Abstract: An aquatic exercise device includes two substantially identical flexible sheets of gas impermeable material. The sheets are sealed together to form at least two separate variably inflatable chambers having a safety valve disposed in each chamber to inflate, deflate or close the chamber. Four different embodiments of the aquatic exercise device, a cuff, a belt, a head gear and a flex device, may be used together or separately. The inflatable chambers of the aquatic exercise devices are adjusted individually to place substantially all patients in the optimal biomechanical positions while simultaneously preventing the undesirable migration of the device with respect to the body.

Abstract: The stabilizer devices for aquatic exercising and a device for aquatic exercise are disclosed. The stabilizers may be fixed to the side walls or bottom of a container of water to hold a person in an exercising position. The stabilizers may be portable or fixed permanently in position on a container of the water. The stabilizers may be rigid or flexible, may be completely immersed in water or completely above the water.

Abstract: A swimming exercise device structured to be worn around the user's waist and utilized inside a swimming pool having at least one generally vertical wall surface. The exercise device includes an elongate, rigid resistance member having a first end and a second end. Further, the exercise device, at the first end of the resistance member, is structured to facilitate, substantially stable, generally perpendicular abutted engagement of the resistance member with the wall surface and thereby prevent movement of the resistance member towards the wall surface of the swimming pool. Moreover, the exercise device, at the second end of the resistance member, is structured to be secured to an individual such that upon the individual swimming towards the first end of the resistance member, and hence the wall surface, in generally parallel relation to an axis of the resistance member, movement of the individual towards the wall surface of the swimming pool is prevented.

Abstract: A device for in-place swimming in a swimming pool. A swimmer is tethered to the side of a pool in a manner which permits unrestrained swimming by an elongated, smooth, slightly elastic, strap having an eye formed on one end by bending the end back on itself and sealing the end in place and forming a running slip knot by pulling the strap material through the eye to form a lasso type loop for restraining the lower body of the swimmer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pool which permits movements such as complicated twisting of the legs and loins in stretching movements to be easily performed in water. The pool has a space surrounded by walls and a bottom and an irregular portion including recesses each having the form of an isosceles right-angled triangular prism, which are formed on a portion of the walls, and the projections formed between the respective adjacent recesses. The pool further has substantially horizontal handrails respectively provided at the upper ends of the recesses. Massage nozzles may also be provided in the walls of the recesses so as to spray streams of water.

Abstract: A water fitness, exercise and therapy system designed with an elastic tether (17) connected via pulley assembly (16) to shoe (31). The combination provides fitness training in varying depths of water (e.g. running, swimming, and therapeutic exercises). The present invention includes an adjustable buoyancy bladder attached to or constructed within the sole of the shoe where the bladder does not extend so as to interfere with normal running motions. The user expends energy by moving through the water and by stretching the tether.

Abstract: A device for training swimmers includes a swimsuit, one or more drag-creating strips, and fastener(s) for detachably fastening the drag-creating strip(s) to the swimsuit. Each drag-creating strip includes non-porous material forming at least one pocket having a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top. During swimming, water entering the pocket will impact against the sides and bottom of the pocket, thereby creating turbulence. Such turbulence produces resistance to the movement of the swimmer through the water. The layout and number of fasteners allows the drag-creating strip(s) to be attached to the swimsuit in any one of various orientations. Thus, the pockets can be oriented at optimal positions relative to the movement of the swimmer through the water. Moreover, the pockets can be oriented in a manner that isolates a particular muscle group for training.

