U.S. patent application number 13/464756 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-08 for fin system.
Invention is credited to Anthony Fontana, Michael John Hort, Eric Wolinski, David John Russell Wood.
Application Number | 20120279436 13/464756 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43991076 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120279436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wood; David John Russell ;
et al. |
November 8, 2012 |
FIN SYSTEM
Abstract
A fin collar including a body having a proximal region locatable
adjacent to an underside of a water craft. The fin collar also
including a distal region, the body including a longitudinally
extending slot adapted to receive a watercraft fin, the slot
extending through the body between the proximal and distal regions.
An outer surface of the body includes a fluid flow modification
surface which extends around a perimeter of the body.
Inventors: |
Wood; David John Russell;
(Elanora Heights, AU) ; Hort; Michael John;
(Chatswood, AU) ; Fontana; Anthony; (Henley,
AU) ; Wolinski; Eric; (One Mile Beach, AU) |
Family ID: |
43991076 |
Appl. No.: |
13/464756 |
Filed: |
May 4, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/AU2010/001500 |
Nov 10, 2010 |
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13464756 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
114/343 ;
441/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/66 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/343 ;
441/79 |
International
Class: |
B63B 1/00 20060101
B63B001/00; B63B 17/00 20060101 B63B017/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 2009 |
AU |
2009905484 |
Mar 8, 2010 |
AU |
2010900949 |
Claims
1. A fin collar comprising: a body having a proximal region
locatable adjacent to an underside of a water craft, and a distal
region, the body including a longitudinally extending slot adapted
to receive a watercraft fin, the slot extending through the body
between the proximal and distal regions, wherein an outer surface
of the body includes a fluid flow modification surface which
extends around a perimeter of the body.
2. The fin collar of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow modification
surface is a fillet curve, such that when the collar is located on
a fin, a tangent of the fillet curve at the distal region of the
collar adjacent to the slot is substantially coincident with an
adjacent region of the fin, and a tangent of the fillet curve
adjacent to the underside of the water craft is substantially
coincident with the underside of the water craft.
3. The fin collar of claim 1, wherein the proximal region is
laterally thicker than the distal region, such that when a fin is
located in the slot, and the fin collar is located adjacent to a
base of the fin, the fluid flow modification surface adjacent to
the distal end is substantially coincident with an adjacent surface
of the fin.
4. The fin collar of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
body is made from an elastically deformable material.
5. The fin collar of any one of the preceding claims, wherein one
or more projections extend away from the proximal region, the
projections being engageable with a fin box.
6. The fin collar of any one of the preceding claims, including one
or more tabs located at the proximal region, the tabs being adapted
to be positioned under a base surface of the fin such that when the
fin is fitted to a watercraft, the tabs inhibit the fin collar from
being removed from the fin.
7. The fin collar of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
outer surface of the body at the proximal region includes one or
more recesses adapted to provide access to a fastener for securing
or removing the fin.
8. The fin collar of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a
trailing end of the collar is open, such that the slot can be
enlarged to permit a fin to be located within the slot.
9. The fin collar of claim 8, further comprising a clasp defined by
a first projection formed on a first side of the body, and a second
projection formed on a second opposing side of the body, wherein
when a fin is in engagement with the collar, the first and second
projections each extend beneath a base of the fin and project away
from the underside of the watercraft, to define a pair of fingers,
each finger being located on an opposing side of the fin.
10. The collar of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
fluid flow modification surface is one of a chamfer, concave,
convex, sawtooth, undulating, bulbous and stepping surface or
combination of surfaces.
11. The collar of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the collar is
manufactured by co-moulding or shrink fitting, and the collar is
securable to a groove or channel formed in the fin.
12. The collar of claim 11, wherein one or more holes are locatable
in the fin to assist adhesion.
13. A fin system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a
watercraft and a fin, the fin including a body with a base portion
mountable to an underside of the watercraft, and a fin tip located
at an opposing end of the fin, the base portion including a
mounting tab and a skirt which extends away from the fin tip
generally around a perimeter of the base; the fin box including a
longitudinally extending body having a receptacle adapted to
receive the mounting tab, the body having an upper surface, a
groove being formed in the upper surface, the groove being adapted
to receive the skirt, and the groove being deeper than the
skirt.
14. The fin system of claim 13, wherein the fin includes a fillet
curve profile, which defines a reduction in thickness of the fin
between the base portion and the body.
15. The fin system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the fin box includes
a lower surface, the lower surface being generally parallel to the
upper surface, and extending around the perimeter of the fin box,
wherein a step extends between the upper surface and the lower
surface.
16. The fin system of claim 15, wherein the step is chamfered.
17. The fin system of claim 13, wherein one or more breaks are
formed in the skirt to provide access to a fastener receiving hole
formed on the upper surface.
18. The fin system of any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a recess
is formed in a wall of the receptacle, the recess being adapted to
receive a projection of a fin collar.
