RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of United States Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0104968, filed Nov. 3, 2010, entitled Retractable Swim Fins, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/258,094, filed Nov. 4, 2009, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/449,599, filed Mar. 4, 2011, entitled SWIM FINS, which is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to swim fins. Typical swim fins are worn on the foot of a swimmer to aid movement through the water while surface swimming or participating in swimming-related activities such as bodyboarding, bodysurfing, kneeboarding, riverboarding, snorkeling, and various types of underwater diving. For example, scuba divers use swim fins to move through water efficiently, as human feet provide relatively poor thrust, especially when the diver is carrying equipment that increases hydrodynamic drag.

Unfortunately, typical swim fins have several problems. For example, since typical swim fins attach only to the foot and heel of a swimmer, typical swim fins can cause severe ankle strain and calf muscle fatigue. This is due to the mass of water moved by the fin and the fact that the ankle joint rotates through a complex, non-planar, arc. Further, the ankle does not generally orient the foot optimally for forward thrust, thus reducing the efficiency of the hydrofoil properties of the fin. Further, typical swim fins increase the footprint of the swimmer and are constructed of heavy and bulky materials, thus making it difficult to walk, as is often necessary when entering or exiting water via a shoreline, a boat, or a dock.

Another major problem with typical swim fins is related to an integral foot pocket that at least partially encloses the foot of the swimmer. Unfortunately, foot pockets tend to inadvertently gather foreign objects such as sand or gravel which can chafe the foot of the swimmer making swimming and walking uncomfortable or even painful, and can further risk infection. Also, foot pockets tend to retain some water which can be uncomfortable because the foot of the swimmer does not dry even when the swimmer is out of the water. Further, it can be difficult or impossible to clear foreign objects or water from the foot pocket without completely removing the swim fin from the foot of the swimmer. Also, foot pockets tend to restrict the other types of footwear, such as sandals or water socks, that can simultaneously be worn. Finally, foot pockets deprive the swimmer of the joyful sensation of walking bare-footed across the warm sand of a sandy beach or the cool grass of a grassy lawn.

SUMMARY

The present invention presents novel swim fins that overcome at least some of the challenges involved in tradition beyond-the-foot swim fins. The swim fins disclosed herein can include a frame and one or more louvered blades coupled to the frame. The swim fin can additionally or alternatively include a proximal mount coupled to a proximal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg of a swimmer, and a distal mount coupled to a distal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg, foot, and/or the ankle of a swimmer.

In some embodiments, the swim fins are configured to mount to the leg in such a way that the ankle joint and calf muscles are spared from strain and fatigue caused by typical swim fins. Mounting to the leg rather than solely to the foot can improve efficiency of the blade for better forward propulsion, and improve general comfort and usability. Accordingly, some configurations of swim fins disclosed can generally place the fin between the knee and the foot/toes. For instance, the swim fin can be supported proximally near the knee and distally near the ankle/foot/toes. Additionally, in some configurations, the swim fins can include louvered blades.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention may be incorporated into certain embodiments of the invention and will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter. The present invention does not require that all the advantageous features and all the advantages described herein be incorporated into every embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other features and advantages of the invention are obtained will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a representative swim fin with louvered vents;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a representative swim fin with paired louvered vents;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the representative swim fin of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 attached to a swimmer's leg;

FIG. 4 is an alternate side view of a representative swim fin of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 attached to a swimmer's leg;

FIG. 5 is an alternative side view of a representative swim fin of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 attached to a swimmer's leg with a leg mount;

FIG. 6 is another alternative side view of a representative swim fin of FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 attached to a swimmer's leg with a swim shoe;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another representative swim fin with louvered vents;

FIG. 8 is an isolated perspective view of a representative louvered vent;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the louvered vent of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a side view of the louvered vent of FIG. 7 during an initial phase of a downward kick motion, in use;

FIG. 10B is a side view of the louvered vent of FIG. 7 during a later phase of a downward kick motion, in use;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the louvered vent of FIG. 7 during a early phase of an upward kick motion, in use;

