Foot propulsion device for float tube users
Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000
United States of America Patent
Stats
-
May 8, 2001
Grant Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Feb 18, 2000
filing date -
Feb 19, 1999
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
Importance
Abstract
A fin assembly for attachment to the foot covering of a float tube user is disclosed, the foot covering having a sole, a toe portion and a heel portion. The assembly includes a base member having a front portion, a rear portion, an upper surface and a lower surface. A mechanism is provided for releasably attaching the upper surface of the base member to the sole of the foot covering. A fin member is provided and has a front end portion, a rear end portion, a top surface and a bottom surface. A hinge apparatus mounts the front end portion of the fin member to the front portion of the base member so that the fin member is pivotally movable between a retracted position wherein the fin member top surface is positioned proximate the base member lower surface, and a base operational position wherein the fin member rear end portion projects at an angle below the base member lower surface. A device selectively secures the fin member in its retracted position, and another device selectively secures the fin member in its base operational position. A mechanism is provided to enable the fin member, when secured in its base operational position, to vary between a first fully extended operating position wherein the fin member rear end portion is fully extended to maximize resistance to flow of water against the fin member top surface as the fin member is moved in a rearward direction relative to the user for propelling the user forwardly in the water, and a second return operating position wherein the fin member rear portion is feathered rearwardly and upwardly toward the base member lower surface to provide substantially reduced resistance to flow of water across the fin member bottom surface as the fin member is moved in a forward direction relative to the user. Finally, a mechanism is provided to limit the maximum angle between the fin member in its first fully extended operating position and the plane of the base member lower surface.
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