Cross-Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of priority to United States Patent Application No. 12/269,196, filed November 12, 2008, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to footwear for swimming and, more particularly, to devices for enhancing the speed of a user thereof, e.g., a swimmer.

Background of the Invention

It is known in the art to provide a swim fin for propelling a user thereof, e.g., a swimmer. The prior art includes apparatus that have a foot portion and a fin portion, where the foot portion is a close-fitting shoe-like structure, and where the fin portion is attached and lengthy relative thereto. While a lengthy fin portion might increase the propulsive force of a swimmer's kick, such can be bulky and difficult to walk in, while the foot portion can be cumbersome to fit onto the foot and limiting by the foot size of the wearer. It is further known in the art to provide a swim fin that includes pivoting or locking mechanisms for purposes of flipping a fin area out of the way or removing it completely. While these mechanisms might surmount the problem of awkward walking on land or into a body of water, it is possible that such may be prone to malfunction or other problems, while preserving the bulky and cumbersome nature of the footwear. What is needed in the art is a swim fin device with enhanced ease of use to overcome these and/or other disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

Disclosed herein is a swim fin device that can be provided alone and/or in combination with footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and/or a heel strap.

In a first aspect of the invention, a swim fin device is provided. The swim fin device can include a sole portion for alignment with a sole area of footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and a toe portion extending from the sole portion for alignment with a sole area of the foot thong, where the sole portion and the toe portion cooperate to define an opening for receiving a toe support (e.g., a toe tether) of the foot thong. The swim fin can further include a fin portion extending from the toe portion. The sole portion, the toe portion, and the fin portion can be integrally formed, substantially continuous, and/or substantially planar.

In a second aspect of the invention, a swim fin device is provided in combination with a foot thong. The foot thong can include a body with a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto, and further includes a toe tether having an end, which is referenced herein as an anchor, and which can be secured to the body proximal the first surface. The swim fin can be (i) secured proximal the first surface, (ii) include at least one portion in alignment with the foot thong and defining an opening that receives the toe tether, and (iii) include a fin portion extending from the at least one portion. A heel strap can be provided with ends that are attachable to corresponding ends of the toe tether. In some embodiments of the invention, a heel strap can wrap under the swim fin device, e.g., between the swim fin device and the foot thong, and can be provided with ends that are attachable behind a heel of a user.

Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed swim fin device, combinations including the swim fin device, and methods of use shall be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiment(s) considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a swim fin device constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swim fin device being shown in combination with a foot thong;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the swim fin device of FIG. 1 ; FIG. 3 is a schematic showing the swim fin device of FIGS. 1 and 2 being assembled with the foot thong of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heel strap for use with the foot thong and swim fin device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heel strap of FIG. 4 in combination with the foot thong and swim fin device of FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a swim fin device constructed in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the swim fin device being shown with a foot thong and a heel strap; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic showing the swim fin device of FIG. 6 being assembled with the foot thong.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1 , for example, a swim fin device 1 is shown constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The swim fin device 1 is shown in combination with a foot thong 10. The foot thong 10 includes a body 11 having: a first surface 12, e.g., a top surface, proximal to where a foot of swimmer is received; a second surface 13, e.g., a bottom surface, that is opposite the first surface 12 and configured to contact the ground when the user is walking on land, such that the body 11 spaces the first surface 12 apart from the ground when a user is walking on land; and a third surface 14 and a fourth surface 15, e.g., side elevational surfaces. The foot thong 10 further includes a toe tether 16 having a first end 17 extending from the third surface 14, a second end 18 extending from the fourth surface 15, and an end, referenced herein as an anchor 19, extending from the first surface 12. It is preferred that the anchor 19 of toe tether 16 be secured to the body 11 at a position at or proximal the first surface 12, such that the foot thong 10 is configured, in use, to separate a big toe of a user's foot from the remaining toes of a user's foot. It is contemplated that any suitable footwear (e.g., a foot thong) and toe support (e.g., a toe tether) can be utilized, and it is further contemplated that the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 (or other toe support) can extend from any surface of the foot thong 10 or other footwear. The footwear (e.g., a foot thong) is preferably formed of a water resistant material and, in this regard, is preferably formed of plastic or natural or synthetic rubber. It is contemplated that the footwear can comprise a shoe.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1 , a preferred embodiment of the swim fin device 1 of the present invention is shown. The swim fin device 1 preferably includes a substantially continuous and substantially planar substrate formed of a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic. The material can be natural or synthetic. The swim fin device 1 has a sole portion 2, a toe portion 3 extending from the sole portion 2, and a fin portion 4 extending from the toe portion 3 opposite the sole portion 2. It is contemplated that the swim fin device 1 can include additional structure distinct from and/or integral therewith. The sole portion 2 and toe portion 3 are sized, shaped, and dimensioned to be seated upon the first surface 12, e.g., the top surface, of the foot thong 10, and the fin portion 4 is positioned to be spaced apart from, e.g., elevated off of, the ground during walking, preferably at least about one-quarter inch (1/4"), and more preferably about one-quarter inch (1/4") to about one-half inch (1/2"). The sole portion 2 is preferably tapered so as to fit between the toe tether ends 17, 18 of both adult- and junior-size foot thongs. The sole portion 2 can be shaped to fit the sole of a user's foot with a left foot and right foot version.

