John J Profaci

US Patent:

6409634, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

Jul 25, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/624920

Inventors:

John Profaci - Maplewood NJ 07040

International Classification:

A63B 6910

US Classification:

482 56, 434254

Abstract:

A swim training apparatus which is simplified for use by a novice, toddler or child not yet ready to enter the water or just learning to swim is generally comprised of two shell sections defining an enclosure for housing a mechanism for facilitating the training process. The defined enclosure receives a pair of hand track systems which are connected by a cable so that the retraction of a hand grip associated with one of the hand track systems automatically causes the hand grip associated with the other one of the hand track systems to advance to a position which is appropriate for engagement by the opposite hand of the user of the apparatus, in an alternating fashion which simulates a swimming stroke. The hand track systems are configured so that the hand grip which is grasped by the user remains exposed during retraction of the hand grip, and so that the remaining hand grip is contained within the enclosure until such time as it has been advanced forward for engagement by the users other hand. In this way, the user is prompted to alternatingly and successively reach for one of the hand grips, while leaving the other hand (and arm) free to simulate the recovery portion of the swimming stroke, and to promote safety by removing potentially interfering structures from the users field of motion.

US Patent:

61429120, Nov 7, 2000

Filed:

Nov 19, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/197084

Inventors:

John Profaci - Maplewood NJ

International Classification:

A63B 6910

US Classification:

482 8

Abstract:

A swim training apparatus which operates to correctly combine the various attributes of a correctly executed crawl or freestyle stroke is generally comprised of a table and a hand track system which combine to simulate the desired attributes of the properly executed stroke. Each arm is allowed to work as though it was progressing below the water's surface while the opposite arm recovers freely and completely, and unencumbered by any handles, levers, cables or other attachments, to practice high elbow recovery form. In addition, each arm is guided through a preset, yet adjustable path that replicates a properly executed crawl or freestyle stroke. This is accomplished while also allowing the user's torso to rotate to the significant degree necessary to simulate desired body rotation in the water.