Aquatic propulsion device

Abstract

The invention relates to an aquatic propulsion device (1) configured to be worn by a swimmer (2) and comprising a first portion that is configured to be rigidly attached to the leg of the swimmer (2), which portion comprises a bearing part (114) having an inner face shaped so as to bear against the tibia of the swimmer (2) and an outer face opposite the inner face; a second portion comprising a first foil and a foil support, the first foil being rigidly attached to the foil support and the foil support being configured to allow the second portion to be joined to the first portion so as to rotate relative thereto on a first axis X1 so as to alternately make the device (1) go from a deployed configuration to a retracted configuration.

Description

[0001] "Aquatic propulsion device"

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of finning devices. It finds particularly advantageous application in the field of scuba diving.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] In the aquatic world, there are several devices that can assist a swimmer in their movements. In particular, fins make swimming easier for divers by increasing the surface area they can push on the water. However, conventional fin devices have limitations because they place particular stress on swimmers' ankles, which can lead to fatigue injuries or even sprains and strains.

[0006] There are solutions to overcome this problem, such as the one described in document US3268927A, which describes, in particular, a fin blade connected to a boot that allows the diver's ankle to be left in a resting configuration, i.e. not to be used to transmit the thrust force. Thus, during swimming, the thrust force is generated by the diver directly through the leg muscles and the tension is no longer concentrated at the ankles. In addition, this solution provides a walking configuration in which the fin is retracted towards the rear of the diver's leg.

[0007] It turns out that in practice this solution only allows for limited propulsion. Furthermore, this solution is not very convenient to use.

[0008] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a reliable solution to overcome the problem of excessive stress on the ankles and allowing improved propulsion. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, an aquatic propulsion device is provided, configured to be worn by a swimmer and comprising: a first portion configured to be securely attached to the swimmer's leg, the first portion comprising a support piece having an inner face shaped so as to bear on the swimmer's tibia and an outer face opposite the inner face, a second portion comprising a first blade and a blade support, the first blade being securely attached to the blade support and the blade support being configured to allow rotational articulation of the second portion relative to the first portion along a first axis X1 so as to alternately pass the device from: a deployed configuration in which the first blade is configured to extend substantially, in the extension of the direction of the tibia of the swimmer's leg,a retracted configuration in which the first blade is positioned between the swimmer's foot and head so as to allow the swimmer to walk, the second portion then being folded up so as to face the external face of the support piece, The device being configured so that the first blade is positioned at a distance of at least 10 cm from the axis of rotation X1 so as to provide in the second portion an opening allowing the swimmer's foot to pass through said opening when the device alternates between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.,

[0011] This allows the swimmer a walking configuration in which the first blade is retracted forward.

[0012] In fact, the remote positioning of the blade relative to the axis of rotation X1, creates an opening allowing the swimmer's foot to pass through easily.

[0013] Without the present invention, rotational retraction of the first blade would only be possible backwards because, with a forward rotation, the swimmer's foot would come into contact with the blade and prevent its forward rotation.

[0014] The solutions of the prior art are unsatisfactory for several reasons, notably because the blades used are dimensionally limited due to the fact that once retracted towards the calf, they cannot rise higher than the knee without hindering the diver's walking. Indeed, in technical solutions in which the blade is retractable towards the rear, it is inevitably constrained in dimension. A blade with too great a length is likely to come up against the back of the swimmer's thigh in a walking configuration. This problem is all the more significant when a large blade surface is required or when the swimmer has a short shin. Thus, these solutions are limited to blades of small dimensions, consequently offering a lower propulsion force and necessarily less efficient.

[0015] Thus, the present solution not only offers a walking configuration with the blade folded towards the front of the swimmer's leg but also allows the use of larger blades.

[0016] With this solution, it is now possible to overcome the problem of excessive strain on the ankles while allowing the use of a large wing without hindering the user in their walking movement.

[0017] The proposed solution thus makes it possible to improve the propulsion force while offering simplified use, for example during an approach march.

[0018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0019] The aims, objects, as well as the characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0020] Figure 1 shows a swimmer equipped on each leg with an example of a propulsion device according to the present invention in a swimming configuration.

