ES1278787U - FOOTWEAR WITH INTEGRATED FINS INTENDED FOR THE PERFORMANCE OF WATER ACTIVITIES (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Footwear with an integrated fin intended for carrying out water activities, comprising: - a foot pocket (1) that includes an upper (1a) and a sole (1b); where the foot pocket (1) is configured to house in its interior space a foot of a user; where the foot pocket (1) includes a first end that coincides with the toes and a second end that coincides with the heel of the foot; and where the floor (1b) includes a closed contour perimeter surface that integrates a curved front section in coincidence with the toe of the shoe, two opposing side sections and a rear section opposite the front section; - a folding flap (3) attached to the front section of the floor (1b); where the fin (3) comprises several ribs (3a) joined by one of its ends to the front section of the floor (1b), and a laminar membrane (3b) that is joined at least to the ribs (3a); characterized in that the ribs (3a) comprise steel strip webs (4) with a curved section and coatings (5) of polymeric material that cover the strip webs (4); where these webs of strap (4) stabilize the folded and unfolded positions of the flap (3); where in a deployed position of the fin (3), its ribs (3a) are stretched in straight alignments; the laminar membrane (3b) covering some intermediate spaces delimited between the ribs (3a); and where in a folded position of the flap (3), the ribs (3a) are superimposed on each other with interposition of the folded laminar membrane (3b) following the surface of the front section of the floor (1b) and following a part of the surface of one of the two lateral sections in opposition to the floor (1b).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Footwear with integrated fin for water activities

TECHNICAL SECTOR

This invention is within the engineering sector of industrial design and development of products for leisure and sports in the aquatic environment.

The object of this invention consists of a shoe with an integrated fin for the performance of aquatic activities for the front crawl and backstroke swimming styles. The purpose of it is to contribute to the improvement of the swimming technique, increase the performance of the swimmer, as well as facilitate walking out of the water which is enormously uncomfortable with conventional swimming fins, as well as facilitating their transport. in sports bags or backpacks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The origins of swimming fins are very old, however, it was not until the twentieth century when they became really present in society. Its beginnings present a configuration in the form of wooden shovels, tied to the hands and feet and causing injuries and damage to the user in both extremities. Its purpose is to achieve greater propulsion in the water, as well as to exercise the extremities of the lower body.

Over time, these fins were perfected in terms of design, shape, aesthetics, fluid dynamics, biomechanics, focusing on different styles of aquatic and underwater swimming, until reaching those that are currently known.

However, although the models on the market have changed and evolved, they are not fully adapted to the needs of people who practice water sports. On the other hand, in recent years, it has been discovered that the boom in sports activity and healthy living collaborates to investigate and develop new products that fit this profile of people, so the design of a sports accessory is proposed. and more modern leisure activities adapted both to the current moment and to the needs of the type of users to whom it is intended.

Regarding the state of the art, the following invention patents are noteworthy by way of example and not limitation:

- ES1148308U: “Footwear transformable into fins”.

- US2010029152A1: "Hybrid water sports footwear".

- ES2103685B1: "Fast folding fins".

Therefore, it should be noted that existing inventions on folding or convertible flaps in footwear share the same main idea; They start from a semi-open or closed shoe to which a flap is added that can later be removed by the user.

In the back and forth style, the movement of the legs has two phases, an ascending phase and a descending phase. However, the movements of the legs are alternative, that is, they move in counter-phase. On the other hand, the ankles remain relaxed, which contributes to the feet rotating slightly inward for good propulsion and thus achieving the fin effect. This sequence of movements is very important to achieve an optimal propulsion result, as it is directly proportional to the volume of water displaced by the foot in the kick cycle.

To explain the present invention, the fin models that currently exist on the market and that allow the improvement of training and muscle toning in the pool, as well as, allow the action of walking out of the water with said accessory are discussed. It is noteworthy that the folding of the blade laterally on the front area of the shoe allows the action of walking out of the water without harming the blade. However, so far, none of the existing patents or those previously mentioned present what is stated in this invention, which represents a great advance for the sector in reference to innovation and differentiation, as well as an advance in a quality product , convenience and comfort for the user.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the needs and cover the gaps that exist in this field of sports leisure for users, the object of this invention is presented which consists of a footwear with an integrated fin for the performance of water activities of swimming crawl and backstroke styles whose object is training and muscle toning in the pool. In turn, at the user's own discretion, the object of the present invention can be used as conventional footwear outside the aquatic environment.

