Aquatic shoes provided with a float for walking in water

Abstract

The invention relates to an aquatic shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4′), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and linked to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot ascends into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position. The invention also relates to the use of footwear in the fields of recreational water and/or sport and in the paramedical fields. The shoe according to the invention can be used for the rehabilitation of animals.

Claims

1. A water shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4′), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and related to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot goes up into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position; wherein said wings (3) are curved, with a curved rim (13) gradually to the edge of the wings (3) to the front where it is accentuated to form a beak.

2. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the float (4) is a solid shell, which can be filled with different materials or gases, said float being embedded under the wing (3), at the sole (2).

3. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the float (4) has a geometric tetrahedron shape with three triangular faces (14, 24, 34).

4. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the float (4) has a flat shape with six faces, said float (4) being embedded in the sole (2) and is an integral part of the sole (2), in that the shoe body comprises an opening (15) for the passage of a hoof, or in that the shoe body is molded in the shape of an ankle and further comprises a strap (18) to hold the paw of an animal in the shoe.

5. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the wings (3) are made of a rigid material and are fixed on the sides of the shoe body (1) by means of a hinge or other means allowing said wings to rotate.

6. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the wings (3) are made of silicone or plastic, with grooves in the shoe body, so that the flexibility of the wing allows it to mount or to descend according to the force of the water induced by the movement of the foot, and in that the shoe body can be made of carbon fiber or glass, silicone, or plastic.

7. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises a second pair of wings (3′) removably attached to the first pairs of wings (3), via fastening means, in order to increasing the width of the wings, said fixing means being clips, rails or any other fastening means.

8. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that it further comprises at least four fins (3″) placed by two on each side of the shoe connecting the ends of the wings (3) to the float (4).

9. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises several holes (20) on one side of the shoe body (1), and said float (4′) is integrated in the shoe body (1), so that said float (4′) can be configured to act as the sole (2).

10. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that the shoe body (1) consists of at least two straps (16, 17), said straps are fixed on the float (4).

11. The water shoe according to claim 1 characterized in that it is manufactured by a 3D printer when the wings are made of a material similar to plastic.

12. Use of the water shoe according to claim 1 in the paramedical field, for the rehabilitation and/or for the education of babies and young children in an aquatic environment or in the veterinary field, for rehabilitation racing animals in an aquatic environment.

13. Use of the water shoe according to claim 1 in the field of water recreation, walks in the sea, river, lake, pool, and in the field of sport or rescue at sea.

14. A water shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4′), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and related to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot goes up into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position, and a second pair of wings (3′) removably attached to the first pairs of wings (3), via fastening means, in order to increasing the width of the wings, said fixing means being clips, rails or any other fastening means.

15. A water shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4′), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and related to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot goes up into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position, and at least four fins (3″) placed by two on each side of the shoe connecting the ends of the wings (3) to the float (4).

16. A water shoe consisting of a shoe body (1), a pair of wings (3) and floats (4, 4′), characterized in that the wings (3) are symmetrical, glued together, and related to the shoe body (1), below the shoe, so as to constitute a part of the sole (2) of the shoe, and in that the float (4) is integrated below the wings (3), at the sole (2), so that one of its faces covers the sole (2), and in that the wings (3) are fixed by a pivot connection on both sides of the shoe, so that they descend when the foot goes up into the water and rise when the foot goes down into the water so that they return to their original position, wherein the wings are made of a material suitable for use in three-dimensional printing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) Other features, details and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a side view of the aquatic shoe according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows the aquatic shoe with wings;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of the shoe;

(5) FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the shoe;

(6) FIG. 5A shows a side view of the shoe in a particular fashion with holes on both sides of the shoe body; FIG. 5B shows a bottom view with four fins; and FIG. 5C shows a perspective view of the shoe;

(7) FIGS. 6A and 6B show the water shoe in a particular fashion with straps;

(8) FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show views of the boot in a particular mode adapted to an animal;

(9) FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an aquatic shoe, the boot-shaped shoe body.

