Abstract: A floating physical therapy device includes a frame and a harness. The frame includes an inner frame and an outer frame on the right and left side. The inner frame defines a patient area. The harness is attached to the inner frame such that it secures a patient to the device in a substantially upright position during use. The frame extends forwards and backwards, as well as to the left and right, of the patient area in order to provide stability in the water during normal use. The frame defines a trainer area immediately forward of the patient area where a therapist can have access to the patient during therapy sessions.

Abstract: A stationary life-saving unit launcher. The stationary life-saving unit launcher includes: a base; a compressed gas tank mounted to an upper portion of the base and supplying compressed gas; a frame mounted above the base by being spaced apart by a predetermined distance therefrom; and a launch unit mounted to the frame and firing a life-saving unit by using the impact force of the compressed gas supplied from the compressed gas tank. The launch unit is capable of firing a projectile without a loading motion for firing the life-saving unit after the mounting thereof.

Abstract: Horseshoe life buoy (10) for water rescue comprising a horseshoe shaped body lighter than water and between the two ends (7, 8) thereof a curved inner cavity (6) is provided which is sufficiently large to receive a subject (5) to be rescued, and for the receiving of an end of a rescue rope (3) held by a subject (4) carrying out the rescue to the horseshoe life buoy (10) an attachment means is provided, wherein the attachment means is a strap (12) mechanically connected with the body of the horseshoe life buoy (10), which is arranged at the very front of the horseshoe life buoy (10) symmetrically to the center of the body at the outer edge opposite to the inner cavity (6).

Abstract: A life ring includes a cover formed of a knitted back polyester fabric with a top vinyl coating, and a urethane foam core within the cover. The cover and the urethane foam core are formed into a ring shape. By using the noted cover material, the life ring can be manufactured without a painting step, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving the consistency of the finished product.

Abstract: An amusement device for humans or pets has an elongate, semi-rigid, floating tube assembly with an outer, sleeve-forming tube of soft, flexible, buoyant material and semi-rigid, modular, inner tubing inserted longitudinally into the sleeve. The inner tubing is assembled from a series of identical, rigid, tubular, plastic links each having ball and a socket joint at respective opposite ends rotatively engaged with respective socket and ball joints of adjacent links. The engaging/abutting surfaces of the joints form interference, watertight fits to join the links in end-to-end relation to any desired length and enabling the tube assembly to be transversely bent by a person into different stable shapes. A creaking sound, audible to a user or pet, such as a dog, is emitted during rotative movement of the joints during transverse bending of the tube assembly. A bite/chew resistant outer skin/layer covers the outer tube.

Abstract: To make secondary anchoring of small boats quick, safe, versatile, a low cost buoyant apparatus with an attached tripping strap has been invented to permit transport of a secondary anchor to its holding location. The invention, in addition serves to prevent excessive boat swings once anchored in restricted anchorage, and can also serve as a marker in the event that an earlier anchored boat needs to move and return to the same spot. This buoyant apparatus is very versatile; it can be used from the boat's bow, from the stern, and also as a lunch hook. Although the buoyant ring has an appearance of a life preserver, it is not intended for that use, and does not qualify as U.S. Coast Guard or Sheriff Regulation safety equipment.

Abstract: The invention provides a training aide for swimmers and sportsperson. The device includes a tail piece which extends from a head support. The tail piece is aligned so that it will contact with the body, so as to provide feedback to the wearer when their head has moved and is not properly aligned. The tailpiece may be aligned so that raising the head causes the tailpiece to press against the back of the neck or shoulders. The head support may be integrated into the strap of swimming goggles, or have a separate head strap suited for holding the training device.

Abstract: An amusement device for humans or pets has an elongate, semi-rigid, floating tube assembly with an outer, sleeve-forming tube of soft, flexible, buoyant material and semi-rigid, modular, inner tubing inserted longitudinally into the sleeve. The inner tubing is assembled from a series of identical, rigid, tubular, plastic links each having ball and a socket joint at respective opposite ends rotatively engaged with respective socket and ball joints of adjacent links. The engaging/abutting surfaces of the joints form interference, watertight fits to join the links in end-to-end relation to any desired length and enabling the tube assembly to be transversely bent by a person into different stable shapes. A creaking sound, audible to a user or pet, such as a dog, is emitted during rotative movement of the joints during transverse bending of the tube assembly. A bite/chew resistant outer skin/layer covers the outer tube.

