Coupleable fin apparatuses and boot toe bodies

ES 2 804 464 T3

DESCRIPTION

Attachable fin apparatus and boot toe bodies

Field

This description refers generally to fins and more particularly to fin apparatus attachable with boot toe bodies, to boot toe bodies engageable with fin apparatus, to systems including attachable fin apparatus and boot toe bodies. , and to methods of coupling fin apparatus and boot toe bodies.

Related art

A user can attach a known fin to each foot of the user. When the user flaps in the water, for example, the fins can facilitate the generation of propulsion in the water.

Many known fins have foot wells for the purpose of receiving a user's foot, but such foot wells are generally integral with the fin and are available only in a small number of standard sizes because, for example, they would be very tall. the manufacturing and distribution costs of whole fins with a wide variety of foot sizes and shapes. Therefore, when a user selects such a fin, the user must also select a cavity size for a single foot of the fin, often from a small number of available sizes. Therefore, such foot wells often do not fit snugly to a wearer's foot, and the space between the foot and an inner wall of the foot well can receive water, which disadvantageously adds to the drag of the foot. fin in the water and limits the user's control over the fin. Other known fins include alternatives to footwells, but such known alternatives may still require a user to choose from a small number of standard sizes due, for example, to potentially high manufacturing and distribution costs for a wide variety of sizes of feet. US-A-2011/0065343 describes a detachable swimming fin, and DE-A-102011112980 describes a diving set having two link sets to produce a force transmission connection between the diving shoe and the rudder.

Compendium

According to one embodiment, a method is described, as claimed in claim 1, of coupling a boot toe body to a fin apparatus.

According to another embodiment, a fin apparatus as claimed in claim 3 is disclosed which is engageable with a boot toe body.

Other aspects and features will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a fin system according to one embodiment.

Figure 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a fin apparatus including a fin body, a boot coupling body, and a fastener of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the fin apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a side view of the fin apparatus of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the boot coupling body and a boot toe body of the fin system of Figure 1, taken along line 6-6 shown in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the boot attachment body and the boot toe body of Figure 1 in a first step of engaging the boot attachment body with the boot toe body.

Figure 8 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the boot attachment body and the boot toe body of Figure 1 in a second stage of engaging the boot attachment body with the boot toe body.

Figure 9 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the boot coupling body of Figure 1 engaged with the boot toe body of Figure 1.

Fig. 10 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a boot coupling body and a boot toe body according to another embodiment.

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Figure 11 is a side view of a boot system according to another embodiment.

Figure 12 is a side view of a boot system according to another embodiment.

Figure 13 is a bottom view of a boot toe body according to another embodiment.

Figure 14 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a fin system according to another embodiment.

Figure 15 is a partial side view of a fin system according to another embodiment.

Figure 16 is a top view of fin apparatus according to other embodiments.

Fig. 17 is an embodiment.

Fig. 18 is an embodiment.

Fig. 19 is an embodiment.

Fig. 20 is an embodiment.

a bottom view of a boot coupling body and part of a flap body according to another a bottom view of a boot coupling body and part of a flap body according to another a bottom view of a boot coupling body and part of a fin body according to another a bottom view of a boot coupling body and part of a fin body according to another

Fig. 21 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body and a flap body according to another embodiment.

Figure 22 is a side cross-sectional view of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of a boot toe body according to the embodiment of Figure 22.

Figure 24 is a partial top view of the boot attachment body and boot toe body of Figures 22 and 23, with a boot attachment body clasp in an attachment position.

Figure 25 is a partial top view of the boot attachment body and boot toe body of Figures 22 and 23, with the boot attachment body clasp in a disengaged position.

Figure 26 is a bottom view of a flap apparatus including the boot attachment body of Figure 22, with a heel attachment body of the boot attachment body in a retracted position.

Figure 27 is a side view of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 28 is a side view of a clasp according to another embodiment.

Figure 29 is another exploded top perspective view of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 30 is another exploded top perspective view of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 31 is a top perspective view of the fin apparatus and boot toe body of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 32 is a proximal end view of the fin apparatus of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 33 is a distal end view of the fin apparatus of the fin system of Figure 1.

Figure 34 is a top view of the fin apparatus and boot toe body of the fin system of Figure 1.

Fig. 35 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body and a flap body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 36 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body and a flap body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 37 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 38 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body and part of a fin body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 39 is a bottom view of part of a boot coupling body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 40 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

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Fig. 41 is a bottom view of a boot, a boot coupling body and part of a fin body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 42 is a bottom view of a boot attachment body and a flap body according to another embodiment.

Figure 43 is an exploded top perspective view of a fin system according to another embodiment.

Figure 44 is a side cross-sectional view of a fin frame of the fin system of Figure 43, taken along line 44-44 shown in Figure 43.

Figure 45 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a coupling body of the fin system of Figure 43.

Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view of a boot attachment body including the fin frame and the attachment body of the fin system of Figure 43.

Fig. 47 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a coupling body according to another embodiment.

Figure 48 is a side cross-sectional view of the coupling body of Figure 47 and a boot toe body according to the embodiment of Figure 47.

Fig. 49 is a side cross-sectional view of a boot and a heel engaging portion of a boot engaging body according to another embodiment.

Figure 50 is a partial side cross-sectional view of a fin system according to another embodiment.

Fig. 51 is a side schematic illustration of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

Figure 52 is a side schematic illustration of a boot attachment body of Figure 51 with a boot toe body engaged with the boot attachment body.

Figure 53 is a side schematic illustration of the boot attachment body of Figure 51 with the boot toe body of Figure 52 engaged with the boot attachment body.

Figure 54 is a side schematic illustration of the boot toe body of Figure 52 as it is ejected from the boot coupling body of Figure 51.

Fig. 55 is a side schematic illustration of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

Figure 56 is a side view of a boot toe body according to another embodiment.

Figure 57 is a side view of a boot upper that may be coupled with the boot toe body of Figure 56.

Fig. 58 is a side view of a boot toe body and a boot coupling body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 59 is a side view of the boot toe body of Fig. 58 and a boot coupling body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 60 is a side view of a boot toe body and a boot coupling body according to another embodiment.

Fig. 61 is a side view of a boot toe body, a boot coupling body, and a boot upper according to another embodiment.

Fig. 62 is a side view of a boot and boot toe body according to another embodiment.

Figure 63 is a side view of a boot upper, liner, and boot toe body according to another embodiment.

Figure 64 is a side schematic illustration of a boot attachment body according to another embodiment.

Detailed description

Referring to FIG. 1, a fin system according to one embodiment is shown generally at 100 and includes a fin body 102, a boot coupling body 104, a boot toe body 106, and a boot 108.

Flap body 102 has a proximal end shown generally at 110 and configured to mate with boot coupling body 104 and boot toe body 106 as described below. Fin body 102 also has a distal end shown generally at 112 opposite proximal end 110.

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The fin body 102 has an upper side that is generally shown at 114 and a lower side that is generally shown at 116.

