Foot Attached Patents (Class 441/61)
  • Patent number: 11376472
    Abstract: The invention relates to an aquatic shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4?), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and linked to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot ascends into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position. The invention also relates to the use of footwear in the fields of recreational water and/or sport and in the paramedical fields. The shoe according to the invention can be used for the rehabilitation of animals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventors: Maxime Lahidjani Emadikotak, Darius Lahidjani Emadikotak
  • Patent number: 10798987
    Abstract: The subject matter of the present disclosure relates, in various embodiments, to improved footwear in the nature of sandals, shoes, sports shoes, running and jogging shoes, civilian and military boots, work boots and work shoes, water shoes, waders, and the like, for personal use in walking on sand and other granular terrain, each item of footwear comprising a distinctively profiled outsole. A left outsole profile is defined by a first radius, and a right outsole profile is defined by a second radius. A line connecting the center of each radius passes through and defines the centers of the side profiles of the outsole. A preferred toe-out or progressive angle of approximately six degrees helps ensure that the outsole, during use, is near the widest position for optimal left and right side balance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Inventors: James R. Silvester, John C. Evans
  • Patent number: 10765916
    Abstract: A swimming shoe for learning and/or for supporting of the leg kick in breaststroke swimming is described. The swimming shoe has a shoe body and a sole flap connected thereto via a hinge coupling. The invention is characterized by the fact that the hinge coupling has a flexible strap through which the sole flap is connected with the shoe body, with the strap flexibly pressing the sole flap with pre-tensioning against a floor space of the shoe body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Raimund Hennemann, Christian Guber, Claudia Kemény, Flap Fin GbR
    Inventors: Raimund Hennemann, Christian Huber
  • Patent number: 9943727
    Abstract: The invention is a semi-rigid adjustable diving foot pocket with a clamping system to allow simple attachment and detachment of a multitude of various flippers/blades. This foot pocket is adjustable to the foot and is semi-rigid to allow partial medial rotation, but very limited lateral rotation. The flippers secured to the foot-pocket by a system utilizing clamping pressure to hold the flipper in place. This system allows for the flipper to be attached and detached easily, with no damage occurring to either the invention or the flipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Inventor: Peter Stefano Giovannotto
  • Patent number: 9855464
    Abstract: A swimming aid device in the form of a monofi is contemplated. The swimming aid device may include first and second fins formed of a resilient material, each fin including an elongated internal space within a fin body, an opening leading to the elongated internal space, a fin blade coupled to and extending away from the elongated internal space, a first and second side heel connectors on opposing sides of the opening leading to the elongated internal space and sized and shaped to mate with each other, a fin blade connector and a fin blade connector receiver on the fin blade and sized and shaped to mate with each other, the combination of the first and second fins forming a monofin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Inventor: Andrew Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9649534
    Abstract: A composite dive fin assembly for a user swimming in a body of water having primary, secondary, and lateral portions which each define corresponding oppositely disposed propulsion surfaces. The primary, secondary, and lateral portions also each having a corresponding propulsion edge. The primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion surfaces cooperatively oriented to displace an amount of water over a corresponding one of the primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion edges when the composite dive fin assembly is moved in the body of water in which the user is swimming. The primary, secondary, and lateral propulsion surfaces are cooperatively configured to displace a greater amount of water over corresponding propulsion edges relative to previously known dive fins while reducing the resistive forces while displacing water, allowing a user to swim further and/or faster with the less effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: FINQUEST, INC.
    Inventor: Richard D. Gage
  • Patent number: 9532623
    Abstract: An article of footwear has a plate with an extension portion that enables traction and durability functions to be achieved while providing a greater surface area for forward propulsion. Specifically, a sole structure for an article of footwear has a plate with a heel portion, a midfoot portion, a forefoot portion, and an extension portion. The heel portion, the midfoot portion, and the forefoot portion correspond with a heel region, a midfoot region, and a forefoot region, respectively, of the article of footwear. The extension portion of the plate extends from the forefoot portion forward to a distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce J. Kilgore, Paul J. Francis, Shane S. Kohatsu, Andrea M. Vinet
  • Patent number: 9433825
    Abstract: This invention provides center locking means that are manufactured from harder materials for detachably coupling two swim fins for use by a swimmer practicing the dolphin kick. Also, the invention explains how to strengthen the center locking means to preserve longevity of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Andrew Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8790224
    Abstract: Aquatic exercise system and method for use in a body of water is presented. In particular, the system comprises a sleeve correspondingly disposable in covering relation to at least a portion of a user's appendage, such as an arm or leg, a securing assembly to secure the sleeve to a user, and at least one fin outwardly extending from the sleeve and structured to increase resistance to the user regardless of the particular directional or rotational movement. In some embodiments, the sleeve is further structured to cover an extremity of a user, such as a hand or foot. Further embodiments include a seat assembly connectable to an access pole of a pool or hot tub. The method includes applying an aquatic exercise system to an appendage of a user, submerging the appendage and system, and moving the appendage and system through water in at least one direction to create resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Adam M. Davis
  • Patent number: 8662946
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for body surfing which provide the body surfer a means to stabilize his ride and control his direction/position on a wave are described herein. According to one aspect, a body surfing apparatus includes a body suit having a torso and legs; a plurality of fins located on the torso; and one or more fins located laterally on the legs. The fins are preferably attached to the body suit via an adhesive or mechanical means and the fins and suit are preferably covered with a buoyant layer, the buoyant layer having a minimum thickness of 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: WaveWrecker, LLC
    Inventor: Nicholas Noel Gadler
  • Patent number: 8652013
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlington A. Stout, James P. Cleary
  • Patent number: 8382542
    Abstract: The swimming apparatus pertains to swimming with special equipment for swimmers and divers and can be used for increasing speed, comfortable maneuvering, and making swimming more economical. The swimming apparatus comprises a tail fin, a hand-held fin and a dual snorkel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Dmitriy Viacheslavovich Pakhomov
  • Patent number: 8246523
    Abstract: An aquatic exercise device (100) includes a cuff strap (102) for fastening a plurality of fins (106) to a user's leg. The cuff strap (102) is configured to position the plurality of fins (102) to extend outwardly form an interior of the cuff strap (102) when the cuff strap (102) is fastened to an ankle area of the user's leg. The plurality of fins (106) provide resistance in a direction opposite to the direction of motion of the user's foot when the aquatic exercise device (100) is moved through water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Aqualogix, Inc.
    Inventors: Tadlington A. Stout, James P. Cleary
  • Publication number: 20120064785
    Abstract: Swim fin (1) comprising a foot portion (2) intended to accommodate and be attached to a user's foot, which foot portion (2) embraces at least one toe portion (3) having a foot sole, at least one arm (4), which is attached to the foot portion (2) and which projects forward, and at least one blade (5), the at least one blade (5) being limitedly pivotally attached to the arm (4). The arm (4) is rigidly attached to at least the toe portion (2) while forming an angle (?) defined as the angle between the foot sole and the axial direction of the arm (4), which angle amounts to between approx. 20 and 60°, and that the arm is rigid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas Wallmark
  • Patent number: 7828615
    Abstract: An amphibious shoe has a sole with a fin compartment integrated therein retractably houses of a lightweight fin that converts the shoe from a walking shoe to a swimming shoe. The amphibious shoe includes a fin comprising ridges intermittent between material arranged in an accordion construction. The fin is capable of being ejected from the compartment and expanded to a fan configuration. The shoe is further provided with a pivotal stabilizing strap for enhanced stability during swimming. In one embodiment the fin is removed by a release button in communication with a spring. Other embodiments provide for manual deployment by pulling on the fin from the fin compartment. In operation, the wearer can comfortably run or walk swiftly along the land as the integrated fin has a thin lightweight construction. Upon reaching the water's edge, the shoe is readily converted for swimming by ejecting and positioning the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventors: Carrie L. Bonis, Kostanteno Bonis
  • Patent number: 7794364
