US20100317246A1

US20100317246A1 - Adjustable fin

Info

Publication number: US20100317246A1
Application number: US12/483,688
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Donahue
Original assignee: Ultimate Innovative Design Inc
Current assignee: Ultimate Innovative Design Inc
Priority date: 2009-06-12
Filing date: 2009-06-12
Publication date: 2010-12-16
Also published as: US8382543B1

Abstract

An adjustable fin apparatus includes an elongated blade portion and elongated first and second frame members adapted for pivotal connection to the blade. An adjustment system for the first and second frame members rotates the pivotal connection of the frame members with respect to the blade. A thin web of a flexible polymeric material extends between the first frame member and the blade portion and between the second frame member and the blade portion.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
In the field of swim fins, there are various fins for propelling a swimmer through water. The present invention relates to a swim fin apparatus with an adjustable fin area and an adjustable shoe portion of the fin.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traditionally, swim fins include a blade with a blade area that is used to produce a propulsive force when a user is water-kicking with the swim fin. The blade area is typically a fixed size. Generally, a fin with a large blade area produces more propulsive force than a fin with a blade area that is smaller. However, the user of the fin must exert more force in order to use the fin with a larger blade area than the fin with a smaller blade area. Since the blade area of a fin is typically one piece of material with a fixed blade area, a particular user may need different fins for different swimming environments.
Also, some traditional fins have a shoe portion that is adapted for use by a particular user. The shoe portion is permanently connected to the fin and may only accommodate users that fit the particular shoe size. Since different users have different shoe sizes, a particular fin may only be used by a limited number of users. As it were, the traditional fin is only adapted for use by a user with a particular shoe size and for use in a particular use condition.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an adjustable fin apparatus. The fin apparatus comprises an elongated blade portion and elongated first and second frame members adapted for pivotal connection to the blade. An adjustment system for the first and second frame members rotates the pivotal connection of the frame members with respect to the blade. A thin web of a flexible polymeric material extends between the first frame member and the blade portion and between the second frame member and the blade portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 1A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 1 viewed from inside the blade portion of the fin;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 3 is a side view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin;

FIG. 4 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;

FIG. 4A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 4;

FIG. 4B is a detailed view of the drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 4 viewed from inside the blade portion of the fin;

FIG. 5 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 6 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;

FIG. 7 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 7A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 7′ is a detailed view of the drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 7 viewed from inside the blade portion of the fin;

FIG. 8 is bottom view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 9 is a side view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin;

FIG. 10 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;

FIG. 10A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 10;

FIG. 10B is a detailed view of the drawing depicting the enlarged view of the circled area A of FIG. 10 viewed from inside the blade portion of the fin;

FIG. 11 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;

