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.

Abstract: Designs and methods are disclosed for permitting scooped shape swim fin blades (184) to flex around a transverse axis to a significantly reduced angle of attack while reducing or preventing the scooped blade portion (254) from collapsing or buckling under the longitudinal compression forces (22) exerted on the scooped portion during a large scale blade deflection (212) by strategically alleviating or controlling such compression forces (222). Methods are also disclosed for increasing flow capacity, effective scoop length, scoop depth over a greater length of the blade, reducing blade resistance to large scale deflections, reducing bending resistance within scooped blade portions (254) that are experiencing high levels of blade deflection. Methods are also provided for reducing lost motion and increasing propulsion during the inversion phase of a reciprocating kicking stroke cycle while also increasing the formation of a scooped blade region (254) during the inversion phase of the stroke cycle.

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.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: A shoe, in particular a beach shoe, and a flipper set-up, which shoe has a lower portion, and which flipper set-up comprises a fin part and a fixing part, said lower portion comprising first connecting members and said fixing part comprising second connecting members, said first and second connecting members together forming a releasable connecting mechanism permitting said flipper set-up to be releasable secured to said shoe, characterized in that said lower portion has two side portions, said first connecting members being formed by first rails, which first rails extend along said two side portions, said fixing part comprises a pair of arm members forming a bay, said second connecting member being formed by second rails, which second rails extend along said bay, said first and second rails being slidably engageable with each other so as to enable the shoe to slide into the flipper set-up.

Abstract: An amphibious shoe has a sole with a fin compartment therein. The fin compartment provides retractable housing for a lightweight fin for conversion from a walking to swimming shoe. In one embodiment the amphibious shoe includes a fin comprising a plurality of ridges. The ridges are intermittently disposed between material arranged in an accordion construction. When ejected from the compartment, the ridged material expands to a fan configuration. The fan is further appointed with a pivotal stabilizing strap for enhanced stability during swimming. In another embodiment the amphibious shoe includes at least two fin plates pivotally attached about an axis. The fin plates are stowed in an overlapping condition. They are capable of being ejected from the compartment and opposingly rotated toward the front of the shoe abutting to form a swim fin. In operation, the wearer can comfortably run or walk swiftly along the land as the integrated fin has a thin lightweight construction.

Abstract: A strap with tapered-apertures for open-heeled swim fins is stretched from a first end connection to a conventional boss-button and boss-post structure, whereby the strap will apply a desired level of force as a holding-pressure against the heel of a swimmer. The strap's tapered-apertures are cast to link the tapered dimensions of aperture walls to an easy passage of the strap over the boss button and to a highly resistant passage of the strap-top to a designed seat against the top's raised arches. The manufactured formation of the unique aperture shapes result in an unexpected elasticity of the strap. The combination of aperture structure within the raised arches guide the orifice walls of the aperture into compression, instead of tension, greatly resisting forces to release the strap from the boss-posts and buttons.

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.

Abstract: A fin with a hydrodynamic flex control framework allows the axis of bending to be in close proximity to the ball of the user's foot making kicking easier as well as more productively efficient and a method providing thrust from an unusually low drag kick by a swimmer are disclosed. The fin includes a fin for use by a swimmer comprising a foot pocket adapted to receive a foot of the swimmer; a foil shaped blade extending from the foot pocket; hydrodynamic flex control framework configured to allow the blade to bend in close proximity to the ball of the user's foot within a narrow range of angles of attack under a wide range of loads while enhancing hydrodynamic performance. The present invention allows low drag kicking by a swimmer that is similar to walking in place with the user's feet staying within the user's slip stream.

Abstract: Swimming flipper comprising a shoe part from which two ribs extend laterally, and a fin part, characterised in that said fin part is connected at one end to said shoe part, while its other end is constrained to said ribs in the vicinity of their ends, the sides of said fin part being at least partly not constrained in any way to the said side ribs, all of which so that during the active and passive phases of the flipper movement the free part and the constrained part of the said fin bend in the opposite directions forming substantially an S shape.

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.

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.

Abstract: A swim fin having a web portion pivotably attached to a shoe portion that Is rotatable to a first position substantially perpendicular to the shoe portion for walking and a second position in a plane with the shoe portion for propulsion in water.

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.

Abstract: A swim fin having a web portion pivotably attached to a shoe portion that is rotatable to a first position substantially perpendicular to the shoe portion for walking and a second position in a plane with the shoe portion for propulsion in water.

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.

Abstract: A fin and a method providing thrust from an unusually low drag kick by a swimmer are disclosed. The fin includes a fin for use by a swimmer comprising a foot pocket adapted to receive a foot of the swimmer; a foil shaped blade extending from the foot pocket; composite hydrodynamic flex control framework configured to allow the blade to bend within a narrow range of angles of attack under a wide range of loads while enhancing hydrodynamic performance. The method comprises providing a fin comprising a foot pocket, a foil shaped blade, an aperture, and two living hinges positioned adjacent to foot pocket. The method also comprises bending the blade relative to the foot pocket about an axis that is nearer the heel of the swimmer to reduce centrifugal forces while controlling the bending of the blade by providing living hinges formed to increase resistance as kicking power increases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a training fin for assisting a wide variety of swimmers to gain a superior cardiovascular workout with minimal risk of injury. The fin has a proximal end and a distal end. Additionally, the fin has a dorsal section and a plantar section and defines an opening for insertion of a user's foot adjacent the proximal end. The dorsal section has proximal and distal ends aligned with the proximal and distal ends of the fin. The dorsal section is solid from the proximal to distal ends. The dorsal section has side sections. The plantar section has proximal and distal ends aligned with the proximal and distal ends of the fin and dorsal section. The dorsal and plantar sections are joined, at least, at the proximal and side sections. The dorsal surface includes a fluid separator for increasing hydrodynamic design and function. In an exemplary embodiment, the fin defines a boot, made from pliable material. The pliable material being of varying thicknesses. The boot has a foot pocket and a blade portion.

Abstract: An energy-conserving swim fin, in which a blade extends from a front portion of a foot pocket of a swim fin, and at least one spring is fitted at an appropriate position on the blade. The springs are structured such that support is provided when force is inwardly applied to two ends and extensibility when force is outwardly applied, and behavior of these two different force coefficients are brought about in a two-stroke alternate flapping motion during the course of manipulating the present invention, wherein, when kicking the water to push forward, the support provided by the springs enables the blade to form an angle against the water to achieve a propulsion effect, and during a restoring motion of the swim fin, extensibility provided by the springs enables the blade to form an angle that does not resist the water, thereby achieving effectiveness to conserve energy and rapidly return to original state, and thus assisting the swimmer in conserving physical strength and increasing staying power.

Abstract: An aquatic device is usable in an aquatic environment for a variety of purposes, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation, and/or exercise. The aquatic device permits a person to simulate a walking or running gait cycle in the aquatic environment, reducing the stress/strain associated with walking or running on the ground. An aquatic device includes a foot-receiving member rotationally coupled to a fin member. The fin member, when in an extended position, provides increased resistance as the person attempts to walk or run in the aquatic environment. During a walking or running gait, the fin member moves into a folded position, thus reducing the resistance of the water on the aquatic device. The aquatic device is adaptable and modifiable to have varying shapes, designs, sizes, resistance levels, and/or other aspects.

Abstract: A swim fin having a web portion pivotably attached to a shoe portion that is rotatable to a first position substantially perpendicular to the shoe portion for walking and a second position in a plane with the shoe portion for propulsion in water.

Abstract: An integral pocket of fin having a forward blade is disclosed. In one embodiment, the foot pocket includes a vamp, an outside counter, and a plurality of stretchable connection members interconnected the vamp and the outside counter. The connection members are adapted to stretch when the human foot is inserted in the foot pocket so as to fit different individuals with various foot sizes.

Abstract: Methods and compositions which can reduce the disturbance to wild life caused when man attempts to interact with wild life and more particularly methods and compositions which can enhance the interaction of man with aquatic life with minimal disturbance to the aquatic life.

Abstract: A new swim flipper with a unique blade design is provided. The new swim flipper has a unique joint system portion positioned on the blade of the swim flipper. The new swim flipper will have a joint system portion that has a new combination of materials such as a solid core and a rubber covering that may flex about the joint. The swim flipper eases the pressure on bio-mechanical movement of the ankle, increases the amount of thrust produced by kicking movement of the user. The swim flipper allows the user to expend less energy in attempting to provide adequate thrust to propel the individual through water by using the joint system to adequately produce enough flexibility to propel the individual without excessive force being used.

Abstract: A swimming aid (10) including a body portion (11), upon which is situated a locating means (12) for the foot of the wearer. The swimming aid (10) also includes a lobular flexible web (13) and at least two ribs (14), each of which contain a plurality of segments (15). The segments of each rib cooperating to stiffen said flexible web against flexion substantially above the plane of said body portion.

Abstract: An improved amphibious shoe (10) with a swim fin structure which extends for swimming and folds for walking. The amphibious shoe has, in one embodiment, an elastic connection member (27A, 27B) movably connecting the shoe portion (40) of the shoe to the fin portion (20) of the shoe. The elastic connection member maintains the relative positions of the shoe portion and fin portion in a swimming mode and a walking mode. In another embodiment, the shoe portion has a female recess (43A, 43B) for insertion of a corresponding male extension portion (26A, 26B) in the fin portion. Another embodiment includes a locking member (32B, 33B) and a locking plate (34B), wherein the locking plate defines a keyhole slot having a wide portion and a narrow portion, permitting conversion between walking mode and swimming mode when a lateral force is applied.

Abstract: A swim assist apparatus which comprises a fin member which is connected to a sandal by having forward connecting strap portions of the sandal engaging retaining recesses in the fin member. The fin member has a rear mounting portion positioned at an upper forward surface portion of a sole of the sandal and a forward fin portion which extends outwardly from the mounting portion. The retaining recesses have forward and rear surfaces which limit front to rear and motion of the fin member relative to the sole of the sandal to limit relative movement between the sandal and the fin member.

Abstract: A swim fin comprising a foot engaging portion and a blade portion. The blade portion includes one or more first latching members and the foot engaging portion includes one or more second latching members. The first and said second latching members together form one or more releasable latching mechanisms permitting the blade portion to be releasably secured to the foot engaging portion.

Abstract: A heel mounted reversible fin assembly for propelling kick boats and float tubes in water. The assembly includes a base mounting mechanism (1) which secures the assembly on a user's boot heel, and an inter-connected generally perpendicularly inclined fin member (4) which extends below the user's boot sole. Apertures (52) extending through the fin blade (50) adjacent to cleavages (46) in ribs (47) define a hinge portion (49) about which the blade (50) flexes to feather on return kicks in the direction of the rear surface (48) of the blade (50). Raised ribs (47) extending generally perpendicularly outward from the rear surface (48) of the fin blade (50) inter-connect, providing a stop mechanism to retain the blade (50) in a generally rigid configuration on power kicks in the direction of its front surface (51).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dissuading predatory animals from attacking. The device and method employ depictions of an eye, especially the eye of a predator of the predatory animals, to initiate a startle response in the predatory animal thereby dissuading an attack. The depiction of one or more eyes may be placed on clothing or equipment carried into the aquatic or land based environment of the predator being dissuaded.

Abstract: An improved swim fin comprises a foot-packet formation formed with a foot-receiving cavity, and a fin blade attached and extending longitudinally beyond the foot-packet formation to a trailing edge thereof for a substantial length. The fin blade has an imaginary center line splitting down the middle thereof to separate the same into two symmetric portions. The fin blade further comprises: at least a first movable member and at least a second movable member. Both of the movable members are triangular shaped. The first movable member is disposed on one of the two portions of the fin blade and is connected to the fin blade by a first connecting edge such that the first movable member can wiggle using the first connecting edge as pivot within a predefined angle. The second movable member is disposed on another portion of the fin blade and is connected to the fin blade by a second connecting edge such that the second movable member can wiggle using the second connecting edge as pivot within an predefined angle.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing lift and decreasing drag on hydrofoils and swim fins. The methods include providing a hydrofoil with a highly swept back leading edge portion and orienting the hydrofoil at a significantly reduced angle of attack in which the reduced angle of attack occurs at an angle that is substantially transverse to the hydrofoil's direction of movement through a surrounding fluid medium. The lee surfaces of the hydrofoil are provided with a substantially unobstructed flow path as well as a separation reducing contour so as to permit lift generating attached flow conditions to form along such lee surfaces. Substantially rigid structural reinforcement is provided to prevent the hydrofoil from deforming significantly during use. Methods are disclosed for providing a hydrofoil with a substantially longitudinal recess or venting system located substantially along the center axis of the hydrofoil.

Abstract: A swimming flipper comprising a blade (1) made of relatively rigid material, a shoe (2) made of relatively yielding material and at least a pair of lateral ribs (3) extending along the edges of the blade. On the blade there are provided at least two longitudinal slots (9) arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flipper and two openings (11) extending diagonally from the shoe towards the lateral edges of the blade. The slots and the openings are filled with a relatively yielding material in the form of flattened ribs (12, 13).

Abstract: MULTIPLE-SERIAL-HYDROFOIL swim fins use aerodynamic shapes to help with propulsion through the water. By producing “lift” as an additional power source for swimming, they provide more power for the swimmer without additional effort from the swimmer. The planar blade helps to provide self-regulating pitch for the hydrodynamic shapes. The overall reduction in the size and cost of the swim fin is a secondary benefit to the reduction in work for the swimmer. By having multiple self-regulating airfoils (hydrofoils when used in water) in a series properly distanced from one another, the accelerated flow of water over the hydrodynamic shapes increases the effectiveness of the trailing hydrodynamic shapes through serial amplification. The geometry of the swim fins work with high performance materials using sophisticated internal properties (compliant geometry) to manage the self-regulating pitch and serial amplification.

Abstract: A swim fin formed from laminated rubberized layers. The fin has a fin body with a foot pocket, which includes an opening to receive the foot of a wearer. A fin body includes a distal trailing region integral with the foot pocket capable of flexure upwardly, downwardly and rearwardly of the body, by action of water when the fin is in use. Structure engages a heel of a user to maintain a users foot in the foot pocket. The fin includes at least one outer rubberized layer and at least one inner rubberized layer, the at least one inner layer forming the foot pocket. The fin is produced in a compression mold having first and second mold parts and a foot mold for forming the pocket.

Abstract: A swimming flipper comprising a blade and a footwear structure disengagingly coupled with the blade, the footwear structure including a sole and a pair of flaps attached to the sole. The flaps are attachable to and detachable from each other and are comprised of a conformable material that is wrapped about a dorsal portion of a user's foot.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a molded product comprising the steps of: providing a mold conforming to the shape of the product the mold serving to define one or more molding surfaces which are to be reproduced in an article formed via the mold; mounting in the mold an article including or forming an image comprising at least one device, logo, letter, word or words or combinations of these in such a way that most, if not all of the article lies within the mold out of contact with the or each molding surface; and injecting into the mold a supply of polymerisible material so as to immerse the article; the material, at least following polymerisation being flexible and so providing at least in part, a substantially transparent product; and withdrawing the product from the mold. Typically the step of providing product is directed to an article of footwear such as a shoe or swimming fin (also known as a flipper).

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a training fin for assisting a wide variety of swimmers to gain a superior cardiovascular workout with minimal risk of injury. The fin has a proximal end and a distal end. Additionally, the fin has a dorsal section and a plantar section and defines an opening for insertion of a user's foot adjacent the proximal end. The dorsal section has proximal and distal ends aligned with the proximal and distal ends of the fin. The dorsal section is solid from the proximal to distal ends. The dorsal section has side sections. The plantar section has proximal and distal ends aligned with the proximal and distal ends of the fin and dorsal section. The dorsal and plantar sections are joined, at least, at the proximal and side sections. The dorsal surface includes a fluid separator for increasing hydrodynamic design and function. In an exemplary embodiment, the fin defines a boot, made from pliable material. The pliable material being of varying thicknesses. The boot has a foot pocket and a blade portion.

Abstract: A flipper includes a skeleton structure having a rear base portion, two longitudinally extended side rails, and a plurality of spaced supporting strips extended in a longitudinal direction; and a web structure having a foot pocket associated with the rear base portion, two sheathings forward extended from two lateral outer sides of the foot pocket for wrapping the side rails therein, and a plurality of longitudinally extended webs provided between the two sheathings to locate between and connect two adjacent supporting strips as well as the side rails and the supporting strips. The flipper has a side rail structure with good elasticity and toughness to provide good water kicking and propelling force. A longitudinally extended slit may be provided on at least one of the webs and have a zipper provided thereat to freely adjust the length of the slit and accordingly the propelling force of the flipper.

Abstract: A fin includes a blade, which is lengthwise split into a plurality of sub-blades, so that the sub-blades are separated from one another from an outer end of the blade to a near central point of the blade; and at least one zipper, which is located between two adjacent sub-blades and adapted to zip up for the adjacent sub-blades to provide a closed area. The closed area provided by the adjacent sub-blades is adjustable by zipping up the zipper by different length to thereby regulate a propulsive force that may be produced by the blade of the fin.

