GB2573160A

GB2573160A - Watersports boards and mounts

Info

Publication number: GB2573160A
Application number: GB1806898.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Crook James
Original assignee: Forty1 Design And Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Forty1 Design And Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2018-04-27
Filing date: 2018-04-27
Publication date: 2019-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 2038-04-27
Also published as: GB2573160B; GB201806898D0

Abstract

A watersports board mount 100 arranged to allow a hydrofoil 320 or fin to be mounted to a watersports board 200 comprises a clamp 100 arranged to receive an edge 210 of the board 200. The clamp 100 comprises upper and lower portions 120, 140 spaced to receive the edge of the board. The upper portion 120 has a first pair of elongate protrusions 122 on its lower surface, the protrusions being parallel and oriented perpendicular to the edge of the board in use. The lower portion 140 has a second pair of elongate protrusions 142 on its upper surface, the protrusions being parallel, aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and oriented perpendicular to the edge of the board in use. The mount 100 comprises an urging means 126,146 arranged to allow the upper and lower portions 120, 140 to be urged together such that, in use, the board 200 is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions 122, 142 of the clamp 100.

Description

WATERSPORTS BOARDS AND MOUNTS

The invention relates to watersports boards and to mounts arranged to attach hydrofoils, fins or the likes to a watersports board. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to surfboards, and more particularly to kiteboards, and to means for connecting one or more hydrofoils and/or fins thereto.

Watersports boards comprise all boards used for water-based sports, including surfboards, paddle boards, wake boards, skimboards, bodyboards, windsurfing boards and the likes. As used herein, the term “surfboard” is deemed to include boards used for kitesurfing, which may also be referred to as kiteboards or kitesurf boards.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to a watersports board. The mount comprises a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board.

The clamp comprises: an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use; a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp.

The urging means may be arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together such that contact between the clamp and the board is made by and between contact surfaces of the aligned elongate protrusions. The contact surfaces may make contact with the board directly, or an intervening layer of a protective material (e.g. a compliant material, such as rubber) may be placed between the contact surfaces of the clamp and the board, to reduce or avoid a risk of scratching or other damage to the board by the clamp.

Advantageously, the use of elongate protrusions to provide the contact between the clamp and the board may allow specific lines of contact to be selected, which may allow board curvature, and different curvatures of different boards, to be accommodated by the same clamp. Advantageously, the upper portion and the lower portion each has only two elongate protrusions, and the aligned pairs of elongate protrusions provide the only points of contact with the board.

The skilled person will appreciate that the mount may be rotated to any angle and that terms related to orientation (e.g. “upper”, “lower”, “vertically”) are used for clarity of description only, and are not to be held as limiting.

The mount may consist of the first clamp. The mount may consist of the first clamp and a second clamp identical to the first clamp.

The urging means may comprise two holes, each arranged to receive a bolt, screw or the likes. The bolt, screw or the likes may be arranged to allow the clamp to be tightened and loosened.

The urging means may be located adjacent the edge of the board, outside the footprint of the board, such that the screw, bolt or the likes can pass adjacent to the board, not through the board.

Each elongate protrusion may be inwardly-directed from one of the holes; directed towards, and across a portion of, the board.

The elongate protrusions may have angled or curved (e.g. domed) contact surfaces. The contact between the clamp and the board may be along lines of contact along a peak of the contact surface of each elongate protrusion. The contact may be directly between the contact surfaces of the elongate protrusions and the board, or there may be an intervening layer of a protective material between the elongate protrusions and the board.

The upper and lower portions may be identical such that each could be used as either an upper or lower portion.

The clamp may further comprise a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions. The spacer may be arranged to be adjacent to the board in use. The spacer may have an inner portion adjacent the first edge of the board and an outer portion further from the board. The spacer may be arranged to provide a minimum spacing between an outer region of the upper portion and an outer region of the lower portion.

In embodiments with a spacer, a thickness of the spacer may reduce towards the board. The spacer may comprise a horizontal lower surface. The spacer may comprise an upper surface of which at least a portion is angled such that the height of the spacer reduces towards the board. The thickness of the spacer at its thickest point may be greater than the thickness of the board.

The spacer may comprise separable lower and upper parts such that a height of the spacer can be adjusted by removal or replacement of the lower part.

The urging means may comprise two holes arranged to receive bolts or screws or the likes, the holes passing through the spacer. The bolts or screws may therefore hold the spacer to the rest of the clamp even before the clamp is tightened.

At least a part of the inner portion of the spacer may be arranged to make contact with the first edge of the board in use.

The mount may further comprise one or more cams, for example a pair of cams.

The or each cam may be rotatably mounted between the upper portion and the lower portion. The or each cam may be arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation may be parallel to the thickness of the board/perpendicular to the plane of the board. The axis of rotation may be parallel to the height of the clamp.

The or each cam may have a height less than that of the spacer. The or each cam may be longer in a first dimension perpendicular to the height than a second dimension perpendicular to the height, such that the cam can be rotated (around its axis of rotation) to extend a varying distance inward towards the board. The or each cam may extend between the spacer and the board.

