U.S. patent application number 11/288848 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-30 for multi-function surfboard fin and fin box attachment device.
Invention is credited to James Michael Caldwell, Anthony Robert Longo, Vincent Charles Longo.
Application Number | 20070202760 11/288848 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38444601 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070202760 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Caldwell; James Michael ; et
al. |
August 30, 2007 |
Multi-function surfboard fin and fin box attachment device
Abstract
A surfboard having a hull, a multi-function fin and
multi-function fin receiving box system. This invention
incorporates the use of a variety of fins, fin bases including
multi-tab, rectangular and positioning inserts. Receiving box and
locator inserts are optionally configured so that the fin may be
adjustable positioned and secured in a three-dimensional
configuration. The fins positioning may include fore and aft, cant
angel and angel of attack positioning. The fin positioning may be
adjusted through recessed wedge or other shaped receiving voids and
insert elements positioned in and around the structural wall areas
of the receiving box. The interior wall surfaces of the
fin-securing cavity accommodate the positioning of the fins base
attachment and aligning structures and are constructed with various
extended, receiving, positioning, supporting and securing
features.
Inventors: |
Caldwell; James Michael;
(San Diego, CA) ; Longo; Vincent Charles;
(Huntington Beach, CA) ; Longo; Anthony Robert;
(Laguna Niguel, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
James Michael Caldwell
1345 Belleview Ave
Cardiff
CA
92007
US
|
Family ID: |
38444601 |
Appl. No.: |
11/288848 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60631120 |
Nov 26, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/66 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/079 |
International
Class: |
B63B 1/00 20060101
B63B001/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable, interchangeable and removable fin and fin
receiving box and insert assembly for mounting in a cavity of a
watercraft, the adjustable, interchangeable and removable fin and
fin receiving box comprising: a fin box positioned in the cavity of
the watercraft, the fin box having a top surface a lower surface a
longitudinal length with a front end and a rear end, the fin box
incorporating a fin and insert capable receiving main and secondary
cavities: a fin member adjustable, interchangeable and removable
mountable in the fin receiving box cavity or cavities, a fin
extending into the receiving cavity or cavities permitting
adjustable, interchangeable, removable and securable
positioning.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the main receiving fin box
cavity selectively comprises: a plurality of positioning members
positional in the main box cavity forwardly, rearward, under and
along side of the fin member to adjust, position and secure the fin
base member or members, the positioning members being configured to
position and adjust the fore and aft, the cant and the angle of
attack of the fin member.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the main receiving fin box
cavity walls comprises: an extended vertical portion for
selectively removing during installation in a watercraft.
4. An adjustable removable fin insert assembly for mounting inside
a fin base-receiving cavity of a watercraft, the adjustable fin
insert assembly comprising: a fin positionable in the cavity of the
fin base in a three-dimensional manner incorporating a fore and
aft, a cant and an up and down angel of attack securable
positionable in a fin receiving box.
