Floating aid

ES 2 300 906 T3

DESCRIPTION

Flotation aid.

The invention relates to a flotation device to support the teaching of swimming and to be placed on an arm, especially in the upper part of the arm, the buoyancy of which is independent of a degree of filling of an inflatable chamber, for which reason it is available of a residual or reserve float. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of such a flotation device.

From the state of the art, flotation devices are known, especially float sleeves, to be placed on the upper part of the arm. These are mainly composed of two flotation chambers that are connected to each other and that surround the area, in which the flotation device must be arranged. The flotation device is fixed on the upper part of the arm in an inflated state.

From European patent application No. 0 055 791 an annular arm float is known with a plurality of parallel and inflatable floatation chambers and a connecting element which joins the ends of the float chambers to each other and which is configured to be positioned on the inner side of the upper part of the arm of the user in the normal position of use, so that the cuff is held without resting on the upper part of the arm of the user, if one or more of the buoyancy chambers are inflated. Known flotation devices consist of a soft plastic film, for example of polyvinyl chloride, with which the flotation device or the buoyancy chambers are created.

If the inflated flotation chambers are emptied, these flotation devices sink into the water and can be further detached from the wearer's arm.

GB 1 344 284 A discloses an annular float that can be placed on the upper part of the arm. The annular float comprises an inflatable hollow body with a circumferential ring-shaped design. Adjacent to the circumferential hollow ring-shaped body or therein is arranged a buoyancy means that produces buoyancy. In the case of this flotation medium, it is a low-density material, for example, polystyrene or cork. The use of this material has the advantage that when a leak occurs in the inflatable chamber, buoyancy is maintained due to the low-density material.

The object of the invention is to provide a flotation device with a residual or reserve flotation, which can be easily fixed on a part of the body and whose flotation can be varied, without affecting the fixation here.

This objective is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Advantageous variants follow from the dependent claims.

A flotation device, according to the invention, to support swimming teaching can be fixed on an arm. By fixing the buoyancy device on an arm is preferably understood a friction lock connection that can fix the buoyancy device on the arm so strongly that it cannot slide down the arm in the event of normal swimming movements or loads. normal or in case of swimming movements or loads that do not essentially exceed the normal values. This can be reinforced, for example, by providing the area of ​​the flotation device in contact with the arm with a non-slip surface. It is further possible that the surface in contact with the arm is configured so as to allow skin perspiration and / or skin care. In order to fix the flotation device on the arm, the flotation device has an annular element or an element that can be attached, especially closable, in the form of a ring, which can be arranged around the arm. The annular or ring-shaped element can be elastic or have at least one elastic section. The annular element is preferably a circumferential band. The annular element or the element connected in the form of a ring, since it is not placed on the arm, can, for example, have a circumferential length less than that of the arm in the area where the flotation device is to be placed. In other words, the annular element or the element that can be joined in the form of a ring is extended by positioning so that the circumferential length of the ring increases and the element makes fixed contact with the arm. The ring element can be particularly inseparably connected.

The annular element or the element that can be attached in the form of a ring may alternatively have a contour greater than the area of ​​the arm, in which the flotation device is to be placed. In this regard, it is preferred that an inflatable chamber of the flotation device is inflated such that the annular element makes fixed contact with the arm. The ring may or may not have an elastic configuration or may have an elastic section. Furthermore it is preferred that the ring is provided with a closure. The closure may have at least two overlapping sections that can be joined together by a velcro fastener, buttons, a zip fastener, a connecting, interlocking or clamping joint. The overlapping sections can be made from overlapping bands. In the case of a zip fastener, the teeth overlap and thus create the overlapping sections. Especially the sections, which overlap and are preferably made of a band, can be joined so that the short end of one section is guided, for example, around a buckle of the other section and is brought back towards a long end of the section that forms the short end. The long end is connected at one end to the short end and at the other end to the annular element. The short end is attached at one end to the long end and is free at the other end. In order to prevent inadvertent opening of the closure, it is preferred in a closed state of the closure that

ES 2 300 906 T3 the short end is between the arm and the long end. Especially in the embodiment, in which the flotation device is fixed on the arm when a chamber is inflated, it is advantageous that the circumferential length of the ring can be adjusted or that the ring can be opened and closed in order to be able to fix the positioning device. float on the arm.