FIG. 10D is a side view of the louvered vent of FIG. 7 during an initial phase of an upward kick motion, in use;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of another representative swim fin with louvered vents and a slit opening for toes;

FIG. 12 is a front view of yet another representative swim fin with louvered vents;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another representative swim fin with louvered vents;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the swim fin of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the swim fin of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the swim fin of FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the swim fin of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a side, cross sectioned view of the swim fin of FIG. 13;

FIG. 19 is a side view of another representative swim fin with an alternative distal mount;

FIG. 20 is a top isolated view of the alternative distal mount of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a side, cross sectioned view of the swim fin of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The presently preferred embodiments of the present invention can be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but is merely representative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase â€œA/Bâ€ means A or B. For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase â€œA and/or Bâ€ means â€œ(A), (B), or (A and B).â€ For the purposes of the present invention, the phrase â€œat least one of A, B, and Câ€ means â€œ(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).â€

Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding embodiments of the present invention; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent.

The description may use the phrases â€œin an embodiment,â€ or â€œin various embodiments,â€ which may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. Furthermore, the terms â€œcomprising,â€ â€œincluding,â€ â€œhaving,â€ and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present invention, are synonymous with the definition afforded the term â€œcomprising.â€

The terms â€œcoupledâ€ and â€œconnected,â€ along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Rather, in particular embodiments, â€œconnectedâ€ may be used to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical contact with each other. â€œCoupledâ€ may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, â€œcoupledâ€ may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.

The present invention relates generally to swim fins. The swim fins disclosed herein can include a frame and one or more louvered blades coupled to the frame. The swim fin can additionally or alternatively include a proximal mount coupled to a proximal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg of a swimmer, and a distal mount coupled to a distal portion of the frame and configured to attach to the leg, foot, or the ankle of a swimmer.

In some embodiments, the swim fins is configured to mount to the leg in such a way that the ankle joint and calf muscles are spared from strain and fatigue caused by typical swim fins. Mounting to the leg rather than solely to the foot can improve efficiency of the blade for better forward propulsion, and improve general comfort and usability. Accordingly, some configurations of swim fins disclosed can generally place the fin between the knee and the foot/toes. For instance, the swim fin can be supported proximally near the knee and distally near the foot/toes. Additionally, in some configurations, the swim fins can include louvered blades.

As will be understood, in some embodiments, when using the present swim fins it may be easier to walk with on the shore and/or getting into or out of the water than it would be with traditional foot mounted swim fins since the present swim fins do not extended from a foot pocket attached to the foot, but by generally mounting to the leg instead. Various embodiments of the swim fins can offload the ankles and calves, keeping essentially all of the work at the quadriceps and the hamstrings. Additionally, some instances, of the swim fins can be relatively less expensive to manufacture and easier to carry than traditional foot mount swim fins.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 1, which depicts a swim fin 20 that can be mounted to a swimmer's lower leg. The swim fin 20 can generally includes a frame 22, louvered blades 40 with louvered vents 46, a proximal mount 60, and a distal mount 62. Each of these components will be described in detail below.

As shown, the swim fin 20 can include a frame 22 that can support the one or more louvered blades 40, such as between two and ten louvered blades (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 louvered blades 40). Alternatively, while the swim fin embodiments described herein are referred to as having louvered blades 40, it will be understood that the swim fins can include a single louvered blade or a single traditional blade (such as a rubber and/or plastic blade). The illustrated embodiment of the frame 22 includes a proximal end 24, a distal end, a pin 28 (or other support on the proximal end 24), and an optional bottom rail or toe support bar 32. As shown, the frame 22 can at least partially circumscribe the louvered blades 40. In other instances, the frame 22 can surround only side portions and/or a proximal portion of the louvered blades 40. As shown, the frame 22 can include at least two side rails 34. The frame 22 can include a pin 28 or other support structure that connects the proximal ends of the two side rails 34 and supports the proximal-most louvered blade 40. The frame 22 can be constructed, for example, by molding from a relatively rigid substance, such as a relatively rigid plastic, in order to provide structural support to the swim fin 22. In certain exemplary embodiments, the frame comprises rigid or substantially rigid materials such as metals, composites or ceramics. The frame 22 need not flex because the louvers (described below) flex to provide the desired propulsion. Additionally, the optimal fit for the user is accomplished by a rigid frame 22 which is generally aligned anterior the tibia. The frame 22 can also be constructed of a material that is capable of stretching during normal use, to comfortably accommodate the swimmer's leg and ankle movements while swimming.

