Recreational Swimming Ensemble

Abstract

Disclosed herein are apparatus and methods for enhancing swimming and facilitating walking on land. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a foot thong having a body and a toe tether. The apparatus can include a swim fin device having a sole portion, toe portion, and fin portion, wherein the sole portion and toe portion cooperate to define an opening for receiving the toe tether to secure the swim fin device to the foot thong. Additionally disclosed herein is a recreational swimming ensemble comprising the swim fin device(s), the swimming glove(s), and/or a mask configured to be secured to goggles, wherein a common theme can be distributed across the swim fin device, swimming glove, and mask.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,196, filed Nov. 12, 2008, and the present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, co-pending PCT International App. No. PCT/US2009/0058712, filed Sep. 29, 2009, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,196, filed Nov. 12, 2008, and the contents of all of the foregoing applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to footwear or gloves for swimming and, more particularly, to devices for enhancing the speed of a user thereof, e.g., a swimmer. In some aspects, the present invention relates to a recreational swimming ensemble for children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to provide a swim fin for propelling a user thereof, e.g., a swimmer. The prior art includes apparatus that have a foot portion and a fin portion, where the foot portion is a close-fitting shoe-like structure, and where the fin portion is attached and lengthy relative thereto. While a lengthy fin portion might increase the propulsive force of a swimmer's kick, such can be bulky and difficult to walk in, while the foot portion can be cumbersome to fit onto the foot and limiting by the foot size of the wearer. It is further known in the art to provide a swim fin that includes pivoting or locking mechanisms for purposes of flipping a fin area out of the way or removing it completely. While these mechanisms might surmount the problem of awkward walking on land or into a body of water, it is possible that such may be prone to malfunction or other problems, while preserving the bulky and cumbersome nature of the footwear. What is needed in the art is a swim fin device with enhanced ease of use to overcome these and/or other disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a swim fin device that can be provided alone and/or in combination with footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and/or a heel strap.

In a first aspect of the invention, a swim fin device is provided. The swim fin device can include a sole portion for alignment with a sole area of footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and a toe portion extending from the sole portion for alignment with a sole area of the foot thong, where the sole portion and the toe portion cooperate to define an opening for receiving a toe support (e.g., a toe tether) of the foot thong. The swim fin can further include a fin portion extending from the toe portion. The sole portion, the toe portion, and the fin portion can be integrally formed, substantially continuous, and/or substantially planar.

In a second aspect of the invention, a swim fin device is provided in combination with a foot thong. The foot thong can include a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto, and further includes a toe tether having an end, which is referenced herein as an anchor, and which can be secured to the body proximal the first surface. The swim fin can be (i) secured proximal the first surface, (ii) include at least one portion in alignment with the foot thong and defining an opening that receives the toe tether, and (iii) include a fin portion extending from the at least one portion. A heel strap can be provided with ends that are attachable to corresponding ends of the toe tether. In some embodiments of the invention, a heel strap can wrap under the swim fin device, e.g., between the swim fin device and the foot thong, and can be provided with ends that are attachable behind a heel of a user.

Disclosed herein is a swimming glove that can be provided alone and/or in combination with the aforementioned swim fin device. In some aspects, the swimming glove includes a midsection that can be formed of a resiliently flexible material and that can be flanked by one or more hand fins formed of a rigid material. The midsection can receive one or more inner digits of the hand and conforms to the inner digits for providing a snug fit. Each hand fin can be provided with straps that receive outer digit(s) of the hand for controlling the hand fin, which provide hydrodynamic advantages for propelling the swimmer through the water.

A recreational swimming ensemble can be provided with one or more swim fin devices, one or more swimming gloves, and/or a mask, such that a common theme is distributed across the swim fin device(s), swimming glove(s), and/or mask. The common theme can comprise a fictional character, for example, such as a bat-themed character, a frog character, a mermaid character, a movie-themed character, etc. In some aspects, the mask, alone and/or in combination with the swim fin device and/or swimming glove, is configured to be worn by the swimmer when wearing goggles. The mask can include eyeholes alignable with lenses of the goggles and nasal openings to receive a nose strap of the goggles. The nasal openings of the mask can emulate the appearance of (i) the number seven, and (ii) and, proximal thereto, a mirrored appearance of the number seven.

Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed swim fin device, swimming gloves, mask, combinations thereof, and methods of use shall be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiment(s) considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swim fin device constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swim fin device being shown in combination with a foot thong;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the swim fin device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the swim fin device of FIGS. 1 and 2 being assembled with the foot thong of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heel strap for use with the foot thong and swim fin device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heel strap of FIG. 4 in combination with the foot thong and swim fin device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a swim fin device constructed in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swim fin device being shown with a foot thong and a heel strap;

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing the swim fin device of FIG. 6 being assembled with the foot thong;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a swimming glove constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swimming glove being shown to have a bat-theme;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view showing the swimming glove of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view showing the swimming glove of FIGS. 8 and 9 in use when received by a left hand of a swimmer;

FIG. 11 is a front exploded perspective view of a mask constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and goggles in combination therewith;

FIG. 12 is a rear exploded perspective view of the combination of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a front assembly perspective view of the combination of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear assembly perspective view of the combination of FIGS. 11-13; and

FIG. 15 is an illustration showing a swimmer wearing a recreational swimming ensemble of the present invention, the recreational swimming ensemble including a plurality of swim fin devices of FIG. 6-7, a plurality of swimming gloves of FIG. 8-10, and the mask of FIG. 11-14 (and shown in combination with the goggles and foot thongs), wherein the recreational swimming ensemble is shown to a have a common theme of a frog character distributed across the swim fin devices, the swimming gloves, and the mask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1, for example, a swim fin device 1 is shown constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The swim fin device 1 is shown in combination with a foot thong 10. The foot thong 10 includes a body 11 having: a first surface 12, e.g., a top surface, proximal to where a foot of swimmer is received; a second surface 13, e.g., a bottom surface, that is opposite the first surface 12 and configured to contact the ground when the user is walking on land, such that the body 11 spaces the first surface 12 apart from the ground when a user is walking on land; and a third surface 14 and a fourth surface 15, e.g., side elevational surfaces. The foot thong 10 further includes a toe tether 16 having a first end 17 extending from the third surface 14, a second end 18 extending from the fourth surface 15, and an end, referenced herein as an anchor 19, extending from the first surface 12. It is preferred that the anchor 19 of toe tether 16 be secured to the body 11 at a position at or proximal the first surface 12, such that the foot thong 10 is configured, in use, to separate a big toe of a user's foot from the remaining toes of a user's foot. It is contemplated that any suitable footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and toe support (e.g., a toe tether) can be utilized, and it is further contemplated that the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 (or other toe support) can extend from any surface of the foot thong 10 or other footwear. The footwear (e.g., a foot thong) is preferably formed of a water resistant material and, in this regard, is preferably formed of plastic or natural or synthetic rubber. It is contemplated that the footwear can comprise a shoe.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the swim fin device 1 of the present invention is shown. The swim fin device 1 preferably includes a substantially continuous and substantially planar substrate formed of a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic. The material can be natural or synthetic. The swim fin device 1 has a sole portion 2, a toe portion 3 extending from the sole portion 2, and a fin portion 4 extending from the toe portion 3 opposite the sole portion 2. It is contemplated that the swim fin device 1 can include additional structure distinct from and/or integral therewith. The sole portion 2 and toe portion 3 are sized, shaped, and dimensioned to be seated upon the first surface 12, e.g., the top surface, of the foot thong 10, and the fin portion 4 is positioned to be spaced apart from, e.g., elevated off of, the ground during walking, preferably at least about one-quarter inch (¼″), and more preferably about one-quarter inch (¼″) to about one-half inch (½″). The sole portion 2 is preferably tapered so as to fit between the toe tether ends 17, 18 of both adult- and junior-size foot thongs. The sole portion 2 can be shaped to fit the sole of a user's foot with a left foot and right foot version.

