Swimming Patents (Class 434/254)
  • Patent number: 5540591
    Abstract: An exercising, e.g., waterless swim training apparatus is disclosed having a frame and a support for the trainee's torso where the torso support is movable along a curve that is convex to the ground below, thus simulating the rocking, or rolling motion experienced in swimming. The frame and body support provide an obstruction free region so that the user can practice breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke and free style strokes without touching any part of the frame, ground, etc. with his/her fingers. The obstruction free zone is roughly a circular hemi-cylinder, extending below the trainee's body. A resistance mechanism is provided to resist motion of the user's hands. The resistance mechanism presents a force versus velocity relationship that simulates the force versus velocity relationship experienced during swimming. One embodiment uses a hydraulic pump in connection with variable valves and a fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Michael P. Doane
  • Patent number: 5472391
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Sanford S. Weissbuch
  • Patent number: 5429564
    Abstract: An exercising, e.g., waterless swim training apparatus having a frame and a support for the trainee's torso. The torso support is movable along a curve that is convex to the ground below, thus simulating the rocking, or rolling motion experienced in swimming. The frame and body support may be arranged to provide an obstruction free region so that the user can practice breast stroke, butterfly, back stroke and free style strokes without touching any part of the frame, ground, etc. with his/her fingers. The obstruction free zone is roughly a circular hemi-cylinder, extending below the trainee's body. A resistance mechanism is provided to resist motion of the user's hands. The resistance mechanism presents a force versus velocity relationship that simulates the force versus velocity relationship experienced during swimming. One embodiment uses a piston in a fluid filled chamber, such as air, as the resistance mechanism. Over the velocities involved in swimming, such a mechanism simulates the feel of swimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Michael P. Doane
  • Patent number: 5413485
    Abstract: A process for teaching a person how to swim by using a swimsuit having a front portion with a variable buoyancy flotation device that acts to maintain a person in a swimming position, instructing a person how to use proper swimming techniques, and periodically adjusting the buoyancy of the flotation devices to reflect the swimming skills of the pupil. Additionally, an apparatus for practicing the method includes a swimsuit having a front portion covering the chest and abdominal region of a person wearing the swimsuit and one or more compartments in the front portion of the swimsuit to receive flotation devices which act to place the person wearing the swimsuit in a swimming position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Keith Adee
  • Patent number: 5393230
    Abstract: Inflatable floating element to assist the teaching of swimming, which comprises at least two floating bodies (11a and 11b), of which at least one can be inflated, and a strap or belt (12) for fixture to a user's body, the two floating bodies (11a and 11b), namely an inner body (11a) and an outer body (11b) respectively, being united, facing and opposite to each other, while the fixture strap (12) passes at an intermediate position between the two floating bodies (11a and 11b), cooperates with positioning loops (14) located at about the lengthwise ends of the floating bodies (11a and 11b) and is clamped when at least one of the two floating bodies (11a and 11b) has been inflated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Franci Keber
    Inventors: Beno Vizintin, Franci Keber
  • Patent number: 5391080
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Assignee: Robert H. Bernacki
    Inventors: Robert H. Bernacki, Joel M. Stager
  • Patent number: 5389058
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Torrington Capital Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Tinari
  • Patent number: 5385521
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: Sanford S. Weissbuch
  • Patent number: 5376060
    Abstract: A new and improved swimming simulator includes a base support assembly and a pair of arm exercising assemblies attached to the base support assembly. A pair of leg exercising assemblies is attached to the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies includes a leg-supporting member pivotally connected to a first portion of the base support assembly. Each of the leg exercising assemblies also includes an extensible and retractable hydraulic cylinder and piston assembly which supports a portion of the leg-supporting member and which is connected to the base support assembly. A bench assembly is attached to the base support assembly and includes a bendable top member, a spring assembly located under the bendable top member and supported by the base support assembly, and a horizontal support member supporting the bendable top member. A user lies down on the bench assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventor: John J. Murray
  • Patent number: 5342232
    Abstract: A swim training device for teaching a novice swimmer to swim that includes a pair of buoyancy units that are defined as a pair of interconnected pouches adapted to removably store a plurality of floatation cells. The pouches are adjustable to the size of the wearer and to the changing size of the pouch as selective floatational cells are removed. The swim training device further provides a new method of training for progressively teaching novice swimmers, especially children, the basic swimming skills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: James P. Bardot
  • Patent number: 5282748
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a swimming simulator, including: a horizontal frame to support a user in a horizontal plane above a surface on which the simulator is disposed, with the user's shoulders near a front edge of the frame and the user's hips near a rear edge of the frame; supports to support the frame spaced above the surface; two generally horizontal bars extending outwardly from the sides of the frame, the proximal ends of the bars being rotatably attached to the frame such that the distal ends of the horizontal bars can move arcuately in generally horizontal planes; resistances disposed at selected points between the proximal and the distal ends of the horizontal bars to resist the arcuate movement; hand grips attached to the distal ends of the horizontal bars, the hand grips being graspable by the user to move the horizontal bars in the arcuate movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Inventor: Oscar L. Little
  • Patent number: 5271106
    Abstract: A swimming pool producing surrounding visual effects utilizes large picture generating surfaces adjacent to water-containing surfaces for displaying large images emulative of remote swimming environments. The pool has controllable water currents for in-place swimming or diving in one or more directions. These controlled water currents and the large images are coordinated by a computer for producing a virtual underwater environment in which picture scenes evolve and water-currents flow as a function of swimmer activity. A large apparent swimming area can therefore be produced. For added realism, the pool may include sound-generating devices and parametric weather machines to accurately emulate natural environments and also produce spectacular special effects for the swimming or diving subject and for possible observers thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventors: Richard E. D. McClish, John H. Hollis
  • Patent number: 5244393
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Inventor: Leroy R. Perry
  • Patent number: 5236404
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Robert MacLennan
  • Patent number: 5158513
    Abstract: The swimming exercise and training apparatus comprises a base arrangement disposed on a supporting surface for the apparatus; a support member having a longitudinal axis secured in line with and in a substantially horizontal position to the base arrangement in a spaced relationship thereabove; a head support for a user's head secured to a first portion of the support member capable of independent rotation about the longitudinal axis; a chest support for the user's chest secured to a second portion of the support member spaced from the head support capable of independent rotation about the longitudinal axis; a hip support for the user's hips secured to a third portion of the support member spaced from the chest support capable of independent rotation about the longitudinal axis; a leg support for the user's legs pivotally secured to a fourth portion of the support member spaced from the hip support to enable the user to simulate swimming leg movements; and an arrangement secured to the base arrangement gripped
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Michael P. Reeves
  • Patent number: 5141440
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Peter A. Wallingford
  • Patent number: 5141441
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Inventor: Peter A. Wallingford
  • Patent number: 5136621
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1992
    Inventors: Mitchell, David E., Dean Lurker
  • Patent number: 5130955
    Abstract: A swim/sporting event timer/counter times a athlete moveing along a predetermined path based on signals received from the athlete. A time counter begins when movement of the athlete is detected. Based upon the amount of time it takes for the athlete to pass by the timing system, the time counter is automatically adjusted, if necessary, to account for the time counter having been started at an incorrect time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Inventors: Dean Luerker, David E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5096189
    Abstract: An 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 flotation means is affixed to the restraining member. The restraining member is secured to each foot of a user to enable the user immersed in water to exercise in the water with the restraining member to inhibiting the foot movement of the user and with the flotation means to partially supporting the user in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventor: Robert Beasley
  • Patent number: 5090695
    Abstract: An exercise float platform is formed of specifically dimensioned buoyant sections connected by flexing hinges to permit a user to perform an exercise routine in an aquatic environment. The buoyancy of the individual sections can be selectively adjusted depending on the weight distribution of the individual, or the exercise routine intensity. The exercise float permits the user to perform exercise routines in the water focused on the back, hips and stomach muscle groups along with allowing flexible upper and lower body workouts while either sitting below the water level or reclined above the water level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Peter A. Ciolino
  • Patent number: 5090692
    Abstract: An apparatus 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 flotation member is affixed to the restraining member. The restraining member is secured to each foot of a user to enable the user immersed in water to exercise in the water with the restraining member to inhibiting the foot movement of the user and with the flotation member to partially supporting the user in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Robert Beasley
  • Patent number: 5002268
    Abstract: A swimming resistance training device of one-piece construction is provided which is L-shaped. One leg member includes aligned openings through which a belt extends for selectively positioning the device on the swimmer. Multiple devices may be placed on the belt. The other leg member which extends into the water includes a concave outer edge for matingly conforming to the swimmer's body during flip turns. Oppositely disposed forwardly extending laterally flared out wing portions are provided on the second leg member to funnel the water into the device to increase the resistance to forward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Assignee: Creative Athletic Products & Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn A. Anderson
  • Patent number: 4998718
    Abstract: A diving board safety apparatus is set forth wherein a "spring type" diving board is provided with a double acting air cylinder actuated by a manually actuatable valve to direct a solenoid valve to selectively extend or retract a telescoping section of the diving board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventor: Jacob Arens
  • Patent number: 4995604
    Abstract: An aerobic water exercise weight 10 having opposed handles 11 and curbed leg gripping surfaces 14, with weight pocket(s) 13 and weight(s) 15 insertable therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventors: Ronald E. Lynch, Bradley W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4913418
    Abstract: A swimmer's flexible plastic hand paddle has a surface area larger than a human hand, and a plurality of perforations (approximating the user's hand size) which are positioned to an off-set location on the paddle toward the thumb side of the user's hand. The edge of the paddle closely approaches the outer edge of the user's hand on the thumb side when the hand is in position on the paddle, whereas on the little finger side of the paddle there is a substantially larger (compared to the thumb side of the paddle) area (preferably unperforated) that makes a water foil. The corners of the paddle are rounded and means for attaching the user's hand to the paddle and positioned it in a desired position over the perforations are provided. The thickness in a plastic material having a modulus of elasticity of about 130,000 p.s.i. is from 2 to 4 mm., preferably 3 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Speedshop, Inc.
    Inventors: Nancy J. Schlueter, Ronald L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4872668
    Abstract: An isokinetic multidirectional exerciser utilizes an articulated boom mounted to a supporting base for pivotal movement relative to the base. The articulated boom preferably uses two arms which are pivotally connected. Relative movement between the boom arms and the base is individually resisted by fluid devices operatively connected between the members that move relative to one another during use of the exerciser. Each fluid device includes a resistive closed fluid path that is adjustable to vary the range of resistance that will be encountered during such movement. Provision is made for independent adjustment of resistance in opposite directions of movement of the exerciser members. This is accomplished by use of opposed check valves having individual bypass paths and flow control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Joseph Patrick McGillis
    Inventors: Joseph P. McGillis, Howard G. Fly
  • Patent number: 4858913
    Abstract: A buoyant device for attachment to the lower leg and ankle with strap components holding the device in place. Buoyant main body members are confined within an enclosure having a zipper closure. Buoyant inserts may be selectively removed from or added to the main body members to vary the buoyancy of the aid. Large, upright surface areas of the aid resist passage through the water and hence require muscular effort on the user's part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Inventor: Craig J. Stuart
  • Patent number: 4844450
    Abstract: An exercise device for simulated swimming strokes is disclosed. A cabinet supported on a frame serves as a base and has a body supporting platform thereabove, one portion supporting the torso and parallel duplicate hinge portions supporting the legs of the user. The user's arms reciprocate cable means and the user's legs reciprocate pivotal push rods extending into the cabinetry for rotating power consuming means comprising independent arm and leg powered fly wheels respectively connected to arm and leg powered means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Inventor: Robert E. Rodgers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4830363
    Abstract: A portable, adjustable apparatus for dry land swimming training is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a frame supporting a bench on which the torso of a user can be supported in generally horizontal position, lever means secured to the frame behind the bench to supportably receive the user's legs, the lever means being moveable upon movement of the user's legs, and arm movement means secured to the frame for gripping by the user's hands to permit swimming-like movement of the user's arms. The arm movement means consists of a pair of retractable cords. A hand grip means is secured to one end of each cord and the other end of each cord is secured to a retractable pulley means. The bench has associated therewith means to adjust upwardly or downwardly the midsection of the bench with respect to the rest thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Inventor: Robert J. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 4805631
    Abstract: A device for observing and recording the activity of at least one organ of the body of a patient producing electrically recordable manifestations for in particular studying and supervising heart diseases, comprises video means (4) for filming and recording movements of the subject, known means (1, 2, 3) for detecting and transmitting the electrocardiogram of the studied subject, and an assembler (6, 7, 8) for receiving and possibly recording together the data received by said video means (4) and by said detecting and transmitting means (1, 2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Inventor: Sa Majeste H. Roi du Maroc, II.
  • Patent number: 4804326
    Abstract: A flotation device worn on the ankle and a related method for its use. The device is a sleeve of resilient, cellular material providing only small buoyancy, but because the device is located at a relatively great distance from the body's center of buoyancy, it has the effect of maintaining the swimmer's legs in a near-horizontal floating position, even if the person does not float naturally in this position. Use of the device greatly facilitates the teaching of floating and survival techniques to beginning swimmers, and various swimming strokes to all swimmers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Inventor: Paul R. Lennon
  • Patent number: 4781638
    Abstract: A variable drag and buoyancy kickboard for a swimmer comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a plurality of pairs of hand grasping locations. The second portion extends from a lateral edge of the first portion. The first portion defines a first planar surface and the second portion defines a second planar surface. The first and second planar surfaces form an obtuse angle. The first and second portions having a periphery upon which the hand grasping locations are disposed. Each pair of hand grasping locations are laterally opposite each other on the periphery. Grasping different pairs of hand grasping locations varies the flow characteristics of the kickboard by varying its position in the water. Thus, the drag of the kickboard may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Winters' Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur A. Winters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4780085
    Abstract: A lap timing device for swimmers utilizes a proximity sensor to detect the completion of each lap a swimmer swims during a training session. The device, which is preferably portable and in the form of a starting block of standard AAU dimensions, is placed adjacent an edge of a swimming pool. The number of laps of the training session are input and the swimmer stands on the diving platform of the device. When the swimmer dives off of the platform, a switch starts a clock/counter in the device. The proximity sensor, preferably an ultrasonic transducer, detects the completion of each lap. When the predetermined number of laps is counted by the device, an alarm sounds, indicating to the swimmer the end of the training session, and the total swim time, average time per lap, fastest lap time and slowest lap time are displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Inventor: Jerald C. Malone
  • Patent number: 4689030
    Abstract: A flotation device for athletic training or for hydrotherapy utilizes a vest-like member which encases buoyant members of unequal buoyancy such that a wearer is supported in water in an upright position, yet inclined slightly forward, and immersed above the shoulders. The vest is fitted to the wearer by adjustment and retaining straps and provides complete unhampered freedom of movement of the appendages whereby the user may exercise using the same biomechanical motions involved in a like exercise performed out of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1987
    Inventor: James G. McWaters
  • Patent number: 4654010
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring swimming technique utilizes a pressure transducer mounted to the hand of a swimmer. A measurement is taken of the pressure differential between the palm and the back of the swimmer's hand is measured during swimming and is plotted against time with the help of a microcomputer. An area under this curve is calculated and gives a measurement of the swimming effectiveness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Inventor: Rod Havriluk
  • Patent number: 4577859
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enabling in-place swimming. This apparatus includes a tank or pool assembly that is of just sufficient dimensions so as to allow a swimmer to execute normal swimming strokes and a restraining assembly to maintain the swimmer in place within the tank during swimming. The tank assembly is preferably largely enclosed and may have included therewith one or more comfort and/or utility features to enhance swimming. The restraining assembly is preferably configured to allow the swimmer relatively free rolling movement while precluding appreciable forward movement due to swimming strokes executed by the swimmer. The apparatus is useful for diverse purposes including exercise, rehabilitation, teaching, training and relaxing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Inventor: Burnham N. Gossett
  • Patent number: 4530497
    Abstract: An exercising device for use by a swimmer for simulating a free swimmer's planing force across the surface of a body of water. The device comprises a base including a plurality of holding conduits for securing a resilient member from which a line attaches to a user's harness. The resilient member is designed to provide an upward force that approximates the upward planing force of a swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1985
    Inventors: William Moran, Donald E. Bellerive
  • Patent number: 4529192
    Abstract: Apparatus to be used in a swimming pool for improving a swimmer's proficiency and endurance. The apparatus consists of shoulder pads which engage the shoulders of the swimmer and are attached to two arms which extend to a housing which contains tension providing structure. The housing has two support arms extending therefrom to pads frictionally engaged with the side wall of a pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Inventor: Alfred W. Stites
  • Patent number: 4527795
    Abstract: A tethered swimmer's tank for permitting a person to perform swimming exercises within a limited space being comprised of an open topped, water-filled tank and a harness device which is attached to said person for holding said person in a stationary position while perform various swimming exercises. A pulley is mounted to the tank behind the swimmer. An indicator is mounted forward of the swimmer within his/her field of view slightly above the top of the water and below the top of the tank. A cable passes around the pulleys with one end being attached to the harness and the other end attached to the indicator to measure the force exerted by the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1985
    Inventor: John S. Zink
  • Patent number: 4518364
    Abstract: A swimming instruction device in the form of a kickboard having a top surface and a bottom surface. The kickboard is buoyant to float on water with at least a portion of the bottom surface in contact with the water and the top surface facing upwardly and away from the water. Additionally, the kickboard includes at least one guide member adapted to receive a swimming instruction card.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Inventor: Vivian R. Jacobson
  • Patent number: 4427385
    Abstract: A mixed gas bell diving deep ocean simulator has particular utility in training of student commercial divers. Required training dives, both air and mixed gas, can be carried out in safety and at a substantial cost savings as compared with in-ocean training dives. The simulator comprises a hyperbaric cylinder serving as a work chamber and a diving bell suspended within the work chamber. The work chamber is flooded so that a portion of the diving bell is submerged. The bell and work chamber are compressed to simulate lowering of the bell to an ocean depth, and are decompressed to simulate raising the bell from that depth. An arrangement is provided for automatically tracking the pressure outside the bell (i.e., in the work chamber) with the pressure in the bell so that the simulated depth in the work chamber corresponds to that of the bell within a predetermined differential (e.g., three feet of sea water).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1984
    Inventor: Andre Galerne
  • Patent number: 4406628
    Abstract: A kickboard for supplementing the buoyancy of a swimmer when grasped by a swimmer's hands including a generally elongate rectangular member (11) of relatively lesser thickness, one side (20) of said member being a generally planar surface, the other side (30) of said member having a plurality of spaced depressions (35) having wall sections (36, 37) thereof extending a substantial portion of the thickness of said member for providing substantial structural rigidity, some of said depressions having a portion (38) thereof attached to said one side (20) of said member for enhancing the strength and rigidity of said member and some of said depressions being positioned proximate the periphery of said member to facilitate gripping by a swimmer's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: McNeil Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas P. Rademacher
  • Patent number: 4258914
    Abstract: A training device for competitive swimmers which can be adjustably mounted on a swimmer's body part and, in operational use, provides predetermined resistances of varying degrees to the swimmer's normal movements, causing him to exert greater effort, the resistances being generated by weights selectively and removably mounted within the device. Exploitation is made of the muscle as a sensory organ in generating a heightened awareness of muscle or tendon or joint movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1981
    Inventor: Ronald P. Lalli