Abstract: A hand held aquatic exercising device includes a handle and relatively moveable hydroresistive elements at respective ends of the handle. The hydroresistive elements can be moved to different positions relative to a longitudinal axis through the handle. In another embodiment the hydroresistive elements are selectively removable from the handle. The hydroresistive elements can be assembled in different relative positions with the handle. The handle is selectively solid or hollow. The device thereby presents a resistance to the water that can be varied according to the desires of the user. The hydroresistive elements may be cup-like and may be flexible to facilitate reversal about their bases. A hand gripping element facilitates rotation of the handle about the longitudinal axis while the gripping element is held in the palm of a user and the device is moved through water.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device which has a dual configuration of (1) a hand-held buoyancy swimming kickboard; and (2) a buoyancy device worn around the human's midsection. The device is a buoyant board element which is substantially elongated, of greater length than width, and having large surface areas at opposite sides thereof. Affixed to and/or projecting from the buoyant board element are opposing limbs of band elements. When secured around the human midsection, the device is used in deep water to support the human in a relatively or substantially vertical position. This allows upright exercise while the human is freely suspended with the head and most or all of the neck above water, and the lower extremities bearing no weight, feet not touching bottom. When the band is folded and/or wrapped and fastened around the board or removed, the board can be used as a kickboard. An auxilliary buoyant element is provided for location in different selective positions relative to the band and/or board.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus (302) for strapping weights (8) to a user's hand (1). The exercise apparatus may be used in water for swimming or on land for jogging or other exercise. A weight is inserted into a pocket (6) on a support (3) for placement on the backhand portion (14) of the user's hand. A strap (310) is mounted across the pocket to retain the weight in position. The strap includes a first band (332) having free ends (334, 336) for wrapping around the user's metacarpus. An auxiliary band (342) extends at an angle from the first band toward and around the inside of the user's wrist. The weight is removable from the pocket to permit variability of the amount of weight carried in proportion to desired muscle stress. The exercise apparatus may include a plurality of pockets for insertion of a plurality of weights. Adjacent fingers (318) are connected by webbing (370).

Abstract: An instructional, training, and assessment apparatus is provided for use in the activity of swimming. The apparatus includes a cable having a proximal end and a distal end, and a harness for coupling the distal end of the cable to a swimmer. A mechanism is coupled to the proximal end of the cable for winding and unwinding the cable to apply positive and negative forces to the swimmer as the swimmer swims laps in a pool. The apparatus of the present invention can also be used with a mechanism that applies only positive forces to the swimmer. A sensor is provided for generating an output signal responsive to a parameter measured by the sensor. The apparatus also includes a programmable controller responsive to the output signal from the sensor and to preprogrammed control parameters for controlling the forces applied by the winding and unwinding mechanism.

Abstract: A device for exercising the lower back and upper leg region of a user which includes a foot mount for attachment of a user's foot and a planar, flexible fin affixed to the foot mount and extending perpendicular to a user's foot when attached thereto. Front and rear edges of the fin are substantially parallel to each other and form an acute angle with the plane of the sole.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device which has a dual configuration of (1) a hand-held buoyancy swimming kickboard; and (2) a buoyancy device worn around the human's midsection. The device is a buoyant board element which is substantially elongated, of greater length than width, and having large surface areas at opposite sides thereof and without lateral extending flaps. Affixed to and/or projecting from the buoyant board element are opposing limbs of band element which extend at least about 20% of the board length. When secured around the human midsection, the device is used for exercise in deep water to support the human in a relatively or substantially vertical position. This allows upright exercise while the human is freely suspended with the head and most or all of the neck above water, and the lower extremities bearing no weight, feet not touching bottom. When the band is folded and/or wrapped and fastened around the board or removed, the board can be used for exercise in water as a kickboard.

Abstract: A universal exercise machine comprising a belt portion (20), which is to be fixed as a conventional belt to the waist of the user. The belt portion (20) has on its upper and lower sides rings (40-56) for the attachment of elastic straps (22-30) which are connected to the hands, legs, and head of the user, for various exercises based on the application of force required for the stretching of the elastic straps. A distinguishing feature of the machine is the provision of an integrated back support (64), which may comprise a portion of the belt, or a part connected to the belt portion. The back support has a transverse rigidity greater than the remaining part of the belt portion (20). Another unique feature of the machine is the provision of floating elements (78a, 78b, . . . 78n) which imparts to the user buoyancy for exercising in the water.

Abstract: A method of performing an aerobic exercise includes providing an exercise step having a base and a leg assembly. A first height level could be achieved by mounting the base directly on a support surface, such as a floor. A second height level could be achieved by detachably engaging the leg assembly to the base so as to elevate the base. In performing the aerobic exercise one of the height levels is selected and the user repeatedly steps up to and down from the top surface or horizontal platform of the base.

