Strap-on swimming fin

Abstract

A strap-on swimming fin apparatus configured for removable engagement with a person's limb, the apparatus having an elongate strap with a pair of mutually engagable surface fasteners, the strap configured for secure removable engagement around the limb. An extremity cover, such as a glove or bootie, is joined flexibly to a side edge of the first strap and is configured for engaging an associated extremity, such as a hand or foot. A pair of fins are secured to a top surface of the strap in opposing positions, thereby improving the person's thrust through the water as well as their ability to maneuver, while simultaneously allowing for full unobstructed use and articulation of both the limb and extremity.

1 . A strap-on apparatus engaging a swimmer's limb for improving thrust of a swimming stroke, the strap-on apparatus comprising:
 a first strap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of spaced apart side edges, and a pair of opposing ends, the first strap configured for engaging the limb;   an extremity cover joined flexibly to the first strap at a medial position on one of the side edges thereof, the extremity cover configured for engaging an extremity integral with the limb;   an at least one fin joined to the top surface of the first strap;   a pair of mutually engagable first and second surface fasteners;   the first surface fastener joined at the top surface of the first strap at one of the opposing ends thereof; and   the second surface fastener joined at the bottom surface of the first strap at the other of the opposing ends thereof.   
   
   
       2 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the extremity cover has a second strap for creating a tight engagement between the extremity cover and the extremity. 
   
   
       3 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the extremity cover is made of a loose-weave material having a plurality of holes for allowing water to pass therethrough. 
   
   
       4 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 1  wherein a pair of fins are joined to the top surface of the first strap in opposing positions thereon. 
   
   
       5 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the extremity cover is one of a glove and a bootie. 
   
   
       6 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 5  wherein the glove has finger apertures for receiving the person's fingers in protrusion therethrough. 
   
   
       7 . A strap-on apparatus engaging a person's arm for improving swimming thrust, the apparatus comprising:
 a first strap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a pair of spaced apart side edges, and a pair of opposing ends, the first strap configured for engaging the arm;   a glove joined flexibly to the first strap at a medial position on one of the side edges thereof, the extremity cover configured for engaging a hand integral with the arm;   an at least one fin joined to the top surface of the first strap;   a pair of mutually engagable first and second surface fasteners;   the first surface fastener joined at the top surface of the first strap at one of the opposing ends thereof; and   the second surface fastener joined at the bottom surface of the first strap at the other of the opposing ends thereof.   
   
   
       8 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the glove has a second strap for creating a tight engagement between the glove and the hand. 
   
   
       9 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the glove is made of a loose-weave material having a plurality of holes for allowing water to pass therethrough. 
   
   
       10 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 7  wherein a pair of fins are joined to the top surface of the first strap in opposing positions thereon. 
   
   
       11 . The strap-on apparatus of  claim 7  wherein the glove has finger apertures for allowing the person's fingers to protrude therethrough. 
   
   
       12 . A strap-on apparatus engaging a swimmer's hand and forearm for improving thrust of a swimming stroke, the strap-on apparatus comprising:
 a first strap of a size and shape for encircling the swimmer's forearm, the first strap having means for engaging of ends of the first strap so that the first strap can be tightly secured to the swimmer's forearm;   a pair of fins mounted on, and extending outwardly from the first strap in positions, wherein, with the first strap encircling the swimmer's forearm, the fins project outwardly from opposing sides of the forearm;   a glove joined to the first strap and extending therefrom in a position for engaging the swimmer's hand when the first strap is engaged with the forearm; and   a second strap engaged with the glove proximal the first strap, the second strap configured with a strap engagement means enabling tight engagement of the second strap with a wrist of the swimmer such that rotation of the first strap about the forearm of the swimmer is prevented.