AU2008100778B4

AU2008100778B4 - Surfboard metal V fins

Info

Publication number: AU2008100778B4
Application number: AU2008100778A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wayne Burke; Graham Lee
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-08-16
Filing date: 2008-08-16
Publication date: 2009-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2016-08-16
Also published as: AU2008100778A4

Description

2 METAL SURFBOARD "V" FIN The use of metal to improve the performance of the surfboard fins The use of v shaped centre fins (see drawings) on surfboards have not been popular since 1 thought of in the 60,s. This is due to its failure to perform because of its construction when a second fin was added to the centre fin. By using metal instead of the traditional means of plastics and composites a totally new performance and shape can be achieved. Metal fins have the following advantages. The thinness of the material can now be as little as Imm depending on the metals used. This gives the fins a much needed reduction in drag, which is most important in surfboard design The one metal thickness gives consistent flexibility thus not limiting the fins shape and size. Metal fins are stronger and tend to bend rather than break under impact. This allows for easy repairs. The two v shaped metal centre fins have less drag than any single fin. Brief Description of Invention Accordingly, in on broad form of the invention, there is provided a surfboard metal fin arrangement; said fin arrangement including two metal fin elements extending from proximate an underside of said surfboard; said two metal fin elements arranged in an inverted "V" formation; metal forming each of said two fin elements having a thickness of between 1.0 and 3.5mm. Preferably, the surface area of each fin is between 100 and 200cm 2 . Preferably, said two fin elements extend from a common mounting plate; said "V" formation having an included angle of between 60 and 90 degrees. Preferably, said two fin elements are joined at the respective base of each of said fin elements; the junction of said fin elements generally coincident with an underside of said mounting plate; said common mounting plate adapted for insertion into a fin box of a surfboard such that the junction of said two fin elements is substantially coincident with an underside of a said surfboard. Preferably, said metal is a non-ferrous alloy.

3 Design of the METAL 'V" FIN. Refer to the drawings The preferred material, although not restricted to, is aluminium and its alloys Metal thickness Imm - 3.5mm Fin shape refer to drawing 2. Fin area between 100 and 200 square centimetres per fin. Fin angles between fins 60 to 90 degrees For use with any surfboard that has a removable fin system The two metal fins are joined at the base by mechanical means or welded to a mounting plate, which will fit into base of its corresponding surfboard fin box.

Claims

1. A surfboard metal fin arrangement; said fin arrangement including two metal fin elements extending from proximate an underside of said surfboard; said two metal fin elements arranged in an inverted "V" formation; metal forming each of said two fin elements having a thickness of between 1.0 and 3.5mm.

2. The fin arrangement of claim 1 wherein the surface area of each fm is between 100 and 200cm 2 .

3. The fin arrangement of claim I or 2 wherein said two fin elements extend from a common mounting plate; said "V" formation having an included angle of between 60 and 90 degrees.

4. The fin arrangement of claim 3 wherein said two fin elements are joined at the respective base of each of said fin elements; the junction of said fm elements generally coincident with an underside of said mounting plate; said common mounting plate adapted for insertion into a fin box of a surfboard such that the junction of said two fin elements is substantially coincident with an underside of a said surfboard.

5. The fin arrangement of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said metal is a non ferrous alloy.