Additionally, as shown, the swim fin 20 can include two or more louvered blades 40 having louvered vents 46 between adjacent louvered blades 40. Louvered blades 40 can include one or more individual blades, louvers, slats, or fins that are positioned along the length of the frame 22 from the proximal end 24 to the distal end 26. The louvered blades 40 can overlap or not overlap. In some configurations, each of the louvered blades 40 is configured to flex during use. The flex action of the louvered blades 40 can provide propulsion to the swimmer during use. Accordingly, the louvered blades 40 can provide a relatively rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible body portion of the swim fin 20. The representative swim fins 20 disclosed herein may achieve efficient propulsion with the louvered elements of the louvered blades 40. The louver blades 40 can direct water through the center of the swim fin 20 to produce propulsion. Examples of the flex action and the generation of propulsion is shown in FIGS. 10A-10D and described below. The louvered blades can have various configurations, such as those disclosed in United States. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0204968, referenced above.

For example, in some embodiments, as shown, at least a proximal end 42 of each louvered blades 40 can be coupled to each of the side rails 34 of the frame 22. The distal end 44 (shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7) and/or the distal portion (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12) of each louvered blade 40 can be unattached from the frame 22. In some embodiments, the entire side portion of each louvered blade 40 is also coupled to a side rail 34. Furthermore, each louvered blade 40 can include a semi-rigid portion 48 and a more stretchable webbing portion 50. In some instances, the flexible webbing portion 50 includes a stretchy or elastic material, such as latex or rubber material, while the semi-rigid portion 48 includes a stretch-resistant material, such as a rubber or plastic material. In some instances, the webbing portion 50 includes a rubber material that is thinner or more otherwise more flexible than a rubber material of the rigid portion 48. In some configurations, the rigid portion 48 is made of a first material while the flexible webbing portion 50 is made of a second material.

Turning briefly to FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the louvered blades 40 can be in a paired arrangement with two sets of rigid portions 50 separated by webbing portions 48. In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, a louvered blade 40 can include more than two sets of rigid portions 50, such as three, four, five, or six. As shown in FIG. 2, a center support 52 or spine can run down the center of each of the louvered blades 40 to provide stability for paired louvers. This design can allow the paired louvers to direct water flowing across the swim fin 20 around the sides of the legs, rather than onto the shin surface of the legs. In some embodiments of the swim fin 20, when the louvered blades 40 are sufficiently strong, it may not be necessary to include the side rails 34. It may then be possible to use the shin of the swimmer's leg itself as part of the center support 52, thereby avoiding a rigid support altogether. In this case, the swim fin 20 would only extend from the knee to the ankle, rather than to the toes.

Returning to FIG. 1, as shown, embodiments of the swim fin 20 can include a proximal mount 60 and a distal mount 62. Generally, the proximal mount 60 can include an attachment apparatus such as a strap 64, brace, clip, clasp, or other such mount near the knee. The distal mount 62 can also include a strap 64 rigid or semi-rigid hook, brace, clip, clasp, or other such mount near the foot of the ankle to retain the distal end of the swim fin 20 in place. The illustrated straps 64 can be adjustable straps to accommodate multiple swimmers with variously sized lower legs. For example, each of the straps 64 may include a connector 102 (shown in FIG. 7), such as a buckle, VelcroÂ®, a ratchet buckle, or other adjustable fasteners to accommodate various sizes of lower legs. The straps 64 may be formed of various materials or combinations of material including but not limited to rubber, nylon, and polychloroprene.

