U.S. patent application number 10/876304 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-29 for surfboard fin assembly.
Invention is credited to Balester, Tom.
Application Number | 20050287888 10/876304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35506511 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050287888 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Balester, Tom |
December 29, 2005 |
Surfboard fin assembly
Abstract
A fin assembly (14) for a surfboard assembly (10) includes a fin
base (220), a fin blade (222) and an adhesive (224). The fin base
(220) has a base attachment surface (226A). The fin blade (222)
extends away from the fin base (220). The adhesive (224) directly
and fixedly secures the base attachment surface (226A) to the outer
surface (18) of a board (12). The fin assembly (14) can be used for
directionally controlling the movement of a board (12) through a
liquid. The outer surface (18) of the board (12) is moisture
resistant.
Inventors: |
Balester, Tom; (Huntington
Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tom Balester
18892 Carolyn Lane
Huntington Beach
CA
92646
US
|
Family ID: |
35506511 |
Appl. No.: |
10/876304 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/60 20200201;
B63B 32/66 20200201; B63B 32/62 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/079 |
International
Class: |
B63B 035/79 |
Claims
1. A fin assembly for directionally controlling the movement of a
board through a liquid, the board having an outer surface that is
moisture resistant, the fin assembly comprising; a fin base having
a base attachment surface; a fin blade that extends away from the
fin base, the fin blade having a blade height that is at least
approximately two inches; and an adhesive that directly and fixedly
secures the base attachment surface to the outer surface.
2. The fin assembly of claim 1 wherein the fin base has a base
width that is at least approximately 5 times greater than a blade
width of the fin blade.
3. The fin assembly of claim 1 wherein the fin base has a base
width that is at least approximately 6 times greater than a blade
width of the fin blade.
4. The fin assembly of claim 1 wherein the base attachment surface
has a surface area of at least approximately 6 square inches.
5. The fin assembly of claim 1 wherein the base attachment surface
has a surface area of at least approximately 10 square inches.
6. The fin assembly of claim 1 wherein the fin base is oval
shaped.
7. (canceled)
8. A surfboard assembly comprising a board having an outer surface
and the fin assembly of claim 1 fixedly secured to the outer
surface of the board.
9. A fin assembly for directionally controlling the movement of a
board through a liquid, the board having an outer surface that is
moisture resistant, the fin assembly comprising; a fin base having
a base attachment surface that has a surface area of at least
approximately 6 square inches; a fin shaped, fin blade that extends
away from the fin base, the fin blade having a blade height that is
at least approximately three inches; and an adhesive that directly
and fixedly secures the base attachment surface to the outer
surface.
10. The fin assembly of claim 9 wherein the fin base has a base
width that is at least approximately 5 times greater than a blade
width of the fin blade.
11. The fin assembly of claim 9 wherein the fin base is oval
shaped.
12. The fin assembly of claim 9 wherein the fin blade is
selectively secured to the fin base.
13. A surfboard assembly comprising a board having an outer surface
and the fin assembly of claim 9 fixedly secured to the outer
surface of the board.
14. A method for making a surfboard assembly comprising the steps
of; providing a board having an outer surface that is moisture
resistant; and connecting a fin assembly to the board, the fin
assembly can be used to directionally control the movement of the
board, the fin assembly including a fin base having a base
attachment surface, a fin blade that extends away from the fin
base, the fin blade having a blade height that is at least
approximately two inches; and an adhesive that directly and fixedly
secures the base attachment surface to the outer surface.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the fin base has a base width
that is at least approximately 5 times greater than a blade width
of the fin blade.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein the fin base has a base width
that is at least approximately 6 times greater than a blade width
of the fin blade.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein the base attachment surface has
a surface area of at least approximately 6 square inches.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. The method of claim 14 wherein the fin blade is selectively
secured to the fin base.
21. A fin assembly for directionally controlling the movement of a
board through a liquid, the board having an outer surface that is
moisture resistant, the fin assembly comprising; a fin base having
a base attachment surface; a fin blade that extends away from the
fin base, the fin blade being selectively secured to the fin base;
and an adhesive that directly and fixedly secures the base
attachment surface to the outer surface.
22. The fin assembly of claim 21 further comprising a fastener
assembly that selectively secures the fin blade to the fin
base.
23. The fin assembly of claim 22 wherein the fin base includes a
base slot and the fin blade includes a projection that extends into
the fin base.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] People have long enjoyed the use of recreational devices
such as surfboards in the ocean or other bodies of water.
Surfboards commonly include a board and one or more fins that are
secured to the board. The fins provide directional control to the
surfer.
[0002] Unfortunately, existing methods for securing the one or more
of the fins to the board can be relatively costly and/or relatively
complex. Moreover, existing fin to board attachments can be
relatively weak and prone to breaking.
SUMMARY
[0003] The present invention is directed to a fin assembly for a
surfboard. The fin assembly is used for directionally controlling
the movement of a board through a liquid. The board includes an
outer surface that is moisture resistant. In one embodiment, the
fin assembly includes a fin base, a fin blade and an adhesive. The
fin base has a base attachment surface. The fin blade extends away
from the fin base. The adhesive directly and fixedly secures the
base attachment surface to the outer surface.
[0004] With this design, in certain embodiments, the fin assembly
can be easily and fixedly installed on the board. Further, the fin
assembly is secured to the board without making cut-outs. This
reduces the complexity of the installation, reduces the assembly
costs, and/or enhances the strength and reliability of the fin
assembly to board connection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The novel features of this invention, as well as the
invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will
be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar
reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a surfboard
assembly including a board and a fin assembly having the features
of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2A is a side plan view of the fin assembly of FIG.
1;
[0008] FIG. 2B is an end plan view of the fin assembly of FIG.
2A;
[0009] FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the fin assembly of FIG.
2A;
[0010] FIG. 3A is a side plan view, in partial cut-away of a
portion of the board and the fin assembly of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3B is an end plan view, in partial cut-away of a
portion of the board and the fin assembly of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4A is a side plan view, in partial cut-away, of another
embodiment of the fin assembly; and
[0013] FIG. 4B is a cut-away view taken on line 4B-4B in FIG.
4A.
DESCRIPTION
[0014] FIG. 1 is a bottom plan view of a surfboard assembly 10
having features of the present invention that includes (i) a board
12, and (ii) one or more fin assemblies 14 that are coupled to the
board 12. The surfboard assembly 10 can be used to surf in a
liquid, such as ocean water. In one embodiment, the surfboard
assembly 10 can include a leash (not shown) that is coupled to a
leash retainer (not shown) in the board 12. The leash can be
secured to the individual's leg while surfing.
[0015] The board 12 provides floatation for and supports an
individual on or near the surface of the liquid. The design of the
board 12, including the shape, particular dimensions and materials
used to form the board 12, can be selected to achieve the desired
performance characteristics of the board 12. Non-exclusive examples
of suitable materials for the board 12 include a somewhat rigid
foam that is covered with fiberglass, or the board 12 can include
epoxy, balsa wood, plastic materials, carbon fiber, and/or
resins.
[0016] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the board 12
includes a top (not shown), bottom 16A, a left rail 16B, a right
rail 16C, a nose 16D and a tail 16E. In one embodiment, the board
12 includes an exposed, outer surface 18 that is substantially
impervious to the liquid. Stated another way, the outer surface 18
is substantially moisture resistant. The top provides a deck on
which the individual can stand, sit or lie while in the water. The
bottom 16A is opposite the top, and generally faces the water
during surfing. The top and bottom 16A can be somewhat flat or
curved.
[0017] The one or more fin assemblies 14 are secured to the board
12 and are used by the rider to control the movement of the
surfboard assembly 12 thought the water. In one embodiment, the one
or more fin assemblies 14 are secured to the bottom 16A and
cantilever generally away and downward from the bottom 16A. The
number of fin assemblies 14 utilized in surfboard assembly 10 can
be selected to achieve the desired characteristics of the surfboard
assembly 10. Further, the location of the one or more fin
assemblies 14 relative to the board 12 can be adjusted to adjust
the handling characteristics of the surfboard assembly 10. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the surfboard assembly 10
includes three spaced apart fin assemblies 14 that are secured to
the bottom 16A near the tail 16E. Alternatively, for example, the
surfboard assembly 10 can include less than three or more than
three fin assemblies 14.
[0018] FIG. 2A is a side view of one of the fin assemblies 14 of
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the fin assembly 14 includes a fin base
220, a fin blade 222, and an adhesive 224, the thickness of which
is exaggerated for clarity. The size, shape and composition of each
of these components can be selected to achieve the desired
characteristics of the surfboard assembly 10.
[0019] The fin base 220 includes a top, base attachment surface
226A, an opposed base bottom 226B, a base leading edge 226C, a base
trailing edge 226D, and an opposed pair of base sides 226E. In one
embodiment, the base attachment surface 226A is shaped to
correspond to the shape of the bottom 16A of the board 12 at where
the fin assembly 14 is to be secured to the board 12. For example,
the base attachment surface 226A can be generally flat or slightly
curved.
