Final Design

The restraining hinges serve as the main functional component of the device, with the other components working to support their proper function. When in use, the two aluminum hinges are positioned at the side of the child’s leg, rigidly preventing rotation beyond the desired limit of 30 degrees with internal gearing terminate at this angle. This permits the child to naturally kick back and forth, generating power for their kicks instead from their hips as opposed to their knees. Each hinge is attached at four points to both the straps and the body along the KickEase, two along the thigh and two along the calf, keeping the hinges in line with the leg while in use.

The main body consists of a flat sheet of closed-cell bonded neoprene fabric, cut to a contoured shape based on the minimum thigh and calf circumferences of children aged 2-4 years old. This allows the device to wrap around the leg of the user without overlapping itself, simplifying the design and its use. The body serves to improve the comfort of the device, with the neoprene functioning as a soft interface against the skin and as cushioning to reduce irritation from especially the hinges and straps. It also complements visual aesthetics of the device, being made from bright coloring and concealing the hinge component with added snap pockets. The neoprene foam is positively buoyant, contributing to offset the weight of the other components, and the snap pockets add an element of modularity to the device, allowing for additional buoyant elements to be snapped or slotted in as desired.

The KickEase is attached to the leg with four nylon attachment straps, placed between the hinges and body. The four point design maintains the position of the hinges at the side of the leg, keeping them in line with the leg, preventing them from rotating radially out of position. The straps facilitate a secure yet adjustable attachment to the leg, with slide clips allowing for sizing adjustment while still attached to the leg. The straps are measured to fit the majority of children’s thigh and calf sizes within the intended age range of 2-4 years old, working with the soft-body design to accommodate as many different body proportions as possible. The use of quick-release buckles with these straps allow for improved speed in terms of attachment, detachment and adjustment, improving the looping Velcro design used in the KickEase V4's predecessor.

Along the region of the body in contact with the thigh, the KickEase is lined with five silicone grip pads. The pads secure the KickEase around the thigh, preventing slippage with a high friction interface with the skin. This keeps the device in place during usage, preventing it from axially slipping down the leg and axially rotating around it, maintaining the position of the hinges at the same place on the side of the legs. The pads are made from skin-safe silicone rubber at a low durometer, preventing irritation against skin with a soft texture. 

In use, the KickEase is attached by first aligning the knee with the center hole, then buckling the straps at the back of the leg. These straps are then tightened to the desired tension for comfort. This can be adjusted during use as seen fit by the supervising instructor. The KickEase is intended for use over short periods of time to develop memory, improving muscle memory in, as relayed by the sponsor, as little as three sessions. After one to two months of usage, the instructor may continue to use the KickEase with the student depending on their progress, or allow them to swim freely.