Abstract: A device for pool use that holds a swimmer stationary. A base strap attaches to a stationary poolside object. Two ankle straps are directly connected to said base strap by two elastic cords, respectively. The ankle straps are attached to a swimmer's ankles. The swimmer can then engage in continuous swimming exercise in a small pool as the stationary swimming apparatus holds the swimmer stationary with respect to the poolside object.

Abstract: This invention is both preventive and corrective of a running athlete's muscle strength imbalances of the leg, hip, and back; facilitating specific rehabilitation of associated muscle injury. The sandal-like upper construction employs a special underside structure supportive of a flapper type hydro-resistance device having a special one-way drag-action. Since temperate water presents a constant given drag-factor, the user or therapist may readily readjust the extendable sole-flapper's induced hydro-drag length to suit particular therapy needs, and the capability of a given user. Additionally, the invention is constructed with special longitudinal-fin like risers, enabling user to walk upon a pool bottom without imposing scuffing damage to scuff-prone pool surfaces.

Abstract: A bar structure having support legs is arranged to include a mounting bracket mounted to each free distal end of each support leg pivotally mounting the bar relative to a deck surface of a swimming pool to permit positioning of the bar within the swimming pool for use as an exercise bar structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for creating a current in a swimming pool against which a swimmer can swim-in-place in the pool, the pool comprising a water basin having an upper rim and being filled with water up to a predetermined upper level below the rim, the apparatus comprising a propeller and a motor mechanism for driving the propeller; a mechanism connected to the propeller for positioning the propeller at selected depth below the upper level of water in the basin such that when the propeller is driven the propeller generates a current of water flowing in a selected direction between about 0.

Abstract: A method of treating a patient having a spinal condition for which traction is recommended, that includes: suspending the patient's body to extend generally vertically in a water pool; the suspending including exerting downward pulling on the patient's body, at or below waist level; and the suspending including suspending the patient's body at or above shoulder level, to resist the downward pulling, and thereby create force transmission tending to decompress the patient's spine.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise apparatus for use in a pool of water by a person in the water for post operative and post injury muscular skeletal therapy and rehabilatation as well as conditioning and toning the muscles has a base member adapted to be removably anchored at the bottom of a pool of water with one or more pulleys removably connected on the base member and one or more flexible lines having a handle at one end which passes through the pulley(s) and is attached at its other end to at least one buoyant float member. A person in the pool of water physically manipulates the handles to overcome the resistive upward buoyant force of the buoyant float member(s) in various exercises to condition and tone the muscles. In one embodiment the base member is a platform upon which the person exercising stands, and in another embodiment the base member is a suction cup member adapted to be removably secured to the bottom surface of the pool of water.

Abstract: A device for swim training, for a swimmer in a stationary pool, which is attached to a float vest or belt. The belt has two sides; on each of these sides a strap is stitched or attached. These two straps extend, nearly parallel to each other, below the belt and interconnect the belt to a cross bar located behind the feet of a horizontal swimmer wearing the vest. Two lines interconnect the center of the cross bar to two separated points of attachment on the side of a pool. The cross bar separates the straps as they stream below the vest, spacing these straps so that they are clear of the feet of the swimmer. The cross bar in turn forms a point of attachment for connecting the apparatus to the side of the pool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved aquatic exercise device for a user immersed in water, comprising a restraining member having a top surface and a bottom surface with the restraining member defining a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. A float comprises the restraining member having an outer skin with an internal surface defining the internal volume for receiving a gas for providing increasing the buoyancy of the aquatic exercise device. The internal volume may receive a ballast for reducing the buoyancy of the aquatic exercise device. The restraining member is secured to a foot of a user to enable the restraining member to restrain the foot movement of the user and with the flotation means to partially supporting the user in the water.

Abstract: In exercise apparatus for underwater use including an apparatus frame, and movable members mounted on the frame to be moved by a user of the apparatus, flap members, e.g., flat plates, are mounted on the movable members for movement therewith within the surrounding water. The water resists movement of the flap means, hence provides resistance to movement of the members moved by the user. Disclosed are apparatus which, in use, simulate the movements of a cross-country skier, an ice-skating speed racer, and a rower of a row boat. Arrangements are also disclosed for selectively varying the resistance to movement provided by the flap members in response to the direction of movement of the movable members.

Abstract: An exercise or training apparatus employing a tether line having spaced fasteners on or adjacent its ends adapted to conveniently fasten the line across a swimming pool or other body of water to cooperating anchor devices in or adjacent to the pool, one or more coupling elements mounted on the line, and a harness integral with or adapted for attachment to the coupling elements and adapted for mounting on a swimmers body, the coupling elements providing for selective positioning of one or more swimmers along the line.

Abstract: A swimmer training paddle with a textured leading surface for increasing a swimmer's arm strength and hand stability is disclosed. The paddle takes the form of a rigid, planar fluid resistance member having a textured first surface that directs and momentarily captures water thereon and a second surface configured to engage a swimmer's hand. The momentary capture of water by the textured paddle increases the thrust achieved with each stroke. Water resistively contacts the textured surface of the paddle for a longer period of time than does water contacting the smooth surface of a conventional paddle. In the preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises diagonally extending, interconnected, contiguous linear recesses or channels which have been found to provide increased thrust without compromising rotational stability.

Abstract: An underwater obstacle course target hoop for use in underwater buoyancy training includes a plurality of hollow tubular members having open opposite ends, a plurality of connector members interfitted with all but two adjacent opposite ends of the tubular members, and a pair of separate end caps respectively attached to and interfitted with the two adjacent ends of the adjacent pair of the tubular members so as to define an escape gap between the two adjacent ends of the tubular members for preventing entanglement of a diver with the hoop. The tubular members and connector members define upper and lower portions of the target hoop. The tubular members of the lower portion of the hoop contain a plurality of apertures for permitting entry of water into the lower portion of the hoop when submerged in water.

Abstract: An underwater obstacle course kit for use in underwater buoyancy training includes a plurality of identical target sets. Each target set includes a target hoop, a line cord, and a line holder. The target hoop has a sealed interior for excluding water therefrom and for providing a buoyancy to the target hoop such that it is capable of undergoing upward floating movement toward a surface of a body of water. The line cord has one end portion attached to the target hoop and an opposite end portion being attachable to an object on a bottom of the body of water of sufficient weight to resist upward floating movement of the target hoop toward the body of water surface.

Abstract: Swim/sporting event timer/counter. A waterproof housing has upwardly projecting digital displays and two spaced ultrasonic receivers. A swimmer wears an ultrasonic transmitter tuned to ultrasonic receivers. by measuring the time differential for the ultrasonic signals from the transmitter to reach the receivers in the housing, the position of the swimmer (i.e., in front of, directly over, or behind the housing), is determined. Laps are identified by determining when the transmitted signal changes from being received by the two receivers by an increasing time differential to being received by a decreasing time differential. Each time the swimmer passes over the housing, the numbers on the display are inverted so that the swimmer may look down into the water and see the time regardless of which direction the swimmer is traveling in the lane or other predetermined course.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lap counting system having a radio communication range between a radio transmitter and a radio receiver. The lap counting system increments a lap count each time the distance between the receiver and the transmitter becomes smaller than the communication range.

Abstract: The water walker is a collapsible exercise device with a waterproof liner supported by an external frame which is made rigid and stable when extended. The height is readily extendable to suit the needs of the user and is adapted to be filled with water to permit the user to perform a variety of exercises in an environment of high resistance and low impact.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy enhancement device having a sheet-form rigid plate member including an essentially rectangular main body portion to support the extremity of a human limb, a fastening arrangement for securing the human limb to the body portion, and fins for increasing the resistance provided to the limb upon movement of the device through water, increases the resistance incurred by the arm or leg muscles by movement of a hand or foot secured to the device within a body of water, thereby improving the strengthening effect of exercises to reduce muscle atrophy in the arm or leg muscles, without adding additional strain to the knee or elbow joints.