Fin and fin system

Details Fin and fin system Fin and fin system

2000-06-02

2001-09-18

Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)

Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices

Swimming aid to increase stroke efficiency

Foot attached

Reexamination Certificate

active

06290560

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to self contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba) diving apparatus, in particular, but not exclusively to a quick release diving fin and fin system.
BACKGROUND ART
Fins used for scuba diving and snorkelling are well known. In particular, fins used in these activities have improved primarily in their design to reduce drag through water. The method of attaching fins to the feet of the diver or snorkeller, however, has not advanced to the same extent and such fins are still secured to the diver's feet by means of adjustable heel straps. Furthermore, divers now often wear diving boots of soft rubber over which their fins are worn. The difficulty of attaching and removing conventional fins on a pitching boat or diving platform presents a moderate difficulty which is further compounded if the diver is of a mature age or suffers from flexibility problems or has a bad back. Stooping or bending to release the heel straps of fins when also holding breathing apparatus or potentially hazardous implements such as spear guns can be particularly dangerous especially on a rocking boat. There is therefore a need for a fin design and a fin system for use with diving boots having a simplified attachment and quick release operation.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a diving fin for use with diving boots which alleviates at least one of the problems associated with wearing fins or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.
STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention resides in an improved fin for use with diving boots including in combination a fin member having diving boot quick release means adapted to engage and disengage a diving boot; the quick release means comprising a heel engaging clip biased to clip in secure locking arrangement, the heel of the boot and to unclip from the heel on application of moderate force against the bias.
In another aspect, the invention resides in a diving boot quick release attachment means adapted to be fitted to a conventional diving fin; the attachment means including in combination a support member adapted to be fastened to a foot pocket portion of the fin; the support member adapted to support diving boot quick release means adapted to engage and disengage a diving boot; the quick release means comprising a heel engaging clip biased to clip in secure locking arrangement, the heel of the boot and to unclip from the heel on application of moderate force against the bias.
In a further aspect, the invention resides in a specially adapted diving boot to be used with a fin having quick release diving boot engaging means adapted to engage and disengage the boot, the quick release means comprising a heel engaging clip biased to clip in secure locking arrangement, the heel of the boot; the heel having a complementary shaped portion adapted to engage with the clip and to disengage from the clip on application of moderate force against the bias.
In an alternative version, the invention resides in a separate heel retention fitting adapted to clip in secure locking arrangement, with a heel engaging clip; the fitting adapted to be attached to the heel section of a conventional diving boot.
Preferably the heel engaging clip is a wide hook shaped catch of resilient material such as an polypropylene, plastic or rubber, or similar material, biased to clip or hook onto the heel of a diving boot with a moderate force.
Preferably the diving boot has a shaped heel or a heel with a complementary shaped portion adapted to engage the heel engaging clip in a clip locking action.
Conveniently, disengagement of the diving boot from the fin is by application of moderate force against the bias of the clip to unlock the clip from the heel or portion of the heel of the boot adapted to engage the clip by hand, or by means of a suitable implement or by stepping on the clip with the other foot.


REFERENCES:
patent: 5324219 (1994-06-01), Beltrani et al.

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