The swim fin device 1 is securingly attached to the foot thong 10 by means of a scored or slotted opening 5 that can be defined by the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3. The slotted opening 5 and/or defining structure thereof can be provided with a flexible memory so as flex open and closed for attaching to, remaining attached to, and detaching from the toe tether of a foot thong. The slotted opening 5 extends from about the center of a lateral side edge of the sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 and terminates at an area referenced herein as a hole 6, and the slotted opening 5 is an example of slotted opening means. The hole 6 is preferably sized, shaped, dimensioned, and positioned so as to receive the toe tether 16 and/or anchor 19 thereof proximal the first surface 12 of the foot thong 10. The hole 6 of the toe portion 3, for example, encircles or circumscribes the anchor 19, thereby attaching the swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. A foot of a user can be received between the toe tether 16 and the swim fin device 1. The hole 6 is preferably positioned at a point common to a plurality of adult and junior size foot thongs.

In some embodiments, the sole portion 2 of the swim fin device 1 is abbreviated and tapers between the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 to end short of the heel, while the hole 6 in the toe portion 3 is positioned at the location of the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10 so as to selectively allow attachment to and removal from and to fit multiple sized thongs, such as a foot thong having a first size and a second foot thong having a second size, e.g., adult- and junior-sized foot thongs.

Referring to FIG. 2, the swim fin device 1 is shown with further detail to comprise a continuous sole portion 2, toe portion 3, and fin portion 4, with the slotted opening 5 in the sole portion 2 traversing from the center of the tapered sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 to terminate at the hole 6, which, as indicated above, is sized, shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to secure to the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10. Lateral side edges of the toe portion 3 fan out and extend at a wider angle through to the fin portion 4 and can terminate at an end 20 that angles inwardly to converge, e.g., one-hundred and eighty degrees. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the end 20 is about three inches from that position of the swim fin device 1 configured for alignment with a toe edge of the foot thong 1. In this regard, it is preferable that the fin portion 4 extend beyond a perimeter of the foot thong 10, and it is preferable that the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3 be positioned within a perimeter of the foot thong 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic is provided to show the swim fin device 1 being assembled with the foot thong 10. In the embodiment shown, the slotted opening 5 extends from about the center of a lateral side edge of the sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 to terminate at the hole 6, which is of the approximate size of and at the location of the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10. The swim fin device 1 is flexed, and the slotted opening 5 is opened (while retaining the flex memory) and the anchor 19 is slid or otherwise inserted into the opening 5 until the anchor 19 is received by the hole 6, which encircles the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16, attaching the recreational swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. When the swim fin device 1 and the foot thong 10 are assembled, the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3 are seated upon the foot thong 10 and/or first surface 12 thereof, so as to be spaced apart from the ground. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lateral side edges of the toe portion 3 fan out to continue at a wider angle through the fin portion 4 and angle inwardly to converge at the end 20. The end 20 can be about three inches longitudinally from the toe edge of the foot thong 10 so as to enable propelling of the user in water at a faster rate of speed due to the increased surface area that the fin portion 4 provides.

Referring to FIG. 4, the swim fin device 1 can optionally include or otherwise be provided with a heel strap 7. For example, use of the heel strap 7 might be desirable when swimming in turbulent water. The heel strap 7 is preferably stretchable, and can include at ends thereof a plurality of fasteners. The heel strap 7 can include a plurality of strips of conjugable hooked/looped fabric or a “hook and loop fastener,” such as a Velcro® hook and loop fastener. For example, the ends of the heel strap 7 can each include a first fastener portion 8 (e.g., a two or three inch strip of the “hook portion”), and a second fastener portion 9 complementary therewith (e.g. a two to three inch strip of the “loop portion”) can be spaced apart from the first fastener portion 9, e.g., by about two inches, and away from the center 21 of the heel strap 7.

Referring to FIG. 5, the swim fin device 1 is shown to include the heel strap 7 of FIG. 4 and in combination with the foot thong 10. The anchor 19 is securingly received within the hole 6 of the swim fin device 1, and a user's foot is received between the toe tether 16 and the swim fin device 1. The heel strap 7 is fastened at ends thereof to the toe tether 16 and extends about the heel of the user so as to facilitate secure positioning of the foot, and it is contemplated that the center 21 of the heel strap 7 can secure the ankle. A first conjugable set of fastener portions 8 and 9 can be fastened proximal the first end 17 of the toe tether 16, and a second conjugable set of fastener portions 8 and 9 are fastened proximal the second end 18 of the toe tether 16. In some embodiments of the invention, the heel strap 7 is substantially free of supplemental fabric that might decrease hugging of the heel strap 7 on the foot and/or ankle.