As disclosed in FIG. 1, one or more of the proximal mount 60 or the distal mount 62 can include padding 66 positioned between portions of frame 22 or a frame extension 68 and the front of the swimmer's lower leg, ankle, and/or foot. The frame extension 68 also referred to as extension, helps to maintain a desired distance between the wearer's leg and the integral frame 142 as well as help to maintain an orientation that maximizes the propulsion force from the swim fin. The padding 66 can be configured to make direct contact with the swimmer and cushion the force of the frame 22 and/or the strap 64 against the lower leg, ankle, and/or foot as the straps 64 are tightened and as the swimmer walks and swims wearing the swim fin 20. The padding 66 can be made of various water-resistant materials, including for example rubber, neoprene, and polychloroprene. As further shown, an extension 68 can extend the padding 66 away from the frame 22 to position the frame 22 at a desired distance away from the swimmer's leg.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the lower mount 62 and/or the frame 22 can include a rigid support such as a support bar 32, a strut, a block or a foot/toe rest and a strap near the ankle or foot. Unlike traditional foot mount swim fins with foot pockets that have attendant problems of capturing sand and gravel, the support bar 32 can allow the toes to rest thereon to help assure general orientation or. In some instance, the support bar 32 can help keep the swim fin 20 aligned along the front aspect of the leg. This support bar 32 can be positioned and oriented to allow some longitudinal stretch to improve the comfort of the swimmer who may need to flex (dorsiflex) or extend (plantar flex) his ankle.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 3, which illustrates a side view of the swim fin 20 attached to the lower leg 70 of a swimmer. This Figure illustrates a swim fin 20 that includes a distal mount 62 that includes a strap 64 and a toe support bar 32. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the distal mount 62 can only include a toe support bar 32 with no distal strap 64. Both of FIGS. 3 and 4 show that the proximal mount 60 and the distal mount 62 can include an extension 68 that position the frame 22 at a desired distance away from the swimmer's leg. The extension 68 can be shaped and sized to comfortably contact the swimmer's leg. Furthermore, in some configurations, as show, the extension 68 is made of a flexible, semi-flexible, or semi-rigid material that is comfortable on the swimmer's leg 70 even without a padding 66. The extension 68 allows a proximal mount such as strap 64 or other coupling means to remain in a relatively fixed position while still allowing the user's ankle to naturally move, adjust and flex as desired by the wearer. The extension 68 may comprise a slide such as a tongue and groove, dovetail, rail, track or other mechanism which permits limited movement in a single direction. An alternative embodiment the extension 68 may comprise a flexible material such as neoprene, plastic, rubber or other material that allows for movement in more than one direction. Alternative embodiments the extension 68 may comprise a combination of these features to allow the user to move her ankle independent of the swim fin leg mount.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 5, which illustrates a leg brace 80 coupled to the proximal mount 60 and the distal mount 62. The combination of the leg brace 80 and the proximal and distal mounts 60, 62 can be referred to as a lower leg mount. Embodiments of the lower leg mount can incorporate the embodiments of the lower leg mount described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2010/007554, filed Sep. 23, 2009, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0104968, filed Nov. 3, 2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 6, which illustrates a footwear device 90 worn by the swimmer. The footwear device 90 can include a shoe, rigid or semi-rigid sock, or other supportive footwear article. The footwear device 90 can attach to the distal end 62 of the frame 22. As shown, the toe portion of the footwear device 90 can attach to frame 22. In other configurations, the ankle portion or a top/proximal portion of the footwear device 90 can additionally or alternatively attach to frame 22. The footwear device 90 can attach to frame 22 using a clip, a harness, or another suitable connector. The footwear device 90 can alternatively attach to a louver which is connected to the frame.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 7, which illustrates a mermaid swim fin 100 that is similar to the swim fin 20 of FIGS. 1 through 3, but which can be connected to both of the swimmer's legs simultaneously. As shown, the swim fin 100 can include a frame 22 with two side rails 34. Each of the two side rails 34 can be connected to one of the swimmer's legs. The louvered blades 40 can extend between each of the side rails 34. In some instances, the frame 22 can include a top rail 36 that supports the louvered blades 40. The top rail 36 can keep the swimmer's legs at a certain distance apart and keep the louvered blades 40 stretched between the legs while avoiding overstretching of the louvered blades 40. As shown, the louvered blades 40 can each include multiple sets of semi-rigid portions 50 separated by stretchable webbing portions 48, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six or more. Moreover, in some configurations of the swim fin 100, one or more a center supports 52 (shown in FIG. 2) or spines can run down the center of each of the louvered blades 40 to provide stability for louvers.