The flotation device has at least one inflatable chamber, fixed to the annular element or which can be attached in the form of a ring. By "fixed" it can be understood in particular that the at least one chamber is connected to the annular element or that it can be connected in the form of a ring. This also includes the case, in which the at least one chamber is at least partially enclosed or enveloped by an element and this element is connected to the annular element or can be joined in the form of a ring. The fixing of the flotation device on the arm can depend, for example, on a degree of filling or on the state of filling of the at least one chamber. However, the fixation of the flotation device on the arm is preferably independent of the at least one inflatable chamber.

The at least one chamber can be, for example, an additional chamber or a fixation chamber. For example, at least one fixing chamber and one additional chamber can be arranged on the annular or ring-shaped element. An additional chamber can preferably be filled or emptied, without this essentially influencing the fixation of the flotation device on the arm. A fixation chamber can preferably be filled or emptied only by influencing the fixation on the arm.

The flotation device according to the invention is characterized in that it has, for example, a flexible material, the density of which is lower than that of water. The chamber and / or the annular or ring-shaped element may have at least one layer of a material with a density less than the density of water. The density of water encompasses the density of fresh and salt water. Water has a density of approximately 1 kg / dm³. The density of the material can be, for example, in a range of 0.9 kg / dm³ at 0.02 kg / dm³. Unless otherwise stated herein, a lower density material refers to a material that has a density lower than that of water. The material can be a natural product, for example a product containing natural rubber or a plastic. The lower density of the material may be due, on the one hand, to the fact that the product has a lower density or, on the other hand, to the fact that a gas was added to the product that reduces the density of the product / gas mixture, that is, , of the material. As an example, foams could be mentioned. The material with a density less than the density of water can in particular have a porosity, in particular an open and / or preferably closed porosity. In the case of open porosity, for example, water can penetrate the porous material. In a closed porosity, for example, gas bubbles are fixedly included within the material, so that water cannot penetrate the material and displace the gas, therefore the material in a state surrounded by water cannot be essentially saturated of water. A mixture of open and closed porosity is also possible, in which the percentage of closed porosity preferably exceeds the percentage of open porosity. Especially suitable are, for example, materials made from foamed synthetic rubber based on chloroprene or neoprene. Also, foamed plastics are preferred, especially elastic ones.

For the material with the density less than that of water, it is also possible, for example, polyurethane and polystyrene foams, foamed rubber, rubber derivatives or foamed elastomers.

The material of lower density may in particular be in the form of a strip or a layer, preferably a strip and a layer form. All the lower density material, used in the flotation device, produces half a buoyancy in the water that is so great that at least the nose, preferably also the mouth of the user of the flotation device, remains above the surface. of the water. In this case, the starting point is that the user does not perform any swimming movements. As the user wears a flotation device on each arm, it is sufficient that a flotation device in turn generates at least half of that buoyancy.

In order to produce the flotation of a web-shaped material with a layered construction, the layer thickness of the lower-density material is particularly decisive. The layer thickness of the flotation device can be provided, for example, in correspondence with the size of the user and / or with an age of the user associated with this. For example, the flotation device may be adapted to the average size of an infant, a young child, a preschool-age child, a school-age child, a teenager, or an adult. The material with a lower density can in particular have a layer thickness of 0.1 to 10 or 20 mm, preferably 2 to 5 mm. In the case of lower density material with a layer thickness of 2 mm, for example, a volume of 180 to 400 cm can be obtained.³ or with a layer thickness of 3 mm, a volume of 270 to 600 cm³. The volume of the lower density material can be varied in particular from the indicated volumes in proportion to the layer thickness.

The plastics of this invention may further contain conventional additives, especially plasticizers, processing stabilizers, and weather stabilizers.

Plasticizers are generally additives that influence the stiffness of the material. Polybasic acid esters with monohydric alcohols are typical plasticizers. In this case, esters of phthalic acid, for example dioctylphthalate, are especially suitable, but it is also possible to use polyesters based on glycols with dibasic acids, for example sebasic acid.

ES 2 300 906 T3

Processing stabilizers are generally additives that prevent decomposition reactions during processing. A typical example is diphenylthiourea.