Description
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of an earlier
provisional patent filing dated Nov. 26, 2004 with patent
application Ser. No. 60/631,120 and having the same
inventorship.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to surfboards and particularly
surfboards with removable and optionally adjustable fins that
provide the user options for fin and fin base choices and
adjustments of the fin placement distances, angle of attack and
splay or cant angles. The design and manufacturer of removable
surfboard fins and the fin box receivers chosen by either the
surfboard manufacturer or the customer has had problems for some
time now. This is due to a variety of reasons and the consequences
were significant when the choice of the fin and box receiver was
made. The fin and receiver box would accommodate primarily only
that one fin manufacturer's products for additional or replacement
fin products. The surfer was limited to that original fin
manufacture and only that fin manufacture due to the fin base or
attachment details involving the receiver box. The individual can
need a wide range of fin placements and products due to the wave
and water conditions found around the world. More specifically, a
surfer would select a surfboard with a specific fin placement
set-up and that was unchangeable. Depending upon the waves style,
sizes, and the ocean conditions of the waves the fin placement and
configuration angels can make a significant difference in the
board's performance. Removable surfboard fin manufacturers set a
predetermined fin angle or cant angle and the fore and aft fixed
position for the fin. This invention optionally provides for the
receiving box to adapt and accept a variety of fins through the
combinations of void receiving spaces and inserts and to optionally
provide for variable fin movement in the fore and aft, in the cant
angle and in the fins leading edge and or trailing edge to moved up
or down. The multi-function nature of this invention in the wide
variety of fins combined with the wide variety of adjustments that
can be chosen and fixed are of significant advantage over the
existing fin boxes, the fins and the fin adjustment. This invention
pertains to a surfboard fin and receiving fin box attachment
device, the optional installation methods of universal fin and fin
box and their respective forces during their dynamic use. This
invention incorporates the use of a variety of fin bases including
multi-tab and rectangular bases for attachment and adjustment with
locators, supports, receivers and securing elements. The multi-fin
use base receives, adjusts for multi-axis three-dimensional
movement, secures and releases both multi-tab base and a single
rectangular fin base configurations. This three dimensional
movement consists one spatial and two rotational movements. The
fore and aft movements are spatial and the cant angle and leading
edge up and down are rotational. The invention includes a surfboard
fin attachment box having a generally rectangular fin placement or
receiving cavity. This cavity is housed inside a outer perimeter
structural walled support housing with a upper deck surface and
alternatively can incorporate a recessed continuous or
non-continuous trough incorporated into a horizontally extending
lower deck flange surface and structure located below the perimeter
edge of the rectangular fin placement cavity upper deck surface.
The fins and fin boxes of this invention may have a variety of
shapes that can include cylindrical, oval or rectangular lower deck
flange and perimeter outline. The optional lower deck flange deck
extends outwardly from the trough forming the outermost perimeter
outline. The surfboard fin box attachment device is installed in
the surfboard foam blank or a hollow surfboard structure either
prior to the surface composite skinning step or in the composite
lay-up or lamination process and maybe installed after the curing
of the skins.
[0003] In the prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,916,220 a
replaceable fin or fins are attached and adjusted on and in the
boards by a variety mechanisms which provide the positioning
securing and removal of the fin directed at the adjustments of the
cant angle of the fin. In one fin system the replaceable fins are
tabbed and positioned into round plugs with securing screws in a
surfboard.
[0004] In the prior art a replaceable fin or fins attached and
adjusted on and in the boards are presented by a variety mechanisms
which provide the positioning securing and removal of the fin
directed at the adjustments of various positions of the fin. The
present invention distinguishes over this art with a series of
various inventive structures forming extended, receiving,
supporting, positioning and securing features.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
[0005] In the preferred embodiment of this invention the surfboard
fins and fin box attachment device of this invention can provide
universality or multiple dissimilar fin design attachment
compatibility for the placement, adjustability for movement,
securing and removal of the surfboard fins. The two preferred fin
base configurations are both a non-canted multi-tab base and a
canted single rectangular fin base configuration. The interior wall
surfaces of the fin-securing cavity accommodate the positioning of
the fins base attachment structures and are constructed with
various extended, receiving, supporting and securing features. This
box wall and cavity structure incorporates the individual and
unique fin base physical structural features and requirements and
provides for the securing or affixing and or joining of them. This
fin adjusting and securing is achieved through a combination of fin
base elements fitting into or adjoining to interior cavities,
affixing to or attaching to interior support shaped parts and being
secured with one or more and or in combination with embedded
securing screws, interior affixing or securing attaching devices
such as pins. The surfboard fin attachment box can incorporate an
outer ledge or deck wall surface located at the perimeter edge of
the rectangular fin placement cavity for both the structural
support of the fin and provide the attachment surface or platform
and edge for the surfboards bottom composite materials to secure to
by joining to this platform surface. The surfboard fin box
attachment device can provide for the forward and backward, cant
and up and down adjustment movements and the securing of the
surfboard fin in the final position. Surfboard fins can be
manufactured with a variety of fin base shapes and configurations.
