Abstract: An assembly includes a fin and a fin mounting box for a water sports board. The mounting box is mounted to the board and has an outwardly facing channel formed therein. The fin includes a fin base and a body extending from the base. The fin base is shaped to be received in the channel. The channel includes channel engagement formations, and the fin base includes corresponding fin base engagement formations which engage the channel engagement formations when the fin base is inserted into the channel so as to retain the fin to the mounting box. The assembly includes a locking tab received in the channel to prevent movement of the fin base in the channel and disengagement of the corresponding channel and fin base engagement formations.

Abstract: In a watersport board having a fin socket configured to receive a connector of a fin such that a blade of the fin is at a specified distance from a trailing end of the watersport board when the connector of the fin is mounted in the fin socket, the improvement may include an offset-adapted fin, the offset-adapted fin may include: a connector configured to be mounted in the fin socket of the watersport board; and a blade attached to the connector; wherein the blade is offset with respect to the connector in a longitudinal offset direction by an offset distance such that when the connector of the offset-adapted fin is mounted in the fin socket of the watersport board, the blade of the offset-adapted fin is distanced from the trailing end of the watersport board by a distance that is different from the specified distance by the offset distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board mountable system for filming underwater video. The inventive board mountable system can be mounted to the underside of water vehicles for incorporating a camera for filming from an underwater perspective. The inventive board mountable system is shaped to minimize drag as a result of the mounted camera or camera system. Embodiments of the inventive system includes a fin shaped housing for holding a camera or camera system. In certain embodiments, the fin is removably attached to the water vehicle, such as a surf board, where the fin housing can be swapped with other fins being used with the water vehicle for controlling the direction of a watersports board in motion. These embodiments of the inventive system further include a connection means for connecting the fin to the underside of a water vessel.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device for acting on water flow as a watercraft moves through the water. The device is generally comprised of a primary plate having two downward angled tabs and a handle. Device is installed on the stern of watercraft, preferably engaged to a prior art ladder. The angular tabs and primary plate delay a portion of the wake from reaching the surface of the water, thereby allowing time for the converging water flow from either side of the watercraft to merge more seamlessly with the wake. This convergence creates a more laminar surf wave.

Abstract: Watersport board fins with fin retention systems and associated watersport boards and methods. A fin includes a hydrodynamic blade and a fin base extending from the hydrodynamic blade. The hydrodynamic blade defines a fin plane and includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a foil surface. The fin further includes a fin retention system with a selective retention system that includes a retainer and an actuator coupled to the retainer via a pivot shaft. The actuator forms a portion of the hydrodynamic blade when the selective retention system is in a locked configuration and is configured to rotate away from the fin plane when the selective retention system transitions from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. The retainer is configured to rotate away from the fin plane when the selective retention system transitions from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

Abstract: An improved support for a fin extending downwardly from the undersurface of a water sport board provides detented rotational positioning of the fin at a selected one of a plurality of angular positions including a vertical position for use, a right side position and a left side position both of which protect the fin from damage during periods of nonuse, transport and storage and which avoid the need for removal and reattachment of the fin between periods of use and periods of nonuse, transport and storage.

Abstract: A steering system for a snowboard includes two binding interface pods, one of which may be active and one of which may be passive. Rotation or tilting of a top plate of the active binding interface pod in response to rotation or tilting of the rider's steering foot causes counter-rotation of a steering fin under the rider's steering foot. The passive binding interface pod is responsive via a linkage between the active and passive binding interface pods to cause rotation of a steering fin under the rider's non-steering foot. Coordinated counter-rotation of the steering fins causes the board to turn in the direction of rotation of the rider's steering foot when the steering fins are unaligned. Optionally, both binding pods may be active in steering, i.e. enabling two footed steering.

Abstract: A Kinetic Infinity Mount System (KIMS) comprises an outer housing, first and second outer gears, first and second inner gears, two pins, two screws, two mechanical collars, and a fin box. The KIMS allows different reusable and removable fins to be mounted onto a surfboard or other waterborne vessels. The KIMS provides dynamic, simultaneous adjustment and setting of a toe angle and a camber angle of the fin. The fin box includes two screw holes at each end and four screw holes along the side. Users choose from multiple settings of positive or negative toe angle or camber angle for each fin mounted into the surfboard. Camber and toe angles, in both positive or negative directions, can be adjusted simultaneously or separately to the user's preference. The KIMS allows different types of fins by FCS®, Futures® or similar, rectangular based fins to be mounted into the fin box and adjusted to desired configuration.