[0020] In one embodiment, the base attachment surface 226A defines
a substantial area that can be used to attach the fin base 220 to
the board 12. The substantial contact area greatly enhances the
strength of the adhesive connection between the fin assembly 14 and
the board 12. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the base
attachment surface 226A has an area that is at least approximately
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 square inches. However, for
example, the base attachment surface 226A can be greater or less
than these amounts.
[0021] It should be noted that with these designs, the relatively
large contact area means that any forces that act upon the fin
assembly 14 during usage are distributed over a relatively large
area of the board 12 (illustrated in FIG. 1). This reduces the
likelihood of damage to the board 12 in the event of forces that
act on the fin assembly 14.
[0022] The fin blade 222 cantilevers away from the fin base 220.
The shape and size of the fin blade 222 can vary. In one
embodiment, the fin blade 222 includes a pair of opposed blade
sides 228A, a blade leading edge 228B, and a blade trailing edge
228C. The blade sides 228A can be generally flat. The edges 228B,
228C can be somewhat knife blade shaped.
[0023] In one embodiment, the fin base 220 and the fin blade 222
are made of suitable rigid and resilient materials that are
resistant to fatigue and are compatible with the adhesive 224.
Suitable materials for the fin base 220 and the fin blade 222
include (i) plastics, or (ii) epoxy, polyurethane, or polycarbonate
that are internally reinforced with crystalline fibers, glass
cloth, or graphite.
[0024] In FIG. 2A, the fin base 220 and the fin blade 222 are made
as a one piece, unitary, homogeneous component. Alternatively, the
fin base 220 and the fin blade 22 can be made from multiple
structures that are secured or connected together.
[0025] The adhesive 224 secures the fin base 220 to the board 12.
In one embodiment, the adhesive 224 is of sufficient strength to
inhibit disconnection between fin base 220 and the board 12. The
type of adhesive 224 utilized will depend upon the type of
materials utilized in the fin base 220 and the board 12. In one
embodiment, (i) the adhesive 224 is compatible with the material
utilized for the outer surface 18 and the material utilized in the
fin base 220, and/or (ii) the adhesive 224 forms a strong cohesive
bond between the board 12 and the fin base 220. For example, the
adhesive 224 can be designed to achieve relatively strong
mechanical bonds or chemical bonds between the board 12 and the fin
base 220. In one embodiment, adhesive 224 acts as a solvent for at
least one of the board 12 and the fin base 220 so as to form strong
intermolecular bonds between the contact surfaces.
[0026] As nonexclusive examples, suitable adhesives 224 can include
a high strength plastic weld sold by Devcon, located in Danvers,
Mass.
[0027] In one embodiment, the adhesive 224 substantially covers the
entire base attachment surface 226A of the fin base 220.
Alternatively, for example, the adhesive 224 can cover only a
portion of the base attachment surface 226A. In alternative,
non-exclusive embodiments, the adhesive 224 covers at least
approximately 60, 70, 80, 90, or 95 percent of the base attachment
surface 226A.
[0028] FIG. 2B is an end view of the fin assembly 14 of FIG. 2A. In
this embodiment, the fin blade 222 cantilevers away from and is at
approximately a 90 degree angle relative to the fin base 220.
Alternatively, fin blade 222 can be at an angle other than 90
degrees relative to the fin base 220. In alternative, non-exclusive
embodiments, the fin blade 222 is at an angle of approximately 40,
50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees relative to the fin base 220.
[0029] Additionally, in FIG. 2B, the fin blade 222 extends from a
central axis 230 of the fin base 220 and the combination of the fin
base 220 and fin blade 222 has a cross-section which is shaped
somewhat similar to an inverted "T". Alternatively, for example,
the fin blade 222 can be positioned off the central axis 230 of the
fin base 220.
[0030] In one embodiment, the fin base 220 has a base width 232
(measured normal to the base central axis 230) that is greater than
a blade width 234 (measured normal to the fin blade 222) of the fin
blade 222. In alternative, non-exclusive embodiments, the base
width 232 is at least approximately 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, or 35 times
greater than the blade width 234. However, the difference can be
less than these amounts or greater than these amounts. In one
embodiment, the base width 232 is approximately 5 inches and the
blade width 234 is approximately 0.25 inches.
[0031] In FIG. 2B, the bottom 226B of the fin base 220 is slightly
curved. For example, the bottom 226B can sloped slightly away from
the base central axis 230 toward the base sides 226E. In one
embodiment, the slope angle 236 is approximately ten degrees.
