U.S. patent application number 12/483688 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-16 for adjustable fin.
This patent application is currently assigned to ULTIMATE INNOVATIVE DESIGN, INC.. Invention is credited to Christopher Donahue.
Application Number | 20100317246 12/483688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43306815 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100317246 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Donahue; Christopher |
December 16, 2010 |
ADJUSTABLE FIN
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.
Inventors: |
Donahue; Christopher;
(Bethalto, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Polster, Lieder, Woodruff & Lucchesi, L.C.
12412 Powerscourt Dr. Suite 200
St. Louis
MO
63131-3615
US
|
Assignee: |
ULTIMATE INNOVATIVE DESIGN,
INC.
Edwardsville
IL
|
Family ID: |
43306815 |
Appl. No.: |
12/483688 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 31/11 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/64 |
International
Class: |
A63B 31/11 20060101
A63B031/11; A63B 31/08 20060101 A63B031/08 |
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.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] 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.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] 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.
[0005] 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
[0006] 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
[0007] Referring now to the drawings in which like reference
numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0009] FIG. 1A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the
circled area A of FIG. 1;
[0010] 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;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom view drawing depicting an embodiment of
the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;
[0014] FIG. 4A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the
circled area A of FIG. 4;
[0015] 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;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of
the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of
the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the
circled area A of FIG. 7;
[0020] 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;
[0021] FIG. 8 is bottom view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a side view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view drawing depicting an embodiment of the
adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally open;
[0024] FIG. 10A is a drawing depicting the enlarged view of the
circled area A of FIG. 10;
[0025] 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;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a front view drawing depicting an embodiment of
the adjustable fin with the frame members pivotally closed;
[0027] 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
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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).
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
* * * * *