Abstract: A swim paddle system includes a substantially planar, rigid paddle having a first side for receiving a hand of a swimmer and a second side opposing the first side with a plurality of through holes extending through the paddle from the first side to the second side, the first side having a palm region for receiving a palm of the hand and a peripheral region for receiving a thumb, an index finger, a middle finger, a ring finger, a little finger, and a wrist of the hand. At least a portion of the paddle is transparent or translucent to allow at least a portion of the hand to cast a shadow as light shines through the paddle.

Abstract: A swim training apparatus for use on a hand of a swimmer in water during a swimming motion, said training aid apparatus comprising: a plate member having a first surface and an opposed second surface and a leading edge and a trailing edge. The first surface has four straight grooves having a bottom and elevated sides along passing from a base of the first surface adjacent the wrist towards a top of the first surface where fingertips extend, wherein height of the elevated sides is at least 1 mm higher than a lowest point of the bottom of the groove.

Abstract: A paddle for water sports is provided that allows a user to more effectively propel themselves through the water. The paddle comprises a blade, a fastener for fastening the paddle to a user's forearm, a gripping portion mounted to the blade and a connector extending from the fastener to the paddle, wherein the connector is bendable to enable the blade to be moved between an operating position and a stowed position.

Abstract: An aquatic training device including a body having a contact surface for engaging a hand of a user and a securing fin extending substantially transverse from the contact surface. The securing fin further includes a retaining member spaced from the contact surface. The aquatic training device is designed to improve a user's stroke technique, particularly with respect to hand arm positioning while swimming, by forcing the user to engage shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and fingers in optimal hand arm positions while swimming.

Abstract: In a hand paddle (1) comprising a plastic element (10) and at least one attachment element (16) used to attach the hand paddle (1) to swimmer's hand, the flat element (10) is fabric (11) padded along a periphery or rim (12) at least at the front (17) and along the sides (18) by a stiffening element (20). In particular, the stiffening element, around the swimmer's hand, is horseshoe-shaped or flattened-arch-shaped.

Abstract: A Pilates Aquatics Device (PAD) including a board, the board being generally rectangular, planar, buoyant, and having top and bottom surfaces, first and second sides that are generally parallel to one another with a longitudinal axis midway there between, first and second ends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and a strap defining three loops on the top surface of the board, the loops aligned along the axis, the loops defining openings perpendicular to the axis for insertion of a user's hands or feet to control the PAD.

Abstract: In the sports of bodysurfing and swimming, hand fins are worn for increased speed, stability, and maneuverability. Each hand fin has an internal compartment for the hand fin to be reliably held and controlled by the user. An upwardly angled, rounded peripheral lip provides lift and prevents pearling when water is flowing at the hand fin from any direction. A concave bottom and rocker creates lift and maneuverability.

Abstract: A handboard for body surfing waves is described. The handboard has an adjustable strap that can be tightened or loosened depending on the size of the user's hand and the anticipated turbulence that the user expects to find in the surf. The strap is screwed into mated holes in the deck of the handboard, and there are several sets of screws so that a user can adjust the position of the strap on the handboard, thereby allowing a user to move the strap up or down the handboard depending on how he/she wants to trim the handboard. The handboard has a leash plug so that a user can be attached to the handboard, and an attachment site to which cameras and other accessories can be attached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming paddles used for strength training in fitness swimming and performance swimming. A swimming paddle comprises an oversized paddle body having top and bottom surfaces, proximal and distal sides, and lateral and medial sides, the paddle body having a hand placement portion for placing a hand thereon. The swimming paddle further comprises a hand securing portion configured to secure a hand to the paddle body. A portion of a side of the paddle body is scalloped.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a hand paddle system comprising a wrist member and a hand member. The wrist member and hand member are intercoupled. The wrist and hand members are configured to releasably couple or receive the scaphoid and metacarpal regions of a user's hand. The hand paddle system is composed and/or configured to be buoyant. The hand paddle system may also include a finger member coupled to the hand member opposite of the wrist member. The system causes an increased water entry resistance when the user improperly orients their arm and/or wrist leading up to and at the catch point and the buoyancy facilitates an early, high elbow catch and pull.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a hand paddle system comprising a wrist member and a hand member. The wrist member and hand member are intercoupled. The wrist and hand members are configured to releasably couple or receive the scaphoid and metacarpal regions of a user's hand. The hand paddle system is composed and/or configured to be buoyant. The hand paddle system may also include a finger member coupled to the hand member opposite of the wrist member. The system causes an increased water entry resistance when the user improperly orients their arm and/or wrist leading up to and at the catch point and the buoyancy facilitates an early, high elbow catch and pull.

