AU2021200635A1 - Leash plug - Google Patents

Abstract

An anchor device which is mountable in a board comprises a body defining a recess; and a bar extending across the recess; wherein the recess has a longitudinal axis and a length of the recess along the longitudinal axis is greater than a width of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the bar extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. 1/8 24 26 32 42 18 22 3 29 Fig. 1A 27 D 26 16 Figl1B 32 D 32 26 32 166 24 6228 24 12 2 22 20 36 Fig. 1C Fig. 1D

Description

1/8

24 26

32 42

18 22 3

29 Fig. 1A 27

D

26 16

Figl1B 32 D

32 26 32

166

24 6228 24

12 2 22 20 36 Fig. 1C Fig. 1D

"Leash plug"

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a plug or anchor for a leash or leg rope in a surfboard or the like. The present disclosure also relates to a plug or anchor installed on a board such as a surfboard. The plug or anchor may also be used to attach fins, cameras, camera mounts or the like to a surfboard or the like.

Background

[0002] A leash plug is a fitting for a board used for water sports such as surfboards, boogie boards, bodyboards, or the like (herein after referred to collectively as surfboards). One end of a leash or leg rope is attached to the leg of a surfer/user and the other end of the leash is attached to the leash plug in the surfboard. The leg rope prevents the board from being washed away from the surfer if the surfer and the surfboard become separated in the water. The leg rope ensures that a surfer's board stays within reach of the surfer. This not only has a benefit of convenience, but safety for other nearby surfers and swimmers. Additionally, it acts as a safety measure for a surfer when out in bigger surf as it allows surfers to 'ditch' their boards, and on occasion if stuck and disoriented underwater, 'climb the leash' to safety to the surface. Therefore, it can be dangerous to have a leg rope become detached from a board.

[0003] Typically, the leash plug includes a small metal rod fitted into holes formed in a plastic mounting. A loop of string attached to a strap on the end of the leash is tied around the rod in order to connect the strap of the leash to the leash plug.

[0004] During use in the surf, significant forces may be exerted on the rod and the leash plug by the movement of the surfer relative to the surfboard, by the impact of waves on the board pushing the surfboard away from the surfer, or when the surfer falls from the board during surfing. These forces may cause the loop of string connecting the end of the leash to the leash plug to break, or in some instances to damage or bend the rod or pull the rod from the leash plug. In other situations, the leash plug itself may be pulled from the surfboard. Leg ropes and leashes often include swivel assemblies to deal with twisting of the leg rope, but even with these swivel assemblies, the twisting is transmitted along the leash to the string and twisting of the string where it is attached to the rod may also increase tension on the string, particularly when being subjected to pulling forces, and cause it to break. In these situations, the surfer and the surfboard become separated creating risks to both the surfer, the surfboard which can be washed away, and others in the water who may be struck by the surfboard. If the loop of string snaps, it can be replaced. However, if the rod is damaged or pulled out of the leash plug or the leash plug is pulled out from the board, then it will be necessary to repair the board and install a new leash plug.

[0005] Plugs and boxes may also be installed in boards in order to provide an anchor point or point for attachment for fins, cameras, camera mounts, and the like to the board.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0007] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary

[0008] According to the present disclosure, there is provided an anchor device which is mountable in a board. The anchor device comprises a body defining a recess and a bar extending across the recess. The recess has a longitudinal axis and a length of the recess along the longitudinal axis is greater than a width of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A longitudinal axis of the bar extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recess.

[0009] The width of the recess may be 2 / 3 rd or less than the length of the recess. The width of the recess may be approximately 1/2 of the length of the recess.

[0010] A cross-section of the recess in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess may be semi-circular or a semi-oval. A cross-section of the bar in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess may be semi-circular or may be a semi-oval. The bar may be integrally formed with the body.

[0011] The recess may include an opening on eachside of thebarand awidth of thebarina direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess may be substantially the same as a width of at least one of the openings.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, there is also provided an anchor device which is mountable in a surfboard. The anchor device comprises a body and a tunnel extending through the body from a first opening in a first surface of the body to a second opening in the first surface of the body. The first opening and the second opening are substantially parallel to each other and separated by a bridge. A width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in a range of from approximately 50% to approximately 150% of the width of the first opening or the second opening.

[0013] The width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in a range of from approximately 60% to approximately 140% of the width of the first opening or the second opening. A width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in a range of from approximately 70% to approximately 130% of the width of the first opening or the second opening. A width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in a range of from approximately 80% to approximately 120% of the width of the first opening or the second opening. A width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in a range of from approximately 90% to approximately 110% of the width of the first opening or the second opening.

[0014] A width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening maybe substantially the same as the width of the first opening or the second opening. The width of the bridge may be substantially the same as a height or depth of the bridge.

[0015] The bridge may have a longitudinal axis and a length of the bridge along the longitudinal axis may be in a range of from 4 to 8 times the width of the bridge.

[0016] The body may include at least one projection to assist in fitting, fixing or anchoring the bodytotheboard. The body may have at least one side wall. The at least one projection may extend from the side wall.

[0017] The body may include a guide (or deflector) for directing (or deflecting) the flow of resin during installation of the anchor device in the board. The resin guide may be provided on the side wall. The resin guide may direct resin toward the at least one projection. There may be a plurality of projections and there may be a plurality of guides.

[0018] The resin guide may include a tapered portion such that the body is wider toward its top (side facing away from the board) and narrower toward its bottom (the side facing toward the board).

[0019] The body maybe substantially rectangular or cuboid in shape and there maybe at least one of the projections provided on each corner of the body. There may be two projections on each corner of the body. The resin guide may be configured to direct resin toward the projections on each comer. The resin guide may be configured to direct resin toward and between the projections.

[0020] A bottom surface of the body may be configured to direct resin toward sides of the body. The bottom surface may have a broad (or shallow) V-shaped profile.

[0021] The present disclosure also provides an anchor device which is mountable in a surfboard and which comprises: a body having at least one side wall; and a resin guide (or resin deflector) for guiding resin. The resin deflector being formed in the at least one side wall.

[0022] The body of this anchor device may include a first side configured to face away from the board, in use, and a second side configured to face the board in use, and the at least one side wall may extend between the first side and the second side. The resin deflector may be configured such that the body is wider toward the first side and narrower toward the second side.