In some embodiments of the invention, the swim fin device 1 can be characterized as a recreational swim fin unit. It shall be understood that embodiments of the invention may have broad application in use, such as in recreational swimming activities, swim fitness, swim instruction, snorkeling, etc. Moreover, the present invention contemplates recreational and/or non-recreational uses.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the swim fin device 1 accommodates walking on land at least by virtue of the elevation of the swim fin device 1 from the ground. Moreover, the swim fin device 1 is easily worn or removed in or out of the water at whatever interval the user wishes and provides added propulsion and enhanced foot/ankle flexibility while swimming. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an open heel and foot design that provides enhanced foot/ankle flexibility, easy removal, and portability. The swim fin device 1 is provided with sufficient flex-memory to provide an open position for attaching and detaching/removing the swim fin device 1 to the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10 and a closed position for securing the swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. A scored opening 5 and/or defining structure thereof can be provided with a flexible memory so as flex open and closed for attaching to, remaining attached to, and detaching from the toe tether 16 of a foot thong 10. In some embodiments, a conventional or standard foot thong known in the art is provided with a conventional or standard toe tether. It is contemplated that the swim fin device 1 alone and/or in combination with the foot thong 10 (and/or heel strap 7) can be provided in adult and/or junior sizes. It is contemplated that the toe tether 16 can be located at a point common among foot thongs known in the art. Other footwear and/or toe supports are contemplated.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the swim fin device 1, etc., shown in FIGS. 1-5 unless it is stated otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the slotted opening 105 of the swim fin device 101 is provided to have a shape similar to that of a number seven. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, it is contemplated that the slotted opening 5 can be provided with any suitable shape and a plurality of slot segments. Referring to FIG. 6, the slotted opening 105 is shown to preferably include a first slot segment 105a and a second slot segment 105b extending therefrom, both of which are preferably straight and form an angle with the other, so as to emulate the shape of the number seven. The slotted opening 105 terminates with a hole 106 in the second slot segment 105b distal from the first slot segment 105a. For reasons that are discussed further below, the first slot segment 105a is more aligned with a longitudinal axis of the swim fin device 101 than a transverse axis thereof, and the second slot segment 105b is more aligned with the transverse axis of the swim fin device 101 than the longitudinal axis thereof, and the slotted opening 105 is another example of slotted opening means.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the swim fin device 101 is provided with a heel strap 107 having a conjugable set of hook and loop fastener portions 108 and 109 that can be fastened to one another behind the heel of a user, for example. The swim fin device 101 is provided with a plurality of openings 122, 126 proximal the toe portion 103 of the swim fin device 101. The toe portion 103, for example, includes a strip 124 spacing the openings 122, 126 apart from each other. In this regard, the heel strap 107 can extend from a first end 108 thereof behind the heel of a user, underneath the swim fin device 101, up through the opening 122, over the strip 124, down through the second opening 126, and to a second end 109 of the heel strap 107 releasably fastened to the first end 108 behind a heel of a user at a position distal the toe portion 103. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the openings 122, 126, and strip 124 are positioned along the swim fin device 101, such that at least some areas of the heel strap 107 beneath the swim fin device 101 extend between the toe portion 103 and the foot thong 10, and, in use, fit snugly therebetween by virtue of the weight of the user, the heel strap 107 continuing over the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 to be fastened around the heel of the user. In some embodiments, the swim fin device 101 can be provided with the heel strap 7 of FIGS. 1-5, and, in some embodiments, no heel strap is provided.

Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic is provided to show the swim fin device 101 being assembled with the foot thong 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, which includes the slotted opening 105 having segments 105a and 105b, the swim fin device 101 is flexed and the slotted opening 105 is opened (while retaining the flex memory). In the embodiment shown, the anchor 19 is first slid in a substantially longitudinal direction through the first slot segment 105a and thereafter slid in a substantially transverse direction through the second slot segment 105b. In this regard, when the swim fin device 101 is worn by a user, motion of the swim fin device 101 in the longitudinal direction is inhibited by the structure defining the second slot segment 105b. Moreover, in embodiments where the swim fin device 101 is worn with a foot thong 10 having the toe tether 16 with sides 17, 18 or other footwear, the sides 17, 18 inhibit motion of the swim fin device 101 in the transverse direction. Motion is also inhibited in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction by virtue of the weight of the user. After the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 is received by the hole 106, for example, the heel strap 107 can be releasably fastened at its ends 108, 109 behind the heel of the user, for example.