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in exercising in water, preferably deep water running, includes a shoe that is configured to be worn by the user. The shoe includes a plurality of drag-generating elements attached to and extending from each side of said shoe for generating drag forces on the shoe during movement in water. The drag-generating elements generate more drag for movement of said shoe in a rearward direction than in a forward direction and are sized and positioned to simulate the forces on the user's foot arising from land-based running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: AQX, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry L. Killgore, Jeffrey A. Thomas, Jonathan Andrews, David L. Burton, Stephen V. Cooper, John Kent
  • Patent number: 7614928
    Abstract: A swim shoe comprising a foot-covering portion and a pair of lateral fins located on opposing sides of the foot-covering portion, where said lateral fins do not extend beyond the front of the foot-covering portion. The lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion. The swim shoe may additionally comprise a secondary pair of lateral fins located below the first pair. The secondary lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the secondary lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grivna
  • Publication number: 20090149093
    Abstract: A swim shoe comprising a foot-covering portion and a pair of lateral fins located on opposing sides of the foot-covering portion, where said lateral fins do not extend beyond the front of the foot-covering portion. The lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion. The swim shoe may additionally comprise a secondary pair of lateral fins located below the first pair. The secondary lateral fins may further extend upward from the foot-covering portion and include a bend a particular distance from the foot-covering portion such that the secondary lateral fins extend outward from the foot-covering portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Gerald J. Grivna
  • Patent number: 7537501
    Abstract: A swimming fin comprising a blade extending from a shoe open at its rear side, and a rear heel strap connected to the sides of the shoe by at least one buckle, the buckle having a base plate integral with the shoe. A buckle arm is joined with connected to the strap so as to allow adjustment of the strap's tension, an intermediate lever being connected pivotally to the base plate and the arm. A reversible attachment member is also provided for connecting the intermediate lever to the base plate to achieve closure of the buckle. Between the intermediate lever and the base plate, a disengageable articulation member is provided for reciprocal engagement between them, a pivotal connection, and, at the same time, for allowing their separation in a direction opposite that of tensioning the strap. In this manner, the intermediate lever may be separated from the base plate following release of the attachment member, and disconnection of the disengageable articulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Cressi-Sub S.p.A.
    Inventor: Carlos Godoy
  • Patent number: 7510453
    Abstract: A swimming aid device comprising of a convertible bi/mono swim fin containing a first fin, a second fin and coupling means. The present invention can be used as traditional independent swim fins or combined together to form a bi-swim fin in which both swim fins are held together to aid the swimmer in performing feet unison-style swim kicks such as a dolphin kick. In one embodiment, the coupling means consists of a track and rail in which a track is attached to a first fin and a rail is attached to a second fin. Said track of the first fin has an inner groove that can slidably receive the rail of the second fin. The swimming aid device further comprising a locking means for selective locking of the rail to the groove so that once the rail is slidably and fully received within said groove, said locking means prevents further relative sliding movement between said rail and said groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Andrew Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7435149
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for swimming and physical therapy are disclosed herein. The exemplary gear may have a foot portion adapted to receive a foot of a user and a lateral fin extended from the foot portion in a direction away from the heel opposite a toe of the foot. One or more rear side fins may extend from a side edge of the lateral fin to the foot portion in a plane that intersects the lateral fin the foot portion. Embodiments may incorporate additional side fins and extension fins as well as other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Rui Bastiao
  • Publication number: 20070238374
    Abstract: A system, method, and device for swimming and physical therapy are disclosed herein. The exemplary gear may have a foot portion adapted to receive a foot of a user and a lateral fin extended from the foot portion in a direction away from the heel opposite a toe of the foot. One or more rear side fins may extend from a side edge of the lateral fin to the foot portion in a plane that intersects the lateral fin the foot portion. Embodiments may incorporate additional side fins and extension fins as well as other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: October 11, 2007
    Inventor: Rui Bastiao
  • Patent number: 6986690