The swim fin device 1 is securingly attached to the foot thong 10 by means of a scored or slotted opening 5 that can be defined by the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3. The slotted opening 5 and/or defining structure thereof can be provided with a flexible memory so as flex open and closed for attaching to, remaining attached to, and detaching from the toe tether of a foot thong. The slotted opening 5 extends from about the center of a lateral side edge of the sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 and terminates at an area referenced herein as a hole 6. The hole 6 is preferably sized, shaped, dimensioned, and positioned so as to receive the toe tether 16 and/or anchor 19 thereof proximal the first surface 12 of the foot thong 10. The hole 6 of the toe portion 3, for example, encircles or circumscribes the anchor 19, thereby attaching the swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. A foot of a user can be received between the toe tether 16 and the swim fin device 1. The hole 6 is preferably positioned at a point common to a plurality of adult and junior size foot thongs.

In some embodiments, the sole portion 2 of the swim fin device 1 is abbreviated and tapers between the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 to end short of the heel, while the hole 6 in the toe portion 3 is positioned at the location of the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10 so as to selectively allow attachment to and removal from and to fit multiple sized thongs, such as a foot thong having a first size and a second foot thong having a second size, e.g., adult- and junior-sized foot thongs.

Referring to FIG. 2, the swim fin device 1 is shown with further detail to comprise a continuous sole portion 2, toe portion 3, and fin portion, with the slotted opening 5 in the sole portion 2 traversing from the center of the tapered sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 to terminate at the hole 6, which, as indicated above, is sized, shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to secure to the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10. Lateral side edges of the toe portion 3 fan out and extend at a wider angle through to the fin portion 4 and can terminate at an end 20 that angles inwardly to converge, e.g., one-hundred and eighty degrees. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the end 20 is about three inches from that position of the swim fin device 1 configured for alignment with a toe edge of the foot thong 1. In this regard, it is preferable that the fin portion 4 extend beyond a perimeter of the foot thong 10, and it is preferable that the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3 be positioned within a perimeter of the foot thong 10. Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic is provided to show the swim fin device 1 being assembled with the foot thong 10. In the embodiment shown, the slotted opening 5 extends from about the center of a lateral side edge of the sole portion 2 to the toe portion 3 to terminate at the hole 6, which is of the approximate size of and at the location of the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10. The swim fin device 1 is flexed, and the slotted opening 5 is opened (while retaining the flex memory) and the anchor 19 is slid or otherwise inserted into the opening 5 until the anchor 19 is received by the hole 6, which encircles the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16, attaching the recreational swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. When the swim fin device 1 and the foot thong 10 are assembled, the sole portion 2 and the toe portion 3 are seated upon the foot thong 10 and/or first surface 12 thereof, so as to be spaced apart from the ground. In some embodiments of the present invention, the lateral side edges of the toe portion 3 fan out to continue at a wider angle through the fin portion 4 and angle inwardly to converge at the end 20. The end 20 can be about three inches longitudinally from the toe edge of the foot thong 10 so as to enable propelling of the user in water at a faster rate of speed due to the increased surface area that the fin portion 4 provides.

Referring to FIG. 4, the swim fin device 1 can optionally include or otherwise be provided with a heel strap 7. For example, use of the heel strap 7 might be desirable when swimming in turbulent water. The heel strap 7 is preferably stretchable, and can include at ends thereof a plurality of fasteners. The heel strap 7 can include a plurality of strips of conjugable hooked/looped fabric or a "hook and loop fastener," such as a Velcro® hook and loop fastener. For example, the ends of the heel strap 7 can each include a first fastener portion 8 (e.g., a two or three inch strip of the "hook portion"), and a second fastener portion 9 complementary therewith

(e.g. a two to three inch strip of the "loop portion") can be spaced apart from the first fastener portion 9, e.g., by about two inches, and away from the center 21 of the heel strap 7. Referring to FIG. 5, the swim fin device 1 is shown to include the heel strap 7 of FIG. 4 and in combination with the foot thong 10. The anchor 19 is securingly received within the hole 6 of the swim fin device 1 , and a user's foot is received between the toe tether 16 and the swim fin device 1. The heel strap 7 is fastened at ends thereof to the toe tether 16 and extends about the heel of the user so as to facilitate secure positioning of the foot, and it is contemplated that the center 21 of the heel strap 7 can secure the ankle. A first conjugable set of fastener portions 8 and 9 can be fastened proximal the first end 17 of the toe tether 16, and a second conjugable set of fastener portions 8 and 9 are fastened proximal the second end 18 of the toe tether 16. In some embodiments of the invention, the heel strap 7 is substantially free of supplemental fabric that might decrease hugging of the heel strap 7 on the foot and/or ankle.

In some embodiments of the invention, the swim fin device 1 can be characterized as a recreational swim fin unit. It shall be understood that embodiments of the invention may have broad application in use, such as in recreational swimming activities, swim fitness, swim instruction, snorkeling, etc. Moreover, the present invention contemplates recreational and/or non-recreational uses.

In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the swim fin device 1 accommodates walking on land at least by virtue of the elevation of the swim fin device 1 from the ground. Moreover, the swim fin device 1 is easily worn or removed in or out of the water at whatever interval the user wishes and provides added propulsion and enhanced foot/ankle flexibility while swimming. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide an open heel and foot design that provides enhanced foot/ankle flexibility, easy removal, and portability. The swim fin device 1 is provided with sufficient flex-memory to provide an open position for attaching and detaching/removing the swim fin device 1 to the toe tether 16 of the foot thong 10 and a closed position for securing the swim fin device 1 to the foot thong 10. A scored opening 5 and/or defining structure thereof can be provided with a flexible memory so as flex open and closed for attaching to, remaining attached to, and detaching from the toe tether 16 of a foot thong 10. In some embodiments, a conventional or standard foot thong known in the art is provided with a conventional or standard toe tether. It is contemplated that the swim fin device 1 alone and/or in combination with the foot thong 10 (and/or heel strap 7) can be provided in adult and/or junior sizes. It is contemplated that the toe tether 16 can be located at a point common among foot thongs known in the art. Other footwear and/or toe supports are contemplated.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Elements illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 which correspond substantially to the elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1-5 have been designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred. The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is constructed and used in manners consistent with the foregoing description of the swim fin device 1 , etc., shown in FIGS. 1-5 unless it is stated otherwise.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the slotted opening 105 of the swim fin device 101 is provided to have a shape similar to that of a number seven. As shown in FIG. 1 , for example, it is contemplated that the slotted opening 5 can be provided with any suitable shape and a plurality of slot segments. Referring to FIG. 6, the slotted opening 105 is shown to preferably include a first slot segment 105a and a second slot segment 105b extending therefrom, both of which are preferably straight and form an angle with the other, so as to emulate the shape of the number seven. The slotted opening 105 terminates with a hole 106 in the second slot segment 105b distal from the first slot segment 105a. For reasons that are discussed further below, the first slot segment 105a is more aligned with a longitudinal axis of the swim fin device 101 than a transverse axis thereof, and the second slot segment 105b is more aligned with the transverse axis of the swim fin device 101 than the longitudinal axis thereof. Continuing with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the swim fin device 101 is provided with a heel strap 107 having a conjugable set of hook and loop fastener portions 108 and 109 that can be fastened to one another behind the heel of a user, for example. The swim fin device 101 is provided with a plurality of openings 122, 126 proximal the toe portion 103 of the swim fin device 101. The toe portion 103, for example, includes a strip 124 spacing the openings 122, 126 apart from each other. In this regard, the heel strap 107 can extend from a first end 108 thereof behind the heel of a user, underneath the swim fin device 101 , up through the opening 122, over the strip 124, down through the second opening 126, and to a second end 109 of the heel strap 107 releasably fastened to the first end 108 behind a heel of a user at a position distal the toe portion 103. In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 7, the openings 122, 126, and strip 124 are positioned along the swim fin device 101 , such that at least some areas of the heel strap 107 beneath the swim fin device 101 extend between the toe portion 103 and the foot thong 10, and, in use, fit snugly herebetween by virtue of the weight of the user, the heel strap 107 continuing over the ends 17, 18 of the toe tether 16 to be fastened around the heel of the user. In some embodiments, the swim fin device 101 can be provided with the heel strap 7 of FIGS. 1-5, and, in some embodiments, no heel strap is provided.

Referring to FIG. 7, a schematic is provided to show the swim fin device 101 being assembled with the foot thong 10. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, which includes the slotted opening 105 having segments 105a and 105b, the swim fin device 101 is flexed and the slotted opening 101 is opened (while retaining the flex memory). In the embodiment shown, the anchor 19 is first slid in a substantially longitudinal direction through the first slot segment 105a and thereafter slid in a substantially transverse direction through the second slot segment 105b. In this regard, when the swim fin device 101 is worn by a user, motion of the swim fin device 101 in the longitudinal direction is inhibited by the structure defining the second slot segment 105b. Moreover, in embodiments where the swim fin device 101 is worn with a foot thong 10 having the toe tether 16 with sides 17, 18 or other footwear, the sides 17, 18 inhibit motion of the swim fin device 101 in the transverse direction. Motion is also inhibited in both the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction by virtue of the weight of the user. After the anchor 19 of the toe tether 16 is received by the hole 106, for example, the heel strap 107 can be releasably fastened at its ends 108, 109 behind the heel of the user, for example.

The above aspects of the present invention have been given by way of illustrative example. It will be realized that any modifications and variations thereto are deemed to fall within the broad scope and field of the invention as herein set forth including a combination comprising a foot thong and a swim fin device formed integrally therewith, such as a molded, monolithic combination foot thong/elevated swim fin/heel strap (e.g., embodiments of the present invention contemplate a substantially monolithic structure including the foot thong, elevated swim fin device, and heel strap).

While various embodiments of the invention have been described herein, it should be apparent, however, that various modifications, alterations and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with the attainment of some or all of the advantages of the present invention. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations and adaptations without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.