[0023] The resin deflector may have a V shape with a narrow end of the V being directed toward the second side. The resin deflector may include a tapered portion.

[0024] The anchor device may include projections extending from the side wall and the at least one resin deflector may be configured to direct resin toward the at least one projection.

[0025] The body may be substantially rectangular or cuboid in shape and there may be at least one of the projections provided on each corner of the body. Two of the projections may be provided on each corner of the body and the resin deflector may be configured to direct resin toward and between the two projections.

[0026] The anchor devices discussed above may include a raised boss on the first surface. The boss may be provided around the openings of the recess or tunnel and may extend across the bar or bridge.

[0027] The present disclosure also provides a surfboard having any one of the anchor devices described above.

[0028] Also disclosed herein is a method of installing an anchor device as described above in a board such as a surfboard.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0029] Figure 1A is a schematic perspective view of an anchor device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 1B is a schematic plan view of the anchor device of Figure 1A;

[0031] Figure IC is a schematic side view of the anchor device of Figure 1A;

[0032] Figure ID is a schematic cross section of the anchor device along the line D-D indicated in Figure IB;

[0033] Figure 2A is a schematic perspective view of an anchor device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2B is a schematic side view of the anchor device shown in Figure 2A;

[0035] Figure 2C is a schematic plan view of the anchor device shown in Figure 2A;

[0036] Figure 2D is a schematic cross-sectional view along the line D-D shown in Figure 2C and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 2C;

[0037] Figure 2E is a schematic bottom view of the anchor device shown in Figure 2A;

[0038] Figure 2F is a schematic perspective view showing the bottom of the anchor device shown in Figure 2A;

[0039] Figure 3A is a schematic perspective view of an anchor device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 3B is a schematic side view of the anchor device of Figure 3A;

[0041] Figure 3C is a schematic end view of the anchor device of Figure 3A;

[0042] Figure 3D is a schematic plan view of the anchor device shown in Figure 3A;

[0043] Figure 3E is a schematic cross-section along the line E-E in Figure 3D and looking in the direction indicated by the arrow heads in Figure 3D;

[0044] Figure 3F is a schematic cross section along the line E-E in Figure 3D showing only the profile of elements lying in the plane indicated by the line E-E.

[0045] Figure 4A is a schematic perspective view of an anchor device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 4B is another schematic perspective view of an anchor device according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 4C is an enlarged view of the part of Figure 4B in Circle C;

[0048] Figure 4D is a schematic side view of the anchor device of Figure 4A;

[0049] Figure 4E is a schematic cross-section along the line E-E in Figure 4D and looking in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figure 4D;

[0050] Figure 4F is an enlarged view of the part of Figure 4E in Circle F;

[0051] Figure 4G is a plan view of the anchor device according of Figure 4A;

[0052] Figure 4H is a cross-section along the line H-H in Figure 4G showing only the profile of elements lying in the plane indicated by the line H-H in Figure 4G;

[0053] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the backend of a surfboard in which an anchor device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has been installed.

Description of Embodiments

[0054] With reference to Figures 1A to ID, reference number 100 generally designates a first embodiment of an anchor device. The anchor device 100 in this embodiment is a leash plug suitable for installation or mounting in a surfboard and to which a strap of a leash or leg rope can be attached as discussed in more detail below. The leash plug 100 has a body 12 which, as can be seen in the Figures, has a generally rectangular cuboid shape with some corners rounded. The body 12 has a first side 16 in which a recess 18 is formed. The body 12 has a second side 20 which is on the opposite side of the body 12 to the first side 16 . The body 12 has a side wall 22 which extends between the first side 16 and the second side 20. The first side 16 includes a flange 24 which extends laterally outward with respect to the side wall 22. A bar 26 extends across the recess 18. The comers 27 of the side wall and the corners 29 of the flange 24 are rounded.

[0055] In use, the leash plug 100 is installed in a cavity formed in the surface of a surfboard (see Figure 5). The leash plug 100 will be installed with the first side 16 directed (facing) away from the surfboard and the second side 20 directed (facing) toward the board. Typically, the leash plug 100 will be installed in the side of the surfboard on which a surfer stands and therefore, in use, the first side 16 will be directed upward and the second side 20 will be directed downward. In this description, where appropriate, directions such as "up", "down", "top", "bottom" and the like may be used. In such situations, these words refer to the orientation of the leash plug 100 as shown, for example, in Figures IC and ID in which the first side 16 may be considered to be the top and be facing up and the second side 20 may be considered to be the bottom and facing down.

[0056] With reference to Figure 1B, the body 12 has a longitudinal axis A. This longitudinal axis also corresponds to the longitudinal axis of the recess 18. As can be seen from Figure 1B, a length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than a width W (along the line D-

D in Figure 1B) of the recess 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. The bar 26 extends in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0057] A raised boss 28 is formed in the surface 30 of thefirst side 16 around the recess 26.

[0058] In this embodiment, the bar 26 is integrally formed with the body 12 and has been moulded as single piece.

[0059] With reference to Figure ID, the recess has a semi-circular profile in cross-section, while the bar 26 has a semi-oval profile in cross section. As a result, the width of the opening 32 of the recess 18 on either side of the bar 26 is greater than the distance between the bottom 34 of the bar 26 and the bottom 36 of the recess 18.

[0060] In the following, the installation of the leash plug 100 is briefly described. This description is illustrative and does not provide details of all steps or alternative approaches to installing a leash plug 100. When installing the leash plug 100 in a cavity in a surfboard, typically a cavity which is only slightly larger than the maximum dimensions of the leash plug 100 is formed in the surfboard. Generally, when installed, the surface of the first side 16 and flange 24 may be aligned with the surface of the surfboard. However, as explained below, if these surfaces are not aligned, sanding and polishing can smooth out variations. Liquid resin for fixing the leash plug 100 in the cavity and to the surfboard is put into the cavity. Theamountof resin put into the cavity is more than that necessary to fix the leash plug 100 to the surfboard. For example, the cavity may be filed to about half-full with resin. A piece of adhesive tape (for example, masking tape) cut to size can be placed over the raised boss 28 to prevent materials such as resin from getting into the recess 18 during installation. The leash plug 100 is inserted into the cavity with the second side (the bottom) 20 directed toward the surfboard and the first side (the top) 16 directed away from the surfboard. As the leash plug 100 is pushed into the cavity, some of the liquid resin in the cavity will be displaced by the leash plug 100 and will flow around the leash plug 100 and up the sides of the leash plug 100 between the side walls 22 and the side walls of the cavity up and around the flange 24 onto the surface of the surfboard. At that time, some of the excess liquid resin can be removed from the surface of the board around the leash plug 100.

[0061] After the leash plug 100 has been fitted into the cavity, the resin can be allowed to harden so that the leash plug 100 becomes securely fixed to the surfboard. Thereafter, any remaining excess resin pushed out of the cavity during installation and on the surfboard can be removed by sanding. At the same time, any parts of the leash plug 100 which lie above the surface of the surfboard can be sanded to make them flush with the surface of the surfboard. This may include the raised boss 28 and parts of the first side 16 and the flange 24. As a result, the surface of the bar 26 may also be removed by the sanding reducing its height. It will be appreciated that, due to the semi-oval shape of the bar 26 in this embodiment, the thickness along the line D-D (Fig. IB) of the bar will be impacted less by the removal of material by sanding than with a bar having a semi-circular shape. In a different approach, after installing the leash plug 100 and allowing the resin to harden, fiberglass cloth can be laid over the board and over the installed leash plug 100, resin applied to the fiberglass cloth and then allowed to dry. Thereafter, the fiberglass laid over the boss 28 of the leash plug 100 can be removed by sanding and polishing. This may also include removing some of the boss 28. However, in this approach, the fiberglass which was laid above the flange 24 and in the area around the boss 28 may be retained. As a result, in addition to being bonded to the board by the resin which was put into the cavity, the leash plug 100 will also bonded to the board by fiberglass laid over the flange 24 and surface 30 in the area around the boss 28.

[0062] Figure 2A to 2F illustrate a second embodiment of an anchor device 200 according to the present disclosure. In Figures 2A to 2F and the following description, features of this second embodiment which correspond to those of the first embodiment are indicated using the same reference numbers and a description of those features may be omitted.

[0063] The anchor device 200 in this embodiment is a leash plug suitable for installation or mounting in a surfboard and to which a strap of a leash or leg rope can be attached.

[0064] The leash plug 200 has a body 12 which, as can be seen in the Figures, has a generally rectangular cuboid shape with some comers rounded. The body 12 has a first side 16 in which a recess 18 is formed. The body 12 has a second side 20 which is on the opposite side of the body 12 to the first side 16 . The body 12 has a side wall 22 which extends between the first side 16 and the second side 20. The first side 16 includes a flange 24 which extends laterally outward with respect to the side wall 22. A bar 26 extends across the recess 18. The comers 27 of the side wall 22 and the flange 24 are rounded.

[0065] With reference to Figure 2C, the body 12 has a longitudinal axis A. As can be seen from Figure 2C, a length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than a width W

(along the line D-D in Figure 2C) of the recess 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The bar 26 extends in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0066] A raised boss 28 is formed in the surface 30 of the first side 16 around the recess 26. In this embodiment, the bar 26 is integrally formed with the body.

[0067] With reference to Figure 2D, the recess 18 has a semi-oval profile in cross-section. In addition, the bar 26 has a semi-oval profile in cross section. The width of the openings 32 of the recess 18 on either side of the bar 26 is similar to the distance between the bottom 34 of the bar 26 and the bottom 36 of the recess 18.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, as can be seen in Figures 2D and 2F, a portion 37 of the second side (the bottom) 20 has a broad (or shallow) V-shaped profile. In this portion 37, the second side 20 transitions to the side wall 22 at curved portions 40. A similar shallow V-shaped profile is illustrated in Figure 3F with respect to a third embodiment described below. In this embodiment, the portion 37 with the V-shaped profile does not extend to the ends 42 of the body 12. The ends 42 include a skirt 44 which extends to the full thickness of the leash plug 200 which corresponds to the thickness of the leash plug 200 along the centreline 46 of the V-shaped profile. The V-shaped portion 37 extends between the ends 42. It will be appreciated that when placed into the cavity of the board the skirts 44 (at each end 42) which do not have the V-shaped profile assist in positioning the leash plug 200 such that the leash plug 200 does not "rock" or lean to one side due to the V-shaped profile of the portion 37 of the second side.

[0069] The installation of the leash plug 200 follows a similar process to that described above with regard to the first embodiment. However, with the leash plug 200, it will be appreciated that the V-shaped profile of the second side (or bottom) 20 assists in directing the flow of resin (put in the cavity of surfboard prior to installing the leash plug 200) toward the sides 48 of the leash plug 200 when it is inserted into the cavity and may assist in preventing bubbles of air being trapped under the leash plug 200.

[0070] With the embodiments described above, the longer bar 26 relative to the width of the recess 18 may facilitate the attachment of the strap (not show) of a leash or leg rope (rather than the loop of string normally attached to the strap). In addition, a narrower width of the recess 18 may increase the integrity of the leash plug by increasing the solid portion of the leash plug surrounding the recess 18. An integrally formed bar 26 may also increase the integrity and strength of the bar 26 and may reduce the number of parts used to form the leash plug. In addition, the narrow width of the opening of the recess on either side of the bar and the curved profile of the recess in cross-section may facilitate the insertion of the end of a strap into one opening and its progress under the bar and then out of the second opening on the other side of the bar. During use, compared with a loop of a string used to attach a leg rope to the leash plug, the forces applied by a strap to the bar 26 and the leash plug 100 may generally be distributed along the length of the bar 26 and be less likely to be focussed at any one point along the bar and this may reduce the likelihood that the bar breaks. In addition, the narrow space between the bar 26 and the wall of the recess 18 may confine the strap and reduce movement of the strap relative to the bar 26 and the leash plug 10. Compared with a string, the strap may be less likely to tangle or twist during use and twisting of the leg rope may be resolved by the swivel assemblies provided in the leg rope itself. In addition, the loop of string used to attach the strap of a leg rope to the leash plug can be omitted and the strap can be directly attached to the leash plug increasing the convenience for a user.

[0071] Figures 3A to 3F illustrate a third embodiment of an anchor device 300 according to the present disclosure. In Figures 3A to 3F and the following description, features of this third embodiment which correspond to those of the first embodiment and/or second embodiment are indicated using the same reference numbers and a description of those features may be omitted.