The cam may be arranged to fit within a space adjacent the spacer formed by a bevelled (or otherwise shaped) edge of the board, and to make contact with the board at a narrower portion of the board. An inner portion of the spacer may make contact with the edge of the board at a wider portion of the board wider.

The cam may comprise formations, such as teeth, arranged to engage with formations, such as teeth, on the spacer (and/or on the upper and/or lower portion) such that, once the clamp is tightened, the cam cannot rotate.

The cam may be aligned with an elongate protrusion in use. For example, the axis of rotation may be provided by a bolt or screw passing through a hole from which the elongate protrusion extends.

The mount may further comprise a second cam; each cam may be aligned with an elongate protrusion of each of the first and second pairs of elongate protrusions. An axis of rotation of the or each cam may be aligned with an elongate protrusion.

The outer portion of the spacer may be positioned further from the board than the urging means in use.

The clamp may comprise a connector or connecting means arranged to allow a hydrofoil and/or fin to be attached thereto. The connector may be integral with the clamp. The connector or connecting means may be inboard from the urging means. Advantageously, this may facilitate forces on the hydrofoil and/or fin being reacted into the board. A mount comprising a connector for a fin may be described as a fin mount (for a watersports board). A mount comprising a connector for a hydrofoil may be described as a hydrofoil mount (for a watersports board).

The watersports board mount may further comprise a second clamp arranged to receive a second edge of the board. The second edge may be opposite the first edge.

The second clamp may comprise the features of the first clamp. The second clamp may be identical to the first clamp.

The first and second clamps may be arranged, in use, to be directly opposite each other. The first and second clamps may be aligned such that pairs of the elongate protrusions of each clamp may be at least substantially collinear.

The first and second clamps may each comprise a connector arranged to allow a fin to be mounted to the board. The connector may be attached to, or integral with, the lower portion of the clamp.

The first and second clamps may each comprise a connector arranged to allow a hydrofoil to be mounted to the board. The connector may be attached to, or integral with, the lower portion of the clamp. The hydrofoil may be mounted in an orientation aligned with the board width. Each clamp may be arranged to have one end region of the hydrofoil attached thereto (directly or indirectly, e.g. via a separable strut).

Each clamp may comprise a pair of guide holes passing vertically through the upper and lower portions, the guide holes being sized to receive a line, such as a kiterope. Each clamp may further comprise a rotatable tightening peg located on the upper portion and between the guide holes and arranged to have the line twisted therearound, so as to tighten each clamp when the line is run between the pair of clamps and the tightening peg rotated.

Each clamp may further comprise a pair of guide channels parallel to the board width, each guide channel being sized to receive the line and leading from an inner edge of the clamp outward to one of the guide holes.

The tightening peg may comprise formations, such as teeth, arranged to interlock with formations, such as teeth, of or associated with the upper portion once the clamp has been tightened, so as to prevent the tightening peg from loosening.

The teeth may be angled such that the tightening peg cannot rotate in the loosening direction (e.g. anticlockwise) when pushed down onto the peg mount. The teeth may be angled such that the tightening peg is rotated further in the tightening direction (e.g. clockwise) when pushed down onto the peg mount.

In embodiments with a spacer, the guide holes may extend through the spacer.

The guide holes may be sized to receive a kiteboarding line, otherwise known as a kiterope.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board assembly comprising a watersports board having a width, a length perpendicular to the width, a thickness perpendicular to the width and length, and first and second edges along the length of the board; and a mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to the board.

The mount may be as described for the first aspect.

In particular, the mount may comprise a first clamp arranged to receive the first edge of the board, the clamp comprising: an upper portion , the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board (e.g. along the board’s width); a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and perpendicular to the first edge of the board (e.g. along the board’s width), the upper and lower portions being spaced so as to receive the thickness of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to urge the upper and lower portions together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp.

Contact between the clamp and the board may be made by and between contact surfaces of the aligned elongate protrusions.

The mount may comprise a second clamp arranged to receive a second edge of the board, the second edge being opposite the first edge and the second clamp comprising the features of the first clamp, both clamps being oriented across the width of the board.

The watersports board may be a kiteboard, for example a twin tip kiteboard.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydrofoil assembly comprising: a hydrofoil arranged, in use, to extend the width of a watersports board; a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board; and a second clamp arranged to receive a second side of the board, the second edge being opposite the first edge.

Each clamp is arranged to have one end region of the hydrofoil attached thereto and comprises: an upper portion , the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use; a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp.

Each clamp may comprise any or all of the features described for the first aspect of the invention.

The hydrofoil assembly may be arranged to be mounted to a surfboard, for example a kiteboard.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to a watersports board. The mount comprises a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board.

The clamp comprises: an upper portion having an inner region and an outer region; a lower portion having an inner region and an outer region, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board between the inner regions thereof; a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions and adjacent the edge of the board in use; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together, and to be adjacent the edge of the board in use, wherein the spacer is arranged to determine a minimum spacing between an outer region of the upper portion and an outer region of the lower portion, the outer regions of the upper and lower portions being further from the edge of the board than the urging means in use.