Abstract: A swimming device for increased underwater resistance increases resistance while underwater for purposes of rehabilitation and fitness. The device includes a glove having a main portion and a plurality of finger portions and a thumb portion whereby the glove is configured for covering a human hand. A channel-forming member has a peripheral wall extending upwardly from the main portion of the glove and a top wall extending between a first side and a second side of the peripheral wall. The channel-forming member has a pair of separator portions extending downwardly from the peripheral wall wherein the separator portions are configured for separating the channel-forming member into a plurality of channels. A pair of fins is coupled to the channel-forming member wherein the fins and the channels are configured for increasing underwater resistance when the glove is positioned on the hand and moved underwater.

Abstract: A handboard for body surfing waves is described. The handboard has an adjustable strap that can be tightened or loosened depending on the size of the user's hand and the anticipated turbulence that the user expects to find in the surf. The strap is screwed into mated holes in the deck of the handboard, and there are several sets of screws so that a user can adjust the position of the strap on the handboard, thereby allowing a user to move the strap up or down the handboard depending on how he/she wants to trim the handboard. The handboard has a leash plug so that a user can be attached to the handboard, and an attachment site to which cameras and other accessories can be attached.

Abstract: A paddle with a size that fits within a palm and reduces the gap in the water pressure felt by a swimmer when he/she swims without the paddle, while taking into account a situation where the paddle having the conventional size or the large area causes the water resistance felt by the hand to be decreased when the swimmer takes off the paddle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique concept of a handheld swimming paddle containing a pivoting member with an attached angled section, which provides instant resistive and visual feedback when a swimming stoke is not properly executed. Such feedback allows the unique paddle to act as a technical aid for all levels of swimmers, as well as a device to build the correct muscles required to swim with proper stroke mechanics through constant monitoring. The disclosed invention will introduce resistance that will impede the swimmer's forward progress only when a pull is not properly executed, which means that it will be easier for the swimmer to execute a full proper stroke rather than swim with poor mechanics. Additionally, the disclosed invention will assist in the proper hand placement and orientation at the beginning of the stroke.

Abstract: A training paddle for use by a swimmer comprises a base configured to accommodate a hand of the swimmer. A strap holds the base to the hand. A raised fin that extends upward from the base directs water away from flowing between the hand and the base.

Abstract: A swim training aid apparatus including a relatively thin plate member having a first and second surface separated by a leading edge on one end of the plate member, and a trailing edge on an opposite end. The leading edge is such that when the training aid apparatus is operationally mounted to the swimmer's hand, the swimmer is capable of articulating at least their intermediary phalanges of the hand over the leading edge, to a gripping position. The trailing edge is configured to extend proximally past the wrist joint of the swimmer The plate member includes wrist recess formed and dimensioned for articulating receipt of the swimmer's wrist joint therein. A retaining device cooperates with the plate member and the swimmer's hand to releasably retain the same to the training aid apparatus in the operating position.

