GB2128096A

GB2128096A - Swimming flipper

Info

Publication number: GB2128096A
Application number: GB08326501A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bruno De Otero Hermany
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-10-05
Filing date: 1983-10-04
Publication date: 1984-04-26
Also published as: IT8368025A0; DE3336238A1; PT77387B; ES526231A0; JPS5988168A; GB8326501D0; AU1968683A; PT77387A; IT8353786V0; FR2533830A1; ES8501985A1; BR8205832A

Abstract

A swimming flipper (10) comprises a platform (14) for fixing the flipper to a conventional shoe (20, 22) whereby the flipper can be used with a shoe of any type, size or shape, or directly on the foot of the user, without the inconveniences caused by the buckles and straps known in the art. The flipper can be used on either foot of the user. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Flipper and shoe suitable for use therewith The present invention relates to a flipper for use in sport practice in general and specifically to a flipper which can be fixed to any type of shoe that can be used in water.

A great number of flippers are known which are pinniform at their distal end and have a configuration permitting the user to introduce the foot into the proximal end, usually molded integrally from a flexible elastomeric material. The elasticity of the material from which the flipper is made fixes the flipper to the foot of the user with greater or lesser tension, in some known cases by means of straps, buckles or other foot-adjustable devices In some existing types of flipper the part which accomodates the foot of the user is made separately from the fin itself and has extended lateral projections which permit the insertion and fixing of the flipper.

All the flippers known in the prior art have disadvantages with regard to their adaptation to the foot of the user and with regard to the complexity and cost of their manufacture. The inconveniences of the first type derive from the fact that existing flippers are usually molded in sizes which vary every alternate number of shoe size, and permit only small adjustments to the foot of the user. It is almost impossible to make adjustments to the width of the foot or the height of the instep, which greatly reduce the comfort afforded by the flipper.

Taking into consideration the rapid growth of a child, it is further seen that conventional flippers have to be frequently changed. In the case of users who swim in cold waters, conventional flippers do not usually permit the use of isothermic boots or stockings, making it necessary to undertake additional adjustments or use bigger fins.

The second type of inconvenience inherent to the manufacture of the conventional flippers derives from the fact that conventional flippers are made either from rubber or from a mixture of rubber and plastics or other synthetic materials. Even in those cases where the fin is detachable, there still remains the complexity of manufacturing a more or less flexible part to accomodate the foot and another detachable part made from a different material, as well as possible difficulties with regard to a perfect fit, aggravated by inevitable losses when working with various materials in the same mold.

In accordance with the present invention a flipper comprising a flexible fin part and a fixing part is characterized by the fact that the fixing part is substantially planar, with sufficient extension to extend underneath the sole of the foot of the user, being more rigid than the fin part and having no special shape to be used on either foot.

It is understood that the flipper which is the object of this invention does not have any special shape for inserting the foot of the user. It is associated, however, with separate means for connecting its fixing part or platform to the foot. Said means may comprise straps or the like which encircle the platform and the foot and further a conventional shoe or boot, for example, a tennis shoe or a diver's boot, together with means for adjusting the platform to the sole of a shoe or boot.

There are various known means which can be used for carrying out the fixing to the platform and to the sole of the shoe or boot, comprising preferably quick-release fixings (e.g. straps including a velcro type of material).

It is further understood that the basic part of the flipper is simple to manufacture, inexpensive and very durable and moreover easy to maintain.

The flipper of the invention has also the advantage that it is easy to stack and therefore to transport, and does not require a great number of different molds for its manufacture.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a shoe which is suitable for use with the flipper and is characterized by devices in the region of the heel which permit fixing the shoe to the planar fixing part of the flipper.

The advantages already mentioned and others related to the present invention can be better understood in the following detailed description, given as an example, with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which: Figure lisa plan view of an embodiment of the flipper in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a longitudinal section of said flipper, adjusted to a conventional shoe; Figure 3 is a sectional view of a fixing device which can be used with the flipper of the invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of the flipper shown in Figure 1,when adjusted to a conventional shoe; Figure 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the flipper in accordance with the invention; Figure 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the embodiment of the flipper shown in Figure 5;; Figure 7 is a view of the cross-section of the fixing device used with the embodiments of the flipper shown in Figures 5 and 6; Figures 8a and 8b are top and bottom plan view of another embodiment of the flipper in accordance with the present invention; Figures 9a, 9b, 9c lOa, lob and 10c are views in the longitudinal section of a shoe fixed to the flipper shown in Figures 8a and 8b, using six different fixing means; and Figures 17a and 1 ib shows a type of buckle used for fixing the flippr to a shoe.