The above aspects of the present invention have been given by way of illustrative example. It will be realized that any modifications and variations thereto are deemed to fall within the broad scope and field of the invention as herein set forth including a combination comprising a foot thong and a swim fin device formed integrally therewith, such as a molded, monolithic combination foot thong/elevated swim fin/heel strap (e.g., embodiments of the present invention contemplate a substantially monolithic structure including the foot thong, elevated swim fin device, and heel strap).

Referring to FIGS. 8-10 and 15, a swimming glove 200 is shown for use alone and/or in combination with the swim fin device 101 and foot thong 10, for example. The swimming glove 200 of FIGS. 8-10 is shown for use with a left hand, though it shall be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that a right hand glove can be provided as a mirror image thereof, for example. It is shown in FIGS. 8-10 by way of non-limiting example that the swimming glove 200 can have a bat-theme, and, in FIG. 15, it is shown that the swimming gloves 200 can have a frog-character theme, again, by way of non-limiting example.

The swimming glove 200 includes a midsection 202 and a plurality of hand fins 204 flanking the midsection 202. The midsection 202 comprises at least two layers 206, 208, which preferably comprise a resiliently flexible material, such as a knit fabric and/or a natural or synthetic elastomer, for example. The layers 206, 208 are referenced herein as a midsection front layer 206 and a midsection rear layer 208. The layers 206, 208 form a passage therethrough continuing from a palm opening 210 at a first end of the midsection 202 proximal the palm, and a plurality of finger openings 212 at a second end of the midsection 202 opposite the palm opening 210. Seams 214 extend fully or partially between the first end having the palm opening 210 and the second end having the finger openings 212. The seams 214 at least partially define chambers, referenced herein as finger chambers, for receiving inner digit(s) of the hand, e.g., for receiving the ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the swimmer. The midsection front layer 206 and the midsection rear layer 208 expand to receive the inner digits and are resiliently flexible to conform thereto for a snug fit. The swimming glove 200 can be provided with one or more pull tabs 222 secured to the midsection 206 (for example) to facilitate the putting on and taking off of the glove 200. A first pull tab 222 can be stitched to the front layer 206 and a second pull tab 222 can be stitched to the rear layer 208.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 8-10 and 15, the midsection 202 is flanked by a plurality of hand fins 204 formed of a rigid material, such as a coating-reinforced fabric, for example. While the resilient flexibility of the midsection 202 allows for a snug conforming fit with the inner digits of the hand of the swimmer, the rigid material of the hand fins 204 preferably provides for advantageous hydrodynamic properties for enhancing the propulsive effect of a swim stroke. It is contemplated that the hand fins 204 can be formed of any material suitable for enhancing the impact of a swim stroke.

In some aspects, each hand fin 204 can include front and rear layers, which are referenced herein as hand fin front layers 216 and hand fin rear layers 218. It is contemplated that each front layer 216 can be at adhered or stitched, for example, directly to the corresponding rear layer 218. It is further contemplated that the front and rear layers 216, 218 of a hand fin 204 can be partially distal, e.g., spaced apart, from one another so as to have a divergent area that receives the midsection 208 between the layers 216, 218. The hand fins 204 are provided to be flat and generally planar to enhance the effective contact area with the water. Each hand fin 204 is provided with a strap 220 stitched or otherwise secured to the rear layer 216 for receiving outer digits of the hand, e.g., the thumb and pinky of the swimmer.

Stitching or other fastening can be provided for securing each hand fin 204 to the midsection 202, such that the hand fins 204 are articulable relative the midsection 202 by the thumb and pinky to provide enhanced control to the swimmer. For example, the two outermost seams 214 that at least partially define the finger chambers, can extend generally parallel with the inner digits and secure the midsection 202 to the hand fins 204 at the divergent area thereof. In this regard, the two outermost seams 214 provide an effective living hinge mechanism for articulation of the hand fins 204 relative to the midsection 202.