Abstract: A training paddle for use by a swimmer comprises a base configured to accommodate a hand of the swimmer. A strap holds the base to the hand. A raised fin that extends upward from the base directs water away from flowing between the hand and the base.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an arm-brace for improving the efficiency of a swimmer's stroke. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the arm brace includes a first closed loop and a second closed loop that together form a figure-eight configuration. The first closed loop and the second closed loop are preferably at an angle with respect to each other such that the swimmer's hand is positionable through a portion of the first closed loop and the swimmer's forearm is positionable through the second closed loop. The arm brace is configured to control an angle between the swimmer's elbow and wrist in order to promote early vertical forearm positioning as the swimmer's arm moves through a catch phase of a swimming stroke.

Abstract: A variable resistance aquatic exercise apparatus which provides a platform for removable fit to each of a user's hands and arms is disclosed. Each platform provides a plurality of one-way valves of two sizes. Each platform further provides a dialable disc which varies with orifice size, from a larger orifice to smaller orifices, or a user may choose to close orifices, thereby providing varied resistance to movement through water. Multiple embodiments of the platform are provided.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: A swimming manuerverability device which assists a person in swimming, exercising, floating, maneuvering, or the like thereof in shallow and/or deep water. The swimming manuerverability device includes a base having at least one aerodynamic surface, a first restraining device for attaching the base to a user's arm, and a second restraining device for attaching the base to a user's hand. Optional buoyant material of the swimming device allows a person to swim, exercise, float, maneuver, or the like thereof in shallow water while keeping the user's head and/or upper torso out of the water. Alternatively, the base may be comprised of a ballast material to assist a user in staying below the surface of the water while maneuvering. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the base may be comprised of a neutrally buoyant material.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: A swimmer's hand paddle simulating a human hand is formed from a generally planar member of PVC foam and has a central dome-shaped palm area for receiving the palm of the swimmer's hand. The paddle includes areas for receiving the thumb and fingers of the swimmer's hand. A wrist strap and one or more finger straps secures the user's hand to the paddle. The palm area, and also the areas which receive the swimmer's thumb and fingers, are provided with a series of apertures to allow the swimmer to feel passing water. The paddle is shaped to include an inwardly directed groove such that the peripheral portion of the paddle nearest the swimmer's second finger lies closer to the central palm area than do the peripheral portions nearest the index finger and ring finger. Also, an indented peripheral portion is formed between the swimmer's thumb and index finger.

Abstract: A swim paddle has a body portion and at least a strap member mounted on the body portion. The body portion defines a plurality of positioning holes therein. Each positioning hole includes a first passage and a second passage communicating with each other. The first passage has relatively larger width than that of the second passage. A clip neck is formed at a cross of the first passage and the second passage for retaining the strap member. The strap member has a plurality of limbs respectively extending through the positioning holes. Each limb forms tabs thereon which are spaced apart from each other. Each tab has diameter larger than width of second passage. The body portion has a hard center portion and a soft peripheral portion surrounding the hard center portion, thereby protecting the user's wrist and neighboring swimmers.

Abstract: A device can be attached to either the legs or to the arms of a swimmer and produces resistance to swimming whereby the swimmer increases muscle strength and/or technique using the device. There are several forms of the device which offer different amounts of resistance and the device can be worn on either the swimmer's arm or the swimmer's leg.

Abstract: A water paddle used for surface and underwater swimming, snorkeling, water aerobics and other water exercises. The water paddle includes a hand held, lightweight, flexible plastic, hydrodynamic paddle disk. A front of the paddle disk is flat or concave in shape for increasing or decreasing water resistance when moving the paddle in the water. Also, the paddle disk has a minimal thickness of ? inch or less for allowing the flexing of the disk. An adjustable strap is received through a pair of parallel strap slots in the disk. The adjustable hand strap allows a swimmer to adjust his or her hand at various positions on the back of the paddle disk. The hand can be adjusted for allowing the disk to cover the fingers and palm of the hand in a first position. Also, the hand can be moved upwardly allowing the fingers to extend beyond the upper edge if need be in a second position and reduce pressure against the wrist of the swimmer.

