Abstract: Provided herein are flotation devices for use with a stand-up paddle and a stand-up flotation paddle. The flotation device has two hemispheres and a pair of stop collars. The hemispheres are secured to each other around the shaft of the stand-up paddle and secured to the shaft via the stop collars. The stand-up flotation paddle has the flotation device secured thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of estimating energy expenditure of a user while swimming. A processor circuit of a user device can estimate a speed of the user based on a stroke rate and a stroke length. The processor circuit can estimate an efficiency of the user. The processor circuit can classify a swimming style of the user. The processor circuit can determine energy expenditure of the user based on the speed, the efficiency, and the style. The processor circuit can also detect glides of the user and adjust the energy expenditure.

Abstract: Methods, systems and computer program products for radionavigation for swimmers are described. A mobile device configured to estimate a location using radio frequency signals can estimate a position of the swimmer when the mobile device is worn on a limb of the swimmer and periodically submerged. The mobile device can supply auxiliary information to a radionavigation subsystem to correct a navigation solution affected by limb motion of the swimmer and affected by the periodic submersion of the mobile device.

Abstract: A physical training device is provided herein. The device may include a brace portion and a fastening mechanism for securing the device to a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints. The device may prevent or limit movement of a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and or/joints. The device may also include a brace portion having a spiral or helical shape such that it may be wrapped around a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints. The device may also include a sensor for detecting movement of a user's limbs, digits, joints, shoulders, legs, knees, ankles, feet, back, neck, head and/or joints, as well as a feedback device to notify the user when movement is detected.

Abstract: A swimming paddle with an upper rounded swimcap-shaped edge terminating in side indentations that define cap-securing temples, and a central goggle-securing notch cooperating with a concave region in the lower edge to store goggles vertically on the paddle. The paddle may further include fingerpad-indexing holes extending through the body of the paddle from the inner face to the outer face, the holes sized to allow only the fingerpads of a swimmer's extended fingers to partially protrude from the inner face. A method for custom fitting a swimming paddle to a particular swimmer's hand includes generating a side-by-side image of the swimmer's hand and a commonly-carried object such as a mobile phone in a common plane. The image is compared to stored dimensional data for the object to remotely determine the dimensions of the swimmer's hand and manufacture a custom paddle.

Abstract: This invention is related to an apparatus and method for swimming by use of a swimming aid comprising an anchoring article and handlebars that are rotated side-to-side by the user. The side-to-side rotation of the handlebars causes a vertical tail fin to move laterally through the water, displacing water, and propelling the user in a forward direction. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, foldable swim fins are attached to the handlebars. These swim fins can rotate about a horizontal axis such that they displace water when the handlebars are rotated in one direction and rotate horizontally 90 degrees to minimize resistance when the handlebars are rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a hand paddle system comprising a wrist member and a hand member. The wrist member and hand member are intercoupled. The wrist and hand members are configured to releasably couple or receive the scaphoid and metacarpal regions of a user's hand. The hand paddle system is composed and/or configured to be buoyant. The hand paddle system may also include a finger member coupled to the hand member opposite of the wrist member. The system causes an increased water entry resistance when the user improperly orients their arm and/or wrist leading up to and at the catch point and the buoyancy facilitates an early, high elbow catch and pull.

Abstract: A handboard for body surfing waves is described. The handboard has an adjustable strap that can be tightened or loosened depending on the size of the user's hand and the anticipated turbulence that the user expects to find in the surf. The strap is screwed into mated holes in the deck of the handboard, and there are several sets of screws so that a user can adjust the position of the strap on the handboard, thereby allowing a user to move the strap up or down the handboard depending on how he/she wants to trim the handboard. The handboard has a leash plug so that a user can be attached to the handboard, and an attachment site to which cameras and other accessories can be attached.

Abstract: Aquatic exercise system and method for use in a body of water is presented. In particular, the system comprises a sleeve correspondingly disposable in covering relation to at least a portion of a user's appendage, such as an arm or leg, a securing assembly to secure the sleeve to a user, and at least one fin outwardly extending from the sleeve and structured to increase resistance to the user regardless of the particular directional or rotational movement. In some embodiments, the sleeve is further structured to cover an extremity of a user, such as a hand or foot. Further embodiments include a seat assembly connectable to an access pole of a pool or hot tub. The method includes applying an aquatic exercise system to an appendage of a user, submerging the appendage and system, and moving the appendage and system through water in at least one direction to create resistance.

