Abstract: Embodiments of footwear to optimize propulsion while swimming in the water and walking on land, in particular, amphibious footwear capable of duty on land and in the water as well as versions that are optimized for predominantly use in the water for swimming. The exoskeleton amphibious footwear reduces metabolic demand of walking and swimming while also improving gait speed and swim speed. This is accomplished by assisting plantar flexion during land mode, and assisting dorsiflexion in water mode.

Abstract: A method for providing a swim fin includes providing a foot attachment member and a blade member having a predetermined blade length. The blade member has a soft portion made with a relatively soft thermoplastic material. The method includes providing a relatively harder portion and the relatively soft thermoplastic portion that is molded to the relatively harder thermoplastic portion. The method includes providing an orthogonally spaced portion of the relatively harder portion that is arranged a predetermined orthogonal direction while said swim fin is in state of rest. The method includes providing the blade member with a predetermined biasing force portion that is arranged to urge the orthogonally spaced portion while the swim fin is in a state of rest. The method includes arranging a significant portion of the blade length to experience pivotal motion a lengthwise angle of attack during use.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method and system for hierarchical disturbance rejection depth tracking control of an underactuated underwater vehicle, and the depth tracking of the underactuated underwater vehicle is divided into kinematic layer guidance and dynamic layer pitch tracking. Adaptive line of sight guidance is used in the kinematic layer to convert a depth error into a desired pitch angle and to estimate and compensate an angle of attack to reject disturbance introduced by an unmeasurable true angle of attack. Based on the above, in the dynamic layer, the active disturbance rejection sliding mode pitch tracking method is used to observe a composite disturbance including an unknown dynamic model and an environmental disturbance by using the active disturbance rejection framework. The model is compensated as a unified integral series type, a sliding mode control law is finally designed to resist an observation error, and a control elevator angle is calculated.

Abstract: A method for providing a swim fin includes providing a foot attachment member and a blade member having a predetermined blade length. The blade member has a soft portion made with a relatively soft thermoplastic material. The method includes providing a relatively harder portion and the relatively soft thermoplastic portion that is molded to the relatively harder thermoplastic portion. The method includes providing an orthogonally spaced portion of the relatively harder portion that is arranged a predetermined orthogonal direction while said swim fin is in state of rest. The method includes providing the blade member with a predetermined biasing force portion that is arranged to urge the orthogonally spaced portion while the swim fin is in a state of rest. The method includes arranging a significant portion of the blade length to experience pivotal motion a lengthwise angle of attack during use.

Abstract: An electronic gaming machine includes a display device and a game controller configured to initiate a feature game that uses a plurality of mechanical reels and the display device, identify a number of feature game symbols initially available for use during the feature game, display a plurality of symbol columns, each symbol column of the plurality of symbol columns is associated with a reel, perform a spin of the reels, in response to the player initiating the play, distribute the number of feature game symbols into the plurality of symbol columns based on an output of a random number generator, each feature game symbol being displayed in a determined symbol column of the plurality of symbol columns, evaluate an outcome of the feature game based on attributing the feature game symbols to associated reels, and award credit to the player based on the evaluating.

Abstract: A swim fin or pair of fins, and method of providing omni directional thrust propulsion during a swimmer/users, power cycle relative to range of motion, that may comprise of, elastomeric flexible to rigid and/or composite materials, a leg bracket, accompanied by leg strap, ankle strap, and attaching hardware, a foot pocket comprising a plurality of pressure entrapment orifices, and fixably attached orifice flaps, disposed dorsally about a foot pocket, a fin blade extending outwardly of said foot pocket, comprising a plurality of fin blade orifice, fixably attached orifice flaps disposed about said fin blade.

Abstract: A monofin swimming device comprising a skeleton and an outer shell, wherein the combination attaches to a user's feet to assist in propelling the user through the water.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a swim fin comprising a foldable fin blade and foot enclosure, and means for releasably securing the foot of a user within said foot enclosure when in use for swimming. When not in use for swimming, the fin is collapsed to demonstrate a substantially flat form and releasably interconnected with another such swim fin to form a loop structure that can be worn as a belt or bandolier, or stored flat and carried within a fanny pack. The combination swim fin belt apparatus allows a user to carry a pair of swim fins conveniently, comfortably and unobtrusively while engaging in activities that take place on or near the water. The fins are thus immediately available to be deployed for swimming, in particular when the user unexpectedly needs to swim long distances or in challenging conditions without the aid of water safety devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for maintaining the position of a swimmer's legs and limiting the range of motion of the swimmer's knees when swimming.

Abstract: An apparatus for putting on flippers including means for retaining a user's foot inside a shoe of the flipper, the retaining means being mechanically connected to means for connection to the shoe of the flipper, the retaining means also being pivoted to the connection means by a hinge, the apparatus being characterised in that it comprises means for adjusting the mutual position between the retaining means and the connecting means for adapting the apparatus to the foot of the user.

Abstract: A swim fin may include a foot pocket configured to receive a foot of a swimmer and a fin blade extending from the foot pocket. A relatively rigid substrate chassis may be bonded to the foot pocket. The fin blade may be relatively flexible. Fin rails may extend along the lateral edges of the fin blade. The fin rails may include a fin spine comprising a plurality of fin spine segments in linear configuration. The fin spine may be configured to provide a swim fin with predetermined hydrodynamic characteristics. The swim fin may flex within a maximum angle of attack that may be variable and dynamically changed, within a predetermined maximum attack angle range, as a function of the kicking force generated by a swimmer during a kicking cycle.

Abstract: An aquatic training aid includes a paddle member for wearing by a swimmer, a variable diaphragm disposed within the paddle member, the variable diaphragm including a plurality of fitted blades arranged to form an aperture, and a housing peripherally framing the plurality of fitted blades. The variable diaphragm is adjustable to change the aperture from a first expanded position to a second contracted position, and hydrodynamic characteristics of the aquatic training aid when moved through water are affected by the change of the aperture. Controlling the aperture enables the swimmer to adjust the resistance provided by the aquatic training aid when it is moved through water.

Abstract: A method for providing a swim fin includes providing a foot attachment member and a blade member having a predetermined blade length. The blade member has a soft portion made with a relatively soft thermoplastic material. The method includes providing a relatively harder portion and the relatively soft thermoplastic portion that is molded to the relatively harder thermoplastic portion. The method includes providing an orthogonally spaced portion of the relatively harder portion that is arranged a predetermined orthogonal direction while said swim fin is in state of rest. The method includes providing the blade member with a predetermined biasing force portion that is arranged to urge the orthogonally spaced portion while the swim fin is in a state of rest. The method includes arranging a significant portion of the blade length to experience pivotal motion a lengthwise angle of attack during use.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot pocket with a front and rear sections and an upper portion. The upper portion has a dorsal region, and first and second debossed regions with the dorsal region disposed between the debossed regions. The first and second debossed regions are laterally positionable adjacent the metatarsophalangeal joints of the foot of the user. The debossed region includes grooves formed therein. The foot pocket includes a foot pocket cavity. The swim fin further includes a fin blade extending from the front section of the foot pocket. The fin blade has a distal edge, a blade body disposed between the distal edge and the front section, and first and second triple-bladed rails. The triple-bladed rails are disposed longitudinally along the foot pocket and the blade body with the foot pocket and the blade body disposed between the first and second triple-bladed rails.

Abstract: A swimming flipper (1) comprising a foot portion (2) and substantially flat blade portion (3) extending there from, said blade portion (3) having provided on each longitudinal side thereof at least two opposed rails (4/5) extending inwardly and at an angle equal to or less than 90 degrees to the plane of said blade portion (3), and said blade portion (3) having provided at least two ridges (7/8) preferably underneath the blade portion (3) extending longitudinally from the foot portion (2), said foot portion (2) having provided a one-piece strap (6), and said foot portion (2) having provided at least two fixed couplings (11/12) to engage and disengage with the corresponding and opposing couplings of another said flipper portion (1) to interlock and hold two flippers attached to each other.

Abstract: A method of coupling a boot toe body to a fin apparatus is disclosed. The fin apparatus includes a fin body coupled to a boot coupling body. The method involves connecting a first boot connector on a first end of the boot coupling body to a first complementary boot connector on a top side of the boot toe body, and connecting a second boot connector on a second end of the boot coupling body to a second complementary boot connector on a bottom side of the boot toe body. Boot toe bodies, fin apparatuses, and systems including the boot toe bodies and fin apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the new structure of the fin or the fin's blade (2). The blade (2) is made of segments (S) and transitions (T), wherein a segment with a positive incline and a segment with a negative incline alternate along the blade (2). For example, two neighbouring segments (S) with a transition (T) can form the shape of a wave, a triangle, a trapezium or a tooth. Individual segments (S) can be flat, mainly flat or curved. The lengths of two neighbouring segments (S) with a transition (T) define total length (L). Heights (H) of segments (S), total length (L) and transition (T) length can be equal, they can increase or decrease linearly, progressively or regressively. Random combinations of changing shapes, heights (H), segments (S), total lengths (L) and transitions (T) along the blade (2) are possible. Segments can follow each other across the entire width of the blade's (2) surface or optionally in one part of the fin.

