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.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

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

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

The prior art has put forth several designs for fins for water sports boards and surfboards. These include:

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.

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.

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

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the shark fin of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the shark fin of the present invention affixed to a foam surfboard.

FIG. 3 shows the shark fin of the present invention affixed to a foam boogie board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.