Abstract: A dive fin replacement heel strap for use on open-foot pocket dive fins having a mounting device on each side of the fin to secure the fins onto a user's foot. The strap is made of an elongate elastic material and has a predetermined width (W). It has a plurality of orifices of a predetermined opening size (D), positioned on the elongate elastic material. There is a tab on the end of the elongate elastic material. The tab has a solid flexible lip around its periphery which has a width greater than W and a height greater than D. There is an indent in the upper horizontal surface and in the lower horizontal surface of the elongate elastic material adjacent to the tab. The orifices are adapted to attached to a mounting device of a dive fin. The tab is adapted to pass through a mounting device of a dive fin and to pass through an orifice and lock in place thereat.

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.

Abstract: The ergonomic swim fin apparatus comprises a foot-pocket sized to fit about a user's foot, channeling scoops are positioned on opposite sides of the footpocket, and a flexible blade extends from the foot-pocket to a trailing edge. A “wing shaped” tail fin is secured to the trailing edge of the flexible blade. The channeling scoops are rounded to channel the water displaced by the user's foot over the flexible blade and tail fin. The flexible blade and wing like tail fin channel water while enhancing lift and thrust. At least one securing strap is used to secure the user's foot to the foot-pocket. The tail fin is preferably selectively attachable and removable from the distal end of the flexible blade. The flow of water across the foot is converted by the channeling scoops into a propulsion stroke in both the up and down strokes, while allowing the foot the freedom to flex naturally at the ankle and toe joints.

Abstract: An improved diving fin includes a first web surface and a second web surface. The first web surface extends between a pair of first longitudinal flukes, and the second web surface extends between a pair of tapered second longitudinal flukes. The first longitudinal flukes and the tapered second longitudinal flukes are connected at their respective rear ends. A plurality of transverse adjusting flukes are separately coupled to each of the first longitudinal flukes and the tapered second longitudinal flukes at the rear ends. Any number of the transversal adjusting flukes can be selectively severed so that a diver can change the swinging length of the second web surface according to personal needs.

Abstract: Designs and methods are disclosed for permitting permit scooped shaped swim fin blades (184) to flex around a transverse axis to a significantly reduced angle of attack while reducing or preventing the scooped blade portion (254) from collapsing or buckling under the longitudinal compression forces (222) exerted on the scooped portion during a large scale blade deflection (212) by strategically alleviating or controlling such compression forces (222). Method are also disclosed for increasing flow capacity, effective scoop length, scoop depth over a greater length of the blade, reducing blade resistance to large scale deflections, reducing bending resistance within scooped blade portions (254) that are experiencing high levels of blade deflection. Methods are also provided for reducing lost motion and increasing propulsion during the inversion phase of a reciprocating kicking stroke cycle while also increasing the formation of a scooped blade region (254) during the inversion phase of the stroke cycle.

Abstract: An improved adjustable heel strap having an adjustable instep strap connected to the heel strap adjacent the heel portion of a swimmer' foot. Methods are provided for providing a highly adjustable strap system for preventing loss of swim fins in rough water conditions such as large surf and large open ocean waves. Methods are also provided for providing multi-dimensional heel strap adjustability around the ankle and instep to reduce ankle strain, increase ankle support, distribute load and stress points, reduce chaffing and blisters, increase leverage and power to the swim fin, reduce looseness and play between the foot and the swim fin, to increase comfort, to increase control, to improve positioning control, to improve sizing adjustment and to provide increased conformity to greater variations in foot and ankle sizes, shapes and contours.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for teaching and/or improving upon the mechanics of the whip kick that may be used while performing the breaststroke and training the competitive breaststroker. The tool includes a fin that is configured to receive a swimmer's foot and a propulsive blade that engages the water at the beginning of the propulsive phase of the kick, such as when the swimmer's legs have reached maximum flexion at the knees, with feet positioned slightly wider than the knees, heels turned in while the toes are turned out and ankles flexed. As the swimmer initiates the power phase of the kick, the propulsive blade achieves maximum purchase of the water.

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.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for increasing lift and decreasing drag on hydrofoils and swim fins. The methods include providing a hydrofoil with a highly swept back leading edge portion and orienting the hydrofoil at a significantly reduced angle of attack in which the reduced angle of attack occurs at an angle that is substantially transverse to the hydrofoil's direction of movement through a surrounding fluid medium. The lee surfaces of the hydrofoil are provided with a substantially unobstructed flow path as well as a separation reducing contour so as to permit lift generating attached flow conditions to form along such lee surfaces. Substantially rigid structural reinforcement is provided to prevent the hydrofoil from deforming significantly during use. Methods are disclosed for providing a hydrofoil with a substantially longitudinal recess or venting system located substantially along the center axis of the hydrofoil.