Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates generally to a hydrotherapy harness suitable to be worn by a patient for flotation support in a hydrotherapy pool during hydrotherapy and transport support during transportation of the patient by a crane or other lifting apparatus into and from the hydrotherapy pool.

Background to the Invention

[002] One form of hydrotherapy involves immersing patients in a pool of water for treatment of various conditions including arthritis, headaches, joint, muscle and nerve problems, sleep disorders and so on. Advantageously, patients may, among other things, settle, learn to move and build muscle strength as part of a larger rehabilitation programme.

[003] For disabled patients, transportation to the pool for hydrotherapy involves application of a lifting sheet to the body of the patient while the patient is in bed, then attaching lifting eyes of the lifting sheet to the cable of a lifter, which is a mobile crane. The cable of the lifter is winched upward, lifting the patient, and the lifter is pushed or driven to the hydrotherapy pool where the cable is extended and the patient in the lifting sheet is lowered into the pool. Attendants then remove the lifting sheet from the patient, and support the patient while they swim about in the pool.

[004] The process is time consuming and labour intensive, requiring three or four attendants.

Safety is also of concern wherein the attendants may not be able to support the patient while the patient is in the pool, raising the possibility of drowning the patient. The intended calming effect of the hydrotherapy may not eventuate since the patient may themselves be concerned about drowning and the potential short term support of the attendants.

[005]The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of the abovementioned

disadvantages or at least provide a new hydrotherapy harness. Summary of the Invention

[006] In accordance with a broad form of the invention there is provided a support harness which provides flotation and freedom of movement for a patient when undergoing hydrotherapy treatment and when being lifted or transported to hydrotherapy treatment, such as when being lifted to and from a hydrotherapy pool from and into a wheelchair.

[007] In some aspects of the present invention there is provided a broad liner or a substrate such as an elongate strap on which a plurality of buoyant elements are disposed and spaced apart so that a patient is supported and mobile when undergoing hydrotherapy treatment.

[008] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hydrotherapy

harness including:

a torso support comprising a plurality of interconnected straps for fastening around a torso of a patient, the straps being buoyant elongate members; and

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to one or more of the straps for lifting the patient while the torso support is fastened to the torso of the patient.

[009] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a hydrotherapy harness including:

a torso support comprising a plurality of straps for fastening around the torso of a patient, the torso support further including

a neck support which includes one or more buoyant elongate members connected in use to at least one of the straps and disposed, when in a donned position on the patient, beside and behind the neck; and

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to one or more of the straps for lifting the patient while the torso support is fastened to the torso of the patient.

[010] Preferably there is provided a liner disposed in use proximal the body relative to the straps to reduce chafing. The liner may be integral with the straps or it may be disposed between the straps and the body of a patient.

[011] Preferably the liner is in the form of a suit or a cover for a back plate or cover for a front plate. Preferably the liner is a neoprene layer or other suitable layer for insulation underwater and chafe reduction underwater.

[012] Preferably the straps are buoyant. Preferably the straps are integrated or connected with one or more buoyant elements. Preferably the buoyant elements are elongate elements and are fitted inside the straps to form buoyant straps. The elongate buoyant elements may be fitted around the straps and connected thereto. The straps may include inflatable bladders to inflate inside the straps. The buoyant elements may be buoyant plates which extend beyond the sides )s or are disposed adjacent the straps and not connected to the straps.

[013] Preferably the buoyant plates are in the form of foam which has positive buoyancy. The buoyant plates may be in any suitable arrangement whereby buoyancy and movement are facilitated. Preferably at least one set of the buoyant plates are arranged adjacent the pectoral muscles, and are about the same area as the pectoral muscles and roughly square or circular, or trapezoidal in form. Others of the buoyant plates are disposed in a position on the suit lining in use over the rib cage, overlaying an area about two or three ribs in area, and in an elongate form. A space between each buoyant plate is about a finger or two in width so as to facilitate hinging or sinuous or twisting movement of the kind that is present when the body moves or bends or twists. For example the space between the plates may be horizontal on the front of the suit lining to facilitate bending, the space may be vertical on the side of the suit lining to facilitate twisting. In some instances the spacing may be at an angle of 45 degrees on the front of the lining so as to allow the plates to slide past one another during twisting and also provide facility for bending forwards when the patient is in the water, and when the patient is being lifted into the water. On the front, there is also a vertical spacing along the midline between the pectoral, and rib supports, to facilitate twisting and also to facilitate donning and allow a split in the middle for fastening.