When a user wearing the fin body 102 walks on a surface, the underside 116 generally faces downward and therefore generally contacts the surface. In general, the underside refers, herein, to a side that faces downward and generally contacts a surface when a user walks on the surface. However, when the fin body 102 is worn in the water, a user may face downward, whereby the underside of a fin refers, herein, to a surface that generally faces upward when worn. a swimmer looking down. Furthermore, a bottom view herein generally refers to such a bottom side view, whereby, in the case of a fin in use, a bottom view herein generally refers to a top view. In contrast, a top side of a fin refers, herein, to a surface that generally faces downward when in use by a downward-facing swimmer, and a top view refers, herein, to a to such a top side view, whereby in the case of a fin in use, a top view herein generally refers to a bottom view.

Fin body 102 also defines a first through opening shown generally at 118 and extending between upper side 114 and lower side 116, and a second through opening shown generally at 120 and extending between upper side 114 and bottom side 116. Fin body 102 includes a retainer 122 positioned in through opening 118 and extending out of bottom side 116. Retainer 122 defines a generally transverse through opening shown generally at 124 to receive a fastener 126 as described below. Retainer 122 can be made of, for example, a relatively rigid thermoplastic material and fastener 126 can be a metal rivet, for example.

As used herein, a relatively rigid thermoplastic material can refer to a thermoplastic material having a modulus of elasticity from about 100 megapascals (MPa) to about 500 MPa, for example. The parts described herein can be made of various materials including thermoplastic materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polypropylene, polyamides, thermoplastic elastomers, styrene-butadiene-styrene, styrene-ethylene-butadiene-styrene, ethylene, polyolefin, acetal resin. , polyoxymethylene plastic such as DELRIN ™ or DELRIN 107^MR, and / or combinations of two or more of them, for example. These thermoplastic materials can also be fiber infused and / or include matrix composites including glass and / or carbon fibers, for example.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the boot attachment body 104 is curved into a generally semicircular shape having an upper portion generally shown at 128, a lower portion generally shown at 130, and an intermediate portion generally shown at 132 and extending between the upper portion 128 and the lower portion 130.

The intermediate portion 132 defines a receptacle shown generally at 134 open to a space between the upper portion 128 and the lower portion 130. The receptacle 134 is dimensioned to receive a portion of the retainer 122 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. As shown in Figure 5, a distal side of the retainer 122 has two separate lobes, whereby the socket 134 includes two separate recesses (as shown in Figure 2) to receive the respective lobes of the retainer 122. The intermediate portion 132 also defines a generally transverse through opening shown generally at 136 and sized to receive fastener 126.

Still referring to Figures 1 and 2, upper portion 128 defines a bracket (or clamp body) 138 that extends into the space between upper portion 128 and lower portion 130, and lower portion 130 defines a clasp 140 that extends into the space between upper portion 128 and lower portion 130. Boot coupling body 104 is therefore a unitary body having bracket 138 and clasp 140.

Referring to Figures 1-4, the through opening 118 is dimensioned to receive a portion of the intermediate portion 132 with the upper portion 128 on the upper side 114 of the fin body 102, and with the lower portion 130 on the lower side. 116 of fin body 102. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, boot attachment body 104 can be positioned with intermediate portion 132 in through opening 118 such that through opening 124 is transversely aligned with through opening 136 such that the fastener 126 can be received in through opening 124 and through opening 136. In that position, bracket 138 extends through through-opening 120 and extends out of underside 116 of flap body 102. Bra 126 can engage flap body 102 with boot body coupling 104, but In alternative embodiments, such a fastener may be omitted if such a flap body and the boot attachment body can be interlocked or otherwise engaged without such a fastener. As used herein, a fin apparatus may refer to the assembly of fin body 102 and boot coupling body 104 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. In other embodiments, a fin apparatus may include more or fewer parts. , and can be formed integrally as a single unitary body.

Referring to Figures 1 and 5, the boot toe body 106 is curved and has an upper portion that is generally shown at 142, a lower portion that is generally shown at 144, and an intermediate portion that is generally shown at 146 between upper portion 142 and lower portion 144. Upper portion 142 defines a receptacle shown generally at 148 and open to an upper side of boot toe body 106, and the

ES 2 804 464 T3 lower portion 144 defines a receptacle shown generally at 150 and open to the lower side of the boot toe body 106. At the front end shown generally at 152, the intermediate portion 146 defines a recess shown generally at 154 and which is extends between the upper and lower sides of the boot toe body 106. Recess 154 defines a front surface 155 that is complementary to a retainer surface 156 on retainer 122 so that recess 154 can receive a portion of retainer 122 when retainer surface 156 contacts front surface 155.

Referring to FIG. 6, bracket 138 defines a retention surface 158 complementary to a retention surface 160 on receptacle 148. In addition, clasp 140 defines a retention surface 162 complementary to a retention surface 164 on receptacle 150 . In the absence of exterior forces, the intermediate portion 132 is curved such that a curved interior surface of the intermediate portion 132 (facing the space between the upper portion 128 and the lower portion 130) has a curvature that is greater than a curvature of a complementary outer surface at front end 152 of boot toe body 106. However, the boot attachment body 104 is elastically deformable, and as described below, attachment of the boot toe body 106 involves elastically deforming the boot attachment body 104 such that the curvature of the inner surface The curvature of the intermediate portion 132 decreases to a curvature closer to the curvature of the complementary outer surface at the front end 152 of the boot toe body 106, and in such a way as to increase a separation distance between the support 138 and the clasp 140.

Referring to Figure 7, the front end 152 of the boot toe body 106 can be received in the space between the upper portion 128 and the lower portion 130 with the bracket 138 received in the receptacle 148 such that the retaining surface 158 contacts retaining surface 160. When the retaining surface 158 contacts the retaining surface 160, the boot toe body 106 can pivot relative to the boot engaging body 104, and the boot engaging body 104 can pivot relative to the toe cap body. boot 106, about a generally transverse axis defined by the point of contact of retaining surface 158 on retaining surface 160. If the boot toe body 106 rotates about that axis of rotation in the direction of arrow 166, or if the boot coupling body 104 rotates about that axis of rotation in the direction of arrow 168, or both, then clasp 140 and retaining surface 162 approach receptacle 150 moving in the direction of arrow 170.

Figure 8 illustrates the clasp 140 closer to the socket 150, having moved in the direction of arrow 170 with respect to the position shown in Figure 7. The boot attachment body 104 is more elastically deformable than the toe box body. boot 106. Therefore, as the clasp 140 is moved from the position shown in Figure 7, closer to the socket 150, as shown in Figure 8, the boot coupling body 104 elastically deforms such that the curvature of the curved inner surface of the intermediate portion 132 decreases to a curvature closer to the curvature of the complementary outer surface at the forward end 152 of the boot toe body 106, and in such a way that the separation distance between the support 138 and the clasp 140 increases.

