Universal swim fin replacement heel strap

Abstract

With the development of the universal swim fin replacement strap swimmers will be able to carry inexpensive, colorful, replacement straps with them whether they came on the swim fins or not, so that in the event a buckle or strap breaks or is lost, the swimming activity is not spoiled by not being able to use the swim fins. These unique heel straps will not be encumbered with heavy adjusting buckles or heel supports, but will incorporate a novel method of length adjustment using the existing knobs located on the sides of the swim fins and a plurality of orifices along the sides from the heal area to each distal end of the strap. Pull tabs or pull rings will aide in the mounting of the universal replacement swim fin strap to the swim fins and to putting the swim fins on the foot. Additional embodiments of this invention endeavor to accomplish the same goals using similar means of attachment while staying within the scope of this patent.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a new and improved universal swim fin replacement heel strap that can be used as a replacement strap on most conventional swim fins having an open foot pocket and knobs protruding from the outer sides as a means of attachment. More particularly, the invention relates to a simple, adjustable, economical heel strap that has no buckling mechanisms, and may be kept in reserve for the occasion when the straps that are supplied with the swim fins need to be replaced. This new and unique universal swim fin heel strap could be supplied separately in many bright colors or featured on new swim fins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Swimming has developed far beyond just a recreational sport, expanding into various occupational and military activities. This development has created a need for improvements in the devices used in the act of swimming, with the swim fin being one of the major component advancements. Swim fins increase a swimmers capability greatly on the surface, and are a necessity in the act of deep diving.

[0003] There are two basic styles of swim fins, the full foot pocket style having a variety of propulsion blades with the heel strap as an integral part. This style of swim fins has a fixed heel strap, and must be purchased to the size of the foot of the individual that will be using them. With this style of swim fin the distributors must carry a large variety of sizes along with the different styles. The full foot style of swim fin must be discarded when one of the heel straps break.

[0004] The second style of swim fins referred to, as open heel or strap fin is adjustable to the individual using them by the means of the heel strap usually incorporating a buckle adjustment mechanism. This style of swim fin also has a variety of styles of propulsion blades. Adjustments in size are most commonly accomplished by the means of a buckle on one or both sides of the open heel pocket. The majority of swim fins of this style have a heel strap mounting knob with an enlarged head and a shank member affixed on the outer surface of either side of the foot pocket as an integral part of the swim fin. The heel straps are attached to these knobs by different means of attachment that generally incorporate the buckling mechanisms for adjustment, so the heel straps can be replaced if they break or no longer will tighten properly or are inadvertently lost, which is most common at the beech. Often these straps and buckles are expensive and hard to find with most distributors preferring to sell a new pair of swim fins, and swimmers not having the convenience of carrying a spare set of straps for their swim fins. The open heel or strap style of swim fin is most commonly used when the swimmer wants the option of wearing or not wearing the protective booties in cold water requiring the adjustment of the fin size. Another difficulty presented by the straps after a period of time is the metal buckles will cut the rubber straps at the gripping area or the metal buckles will chafe the ankles of the swimmer.

[0005] Several inventers have endeavored to patent new and improved heel straps for the open heel or strap style of swim fins but most are complicated adding to their expense and generally keeping some form of buckling mechanism.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,067 of Giovanni Garofalo relates to swimming fins, especially the open-shoe type of swimming fin with a heel strap secured to both sides of the foot socket, and relates more particularly to a buckle for adjustably fastening the strap to the fin. This patent typifies the conventional style of swim fins using the strap and buckle system. This device does not incorporate any of the unique features of the universal swim fin replacement heel strap, but concentrates on the leverage features of the metal buckling system.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,336 of Robert B. Evans describes a uniquely configured fin having an open instep that is secured to the foot of the wearer by a padded securement means so as to accommodate a plurality of foot sizes. The heel strap consists of an elastic loop through a heel cushion secured to the fin by the means of a bracket. This patent dwells primarily with the unique open instep concept and the fact that the fins may be manufactured from a two-piece molding system. The heel straps, though similar do not make use of the knobs found on the most common swim fins and has no intension of being a universal swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,334 of Giovanni Garofalo teaches of a swim fin equipped with a buckle for the fastening of the heel strap. The heel strap of this swim fin attaches in a similar fashion with a buckle for length adjustments to the conventional fin knobs on the sides of the foot pockets, except that this heel strap has the unique limited rotation feature requiring a radial tooth which cooperates with an abutment element on the knob to prevent the downward rotation.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,983 of Tzong In Yeh discloses an adjusting strap structure for swim fins. Although this strap structure does not incorporate a buckling system, it is designed for a specific type of swim fins, and will not fit other manufacturers swim fins in that it does make use of the knobs on the sides of most common swim fins.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,227,924 of Phillip W. Miller describes a heel strap for an open heel swim fin designed to securely hold the user's foot in the swim fin, yet minimize ankle and foot movement within the heel straps. The heel strap comprises a heel pocket and set of straps with buckles to attach to the swim fins. This device makes use of a locking receptacle or buckle to attach the heel strap to the sides of the foot pocket.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,383 of Giovanni Battista Beltrani teaches of an adjustable back strap for diving and swimming equipment. Although this patent makes use of the conventional knobs and buckling attachment mechanism, it could possibly be seen as a universal swim fin strap, but it would be difficult to store a spare set because it is comprise of several types of buckling systems along with a complicated heel supporting structure.