19. A fin system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a
watercraft and a fin, the fin box including: a longitudinally
extending receptacle having first and second fin box side walls and
an opening, a first plane extending across the opening of the fin
box and being generally coplanar with the surface of the watercraft
in the vicinity of the fin box; a longitudinally extending first
rib located on the first fin box side wall; and the fin including:
a body having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a first side face
and an opposing second side face, the side faces extending between
the leading and trailing edges, a second plane defined by and
including the leading and trailing edges, a base portion having a
first side having a longitudinally extending first slot and a
second side having a shoulder, a thickness of the base being
greater than the thickness of the body, a fastener receiving hole
extending through the base portion from the first side face to the
second side face; wherein the base portion is insertable into the
receptacle in a first position in which an acute angle is defined
between the first and second planes, and the first rib is located
in the first slot; and further wherein the fin is pivotable to a
second position in which the first and second planes are generally
perpendicular, the first rib remains located in the first slot and
the shoulder is located in the receptacle; and a fastener is
insertable into the fastener receiving hole to engage the shoulder
and inhibit removal of the base portion from the receptacle.
20. The fin system of claim 19, wherein the fastener receiving hole
extends diagonally, such that an entry to the hole is closer to a
fin tip than an exit to the hole.
21. A fin system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a
watercraft and a fin, the fin box including: a receptacle having a
receptacle opening; and the fin including: a fin body having a
leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposing hydrodynamic surfaces
extending generally between the leading and trailing edges, and a
mounting tab having a proximal portion adjacent to the fin body and
a distal portion extending away from the fin body, the mounting tab
being insertable within the receptacle opening and having a first
surface and an opposing second surface, a fastener receiving hole
extending through the mounting tab, the fastener receiving hole
having a first opening located on the first surface and a second
opening located on the second surface; wherein the fastener
receiving hole is diagonally oriented such that the second opening
is closer to the distal end than the first opening.
22. The fin system of claim 21, wherein a side wall of the
receptacle includes a recess adapted to receive a leading portion
of a fastener projecting from said second opening.
23. The fin system of claim 21 or 22 wherein a portion of the fin
box adjacent to the receptacle opening includes a fastener access
channel.
24. The fin system of any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the
fastener receiving hole is threaded.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part
application filing under 35 U.S.C. 111(a), which
continuation-in-part application claims priority to International
Application No. PCT/AU2010/001500, filed Nov. 10, 2010, which
claims priority to Australian Patent Application No. 2010900949,
filed Mar. 8, 2010 and Australian Patent Application No.
2009905484, filed Nov. 10, 2009, which applications are
incorporated herein fully by this reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a fin system. In
particular, the present invention relates to a fin system for use
on surfboards. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that the fin system may be applied to other watercraft such
as kite boards, windsurfers and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In traditional surfboard design, the fins (or skegs) are
permanently fixed to the underside of a surfboard. Such fixed fins,
or "glassed in" fins utilise a fillet of fibre glass around the
perimeter of the fin base which helps to stiffen the connection
region between the fins and the board. The permanent glassed in
fins provide minimal water turbulence, reduced cavitation and
laminar flow around the fin and surfboard interface, which results
in increased tail lift during turning and planing, providing
greater turning ability, speed and control. As such, glassed in
fins are often preferred by serious and professional surfers.
[0004] The fillet connection between the fin and the underside of
the surfboard increases the hydrodynamic properties of the board,
as it reduces the water turbulence and cavitation in the region of
the connection. However, such traditional permanent fixation
systems do not allow the surfer to readily change fins for
different surf conditions, or remove the fins for transportation.
Accordingly, during transportation the fins increase the overall
thickness of the board at the tail end, making it difficult to
transport multiple boards, and increasing the risk of damage to the
surfboards. In addition, if the surfer intends to have boards which
are set up for various different wave conditions, it is necessary
to carry a selection of different boards.
[0005] When surfing, with conventional fixed fins, the surfboard
body tends to be damaged if the fin impacts with an object such as
a submerged rock or sand bar, as the fins are often snapped from
the board resulting in damage to the adjacent region of the
underside.
[0006] In contrast to permanent fins, existing removable fins
generally provide a fin in which the base intersects the underside
of the board at an angle which is close to perpendicular. This
provides unfavourable hydrodynamic flow properties in the region
where the base of the fin joins the underside of the surfboard,
which can result in water turbulence, cavitation and reduced
performance characteristics.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially
overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above
disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.
SUMMARY
[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fin
collar comprising: a body having a proximal region locatable
adjacent to an underside of a water craft, and a distal region, the
body including a longitudinally extending slot adapted to receive a
watercraft fin, the slot extending through the body between the
proximal and distal regions, wherein an outer surface of the body
includes a fluid flow modification surface which extends around a
perimeter of the body.