These can include the fin base either having a fin base with no
base canting or with fin base canting. This fin adjustability can
be accomplished for a non-canted fin base through a continuous
diagonal or wedge shaped recessed canted cavity area in the
interior sidewall of the fin box cavity. Two wedge shape cavities
can be provided for non-canted multi-tab fins. This allows the
straight fin and fin base to be supported by surrounding the base
of the multi-tabs from the side and from below and inside the
cavity of the fin box full length. The adjustability is
accomplished through a continuous or noncontinousley diagonal
canted cavity in the wall of the fin box for the multi-tab fin. The
optional movement for the canted rectangular fin base can also be
accommodated with a longer rectangular cavity length than that of
the fins base. The surfboard fin box attachment device is installed
in the surfboard either prior to the surface composite skinning
step or after a lay-up or lamination process has cured. The fin box
can be reinforced with a denser or more rigid material both inside
the board and or outside on or in the surface composite skin. The
fin box may be combined with a denser foam or structural
reinforcing block for added structural strength resisting the
dynamic forces of the fins. The installation of the fin box can
incorporate the addition of a polymer stabilized, dye cut material
reinforcing the outer surface or outer composite skin. The combined
composite covers the box deck and extends outwardly to transfer the
dynamic loads of the fin into the surfboard. The fin box device of
this invention can be installed in all stages of the surfboards
construction including the molding operation of a molded solid core
or a molded hollow surfboard. The surfboard fins that are
compatible with and incorporated into this invention that are not
presently covered by prior patents are considered to be
incorporated into the patentable elements and inclusive of the art
of this invention and as such would be covered by this patent.
[0006] An alternative embodiment of this invention incorporates a
surfboard fin attachment box with perimeter shape outlines of
varying dimension and contours that vary to provide the interior
fitting requirements of the specific fins and their bases.
[0007] An alternative embodiment of this invention incorporates
into the surfboard fin attachment box the manufacturing of the box
using both a thermo-plastic for the main box receiving cavity and a
semi-flexible composite structural re-enforcing material within the
thermo-plastic molded part during the molding manufacturing
process. This element of the invention combines a cured
thermo-plastic box cavity with a semi-cured but secured portion of
the composite in the box cavity and the remaining portion of the
uncured flexible composite extending outwardly from the box
structure. The extended portion of the uncured composite is
designed to lay flat on the bottom surface of the surfboard during
the box installation process and is cured with a polymer material
either during installation or in the lamination or lay-up
process
[0008] An alternative embodiment of this invention incorporates
into the surfboard fin attachment box the structural and physical
extension of the boxes lower structure for attachment to the inside
of the upper deck surface of the surfboard.
[0009] An alternative embodiment of this invention incorporates
into the surfboard fin attachment box the structural and physical
extension of lateral gusset structures for stabilizing the
structures forces.
[0010] An alternative embodiment of this invention incorporates
into the surfboard fin attachment box the structural receiving or
attachments points combined with the structural linking of two or
more of the boxes with one another internally or inside the
surfboard for the stabilizing or controlled movement of the boxes
and fins. This optionally can be combined with the linking of two
or more side box and fin systems to a somewhat centrally located
main stabilizing element. This combination of box, fin and central
stabilizing structural system transfers and balances the forces of
the rider and the surfboard by providing a structural skeleton
linking the fins, fin boxes and surfboard to the dynamic forces and
movements of the wave and rider.
[0011] In one of the alternative embodiments larger and potentially
soft covered foil fins may be used by the novice surfer. The larger
foil fin can stabilize the rider for the learning process. This
process is vastly accelerated due to the increased ease of learning
to balance, stabilize and steer or turn from the wider, forward
portion of the surfboard. The increased capability to balance,
stabilize and control the board from the wider portion of the board
is a part of the reasons for the accelerated learning process. As
the surfer progresses his position on the board will move further
back on the board there by increasing the turning power of the
board.