[0021] Figure 2 shows an example of a propulsion device according to the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a swimmer equipped with an exemplary device according to the present invention in a walking configuration.

[0023] Figures 4A to 4B show an example of a device according to the present invention in different configurations.

[0024] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to the scale of practical applications.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Before commencing a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features which may optionally be used in combination or alternatively are set out below:

[0027] According to one example, in the deployed configuration the first portion extends in a main direction Y11 substantially parallel to a preferred direction Y21 of extension of the tibia, and in the deployed configuration, the first wing extends in the main direction Y11 of extension of the first portion.

[0028] According to one example, in the deployed configuration the first wing extends in a secondary main direction Y12, substantially parallel to the preferred direction Y21 of extension of the tibia.

[0029] According to one example, in a configuration worn by the swimmer, the axis of rotation X1 is located behind the tibia in projection along an anteroposterior axis of the swimmer so that the axis of rotation X1 is located at the level of the swimmer's malleoli in projection along a longitudinal axis of the swimmer.

[0030] According to one example, the blade support has a capacity for elastic deformation during use under the effect of a finning force applied by the swimmer.

[0031] According to one example, the device comprises an intermediate member and equipment configured so as to at least partially envelop the swimmer's foot, the intermediate member being articulated in rotation with the first portion along a first intermediate axis X111, preferably the first intermediate axis X111 is parallel to the first axis X1, and the equipment being articulated in rotation with the intermediate member along a second intermediate axis X113, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation X1.

[0032] In one example, the equipment is an accessory, such as a shoe, comprising a closed loop configured to surround the swimmer's foot, preferably at least at the arch of the foot.

[0033] According to one example, the device comprises a second blade secured to the equipment and configured to be positioned under the swimmer's foot, the second blade having a width dimension, along the rotation axis X1, substantially the same dimension as the width of the equipment.

[0034] According to one example, comprising a removable connection mechanism between the first blade and the second blade so as to distribute the forces more finely between the tibia and the foot of the swimmer.

[0035] In one example, the first wing is shaped to be more flexible than the wing support.

[0036] According to one example, the second portion comprises at least two wing supports, preferably distributed symmetrically on each side of the first wing and configured to support the first wing.

[0037] According to one example, the support piece is curved and is configured to come into contact with the front of the swimmer's leg and the first portion comprises a fastening system, preferably elastic bands, configured to allow the support piece to be held in position against the front of the swimmer's leg. Preferably against the swimmer's shin.

[0038] According to one example, the device comprises a locking system having a stop configured so as to allow the rotation of the second portion to be stopped relative to the first portion along the rotation axis X1 so as to limit the rotation in at least one of the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0039] According to one example, the device comprises a third portion comprising a first additional wing and an additional wing support, the first additional wing being secured to the additional wing support, the additional wing support being configured to alternately allow the transition from an additional deployed configuration in which the first additional wing extends along the main direction Y11 of extension of the first portion to an additional retracted configuration in which the first additional wing is in projection, entirely included in the plane of the first wing. According to one example, in the deployed configuration, the first additional wing is located in the extension of the first wing.

[0040] According to one example, the device comprises an additional locking system configured so as to allow the third portion to be locked in rotation relative to the second portion along the additional rotation axis X1' so as to hold the third portion in position in an additional retraction configuration or in an additional deployment configuration.

[0041] In one example, at least one wing is made of a composite material comprising fiberglass or carbon fiber.

[0042] According to one example, the device comprises an actuator capable of being powered via an energy source so as to enable the rotational movement of at least one wing support, relative to the first portion and in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation X1.

[0043] According to one example, at least one wing has a profile shape whose section is symmetrical biconvex.

[0044] According to one example, the device comprises at least one sensor and one actuator configured to generate an oscillatory movement of the first blade according to the position of the swimmer's leg or according to the oscillatory movement of the swimmer.

[0045] According to one example, the device includes an assistance system that includes a motor, configured to provide functional assistance to the swimmer in their finning motion.

[0046] It is specified that in the context of the present invention, the term diver and / or swimmer may be understood as the user of the device. It may therefore be a human being, adult or even a child. According to a very particular embodiment, it may be a robotic device or a robotic leg.

[0047] The term "finning movement" refers to the movement required to activate the device; it can be understood as a succession of oscillations of the swimmer's legs.

[0048] In the remainder of the description, the term "on" does not necessarily mean "directly on". Thus, when it is indicated that a part or member A is supported "on" a part or member B, this does not mean that the parts or members A and B are necessarily in direct contact with each other. These parts or members A and B may be either in direct contact or be supported on each other by means of one or more other parts. The same applies to other expressions such as, for example, the expression "A acts on B", which may mean "A acts directly on B" or "A acts on B by means of one or more other parts".

[0049] In the context of the present patent application, the expression "kinematically interposed between" does not necessarily mean not in "contact with". Thus, if a part A is kinematically interposed between a part B and a part C, this does not mean that A and B are necessarily in direct contact or that A and C are necessarily in direct contact. This means that a movement or a force of the part B, respectively of the part C, can be at least partly transmitted to the part C, respectively to the part B, via the part A.

[0050] In this patent application, the term mobile corresponds to a rotational movement or a translational movement or to a combination of movements, for example the combination of a rotation and a translation.

[0051] In this patent application, when two parts are indicated as distinct, this means that these parts are separate. They are: positioned at a distance from each other, and / or movable relative to each other and / or integral with each other by being fixed by added elements, this fixing being removable or not.

[0052] A single piece cannot therefore be made up of two separate pieces.

[0053] In this patent application, the term "integral" used to qualify the connection between two parts means that the two parts are linked / fixed relative to each other, according to all degrees of freedom, unless explicitly specified differently. For example, if it is indicated that two parts are integral in translation in an X direction, this means that the parts can be movable relative to each other except in the X direction. In other words, if one part is moved in the X direction, the other part performs the same movement.

[0054] In the present patent application, an elastic means may for example be a spring, such as a coil spring, elastic washers such as Belleville washers, an elastomer, a rubber.

[0055] In the following detailed description, use may be made of terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "longitudinal", "transverse", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "inside", "outside". These terms must be interpreted relatively in relation to the position of the entire device worn by the swimmer and in a configuration in which the swimmer is standing on land or underwater.

[0056] For example, the notion of "horizontal" can also correspond to a direction parallel to the level of the water or the ground.

[0057] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0058] The present invention relates to an aquatic propulsion device configured to be worn by a swimmer. The use of this type of device is particularly suitable for the practice of scuba diving and prolonged swimming efforts.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 1 and according to an example, when the swimmer 2 is in a swimming configuration, he is simultaneously equipped with two propulsion devices 1 attached respectively to his two legs.

[0060] Advantageously, the device 1 is configured so as to remain in position against the leg 21 of the swimmer 2 at the tibia while leaving the foot 22 free of any movement. The device 1 is thus configured to be worn on the leg 20 of the swimmer 2 and held in position. Preferably, the device 1 is capable of being worn in the lower part of the leg 20, namely in an area between the ankle and the knee.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 2 and according to an example preferred by the present invention. The device 1 comprises a first portion 11 and a second portion 12. The first portion 11 is configured to allow the device 1 to be held in position on the leg 20. The second portion 12 is configured so as to be articulated in rotation relative to the first portion 11 along the axis of rotation X1.

[0062] FIRST SERVING

[0063] According to a particular embodiment, the first portion 11 comprises a support piece 114. Advantageously, the support piece 114 is carried by a rigid part of the first portion 11. The support piece 114 may have a concave surface.

[0064] The first portion 11 may be a removable part, configured to be securely attached to the leg 20 of the swimmer 2 and detached therefrom. The support part 114 has an internal face 114a shaped so as to bear against the tibia of the swimmer 2 and an external face 114b opposite the internal face 114a. The internal face 114a is preferably a concave surface.

[0065] SECOND SERVING

[0066] The second portion 12 comprises a first wing 121 and a wing support 122, the first wing 121 being secured to the wing support 122 and the wing support 122 being configured to allow rotational articulation of the second portion 12 relative to the first portion 11 along the axis of rotation X1.

[0067] Preferably, when the device is worn by a swimmer, the axis of rotation X1 is substantially in the direction defined by the malleoli of the tibia and fibula of said swimmer.

[0068] The second portion 12 is preferably located opposite the arch of the foot. The second portion 12 is located in a portion of space delimited by a plane perpendicular to the direction of the tibia and passing through the arch of the foot.