[0012] The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth, and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention accomplishes its desired objects by creating a device that can be manufactured easily as a single elastic unit with no additional parts and can be vacuum rapped on small display cards. The manufacturing materials may be of an elastromeric rubbers or a variety of flexible urethanes and will conform to a variety of conventional forms of manufacturing, like injection molding and casting processes. With the size and simplicity of this product it can be manufactured in many bright and striking colors to add an additional component to its unique features.

[0014] The simplicity of this unique device is accomplished by several features that allow the universal replacement swim fin strap to be attached to a variety of different styles of swim fins by the means of a plurality of orifices on either side of the heal area extending to both distal ends of the strap. These orifices may be in a number of different geometric shapes, rectangular, spherical, elliptical or triangular. These orifices with their predetermined shape stretch over the existing heel strap mounting knobs enlarged head, locating on the shank portion on each side of the conventional swim fins. These universal replacement swim fin straps will come is varying lengths with each strap accommodating a number of different sizes of feet. The elastic ability of the universal replacement swim fin strap allows it to fit comfortably on the wearer no matter what size their foot is, in a similar fashion to the full foot pocket style of swim fins. The universal replacement swim fin strap will have an enlarged heel area with a textured non-slip surface next to the heel of the wearer. The heel area may be flat with a pull tab, may have the pull tab angled away from the heel or may have a ring shaped pull to assist putting on the swim fins. The heel area may also have a curved shape matching the shape of the heel of the wearer, all while remaining within the scope of this patent. There may or may not be similar pull-tabs or pull rings at the distal ends of each side of the universal replacement swim fin strap to aide in the mounting of the straps over the knob heads on the sides of the swim fins.

[0015] An alternate embodiment will incorporate an enlarged edge on both sides of the universal replacement swim fin strap, increasing the strength of the strap while still allowing the thinner wall of the central web area to stretch over the knob heads on the sides of the swim fins. This embodiment will incorporate the same arrangement of pull-tabs and heel configurations and still remain within the scope of this patent.

[0016] Another alternate embodiment of the universal replacement swim fin strap will incorporate a bungee cord forming loops to go over the heads of the heel strap mounting knobs on the sides of conventional swim fins. Each loop will have a retainer to maintain the size of the loop end of the bungee cord. There will also be a commercially available sliding adjustment device to vary the length of the bungee cord for size adjustments.

[0017] An additional alternate embodiment of the universal replacement swim fin strap will be comprised of plastic attachment clips and one or more sections of surgical tubing. The plastic attachment clips have an orifice with an enlarged end that fits over the heel strap mounting knob head on the sides of the swim fins and a reduced end that fits snugly on the shank section of the knobs when the fins are put on. These attachment clips have one or more prong ends allowing that when surgical tubing is slid over it will hold securely when a force is exerted to remove it. The surgical tubing will have to be cut to the size of the wearer, and can easily be replaced when it looses its elasticity or is broken.

[0018] The universal replacement swim fin strap and the additional embodiments endeavor to eliminate the use of the common buckling system of length adjustment and to create a device in its most simple state, along with the convenience of being able to always have a spare set whether they came on the swim fins or not.

[0019] The object of this invention is to supply the market with simple, inexpensive universal replacement swim fin strap.

[0020] Another object of this invention is to create a single universal replacement swim fin strap that can fit on either the right or left fin, not requiring a right foot and left foot fin strap.

[0021] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that is small and light weight enough that swimmers can always carry a spare set with them so when a strap is either lost or broken there is no problem replacing it.

[0022] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that mount easily to many different manufacturers swim fins by the means of the conventional heel strap mounting knobs.

[0023] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that does not have the conventional buckle as a means of adjustment.

[0024] Another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that can easily be made in many bright and varying colors.

[0025] A further object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that has superior flexibility for holding the strap in position on the heel of the swimmers foot.

[0026] Yet another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that makes the open heal or strap style of swim fins perform in the same manor as a foot pocket style of swim fin with the molded integral heel strap Still another object of this invention is to create a swim fin strap that allows a swimmer to use the same pair of swim fins whether they use the booties for cold water or not.