Abstract: An alert wristband device for use by a swimmer includes a wristband, an alert coupled to the wristband for movement between a stored condition and a deployed condition, and a pull coupled to the alert. The pull has a rigid, enlarged head which defines a prominent grasping point on the wristband for the swimmer to pull when the swimmer is in distress. The alert is a flag, and in the stored condition of the alert, the flag is within an interior storage volume inside the wristband. The flag moves into the deployed condition in response to the swimmer pulling on the pull, so that the flag is pulled out of the wristband and may be waved to signal distress.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a line includes a disc having a generally V-shaped circumferential channel for retaining the line prior to deployment. The V-shaped channel guides a first wound turn of the line toward the central plane of the disc, and provides an enlarged space into which the turns of the line are unwound during deployment. The enlarged space prevents tangling of the line when the turns are unwound from the disc during deployment.

Abstract: An amusement device is formed by an elongate, semi-rigid, floating tube assembly with an outer, sleeve-forming tube of soft, flexible, buoyant material and semi-rigid, modular, inner tubing inserted longitudinally into the sleeve. The inner tubing is assembled from a series of identical, rigid, tubular, plastic links each having ball and a socket joint at respective opposite ends rotatively engaged with respective socket and ball joints of adjacent links. The engaging/abutting surfaces of the joints form interference, watertight fits to join the links in end-to-end relation to any desired length and enabling the tube assembly to be transversely bent by a person into different stable shapes. A creaking sound, audible to a user, is emitted during rotative movement of the joints during transverse bending of the tube assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved life ring buoy and flotation cushion that has the ability to be deployed and retrieved to aide a distressed person from drowning. The present invention has the ability to emit light upon being deployed. The present invention combines a flotation device, a retrieval line and a plurality of illuminating sources. The retrieval line is stowed within a recessed cavity in the flotation device. The illuminating sources are switched on prior to deploying the flotation device. The retrieval line is protected from detrimental ultraviolent light because it is stowed within the flotation device. A temporary seal prevents the retrieval line from prematurely exiting the recessed cavity. The improved retrieval line has an eye spliced in the exposed end and wrapped in brightly colored protective tubing, eliminating direct exposure to sunlight. The exposed retrieval line eye is tethered to the mechanical switch for the integral lights.

Abstract: A throwable rotatable rescue device having a cord wound therein including a cord reel for storing and unwinding the cord therefrom as the rescue device is thrown. One end of the cord is detachably mounted to the rescue device to enable a person receiving a thrown rescue device to reach into an interior region of the rescue device and detach the cord from the rescue device. Thereafter one can attach the cord to an object that can be retrieved by pulling on the cord.

Abstract: A rescue device comprising a throwable aerodynamic object and a rope retained thereto. The object is configured to enable a rescuer to direct it with accuracy to a person to be rescued. The rope has one end that is retained to the object and a second end that is retainable by a rescuer. The object includes a cavity within which the rope is retained until the object is thrown. When the object is thrown, most of the rope exits the cavity. The rescuer can pull on the rope at the second end after the person to be rescued grabs the rope or object.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying a line includes a disc having a generally V-shaped circumferential channel for retaining the line prior to deployment. The V-shaped channel guides a first wound turn of the line toward the central plane of the disc, and provides an enlarged space into which the turns of the line are unwound during deployment. The enlarged space prevents tangling of the line when the turns are unwound from the disc during deployment.

Abstract: A throwable rotateable rescue device having a cord wound therein including a cord reel for storing and unwinding the cord therefrom as the rescue device is thrown. One end of the cord is detachably mounted to the rescue device to enable a person receiving a thrown rescue device to reach into an interior region of the rescue device and detach the cord from the rescue device. Thereafter one can attach the cord to an object that can be retrieved by pulling on the cord.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved life ring buoy and flotation cushion that has the ability to be deployed and retrieved to aide a distressed person from drowning. The present invention has the ability to emit light upon being deployed. The present invention combines a flotation device, a retrieval line and a plurality of illuminating sources. The retrieval line is stowed within a recessed cavity in the flotation device. The illuminating sources are switched on prior to deploying the flotation device. The retrieval line is protected from detrimental ultraviolent light because it is stowed within the flotation device. A temporary seal prevents the retrieval line from prematurely exiting the recessed cavity. The improved retrieval line has an eye spliced in the exposed end and wrapped in brightly colored protective tubing, eliminating direct exposure to sunlight. The exposed retrieval line eye is tethered to the mechanical switch for the integral lights.

Abstract: An ambidextrous rescue device having a slip ring rotateable mounted with respect to the rescue device to permit the slip ring to rotate independently of the rescue device as the rescue device is thrown to thereby enhance the distance the rescue device can be thrown by reducing the spin that needs to be imparted to the rescue device during a throwing motion as well as reducing the tendency of the rescue device to spin out of a victims grasp once the rescue device is retrieved by pulling on the rope attached to the rescue device. A further advantage is that the device can be thrown by either a left hand thrower or a right hand thrower. In another embodiment the rescue device includes an arm girth to automatically cinch a person's extremity to the rescue device as the rescue device is pulled toward the rescuer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a deployable apparatus and method for rescuing persons and animals from a water surface. The deployable apparatus comprises a buoyant support structure and multiple rescue units. The rescue units are detachably attached to the buoyant support structure for securing and supporting the rescued persons and animals. The rescue units, for example, comprise multiple undercarriage structures, buoyant longitudinal members, loop extensions, etc. The buoyant support structure with the rescue units is suspended from a height and lowered to the water surface using a cable. The undercarriage structures extend radially from the lower surface of the buoyant support structure on contacting the water surface. The buoyant longitudinal members are projected outwardly from the buoyant support structure in a projectile towards the persons and animals to be rescued to allow the persons and animals to grasp the longitudinal members and be drawn to the buoyant support structure.

Abstract: An ambidextrous rescue device having a slip ring rotateable mounted with respect to the rescue device to permit the slip ring to rotate independently of the rescue device as the rescue device is thrown to thereby enhance the distance the rescue device can be thrown by reducing the spin that needs to be imparted to the rescue device during a throwing motion as well as reducing the tendency of the rescue device to spin out of a victims grasp once the rescue device is retrieved by pulling on the rope attached to the rescue device. A further advantage is that the device can be thrown by either a left hand thrower or a right hand thrower. In another embodiment the rescue device includes an arm girth to automatically cinch a person's extremity to the rescue device as the rescue device is pulled toward the rescuer.

Abstract: A portable personal self-operating life tube is disclosed, in which when a user is drowned in water due to a marine disaster or a fire and sinking of a ship, it automatically operates, so the user can save his life by just wearing the tube, and the tube is able to keep a user's a body temperature until a rescue comes after the tube is expanded along with the above features, and a life tube can be easily used without a particular care by improving the problems found in a conventional art in which a user feels bad when wearing a life tube since a conventional life equipment is not customized, and it is not portable and is not easy to use.

Abstract: A hand thrown flying disk used in rescuing individuals in distress comprising of a length of line (10) of which one end is connected to an anchoring clip (11) and a handle (14). With the use of double sided adhesive pads (28 & 24) the other end is spirally wound on top of the cover (26) and the disk (18). A loop (27) is attached to the line which allows for the removal of the cover when the disk is thrown. The end of the line is then fed through the hole on the top (22) and then terminated by weaving it through the holes on the side (23). The end is secured by tucking the end into the weaving. The hole (20) provides for an easy grabbing point.

Abstract: A life saver buoy comprising a life line attached to a ring-shaped buoyant body, the buoyant body having a central aperture and a peripheral groove formed in an outer periphery of the body for winding the line therearound. The line extends through a radial bore in the buoyant body, wherein a first proximal end of the line is coupled to the body and a second distal end of the line comprises a handle. A strap is provided for fastening, the second distal end of the line and the handle to the buoyant body.

Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is provided in a substantially baton-shaped configuration having a handle that is easily and effectively thrown and a flotation bladder at one end of the handle. A cylinder of carbon dioxide is disposed inside the handle. An inflator assembly is operatively connected to the cylinder to automatically activate upon contact with water so as to release pressurized gas and rapidly fill the flotation bladder. A water dissolvable mechanism can be utilized as the operable mechanism for the inflator assembly. Preferably, the cylinder is disposed in a support tube and the handle is made out of insulating material to thermally insulate and protect the cylinder from cold and hot temperatures and contact with objects while stored or transported.

Abstract: A ball comprises a body having an outer surface of sufficient extent to define a volume sufficient to accommodate at least a portion of each of four fingers of a person's hand. The ball has at least one indentation in the surface, the indentation having a depth sufficient to receive at least a portion of four fingers. Each indentation is provided with a gripping surface against which the fingers press while other surfaces of the fingers or the hand engage the outer surface of the ball. In one embodiment, the ball may have only a single indentation, whereas other embodiments the ball has a plurality of indentations. In addition to providing the amusement and exercise device, the ball has uses as a floating safety device.

Abstract: An automatic inflatable personal flotation device configured to be thrown to a person in a body of water to assist that person with staying afloat while waiting to be rescued. The flotation device is configured with a body member having a handle configured to be easily and effectively thrown. The body member supports an automatic inflator assembly and a source of pressurized gas, such as a cylinder of carbon dioxide. The inflator assembly is configured to automatically activate upon immersion in water and release the pressurized gas to rapidly fill a flotation bladder, pneumatically connected to the inflator assembly, with the gas to support the person in the water. A pull handle and cord member mechanism provides for manual activation of the inflator assembly. A sheath covers the flotation bladder during storage and while thrown. The handle can have a chamber for storing various signal generating devices or emergency materials.

Abstract: An aquatic rescue apparatus including a base, housing connected to the base which includes at least one alarm mechanism contained therein, a triggering mechanism positioned on the housing and connected to the alarm mechanism, and a flotation device releasably connected to the triggering mechanism. Upon the flotation device being removed from the triggering mechanism, at least one alarm mechanism emits an alarm signal indicative of an aquatic emergency.

Abstract: A rescue apparatus includes a flexible element and a sleeve element. The flexible element may be a rope or tube used to allow the sleeve element to reach a victim. The sleeve element includes at least one pneumatic pillow. The victim inserts an appendage into the sleeve element and the pneumatic pillow is inflated to secure the appendage within the sleeve element. The victim can then be pulled to safety by the flexible element without fear that the victim would lose a grip of the sleeve element.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable personal flotation device for waterborne vessels consisting of a top half having a raised center portion and a bottom half having a raised center portion, the two halfs being joined together at the center by a spacer to form a spool for winding a line around the spacer for storage. A “U” shaped handle is tied to the outside end of the rope for gripping the line while throwing and for holding the line in place when not in use. The device is made from USCG approved plastic materials.

Abstract: A water rescue device which can be easily secured to the arm of a victim, thereby, enabling the victim to be pulled from the water without having to grasp onto the device is provided. The water rescue device has a floatation member with an aperture extending therethrough to receive the victim's arm, a belt having an adjustment means to allow the belt to be secured to the victim's arm, an attachment means for securing the belt to the floatation member and a rescue line attached to the adjustment means. A rescuer, while holding onto the rescue line, can throw the flotation member to the victim. The victim can place his or her arm through the aperture in the flotation member. Once the victim has placed his or her arm through the aperture, the rescuer can pull on the rescue line causing the adjustment means to secure the belt to the victim's arm. And, then the rescuer can use the rescue line to pull the victim from the water.

Abstract: A novel life-saving device comprising a buoyant disk having a top side, a bottom side, a leading edge and a cavity on the bottom side along and adjacent to the leading edge, the cavity having an inner side generally parallel to the leading edge the inner side having an upper edge and a lower edge and a length of line affixed through and about the center of the buoyant disk generally parallel to the leading edge and disposed around the inner side of the cavity.

Abstract: A personal flotation device is configured and sized so that it is adapted to be positioned beneath a person's body to cause the person to be suspended in equilibrium in a partially-submerged state. The device includes a ring-shaped body and a plurality of side floats extending radially away from the ring-shaped body.

