Swimming Patents (Class 482/55)
  • Patent number: 7955226
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device designed to elevate the head out of the water while keeping the lumbar spine slightly flexed and allowing vigorous kicking of the legs for weight loss and low impact aerobic conditioning. A swimmer swims on his back and holds onto handles, which keep the device stable and provide a secure frame while in the water. The preferred embodiment is formed from PVC pipe and polyethylene foam. The pipe components are glued together using standard PVC glue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Richard D. Dauben
  • Patent number: 7935029
    Abstract: A swimmer training apparatus includes a housing having a rotatable spool mounted therein and defining a longitudinal spool axis. The rotatable spool includes a cylindrical outer surface and a spooler is mounted to the housing and adapted to axially advance a swimmer tethering line along the cylindrical outer surface during playing out or taking up the swimmer tethering line. The swimmer training apparatus further includes a torque transfer device coupled between a motor and the rotatable spool and including a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field. The torque transfer device further includes a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the rotatable spool and a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the motor. One of the rotatable mechanisms includes a magnetically permeable medium adapted via interacting with the magnetic field to transfer a torque between the first rotatable mechanism and the second rotatable mechanism during rotating the rotatable spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Hector Engineering Co, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight Hector
  • Publication number: 20110098158
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device designed to elevate the head out of the water while keeping the lumbar spine slightly flexed and allowing vigorous kicking of the legs for weight loss and low impact aerobic conditioning. A swimmer swims on his back and holds onto handles, which keep the device stable and provide a secure frame while in the water. The preferred embodiment is formed from PVC pipe and polyethylene foam. The pipe components are glued together using standard PVC glue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Richard D. Dauben
  • Publication number: 20110021324
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device comprising a base arranged to be held in particular with a foot or with a hand, and webbing, in particular corolla-shaped webbing, that is secured to the base and that is suitable for deforming under pressure from the water that is exerted while the device is moving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Stephan Sahun, Patrick Doby, Damien Saumureau, Francois Barbier, Benoit Lefrancois
  • Publication number: 20110009244
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: AQX, INC.
    Inventors: Garry L. KILLGORE, Jeffrey A. THOMAS, Jonathan ANDREWS, David L. BURTON, Stephen V. COOPER, John KENT
  • Patent number: 7846072
    Abstract: Individual swimmers may routinely and easily perform exercise regiments to maintain or enhance their general health and fitness utilizing the present invention. Multiple part poles may be readily shipped, or otherwise transported, in a disassembled state and assembled easily and quickly to full length for use with the overall swimming exercise device. Various configurations of sections and connections are disclosed. Ideally a taper will exist where the deployed multiple part pole will flex more toward an outer end of the multiple part pole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Bellerive
  • Publication number: 20100304934
    Abstract: A system and method for training swimmers in a controlled aquatic environment, such as a pool, the system comprising a base station in communication with various system components. The base station receives pertinent data from the swimmer through direct wiring detecting a contact with the pool (i.e. the completion of a lap) or through wireless communication. The base station can include an accelerometer-based touch pad for detecting contact of a swimmer with the pool wall. The base station can alternatively include an optical transceiver for transmitting and receiving swimmer data. The swimmers can be equipped with a finger tapper and a toe tapper for determining lap times and sending the relevant information to the base station. The training system can also include an underwater display for providing relevant information to a swimmer within a pool and an underwater video camera for recording video footage of swimmers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: SWIMNETIX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Peter S. Woodson
  • Publication number: 20100285930
    Abstract: A swimmer training device includes a frame, a variable weight device, a first block, a second block, and a cable. The frame includes a bottom support section, a top section, and a plurality of support members. The first block is coupled to the top section, and comprises a plurality of first main pulleys that are each rotatable about a first axis. The second block is coupled to the variable weight device, and comprises a plurality of second main pulleys that are each rotatable about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis. The cable is wound at least partially around each of the first main pulleys and each of the second main pulleys, and extends from the top section of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: ROCKET INDUSTRIES, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Nathan TEDHAMS
  • Patent number: 7794364
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: AQX, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry L. Killgore, Jeffrey A. Thomas, Jonathan Andrews, David L. Burton, Stephen V. Cooper, John Kent
  • Patent number: 7787943