To put the swimming glove 200 on a left hand, for example, a swimmer manipulates the pull tab 222 with his or her right hand to pull the swimming glove 200 into place. The palm opening 212 receives the inner digits, three, for example, and the midsection 206 is pulled in a direction toward the wrist/forearm until the inner digits extend out from the finger openings 212. The midsection front and rear layers 206, 208 expand to receive the hand and contract to conform thereto. The straps 220, preferably also formed of a resiliently flexible material, stretch to receive the outer digits and conform thereto. Similar steps are undertaken to put a right-hand swimming glove 200 onto the right hand. As the user undertakes a swim stroke, the rigidity of the hand fins 204 advantageously enhances propulsion through the water.

Referring to FIGS. 11-15, a mask 300 is shown for use alone and/or in combination with the hand fin 200, swim fin device 101, and/or the foot thong 10. The mask 300 is configured to be worn by the swimmer in combination with any suitable goggles, such as the goggles 302 shown, for example. The goggles 302 are of the type provided with a plurality of lenses 304, a nose strap 306 extending therebetween, and a head band assembly 308 extending from one of the lenses 304 to another thereof. The nose strap 306 is preferably resiliently flexible to alter between the relaxed state shown in FIGS. 11-15 and a flexed state.

The mask 300 is shown to have a princess theme in FIGS. 11-14 and a frog theme in FIG. 15, though any suitable theme is contemplated. The mask 300 defines a plurality of eyeholes 310a, 310b configured to be aligned with the lenses 304 of the goggles 302 when the mask 300 is worn over the goggles 302, and the mask 300 can be provided with a head strap 318 for securing the mask 300 to the head.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 11-14, the mask 300 is provided with a plurality of nasal openings 312a, 312b for receiving the nose strap 306 of the goggles 302, as shall be described below with further detail. The nasal opening 312b preferably emulates the appearance of the number seven, and the nasal opening 312a preferably emulates the appearance of a mirror image of the number seven. For example, the nasal opening 312a can be provided with a longitudinal slotted opening segment 314a extending generally longitudinally from a bottom edge of the mask 300 and a transverse slotted opening segment 316a extending generally transversely from the longitudinal slotted opening segment 314a, at an end thereof opposite the bottom edge, and toward the eyehole 310a in a direction opposite nasal opening 312b and eyehole 310b. As another example, the nasal opening 312b can be provided with a longitudinal slotted opening segment 314b extending generally longitudinally from the bottom edge of the mask 300 (and generally parallel with longitudinal slotted opening segment 314a). The nasal opening 312b is further provided with a transverse slotted opening segment 316b that can extend generally transversely from the longitudinal slotted opening segment 314b, at an end thereof opposite the bottom edge and toward the eyehole 310b in a direction opposite the nasal opening 312a and eyehole 310a.

In use, the swimmer aligns the mask 300 and goggles 302 by flexing the nose strap 306 at least partially into a U-shape (so as to bring the rear of a lens 304 closer to the rear of the other lens 304). The nose strap 306, in flexed state, is inserted into both longitudinal segments 314a, 314b at the bottom edge of the mask 300. The nose strap 306, in flexed state, is passed through the longitudinal segments 314a, 314b in a direction toward the transverse segments 316a, 316b, such that the center of the nose strap 306 is in front of the mask 300 and the lenses 304 are to the rear of the mask 300. When the nose strap 306 arrives at the transverse segments 316a, 316b, the nose strap 306 is allowed to return from the flexed state to the relaxed state, thereby “catching” the nose strap 306 (and goggles 302 generally) into secured arrangement with the mask 300, and such that the lenses 304 are aligned with the eyeholes 310a, 310b. The head band assembly 308 of the goggles 300 and the head strap 318 of the mask 300 are secured about the head of the swimmer. In some aspects, the head strap 318 comprises a band pair extending from the mask body with complementary ends having a hook and loop fastener.

Referring to FIG. 15, a recreational swimming ensemble is shown to include a plurality of components having distributed thereacross a common “frog-character.” For example, a plurality of swimming gloves 200 are provided as described with respect to FIGS. 8-10, and so as to emulate the appearance of a webbed frog hand. Similarly, a plurality of swim fin devices 101 (and foot thongs 10) are provided as described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, and so as to have the swim fin device 101 emulate the appearance of a webbed frog foot. A mask 300 and goggles 302 are provided as described with respect to FIGS. 11-14, and so as to have the mask 300 emulate the appearance of a frog face. In this regard, FIG. 15 presents an example of a character-theme distributed across a recreational swimming ensemble.