With reference to the drawings Figure 1 shows a flipper 10 made in accordance with the present invention, comprising basically a flexible blade or fin 12 of plastics material and a more rigid platform (14) for fixing to a conventional sport shoe, for example a tennis shoe, or a professional shoe, e.g., a diver's boot. The fixing platform 14 is an integral and continuous part of the flipper 10 and is made more rigid than the fin or blade 12, so as to establish a zone 16 of relative movement, which permits flexure of the fin 12 in relation to the platform 14.

In the platform 14 are located the devices 18 and 18' for adjusting the flipper 10 to a conventional shoe which for example, may be a tennis shoe 20 or a diver's boot 22. In the case of the embodiment of the flipper 10 shown in Figures 1-4, the fixing device can be a fixing screw 24 which passes through the sole 26 of the shoe and the platform 14, being retained by a nut and a washer 28 and having its upper part protected by any conventional device.

Although only two fixing devices 18 and 18' are indicated, each one having two screws, it is obvious that the number of fixing devices and of screws can be varied without deviating from the scope of the invention.

From the construction shown in Figures 1-4 it is seen that the flipper obtained is of extremely simplified manufacture and great adaptability to any type or size of shoe chosen by the user or even to the foot of the user, by means of fixings adapted especially for this purpose. Because of a single configuration the flipper can be used on both the right and left foot, without the discomfort caused by the elastic tension of the conventional flippers on the foot, especially in the region of the heel, and by the fixing devices such as buckles and straps used in prior art. This prolongs the durability of the flippers, specially in the case of growing children, who otherwise would need a new conventional flipper each year.The broken lines in Figures 20 and 22 in Figure 2 show the adaptability of the flipper 10 to different types of shoes (in this case, a tennis shoe and a diver's boot), whereas the lines 20' and 22' in Figure 4 indicate the soles of the right foot and the left foot to show the adaptability of the flipper to either foot.

Figures 5 and 6 show another modality of the flipper of the invention which includes an intermediate plate 30 which is applied to a shoe 20 or 22 by means of the fixing devices 18 and 18'. The intermediate plate has an edge 32 which is inserted into rails 34 molded as an integral part of the platform 14 for fixing the flipper 10. Once it is installed in the fixing platform 14, the intermediate plate 30 can be locked in position by any conventional device, e.g., a spring claw. The purpose of the intermediate plate 30 is to impart greater rigidity to the posterior part of the flipper 10, as required in certain types of diving.

It must be clear that numerous configurations of devices for fixing the flipper 10 to the shoe 20 or 22 can be used without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. Therefore, straps, snap-fit devices, male and female screws or quickrelease press-stud devices can be used within the invention, or further, straps or other devices permitting direct fixing of the flipper to the foot of the user.

As a specific example, the flipper 10 of Figure 1 can be modified to eliminate the adjustment devices 18, 18', in which case the front part of the flipper could be fixed to the foot or shoe by a strap including a Velero &commat; type of material which, in use, encircles the platform 14 and the front part of the foot and/or shoe. A Velcro C type strap or strap can also be used in the region of the heel, but when a shoe is used as in Figure 2, the adjustment device can be substituted by a pin with a non-circular head formed or fixed on the upper suface of the platform 14 and an opening with a similar form in the heel ofthe shoe, said opening being disposed at an angle of 90 in relation to the head of the pin.This permits the flipper to be placed in a position rotated by 90 , after which it is turned to its final position in use to lock the pin in its quick-snap engagement with the isertformed in the sole of the shoe. Finally the strap including the Velcro & type of material is placed in the front part.

It is further understood that the part of the fin and the fixing part or platform of the flipper could comprise two separate parts subsequently joined together.

Finally, in another variation, the bottom surface of the platform 14 or 114 can be formed with insert recesses 3, 5 (Figure 1) to receive lead weights or the like, in accordance with the necessity for floating equilibrium of the user.

Figures 8a and 8b show a second embodiment of a flipper in accordance with the invention, in top and bottom plan, respectively. With reference to these Figures the flipper 110 has a shape which is slightly different from the flipper 10 of Figure 1, sectional views of the Figure 8 embodment being shown in Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b and 10c. It is, therefore, understood that the platform or fixing part 114 ends in the front part of a curved edge 36 followed by a curved downwardly inclined surface 37 which goes down to the top surface 38 of the flipper 112. In the bottom surface of the platform 114 a recess 39 is formed behind said inclined surface 37.