[014] Preferably the suit lining extends from the shoulders down to the legs so as to cover the legs and to keep chafing in those areas to a minimum, and to keep the patient body core temperature warmer than it otherwise would be underwater. Preferably there are provided one or more buoyant plates disposed on a thigh portion in use, each leg plate may be spaced from an adjacent plate to facilitate leg flexion and extension.

[015] Preferably the suit lining is constructed from neoprene rubber for insulation of the

patient body against cool water and to provide positive buoyancy.

[016] Preferably the suit includes a closing fastener to close the suit lining snugly around the patient. The closing fastener may be a plurality of straps and buckles or any suitable fastener. Preferably the closing fastener includes a zipper. Preferably the zipper extends along the front midline of the suit lining so that the suit can be fitted to the patient while in the supine position.

[017] Preferably the harness straps can extend around and along the body in a support position so that lifting forces can be efficiently absorbed and are similarly arranged as in embodiments hereindescribed. [018] Preferably the lifting points are prov ig the patient from the supine position after the suit is fitted to the patient ana into a pool for hydrotherapy. Preferably the lifting points are provided on the chest at the end of associated harness straps so that the body of the patient may be disposed upright and somewhat reclined, comfortably sitting in a lifting crane with their neck supported in the buoyant neck support. Lifting points are preferably provided adjacent the sternum but others may be provided just below the pectoral muscles, or just between the shoulder blades, so that the attitude of the patient may be adjusted depending on their centre of gravity by selection of a lifting point high or low on the chest or high or low on the back.

[019] Preferably the lifting harness straps are disposed between the buoyant plates.

[020] According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a

hydrotherapy harness including:

a buoyant shell including a cavity for receiving a torso of a patient;

one or more fastening elements for fastening the torso of the patient in the cavity of the buoyant shell; and

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to the buoyant shell for lifting the patient while the torso of the patient is fastened in the cavity of the buoyant shell.

[021] Preferably the torso support is in the form of a buoyant cage or a buoyant web of

generally criss-crossing straps so as to provide freedom of movement when underwater but also suitable buoyancy. Preferably the buoyant cage or buoyant web is connected to a buoyant leg support which are also generally criss-crossing or looped buoyant straps so as to provide freedom of movement between legs and the torso and also independent leg movement while also providing buoyancy.

[022] Each strap of the plurality of interconnected straps may be formed of a buoyant

material. In a preferred embodiment, each strap of the plurality of interconnected straps is a tubular member. Preferably each tubular member is constructed from tubular webbing or tubular tape material. Preferably the tubular webbing is woven and made of nylon, polyester or similar hydrophobic material. Preferably each tubular member includes a void within its webbing or tape walls, and each void is filled with a buoyant material. Preferably the buoyant material is NBR rubber. Preferably the buoyant material includes an elongate section of NBR rubber.

[023] Preferably the hydrotherapy harness includes a leg support. Preferably the leg support includes at least one leg strap for fastening around a leg of the patient. Each one of the at least one leg straps may be formed of a buoyant material. In a preferred embodiment, each leg strap of the at least one leg straps is a tubular member. Preferably each tubular member is constructed from tubular w jbular tape material. Preferably each tubular member includes a void within its weDDing or tape walls, and each void is filled with a buoyant material. Preferably the buoyant material is NBR rubber. Preferably the buoyant material includes an elongate section of NBR rubber. In some embodiments the buoyant material may be in the form of an auto-inflating sac, or pre-filled air sac, or other kind of inflatable or pre-inflatable bladder.

[024] Preferably each end of each strap is fastened to a corresponding end by a fastener.

