"LEPSY" SWIMMING GEAR Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC A63B31/08 A63B31/11 

FIELD: household goods and personal effects; life-saving gear.

SUBSTANCE: swimming gear, each of which consists of a base, sidewalls, shoulders, heels, a float, ties, clamping elements and fastenings. On both sides along the base length, corresponding to the swimmer foot size, flat rectangular sidewalls are rigidly secured to its projecting edge. Short sides of sidewalls are bent outside at an angle up to 30°. Between sidewalls, with an end clearance, rotary flat rectangular plates are hinged. They are provided with axles, located near one of long edges parallel to base plane. Two stops limiting rotation of each plate are rigidly secured to sidewalls and form incidence angles of 16°±4°. Lower free sides of sidewalls are secured with two or three ties; heels are secured to the base top, and float holding box is secured to the base bottom. Plate hinges are angled as regards to the base plane; obscuring of one plate with the other may be prevented. Gear is secured to the swimmer leg by means of belts passed through base and heels' lugs.

EFFECT: increased speed of swimming.