WO2009155672A2

WO2009155672A2 - Floating shoes

Info

Publication number: WO2009155672A2
Application number: PCT/BR2009/000164
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marco Antonio Romano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-06-24
Filing date: 2009-06-08
Publication date: 2009-12-30
Anticipated expiration: 2010-12-24
Also published as: BRMU8801263U2; WO2009155672A3

Abstract

The present utility model refers to a pair of floating boards (w,z) which efficiently enable the user to walk or run on water. The floating shoes are connected by a pair of rubber bands and are equipped with swinging flaps (6b) disposed under the hulls (2c) below the waterline, so that the water walking device is mechanically propelled forward by the alternated pressure of the water against the swinging flaps (6b) as the user naturally walks over the surface of the water. The floating shoes (w,z), according to the present utility model, include a pair of hand poles equipped with hydrodynamic floaters (3a) which are used for giving the desired direction to the floating shoes (w,z) and for providing improved balance to the user. The pair of hand poles further help to propel the floating shoes (w,z) during the walking and can also be used to tightly bind the pair of floating boards, providing good stability if the user chooses to climb up on the floating device in the water.

Description

"FLOATING SHOES" Technical Field

The present utility model refers to a pair of floating boards which efficiently enable the user to stand upright and still, walk or run over the water surface without sinking, with improved security and stability as compared to other similar devices available in the prior art.

The floating boards, also referred to as "floating shoes" according to the present utility model, are equiped with adjustable footstraps to fasten the user's feet on the hull and include a pair of hand poles equipped with hydrodynamic floaters to be used simultaneously with the alternating back-and-forth movements of the legs. According to the proposed embodiment of the present utility model, walking on any kind of waterlogged surface becomes easy, efficient and fast. The floating shoes according to the present utility model can be used by a wide range of users, including those of low stature.

The floating device, according to the present utility model, is propelled forward by the alternating movement of the legs, thanks to swinging flaps located under each of the two floating board hulls below the waerline. The swinging flap located under the hull lifts while the floating board slides forward by the movement of one leg, and swings down when that same leg tends to push the floating board backwards by the alternated movement of the other leg, so that the water walking device is mechanically propelled forward by the alternated pressure of the water against the swinging flaps disposed below the waterline. Background Art

Various types of floating water-walking devices disclosed in the art include logrolling type devices. US 3 628 491, for example, discloses a water-walking device comprising a horizontal cylindrical tread portion joined at its opposite ends to a pair of paddle wheels. Other water-walking devices similar to the present utility model include floating board type devices. US 5 558 553, for example, discloses a water walking device consisting of a pair of hulls with underwater blades and stabilizer fins. However, these devices do not provide enough stability and speed.

One particular type of floating water-walking device consisting of a pair of floating shoes equipped with swinging flaps under the hulls is disclosed in the Brazilian patent application PI0303760-6 by Marco Antonio Romano. With the purpose of upgrading and improving this patent, the present utility model offers a new shape for the tail of the boards and a third and new propulsion point. The improvements disclosed in the present utility model will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description in conjunction with the appended claims and drawings. Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 is a transparent perspective view of the pair of floating boards in a stand-by position with the hand poles fitted into mortises disposed on the top surface of the board hulls. Fig. 2 is a transparent perspective view of one floating board with the swinging flap hanging down;

Fig. 3 shows a side view and a longitudinal cross section view of the floating board;

Fig. 4 is a back view of the pair of floating boards; and

Fig. 5 is a top view of the pair of floating boards. Detailed description of the utility model

As shown in Fig. 3, Ic and Fig. 4, Id, the new shape of the hull at the stern of the board consists of a slant and flat design with an angle of attack turned towards the water surface. This particular characteristic of the hull at the stern of the floating board created a third and new propulsion point which results in a more efficient propelling force and consequently improved speed. For a better understanding of the constructive structure of the floating shoes according to the present utility model, it becomes apparent from Fig. 3, 12c and Fig. 5, Ie that the side walls of the floating boards are straight and flat. As such, the side walls of the floating boards keep permanent and smooth side contact with the water during the walking, which makes it biomechanically appropriate, comfortable, safe and stable.

According to Fig. 2, Ib / 3b, Fig. 3, 3c / 4c and Fig. 5, 2e / 3e, there are embedded spaces where attaching elements are screwed for fastening rubber bands used to bind the floating boards. As shown in Fig. 1, 9a / 10a and Fig. 2, 7b, the rubber bands are used to connect and keep the boards together during the walking. The embedded attaching elements prevent the side walls of the boards from being damaged or scratched during the walking, provide a longer durability of the material and further protect the user against accidental injuries.

Fig. 2, 3b and Fig. 5, 4e / 5e show the innovative shape of the anti-slippery area disposed on the top surface of the hulls. In order to provide a better base and grip for the user's feet during the walking, the prominent anti-slippery areas disposed on the top surfaces of the hulls are advantageously moulded during the manufacturing process of the floating boards. This embodiment avoids the use of anti-slippery sticks which may detach from the hulls due to weather changes and prolonged use.

Fig. 1, 1a and 2a, Fig. 3, 5c and Fig. 5, 6c, show the adjustable footstraps used to fasten the user's feet on the hulls. The adjustable footstraps are attached to the hulls next to the anti-slippery areas and can be easily adjusted to any foot size to fasten the user's feet on the hulls. Besides, this particular embodiment with adjustable footstraps allows the user to wear shoes or remain barefoot with optimum grip and safety.

Fig. 2, 4b and in Fig. 3, 6c, show the innovative "V" shape of the hull at the prow, which allows for easy cut through small waves and improved floatation. This innovative V- hull provides functionality and stability even in rough water, making the walking on water even safer and easier to perform.

Fig. 1 , 3a / 4a shows a pair of hand poles equipped with hydrodynamic floaters properly fitted into mortises disposed on the top surface of the board hulls, in a stand-by position as shown in Fig. 1, 5a / 6a / 7a / 8a and Fig. 3, 7c / 8c / 9c / 10c. The main purpose of this arrangement is to keep the floating boards tightly bound together as one single floating board, providing optimum stability if the user chooses to climb up on the floating device in the water.

Given the fact that the floating shoes is an amphibious device, the user can also walk over firm soil with the floating shoes on to reach the water, as well as return from the water to firm soil.

In order to walk over firm soil with the floating shoes on and reach the water, the user will naturally climb on the floating boards standing in an upright position, fasten the feet on each hull with the respective adjustable footstraps and walk towards the water, reproducing the natural movement of a human being wearing a pair of shoes.

According to Fig. 2, 5b and Fig. 5, 7e the present utility model includes embedded drains in each hull, next to the stern of each floating board, for draining out the water accumulated inside the floating boards due to the condensation of the gaseous phase of the water in the air resulting from the differences between the internal and external temperatures of the hull.

Fig. 2, 6b, Fig. 3, 1 Ic and Fig. 4, 2c, illustrate the swinging flaps responsible for the propulsion of the floating device in their respective positions. The swinging flaps are attached to the boards by hinges. The swinging flap located under the floating board lifts while the floating board slides forward by the movement of one leg, and swings down when that same leg tends to push the floating board backwards by the alternated movement of the other leg, so that the water walking device is mechanically propelled forward by the alternated pressure of the water against the swinging flaps.

According to Fig. 2, 8b and Fig. 3, 2c, prominent side guards disposed along the upper sides of the hulls at the contact areas are advantageously moulded during the manufacturing process of the floating boards. The side guards are intended to protect the side walls of the hulls against the natural friction between the floating boards at the contact areas during the walking, which results in a longer lasting of the material used in the manufacturing of the floating shoes.

As it would be apparent to those skilled in the art, a variety of appropriate materials can be used for the manufacturing of the floating shoes, such as fiberglass, naval plywood or other similar materials. Also, a variety of materials can be used for manufacturing the accessories of the floating shoes, more specifically the hand poles, the footstraps, the rubber bands, the swinging flaps and the hinges. Such materials may include plastic, aluminum, wood, stainless steel and brass among others. The embodiments disclosed in the present specification may also encompass suitable changes without departing from the scope and the spirit of the present utility model.

Given the advantages and innovations of the present utility model and its improved characteristics, the "FLOATING SHOES" fulfill the necessary requirements for the granting of the Patent of Utility Model.

Claims

1- Floating shoes, comprising a pair of floating boards (Fig. 1, w / z) with prominent side guards disposed along the upper straight and flat sides of the hulls (Fig. 3, 2c and Fig. 5, Ie) advantageously moulded during the manufacturing process for protecting the material against the natural friction between the floating boards at the contact areas during the walking.

2- The floating shoes according to Claim 1, wherein prominent anti-slippery areas (Fig. 2, 3b and Fig. 5, 4e / 5e) disposed on the top surfaces of the hulls are advantageously moulded during the manufacturing process of the floating boards. 3- The floating shoes according to Claim 1, wherein adjustable footstraps for fastening the user's feet (Fig, 3, 5c and Fig. 5, 6e) are attached to the hulls next to the respective anti-slippery areas.

4- The floating shoes according to Claim 1, wherein the shape of hull at the stern of the floating board (Fig. 3, Ic and Fig. 4, Id) consists of a slant and flat design with an angle of attack turned towards the water surface, thus creating a third and new propulsion point.

5- The floating shoes according to Claims 1 and 4, wherein the innovative "V" shape of the hull at the prow (Fig. 2, 4b and Fig. 3, 6c) allows for easy cut through small waves and further provides more stability and improved floatation during the walking. 6- The floating shoes according to Claims 1 and 5, wherein a swinging flap (Fig. 2, 6b and Fig. 3, 1 Ic) located under the hull lifts while the floating board slides forward by the movement of one leg, and swings down when that same leg tends to push the floating board backwards by the alternated movement of the other leg, so that the water walking device is mechanically propelled forward by the alternated pressure of the water against the swinging flaps disposed under the waterline. 7- The floating shoes according to Claims 1, 4, 5 and 6, wherein rubber bands (Fig. 1 , 9a /

10a and Fig. 2, 7b) are used to connect and keep the boards together during the walking on the water.

8- The floating shoes according to Claim 1, wherein a pair of hand poles equipped with hydrodynamic floaters (Fig. 1, 3a / 4a and Fig.2, 9b) are used simultaneously with the alternating back-and-forth movements of the legs with the purpose of giving the desired direction to the floating shoes, as well as improving the balance and safety of the user, and further accomplishing a combined propelling effect with the third propulsion point during the walking on the water. 9- The floating shoes according to Claims 1 and 8, wherein the pair of hand poles (Fig. 1,

3a / 4a) can be fitted into mortises (Fig. 1, 5a / 6a / 7a / 8a) disposed on the top surface of the board hulls to keep the floating boards tightly bound together, providing optimum stability if the user chooses to climb up on the floating device in the water. 10- The floating shoes according to Claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the anti-slippery areas

(Fig. 2, 3b and Fig. 5, 4e / 5e) and the adjustable footstraps (Fig, 3, 5c and Fig. 5, 6e) allow the user to firmly fasten both feet on the floating boards and walk over firm soil to reach the water, as well as return from the water to firm soil.