Preferably the fasteners are cooperating fasteners. Preferably the cooperating fasteners are snap fitting fasteners but may be any kind of low profile clip such as buckles or other kinds of quick connectors. Preferably the fasteners connect to one another along the front midline of the torso and leg of the patient for ease of assembly by a carer, and so that the hydrotherapy harness may be easily attached to the patient while the patient is supine or sitting.

[025] The buoyant elongate members of the yoke may be constructed from any suitable material or buoyant device in that they may be an auto-inflating sac, a manually-inflated sac, or constructed from any suitable buoyant material. Preferably the buoyant elongate members of the yoke are constructed from buoyancy foam.

[026] Preferably the yoke includes a cross member connecting two buoyant elongate

members of the yoke. Preferably the cross member is constructed from the same material as the buoyant elongate members and in alternative embodiments may be a suitably buoyant device or apparatus or arrangement including an auto-inflating sac, a manually-inflated sac or constructed from suitable buoyant foam.

[027] Preferably the cross member is disposed behind the head of the patient when in the donned position to support the head.

[028] Preferably the hydrotherapy harness provides a righting moment when in the donned position on the patient. Preferably this righting moment is achieved by the buoyant elongate members being arranged on selected positions on the torso of the patient so as to right the torso if the orientation of the patient is askew.

[029] Preferably the interconnected straps includes a first laterally-aligned strap disposed in a donned position across the pectoral muscles and extending around the torso much as lines of latitude encircle the Earth. Preferably a second laterally-aligned strap is disposed across the abdomen in the donned position. Preferably the first and second laterally-aligned straps are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed fi webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[030] Preferably two longitudinally-extending straps extend between the two laterally-aligned straps to connect them together. Preferably the connection is made by sewing.

[031] Preferably the two longitudinally-extending straps are disposed at the sides of the torso and two lifting points are integral therewith, in the form of a loop at either end, which is to say at the top and at the bottom of each longitudinally-extending strap. Preferably the longitudinally-extending straps are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[032] Preferably two shoulder straps are provided so as to support the shoulders under the armpits of the patient when the hydrotherapy harness is in the donned position.

Preferably the shoulder straps extend from the front of the first laterally-aligned strap at one side of the torso, and loop under the shoulder in the donned position, to the rear of the first laterally-aligned strap at the same side of the torso. Preferably the shoulder straps are sewn to the laterally-aligned strap. Preferably lifting points are provided at the ends of the shoulder straps. Preferably the lifting points are integral with the shoulder straps in that a loop is provided in the end of the shoulder straps. Preferably the lifting points are at the back of the torso when in the donned position. Preferably the shoulder straps are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred

embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[033] Preferably the leg straps are attached to the torso support by two interconnecting

straps. Preferably the interconnecting straps are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[034] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a hydrotherapy suit for handling and support of a patient, the hydrotherapy suit including:

a torso support comprising a suit lining of flexible material in use to snugly fit around the torso of the patient, the torso support including harness straps integral with or connected to the suit lining;

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to the harness straps and/or suit lining for lifting the patient while the torso support is fastened to the torso of the patient;

a plurality of buoyant plates or Duoyant pockets disposed on the suit lining and spaced apart from one another to facilitate movement of the patient during hydrotherapy.

[035] Preferably the hydrotherapy suit includes a buoyant yoke or buoyant neck support element which includes an elongate element formed into a U-shape to support the neck of the patient. Preferably the buoyant yoke or buoyant neck support is attached to or integral with the hydrotherapy suit lining. When connected to the suit lining, the buoyant neck support element is connected by straps and connectors on its ends and an intermediate portion of the buoyant neck support between the ends is free. This arrangement facilitates assembly of the suit onto the patient.

