U.S. patent application number 12/655019 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for shark fin.
Invention is credited to Howard N. Graden.
Application Number | 20100159759 12/655019 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42266781 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100159759 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Graden; Howard N. |
June 24, 2010 |
Shark fin
Abstract
A shark fin comprising a specially designed, glue-on
modification to foam surfboards and foam body boards that
encompasses an attachable, directional skeg or fin is provided.
Inventors: |
Graden; Howard N.; (Aliso
Viejo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RUTH EURE
4795 EDISON AVENUE
BOULDER
CO
80301
US
|
Family ID: |
42266781 |
Appl. No.: |
12/655019 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61203497 |
Dec 22, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
441/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/60 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/79 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/79 20060101
B63B035/79; B63B 1/00 20060101 B63B001/00 |
Claims
1. A fin for attachment to a foam surfboard or foam body board,
comprising a glue-on modification comprising an attachable,
directional skeg or fin, wherein the fin describes an upward arch
that curves posteriorly having a leading edge that extends
downwardly and rearwardly from its front end.
2. The fin of claim 1 wherein the fin measures approximately 2 to 5
inches in height and 4 to 6 inches in length and 0.5 to 1.0 inch in
thickness.
3. The fin of claim 2 wherein the fin measures approximately 3.375
inches in height and 5.3125 inches in length.
4. The fin of claim 2 wherein the fin is comprised of silicone.
5. The fin of claim 4 further comprising a rectangular base
positioned on the bottom the shark fin which serves as the
attachment surface.
6. A kit for attaching a fin to a foam board comprising the fin of
claim 2, the rectangular base to accommodate an epoxy glue
substance, and epoxy glue substance.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 USC
119(e)(1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
61/203,497 filed Dec. 22, 2008, of common inventorship herewith
entitled, "Shark Fin."
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of surfboards and
other water sports boards, and more particularly to the field of
fins for surfboards and other water sports boards.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The prior art has put forth several designs for fins for
water sports boards and surfboards. These include:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,421,492 to Donn W. Leva describes a
adjustable fin system wherein the placement of the fin is
adjustable in an elongated channel.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,139,383 to Barry Allan Jolly and Mark Sydney
Palmer describes a fin assembly that is removable from a surfboard
and comprises mounting spigots and sockets on the board for
receiving the spigots.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,292 to David G. Panzer describes a
bottom fin for a watersports board. The fin of this reference is a
more angular shape than that of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fin
for a water sports board which can be permanently attached to the
board. The contours of the fin resemble the contours of a shark's
fin.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shark fin of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows the shark fin of the present invention affixed
to a foam surfboard.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows the shark fin of the present invention affixed
to a foam boogie board.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It goes without saying that the surfboard is the essential
component of successful wave-riding. In the manufacture of
surfboards, a body of plastic foam material is shaped and then
covered with a layer of fiber-reinforced resin, normally
fiberglass. The body of surfboards has an upper side or ride
surface for supporting a surfer and a lower surface which is
directed into the water. In the vocabulary of surfers, a skeg is a
stabilizing strut or fin located at the rear of the surfboard. It
this connection, it was introduced in 1935 by Tom Blake. A surf
board skeg improves the board's fundamental directional stability,
giving easier control of its direction by varying the surfer's
weight distribution on the board. The skeg preceded the modem
surfboard fin, a smaller, more hydrodynamically efficient version,
which was developed in the late 1960s by George Greenough. However,
fins are typically only found on fiberglass surfboards; as such,
users of the less expensive foam surfboards and even body boards
cannot enjoy the enhancements provided by fins on their
equipment.
[0012] The present invention was developed to offer a convenient
solution to the aforementioned challenge. The present invention
hereinafter referred to as the "shark fin." Simply stated, this
invention is a specially designed, glue-on modification to foam
surfboards and foam body boards that encompasses an attachable,
directional skeg or fin. As the name implies, the shark fin
resembles a shark's fin, describing an upward arch that curves
posteriorly. The shape of the fin can be seen in the drawings. The
fin has a body portion having a leading edge that extends
downwardly and rearwardly from its front end. The fin of the
present invention is fabricated of a durable silicone material. The
fin of the present invention measures approximately 2 to 5 inches
in height and 4 to 6 inches in length. In a preferred embodiment,
it measures approximately 3.375 inches in height and 5.3125 inches
in length. This thickness of the fin ranges from about 0.5 inch to
about 1 inch. A rectangular base is positioned on the bottom the
shark fin which serves as the attachment surface. The rectangular
base serves to accommodate an epoxy glue substance, packaged with
the invention, which is employed to affix the fin to the bottom of
the board.
[0013] This unique enhancement provided by the present invention
allows users of foam boards to explore all maneuverability options
regardless of wave conditions. Additionally, the shark fin
eliminates the need to purchase a more expensive fiberglass board
to optimize the surfing experience, allowing surfers to save money
in their enjoyment of this exciting sport. Application of the shark
fin also results in the increased value of the board itself, as one
multifunctional unit proves extremely appealing to both amateur and
professional wave riders. Further attesting to the Shark Fin's
versatility, the shark fin could easily be applied to standard
surfboards if desired, as well as other water sports equipment such
as skis and small boats.
[0014] Although this invention has been described with respect to
specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited thereto and
various modifications which will become apparent to the person of
ordinary skill in the art are intended to fall within the spirit
and scope of the invention as described herein taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
* * * * *