In preferred embodiments, the recreational swimming ensemble can vastly enhances a child's swimming experience in that the swim fin devices 101 and swimming gloves 200 help propel a swimmer faster while the combination of the goggles 302 and character mask 300 transforms the swimmer into a favorite character with underwater vision. Swimmers can use the ensemble components together or separately. Each component can conform to a favorite theme or character whether it's a mermaid, a sea serpent or a favorite book or movie character. A young swimmer is transformed, whether he wishes to become a favorite character or glide swiftly through the water. Further, while it is contemplated that the swimmer may be a child, it is further contemplated that adults might use the present invention as well.

In preferred embodiments, the swim fin device 101 comprises a specially designed fin attachment that transforms a standard flip flop into a lightweight, aqua-dynamic propulsion fin. The swim fin device 101 slides onto a flip flop or other foot thong 101 so that the flip flop's toe tether anchor 19 rests at the end of the unique “7” shaped opening 105, and the heel strap 107 is secured.

Preferred embodiments of the mask 300 are specially designed to attach to a pair of standard swim goggles. To attach the goggles to the mask, a user can slide the goggle nose band 306 up the outside of the mask's nose bridge between the two seven-shaped openings 312a, 312b, lock the nose band joints into place at the end of the seven-shaped openings 312a, 312b to align the goggle lenses 304 with the mask eyeholes 310a, 310b, pull the unit onto the head by the goggle straps 308, and secure the mask 300 by the mask straps 318 at the back of the head. For snorkeling while seeing underwater, a snorkel can be included with the ensemble, and the shaft of the snorkel can be secured between the mask strap 318 and the head. The swimming gloves 200 fit onto a swimmer's hands with the thumb and pinky controlling the lateral wings, e.g., hand fins 204. All five fingers can be pulled into respective openings, and the glove 200 can be pulled securely up to the knuckles of the hand, and the pull tab 222, preferably located at the middle, assists with pulling-on the glove 200. In preferred embodiments, the swimming gloves 200 resists the water, propels a swimmer faster, and provides enhanced enjoyment for swimming (and splashing).

While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A recreational swimming ensemble for a swimmer, comprising:

a plurality of swim fin devices, including a swim fin device having a sole portion, a toe portion, and a fin portion extending from said toe portion;

a plurality of swimming gloves, including a swimming glove having (i) a midsection formed of a front layer and a rear layer secured thereto to define a plurality of chambers configured to receive and conform to inner digits of a hand of the swimmer, and (ii) a plurality of generally planar hand fins flanking said midsection and articulable with respect thereto by outer digits of the hand of the swimmer; and

a mask having (i) a plurality of eyeholes positioned for alignment with lenses of goggles, and (ii) a plurality of nasal openings configured to securingly receive a nose strap of the goggles;

wherein a common theme is distributed across said plurality of swim fin devices, said plurality of swimming gloves, and said mask.

2. The recreational swimming ensemble of claim 1, wherein said swim fin device includes a slotted opening, and wherein said swim fin device is resiliently flexible to open and close said slotted opening for attachment to an anchor of a foot thong.

3. The recreational swimming ensemble of claim 1, wherein said swim fin device includes a slotted opening, and wherein said slotted opening includes a substantially longitudinal component and a substantially transverse component for attachment to an anchor of a foot thong.

4. The recreational swimming ensemble of claim 1, wherein said swim fin device is integrally formed with a foot thong.

5. The recreational swimming ensemble of claim 1, wherein said plurality of nasal openings emulate the appearance of the number seven and a mirror image thereof.

6. The recreational swimming ensemble of claim 1 in combination with the goggles.

7. A mask configured to be worn by a swimmer when the swimmer is wearing goggles having lenses and a nose strap, the mask comprising a plurality of eyeholes positioned for alignment with the lenses and a plurality of nasal openings configured to securingly receive the nose strap.

