U.S. patent application number 13/465988 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-07 for leash anchor for surfboard.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael B. Pietsch. Invention is credited to Michael B. Pietsch.
Application Number | 20130295803 13/465988 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49512845 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130295803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pietsch; Michael B. |
November 7, 2013 |
LEASH ANCHOR FOR SURFBOARD
Abstract
An anchor for mounting on a surfboard adjacent its trailing end
for connection to a leash includes a plug element defined by
opposed front and back ends and elongate, spaced-apart non-parallel
sides extending from the front and back ends. The elongate sides
may taper inwardly, and the plug element is sized to be inserted
and seat within a complementary cavity formed in the deck of the
surfboard, adjacent its trailing edge. The cavity is dimensioned
with tapering sides as well, thereby to inhibit rearward movement
of the plug element relative to the surfboard. The plug element, in
a preferred embodiment, has elongate sides which give the plug
element the overall appearance of a triangle, or truncated pyramid
shape.
Inventors: |
Pietsch; Michael B.;
(Honolulu, HI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Pietsch; Michael B. |
Honolulu |
HI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49512845 |
Appl. No.: |
13/465988 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
441/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63B 32/70 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
441/75 |
International
Class: |
B63B 35/85 20060101
B63B035/85 |
Claims
1. An anchor for mounting on a surfboard adjacent its trailing end
for connection to a leash comprising: a plug element formed as a
unit defined by opposed front and back ends and elongate,
spaced-apart non-parallel sides extending from the front and back
ends, wherein the plug element is sized to seat within a
complementary cavity formed in the surfboard, wherein the cavity is
dimensioned to inhibit rearward movement of the plug element
relative to the surfboard.
2. The anchor as defined in claim 1 wherein the non-parallel sides
of the plug element taper inwardly from the plug element's front
end to its back end.
3. The anchor as defined in claim 2 wherein an opening is provided
on the back end of the plug element leading to an internal passage
which emerges to an opening adjacent the upper surface of the plug
element so that a cord may be threaded through the opening on the
back end, the passage and outwardly through the upper opening.
4. The anchor as defined in claim 3 wherein the non-parallel sides
are provided with spaced-apart ribs.
5. The anchor as defined in claim 4 wherein the spaced-apart ribs,
on each of the non-parallel sides, define sides which taper to a
profile conforming generally to the taper of the non-parallel
sides.
6. The anchor of claim 5 wherein the non-parallel sides are
dimensioned so that the plug element is formed generally in a
triangular shape.
7. An assembly of an anchor mounted in a cavity formed on the deck
of a surfboard adjacent its trailing edge for connection to a leash
comprising: a plug element formed as a unit defined by opposed
front and back ends and elongate, spaced-apart non-parallel sides
extending from the front and back ends, a complementary cavity
formed in the surfboard's deck adjacent its trailing edge, the
cavity defined by sides dimensioned to enable the plug element to
be inserted and seated therewithin but which also inhibit the plug
element from rearward movement relative to the surfboard.
8. The anchor and cavity assembly as defined in claim 7 wherein the
non-parallel sides of the plug element taper inwardly from the plug
element's front end to its back end.
9. The anchor and cavity assembly as defined in claim 8 wherein an
opening is provided on the back end of the plug element leading to
an internal passage which emerges to an opening adjacent the upper
surface of the plug element so that a cord may be threaded through
the opening on the back end, the passage and outwardly through the
upper opening.
10. The anchor and cavity assembly as defined in claim 9 wherein
the non-parallel sides are provided with spaced-apart ribs.
11. The anchor and cavity assembly as defined in claim 10 wherein
the spaced-apart ribs, on each of the non-parallel sides, define
sides which taper to a profile conforming generally to the taper of
the non-parallel sides.