[0009] The fluid flow modification surface is preferably a fillet
curve, such that when the collar is located on a fin, a tangent of
the fillet curve at the distal region of the collar adjacent to the
slot is substantially coincident with an adjacent region of the
fin, and a tangent of the fillet curve adjacent to the underside of
the water craft is substantially coincident with the underside of
the water craft.
[0010] The proximal region is preferably laterally thicker than the
distal region, such that when a fin is located in the slot, and the
fin collar is located adjacent to a base of the fin, the fluid flow
modification surface adjacent to the distal end is substantially
coincident with an adjacent surface of the fin.
[0011] The body is preferably made from an elastically deformable
material.
[0012] One or more projections preferably extend away from the
proximal region, the projections being engageable with a fin
box.
[0013] The fin collar preferably includes one or more tabs located
at the proximal region, the tabs being adapted to be positioned
under a base surface of the fin such that when the fin is fitted to
a watercraft, the tabs inhibit the fin collar from being removed
from the fin.
[0014] The outer surface of the body at the proximal region
preferably includes one or more recesses adapted to provide access
to a fastener for securing or removing the fin.
[0015] A trailing end of the collar is preferably open, such that
the slot can be enlarged to permit a fin to be located within the
slot.
[0016] The fin collar further preferably comprises a clasp defined
by a first projection formed on a first side of the body, and a
second projection formed on a second opposing side of the body,
wherein when a fin is in engagement with the collar, the first and
second projections each extend beneath a base of the fin and
project away from the underside of the watercraft, to define a pair
of fingers, each finger being located on an opposing side of the
fin.
[0017] The fluid flow modification surface is preferably one of a
chamfer, concave, convex, sawtooth, undulating, bulbous and
stepping surface or combination of surfaces.
[0018] The collar is preferably manufactured by co-moulding or
shrink fitting, and the collar is securable to a groove or channel
formed in the fin.
[0019] One or more holes are preferably locatable in the fin to
assist adhesion.
[0020] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fin
system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a watercraft and
a fin, [0021] the fin including a body with a base portion
mountable to an underside of the watercraft, and a fin tip located
at an opposing end of the fin, the base portion including a
mounting tab and a skirt which extends away from the fin tip
generally around a perimeter of the base; [0022] the fin box
including a longitudinally extending body having a receptacle
adapted to receive the mounting tab, the body having an upper
surface, a groove being formed in the upper surface, the groove
being adapted to receive the skirt, and the groove being deeper
than the skirt.
[0023] The fin preferably includes a fillet curve profile, which
defines a reduction in thickness of the fin between the base
portion and the body.
[0024] The fin box preferably includes a lower surface, the lower
surface being generally parallel to the upper surface, and
extending around the perimeter of the fin box, wherein a step
extends between the upper surface and the lower surface.
[0025] The step is preferably chamfered.
[0026] One or more breaks are preferably formed in the skirt to
provide access to a fastener receiving hole formed on the upper
surface.
[0027] A recess is preferably formed in a wall of the receptacle,
the recess being adapted to receive a projection of a fin
collar.
[0028] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fin
system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a watercraft and
a fin, [0029] the fin box including: [0030] a longitudinally
extending receptacle having first and second fin box side walls and
an opening, a first plane extending across the opening of the fin
box and being generally coplanar with the surface of the watercraft
in the vicinity of the fin box; [0031] a longitudinally extending
first rib located on the first fin box side wall; and [0032] the
fin including: [0033] a body having a leading edge, a trailing
edge, a first side face and an opposing second side face, the side
faces extending between the leading and trailing edges, a second
plane defined by and including the leading and trailing edges,
[0034] a base portion having a first side having a longitudinally
extending first slot and a second side having a shoulder, a
thickness of the base being greater than the thickness of the body,
a fastener receiving hole extending through the base portion from
the first side face to the second side face; [0035] wherein the
base portion is insertable into the receptacle in a first position
in which an acute angle is defined between the first and second
planes, and the first rib is located in the first slot; and [0036]
further wherein the fin is pivotable to a second position in which
the first and second planes are generally perpendicular, the first
rib remains located in the first slot and the shoulder is located
in the receptacle; and [0037] a fastener is insertable into the
fastener receiving hole to engage the shoulder and inhibit removal
of the base portion from the receptacle.
[0038] The fastener receiving hole preferably extends diagonally,
such that an entry to the hole is closer to a fin tip than an exit
to the hole.
[0039] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fin
system including a fin box adapted to be fitted to a watercraft and
a fin, [0040] the fin box including: [0041] a receptacle having a
receptacle opening; and [0042] the fin including: [0043] a fin body
having a leading edge, a trailing edge, and opposing hydrodynamic
surfaces extending generally between the leading and trailing
edges, and [0044] a mounting tab having a proximal portion adjacent
to the fin body and a distal portion extending away from the fin
body, the mounting tab being insertable within the receptacle
opening and having a first surface and an opposing second surface,
a fastener receiving hole extending through the mounting tab, the
fastener receiving hole having a first opening located on the first
surface and a second opening located on the second surface; [0045]
wherein the fastener receiving hole is diagonally oriented such
that the second opening is closer to the distal end than the first
opening.
