High efficiency swim fin using multiple high aspect ratio hydrodynamic vanes with pliable hinges and rotation limiters

摘要

Apparatus, devices and methods of multiple high aspect ratio hydrodynamic horizontal ladder oriented vanes with pliable hinges and rotation limiting flexible webs attached between semi-flexible support beams on swim fins. Pivotal rotation of the hydrofoil vanes can be restricted by flexible membranes, between the hydrofoil vanes and the support beams, to provide an optimum angle of attack for the hydrofoil vanes during a swimming stroke. The fins can have at least one pivoting vane region connected to the support beams with a flexible hinge member. The support beams can be fixedly or rotationally attached at one end to a foot pocket. Methods are provided for limiting the rotation of at least one of the pivoting vanes using flexible web members between vanes and the support beams. Methods for increasing lift and decreasing turbulence and drag on hydrofoils or vanes of the swim fins are also included.

主权项

1. A fin apparatus for increasing the efficiency of a swimmer or diver during self propulsion through water, comprising:
a plurality of high aspect ratio dynamic vanes arranged in a ladder configuration, each vane having a left end and a right end; two side beams, each arranged to both side ends of the ladder configuration of vanes; a foot pocket attached to one end of the side beams; a plurality of pliable hinges that attach the ends of the vanes to the side beams, the pliable hinges allowing the vanes to rotate on a lateral axis during a kick stroke and be resisted by the pliable hinges, wherein each of the pliable hinges includes:
a flexible hinge mechanism which allows resisted rotation along a central axis of at least two objects wherein each object has a generally conical rigid protrusion fixedly attached and aligned with the other object's generally conical rigid protrusion and separated by a gap;a centerline of the generally conical rigid protrusions defines generally a centerline of the axis of rotation of the flexible hinge mechanism without using a hinge pin or shaft; and a pliable material overlaid over the generally conical rigid protrusions and gap which allows limited resisted rotation around the axis of rotation for each object, and wherein the axes of rotation of both objects need not be parallel or concentric.