Abstract: A fin for a water sports board capable of receiving one or more insert accessories is provided. The insert accessories may operate to add a functionality to the fin, and to any board the fin is attached to. Typically, the fin disclosed may be used with a surfboard, paddleboard, or similar water sports board.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a fin box capable of accepting either a Futures® or an FCS® fin without the need for any additional products being added to either the fins or the fin box. The box has an internally-adjustable wedge that can force the bottom of a fin into an indent, thereby giving it a cant or angle. The box also has channels for both FCS® and Futures® fins, such that a user can easily exchange either brand of fin without adding or subtracting items from the fins or fin boxes. Another embodiment of the invention provides a fin base with a wedge angle that compresses an underlying wedge, thereby “wedging” the fin in the fin box. A further embodiment has a button on the fin that compresses a springy material as it passes over a fin box lip, thereby removably securing the fin in the fin box.

Abstract: A passively controlled fluid foil has a span; and a rigid spar extending in the spanwise direction, a cellular material and a flexible outer surface defining a profile of the outer surface of the foil and encapsulating the cellular material and the spar.

Abstract: A fin mount for an inflatable watercraft is an apparatus used as a universal fin box that connects a variety of fins. The apparatus includes a clamp and a fin. The clamp mounts the fin into a fin box-receiving hole of an inflatable watercraft. The clamp includes a lower press, an upper press, and a length-adjustable fastener. The lower press and the upper press seal the fin box-receiving hole. The lower press and the upper press tighten together with the length-adjustable fastener. The lower press and the upper press tensionably tether to each other by the length-adjustable fastener. The apparatus further includes a fin-attachment mechanism that secures the fin into the lower press. The fin removably attaches into a fin-receiving slot of the lower press. The apparatus further includes a plurality of lower counterforts and a plurality of upper counterforts which structurally reinforce the lower press and the upper press.

Abstract: A floatable apparatus includes a floatable body defining a longitudinal axis parallel with the length of the floatable body, a supporting member positioned under the floatable body for exerting a lifting force onto the floatable apparatus and a coupling assembly coupling the floatable body to the supporting member. The coupling assembly includes a base adapted to secure to the floatable body and a joint adapted to secure to the supporting member. The joint is detachably attached to the base and movable from a first position at which the joint is pivotable about and detachable from the base and a second position at which the joint abuts and is secured to the base. A coupling assembly for a floatable apparatus with a floatable body under which a supporting member is positioned for exerting a lifting force onto the floatable apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a board mountable system for filming underwater video. The inventive board mountable system can be mounted to the underside of water vehicles for incorporating a camera for filming from an underwater perspective. The inventive board mountable system is shaped to minimize drag as a result of the mounted camera or camera system. Embodiments of the inventive system includes a fin shaped housing for holding a camera or camera system. In certain embodiments, the fin is removably attached to the water vehicle, such as a surf board, where the fin housing can be swapped with other fins being used with the water vehicle for controlling the direction of a watersports board in motion. These embodiments of the inventive system further include a connection means for connecting the fin to the underside of a water vessel.

Abstract: Fin arrangement for a water sports device, having a base body (1) and a fin (3) which is detachably connected or connectable to the base body (1) via a spring element (2), whereby the base body (1) has a mounting surface (21) for resting against the sliding surface (5) of the main body (4) of the water sports device, and whereby the fin (3) has a recess (24) for receiving at least part of the base body (1). The fin arrangement may be arranged on the sliding surface (5) of the main body (4) of a water sports device.

Abstract: A fin for use on a surfboard, the fin comprising: a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a base, the base comprising at least one mount for mounting the fin onto a surfboard; a first and a second outer fin surface which meet along the leading edge and the trailing edge and abut the base; and a first ridge protruding laterally from the first outer fin surface, and/or a second ridge protruding laterally from the second outer fin surface; wherein the shape and configuration of the fin creates an area of lower water pressure around and in front of the fin, as well as disrupting and/or reducing the size of trailing vortices, resulting in additional forward thrust for the board on which the fin is mounted.