In the flipper shown in Figures 8a and 8b, each lateral region of the platform 114is formed with a pair of slits 40 dimensioned to receive a strap including Velcro R material used for fixing the front part of the platform to the front part of the shoe.

Figures 9a, 9b, 9c, 10a, 10b and 10c show various ways of fixing the flipper 110 to one of a pair of tennis shows 200.

Figure 9a shows that the heel of the shoe 200 has fixed thereto or integrally molded therewith a part which defines a vertical opening 41, whereas the rear bottom part of the platform 114 of the flipper is provided with an L-shaped engagement element 42 having a vertical leg whose upper end 43 is thicker to define a downwardly directed abutment surface. The L-shaped element shows certain resilience, so that when the end 43 is inserted through the opening 41, the vertical leg is bent slightly forward and when the head 43 emerges, the leg returns to its normal position preventing the separation of show and flipper without manually forcing the vertical leg forwardly to bring it down again through the opening 41. The front part of the shoe 200 is fixed by a strap including Velcro s type of material, which can encircle the shoe as well as the platform 114 of the flipper, or can be passed through a pair of the slits 40 illustrated in Figures 8a and 8b.

In order better to adapt the flipper to any given size of shoe 200, the other leg 45 of the element 42 can be fixed adjustably to the platform 114 of the flipper.

For example, said fixing can be carried out by means of a screw which passes through one of various openings in the platform 114.

In the case of Figure 9b, the lower part of the platform 114 is formed with three hooks 46 in any one of which - depending on the size of the shoe 200 - may be connected an elastic ring 47. This configuration is also illustrated in Figure 8b. The heel of the shoe 200 is formd with a projection 48 having a neck region 49. As indicated by the arrows in Figure 9b, it is only necessary to pull the ring 47 backwards and upwards to pass around the projection 48 of the shoe and lodge it in said neck 49, to secure in this way the fixing of the rear part of the sole to the rear part of the platform 114. In the front part of the foot the fixing is again carried out by one or more straps 44 including the Velcro > type of material.

Figure 9c shows another, simpler alternative for fixing together the rear parts of the platform 114 and of the shoe 200. In this case, the sole of the shoe is formed with a recess having a completely smooth bottom furface 50.

The rear part of the platform 114 has a suction cup 51, a simple pressure being sufficient to make said suction cup stick to the surface 50. It has been verified that great fixing forces can be produced by using this system. Here again the platform 114 has various positions for fixing the suction cup in order to secure a perfect adjustment between the flipper and the specific sire of the shoe. Once again a strap 44 is used for fixing the front part of the platform 114 to the shoe 200.

Figures 10a, Ob and lOc show other three embo- diments of fixing in the rear part of the shoe. In Figure 10a the platform 114 is provided with three openings 52, one of which, chosen in accordance with the size of the shoe 200, to receive a bayonettype pin, which can be turned 90" and having in its upper end a cross pin 54 adapted to be received in a cavity formed in the sole of the shoe 200. Access to the cavity 55 is gained through a cross slit 56 whose extension is substantially equal or slightly bigger than the length of the crosspin 54, when the crosspin reaches the interior of the cavity 55, the pin 53 is turned 90" and fixed thereby.

Figure 10b shows a similar version, in which the pin 53' is fixed in the platform 114 and cannot turn.

The upper end of the pin 53' is also provided with a crosspin 54' received in a cavity 55' through a slit 56'. In this case the whole shoe is displaced 90 in relation to the flipper to give access to the pin 53' in the cavity 55', after which the shoe is turned 90e in contrary direction to stay in in-use position.

In the case of Figure 1 or, the rear part of the platform 114 receives selectively in one of the three openings 57, selected in accordance with the size of the shoe, the male part 58 of the press-stud, whose female part 59 is built into the sole of the shoe 200.

Using a press-stud with a large fixing force, it was verified that this system as well functions adequately to secure the fixing of the rear part of the flipper to the sole of the shoe 200.

Here again, the front fixing is made by a strap or straps 44 in all the cases of Figures 10a, 10b and 10c.