FIG. 7 additionally illustrates a connector 102 coupled to each of the proximal mounts 60 and distal mounts 62. The connector 102 can allow the frame 22 to be selectively attached and detached from the legs when not in use. This can allow the swimmer to walk freely when not in the water. The connector 102 can include such as a buckle, VelcroÂ®, a latch, or other adjustable connectors.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate isolated views of a single louvered blade 40. FIG. 8 illustrates a front perspective view and FIG. 9 illustrates a side, profile view of a single louvered blade 40. As shown, the louvered blade 40 can have a generally rectangular shape and an elongated teardrop-shaped side profile. Each louvered blade 40 can include a first material and a second material. The first material, which can be a semi-rigid portion 48 of the louvered blade 40, can have various shapes and configurations. As shown, the first material can also have a substantially triangular shape. As shown in FIG. 1, the first material can have a substantially trapezoidal shape. In other configurations, the first material can have another multi-sided geometric or polygonal configuration, such as a rectangle, square, or other shape or a rounded or curved shape composed of one or more arcs. The second material, which can be a webbing portion 50 can be continued behind the first material or terminate at the junction of the two materials. The second material may also be overmolded about the first material. Alternatively, each louvered blade 40 can include only a single portion made of a single material, as shown in FIG. 11. An alternative exemplary embodiment, each louvered blade 40 can comprise a single material, with variable thickness to achieve desired stretch and flex properties of the several regions.

FIG. 9 illustrates the side view or a profile view of a single louvered blade 40. As shown, the proximal end 42 of the louvered blade 40 can be thicker than the distal end 44. This change in thickness can be gradual (as shown) or abrupt. The shape of the proximal end may comprise a bull-nose shape, or another shape that optimizes the fluid flow across the surface of the blade. Thus, the louvered blade 40 can have a generally elongated teardrop-shaped side profile. Alternatively, the louvered blade 40 can have other profiles, including having a relatively uniform thickness throughout its length and width.

FIGS. 10A through 10D depict the isolated louvered blade 40 of FIGS. 8 and 9 in use during a swim kick. Generally, a typical swim kicking motion includes a series of upwards and a downwards movements as the swimmer alternates the upward and downward positions of his/her legs. FIG. 10A illustrates the louvered blade at top of a swim kick, as the louvered blade 40 is transitioning from an upward motion 108 to a downward motion 106. As the louvered blade 40 is forced downward, the webbing portion 50, which is attached to the frame 22, is pulled downward by the frame 22. This pulling force can cause the webbing portion 50 to flex and/or stretch, allowing the semi-rigid portion 48 to lag behind and arch upwards, as shown. Since the semi-rigid portion is narrower distally, there is more stretch distally, which allows greater louver blade movement distally with each kick. As shown in FIGS. 10A through 10C, as the semi-rigid portion 48 is forced to follow the frame 22 in its the downward motion 106, the arched shape of the rigid portion 48 is forced downward by the webbing portion 50, and can flick water in a rearward direction 104 as it is pulled by the webbing portion 50. This movement can propel the swimmer forward. The combined effect of the multiple louvered blades can provide a cumulative propulsion that can be greater than that created by traditional swim fins. As shown in FIG. 10D, as the kicking motion transitions to an upward motion 108, this process is repeated.