[0069] KINEMATIC APPROACH

[0070] The device 1 is configured so as to alternate between: a deployed configuration in which the first blade 121 is configured to extend substantially, in the extension of the direction of the tibia of the leg 21 of the swimmer 2. Preferably, the first blade 121 forms with the secondary main direction Y12 a deployment angle a less than or equal to 90°, preferably less than 45°, preferably less than 20° or even substantially equal to 0°. a retracted configuration, as illustrated in figures 3 and 4, in which the first blade 121 is positioned between the foot 22 and the head of the swimmer 2 so as to allow the swimmer 2 to walk, the second portion 12 then being folded up while coming into view of the external face 114b of the support piece 114.

[0071] Preferably, each wing support 122 has: a proximal end 122a defining with the first portion 11 a pivot connection to form said rotational articulation of the second portion 12 relative to the first portion 11 along the rotation axis X1 and a distal end 122b.

[0072] The wing support 122 can be in the form of two profiled rods with rectangular section.

[0073] Advantageously, the wing support(s) 122 are in contact with the bottom of the support element 114 so as to create a reaction point and thus allow the movement of the leg against the support element 114 to cause an angular displacement of the first wing 12.

[0074] Preferably, the wing support(s) 122, 122' are parts having a plane of symmetry. Advantageously, the wing support(s) comprise at least two rods, distributed parallel around the wing.

[0075] ADDITIONAL WINGS

[0076] The device may also comprise a first additional wing 121' configured to articulate in rotation relative to the first wing 121. Preferably, the rotation takes place at the distal end 122b. The device may comprise at the distal end 122b of the wing support 122 an articulation configured so as to allow the rotation of the first additional wing 121' relative to the first wing 121. The rotation may take place along a secondary rotation axis XT.

[0077] The device preferably comprising an additional locking system 14' configured to maintain the alignment of the first wing 121 with the first additional wing 12T. The first wing 121 and the first additional wing 12T are substantially planar and are comprised between two parallel and preferably identical planes.

[0078] Alternatively, the sails are curved. They present continuity when passing from one to the other.

[0079] SPACE FOR FOOT PASSAGE

[0080] The device 1 is configured so that the first blade 121 is positioned at a distance of at least 10 cm from the axis of rotation X1 so as to provide in the second portion 12 an opening 123 allowing the foot 22 of the swimmer 2 to pass through said opening 123 when the device 1 alternates between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0081] Preferably, the distance is preferably at least 15 cm, preferably at least 20 cm, advantageously between 20 and 25 cm.

[0082] Said opening extends from the proximal ends towards the distal ends. Preferably, the first wing 121 is supported by a distal portion 122b of the second portion 12, the distal portion 122b extending from the distal ends. According to a particular embodiment, the first wing 121 extends along the wing support 122.

[0083] Preferably, the second blade 131 has a length dimension, perpendicular to the width dimension, less than 30 cm, preferably the second blade extends under the equipment 13. The reduced dimension of the second blade 131 facilitates the swimmer 2's walking. This makes it possible to increase the swimmer's plantar surface and thus to further increase the propulsion effort when the water is pushed back with the sole of the foot.

[0084] Preferably, the second wing 131 is configured to be fixed by gluing under the equipment 13.

[0085] Advantageously, the reduced dimensioning of the second wing 131 also allows the equipment 13 to pass through said opening when the device 1 alternates between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0086] ADDITIONAL WINGS

[0087] According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a first additional wing 12T configured to extend in the extension of the first wing 121 so as to enlarge the thrust surface against the water.

[0088] FUNCTIONAL APPROACH

[0089] In the deployed configuration, the device 1 is configured so that the foot of the swimmer 2 is located between the first portion 11 and the second portion 12. Preferably, in the deployed configuration, the main direction of secondary extension Y12 of the device 1 extends in the extension of the tibia of the swimmer 2. The device 1 is in a deployed configuration when the first portion 11 extends in the main direction Y11 substantially parallel to a preferred direction Y21 of extension of the tibia and the first blade 121 extends parallel to the main direction Y11.