(10) For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

(11) FIG. 1 shows a side view of an aquatic shoe according to the present invention. The aquatic shoe comprises a shoe body 1 and a first pair of wings 3. The wings 3 are symmetrical, they are glued together, and are linked to the shoe body 1, below the shoe. In this way, the wings constitute part of a sole 2 (not visible in the figure) of the boot 1. A float 4 is integrated below the wings 3, at the sole 2, so that of its faces covers the sole 2.

(12) Indeed, the float 4 in the form of tetrahedron with triangular faces is integrated over approximately the entire surface of the sole 2. The wide side of the triangle is on the heel side of the shoe 1, in this way the pointed end of the triangle is on the front of the shoe to give an aerodynamic appearance to the float 4, to be able to advance more easily in the water. On both sides of the shoe 1 the wings 3 are fixed by pivot links. Said connections allowing the wings 3 flexibility of movement in the water.

(13) Furthermore, the float 4 has been chosen to give more speed in the water. According to one embodiment of the invention the float is a solid shell with an aerodynamic shape that can be filled with different materials or gases. The float 4 can be recessed under the wings 3 at the level of the sole 2.

(14) In FIG. 2, we note that the wings 3 are curved with a curved end 13 over the entire length of said wings. They are accentuated at the front, like a kind of beak. Indeed, the curved wings with a curved rim, allow to accentuate the force of the movement and thus to facilitate walking in the water. This configuration of the wings allows a user to walk in the water very easily without touching the bottom. This configuration is suitable for children in a nautical leisure center to play in a pool. A cuff with two positions: seated and on the back, can be used by a child swimmer or not, to walk in the water with the shoe according to the present invention. The shoe is also suitable for adults.

(15) FIG. 3 shows a top view of the shoe. In this figure the part of the sole 2 is visible. The wings 3 are connected to the shoe body 1 and we see that their edges 13 are bent over the entire length of the shoe, the curvature is accentuated towards the front of the shoe as a kind of beak. The two wings 3 are placed each on one side of the shoe 1. Indeed, the curved wings with a curved edge and accentuated towards the front, allow to accentuate the force of the movement and thus to facilitate walking in the water.

(16) FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the shoe. The shoe body is not visible in this figure, we notice the float 4 with its triangular sides 14 and 24. The third triangular side 34 of the float 4 is placed on the sole 2 and is not visible in the figure. The pointed end of the triangular face of the float 4 is on the front of the shoe. In addition the two wings 3 with their curved edges are also visible in this figure.

(17) FIG. 5A shows a side view of the shoe according to a particular mode. In this embodiment, an additional float 4′ is integrated in the boot body 1, so that said float 4′ takes place and function of the sole 2 as shown in FIG. 5C. 5B shows a bottom view with four fins 3″, said fins 3″ are fixed below the sole 2 by symmetry on each side and connects the ends of the wings 3 to the float 4 which is integrated with the sole 2 The positioning of these fins 3″, as well as their thicknesses and their flexibilities are studied so that they bring even more stability to the water shoe according to the invention. According to this embodiment of the invention, on each side of the boot body 1, several holes of different sizes are made. Said holes may have different shapes. These holes provide a sensation of non-compression of the foot by the shoe since the water circulates slightly.

(18) According to a particular embodiment of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shoe body comprises two straps 16, 17. Said straps 16, 17, elastic, are fixed directly on the float 4. The float takes place and function of the sole. Four fins 3″ are fixed below the float 4, the fins are placed symmetrically on each side of the float 4. The float further comprises an indentation dug a foot (not visible in FIGS. 6A and 6B). In addition, the straps or thongs can be crossed or intertwined. In other words the shoe body comprises a set of straps or thongs that are intertwined gathering in spartan sandals. Among the advantages of the shoe made according to this particular mode can be noted the ease of manufacture. Thus, the manufacture is more economical to achieve. In this embodiment the feet are a maximum in direct contact with the water.