Because boot attachment body 104 has been elastically deformed to increase the distance between bracket 138 and clasp 140, boot attachment body 104 elastically biases clasp 140 in a generally direction toward bracket 138. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when retaining surface 162 moves in the direction of arrow 170 past retaining surface 164, receptacle 150 receives clasp 140 with retaining surface 162 in position. contact with retaining surface 164. Retaining surfaces 158, 160, 162, and 164 are positioned to retain bracket 138 and clasp 140 against movement in a direction toward fin body 102, and clasp 140 thus connects to boot toe body 106 at receptacle 150, while simultaneously support 138 connects to boot toe body 106 in receptacle 148 with retaining surface 158 in contact with retaining surface 160. In various embodiments, a receptacle need not be a recess, but may include other structures that define at least one retaining surface to function as a connector.

Bracket 138, clip 140, receptacle 148, and receptacle 150 function as connectors. Bracket 138 and receptacle 148 are mating first connectors, and clip 140 and receptacle 150 are mating second connectors. When the bracket 138 is connected to the boot toe body 106 in the socket 148 and when the clasp 140 is connected to the boot toe body 106 in the socket 150, the front surface 155 in the recess 154 contacts the retaining surface. 156 of retainer 122, and bracket 138 and clip 140 are positioned to position front surface 155 against retaining surface 156. Although the boot toe body 106 elastically deforms the boot coupling body 104, the retainer 122 is stiffer and is not significantly elastically deformed by the boot toe body 106, so that the boot toe body 106 can be held firmly against retainer 122. Bracket 138, clasp 140, and retainer 122 thus cooperate to retain boot toe body 106 against movement with respect to boot engaging body 104 to engage boot toe body 106 with boot engaging body 104. . Furthermore, because front surface 155 is complementary to retaining surface 156, the retainer cooperates with forward end 152 of boot toe body 106 to align boot toe body 106 with boot coupling body 104. and inhibiting lateral and rotational movement of the boot toe body 106 relative to the boot coupling body 104. In summary, the boot coupling body 104 and the boot toe body 106 can cooperate to automatically align the boot toe body.

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106 with the boot coupling body 104, which can facilitate the coupling of the boot toe body 106 with the boot coupling body 104.

The embodiment shown in Figures 1-9 can provide a simple and intuitive method of attaching and uncoupling a flap appliance to a boot since a user can attach a flap appliance to a boot by penetrating the boot attachment body 104 of the boot. a fin apparatus with one hand or no hand.

In some embodiments, the boot engaging body may be permanently engaged with the boot toe body as shown in Figure 9. However, in other embodiments, the boot engaging body may be detachable from the toe cap body. boot.

Referring to FIG. 10, a fin system according to another embodiment is shown generally at 172 and includes a fin body 174, a boot coupling body 176, and a boot toe body 178. The fin body 174 is substantially the same as the fin body 102, and the boot toe body 178 is substantially the same as the boot toe body 106. The boot coupling body 176 is substantially the same as the boot coupling body 104 and includes a clasp 180 that is substantially the same as the clasp 140, except that the boot coupling body 176 includes a rigid lever 182 coupled with clasp 180 and extending posterior to clasp 180. By moving the lever 182 in direction 184 away from the boot toe body 178, a force is transferred from the lever 182 to the clasp 180 to release or disengage the boot coupling body 176 (and therefore, the flap body 174 mated with the boot attachment body 176) of the boot toe body 178 because a portion of the boot attachment body 176 anterior to the clasp 180 is flexible enough to allow the clasp 180 to come out of a boot toe body receptacle or connector 178 in response to the force of lever 182 outward from boot toe body 178. Lever 182 may include a safety lock (not shown) to prevent accidental release. For example, Figure 41 illustrates a rigid lever 292 that includes a safety lock 294. In addition, Figure 42 illustrates a rigid lever 296 according to another embodiment, in which the lever 296 includes a bead engagement body as described below. continuation.

As shown in Figure 5, the boot toe body 106 may be coupled with the boot 108. For example, the boot toe body 106 may be formed by injection molding, and the boot 108 may be made of a material such as neoprene and sewn, adhered, or otherwise affixed to boot toe body 106. Alternatively, boot toe body 106 and boot 108 may be integrally formed, for example, by multi-stage injection molding. In some embodiments, a boot toe body may extend to locations well beyond a toe region (as shown in Figure 13, for example) and may include, for example, part or all of a complete boot.

In general, the boot toe bodies described herein can be molded or otherwise formed in one or a small number of sizes, and then mated with boots of various sizes and materials. Therefore, one or a small number of sizes of boot toe bodies can be manufactured to facilitate coupling with fin apparatuses such as fin apparatuses described herein. Manufacturing boot toe bodies in one or a small number of sizes can reduce manufacturing costs compared to other boot lacing systems because the one or a small number of sizes of boot toe bodies can be coupled with a large variety of different boots. For example, various manufacturers can make boots in a large number of varieties that can vary based on foot size and shape, material, ankle support, and many other ways without the need for separate tools or injection molds to make. different boot toe bodies for each variety of boot. For example, the boot toe body 106 may be mated with a low ankle boot 188 as shown in Figure 11, or with a high ankle boot 190 as shown in Figure 12. Furthermore, referring to the Figure 14, the boot toe body 106 may be coupled with a boot upper 192, and the boot upper 192 may be configured to receive and couple a boot 194.

In addition, the boots described herein may, for example, be similar to the boots that were described and illustrated in US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 322,104 filed April 8, 2010, or that were described and illustrated in US Patent Application No. 13 / 639,446.

Referring to FIG. 15, another embodiment includes a boot toe body 196 that is similar to the boot toe body 106, except that the boot toe body 196 is configured to mountably and removably mate with a boot 198. For example, boot toe body 196 may include a height adjustment mechanism 200 to adjust the height of a receptacle of boot toe body 196 to fit a particular boot 198. The boot toe body 196 may also include a heel engaging body 202, having a third connector configured to engage a heel region, shown generally at 204 of the boot 198. The heel engaging body 202 may be adjustable in length to accommodate different lengths and sizes of boot 198, thereby adjusting a gap distance between the first and second connectors and the third connector. The boot toe body 196 can facilitate the coupling of a fin apparatus with a drysuit or a user's preferred boot, for example.

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In addition, boots and boot toe bodies as described herein may include sole bodies such as the sole bodies described and illustrated in PCT International Application No. PCT / CA2012 / 000946. Furthermore, boot herein is not limited to any particular footwear, and may include shoes and other footwear, and also prosthetic limbs, for example. Figure 40 illustrates a boot toe body according to another embodiment, in which a hinge 290 allows greater flexibility between a toe portion and a heel portion of the boot toe body.

Furthermore, fin fixtures can vary in many ways, such as length, width, shape, material, and flexibility, for example. The fin apparatus described herein may, for example, be similar to the fin apparatus (or rudders) that were described and illustrated in United States Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 322,104, or that were described in illustrated in US Patent Application No. 13 / 639,446, Figure 16 illustrates fin apparatus 206, 208, 210, 212, and 214 according to other embodiments.

Referring to Figure 17, another embodiment includes a boot attachment body 216 that is similar to the boot attachment bodies described herein, but includes a heel attachment body 218. Heel engaging body 218 includes side posts 220 and 222, which are configured to join a coil spring strap (not shown) to extend between side posts 220 and 222 and behind a heel region of a boot, such as heel region 204 of boot 198 or a heel region shown generally at 224 of boot 108.