[0090] In the retracted configuration, the device 1 is preferably configured so that the second portion 12 is folded opposite the external face 114b of the support piece 114, preferably coming into contact with the external face 114b.

[0091] Preferably, the device has a rotational articulation of the third portion 15 relative to the second portion 12 along an additional rotation axis XT, parallel to the rotation axis X1, alternatively, the first additional wing is configured to slide along the first wing 121.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 4B and according to one example, the device is configured to allow retraction of the first wing 121 and the first intermediate wing 12T.

[0093] Preferably, according to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation X1: the second wing 131 is configured to be articulated according to a first angle of deflection a relative to the main direction Y11. Preferably, the third angle of deflection y is substantially 180° in the deployed configuration and is between 0° and 45°, preferably between 0° and 20° in the retracted configuration. The first additional wing 12T is configured to be articulated according to a second angle of deflection p relative to the secondary main direction Y12. Preferably, the third angle of deflection p is substantially 180° in the deployed configuration and is between 0° and 45°, preferably between 0° and 20° in the retracted configuration.

[0094] The first wing 121 is configured to be articulated according to a third angle of deflection y relative to the main direction Y11. Preferably, the third angle of deflection y is substantially 180° in the deployed configuration and is between 0° and 45°, preferably between 0° and 20° in the retracted configuration.

[0095] INTERMEDIARY BODY

[0096] According to one example, the device comprises an intermediate member 113 and equipment 13 configured so as to at least partially envelop the foot 22 of the swimmer 2, the intermediate member 113 being articulated in rotation with the first portion 11 along a first intermediate axis X111, preferably the first intermediate axis X111 is parallel to the axis of rotation X1, and the equipment 13 being articulated in rotation with the intermediate member 113 along a second intermediate axis X113, preferably parallel to the axis of rotation X1.

[0097] The intermediate member 1 13 can take the form of a connecting rod having an articulation in rotation around the first intermediate axis X111 and an articulation in rotation around the second intermediate axis X1 13.

[0098] Advantageously, the equipment 13 is an accessory, of the slipper type, comprising a closed profile configured to surround the foot of the swimmer 2, preferably at least at the level of the arch of the foot.

[0099] MATERIALS AND RESISTANCE

[0100] According to one example, the wing supports 122, 122' are shaped so as not to deform under the effect of their own weight.

[0101] According to one example, the wing supports 122, 122' are shaped so that, when they are submerged and are deformed under the effect of a finning force applied by the swimmer 2 and then this finning force is removed, they can return to their rest position.

[0102] The wing supports thus restore to the device part of the force which caused their deformation. This improves the performance of the device.

[0103] According to one example, the first wing 121 is made of a first material having a Young's modulus E1 and the wing support 122 is made of a second material having a Young's modulus E2, the materials being such that E1 <E2.

[0104] According to a particular embodiment, the sails 121, 12T have a lower stiffness than the sail supports so that the sails are stiffened by the sail supports 122, 122'.

[0105] THE DOUBLE RETRACTABLE WING

[0106] According to one embodiment, the device comprises two sails articulated together; namely the first sail 121 and the first additional sail 12T. The two sails 121, 12T are mechanically articulated according to a pivot connection so as to allow the rotational movement of one relative to the other. The double sail system allows a semi-independent movement of each sail by allowing the first sail 121 to register its path inside the first additional sail 121'. LOCKING SYSTEM

[0107] According to a particular embodiment, the locking system comprises a locking member configured to hold the device in position in at least one of the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration.

[0108] According to a particular embodiment, the locking system is located at a proximal end 122a of the wing support 122. Preferably, the locking system 14 is a self-locking pivot type device comprising hinge elements. It may comprise retractable unlocking lugs to allow the second portion 12 to rotate freely relative to the first portion 11.

[0109] ELECTRICAL ASSISTANCE

[0110] According to one embodiment, the device comprises an assistance system comprising a motor, which may be a linear motor, configured so as to allow functional assistance to the swimmer 2 in his finning movement.

[0111] Preferably, the device comprises at least one sensor which, as soon as the swimmer 2 transmits a force to the wing support 122, allows the linear motor to be triggered and thus causes the retraction and deployment of the wing support 122 in the direction of movement of the leg 20 of the swimmer 2 so as to assist the oscillatory movement of the leg 20 of the swimmer 2. The device advantageously comprises a linear winch configured so as to allow the deployment and retraction of the first wing 121 according to a deflection angle. This may be a deflection angle of less than 180°, preferably less than 120°.