FIG. 12 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which is shown, by way of illustration, several embodiments of the present invention. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3 wherein the drawings depict an embodiment of an adjustable fin 1. The adjustable fin 1 includes an elongated blade 2 formed of a polymeric material. An embodiment of the invention shows the blade 2 formed of polycarbonate or other plastic material, but the fin 1 may be formed of any suitable polymeric material used for the blade portion of a fin known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The blade 2 includes a tip 3 at one end and a shoe attachment system 4 at a second end. The shoe attachment system 4 is used in an embodiment of the invention to releasably attach a shoe 5 to the adjustable fin 1. The shoe attachment system 4 allows shoes of different sizes and shapes to be used with the adjustable fin 1 enabling many users to utilize the same adjustable fin 1. The shoe attachment system 4 is preferably, but not necessarily, a fastener or strap used to attach any type and size of shoe to the adjustable fin 1. However, the shoe attachment system 4 includes all systems that are able to releasably attach a shoe or swimming footwear to the adjustable fin 1.
First and second frame members, respectively 6 and 7, are pivotally connected to the blade 2. The pivotal connection is preferably simply a projection extending through holes in the blade 2 and the frame members 6 and 7. However, the connection includes all connections known in the art that create the ability of the frame members 6 and 7 to pivot with respect to the blade 2. In a shown embodiment, the frame members 6 and 7 are formed of polycarbonate or other plastic material but may be formed of any suitable polymeric material used for swimming fins known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The frame members 6 and 7 may be but are not required to be pivotally connected to the blade 2 at substantially similar locations along the blade 2. Also, the pivotal connection is may be substantially close to the shoe attachment system 4. However, the frame members 6 and 7 may be pivotally connected at any location along the elongate blade 2 and also at separate locations along the elongate blade 2. Preferably, the frame members 6 and 7 are substantially equal in length. However, the frame members 6 and 7 may be any length and may not be substantially equal in length. In an embodiment, the frame members 6 and 7 also are shorter than the blade 2 so as to be able to fit interior to the blade 2 within the tip 3.
The adjustable fin 1 further comprises an adjustment system 8 used to regulate the pivoting of frame members 6 and 7 with respect to the blade 2 (see FIG. 1′). In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment system 8 comprises at least one fastener 9 connected to the frame members 6 and 7 wherein rotation of the fastener 9 pivotally moves the frame members 6 and 7. However, the adjustment system 8 includes all systems that may effectively control the pivoting of frame members 6 and 7 with respect to blade 2. In an embodiment, the connection of the adjustment system 8 to each frame member 6 and 7 is also pivotal so as to allow the adjustment system 8 to be moved longitudinally and rotationally. In a shown embodiment, when the frame members 6 and 7 are in a fully closed position, the fastener 9 is not in contact with the blade 2 but may be in contact with blade 2 in different embodiments of the invention (see FIG. 1B). In another shown embodiment, when the frame members 6 and 7 are in a fully open position, the fastener 9 is in contact with the blade 2 (see FIG. 4B).
Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B depicting the adjustable fin 1 with the frame members 6 and 7 pivotally open to expose a thin web 10 of a flexible polymeric material. In a preferred embodiment, the web 10 is formed of rubber but may be formed of any polymeric material that is flexible and liquid-resistant such that the material is resistant to the absorption of liquid. The web 10 extends between the first frame member 6 and the blade 2 and between the second frame member 7 and the blade 2. The web 10 may be of a single piece of polymeric material or of multiple pieces. Also, the web 10 may be attached to the blade 2 but is not required to be. The pivotal connection of the first and second frame members 6 and 7 to the blade 2 allows the frame members 6 and 7 to pivot in all directions in a single plane with respect to the blade 2. In an embodiment, the pivotal connection of the first and second frame members 6 and 7 to the blade 2 allows the frame members 6 and 7 to pivot from the fully closed position wherein the frame members and the web 10 are interior to the blade (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2) to the fully open position wherein the frame members and the web are exterior to the blade (see FIG. 4). The preferred pivotal connection of the adjustment system 8 allows the system to be pivotally moved to allow the frame members 6 and 7 and the web 10 to be fully interior to the blade 2 when the frame members 6 and 7 are in the fully closed position. In an embodiment, the adjustment system 8 also allows the frame members 6 and 7 to pivot to locations between the fully open and fully closed positions thereby partially exposing the frame members 6 and 7 and partially exposing the web 10. The adjustment system 8 also may completely expose the frame members 6 and 7 and the web 10.
Referring now to FIG. 5 the adjustable fin 1 with the frame members 6 and 7 are shown pivotally closed so that the web 10 is within the blade 2. As shown in FIG. 6 the adjustable fin 1 is shown with the frame members 6 and 7 pivotally open so that the web 10 is exposed.
FIG. 7, FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8, and FIG. 8 depict another embodiment of the adjustable fin 1. This embodiment of the adjustable fin 1 includes an elongated blade 11 formed of a polymeric material. In an embodiment of the invention, the blade 11 is formed of polycarbonate or other plastic material but may be formed of any suitable polymeric material used for the blade portion of a fin known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The blade 11 includes a tip 12 at one end and a shoe portion 13 at a second end which may include a foot pocket 14 and an adjustable ankle strap 15. The shoe portion 13 allows users with different size feet to adjust the size of the shoe portion 13 to fit multiple users. The shoe portion 13 includes all types of foot coverings that are adjustable for different shoe sizes.
As in the first embodiment, first and second frame members, respectively 16 and 17, are pivotally connected to the blade 11. The pivotal connection is preferably simply a projection extending through holes in the blade 11 and the frame members 16 and 17. However, the connection includes all connections known in the art that create the ability of the frame members 16 and 17 to pivot with respect to the blade 11. The frame members 16 and 17 are preferably formed of polycarbonate or other plastic material but may be formed of any suitable polymeric material used for swimming fins known by those having ordinary skill in the art. In an embodiment, the frame members 16 and 17 are pivotally connected to the blade 11 at substantially similar locations along the blade 11. This location may be substantially close to the shoe portion 13. However, the frame members 16 and 17 may be pivotally connected at any location along the elongate blade 11 and at separate locations along the elongate blade 11. In a shown embodiment, the frame members 16 and 17 are substantially equal in length. The frame members 16 and 17 may be any length and may not be substantially equal in length. The frame members 16 and 17 may also be shorter than the blade 11 so as to be able to fit interior to the blade 11 within tip 12.
This embodiment of the adjustable fin 1 further comprises an adjustment system 18 to regulate the pivoting of the frame members 16 and 17 with respect to the blade 11 (see FIG. 7′). In a shown embodiment, the adjustment system 18 preferably comprises at least one fastener 19 connected to the frame members 16 and 17 wherein rotation of the fastener 19 pivotally moves the frame members 16 and 17 by pushing and releasing the fastener 19 onto and from the blade 11. However, the adjustment system 18 includes all systems that may effectively control the pivoting of frame members 16 and 17. When the frame members 16 and 17 are in a fully closed position, the fastener 19 is may not be in contact with the blade 11 (see FIG. 7B). When the frame members 16 and 17 are in a fully open position, the fastener 19 is preferably in contact with the blade 11 (see FIG. 10B). In an embodiment, the adjustment system 18 is also pivotally connected to the frame members 16 and 17.
FIG. 10, FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10B depict this embodiment of the adjustable fin 1 with the frame members 16 and 17 pivotally open to expose a thin web 20 of a flexible polymeric material. The web 20 is preferably formed of rubber but may be formed of any polymeric material that is flexible and liquid-resistant such that the material is resistant to the absorption of liquid. The web 20 extends between the first frame member 16 and the blade 11 and between the second frame member 17 and the blade 11. The web 20 may be of a single piece of polymeric material or of multiple pieces. Also, the web 20 may be attached to the blade 11 but is not required to be. The pivotal connection of the first and second frame members 16 and 17 to the blade 11 allows the frame members 16 and 17 to pivot in all directions in a single plane with respect to the blade 11. The pivotal connection of the first and second frame members 16 and 17 to the blade 11 may allow the frame members 16 and 17 to pivot from the fully closed position wherein the frame members and the web 20 are interior to the blade (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) to the fully open position wherein the frame members and the web 20 are exterior to the blade (see FIG. 10). The preferred pivotal connection of the adjustment system 18 may allow the system to be pivotally moved to allow the frame members 16 and 17 and the web 20 to be fully interior to the blade 11 when the frame members 16 and 17 are in a fully closed position. The adjustment system 18 also preferably allows the frame members 16 and 17 to be partially interior or partially exterior to the blade 11 when the frame members 16 and 17 pivot to locations between the fully open and fully closed positions. In an embodiment, the adjustment system 18 also completely exposes the frame members 16 and 17 and the web 20.
Referring now to FIG. 11 the adjustable fin 1 is shown with the frame members 16 and 17 pivotally closed so that the web 20 is within the blade 11. As shown in FIG. 12 the adjustable fin 1 with the frame members 16 and 17 are shown pivotally open so that the web 20 is partially exposed.
The adjustable fin 1 is put into operation by utilizing either the shoe attachment system 4 or the shoe portion 13 of the adjustable fin 1 so as to adjust the fin to fit any size and shape shoe of a particular user. Also, the adjustment system 8 or 18 is employed to adjust the frame members 6 and 7 or 16 and 17 so as to determine if any web 10 or 20 is exposed and to what extent it is exposed. In an embodiment of the adjustable fin 1, the adjustment system 8 or 18 is utilized by rotating a fastener 9 or 19. The adjustment system 8 or 18 may also be used to fully close the adjustable fin 1 for swimming or transportation.