Weather stabilizers are generally additives that protect the material from the influences of weather and light. Conventional examples are barium, cadmium or zinc or tin compounds, for example in combination with UV absorbers, such as derivatives of benzophenone, soot and titanium dioxide.

Other suitable additives are anti-aging agents, antioxidants and anti-oxidants, fillers and flavorings, as well as inhibitors, deoxygenating agents, passivating agents and flame retardants.

The at least one chamber can preferably be wrapped with a layer of a gas-impermeable material. The layer can be made of material that has a density less than that of water. The layer can also be a gas and liquid impermeable sheet. For example, the layer, which surrounds the chamber, can be bonded, especially glued, by dragging material onto the material layer with a density less than that of water. Both layers can also be separated from each other. The plastics of this invention may further contain commonly used additives. For example, plasticizers, processing stabilizers and weather stabilizers are taken into account.

It is especially preferred that the layer of a material with a density less than the density of water is covered, glued or fixed at least on one side with the layer of gas-impermeable material. It is further preferred that the layer of the material with the density less than the density of water is covered, glued or fixed at least on one side with a layer of a waterproof, friction resistant, color indicative and / or textile material.

A closure can be provided for the annular element, whereby the annular element can be opened or closed or joined in the form of a ring. The closure makes it possible to particularly adjust the length of the annular element, with which the element surrounds the area, in which the flotation device can be fixed. For example, the annular member can contract or widen until it makes firm contact with the arm, for example, similar to a sleeve, but without exerting uncomfortable pressure on the arm. In particular, the annular element can be elastic or have an elastic section, so that when the annular element contracts, an uncomfortable pressure on the tissue, in which the annular element is placed, is prevented. The annular element to be placed on an arm can be, for example, a band that does not necessarily have to have a camera, but can have one. The strip particularly preferably comprises a layer of material, the density of which is less than that of water.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the annular element, in particular the sleeve, for fixing to an arm is at least partially wrapped with another annular element. The annular element for fixing on the arm can be fixed with the other annular element, which is also preferred. The at least one inflatable chamber is created with particular preference in the other annular element, namely in the element that surrounds the annular element to be fixed on an arm. The annular element to be attached to one arm can be found between the other annular element and the arm. The two annular elements can in particular have a common annular section connecting in particular one annular element to the other.

In particular, the annular element for fixing to an arm can be at least partially enveloped by at least two additional elements, which form a ring or can be connected in the form of a ring, and be connected to these. The at least one chamber can be created between the at least two additional elements. In total there can be at least three annular elements, one of these being able to be provided, for example, the one that is wrapped at least with the other two annular elements, only to be fixed on the arm. Between the annular element, which makes contact with the arm, and the next annular element, separated from it, there may preferably be an intermediate space, so that the two annular elements are decoupled from each other with respect to the fixation on the arm. Especially the annular element in contact with the arm may not have a chamber and serve only for fixing on the arm. Preferably the at least one chamber is lined with at least two elements, preferably the additional elements, or is essentially completely enveloped.

In general, it may be preferred that two or more annular elements are connected to one another essentially in a region of their contour with a suitable connecting element. This can be a seam, along which the annular elements are sewn or welded. The annular element for fixing to an arm can be connected, for example, with the at least one element or the at least two additional annular elements. The at least one seam can run in the circumferential direction of the annular element or of the annular elements and / or in the longitudinal direction of the arm.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the annular element, which surrounds the annular element that is used to fix on the arm, can have at least one chamber, for example a fixation chamber and / or an additional chamber. The chamber can be created or can be inserted, for example, into the other ring element. The annular element can, for example, have an openable pouch, into which at least one chamber can be inserted as a separate element, or several openable pouches, into which at least one chamber can be inserted respectively as a separate element. A bag can be closed, for example, with a suitable closure element, for example a zip fastener, buttons, a Velcro fastener, or by stitching in order to prevent the leakage of

ES 2 300 906 T3 a chamber separated from a bag created by the outer annular element. In particular, several cameras can be provided in one bag or several bags for several cameras or one camera respectively. The outer annular element can have a tubular section, the lumen formed by the tube creating at least one bag. Also, the tube can be subdivided into several separate bags, which can be done, for example, by stitching with seams or adhesive. For example, several chambers can be arranged juxtaposed in the outer ring in the longitudinal direction of the arm or in the radial direction of the arm. For example, by means of the annular element it is also possible to create flanks that can enclose the fixing section of the arm. At least one chamber can be arranged on each flank. For example, several chambers can also be fluidly connected to one another, so that a gas exchange can take place in the meantime. The chambers within one flank or the chambers of different flanks can be linked. Paired bonding of the chambers is preferred.