    Abstract: A personal floatation apparatus comprising a central body portion, adapted to float in a body of water, with a propulsion structure pivotally coupled to the body having an elongated rod member with upper and lower portions and a fin member pivotally coupled intermediate the respective portions. The upper and lower portions are inversely pivotal relative to each other, wherein when the upper portion is disposed forwardly and the lower portion is disposed rearwardly, relative to the body, and vice-versa. The fin member is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular from the body when the lower portion is moved from the forward to rearward positions, thereby encouraging forward movement of the floatation apparatus caused by water resistance acting upon the fin member. The fin member is adapted to lay substantially parallel to the body when the lower portion is moved from the rearward to the forward position, thereby encouraging continued forward movement in a gliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Blade, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint Garwood
  • Patent number: 6881113
    Abstract: A new and useful propulsion apparatus for use by a swimmer is provided. The propulsion apparatus comprises (a) a support structure configured for connection to a swimmer's foot, and (b) a fin connected with the support structure by a flexible coupling in a manner that enables the fin to be stroked in alternating downstrokes and upstrokes by flexion of a swimmer's knees. The flexible coupling is configured to enable the fin to rotate in a first direction relative to the support structure during a downstroke, and the propulsion apparatus has a mechanical stop for limiting rotation of the fin in the first direction to physically set the angle of attack on the fin during a downstroke. The flexible coupling comprises an elastic suspension extending between the support structure and the fin, the elastic suspension being configured to (a) allow the fin to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction during an upstroke and (b) dynamically set the angle of attack during an upstroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: R. Evan Smith
  • Patent number: 6871420
    Abstract: My invention is unification of shoe and swimming enforcing elements comprising water shoe to assure unconstrained and protected walking and promotion for swimming due to generating of additional tractive force in consequence of foot swimming motions. A flexible slip protected spatial internally partitioned sole, with upper reticulated surface and perforated side wall with outlet holes jointly provide free drainage of water and sand from a shoe upper body. For its turn upper body is also reticulated, of flexible hard enough material fixed on the spatial lower sole. Few ranges of swimming elements, angle shaped fins, are immovably fixed on both lateral sides of the shoe upper body in such away that are paralleled to each other and upper body's top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: George Shikhashvili
  • Patent number: 6848958
    Abstract: A personal floatation apparatus comprising a central body portion, adapted to float in a body of water, with a propulsion structure pivotally coupled to the body having an elongated rod member with upper and lower portions and a fin member pivotally coupled intermediate the respective portions. The upper and lower portions are inversely pivotal relative to each other, wherein when the upper portion is disposed forwardly and the lower portion is disposed rearwardly, relative to the body, and vice-versa. The fin member is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular from the body when the lower portion is moved from the forward to rearward positions, thereby encouraging forward movement of the floatation apparatus caused by water resistance acting upon the fin member. The fin member is adapted to lay substantially parallel to the body when the lower portion is moved from the rearward to the forward position, thereby encouraging continued forward movement in a gliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Hydro Blade, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint Garwood
  • Publication number: 20040266288
    Abstract: A personal floatation apparatus comprising a central body portion, adapted to float in a body of water, with a propulsion structure pivotally coupled to the body having an elongated rod member with upper and lower portions and a fin member pivotally coupled intermediate the respective portions. The upper and lower portions are inversely pivotal relative to each other, wherein when the upper portion is disposed forwardly and the lower portion is disposed rearwardly, relative to the body, and vice-versa. The fin member is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular from the body when the lower portion is moved from the forward to rearward positions, thereby encouraging forward movement of the floatation apparatus caused by water resistance acting upon the fin member. The fin member is adapted to lay substantially parallel to the body when the lower portion is moved from the rearward to the forward position, thereby encouraging continued forward movement in a gliding manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Clint Garwood
  • Publication number: 20040152376
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed to design resilient hydrofoils (164) which are capable of having substantially similar large scale blade deflections under significantly varying loads. The methods permit the hydrofoil (164) to experience significantly large-scale deflections to a significantly reduced angle of attack under a relatively light load while avoiding excessive degrees of deflection under increased loading conditions. A predetermined compression range on the lee portion of said hydrofoil (164) permits the hydrofoil (164) to deflect to a predetermined reduced angle of attack with significantly low bending resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Peter T. McCarthy
  • Publication number: 20040110436
