Patent ID: 6227923
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A63B

Abstract:
A fin assembly for attachment to the foot or covering therefor of a float tube user with said foot or covering having a sole, a toe portion and a heel portion, said assembly comprising:a base member having a front portion, a rear portion, an upper surface and a lower surface;a mechanism for releasably attaching the upper surface of said base member to said sole;a fin member having a front end portion, a rear end portion, a top surface and a bottom surface;hinge apparatus for mounting the front end portion of said fin member to the front portion of said base member so that said fin member is pivotally movable between a retracted position wherein said fin member top surface is positioned proximate said base member lower surface, and a base operational position wherein said fin member rear end portion projects at an angle below said base member lower surface;a device for selectively securing said fin member in said retracted position;a device for selectively securing said fin member in said base operational position;mechanism for enabling said fin member, when secured in its base operational position, to vary between a first fully extended operating position wherein said fin member rear end portion is fully extended to maximize resistance to flow of water against said fin member top surface as said 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 said fin member rear portion is feathered rearwardly and upwardly toward said base member lower surface to provide substantially reduced resistance to flow of water across said fin member bottom surface as said fin member is moved in a forward direction relative to said user; anda mechanism for limiting the maximum angle between said fin member in said first fully extended operating position and the plane of said base member lower surface.