The at least one inflatable fixing chamber can be created by chambers arranged next to or in the annular element. This also means that the fixing chamber is created by the annular element as a multilayer material is provided for the annular element. At least one additional inflatable chamber is located in the annular element, the additional chamber can also be arranged in the fixing chamber. Also, the fixing chamber can be arranged in the additional chamber.

A fixing chamber can advantageously be connected to at least one other fixing chamber by means of a through element, whereby a gas exchange can be carried out between the fixing chambers connected in this way. In one embodiment, a chamber is connected by a pass-through element with another chamber. This other chamber is joined again by means of a pass-through element with another closer chamber, etc. In another embodiment, a chamber is connected by means of several passage elements with other fixing chambers.

All the fixing chambers can preferably be connected to each other by at least one passage element if there are several fixing chambers, whereby a gas exchange can be carried out between the fixing chambers connected in this way. In the case of the connection, which produces the gas exchange, of one fixing chamber with another, at least one passage element can be provided, thus two chambers with several passage elements can be connected.

Several fixation chambers can create a fixation chamber system, in which at least one valve is provided for each fixation chamber to inflate the fixation chamber system. In order to also be able to inflate the fixation chambers that are not connected to the fixation chamber system, an inflation valve can be provided for each fixation chamber, connected without the possibility of gas exchange. A valve, especially a safety valve for inflation, can be created, for example, by a plug valve with a check device. The valve is preferably pressed after inflation into the air gap, thus minimizing the danger of scratches or injury that could result from a protruding valve. Instead of a stopper valve with a non-return device, any valve that allows the gas to enter the chamber and its intentional exit from the chamber, while preventing the unintended escape of the gas from the chamber, is suitable in principle.

The previous embodiments with respect to one or more fixing chambers are equally valid for the arrangement and connection of one or more additional chambers.

The filling state of the additional chamber or chambers preferably influences the filling state of the at least one fixing chamber, so that the fixing of the floatation device on the arm is essentially independent of the degree of filling of the chamber. or the additional cameras. In this case, the additional chambers and the fixation chambers, as well as the additional chamber system and the fixation chamber system, do not present any type of connection to each other, therefore there are separate chamber systems respectively. In this embodiment, the at least partially inflated clamping chambers guarantee fixed accommodation on the arm, regardless of whether the additional chambers are filled with gas or not, since the filling state of the additional chambers does not influence the chamber. fixation or in the fixation chamber system. The additional chambers are preferably arranged in the flotation device or float in such a way that the interior space of the flotation device, available to insert an arm, is not influenced or is only slightly influenced by the filling state of the additional chambers and preferably only because of the filling state of the fixing chamber or chambers. The additional chambers can be arranged on an outer side of the flotation device, so that the fixation chamber is, for example, between the arm and the additional chamber. The additional chamber may preferably not be in contact or be in contact only insignificantly with the arm, regardless of the filling state of the clamping chamber, so that the clamping or the force of the friction closure, which is formed between the flotation device and arm, is essentially independent of the filling state of the additional chamber.

The flotation device for supporting the teaching of swimming in a liquid can be slid on the arm, for example, in a only partially inflated or not inflated state and fixed on the arm in an inflated state. The flotation device can in particular comprise two flank elements, connected to each other in such a way as to create a closed ring, through which the arm can be inserted, the at least one inflatable fixing chamber that is created by means of at least one element flank of the two flank elements, the at least one fixing chamber being able to fix the flotation device in the inflated state on the arm, and the at least one additional inflatable chamber that is created by at least one flank element, the flotation of the flotation device in the liquid being adjustable with the degree of filling of the at least one additional chamber.

ES 2 300 906 T3

In general, a fixing chamber can also be used as an additional chamber and vice versa, for example in the case of a symmetrical arrangement of the chambers.