Therefore, to solve these problems currently encountered, it is develops an accessory or complement, in this case a shoe with a laterally folding flap on the front of the shoe and that allows the action of swimming, within the aquatic environment and, that of walking, outside it, covering above all the main objectives mentioned above .

Thus, we proceed to the detailed explanation of the geometry of the footwear with an integrated fin:

The aforementioned footwear is mainly composed of two elements that correspond to the main parts of said footwear with an integrated fin:

- A foot pocket: it is the part of the footwear / fin that houses the user's foot.

- A folding fin: is the part of the finned footwear that is used to move the water while the user executes the kick cycle; folding it over the foot pocket allows you to walk with it out of the water.

The flap footwear proposed in the present invention has all its integrated parts. These offer an optimal quality that allows the user to both swim and walk with them out of the water. Furthermore, the folding mechanism that the folding flap has, located in the front area of the foot pocket floor, makes it possible to unfold or close the flap, favoring, in turn, transport in sports bags or backpacks.

Regarding the mechanism for folding the fin on the foot pocket, it should be noted that it consists of a set of nerves formed by steel strips covered with silicone and interlaced by a laminar membrane made with a neoprene fabric previously sewn as a preform to allow the folding of it. These silicone-coated steel strips are integrated into the sole of the footwear, allowing them to be a set in itself.

Said wing folding mechanism is made up of silicone-coated concave steel strips that, like ribs, protrude from the front end or toe of the foot pocket, projecting forward, in its unfolded position, forming the fin geometry of finned footwear.

These ribs are distributed from longest to shortest, with the shortest rib being the one closest to the inner side of the flap shoe. This will allow to collect all the ribs from the longest to the shortest by folding and in a side, successively superimposing one on top of the other towards one side of the flap footwear. Therefore, the longest strip collects the rest of the strips laterally, all of them covering the front part of the floor with a curved path.

As it is, in addition to a "Slap On" system, this allows the straps to be kept straight, which forms the blade in its unfolded opening position. However, after a lateral blow to the ribs, they successively overlap one another with the curved path.

The reason why the bending of the ribs, whose core is the silicone-coated steel strap, is inward and laterally, is so that during the beating of the fins of the two finned shoes in the cycle of swimming kick of a user, if interference occurs between the two fins, do not allow them to close inwards.

On the other hand, footwear with an integrated fin for water activities has a floor, which allows cushioning when walking. In addition, the lower surface or sole of this floor has several notches and grooves that allow the passage of water through them, dispersing it and avoiding possible slipping out of the water.

Therefore, depending on the position of the fin, whether it is deployed or collected laterally on the floor of the foot pocket, the object of the present invention could be used both for swimming in the front crawl and backstroke swimming styles and for walking outside the Water.

- Position 1: the flap of the flap shoe is unfolded, reaching its maximum opening. This is the proper position for swimming in the front crawl and backstroke swimming styles.

- Position 2: the fin is fully folded or laterally retracted on the front part of the foot pocket, allowing walking out of the water without difficulty.

The foot pocket, made of silicone-type polymeric material, allows an excellent adaptation to the foot, presenting an ergonomic geometry that guarantees the comfort and convenience of the user, avoiding chafing and injuries while guaranteeing the necessary grip on the foot. The foot pocket comprises a cut with a single entrance hole or mouthpiece through which the user's foot is inserted.

The length of the fin deployed, at its maximum opening, will not exceed the length of the user's foot, since it is a product intended for swimming in the pool and, therefore, they are configured as shoes with short training fins.

On the other hand, the possibility of folding the fin over the foot pocket, reduces the space when storing and transporting the shoes with fins in sports bags or backpacks, as well as the ability to walk without problems out of the water, as has been done. been commenting so far.

Consequently, a clearly remarkable innovation is presented with respect to the prior state of the art. This invention presents the difference in relation to footwear with fins that exist today, in being able to be used in the front crawl and back swimming styles intended for training and muscle toning while allowing walking out of the water like conventional footwear. Therefore, the finned footwear of the invention, apart from fulfilling the function as a fin proper to propel oneself in the water during swimming, can be used as a conventional footwear; being easily transportable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to complement the description of the present invention and, with the aim of offering help for a better understanding of its characteristics, a set of drawings and figures is attached to said description where, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been reflected:

Figure 1.- Shows a top perspective view of the set of footwear with an integrated flap intended for carrying out water activities for training and muscle toning in the pool, object of the present invention. In this figure 1, the flap is folded laterally on a floor of a foot pocket, so that it can be used as conventional footwear.

Figure 2.- Shows a top perspective view of the set of footwear with an integrated fin for carrying out water activities with the blade deployed to be used as a fin. The blade is deployed in its maximum opening position.