(19) According to one embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, the shoe body 1 has a particular shape compatible with the shape of the legs of an animal, such as a horse for example. The float 4 is made in a flat shape to suit the hooves of a horse and the shoe body further comprises an opening 15 for the passage of a shoe. The float 4 is integrated in the sole and is an integral part of the shoe. The wings 3 are attached to the shoe body 1. The shoe according to this embodiment is used for veterinarians, for the rehabilitation of animals and in particular for the rehabilitation of an animal after injury or other.

(20) In the case where the animal is a dog or a cat, the shoe body as shown in FIG. 8, is molded in the form of boot 1 thus including the float 4. The shoe body further comprises a strap 18 to hold the animal leg in place. Thus the wings 3 are fixed on each side of the float 4.

(21) According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wings 3 are composed of a flexible material. Indeed, the shoe and the wings are of the same flexible material and can be manufactured in one piece by molding. In general, it is possible to use materials such as carbon fiber or glass, silicone or plastic for the manufacture of the shoe according to the present invention.

(22) The wings are made to rotate when the user walks in the water. For this at the shoe body 1 at the point of connection of the wings to the shoe there are grooves, allowing the wings to be pivoting. Indeed, the silicone or plastic material and the grooves at the binding with the boot body allow the wings to rotate, descend when the foot goes up and rise when the foot down into the water so that they come back to their initial position.

(23) According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the wings are made of rigid material and can be connected to the shoe body by means of the hinges, so that they can pivot, during the movement of the feet of the shoe. user in the water. In this embodiment the shoe body and the wings can be manufactured separately.

(24) According to one embodiment of the invention the wings are not curved, so as to form an angle of about 180° with the shoe body to suit athletes. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wings are stiffer, thicker and wider to increase the difficulty of walking in the water and give athletes the satisfaction of sports marches.

(25) In general, the shoe body is made of two materials, a rigid for the outer shell and a second, sub-envelope, flexible for the comfort of the foot.

(26) According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the shoe comprises a second pair of wings 3′. The wings 3′ can be removably attached to the wings 3 by fixing means. The fastening means are rails and/or clips. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the width of the wings without the body of the shoe being modified. Water shoes with wider wings may be suitable for high level athletes to increase, even more difficulty walking in water and to spend more energy.

(27) The shoe according to the present invention is suitable for both children and adults. Moreover, it can be used in the field of water recreation, for walks in the sea, river, lake, pool. It can also be used in the field of sport and for rescue at sea. In addition, for non-swimmers, it can be provided a jersey equipped with a floater belt, so that the child does not feel distressed in water. Moreover for overweight people who wish to use the shoe to walk in the water, a belt can be provided, said belt must be in such a way as to conform to the shape of the body of the user.

(28) The present invention allows the user by putting the shoes on the feet to lie on the back without flowing, without other equipment. In addition, there is the possibility of positioning the shoes under the arms, connected by a removable clip. There will also be the possibility of using the same configuration of the invention under the head, the flotation being ensured.

(29) Advantageously, the aquatic shoe according to the present invention can be used in the paramedical field, for rehabilitation and leg problems. It can be used for the education of babies and young children in an aquatic environment. Young children swimmers or not, can use the nautical shoe, with a back armband with two positions: sitting or on the back or with a suitable vest.

(30) Moreover, for ease of movement and effectiveness of the wings, they can be manufactured on each side of the shoe rigid material curved for a few centimeters, and then flexible material.

(31) Another particular advantage of the water shoe according to the present invention is that it can be manufactured by a 3D printer when the wings are made of plastic. The silicone soft material is not suitable for manufacture by a 3D printer.

(32) Many combinations can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention; the skilled person will choose one or the other depending on the economic, ergonomic, dimensional or other constraints that must be respected.