[0012] The movable foil can be used with or without additional
fixed foils to fine-tune the board's performance to meet individual
surfer's preferences or variable wave characteristics. Controllable
foil allows the surfer to turn and control direction and
maneuverability on the wave with the pitch or rotational action of
the foil or foils by the rear foot, which in turn controls the
pitch the board in any maneuver. The more increased the pivot or
rotational attitude change of the foil by the foot movement the
greater the effect on the surfboard. This control is in sharp
contrast to that of traditional fixed foil fin surfboards
[0013] Multiple fin base configurations may be optionally
positioned in the receiver box and secured for attachment and
adjustment with locators, supports, positioners, receivers and
securing elements.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] This invention provides for the receiving box to adapt and
accept a variety of fins through the combinations of optional
secondary void receiving spaces provided fore in the molding
process of the main cavity of the fin receiving box. This feature
is combined with a variety of inserts and the invention optionally
provides for variable fin movement in the fore and aft, in the cant
angle and in the fins leading edge and or trailing edge to moved up
or down of the adjustment of the angels of attack of the fin and
any of it appendages.
[0015] The present invention provides multi-functional surfboard
fin boxes, multi-functional fins, and combines them with the, three
dimensional fin movement that enables a surfer to adapt the
surfboard as best suited to his personal, wave and sea conditions.
The present invention eliminates the conventional inconvenient need
of purchasing, maintaining, and transporting a variety of
surfboards to suit various surf conditions. The methods and
apparatus of the present invention customize a board to a variety
of variable performance needs and requirements of the surfer.
[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a surfboard includes the
board, the fin, a receiving cavity in the fin box in the surfboard,
and a means for positioning the fin fore and aft, in cant and in
the up and down angle of attack of the fin relative to the angle of
the surfboard. The fin is positioned in the receiving cavity of the
fin box, and extends from the surfboard lower planning surface with
the three-dimensional configurations selected and fixed. The
receiving cavity in the fin box when combined with the needed
inserts is configured so that the fin is adjustable in a variety of
fore and aft, cant, and up and down positions. An example could be
the receiving cavity in the fin box may be configured optionally
with both sidewall void secondary receiving cavity to allow the fin
base to pivot in the secondary receiving cavity in the fin box.
When the fin is positioned in a desired fore and aft, cant, and up
or down position the inserts and or the securing screws position
and affix the fin in the required three-dimensional position
[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fin base may
be secured in the optionally provided side wall void secondary
receiving cavity or cavities to allow the fin base to pivot and
thereby adjusting the fins cant angle by the fin base placement in
the secondary receiving cavity of the fin box. The fin may then be
securied by either a screw system or pin system. In this example,
the fastener could include a threaded hole configured such that the
screw secures the base of the fin either directly engaging the
receiving cavity within the fin base and thereby locking the insert
in the main box cavity. Altematively, the insert may include
engagement structures for locking the fin in the main box
cavity.
[0018] One of the features of the invention is that the surfer may
reposition the fin at alternative three-dimensional positions
either in the fin-receiving box and/or in the fin-receiving base if
desired. To achieve this repositioning in the fin receiving box,
the screw is backed out to release the fin base and the insert, the
fin is then fixed at new position angels, and the fastener is
actuated to secure the fin. The adjustable fin incorporating the
fin tang and fin tang receiving cavity may also achieve the
repositioning in the fin receiving cavity, the screw is backed out
to release the fin tang from the base, the fin is then fixed at new
position angels, and the fastener is actuated to secure the fin.
The side fins may selectively be positioned in mirror symmetry or
asymmetrically. The side fin may be selected as the same or
different from one another.
[0019] One of the features of the invention is that the installer
in the installation process may position the fin box at alternative
height positions either in the finished or pre finished surfboard
during installation and then sand down the elevated deck to meet
the need deck height surface of the board and the fin receiving
box.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, a fin base box
may be secured in the foam prior to the skinning of the surfboard.
The upper deck provides a partial removable raised area protruding
above the plane of the surfboard bottom prior to its height
reduction thru sanding during the construction installation. This
feature provides a flush finished surface with the bottom surfboard
surface while retaining the laminating fiberglass material right up
to the edge of the fin base-receiving cavity. The lower deck
provides the attachment plane for the fiberglass to adhere to plus
the added feature of reducing the glass removed in the sanding step
found in other surfboard fin box systems. Additionally a continuous
polymer reservoir has been positioned at the intersection point of
the lower decks horizontal plane and the vertical wall extending up
from the trough to the upper deck sand able deck. This reservoir
polymer trough provides the wetting required from below of the
fiberglass to reduce air and maintain the fiberglass's adhered
integrity around the fin base opening.
