Abstract: A tube fishing reversible footwear fin having a tongue end portion projecting beyond a user's footwear is formed by a generally rectangular planar fin pivotally attached intermediate its ends to the bottom surface of the sole of a boot binding for angular rotation in either direction relative to the sole about a vertical pivoting axis. Indexing pins depending from the sole and releasably nested by an index aperture in the fin permit a user to manually rotate the fin 180.degree. in either direction while supported by a float tube to dispose the elongated tongue end portion of the fin forwardly or rearwardly of his footwear and move forwardly or backward, as desired.

Abstract: A method for the production of a flipper for swimming by injection molding that provides for the production first, of the fin (1) with one flat bent end (1a), then the molding on it of an intermediate element (2) comprising a substantially flat part (2a) overlapping the bent end and from which develop a substantially arcuate part (2b) over it and a forked part (2c) forming two ribs (3), each of which is located both above and below the fin along its lateral edges. Finally, a shoe (5) is molded onto said intermediate element which lines the internal faces of the flat part and the arcuate part.

Abstract: A scuba fin has the fin section separated from the foot pocket, and connected thereto by a shaft. The shaft has substantial height, but is of minimal thickness, so that it presents little frontal area to the water. This arrangement enables the scuba fin to pass through water with reduced resistance when swimming. Also, area and mass of the fin are minimized, while still providing an appropriate area to be subjected to water for propulsion. The angle of the fin is offset from the angle of the bottom of the foot pocket, elevating the front end of the fin, so that the likelihood of tripping is substantially reduced. The novel fin reduces effort by a scuba diver, thus enabling increased bottom time, and enables more convenient and confident walking on boat decks or on terra firma.

Abstract: A device for exercising the lower back and upper leg region of a user which includes a foot mount for attachment of a user's foot and a planar, flexible fin affixed to the foot mount and extending perpendicular to a user's foot when attached thereto. Front and rear edges of the fin are substantially parallel to each other and form an acute angle with the plane of the sole.

Abstract: A swimming aid includes a paddle with two blades for alternating arm strokes and a vertical blade attached to both feet for side to side leg motion in cooperation with the arm strokes. The two paddle blades are at opposite ends of a hand held shaft. Each blade has a rigid leading edge and a flexible following portion. When pushed forward, the blade lies in a plane for minimal hydrodynamic resistance. When pulled backward on a power stroke, the following portion bends out of the plane, creating increased hydrodynamic resistance for enhanced forward propulsion. This pulling action causes the legs to move laterally, alternating from side to side as the arm strokes alternate. A vertical blade has a narrow anterior portion with foot pockets for both feet side by side. The blade is widest at its trailing edge which may be forked and acts like a fish tail fin forcing the body forward. The propulsion is provided by the torso muscles moving the legs side to side not by leg muscles kicking as in swim fins.

Abstract: This invention is both preventive and corrective of a running athlete's muscle strength imbalances of the leg, hip, and back; facilitating specific rehabilitation of associated muscle injury. The sandal-like upper construction employs a special underside structure supportive of a flapper type hydro-resistance device having a special one-way drag-action. Since temperate water presents a constant given drag-factor, the user or therapist may readily readjust the extendable sole-flapper's induced hydro-drag length to suit particular therapy needs, and the capability of a given user. Additionally, the invention is constructed with special longitudinal-fin like risers, enabling user to walk upon a pool bottom without imposing scuffing damage to scuff-prone pool surfaces.

Abstract: A swimmer's aid including a strip to which a plurality of laterally extending finlets are attached with the strip being attachable to one or more portions of a swimmer's leg e.g. his shank or his foot, or both. The fins flex in directions opposite to the kick of a swimmer's legs in a manner similar to a conventional foot fin but their center of effort is located closer to the stronger parts of a swimmer's legs rather than only at their extremities as with conventional foot fins. The invention includes a short downwardly angled foot fin having a permanent but shallow angle of about 15.degree. relative to the plane of the foot to permit walking on dry ground while requiring less effort to use in the water.

Abstract: A composite swim fin with a cantilevered heel. The cantilevered heel acts as a structural member extending to and beneath the swimmer's heel to counteract the flexure of the swim fin blade during the most powerful downward kick, This type of loading on the heel of the foot replicates the natural loading incurred on the heel of the foot during walking and reduces uncomfortable stress concentrations that might otherwise occur upon the swimmer's foot.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved aquatic exercise device for a user immersed in water, comprising a restraining member having a top surface and a bottom surface with the restraining member defining a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. A float comprises the restraining member having an outer skin with an internal surface defining the internal volume for receiving a gas for providing increasing the buoyancy of the aquatic exercise device. The internal volume may receive a ballast for reducing the buoyancy of the aquatic exercise device. The restraining member is secured to a foot of a user to enable the restraining member to restrain the foot movement of the user and with the flotation means to partially supporting the user in the water.