Referring to FIG. 18, another embodiment includes a boot attachment body 226, which is similar to the boot attachment bodies described herein, but includes a bead attachment body 228. The bead attachment body 228 has a loop shape with a rear portion generally shown at 230. In the rear portion 230, the heel coupling body 228 includes a connector 232 receivable in a receptacle at a heel end of a boot, such as the receptacle 1050 shown in FIG. 37 of PCT International Application No. PCT / CA2011 / 000395 for example. The heel attachment body loop 228 may be elastically deformable to stretch the rear portion 230 around a heel portion of a boot, and the heel attachment body loop portion 228 may be adjustable in length.

Figures 19-21 and 35-39 illustrate length adjustment in other embodiments. Figure 19 illustrates a boot attachment body having an elastically extensible heel attachment body 236. Figures 35 to 39 also illustrate boot attachment bodies having elastically extensible heel attachment bodies. Figure 20 illustrates a boot attachment body 238 having a heel attachment body 240 that is adjustable in length by placing a connector 242 in different holes 244, 246, and 248 of the boot attachment body 238. Figures 35, 36 , 37 and 39 also illustrate boot attachment bodies having heel attachment bodies that are adjustable in length. Figure 21 illustrates an interchangeable semi-rigid bead coupling body 250.

Referring to FIG. 22, a boot attachment body according to another embodiment is shown generally at 252 and is similar to the boot attachment bodies described above. The boot attachment body 252 has an upper side that is generally shown at 254 and a lower side that is generally shown at 256. The boot coupling body 252 also has a clasp 258 that is coupled to the boot coupling body 252 by a generally cylindrical fastener 260 that is coupled with the boot coupling body 252 to rotate about an axis of rotation 262 that extends between the upper side 254 and the lower side 256 of the boot attachment body 252. The clasp 258 thus engages the boot attachment body 252 to rotate about the axis of rotation 262. The boot attachment body 252 also includes a heel attachment body 264 that includes a connector 266 connectable to a heel end of a boot. The bead engagement body 264 is also engaged with the fastener 260 to rotate about the axis of rotation 262. Therefore, rotation of bead coupling body 264 about axis of rotation 262 transfers a torque to fastener 260 and clasp 258, thereby rotating clasp 258 about axis of rotation 262 in response to rotation of bead body. heel coupling 264 about axis of rotation 262. Clasp 258 defines a retainer 268 having a retaining surface 270 facing the underside 256 of boot coupling body 252.

Referring to Figure 23, a boot toe body 272 according to the embodiment of Figure 22 is similar to the boot toe bodies described above and has an upper side that is generally shown at 274 and a lower side that is shown generally at 276. On the lower side 276, the boot toe body 272 defines a receptacle 278 that defines a retaining surface 280 facing the upper side 274 of the boot toe body 272.

Referring to Figures 24 and 25, when the clasp 258 rotates about the axis of rotation 262 such that the retainer 268 is above the retaining surface 280, the retaining surface 270 contacts the retaining surface 280 to retaining clasp 258 in receptacle 278, and clasp 258 thus functions as a connector to connect boot coupling body 252 to boot toe body 272, and clasp 258 and receptacle 278 are therefore complementary connectors. However, when clasp 258 rotates around axis of rotation 262 such that retainer 268 is no longer positioned on retaining surface 280, then

In 2 804 464 T3 the clasp 258 no longer connects the boot toe body 252 to the boot toe body 272 in the receptacle 278, and the boot toe body 252 is thus disengaged from the boot toe body 272.

In some embodiments, clasp 258 may be made of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (or TEFLON ™), or may include an insert of such material, to reduce friction and facilitate sliding on retaining surface 280. Figure 28 illustrates a clasp shown generally at 286 according to another embodiment. Clasp 286 includes a roller (or spool) 288 to facilitate snapping onto retaining surface 280. Roller 288 may also be made of a material such as polytetrafluoroetheylene (or TEFLON ™), or may include an insert of such material, to reduce friction and facilitate sliding on retaining surface 280. Roller 288 may also have an elliptical cross-sectional shape to facilitate snapping onto retaining surface 280, for example to facilitate snapping of a flap apparatus into a boot toe body when clasp 286 is in a position. coupling (similar to the position shown in Figure 24) or a partial coupling position (between positions similar to the positions shown in Figures 24 and 25), for example, to fit when used in water. Referring to Figure 26, the bead attachment body 264 can be rotated to a retracted position toward a distal end of the flap to facilitate storage or transport of the flap apparatus. Figures 35 to 39 illustrate other embodiments that include swivel clips engaged with bead engagement bodies.

The embodiment of Figures 22-26 can provide a simple and intuitive method of attaching and detaching a fin appliance to a boot as a user can attach a flap appliance to a boot, with just one hand and in a single action, by rotating the heel attachment body 264 to a position where the heel attachment body 264 is connected to a heel portion of the boot, and the wearer can uncouple the flap apparatus from the boot, again with one hand and in a single action, rotating the heel attachment body 264 to a position where the heel attachment body 264 is disconnected from a heel portion of the boot. The bead engagement body 264 may include a safety lock (not shown) to prevent accidental release.

Referring to Figure 27, the fin system of Figure 1 is shown assembled, and an upper surface 282 of the fin body 102 is generally coplanar with an upper surface 284 of the boot toe body 106. As noted above, a swimmer using fin systems, such as the fin systems described above, often looks down when swimming, so that top surface 282 and top surface 284 generally face down when in use. . Also, a swimmer's strongest kick is often a downward kick, so the swimmer's propulsion often relies heavily on forceful downward kicks. During down kicks, water flows over top surface 284 and top surface 282, and in some embodiments, the positioning of top surface 282 generally coplanar with top surface 284 can allow for a more laminar and efficient flow of water from top surface 284 to top surface 282 during such downward kicks. Therefore, the placement of fin body 102 with upper surface 282 generally coplanar with upper surface 284, as shown in the embodiments described above, can allow for more efficient fluid flow compared to other fin systems.

Referring to FIG. 43, a flap system according to another embodiment is shown generally at 300 and includes a boot attachment body shown generally at 302. The boot attachment body 302 includes an attachment body 304 and a flap frame. 306. The fin system 300 also includes a boot toe body 308 attachable to a boot (not shown). The fin frame 306 may be integrally, permanently, removable, or non-removable coupled with a fin body 307, and when the fin frame 306 is coupled with the fin body 307, the fin frame 306 and the wing body fin 307 may function together substantially the same as other fin bodies described above, such as fin body 102 or fin bodies shown in Figures 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, and 42, for example. Still further, other fin bodies described above, such as fin body 102 or fin bodies shown in Figures 16, 21, 26, 35, 36, and 42, for example, can be understood to include a fin frame (similar to to fin frame 306, for example) removably or non-removably coupled with a fin body (similar to fin body 307, for example), and boot attachment bodies such as those described herein may be removably attached to said fin frames.