Abstract: Expanded structures are formed by cutting a series of concentric rings or sections from a single block or sheet of solid material. The "rings" need not be circular, but may be any regular or irregular geometric or other shape as desired, so long as they are substantially concentric with one another. The cuts are made so that they angle outwardly from the upper to the lower surface of the block or sheet, and pass completely through the sheet or block. This provides a series of concentric sections, with each section having a lower, outer periphery which is at least slightly larger than the upper, inner periphery of the next larger adjacent section. This allows each section to be stacked atop a larger adjacent section, with the lower outer edge surface of each smaller section resting upon the upper inner edge surface of the larger section immediately therebelow.

Abstract: A flotation device for rescue of individuals in distress in static or swift water or under icy conditions. A preferred embodiment includes a throwable disk having an annular groove wherein the disk is divisible into a pair of separate, positively buoyant subassemblies. A web-like harness is stowed in a recess within each subassembly and a line is fixed at one end to the harness. In the nondeployed condition, the line is wrapped, spool-like, about an annular groove in the disk, thereby holding the subassemblies together. In use, a rescuer holds the free end of the line in one hand and, with the other, throws the disk in the direction of the person to be rescued. During flight, the line unwinds from the disk. Desirably, the disk is thrown beyond the person in distress to be subsequently drawn by the rescuer toward that person. When the line has been unwound from the disk, the subassemblies separate and the harness is pulled out of the storage recesses in the subassemblies.

Abstract: A floatation toy device includes a cylindrical elongated member, a variable buoyancy collar and an attachment collar. The floatation toy device provides for an improved and variable buoyancy of the floatation toy device by the user.

Abstract: A rescue device adapted to be thrown long distances through the air with the rescue device having a first asymmetrical-annular member having a cross sectional shape in the form of a airfoil with the outer peripheral edge forming a trailing edge of the airfoil and the inner peripheral edge forming a leading edge of the airfoil and a second asymmetrical-annular member having a cross sectional shape in the of a second airfoil with the outer peripheral edge of the second member forming a trailing edge of the airfoil and the inner peripheral edge of the second annular member forming a leading edge of the airfoil with the two members coacting to allow the rescue device to be thrown accurately over long distances with the rescue device including a set of spacers to hold the first asymmetrical-annular member and the second asymmetrical-annular in a spaced apart parallel relationship to allow a line located between the asymmetrical-annular members to unwind therefrom as the rescue device is thrown to a person in distr

Abstract: A device for winding up a line around a circumference of a life-buoy includes a life-buoy body with an annular groove defined therein. This annular groove receives a line in a plurality of overlaying windings. Supports are provided around the life-buoy body, and the annular groove is positioned so that it avoids interference with the supports. A line connects adjacent supports so that a line runs around the perimeter of the life-buoy. In order to compensate for the annular groove, the life-buoy body has an increased volume to balance a loss of hydrostatic push due to the volume of the annular groove. The annular groove is continuous and located in a decentralized position around an outer circumference of the life-buoy body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a float assembly of the kind for use in childrens' swimming pools, the assembly having a core with a plurality of buoyant rings threaded thereon, the buoyant rings being made of plastics foam and being of two different outside diameters.

Abstract: A life ring is disclosed which is adapted to fit generally about the waist of a person and to secure their arms so as to prevent them from accidentally slipping out of the ring as they are pulled from the water. The life ring comprises a generally rigid inner ring with a flexible outer ring located externally around the same. The outer ring is adaptably secured to the inner ring and the two rings are disposed a spaced distance apart. The iner ring has an approximately circular outer circumference and an approximately circular central aperture extending therethrough. The outer ring includes a mechanism for varying the circumference of the same. The outer ring is also adapted to attach to a towing or hoisting rope. The person enters the aperture within the inner ring and positions their arms in the space between the inner and outer rings.