[036] Preferably the buoyant plates are in the form of foam which has positive buoyancy. The buoyant plates may be in any suitable arrangement whereby buoyancy and movement are facilitated. Preferably at least one set of the buoyant plates are arranged adjacent the pectoral muscles, and are about the same area as the pectoral muscles and roughly square or circular, or trapezoidal in form. Others of the buoyant plates are disposed in a position on the suit lining in use over the rib cage, overlaying an area about two or three ribs in area, and in an elongate form. A space between each buoyant plate is about a finger or two in width so as to facilitate hinging or sinuous or twisting movement of the kind that is present when the body moves or bends or twists. For example the space between the plates may be horizontal on the front of the suit lining to facilitate bending, the space may be vertical on the side of the suit lining to facilitate twisting. In some instances the spacing may be at an angle of 45 degrees on the front of the lining so as to allow the plates to slide past one another during twisting and also provide facility for bending forwards when the patient is in the water, and when the patient is being lifted into the water. On the front, there is also a vertical spacing along the midline between the pectoral, and rib supports, to facilitate twisting and also to facilitate donning and allow a split in the middle for fastening.

[037] Preferably the suit lining extends from the shoulders down to the legs so as to cover the legs. Preferably there are provided one or more buoyant plates disposed on a thigh portion in use, each leg plate may be spaced from an adjacent plate to facilitate leg flexion and extension.

[038] Preferably the suit lining is constructed from neoprene rubber for insulation of the

patient body against cool water and to provide positive buoyancy.

[039] Preferably the suit includes a closing fastener to close the suit lining snugly around the patient. The closing fastener may be a plurality of straps and buckles or any suitable fastener. Preferably the closing faster a zipper. Preferably the zipper extends along the front midline of the suit lining so tnat tne suit can be fitted to the patient while in the supine position.

[040] Preferably the harness straps can extend around and along the body in a support position so that lifting forces can be efficiently absorbed and are similarly arranged as in embodiments hereindescribed.

[041] Preferably the lifting points are provided for lifting the patient from the supine position after the suit is fitted to the patient and into a pool for hydrotherapy. Preferably the lifting points are provided on the chest at the end of associated harness straps so that the body of the patient may be disposed upright and somewhat reclined, comfortably sitting in a lifting crane with their neck supported in the buoyant neck support. Lifting points are preferably provided adjacent the sternum but others may be provided just below the pectoral muscles, or just between the shoulder blades, so that the attitude of the patient may be adjusted depending on their centre of gravity by selection of a lifting point high or low on the chest or high or low on the back.

[042] Preferably the lifting harness straps are disposed between the buoyant plates.

[043] According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a

hydrotherapy harness for handling and support of a patient, the hydrotherapy harness including:

a torso support including a lining of flexible material in use to snugly fit around at least a portion of the torso of the patient, the torso support including harness straps integral with or connected to the lining;

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to the harness straps and/or lining for lifting the patient while the torso support is fastened to the torso of the patient;

a plurality of buoyant plates or buoyant pockets disposed on the lining and spaced apart from one another to facilitate movement of the patient during hydrotherapy.

[044] Preferably the torso support includes a buoyant back plate and at least one buoyant front plate. Preferably each buoyant plate includes at least one buoyant foam plate. Preferably there are provided two front plates. Preferably each foam plate is disposed on the back or front plate and covers substantially the whole of the plate lining in order to provide buoyancy and protection against bumps and bruises.

[045] Preferably the buoyant back plate and one or more buoyant front plates are connected by a hinge. Preferably the hinge is formed from harness straps of a kind described herein. Preferably the harness straps extend laterally around the torso of the patient when the lining is fitted thereto, and fi Dn about the level of the abdomen so that fitting from a supine position is facilitated DV closing the at least one front plate around the patient's torso from one side, like a clamshell.

[046] Preferably a neck support is attached to the back plate as hereindescribed.

[047] Preferably a detachable and adjustable leg support is provided which includes an

adjustment strap or adjustment brace element disposed between the leg support and the torso support. The leg support may be in the form of a brace encircling the thigh and functions to facilitate building muscle by supporting the leg during hydrotherapy.

[048] Preferably some embodiments include buoyancy pockets disposed on the lining for the selective placement of buoyant foam elements. Preferably the buoyancy pockets can be attached to the lining by hook and loop fasteners on corresponding hook and loop areas disposed on an outside portion of the lining so as to vary the positioning of the buoyant areas.