12. The anchor and cavity assembly as defined in claim 11 wherein
the non-parallel sides are dimensioned so that the plug element is
formed generally in a triangular shape.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] This disclosure relates to surfboards and more particularly
to anchors or plugs which are mounted on surfboards for securing to
a leash which in turn is connected to a surfer's lower leg so that
the surfboard can be retained or connected to the surfer and not
swept away or lost after the surfer falls into the ocean, lake or
river.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The use of anchors or plugs for securing a leash to a
surfboard are well known in the art. One example is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,795,205 where an article in the form of a plug is
mounted into a cavity formed in the trailing edge of a surfboard.
The plug is held in the cavity by an adhesive, and a leash extends
through an opening in the rear of the plug, and has an opposite end
adapted to be secured to the lower leg of a surfer. The plug is
shaped as a substantially flat plate having elongate, parallel
sides which are grooved. The grooves are provided to hold adhesive,
and the parallel sides are shown as being parallel to the sides of
the cavity.
[0003] Another example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,861
where a generally cylindrical plug receptacle is received within a
cylindrical aperture within a surfboard foam core. A generally
cylindrical leash plug is received within the plug receptacle to
which an ankle leash may be secured.
[0004] Yet another example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,510
where a leash attachment is described as including an integral
plastic body having a substantially flat bottom face and a
contoured top. The contoured top defines an eye large enough to
receive a leash.
[0005] The above are deemed to be representative examples of the
prior art related to leash attachments, but there are many other
examples.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to an anchor for mounting
on a surfboard adjacent its trailing end for connection to a leash,
such as an ankle leash, and includes a plug element formed as a
unit defined by opposed first and second or front and back ends and
elongate, spaced-apart non-parallel sides extending from the front
and back ends. The elongate sides may taper inwardly, from the
front to the back or what would correspond to the trailing edge of
the plug element. The plug element is sized to be inserted and seat
within a complementary cavity formed in the deck of the surfboard,
adjacent its trailing edge. The cavity is dimensioned with tapering
sides as well, thereby to inhibit rearward movement of the plug
element relative to the surfboard. The plug element, in a preferred
embodiment, has elongate sides which give the plug element the
overall appearance of a triangle, or truncated pyramid shape.
[0007] The plug element includes an opening provided on the
vertical face of its back end or trailing edge, which extends
through an internal passage or channel to an opening emerging from
the top surface of the plug. The two free ends of a cord may be
extended into the opening on the back end or trailing edge and
through the passage, and then knotted, with the cord forming a loop
at the opposite end outside of the opening at the trailing edge, to
which a leash may be attached. The knotted ends prevent the cord
from being pulled or forcibly removed outwardly from the passage.
The leash proper then, is attached to the looped cord. The leash
conventionally will include an ankle strap.
[0008] The plug element is secured or bonded to the bottom and side
walls of the cavity by a suitable bonding agent or adhesive such as
an epoxy resin or the like. The shape of the plug element, with its
sides which taper from the front to the back end, will wedge into
the side walls of the cavity because of the narrowing width of the
cavity. This wedging action may become very important if, over
time, the adhesive becomes loosened. If a rearward force is applied
to the leash, the plug element will tend to become further wedged
and gripped by the side walls of the cavity, substantially
inhibiting inadvertent detachment of the plug element, and
corresponding loss of the surfboard in the water.
[0009] Advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily
understood after considering the drawings and the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the plug element of the
present disclosure, with dashed lines showing features normally
hidden from view;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a top plan view of the plug element;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view, directly facing the back end
or trailing edge of the plug element;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a bottom plan view of the plug element;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a top view of the trailing end of a surfboard
showing a cavity routed out from the upper deck at the trailing end
thereof prior to mounting of the plug element;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a top view similar to FIG. 5 showing the plug
element mounted in the cavity prior to application of the adhesive
or bonding agent;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a top plan view, similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 showing
the plug element mounted in the cavity and secured by adhesive; the
adhesive is shown sanded or finished to provide a smooth surface
after the adhesive has cured; and
[0017] FIG. 8 is a top plan view, similar to FIGS. 5-7 showing the
mounted and secured plug element with the knotted cord and attached
leash and ankle strap ready for use.
[0018] The drawings illustrate embodiments and schematic concepts
of the leash anchor for a surfboard according to the present
disclosure. The purpose of these drawings is to aid in explaining
the principles of the leash anchor, the plug element and the
cavity. Thus, the drawings should not be considered as limiting the
scope of the disclosure to the embodiments and schematic concepts
shown therein. Other embodiments of the leash anchor may be created
which follow the principles of the disclosure as taught herein, and
these other embodiments are intended to be included within the
scope of patent protection.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The Plug Element and Cavity Formed in the Surfboard
[0019] As stated at the outset herein, the present disclosure is
directed to an anchor for mounting on a surfboard adjacent its
trailing edge for connection to a leash. By "surfboard," it is
meant conventional surfboards as well as other types of boards used
in the surf, such as stand up boards, paddle boards, rescue boards,
etc., or even boards used in lakes and rivers. The anchor may
include a plug element formed as a unit having opposed front and
back ends and elongate, spaced-apart non-parallel sides extending
from the front and back ends. The elongate sides may taper
inwardly, from the front end to the back end, or what would
correspond to the trailing edge of the plug element.
[0020] The plug element is sized to seat within a complementary
cavity formed in the deck of the surfboard adjacent its trailing
edge. The cavity is dimensioned with tapering sides as well,
approximating the shape of the plug element, although larger, so
the plug element may fit or seat inside. If the plug element is
pulled or forced rearwardly, as by a force exerted on the leash, it
will become more wedged in the cavity, due to the tapered sides,
and rearward movement and detachment of the plug element thereby is
inhibited relative to the surfboard. The plug element, in a
preferred embodiment, may have elongate sides which give it the
overall appearance of a triangle, or truncated pyramid shape.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, an anchor according to the present
disclosure is shown generally at 10, formed in an injection molding
process to define a plug element 12 which may include a stepped
construction. The plug element may be molded as a unit, or in
components which may be assembled. It may be thought of as a
tapered block of material having front and back ends, 14 and 16,
respectively, and opposed, non-parallel or in this instance,
tapered side walls 18 and 20. The key is that the side walls must
not be parallel, or at least have portions which are not parallel.
The upper surface of the block, indicated at 22, is substantially
planar, and it can be seen that there are a plurality of
spaced-apart projections or "ribs," such as indicated at 24-36,
which are formed around the perimeter (see also FIG. 2).
[0022] Rib 24 wraps around front end 14, and a plurality of spaces
between the ribs, such as shown generally at 38-42, and 44-48,
ensure that adhesive will have extra surface area to provide
bonding of the plug element to the cavity, as will be described
subsequently. It is to be noted that the outer surfaces or faces of
the ribs, such as those shown at 26-36 are aligned to define
tapered sides, corresponding to the tapered form of side walls 18
and 20.
[0023] FIG. 1 also illustrates in dashed lines the provision of an
internal channel or passage 50 which extends from an opening 52
formed at the trailing edge or back end 16 to an opening 54 formed
internally which communicates with an opening 56 which in turn
emerges from upper surface 22. In a manner to be later described,
the free ends of a cord are inserted through opening 52, threaded
internally and along passage 50 and pushed through opening 54 to
extend upwardly out of opening 56, where the ends can be tied in a
knot, which cannot be pulled outwardly through opening 54. The
other end of the cord, which extends outwardly from opening 52, is
formed as a loop. That loop will then have the leash attached
thereto. While a single opening is shown at 52, two openings may be
provided, and a cord could have one end pushed through that opening
and looped around to return through the second opening, and then
knotted together.
[0024] FIGS. 3 and 4 further delineate construction of the plug
element; specifically, FIG. 3 shows the stepped construction of the
ribs relative to the side walls and the provision of opening 52 in
the trailing edge or back end 16 of the plug element. The ribs are
further shown in the bottom plan view of FIG. 4, and it can be seen
that the bottom surface of the plug element is relatively
expansive, an important feature because the adhesive or bonding
agent will be applied to that entire surface, when the plug element
is mounted in the cavity formed in the trailing edge of the
surfboard. Additionally, that bottom surface may be roughened,
further to enhance purchase with the adhesive and bottom of the
cavity.
[0025] Reference has previously been made to the cavity which is
formed in the trailing edge of the surfboard. This cavity will be
cut, through suitable means, as by use of a router or the like,
through the deck of the surfboard, to penetrate or extend anywhere
from about 1/2 to 3/4 to almost all the way through the thickness
of the surfboard's foam core. The cavity is formed so that it
includes non-parallel sides or ones which are complementary to
receive the plug element. The shape and form of the cavity can best
be appreciated by a viewing of FIG. 5. Here, the trailing edge 60
of a surfboard is shown with a cavity generally indicated at 62,
which has been routed out through the deck of the surfboard into
the foam core. In this example, the cut at the front end of the
cavity is indicated at 64, and the sides of the cavity, shown at 64
and 66, extend rearwardly therefrom, shaped to taper like the sides
of the plug element to be inserted, but of course larger.
Mounting and Securing the Plug Element in the Cavity
[0026] FIG. 6 shows plug element 12 positioned in cavity 62, and it
can be readily seen that the tapered side walls of the plug element
as well as the tapered outer surfaces of the side ribs nest in
close proximity to tapered walls 66 and 68. It is to be understood
that the bottom surface of the cavity has been coated with
adhesive, such as epoxy, and the next step is for epoxy to be
applied so as to fill completely all existing gaps between the ribs
and side walls 18 and 20 and tapered walls 66 and 68. After a
sufficient curing time has elapsed, the epoxy extending above the
deck is sanded, ground down or otherwise buffed to ensure a smooth
surface between the plug element and the deck.
[0027] This final, overall finished result is shown in FIG. 7,
where epoxy 70 is shown filling all gaps, and smoothed off so it is
essentially level with the deck of the surfboard. As a yet further
step, a suitable colored finish may now be applied so the surfboard
and the plug element to present a final, substantially co-planar
surface, esthetically pleasing in appearance.
[0028] At this point, the leash may now be attached to the plug
element. This is accomplished as shown in FIG. 8. First, the free
ends of a cord 72 (sometimes called a "string"), indicated at 72a
and 72b, are inserted through opening 52 of the plug element and
pushed all the way through passage 50 (hidden in FIG. 8) to emerge
through opening 56. At this point the free ends are tied into a
knot, as shown at 72c, and the other end of the cord remains as a
loop, as at 72d. The leash is then connected in conventional manner
to the cord. The leash will have an ankle strap, as shown.
[0029] The configuration of the plug element, with its
non-parallel, or in this case tapering sides, ensures that it will
be substantially retained in the cavity, when a rearward force is
applied, assuming that the adhesive may become partially loosened.
The wedging action may be accomplished by non-parallel sides, or at
least opposed sides which have portions which are non-parallel. It
the sides were completely parallel, the plug element could slide
outwardly.
[0030] While embodiments of a leash anchor for a surfboard have
been particularly shown and described, many variations may be made
therein. This disclosure may include one or more independent or
interdependent embodiments directed to various combinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties. Other combinations
and sub-combinations of features, functions, elements and/or
properties may be claimed later in a related application. Such
variations, whether they are directed to different combinations or
directed to the same combinations, whether different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope, are also regarded as included within
the subject matter of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the
foregoing embodiments are illustrative, and no single feature or
element, or combination thereof, is essential to all possible
combinations that may be claimed in this or a later
application.
[0031] It is believed that the disclosure set forth herein
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions has been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. Each example defines an embodiment
disclosed in the foregoing disclosure, but any one example does not
necessarily encompass all features or combinations that may be
eventually claimed.
[0032] Where the description recites "a" or "a first" element or
the equivalent thereof, such description includes one or more such
elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such
elements. Further, ordinal indicators, such as first, second or
third, for identified elements are used to distinguish between the
elements, and do not indicate a required or limited number of such
elements, and do not indicate a particular position or of such
elements unless otherwise specifically stated.
* * * * *