Abstract: A recreational flotation device for swimmers, includes a central body-supporting loop and two or more flotation pontoons. All parts are substantially cylindrical having a circular cross-section throughout their lengths. Other anatomically-shaped flotation members may be added to the loop, such as a head and cervical support pontoon. The body-supporting loop is flexible and affixed to the flotation device through apertures along their axes. This construction provides this device with extreme flexibility and adaptability to the different body positions of the swimmer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lifesaving ring having a buoyant ring means with gripping sections which are sized for convenient grasp in the hand of a thrower. The plurality of gripping sections are preferably each sized differently so that different persons can have a properly sized gripping section for accurate throwing of the lifesaving ring. A grab line is connected about the outer circumference of the lifesaving ring using grab line connectors. Inter-grip sections are positioned between the gripping sections and extend inwardly in order to increase flotation of the lifesaving ring. The gripping sections are preferably color coded for easy identification during times of emergency.

Abstract: A life preserver comprising a buoyant toroidal body having spaced yieldable strap members disposed within the body and accessible through the central opening of the body, a length of strap extending around the inner periphery of the toroidal body and operably connected with the yieldable strap members whereby the strap is maintained in a normal storage position substantially adjacent the inner periphery of the toroidal body, the strap having the opposite ends thereof extending radially outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the toroidal body and through a passageway for connection with a retrieving cable whereby the rope may be moved radially inwardly against the force of the yieldable strap members to snugly engage the body of a victim disposed within the interior or central opening of the toroidal body to facilitate rescue of the victim without assist from the victim himself.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a swimming and rescue aid having a disk shape for securing to the upper arm and comprising at least a one flat ring disk, the thickness of which is small relative to its outer diameter. The disk is elastic at least in the area of the arm or it comprises an arm passage opening having an elastic, expandible edge.

Abstract: A safety flotation device comprising an emergency rescue and life saving buoy for boats which is formed of a flotation body having a ring-type, hollow plastic body generally filled with lightweight plastic foam and which also includes compartments for tethering lines, flares, beacon light and the like. The device is also provided with hand grips and hand grip ropes around the sides of the flotation body. All lines are secured to the body and tether lines include hooks or clips. The compartment for flares is covered.

Abstract: Hurlable, water rescue aid 10 comprising an initially collapsed, gas-inflatable buoyancy element 12, a ball-shaped bracket 24 supporting the buoyancy element in collapsed condition generally within the locus of the bracket, a compressed gas supply 32 within the bracket for inflating said element, a penetrating tip 40, adapted to release the gas supply from the cylinder in advance of hurling the aid toward a person to be rescued, and passageways 52 metering flow of released gas from the supply into the buoyancy element, whereby the buoyancy element is substantially collapsed at the commencement of flight but substantially inflated at the termination of flight for use by the person.

Abstract: A life preserver comprising a buoyant toroidal body having spaced yieldable strap members surrounding at least a portion of the toroidal body, a length of rope extending around the inner periphery of the toroidal body and passing through the central portions of the strap members whereby the rope is maintained in a normal stowage position substantially adjacent the inner periphery of the toroidal body, the rope having the opposite ends thereof extending radially outwardly beyond the outer periphery of the toroidal body and through a passageway for connection with a retrieving cable whereby the rope may be moved radially inwardly against the force of the yieldable strap members to snugly engage the body of a victim disposed within the interior or central opening of the toroidal body to facilitate rescue of the victim without assist from the victim himself.

Abstract: A flotation device such as a life buoy comprises a flotation member in the form of a buoyant body of foamed plastic material having a support surface extending about a perimeter thereof. A retrieval member is connected to the flotation member and is in the form of an elongated web. The web is connected to the flotation member in a manner such that it is positioned to be located in an operable position extending from its connection with the flotation member and a storage position extending about the support face.

Abstract: A water recreational device is the subject of the present invention. The device includes a generally curvilinear flotation member which has an inner section of relatively rigid construction characterized by an ability to support the weight of one or more persons. This section is covered by an outer section of relatively soft resilient material which provides for safety and comfort of a user. The inner section may be formed of relatively rigid foam or a relatively high pressure inflated body. The outer member may be formed of relatively soft resilient foam or may be a relatively low pressure inflated body.

Abstract: An improved life ring has a ring buoy with a rope connected at its one end to the buoy. Releasable retaining devices at several locations around one side of the buoy hold the rope in coiled fashion on the buoy but release to free the coil, without snagging, when the buoy is thrown into the water.