[049] Patient handling means may be provided in some embodiments. Patient handling

means are preferably in the form of grab handles. Preferably the grab handles are disposed on a side of the patient's torso support and extending therefrom for ease of access and handling.

[050] A waist support may be provided which may be integral with or connected to the lining.

The waist support may be in the form of a wide strap which may be elasticised or woven, having a fastener on its end to attach to itself or a corresponding fastening area on the lining. Preferably the fastener is in the form of a hook and loop pad.

[051] A groin support may be provided to inhibit the removal of the liner. Preferably the groin support is a liner flap which extends from a bottom portion of the back plate and to close, swings upward for fastening adjacent the lower abdomen of the patient. Adjustable straps may be provided to provide for varying body geometries.

[052] In order to tighten up the torso support and accommodate varying body sizes and

shapes there may be provided a plurality of zipper elements, spaced apart from one another. There may be provided an insert panel of liner material which may or may not have a buoyant plate disposed thereon. Whether or not the insert panel is provided, one or more zippers may be associated with a gusset which can be gathered and tightened behind the zipper so as to tighten the lining and/or suit.

[053] The harness and suit in use are donned like a jacket or a zip-fronted suit, or a

clamshell-type armour plate suit, hinged at one side and clamped together at the other. [054] In accordance with a still further as[ iresent invention there is provided a hydrotherapy harness which includes:

a torso support comprising a lining of flexible material in use to snugly fit around the torso of the patient, the torso support including harness straps integral with or connected to the lining of flexible material;

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to the harness straps and/or lining for lifting the patient;

one or more buoyant arcuate elements disposed on the lining and arranged so as to support the torso under the arms of the patient so as to facilitate buoying the patient and moving the patient during hydrotherapy.

[055] Preferably the torso support lining extends to an area proximate a bottom edge of the pectoral muscles.

[056] Preferably the one or more buoyant arcuate elements are autoinflated, self-inflated or are constructed from buoyant foam.

[057] Preferably the hydrotherapy harness includes a neck support element which includes a arcuate element disposed to the sides and back of a neck of a patient when in use. Preferably the neck support element is as hereindescribed.

[058] Preferably the buoyant arcuate elements are in the form of one or more open rings of the same kind of dimension that a life preserving ring would be, but are in practise more flexible. An opening may be provided at the front or the rear, depending on which is most convenient for applying or donning or fitting the harness to the patient.

[059] An aspect of the invention provides a hydrotherapy harness including:

a torso support comprising a liner including one or more buoyant elements disposed across the liner;

a neck support which includes one or more buoyant elongate members connected in use to at least one of the straps and disposed, when in a donned position on the patient, beside and behind the neck; and

one or more lifting points integral with or connected to the liner for lifting the patient while the torso support is fastened to the torso of the patient.

[060] Some embodiments do not have straps.

[061] Advantageously the buoyant hydrotherapy harness, in preferred embodiments being a buoyant flexible cage or buoyant flexible web, provides buoyancy but also provides freedom of movement underwater so the legs are free to move relative to one another and relative to the torso, and the arms are free to move while providing buoyancy. The patient is therefore filled with more confidence to progress with the therapy. [062] Furthermore, the movement providi :er means that the harness does not need to be removed once the patient is lowerea into the water, so the hydrotherapy treatment can commence immediately and there are fewer attendants and helpers required. This means that more hydrotherapy sessions may be provided more often.

[063] The lifting points and lifting generally by the device, being by the torso and in preferred embodiments, legs, means that once the device is donned, say, while a patient is supine or sitting upright in a patient's bed, then the harness does not need to be removed until the patient returns to that same position in their bed.