Figures 1 la and 11 b show a way of fixing the straps which include Velcro ) on top of the shoe. In this case the straps are designated by the reference numbers 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d. One end of each one of these straps is passed through a slit 40 (Figures 8a and 8b) in the flipper and folded backwardly on itself to fix said end. The other ends of each one of the straps 44a and 44b are fixed in one half 60 of a curved buckle 61 and the other ends of the straps 44c and 44d are fixed to the other half 62 of the same buckle. The half 60 of the buckle 61 is the female part and has two coupling surfaces 63 and 64. The other half 62 of the buckle is provided with a curved tongue 65 having a coupling 66.It is understood that the buckle affords three possibilities, i.e., a completely opened position in which the coupling 66 is pulled downwardly to release surface 63 and surface 64, so that the two halves of the buckle can be completely separated; a completely closed position as shown in Fugres 11 a and 11 b, in which the coupling 66 is stopped by the other coupling surface 64 leaving the buckle in a semiopened position and loosening the straps 44a and 44b sufficiently to take off the shoe 200. To place the shoe again in a position for use on the flipper it is sufficient to press the buckle again for itto assume again its completely closed position.

In a preferred embodiment the flipper 10 or 110 is molded from a polypropylene copolymer which will produce an end product with a hardness of 98 on the Shore scale giving it good strength and scratch resistance, without affecting its flexibility.

It is understood that the above description was given only as an example in relation to various embodiments of flippers and fixing devices, but should be remembered that the true scope of the invention is broader, in accordance with the matter set out herein and as specifically claimed in the enclosed claims.

Claims

1. Flipper of the type comprising aflexiblefin part and a part for fixing the flipper, characterized by the fact that the fixing part is substantially planar, with sufficient extension to extend underneath the sole of the foot, being more rigid than the fin part and having no special shape to be put on eitherfoot.

2. Flipper in accordance with claim 1, characterized by the fact that the fin part (12, 112) and the fixing part comprise a single piece molded from synthetic material.

3. Flipper in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that it further comprises separate foot-adjustable fixing devices for removably fixing the fixing part to the foot of the user in a position extending underneath the sole of a shoe.

4. Flipper in accordance with claim 3, characterized by the fact that said foot-adjustable devices comprise one or more straps.

5. Flipper in accordance with claim 4, characterized by the fact that the or each strap includes a Velcro t) type material.

6. Flipper in accordance with claim 3, characterized by the fact that said foot-adjustable devices comprise a conventional shoe and further means for fixing said fixing part to the sole of a shoe.

7. Flipper in accordance with claim 6, characterized by the fact that the adjustable means for fixing the fixing part comprise at least one first quickrelease fixing positioned, in use, in the region of the heel and at least one other quick-release fixing positioned, in use, in the front region of the sole of the shoe.

8. Flipper in accordance with claim 7, characte rized by the fact that said first fixing comprises one part in the flipper mating with another part in the shoe.

9. Flipper in accordance with claim 8, characterized by the fact that said part in the flipper is the male part of a press stud while the part in the shoe comprises the female part thereof, built into the sole of the shoe.

10. Flipper in accordance with claim 8, characterized by the fact that said first fixing is of the bayonet or screw type.

11. Flipper in accordance with claim 8, characterized by the fact that said part in the flipper comprises one or more hooks and the part in the shoe comprises an external projection at the shoe heel, the fixing further comprising an elastic ring which can be engaged with the or any one of the hooks and stretched to a position in which it will also encircle said projection.

12. Flipper in accordance with claim 8, characterized by the fact that the one part of said first fixing comprises a suctioning and the other part comprises a mating smooth surface, arranged in a recess in the sole ofthe shoe.

13. Flipper in accordance with claims 7-12, characterized by the fact that the first fixing comprises a strap including a Velcro > material.

14. Flipper in accordance with claim 13, characterized by the fact that in the lateral regions of the fixing part of the flipper are formed slits, each one dimensioned so as to permit the passing of a strap including the Velcro )type of material.

15. Flipper in accordance with claim 14, characterized by the fact that the first fixing comprises at least two straps including Velcro &commat;) type of material, one end of one strap being connectable to an end of the other strap by means of a buckle with two clamping positions.

16. Shoe suitable for use with the flipper defined in claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises one or more devices in the region of the heel, for fixing the planar fixing part of said flipper to the shoe.

17. Shoe in accordance with claim 16, characterized by the fact that said devices comprise a part of a quick-release fixing.

18. Shoe in accordance with claim 16, characterized by the fact that said part of the fixing comprises the female part of the built-in press stud in the sole of the shoe.

19. Shoe in accordance with claim 17, characterized by the fact that said part of the fixing comprises the female part of the built-in bayonet-type fixing.

20. Shoe in accordance with claim 16, characterized by the fact that said device or devices is or are arranged in the heel part of the shoe.

21. Shoe in accordance with claim 20, characterized by the fact that said devices comprise an external projection in the heel part of the shoe.