GB2409415A - Swimming aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A swimming aid comprises two separate winged flukes 1 which are attached to the lower legs. Each fluke extends down and outwards from the shin glove 3, which is shaped to fit around the front of the lower leg and can be attached by straps (5 fig 3) secured with a buckle (6 fig 4). A foot strap 7 is included for added stability.

Description

SHIN FLUKES

This invention relates to swimming aids that are attached to the outside of the bottom half of each leg. They extend out from the knee to the ankle so that the swimmer has winged legs for gliding through the water. Together, they give the swimmer the qualities of a whale's tail, which are called 'flukes'.

Currently, when people dive, snorkel or swim, they use flippers or fins, which are attached to the feet or ankles. The flippers or fins are based around the feet and this is the focal point for the manual propulsion that they provide.

The problem with flippers is that they affect a person's ability to walk. When not swirran ng, a person wearing flippers, is effectively 'a fish out of water'.

Shin fins that overlap the feet are a poor compromise because although they are not as restrictive as flippers, they are less effective. The improved mobility to the feet, is at the expense of a good surface area for pushing against the water and thereby powering the swimmer forward.

This invention allows 'flukes' to be attached to outside of the bottom half of the leg It provides the wearer with total freedom of movement to the feet, while at the same time maximising economy of motion when in the water. This makes it easier to walk, particularly in shallow water, where the drag of flippers can make you very unstable. It also means that when swimming, the wearer can achieve the propulsion of flippers without the restrictions. Unlike overlapping fins, the feet are totally liberated to move in a normal way without downsizing the surface area of the fin.

Furthermore, as with a whale's tale, the Shin Flukes start narrow and widen so that as the leg kicks, the water is directed along its length and not just at its end.

Shin Flukes can be used when diving, snorkelling or swimming. But they are also ideal for other water sports such as boogie boarding and surfing. At present, flippers cannot be used when surfing because they stop you from being able to stand on the board. Shin Flukes overcome this problem because the feet are free to move and function in the normal way.

Shin Flukes are unique because they do not come into direct contact with the feet.

They sit alongside the outside of the lower half of the leg. The swimmer can still benefit from the surface area that the feet naturally provide when in the water. But as the fluke is adjacent to the feet and not in contact with them, the wearer is not restricted by their presence or limited in their ability to glide through the water. Also, the way that they assist the swimmer is different because the flukes drive the water down the outside of the lower leg, instead of through the feet.

Drawing 1 shows a person standing with Shin Flukes fitted to the left leg ( 1) and the right leg (2). The wearer is not hindered and can stand easily or walk freely without any impediment. However, when in the water the flukes provide added propulsion as the swimmers kicks their legs.

Drawing 2 shows four different views of the right leg with a Shin Fluke attached.

Figure 1 is the front of the right leg.

Figure 2 is the outside of the right leg.

Figure 3 is the back ofthe right leg.

Figure 4 is the inside of the right leg.

The shaped and contoured 'shin glove' (3), fits over the right shin and forms the supporting body of the Shin Fluke.

The semi-rigid but flexible winged fluke (4) is attached to the outside of the supporting shin glove. It extends down and outward from the top and side of the supporting body and incorporates ridges to direct the flow of water.

Attachment straps (5) wrap around the back of the lower leg and in this way provide added support. This ensures that the fluke does not slip around the leg as the swimmer moves through the water.

The straps are secured on the inside of the leg by using buckles (6) that allow the fluke to be bound tightly the lower leg.

There is also a foot strap (7) that helps to hold the Shin Fluke in place.

Drawing 3 shows an alternative means of attachment, whereby the Shin Fluke is incorporated into a wetsuit style shin glove (8) that zips up at the back of the leg to secure it into position.

This highlights the different ways in which the Shin Fluke can be attached to the leg. It would also be possible to use Velcro straps or overlaps. Other methods include popper buttons or loops and hooks.

Alternatively, you could employ clips or ties.

Claims (1)

1. Swimming aids that wing outwardly from the knee to the ankle, incorporating a means of attachment to the lower half of the leg, thereby allowing complete freedom of movement to the feet, which do not come into direct contact with the 'flukes'.