[0046] A side wall of the receptacle preferably includes a recess
adapted to receive a leading portion of a fastener projecting from
said second opening.
[0047] A portion of the fin box adjacent to the receptacle opening
preferably includes a fastener access channel.
[0048] The fastener receiving hole is preferably threaded.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0049] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects
described below and together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the invention. Like numbers represent the same
elements throughout the figures.
[0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present
invention being fitted to a fin having a base plate;
[0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present
invention being fitted to a fin without a base plate;
[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present
invention being fitted to a fin from the underside;
[0053] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a collar
being secured to a fin with grub screws;
[0054] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a
co-moulded collar;
[0055] FIG. 6 is a top view depicting a two part collar in an open
position;
[0056] FIG. 7 is a top view depicting the two part collar of FIG. 6
in a closed position;
[0057] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an adhesive
mounted two part collar;
[0058] FIG. 9 partial cross sectional view depicting a collar
fitted to a fin;
[0059] FIG. 10 is a top view of a collar according to an
alternative embodiment;
[0060] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the collar of FIG. 10;
[0061] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a set of three collars according
to a still further embodiment;
[0062] FIG. 13 is a top view of the set of three collars according
to FIG. 12;
[0063] FIG. 14 is a top view of a collar of an alternative
embodiment;
[0064] FIG. 15 is a top view of a two part collar of an alternative
embodiment;
[0065] FIG. 16 is an end view showing a plurality of different
collars having differently shaped water contact surfaces;
[0066] FIG. 17 depicts a two part collar being fitted to a fin
having a base plate;
[0067] FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the collar of
FIG. 17 fitted to a fin;
[0068] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fin box;
[0069] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the fin box of
FIG. 19;
[0070] FIG. 21 is an end cross sectional view of the fin box of
FIG. 19;
[0071] FIG. 22 is an end view of the fin box of FIG. 19;
[0072] FIG. 23 is side view of a collar;
[0073] FIG. 24 is a side view of a fin;
[0074] FIG. 25 is a perspective underside view of the fin of FIG.
25;
[0075] FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the fin box of FIG. 19,
adapted to receive a fin mounted on an angle;
[0076] FIG. 27 is a rear perspective detail of a fin tab;
[0077] FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the fin tab of FIG.
27;
[0078] FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing the fin table of FIG. 27
being secured to a fin box with a grub screw;
[0079] FIG. 30 is a top view of a fin box of a further
embodiment;
[0080] FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the fin
box of FIG. 30 with a fin fitted;
[0081] FIG. 32 is a partial cross sectional side view of the fin
and collar of FIG. 12;
[0082] FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view showing the collar of
FIG. 5 mounted to a fin;
[0083] FIG. 34 is a collar and fin assembly of a further
embodiment;
[0084] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a plug type fin box
according to a further embodiment;
[0085] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a plug type fin box
according to a further embodiment;
[0086] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a fin box according to a
further embodiment;
[0087] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a fin box according to a
further embodiment;
[0088] FIG. 39 is a schematic cross sectional view of the plug of
FIG. 36 including a fin;
[0089] FIG. 40 is a schematic cross sectional view of the plug of
FIG. 35 including a fin; and
[0090] FIG. 41 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of
FIG. 37.
DETAILED DISCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0091] The following description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly,
those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present
invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in
limitation thereof
[0092] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a fin" can include two
or more such fins unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0093] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may
not occur, and that the description includes instances where said
event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0094] A fin system 20 including a fin box 100 and a fin 40 for use
on a watercraft such as a surfboard 60 is described herein.
[0095] As depicted in FIG. 1, the fin system 20 includes a collar
70 which provides a hydrodynamic adaptor between the underside of
the surfboard 60, and the fin 40. The collar 70 is shown
schematically in FIGS. 1 and 2 being fitted over a fin 40. As shown
in FIG. 1, the collar 70 is initially pushed over the tip 42 of the
fin 40, and pushed toward the underside of the surfboard 60 until
the collar 70 is located at the base 44 of the fin 40, adjacent to
the underside of the surfboard 60.
[0096] There are several different embodiments of the collar 70
described herein, which each provide different mounting methods, to
suit various fin boxes. Each embodiment of the collar 70 alters the
flow of water in the interface region between the surfboard and the
fin, to provide favourable hydrodynamic performance conditions to
the surfer.
[0097] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the collar 70 has a body
72 and a longitudinally extending central aperture or slot 74. The
slot 74 is designed to generally correspond with the size and shape
of the fin 40 at the base 44 of the fin 40. The collar 70 may be
manufactured from an elastically deformable material, such as a
rubber compound, or alternatively a more rigid plastic or fibre
glass.
[0098] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the central aperture 74
defines a flange or lip which is smaller than the fin 40 at the
base 44, such that the collar 70 is designed to stretch to
correspond with the base 44. The collar 70 may be fitted over the
fin 40 by sliding over the tip, or placing it under the base prior
to installation of the fin 40.
[0099] In this embodiment, when the collar 70 is fitted to the fin
40, the assembled fin 40 and collar 70 are then fitted to the
surfboard 60. In this embodiment, in order to remove the collar 70
from the surfboard 60 it is generally necessary to remove the fin
40 from the surfboard 60, and subsequently pull the collar 70 away
from the underside of the fin base 44.
[0100] The collar 70 body 72 has an outer, perimeter which has a
surface 75 which provides increased hydrodynamic properties. The
surface 75 is generally provided having a fillet curved profile.
However, other suitable profiles such as chamfered or angled may be
applied to the surface 75. As shown in FIG. 16, the surface 75 may
be a chamfer as shown in example 1, a less curved chamfer as
example 2, a straight fillet, with a step as per example 3, a
bulbous, convex profile as per example 4, or various stepping or
sawtooth, scalloped or undulating profiles as shown in examples 5
to 8.
[0101] In the preferred embodiment, the fillet curved surface 75
provides a smooth transition between the underside of the surfboard
60 and the fin 40 body. Accordingly, a tangent of the fillet curved
surface 75 at an upper portion of the collar 70 adjacent to the
slot 74 is substantially coincident with an adjacent region of the
fin 40. In addition, a tangent of the fillet curved surface 75
adjacent to the underside of the surfboard 60 may be substantially
coincident with the underside of the surfboard 60.
[0102] In some embodiments, the collar 70 includes one or more
projections 76. The projections 76 are received by a fin box 100,
which is discussed in detail below.
[0103] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the collar 70
includes one or more threaded through holes 80. The holes 80 enable
fasteners such as grub screws 82 to be screwed through the holes 80
and driven into abutment with the side walls of the fin 40, or into
the fin box 100. In FIG. 4, the grub screws 82 are depicted being
fastened with a hand held tool, such as a hex key.
[0104] In some embodiments such as FIG. 4, a cavity 84 is provided
between the collar 70 and the underside of the surfboard 60.
Adjacent to the cavity 84 a skirt 86 extends around the perimeter
of the collar 70. The skirt 86 abuts directly against the underside
surface of the surfboard 60, and the skirt 86 may be flexible or
rigid and provides good contact between the surfboard and 60 and
collar 70. In an alternative embodiment depicted in FIG. 26, the
base of the skirt 86 is received in a groove formed in the fin box
100.
[0105] It is common for the underside of a surfboard 60 to have a
slightly convexed contour between the tip and tail of the surfboard
60 in the vicinity of the fins 40. In order to accommodate the
convexed contour, the flexible material characteristics of the
collar 70 enable the underside of the collar 70 to adopt a slightly
concaved profile to closely follow the contour surface of the
surfboard 60. By having grub screws 82 at two independent locations
along the length of the fin 40 between the leading edge and the
trailing edge, it is possible to secure the collar 70 in the
concaved profile, ensuring good hydrodynamic flow conditions.
[0106] Advantageously, the collar 70 does not provide any
structural support to the fin 40. Accordingly, the structural
integrity of the fin 40 will not be affected in the instance that
the collar 70 is damaged.
[0107] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 15, the collar 70 is
designed to correspond with the shape of a standard FCS.TM. style
fin system 20. In this embodiment, the slot 74 includes enlarged
portions 77 which receive the mounting tabs 46 on base of the
FCS.TM. style fins. In order to secure the collar 70 to the fins
40, the lips 79 sit under the base of the fin 40, and the lips 79
are narrower than the width of the fins 40 at the base.
Accordingly, the lips 79 become compressed between the fin box 100
and the base of the fins 40, thereby inhibiting removal of the fins
40. In this embodiment, the collar 70 may be either placed over the
tip of the fin 40 and slid downwardly, or alternatively, the collar
70 may be placed under the base of the fin 40, prior to securing
the fin 40 to the surfboard 60.
[0108] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15, the collar 70 is in
the form of two opposing collar halves 92, 94. Each collar half 92,
94 is placed on an opposing side of the fin 40. The collar halves
92, 94 may be secured to one or both of the underside of the
surfboard 60 and the base of the fin 40 with double sided tape, or
another suitable adhesive such as hook and loop fasteners or
glue.
[0109] In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the fin 40 has a notch or
channel 98 formed in each of the side walls. The notches 98 extend,
between the leading and trailing ends of the fin 40. In this
embodiment, the inner wall of the collar 70 is grafted, infused,
co-moulded, shrink fitted or otherwise attached to the notch 98.
The notch 98 inhibits removal of the collar 70 from the fin 40.
FIG. 34 depicts a similar embodiment, in which the two sides of the
collar are secured to the fin 40 by way of the holes 49 which are
formed in the fin. The holes 49 permit adhesive or a portion of the
collar 70 when heated to flow into the holes 49, resulting in
higher bond strength.
[0110] In one embodiment the collar 70 does not surround the full
perimeter of the fin 40. In contrast, the collar 70 is located at
the leading edge of the fin 40 having the most impact on the
hydrodynamic properties of the fin 40, and the collar 70 extends
along the sides of the fin 40 toward the trailing end. Accordingly,
the collar 70 has a generally U-shaped profile.
[0111] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the collar 70 is
adapted to be opened during installation, to facilitate easy
securing to the surfboard 60 and fins 40. In this embodiment, the
collar 70 has two sides 200, 202. At the leading edge of the fin
40, the sides 200, 202 are connected together with either a clip or
a permanent hinge 204. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, this
connector utilises a male hook shaped projection 230 on one of the
sides 202 and a corresponding female shaped groove 232 on the other
side 200. This enables the sides 200, 202 to snap together around
the fin. In this embodiment, at the trailing end, the sides 200,
202 are secured to the surfboard 60 with grub screws or another
suitable fastener.
[0112] In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 15, there are flanges or
tabs 210 which are seated beneath the fin 40. The flanges 210 are
configured to be located in between and in front or behind the fin
mounting tabs provided with FCS.TM. style fins. The tabs 210
prevent the collar from being unintentionally removed from the
surfboard 60. In order to mount the collar, the sides 200, 202 are
closed around the fin 40, about the clip or permanent hinge 204.
When the collar 70 is in position, the tabs 210 are beneath the
base of the fin 40, and the tabs 210 prevent the collar 70 from
being moved away from the underside of the surfboard 60.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the two sides of the collar 70
may be integrally formed such that the collar 70 has a generally
"U"-shaped profile. In this embodiment, the collar material is
resilient which enables the trailing end of the collar 70 to be
opened to attach it around the base of the fin 40. In this
embodiment, a fastener such as a grub screw or a pin or a clip 220
is used to connect the two ends of the collar 70 around the
fin.
[0114] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 13, at the trailing end of
the collar 70, there is a clasp in the form of a first projection
232 formed on the first side 200, and a second projection 234
formed on the second side 202. The projections 232, 234 each extend
beneath the base of the fin 40 and project away from the underside
of the surfboard 60, to define a pair of fingers 236, 238. The
fingers 236, 238 are shown as a detail in FIG. 32, and they prevent
the trailing end of the collar 70 from being separated away from
the fin, and as such, the fingers 236, 238 lock the collar 70 in
position around the fin 40. Each finger 236, 238 engages with the
opposing side of the fin 40, having the effect of pulling the two
sides 200, 202 of the collar 70 together. In this embodiment, the
collar 70 may be held in place simply by the fact that it is
bounded by the surf board 60 and the underside and base edges of
the fin 40. As such, there is no need to use fasteners such as grub
screws to hold the collar 70 in position. As shown in FIG. 13, the
collar 70 has holes or apertures 250.
[0115] The apertures 250 correspond in placement with the mounting
screws which are used to remove or tighten the fin 40 within the
fin box 100. Accordingly, during installation, the collar 70 is
initially placed beneath the base of the fin 40, and the fin 40,
with one step 236, 238 on either side of the fin 40. The fin 40 is
then placed in the fin box. A hex key or other such fastening tool
is inserted through the apertures 250, and the hex key is used to
engage grub screws in the fin box. The apertures 250 may be
elongate to accommodate variations in the placement of the grub
screws in the fin box 100.
[0116] FIG. 34 discloses an embodiment in which the fin 40 has a
base plate 47. The base plate 47 is used to hold and secure the
collar 70. The base plate 47 includes two or more protrusions 300,
which fit into corresponding recesses 302 formed in the underside
of the collar 70. In order to secure the collar 70, to the base
plate 47, a hole 305 is formed in the collar 70, and a fastener
such as a grub screw which is inserted into the hole passes through
a corresponding hole 307 in the protrusion 300, and into a
downwardly directed second protrusion 310 formed on the underside
of the collar 70. The base plate 47 may be secured to the fin box
100 with adhesive prior to mounting the collar 70.
[0117] Advantageously, the steps 236, 238 obviate the need for a
grub screw or other such mounting system at the trailing end of the
fin 40.
[0118] FIGS. 19 to 22 show a fin box 100 for mounting to the
underside of a surfboard 60. The fin box 100 includes one or two
slots 102. The slots 102 receive mounting tabs 46 which extend away
from the base of a typical FCS.TM. style fin. A grub screw
receiving hole 104 is formed on either side of the fin box 100,
adjacent to one of the slots 102. On an opposing side of each slot
102 relative to the grub screw receiving hole 104 is a recess 106,
which is formed in the side wall of the slot 102. The recess 106 is
adapted to receive the projection 76 of the collar 70.
[0119] Accordingly, when a fin 40 with a collar 70 fitted over the
base thereof is fitted to a surfboard 60, the mounting tabs 46
enter into the slots 102, and the collar projections 76 enter into
the recesses 106. By tightening the grub screws 82 located in each
of the grub screw receiving holes 104, the grub screws abut against
the mounting tabs 46, which in turn compress the projections 76 in
the recesses 106. This results in the fin 40 and collar 70 both
being secured to the fin box 100. During this installation process,
the projection 76 is compressed, between the mounting tabs 46 and
the walls of the recesses 106.
[0120] FIGS. 19 to 22 show that the fin box 100 has a base surface
110, and a raised surface 112 raised above the base surface 110. A
groove 114 is formed in the raised surface 112, and the groove 114
has a shape which corresponds to the outer profile of the base of
the fin 40, or collar 70.
[0121] During manufacture of a surfboard 60, the fin box 100 may be
embedded in the underside of the surfboard 60. Fibre glass and
resin is laid over the base surface 110. Accordingly, surface 110
is subsequently located beneath the outer fibre glass surface of
the surfboard 60, and the fibre glass and resin helps to keep the
fin box 100 in position. However, the underside of the surfboard 60
has a slight convex curved formed in it which varies slightly in
different types of surfboards 60. Accordingly, the raised surface
112 is initially flat, and is sanded to correspond with the convex
contour on the underside of the surfboard 60. This typically means
that the sanding difference between the highest and lowest points
is around 1 mm. The installed fin box 100 is depicted in FIG.
26.
[0122] The groove 114 is sufficiently deep that even after the
raised surface 112 is partially sanded back, (especially in the
vicinity of the leading and trailing ends), there is still a groove
114 extending a majority of the way around the perimeter of the fin
40.
[0123] As depicted in FIGS. 24 and 25, the fin 40 of this
embodiment has an integrally formed fillet curved base 120, and the
underside of the fin 40 has a perimeter skirt or flange 122 which
has the same general shape as the groove 114.
[0124] Accordingly, after the sanding is completed, the perimeter
skirt 122 is insertable in the groove 114, resulting in a smooth,
even transition between the base of the fin 40 and the underside of
the surfboard 60. The perimeter skirt 122 may be between 1 and 20
mm deep. In the preferred embodiment, the perimeter skirt is about
2 mm deep. The groove 114 has a depth which is larger than the
perimeter skirt 122, typically 2-3 mm. Advantageously, this creates
a buffer zone for sanding the underside of the surf board 60. The
sander does not need to worry about the exact depth that he sands
down to. In addition, the underside of the fin 40 has a concave
hollow which helps accommodate any discrepancies in the levels once
the fin box 100 is installed. During installation, the fin box 100
is installed, and covered with tape or a lid. The fin box 100 is
then set into the board with a laminate resin and fibre glass cloth
is applied over the top with a laminate resin.
[0125] The perimeter skirt 122 may extend all around the complete
perimeter of the fin 40. Alternatively, the perimeter wall 122 may
have a break corresponding to the positions of the grubs screw
receiving holes 104. The underside of the fin 40 has a sight
concave curve to match the underside convex curve in the surfboard
60. This typically accounts for a 0.2 to 2 mm difference in height
between a leading edge of the fin 40, and a central, underside
region of the fin 40.
[0126] Advantageously, the fin system of this embodiment enables
adjustment of the positioning of the fin box 100 by simply sanding
away the excess raised surface 112. This reduces the need for
accuracy when installing the fin boxes 100, and hence assists in
speeding up the surfboard 60 making process.
[0127] FIG. 20 represents a partial cross sectional view of the fin
box 100. As can be seen in that figure, there is an angled chamfer
transition between the base surface 110 and the raised surface 112.
As shown in FIGS. 19 to 22, the fin box 100 has a generally
elliptical outer shape. The mounting tab 46 receiving slots may be
in a double formation, for mounting typical FCS.TM. style fins 40.
Alternatively, a single channel may be provided, for standard
single tab. Also a single tab may be used for mounting FUTURE.TM.
style fins 40. The elliptical profile reduces stress cracking in
the adjacent fibre glass of the surf board 100.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 25, on the underside of the fin 40, there
is a cored out hollow region 124 within the perimeter skirt
122.
[0129] FIGS. 29 to 31 show an alternative embodiment of a fin 40.
As can be seen from FIG. 24, in this embodiment, the grub screw
receiving holes 104 are formed in the fin 40, rather than the fin
box 100. This is advantageous because if the threads formed in the
grub screw receiving holes 104 are damaged in some way, it is only
necessary to replace the fin 40, rather than install a new fin box
100, which is a complicated process, requiring the surfboard 60 to
be out of action for a considerable period of time.
[0130] FIG. 29 is an end sectional view of the fin 40 positioned
within a corresponding fin box 100. As can be seen in this figure,
the grub screws 82 pass diagonally downwardly from one side of the
fin 40, and emerge on the opposing side of the fin 40 at the base
44.
[0131] The mounting tabs 46 of the fin 40 of this embodiment have a
first side 130 (being the same side as the head of the grub screw
82) and a projection 133 is formed on the fin box 100, for engaging
with a channel 135 formed in the base of the fin 40. The opposing
second side 132 of the mounting tabs 46 do not include projections,
but instead, the tips of the grub screws 82 project away from the
mounting tabs 46 and engage with channels 137 formed on the fin box
100.
[0132] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the fin box 100 may be
used with proprietary fins 40, as depicted in FIGS. 27, 28.
However, the box 100 is versatile and may be used with other brand
fins 40 such as FCS.TM. or RAPTOR.TM.. In the instance of FCS.TM.
style fins 40, the mounting tabs 46 are partially received in the
slots 180. In this embodiment, grub screws are received in the
holes 182. In this embodiment when the box 100 is used with FCS.TM.
style fins 40, a plate having a generally elliptical body is placed
over the box 100, and the elliptical body has two generally
rectangular holes for receiving the mounting tans 46 of the
fin.
[0133] FIG. 30 shows a fin box 100 which is installed in the base
of the surfboard 60 after sanding of the underside of the board 60.
In this embodiment, the base of the fin 40 sits slightly above the
perimeter of the fin box 100, and a smooth transition is achieved
by applying a light strip of resin around the edges of the fin box
100. The resin may be rounded, concaved or chamfered, or another
suitable profile.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 12, the existing grub screws which are
employed in FCS.TM. and Future.TM. style fin systems to mount the
fins to the board can also be modified to include a set of smaller
grub screws which screw into the heads of the existing grub screws.
As such, the smaller grub screws 222 are used to mount the collar
70 to the board 60, and this obviates the need to make any
modifications to the structure of the board 60 or fin box 100.
[0135] FIG. 35 discloses a generally circular fin box 400. Similar
to the embodiment of FIGS. 29 to 31, in this embodiment, threaded
holes 104 are formed in the mounting tabs 46 of the fin 40, rather
than the fin box 400, for receiving grub screws or other suitable
fasteners. This is advantageous because if the threads formed in
the grub screw receiving holes 104 are damaged in some way, it is
only necessary to replace the fin 40, rather than install a new fin
box 400, which is a complicated process, requiring the surfboard 60
to be out of action for a considerable period of time.
[0136] A vertical wall 401 of the fin box 400 includes a recess 402
which the head of the grub screw abuts against. This applies a
force against the fin box 400, and the retention shoulder 404
inhibits the mounting tabs 46 of the fin 40 from being pulled out
of the box 400. In the embodiment of FIG. 35 the fin box 400
includes an angled grub screw receiving channel 406, which provides
a clearance for the grub screw and grub screw tool or key.
[0137] In the embodiment of FIG. 36 the fin box 440 is similar to
the embodiment of FIG. 35. However, there is no grub screw
receiving channel 406 in this embodiment. In contrast, the angle of
the grub screw passes through the mounting tabs 46 of the fin 40 at
a more acute angle. This is depicted schematically in FIG. 39. In
contrast, FIG. 40 depicts the embodiment of FIG. 35 as a side cross
sectional view, showing the angle of the grub screw receiving hole
passing through the mounting tabs 46 of the fin 40 at a less acute
angle.
[0138] FIG. 37 depicts a fin box 460 which is adapted to receive
both mounting tabs 46 of a single fin 40. The installation and
removal of a fin 40 into the fin box 460 is similar to the
embodiment shown in FIG. 36, as the grub screws are inserted
through the mounting tabs 46. A perimeter portion of the of the box
460 includes a plurality of notches or grooves 462 which assist
with bonding to fibreglass resin during manufacture of the
surfboard.
[0139] FIG. 38 depicts a fin box 480 of a further embodiment. In
this embodiment the fin box 480 is similar to the embodiment of
FIG. 37, however the fin box 480 of FIG. 38 further includes an
angled grub screw receiving channel 482, which provides a clearance
for the grub screw and grub screw tool or key.
[0140] The fin boxes 460, 480 of FIGS. 37 and 38 are typically
intended to be installed pre-fibreglass installation during the
surf board during manufacture. In contrast, the plug style fin
boxes of FIGS. 35 and 36 are intended to be installed post
fibreglass installation.
[0141] As shown in FIG. 41, the fin boxes 460, 480 may include
additional notches or grooves 464 on the underside or base of the
fin box 460, 480.
[0142] Although several embodiments of the invention have been
disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those
skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of
the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains,
having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing
description and associated drawings. It is therefore understood
that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments
disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments
of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of
the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed
herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and
not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.
* * * * *