Abstract: A swim fin for the arm is disclosed. The swim fin includes a longitudinal spine that is contoured and adapted to extend along the forearm. On one side of the longitudinal spine, a perpendicularly-extending handle is provided in a position to be gripped by the hand. Behind the handle, a strap or sleeve assembly connected to the longitudinal spine is provided to allow the fin to be attached to the forearm. The fin area extends laterally out from the longitudinal spine in a direction opposite the handle and strap or sleeve assembly.

Abstract: A swimming paddle with an upper rounded swimcap-shaped edge terminating in side indentations that define cap-securing temples, and a central goggle-securing notch cooperating with a concave region in the lower edge to store goggles vertically on the paddle. The paddle may further include fingerpad-indexing holes extending through the body of the paddle from the inner face to the outer face, the holes sized to allow only the fingerpads of a swimmer's extended fingers to partially protrude from the inner face. A method for custom fitting a swimming paddle to a particular swimmer's hand includes generating a side-by-side image of the swimmer's hand and a commonly-carried object such as a mobile phone in a common plane. The image is compared to stored dimensional data for the object to remotely determine the dimensions of the swimmer's hand and manufacture a custom paddle.

Abstract: A training paddle for use by a swimmer comprises a base configured to accommodate a hand of the swimmer. A strap holds the base to the hand. A raised fin that extends upward from the base directs water away from flowing between the hand and the base.

Abstract: A swimming aid is provided that includes an expandable element and a securing element for securing the swimming aid to a user. The expandable element moves between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The swimming aid is constructed and arranged such that movement through water in a first direction causes the expandable element to move to the expanded configuration and movement in a second direction, substantially opposite to the first direction, causes the expandable element to move to the collapsed configuration.

Abstract: The swimming apparatus pertains to swimming with special equipment for swimmers and divers and can be used for increasing speed, comfortable maneuvering, and making swimming more economical. The swimming apparatus comprises a tail fin, a hand-held fin and a dual snorkel.

Abstract: An arm extension apparatus includes a base having an elongate configuration. The apparatus includes a paddle coupled to the base and having proximal and distal portions, the paddle being slidably movable relative to the base between a retracted configuration in which the proximal portion is substantially received adjacent the base and an extended configuration in which the proximal portion is substantially extended from the base. An attachment member is coupled to the base and having a configuration complementary to the person's arm, the attachment member having a strap extending therefrom for removably securing the attachment member to the person's arm.

Abstract: A buoyant device that enhances water activities and surfing by providing increased thrust from incident waves through utilization of a surface or volume to propel the buoyant device. A buoyant enclosure with an internal hand grip has surfaces that promote hydroplaning, flotation and the reduction of friction through the shape, materials and laminations used to manufacture the device. At least one of the surfaces can engage moving water allowing a user to benefit from the thrust of a wave to increase propulsion. A shape that combines a planar bottom surface with planar area to at least one side surface forms a wave wall to enhance propulsion from the force of a wave. Hydroplaning is enhanced using material with increased buoyancy to improve the body surfing experience. The devices are hand held by the user and can be used independently or combined to function as a single device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unique concept of a handheld swimming paddle containing a pivoting member with an attached angled section, which provides instant resistive and visual feedback when a swimming stoke is not properly executed. Such feedback allows the unique paddle to act as a technical aid for all levels of swimmers, as well as a device to build the correct muscles required to swim with proper stroke mechanics through constant monitoring. The disclosed invention will introduce resistance that will impede the swimmer's forward progress only when a pull is not properly executed, which means that it will be easier for the swimmer to execute a full proper stroke rather than swim with poor mechanics. Additionally, the disclosed invention will assist in the proper hand placement and orientation at the beginning of the stroke.

Abstract: An in-water training and rehabilitation device capable of individually training and rehabilitating an objective muscle of forearms at home with ease is provided. The in-water training and rehabilitation device according to the present invention is an in-water training device 10 that is held with a hand and moved in water for the purpose of strengthening a desired muscle of, mainly, forearms, and includes a substantially planar resistance part 14 whose area is variable and a plurality of handles 13 of different kinds. In the present invention, the plurality of handles 13 of different kinds may be constantly fixed to the resistance part 14 as in (d) or may be adapted to be replaceable as appropriate through an attaching and removing mechanism.

Abstract: A training paddle for use by a swimmer comprises a base configured to accommodate a hand of the swimmer. A strap holds the base to the hand. A raised fin that extends upward from the base directs water away from flowing between the hand and the base.

Abstract: The swimming apparatus pertains to swimming with special equipment for swimmers and divers and can be used for increasing speed, comfortable maneuvering, and making swimming more economical. The swimming apparatus comprises a tail fin, a hand-held fin and a dual snorkel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swimsuit comprising swimming trunks, a compressed gas cylinder with a user-operated valve, and one or more inflatable bladders attached to the swimming trunks. The swimsuit, apart from its basic function as clothing, performs simultaneously as a protecting and rescuing device in a life-threatening situation.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing maneuverability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be maneuvered through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: A device for use in swimming comprising an elongate elastic member for positioning on the posterior forearm of a swimmer's arm, a first attachment means for attaching one end to a distal portion of the arm near the hand or wrist of the swimmer, and a second attachment means for attaching the other end to an intermediate portion of the arm near the swimmer's elbow. The device vibrates and creates turbulence on the posterior side of the forearm, enabling the swimmer to modify his or her stroke to maximise the generated turbulence, encouraging correct stroke technique.

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.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: This invention is intended as an improved swimming aid for the hand. It is a ridged paddle having several features to enhance the paddles' performance for enjoyable swimming. The paddle has a finger tip hood that permits the fingers to extend unobstructed through finger facing apertures. The paddle has a wrist portion having a wrist strap. A thumb notch formed at a lateral end, by the palm potion of the paddle. The palm portion has a Transverse Ridge, that together with two lateral flanks form a triangle of three major bends at the palm. And, with two bends for the finger apertures and finger tip hood, change the paddles' shape from a flat surface to a three dimensional form, that deflect water, adds structural strength, and aids in hand comfort. The arrangement of these features, provide an enjoyable instrument that facilitates good leverage in the water.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: This invention is intended as an improved swimming aid for the hand. It is a ridged paddle having several features to enhance the paddles' performance for enjoyable swimming. The paddle has a finger tip hood that permits the fingers to extend unobstructed through finger facing apertures. The paddle has a wrist portion having a wrist strap. A thumb notch formed at a lateral end, by the palm potion of the paddle. The palm portion has a Transverse Ridge, that together with two lateral flanks form a triangle of three major bends at the palm. And, with two bends for the finger apertures and finger tip hood, change the paddles' shape from a flat surface to a three dimensional form, that deflect water, adds structural strength, and aids in hand comfort. The arrangement of these features, provide an enjoyable instrument that facilitates good leverage in the water.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device for holding a hand or foot in a desired position, the device comprising a curvilinear support surface and a linking element arranged across the hand or foot joint at a desired angle to secure the joint in the desired position.

Abstract: The present invention is a swim aid consisting of a paddle blade having a hand side and an opposite water side, a proximal end, a distal end opposite the proximal end and having a distal edge and opposite first and second lateral ends. Finger apertures are formed along the distal end of the blade and separated from the distal edge by a fingertip portion, the apertures being separated from each other by inter-digital portions. The paddle includes a wrist portion formed on the proximal end of the blade, the wrist portion having a wrist strap, and a palm portion formed on the blade between the apertures and the wrist portion, the palm portion forming a concave surface on the waterside of the blade. A thumb notch is formed on the first lateral end of the blade.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a swimmer's paddle for attachment to the hand of a swimmer. The paddle includes a body member having an upper surface and a lower surface, a front edge adjacent the fingertips of a swimmer, a rear edge adjacent the palm, an inner edge adjacent the thumb and an outer edge adjacent the little finger. When the fingers rest on the upper surface of the body member they are substantially aligned in a first plane. The paddle also includes a device connected to the body member for positioning the thumb on the body member in a second plane below the fingers, and a device connected to the body member for holding the body member from movement away from the thumb during a swimmer's stroke.

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.

Abstract: A swim paddle has a body portion and at least a strap member mounted on the body portion. The body portion defines a plurality of positioning holes therein. Each positioning hole includes a first passage and a second passage communicating with each other. The first passage has relatively larger width than that of the second passage. A clip neck is formed at a cross of the first passage and the second passage for retaining the strap member. The strap member has a plurality of limbs respectively extending through the positioning holes. Each limb forms tabs thereon which are spaced apart from each other. Each tab has diameter larger than width of second passage. The body portion has a hard center portion and a soft peripheral portion surrounding the hard center portion, thereby protecting the user's wrist and neighboring swimmers.

Abstract: A device for facilitating rapid movement beneath the surface of water is disclosed, having a hand held paddle for each hand, each paddle having an outboard tip and a tail, and a downward facing concave surface with a radius of curvature in a zone near the tip greater than the radius of curvature in a zone near the tail of each paddle.

Abstract: Personal water equipment (1) designed to extend a user's hand (M), comprising an upper surface with a zone for receiving a user's fingers, comprising means of holding a user's fingers, a zone for receiving said user's palm comprising means of holding the user's palm, these holding means (4.1, 4.2) extending on either side of the upper surface, approximately above the latter so as to provide a space for inserting the user's hand (M). This personal water equipment (1) is coupled with flotation means (10) to which said personal water equipment is removably fastened by fastening means arranged such that the upper surface of the personal water equipment is in contact with the flotation means. Use in particular in water activities such as swimming, diving, surfing and in lifesaving.

Abstract: A water paddle used for surface and underwater swimming, snorkeling, water aerobics and other water exercises. The water paddle includes a hand held, lightweight, flexible plastic, hydrodynamic paddle disk. A front of the paddle disk is flat or concave in shape for increasing or decreasing water resistance when moving the paddle in the water. Also, the paddle disk has a minimal thickness of ? inch or less for allowing the flexing of the disk. An adjustable strap is received through a pair of parallel strap slots in the disk. The adjustable hand strap allows a swimmer to adjust his or her hand at various positions on the back of the paddle disk. The hand can be adjusted for allowing the disk to cover the fingers and palm of the hand in a first position. Also, the hand can be moved upwardly allowing the fingers to extend beyond the upper edge if need be in a second position and reduce pressure against the wrist of the swimmer.

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.

Abstract: A swim stroke trainer apparatus and method includes providing a forearm paddle adapted to be connected to a swimmer's forearm to promote a downward motion of the hand and forearm and a bicep/tricep float adapted to be connected with a swimmer's upper arm to promote an elevated elbow.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device includes an elongate member, a forearm support secured to the elongate member, a grip secured to the elongate member, and a paddle secured to the grip. The grip is positioned such that a person may place their forearm in the forearm support and reach and hold onto the grip. While wearing the aquatic propulsion device, the person may perform power and/or return strokes using their forearm and hand, such that the forearm support, the elongate member, and the paddle move in tandem with the forearm and hand. The aquatic propulsion device is characterized by a center of water displacement that extends beyond the hand, away from the forearm.

Abstract: Hand fins for swimmers include an aerodynamic cross-section that is shaped to generate hydrodynamic lift when water passes over it. Water flowing over a main body portion is guided toward a center of the hand fin to maximize performance. A handle portion is provided preferably via an opening in the main body portion. A wrist strap is attachable to the handle portion to help support a user's hand during use, thereby enhancing the power and control of the hand fin. The hand fin may be constructed of multiple materials with a rigid internal structure and a flexible outer surface, as an inflatable hand fin, and as hollow hand fin having an internal chamber. Some embodiments of the hand fin is designed to flex under water pressure during use, to produce larger lifting surfaces thus producing greater lift.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate personal flotation device includes a hand-held tool. In one embodiment, a hand-held tool head assembly has a mounting cup with a cylindrical wall and a flat cup base. The cup is fitted over an end portion of a flexible, cylindrical, noodle-type flotation device. In an alternative embodiment, a squeeze-ball bladder pumping device in located within an end portion of an elongate personal flotation devise formed of resilient deformable material such that, when the end portion is squeezed, a stream of fluid is expelled through an orifice in a surface of the end portion. In another embodiment, the end portion is of a paddle tool shape and may be used to propel a flotation device user through the water in which the device is afloat.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device includes an elongate member, a forearm support secured to the elongate member, a grip secured to the elongate member, and a paddle secured to the grip. The grip is positioned such that a person may place their forearm in the forearm support and reach and hold onto the grip. While wearing the aquatic propulsion device, the person may perform power and/or return strokes using their forearm and hand, such that the forearm support, the elongate member, and the paddle move in tandem with the forearm and hand. The aquatic propulsion device is characterized by a center of water displacement that extends beyond the hand, away from the forearm.