[0112] Preferably, the assistance system is configured to exert a thrust on the wing support 122 in order to accelerate the movement of the second portion 12 relative to the first portion 11.

[0113] According to one example, the device comprises a control unit configured to alternate the motor cyclically between a forward movement and a backward movement in order to allow adaptation to the oscillations of the leg 20 of the swimmer 2.

[0114] The motor may be powered by an on-board energy storage device, such as rechargeable batteries. The device may also include multiple motors.

[0115] SYMMETRICAL BICONVEX PROFILE WING

[0116] According to a particular embodiment, at least one blade among the first blade 121, the second blade 131 and the first additional blade 12T has a profile shape whose section is symmetrical biconvex. This allows in particular the least turbulent swimming possible. The present invention combined with a blade with a symmetrical biconvex section makes it possible to recover a powerful rotational movement around the axis of the knees of the swimmer 2 which makes it possible to develop an angular speed of the first blade 121, much greater than with a conventional fin. This angular speed is advantageously accentuated and converted into thrust by the use of a blade with a symmetrical biconvex profile. A profile with a symmetrical biconvex section combined with the circular movement preferably generates a greater flow speed on the side exposed to the direction of rotation called the extrados and less significant on the opposite side called the intrados.This shift in flow velocity will create range and amplify the angular velocity of the sail. Thus, thanks to the device of the present invention, it is possible to amplify the performance of propulsion and swimming techniques.

[0117] THE SAIL CONNECTION

[0118] According to a particular embodiment, the device comprises a removable connection mechanism between the first blade 121 and the second blade 131. Indeed, this characteristic makes it possible to distribute the forces more finely between the tibia 21 and the foot 22 of the swimmer 2.

[0119] Preferably, the connection mechanism is removable. The connection mechanism may comprise a connecting member such as a strap, a cord or an elastic band. The connection may be made in a lower part of the equipment, in particular in the part of the equipment configured to be worn as close as possible to the foot of the swimmer 2. Preferably as close as possible to the front of the swimmer's foot in order to establish a connection between the tip of the swimmer's foot and the blade 121. Thus, the connection mechanism allows an optimized distribution of forces on the front part of the body of the swimmer 2 as well as an adapted management of the deformation of the second blade during the rotational movements of the device 1.

[0120] According to a preferred embodiment, the device is configured so as to adapt to very different swimmer morphologies, proposing a distribution of swimming efforts between the foot and the lower part of the leg. These elements therefore characterize the invention in its use in "swimming" mode, but the concept also allows innovations for use out of the water or for changing environments.

[0121] OTHER METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0122] According to a particular embodiment, the device 1 comprises sensors configured to activate the triggering of an actuator in order to generate a movement of the blades according to the position of the leg of the swimmer 2 or according to the oscillatory movement of the swimmer 2.