The spacer may have a thickness greater than the thickness of the board, at least at the thickest point of the spacer. The thickness of the spacer may determine the minimum spacing between the outer region of the upper portion and the outer region of the lower portion. The thickness of the thickest point of the spacer may determine the minimum spacing between the outer region of the upper portion and the outer region of the lower portion.

The spacer may have an inner portion adjacent the first edge of the board and an outer portion further from the board. The outer portion of the spacer may be positioned further from the board than the urging means in use.

The spacer may comprise a horizontal lower surface, and an upper surface of which at least a portion is angled such that the height of the spacer reduces towards the board in use.

The urging means may comprise two holes arranged to receive tightening screws, the holes passing through the spacer.

The mount may further comprise a cam, the cam being rotatably mounted between the upper portion and the lower portion. The cam may have a height less than that of the spacer. The cam may be longer in a first dimension than a second dimension, such that the cam can be rotated to extend a varying distance inward towards the board from the spacer. The cam may be arranged to fit within a space adjacent the spacer formed by a bevelled edge of the board, and to make contact with the board at its narrower portion. The cam may comprise formations arranged to engage with formations on the spacer, or on the upper portion, such that the cam cannot rotate once the clamp is tightened.

The mount may further comprise a second cam, each cam being aligned with an elongate protrusion of each of the first and second pairs of elongate protrusions in use.

The mount may have any or all of the features described with respect to the first aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board comprising a watersports board mount according to the fourth aspect.

The watersports board may have any or all of the features described with respect to the second aspect.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydrofoil assembly comprising a watersports board mount according to the fourth aspect, the watersports board mount comprising two clamps, and a hydrofoil extending between the clamps.

The hydrofoil assembly may have any of the features described with respect to the third aspect.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or a pair of fins to be mounted to a watersports board. The mount comprises a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board and a second clamp arranged to receive a second edge of the board opposite the first edge.

At least one of the two clamps comprises: an upper portion comprising a rotatable tightening peg and a first pair of guide holes passing vertically therethrough, the guide holes being sized to receive a line and positioned one on either side of the tightening peg; a lower portion comprising a second pair of guide holes passing vertically therethrough, the guide holes being sized to receive the line; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together so as to grip the board in use.

The rotatable tightening peg is arranged to have the line twisted therearound, so as to pull the clamps together and more tightly onto the board when the line is run between the pair of clamps and the tightening peg rotated.

In some embodiments, only one of the two clamps may comprise a tightening peg.

The clamp may further comprise a pair of guide channels parallel to the board width, each guide channel being sized to receive the line and leading from an inner edge of the clamp outward to one of the guide holes.

The tightening peg may further comprise formations arranged to interlock with formations of the upper portion once the clamp has been tightened so as to prevent the tightening peg from loosening.

Each clamp may further comprise a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions, and the guide holes may extend through the spacer.

The guide holes, and the guide channels where present, may be sized to receive a kiteboarding line.

The mount may have any or all of the features described with respect to the first and/or fourth aspects.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board comprising a watersports board mount according to the seventh aspect.

The watersports board may have any or all of the features described with respect to the second and/or fifth aspects.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydrofoil assembly comprising a watersports board mount according to the seventh aspect, the watersports board mount comprising two clamps, and a hydrofoil extending between the two clamps.

The hydrofoil assembly may have any of the features described with respect to the third and/or sixth aspects.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of attaching a watersports board mount to a watersports board comprising first and second clamps on opposing sides of the board, the method comprising: passing a line through a guide hole through the first clamp; passing the line through a guide hole through the second clamp; attaching the line to a rotatable tightening peg mounted on the first clamp; rotating the tightening peg so as to wrap a portion of the line therearound, thereby pulling the line taut; and tightening the clamps.

Each clamp may comprise a tightening peg. Each end of the line may be connected to a different one of the two pegs. Both pegs may be rotated, or one may be held stationary.

Both ends of the line may be connected to the same tightening peg. The line may cross the board multiple times.

Each clamp may have two guide holes, one either side of the tightening peg. The line may be passed through each guide hole.

Multiple lines may be used; for example, two lines may be used and each may be tightened by a different tightening peg, e.g. one on each clamp. One line may be passed through and between the guide holes on a first side of the tightening pegs. The other line may be passed through and between the guide holes on a second side of the tightening pegs.

The tightening pegs may have one or more apertures, clips or arms arranged to allow the line to be secured thereto and/or to facilitate rotation of the peg by a user. The line may be at least partially secured to the peg by overlapping itself on a first rotation. For example, a first end of the line may be laid at least substantially vertically along the height of the peg, passing through an aperture or over an arm of the peg. A portion of the line may then be wound around the peg, for example by rotating the peg, so overlapping the vertical portion of the line and holding it in place.

The skilled person will appreciate that embodiments may facilitate achieving a closer fit/tighter securement of the pair of clamps to the board.

