Swimmer's lap counter
US5285428A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 15, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 8, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 15, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG04F8/08
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A swimmer's lap counter for registering the number of laps traversed by a swimmer in a pool. The counter includes a waterproof housing containing a control and display unit, which floats in a pool and is anchored to the pool edge. A piezoelectric touch pad descends therefrom and extends below the water line. Deformation of the touch pad increments the counting circuit, the current numerical state of which is displayed from the housing in a manner easily readable by the swimmer. A variety of alternative anchoring fixtures for retaining the housing at or near the edge of the pool are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the housing is coupled, preferably via an adjustable tether, to a conformable bracket that the user accommodates to the pool edge or coping such that the housing (and the touch pad coupled thereto) rest flush against the pool wall. The bracket may itself be coupled to a water bladder for stability or, in a second embodiment, have sufficient length retain position by frictional contact with the pool deck. In a third embodiment, suitable for pool-edge configurations that include integral drainage troughs, the tether is coupled directly to the water bladder. In a fourth emb…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.