8. The mask of claim 7, wherein said plurality of nasal openings includes:

a first slotted opening having a first segment extending generally longitudinally and a second segment extending generally transversely from said first segment in a first direction; and

a second slotted opening having a third segment extending generally longitudinally and a fourth segment extending generally transversely from said third segment in a second direction opposite said first direction.

9. The mask of claim 8, wherein said first and second slotted openings of said mask are configured to have the goggle nose strap received in a flexed state by said first and third segments and received in a relaxed state by said second and fourth segments.

10. The mask of claim 9 in combination with the goggles.

11. The mask of claim 8, including a head strap.

12. The mask of claim 11 in combination with a snorkel having a shaft, said head strap being configured to secure the shaft against a head of the user.

13. The mask of claim 7 in combination with a plurality of swim fin devices and a plurality of swimming gloves, wherein a common theme is distributed across said plurality of swim fin devices, said plurality of swimming gloves, and said mask.

14. A swim fin device for use with a foot thong having a toe tether for separating a big toe of a user's foot from remaining toes of the user's foot, the toe tether having an anchor secured to the foot thong to, in use, so separate the big toe, the swim fin device comprising:

at least one portion including (i) a sole portion, in use, seated upon a sole area of the foot thong, (ii) a toe portion, in use, seated upon a toe area of the foot thong, and (iii) a slotted opening extending from an edge of said at least one portion to receive the anchor for attachment thereto;

wherein said slotted opening includes (i) a first slotted segment at least partially aligned with a first axis of the swim fin device, and (ii) a second slotted segment extending from said first segment and at least partially aligned with a second axis of the swim fin device.

15. The swim fin device of claim 14, wherein said slotted opening emulates the appearance of the number seven.

16. The swim fin device of claim 14, including a plurality of openings in said toe portion for receiving a heel strap.

17. The swim fin device of claim 16, including the heel strap.

18. The swim fin device of claim 17, wherein said heel strap extends through said plurality of openings, and wherein said heel strap is at least partly positionable between said toe portion and the foot thong.

19. The swim fin device of claim 18, wherein said heel strap includes a first end and a second end releasably fastenable thereto proximal a heel of a user.

20. The swim fin device of claim 19 in combination with the foot thong.

21. The swim fin device of claim 14 in combination with another swim fin device, a mask, and a plurality of swimming gloves, wherein a common theme is distributed across said swim fin devices, said plurality of swimming gloves, and said mask.

22. A swimming glove, comprising:

a midsection formed of a front layer and a rear layer secured thereto to define a plurality of chambers configured to receive and conform to inner digits of a hand of a swimmer; and

a plurality of generally planar hand fins flanking said midsection and articulable with respect thereto by outer digits of the hand of the swimmer.

23. The swimming glove of claim 22, wherein each of said plurality of hand fins are provided with a strap for securing an outer digit of the hand of the swimmer.

24. The swimming glove of claim 22, wherein at least one of said front and rear layers of said midsection is resiliently flexible.

25. The swimming glove of claim 22, comprising a plurality of seams securing said front layer to said rear layer to define said plurality of chambers.

26. The swimming glove of claim 22, wherein at least one of said hand fins is formed of a front layer and a rear layer secured thereto.

27. The swimming glove of claim 26, wherein said front and rear hand fin layers form a divergent area receiving said midsection.

28. The swimming glove of claim 22 in combination with a plurality of swim fin devices, another swimming glove, and a mask, wherein a common theme is distributed across said plurality of swim fin devices, said swimming gloves, and said mask.

29. A swim fin device for use with a foot thong having a toe tether for separating a big toe of a user's foot from remaining toes of the user's foot, the toe tether having an anchor secured to the foot thong to, in use, so separate the big toe, comprising:

a sole portion for alignment with a sole area of the foot thong;

a toe portion extending from said sole portion and for alignment with a toe area of the foot thong, said toe portion and said sole portion having slotted opening means for attachment and detachment with the anchor; and

a fin portion extending from said toe portion.

30. The swim fin device of claim 29, wherein said slotted opening means includes a slotted opening extending from a lateral side edge of said sole portion and terminating at a hole through said toe portion.

31. The swim fin device of claim 29, wherein said slotted opening means includes a substantially longitudinal component and a substantially transverse component extending from said substantially longitudinal component.