    Abstract: A new and useful propulsion apparatus for use by a swimmer is provided. The propulsion apparatus comprises (a) a support structure configured for connection to a swimmer's foot, and (b) a fin connected with the support structure by a flexible coupling in a manner that enables the fin to be stroked in alternating downstrokes and upstrokes by flexion of a swimmer's knees. The flexible coupling is configured to enable the fin to rotate in a first direction relative to the support structure during a downstroke, and the propulsion apparatus has a mechanical stop for limiting rotation of the fin in the first direction to physically set the angle of attack on the fin during a downstroke. The flexible coupling comprises an elastic suspension extending between the support structure and the fin, the elastic suspension being configured to (a) allow the fin to rotate in a second direction opposite to the first direction during an upstroke and (b) dynamically set the angle of attack during an upstroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: R. Evan Smith
  • Publication number: 20040102110
    Abstract: A swimming fin includes a foot pack and a blade. The foot pack has a space therein for being inserted with a sole of a wearer. The blade extends from the foot pack with a flat shape. It is characterized in that a root, which is disposed at an intersection of the foot pack and the blade, is formed by way of alternate arrangement of at lest a hard coil and at least a soft coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: QDS Injection Molding LLC
    Inventor: Pan Chen-Lieh
  • Patent number: 6736688
    Abstract: A personal floatation apparatus comprising a central body portion, adapted to float in a body of water, with a propulsion structure pivotally coupled to the body having an elongated rod member with upper and lower portions and a fin member pivotally coupled intermediate the respective portions. The upper and lower portions are inversely pivotal relative to each other, wherein when the upper portion is disposed forwardly and the lower portion is disposed rearwardly, relative to the body, and vice-versa. The fin member is adapted to extend substantially perpendicular from the body when the lower portion is moved from the forward to rearward positions, thereby encouraging forward movement of the floatation apparatus caused by water resistance acting upon the fin member. The fin member is adapted to lay substantially parallel to the body when the lower portion is moved from the rearward to the forward position, thereby encouraging continued forward movement in a gliding manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Hydro˜Blade, Inc.
    Inventor: Clint Garwood
  • Patent number: 6561862
    Abstract: A swim fin assembly of a generally T-shaped configuration including a flexible fin and an elongated foot support bar traversing and being operatively connected to the fin in a rigid securement. The fin is progressively more flexible from its forward end to its rearward end and from its upper and lower edges toward its center. A pair of foot receiving members are pivotally mounted on the foot support bar proximate its extended ends such that upon securing one's feet in the foot receiving members the fin is substantially perpendicular with respect to the wearer's feet such that upon exerting a stepping-type motion employing alternating thrusts in a prone position in a body of water, the resulting reciprocal pivotal movement of the foot support bar about its midpoint causes the vertically oriented fin to move from side-to-side and propel the wearer through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: George B. Moore
  • Patent number: 6503113
    Abstract: This invention relates to a non-mold method of forming articles and to the articles themselves wherein various configured articles may be fashioned with conformable material which may be easily fabricated as by sewing, or heat, or sonic welding to form the basic shape of or modular elements of a completed article, and wherein a thermal setting, flowable polymer or the like is introduced into the space between layers of the conformable material to thereby form the completed article or modular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Evans
  • Publication number: 20020077010
    Abstract: Swimming Aid System with a pair of arm paddles, a pair of ankle paddles, each the paddle removably secured by adjustable nylon straps and associated snap closures, each the paddle capable of rotating about a central axial plane, each the paddle molded of high density polypropalyne plastic or the like, and each the paddle capable of remaining on the users arm or ankle without conscious holding effort on the part of the user. A preferred embodiment includes wherein said leg paddles are affixed to the users ankles, said paddles having a narrower portion where said paddle contacts said ankle and wider, paddle portions to each side of said narrow portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Lukas
  • Patent number: 6342031
    Abstract: Exercise devices in the form of gaiters and gloves for use during exercising in water, particularly in “deep water” with the user in generally vertical orientation. The devices are form fitting, resilient so as to preclude inadvertent injury during use, and adaptable for use by young and old, the physically fit, the lame or somewhat infirmed. When not in use, the devices are generally oval in cross-section. During use the devices conform to the user's arms and/or legs and provide a snug fit for precluding or minimizing slipping and misadjustment and provide a buoyant force on the order of two to ten pounds, more or less; a force of approximately three to six pounds is about right for a young adult lady.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Stephanie R. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 6322412
    Abstract: Swimming flipper consisting of a footwear equipped with a sole, and of a blade placed in front of said sole; in said flipper the sole and the blade are secured one to the other by connecting means allowing said blade to be removed from said sole and to be replaced with a similar blade or with any other type of blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: HTM Sport S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Viale
  • Publication number: 20010044246
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing lift and decreasing turbulence and drag on hydrofoils and swim fins. Fins are disclosed having at least one pivoting blade region connected to the swim fin with a flexible joint element made from reduced blade thickness, blade cutout regions, and injection molding of the flexible material of the foot pocket. Methods are also provided for limiting the deflections of at least one pivoting blade region with a movable blade limiting member connected to both the pivoting blade region and a blade limiting load bearing member with a chemical bond created during molding. Methods are disclosed for orienting at least one pivoting blade region at a reduced angle of attack sufficient for increased efficiency and reduced effort. Injection molding assembly methods with chemical bonds and mechanical bonds are provided. Fins having transverse flexible elements, transverse recesses, longitudinal recesses and venting systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Peter T. McCarthy
  • Patent number: 6283810
    Abstract: This invention relates to a non-mold method of forming articles and to the articles themselves wherein various configured articles may be fashioned with conformable material which may be easily fabricated as by sewing, or heat, or sonic welding to form the basic shape of or modular elements of a completed article, and wherein a thermal setting, flowable polymer or the like is introduced into the space between layers of the conformable material to thereby form the completed article or modular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Evans
  • Patent number: 6241567
    Abstract: This invention relates to a non-mold method of forming articles and to the articles themselves wherein various configured articles may be fashioned with conformable material which may be easily fabricated as by sewing, or heat, or sonic welding to form the basic shape of or modular elements of a completed article, and wherein a thermal setting, flowable polymer or the like is introduced into the space between layers of the conformable material to thereby form the completed article or modular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Evans
  • Patent number: 6227923
    Abstract: A fin assembly for attachment to the foot covering of a float tube user is disclosed, the foot covering having a sole, a toe portion and a heel portion. The assembly includes a base member having a front portion, a rear portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. A mechanism is provided for releasably attaching the upper surface of the base member to the sole of the foot covering. A fin member is provided and has a front end portion, a rear end portion, a top surface and a bottom surface. A hinge apparatus mounts the front end portion of the fin member to the front portion of the base member so that the fin member is pivotally movable between a retracted position wherein the fin member top surface is positioned proximate the base member lower surface, and a base operational position wherein the fin member rear end portion projects at an angle below the base member lower surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Carroll L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6193636
    Abstract: A swimming auxiliary device includes an attaching member an attaching member mounted to the swimmer's calf or forearm, and a connecting device connected to the attaching member so as to pivotally connect a web member to the attaching member. A pulling device is connected between the web member and the attaching member to pull the web member toward the attaching member. When the swimmer pushes the water, the water flows between the web and the attaching member so that the web member is pivoted away from the by the water. The web member is then pulled by the pulling device to return its original position again when the water flows away from the web member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Tzu-Sheng Chen
  • Patent number: 6159064
    Abstract: A swimming fin includes a blade and a foot pocket, the blade including a relatively long first blade and a short second blade. The second blade underlies a bottom surface of the first blade and has transversely opposite side edge regions longitudinally extending inside transversely opposite side edges of the first blade and an intermediate region extending between the side edge regions and having its front end curved toward the foot pocket. The swimming fin thus formed can strengthen a thrust obtained by down-kicking movement of the swimming fin to thereby facilitate the up-kicking movement of the swimming fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Tabata Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Takeuchi, Yoshiharu Takizawa, Haruo Kawashima, Shoji Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 6077139
    Abstract: The float tube paddle fin 1 includes a web 2 which has two edge-supporting rib sleeves 3 and a central fold-supporting rib sleeve 4, encapsulating ribs 5. There is an arch strap 6 sewn onto the width of the leading edge of web 2, with free ends extending outward from web 2. Attached at the juncture of the leading edge of the web 2 and the free ends of arch strap 6 is ankle strap 7 which has an adjustment buckle 7 at one free end. Also attached to outer tube sleeves 3, at intermediate points 9, is a heel strap 10, which has an adjustment buckle 8 at one free end. The trailing edge of web 2 is hemmed to seal the supporting rib sleeves 3 and 4. Ankle strap 7 and heel strap 10 bridge the web 2, and to support the web 2 so as to fit snugly against the arch of the foot of the floatstrider, and to trail easily through the water in a "V," like closed butterfly wings, as the foot strides forward, on dry land, on river bottom, or through deep water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Richard J. Celik