Abstract: A flipper screw includes a lower cover with a screw and a lower cover with nut, and it is used for fixing the web by replacing the anti-slip screw. The upper cover and the lower cover are provided with plural snap portion, which can be snapped in the rib around the screw hole, so as to avoid the web accidentally being released from the flipper.

Abstract: A water shoe which is comprised of a neoprene, polychloroprene, nylon, polyester or rubber material like upper boot or sock attached to a traction sole and having an elevated swim fin appendage which does not obstruct normal walking motion. The neoprene water shoe with an elevated swim fin appendage allows a user to walk with a normal stride on land and also to enter the water and engage in swimming activities without having to change into separate swim fins.

Abstract: A flowing fin assembly for swimmers is provided. The flow assembly is adapted to provide excellent comfort, good propulsion properties and also has a gentle flowing appearance that is similar to the flow properties of a Betta fish as swimmer traverses through the water.

Abstract: This invention is chemiluminescent swim fin system which allows one to swim at night or be worn at parties. It can be seen from behind has a large surface area for fin visibility. Its chemical composition allows it to be rapidly be recharged by lights, and exhibit bright visible light from a distance, but also allows for structural integrity of the material when used by swimmers.

Abstract: A swim fin and a method proving thrust propulsion during a swimmer's kicking cycle may include a foot pocket and a fin blade extending from the foot pocket. Fin rails may extend along the lateral edges of the fin blade. The fin rails may include an integral fin spine or separately assembled fin spine configured to provide a swim fin with predetermined hydrodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A swim or scuba diving fin includes an open-back shoe portion having a pocket for receiving the foot of the user and no heel portion, a blade portion forming a forward extension of the shoe portion, and an element holding the foot in the open-back shoe portion, includes an elongate element in the form of a strap, belt or the like and a length sufficient to surround the heel portion, the sidewalls of the pocket of the shoe, and at least part of the tip of the shoe. Such elongate element is at least partially separated from the open-back shoe portion, and is or may be connected to the open-back shoe portion (3) in length-adjustable and/or at least partially removable fashion through first coupling members, which engage corresponding second coupling members located at the front tip of the open-back shoe.

Abstract: A Pulsed Locomotor (120), for propelling media, fluids and crafts, in fluids and on land, comprising a blade (124) securely connected to a drive shaft (122). Upon reciprocation, the ambient medium is forced towards the trailing edge of the blade (124) thereby causing a reactive locomotion of the apparatus, substantially along the plane of the blade. Apparatus is secured to motor M by fastening through aperture (130). The apparatus can be operated directly by motor M, and indirectly by the reaction momentum imparted to a supporting platform P. Thrust is directed by steering handle (128) about a bearing (126), rotatably coupling to platform P and base C. Lubricant L is supplied to outlets (134) via conduit (136) and inlet (132), to coat the apparatus with a lubricant cavity, for drag reduction. The blade (124) planes along a figure 8 reciprocation path s1e1s2e2s1. Crafts are embodied.

Abstract: A heel protective adjustable shoelace, applied to an adjustable strap-type swimming fin, includes a heel pad, a heel protecting portion and two connecting adjusting straps. The heel protecting portion integrally extends along the longitudinal direction of the heel pad, and together with the heel pad define an accommodating space for accommodating and enveloping a heel and a wearing opening in communication with the accommodating space. The two connecting adjusting straps integrally extend from two opposite sides of the heel protecting portion corresponding to the wearing opening, respectively, to connect to a webbed member. A connection between the heel protective adjustable shoelace and the webbed member may be adjusted through the two connecting adjusting straps to match a foot length of a wearer. Further, a heel of a wearer is prevented from being cut by an external object such as corals and reefs during a scuba diving activity.

Abstract: A head-mounted display, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, an electronic book, or the like monitors conditions of the side of a power generation apparatus that charges a battery. An image display apparatus includes a power generation information acquisition means for obtaining power generation information on a power storage amount, a power generation amount, and the like of a secondary battery in each power generation apparatus, appropriately processes the obtained information, and displays it to a user via a display unit. The user can check the power generation amount of the power generation apparatus and the power storage amount of the secondary battery without stopping the use of the image display apparatus. When a power storage amount of a battery in use is lowered, the user can properly judge with which of the power generation apparatuses the user should replace the battery.

Abstract: A monofin, mermaid tail, and method of applying the tail and monofin to increase swimming efficiency and/or aesthetics.

Abstract: A swim fin and a method proving thrust propulsion during a swimmer's kicking cycle may include a foot pocket and a fin blade extending from the foot pocket. Fin rails may extend along the lateral edges of the fin blade. The fin rails may include an integral fin spine or separately assembled fin spine configured to provide a swim fin with predetermined hydrodynamic characteristics.

Abstract: A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Swim footwear having integral flippers and sound generators includes a first shoe comprising a sole that is pliable. A compartment is positioned in an interior space defined by the sole. An orifice, positioned in the sole, is fluidically connected to the compartment. A noisemaker is coupled to the sole within the orifice, such that air passing from the compartment through the noisemaker generates a sound. A shell that is coupled to the sole has an entry proximate to a back end of the sole. The shell and the sole define a cavity that is complimentary to the foot of the user. The entry is configured for insertion of the user's foot. A flipper extends from a front end of the sole. The flipper is in substantial parallelism with the sole. The footwear comprises a second shoe that mirrors the first shoe.

Abstract: A shoe includes one or more nozzles mounted to the shoe, each of the one or more nozzles including one or more inlets to take in fluid traveling in an intake direction during a kicking motion of a wearer, a bend to change a flow direction of the fluid from the intake direction to an output direction, and one or more outlets to expel fluid in the output direction.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a foot pocket with a front and rear sections, an upper portion formed of an elastomeric material, a sole, and a foot pocket cavity. The rear section has a rear edge defining the foot pocket cavity. The foot pocket further has an array of through holes disposed through the upper portion adjacent the rear section. The array of through holes is sized and configured to generally increase a surface area of the rear section from the rear edge towards the front section. The swim fin includes a fin blade extending from the front section of the foot pocket. The swim flu may further include an adjustable heel strap. The fin blade may further include side rails attached to the foot pocket with hinges. The fin blade may further include a flex member disposed between first and second body members.

Abstract: A monofin, mermaid tail, and method of applying the tail and monofin. The fin utilizes a core made of flexible yet resilient material such as plastic and a cover that is elastic, such as neoprene. The user's feet are connected to the fin by releasable connections including a securing cord and cord lock. The mermaid tail and monofin connects both of a user's feet and legs in order to facilitate swimming in a mermaid-like motion while giving the user the appearance of a mermaid.

Abstract: A wetsuit (101) is provided which comprises (a) a first central region (125, 127) comprising a first material and having a first thickness; and (b) a second lateral region comprising a second material and having a second thickness. The buoyancy per unit area of the first region is greater than the buoyancy per unit area of the second region.

Abstract: A swim fin includes a blade, a retaining arrangement on the blade for removably securing a person's foot to the blade, and at least one propulsion increasing shell mounted on an upper surface of the blade, each shell having a hollowed out portion to increase a surface area of propulsion of the swim fin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to swimming fins used for strength training in fitness swimming and performance swimming. A swimming fin comprises a fin body having top and bottom surfaces, and proximal and distal ends, the fin body defining an opening at the proximal side and configured to receive a foot. A portion of the distal edge is scalloped.

Abstract: An inflatable swim fin apparatus includes a foot portion having a lower wall with a peripheral edge and having an upper wall extending upwardly from the peripheral edge of the lower wall, the lower wall and the upper wall defining a foot pocket and a rear opening allowing a user's foot to be received into the foot pocket. The swim fin apparatus includes a fin blade portion coupled to the upper wall of the foot portion, the fin blade portion including a bladder defining an interior space configured to hold a volume of air.

Abstract: A nozzle shoe includes water nozzles attached to the shoe. As water enters an inlet of each nozzle, it is directed through the use of turning vanes to an outlet of the nozzle. The internal turning vanes will aid in keeping the water in a substantially laminar condition for a more efficient performance while within the nozzle. The area of the outlet of the nozzle is smaller than the area of the inlet of the nozzle. This will provide a proportionally higher force out the outlet which will assist in propelling the wearer through the water at a higher velocity.

