FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a swimming aid, more specifically to footwear for enhancing swimming.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known to enhance a swimmer’s ability to swim by providing footwear with flippers, thereby increasing the water displaced as the swimmer kicks their legs and increasing swimming speed.

Various styles of flipper are known in the art, for example different colours, widths, shapes and lengths of flippers. Bi-fin flippers provide separate fins for each foot, and monofin flippers provide a single fin that is moved by both feet together with one another to promote a dolphin-like swimming action.

One of the problems with existing flippers is that they are often very cumbersome and difficult to walk with when the swimmer is out of the water. Another problem is that swimmers require multiple sets of flippers if they wish to switch between different styles of flipper. Children’s feet also quickly grow out of flippers requiring new pairs to be purchased.

It is therefore an object of the invention to improve upon the known art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a swimming aid as defined in the appended claim 1 . The swimming aid comprises two shoes configured to be worn by a swimmer and three fins, wherein each shoe comprises a connection device configured for repeated attachment and removal of the fins from the shoe. Since each shoe is configured to attach to the fins, the swimmer can choose which fins they wish to attach, without the inconvenience of needing to remove the shoes from their feet and put on a different set of shoes. It is also possible for the swimmer to remove the fins from the shoes to enable easier walking in the shoes.

The three fins may comprise two bi-fins and a monofin, wherein each bi-fin is configured to be repeatedly attached and removed from a respective one of the shoes, and wherein the monofin is configured to be repeatedly attached and removed from both of the shoes at a same time as one another. Whereas a bi-fin can only be connected to one shoe at a time, and allows the swimmer to move their foot independently of the other foot, a monofin can be connected to both shoes at the same time, such that the swimmer uses both of their feet at once to propel the monofin. The swimming aid may comprise four fins for attachment to the shoes.

The connection device of each shoe may comprise a connection portion configured for repeated attachment and removal of the fins from the shoe. Accordingly, the connection portion may fit both the bi-fins and the monofin, rather than each shoe needing separate means of attachment for the bi-fins and the monofin.

The connection device may comprise a connection portion positioned along a front, toe end of each shoe, and may be configured to connect to a proximal end of each fin. Each bi-fin may have a proximal end configured to connect to a single one of the connection devices, and each monofin may have a proximal end configured to connect to two of the connection devices at once.

The connection portion and the proximal end of each fin may be configured to mate by sliding the proximal end in a direction parallel to a width of the shoe. Since the fin is moved in a direction parallel to the width of the shoe in order to connect the fin to the shoe, the fin is less likely to unintentionally separate from the shoe during swimming because the action of swimming does not typically exert a strong force in that direction between the fin and the shoe. The connection portion may comprise an elongated cavity running along the toe end of the shoe, and each fin may have an elongated protrusion running along their proximal ends, the elongated protrusion having a bulbous cross section, wherein the elongated cavity is configured to receive the elongated protrusion to mate the connection portion to the fin. Alternatively, the elongated protrusion may be part of the connection portion and the elongated cavity may be part of the fin.

The elongated cavity may comprise an elongated opening having a height smaller than a height of the elongated cavity, and the elongated protrusion may comprise an elongated neck and an elongated bulbous portion having the bulbous cross section, wherein the elongated neck is configured to locate in the elongated opening of the cavity and the elongated bulbous portion is configured to locate inside the elongated cavity.

The elongated protrusion may have a length of at least three times its height and at least three times its width, and the elongated cavity may have a length of at least three times its height and at least three times its width.

The elongated cavity may comprise an open end, and the elongated protrusion may be configured to slide into the open end of the elongated cavity and along the elongated cavity, enabling the connection portion and the fin to be securely connected together by sliding the fin in a direction parallel to the width of the shoe.

Each shoe may comprise an elastomeric enclosure and a connection portion formed of a more rigid material than the elastomeric enclosure, wherein the elastomeric enclosure is configured to receive a foot of a swimmer and the connection portion is configured for repeated attachment and removal of the fins to the shoe. The elastomeric nature of the enclosure allows it to be easily positioned over the foot and to flex as it moves through the water. The more rigid connection portion creates a stronger connection to the fin, and the connection portion is preferably formed of a hard plastics material. The shoe may be manufactured by over-molding the connection portion onto the elastomeric enclosure, so that they will not separate from one another in use. The elastomeric enclosure may be formed of a silicone material to provide a soft and comfortable fit for the swimmer’s feet.

The elastomeric enclosure may for example comprise a cavity configured to receive a front part of the foot of the swimmer, and a strap configured to stretch around a back of an ankle of the foot to secure the shoe to the foot.

The elastomeric enclosure preferably comprises a base portion defining a base of the shoe, in which a bottom surface of the base portion comprises surface formations for increasing grip. Then, the risk of the swimmer slipping when walking around the sides of a pool is reduced.

The fin may be formed of a silicone material, to allow flexing of the fins as the swimmer swims through the water.

Each fin may comprise a pair of straps and the connection device of each shoe may comprise a pair of anchoring points. The pair of anchoring points may be in addition to the connection portion, or may be used as an alternative to the connection portion. Each strap for anchoring to a respective one of the anchoring points to secure the fin to the shoe. The pair of straps and anchoring points allow the fin to be easily and securely attached to the shoe.

The pair of straps and anchoring points may comprise a plurality of holes and a plurality of protrusions for engaging into the holes, wherein the plurality of holes define a plurality of different positions at which the pair of straps of each fin can be anchored to the anchoring points of each shoe. Then the fins can easily be attached to different sizes of shoe by the protrusions engaging with the appropriate holes.

The pair of anchoring points of each shoe may comprise a left anchoring point located at a left side of the shoe and a right anchoring point located at a right side of the shoe. Then, the anchoring points help to restrain the fin from moving in leftward or rightward directions relative to the shoe as the wearer swims.

For additional security, the connection device may comprise a strip of material passing around a rear, ankle end of the shoe from left to right sides of the shoe, wherein the pair of anchoring points are formed in or on the strip. Then, the anchoring points resist being pulled forwardly by the straps and fin even if the material of the shoe is soft and flexible, since the strip restrains the anchoring points from moving towards the front of the shoe.

The front, toe end of the shoe may have one or more holes to allow water to escape from inside of the shoe.

Each fin may comprise an elastomeric enclosure configured to receive the shoe, typically the toe end of the shoe. However, it is also possible for the elastomeric enclosure to have a hole allowing the toe end of the shoe to protrude from the elastomeric enclosure. This can enable a wearers foot to be accommodated directly in the fin without any shoe, and the strip with the anchoring points can be provided separately from the shoe and passed around the ankle of the wearers foot to connect to the pair of straps.

Each fin may comprise a fin plate formed of a more rigid material than the elastomeric enclosure of the fin, and the elastomeric enclosure of the fin may be mounted to the fin plate. The elastomeric enclosure of the fin is able to flex to the shape of the shoe/foot, and the rigidity of the fin plate increases its efficiency and prevents excessive flexing of the fin as the wearer swims.

The elastomeric enclosure of the fin may be part of an elastomeric portion that has a peripheral region adjacent the elastomeric enclosure, the peripheral region being co-planar with the fin plate and fixed to the fin plate. The elastomeric enclosure may have a proximal end, a distal end, and sides extending from the proximal to the distal ends. The peripheral region may extend from the distal end and from the sides of the elastomeric enclosure. The peripheral region provides a large surface area between the elastomeric portion and the fin plate, enabling a strong connection between the elastomeric enclosure and the fin plate. This is important due to the large forces that may be transmitted from the elastomeric enclosure to the fin plate by the action of the wearer swimming. The peripheral region may for example be fixed to the fin plate using a plurality of rivets.

The elastomeric enclosure of the fin may comprise at least one hole at the distal end, to allow water to escape from the elastomeric enclosure.

The elastomeric enclosure of the fin may be provided with at least one strap, enabling the elastomeric enclosure to be tightened around the shoe. For example, the elastomeric enclosure of the fin may comprise at least one slot, and the at least one strap may be configured to draw opposing sides of each slot towards one another to tighten the elastomeric enclosure around the shoe.

Preferable there is one slot running in a proximal to distal direction at a left side of the elastomeric enclosure and another slot running in a proximal to distal direction at a right side of the elastomeric enclosure, and two straps, each strap extending from an upper portion of the elastomeric enclosure between the two slots, and across one of the slots, down to a respective left or right side of the elastomeric enclosure.

The two straps may each be formed by a loop of material anchored to the left or right side of the elastomeric enclosure or peripheral region, and the upper portion of the elastomeric enclosure may comprise a plurality of catches around which the loops can be stretched. Then, each loop is easily stretched around the appropriate catch to tighten and secure the elastomeric enclosure around the shoe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of non-limiting example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective diagram of a swimming aid in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the swimming aid comprising two shoes, two bi-fins, and a monofin;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective diagram of two elastomeric enclosures forming part of two shoes of the swimming aid of Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective diagram of two shoes comprising the elastomeric enclosures of Fig. 2 and two connection portions for fins;

Fig. 4 shows another schematic perspective diagram of the two shoes of Fig. 3, when viewed from beneath the shoes;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective diagram of the two bi-fins of Fig. 1 , when viewed from a proximal end of the bi-fins;

Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective diagram of the monofin of Fig. 1 , when viewed from a proximal end of the monofin;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective diagram illustrating the joining of the connection portion of the shoe to one of the bi-fins or the monofin;

Fig. 8 shows a schematic perspective diagram of the shoes when joined to the bi-fins;

Fig. 9 shows a schematic perspective diagram of the shoes when joined to the monofin;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective diagram of a fin and shoe forming part of a swimming aid in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective diagram of the fin and shoe of Fig. 10 when the shoe has been inserted into the fin;

Fig. 12 shows an exploded schematic diagram of the fin of Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 shows an alternative to the fin of Fig. 10, having an additional strip to allow wearing of the fin without the shoe; and

Fig. 14 shows additional fins suitable for fitting to the shoe of Fig. 10.

The figures are not to scale, and same or similar reference signs denote same or similar features.

The schematic diagram of Fig. 1 shows a swimming aid in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. The swimming aid may comprise two shoes 10 configured to be worn by a swimmer, two separate bi-fins 30, and a monofin 50. The swimming aid has height H, width W, and length L dimensions, corresponding to height, width and length dimensions of each shoe, and height, width and length dimensions of each bi-fin and monofin.

Each bi-fin 30 may configured to be repeatedly attached and removed from a respective one of the shoes 10, and the monofin may be configured to be repeatedly attached and removed from both of the shoes 10 at a same time as one another.

Accordingly, the swimmer may leave the bi-fins 30 and the monofin 50 off the shoes 10 when they wish to walk around outside of the water, for example around a swimming pool. The swimmer may attach the bi-fins 30 to the shoes 10 when they wish to swim with bi-fins, for example as shown in Fig. 8. The swimmer may attach the monofin 50 to the shoes 10 when they wish to swim with a monofin, for example as shown in Fig. 9. This can all be done without the swimmer needing to remove the shoes 10 from their feet, saving time and effort. The sizes, shapes and colours of the bi-fins 30 and monofins 50 may be varied, and the swimming aid may comprise a variety of different bi-fins and monofins from which the swimmer can choose.

As shown in Fig. 2, each shoe 10 may comprise an elastomeric enclosure 12 that is configured to receive a respective foot of the swimmer. The elastomeric enclosure 12 comprises a cavity configured to receive a front part of the foot of the swimmer, and a strap 13 configured to stretch around a back of an ankle of the foot to secure the shoe to the foot. It will be appreciated that the back of the foot is where the ankle is located, and the front of the foot is where the toes are located. The elastomeric enclosure 12 may have a hole 12a at a distal end of the elastomeric enclosure to allow any water within the elastomeric enclosure to escape.

The elastomeric material may be formed of silicone, for example using injection moulding, and stretches to provide a secure fit around the swimmers foot. The elastomeric enclosure may comprise a front, toe end 14 positioned forwardly of the swimmer’s toes. The toe end 14 may be plate-shaped and comprise corrugations 15.

As seen in Fig. 3, each shoe 10 also comprises a connection device in the form of a connection portion 16. The connection portion 16 may be formed of a more rigid material than that elastomeric enclosure 12, for example a hard plastics material. The connection portion 16 may be permanently attached to the elastomeric enclosure 12 by moulding the connection portion 16 over the toe end 14 of the elastomeric enclosure. The corrugations 15 help prevent the connection portion 16 from separating from the elastomeric enclosure 12. The connection portion may be in the shape of a plate, the plate lying in a plane parallel to a plane of the base 17 (see Fig. 4) of the elastomeric enclosure 12.

The toe end of the connection portion 16, running in a direction across the width of the shoe 10, may comprise an elongated cavity 21 . More specifically the connection portion 16 may have a toe end face 20, in a plane extending in the height H and width W directions of the shoe, and the elongated cavity 21 may extend into the connection portion from the toe end face 20. A cross section of the elongated cavity may be constant along a whole length of the elongated cavity, the length of the elongated cavity being in direction parallel to the width of the shoe 10. The elongated cavity 21 may extend from an inner side 26a of the connection portion, corresponding to an inner side of the shoe and inner side of the swimmers foot, towards but not all the way to an outer side 26b of the connection portion, corresponding to an outer side of the shoe and outer side of the swimmers foot.

As seen in Fig. 4, the base 17 of the elastomeric enclosure may defines a sole of the shoe 10, and the base 17 may comprises surface formations 18 that protrude outwardly from the plane of the base 17 to provide extra grip between the shoe and a floor surface that a wearer of the shoe walks upon.

The schematic diagram of Fig. 5 shows the bi-fins 30 in more detail. Each bi-fin may have a proximal end with an elongated protrusion 40 running in a direction across the width of the bi-fin, parallel to the width of the shoe. The proximal end may be configured to be attached to the toe end of the shoe 10. More specifically the proximal end may have a proximal end face 35, in a plane extending in the height H and width W directions of the bi-fin. The elongated protrusion 40 may comprise an elongated neck 41 extending perpendicular from the proximal end face 35 and in the length L direction of the bi-fin 30, and an elongated bulbous portion 42 extending from the elongated neck 41 and in the length L direction of the bi-fin 30. The elongated neck 41 may have a height smaller than a height of the elongated bulbous portion 42.

The elongated bulbous portion 42 may have a bulbous cross-section, and a cross section of the elongated protrusion may be constant along a whole length of the elongated protrusion, the length of the elongated protrusion being in a direction parallel to the width of the bi-fin 30.

The elongated bulbous portion 42 may have an end face 43, and the elongated neck portion 41 may connect to the elongated bulbous portion 42 at the end face 43. The end face 43 may be planar, and may be in a parallel plane to the proximal end face 35, and face towards the proximal end face 35.

As shown in Fig. 6, the monofin 50 may comprise two of the elongated protrusions 40, extending from a proximal end face 55 of the monofin. The proximal end face 55 extends in the width and height directions of the monofin, similar to the proximal end face 35. The two elongated protrusions 40 are spaced apart from one another in this embodiment, but could join up together if desired.

The schematic diagram of Fig. 7 shows the elongated protrusion 40 of any one of the bi-fins or monofin being slid in a widthwise direction 70, from the inside to the outside of the connection portion 16 of the shoe, in order to join the bi-fin or monofin to the shoe. Specifically, the bi-fin or monofin may be moved in direction 70 to insert the elongated protrusion 40 into the elongated cavity 21 . The direction 70 is parallel to the width direction of the shoe and the width direction of the bi-fin or monofin.

As shown, the elongated cavity 21 may comprise an elongated opening 22 and an elongated cave 24, the elongated opening 22 leading into the elongated cave 24, and the elongated opening 22 having a height smaller than a height of the elongated cave 24. The elongated cave 24 may have an end face 23, and the elongated opening 22 may open to the elongated cave 24 at the end face 23. The end face 23 may be planar, and may be in a parallel plane to the toe end face 20, and face in an opposite direction from the toe end face 20.

A cross section of the elongated cavity may be constant along a whole length of the elongated cavity, the length of the elongated cavity being in a direction parallel to the width of the shoe 10.

The elongated neck 41 (see Fig. 5) of the elongated protrusion may be configured to slide into the elongated opening 22 of the elongated cavity, and the elongated bulbous portion 42 (see Fig. 5) of the elongated protrusion may be configured to slide into the elongated cave 24 of the elongated protrusion. When the elongated protrusion has been slid into the elongated cavity, the toe end face 20 may abut against the proximal end face 35 or 55, to stabilise the connection between the connection portion and the bi-fin or monofin. The end face 43 of the elongated bulbous portion may also abut against the end face 23 of the elongated cavity, to further stabilise the connection between the connection portion and the bi-fin or monofin.

When the elongated protrusion has been fully slid into the elongated cavity to connect the bi-fin or monofin to the connection portion, friction between the elongated protrusion and the elongated cavity may prevent the elongated protrusion from unintentionally withdrawing from the elongated cavity.

Whilst the connection between the connection portion and the bi-fin I monofin in the illustrated embodiments uses a specific elongated protrusion and elongated cavity to form the connection, it will be appreciated that other types of connection could be used in alternate embodiments.

The schematic perspective diagram of Fig. 10 shows a shoe 110 and a fin 120 forming part of a swimming aid in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. The swimming aid may comprise two of the shoes and fins, for left and right feet of the wearer, and may comprise a further fin such as the monofin 120d shown in Fig. 14. Each shoe 110 may comprise a sole 112 that includes a toe cap 113. An upper 114 may be affixed to the sole. The sole including toe cap 113 may be formed of rubber, and the upper 114 may be formed of neoprene. The shoe 110 is shown in Fig. 10 as being worn on a foot of a wearer 100. The toe cap 113 may comprise one or more holes 115 to allow water to escape from the inside of the shoe.

Each shoe may also comprise a strip 116 of material that passes around the rear, ankle end of the shoe from the left to the right sides of the shoe. The strip may for example be defined as a reinforced portion of the sole, or may be a length of woven material embedded into or adhered to the sole 112 and/or the upper 114. The two opposing ends of the strip each have an anchoring point 16, in the form of a bulbous protrusion, for example a stud or popper, or in the form of a button-like protrusion. The anchoring points are fixed to the strip, for example embedded in the strip, and define a connection device for connecting the fin 120 to the shoe 110.

The fin 120 may comprise a fin plate 130 and an elastomeric portion 140 connected to the fin plate. The elastomeric portion 140 may be moulded of silicone rubber, and/or the fin plate 130 may be a stamped sheet of polypropylene.

The elastomeric portion 140 may comprise an elastomeric enclosure 142 and a peripheral region 144 around the periphery of the elastomeric enclosure. The peripheral region 144 may be co-planar with the fin plate 130 and may be secured to the fin plate 130 by a plurality of rivets 148 to create a strong connection and to enable the fin to be easily dismantled for recycling. The elastomeric enclosure 142 has a concave shape and defines an enclosure for receiving the front of the shoe 110, the front end of the shoe 110 fitting between the elastomeric enclosure 142 and the fin plate 130 (as shown in Fig. 11 ).

The elastomeric enclosure 142 is provided with two straps 153 each in the form of a loop of elastomer at left and right sides of the elastomeric enclosure. The straps 153 are connected to strap mounts 152, the strap mounts 152 being embedded in left and right sides of the peripheral region 144, adjacent to the elastomeric enclosure 142. The elastomeric enclosure 142 defines an opening for receiving the shoe 110 at a proximal end of the elastomeric enclosure, and the elastomeric enclosure may comprise two V-shaped slots 150 that each extend forwardly from the proximal end of the elastomeric enclosure 142. One of the V- shaped slots may be towards the left side of the shoe and the other V-shaped slot may be towards the right side of the shoe, defining an upper portion of the elastomeric enclosure between the two V-shaped slots. The upper portion may have catches 154 embedded in a row generally parallel to the proximal end of the elastomeric enclosure, the catches configured to receive the straps 153.

Each fin 130 may further comprise a pair of straps 160, each strap 160 extending rearwardly away from the proximal end of the elastomeric enclosure at the left or right side of the elastomeric enclosure. The straps may be integrally formed with the elastomeric enclosure. Each strap 160 may comprise row of holes 162 that are spaced along the length of the strap 160. Each strap 160 may be provided with a strap jacket 164 through which the strap passes. Each strap jacket 164 may have a row of holes 166 that are aligned with the holes 162 of the strap. The strap jackets 164 are preferably formed of a more rigid material than the straps 160, to help support the straps 160.

The attachment of the fin 120 to the shoe 110 will now be described with reference to Fig. 11 , which shows the toe end of the shoe 110 inserted into the elastomeric enclosure 142. To connect the fin 120 to the shoe 110, the straps 160 may be pulled rearwardly along the sides of the shoe 110 to pull the elastomeric enclosure 142 over the toe end of the shoe 110. Once the toe end of the shoe cannot advance into the elastomeric enclosure 142 any further, the protrusions 118 of the shoe may be pushed through the nearest holes 162 and 166 of the strap 160 and strap jacket 164, respectively, securing the shoe in the elastomeric enclosure. To add further security, the elastomeric loops 153 may be pulled upwardly over the catches 154, to tighten the elastomeric enclosure 142 around the toe end of the shoe. The V-shape slots allow the size of the opening at the proximal end of the elastomeric enclosure 142 to be reduced to match the size of the shoe under the influence of the elastomeric loops 153. The fins 120 may be connected to various sizes of shoe by selecting which of the holes 162 and 164 receive the protrusion 118, and which of the catches 154 are used to secure the elastomeric loops 153.

The distal end of the elastomeric enclosure 142 may have a hole 142a to allow any water trapped inside the elastomeric enclosure to escape.

Fig. 12 shows an exploded schematic diagram of the various components of the fin 120 in isolation from one another. The strap mounts 152 may be formed of a more rigid material than the elastomeric portion, and may be fixed through hole 152a in the peripheral region of the elastomeric portion, and into hole 152b of the fin plate. The catches 154 may be formed of a more rigid material than the elastomeric portion and fixed into holes 154a in the elastomeric enclosure. The straps 160 may be threaded into the strap jackets 164.

In alternative embodiments, the protrusions 118 may be formed as holes, and the holes 162/166 may be formed as protrusions. An additional variation of the swimming aid, allowing the swimming aid to be used without the shoes if desired, is shown in Fig. 13. The fin 120a is the same as the fin 120 except for that the distal end of the elastomeric enclosure is cut away to provide an opening 158, through which the wearer’s toes may protrude. A strap 116a similar to the strap 116 is provided separately from any shoe, and the strap 116a has anchoring points 118a similar to the anchoring points 118 of strap 116. The strap 116a can be passed around the ankle of the wearers foot and the protrusions 118a inserted into appropriate ones of the holes 162 and 166 to secure the fin 120a to the wearer’s foot.

The shoe 110 can be secured to many different types of fin employing similar attachment methods, to allow for different swimming strokes or styles, or different levels of swimming assistance. Fig. 14 shows a variety of different fins that may form part of the swimming aid, including a bi-fin 120a with a short fin plate 130b, a bi-fin 120c with a long fin plate 130c, a monofin 120d with a fin plate 130d and two of the elastomeric enclosures 140 for receiving two respective feet of the wearer, and a bi-fin 120e with a circular fin plate 130e that is well-suited to breaststroke.

The wearer can therefore easily change the type of fin connected to their shoes, and each of the fins is suitable for use with many different sizes of shoe, meaning the wearer does not need to buy new fins each time they go up a shoe size.

The shoes and fins are aimed at fitness, recreational and/or competition use. They may be deck shoes and training aids with multiple uses and foot protection, ideal for competitive swimmers, recreational swimmers, coaches and lifeguards, and may be specifically designed to suit all genders and ages.

Many other variations of the illustrated embodiments falling within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.