Figure 3.- Shows a bottom view of the fin where the floor or sole of the fin is observed. This figure represents the simulation of the flap closing laterally thanks to to the system of some steel strips. Furthermore, the representation of this view allows us to appreciate some notches in the foot pocket itself.

Figure 4.- Shows a detailed view of the steel strips. In it you can see their concave section. Thanks to this shape, it allows to adopt both a completely straight unfolded state, and the lateral folding of the same on the curved front of the foot pocket floor.

Figure 5.- Shows a detailed view of a laminar neoprene membrane that is part of the fin, where some folds of it are observed.

Figure 6.- Represents a front view of a part of the fin where the structure of said fin is shown in detail.

Figure 7.- Shows a front view of the laminar membrane in the deployed position.

Below is a list of the references used in the figures:

1. - Foot pocket

the . - Court

lb. - Flat

2. - Mouth

3. - Fin

3rd.- Nerves

3b.- Laminar membrane

4. - Steel strapping

5. - Coatings

6. - Sewn

7. - Triangular wave-shaped pleats

8. - Tubular holes

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

This invention refers to a footwear with an integrated fin (3) intended for carrying out water activities for training and muscle toning in the pool, which can be used for swimming in the front crawl and backstroke styles as represented in figure 2 Or, to walk out of the water as represented in figure 1.

As can be seen in the previous figures 1 and 2, the object of the present invention consists of two main integrated parts that are: a foot pocket (1) and the deployable fin (3).

Each footwear with an integrated fin (3) intended for carrying out water activities, is made up of the fully closed foot pocket (1), preferably made of an elastomeric polymeric material such as silicone and which allows the foot of the child to be ergonomically accommodated. Username.

The introduction of the user's foot into the footwear is carried out by means of a foot entrance mouth (2), which due to its highly elastic material, allows it to adapt to the user's foot in a comfortable way and ensuring the correct grip of the footwear to the foot.

In turn, the foot pocket (1) has an ergonomic and hydrodynamic shape, which facilitates the circulation of water throughout it, during the swimming kick cycle.

In the lower part of the foot pocket (1) a foot pocket floor (1b) is arranged, while a cutout (1a) is arranged in the upper part. This floor (1b) has a variable longitudinal section, from greater to lesser thickness from the area closest to the heel of the user's foot, where the greater weight of the foot is supported when walking, to the extreme end (toe area).

This variable section provides the footwear with greater flexibility that allows, with the fin (3) deployed (figure 2), a greater displacement of water during the swimming kick cycle. The floor (1b) comprises a lower surface (sole) with notches and grooves that, like channels, allow the passage of water through them, dispersing it, and avoiding possible slipping out of the water.

In the same way as the cut (1a) of the foot pocket (1), the sole (1b) is preferably manufactured with the same silicone-type elastomeric polymeric material, due to the elastic and adaptability properties, so that the material offers a correct hydrodynamic thrust in the kick cycle for each swimming style. The folding system consists of four elongated ribs (3a) that make up the folding system of the fin (3) on an edge of the floor (1b). These ribs (3a) have webs with a structure of steel strips (4) preferably coated with a coating (5) of a silicone material, since this material protects the steel from contact with water and thus prevents corrosion of the steel material. Said ribs (3a) have two opposite faces.

Between the ribs (3a) of the fin (3), there is a laminar membrane (3b) of neoprene formed by a double layer, which has been previously made as a preform, to allow its bending and folding. (Figure 3) between the ribs (3a) when picking up the fin (3) laterally on the front part of the floor (1b) of the foot pocket (1). This laminar membrane (3b) resembles the existing interdigital tissue in birds with swimming capacity such as ducks.

Figures 5 and 6 show in detail the structure of the fin (3), where the union and the adjustment of the laminar membrane (3b) to the ribs (3a) is secured by means of stitches (6) that join the double layer of said laminar membrane (3b) in lateral areas located at least in a part adjacent to one of the two opposite faces of the ribs (3a).

The neoprene of the laminar membrane (3b), which shapes the fin (3), is previously treated with heat to generate pleats (7) in the shape of a triangular wave, a similar method used for pleated skirts; where said folds (7) will allow the closing (folding) and the opening (unfolding) of the flap (3); where in the folded position of the flap (3), the folds (7) are successively superimposed on each other in parallel.

On the other hand, in the deployed position of the flap (3), its laminar membrane (3b) maintains its pleats (7) in the shape of a triangular wave (figure 6) with an angular amplitude greater than 90 °.

