US20100068956A1 - Accessory device for enlarging the area of the fin of a surfboard or similar water craft - Google Patents
Accessory device for enlarging the area of the fin of a surfboard or similar water craft Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100068956A1 US20100068956A1 US12/595,530 US59553008A US2010068956A1 US 20100068956 A1 US20100068956 A1 US 20100068956A1 US 59553008 A US59553008 A US 59553008A US 2010068956 A1 US2010068956 A1 US 2010068956A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fin
- surfboard
- area
- water craft
- similar water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
- B63B32/60—Board appendages, e.g. fins, hydrofoils or centre boards
- B63B32/64—Adjustable, e.g. by adding sections, by removing sections or by changing orientation or profile
Definitions
- This invention relates to the field of sports equipment and recreational devices; more specifically it concerns the device, which enables to increase the stability and improve the steerability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- the objective of the invention is to provide an accessory device for improving the steerability and increase the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- the objective is achieved with a device that can be attached to a fin of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- the device contains an opening for receiving the fin.
- the device is made of elastic material and the area of the device is at least 1.5 times larger than the area of the fin of the surfboard or similar water craft. In one embodiment, the area of the device is 1.5 to 5 times larger than the area of the fin. In another embodiment, the area of the device is about 3 times larger than the area of the fin.
- the device that is self-adhesive or, if needed, attached to the surface of the fin of the surfboard or similar water craft, increases the area of the fin, as the result of which the lateral resistance of water on the surfboard or similar water craft increases, the drift decreases and it is easier to sail upwind.
- Use of the device helps to avoid the surfboard turning upwind too easily (quickly).
- the centre of the lateral resistance is more on the stern side in case the device is used than without using it. The more to the stern side the centre of the lateral resistance is located, the more difficult and slower the surfboard turns upwind.
- Using the device increases the rectilinear resistance of water resulting in lower speed but for beginners the stability is more important than losing a little speed.
- the device also serves as a cover/case for the fin. Hence it protects the fin from mechanical damage in water as well as on land.
- the device is elastic and with sufficiently wide opening to fit fins of different size and shape. That kind of elastic cover makes the fin safer for the ambient environment since the fin itself is very rigid and can injure people or animals or damage things in bumping into them. If the fin is surrounded with the device, then in collision the device deforms due to elasticity and slips a little backwards on the fin. As the result, the strike on the collision disperses and softens, and hence the safety increases.
- the device To avoid separating of the device from the surfboard when using it, it is possible to supply the device with a fastener at the opening mouth of the device (i.e. surfboard side end), e.g. with a clamp.
- the device can be easily attached to and removed from the fin. No holes must be made to the fin or other supplies nor modified otherwise.
- the device described in this invention gives the opportunity to sail with a surfboard for advanced surfer.
- the device can be removed.
- Another objective is a method for improving the steerability and increase the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- the objective is achieved by increasing the area of a fin of the surfboard or similar water craft by attaching to the fin a device, made of an elastic material, and having an area at least 1.5 times larger than an area of the fin. More preferably, the fin has an area 1.5 to 5 times larger than the fin. Most preferably, the area of the fin is about 3 times larger than the area of the fin.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of the surfboard's fin and the device according to one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a side view the device attached to the fin.
- FIG. 3 is a cross section of the device attached to the fin.
- FIG. 4 shows a top view of the device and the fin with a clamp for attaching the device to the fin.
- the device 1 for improving the steerability and increasing the stability of a surfboard is a cover attached to the fin 3 of the surfboard 2 .
- the device is manufactured from two side elements 11 and 12 (see FIG. 3 ) connected with each other at their edges, thereby leaving an opening 13 for receiving the fin when the device is pulled on the fin.
- the ratio of the area of the fin and the device is approximately 1:3.
- the device may be manufactured in one piece or by connecting two side elements at their edges by any of known suitable technology.
- the device is manufactured from tough and elastic material, e.g. elastic plastic material such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).
- the material is tough and elastic enough, if the device is able to retain its fin-like shape when the board is used in water.
- the material is selected so that its specific gravity is less than 1, i.e., the material is buoyant. It is useful when the device escapes from the fin.
- the device may contain a clamp 4 near to the opening for securely fixing the device to the surfboard's fin 3 .