  • Patent number: 6048238
    Abstract: A swimming aid device has a generally grid-shaped frame, a toes strap, an instep strap, and a heel strap. A reinforced rib and a crossbar are disposed on the front portion of the frame. The toe strap is disposed on the front portion of the frame. The instep strap is disposed on a central portion of the frame. The heel strap is disposed on a rear portion of the frame. A female fastening device is disposed at an end of the toe strap. A male fastening device engages with the female fastening device. A first blocking plate is disposed at an end portion of the cross strap. The first blocking plate has a first distal protruded bar. A second blocking plate is disposed at an end portion of the instep strap. The second blocking plate has a second distal protruded bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventor: Yen-Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 5795204
    Abstract: A combination water shoe and swim fin is provided offering foot protection on land or in water. A pliable sole having a slip resistant lower surface is formed to a shoe upper body formed of mesh material allowing for quick water drainage from the inner foot receiving cavity formed between the sole and upper body. Extending from the sole outward from the outer shoe sidewall is a swim fin. The swim fin extends laterally outward, and does not extend forward beyond the toe fence of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Roderick S. Bruner
  • Patent number: 5645460
    Abstract: A retractable fin assembly is disclosed for attachment to the boot of a float tube user. The assembly includes a fin member movable between a fast position projecting below the boot adapted for propelling the float tube user forwardly in the water and a second position adapted for retraction relative to the heel of the boot to permit walking on land by the float tube user. Propulsion vanes are carried by the fin member and have a closed position for providing substantial resistance to the flow of water as the fin member is moved in rearward direction relative to the user. The vanes also have an open position for providing substantially reduced resistance to the flow of water as the fin member is moved in forward direction relative to the user. Finally, a mechanism is provided for attaching the fin member to the boot of a user so that the fin member first position aligns the propulsion vanes at a pre-selected angle of approximately 90.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Carroll L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5597336
    Abstract: A uniquely configured fin (2) that has an open instep (60) and which is secured to the foot of the wearer by padded securement means (52) so as to accommodate a plurality of foot sizes and wherein the fin (2) is made in a two part single mold process. Protuberances (70) may be placed on selected drag surfaces of the fin (2) to act as vacuum breakers to reduce drag of the fin (2) as it propels a swimmer through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Robert B. Evans
  • Patent number: 5545066
    Abstract: A swimming aid assembly comprises a generally grid-shaped frame with transverse bars and longitudinal rods. Each transverse bar connects a leaf. The reinforced ribs are disposed on the frame. A first retaining ring is at an end of the toe strap. A longitudinal instep strap and a longitudinal first heel strap are crossed by a first cross strap. The first heel strap is at an end portion of the first cross strap upward. The longitudinal instep strap and a longitudinal second heel strap are crossed by a second cross strap. The second heel strap is at a middle portion of second cross strap downward. The first cross strap is at an end portion of the instep strap. The second cross strap is at a center portion of the instep strap. A second retaining ring is at an end of the instep strap. A third retaining ring is at an end of the first cross strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Yen-Wen Tsai
  • Patent number: 5531621
    Abstract: A retractable fin assembly is disclosed for attachment to the boot of a float tube user. The assembly includes a fin member movable between a first position adapted for propelling the float tube user forwardly in the water and a second position adapted for retraction relative to the heel of the boot to permit walking on land by the float tube user. Propulsion vanes are carried by the fin member and have a closed position for providing substantial resistance to the flow of water as the fin member is moved in a rearward direction relative to the user. The vanes also have an open position for providing substantially reduced resistance to the flow of water as the fin member is moved in a forward direction relative to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Carroll L. Johnson
  • Patent number: RE49139
    Abstract: A swimming aid device in the form of a monofi monofin is contemplated. The swimming aid device may include first and second fins formed of a resilient material, each fin including an elongated internal space within a fin body, an opening leading to the elongated internal space, a fin blade coupled to and extending away from the elongated internal space, a first and second side heel connectors on opposing sides of the opening leading to the elongated internal space and sized and shaped to mate with each other, a fin blade connector and a fin blade connector receiver on the fin blade and sized and shaped to mate with each other, the combination of the first and second fins forming a monofin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Nguyenovation Incorporated
    Inventor: Andrew Nguyen