Kransco

Thomas M Sneddon

Antoine J Bordier

Bryan K Ono

A swim fin having differential stiffness characteristics is provided which includes shoe and blade portions, the shoe portion being configured to receive a swimmer's foot and the blade portion being configured to provide the desired hydrodynamic effect. The shoe portion defines a cavity which is formed in part by a differential stiffness expanse which overlies the forepart of the user's foot. The expanse includes a resilient toe region which covers the swimmer's toes and a less resilient instep region which covers the instep of the swimmer's foot. The blade portion extends from the shoe portion and is operatively connected to the instep region so as to provide the wearer with instep-directed blade portion control.

Swim fin with differential stiffness characteristics

A bodyboard is provided having a top riding surface with a purchase-enhancing region disposed thereon. The purchase-enhancing region includes plural ridges which extend diagonally thereacross to impede forward shift of a bodyboard rider.

Bodyboard with rider-purchase enhancing regions

An actuating mechanism is provided for controlling external devices by means of coaxial actuating cables or other suitable linkages. The actuator includes an internal slide element movable to selected detent positions by means of a lever arm which pushes against the slide when raised. The slide is returned to its starting position by depressing the lever arm. Indicator openings are provided in the body of the actuator permitting visual inspection of the position of the slide to indicate the control setting selected. Use of the actuator to control and position retractable fins or skegs on a water board is also disclosed. The actuator is positioned on the upper surface of the water board just forward of and between the rider's knees and coaxial actuating cables link the actuator to retractable fins on the underside of the board. The actuator can be easily manipulated with one hand to retract or extend the fins quickly. The indicator feature indicates the fin setting selected.

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Panorama City, CA, United States of America

Thomas M Sneddon