The present invention relates to a hand paddle for use in swimming.

Hand paddles are sometimes used in swimming for training purposes, for example to increase the strength of the swimmer's arms and shoulders. Typically, a hand paddle includes a blade that is larger than the swimmer's hand and increases its effective surface area, thereby increasing the hydrodynamic drag as the paddle is pulled backwards through the water to propel the swimmer forward. Using a pair of hand paddles increases the effort exerted by the swimmer during training and helps to build strength and endurance. A well-designed hand paddle can also improve the swimmer's technique.

Using hand paddles can also increase the swimmer's speed and efficiency when swimming and may be used for example by lifeguards or for recreational purposes, for example by surfers.

Most known hand paddles include one or more straps that passes around the back of the swimmer's hand to retain the paddle in the correct position. This kind of attachment is described for example in GB2432540 and US6183396. However, a strap attachment has certain problems. For example, to hold the paddle securely in position the straps must be quite tight, which means they must be adjustable to suit the swimmer's hand. Adjusting the straps to get a good fit can be difficult and time-consuming.

If the straps are not sufficiently tight, the swimmer may feel they need to brace their hand to prevent the paddle working loose, which can cause fatigue. Also, this tends to train the swimmer to adopt an incorrect hand position for unaided swimming (without hand paddles), which should typically be slightly cupped with the fingers slightly apart. In addition, attaching and removing the hand paddle can be inconvenient, particularly when the swimmer wishes to adopt a training regime that includes swimming with and without hand paddles alternately.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hand paddle for use in swimming that mitigates one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

According to an embodiment of the present invention there is provided a hand paddle for use in swimming comprising a blade having first and second faces, wherein the first face is a palmar face and the second face is a power face, and a plurality of grip elements that extend outwards from the first face, wherein the grip elements include one or more finger grips configured to be gripped between the fingers of a user.

The grip elements enable a user to hold the hand paddle securely by squeezing the fingers towards one another in a direction approximately parallel to the first face. The paddle is comfortable to hold and encourages a swimmer to adopt a correct hand position. The grip elements can accommodate different hand sizes, avoiding any need to adjust the hand paddle to the user. A swimmer can easily pick the hand paddle up and put it down during a training schedule without having to adjust the hand paddle.

Optionally, the grip elements are rigid.

Optionally, the grip elements protrude from the first face.

Optionally, at least one of the grip elements is immovably fixed to the blade.

Optionally, at least one of the grip elements is movably attached to the blade.

Optionally, at least one finger grip of the one or more finger grips comprises a plate member that extends outwards from the first face. Optionally, the plate member lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the first face. Optionally, the plate member extends lengthwise relative to the blade, for example approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blade. Optionally, at least one finger grip has a thickness in the range 2-10mm, optionally 2- 5mm. For example, the finger grips may have a thickness of about 3mm. For some swimmers, wider or narrower finger grips may be more suitable. The finger grips help to train a swimmer to splay their fingers slightly with an optimum spacing for efficient swimming.

Optionally, at least one finger grip is connected to the blade by a connector that is configured to allow limited transverse movement between the finger grip and the blade. This enables the finger grip or grips to adapt to the size and shape of the user's hand, ensuring a secure and comfortable grip.

Optionally, the connector engages an aperture in the blade.

Optionally, the connector has a snap fit with the aperture in the blade, allowing the finger grip to be removed and replaced as required, or replaced with an alternative finger grip having a different size or configuration to suit the user.

Optionally, the connector includes a locking element that prevents removal of the finger grip from the blade when in a locked configuration.

Optionally, the hand paddle comprises a plurality of finger grips, optionally three finger grips, which can be configured to be located between the four fingers of the user's hand.

The finger grips help to ensure that the user can grip the hand paddle securely. They also serve to space the user's fingers apart slightly, so that the user is trained to provide an efficient hand shape for swimming without the hand paddle.

Optionally, the grip elements include a thumb grip. The thumb grip enables a user to grip the paddle more securely and may be particularly useful for a new user, while learning to use the hand paddle.

Optionally, the thumb grip comprises a wall structure that extends outwards from the first face. Optionally, the wall structure lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the first face and approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the blade. Optionally, the thumb grip is immovably fixed to the blade.

Optionally, the thumb grip comprises an outer portion connected to the wall structure, wherein the outer portion extends sideways towards an inner side edge of the blade and is configured to partially surround a user's thumb. This helps to ensure that the user can grip the hand paddle securely.

Optionally, the outer portion of the thumb grip includes a rear portion that extends rearwards towards a rear edge of the blade, wherein the rear portion is configured to overlie a user's thumb web. This also helps to ensure that the user can grip the hand paddle securely.

Optionally, the blade has a front edge, a rear edge, an inner side edge and an outer side edge, and a longitudinal axis that extends lengthwise between the front edge and the rear edge.

Optionally, the thumb grip is located closer than the finger grips to the inner side edge. Optionally, the thumb grip is located closer than the finger grips to the rear edge.

Optionally, the blade has a length in the range 180-300mm, optionally 200-270mm, optionally 210-250mm.

Optionally, the blade has a width in the range 110-170mm, optionally 120-160mm, optionally 130-150mm.

Optionally, the blade is curved lengthwise and includes a concave portion on the second face thereof.

Optionally, at least an outer peripheral portion of the blade comprises a plurality of openings that extend through the blade, for improved hydrodynamic efficiency.

According to another embodiment of the invention there is provided a hand paddle for use in swimming, comprising a blade having first and second faces, and a plurality of rigid grip elements that protrude from the first face, wherein the grip elements include one or more finger grips that are configured to be gripped between the fingers of a user. The rigid grip elements allow the hand paddle to be gripped without requiring a strap or other flexible fastening that passes around the user's hand or fingers.

The one or more finger grips are configured to be gripped by squeezing the fingers towards one another in a direction approximately parallel to the first face

Optionally, the grip elements include a thumb grip. The thumb grip and the finger grips are configured to be gripped by squeezing the thumb and/or the fingers towards one another in a direction approximately parallel to the first face.

Optionally, at least one finger grip is connected to the blade by a connector that is configured to allow limited transverse movement between the finger grip and the blade. Optionally, some or all of the finger grips are connected to the blade by connectors that are configured to allow limited transverse movement between the finger grips and the blade.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view showing a first face of a hand paddle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view showing the first face of the hand paddle;

Figure 3 is another isometric view showing the first face of the hand paddle;

Figure 4 is a plan view showing a second face of the hand paddle;

Figure 5 is a plan view showing the hand paddle held in the hand of a user;

Figure 6 is a side view showing an outer side of the hand paddle;

Figure 7 is a side view showing an inner side of the hand paddle;

Figure 8 is a front view of the hand paddle; Figure 9 is a plan view showing the first face of the hand paddle;

Figure 10 is a sectional view of line A-A of figure 9;

Figure 11 is a plan view showing a first face of a hand paddle according to a second embodiment of the invention, and

Figure 12 is a sectional view of line B-B of figure 11.

The hand paddle 2 shown in the accompanying drawings is designed to fit the left hand H of a swimmer. Hand paddles will usually be used in pairs and the corresponding hand paddle for use in the swimmer's right hand will be a mirror image of the hand paddle 2 used in the drawings.

The hand paddle 2 comprises a blade 4 and a plurality of grip elements 6. The grip elements 6 optionally comprise a thumb grip 8 and a plurality of finger grips 10. In this embodiment, three finger grips 10 are provided, which are configured to be positioned between the four fingers of the swimmer's left hand H, as shown in figure 5. The thumb grip 8 may optionally be omitted or it may be removeable to allow use of the paddle without the thumb grip. If the thumb grip 8 is removeable it may be attached with a fastener, for example a screw or bolt, etc.

The blade 4 is plate-like and includes a first face 12, seen for example in figures 1, 2 and 3, and a second face 14, seen for example in figure 4. The first face 12 comprises a palmar face that faces the palm of the swimmer's hand. The second face 14 comprises a power face that is pushed against the water when swimming to propel the swimmer through the water.

The blade 4 has a front edge 16, a rear edge 18 and a longitudinal axis L that extends lengthwise between the front edge 16 and the rear edge 18. The front and rear edges 16,18 are defined with respect to the motion of travel of the swimmer and the movement of the paddle through the water when the swimmer's hand is stretched out in front of them (for example when the swimmer's hand is entering the water whilst swimming front crawl).

The blade 4 has an inner side edge 20 and an outer side edge 22. The inner side edge 20 is the edge that is normally closer to the swimmer's body when swimming front crawl and the outer side edge 22 is the edge that is normally further from the swimmer's body. The inner side edge 20 is also the edge that is closer to the swimmer's thumb and the outer edge 22 is the edge that is closer to the swimmer's little finger. The front and rear edges, 16, 18, and the inner and outer side edges 20, 22 may each be curved or straight or a mixture of curved and straight portions. For example, in the embodiment shown in the drawings the front and rear edges, 16, 18 are straight and the inner and outer side edges 20, 22 are curved outwards.

As noted previously, the blade 4 is plate-like and may be flat (planar) or curved (non- planar). In the embodiment shown in the drawings the blade 4 is curved in the lengthwise direction, as can be seen in figures 6 and 7, which show the hand paddle 2 in side view from the outer and inner sides respectively. In this embodiment the blade 4 includes a concave portion 24 on the second face 14. In this embodiment the concave portion 24 extends approximately from the front edge 16 through approximately two thirds of the length of the blade 4 towards the rear edge 18. In this embodiment the blade 4 also includes a very shallow convex portion 26 on the second face 14, which occupies approximately the last third of the length of the blade 4. Optionally, the blade 4 may also be curved in the widthwise direction. For example, the blade 4 can be curved widthwise to provide a concave portion on the second face 14 of the blade.

As best seen in figures 9 and 10, the thumb grip 8 includes a wall structure 28 that extends outwards from the first face 12 and an outer portion 30 that extends sideways approximately in the direction of the inner edge 20. In this embodiment the wall structure 28 lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the first face 12 and extends lengthwise relative to the blade, for example approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The terms "approximately perpendicular" and "approximately parallel" as used herein do not mean precisely perpendicular or precisely parallel. The terms "approximately perpendicular" and "approximately parallel" may for example be interpreted to mean within an angle of ± 15 degrees, or optionally ± 10 degrees, of the precise perpendicular and parallel directions.

In this embodiment the outer portion 30 of the thumb grip 8 is curved sideways and is configured to partially surround the user's thumb. A rear portion 32 of the thumb grip 8 extends towards the rear edge 18 of the blade 4 and is configured to overlie the user's thumb web (the web of skin between the thumb and index finger).

In this embodiment the hand paddle 2 includes three finger grips 10, which are positioned closer to the front edge 16 than the thumb grip 8. Optionally, fewer finger grips may be provided, for example two or one. The three finger grips 10 are configured to be positioned between the four fingers of the user's hand. Each finger grip 10 comprises a plate member that extends outwards from the first face 12 of the blade 4 and lies in a plane that is approximately perpendicular to the first face and extends lengthwise relative to the blade, for example approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The terms "approximately perpendicular" and "approximately parallel" are intended to be interpreted as previously defined.

At least one of the finger grips 10, and preferably each of the finger grips 10, is connected to the blade 4 by a connector 34 that is configured to allow limited transverse (widthwise) movement between the finger grip 10 and the blade 4. The finger grips 10 can therefore move sideways to fit the thickness and separation of the user's fingers. This enables the hand paddle 2 to accommodate users with different hand sizes.

The connector 34 engages an aperture 36 in the blade. In this embodiment the aperture 36 comprises an approximately rectangular elongate slot with a width that is greater than the thickness of the finger grip 10. This allows the finger grip 10 to move laterally relative to the blade 4, the amount of lateral movement being limited by the width of the slot. The connector 34 has a snap fit within the aperture 36, allowing the finger grip 10 to be removed and replaced. Optionally, the finger grip 10 may be interchangeable with one or more alternative finger grips having different sizes and/or thicknesses, allowing customisation to the size and shape of the user's hand. The connector 34 may for example include two legs 38 with outwardly extending detents 40 that engage the front and rear edges of the aperture 36. The legs 38 are flexible allowing the finger grip 10 to snap into the aperture 36 and be removed therefrom.

Each finger grip 10 may also include a locking element 42 that can be clipped into place within a gap 44 between the two legs 38 to prevent them from flexing inwards. This prevents removal of the finger grip 10 from the blade 4 when the locking element 42 is located in the gap 44 in a locked configuration. The locking element 42 may for example have a press fit in the gap 44 so that it can be removed by pressing the locking element 42 so that it pops out sideways from the gap 44, allowing removal of the finger grips 10. These features are shown most clearly in figure 12, but are identical in the first embodiment shown in figures 1 -10.

The grip elements 6 comprising the thumb grip 8 and the finger grips 10 enable a user to hold the hand paddle 2 securely by squeezing the thumb and the one or more of their fingers towards one another in a direction approximately parallel to the first face 12. This allows the user to hold the paddle securely without requiring a strap attachment. The paddle is comfortable to hold and encourages the swimmer to adopt a correct hand position. Limited lateral movement of the finger grips 10 is possible allowing the hand paddle 2 to accommodate different hand sizes and avoiding any need to adjust the hand paddle to the user. The swimmer can also easily pick the hand paddle up and put it down during a training schedule as required, without having to adjust or position any straps.

An experienced user may find that he or she may be able to grip the hand paddle 2 securely without requiring the thumb grip 8. In this case the thumb grip 8 may be omitted or it may be removed. Use of the paddle without the thumb grip can further help to improve the user's swimming technique.

The finger grips 10 serve to space the user's fingers apart slightly, so that the user is trained to provide an efficient hand shape for swimming without the hand paddle. For example, the finger grips 10 may have a thickness in the range 2-10mm, typically about 2- 5mm, to train the swimmer to splay their fingers slightly with an optimum spacing.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention, which is identical to the first embodiment illustrated in figures 1 to 10 except that a plurality of openings 50 are provided in the blade 4 to allow water to flow through the blade during use. This can increase the hydrodynamic efficiency of the hand paddle 2. The openings 50 may for example be provided in the periphery of the paddle 4, adjacent the rear edge 18, the inner side edge 20 and the outer side edge 22 as illustrated. Alternatively, one or more openings may be provided elsewhere in the paddle.