Abstract: A swimming flipper includes a blade of fairly rigid thermoplastic material and a shoe of elastomeric material or soft thermoplastic rubber. The blade has a partially multi-layered structure including a base layer made of the fairly rigid thermoplastic material and a partial outer layer of a more resilient material which is superimposed on and connected permanently to the base layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a training fin for swimming which includes a foot section having an enclosure for retaining a user's foot in the fin and a tail section attached to the foot section. The tail section has a surface area of approximately between 0.25 and 1.0 times the surface area of the foot section.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device for a user immersed in water comprising a restraining member having a top surface and a bottom surface with the restraining member defining a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. A flotation means is affixed to the restraining member. The restraining member is secured to each foot of a user to enable the user immersed in water to exercise in the water with the restraining member to inhibiting the foot movement of the user and with the flotation means to partially supporting the user in the water.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved aquatic exercise device for a user immersed in water comprising a restraining member having a top surface and a bottom surface with the restraining member defining a front portion, an intermediate portion and a rear portion. A flotation member is affixed to the restraining member. The restraining member is secured to each foot of a user to enable the user immersed in water to exercise in the water with the restraining member to inhibiting the foot movement of the user and with the flotation member to partially supporting the user in the water.

Abstract: A swimming shoe composed of a shoe body, several water-resisting flanges and an attached swimming-assistance device. The shoe body has the shape of a sandal which has a shoe bottom, a shoe surface, two fixing plates and a fastener. In the vamp of the shoe there are two fixing sets which both have a fixing set and a button to attach the water-resistant flange. In the shoe body, the fixing plate can hold the swimming-resisting device. This new device will not interfere with walking on land and also can be used as an aid to help the swimmer to swim faster.

Abstract: A swim fin having a low drag profile foot pocket-beam assembly, achieved by attaching a single beam to the bottom of the foot pocket to support the rigid blade. Such construction has the added advantages of making it possible to taper the sides of the toe portion of the foot pocket to generally conform to the shape of the foot, reducing the drag profile of the foot pocket and positioning the single beam so-that it is behind the foot pocket during swimming, thereby improving swim fin efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-fin aquatic exerciser comprises a main or caudal fin that is strapped to the dorsum of the user's hand or foot. A plurality of secondary fins are attached to the caudal fin and have a spatial configuration that provides significant flow resistance independent of the direction of the user's stroke. The multi-fin exerciser is used in conjunction with specific aquatic exercises providing a complete workout which is especially useful for athletic training, swimming, physical therapy, and shaping, toning, strengthening or enlarging specific muscle groups.

Abstract: The invention refers to a swimming flipper of the type with a "shoe" part (10) made of relatively soft material and a blade part (20), made of relatively stiffer material, suitably joined to one another and preferably formed with the first part on top of the second. According to this invention, the blade (20) has an outer sole (22) which extends right under the heel (11) of the shoe (10). Furthermore, the blade (10) is equipped with an arched strap (23) which surrounds the upper (13) of the shoe transversally (FIG. 6).

Abstract: A flipper for flipper swimming having a varying thickness blade of resin sheets of varying length stratified sheets interposed between longer resin sheets and a natural rubber shoe hot pressed to the blade.

Abstract: A flipper-type swimming propulsion aid assembly for attachment to the feet of a swimmer to increase the swimmer's effective foot area. The swimming aid for each foot includes a collapsible frame of generally isosceles triangular configuration having side frame members of substantially equal length which are pivotally joined through a heel plate at the heel end of the frame and a foldable cross frame member joining the free or toe ends of the side frame members. The swimming aid also includes a fabric or plastic sheet web component which is placed over the collapsed frame assembly and thereater the side frame members are separated with the cross frame member opened and extended.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a training fin for swimming which includes a foot section having an enclosure for retaining a user's foot in the fin and a tail section attached to the foot section. The tail section has a surface area of approximately between 0.5 and 1.0 times the surface area of the foot section.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot receptacle for attaching to a swimmer or diver's foot. A pair of parallel beam supports are secured to the foot and toe portion of the foot receptacle and support a plurality of hydrofoil blades therebetween in a pivotal attachment. Limits are provided to restrict the pivotal motion of the hydrofoil blades to provide an optimum angle of attack for the hydrofoil blades during the swimming stroke.

Abstract: A swim fin includes harness for attachment to a wearer's foot, the harness including an adjustable strap secured to the fin on opposite sides of a forward portion of the wearer's foot, the adjustable strap forming an X configuration passing over the wearer's instep and around the wearer's heel. Liner straps are arranged between forward portions of the adjustable strap and the wearer's foot while lateral straps are anchored to rearward portions of the fine and secured to opposite side portions of the adjustable strap. The fin has a generally flat configuration with one or more flanges extended beneath the wearer's foot and along forward portions of the fin for controlling the amount of bending or flexing experienced by the fin.