Abstract: A Kinetic Infinity Mount System (KIMS) allows different reusable and removable fins to be mounted into the cavity of a finbox of a surfboard or other waterborne vessels with the dynamic feature of toe in or toe out and camber in or camber out simultaneous or separate adjustments. Toe angle adjustment is accomplished by an outer, square, male gear which can be moved in and out of a female, circular track. At the back of the outer gear is the circular, female gear. Camber angle adjustment is accomplished by moving a front and rear male, circular gear in and out of the female side of the outer gear along the same circular plane as the outer gear. The KIMS allows different types of fins to be mounted into the finbox and then adjusted about its own axis and around a plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a resiliently flexible fin for a surfboard or another surface watercraft, the resiliently flexible fin comprising a titanium or titanium alloy core and an opening in the trailing edge that enables a portion of the rear of the fin to resiliently flex against the force of water as the surfboard is turned, which can generate additional forward thrust for the surfboard as the surfboard exits the turn and the fin returns to its unflexed state displacing water in its path with force.

Abstract: Watersport board fins with fin retention systems and associated watersport boards and methods. A fin includes a hydrodynamic blade and a fin base extending from the hydrodynamic blade. The hydrodynamic blade defines a fin plane and includes a leading edge, a trailing edge, and a foil surface. The fin further includes a fin retention system with a selective retention system that includes a retainer and an actuator coupled to the retainer via a pivot shaft. The actuator forms a portion of the hydrodynamic blade when the selective retention system is in a locked configuration and is configured to rotate away from the fin plane when the selective retention system transitions from the locked configuration to an unlocked configuration. The retainer is configured to rotate away from the fin plane when the selective retention system transitions from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a fin box capable of accepting either a Futures or an FCS fin without the need for any additional products being added to either the fins or the fin box. The box has an internally-adjustable wedge that can force the bottom of a fin into an indent, thereby giving it a cant or angle. The box also has channels for both FCS and Futures fins, such that a user can easily exchange either brand of fin without adding or subtracting items from the fins or fin boxes.

Abstract: A water diffuser system and a water sports board with a water diffuser system installed thereon, wherein the water diffuser system can improve stability of a water sports board by modulating the cavitation and turbulence caused by the fin system of the water sports board. The water diffuser system includes one or more water diffusers. The one or more water diffusers can be located at the tail edge of the bottom surface of the water sports board. The water diffusers can have rigid hydrofoil structures that are able to modulate the turbulent flow and cavitation caused by known fin systems.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual-purpose mounting system for attaching removable hydrofoils along a rideable board. The dual-purpose mounting system reduces repetitive stress exerted on the hull of the rideable board by foil bending and torsion, therefore prolonging the hull life of the rideable board. The dual-purpose mounting system is a solid one-piece constructed foil strongbox having a mounting body that is installed into a surfboard hull. A mounting receptacle is positioned within the mounting body to receive a tuttle style hydrofoil mount through a first hydrofoil aperture at a mounting surface of the mounting body. A pair of second hydrofoil apertures traverses into the mounting surface to further facilitate attachment of a plate style hydrofoil. A plurality of fastener sleeves traverses into the mounting body opposite the mounting receptacle enable attachment of the mounting body to the surfboard hull.

Abstract: A fin for a slalom water ski includes a planar body with a convex leading edge and a slot proximate such leading edge. The slot has an arcuate front or leading edge and a wavy rear edge defined by alternating crests and troughs or projections which allow the fin to be smaller without compromising its ability to support ski acceleration. The smaller size allows the ski to be turned more easily. A line of small holes extending in a row proximate the leading edge of the fin body can achieve the same result.

Abstract: A fin for use on a surfboard or another watercraft comprising a fin section that can be releasably coupled to the base of the fin, and the fin section can be slidably adjusted relative to the base in a direction towards the leading edge or the trailing edge of the fin. Following adjustment, the position of the fin section can be secured to the base with one or more locking means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tool for watercraft fin insertion and removal. The tool includes: a first external elongated layer, a second external elongated layer, aligned with, and positioned at a substantially parallel plane to the plane of, the first external layer. An internal layer is positioned between, and stretches across a portion of the area of, the external layers. Upon positioning the tool such that the inner surfaces of the external layers are adjacent to the outer surfaces of the watercraft fin, a curved fin engagement elements on the edge of the internal layer, complements at least a portion of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the watercraft fin.

Abstract: A water diffuser system and a water sports board with a water diffuser system installed thereon, wherein the water diffuser system can improve stability of a water sports board by modulating the cavitation and turbulence caused by the fin system of the water sports board. The water diffuser system includes one or more water diffusers. The one or more water diffusers can be located at the tail edge of the bottom surface of the water sports board. The water diffusers can have rigid hydrofoil structures that are able to modulate the turbulent flow and cavitation caused by known fin systems.

Abstract: A motile buoyancy apparatus for use in a fluid. The motile buoyancy apparatus includes an outer layer, the outer layer having a performance surface. The motile buoyancy apparatus includes at least a portion including a first material. The first material is a non-Newtonian material. The at least a portion causes the performance surface to exhibit a shear rate-variable shear response.

Abstract: A retractable fin watercraft accessory that provides steering and tracking for a watercraft such as stand-up paddle boards. The retractable fin system gently retracts as it comes in contact with subsurface objects such as rocks, logs and such, allowing the watercraft to freely pass over the object. The system includes a sloped leading edge which can more easily slide past an obstacle. The retractable fin system simply attaches to the watercraft's existing fin mounting box and can be removed from the watercraft without altering the original state of the watercraft prior to being attached. No drilling, welding, gluing or other such custom fabrication is required. The system allows for quick interchangeability between the retractable fin and various rigid style fins, depending on the user's preferences.

Abstract: When monitoring blood oxygen levels in a patient during a magnetic resonance scan, detachable and reusable fiber optic cable heads (16, 18, 98, 131, 132) are coupled to an SpO2 monitor and to a hinged finger clip (40, 70, 90, 110, 190) on a patient. The finger clip (40, 70, 90, 110, 190) includes apertures (94, 196) and a retaining structure (44, 95, 198) to which a coupling portion of the fiber heads (16, 18, 98, 131, 132) are releasable attached. The retaining structure includes retaining clips (44, 198), slots (95), or the like that flexibly receive and align the fiber heads (16, 18, 98, 131, 132). The retaining structure (44, 95, 198) may be deformable, such that detachment of the fiber heads (16, 18, 98, 131, 132) at the end of the MR scan renders the finger clip (40, 70, 90, 110, 190) unusable to ensure that the clip is not reused, thereby preventing cross-infection between patients.

Abstract: An adjustable fin for use on a surfboard, the adjustable fin comprising: a base which comprises a mounting means for mounting the adjustable fin to a surfboard, and a member extending in a direction contrary to the mounting means. The adjustable fin further comprises a fin section comprising two outer fin surfaces which meet at a leading edge and a trailing edge; an underside surface comprising an opening to an internal cavity, the internal cavity configured to house the member and enable slidable movement of the member in a direction towards the leading edge or the trailing edge; and a locking means that is manipulate and which projects into the internal cavity, wherein the locking means can releasably couple to the member at one of two or more locking positions thereby preventing slidable movement of the member.

Abstract: A device comprising a substantially vertical post member that can be adjusted longitudinally within a fin box and remain vertical, riding adjustably in a longitudinally oriented slot and thereby protrudes from the bottom of a standard fin box customarily installed in personal watercraft such as a surfboard, sailboard, paddleboard, and the like. The securable end of a removable fin is dropped over the post and held in place by a nut, clip, hook, or clamp.

Abstract: A watersport board includes a board body, two female fasteners, a baseplate, a fin adapter, a fin and two male fasteners. The board body defines a receptacle. The female fasteners are embedded in the board body. Each female fastener has a receiving hole. The baseplate is attached underneath the board body. The baseplate has a first bore and two second bores. The fin adapter has an adapter body and an extension laterally extending from the adapter body. The adapter body passes through the first bore of the baseplate and is engaged in the receptacle of the board body, and the adapter body has a cavity. The fin has a base portion received in the cavity of the adapter body. Each male fastener has one end connected to the extension of the fin adapter, and the other end passing through the second bore of the baseplate and being engaged in the receiving hole of the female fastener.

Abstract: A fin box that accepts fins from multiple different fin box systems. The fin box can include a fin box body and a detachable insert. The detachable insert can be inserted within and secured to the fin box body in multiple positions where each position enables one or more different types of fins to be used with the fin box.

Abstract: A surfboard fin has a curved forward fin portion and a straight rearward fin portion. When attached to a surfboard, the curved forward portion is positioned on the surfboard so the curvature of the forward portion is directed toward the centerline of the surfboard. The concave curve of the forward portion allows for faster and easier maneuverability of a surfboard while in use. In order to reduce drag caused by the curvature of the forward fin portion, one or more through holes may be formed through the forward fin portion to allow water to pass through the fin and reduce drag.

Abstract: A fin for water sports is described, in particular for surfing, consisting of a base element (1), comprising at least two blade elements (2), the blade element respectively having at least a first and a second portion, and the respective first portion of the blade element covering the base element, and the blade elements being connected by the second portions, and having a bar integrated into the fin in order to facilitate and simplify turning maneuvers.

Abstract: An improved fin system for surfboards and other watercraft that utilizes a series of wide, flanged, fin boxes as a means of securing the fins into the base of the surfboard body. The fin boxes create a cantilever effect that provides additional strength and rigidity to the fins when compared to other available systems. Additionally, each fin tab of a fin can be installed into a self-contained fin box, thereby allowing for separation of the fin boxes once installed. The separation between the fin boxes permits increased longitudinal and torsional flex of the watercraft body when compared to a unitary fin box design.

Abstract: The invention is a fin for surfboards with a variable stiffness function. This is accomplished by means of a central disc that can be rotated to give different degrees of mechanical support to the fin when rotated to different angles, thus providing variable flexibility.

Abstract: A stabilizing fin that includes a hollow tubular element that has an upper surface for attachment to the bottom surface of a water planing device. The tubular element has an open front end and open rear end. During use thereof the hollow tubular element provides lateral stability and vertical stability while allowing for increased turning ability for enhanced control by a user. The water planing device may be, for example, a surfboard, a wind surfing board, a kite board, a water ski, a wake board or a boat.

Abstract: A fin assembly includes a fin, a mounting base and a socket base. The mounting base is provided for permanent inclusion within a watercraft. The mounting base defines a cavity that is adapted for receiving the socket base. The socket base further includes a cavity adapted for receiving the fin. The socket base is further adapted for receiving an accessory.

Abstract: The stand up paddleboard with paddle sheath is a paddleboard having a sheath or receptacle formed therein for removably and releasably holding the blade of a stand up paddle while the paddleboard is in use. The stand up paddleboard includes a buoyant paddleboard body having opposed front and rear ends. A sheath recess is formed in the buoyant paddleboard body proximate the front end thereof and extends downwardly from an upper surface of the buoyant paddleboard body. A sheath is provided, having an open upper end, a closed lower end and at least one sidewall. The sheath is received within the sheath recess such that the open upper end thereof is adjacent the upper surface of the buoyant paddleboard body. In use, a blade of a paddle may be releasably and removably inserted within the sheath.

Abstract: A fin assembly for controlling movement of a buoyant body, including: a base for attaching the assembly to the body; and a fin attached to the base by a hinge, wherein when the assembly is attached to the body, the fin can pivot at the hinge from a first condition to a second condition to allow substantially free rotation of the body in a first rotational direction.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a removable foil improves acceleration, maneuverability, and control of craft such as boats or rideable boards (surfboards, sailboards, and the like) and also reduces repetitive stress exerted on the hull by foil bending and torsion. An off-center ball-and-cup joint in the mounting allows the foil to yaw and roll within a limited range in response to changes in lateral fluid pressure. A resilient pad in the mounting then exerts a restoring force to return the foil to a neutral orientation as the lateral pressure equilibrates. An elastically deformable cushion on the base of the foil may contribute to the resilient adaptation while excluding ambient water from the mounting. Optionally, the entire assembly may be mounted in a translation cage that allows adjustment of the foil's longitudinal position. Variations on removable foils, and cushions for the bases of foils, have thickened trailing ends to reduce turbulence.

Abstract: A board including a contact section, and a first step section which is at a different height from the contact section so that it does not make contact with a substantially level water surface when the board is at rest on the top of the substantially level water surface. The board further including a first hydrofoil fixed to the first step section. The first hydrofoil includes a keel and the first hydrofoil is fixed the first step section so that the keel is substantially perpendicular to the board. The first hydrofoil includes a wing which is fixed to and substantially perpendicular to the keel of the first hydrofoil. The wing is angled relative to the first step section from zero degrees to ninety degrees. The board may include a second step section and a second hydrofoil, which may be fixed to the second step section.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a watercraft fin including a first side surface and a second side surface wherein at least one of the first side surface or the second side surface includes a plurality of dimples.

Abstract: A fin cover for protecting environmental surroundings from a water vessel fin during non-use of the water vessel preferably includes a body capable of receiving the water vessel fin therein. Such a body may have a reinforced closed distal end provided with a guard. The body may further have a plurality of rubber grooves located at an inner surface thereof. At least one fastener attached to the body in such a manner that the body is maintained at a substantially stable position about the water vessel fin.

Abstract: The present invention is a Low-Drag Fin and Foil System for Surfboards (10), particularly including cambered fin foils (40; 42). The invention (10) also discloses low-drag, directionally unstable fin positions wherein the lesser of negative angle of attack of a trailing fin (50), versus the higher or positive angle of attack of a forward fin (48), makes the board (12) highly maneuverable by creating a yawing moment that aids the rotation of the board (12) as it is turned.

Abstract: A sliding fin for a surfboard includes a base having a planar tab with an upper flange, a large fin piece having a first indentation, and a small fin piece for mating face-to-face with the large fin piece. The second fin piece has a second indentation that forms a channel that has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the planar tab and upper flange, the channel being longer than the width of the planar tab, the small fin piece being translucent to enable the planar tab in the channel to be seen, the large and small fin pieces being slidable relative to the base on the planar tab.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lifted fin apparatus comprising one or more lifted fin elements with foiled tin components for a reduction of pressure and drag and an increase in surfboard lift as well as a method of achieving surfboard lift through, the use of said apparatus. Generally, the lifted fin apparatus comprises two or more lifted fin elements exhibiting a foil design on one or more of the fin surfaces. The individual fin elements may comprise a substantially vertical fin attached to a first edge of a base member and oriented at a substantially 90° angle in relation to the bottom surface of the surfboard or to the first edge of the base member. The fin elements may further comprise an angular fin mounted to a second edge of the base member at one end and the lower portion of the first, fin at the other end. In said embodiment, a bend or elbow is formed between a first fin component of angular fin and base member proximate the point of attachment at second edge of base member.

Abstract: A quick detachable fin hold system for quickly removing and changing the fins on kiteboards and wakeboards or the like. Operated by activating a lever that presses against the board surface or another surface attached to the board and pulls against the clip body and the pins attached to the fin. This action positively tightens the fin to the board. To remove simply lift the lever to loosen the assembly, slide the clip body along the slots and the pins pull out of the hole on the clip body and through the holes in the board.

Abstract: A universal hydrofoil comprises a hydrofoil assembly, a universal mount assembly and a plurality of lateral connectors. The hydrofoil assembly has a longitudinal axis and includes a centerfoil having first and second longitudinal ends. A foil assembly is disposed at the centerfoil second end and includes a fuselage, a wing at a fuselage first end and a tail at a fuselage second end. The universal mount assembly comprises a base having first and second mounting surfaces. The second mounting surface defines a mounting interface configured to reversibly mate with the centerfoil first end. A plurality of lateral supports each has a pair of arms projecting from a central beam selectively engageable with the base. The lateral connectors are adjustably secured within the lateral channel and configured to engage a structural feature of a craft.