[064] The hydrotherapy harness of preferred embodiments is also advantageously easy to don since the straps are opened and passed under and around the patient and then fastened in front, on the torso and legs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[065] In order to enable a clearer understanding of the present invention, preferred

embodiments will hereinafter be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[066] Figure 1 is an isometric view, from in front and one side, of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[067] Figure 2 is an isometric view from in front and the other side of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[068] Figure 3 is a front elevation view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[069] Figure 4 is a typical side elevation view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

[070] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[071] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[072] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[073] Figure 8 is an opened view of a hydrotherapy harness in accordance with a fifth

embodiment of the present invention;

[074] Figures 9 and 10 are front and rear views of a sixth embodiment of the present

invention;

[075] Figures 11 and 12 are front and rear views of a seventh embodiment of the present invention; and

[076] Figures 13 and 14 are front and rear views of an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of Preferred Emb

[077] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 there is provided a hydrotherapy harness generally

indicated at 10, the hydrotherapy harness 10 including a torso support 12 comprising a plurality of interconnected straps 14 for fastening around a torso (not shown) of a patient, the plurality of interconnected straps 14 being buoyant elongate members16. The hydrotherapy harness 10 further includes one or more lifting points 18 which are integral with or connected to one or more of the plurality of interconnected straps 14 for lifting the patient while the torso support 12 is fastened to the torso of the patient.

[078] The torso support 12 is in the form of a buoyant cage or a buoyant web 13 of generally criss-crossing straps so as to provide freedom of movement when underwater but also suitable buoyancy support. The buoyant cage or buoyant web 13 is connected to a buoyant leg support 15 which is also generally criss-crossing or looped buoyant straps 17 so as to provide freedom of relative movement between legs and torso of the patient and also independent realtive leg movement while also providing buoyancy support to the legs when underwater in the hydrotherapy pool.

[079] Each strap of the plurality of interconnected straps 14 is a tubular member 22

constructed from tubular webbing or tubular tape material 24. Each tubular member 22 includes a void within its webbing or tape walls 23 and each void is filled with a buoyant material, being an elongate section of NBR rubber.

[080] As mentioned, the hydrotherapy harness 10 includes a leg support 15. The leg

support 15 includes at least one leg strap 26 for fastening around a leg of the patient. Each one of the at least one leg straps 26 is a tubular member 22, constructed from tubular webbing or tubular tape material 24. Each tubular member 22 includes a void within its webbing or tape walls 23 and each void is filled with a buoyant material, being an elongate section of NBR rubber.

[081] Each end of each interconnected strap 14 is fastened to each other end by a fastener 28. The fasteners 28 are cooperating snap-fitting fasteners and snap fit along the front midline of the torso and leg of the patient.

[082] A yoke 20 is provided, which includes a pair of buoyant elongate members 30

connected to at least one of the interconnected straps 14 and disposed, when in a donned position on the patient, against the torso and extending from the shoulders along the torso in a longitudinal direction. The buoyant elongate members 30 of the yoke may be constructed from any suitable material or buoyant device in that they may be an auto- inflating sac, a manually-inflated sac, or constructed from any suitable buoyant material. In the preferred embodiment shown it to 4 the buoyant elongate members of the yoke are constructed from buoyancy roam.

[083] The yoke 20 includes a cross member 31 connecting the two buoyant elongate

members 30 of the yoke 20. The cross member 31 is constructed from the same material as the buoyant elongate members 30 and in alternative embodiments may be a suitably buoyant device or apparatus or arrangement including an auto-inflating sac, a manually-inflated sac or constructed from suitable buoyant foam.

[084] The cross member 31 is disposed behind the head of the patient when in the donned position to support the head.

[085] The hydrotherapy harness 10 provides a righting moment when in the donned position on the patient. This righting moment is achieved by the buoyant elongate members being arranged in the selected positions shown on the torso of the patient so as to right the torso if the orientation of the patient is askew.

[086] The interconnected straps 14 include a first laterally-aligned strap 40 disposed in a donned position across the pectoral muscles and extending around the torso much as lines of latitude encircle the Earth. A second laterally-aligned strap 42 is disposed across the abdomen in the donned position. The first and second laterally-aligned straps 40, 42 are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[087] Two longitudinally-extending straps 44, 46 extend between the two laterally-aligned straps 40, 42 to connect them together. The connection between them all is made by sewing.