[0072] The anchor device 300 in this embodiment is a leash plug suitable for installation or mounting in a surfboard and to which a strap of a leash or leg rope can be attached as discussed in more detail below.

[0073] The leash plug 300 has a body 12 which, as can be seen in the Figures, has a generally rectangular cuboid shape with some comers rounded. The body 12 has a first side (a top) 16 in which a slot or tunnel 302 is formed. The tunnel 302 has a generally U-shaped or semi-oval cross-section and extends through the body 12 from a first opening 304 in the first side 16 to a second opening 306 in the first side 16. The body 12 has a second side (a bottom) 20 which is on the opposite side of the body 12 to the first side 16 . The body 12 has a side wall 22 which extends between the first side 16 and the second side 20. The first side 16 includes a flange 24 which extends laterally outward with respect to the side wall 22. The comers 27 of the side wall 22 and the flange 24 are rounded. The first opening 304 and the second opening 306 are substantially parallel to each other and are separated by a bridge 308. The bridge 308 has a semi-oval cross-section (as seen in Figures 3E and 3F) and a width of the bridge 308 between the first opening 304 and the second opening 306 may be substantially the same as a width of the first opening 304 or the second opening 306. The tunnel 302 has an outer wall 301 and an inner wall (defined by the bridge 308) 303. A raised boss 28 is formed in the surface 30 of the first side 16 around the first opening 304, the second opening 306 and the bridge 308.

[0074] With reference to Figure 3D, the body 12 has a longitudinal axis A. As can be seen from Figure 3D, a length of the tunnel 302 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than a combined width W (along the line E-E in Figure 3D) of the first opening 304, the second opening 306, and the bridge 308 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A width of the bridge 308 along the line E-E in Figure 3D may be the same as a height of the bridge 308 from the surface 30 of the first side 16 (including the boss 28) to the tunnel 302 below the bridge 308. Alternatively, the width of the bridge 308 along the line E-E in Figure 3D may be greater or less than the height of the bridge 308 from the surface 30 of the first side 16 to the tunnel 302 below the bridge 308.

[0075] In addition, in this third embodiment, as in the second embodiment and as can be seen in Figures 3E and 3F, a portion 37 of the second side (the bottom) 20 has a broad (or shallow) V shaped profile. In this portion 37, the second side 20 transitions to the side wall 22 at curved corner portions 40. Figure 2E and Figure 2F also illustrate this shallow V-shape of the second side 20. In a similar way to the second embodiment, in this embodiment, the V-shaped profile does not extend to the ends 42 of the body 12. The ends 42 include a skirt 44 which extends to the full thickness of the leash plug 300 which corresponds to the thickness of the leash plug 300 along the centreline 46 of the V-shaped profile. As discussed above, the V-shaped profile of the second side (or bottom) 20 of the leash plug 300 assists in directing liquid resin (put in the cavity of surfboard prior to installing the leash plug 300) toward the sides 48 of the leash plug 300 when the leash plug 300 is inserted into the cavity and may assist in preventing bubbles of air being trapped under the leash plug.

[0076] As can be seen from Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, the leash plug 300 has eight projections 310 formed in the side wall 22. Pairs of the projections 310 are provided in the side wall 22 at the rounded corners 27. The projections 310 extend outward from the corners 27. However,as can be understood from Figure 3D and 3E, in this embodiment, they do not extend outward further than the flange 24. Compared, for example, with the first embodiment, the projections 310 increase the surface area of the leash plug in the area of the comers and thereby increase the surface area for bonding with the resin used to fix the leash plug 300 to a surfboard. In this embodiment, there are two projections provided on each comer and the projections have the same shape and profile. However, other configurations for the projections are possible. For example, one, two, three or more projections may be provided on each corner. The projections may have the same or different shapes and profiles.

[0077] The installation of the leash plug 300 follows a similar process to that described above with regard to the first and second embodiments.

[0078] Figures 4A to 4H to illustrate a fourth embodiment of an anchor device 400 according to the present disclosure. In Figures 4A to 4H and the following description, features of this fourth embodiment which correspond to those of the first, second or third embodiments are indicated using the same reference numbers or similar reference numbers preceded by the number "4" and a description of those features may be omitted.

[0079] The anchor device 400 in this embodiment is a leash plug suitable for installation or mounting in a surfboard and to which a strap of a leash or leg rope can be attached as discussed in more detail below.

[0080] The leash plug 400 has a body 12 which, as can be seen in the Figures, has a generally rectangular cuboid shape with some comers rounded. The body 12 has a first side (a top) 16 in which a slot or tunnel 402 is formed. The tunnel 402 has a generally U-shaped or semi-oval cross-section and extends through the body 12 from a first opening 404 in the first side 16 to a second opening 406 in the first side 16. The body 12 has a second side (a bottom) 20 which is on the opposite side of the body 12 to the first side 16 . The body 12 has a side wall 22 which extends between the first side 16 and the second side 20. The first side 16 includes a flange 24 which extends laterally outward with respect to the side wall 22. The comers 27 of the side wall 22 and the flange 24 are rounded. The first opening 404 and the second opening 406 are substantially parallel to each other and are separated by a bridge 408. The bridge 408 has a semi-oval cross-section (as seen in Figures 4E, 4G and 4H) and a width of the bridge 408 between the first opening 404 and the second opening 406 may be substantially the same as a width of the first opening 404 or the second opening 406. A raised boss 28 is formed in the surface 30 of the first side 16 around the first opening 404, the second opening 406 and the bridge 408.

[0081] With reference to Figure 4G, the body 12 has a longitudinal axis A. As can be seen from Figure 4G, a length of the tunnel 302 along the longitudinal axis A is greater than a combined width W of the first opening 304, the second opening 306, and the bridge 308 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (for example, along the line H-H in Figure 4G). A width of the bridge 408 along the line H-H in Figure 4G may be the same as a height of the bridge 408 from the surface 30 (including the boss 28) of the first side 16 to the tunnel 302 below the bridge 408. Alternatively, the width of the bridge 408 along the line H-H in Figure 4G may be greater or less than the height of the bridge 408 from the surface 30 of the first side 16 to the tunnel 402 below the bridge 408.

