Abstract: Disclosed is a swimming assistance apparatus, which is worn on a user's both feet to provide the user with buoyancy, such that the user can float on water and swim in a good swimming style while repeatedly moving the waist from side to side like a fish, thereby reinforcing the user's waist muscles. Persons who have knee joint arthralgia or backache or persons who have disability in the lower body can use the swimming assistance apparatus for medical purposes, such as pain relief or treatment.

Abstract: A flotation device, particularly suitable for use as a pull buoy or a kickboard is described. The flotation device can include a flotation element and a stem element, which extends from an inner surface of the flotation element. A holding mechanism can be located adjacent to the second end of the stem element. The stem element and holding mechanism can be configured to enable a user to hold onto the flotation device at a point below the surface of the water for use as a kickboard or enable a user to secure the stem element of the flotation device between his/her legs for use as a pull buoy. An embodiment of the stem element can be tapered, which can create forces that assist the user in using the flotation device as either a pull buoy or a kickboard.

Abstract: A flotation component, such as for a pull buoy, can be sized and shaped to be placed between the legs of a swimmer. The flotation component can include one or more features to assist in maintaining the flotation component in place while the swimmer is swimming. A pull buoy including the flotation component also can include an internally routed strap that assists in fastening the flotation component to at least one leg. A pull buoy including the flotation component can include a waist portion having a lateral diameter that decreases from one end to the opposite end.

Abstract: A fin assembly for aqua resistance exercise comprises a strap having an inner strap and an outer strap, and with fastener(s) provided to an outside of the inner strap and an inside of the outer strap to releasably attach the inner and outer straps together. One or more fins are received on the outer strap and a longitudinal position of the one or more fins is secured by engagement of the inner strap to the outer strap. The length of the inner strap is longer than a length of the outer strap, so that an extending end portion of the outer strap can overlap and engage an opposite end of the outer strap to secure the fin assembly about the user's limb.

Abstract: A swim fin assembly for increasing propulsion during swimming includes a sleeve that is worn around a lower leg while swimming. A plurality of fins is each hingedly coupled to the sleeve. Each of the fins is urged into a deployed position on a downstroke of the lower leg during swimming. In this way each of the fins frictionally engage water thereby increasing thrust generated on the downstroke. Each of the fins is urged into a stored position on an upstroke of the lower leg during swimming to resist frictionally engaging the water thereby reducing drag on the upstroke.

Abstract: A device to aid a swimmer in training includes a piece of swimwear and a plurality of flow resistance increasing structures attached to the swimwear. The flow resistance increasing structures include a fill material constructed with a polymerized, monofilament material. The polymerized, monofilament material can include tulle.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: The swimming fin for the disabled includes a flipper pivotally attached to a lower end of a post, the post having a handle on the end opposite the flipper. A strap is pivotally attached to a middle section of the post for securing the post to a user's leg. A user attaches the device to themselves by inserting their foot in the flipper, connecting the strap to their leg, and gripping the handle. When in the water, pushing the handle out from a user's chest and then pulling the handle back to the chest will cause a motion in the user's leg similar to a leg kick, thus allowing a user with limited or no function in their legs to propel him/herself in the water.

Abstract: Provided is a swimming assistance apparatus with an ICT function. The swimming assistance apparatus includes: a body part made of a material which floats on water or having a hollow tube which floats on water; a fitting hole formed in the body part and defined to penetrate through the body part to surround a part of a user's body; a cut part defined on at least one side of a wall of the fitting hole; and a sensor unit for measuring at least one of the user's posture information, work rate information and bio-information, so that the user's body floats on water by buoyancy of the body part when the user swims in a state where a part of the user's body is inserted into the fitting hole.

Abstract: An aquatic body cover for use with a monofin. The body cover having a sleeve portion dimensioned to cover a region of a human body extending from a waist to an ankle of the human body and hold the legs substantially together. The body cover further including a foot portion integrally formed with an end of the sleeve portion, wherein the foot portion comprises a first bootie and a second bootie, the first bootie and the second bootie being dimensioned to separately cover each foot of the human body and allow for movement of one foot with respect to the other.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: A diving fin system is provided. The fin system includes without limitation a collapsible, leg mounted diving fin. The fin system includes a first section mounted to lower leg and a second section and a third section that can collapse up to and around the lower leg. When collapsed, it can have a very low profile such that it looks like a slightly wider version of the calf area of the leg. It can be also be a three-piece deploying fin, wherein the first section is maintained coupled to the lower leg, the second section slides and rotates to couple to the top of a foot and the third section rotates away from the second section to form the fin blade for use in diving, such as scuba diving.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a swimming assistance apparatus, which is worn on a user's both feet to provide the user with buoyancy, such that the user can float on water and swim in a good swimming style while repeatedly moving the waist from side to side like a fish, thereby reinforcing the user's waist muscles. Persons who have knee joint arthralgia or backache or persons who have disability in the lower body can use the swimming assistance apparatus for medical purposes, such as pain relief or treatment.