Reference will now be made to FIG. 11, which depicts another swim fin 20, similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2, which has three louvered blades 40. However, as shown in FIG. 11, each louvered blade 40 includes only a single portion made of a single material. The single material can include a semi-rigid, semi-flexible, or flexible material that will not collapse or waver excessively during a swim kick. Moreover, only a proximal portion 112 of each louvered blade 40 is attached to the side rails 32. This attachment configuration can enable the distal portion of each louvered blade 40 to move upwards and downwards to a greater degree than if they were entirely connected to the side rails 32. This may produce increased propulsion or may be less costly to produce.

The swim fin 20 of FIG. 11 further illustrates an alternative distal mount 62. As shown, the distal mount 62 includes an optional support bar 32, a hook 110 or brace, and a strap 64 coupled to the hook 110. In use, the swimmer's foot can be placed within a rigid or semi-rigid hook 110 and strapped in place with the strap 64. The strap 64 can be secured around the swimmer's leg or ankle with the connector 102. If a support bar 32 is present, the swimmer's foot or toes can rest on the support bar 32. Additionally or alternatively, the distal mount 62 can incorporate one or more foot holes 114 formed in a distal louvered blade 40. The foot hole 114 can be shaped and sized to receive a portion of the swimmer's foot there through. The edges of the foot hole 114 can include padding 116 or rounded edges to cushion the edges of the louvered blade 40 and provide comfort to the swimmer. The foot hole 114 will also serve to prevent the fin 20 from rotating about the leg.

FIG. 12 illustrates other alternative embodiments of a swim fin 130 having a modified frame 22. As shown, the frame 22 includes a series of horizontal support 122 that are each connected to a central vertical support 120. The proximal ends of each of the louvered blades 40 can be attached to the horizontal supports 122 with a fixed connection or a pivotal connection. An inner, side portion of each of the louvered blades 40 can be attached to the central vertical support 120 or not. A proximal end 24 of the frame 22 can be coupled to any of the proximal mounts 60 disclosed herein. The distal mount 62 can also include any of the distal mounts 62 disclosed herein. Furthermore, the distal mount 62, as shown, can include a foot loop 124 with a center hole 126 for receiving the foot of the swimmer.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 13 through 17, which illustrate other embodiments of a representative swim fin 140 having an integrated frame 142, a plurality of louvered blades 40, a proximal mount 60, and a distal mount 62. FIG. 13 illustrates a front, perspective view; FIG. 14 illustrates a front view; FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view; FIG. 16 illustrates a side view; FIG. 17 illustrates a cross sectioned top view; FIG. 18 illustrates a side, cross sectioned view. Generally, the integrated frame 142, louvered blades 40, and/or the proximal and distal mounts 60, 62 can form a single integrated unit. The swim fin 140 and all of its component parts can be made from any desirable material with suitable properties and/or characteristics, including polymer materials, composite materials, metallic materials, and/or synthetic materials. In such embodiments, the desirable or selected material or materials are homogenous or uniform throughout while in other embodiments the selected material includes voids or encapsulates non-homogenous materials.

In some embodiments, the swim fin 140, including all of its constituent parts, are constructed out of the same material. In other embodiments, however, one or more constituent elements of the swim fin 140 is/are constructed out of a material that is different from the material of one or more of the remaining constituent elements. Separate elements of the swim fin 140 can be attached together to one another on a permanent or semi-permanent basis by one or more of the following illustrative means: glue and/or adhesives, ultrasonic welding, welding, nut and bolt combinations, or other suitable fastening means and members,

In addition, in some embodiments, the swim fin 140, including all of its constituent parts is manufactured by one or more of the following methods: injection molding, rotational molding, casting, and/or other molding processes, machining, cutting, and/or other suitable methods.

As shown, the swim fin 140 includes an integrated frame 142 couple to a set of louvered blades 40. The frame can be integrated into the louvered blades 40 to form a single-piece structure. Alternatively, these components can be separate, but attached. As shown, each of the louvered blades 40 may generally have an increased width and length than the louvered blade 40 to its immediate proximal side. Additionally or alternatively, the width of each louvered blade 40 can be governed by its length. For example, in certain embodiments, the wider the width of that louvered blade 40, the longer the louvered blade 40 may be. As shown, the swim fin 140 can have a general arch-shape, with a narrower proximal end 24 and a wider distal end 26. The distal-most louvered blade 148 can also include an arch shape, with the arch directed upwards away from the foot of the swimmer. This arch shape can be configured so that the outer portions of the distal-most louvered blade 148 extend downward around the swimmer's foot. This structure may help engage the foot to prevent rotation of the fin about the leg.

Referring still to FIGS. 13 through 18, the louvered blades 18 can be coupled to or integrated into the integrated frame 142. The louvered blades 40 can have similar configurations to those previously described, including having a rigid portion 48 and a webbing portion 50, using a first material and a second material. Alternatively, the louvered blades 40 can be formed of a single material. As shown in FIG. 17, each of the louvered blades 40 can include a generally inward arch shape profile 144 that arcs towards the forefront of the swimmer's leg, with the outermost parts of the louvered blades extending away from the swimmer's leg. As shown, each of the louvered blades 40 can include a center portion 146 that bulges outwardly away from the forefront of the swimmer's leg.

Reference will now be made to the proximal mount 60 shown in FIGS. 13-16, and 18. It will be understood that the swim fin 140 can include any of the various embodiments of proximal mounts 60 previously disclosed. The swim fin 140 can also include the illustrated proximal mount 60, which include a leg loop 154 coupled to the integral frame 142 and/or one or more louvered blades 40. As shown in FIG. 18, the proximal mount 60 can be coupled to the integral frame 142 and/or one or more louvered blades 40 via an extension 68. The leg loop 154 can consist of a single loop of material (as shown) or it can include two or more loop segments that are connected by a connector 102, similar to the connector shown in FIG. 11. A swimmer can insert his/her lower leg through the leg loop 154 to attach the swim fin 140 to his/her leg.

Reference will now be made to the distal mount 62 shown in FIGS. 13 through 18. It will be understood that the swim fin 140 can include any of the various embodiments of distal mounts 62 previously disclosed. The swim fin 140 can also include the illustrated distal mount 62, which includes a foot sleeve 160 and a heel support 162. The foot sleeve 160 can include a sleeve, loop, or strap that wraps around the top and bottom of a swimmer's foot. In some embodiments, the foot sleeve 160 includes a connector (not shown) or tightening member (not shown) that can secure the foot sleeve 160 to the foot. In some instances, the foot sleeve 160 is configured to fit about the arch of the swimmer's foot. The heel support 162 can include a sleeve, loop, or strap that wraps around the back of a swimmer's foot. In some embodiments, the heel support 162 includes a connector (not shown) or tightening member (not shown) that can secure the heel support 162 to the foot. In some instances, the heel support 162 is configured to fit about the back of the foot above the heel. As shown, the foot sleeve 160 and the heel support 162 can be directly coupled together. In some embodiments, the foot sleeve 160 is coupled directly to the frame 142 or one or more louvered blades 40 and the heel support 162 is coupled directly to the foot sleeve 160, but not the frame 142 or one or more louvered blades 40, as shown.

Reference will now be made to FIGS. 19 through 21, which illustrates an alternative distal mount 62. As shown, the distal mount 62 can include a clasp 166 that can wrap around a swimmer's lower leg or ankle. As shown, the clasp 166 can have a substantially C-shaped geometry that forms a loop with an opening 168 into which the swimmer can insert his/her leg. The clasp 166 can be coupled to the integrated frame 142 and/or one or more louvered blades 40 directly or via an extension 68. The clasp 166 can be made of a material that can flex open to receive a swimmer's leg and securely hold the swimmer's leg therein during use. The clasp 166 can also be used as a proximal mount 60. Similarly, the leg loop 154 can be used as a distal mount 62. Using these and the previously described mounts, a swimmer can attached the swim fin 140 to his/her lower leg.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that the present invention includes a swim fin that can be secured to a swimmer's lower leg and/or include a one or more louvered blades.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its structures, methods, or other essential characteristics as broadly described herein and claimed hereinafter. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.