Modular and adjustable swin fin

Abstract

The present invention extends to apparatuses and methods directed to a modular and adjustable swim fin. Some aspects of the invention include a swim fin having one or more interchangeable fin ribs that facilitate adjustment of flexibility characteristics of the swim fin. For example, interchangeable fin ribs having different flexibility characteristics (e.g., durometer, stiffness, rigidity, or hardness) provide desirable performance when attached to a fin blade of a swim fin. In addition, some aspects of the invention include a fin blade with an adjustable fin split that facilitates use of either a solid fin blade when the adjustable fin split is closed or a split fin blade when the adjustable fin split is open.

1 . A modular swim fin comprising:
 an interchangeable foot pocket having an edge;   an interchangeable fin rib having a proximal rib portion and a distal rib portion, the proximal rib portion shaped to overlap the edge of the interchangeable foot pocket;   an interchangeable fin blade having a proximal indentation shaped to receive the edge of the interchangeable foot pocket and a distal indentation shaped to receive the distal rib portion of the interchangeable fin rib;   a proximal fastener that secures the edge of the interchangeable foot pocket and the proximal rib portion of the interchangeable fin rib to the interchangeable fin blade; and   a distal fastener that secures the distal rib portion of the interchangeable fin rib to the interchangeable fin blade.   
     
     
         2 . The modular swim fin as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a rib aperture located on the distal rib portion of the interchangeable fin rib. 
     
     
         3 . The modular swim fin as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a proximal protrusion located on the bottom of the interchangeable fin blade, the proximal protrusion shaped to receive the proximal fastener; and   a distal protrusion located on the bottom of the interchangeable fin blade, the distal protrusion shaped to receive the distal fastener.   
     
     
         4 . The modular swim fin as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising a sole tread located on the bottom of the interchangeable fin blade. 
     
     
         5 . The modular swim fin as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the interchangeable fin blade has a fin split. 
     
     
         6 . The modular swim fin as recited in  claim 5 , wherein the interchangeable fin blade has a curved distal edge and a distal portion that has a substantially concave top. 
     
     
         7 . A swim fin comprising:
 a foot pocket;   a fin blade secured to the foot pocket; and   an adjustable fin split operable to selectively configure the fin blade into either a solid fin blade mode or a split fin blade mode, the adjustable fin split located substantially at a distal end of the fin blade and along a centerline of the fin blade.   
     
     
         8 . The swim fin as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the adjustable fin split comprises a zipper. 
     
     
         9 . The swim fin as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the adjustable fin split comprises a press seal. 
     
     
         10 . The swim fin as recited in  claim 7 , further comprising:
 a channel located on a distal edge of the fin blade;   a fastener slidably engaged with the channel;   wherein when the fin blade is in the solid fin blade mode, the fastener slides towards the centerline of the fin blade, over a closed fastener protrusion, to secure the fastener in a closed position; and   wherein when the fin blade is in a split fin blade mode, the fastener slides away from the centerline of the fin blade, over a open fastener protrusion, to secure the fastener in an open position.   
     
     
         11 . A method for improving the versatility of a swim fin comprising:
 providing a foot pocket;   providing a fin blade secured to the foot pocket; and   providing an adjustable fin split operable to selectively configure the fin blade into either a solid fin blade mode or a split fin blade mode, the adjustable fin split located substantially at a distal end of the fin blade and along a centerline of the fin blade.   
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising providing one or more interchangeable fin ribs that attach to the fin blade to adjust the stiffness of the fin blade. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled)