Buoyancy device

A buoyancy device for individuals engaged in water related activities is disclosed, with the buoyancy device having features useful for individuals engaged in water based exercises such as water based aerobics. The device has a configuration which is that of a somewhat bloated trapezoid symmetrical about its axes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to buoyancy devices for use by those 
participating in water related activities, including water therapy, and in 
particular relates to a float support for use by those partaking in water 
aerobics, calisthenics, and other forms of exercise which may be 
undertaken in water. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Society, during the 1980's and 1990's, has been witness to a boon in health 
and exercise related activities. For example, aerobic activities have 
become increasingly popular as people have come to recognize the 
cardiovascular benefits to be realized from such undertakings. 
Additionally, for years it has been known that an excellent way for 
certain individuals to partake in certain physical activities, such as, 
for example, aerobics is to undertake those activities in water, where 
physical weight is reduced substantially due to known buoyancy principles. 
Classes of persons who benefit from such water related activities include 
individuals who are physically challenged in such a way that on-ground 
activities such as aerobics, physical therapy, or indeed common activities 
many of us take for granted such as walking or stretching are difficult or 
impossible. Similarly, certain elderly individuals may wish to partake in 
aerobic or other exercise activities which, due to the natural aging 
process, are sometimes difficult or impossible to perform on ground. 
Further, some individuals are simply fond of water related aerobic or 
other exercises for various reasons such as the water's cooling effect on 
the human body or the fact that such exercises may be more enjoyable and 
less strenuous when undertaken in water. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The buoyancy device of the present invention is intended to be utilized by 
those individuals partaking in water based aerobics or other water based 
exercises. The present device aids such individuals in remaining upright 
and buoyant while conducting such activities. The present device may be 
placed and releasably held between one's arm and body. Alternatively, and 
depending on the exercise to be undertaken, the device may be held by a 
gripping handle. Utilization of a buoyancy device such as that revealed in 
the present invention alleviates or minimizes the necessity of treading 
water, thereby allowing the user to more readily, efficiently and easily 
conduct various water-based aerobics or other exercises. Indeed, use of 
the device allows one to undertake in water exercises which, were it not 
for the device, would be impossible. When in use, the device allows the 
user to simultaneously remain buoyant and physically unhindered, resulting 
in the user being able to perform water based aerobics, such as water 
"sit-ups", "abdominals", and other exercises in an efficient fashion. The 
user of the instant invention is aided in maintaining buoyancy by the 
upward support of the device. Because of the unique design of the device, 
the user is allowed to participate in water based aerobics or otherwise 
undertake his or her exercises in an unhindered fashion. Unlike other 
buoyancy devices known in the art, however, the present device neither 
hinders nor restrains the user to the extent that the above noted 
water-based activities cannot be undertaken effectively or at all. 
The buoyancy device disclosed in the present invention may also be used for 
exercises involving, for example, the arm muscles. By grasping the device 
by the provided gripping handle, one may exercise his or her arms by 
thrusting downwardly, into the water, thereby counteracting, through the 
use of physical exertion, the buoyancy characteristics inherent in the 
device. 
It is therefore, an object of this invention to provide a buoyancy device 
which may be positionably placed and held by the user in a comfortable 
manner. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a buoyancy device which 
allows the user of the device to remain upright and buoyant in water 
through use of the device while at the same time being able to perform 
water based aerobic or other exercises. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide an easy to use buoyancy 
device which allows the user of the device to perform water based aerobics 
or other exercises which, due to their nature, could not be performed 
without a buoyancy device. 
Yet another object of this invention is to provide a buoyancy device which 
may be produced economically and efficiently so as to keep the cost of the 
device to a minimum. 
Yet another object of this invention is to optionally provide a gripping 
handle apparatus for use in connection with a buoyancy device. 