Abstract: A swim stroke trainer apparatus and method includes providing a forearm paddle adapted to be connected to a swimmer's forearm to promote a downward motion of the hand and forearm and a bicep/tricep float adapted to be connected with a swimmer's upper arm to promote an elevated elbow.

Abstract: Exercise devices in the form of gaiters and gloves for use during exercising in water, particularly in “deep water” with the user in generally vertical orientation. The devices are form fitting, resilient so as to preclude inadvertent injury during use, and adaptable for use by young and old, the physically fit, the lame or somewhat infirmed. When not in use, the devices are generally oval in cross-section. During use the devices conform to the user's arms and/or legs and provide a snug fit for precluding or minimizing slipping and misadjustment and provide a buoyant force on the order of two to ten pounds, more or less; a force of approximately three to six pounds is about right for a young adult lady.

Abstract: Exercise wings which utilize air resistance to intensify aerobic workouts. The wings are worn on the arms of the exerciser and have major surfaces for displacing air and thereby resisting movement of the arms. In the disclosed embodiment, each of the wings is formed in two sections which can be extended for use and folded together for transportation and storage.

Abstract: A swimmer's flexible hand paddle is disclosed which includes a raised portion centered under a swimmer's hand extending from near a first finger joint to a palm position of the paddle and a flat portion extending from the raised portion out past an outline of a swimmer's hand having thumb, little finger and finger tip off-set. The raised portion is substantially straight across a finger edge and tapers to a V-shaped palm edge. The raised portions has shoulders that slope dow to the falt portion with the thumb side shoulder forming a thumb rest. A palm piece is also disclosed which is attachable to prior art paddles and provides the raised portion to prior art paddles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of measuring a swim performance and swim stroke efficiency uses a microcomputer based hand mounted device that can be worn by the swimmer during the swim exercise. The device is secured to a swimmers hand by an adjustable strap and fits roughly within the area defined by the user's fingers. An internal timer and contact switch within the device permit time keeping and stroke counting functions, from which the internal microcomputer derives a plurality of swim performance factors. The device is battery powered and has a "low-battery" indicator to warn the user in advance of total power drain. Swim performance can evaluated via a LCD and a variety of numeric and graphic indicators. The device can be a used by a swimmer to determine swim stroke rate, cycle rate, velocity, distance per stroke and other variables which effect swim performance. The data can be stored in an internal memory means and retrieved later by the user.

Abstract: A swim paddle is attached by elastic loops to the palm of a swimmer's hand to increase hydrodynamic resistance. The paddle extends beyond the sides of the hand and is relieved on the thumb side so as to leave the two distal phalanges free to move. The paddle is relieved on the bottom edge so as to leave the wrist joint free to move. The paddle extends at the top edge only to the proximal phalanges of the fingers so that the distal two phalanges of the fingers and thumb are free to use while the paddle is in place on the hand. A discoidal weight is removably attachable to the paddle for enhanced training effect as desired.

Abstract: A swimmer's flexible hand paddle is disclosed which includes a raised portion centered under a swimmer's hand extending from near a first finger joint to a palm position of the paddle and a flat portion extending from the raised portion out past a outline of a swimmer's hand having thumb, little finger and finger tip off-set. The raised portion is substantially straight across a finger edge and tapers of a V-shaped palm edge. The raised portions has shoulders that slope down to the flat portion with the thumb side shoulder forming a thumb rest. A palm piece is also disclosed which is attachable to prior art paddles and provides the raised portion to prior art paddles.

Abstract: A hand propulsion aid for swimmers including a first planar sheet. The first planar sheet has a first exterior surface and a first interior surface essentially parallel with each other throughout at least the majority of their extent. The first sheet also has four fingers and a thumb extending forwardly therefrom with spaces between the fingers and the thumb. A second planar sheet is juxtapose the first planar sheet for coupling. The second planar sheet has a second exterior surface and a second interior surface essentially parallel with each other throughout at least the majority of their extent. The second sheet has four fingers and a thumb extending forwardly therefrom with spaces between the fingers and the thumb. Included are a plurality of slots formed within the second planar sheet. A strap formed of a tubular configuration is secured to the first interior surface of the first sheet for facilitating attachment to the hand of a swimmer.