According to an eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to a watersports board. The mount comprises a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board.

The clamp comprises: an upper portion; a lower portion, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board therebetween; a first cam arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions and adjacent the edge of the board in use, the first cam being rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together, and to be adjacent the edge of the board in use, wherein the cam is longer in a first dimension perpendicular to the axis of rotation than in a second dimension perpendicular to the axis of rotation, such that the cam can be rotated to extend a varying distance inward towards the board

An edge of the cam closest to the board may make contact with the edge of the board.

The skilled person will appreciate that watersports boards may not have square edges - they may have curved, bevelled, angled, chamfered or stepped edges, for example, and/or an edge may be irregular, for example due to damage. Further, different watersports boards may have different edge shapes, and it may be desirable to use the same mount with a variety of different edge shapes.

The cam may be arranged to reduce or prevent movement of the mount with respect to the board, for example by rocking.

The cam may be used in conjunction with a spacer as discussed in relation to the preceding aspects. The cam may have a height less than that of the spacer. The cam may be arranged to be rotated to extend a varying distance inward towards the board from the spacer. The cam may be arranged to fit within a space adjacent the spacer formed by an edge of the board, and to make contact with the board at its narrower portion. The cam may be mounted on the spacer, and/or between the spacer and the upper portion of the clamp. The cam may comprise formations arranged to engage with formations on the spacer, and/or on the upper portion, such that the cam cannot rotate once the clamp is tightened.

The mount may further comprise a second cam. The first and second cams may be spaced apart from each other along a length of the mount.

The skilled person will appreciate that the presence of two or more cams may further inhibit relative movement of the board and clamp.

In embodiments with elongate protrusions as discussed in relation to the preceding aspects, each cam may be aligned with an elongate protrusion of each of the first and second pairs of elongate protrusions in use.

The mount may have any or all of the features described with respect to earlier aspects.

According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a watersports board comprising a watersports board mount according to the eleventh aspect.

The watersports board may have any or all of the features described with respect to earlier aspects.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a hydrofoil assembly comprising a watersports board mount according to the eleventh aspect with two clamps, and a hydrofoil extending between the clamps.

The hydrofoil assembly may have any or all of the features described with respect to earlier aspects.

The skilled person would understand that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to any other aspect of the invention.

The skilled person will appreciate that, as board edge shape, thickness, and/or curvature may vary between boards and within a given board, it may be desirable to have a mount which can be used with a variety of boards and/or at different positions on one board. The elongate protrusions as described herein may facilitate a mount accommodating a variety of board curvatures. The spacers as described herein may facilitate a mount accommodating a variety of board thicknesses. The cams as described herein may facilitate a mount accommodating a variety of board edge shapes. The skilled person will appreciate that a mount with elongate protrusions, a spacer and one or more cams may provide increased flexibility as compared to a mount with only one or two of these features.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a hydrofoil assembly of an embodiment connected to a watersports board, the hydrofoil assembly comprising a mount comprising two clamps;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the hydrofoil assembly of Figure 1;

Figure 3A shows a side view of the hydrofoil assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 3B shows a plan view of the hydrofoil assembly of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4A shows an end view of a mount of an embodiment in the closed (clamped) position;

Figure 4B shows an exploded end view of the mount of Figure 4A in the open (unclamped) position;

Figure 5A shows an exploded perspective view of the mount of Figures 4A and 4B from the outer side (i.e. the side further from the board in use);

Figure 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the mount of Figures 4A and 4B from the inner side (i.e. the side closer to the board in use);

Figure 6 shows a schematic plan view of a board with a pair of clamps of an embodiment connected thereto;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of a clamp of an embodiment, showing the elongate protrusions;

Figure 8 is a side view of a lower portion of the clamp of Figure 7;

Figure 9A is a schematic sectional view showing a mount of an embodiment connected to a board;

Figure 9B is a schematic sectional view showing a mount without elongate protrusions connected to a board;

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a spacer of an embodiment and two cams;

Figure 11 shows a side view of the spacer and cams of Figure 10;

Figure 12A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mount of an embodiment including a spacer connected to a board;

Figure 12B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a mount of an embodiment without a spacer connected to a board;

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show schematic cross-sectional views of a mount of an embodiment connected to boards of three different thicknesses;

Figure 14 shows a pair of clamps with a line connected therebetween;

Figure 15 shows the tightening peg of the clamps of Figure 14;

Figures 16A and 16B show a close-up of a portion of one clamp of Figure 14 with the line loose (A) and tightened (B); and

Figure 17 illustrates steps of a method of securing a mount to a board.

Embodiments are described with respect to hydrofoil attachment to kiteboards, and in particular to attachment of a single wing hydrofoil across the width of a twin tip kiteboard.

However, the skilled person will appreciate that mounts of various embodiments can be used with any kind of surfboard, and/or with any kind of watersports board more generally. Further, mounts of various embodiments may be used to attach one or more fins to a board instead of, or as well as, one or more hydrofoils, and/or for different designs of hydrofoil.

Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a hydrofoil assembly 300 attached to a watersports board 200. In the embodiment shown, the watersports board 200 is a surfboard, and more specifically is a twin tip kiteboard 200.

The board 200 has a length, L, and a width, W, as shown in Figure 6. The board 200 also has a thickness (or height), H, perpendicular to the length and width.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 6, the width varies along the length of the board 200.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 6, the thickness is substantially constant across the length and width. In other embodiments, the thickness may vary, for example with the board 200 having one or more bevelled, or otherwise shaped, edges. Additionally or alternatively, the board 200 may be curved along the length and/or width.

The hydrofoil assembly 300 comprises a hydrofoil 320 and a mount 100 arranged to connect the hydrofoil 320 to a board 200.

In the embodiment shown, the hydrofoil 320 is arranged to extend across the width of the board 200. In the embodiment shown, the hydrofoil 320 has one end region at or near one edge 210a of the board 200 and a second end region at or near another edge 210b of the board 200, and the hydrofoil 320 is arranged to be attached to the board 200 at each end region.

In the embodiment shown, the hydrofoil 320 is wing-shaped, with an apex 322 forming its lowest point, mid-way between the end regions. The skilled person will appreciate that other designs of hydrofoil may be used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown, the hydrofoil assembly 300 further comprises two struts 310a, 310b. Each strut 310a, 310b extends between the hydrofoil 320 and the board 200. The struts 310a, 310b are arranged to space the hydrofoil 320 from the board 200.

The hydrofoil assembly 300 further comprises the mounting assembly 100. In the embodiment shown, the mounting assembly 100 comprises two clamps 100a, 100b.

Each clamp 100a, 100b is mounted on one edge 210a, 210b of the board 200. In the embodiment shown, the clamps 100a, 100b are mounted on opposing edges 210a, 210b of the board 200, and aligned with each other across the board’s width. In alternative embodiments, the two clamps 100a, 100b may be arranged differently; for example being on the same edge as each other, or not being aligned.

In alternative embodiments, the mounting assembly 100 may comprise only a single clamp 100a, or may comprise more than two clamps. For example, a single clamp 100a may be used to attach a single fin or centrally-mounted hydrofoil to a board 200, or a set of three clamps 100a,b may be used to secure three fins to a board 200, e.g. one central, rear-mounted fin mounted on a rear edge 210c and a pair of fins mounted one on each side edge 210a, 210b, forward of the rear-mounted fin.

In the embodiment shown, an upper end of each strut 310a, 310b is arranged to be detachably connected to a lower portion 140 of the corresponding clamp 100a, 100b (connector not shown - any appropriate connector or connection means known in the art may be used, for example one or more screws or clips). In the embodiment being described, the connector comprises s screw extending through the lower portion 140 and into the strut 310.

In alternative embodiments, the struts 310a, 310b may be integral with the corresponding clamp 100a, 100b, and a lower end of each strut 310a, 310b may be detachably connectable to the hydrofoil 320. In still further embodiments, the struts 310a, 310b may be detachably connectable at each end, such that the struts 310a, 310b can be disconnected from both the clamp 100a, 100b and the hydrofoil 320.

In the embodiment being described, the connection of the struts 310a, 310b to the clamp 100 is located in an inner region of the clamp 100. The struts are arranged inboard from the edge 210a, 210b of the board 200 by a distance d. The inboard spacing may allow the forces to be reacted into the board 200 appropriately, and may reduce or avoid the risk of a chamfered or otherwise shaped edge having a deleterious effect on the mounting angle for the fin(s) and/or hydrofoil(s).

The skilled person will appreciate that, in use for watersports, the hydrofoil 320 is beneath the board 200 (in the orientation shown in Figure 1), and generally at least partially beneath the water. The hydrofoil 320 can therefore be described as a lower portion of the hydrofoil assembly 300, and the mounts 100 as an upper part of the hydrofoil assembly 300. Any discussion of “upper” and “lower” or “vertical” herein is defined with respect to the orientation shown in Figure 1. The skilled person will appreciate that the board 200 and/or hydrofoil assembly 300 may be rotated to any angle and that terms related to orientation are used for clarity of description only, and are not to be held as limiting.

Each clamp 100a, 100b is arranged to be attached to an edge 210a, 210b, 210c of a board 200. Each clamp 100a, 100b has an upper portion 120 and a lower portion 140 and is arranged to engagingly receive the board 200 between the upper 120 and lower 140 portions.

In the embodiment being described, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 are interchangeable, such that the same piece can be used for both the upper portion and the lower portion. The skilled person will appreciate that this may reduce the cost and/or complexity of manufacture by reducing the number of distinct pieces. Each upper and lower portion 120, 140 may therefore be shaped to allow a strut 310a, 310b to be connected thereto, even though only the lower portion 140 receives a strut 310a, 310b in the embodiment shown. In embodiments with tightening pegs 170, as discussed below, the same shaping may be arranged to receive a tightening peg 170, or a connector therefor 172, as a strut 310, or a connector therefor.