For each chamber or for one of the connected chambers, in particular a valve, preferably a safety valve, can be provided with which the chamber or chambers can be filled or emptied, in particular with gas, for example air. In the case of the chambers, which can be inserted into the annular element, in particular a hole for the passage of the valve or safety valves can be provided in the annular element.

The annular element can have, for example, two overlapping strip sections which are welded, glued, sewn or coupled at least on one longitudinal edge by means of another connecting element known from the state of the art to create, for example, a tube. The tube can be created, for example, from a strip which is laid on one longitudinal edge approximately along its longitudinal central axis on the other longitudinal edge and the overlapping longitudinal edges are sewn together. As an alternative, two strips can be superimposed and the two pairs of longitudinal edges interlocked. For the coupled longitudinal edges, in particular, a seam protection element can be provided which can protect the connecting edges against external influences, thus being able to prevent damage to the connecting edges. The seam protection element can be, for example, a band overlapping the seam, especially a fabric band.

The flotation device can have a width, measured in the longitudinal direction of the arm, that is less than that of the flank or flanks comprising the arm, in particular in the area where the two flank elements coincide and / or at the separating element. camera or cameras. For example, the width of the spacer element may be less than the width, where the flank elements coincide or vice versa.

The invention is described below by means of several exemplary embodiments which, also conveniently combined with one another, can further further the object of the invention. They show:

Fig. 1 a cross-sectional view of a flotation device with a chamber,

Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of a two-chamber flotation device, which is not part of the invention,

Fig. 3 a cross-sectional view of a flotation device with an annular element,

Fig. 4 a cross-sectional view of a flotation device with two annular elements,

Fig. 5 a cross-sectional view of a wall of the flotation device

Fig. 6 a cross-sectional view of an alternative wall of the flotation device,

Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of a flotation device with two annular elements, one of which has a closure,

Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of a flotation device with two flanks and pairs of chambers joined by the flanks,

Fig. 9 a perspective view of a flotation device with chambers arranged in the longitudinal direction of the arm,

Fig. 10 a perspective view of a tubular section,

Fig. 11 a perspective view of another tubular section,

FIG. 12 a cross-sectional view of a particularly preferred embodiment of a flotation device and

FIG. 13 is a schematic view, out of scale, along section AA of FIG. 12.

Figure 1 shows a flotation device in cross section comprising an annular element with a chamber 2 and a separating element 4. Between chamber 2 and separating element 4 an arm 1 is enclosed, which by means of chamber 2 filled with a gas, especially air or exhaled air, fixes the flotation device on the arm

1. Chamber 2 is wrapped with a layer 11 of a gas-impermeable material. As this example shows, on the side of the chamber 2, in the opposite direction to the arm 1, a layer 10 of a material having a density lower than that of water is arranged. Consequently, the flotation device can also float when the chamber 2 is empty. The separating element 4 can also have a layer 10 of the material of lower density or be made of the material of lower density. This does not appear depicting in figure 1.

Figure 2 shows a flotation device in cross section which is not part of the invention and which has an annular element comprising a chamber 2a, a chamber 2b and a separating element 4. Chambers 2a, 2b

ES 2 300 906 T3 and the separating element 4 enclose the arm 1 similarly to the sides of a triangle. When at least one of the chambers 2a, 2b is inflated, the flotation device is fixed on the arm 1. The separating element 4 comprises a layer of a material with a lower density. The chambers 2a, 2b have on their sides, directed towards the arm 1, a layer 10 of a material with a lower density. Also, the chambers 2a, 2b could be covered with the layer 10 on the side of the chamber 2a, 2b, in the opposite direction to the arm 1, or be completely covered. In the example shown, the layer 10 is fixedly bonded with a layer 11 that creates the chambers 2a, 2b.