Abstract: A swimming assembly includes a plurality of fins worn on an associated one of legs of an animal when the animal swims. Each of the fins comprises a plate that is positioned against one of the animal's legs. A strap is attached to the plate to retain the plate on the animal's leg when the animal swims. A pair of wings is provided and each of the wings is movably coupled to the plate. Each of the wings is positioned in a deployed position to capture water when the animal urges the animal's leg rearwardly in the water thereby increasing the animal's ability to swim. Each of the wings is positioned in a stored position having each of the wings is positioned proximate the strap. Each of the wings is urged into the stored position when the animal urges the animal's leg forwardly in the water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of water board propulsion comprising placing a buoyant board with a flexible water catching pocket having an open proximal end and at least a partially closed distal end affixed to a bottom surface of the water board in a current of water moving at a speed which is faster than the buoyant board; positioning said open proximal end to receive the flowing water; receiving water flow into the open proximal end; and, accelerating the board in the direction the current with greater acceleration than the same board without a water catching flexible pocket.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are an underwater propulsion aid and an underwater garment equipped with the same that enable a user to walk on land or get on or off a boat or the like while wearing them, that have high fashionability and safety, and that enable even a user with weak muscular strength and a user having no experience of using them to easily obtain a propulsive force in water. An underwater propulsion aid 1 includes a base portion 2 that is formed in accordance with a curved shape of a shank and that is fitted to a part from a knee to an ankle, and a pair of front fins 3 that are protruded to right and left outer sides from both right and left side surfaces of the base portion 2 while continuing to a curved surface of a shin.

Abstract: A monofin, mermaid tail, and method of applying the tail and monofin. The fin utilizes a core made of flexible, yet resilient material such as plastic and a cover that is elastic, such as neoprene. The user's feet are connected to the fin by releasable connections. The mermaid tail and monofin connects both of a user's feet and legs in order to facilitate swimming in a mermaid-like motion while giving the user the appearance of a mermaid.

Abstract: A motorcycle garment includes at least a leg guard adapted to cover at least partially one of the driver's legs. At least a flap is disposed on said leg guard in correspondence of the driver's lower half-leg. The flap projects from the driver's lower half-leg towards the motorcycle, in such a way to increase resistance with air flow and increase aerodynamic load of motorcycle when driver moves his lea away from the motorcycle to make curving easier.

Abstract: Several embodiment of an exercycle which is suspended by floatation devices just below the surface of the water, requires the user to exercise both upper and lower body portions to work the cycle while maintaining balance in the water. The aquatic equilibrium cycle can be used for muscle toning, physical therapy or competition. Some embodiments employ a foot pedal having hinged wings which produce an octopus-type propulsion to move the cycle in a forward direction. Some embodiments allow the adjustment of the magnitude of floatation force to accommodate the body size of the particular end user.

Abstract: A modified swim fin comprising a swim fin component and a leg amputation coupling. The swim fin component and the amputation coupling may be two separate structures joined together such as by welding, glue, mechanical attachment or integral fabrication. The coupling may be formed of two elements, a prosthetic soft, shell and an encasing non-metallic material such as a plastic or rubber. The prosthetic soft shell forms the interior of the coupling for direct contact with the amputated leg. The fin component and the coupling are fixedly joined together so that they do not pivot at their interface. Their centerlines are substantially aligned to minimize pain and/or injury for the wearer and to maximize performance.

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 swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism installed within the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: Retractable swim fins that attach to the legs of a swimmer to aid movement through the water. In one example embodiment, a retractable swim fin includes an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a sliding assembly connecting the upper support frame to the lower support frame. The upper support frame is configured to be attached to the front of a swimmer's lower leg. The lower support frame includes means for aquatic propulsion and is configured to extend, in a swimming position, to a position beneath the sole of the swimmer's foot. The lower support frame is also configured to retract, in a walking position, to a position above the sole of the swimmer's foot. The walking position enables the swimmer to walk barefoot on a surface without the lower support frame substantially contacting the surface. The sliding assembly is configured to allow the lower support frame to retract.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit are preferably covered with a buoyant layer, the buoyant layer having a minimum thickness of 1 mm.

Abstract: The invention is a training and teaching aid for swimmers and coaches in the form of a buoy incorporating removable ballasting devices in the form of refillable vessels, or alternatively, weights. The buoy is provided with means for securing the buoy to the body or clothing of the swimmer utilizing the device.