[088] The two longitudinally-extending straps 44, 46 are disposed at the sides of the torso and two lifting points 48 are integral therewith, in the form of a loop 50 at either end, which is to say at the top and at the bottom of each longitudinally-extending strap 44, 46. The longitudinally-extending straps 44, 46 are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[089] Two shoulder straps 52, 54 are provided so as to support the shoulders of the patient under the armpits when the hydrotherapy harness 10 is in the donned position. Shoulder strap 52 extends from the front of the first laterally-aligned strap 40 at one side of the torso, and loop under the shoulder in the donned position, to the rear of the first laterally- aligned strap 40 at the same side of t ie shoulder straps are sewn to the laterally-aligned strap. Lifting points 0 are provided at the ends of the shoulder straps 52, 54. The lifting points 48 are integral with the shoulder straps 52, 54 in that a loop 56 is provided in the end of the shoulder straps 52, 54. The lifting points 48 are at the back of the torso when in the donned position. The shoulder straps 52, 54 are as

abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[090] The leg straps 26 are attached to the torso support by two interconnecting straps 27.

The interconnecting straps 27 are as abovedescribed, being buoyant elongate straps, in some embodiments being formed from buoyant foam or other buoyant material and in preferred embodiments constructed from tubular webbing having a void filled with buoyant NBR rubber.

[091] Other embodiments will be hereinafter described. In the description, like features will be denoted with like numerals.

[091] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 5. A hydrotherapy harness is generally indicated at 110. The harness 110 includes a torso support 112 comprising a plurality of straps (not shown) for fastening around the torso 111 of a patient 109, the torso support 112 further including a neck support 121 which includes one or more buoyant elongate members 130 connected in use to at least one of the straps and disposed, when in a donned position on the patient, beside and behind the neck; and one or more lifting points 118 integral with or connected to one or more of the straps for lifting the patient 109 while the torso support 112 is fastened to the torso of the patient 109.

[091] In one variant of Figure 5, no straps are provided. A liner is the only lifting support provided, apart from the lifting point 128.

[092] There is provided a liner 180 disposed in use proximal the body 109 relative to the straps to reduce chafing. The liner 180 is integral with the straps or it may be disposed between the straps and the body of the patient 109.

[093] The liner 180 is in the form of a suit 182. The liner 180 is a neoprene layer or other suitable layer for insulation underwater and chafe reduction underwater.

[094] The suit 182 is buoyant or the straps are buoyant. The straps are integrated or

connected with one or more buoyant elements 190. The buoyant elements 190 are buoyant plates which are disposed on the liner 180 to extend beyond the sides of the straps or are disposed adjacent the straps and not connected to the straps. [095] The buoyant plates 190 are in the f< 192 which has positive buoyancy. The plurality of buoyant plates 190 are spaced apart on the substrate lining and arranged in any suitable arrangement whereby buoyancy and movement are facilitated. At least one set of the buoyant plates 190 are arranged adjacent the pectoral muscles, and are about the same area as the pectoral muscles and roughly square or circular, or trapezoidal in form. Others of the buoyant plates 191 are disposed in a position on the suit lining in use over the rib cage, overlaying an area about two or three ribs in area, and in an elongate form. A space 193 between each buoyant plate is about a finger or two in width so as to facilitate hinging or sinuous or twisting movement of the kind that is present when the body 109 moves or bends or twists. For example the space 193 between the plates may be horizontal on the front of the suit lining to facilitate bending, or a space 195 may be vertical on the side of the suit lining to facilitate twisting. In some instances the spacing may be at an angle of 45 degrees on the front of the lining so as to allow the plates to slide past one another during twisting and also provide facility for bending forwards when the patient is in the water, and when the patient is being lifted into the water. On the front of the suit 182, there is also a vertical spacing 197 along the midline between the pectoral, and rib supports, to facilitate twisting and also to facilitate donning and allow a split in the middle for fastening.

[096] The suit 182 extends on the patient 109 from the shoulders down to the legs so as to cover the legs and to keep chafing in those areas to a minimum, and to keep the patient 109 body core temperature warmer than it otherwise would be underwater. There are provided one or more buoyant leg plates 199 disposed on a thigh portion in use, each buoyant leg plate 199 may be spaced from an adjacent plate to facilitate leg flexion and extension.

[097] The suit 182 includes a closing fastener 170 to close the suit lining snugly around the patient 109. The closing fastener may be a plurality of straps and buckles or any suitable fastener. The closing fastener 170 shown in the Figure is in the form of a zipper 172 and supplementary closing fasteners 174 in the form of buckles are provided to facilitate closure and to facilitate attachment of peripheral portions such as neck supports 130. The zipper 172 extends along the front midline of the suit lining so that the suit can be fitted to the patient 109 while in the supine position.

[098] The harness straps 114 can extend around and along the body in a support position so that lifting forces can be efficiently absorbed and are similarly arranged as in

embodiments hereindescribed.

[099] The lifting points 118 are provided for lifting the patient from the supine position after the suit is fitted to the patient, into a pool for hydrotherapy. The lifting points 118 are provided on the chest at the end of aj irness straps so that during lifting the body of the patient 109 may be disposed upngnt and somewhat reclined, comfortably sitting in a lifting crane with their neck supported in the buoyant neck support.

[0100] Shown in Figure 6, another embodiment shows lifting points 218 are preferably

provided adjacent the sternum but other lifting points 219 are provided just below the pectoral muscles, so that the attitude of the patient may be adjusted depending on their centre of gravity by selection of a lifting point high 218 or low 219 on the chest or legs 217. The lifting harness straps 218 are disposed between the buoyant plates.

[0101] Further shown in Figure 6, a waist strap 277 is shown to hold the suit 280 firmly

against the body 109 of the patient since the suit 280 does not extend fully down the torso to the legs for additional vertical support. Neither does the suit 280 include a groin strap, but the suit 280 does include leg supports with leg anchors 217 for additional lifting support. Leg buoyant plates 299 are provided for buoyancy and bruise and bump protection, and for facilitating movement, since buoyancy helps lift legs to make it easier to walk.

[0102] Straps 221 , 227 and 226 are adjustable to suit different body shapes and sizes.

[0103] The embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 6 also includes a panel 275 for tightening and size selection. The panel can be inserted in the lining 282 for size relief but a gusset can also be provided to reduce a size.

[0104] Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 7. Generally indicated at 310 is a buoyant lifting harness. Adjustable lateral straps are shown at 314, adjustable leg straps are shown at 326, and an adjustable groin support is shown at 305. The groin strap is shown to terminate and fasten at 318 which is where the lifting occurs, so that the groin and buttock can be shown as being supported and directly lifted. The insert 375 is shown to increase a size for different body geometries. Neck support 330 is shown atop the suit 380 and connected thereto by adjustable straps.

[0105] Still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. Back plate 402 receives patient in use, then front plates 401 and 403 are hinged across the front of the patient via hinge straps 414 and then fasteners 428 are fastened together. Integrated leg straps 426 are adjusted to fit the leg of the patient and buoyant leg plate 499 assists with buoyancy and bruise protection. Neck brace 430 is provided to support neck and provide flotation since it is made of buoyant foam. Neck brace 430 is attached by adjustable straps. Thus, buoyant shell is created including a cavity for receiving a torso of a patient. [0106] Figures 9 to 12 show a yet further nbodiment of the present invention in which buoyant elements 599, 699 are anacnea to a liner 580, 680. Straps are shown and fasteners 528, 628 and lifting means 518, 618 are shown for lifting. The advantage of the arrangement shown in these Figures is that the armpits are buoyed, and the legs are free to move completely.

[0107] Figures 13 and 14 show a still further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

A plurality of buoyant elements 799 are attached and spaced across a liner 780 for support and buoyancy of a patient during hydrotherapy.

[0108] It is to be understood that various embodiments like those abovedescribed, and

falling within the spirit, scope and ambit of the abovedescribed embodiments are intended to be covered by the present specification.

[0109] It is also to be understood that the word "comprise" and like grammatical variants including "comprising" are to be taken as inclusive and not excluding other components or features.