Figure 3 shows a flotation device in cross-section comprising an annular element with a separating element 4 and a chamber 2 and another annular element 5 in the design of a sleeve. The sleeve 5 and the ring 2, 4 are connected to each other. A section of the separating element 4 creates a common annular section for the two annular elements. The annular element 5 for fixing on the arm 1 is wrapped with the other annular element 2, 4, so that the annular element 5 is located between the arm 1 and the chamber 2. The sleeve 5 is elastic, so that the sleeve 5 widens when the flotation device is put on and is firmly housed in the arm 1 due to its elasticity. In this sense, it is advantageous that the accommodation of the flotation device in the arm 1 does not depend on the filling state of the chamber 2. The walls of the chamber 2, the separating element 4 and / or the sleeve 5 can have a cross section relative to their walls corresponding, for example, to the cross sections represented in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Figure 4 shows a layer 10 of a material having a density lower than that of water in order to guarantee the buoyancy of the flotation device, even when the chambers are empty. This material can have pores, especially open or closed pores. The material is preferably a foamed plastic, for example neoprene. As some of these materials are sometimes not gas-tight, a layer 11 of a gas-tight material can be fixed or glued on top of the layer 10. The use of sandwich materials makes it possible to combine individual properties of the layers 10, 11. The layer 11, for example gas-tight, can preferably be arranged on the side of the layer 10 facing the gas-fillable chamber 10. Layer 11 may alternatively or additionally have a friction resistant or damage insensitive material to protect layer 10 against mechanical or chemical damage. Also, layer 11 can protect layer 10 against photochemical damage, for example, the effect of ultraviolet rays from the sun.

Figure 5 shows a layer 10 of a material with a density lower than that of water, which has a layer 11 on its upper and lower sides respectively; 12. The layers 11 and / or 12 can have, for example, the properties of the layer 11 that were mentioned in relation to figure 4. The materials, from which the layer 10 can be made, can be, for example, partially sensitive to damage. In order to avoid damage to the layer 10, the layer 10 can be glued or fixed in a layer 12 which exhibits properties that are insensitive to friction and damage. Layer 12 may additionally or alternatively also have waterproof or color-indicating properties, for example a fluorescent color. The layer 11 can be made in particular of a textile material. Layer 11 is preferably gas-tight to prevent the escape of gas contained in a chamber. It is also possible to provide the layer 10 on both sides with a layer 11 or a layer 12.

Figure 6 shows a flotation device in cross-section that has an annular element 5a, 5b, 4, fixable to an arm 1, and an annular element 10, 4, connected thereto, comprising chambers 2a, 2b. The annular element 5a, 5b, which can be fixed on the arm 1, has a closure 6, with which the annular element 5a, 5b, 4 can be individually adapted to the thickness of an arm. To this end, the annular element 5a, 5b, 4 can be elastic at least in sections or not essentially elastic. To join the annular section 5a with the annular section 5b, for example, a velcro closure, a zip fastener, buttons or other connecting elements known from the state of the art can be used, for example, interlocking, tightening or clamping connections. Connection. The wall, represented with the reference number 10, appears only by way of example and can also be replaced by a wall represented in Figures 4 and 5. In the hollow space, formed by layer 10, two chambers 2a, 2b fluidly joined to each other were inserted. The insertion can be carried out, for example, by a user of the flotation device, through a hole located in the wall and that can be opened and closed, or during the production process. In the case of inserting the chamber during the production process, under certain circumstances, a hole is not provided for the subsequent extraction of the chambers. The walls of the chambers 2a, 2b preferably comprise a layer 11. A construction according to FIG. 4 or also according to FIG. 5 would be possible, for example. As the chambers 2a, 2b are fluidly connected, a valve 7 is sufficient. , which protrudes from a hole in the wall 10, to fill and empty the chambers 2a and 2b. Irrespective of the degree of filling of the chambers 2a, 2b, the flotation device is permanently housed in the arm 1, since the annular element 5a, 5b, 4 can be adapted with the closure 6 to the arm.

Figure 7 shows a flotation device in cross-section with an annular element 10, 4 enclosing the arm 1. The flotation device can be fixedly housed in the arm 1 regardless of the degree 2a, 2b of filling, since the The circumferential length of the annular element 10,4 can be adapted by the closure to the degree of filling of the chambers 2a, 2b. To this end, a short end 4c of the separating element 4 is guided around a buckle element 4b and attached in parallel to a long end 4a of the separating element, for example by means of a velcro fastener, with the long end 4th. Since the short end 4c is in the closed state inside the annular element 10,4, the short end 4c cannot be separated from the long end 4a due to the arm 1 also housed here. Therefore, an unintentional detachment of the flotation device from the arm 1 is excluded.

The chambers 2a, 2b are fluidly separated from each other in the example shown in figure 7. Therefore, each chamber has its own valve 7. The pockets, created by the wall 10, for the chambers 2a and 2b present in each

ES 2 300 906 T3 case of an orifice for valve 7. At the point where both bags coincide, they are joined to each other.

The bags can be created, for example, from a tubular section 14 (Figures 10 and 11), which is stitched or glued in the area, in which the bags of the chambers 2a, 2b coincide, in order to create two separate cameras.

The flotation device of figure 8 is fixed on the arm 1 with an annular element 5a, 5b, 4. The closure 6 acts in a similar manner to the closure 6 shown in figure 7. The short end 5c is guided around the element 5b buckle and is positioned and fixed by means of a connecting element 6 at the long end 5a.

Inside the wall 10 are arranged chambers 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, the chamber 2a being fluidly connected to the chamber 2b and the chamber 3a to the chamber 3b. For the chambers 2a and 2b a valve 7 is provided and for the chambers 3a, 3b another valve 7. The chambers 2a, 2b can fix the floatation device on the arm 1 in an inflated state. Therefore, the fixing methods of Figures 6 and 7 for the flotation device on the arm 1 would basically also be possible. As the chambers 2a, 2b, shown in Figure 8, preferably serve for the fixation, they are identified as chambers fixing in relation to this figure. In the radial direction away from the arm, buoyancy chambers or additional chambers 3a, 3b are arranged adjacent to the fixing chambers 2a, 2b. Consequently, the fixing chambers 2a, 2b are located between the arm 1 and the additional chambers 3a, 3b. By the degree of filling of the chambers 3a, 3b, the buoyancy of the buoyancy device can be reduced. However, the flotation device is fixedly housed in the arm 1, since the fixing chambers 2a, 2b make contact with the arm. If in case of a moderate advancement of the user in swimming lessons, for example, when the buoyancy chambers 3a, 3b are empty, the fixing chambers 2a, 2b unexpectedly lose air, then the wall layer 10 produces a buoyancy residual flotation device. The swimmer is supported by the residual buoyancy at least partially during the swim. An air vent from the fixing chambers can also be intentional, for example, if the swimmer has advanced in such a way in the swimming lessons that when swimming the buoyancy produced by the layer 10 is sufficient. The device cannot slide by the arm, even when the fixing chambers are empty, since it is fixedly fastened to the arm by means of the annular element 4, 5a, 5b.

Figure 9 shows a flotation device in a sectional perspective view. The flotation device is fixed on the arm 1 by the annular element 5. The chambers 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b are arranged juxtaposed in the longitudinal direction of the arm 1. The bags for the chambers or the chambers can be further separated, for example, along line 13, whether, for example, by stitching, gluing, stitching or the like.

Figures 10 and 11 show possibilities for manufacturing a tubular section 14. The tubular section 14 of Figure 10 is made of a material in the form of a band that folds along its longitudinal axis, so that the juxtaposed longitudinal edges form a pair of longitudinal edges and can be joined by a joint 15, for example by sewing, gluing or welding. Chambers can be created or inserted between the lower tubular member 14a and the upper tubular member 14b. This is also valid for the tubular section shown in figure 11. The tubular section of figure 11 is created from a lower tubular band-shaped section 14a and an upper tubular section 14b in the shape of a band, the tubular sections overlapping 14a, 14b and joining along their pairs of longitudinal edges with joints 15.

Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of a particularly preferred embodiment of a flotation device. The flotation device comprises three annular elements, that is, an inner annular element 23, a central annular element 24 and an outer annular element 25. Although the annular elements 23, 24, 25 are also interrupted, this is also understood as an annular element, since the annular elements 23, 24, 25 are coupled or can be coupled to each other so as to form a ring. The inner annular member 23 serves to fix on an arm, especially on the upper part of an arm of the user and preferably additionally to produce residual floatation.

The inner annular element 23 comprises two sections 5a, 5b which can be superimposed. The inner section 5a is placed on its inner side on the arm, the outer side presenting, in the opposite direction to the arm, an element, preferably the spongy element, of a velcro closure. On the inner section 5a the inner section 5b is placed, which on its side facing the inner section 5a has a counter element, preferably the element 6b, rough and provided with hooks, with a velcro closure. The length, with which the foam element 6a partially surrounds the ring 23 by its contour, is greater than the corresponding length of the other velcro element 6b. In this way, the length of the inner ring 23 that surrounds the arm 1 can be adjusted and adapted to a thickness of the arm.