[0082] In addition, in this fourth embodiment, as in the second and third embodiment and as illustrated in Figures 4E and 4H, a portion of the second side (the bottom) 20 has a broad (or shallow) V-shaped profile. In this portion, the second side 20 transitions to the side wall 22 at curved portions 40. With regard to this shallow V-shape of the second side, see also Figures 2E and Figure 2F. In a similar way to the second embodiment (see Figures 2E and 2F), in this embodiment, the V-shaped portion of the second side 20 does not extend to the ends 42 of the body 12. The ends 42 include a skirt 44 which extends to the full thickness of the leash plug 400 which corresponds to the thickness of the leash plug 400 along the centreline 46 of the V-shaped profile (see Figures 2E and 2F). As discussed above, the V-shaped profile of the second side (or bottom) 20 of the leash plug 400 assists in directing liquid resin (put in the cavity of surfboard prior to installing the leash plug 400) toward the sides 48 of the leash plug 400 when the leash plug 400 is inserted into the cavity and may assist in the flow of resin around the leash plug 400 and in preventing bubbles of air being trapped under the leash plug 400.

[0083] As can be seen from Figures 4A, 4B and 4D, the leash plug 400 has eight projections 410 formed in the side wall 22. Pairs of the projections 410 are provided in the side wall 22 at the rounded corners 27. The projections 410 extend outward from the corners 27. However, as can be understood from Figure 4D and 4G, in this embodiment, they do not extend outward further than the flange 24. The projections 410 increase the surface area of the leash plug in the area of the comers and as discussed in more detail below provide increased area for bonding with the resin used to fix the leash plug 400 to a surfboard. In this embodiment, as can be seen in the Figures, there are two projections provided on each comer and the projections have the same shape and profile. However, other configurations for the projections are possible. For example, one, two, three or more projections may be provided on each corner. The projections may have the same or different shapes and profiles.

[0084] As can be seen in Figures 4A to 4D, V-shaped projections 412 extend outward from the side wall 22 on each of the long sides of the leash bar 400. The projections 412 also extend downward from the flange 24 toward the second side 20 and include a tapered portion 414 where the projection 412 transitions into the side wall 20 (see Figures 4D, 4E, 4F and 4H). In this embodiment, the projection 412 has a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the flange such that the flange 24 and the projection 412 are flush (see Figure 4E and 4H) in the vicinity of the flange 24. As explained below and in a similar way to the V-shape of the second side 20, during installation of the leash plug 400 in a surfboard, the V-shaped projection 412 acts as a resin guide or resin deflector to direct the flow of liquid resin around the leash plug 400.

[0085] The installation of the leash plug 400 follows a similar process to that described above with regard to the first, second and third embodiments. As with the second and third embodiments, the V-shaped second side (bottom) 20 will encourage the resin to flow toward the sides of the leash plug 400 and upward between the side walls 22 and the side walls of the cavity. In addition, as will be appreciated from the V-shape of the projection 412 illustrated in Figure 4D of this embodiment, as the resin flows upward over the side wall 22, the V-shape of the projections 412 will encourage the resin to then flow toward the comers 27 and toward, between and around the projections 410 on the corners 27. This flow of resin may also act to reduce the likelihood of bubbles of air being trapped below and between the projections 410 and between the projections 410 and the flange 24.

[0086] With the embodiments described above, the long bridge 308, 408 relative to the width of the first opening 304, 404 and the second opening 306, 406 facilitates the attachment of a strap (not show) of a leash or leg rope (rather than the loop of string normally attached to the strap). In addition, the narrow width of the tunnel 302, 402 between inner wall 303, 403 and the outer wall 301, 401 may increase the integrity of the leash plug by increasing the solid portion of the leash plug surrounding the tunnel 302, 402. An integrally formed bridge 308, 408 may also increases the integrity and strength of the bridge 308, 408 and reduces the number of parts used to form the leash plug. In addition, the narrow width of the first opening 304, 404 and the second opening 304, 404 on either side of the bridge 308, 408 and the curved shape of the tunnel 301, 402 in cross-section may facilitate the insertion of the end of a strap into one opening and its progress under the bridge 308, 408 and then out of the other opening on the other side of the bridge 308, 408. During use, compared with a loop of a string used to attach a leg rope to the leash plug, the forces applied by a strap to the bridge 308, 408 and the leash plug generally are distributed along the length of the bridge and they are less likely to be focussed at any one point along the bridge and this may reduce the likelihood that the bridge breaks. In addition, the width of the space between the inner wall 303 and the other wall 301 of the tunnel 302, 402 may confine the strap and reduce movement of the strap relative to the bridge 308, 408 and the leash plug. Compared with a string, the strap is less likely to tangle or twist during use and twisting of the leg rope may be resolved by the swivel assemblies provided in the leg rope itself. In addition, the loop of string used to attach the strap of a leg rope to the leash plug can be omitted and the strap can be directly attached to the leash plug allowing for increased convenience.

[0087] The anchor devices may be made from suitable materials by moulding methods such as injection moulding or by 3D printing. In the case of 3D printing, a mix of 80% nylon composite and 20% carbon composite may be used.

[0088] The size of the leash plugs 100, 200, 300, 400 is not particularly limited and may be selected in light of the type of board (surfboard, bodyboard, paddle board, etc.,), the dimensions of the board, and the anticipated use and size of the strap to be attached to the leash plug. Typically, the leash plugs may have a size in the range of several tens of millimetres in width, height and depth. By way of example and without limiting the leash plugs to a particular size, a length along the longitudinal axis A of the body 12 (excluding the flange 24, that is corresponding to a length of the second side 20) may be in a range from, for example, approximately 30 mm to approximately 60 mm, and may be for example, approximately 30 mm, mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, or 60 mm. A width of the body 12 (excluding the flange 24, that is corresponding to a width of the second side 16 (see, for example, Figure ID)) of the leash plug (for example, as measured along the line D-D in Figure IB, or along the line H H in Figure 4G) may be in a range from approximately 15 mm to approximately 40 mm, and may be for example, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, or the like. It will be appreciated that the actual size of the body may vary greatly without impacting the length, width and depth of the recess. The size of the flange is also not particularly limited and it may extend outward from the body in a range of from 0.5 mm to 10 mm or more. It may extend from the body by for example 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, or more.

[0089] In addition, by way of example, the length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A (see, for example, Figures 1B, 2C, 3D, and 4G) may be in a range of from 20 mm to 50 mm and may be for example, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45, mm, 50 mm, or similar lengths. The width of the recess 18 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure 1B) may in a range from approximately 13 mm to 35 mm or more. It is preferable that the width of the recess be less than a length of the recess. It is preferable that the width of the recess be less than 2 / 3rd of the length of the recess. The width of the recess may be approximately one half of the length of the recess. Therefore, the relative dimensions of the length of the recess and the width of the recess can be selected accordingly. By having a narrower recess compared to a wider recess, it is possible to increase a proportion of the leash plug occupied by the body and increase the integrity of the leash plug. It will be appreciated that a length of the recess along longitudinal axis A will also determine a length of the bar or the bridge along the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the selection of a length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A may be selected to suit a strap having a particular width and then other dimension such as the width of the recess 18, the width of the bar 26, and the width of the openings 32 on either side of the bar may be selected in light of that length.

[0090] In addition, in the leash plug 100, the recess 18 has a semi-circular profile. A radius of that semi-circular profile may be approximately in a range from 7 mm to 18 mm or more, for example, the radius of the semi-circular profile may be 7 mm, 8, mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm or the like. In addition, the recess 18 may have a semi-oval profile as shown in Figure 2D. The radius of the oval at its greatest (along the semi-major axis of the oval) may be for example in a range of from 9 mm to 20 mm, the A width of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure lB or along the line D-D in Figure 2C) at the surface of the first side 16 may be in a range of approximately 4 mm to 20 mm depending on the dimensions of the recess 18. For example, the width of the bar may be 4 mm, 5, mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, or the like. A height of the bar 26 from its top to its bottom may be in a similar range to its width. The dimensions and shape of the bar may be selected with reference to the dimensions and shape of the recess 18. In addition, there will need to be sufficient clearance between the bar 26 and the bottom of the recess 18 to allow a strap from a leash rope to be inserted into the recess and around the bar 26 and in some cases this may include clearance for overlap of the strap on itself. With that in mind, such a clearance (for example, a distance between the bottom 30 of the bar 26 and the bottom 32 of the recess 18 (i.e., at the point where the distance between the bar 26 and the bottom 32 of the recess 18 is smallest in for example, the first embodiment) may be approximately 2 mm to 10 mm, for example, it may be 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 10 mm or the like. A width of each opening 32 of the recess 18 on each side of the bar 26 along the line D-D in Figure IB, for example, may be approximately the same as the width of the bar 26 or the width of the opening 32 may be smaller or larger than a width of bar 26. It will be appreciated that in some situations a wider bar 26 may increase the capacity of the bar 26 and the leash plug to withstand damaging forces applied to the leash plug during use. A thickness of the leash plug will be selected with reference to the board in which it will be used. The thickness from the second side 20 to the first side 16 and including the boss 28 may be in a range of approximately 10 mm to 25 mm or more. A height of the side wall 22 from the second side 20 to a bottom (or underside) of the flange 24 may be in a range of from approximately 7 mm to 20 mm or more depending on the thickness of the leash plug. The flange may have a thickness for example in a range of from 1 mm to 5 mm and may be, for example, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, or the like. The boss 28 may be raised by, for example, 0.5 mm to 3 mm above the surrounding surface 30 of the first side 16 and may be, for example, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.00 mm, or the like.

[0091] With regard to the projections 310 and 410 on the corners 27 of the leash plug, as discussed above, the size and shape of the projections is not particularly limited. In the embodiments discussed above, the projections 310, 410 do not extend out further than the flange 24. The leash plugs are not limited to this configuration and projections which extend outward to the same extent as the flange 24 or further are possible. It is also possible for these projections to be less prominent than illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. In the fourth embodiment, a resin guide (or resin deflector) in the form of the projection 412 is provided. The size and shape of the projection 412 is not particularly limited. The resin guide 412 has a shape and profile to direct or guide liquid resin toward the comers and, in embodiments where the projections 410 are present (see the variations discussed below), toward, between and around the projections 410. In cases where the projections 410 have a different position, shape, configuration, number, or the like, the shape, profile, size, configuration, number and the like the resin guide 412 may be different. For example, if only one projection 410 is provided on each corner or the pair of projections 410 are provided lower on the corners, then the resin guide 412 may have a broader V shape. In addition, if the projections 410 are not provided on the corners, the resin guide may be positioned to direct resin toward the projections 410 rather than toward the comers. For example, if the projections 410 are provided on the sides of the leash plug, the resin guides may be provided at the corners and configured to direct the resin toward the sides of the leash plug where the projections are provided. In addition, ridges or grooves may be used to encourage the flow of resin around the leash plug. For example, ridges (not shown) which are angled toward the corners or toward the projections 410 may assist in directing the flow of resin toward the corners and or the projections 410. In the fourth embodiment, the projections 412 extends outward from the side wall 22 to the same extent as the flange 24. However, the anchor devices described above are not limited to this configuration. The projection 412 may extend outward from the side wall 22 to a lesser extent than the flange 24. In that case, the projection 412 may transition to the flange 24 at a step or it may transition to the flange via a tapered portion (not illustrated). In addition, the projection 412 may have a gradual taper from the flange down the side wall 22 until it merges with the side wall 22.

[0092] Again by way of example only, in one embodiment, the length along the longitudinal axis A of the first side 16 of the leash plug 100 including the flange 24 may be approximately 52 mm while the width of the first side 16 of the leash plug 100 (along the line D-D in Figure IB) including the flange 24 may be approximately 37 mm. In addition, the length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A may be approximately 35 mm while the width of the recess 18 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure IB) may be approximately 20 mm. The length of the second side (bottom) 20 along the longitudinal axis may be approximately 45 mm and a width of the second side (bottom) 20 may be approximately 30 mm. In this embodiment, the recess has a semi-circular profile and a radius of that semi-circular profile may be approximately 10 mm. In this embodiment, the bar has a semi-oval cross-section and a width of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure IB) at the surface of the first side 16 may be approximately 6 mm. A height of the bar 26 from its top to its bottom (along the longest axis of the semi-oval) may be 7 mm. In addition, a distance between the bottom 30 of the bar and the bottom 32 of the recess 18 (i.e., at the point where the distance between the bar 26 and the bottom 32 of the recess 18 is smallest) may be approximately 3 mm. A width of the opening 32 of the recess 26 on each side of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure IB) may be approximately 7 mm. The flange 24 may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. A thickness of the leash plug from the second side 20 to the first side 16 and including the boss 28 may be approximately 13 mm. A height of the side wall 22 from the second side 20 to a bottom (or underside) of the flange 24 may be approximately 10 mm. The boss 28 may be raised by approximately 1 mm above the surrounding surface 30 of the first side 16. As explained above, in this embodiment, the recess 18 has a semi-circular profile and the bar 26 has a semi-oval profile. In another embodiment, the bar 18 may also have a semi-circular profile and, in that case, the bar 26 may have a width (for example, along the line D-D in Figure 1B) 10 mm and a height of 5 mm. As a result, the distance between the bar and the bottom surface of the recess would be 5 mm.

[0093] In another example, in another embodiment, the length along the longitudinal axis A of the first side 16 of the leash plug including the flange 24 may be approximately 41 mm while the width of the first side 16 of the leash plug 100 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure 1B) including the flange 24 may be approximately 26 mm. In addition, the length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis may be approximately 30 mm and the width of the recess 18 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure IB) may be approximately 16 mm. The length of the second side (bottom) 20 along the longitudinal axis may be approximately 37 mm and a width of the second side (bottom) 20 may be approximately 22 mm. In this embodiment, the recess 18 has a semi-circular provide and a radius of the semicircular profile may be approximately 8 mm. In this embodiment, the bar has a semi-oval cross-section and a width of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure 1B) at the surface 30 of the first side 16 may be 6 mm. A height of the bar 26 from its top to its bottom (along the longest axis of the semi-oval) may be 6 mm. In addition, a distance between the bottom 34 of the bar 26 and the bottom 36 of the recess 18 (i.e., at the point where the distance between the bar 26 and the bottom 34 of the recess 18 is smallest) may be approximately 2 mm. A width of the opening 32 of the recess 18 on each side of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure IB) may be approximately 5 mm. The flange 24 may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. A thickness of the leash plug from the second side 20 to the first side 16 and including the boss 28 may be approximately 13 mm. The height of the side wall 22 from the second side 20 to the bottom (underside) of the flange 24 may be approximately 10 mm. The boss 28 may be raised by approximately 1 mm above the surrounding surface 30 of the first side.

[0094] As will be appreciated, in a leash plug 100 having the dimensions indicated in the examples above, the width of the recess 26 is less than the length of the recess 26.

[0095] By way of example, in one embodiment, the length along the longitudinal axis A of the first side 16 of the leash plug including the flange 24 may be approximately 41 mm while the width of the first side 16 of the leash plug 200 (along the line D-D in Figure 2C) including the flange 24 may be approximately 26 mm. In addition, the length of the recess 18 along the longitudinal axis A may be approximately 30 mm and the width of the recess 18 (along the line D-D in Figure 2C) may be approximately 15 mm. The length of the second side (bottom) 20 along the longitudinal axis A may be approximately 37 mm and a width of the second side (bottom) 20 (along the line D-D in Figure 2 C and including the curved transition to the side wall 22) may be approximately 22 mm. In this embodiment, the recess 18 has a semi-oval profile and the bar 16 has a semi-oval profile. A width of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in

Figure 2C) at the surface 30 of the first side 16 may be 7 mm. A height of the bar 26 from its top to its bottom (along the longest axis of the semi-oval) may be 7 mm. In addition, a distance between the bottom 34 of the bar 26 and the bottom 36 of the recess 18 (i.e., at the point where the distance between the bar 26 and the bottom 34 of the recess 18 is smallest) may be approximately 4 mm. A width of each opening 32 of the recess 18 on either side of the bar 26 (for example, along the line D-D in Figure 2C) may be approximately 4.5 mm. The flange 24 may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. A greatest thickness of the leash plug 10 from the second side 20 to the first side 16 and including the boss 28 may be approximately 13 mm. In this embodiment, the leash plug has a V-shaped second side 20 with the ends 42 and the skirt 44 similar to the embodiments shown in Figures 2D to 2F and 3A to 3F. The height of the ends 42 from the second side 20 to the bottom (underside) of the flange 24 may be approximately 10 mm. The boss 28 may be raised by approximately 1 mm above the surrounding surface 30 of the first side. In addition, the thickness of the skirt 44 may be 2 mm.

[0096] By way of example, in one embodiment, the length along the longitudinal axis A of the first side 16 of the leash plug including the flange 24 may be approximately 41 mm while the width of the first side 16 (for example, along the line E-E in Figure 3D) including the flange 24 may be approximately 27 mm. In addition, the length of the tunnel 302 along the longitudinal axis A may be approximately 30 mm and a width of each of the first opening 304 and the second opening 306 (along the line D-D in Figure 3D) may be approximately 5 mm while a width of the bridge (for example, along the line E-E in Figure 3D) may be 5 mm. The length of the second side (bottom) 20 along the longitudinal axis A may be approximately 37 mm and a width of the second side (bottom) 20 (along the line E-E in Figure 3D and including the curved transition to the side wall 22) may be approximately 23 mm. In addition, a distance between the bottom 312 of the bridge 308 and the bottom 314 of the tunnel 302 may be approximately 5 mm. The flange 24 may have a thickness of approximately 2 mm. A greatest thickness of the leash plug 10 from the second side 20 to the first side 16 and including the boss 28 may be approximately 13.2 mm. The height of the ends 42 from the second side 20 to the bottom (underside) of the flange 24 may be approximately 10 mm. The boss 28 may be raised by approximately 1.2 mm above the surrounding surface 30 of the first side. In addition, the thickness of the skirt 44 may be 2 mm.

[0097] In the above, a number of embodiments have been described. These embodiments are not intended to be limiting and it will be appreciated that features from different embodiments can be combined with those of other embodiments. For example, a resin guide 412 described with reference to the fourth embodiment could be incorporated into the leash plug 100 described in the first embodiment or the leash plug 200 described in the second embodiment. In addition, the projections 310 or 410 could be incorporated into the leash plug 100 described in the first embodiment. The flat second side of the first embodiment could be incorporated into anyone of the second to fourth embodiments. In addition, the ends 42 and skirt 44 described, for example, in the second embodiment may be omitted such that portion 37 having the shallow V-shaped profile of the second side 20 extends along the entire second side 20. Alternatively, the second side 20 may have an inverted "hip roof' configuration with portions of the second side inclined toward the sides and the ends. It will be appreciated that in such situations other ways of stabilising the leash bar to prevent rocking or tilting due to the V-shaped bottom during installation may be adopted, such as projections or legs extending downward in each comer.

[0098] In the embodiments described above, the recess is described as having a semi-circular or a semi-oval cross section. In addition, the bar 26 and the bridge 308 are also described as having semi-circular or semi-oval profiles. However, the anchor devices and leash plugs are not limited to these profiles. For example, the bar or bridge may have a circular or oval cross-section in profile. More angular profiles for the recess and the bar and bridge are also possible. It will be appreciated that some shapes such as rounded shapes and those described above for the recess, the tunnel, the bar, and the bridge may facilitate threading the strap of the leash rope around the bar or bridge.

[0099] In the above, the anchor device has been described mainly with respect to embodiments related to leash plugs. However, the present disclosure is also applicable to other types of plugs and anchor devices used to attach fins, cameras, camera mounts or the like to a surfboard or the like. For example, an anchor device for mounting a camera may include the features of any of the embodiments described above where the recess or tunnel is omitted and the anchor device is configured with a mount to which a camera can be attached. In a similar way, fin boxes can be configured to include the projections 310, 410 or resin guides 412 described above on their surface. In such situations, the dimensions of the anchor device can be changed to suit the purpose for which it will be used and therefore the dimensions discussed above are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the size or shape of the anchor device. In addition, the position, shape, number and configuration of the projections and/or resin guides can be selected to suit the anchor device.

[0100] In the above description, the body of the anchor device is described as having at least one side wall as the presence of the curved comers may make the side wall continuous around the side of the anchor device. However, with more rectangular embodiments where the comers are more angular, each side of the anchor device may be considered to be a side wall. In addition, in the embodiments illustrated in the Figures, the body of the anchor device is rectangular or cuboid. The present disclosure is not limited to that general shape and it will be appreciated that other shapes for the body may be possible, for example, the body when viewed in plan view may have an oval shape, a rhomboid shape, or the like.

[0101] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (30)

CLAIMS:

1. An anchor device which is mountable in a board, the anchor device comprising: a body defining a recess; and a bar extending across the recess; wherein the recess has a longitudinal axis and a length of the recess along the longitudinal axis is greater than a width of the recess in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and wherein a longitudinal axis of the bar is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the recess.

2. An anchor device according to claim 1, wherein the width of the recess is approximately 2/3 d or less than the length of the recess.

3. An anchor device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the width of the recess is approximately 1/2 of the length of the recess.

4. An anchor device according to any one of claims I to 3, wherein a cross-section of the recess in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess is semi-circular and a cross section of the bar in the plane is semi-circular or a semi-oval.

5. An anchor device according to claim 1 to 3, wherein a cross-section of the recess in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis is a semi-oval and a cross section of the bar in the plane is semi-circular or a semi-oval.

6. An anchor device according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the recess includes an opening on each side of the bar and a width of the bar in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the recess is substantially the same as a width of at least one of the openings.

7. An anchor device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the bar is integrally formed with the body.

8. An anchor device which is mountable in a surfboard, the anchor device comprising: a body; and a tunnel extending through the body from afirst opening in a first surface of the body to a second opening in the first surface of the body; wherein the first opening and the second opening are substantially parallel to each other and separated by a bridge; and wherein a width of the bridge between the first opening and the second opening is in the range of approximately 50% to 150% of a width of the first opening or the second opening.

9. An anchor device according to claim 8, wherein the width of the bridge is in a range of approximately 60% to 140%, 70% to 130%, 80% to 120%, or 90% to 110% of the width of the first opening or the second opening.

10. An anchor device according to claim 8, wherein the width of the bridge is substantially the same as the width of the first opening or the second opening.

11. An anchor device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the width of the bridge is substantially the same as a height or depth of the bridge.

12. An anchor device according to claim 8 or claim 11, wherein the bridge has a longitudinal axis and a length of the bridge along the longitudinal axis is in a range of from 4 to 8 times the width of the bridge.

13. An anchor device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body includes at least one projection to assist in fixing the body to the board.

12. An anchor device according to claim 11, wherein the body has at least one side wall and the at least one projection extends from the at least one side wall.

13. An anchor device according to anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide for guiding resin, the guide being formed in the at least one side wall.

14. An anchor device according to claim 13, wherein the guide is configured to guide resin toward the at least one projection.

15. An anchor device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the guide includes a tapered portion such that the body is wider toward its top and narrower toward its bottom.

16. An anchor device according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the body is substantially cuboid in shape and at least one of the projections is provided on each corner of the body.

17. An anchor device according to claim 16, comprising two of the projections on each corner of the body.

18. An anchor device according to claim 17, wherein the resin guide is configured to direct resin toward the projections on each corner.

19. An anchor device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom surface of the body is configured to direct resin toward sides of the body.

20. An anchor device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom surface has a broad V-shaped profile.

21. An anchor device according to any one of claims 8 to 20, further including a raised boss formed in the first surface around the first opening and the second opening and extending over the bridge.

21. An anchor device which is mountable in a surfboard, the anchor device comprising: a body having at least one side wall; and a resin deflector for guiding resin, the resin deflector being formed in the at least one side wall.

22. An anchor device according to claim 20, wherein the body includes a first side configured to face away from the board, in use, and a second side configured to face toward the board in use, and the at least one side wall extends between the first side and the second side, and wherein the resin deflector is configured such that the body is wider toward the first end and narrower toward the second end.

23. An anchor device according to claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the resin deflector has a V shape with a narrow end of the V being directed toward the second side.

24. An anchor device according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein the resin deflector includes a tapered portion.

25. An anchor device according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the anchor device includes projections extending from the side wall and the at least one resin deflector is configured to direct resin toward the at least one projection.

26. An anchor device according to claim 25, wherein the body is substantially rectangular in shape and there is at least one of the projections provided on each corner of the body.

27. An anchor device according to claim 26, comprising two of the projections on each corner of the body and the resin deflector is configured to direct resin toward and between the two projections.

28. An anchor device according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the second side is configured to direct resin toward sides of the body.

29. An anchor device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a flange extends laterally outward from the body.

30. A board comprising an anchor device according to any one of claims I to 29.