Thus, the laminar membrane (3b) also has the relevant seams (6) to reinforce it and to allow the insertion or removal of said neoprene laminar membrane (3b) with respect to the ribs (3a). In other words, the laminar membrane (3b) shown in the figures will have four tubular holes (8) in which the ribs (3a) will be housed and tightly fitted. Therefore, it will have the seams (6) located on one or both sides of the nerves (3a), in the neoprene, which will allow the formation of the tubular holes (8).

On the other hand, the laminar membrane (3b) will be arranged in the ribs (3a) by means of pressure and with tightening, making a first end edge of the same coincide with the front of the floor (1b) by physical contact, while a second end edge of the laminar membrane (3b), opposite the first end edge, is located in coincidence with the ends of the ribs (3a). As the laminar membrane (3b) is quite tight to the ribs (3a), it will make it impossible for said laminar membrane (3b) to leave its assembled position, since to disassemble it it will be necessary to provide force for its extraction.

It should be noted that the laminar membrane (3b) has a length that varies progressively from a first side where the longest rib (3a) is located, to a second side opposite the first side; where the rib (3a) of shorter length is located in said second side. It should also be noted that the laminar membrane (3b) can be assembled and disassembled thanks to its tongue and groove coupling by means of the nerves (3a) that fit into the tubular holes (8) configured in the laminar membrane (3b); all this being the laminar membrane (3b) placed in the deployed position for use.

The folding mechanism of the flap (3) folding on the front part or section of the floor (1b) of the foot pocket (1), is determined by the nerves (3a) that have the strap core (4) with a concave section made in steel and that allows lateral folding, stacking consecutively from the longest rib (3a) on the other successively shorter ribs (3a), to finally fold the entire set of ribs (3a) on the edge or front section of the floor (1b) of the foot pocket (1) following a curved path.

In the same way, by presenting said strips (4) a concave section, it allows a straight linear position that makes it possible to keep the whole of the fin (3) in its deployed position of maximum opening without spontaneously producing a self-folding of the fin (3). In the same way, the concave section of the ribs (3a) with the strapping structure allows folding by successively superimposing ribs on others towards one side of the flap footwear, specifically in the front section of the sole (1b) of the foot pocket (1) . As it is a section based on the known “Slap On” system, when the flap (3) is folded there is no accidental possibility of opening unless the rib (3a) of greater dimension is expressly pulled, making it possible to open said flap (3) foldable.

1

Claims (1)

1- Footwear with an integrated fin for water activities , which includes: - a foot pocket (1) that includes a cut (1a) and a floor (1b); where the foot pocket (1) is configured to house in its interior space a foot of a user; where the foot pocket (1) includes a first end that coincides with the toes and a second end that coincides with the heel of the foot; and where the floor (1b) includes a closed contour perimeter surface that integrates a curved front section in coincidence with the toe of the shoe, two opposing side sections and a rear section opposite the front section; - a folding flap (3) attached to the front section of the floor (1b); where the fin (3) comprises several ribs (3a) joined by one of its ends to the front section of the floor (1b), and a laminar membrane (3b) that is joined at least to the ribs (3a); characterized in that the ribs (3a) comprise steel strip webs (4) with a curved section and coatings (5) of polymeric material that cover the strip webs (4); where these webs of strap (4) stabilize the folded and unfolded positions of the flap (3); where in a deployed position of the flap (3), its ribs (3a) are stretched in straight alignments; the laminar membrane (3b) covering some intermediate spaces delimited between the ribs (3a); and where in a folded position of the flap (3), the ribs (3a) are superimposed on each other with interposition of the folded laminar membrane (3b) following the surface of the front section of the floor (1b) and following a part of the surface of one of the two lateral sections in opposition to the floor (1b). 2 - Footwear with integrated fin for water activities , according to claim 1, characterized in that the laminar membrane (3b) comprises a neoprene fabric sewn to the ribs (3a). 3 - Footwear with integrated flap intended for conducting water activities, a sec any one of the preceding claims, wherein the VIOS ner (3a) have a variable length is progressively decreased. 4. Footwear with an integrated fin for carrying out water activities, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fin (3) comprises four ribs (3a). 5 - Footwear with integrated fin intended for carrying out water activities, according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the laminar membrane (3b) comprises a structure of folds (7) with a double laminar layer in the shape of a triangular wave interrupted by tubular holes (8) that are also part of said laminar membrane (3b); where in said tubular recesses (8) the ribs (3a) fit tightly; and where the laminar double layer is joined by means of seams (6) located at least in a part adjacent to one of the two opposite faces of the ribs (3a).