In the embodiment being described, the portion shaped to allow a strut 310a, 310b (or fin) to be connected thereto extends downward from the lower portion as compared to the rest of the lower portion 140. The lower portion 140 has a greater height in the vicinity of the connection.

In the embodiment being described, the portion shaped to allow a strut 310a, 310b (or fin) to be connected thereto is located in an inner region of the lower portion 140, such that the connection is inboard (within the footprint of the board when viewed vertically in the orientation shown in Figure 1).

The upper portion 120 is arranged to be above an upper surface of the board 200 in use, in the orientation shown in Figure 1, and to make contact with the upper surface of the board.

The lower portion 140 is arranged to be below a lower surface of the board 200 in use, in the orientation shown in Figure 1, and to make contact with the lower surface of the board.

The upper and lower portions 120, 140 each extend beyond the respective edge 210a, 210b of the board 200. In the embodiment being described, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 each have an outer region which extends beyond the edge of the board 200, away from the board 200. An outer region of each upper and lower portion 120, 140 may therefore be said to be away from the board, whilst an inner region of each upper and lower portions 120, 140 may be said to be within a footprint of the board, i.e. above or below the board 200 in the orientation shown in Figure 1. As used herein, “inner” means closer to a central line along the length of the board 200, whereas “outer” means further from that central line, and optionally outside of a footprint of the board 200 (i.e. not directly below or above the board in the orientation shown in Figure 1).

The upper and lower portions 120, 140 are arranged to grip the board 200.

An urging means is provided. The urging means is arranged to allow the upper and lower portions 120, 140 to be urged or biased towards each other, so as to grip the board 200.

In the embodiment shown, the urging means comprises holes 126a, 126b through the upper portion 120 and corresponding aligned holes 126a, 126b through the lower portion 140.

In the embodiment being described, the holes 126a-b, 146a-b are arranged to receive two bolts 124a, 124b. The two bolts 124a, 124b may be provided as part of the urging means, or separately. In the embodiment shown, the bolt shaft of each bolt passes through one hole 126b, 126a in the upper portion 120 and a corresponding hole 146b, 146a in the lower portion 140. The head of each bolt is too large to pass through the holes 126a, 126b and so rests on the top of the upper portion 120. In alternative embodiments, the bolt 124a, 124b may instead be inserted from the lower side, such that the head of each bolt rests on the lower side of the lower portion 140. A nut 144a, 144b is provided to secure each bolt 124a, 124b in the embodiment shown.

In the embodiment being described, an entrance to each hole 126a-b, 146a-b is shaped to accommodate a nut 144a, 144b so as to prevent a nut therein from turning. The skilled person will appreciate that the upper 120 and lower 140 portions may therefore be exchanged and/or the bolts 124a, 124b may be inserted from either direction - the shaping of the hole 126a-b, 146a-b allows each hole entrance to receive a head of a bolt 124a, 124b in such a way that the bolt head can rotate therein, or a nut 144a, 144b in such a way that the nut cannot rotate therein.

In the embodiment being described, the entrance to each hole 126a-b, 146a-b is hexagonal in cross-section, to accommodate a hexagonal nut. The skilled person will appreciate that other shapes could be used in other embodiments. For example, the entrance to each hole 126a-b, 146a-b could be octagonal, or substantially circular with notches to engagingly receive corners of the nut.

In alternative or additional embodiments, screws, clips or other fasteners may be used instead of or as well as bolts.

In the embodiment being described, each clamp 100 has a length arranged to lie along a portion of the length, L, of the board 200 in use and a width arranged to lie along a portion of the width, W, of the board 200 in use. In the embodiment being described, the length of each clamp 100 is greater than its width; in other embodiments, the length and width may be different, for example being the same or having a width greater than the length.

In the embodiment being described, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 are substantially trapezoidal in cross-section in plan view, with curved corners (see Figure 3B), with the narrower of the two parallel edges inboard from the longer edge. In alternative embodiments, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 may be substantially oval, square or rectangular in cross-section in plan view.

In the embodiment being described, the two bolts 124a, 124b are positioned in the outer region of the clamp 100; and closer to an outer edge of the clamp than to an inner edge of the clamp in the embodiment shown. The two bolts 124a, 124b are arranged to pass adjacent to the board 200, and not through the board 200, as indicated in Figure 6 and shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

The upper portion 120 comprises a first pair 122 of elongate protrusions 122a, 122b on its lower surface. The elongate protrusions 122a, 122b may also be referred to as ridges.

The elongate protrusions 122a, 122b are parallel to each other.

The elongate protrusions 122a, 122b are arranged to be oriented along the width, W, of the board 200 in use. The elongate protrusions 122a, 122b are arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the edge 210a, 210b of the board 200 to which the corresponding clamp 100 is attached (the skilled person will appreciate that “perpendicular” means at least locally perpendicular in the region of the clamp; noting that the edge may curve).