Abstract: A swim training paddle for attachment to the hand of a swimmer includes a main body member having an arcuate shape defining a convex upper surface and a concave lower surface, as well as having a finger securing loop attached to said upper surface to secure the paddle to the hand of a swimmer adjacent to the upper surface. The main body of the paddle defines an airfoil shape along its length and width to encourage the use of a curvilinear stroke path when using the freestyle stroke.

Abstract: A glove includes webs connecting adjacent phalange-covering sections together. Each web includes a groove for increasing the flexibility of the webs whereby a user can close his or her hand into a grasping fist and the webs will bow outwardly to permit this movement. Fins on the glove are located to be on the back of the wearer's hand when the glove is in position on that hand. Each of the fins is formed of one or more materials and can be formed of one or more sections and operate to guide movement of the hand through a fluid, such as water. A closure is located on a wrist-covering portion of the glove and secures the glove snugly about the wearer's wrist. The glove includes ribs on the palm side thereof, and the ribs can be multi-sectioned and/or formed of several different materials to increase the flexibility of the glove.

Abstract: An aid for swimmers comprising a planar sheet is disclosed. The planar sheet has an exterior surface and an interior surface essentially parallel with each other throughout at least the majority of their extent. The sheet also has four fingers and a thumb extending forwardly therefrom with spaces between the fingers and the thumb. A plurality of large grooves are formed on the exterior surface in the central extent thereof and a plurality of small grooves are formed on the exterior surface in the fingers and thumb thereof. A plurality of straps are formed of a tubular configuration positioned on the interior surface and are secured with retainers for facilitating attachment to the hand of a swimmer.

Abstract: A swimmer's hand paddle in the form of a rigid planar member has a mitten-shaped surface area, larger than the human hand and wider in the palm area than in the area of the middle finger, and has an irregularly-shaped aperture of a width approaching the width of the hand positioned at a location on the paddle so as to be covered by the most sensitive area of the palm when the hand is properly positioned on the paddle. From one end of a proximal curved wrist edge to a point beyond the end of the thumb, the thumb side edge closely approaches the outer edge of the thumb and then curves inwardly and merges with a sharply curved distal end, whereas the little finger side edge extends with flared curvature from the distal end to the other end of the curved wrist edge.

Abstract: A reusable fist cover which includes a unitary elastic body having a length about half the length of a hand (including the extended fingers) and defining a recess for receiving and snugly enclosing a hand with curled fingers is disclosed. The body has a wrist end and an attached wrist band defining a wrist opening for receiving a wrist. The body includes a distal portion which is spaced apart from the wrist end by a distance equal to about half the length of a hand and which is located generally opposite the wrist opening for closely contacting the proximal sections of enclosed curled fingers. A portion of the body of the fist cover defines an opening through which a thumb can project and which allows the thumb to remain outside the enclosing recess of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a pull paddle for swim training which includes a paddle having a leading edge and a trailing edge and a longitudinal centerline extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The paddle is tapered so that the leading edge is substantially narrower than the trailing edge. The paddle has a relief in the trailing edge defining a wrist detent. The paddle has a center of force no more than 11/2" from the wrist detent along the longitudinal center line and includes structure for selectively gripping the paddle.

Abstract: A glove includes webs connecting adjacent phalange-covering sections together. Each web includes an elongated flow hole, and a rib intersecting that flow hole. Fins are on the glove are located to be on the back of the wearer's hand when the glove is in position on that hand. The fins guide movement of the hand through a fluid, such as water. A closure is located on a wrist-covering portion of the glove and includes a hook-and-loop fastener that covers either a buckle or a zipper. The buckle or the zipper serves to close the glove snugly about the wearer's wrist. The glove is formed of an inner layer of material that is comfortable for the user, and an outer layer.

Abstract: A substantially flat, oval-shaped swim paddle for use on a swimmer's hand is provided having two halves connected by a flexible hinge. The anterior half has ridges defining finger indexes for placement of the swimmer's fingers. The posterior half has a centrally located raised palm portion which, when in use, fits comfortably within the hollow area of the swimmer's palm. Velcro.RTM. type fasteners secure the paddle to the swimmer's hand. Texturing on the hand side of the paddle, the finger indexes and the raised palm portion allow the swimmer to more easily control the paddle.

Abstract: A swimmer's hand paddle comprised of a planar member having a perpendicularly depending fin is disclosed. The paddle's planar member is bilaterally symmetrical and generally triangular. It has a textured upper surface, a rounded forward apex, a pair of divergent opposing side edges and an inwardly-curved rearward edge. A rearward projection is defined on each side of the planar member between the outer end of the rearward edge and the rearward end of the adjacent side edge. The fin is generally triangular and depends from the planar member's lower surface. Its narrower end is disposed adjacent the planar member's forward apex and its wider end is disposed adjacent the planar member's rearward edge. Opposing ends of a length of resilient tubing pass through a pair of adjacent apertures in planar member, thereby forming a loop which projects above the plane of the upper surface and is adapted to receive and bind a swimmer's middle finger to the planar member.

Abstract: A swim fin specifically designed for use by an amputee comprising a substantially planar, elongate flipper portion integrally formed with and extending from a receiving pocket adapted to be mounted to the end of a limb of the amputee. A pair of elongate straps are connected along a side of the receiving pocket, wherein the straps are specifically designed to wrap around the amputee's limb, being fastened by a pair of mating hook and loop pads on opposite ends of the straps, thereby effectively securing the swim fin to the amputee's limb.

Abstract: A propulsion device, the device having a saucer shaped hydroplane connected to a strap. The strap affixes the swimmer's hand to the saucer. When the swimmer engages a wave, the device provides a lifting force allowing the swimmer to hydroplane on the face of the wave.

Abstract: A handboard having a convex top, a flat base and a flat extended lip in which the convex top supports the user's hand in its natural partially cupped position during use, the flat base presents minimal forward resistance in use and the flat extended lip increases a swimmer's pulling area on a downstroke.

Abstract: Exercise gloves to enhance the results of aerobic, swimming or running exercises. The glove is comprised of a mitt having finger stalls covering the entire hand. Webbing is provided extending from the mitt to the proximal end of the distal phalanges area of the finger stalls. Additionally, insert pockets adapted to receive weights are mounted to the forehand portion of the mitt. Weights in the inserts increase exercise efficiency and produce enhanced exercise results. Similarly, an insert pocket is provided on the palm portion of the mitt adapted to receive an additional weight which also provides the exerciser with a convenient gripping surface. A band mounted to the insert pocket on the forehand portion of the glove is provided for securing the weights to the exerciser's hand through the mitt thereby preventing the weights from shifting during exercise activity.

Abstract: A paddling glove is manufactured by forming a mit in a dip-moulding process and then uniting selected internal surfaces of the mit with selected facing internal to define finger pockets with webs extending therebetween. There is also provided a paddling glove having a web extending between adjacent digit pockets and having a vane which extends from the web towards the palm-side of the digit pockets to define a shallow scoop between the web, adjacent digit pockets and the vane so as to improve positive water displacement in use for paddling.

Abstract: A webbed swimming aid formed from two planar sheets shaped to conform generally to the shape of an outspread hand from a first sheet of elastic, mesh material and a second sheet of thin, stiff, water impermeable material. Truncated finger stalls are provided by stitching or sealing regions along the upper edge of the sheets towards the palm portion of the aid. Webbing edge of second sheet, or, alternatively, may be sealed within the triangular webbed regions sewn or sealed along the upper edge of the aid with apices of the triangles directed towards the palm portion of the aid to define the finger stalls.