Fin frame 306 has an upper side shown generally at 312, a lower side shown generally at 314, a proximal end shown generally at 316, distal ends shown generally at 318 and 320, and a longitudinally extending retention member 322. away from proximal end 316 and laterally centered between two distal ends 318 and 320. The retention member 322 also rises from the upper side 312 of the fin frame before curving into a generally semicircular shape toward the proximal end 316. The retention member 322 includes an upper portion 324 and an intermediate portion 326. The upper portion 324 of the retention member 322 defines a retention surface 328. Retaining member 322 is elastically deformable such that exerting a downward force on upper portion 324 will reduce the space between upper portion 324 and upper side 312 of fin frame 306.

Referring to Figures 43 and 44, the fin frame 306 also includes a bracket (or clamp body) 330 that extends downwardly into a space from the underside 314 of the proximal end 316 of the frame.

ES 2 804 464 T3 of fin 306. Bracket 330 defines a retention surface 332 complementary to a retention surface 334 defined on boot toe body 308. Fin frame 306 also defines an adjustable retention surface 336 sized to be received in a corresponding recess 337 in the boot toe body 308. A position of the adjustable retaining surface 336 may be adjusted in order to adjust an amount by which the adjustable retaining surface 336 extends away from the remainder of the fin frame 306. In the embodiment shown, the position of the retaining surface Adjustable 336 is adjusted using adjustment means including a threaded member 338 that passes through the center of fin frame 306. Around adjustable retaining surface 336 and below bracket 330, fin frame 306 defines conical surfaces so that as boot toe body 308 approaches fin frame 306, fin frame 306 can be centered or aligned. automatically relative to boot toe body 308, which can facilitate the coupling of the boot toe body 308 with the boot coupling body 302 in a hands-free movement by penetrating as described below.

The coupling body 304 is similar to the boot coupling body 252 shown in Figure 22, being curved into a generally semicircular shape having an upper portion 340, a lower portion 342, and an intermediate portion 344 extending between the upper portion. 340 and the lower portion 342, and a clasp 346 in the lower portion. Intermediate portion 344 defines a through hole 348 sized to receive retaining member 322 of fin frame 306. Through hole 348 defines a retention surface 350 complementary to retention surface 328 of retention member 322 such that when retention member 322 is received in through hole 348 of coupling body 304, retention surfaces 350 and 328 act as connectors to couple fin frame 306 with coupling body 304. In addition, the retaining surfaces 350 and 328 can be separated from each other to allow the retaining member 322 to be removed from the through hole 348 in order to separate the fin frame 306 from the coupling body 304. The boot coupling body 302 of the embodiment shown may thus include fin frame 306 coupled (or removably coupled) to coupling body 304.

Referring to FIG. 45, the clasp 346 of the coupling body 304 is coupled to a support body 354 with a cylindrical fastener 353 to allow the clasp 346 to rotate relative to the support body 354. The support body 354 is coupled with the lower portion 342 and with the coupling body 304 with a fastener 352 such that the lower portion 342, and therefore the support body 354 and the clasp 346, can rotate around of an axis of rotation 355 defined by fastener 352. Support body 354 is elastically deformable to allow clasp 346 to elastically move away from a rest position in a downward direction. The boot coupling body 302 is therefore elastically deformable (at least by elastic deformation of the support body 354, which also functions as a spring) to vary a distance between the support 330 and the clasp 346. Clasp 346 is dimensioned to be received by retaining surface 356 of boot toe body 308.

Coupling body 304 also has an alignment member, shown generally at 358, that is rotationally engaged with support body 354 such that rotation of alignment member 358 about axis of rotation 355 causes similar rotation of the support body 354 about axis of rotation 355. Therefore, alignment member 358 makes it easy to cause rotation of clasp 346 about axis of rotation 355. Alignment member 358 also defines a longitudinally curved and extending retaining surface 360 ​​beyond clasp 346 and is dimensioned to be received by a longitudinal recess in the sole of a boot or a boot toe body, such as the boot toe body 308 (as shown in FIG. 13, for example). In some embodiments, the alignment member 358 may be replaced by a rigid lever 182 in FIG. 10, or a bead engagement body, such as the bead engagement body 202 in FIG. 15, or any of the engagement bodies. of heel shown in Figures 17-22. In embodiments that include a bead engaging body, the bead engaging body can also be rotatably engaged with the clasp 346 to rotate about the axis of rotation 355, and thus when the bead engaging body is coupled with a boot heel connector, the heel coupling body can prevent movement of the clasp 346, which can prevent release of the clasp 346 from the retaining surface 356 and, therefore, preventing release of the boot coupling body 302 from the boot toe body 308.

When the boot coupling body 302 is assembled with the flap frame 306 coupled with the coupling body 304 with the retaining member 322 received in the through hole 348, as shown in Fig. 46, a user, wearing a boot that includes, or is coupled with, the boot toe body 308, You can connect a connector (the retention surface 332) to a mating connector (the retention surface 334 shown in Figure 43) and then exert a downward force on the clasp 346, causing elastic deformation of support body 354 as clip 346 elastically moves downward until clip 346 rolls over the edge of retaining surface 356 and snaps into place against clip 346 when support body 354 snaps back upward on clasp 346, thereby connecting clasp 346 to retaining surface 356. The clasp 346 is therefore a roller, and the boot toe body 308 can be engaged with the boot coupling body 302 with a hands-free movement by penetrating the boot coupling body 302.

ES 2 804 464 T3

Alternatively, the user, while wearing a boot that includes, or is coupled with, the boot toe body 308, may connect a connector (retention surface 332) to a complementary connector (retention surface 334 shown in FIG. 43) when the clasp 346 rotates about the axis of rotation 355 toward a position where the clasp 346 can approach the retention surface 356 without coming into contact with the retention surface 356, and then the clasp 346 can be rotated about the axis of rotation 355 to a position where the clasp 346 is connected to the retaining surface 356. As shown in FIG. 46, the axis of rotation 355 has an angle that is inclined on the upper side away from the fin frame 306 and on the lower side towards the fin frame 306, and such an angle causes the clasp 346 to engage. move down (and therefore in a direction outward from an upper side and in contact with the retaining surface 356) when the clasp 346 is rotated about the axis of rotation 355 in a direction that causes the clasp 346 to connect to the retaining surface 356.

Either way, once the clasp 346 is connected to the retaining surface 356, the boot toe body 308 is engaged with the boot engaging body 302, and the adjustable retaining surface 336 will be received against a contact surface. retention in recess 337, retention surface 332 of bracket 330 will be received against retention surface 334, and clasp 346 will be received against retention surface 356, effectively locking the boot toe body 308 to the boot coupling body 302. In addition, the curved retaining surface 360 ​​may be received by a longitudinal recess in the sole of a boot or a boot toe body, such as the body. toe cap 308 (as shown in FIG. 13, for example) when clasp 346 has snapped into place against retaining surface 356.