The inner ring 23 comprises at least one layer 10 of a lower density material. Preferably in the area of ​​the inner ring 23, which is positioned, as the flotation device is positioned on the upper part of the arm, on the inner side of the arm, that is, on the side where the arm can make contact with the ribs, the inner annular element 23 is connected with two annular elements 24 and 25 that surround it. The central annular element and the outer annular element 25 are interrupted in this area. The ends of the two annular elements 24 are respectively facing or are pushed against each other. Additionally, the ends of the central element 24 and the outer element 25 are superimposed in each case and sewn by four textile seams with the inner ring 23, as shown in this example. Two seams 21 of these seams 20, 21 join the three annular elements 23, 24, 25. The other two seams 20 join the three annular elements 23, 24, 25 and additionally a lining element 22 that covers the seams 21. The lining element 22 serves to stabilize the area, in which the central annular element 24 and the element outer ring 25 are interrupted, and to create especially with the inner ring element a closed ring and to relieve tension on the inner ring element. The seams are

ES 2 300 906 T3 extend especially in the longitudinal direction of the arm at least across the narrowest annular element of the annular elements 23, 24, 25.

The central annular element and the outer annular element are further sewn in a circumferential direction at the edges, where they overlap, as shown in figure 11. Therefore, between the central annular element 24 and the outer annular element 25 a pocket is created , in which gas-tight chambers 2a, 2b can be inserted. The chambers 2a, 2b are fluidly independent in each case. Each of the chambers 2a, 2b is filled or emptied of gas by means of its own valve 7. In order to fluidly separate the chambers 2a, 2b from each other, the walls, which form the chambers 2a, 2b, are welded with a seam 29 across the width of the chambers in the area, where the chambers 2a, 2b coincide. In the outer ring 25, holes for the valves 7 are provided so that the user of the device can fill or empty the chambers.

In the area of ​​the weld seam 29 and the area, in which the annular elements 23, 24, 25 are coupled to each other, the flotation device has a width, measured in the direction of the arm, less than that of the remaining areas , the width of the flotation device in the area of ​​the weld seam 29 being greater than in the area, in which the annular elements are engaged.

The annular elements 23, 24 and 25 can in particular have the same density or be made of the same material that produces the flotation. These can have the same thickness and in the case of a layered construction, this can be the same in each case. The thickness of the annular elements 23, 24 and 25 is approximately 2 mm. For the outer annular element 25 and the central annular element 24, respectively, a volume of approximately 110 cm is obtained in the lower density material.³ and for the inner annular element 23, an approximate volume of 60 cm³ per arm.

Figure 13 shows a schematic view, out of scale, along section AA of Figure 12 to show a possible construction of the flotation device from the outer side of the outer annular member 25 to the arm 1. The following describes the Layered construction starting from arm 1 in the opposite direction from the arm. The inner annular element 23 is in contact with the arm 1. Between the annular float 26, comprising the outer annular element and the central annular element, and the inner annular element 23 there is a distance 27 that can be enlarged or reduced according to the filling state of the chambers 2a, 2b.

The inner annular section 5a and the outer annular section 5a are respectively made of the material 10 of lower density and a layer 12 fixed on this material which, as described above, should protect the layer 10 of lower density, for example, against damage or wear. The annular sections 5a and 5b are sewn in each case with an element 6a, 6b of a velcro fastener, which makes it possible to engage the annular sections 5a, 5b.

The annular float comprises the central and outer annular elements 24, 25 that enclose the chamber 2a. On the central annular element 24 and the outer annular element 25, which respectively have a layer 19 of the material of lower density, layers 12 are in each case attached to achieve the aforementioned objectives. The chamber 2a is covered with a gas-tight layer 11. A distance 19 is respectively indicated between the gas-tight layer 11 which should illustrate that, especially in this embodiment, the walls 11 of the gas-tight chamber 2a are not connected by material dragging to the outer ring 25 or to the ring central 24.