Abstract: A modified swim fin comprising a swim fin component and a leg amputation coupling. The swim fin component and the amputation coupling may be two separate structures joined together such as by welding, glue, mechanical attachment or integral fabrication. The coupling may be formed of two elements, a prosthetic soft, shell and an encasing non-metallic material such as a plastic or rubber. The prosthetic soft shell forms the interior of the coupling for direct contact with the amputated leg. The fin component and the coupling are fixedly joined together so that they do not pivot at their interface. Their centerlines are substantially aligned to minimize pain and/or injury for the wearer and to maximize performance.

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.

Abstract: A shoe with integrated fin apparatus including a pair of fin members disposed on either side of a shoe proximal the outsole of said shoe, each of said fin members including a maximum width disposed proximal the toe box of the shoe and a minimum width disposed proximal the heel of said shoe, wherein each of said pair of fin members is moveable between a furled position, securable to a shoe fastener medially disposed atop the toe box, and an unfurled position, disposed splayed laterally along each side of the shoe, whereby said shoe with integrated fin apparatus is wearable for unimpeded locomotion upon dry land and is also usable to effect increased water displacement when swimming.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a swim fin generally including a fin blade and a bootie, the bootie including a foot pocket configured to receive a user's foot and ankle, the foot pocket attached to the top surface of the fin blade; and a strap system including one or more straps pulling the user's foot and ankle into the foot pocket toward the distal edge of the fin blade and down against a top surface of the fin blade. Some aspects of the present invention may also include a foot pocket formed from a first portion having a first elastic characteristic connected to the top surface of the fin blade; and a second portion having a second elastic characteristic portion disposed at least on a portion of the top surface of the foot pocket, the second elastic characteristic being greater than the first elastic characteristic.

Abstract: An aquatic accessory adapted for frictional attachment with a shoe being worn by a user comprises a receptacle portion and a fin portion extending outwardly from the receptacle portion. The receptacle portion is adapted to receive at least a portion of an inserted shoe, and frictionally attach with the shoe. Gripping members can be configured and angled in a manner for providing increased frictional attachment between the aquatic accessory and inserted shoe. The accessory can be fabricated from a stretchable material to provide a radial attachment force for enhancing frictional attachment between the aquatic accessory and an inserted shoe.

Abstract: The shark wear of the present invention provides protection against aquatic predators comprising a lanyard, gloves and flippers equipped with a defensive device comprising an arrowhead having four sides, and wherein each side has a flange, and the four flanges terminate in a single point.

Abstract: A flipper including a bootee extended to the front by a flexible wing section, at least one flexible element placed in the direction of the length under the flexible wing section and a securing portion arranged between the proximal part of the flexible element and the proximal part of the flexible wing section.

Abstract: Apparatus, devices and methods of multiple high aspect ratio hydrodynamic horizontal ladder oriented vanes with pliable hinges and rotation limiting flexible webs attached between semi-flexible support beams on swim fins. Pivotal rotation of the hydrofoil vanes can be restricted by flexible membranes, between the hydrofoil vanes and the support beams, to provide an optimum angle of attack for the hydrofoil vanes during a swimming stroke. The fins can have at least one pivoting vane region connected to the support beams with a flexible hinge member. The support beams can be fixedly or rotationally attached at one end to a foot pocket. Methods are provided for limiting the rotation of at least one of the pivoting vanes using flexible web members between vanes and the support beams. Methods for increasing lift and decreasing turbulence and drag on hydrofoils or vanes of the swim fins are also included.

Abstract: An aquatic exercise device comprising a base arranged to be held in particular with a foot or with a hand, and webbing, in particular corolla-shaped webbing, that is secured to the base and that is suitable for deforming under pressure from the water that is exerted while the device is moving.

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.

Abstract: A first flipper has a base, a deformable fin connected to the base, and a first spreader that imposes a first force on the fin that causes the fin to spread in response to relative movement between the first spreader and the fin caused by a first longitudinal deflection of the fin relative to the base. A second flipper has a fin and a foot coupling portion connectable to a foot holding portion of a boot to couple a foot in the foot holding portion to the flipper. A first system includes the flipper and the boot. Methods of using the flippers, the boot, and the system are also disclosed.