[0021] The following detailed description is in conjunction with
the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention,
illustrating a number of the securing thru holes, the upper and
lower decks, the continuous trough, the fin base cavity and main
structural body;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a center receiving fin box
attachment devices according to an embodiment of the invention,
illustrating a number of the securing through holes, the upper and
lower decks, the continuous trough, the fin base cavity and rear
securing pin.
[0024] FIG. 3 is a top view of a center receiving fin box
attachment devices according to an embodiment of the invention,
illustrating a number of the securing thru holes, the upper and
lower decks, the continuous trough, the main fin base cavity and
rear securing pin.
[0025] FIG. 4 is a side view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a center fin box with an upper and lower
deck and a main receiving body.
[0026] FIG. 5. is an end view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with
structural side gussets.
[0027] FIG. 6. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with
secondary sidewall receiving cavities.
[0028] FIG. 7. is a top view of a side receiving fin box attachment
device according to an embodiment of the invention particularly
illustrating a side fin box that is configured with a number of the
securing thru holes and rectangular main receiving fin base cavity
and the continuous trough.
[0029] FIG. 8. is a side view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box with an upper and lower
deck and a main receiving body.
[0030] FIG. 9. is a end view of a side receiving fin box attachment
device according to an embodiment of the invention particularly
illustrating a side fin box with an upper and lower deck and a main
receiving body.
[0031] FIG. 10. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with an
extended secondary sidewall receiving cavities.
[0032] FIG. 11. is a top view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with a
number of the securing thru holes and a extended rectangular main
receiving fin base cavity and the continuous trough.
[0033] FIG. 12. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with a
number of the securing thru holes installed in the extended
rectangular main receiving fin base cavity and the continuous
trough and a fin configured with a screw receiving and securing
area on the fin base.
[0034] FIG. 13. is a isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with a
number of the securing thru holes installed in the extended
rectangular main receiving fin base cavity and the continuous
trough and a fin configured with a screw receiving and securing
area mounted at the front of the extended fin receiving base.
[0035] FIG. 14. is a isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with extended secondary side wall receiving cavities and screw
receiving slots.
[0036] FIG. 15. is a isometric view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a center fin box insert that is
configured with extended secondary side wall receiving cavities
containing screw receiving slots and side wall reinforcements.
[0037] FIG. 16. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with secondary sidewall receiving cavities and screw receiving
slots.
[0038] FIG. 17. is a isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with secondary side wall receiving cavities and screw receiving
holes.
[0039] FIG. 18. is a isometric view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a center fin box insert that is
configured with secondary side wall receiving cavities containing
screw receiving holes and side wall reinforcements.
[0040] FIG. 19. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with a secondary sidewall receiving cavities and screw receiving
holes.
[0041] FIG. 20. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with
secondary sidewall receiving cavities.
[0042] FIG. 21. is an isometric view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a center fin box.
[0043] FIG. 22. is an isometric view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with secondary sidewall receiving cavities.
[0044] FIG. 23. is a end view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box that is configured with
secondary side wall receiving cavities with structural supporting
gussets.
[0045] FIG. 24. is an end view of a center receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a center fin box with structural
supporting gussets.
[0046] FIG. 25. is a end view of a side receiving fin box
attachment device according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin box insert that is configured
with secondary side wall receiving cavities with structural
supporting gussets.
[0047] FIG. 26. is a side view of a side fin and fin base according
to an embodiment of the invention particularly illustrating a side
fin and receiving fin base that is configured with a fin extension
tang and fin base receiving slot and an exterior securing screw
area.
[0048] FIG. 27. is a end view of a side fin and fin base according
to an embodiment of the invention particularly illustrating a side
fin and receiving fin base that is configured with a fin extension
tang and a receiving fin base with a variable degree cant
angle.
[0049] FIG. 28. is a end view of a side fin and fin base according
to an embodiment of the invention particularly illustrating a side
fin and receiving fin base that is configured with a fin extension
tang and a receiving fin base with a zero degree cant angle.
