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.

Aquatic exercise device

A portable aquatic/land weight training system and method comprises a plurality of collapsible weight chamber members. Each of the collapsible weight chamber members includes a pair of flexible end members joined by first and second flexible band members forming a water- and air-tight chamber. The first band member forms an opening through the collapsible weight chamber member. The opening has a diameter D so as to pass a bar therethrough. Each weight chamber has a water valve and water valve closure member for filling the weight member with water and an air valve and air valve closure member for filling the weight chamber member with air. Each weight chamber member has a peripheral edge and the water valve is located near the peripheral edge of the weight chamber member so that the water valve closure member and the peripheral edge can be grasped by a pair of fingers to close the water valve to sealing relation without significant expulsion of water. The bar is comprised of a plurality of a fixed telescoping and interlocking bar members to constitute a barbell or dumbbell. Each chamber is presized so that when completely filled with water it achieves a predetermined weight, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 5 lbs. This avoids the sloshing of water and sudden weight shifts which occur when attempting to vary the weight of single sized chambers. In addition, the chambers are presized to be inserted into the pouches of a limb or trunk encircling device; for example, to enable mounting "weights" around the ankle for leg-strengthening exercise on land or in water.

Collapsible aquatic/land weight training system

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.

Swimming instruction and training aid

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

A portable support for a breast prosthesis includes in two disclosed embodiments an inflatable bladder of a closed loop configuration with the bladder being made of a flexible material and including valve means whereby the bladder can be selectively inflated and deflated. The bladder in its inflated condition serves to circumferentially and substantially uniformly engage and support the prosthesis without substantially deforming the prosthesis.

Breast prosthesis and support therefor

An exercise device for use in water includes a flotation member having upper and lower inflatable chambers for surrounding the appendage of a user. A mechanism is disposed about the flotation member intermediate the chambers for adjustably securing the device about the user's appendage. Finally, a clamping device is provided for maintaining the securing mechanism in its selected adjustable position about the user's appendage and is releasably movable along the securing mechanism to adjust and tighten the securing mechanism about the flotation member.

Barbara J. Huttner

Papers

Buoyant exercise device for use in a water environment