[0123] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0124] REFERENCES

[0125] 1 / aquatic propulsion device

[0126] 11 / first portion

[0127] 113 / intermediate organ

[0128] 114 / support piece

[0129] 114a / internal face

[0130] 114b / external face

[0131] 12 / second portion

[0132] 121 / first sail

[0133] 1217 first additional sail

[0134] 122 / wing support

[0135] 123 / opening

[0136] 13 / equipment

[0137] 2 / swimmer

[0138] 20 / leg

[0139] 21 / tibia

[0140] 22 / foot

[0141] 23 / fasteners

[0142] X1 / axis of rotation

[0143] Y11 / main direction

[0144] X111 / first intermediate axis

[0145] X113 / second intermediate axis

[0146] Y12 / secondary main direction

[0147] Y21 / preferred direction

Claims

CLAIMS Aquatic propulsion device (1) configured to be worn by a swimmer (2) and comprising: a first portion (11) configured to be fixedly attached to the leg (20) of the swimmer (2), the first portion (11) having a support piece (114) having an inner face (114a) shaped to bear against the tibia of the swimmer (2) and an outer face (114b) opposite the inner face (114a), a second portion (12) comprising a first wing (121) and a wing support (122), the first wing (121) being fixed to the wing support (122) and the wing support (122) being configured to allow rotational articulation of the second portion (12) relative to the first portion (11) about an axis of rotation X1 so as to alternately move the device (1) from: a deployed configuration in which the first wing (121) is configured to extend substantially,in the extension of the direction of the tibia of the leg (21) of the swimmer (2), to a retracted configuration in which the first wing (121) is positioned between the foot (22) and the head of the swimmer (2) so as to allow the swimmer to walk, the second portion (12) then being folded up coming towards the external face (114b) of the support piece (114), the device is characterized in that the first wing (121) is positioned at a distance of at least 10 cm from the axis of rotation X1 so as to provide in the second portion (12) an opening (123) allowing the foot (22) of the swimmer (2) to pass through said opening (123) when the device (1) alternates between the deployed configuration and the retracted configuration. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which, in the deployed configuration, the first portion (11) extends along a principal direction (Y11) substantially parallel to a preferred direction (Y21) of tibia extension,and in the deployed configuration, the first wing (121) extends along the principal direction (Y11) of extension of the first portion (11). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in a configuration worn by the swimmer (2), the axis of rotation X1 is located behind the tibia projecting along an anteroposterior axis of the swimmer (2) such that the axis of rotation X1 is located at the level of the malleoli of the swimmer (2) projecting along a longitudinal axis of the swimmer (2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wing support (122) deforms elastically during use under the effect of a finning force applied by the swimmer (2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an intermediate member (113) and equipment (13) configured to envelop, less partially the foot (22) of the swimmer (2), the intermediate organ (113) being articulated in rotation with the first portion (11) along a first intermediate axis X111, and the equipment (13) being articulated in rotation with the intermediate organ (113) along a second intermediate axis X113.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the equipment (13) is an accessory, comprising a closed loop configured to surround the foot of the swimmer (2), and preferably extending over the instep of the swimmer.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims comprising a second wing (131) attached to the equipment (13) and configured to be positioned under the foot of the swimmer (2), the second wing (131) having a width dimension, along the axis of rotation X1, of the same dimension as the width of the equipment (13).

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim comprising a removable connection mechanism between the first wing (121) and the second wing (131) so as to distribute the forces between the tibia (21) and the foot (22) of the swimmer (2).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first wing (121) is shaped so as to be more flexible than the wing support (122).

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the second portion (12) comprises at least two wing supports (122), configured to support the first wing (121).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support piece (114) is curved and is configured to come into contact with the front of the swimmer's leg (2) and the first portion (11) includes an attachment system (23), configured to allow the support piece (114) to be held in position against the front of the swimmer's leg (2).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a locking system (14) having a stop configured to permit the rotation of the second portion (12) relative to the first portion (11) along the axis of rotation X1 so as to limit the rotation in at least one of the deployed and retracted configurations.

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a third portion (15) which includes a first additional wing (121') and an additional wing support (122'), the first additional wing (121') being integral with the additional wing support (122'), the additional wing support (122') being configured to allow alternatively the passage from an additional deployed configuration in which the first additional wing extends along the principal direction (Y11) of extension of the first portion (11) to an additional retracted configuration in which the first additional wing (121') is in projection, entirely contained in the plane of the first wing (121). Device (1) according to the preceding claim configured such that, in the deployed configuration, the first additional wing (121') is located in line with the first wing (121). Device (1) according to either of the two preceding claims comprising an additional locking system (14') configured to allow the rotation of the third portion (15) relative to the second portion (12) about the additional axis of rotation X1' so as to maintain the third portion (15) in position in an additional retracted configuration or in an additional deployed configuration. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one wing is made of a composite material comprising glass fiber or carbon fiber.A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an actuator capable of being powered by an energy source so as to enable the rotational movement of at least one wing support (122), relative to the first portion (11) and in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation X1. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one wing has a profile shape with a non-planar cross-section, for example, a symmetrical biconvex shape. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor and one actuator configured to generate an oscillatory movement of the first wing (121) according to the position of the swimmer's leg (20) or according to an oscillatory movement of the swimmer (2).Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an assistance system which includes a motor, configured to allow functional assistance to the swimmer (2) in his finning movement.

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