[0050] FIG. 29 is a top view of a side receiving fin box attachment
devices according to an embodiment of the invention, illustrating a
securing thru hole, the upper and lower decks, the continuous
trough and the fin base cavity and rear securing pin. the lower
deck contains air and fluid release ports.
[0051] FIG. 30 is a bottom view of a side receiving fin box
attachment devices according to an embodiment of the invention,
illustrating a the fin base cavity body configured with structural
supporting gussets and lower deck containing air and fluid release
ports.
[0052] FIG. 31 is an isometric view of a tapered insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0053] Referring to the drawings in more detail, a multi-function
center fin-receiving box of the present invention is illustrated in
FIG. 1. Securing thru holes 1 provide opposing securing and
positioning screw attachment points to the exterior screw area 17
of the main fin base structure 6, providing a secured and removable
fin positioned in the fin base cavity 2 and supported by the main
structural body 6, the upper deck 10 provides a partial removable
raised area protruding above the plane of the surfboard bottom
prior to it's height reduction thru sanding during the construction
installation, the lower deck 3 has positioned at the intersection
point of its horizontal plane and the vertical wall 5 a raised
structure extending up from the trough 4 to the upper deck 10, a
continuous reservoir trough 4. FIG. 2 illustrates the additional
optional securing pin 8 feature. FIGS. 3,4 and 5 show the
approximate relative relationships of size and scale of the
optional securing pin 8. In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 the upper deck area
10 in relation to the lower deck area 3 and the box's main body 6.
In FIG. 5 the optional structural stabilizing side gussets 7 are
shown and the sidewall connecting the upper deck to the lower deck
3. In accordance with the optional principles of the present
invention, at least one of the fins may be adjustable by the user;
the user may adjust and fix positions by releasing one or more of
the securing screws from one of the fins 32 (FIG.12) then
reposition and secure the fin at additional positions and angles as
needed. By comparison to existing fin systems which have limited or
no movement the present invention provides optional fore and aft
adjustment, a fin side out and back cant angle adjustment and an up
and down angle of attack angle adjustment, the optional
adjustable-fin features of the invention allows a user to adjust
the fin or fins as desired in multi-dimensional axis's either
symmetrically or asymmetrically.
[0054] The elements presented for utilization in this description,
are equally applicable to other water vessels, such as knee boards,
body boards, water skis, wake boards, sailboards and other wave,
motor, paddle or self-propelled watercraft vehicles.
[0055] An optional side receiving fin box illustrated in FIG. 6,
may include one or more secondary sidewall receiving cavities 9.
According to multi-function embodiments of the present invention,
the receiving cavities shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 each receiving
fin box may be optionally provided with one or more extended
secondary side wall cavities 20 and with an extended rectangular
main receiving fin cavity 11. Illustrated in FIG. 12 is the
pre-positioned adjustable fin 32 with a rectangular fin base 14 and
extended rectangular main receiving cavity 11. When positioned in
the extended rectangular main receiving cavity 11 the securing
screws are extended down and into the screw receiving area 17. Each
of the two preferred fin base types, the dual tab and the
rectangular 14 may be adjustable positioned in the extended
receiving fin cavity 11 and the main extended fin base 33 with or
without inserts. FIG. 13 illustrates the fin 32 positioned in the
extended rectangular main receiving cavity 11 in a full forward
position. The dual tab fin base system may be similarly fore and
aft adjusted, positioned and fixed in the fin-receiving box. Both
fin base systems may be adjusted in one or more of the
three-dimensional positioning options provide for in this
invention.
[0056] With additional reference to FIGS. 10 and 12 and according
to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each side box and each
dual tab based fin may utilize an optionally provided and correctly
sized adaptive insert. FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 may utilize a fin
securing, positioning and or adjusting insert element as
illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 16. The insert in FIG. 15 provides the
center fin positioning and securing features including the screw
receiving slots 24. This or additional inserts may be used
individually or in combinations such as that illustrated in FIG. 31
to achieve the one spatial and/or two rotational three-dimensional
positions optional provided for in the present invention. The
insert illustrated in FIG. 31 can be placed in the main rectangular
fin receiving cavity or a reduced version can be placed in the
forward or rear secondary sidewall receiving cavity areas 20 to
achieve a increased or decreased angle of attack of the fin or any
of it's appendages. Additionally the FIG. 31 insert may be used in
conjunction with FIG. 1 or an extended version.