[0027] A final object is to create a universal replacement swim fin strap that can be used as a replacement on a wide variety of styles and sizes of swim fins made by many different swim fin manufactures.

[0028] The present invention accomplishes its desired objects by providing a new and unique universal swim fin replacement strap that will fit a variety of different manufacturers swim fins, has no buckles, is adjustable and easily attached and made in a variety of colors. These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of the construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principals of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a conventional open heel or strap style of swim fin.

[0031] FIG. 2A depicts perspective view of the open heel portion of the conventional open heel or strap style swim fin with the preferred embodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap exploded away.

[0032] FIG. 2B depicts a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of the pull-tabs as a ring grip, of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0033] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the open heel portion of the conventional open heel or strap style swim fin with alternate embodiment as a bungee cord style of swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0034] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the open heel portion of the conventional open heel or strap style swim fin with another alternate embodiment as a surgical tubing style of swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0035] FIG. 5 depicts a flat pattern layout of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0036] FIG. 6 depicts an edge view of the flat pattern layout of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0037] FIG. 7 is the front view of the multiple surgical tubing attachment clips.

[0038] FIG. 8 is the front view of the single surgical tubing attachment clips.

[0039] FIG. 9 is the typical side view of the surgical tubing attachment clips.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a section through the heel portion of the preferred embodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a section through the heel portion of an alternate embodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap with the grip member tipped away from the heel area.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a section through the heel portion of an additional alternate embodiment of the swim fin replacement heel strap with in a shape that will conform to the shape of the wearer's heel.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a side view of the left side of the universal replacement swim fin strap displaying a single square orifice with the enlarged edge.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a side view of the left side of the universal replacement swim fin strap displaying two octagonal orifices with the enlarged edge.

[0045] FIG. 15 is a side view of the left side of the universal replacement swim fin strap displaying three hexagonal orifices with the enlarged edge.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a side view of the left side of the universal replacement swim fin strap displaying four elongated narrow orifices without the enlarged edge.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] Referring in detail now to the drawing, wherein similar parts of the invention are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen in FIG. 1 a perspective view of the conventional open heel or strap style of swim fin 10. At one end is the propulsion blade 12 that has many different configurations depending upon the manufacturer. At the opposite end is the open foot pocket 14, distinguishing this style of swim fin from the full foot pocket style with the heel strap as an interregnal part of the fin. On the outer sides of the foot pocket 14 are the conventional heel strap mounting knobs 20 consisting of an enlarged head end 22 and a shank portion 24 used by several manufacturers of swim fins.

[0048] FIG. 2A depicts a perspective view of the open foot pocket 14 of the open heel or strap style swim fin 10 with the universal replacement swim fin strap 28 exploded away. The universal replacement swim fin strap 28 consists of the heel area 30 with the side elements 32 and 34 and a plurality of orifices 36A in the rectangular shape, terminating at the distal ends 38 and 40 with pull-tabs 42 and 44. The surface of the heel area 30 will have a textured surface 46 to minimize sliding on the heel of the wearer. Additionally a similar pull-tab 48 is located centrally above the heel area 30.

[0049] The outer edges 50 of the universal replacement swim fin strap 28 may be enlarged on some embodiments with the central web 52 being a thinner section allowing the stretch required to expand over the heel strap mounting knobs 20. FIG. 2B depicts an alternate embodiment of the pull-tab 48 as being a ring grip 54 that can also replace the pull-tabs 42 and 44 at the distal ends of the side elements 32 and 34.

[0050] FIG. 3 depicts the open heel portion 14 of the open heel of strap style swim fin 10 with an alternate embodiment as a bungee cord style of swim fin replacement strap 60, consisting of a bungee cord 62 with loop ends 64 and 66. Loop ends 62 and 64 are held in position by retainers 68 and 70 while a sliding adjustment device 72 allows for length adjustments. The loop ends 62 and 64 expand to go over the enlarged head 22 of the heel strap mounting knobs 20 and tighten on the shank portion 24 in a similar fashion to the way that the orifices 36A, 36B, 36C work on the shank portion 24.

[0051] FIG. 4 depicts the open heel portion 14 of the open heel of strap style swim fin 10 with an additional alternate embodiment as surgical tubing style of swim fin replacement strap 80 composed of one or more sections of surgical tubing 82 connected to attachment clips 84 and 86. The surgical tubing 82 is connected to the attachment clips 84 and 86 by the conventional means of sliding the tubing over the prong end 88 and over the retainer bumps 90. When the surgical tubing is pushed on the prong ends 88, it expands allowing it to slide easily over the bumps 90, but when a force is applied to remove the tubing, it shrinks and holds tightly to the bumps 90 on the prong ends 88. The attachment clips 84 and 86 have an orifice 92 with an enlarged end 94 that fits over the enlarged head 22 of the strap mounting knobs 20, and a reduced end 96 that fits snugly on the shank end 24 of the strap mounting knobs 20.