The embodiment of Figures 43-46 can provide a simple and intuitive method of attaching and detaching a fin appliance to a boot because a user can attach a flap appliance to a boot, included or coupled with a toe body of the boot. , hooking the bracket against the retaining surface of the boot toe body, aligning the boot with the boot toe body by rotating the alignment member such that the boot toe body is centrally aligned with the boot toe body, and then pivoting the boot toe body relative to the body boot coupling around the generally transverse axis of rotation to make the clasp and coupling elastically deform in the downward direction, causing it to move closer to the corresponding retaining surface of the boot toe body, until it snaps into position against the corresponding retaining surface of the boot toe body.

Alternatively, the user can engage the bracket against the retention member 322 of the boot toe body when the clasp is rotated to a position where the clasp can approach the retention surface 356 without contacting the retention surface 356. , and then the clasp can be rotated to a position where the clasp is connected to the retaining surface 356. Either way, the flap apparatus can be engaged with the boot until the clasp rotates to a position where the clasp can detach from the retaining surface 356 to disengage the boot toe body 308 from the boot coupling body 302. . As shown in FIG. 46, the axis of rotation 355 has an angle that is inclined on the upper side away from the fin frame 306 and on the lower side towards the fin frame 306, and such an angle causes the clasp 346 to engage. move up (and therefore in a direction toward an upper side and out of contact with the retaining surface 356) when the clasp 346 is rotated about the axis of rotation 355 in a direction that causes the clasp 346 to separate from the retaining surface 356.

Referring to Figures 47 and 48, a flap apparatus 400 according to another embodiment includes a boot engaging body shown generally at 402. The flap apparatus 400 also includes a boot toe body 404 integral or permanently coupled with boot 406. In alternative embodiments, boot toe body 404 may be removably coupled with boot 406. The boot coupling body 402 includes a coupling body 408 and a fin frame 410. In some embodiments, a fin body (not shown) may be integrally or permanently coupled with the fin frame 410. In other embodiments, a fin body can be removably coupled with fin frame 410.

In the embodiment shown, the flap frame 410 can be removably coupled with the coupling body 408 to form the boot coupling body 402. In some embodiments, the flap frame 410 can be removably coupled with the coupling body. 408 using two corresponding retaining surfaces on each of fin frame 410 and coupling body 408, such as the method described with reference to Figures 43-46.

Flap frame 410 defines a bracket (or clamp body) 430 that defines a retaining surface 431, which can be dimensioned to receive against a retaining surface 432 when boot coupling body 402 is engaged with the toe body. boot 404.

The coupling body 408 is similar to the boot coupling body 252 described in Figure 22, being curved into a generally semicircular shape having an upper portion shown generally at 412, a lower portion 414, and an intermediate portion 416 extending between the upper portion 412 and the lower portion 414, and a clasp 418 attached to the lower portion 414 with a fastener 420. Fastener 420 secures clasp 418 as it extends laterally through slot 436 and allows rotation of clasp 418 with respect to lower portion 414, whereby clasp 418 is also a roller. Slot 436 elongates in a generally vertical orientation,

ES 2 804 464 T3 thus allowing fastener 420 (and therefore clasp 418) to move vertically up and down within slot 436. Clasp 418 may be similar to clasp 286 shown in Figure 28 .

The lower portion 414 of the coupling body 408 may extend longitudinally away from the front of the boot 406, and may include a rigid lever, such as the rigid lever 182 in Figure 10, or a heel coupling body, such as the bead coupling body 202 in FIG. 15, or any of the bead coupling bodies mentioned in FIGS . 17-22. The lower portion 414 of the boot engaging body 408 may be dimensioned to be received in a longitudinal recess, which may be in the sole of the boot 406 or on the underside of the boot toe body 404 (not shown).

The intermediate portion 416 of the coupling body 408 defines a rotary interface 424 about which the upper portion 412 or the lower portion 414 of the coupling body 408 can be rotated. The fastener 426 acts as a rotary pivot on which such rotation takes place, and also couples the upper portion 412 and the lower portion 414 of the coupling body 408 together. Rotation of the coupling body 408 when engaged with the flap frame 410 can provide a storage and protective advantage to the flap apparatus 400 while in transit or while not in use because the lower portion 414 of the coupling body 408 can rotate around it to be parallel to the fin frame 410, thus reducing the size of the entire apparatus and protecting the lower portion 414 (which may include a long longitudinal extension, such as a bead engaging body or a rigid lever).

In the embodiment shown, clasp 418 is positioned on top of, but not attached to, a spring 422, which is made of an elastically deformable material. Spring 422 is secured within lower portion 414 of coupling body 408 using fasteners 426 and 428. Clasp 418 will move down against spring 422 when a downward force is applied to clasp 418. Because spring 422 is elastically deformable, clasp 418 will return to its original position upon removal of any downward force acting on it. The boot coupling body 402 is thus elastically deformable (at least by elastic deformation of the spring 422) to vary a distance between the bracket 430 and the clasp 418.

The boot toe body 404 defines a retaining surface 432 dimensioned to receive the bracket 430. The boot toe body 404 also defines a retaining surface 434 on the underside of the boot toe body. Retaining surface 434 is dimensioned to receive clasp 418 of coupling body 408 when coupling boot coupling body 402 with boot toe body 404.

The embodiment shown can provide a simple and intuitive method of attaching and detaching a flap apparatus that includes at least one boot attachment body 402 and a boot toe body 404. A user may couple the boot attachment body 402 to a boot that includes a boot toe body 404 by engaging the bracket 430 against the retaining surface 432 of the boot toe body 404, aligning the boot toe body 404 with the boot coupling body 402 by rotating the lower portion 414 about the axis of rotation defined by the fastener 426 such that the clasp 418 is aligned with the retaining surface 434 of the boot body. boot toe 404, and then pivoting the boot toe body 404 relative to the boot coupling body 402 about a generally transverse axis of rotation formed between the upper portion 412 and the lower portion 414 of the coupling body 408 to make the boot body 408 boot toe 404 exerts a downward force on the clasp. The downward force on the clasp 418 causes it to move in the downward direction due to the corresponding elastic deformation of the spring 422. As the toe body 404 further deforms the spring 422, the clasp 418 moves closer to the corresponding retaining surface 434 of the boot toe body 404 until it snaps into position against the corresponding retaining surface 434. Alternatively, the user can engage the bracket against the retaining surface 432 of the boot toe body when the clasp is rotated to a position where the clasp can approach the retaining surface 434 without contacting the surface of the boot. retention 434, and then the clasp can be rotated to a position where the clasp is connected to the retention surface 434. Either way, the flap apparatus can be engaged with the boot until the clasp is rotated to a position where the clasp can be released from the retaining surface 434.

Figure 64 illustrates a boot coupling body according to another embodiment. The boot attachment body of Figure 64 is similar to the boot attachment body 402 shown in Figures 47 and 48, and includes a clasp or roller 47 and 48 that is detachable and movable relative to a spring 724 in a recessed region defined by spring 724. Springs, such as spring 724, can be thermoplastic leaf springs or other types of springs that can be made of other materials.