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the 
following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, illustrated in 
the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 generally depicts an individual 
utilizing the buoyancy device of the present invention 10 while in the 
water. While the user of the device depicted in FIG. 1 is shown using the 
device in a particular manner, it will be understood that depending upon 
the exercise being undertaken and/or the individual undertaking the 
exercise, two devices may be used simultaneously. Further, again depending 
upon the individual and/or exercise, the device of the present invention 
may be utilized through use of the gripping handle 24 or through placement 
of the device in an area other than that depicted in FIG. 1. 
Buoyancy device 10 includes a hollow body with an inwardly curved concave 
surface 18 which generally conforms to the shape of the user's arm, 
allowing for snug and comfortable placement of the device in the underarm 
area. Curved surface 20, depicted in FIG. 6 is likewise an inwardly curved 
concave surface which generally conforms to the shape of the upper body of 
the user, allowing for snug and comfortable placement of the device. In 
the preferred embodiment, a gripping handle 24 is preferably but 
optionally provided. In certain instances, two of the devices 10 will be 
simultaneously utilized by the user of the device. For example, certain 
exercises such as "water sit-ups" whereby the individual thrusts his or 
her legs upwardly from a generally erect starting position are more easily 
and efficiently undertaken if two of the buoyancy devices of the instant 
invention are used. 
FIG. 2 depicts the buoyancy device 10 of the present invention which 
includes a smooth curved convex surface 12, a front end section 16, and a 
back end section 14. Located between the front end and back end sections 
14 and 16, on each side of the buoyancy device 10, are inwardly curved 
concave surfaces 18 and 20, with inwardly curved concave surface 18 being 
visible in FIG. 2. Concave surfaces 18 and 20 allow the user to 
comfortably place the buoyancy device 10 between his or her arm and body. 
FIG. 3 shows the concave curved surface 18 of the buoyancy device 10, with 
the concave curved surface 18 being of a generally oval shape which 
generally tracks the outer perimeters of the buoyancy device 10. While 
buoyancy device 10 illustrated in the drawings is shown as having a 
substantially smooth surface, it will be understood that due to 
limitations of draftsmanship, the outer surface of buoyancy device 10 may 
be modestly or moderately textured in order to provide a less 
friction-free surface. Gripping, securing, and ease of handling the device 
in its normal use is aided by so providing modest to moderate texture on 
the outer surface of the buoyancy device 10. 
The cut away view of FIG. 4 depicts the thin walled surface 12 of the 
preferred embodiment of the instant invention, which surrounds or encloses 
generally hollow interior 22. The thin walled surface 12 is comprised of 
known compositions, such as, for example, a plastic selected from the 
group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, or certain 
known vinyl compounds. The hollow interior 22 of the instant invention 
gives the device buoyancy characteristics. Certain closed cell foams may 
be suitable as a material of construction of the device 10 as well. 
FIG. 5 discloses the arrangement of the configuration of the buoyancy 
device 10, and specifically showing the additional characteristic of the 
angulared or tapered relationship of surfaces 18 and 20 relative to the 
access of the device 10. For example, the double-head arrow 23 illustrates 
the angular relationship which exists between the plane of surface 20 
relative to a plane extending vertically through the center access of the 
device 10. Similar relationships exist with the surface 18. Typically, 
angle 23 will be of a magnitude of between about 8 degrees and 20 degrees 
with an angle about 10 degrees having been found to be useful. With this 
angular relationship of the side surfaces, the overall configuration is 
one of a somewhat bloated trapezoid symmetrical about its axes, and with 
the wider portion or base of the trapezoid being disposed adjacent the 
gripping handle 24 of the buoyancy device 10. 
Turning now to FIG. 6, this view illustrates the detail of the inwardly 
curved concave surfaces 18 and 20 which are designed to assist the user 
with ease of retention of the buoyancy device 10 in the area between the 
inside of the arm and the user's body. This configuration has been found 
to be of benefit in easing the retention of the buoyancy device 10 during 
periods of use. 
It will be appreciated that other and further modifications of the device 
illustrated here may be made without actually departing from the spirit 
and scope of the invention.