The lower portion 140 comprises a second pair 142 of elongate protrusions 142a, 142b on its upper surface.

The elongate protrusions 142a, 142b are parallel to each other.

The elongate protrusions 142a, 124b are arranged to be oriented along the width, W, of the board 200 in use. The elongate protrusions 142a, 142b are arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the edge 210a, 210b of the board 200 to which the corresponding clamp 100 is attached (locally perpendicular in the region of the clamp; noting that the edge may curve).

The first and second pairs 122, 142 of elongate protrusions are arranged to align (vertically, in the orientation shown) in use, so as to grip the board 200 therebetween.

The elongate protrusions 122, 142 form the lowest part of the upper portion 120 and the highest part of the lower portion 140, respectively, so providing the points of contact.

The upper surface of the lower portion 140 and the lower surface of the upper portion 120 are arranged to face each other. In the embodiments being described, the upper and lower surfaces each define a plane from which the elongate protrusions 122, 142, which have a height perpendicular to the defined plane, protrude. As shown in Figures 5A, 5B and 7, the upper and lower surfaces may not be truly planar - they may not have a continuous flat surface - the upper and lower portions 120, 140 are partially hollow in the embodiment shown, and the effective plane is provided by a series of struts and edges in the same plane, with gaps therebetween. The protrusions 122, 142 extend from the plane defined by the struts and edges.

In alternative embodiments, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 may have continuous lower and upper surfaces, respectively. The upper and lower surfaces may be at least substantially planar, except in the vicinity of the elongate protrusions. In such embodiments, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 may be solid instead of hollow.

In the embodiments being described, the lower surface of the lower portion 140 and the upper surface of the upper portion 120 form an outer surface of the clamp 100 once assembled. In the embodiments being described, the outer surface is at least substantially smooth and continuous.

In the embodiments being described, the lower portion 140 has only two elongate protrusions 142a, 142b and the upper portion 120 has only two elongate protrusions 122a, 122b. The aligned pairs of protrusions 122, 142 provide the only points of contact between the clamp 100 and the upper and lower surfaces of the board 200. In some embodiments, the aligned pairs of protrusions 122, 142 provide the only points of contact between the clamp 100 and the board 200.

In the embodiments being described, each elongate protrusion 122, 124 extends inwardly from a hole 126, 146 of the urging means. The elongate protrusions 122, 124 are therefore aligned with the urging means in these embodiments. The alignment may assist force transfer. In alternative embodiments, the elongate protrusions 122, 124 may be offset from the holes 126, 146. The holes 126, 146 are arranged to receive bolts in the embodiment shown, so may be referred to as bolt holes.

In the embodiments being described, each elongate protrusion 122, 124 comprises an annular raised portion around the bolt hole 126, 146 from which it extends, and an inwardly-directed linear portion extending from the annular portion, as is shown most clearly in Figure 7. In alternative embodiments, there may be no annular raised portion.

In still further alternative embodiments, the elongate protrusions 122, 142 may not each be provided by a single ridge. Instead, one or more of the elongate protrusions may be provided by a plurality of collinear shorter ridges, or a plurality of collinear pegs. In some embodiments, the elongate protrusions 142 on the lower portion 140 may take the form of a single ridge and the elongate protrusions 122 on the upper portion 120 may take the form of a plurality of collinear pegs, or vice versa. The elongate protrusions 122 on the upper portion 120 may extend a shorter distance than those of the lower portion 140, and the upper elongate protrusions 122 may be located along only the inner region of the upper portion 120 (Figure 13 illustrates why having the upper elongate protrusions 122 in the inner region only may be appropriate - contact may not be made in the outer region in some scenarios).

Figure 9A, which is a cross-sectional view from within the board 200, taken through the clamp 100 and looking towards the edge 210a to which the clamp 100 is attached, illustrates the contact between aligned protrusions 122a, 142a and 122b and 142b.

Figure 9A illustrates the curvature of a board 200. The skilled person will appreciate that the use of two lines of contact (one between each of the aligned pairs of elongate protrusions) may avoid putting strain on or distorting the board 200 as the board 200 may curve within the footprint of the upper and lower portions 120, 140. The elongate protrusions 122, 142 provide two distinct points, or lines, of contact which extend along the width of the board 200, so allowing for curvature along the length of the board.

By contrast, if there were no elongate protrusions, as shown in Figure 9B, the curvature of the board 200 may be forced flat, distorting the board, (or simply straining the board) as the clamp is tightened.

Similarly, three or more pairs of elongate protrusions 122, 142 spaced along the length of the clamp 100 may distort curvature of the board 200, unless the heights of the elongate protrusions were selected to match the board curvature. The skilled person will appreciate that curvature varies from board to board, and that different clamps 100 may therefore be required for different boards, so reducing flexibility of use.

Each elongate protrusion 122, 142 has a contact surface arranged to make contact with a board 200 in use. For the elongate protrusions 142 of the lower portion 140, the contact surface is at least a portion of the upper surface of each elongate protrusion. For the elongate protrusions 122 of the upper portion 120, the contact surface is at least a portion of the lower surface of each elongate protrusion.