Claims

1. An adjustable fin apparatus, comprising:

an elongated blade portion;

an elongated first frame member and an elongated second frame member adapted for pivotal connection to the blade;

an adjustment system for the first and second frame members to rotate the pivotal connection of the frame members with respect to the blade; and

a thin web of a flexible polymeric material, the web extending between the first frame member and the blade portion and between the second frame member and the blade portion.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a shoe is removable attached to the blade portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the shoe is removably attached to the blade portion by one or more fasteners.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the shoe is removably attached to the blade portion by one or more straps.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second frame member is pivotally connected to the blade portion at substantially the same location as the first frame member and wherein the second frame member substantially equal in length to the first frame member.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the adjustment system for the first and second frame members comprises at least one fastener connected to the frame members wherein rotation of the fastener pivotally moves the frame members.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the fastener is pivotally connected to the frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivotal connection of the first and second frame members to the blade portion allows the frame members to pivot from a fully closed position wherein the frame members and web are located within the blade portion to a fully open position wherein the frame members are located greater distance from one another and substantially outside the blade portion.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the adjustment system for the first and second frame members comprises at least one fastener connected to the frame members wherein rotation of the fastener pivotally moves the frame members.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first and second frame members are pivotally connected to the blade at a location adjacent to the shoe attachment system.

11. An adjustable fin apparatus, comprising:

an elongated blade portion formed of a polymeric material, the blade including a shoe portion;

an elongated first frame member and an elongated second frame member adapted for pivotal connection to the blade portion;

an adjustment system for the first and second frame members to regulate the pivoting connection of the frame members with respect to the blade portion; and

a thin web of a flexible polymeric material, the web extending between the first frame member and the blade and between the second frame member and the blade.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the shoe portion comprises a foot pocket and ankle strap.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the pivotal connection of the first and second frame members to the blade portion is at a location substantially close to the shoe portion.

14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the second frame member is pivotally connected to the blade at substantially the same location as the first frame member and wherein the second frame member substantially equal in length to the first frame member.

15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the adjustment system for the first and second frame members comprises a fastener connected to the frame member wherein rotation of the fastener pivotally moves the frame member.

16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the pivotal connection of the first and second frame members to the blade portion allows the frame members to pivot from a fully closed position wherein the frame members and web are located within the blade portion to a fully open position wherein the frame members and web are exterior to the blade portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the fastener is pivotally connected to the frame.

18. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the adjustment system for the first and second frame members comprises a fastener connected to the frame member wherein rotation of the fastener pivotally moves the frame member.

19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first and second frame members are pivotally connected to the blade portion at a location substantially close to the shoe attachment system.