Further, in one embodiment, for example, the fin base 220 has a
base height of approximately 0.5 inches near the base central axis
230 and a base height 238 of approximately 20 thousands of an inch
near the base sides 226E. With this design, there is a
substantially smooth continuous transition between the fin base 220
and the board 12 when the fin base 220 is secured to the board
12.
[0032] Moreover, in one embodiment, the base height 238 that is
less than a blade height 240 of the fin blade 222. In alternative,
non-exclusive embodiments, the base height 238 is at least
approximately 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,
19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, or 35 times smaller than the blade
height 240. However, the difference can be less than these amounts
or greater than these amounts.
[0033] In one embodiment, the junction between each blade side 238A
and the fin base 220 includes a curved concave transition surface
242 having a substantial radius of curvature. In one embodiment,
the radius measures at least one half inch so that each transition
surface 242 forms a smooth uninterrupted continuation of the fin
base 220 and the fin blade 222. The transition surface 242
minimizes water flow turbulence and also enhances the strength of
the connection between fin base 220 and the fin blade 222.
[0034] FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the fin assembly 14. In
FIG. 2C, the fin base 220 is substantially oval shaped and
symmetrical about the base central axis 230. In alternative,
non-exclusive embodiments, the fin base 220 has a base length 244
that is at least approximately 1.2, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, or 4 times
greater than the base width 232. However, the difference can be
less than these amounts or greater than these amounts. In one
embodiment, the fin base 220 has a base length 244 of approximately
5 inches and a base width of approximately 2 inches.
[0035] With the oval shape, the base sides 226E do not present
sharp corners to the load. Sharp corners can produce stress
concentration points tending to weaken the adhesive 224
(illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B) connection between the fin base
220 and the board 12. Further, this shape enhances the adhesive
contact near the base central axis 230 where deflecting load forces
are greatest, leading and trailing ends with minimal dimensions.
Stated another way, adhesive engagement areas are concentrated in
the areas of greatest expected load.
[0036] Alternatively, for example, the fin base 220 can be
elliptical or rectangular shaped.
[0037] FIGS. 3A and 3B are alternative plan views of the fin
assembly 14 and a portion of the board 12 in cut-away. More
specifically, these figures illustrate that the adhesive 224
directly adheres the base attachment surface 226A to the outer
surface 18 of the board 12. It should be noted that the fin
assembly 14 is attached to the board 12 without cutting or
interrupting the outer surface 18 of the board 12 or influencing
the structural integrity of the board 12. Moreover, in one
embodiment, the adhesive 224 is the only thing that secures the fin
assembly 14 to the board 12. With this design, the fin assembly 14
can be easily attached to the board 12 after the rest of the board
12 is manufactured.
[0038] FIG. 4A is a side plan view, in partial cut-away, of another
embodiment of the fin assembly 414 and board 412, and FIG. 4B is a
cut-away view taken on line 4B-4B in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment,
the fin base 420 is fixedly secured directly to the outer surface
418 with the adhesive 424.
[0039] Moreover, in this embodiment, the fin base 420 and the fin
blade 422 are made as separate components. Further, in this
embodiment, the fin blade 422 is selectively secured to the fin
base 420 so that the fin blade 422 can be selectively attached and
detached from the fin base 420. The way in which the fin blade 422
is selectively secured to the fin base 420 can be varied. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the fin base 420
includes a base slot 446 that defines a slot catch 448. In one
embodiment, the base slot 446 is a somewhat rectangular shaped
opening in the fin base 420 and the fin base 420 is positioned
above the outer surface 418.
[0040] Further, the fin blade 422 includes a blade projection 450
that is sized and shaped to fit within the base slot 446 and the
blade projection 450 extends into the base slot 446. Moreover, the
blade projection 450 includes a front lip 452 that interacts with
the slot catch 448. Additionally, the fin assembly 414 includes a
fastener assembly 454 that selectively secures the fin blade 422 to
the fin base 420. More specifically, in FIG. 4A, the fastener
assembly 454 includes a screw that is threaded into a tapped hole
in the fin base 420 that engages the rear of the blade projection
450 and urges the front lip 452 under and against the slot catch
448. In one embodiment, the blade projection 450 includes a relief
area 456 that allows for deflection of a portion of the blade
projection 450 under pressure from the fastener assembly 454.
[0041] With this design, the screw can be moved forward to secure
the fin blade 422 to the fin base 420 and the screw can be
retracted to permit removal of fin blade 422 from the fin base
420.
[0042] While the particular embodiments of the surfboard assembly
10, as illustrated herein are fully capable of satisfying the needs
and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be
understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently
preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown
other than as described in the appended claims.
* * * * *