[0052] FIGS. 5 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the universal swim fin replacement heel strap 10 displaying the heel area 30A with the textured surface 46 that retards sliding of the wearers heel. The two side elements 32 and 34 show the plurality of orifices 36A in a rectangular shape and the pull-tabs 42 and 44 on the distal ends 38 and 40 with the outer edges 50 shown in their enlarged state. FIG. 6 is a top view of the universal swim fin replacement heel strap 28.

[0053] FIGS. 7 depict the attachment clips 84 and 86 with two prong ends 88 with FIG. 8 depicting one prong end 88, but it must be understood that there can be a number of attachment clips 84 and 86 with any number of prong ends 88 and still be within the scope of this patent.

[0054] FIG. 10 is a section through the heel portion 30A with the flat configuration and the pull tab 48 straight up and the orifice 36B in a spherical shape while FIG. 11 shows a section through the heel portion 30B with the pull tab 48 angled away from the wearers heel and the orifice 36C in a elliptical shape. FIG. 12 is a section showing the heel portion 30C in the curved shape matching the shape of the heel of the wearer with the orifice in a triangular shape.

[0055] FIGS. 13 through 16 display the left side of the universal replacement swim fin strap with four of the different configurations of orifices, the first being FIG. 13, showing the square orifice 36E, located in the distal end of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42. The second FIG. 14 having two octagonal orifices 36F, located in the distal end of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42. The third being FIG. 15, showing the hexagonal orifices 36G, located in the distal end of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42. The fourth FIG. 16 being four elongated narrow orifices 36H, located in the distal end of the strap 38 next to the pull tab 42 without the enlarged edge.

[0056] It must be made clear that any number, any geometric sizes or shapes of these orifices, for the means of attachment, may be located along any portion of either side of the universal replacement swim fin strap, and the strap may or may not have the same orifices symmetrically located on either side of the strap and still be within the scope of this patent.

Claims

1. A universal swim fin replacement heel strap comprising:

a. a flat strip of flexible material of sufficient size that includes pull tabs, loops or orifices as a means of attachment to the user's foot and fin and as a means of length adjustment

b. a bungee like flexible material of sufficient size that includes pull tabs or loops and a means of length adjustment

c. a flexible tubing material of sufficient size that includes attachment clips made of a rigid or semi-rigid material, pull tabs or loops and a means of length adjustment

2. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber like elastic material will have some means of pull tabs or loops positioned at key points of said strap.

3. The heel strap of claim 2 wherein said pull tabs or loops can be positioned at the appropriate angles for easy handling of said strap.

4. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap may be made from a rubbery like elastic material where any number of orifices that can come in a variety of geometrical shapes molded or placed into said strap.

5. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber like elastic material can conform to the heel of the user's foot.

6. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber like elastic material can have a textured surface on said strap.

7. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of rubber like elastic material can be made with a smooth surface on said strap.

8. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap will be of a uniform and constant thickness.

9. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap can have varying thickness of material through said strap.

10. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap may be made of a rubber elastic material can come in a variety of colors and hues.

11. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap may be made with a bungee or bungee like material and would have a means of attachment to the open heel dive fin strap attachment knobs placed on both outer sides of the foot pocket.

12. The heel strap of claim 11 wherein said strap can also be equipped with an adjustable tensioning device below the loop in the heel portion or said strap to make length adjustments.

13. The heel strap of claim 12 wherein said strap can be made without the adjustable tensioning device.

14. The heel strap of claim 11 wherein said strap can have some means of a pull tab instead of a loop or tensioning device.

15. The heel strap of claim 1 wherein said strap made of a stretchy rubber tubing like material can be slipped onto the attachment clips that fasten to the dive fin attachment knob that protrudes out from both sides of the foot pocket securing the strap to the fin and will be equipped with a loop in the heel portion of said strap.

16. The heel strap of claim 15 wherein said strap will be slipped onto the attachment clips wherein said attachment clip comprising of one or more protruding prongs that attach to the corresponding ends of the stretchy rubber tubes.

17. The heel strap of claim 15 wherein said strap will be equipped with an adjustable tensioning device below the loop in the heel portion to make length adjustments on said strap.

18. The heel strap of claim 17 wherein said strap can be made without the loop or adjustable tensioning device.

19. The heel strap of claim 15 wherein said strap may be equipped with some means of a pull tab instead of a loop at the heel portion of said strap.

20. The heel strap of claim 16 wherein said strap can come in various shapes and thickness depending on the tinsel strength of the material and the size and shape of the prongs of the attachment clips.

21. The heel strap of claim 20 wherein said strap has prongs on the attachment clips which can came in various shapes and sizes to correspond with the shape of the tubing of said strap.