Abstract: An aquatic propulsion device includes an elongate member secured to a forearm support and a paddle. The paddle and elongate member include a grip positioned such that a person may place their forearm in the forearm support and reach and hold onto the grip. While wearing the aquatic propulsion device, the person may perform power and/or return strokes using their forearm and hand, such that the forearm support, the elongate member, and the paddle move in tandem with the forearm and hand. The aquatic propulsion device is characterized by a center of water displacement that extends beyond the hand, away from the forearm. Additionally, a leading edge of the paddle is substantially inline with the hand and forearm.

Abstract: A dolphin-tail style multi-purpose swim fin that connects to a flat swim fin securable to a user's foot is used to generate propulsion in the form of displaced water. When the connected dolphin-tail style swim fin flows through a path of displaced water from the flat swim fin at a proper angle of attack, it produces a lifting force that assists in swimming. The dolphin-tail style swim fin is shaped to enhance the propulsion from the flat swim fin. A swim fin assembly can be integrated with both flat and dolphin-tail style fins as one unit. The dolphin-tail style swim fin is shaped to generate lift as water flows across it and can be used directly by the hand (without a flat fin) or used with a handle that can be attached in lieu of the flat fin.

Abstract: Exercise wings which utilize air resistance to intensify aerobic workouts. The wings are worn on the arms of the exerciser and have major surfaces for displacing air and thereby resisting movement of the arms. In the disclosed embodiment, each of the wings is formed in two sections which can be extended for use and folded together for transportation and storage.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention an aquatic propulsion device is provided comprising a harness to be worn on the body of a person, at least a first elongate member, and at least a first paddle. The first elongate member has first and second opposed ends and a first grip. The first end is pivotally securable to the harness. The first paddle is secured to the second end of the first elongate member. The first grip is positioned so that a person, when wearing the harness, can reach and hold onto the grip with a first hand and move the first grip so that the first elongate member and the first paddle pivot relative to the harness.

Abstract: A palm plate designed to be attached to the hand of a user. The palm plate has a surface of a fitted form upon which the hand rests. The plate is equipped with an attached mechanism having a sensor. The sensor can transmit a signal to a microprocessor capable of calculating a certain number of parameters which are displayed on a read-out screen. The microprocessor, its electronic system and the screen are carried by the plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an article of apparel which is specifically designed for participants of water activities. The apparel, which can take the form of hand and/or foot coverings, enables the wearer to more easily and efficiently navigate in underwater conditions. Thus, the apparel is ideally suited for use by surfers, body board users, and/or scuba divers. Nonetheless, the present invention can be employed with any number of aquatic activities. In general terms, the apparel of the present invention includes a limb stall to which a number of digit stalls are connected. Such stalls are employed in receiving the extremities of a user. Furthermore, the apparel includes a number of webbing sections as well as a dorsal chute. These portions of the apparel advantageously provide drag thus increasing maneuverability in underwater conditions.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus comprising a substantially planar panel having a first major surface, a second major surface, first and second grips for receiving the hands of a user and at least one opening extending through the panel from the first major surface to the second major surface, and a shudder carried by the panel and movable between first and second positions for controlling the size of the opening for controlling the resistance to movement of the panel through a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A swimmer's flexible hand paddle is disclosed which includes a raised portion centered under a swimmer's hand extending from near a first finger joint to a palm position of the paddle and a flat portion extending from the raised portion out past an outline of a swimmer's hand having thumb, little finger and finger tip off-set. The raised portion is substantially straight across a finger edge and tapers to a V-shaped palm edge. The raised portions has shoulders that slope dow to the falt portion with the thumb side shoulder forming a thumb rest. A palm piece is also disclosed which is attachable to prior art paddles and provides the raised portion to prior art paddles.