[0057] With additional reference to FIG. 6 and according to an
exemplary embodiment of the invention, each side box and each dual
tab fin based fin may utilize the optionally provided and correctly
sized insert. FIG. 6 may utilize a fin securing, positioning and or
adjusting insert element as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19 with
FIG. 18 illustrates the insert providing the center fin positioning
and securing features including the screw receiving holes. This or
additional inserts may be used individually, or in combinations
such as that illustrated in FIG. 31 to achieve the one spatial
and/or two rotational three-dimensional positions optional provided
for in the present invention. The insert illustrated in FIG. 31 can
be placed in the main rectangular fin receiving cavity or a reduced
version can be placed in the forward or rear secondary sidewall
receiving cavity areas to achieve a increased or decreased angle of
attack of the fin or any of it's appendages. Additionally the FIG.
31 insert may be used in conjunction with FIG. 1 or and extended
version.
[0058] With additional reference to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, each insert
and each dual tab fin based fin securing system may utilize the
optional side wall reinforced material 22 and 25 for providing both
the very thin thickness and structural requirements of the insert.
FIGS. 15 and 12 illustrate securing features 23 that allow both
screws and pins to position and affix the fin and optionally the
insert and the fin 32.
[0059] FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 illustrate a right and left side and a
center receiving fin box attachment device according to an
embodiment of the invention particularly illustrating a side fin
box that is configured with secondary sidewall receiving cavities.
FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 illustrate a right and left side and a center
receiving fin box attachment device according to an embodiment of
the invention particularly illustrating a side fin box that is
configured with secondary side wall receiving cavities with
structural supporting gussets 7 and may include air and hydraulic
venting ports 33 as illustrated in FIGS. 29 and 30 to assist in the
installation methods of the invention. These and other
modifications are also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0060] Referring to the drawings in more detail, a multi-function
side and or center fin of the present invention are illustrated in
FIGS. 26, 27 and 28. FIG. 26 illustrates the provision for the
securing and positioning screws (not shown) that may be engaged
into the exterior screw area 17 of the fin base 14, providing a
secured, movable and or removable fin positioned in the fin base
cavity of this invention and the fin 32 is optionally configured
with a fin extension tang 16 for affixing or removable placing into
the internal receiving tang slot cavity 34 (outline indicated by
the broken lines). With additional reference to FIGS. 26, 27 and 28
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
multi-functional based elements of fin securing system may utilize
an optional side securing screw (not shown) and or pin hole 35 and
slot 36 feature illustrated in FIG. 26. The securing features 35
and 36 allow both screws and pins to adjust the fins fore and aft
and the angle of attack in the fin base 14 position and affix the
upper fin element of the fin 32 into the fin base cavity 34 of the
fin base 14. FIG. 27. is an end view of a side fin and fin base
according to an embodiment of the invention particularly
illustrating a side fin tang 29 and receiving fin base internal
slot 28 that is configured with a fin extension tang 29 with a
variable degree cant angle option resulting in a variable
adjustment of the fins finished installed cant angle. This variable
fin cant angle is manufactured into the fin base tang 29 for
installation prior to the time of use. FIG. 28. is a end view of a
side fin and fin base according to an embodiment of the invention
particularly illustrating a side fin tang 31 and receiving fin base
internal slot 30 that is configured with a fin extension tang 16
with a non-variable degree cant angle option of 0 degrees resulting
in a finished installed cant angle of the zero degrees for the
fins. This non-variable fin cant angle is manufactured into the fin
base tang 29 for installation prior to the time of use. The
variable cant angel may also be provided for in the molded fin base
part, the receiving cavity being off set for the cant angel,
replacing the need for the cant angel in the fin tang. With
additional references to FIGS. 26, 27 and 28 rather than
configuring the screw and pin of the invention with a
screw-and-tapped-hole arrangement, the fin and fin base may be
configured as a snap-in fastening system. Accordingly, the present
invention is not limited to details and elements precisely as shown
and described above but by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *