FIN SYSTEM

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.

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Description

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

The body is preferably made from an elastically deformable material.

One or more projections preferably extend away from the proximal region, the projections being engageable with a fin box.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The fluid flow modification surface is preferably one of a chamfer, concave, convex, sawtooth, undulating, bulbous and stepping surface or combination of surfaces.

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.

One or more holes are preferably locatable in the fin to assist adhesion.

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,

    • 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.

The fin preferably includes a fillet curve profile, which defines a reduction in thickness of the fin between the base portion and the body.

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.

The step is preferably chamfered.

One or more breaks are preferably formed in the skirt to provide access to a fastener receiving hole formed on the upper surface.

A recess is preferably formed in a wall of the receptacle, the recess being adapted to receive a projection of a fin collar.

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,

    • 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.

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.

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,

    • 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.

A side wall of the receptacle preferably includes a recess adapted to receive a leading portion of a fastener projecting from said second opening.

A portion of the fin box adjacent to the receptacle opening preferably includes a fastener access channel.

The fastener receiving hole is preferably threaded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present invention being fitted to a fin having a base plate;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present invention being fitted to a fin without a base plate;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a collar of the present invention being fitted to a fin from the underside;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a collar being secured to a fin with grub screws;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a co-moulded collar;

FIG. 6 is a top view depicting a two part collar in an open position;

FIG. 7 is a top view depicting the two part collar of FIG. 6 in a closed position;

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an adhesive mounted two part collar;

FIG. 9 partial cross sectional view depicting a collar fitted to a fin;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a collar according to an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the collar of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of a set of three collars according to a still further embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the set of three collars according to FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a top view of a collar of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a two part collar of an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an end view showing a plurality of different collars having differently shaped water contact surfaces;

FIG. 17 depicts a two part collar being fitted to a fin having a base plate;

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view of the collar of FIG. 17 fitted to a fin;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fin box;

FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of the fin box of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is an end cross sectional view of the fin box of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is an end view of the fin box of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is side view of a collar;

FIG. 24 is a side view of a fin;

FIG. 25 is a perspective underside view of the fin of FIG. 25;

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the fin box of FIG. 19, adapted to receive a fin mounted on an angle;

FIG. 27 is a rear perspective detail of a fin tab;

FIG. 28 is a front perspective view of the fin tab of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a schematic view showing the fin table of FIG. 27 being secured to a fin box with a grub screw;

FIG. 30 is a top view of a fin box of a further embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the fin box of FIG. 30 with a fin fitted;

FIG. 32 is a partial cross sectional side view of the fin and collar of FIG. 12;

FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view showing the collar of FIG. 5 mounted to a fin;

FIG. 34 is a collar and fin assembly of a further embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a plug type fin box according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a plug type fin box according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a fin box according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a fin box according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a schematic cross sectional view of the plug of FIG. 36 including a fin;

FIG. 40 is a schematic cross sectional view of the plug of FIG. 35 including a fin; and

FIG. 41 is a perspective bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 37.

 DETAILED DISCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 15, the collar 70 is designed to correspond with the shape of a standard FCS™ 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™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™ style fins 40. Alternatively, a single channel may be provided, for standard single tab. Also a single tab may be used for mounting FUTURE™ style fins 40. The elliptical profile reduces stress cracking in the adjacent fibre glass of the surf board 100.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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™ or RAPTOR™. In the instance of FCS™ 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™ 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.

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.

As shown in FIG. 12, the existing grub screws which are employed in FCS™ and Future™ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Patent History
Publication number: 20120279436
Type: Application
Filed: May 4, 2012
Publication Date: Nov 8, 2012
Inventors: David John Russell Wood (Elanora Heights), Michael John Hort (Chatswood), Anthony Fontana (Henley), Eric Wolinski (One Mile Beach)
Application Number: 13/464,756
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Boats, Boat Component, Or Attachment (114/343); Having Stabilizing Surface (441/79)
International Classification: B63B 1/00 (20060101); B63B 17/00 (20060101);