    Abstract: There provided a heart rate monitor that includes a pair of electrodes, a program control panel having a power supply, a vibration feedback module for advising the user when predetermined heart rates have been reached, and a data retrieval member. The electrodes are arranged to be in contact with the swimmer's body and connected to a microcontroller in a program control panel. The program control panel has a plurality of heart rate selection members that provide a signal for sending to the swimmer when the predetermined heart rate has been reached. When the predetermined heart rate is reached, the signal is sent to a vibration feedback module. Another aspect of the present invention is to log heart rate data and swimming duration. This is accomplished by providing the program control panel with blue tooth zone selectors that export data from the program control panel and imports the data to a hand held computer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel K McDonough
  • Publication number: 20100204019
    Abstract: An elastic link for adjusting the distance between two members, at least one of which is mobile, is characterised in that it includes at least two elastic yarns each attached through one of the opposite ends thereof to two points distant from each other of an intermediate portion of a strap located between the extreme portions of the latter, under conditions such that when a tensile force is applied on said strap, the first elastic yarn is stretched first, the second elastic yarn being then stretched based on the magnitude of the applied tensile force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Christophe Mayaud
  • Publication number: 20100197468
    Abstract: An apparatus related to a swim training vest with which one or more water resistance induction ducts may be associated; consisting of a front panel and back panel secured together by an adjustable strap; generating a variable amount of resistance in the water by adjustment of a flap at the exhaust end of the water resistance induction ducts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Min Zhang
  • Publication number: 20100197467
    Abstract: A swimmer training apparatus includes a housing having a rotatable spool mounted therein and defining a longitudinal spool axis. The rotatable spool includes a cylindrical outer surface and a spooler is mounted to the housing and adapted to axially advance a swimmer tethering line along the cylindrical outer surface during playing out or taking up the swimmer tethering line. The swimmer training apparatus further includes a torque transfer device coupled between a motor and the rotatable spool and including a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field. The torque transfer device further includes a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the rotatable spool and a rotatable mechanism fixed to rotate with the motor. One of the rotatable mechanisms includes a magnetically permeable medium adapted via interacting with the magnetic field to transfer a torque between the first rotatable mechanism and the second rotatable mechanism during rotating the rotatable spool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Dwight Hector
  • Patent number: 7740570
    Abstract: An elastomeric band exercise device is modified by adding a cushion to the band to permit it to be comfortably stepped on with a bare foot without discomfort. The modification is particularly advantageous when the device is used in performing aquatic exercises. Each handle has a waterproof friction grip covering a steel weight bar. The handle is connected to the band by a retainer ball in the end of the band and a washer inserted between the ball and a throat in the handle through which the band is extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Edith Winston
  • Patent number: 7727123
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device is adapted to be submerged in water, and moved through the water and/or rotated in the water to provide omni-directional and omni-rotational drag resistance. In one implementation, an aquatic exercise device includes a bar adapted to be grasped by one or two hands of a user, and a resistance mechanism attached to opposite ends of the bar. Each resistance mechanism includes a cuff and two or more fins extending outward from the cuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlinton A. Stout, James P. Cleary
  • Patent number: 7648449
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a floating exercise mat. The mat has a substantially planar surface with distal and proximal ends. The mat has a headrest secured to the proximal end. The headrest is thicker than the body of the mat to support the head of a user. The body of the mat has two apertures therein, where each aperture has a handle disposed therein. The handles provide the user a gripping surface so that the user can perform exercises when gripping the floating mat. The distal end of the body of the mat has resistance wings secured thereon. The resistance wings can be made of a rigid material such as polycarbonate. The wings can be in the shape of a oval, triangle, semicircle, triangle, or a rectangle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ryan Detert
  • Publication number: 20100009813
    Abstract: A device for stationary swimming in an above-ground or self-supporting swimming pool includes an item of equipment intended to surround the body of a swimmer, a flexible tether fastened at one end to the item of equipment, and at least one attachment pole with at least one hitching point for fastening to the other end of the tether. The base of the attachment pole is removable manner and has at least one anchoring plate extending laterally with respect to the base of the pole. The plate has an elongate shape and a size such that a large portion of its length can be slipped beneath one of the ends of a water basin lying on the ground. The mass of water contained in the basin firmly blocks the pole, thereby immobilizing and stabilizing the attachment pole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventor: Christophe Mayaud
  • Patent number: 7641590
    Abstract: A lap counter for use by a swimmer, has a case for attaching to the swimmer, and a compass sensor housed in the case for providing an output signal which changes between opposite directions along which the swimmer swims back and forth. An operating circuit includes a processor programmed to distinguish the change in the output signal of the compass sensor between the opposite directions to identify a reversal in direction of swimming by the swimmer and to count laps, each lap being based on two successive reversals in direction. The processor may also be programmed to distinguish the change in the compass sensor output signal to detect a rise above an upper threshold and a subsequent fall below a lower threshold, or vice versa, to identify, a wave in the output signal that represents a swimming stroke of the swimmer and to count the strokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: IDT Technology Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Chan
  • Publication number: 20090298652
    Abstract: The swim training device includes a pole for use in compression between a belt worn on the waist of the swimming user and a floating base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Michel Lessard
  • Patent number: 7621851
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlington A. Stout, James P. Cleary
  • Patent number: 7597601
    Abstract: A resistance kickboard. The resistance kickboard includes plural resistance indicia that provide varying levels of resistance when the resistance kickboard is moved through water. The varying levels resistance allow swimmers, exercisers and rehabilitation patients to spend less time in a pool while obtaining additional training, exercising or rehabilitation effects. The resistance kickboard may also include a reservoir to hold a liquid. The liquid allows a user to stay hydrated while using the resistance kickboard for longer periods without stopping the activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Inventor: David J. Mravca
  • Publication number: 20090239710
    Abstract: A personal device is provided for measuring a training activity of a trainee having a body part which moves during this training activity, this movement at least partially defining said training activity. The device comprises a sensing unit adapted to repeatedly measure, during the training activity, parameters associated with the movement of the body part, and wherein the sensing unit comprising at least accelerometer means, a compass and, optimally, gyroscope means. The device further comprises means for attaching the sensing unit to the body part and a processor adapted to receive from the sensing unit the parameters and to calculate based thereon, data indicative of the training activity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Inventors: Eldad Shemesh, Liat Shemesh-Granot
  • Patent number: 7582045
    Abstract: A variable resistance aquatic exercise apparatus which provides a platform for removable fit to each of a user's hands and arms is disclosed. Each platform provides a plurality of one-way valves of two sizes. Each platform further provides a dialable disc which varies with orifice size, from a larger orifice to smaller orifices, or a user may choose to close orifices, thereby providing varied resistance to movement through water. Multiple embodiments of the platform are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph L. Lombardi, Justin Thompson
  • Patent number: 7563206
    Abstract: Individual swimmers may routinely and easily perform exercise regiments to maintain or enhance their general health and fitness utilizing the present invention. Segmented poles may be readily shipped, or otherwise transported, in a disassembled state and assembled easily and quickly to full length for use with the overall swimming exercise device. Numerous pole mounting arrangements provide for deployment of the swimming exercise device with nearly any configuration of swimming pool without regard for whether the pool is of the in ground style or of the above ground style and without regard for size from the smallest available to Olympic size. A small but durable hand rail mount provides for the swimmer to perform their respective workout when traveling or otherwise visiting another pool without requiring any structural modification to the pool to be used and without any concern for damage occurring to the pool to be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Donald Bellerive
  • Patent number: 7488274
    Abstract: A set of generally rectangular flat plates for aquatic exercise that create drag when moved through a body of water. Each flat plate is provided with an arcuate finger slot for receiving the user's four fingers and an aperture for receiving their thumb. The finger slot and thumb aperture are strategically located such that when the plate is gripped, the center of the palm of the user's hand lays over the center of the flat plate on one side and the fingers and thumb are folded over to engage the opposite side and the user's forearm lays parallel to and over the longitudinal center line of the flat plate. Drag produced by moving the flat plate through the water is transferred to the center of the flat plate and the center of that force passes through the center of the palm of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Frank W. Sears
  • Patent number: 7481745
    Abstract: A floating aquatic stair stepper (1) having a frame (2) with support bars (6, 7), two extension legs (4) secured to the frame (2) and two foot placement steps (3) movably secured to each extension leg (4). The support bars (6, 7) permit a user to comfortably rest his or her hands, arms and shoulders, thereby permitting him or her to float. The foot placement steps (3) are each preferably slidably secured to extension legs (4). To use, a person raises and lowers each foot so as to simulate climbing stairs. The extension legs (4) may be fixedly secured to the frame (2) to provide for upward and downward movement only, or pivotally secured to the frame (2) to provide forward and backward movement of the legs as well. To further intensify the up and down movement of the present invention, resistance bands (5) may be used to secure the frame (2) to the foot placement steps (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Dennis M. Malazinsky
  • Patent number: 7447336
    Abstract: A stroke information measurement device and a stroke information measurement method, by which stroke information, such as the stroke time, stroke length, etc., of a swimming swimmer can be measured accurately and immediately, are provided. This invention's stroke information measurement device 10 is characterized in comprising: an image pickup means 12, capturing images of a swimming swimmer and outputting the image data of predetermined intervals; a front end detection means 22, detecting a front end in the direction of progress of the swimmer from an image of the body of the swimmer in each image data; and a stroke point detection part 28, detecting, from among the front ends, the front end at the timing when the swimmer is in a predetermined position in each stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Takahiro Murakoshi, Yuuichi Kimura, Takehiro Kurono
  • Patent number: 7442151
    Abstract: A device for restraining a swimmer in a variety of settings including a post, tie portion, tether assembly, and restraining belt coupled to the tether assembly and swimmer. An anchor assembly provides an anchoring collar fixed at one end and in sliding engagement with the post at another end. In operation, a swimmer applies a variable tension from the restraining belt across the tether assembly to the tie portion of the post. In sliding engagement with the post, the anchoring collar provides a tensile force to the post to counteract the swimmer's variable tension and to maintain the post both in a longitudinal position within the body of water and in continuous contact with the underwater floor. The device may include a base assembly that is releasably coupled to the post and enables the post to pivot in the direction of the tensile force applied by the tethered swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos Eduardo Berdegue
  • Publication number: 20080161167
    Abstract: A device (1) for resisted swimming includes elements (7) for coupling with the user's body, a cable (5), the cable (5) having one end coupled with the coupling elements (7) and the other end coupled with a first end of a plurality of tension wires (3), the second end of the plurality of tension wires (3) being coupled with a body (2), so as to realize a parachute like structure, the structure opening during advancing of the user within the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: Mauro Ottaviani
  • Publication number: 20080085817
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a belt unit that has an element that encircles a swimmer's hips near the pelvis. The belt unit includes restraining straps that are attached to the element encircling the swimmer's hips by means of hook-and-loop material so the straps can be located in the most effective position on the swimmer. The device further includes an anchor that can be attached to a stationary device associated with the swimming pool and has rotatable rings that are attached to the restraining straps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Karen W. Brentlinger, Kent Brian Zilliox
  • Publication number: 20080081742
    Abstract: An device and method of use for the same adapted for aquatic exercise comprising. The device comprising an inner member and an outer foam member, each having a length much greater than its respective average outside diameters and both the inner member and an outer foam member having approximately the same length. The inner member adapted to be water-tight and being located substantially within the outer foam member. Where the inner member is more rigid than said outer foam member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Sharon Dumke, Joanne Randell
  • Patent number: 7344482
    Abstract: This new and unique adjustable cantilevered aquatic exercise device offers a clean modern appearing device for exercising on the side of a swimming pool or from the end of a diving board. By mounting two extension arms to two horizontal support arms connected and mounted to the pool deck surface by mounting plates, angle-mounting brackets or slid over the end of the diving board, a single exercise bar may be relocated between pluralities of orifices on the extension arms to achieve a wide variety of elevations to exercise at the side of a swimming pool. This device can be pivoted back from the edge of the pool and remains completely out of the water when in use, not requiring the need to be constructed from expensive materials, and may be finished with a wide variety of rust preventative and cushioned coatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Stanley J. Checketts
  • Patent number: 7335136
    Abstract: A training device for use in a pool having a lane guide. The training device comprises a base member shaped to cooperate with at least a portion of the lane guide, an elongated member adapted to pivot relative to the base member, and a resilient member coupling the elongated member to the base member in an initial position. The resilient member is adapted to return the elongated member to the initial position when the elongated member deviates therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Philosophics, Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph R. Brodbeck
  • Publication number: 20080020909
    Abstract: The purpose of the safety and assistance strap is to securely suspend and also to provide quick height adjustment of dumbbells, barbells and exercise equipment to a specific height appropriate for the user prior to usage, beginning an exercise, and throughout the exercise acting as a safety device. As important is the finish and release of the equipment after the exercise whereby the safety assistance strap or SAS will prevent over extending. It is adjustable in heights in three large increments as well as numerous smaller increments. The present invention allows the user to quickly adjust the height, with one hand in large or small increments, without the need to remove the weight. It has a top end, which loops around horizontal supports and secures itself to a clasp upon the strap. The SAS has additional connection members at equal distances for quick height adjustment and a lower clasp at the end for the suspended exercise equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Constance L. Blair, Joseph Bryan LaBoy
  • Patent number: 7314433
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device provides uniform resistance under water when moved in any direction while concurrently preventing erratic movements which can damage the wrist of the individual using it. The unique design featuring a plurality of orifices in spherical surface minimizes splashing and stirring the water around the user. The device is composed of two or more quadrants having a three sided spherical surface that is ringed by vertical ribs which effectively centralize the forces when moved laterally and work in unison when moved either forward or backward along the central axis. Each quadrant has a plurality of orifices that meter the water passing through the device which can be changed in size to yield an exerciser with more or less resistance. Optional attachable flanges provide for lessening or increasing resistance depending on the diameter of the flange legs and their overhang over the ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventor: Tadlington A. Stout
  • Publication number: 20070293374
    Abstract: A lap counter for use by a swimmer, has a case, attachment means for attaching the case onto the swimmer, and a compass sensor housed in the case for providing an output signal which changes as between opposite directions along which the swimmer swims back and forth. There is also an operating circuit that includes a processor programmed to distinguish the change in the output signal of the compass sensor as between said opposite directions to thereby identify a reversal in direction of the swimmer and then to count the number of laps each based on two successive reversals in direction. The processor may also be programmed to distinguish the change in the compass sensor output signal to detect a rise above an upper threshold and a subsequent fall below a lower threshold, or vice versa, to thereby identify a wave in the output signal representing a swimming stroke of the swimmer and count the strokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Applicant: IDT Technology Limited
    Inventor: Raymond Chan
  • Patent number: 7291049
    Abstract: A forward and rearward support assembly each have a vertical fixed post with upper and intermediate apertures and a pair of vertical reciprocable posts with upper and lower and intermediate apertures. Each support assembly has an upper and a lower oscillating plate. Each plate has an upper aperture. An upper pivot pin extends there through and through the apertures of the fixed posts. Each plate has a pair of laterally aligned lower apertures. Each plate has lower pivot pins. The lower pivot pins extend there through and through intermediate and lower apertures of the reciprocable posts. A forward and a rearward cradle and pivot pins couple the cradles and upper apertures of the reciprocable posts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventors: James H. Davis, Paul Dowd
  • Patent number: 7273444
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a swim training apparatus that includes: (a) an arm; (b) a strap adapted to surround at least a portion of a user; (c) a positioner adapted to be disposed at various positions along at least a portion of the arm; and (d) a suspension member that comprises a first end and a second end, wherein: (i) the first end is connected to the positioner, and (ii) the second end is connected to the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventor: Chihming Chang
  • Patent number: 7252625
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a wetsuit that may be worn by a user for providing torso support when user is lying prone on a board while engaging in aquatic sports. The wetsuit includes a torso wedge, which is generally aligned proximal the width of a costal arch of the user lower rib cage, critical in supporting the torso of the user. In general, the torso wedge is configured to provide a wedge-like angle between the board and the user's chest when the user is in a prone position on the board, thereby elevating the torso of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Inventor: David J. Perka
  • Patent number: 7226180
    Abstract: A pair of shining swimming goggles comprises a pair of swimming goggles, a shining module and an electric conducting portion. The shining module is embedded in an inner portion of the swimming goggles. The electric conducting portion is disposed on a surface of the swimming goggles. The electric conducting portion is electrically connected to the shining module, thereby when the swimming goggles are placed in water, the electric conducting portion conducts electricity to the shining module by water to make the shining module shine for showing the position of the swimmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Hsiu-Ying Sung
  • Patent number: 7185598
    Abstract: A swim training and buoyancy assist device for an anchoring device has a resilient element and a resilient tether. The anchoring device is located at a certain location beside a swimming pool. The resilient element has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the resilient element is connected to the anchoring device. The resilient tether has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the resilient tether is connected to the distal end of the resilient element. The distal end of the resilient tether is connected to a swimmer. When the swimmer is connected to the resilient element and the resilient tether, the swimmer can only move a short distance in a certain direction and is buoyed up at a certain depth in the water so that the swimmer, especially a beginner, can practice swimming in a small area without the fear of drowning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventors: Jen-Fan Lan, Jenn-Jian Lan
  • Patent number: 7179146
    Abstract: A swimmer's hand paddle simulating a human hand is formed from a generally planar member of PVC foam and has a central dome-shaped palm area for receiving the palm of the swimmer's hand. The paddle includes areas for receiving the thumb and fingers of the swimmer's hand. A wrist strap and one or more finger straps secures the user's hand to the paddle. The palm area, and also the areas which receive the swimmer's thumb and fingers, are provided with a series of apertures to allow the swimmer to feel passing water. The paddle is shaped to include an inwardly directed groove such that the peripheral portion of the paddle nearest the swimmer's second finger lies closer to the central palm area than do the peripheral portions nearest the index finger and ring finger. Also, an indented peripheral portion is formed between the swimmer's thumb and index finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Mentor Aquatics, LLC
    Inventor: Ronald L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7175569
    Abstract: A swimming exerciser has a vertical support, an arm, a roller assembly, a resilient element, a belt, a resilient tether and a rope. The vertical support is mounted beside a swimming pool and has a pulley. The arm is hollow and is connect to and protrudes from the vertical support and has a distal end. The roller assembly is mounted moveably inside the arm. The resilient element is mounted inside the arm between the roller assembly the distal end of the arm. The belt is worn around a person's waist. The resilient tether is attached to the roller assembly and the belt and compensates for a swimmer's lack of movement through the water to hold the swimmer at a constant depth. The rope is connected to the roller assembly, reeved through the pulley and connected to the belt to hold a swimmer in a fixed position when swimming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventors: Jen-Fan Lan, Jenn-Jian Lan
  • Patent number: 7104932
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a belt unit that has an element that encircles a swimmer's hips near the pelvis. The belt unit includes restraining straps that are attached to the element encircling the swimmer's hips by means of hook-and-loop material so the straps can be located in the most effective position on the swimmer. The device further includes an anchor that can be attached to a stationary device associated with the swimming pool and has rotatable rings that are attached to the restraining straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Karen W. Brentlinger
  • Patent number: 7090618
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device includes a handle connected to a dome-shaped bell where an angle between the handle axis and the bell axis is not ninety degrees. The bell axis extends from an apex opposite an opening of the dome-shaped bell through a center of the opening. The aquatic exercise device is configured to provide an omni-directional and omni-rotational resistance to movement in water and may include a plurality of fins arranged on an outer surface of the dome-shaped bell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlington A. Stout, James P. Cleary
  • Patent number: 7044818
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus and method for training swimmers. The device is a guide (10) of substantially rigid shape. It is used to teach and condition the swimmer's upper body. As a swimmer traces the perimeter of the guide with his arm in a manner as if he were swimming, the swimming techniques of high elbow catch and high elbow stroke path are executed. The device will enable a swimmer to train form in a template like manner. It can also be combined with resistive means to train strength at the same time as training form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Craig Askins
  • Patent number: 7044819
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Inventor: Nicholas J. Dulemba
  • Patent number: 6966885
    Abstract: This invention relates to hydrotherapy where a patient is placed in traction while immersed in a heated hydrotherapy pool. More specifically, a process and apparatus for hydrotherapy traction is disclosed in which the patient is placed in a horizontal supine position, and gradually moved to and from a position of immersed hydrotherapy traction in the heated hydrotherapy pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Andre Osipov
  • Patent number: 6966870
    Abstract: A swimming exerciser includes a pair of height adjusting devices each having a base for secure engagement with a pool side and a pole mounted on the base and provided with a slot and multiple cutouts defined in the pole to communicate with the slot. A pair of resilient devices each has a positioning block, a head extending from a side of the positioning block to be movably received in a corresponding one of the cutouts and an elastic strap oppositely formed relative to the head and having a hook. A trapping device has a loop and two opposed rings on the loop to correspond to the two hooks of the two resilient devices. After a swimmer's waist is received in the loop, the swimmer is able to swim in a supported manner in the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jen-Fan Lan
  • Patent number: 6962553
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device provides uniform omni-directional and uniform omni-rotational resistance to movement in water. The device includes a plurality of fins arranged on an outer surface of a dome-shaped or semi-spherical bell. The fins include lateral resistance members such as flanges for additional rotational resistance or a resistance plate that creates a resistance during a punching motion. The bell includes an opening and a handle coupled to an interior of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlington A. Stout, James P. Cleary