Flipper

Abstract

The invention relates to a flipper comprising a blade; a shoe member, configured to fit a foot of a wearer; and releasable engaging means for releasably engaging the blade and the shoe member; the engaging means being located in an engagement zone corresponding to a proximal portion of the length of the foot.

1 . A flipper comprising a blade; a shoe member, configured to fit a foot of a wearer; and releasable engaging means for releasably engaging the blade and the shoe member in a snap-fit configuration on approach of the shoe member and blade relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blade; wherein the engaging means comprise complementary engaging members located on the shoe member and the blade respectively, wherein the engaging members are located in an engagement zone corresponding to a proximal portion of the length of the foot, wherein the proximal portion is defined as intermediate the toe and heel of the foot.  
   
   
       2 . (canceled)  
   
   
       3 . (canceled)  
   
   
       4 . (canceled)  
   
   
       5 . The flipper according to  claim 1  wherein the engaging members comprise complementary male and female members, one of the male and female members on the shoe member and an other one of the male and female members on the blade, the male and female members being configured to enable a snap-fit engagement therebetween.  
   
   
       6 . The flipper according to  claim 5  wherein one of the male member and the female member is provided with a catch; and the other one of the male member and the female member is provided with a recess into which the catch is at least partially receivable, so as to secure the engagement of the male member and the female member.  
   
   
       7 . The flipper according to  claim 6  wherein the catch is moveable between a first position, wherein the catch is located so as to engage the recess, and a second position wherein the catch is retracted so as to allow disengagement from the recess.  
   
   
       8 . The flipper according to  claim 7  wherein the catch is biased towards the first position.  
   
   
       9 . The flipper according to  claim 8  wherein the catch is integral with the one of the male member and female member to which it is provided, and wherein the one of the male and female member is manufactured of a resilient material.  
   
   
       10 . The flipper according to  claim 8  wherein the catch is attached to one of the male member and the female member, and biased towards the first position by means of a spring.  
   
   
       11 . The flipper according to  claim 6  wherein the one of the male member and female member to which the recess is provided is manufactured of a resilient material, allowing disengagement of the catch from the recess by deformation of the member.  
   
   
       12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A blade for a flipper, the blade having releasable engaging means for engaging a shoe member, configured to fit a foot of a wearer in a snap-fit configuration, on approach of the shoe member and blade relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blade; wherein the engaging means comprise complementary engaging members located on the shoe member and the blade respectively, wherein the engaging members are located in an engagement zone corresponding to a proximal portion of the length of the foot, wherein the proximal portion is defined as intermediate the toe and heel of the foot.  
   
   
       14 . A shoe member, configured to fit a foot of a wearer and having engaging means for releasably engaging a flipper blade in a snap-fit configuration, on approach of the shoe member and blade relative to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the blade, wherein the engaging means comprise complementary engaging members located on the shoe member and the blade respectively, wherein the engaging members are located in an engagement zone corresponding to a proximal portion of the length of the foot, wherein the proximal portion is defined as intermediate the toe and heel of the foot.  
   
   
       15 . The shoe member according to  claim 14 , wherein the shoe member includes a reinforcing strap attached to the shoe member in the engagement zone.  
   
   
       16 . The shoe member according to  claim 15  wherein the strap extends about a midfoot.