Abstract: Aspects of disclosed implementations include a training and teaching aid for swimmers and coaches in the form of a buoy incorporating removable ballasting devices in the form of refillable vessels, or alternatively, weights. The buoy is provided with means for securing the buoy to the body or clothing of the swimmer utilizing the device. Aspects include an optional warning device utilizing a flag or other three-dimensional device that extends from the buoy above the surface of the water while a swimmer is swimming with the buoy in place. Observers such as coaches can use the optional warning device to observe, document and quantify the extent and symmetry of a swimmer's hip and body rotation during swimming to perform stroke analysis and assist in teaching.

Abstract: A swim fin is herein presented. The swim fin can include a frame and one or more louvered blades coupled to the frame. The swim fin can additionally or alternatively include a proximal mount coupled to a proximal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg of a swimmer, and a distal mount coupled to a distal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg, foot, or the ankle of a swimmer.

Abstract: A swim fin system that may be used to propel an individual through water. The swim fin system may include a leg securement device, with an upper and a lower end, effective for detachably securing to at least the lower leg of an individual. A fin may attach longitudinally to the leg securement device where at least a portion of the fin is oblique to the leg securement device. The swim fin system may further include a second securement device, with an ankle end and a toe end, effective for detachably securing to at least the foot and ankle of an individual.

Abstract: A device for enhancing body surfing includes fin elements affixable to a person's leg via a guide assembly affixable to a thigh, and each including and upper and a lower fin. The upper fin is rotationally positionable relative to the leg's longitudinal axis. The lower fin is longitudinally movable between a stowed position aligned with the upper fin and a deployed position beneath the upper fin. In use, a person can attach the fin elements to the belt rail, rotate the fin elements outward, and slide the lower fin downward into the deployed position, thereby creating an enhanced surface for body surfing. Another embodiment is provided that includes a unitary fin rotationally affixable to the leg and waist.

Abstract: Shin Fins are for the lower part of the leg, instead of the foot. The bridge alone attached to the swimsuit will produce a forward thrust, just as standard fins do. Yet, for Shin Fins with the pad bracket, bridge, fins and fin tips on the forward and reverse strokes, the water is funneled between the leg and fin along the bridge towards the foot. As the water passes over, under, and around the funneling tips of the fin, the water is directed over and under the foot, not just around the foot. On both forward and reverse strokes, the funneling tips cut through the water and funnel water above and below the foot, providing thrust on both directions of strokes.

Abstract: A swimming device (1, 10, 30) for a swimmer or diver (2) is described, which has a monofin (3), a power transfer element (4, 14) for moving the monofin (3) using muscle power, and a fastening device (5, 15) for fastening the power transfer element (4, 14) to the lower legs of the swimmer (2), whereby the power transfer element (4, 14) comprises a lower leg section, a foot section, and fin section. In order to achieve the highest possible propulsion in the water with the lowest possible use of force, the power transfer element (4, 14) is mainly designed flow dynamically, in cross section in the X-Z level with a longer Z axis and short X-axis.

Abstract: A swimming propulsion device. The swimming propulsion device includes a fuselage having a forward section and an aft section, at least one propulsor pivotally connected to the forward section of the fuselage, and in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer affixed to the aft section of the fuselage. The device also includes a swimmer connection mechanism removably attached to the fuselage by a locking mechanism whereby the swimmer connection mechanism connects a swimmer to the device, and a control mechanism attached to the fuselage and the propulsor. A method for efficient swimming is also disclosed.

Abstract: Retractable swim fins that attach to the legs of a swimmer to aid movement through the water. In one example embodiment, a retractable swim fin includes an upper support frame, a lower support frame, and a sliding assembly connecting the upper support frame to the lower support frame. The upper support frame is configured to be attached to the front of a swimmer's lower leg. The lower support frame includes means for aquatic propulsion and is configured to extend, in a swimming position, to a position beneath the sole of the swimmer's foot. The lower support frame is also configured to retract, in a walking position, to a position above the sole of the swimmer's foot. The walking position enables the swimmer to walk barefoot on a surface without the lower support frame substantially contacting the surface. The sliding assembly is configured to allow the lower support frame to retract.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.

Abstract: A swim shoe comprising a foot-covering portion and a pair of lateral fins located on opposing sides of the foot-covering portion, where said lateral fins do not extend beyond the front of the foot-covering portion. The lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion. The swim shoe may additionally comprise a secondary pair of lateral fins located below the first pair. The secondary lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the secondary lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion.

Abstract: A swim fin has at least one fastening member dimensioned to fasten the swim fin onto a user's lower leg between the user's knee and foot. A fin portion is connected to the at least one fastening member and extending laterally outwardly from the fastening member. The connection between the fin portion and the at least one fastening member permits the fin portion to be repositioned upwardly or downwardly relative to the user's lower leg along the at least one fastening member. The present swim fin is equally adaptable for use attached to a swimmer's forearm.

Abstract: A swimming aid training device to improve swimming technique, comprised a buoy assembly and a fin assembly. The buoy assembly is shaped to fit onto the calf area of a swimmer and has a substantially rotated H-shape. In the preferred embodiment, the buoy assembly is made of resilient and buoyant material. The fin assembly comprises fins that are substantially parallel with respect to each other and are kept in a spaced apart relationship by a frame. The swimming aid training device may be configured for volumetrically efficient transportation and/or storage.

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 swim fin has at least one fastening member dimensioned to fasten the swim fin onto a user's lower leg between the user's knee and foot. A fin portion is connected to the at least one fastening member and extending laterally outwardly from the fastening member. The connection between the fin portion and the at least one fastening member permits the fin portion to be repositioned upwardly or downwardly relative to the user's lower leg along the at least one fastening member. The present swim fin is equally adaptable for use attached to a swimmer's forearm.

Abstract: A surface marker buoy apparatus (1) is provided for use in diving and in particular for use in assisting a diver during his ascent. The apparatus comprises an inflatable buoy (2) which can be inflated when required to float and can be folded or rolled up when deflated. The buoy (2) is secured to an anchoring means (3) which defines a filling conduit (4) for the buoy (2). The conduit (4) has an ingress (7) at one end through which air can be introduced into the conduit (4) and at its other end defines an aperture with a rim (5) around which the mouth of the buoy (2) is located. A reel (8) is provided which has a locking means that can be set to oppose rotation of the reel (8). A line (10), such as a conventional decompression line, is wound around the reel (8) and attached directly or indirectly to the inflatable buoy (2) at its free end (13). Preferably, the locking means is operated by a finger-catch (9) deployed to unlock the reel (8) by the diver using only one hand.

Abstract: Swimming Aid System with a pair of arm paddles, a pair of ankle paddles, each the paddle removably secured by adjustable nylon straps and associated snap closures, each the paddle capable of rotating about a central axial plane, each the paddle molded of high density polypropalyne plastic or the like, and each the paddle capable of remaining on the users arm or ankle without conscious holding effort on the part of the user. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said leg paddles are affixed to the users ankles, said paddles having a narrower portion where said paddle contacts said ankle and wider, paddle portions to each side of said narrow portion.

Abstract: A swimming aid that includes a support panel fastened to an arm and/or leg with two movable fins extending along the panel. The fins are configured so that when a swimmer is moving his or her limb in a power stroke, the fins will pivot outwardly to increase the width pushing against the water, increasing swimmer efficiency and speed. During the recovery stroke, the fins pivot back against the limb, reducing the resistance to limb movement. A strap extending through slots in the support panel and the fins serves to hold the assembly to the swimmer's limb while providing the pivot line and the extent to which the fins will pivot during a power stroke. Several different arrangements of support panel, fins and strap path may be used. In one embodiment a further top member of flexible material is secured over the fins opposite the support panel.

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: A swimming auxiliary device includes an attaching member an attaching member mounted to the swimmer's calf or forearm, and a connecting device connected to the attaching member so as to pivotally connect a web member to the attaching member. A pulling device is connected between the web member and the attaching member to pull the web member toward the attaching member. When the swimmer pushes the water, the water flows between the web and the attaching member so that the web member is pivoted away from the by the water. The web member is then pulled by the pulling device to return its original position again when the water flows away from the web member.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to the legs of a swimmer and structured to aid the swimmer by facilitating the generation of increased thrust as the swimmer moves through the swimming stroke, wherein the apparatus includes a primary foil movable relative to the swimmer's leg and automatically positionable at a predetermined, substantively optimum angle of incidence relative to the direction of relative water flow to the apparatus during movement of the swimmer. An attitude control assembly is maintained in alignment with the direction of relative water flow and is cooperatively structured with the primary foil so as to maintain the primary foil in the predetermined, optimum angle of incidence which facilitates the generation of maximum thrust during the entire swimming stroke.

Abstract: An exercise device with compartment-housed weights sometimes used without all weights in place, adapted for use in a pool environment by a flap which is held in place over the compartments by "VELCRO" hook and loop fasteners so as to contribute to providing a hermetic seal so that there is nominal seepage of water into empty compartments as might inadvertently add to the weight used for exercise routines.

Abstract: An aquadynamic swim apparatus and method. A foil projects outwardly from a swimmer's lower leg, the foil having the shape of an airfoil and being adapted for a controlled angle of attack and rate of change thereof in response to forces applied by a swimmer's leg strokes. A second foil projects inwardly from the swimmer's lower leg, the foil being adapted for passive, limited inclination and declination.