Referring to FIG. 49, another embodiment of a boot attachment body 600 is similar to the boot attachment body 402 shown in Figures 47 and 48. The boot attachment body 600 includes an attachment body shown generally at 602. and a fin frame 604. In some embodiments, a fin body (not shown) may be integrally or permanently coupled with the fin frame 604. In other embodiments, a fin body may be removably coupled with the fin frame 604.

In the embodiment shown, the fin frame 604 may be removably coupled with the coupling body 602 to form the boot coupling body 600. In some embodiments, the fin frame

ES 2 804 464 T3

604 It can be removably coupled with the coupling body 602 using two corresponding retaining surfaces on each of the fin frame 604 and the coupling body 602, such as the method described with reference to Figures 43-46.

Flap frame 604 defines a bracket (or clamp body) 606 that includes a retaining surface 608, which can be dimensioned to receive against a corresponding retaining surface on a boot toe body in a manner similar to that described with reference to figures 47 and 48.

Coupling body 602 is similar to coupling body 408 shown in Figures 47 and 48, being curved into a generally semicircular shape having an upper portion shown generally at 610, a lower portion shown generally at 612, and an intermediate portion shown. generally at 614 extending between the upper portion 610 and the lower portion 612.

The lower portion 612 of the coupling body 602 may extend longitudinally away from the front of the fin frame 604, and may include a rigid lever, such as the rigid lever 182 in Figure 10, or a bead coupling body, such such as bead engaging body 202 in FIG. 15, or any of the bead engaging bodies mentioned in FIGS. 17-22.

The intermediate portion 614 of the coupling body 602 defines a rotational interface 616 about which the upper portion 610 or the lower portion 612 of the coupling body 602 can rotate. The fastener 618 acts as a rotary pivot on which such rotation takes place, and also couples the upper portion 610 and the lower portion 612 together. Rotation of the coupling body 602 when coupled with the fin frame 604 can provide the same advantage to a fin apparatus that includes this embodiment as the advantage described with reference to Figures 47 and 48.

In the embodiment shown, spring 620 is secured within lower portion 612 of mating body 602 with fasteners 618 and 622. Spring 620 is similar to spring 422 shown in Figures 47 and 48, made of an elastically deformable material. . However, in the embodiment shown, spring 620 defines an integral hook (or clasp) 624 that consists of, or comprises, the same elastically deformable material as spring 620. In the embodiment shown, hook 624 and spring 620 are part of a single body, which can be produced as a single piece using, for example, injection molding techniques. Hook 624 can function in substantially the same way as clasp 418 shown in Figures 47 and 48, as it can elastically deform in a downward direction in conjunction with spring 620 when a downward force is applied to the upper portion of hook 624. . Because both spring 620 and hook 624 are elastically deformable, hook 624 can return to its original position by removing any downward force acting on it.

The embodiment shown can facilitate an equally simple and intuitive method of attaching and uncoupling a flap apparatus that includes at least one boot attachment body 600 to a boot toe body (not shown) similar to the method described with reference to Figures 47 and 48. Replacing the clasp 418 with the integral hook 624 can provide both a durability and longevity advantage to the coupling body 600. The embodiment shown may also provide an advantage during the production and manufacture of the coupling body 602.

Referring to Figure 50, an embodiment of a heel attachment body 502 is shown. The heel attachment body 502 may be an extension of the lower portion 504 of a boot attachment body described in previous embodiments (not shown). ), and is designed to removably engage with a 506 heel portion of a 508 boot. The boot 508 is not necessarily a full boot, but in various embodiments it may be an open heel body to receive a boot, or to receive a foot or prosthesis, for example. The bead engaging body 502 includes a retaining surface 509 dimensioned to be received against a corresponding retaining surface 510.

The bead engagement body 502 also defines a toggle mechanism generally shown at 512 and includes a lever 514, a wedge 516, and an actuator 518. When the retention surface 509 is received against the corresponding retention surface 510, the actuator 518 contacts a surface 524 of the boot 508, which causes the rotation of the lever mechanism 512 about a fastener 522 in a direction that pushes the wedge 516 into a position against a lock 520 that urges the retention surface 509 against the retention surface 510 so that the coupling body The heel portion 502 is essentially locked in place against the heel portion 506 of the boot 508. A user operating on the embodiment shown can unlock the heel engaging body 502 from the boot 508 by rotating the lever 514 about the fastener 522 in a generally rearward direction. In doing so, the wedge 516 stops contacting the lock 520 and stops pressing the retaining surface 509 against the retaining surface 510, and the actuator 518 exerts a force against the surface 524, pushing the retaining surface back. retention 509 away from retention surface 510 to move heel engaging body 502 rearward and out of the locked position against heel portion 506 of boot 508.

Referring to Figure 51, a boot attachment body in accordance with another embodiment is shown generally at 628 and includes a toe attachment region shown generally at 630 and substantially the same as the

ES 2 804 464 T3 coupling body 408 and fin frame 410 shown in Figures 47 and 48. The boot attachment body 628 also includes a heel attachment body shown generally at 632 that is similar to the heel attachment body 502 shown in Figure 50, except that the heel attachment body 632 defines a generally shown recess. at 634, 636 and 638 to receive a wedge 640 in three positions defined by each of the recesses 634, 636 and 638. A lever 642 and actuator 644 can move wedge 640 in substantially the same way as lever 514 and actuator 518, respectively, as previously described with reference to Figure 50, but wedge 640 is biased towards recesses 634 , 636 and 638, whereby the wedge rests most naturally in one of the three positions defined by recesses 634, 636 and 638.

As shown in FIG. 52, lever 642 can be moved to position wedge 640 in recess 634 to move wedge 640 into a position to engage a heel region of a boot toe body 646. Then, as shown in Figure 53, a user can penetrate the boot coupling body 628 and, in doing so, transfer a force from a lower surface of the boot toe body 646 to the actuator 644, which (as described with reference to FIG. 50 above) can drive the wedge into the position defined by recess 638 and lock heel engaging body 632 in a heel region of boot toe body 646. Therefore, in various embodiments such as those described herein, the connections to a heel region are not necessarily on the boot itself, but may instead be on a boot toe body 646 or any other body that is in, or that may be coupled with, a boot. As shown in FIG. 54, lever 642 can be detached from the heel region of boot toe body 646 to eject boot toe body 646 from boot coupling body 628.

Referring to Figure 55, a boot attachment body according to another embodiment is shown generally at 648 and includes a toe attachment region shown generally at 650 that is similar to attachment body 408 and fin frame 410 as shown. in figures 47 and 48. The boot attachment body 648 also includes a heel attachment body shown generally at 652 that is substantially the same as the heel attachment body 632 shown in Figures 51-54. Toe attachment region 650 includes a clasp 654 that is substantially the same as clasp 418 as shown in Figures 47 and 48, but clasp 654 is coupled, or is integral, with a spring 656 that is held in position. by fasteners 658 and 660. Spring 656 is elastically deformable as shown in Figure 55 to allow elastic movement of clasp 654, as shown in Figure 55, and generally as previously described.