- the clamp 4 has two longitudinal strips 5 between which the fin is screwed with bolts 6 , washers 7 and nuts 8 whereas on one side the strip has grooves for the bolt heads and the other side has nut shape grooves for concealing the nuts and hindering their rotation and decreasing the resistance of water. To increase the frictional force, the inside of the strips is covered with rubber 9 .
- support extrusions e.g., in the form of strips 10 for fixing the device so that the fin is symmetrically inside the device.
- the device holds around the fin and according to the dimensions of the fin it is more or less deformed.
- the outer surface of the device is by shape and finishing streamlined so that in moving forward in the water the water resistance is as small as possible.
- the device is made so that the surfboard side of the device is more rigid than the rest of the device thanks to which the self-adhesiveness of the device to the fin is achieved. In that case the clamp is not used.
Abstract
A device that can be attached to a fin of a suf board or similar water craft. The device contains an opening (13) for receiving the fin (3). The device is made of elastic material and the area of the device is at least 1.5 times larger than the area of the fin of the surfboard or similar water craft. In one embodiment, the area of the device is 1.5 to 5 times larger that the area of the fin. In another embodiment, the area of the device is about 3 times larger than the area of the fin. The device may be equipped with clamping means for securely fixing the device to the fin.
Description
- This invention relates to the field of sports equipment and recreational devices; more specifically it concerns the device, which enables to increase the stability and improve the steerability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- Known are surfboards with fins of different shape. U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,865 describes a cover for a surfboard fin which is pulled on the fin when it is necessary to transport or store the surfboard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,325,154 describes a plastic fin. U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,188 describes covering the fin with soft material cover to avoid possible injuries caused by the fin to the swimmers.
- General deficiency of the described solutions is the fact that the surfboards equipped with that kind of fins are not stable and are difficult to steer for the users with fewer skills.
- The objective of the invention is to provide an accessory device for improving the steerability and increase the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- The objective is achieved with a device that can be attached to a fin of a surfboard or similar water craft. The device contains an opening for receiving the fin. The device is made of elastic material and the area of the device is at least 1.5 times larger than the area of the fin of the surfboard or similar water craft. In one embodiment, the area of the device is 1.5 to 5 times larger than the area of the fin. In another embodiment, the area of the device is about 3 times larger than the area of the fin.
- The device, that is self-adhesive or, if needed, attached to the surface of the fin of the surfboard or similar water craft, increases the area of the fin, as the result of which the lateral resistance of water on the surfboard or similar water craft increases, the drift decreases and it is easier to sail upwind. Use of the device helps to avoid the surfboard turning upwind too easily (quickly). At low speeds, when the surfboard sits deeply in the water, the centre of the lateral resistance is more on the stern side in case the device is used than without using it. The more to the stern side the centre of the lateral resistance is located, the more difficult and slower the surfboard turns upwind.
- Using the device increases the rectilinear resistance of water resulting in lower speed but for beginners the stability is more important than losing a little speed.
- The device also serves as a cover/case for the fin. Hence it protects the fin from mechanical damage in water as well as on land.
- The device is elastic and with sufficiently wide opening to fit fins of different size and shape. That kind of elastic cover makes the fin safer for the ambient environment since the fin itself is very rigid and can injure people or animals or damage things in bumping into them. If the fin is surrounded with the device, then in collision the device deforms due to elasticity and slips a little backwards on the fin. As the result, the strike on the collision disperses and softens, and hence the safety increases.
- To avoid separating of the device from the surfboard when using it, it is possible to supply the device with a fastener at the opening mouth of the device (i.e. surfboard side end), e.g. with a clamp.
- The device can be easily attached to and removed from the fin. No holes must be made to the fin or other supplies nor modified otherwise.
- For a beginner surfer the device described in this invention gives the opportunity to sail with a surfboard for advanced surfer. When skills increase, the device can be removed.
- Another objective is a method for improving the steerability and increase the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft.
- The objective is achieved by increasing the area of a fin of the surfboard or similar water craft by attaching to the fin a device, made of an elastic material, and having an area at least 1.5 times larger than an area of the fin. More preferably, the fin has an area 1.5 to 5 times larger than the fin. Most preferably, the area of the fin is about 3 times larger than the area of the fin.
-
FIG. 1 is a side view of the surfboard's fin and the device according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a side view the device attached to the fin. -
FIG. 3 is a cross section of the device attached to the fin. -
FIG. 4 shows a top view of the device and the fin with a clamp for attaching the device to the fin. - The invention is now illustrated by reference to the enclosed drawings. The
device 1 for improving the steerability and increasing the stability of a surfboard is a cover attached to thefin 3 of thesurfboard 2. The device is manufactured from twoside elements 11 and 12 (seeFIG. 3 ) connected with each other at their edges, thereby leaving anopening 13 for receiving the fin when the device is pulled on the fin. The ratio of the area of the fin and the device is approximately 1:3. - The device may be manufactured in one piece or by connecting two side elements at their edges by any of known suitable technology. In main part the device is manufactured from tough and elastic material, e.g. elastic plastic material such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP). The material is tough and elastic enough, if the device is able to retain its fin-like shape when the board is used in water. Preferably, the material is selected so that its specific gravity is less than 1, i.e., the material is buoyant. It is useful when the device escapes from the fin.
- The device may contain a clamp 4 near to the opening for securely fixing the device to the surfboard's
fin 3. - The clamp 4 has two
longitudinal strips 5 between which the fin is screwed withbolts 6,washers 7 andnuts 8 whereas on one side the strip has grooves for the bolt heads and the other side has nut shape grooves for concealing the nuts and hindering their rotation and decreasing the resistance of water. To increase the frictional force, the inside of the strips is covered withrubber 9. - Below the clamp on the inner surface of the device there are support extrusions, e.g., in the form of
strips 10 for fixing the device so that the fin is symmetrically inside the device. The device holds around the fin and according to the dimensions of the fin it is more or less deformed. - The outer surface of the device is by shape and finishing streamlined so that in moving forward in the water the water resistance is as small as possible.
- In case of alternative clamp design the rigidity of clamp strips is increased by adding a steel strip.
- In simpler case the device is made so that the surfboard side of the device is more rigid than the rest of the device thanks to which the self-adhesiveness of the device to the fin is achieved. In that case the clamp is not used.
- Much better steerability, stability and diminished drift is achieved with the help of the device attached to the surfboard.
- The exemplary embodiments presented herein illustrate the principles of the invention and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed; it is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
Claims (7)
1. An accessory device for improving the steerability and increasing the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft said device comprising;
two side elements connected to each other at their edges; and
an opening surrounded by the side elements for receiving a fin of the surfboard or similar water craft, wherein the device is made of an elastic material and the area of the device is at least 1.5 times larger than the area of the fin and the device comprises deformable extrusions within the device for supporting and holding the device on the fin.
2. The device as in claim 1 , wherein the deformable extrusions are in the form of strips that are substantially parallel with the axis of the fin.
3. The device as in claim 2 , wherein an outer surface of the device is streamlined by shape and finishing for reducing water resistance.
4. The device as in claim 3 , the device comprises clamping means near to the opening for attaching the device to the fin.
5. The device as in claim 4 , wherein an end of the device closer to the surfboard is made more rigid than the rest of the device.
6. A method for increasing the stability of a surfboard or similar water craft, the method comprising increasing an area of the fin by a device attached over the fin, characterized in that the surface area of the device is at least 1.5 times larger than the surface area of the fin.
7. The method as in claim 6 , comprising fixing the device removably to the fin by clamping means integrated to the device.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EEP200700016 | 2007-04-11 | ||
EEP200700016A EE200700016A (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2007-04-11 | A means of improving the handling and stability of a windsurf or similar craft |
PCT/EE2008/000005 WO2008125123A1 (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | Accessory device for enlarging the area of the fin of a surfboard or similar water craft |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100068956A1 true US20100068956A1 (en) | 2010-03-18 |
Family
ID=39615779
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/595,530 Abandoned US20100068956A1 (en) | 2007-04-11 | 2008-04-11 | Accessory device for enlarging the area of the fin of a surfboard or similar water craft |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100068956A1 (en) |
EE (1) | EE200700016A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008125123A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120040575A1 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-16 | Schultz Iii Edward King | Slidable surfboard fin |
JP2018528124A (en) * | 2015-09-15 | 2018-09-27 | フライング フィン システムズ ピーティーワイ リミテッドFlying Fin Systems Pty Ltd | Fins and methods for attaching fins |
CN114228918A (en) * | 2022-02-09 | 2022-03-25 | 惠州城市职业学院(惠州商贸旅游高级职业技术学校) | Surfboard and high-performance surfboard tail rudder thereof |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2841331B1 (en) | 2012-04-23 | 2017-08-09 | Wunner, Felix | Fin for watersport and surfboard therefore |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4325154A (en) * | 1980-03-31 | 1982-04-20 | Collum Jr William E | Surfboard fin |
US5306188A (en) * | 1991-11-06 | 1994-04-26 | Surfco Hawaii | Method of applying a safety/maneuver enhancing fin to a surfboard |
US6257941B1 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2001-07-10 | Rennie L. Rhynsburger | Windsurfing board fin protector |
US6394865B1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2002-05-28 | Robert Anthony Arzadon | Surfboard fin cover |
US6918806B2 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2005-07-19 | Surfco Hawaii | Safety fin over mold system and safety fin sleeve for surfboard and other recreational vehicles |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
AU8415382A (en) * | 1981-05-27 | 1982-12-02 | John Robert Davies | Fin for buoyant support |
DE3246126A1 (en) * | 1982-12-13 | 1984-06-14 | Franz 8011 Neukeferloh Hegele | Fin for a windsurfing board |
DE9100911U1 (en) * | 1991-01-26 | 1991-04-18 | Dangschat, Holmer, Dipl.-Ing., 8225 Traunreut, De | |
GB9109191D0 (en) * | 1991-04-29 | 1991-06-19 | Ontario Inc 852629 | Variable contouring foil |
-
2007
- 2007-04-11 EE EEP200700016A patent/EE200700016A/en unknown
-
2008
- 2008-04-11 WO PCT/EE2008/000005 patent/WO2008125123A1/en active Application Filing
- 2008-04-11 US US12/595,530 patent/US20100068956A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4325154A (en) * | 1980-03-31 | 1982-04-20 | Collum Jr William E | Surfboard fin |
US5306188A (en) * | 1991-11-06 | 1994-04-26 | Surfco Hawaii | Method of applying a safety/maneuver enhancing fin to a surfboard |
US6257941B1 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2001-07-10 | Rennie L. Rhynsburger | Windsurfing board fin protector |
US6394865B1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2002-05-28 | Robert Anthony Arzadon | Surfboard fin cover |
US6918806B2 (en) * | 2002-12-19 | 2005-07-19 | Surfco Hawaii | Safety fin over mold system and safety fin sleeve for surfboard and other recreational vehicles |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120040575A1 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2012-02-16 | Schultz Iii Edward King | Slidable surfboard fin |
US8556670B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2013-10-15 | Edward King Schultz, III | Slidable surfboard fin |
US20140106634A1 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2014-04-17 | Edward King Schultz, III | Slidable surfboard fin |
US8951080B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2015-02-10 | Edward King Schultz, III | Slidable surfboard fin |
US9272759B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2016-03-01 | Edward King Schultz, III | Slidable surfboard fin |
US9725141B2 (en) * | 2010-08-13 | 2017-08-08 | Edward King Schultz | Slidable surfboard fin |
JP2018528124A (en) * | 2015-09-15 | 2018-09-27 | フライング フィン システムズ ピーティーワイ リミテッドFlying Fin Systems Pty Ltd | Fins and methods for attaching fins |
US10654547B2 (en) | 2015-09-15 | 2020-05-19 | Flying Fin Systems Pty Ltd | Adjustable fin system |
CN114228918A (en) * | 2022-02-09 | 2022-03-25 | 惠州城市职业学院(惠州商贸旅游高级职业技术学校) | Surfboard and high-performance surfboard tail rudder thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2008125123A1 (en) | 2008-10-23 |
EE200700016A (en) | 2008-12-15 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: UNIVERSITY OF TARTU,ESTONIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ANTON, MART;REEL/FRAME:023374/0100 Effective date: 20091012 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |