame is shown with the swim platform and is shown supporting the platform.

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the swim platform illustrated in FIG. 1 with the handlebars shown in a forward, locked, position, parallel to the center axis of the swim platform. The two wedges are shown in a configuration that would likely be used by an athlete who is dominant in the left foot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(4) One embodiment of an improved swim platform (1) is shown in FIG. 1 and includes a top surface (2), a first wedge (3), a second wedge (4), and handlebars (5) and (6). The top surface 2 is operable to support a swimmer above the water and having a center axis (7). The first wedge 3 is removably attachable to the top surface 2 and adjustable along the length of the center axis 7 of the top surface 2. The second wedge 4 is removably attachable to the top surface 2 and adjustable along the length of the center axis 7 of the top surface 2. The first wedge 3 and the second wedge 4 can be locked in a single position, such as the front, middle, back, or anywhere in between, but unlocked to adjust to a different position along the swim platform 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the first wedge 3 is in a front position, while the second wedge 4 is in a middle position on the swim platform 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the first wedge 3 is in a middle position, while the second wedge 4 is in a front position on the swim platform 1. The first wedge 3 and the second wedge 4 are interchangeable with the other. The angle of the first wedge 3 and the second wedge 4 are restricted to an angle with the range of 20 degrees and 60 degrees and supported along the slope of the platform 1, generally at 10 degrees as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(5) The top surface 2, the first wedge 3, and the second wedge 4 can be made of metal like aluminum or steel, strong plastic, plywood, or other materials with low flexibility. The material of the top surface 2 is to be made of or applied with a non-slip surface (10) similar to grip tape, 80 grit sandpaper, or rough plastic, similar to a running track surface. The first wedge 3 and second wedge 4 are to have a non-slip surface 10 as well.

(6) As shown in FIG. 2, the handlebars 5 and 6 are parallel to the center axis 7 of the top surface 2 when in their locked position (8). As shown in FIG. 1, the handlebars 5 and 6 are able to be rotated toward the center axis 7 of the top surface 2 when not in their locked position 8 and free moving in an inward position (9). When in the inward position 9, the handlebars 5 and 6, although free-moving, are at an angle within a range of 45 degrees and 75 degrees, where the angle cannot be exceeded. The handlebars 5 and 6, when in their free-moving position 9 can be rotated back towards the locked position 8 with minimal friction. The material of the handlebars 5 and 6 should generally be metal like aluminum or steel but can have a rubber- or foam-like non-slip material.