Referring to Figures 56 and 57, a boot toe body according to another embodiment is shown generally at 662 and is configured to removably engage a toe region of the boot toe body 662 with a toe attachment region. of a boot coupling body shown generally at 664, which is substantially the same as the coupling body 408 and fin frame 410 shown in Figures 47 and 48. The boot toe body 662 is also configured to detachably engage with an upper 666, which may be temporarily, detachable, non-detachable, permanently, or integrally attached to a drysuit, with the user's preferred boot, with a lining, or with an inner boot, for example. Referring to Figure 58, boot toe body 662 may be configured to removably engage with boot toe body 668 that also has a heel toe body shown generally at 670 that is substantially the same as the body. bead attachment 502 shown in FIG. 50. Figure 61 illustrates an embodiment that includes a boot toe body shown generally at 682 (which is similar to the boot toe body 662) that is removably coupled with a toe attachment region of a boot attachment body. shown generally at 684 (which is also similar to the coupling body 408 and fin frame 410 shown in Figures 47 and 48) and which is removably coupled with a boot upper shown generally in 686 (which is similar to the 666 boot upper) of a boot.

Referring to figure 59, A boot toe body according to another embodiment is shown generally at 672 and is configured to removably engage a toe-toe region of the boot toe body 672 with a toe-engaging region of a generally shown boot-engaging body. at 674 (which is substantially the same as the coupling body 408 and fin frame 410 shown in Figures 47 and 48) and is also configured to removably engage in a heel region of the boot toe body 672 with a heel attachment body shown generally at 676 (which is substantially the same as the heel attachment body 502 shown in FIG. 50) of the boot attachment body 674. The boot toe body 662 is also configured to removably mate with a drysuit or the wearer's preferred boot, for example, which can be received in sandal-like structures of the boot coupling body 674. FIG. 60 illustrates an embodiment that includes a boot shown generally at 678 that may be removably coupled with a sandal-like boot toe body generally shown at 680.

Referring to Figure 62, a boot assembly according to another embodiment is shown generally at 688 and includes a boot 690, which may be a unitary boot or it may be a boot liner or inner boot combined with a boot upper, for example. . The boot assembly 688 also includes a boot toe body 692, which may be connected in a toe region or also in a heel region to a boot coupling body.

ES 2 804 464 T3 generally as described herein. Boot 690 includes a connector generally shown at 694 on an upper side of a toe region of boot 690, and connector connection surfaces 694 are complementary to connector connection surfaces generally shown at 696. on an upper side of a toe region of the boot toe body 692. Boot 690 also includes a connector generally shown at 698 in a heel region of boot 690, and connector connection surfaces 698 are complementary to connector connection surfaces generally shown at 700 in a region. heel of boot toe body 692. Connectors 694, 696, 698, and 700 can thus facilitate detachable attachment of boot 690 to boot toe body 692.

Referring to Figure 63, a boot assembly according to another embodiment is shown generally at 702 and includes a boot upper 704 that may be temporarily, removably, non-detachable, permanently, or integrally attached (e.g., by snapping, gluing , stitching, or other shoemaking techniques) with a neoprene sock or 706 boot liner. The combination of the boot upper 704 and the boot liner 706 can form a relatively very lightweight boot that may be desirable for some embodiments. The boot assembly 702 also includes a boot toe body 708, which may be connected in a toe region or also in a heel region to a boot engaging body generally as described herein. The liner 706 includes connectors generally shown at 710 and 712 (which are sewn flexible hooks or other liner elements in the embodiment shown) on an upper side of a toe region of the liner 706, and connecting surfaces of the connectors 710 and 712 are complementary to connector connecting surfaces shown generally at 714 and 716, respectively, on an upper side of a toe region of boot toe body 708. The liner 706 also includes a connector generally shown at 718 in a heel region of liner 706, and the connecting surfaces of connector 718 are complementary to the connecting surfaces of a connector shown generally at 720 in a region of heel of boot toe body 708. Connectors 710, 712, 714, 716, 718, and 720 can thus facilitate removably attaching liner 706 to boot toe body 708. More generally, herein, boot may in some embodiments include a combination of an upper and a permanently attached or replaceable liner. In addition, the upper 704 can transfer forces from a fin (not shown) coupled with a toe region of the upper 704 to other regions of a user's foot in the liner 706, and in various other embodiments, such blades or other structures. The like can transfer forces from a fin coupled with one toe region of the upper to other regions of a user's foot.

In general, boot toe bodies, such as those described herein, may, for example, be temporarily or permanently molded or otherwise mated with boots (including other footwear or prosthetic limbs) to form boots that can be attached. to fin apparatus such as those described herein, for example. Such boot toe bodies can be standardized and manufactured in one or a small number of sizes, possibly reducing manufacturing costs compared to other boot lacing systems, whereas boots such as those described herein can made by various manufacturers in a large number of varieties that can vary based on foot size and shape, material, ankle support, and many other ways. Furthermore, fin apparatus such as those described herein can also vary in many ways, such as in length, width, shape, material, and flexibility, for example. However, such various boots and various fin apparatus may be interchangeable when the boots include standardized boot toe bodies (such as the toe bodies described herein, for example) and when the fin apparatus can be connected to such toe bodies. Thus, a user can interchange a variety of boots and / or a variety of fin apparatus to form combinations of particular boots and particular fin apparatus to suit particular purposes (for example, a boot suitable for cold water combined with an apparatus fin suitable for spear fishing, or a boot suitable for warm water combined with a fin apparatus suitable for diving) without requiring that complete fin systems incorporate the desired characteristics of both the boot and the fin apparatus. In addition, as boots or fins improve over time, a user can upgrade only one improved boot or one improved fin apparatus, without the need for a complete fin apparatus to benefit from the upgrade. Boot toe bodies can function as interfaces between a human foot and a wide variety of fin apparatus.

Various components of the embodiments described above can be varied or interchanged in alternative embodiments. For example, some or all of the boot toe bodies of embodiments such as those described herein may, in alternate embodiments, be combined with some or all of the fin bodies such as those described herein, or with some or all boot attachment bodies such as those described herein. As another example, the connectors of some embodiments may, in alternative embodiments, be interchanged with a connector of other embodiments. For example, a toe connector from one embodiment can be combined with a heel connector from another embodiment. As another example, boots, other footwear, bodies coupled with boots, bodies coupled with other footwear, bodies configured to be coupled with boots, bodies configured to be coupled with other footwear, bodies configured to directly or indirectly hold or be coupled with a foot or with a prosthetic limb, for example, they can all, in alternative embodiments, interchange with each other. As such, when the connection is shown to a boot, for example, a similar connection in an alternative embodiment may be to another shoe, to a body coupled with a boot, to a body coupled to another shoe, to a body configured to fit. with a boot, to a body configured to engage with other footwear, or to a body configured to hold or engage directly or

ES 2 804 464 T3 indirectly with a foot or prosthetic limb. As yet another example, various different fin apparatus, fin frames and fin bodies, such as those described herein may, in alternative embodiments, substitute for each other. Therefore, although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments are to be considered illustrative only and not as limiting of the invention as interpreted in accordance with the appended claims.