Abstract: A flipper-type swimming propulsion aid assembly for attachment to the feet of a swimmer to increase the swimmer's effective foot area. The swimming aid for each foot includes a dismantlable frame of generally isosceles triangular configuration having side frame members of substantially equal length which are pivotally joined at the heel end of the frame and at least two cross frame members of progressively greater length adapted at their ends for removable joinder to the side frames with the longest of the cross frame members joining the free ends of the side frame members. The swimming aid also includes a fabric or plastic sheet web component for the frame with the web component being of generally isosceles triangular configuration matching the configuration and size of the frame and including side loops for receiving and maintaining the side frame members and including cross loops for receiving and maintaining the cross frame members.

Abstract: Harness for securing a swim fin beneath a wearer's foot is disclosed including two strap portions having respective front and rear anchor points on opposite sides of the fin relative to the wearer's foot, the strap portions forming an X configuration and being sufficiently long to pass over the wearer's instep, an adjustable heel strap being secured to the respective strap portions forward of their rear anchor points and of a sufficient length for adjustable engagement behind and above the wearer's heel.

Abstract: A swim fin having a rigid blade that has the center portion of its leading edge pivotally attached to two beams which project forwardly from the foot pocket. The rigid blade pivots freely for part of its angular movement. The swim fin is designed not to snag seaweed.

Abstract: A device and method for swimmers to enhance propulsion from the swimmer's kick. The device resists flexure of the swimmer's knees by providing a first band secured typically to the thigh, a second band secured typically to the lower leg, and a flexurally resistant member coupled to the first and second bands. By resisting knee flexure, the swimmer is forced to power a flutter kick with hip muscles rather than leg muscles, resulting in a generally more powerful and efficient flutter kick. In one embodiment, the bands secured to the legs may include Velcro.RTM. for a snug ift. Also, the flexurally resistant member by comprise a graphite or fiberglass rod. A sliding member, such as a ring around the flexurally resistant member, may be provided with a line to prevent loss of a detached flexurally resistant member. Also, the flexurally resistant member may be snapped into fittings for quick assembly or release. The device may be attached to the lower leg by a swim fin adapted to be worn on the swimmer's foot.

Abstract: A device and method for swimmers to enhance propulsion from the winner's kick. The device resists flexure of the swimmer's knees by providing a first band secured typically to the thigh, a second band secured typically to the lower leg, and a flexurally resistant member coupled to the first and second bands. By resisting knee flexure, the swimmer is forced to power a flutter kick with hip muscles rather than leg muscles, resulting in a generally more powerful and efficient flutter kick. In one embodiment, the bands secured to the legs may include Velcro for a snug fit. Also, the flexurally resistant member may comprise a graphite or fiberglass rod. A sliding member, such as a ring around the flexurally resistant member, may be provided with a line to prevent loss of a detached flexurally resistant member. Also, the flexurally resistant member may be snapped into fittings for quick assembly or release.

Abstract: These water running fins are designed to be worn on a person's feet to enable the user to effectively run on the surface of a body of water. Primarily, the fin consists of a main body with a foot receiving member attached, and the main body is provided with forward spoke portions attached to a web portion. The structure further includes a multiple number of first fingers and second fingers pivotally attached by wires that serves as the pivots, and over upward travel of the fingers is limited by the rear portions of the fingers being rearward of the pivot points.

Abstract: A swimming aid, comprising a transverse fin attachable to the feet of a swimmer and formed of a resilient material so as to twist in swimming, is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the fin comprises a stiffening member, to control its shape while twisting. The fin is disclosed in combination with a unitary wet-suit.

Abstract: A tube Fisherman's foot fin is made of resilient material with one end attached to a shoe and a free end extending backward over the heel and a substantial distance behind the shoe; so that when the foot is extended forward the fin exerts little resistance against movement of the foot in the water. When the leg is extended backward or toward the rear of the fisherman, the fin provides a maximum resistance to movement of the foot to through the water; thereby propelling the fisherman forward through the water.

Abstract: The improvement provided by this invention is directed at the conventional beach-shoe and diving flipper, and according to this invention, a novel beach-shoe capable of acting as a diving flipper is provided. The web portion is extensible relative to a shoe body, the shoe can be used as a beach-shoe when a web member is received in a recess of the shoe body, and a guarding piece is placed in a cut-out made in the front end of the shoe body to admit the web member to pass through.

Abstract: Hydrofoil swim fin assemblies, each assembly comprising a streamlined foot housing and a separate hydrofoil blade mechanism which is pivotably connected to the foot housing so that by rotation the angle of attack of the blade is reversed between each up and each down leg stroke of the swimmer. Furthermore, the sail portion of the blade mechanism is flexed at the beginning of each stroke, so as to be convex on the top and concave on the bottom during the down-stroke and visa versa during the up-stroke. Thus, the forward propulsion of the swimmer is enhanced by hydrofoil action during both the up and the down strokes.