In the embodiment being described, the elongate protrusions 122, 142 have curved or domed contact surfaces. Contact is made along lines of contact along a peak of the contact surface. The lines of contact are therefore relatively narrow with respect to width of the elongate protrusion. In the embodiments being described, the peaks of the curved contact surfaces are aligned on opposing elongate protrusions 122, 142.

In alternative embodiments, the contact surfaces may be angled instead of domed, such that contact is made along a sharper peak.

In the embodiment being described, each elongate protrusion 122, 124 has a height/thickness of between 0.5 mm and 2 mm, and more particularly of around 1 mm.

The skilled person will appreciate that the height should be selected to be sufficient to ensure that it is the contact surfaces of the elongate protrusions clamping on the board 200, rather than another part of the clamp 100, whilst keeping the connector for attaching a fin or hydrofoil to the mount on the underside reasonably close to the board 200.

In the embodiment being described, direct contact is made by and between contact surfaces of the elongate protrusions 122, 142 and the board 200. In alternative embodiments, an intervening layer of a protective material may be used between the elongate protrusions 122, 142 and the board 200. The protective material may be a compliant material. For example, one or more strips or sheets of rubber may be provided as the layer of protective material. The protective material may be attached to or integral with the clamp 100, e.g. protruding from an upper and/or lower portion 120, 140 as a flap, or may be separate.

In the embodiment being described, the elongate protrusions 122, 142 are rigid. In alternative embodiments, the elongate protrusions 122, 142 may be made of, or comprise, a compliant material. In some such embodiments, a contact surface of each of the elongate protrusions 122, 142 may be compliant. The skilled person will appreciate that this may reduce the risk of scratching or other damage resulting from interaction of the clamp 100 with the board 200.

In the embodiment being described, each elongate protrusion 122, 142 has a length (aligned with the width of the board in the embodiments shown/perpendicular to the edge to which the clamp 100 is attached) of between 10 mm and 60 mm, and more specifically of around 20 mm. The skilled person will appreciate that the length may vary with the size of the clamp 100, and that the size of the clamp may be varied based on various considerations, including positioning the screws 124a, 124b (discussed below) as close to the edge 210a of the board 200 as possible and the strut (or fin) connector a reasonable distance inboard from the edge 210a so that forces on the fin(s) and/or hydrofoil(s) are reacted into the board 200.

In the embodiment being described, the elongate protrusions of each pair 122, 144 of elongate protrusions are spaced apart by between 50 mm and 90 mm, and more specifically are around 75 mm apart. The skilled person will appreciate that the spacing may be selected to provide front-back stability: the further apart, the greater stability. However, this may be tempered by larger parts being more likely to produce more drag, resulting in a desire for a smaller spacing. Higher protrusions may be appropriate for a wider spacing, to allow for more board curvature therebetween.

The spacing, s, between elongate protrusions may also serve to reduce the likelihood of the clamp 100 sliding along the edge 210a of the board 200. As demonstrated schematically in Figure 6 (with the spacing 5 exaggerated) the curve of the edge 210a of the board 200 may create a “bulge” between the two contact points of the clamp 100, so making sliding more difficult.

The skilled person will appreciate that the height, length and/or spacing may therefore vary with board design - for example, a different standard height, length and/or spacing may be provided for kiteboards as compared to other surfboards, or as compared to paddle or wake boards, due to design differences between the board types. A suitable height, length and/or spacing may also vary with board design within any particular board type.

In the embodiment being described, each clamp 100 further comprises a spacer 150. The spacer 150 is arranged to lie between the upper 120 and lower 140 portions and adjacent to the edge 210a, 210b of the board 200. An inner part of the spacer may make contact with the edge 210a, 210b of the board 200 in some embodiments. The spacer 150 is arranged to be adjacent to, but at least substantially outside of the footprint of, the board 200 in use. In the embodiment being described, the spacer is completely outside of the footprint of the board 200 in use, i.e. they do not overlap vertically in the orientation shown in Figure 1. In some embodiments there may be a slight overlap where the edge 210a of the board 200 is not (vertically, in the orientation shown in Figure 1) straight.

In the embodiment being described, the spacer 150 comprises two holes 156a, 156b. The holes 156a, 156b are arranged to align with the holes 126a, 126b in the lower portion 120 and the holes 146a, 146b in the upper portion 140 such that the bolts 124a, 124b each pass through one hole in the upper portion, one hole in the spacer, and one hole in the lower portion. The holes 156a, 156b may therefore be considered as part of the urging means as they are arranged to allow bolts 124a, 124b to be inserted through the clamp 100 so as to urge the upper and lower portions 120, 140 together.

The spacer 150 has a thickness and is arranged to limit a minimum spacing between the upper 120 and lower 140 portions, at least at their outer regions.

In the embodiment being described, the spacer 150 comprises a horizontal lower surface arranged to make contact with an upper surface of the lower portion 140 in use.

In the embodiment being described, the spacer 150 comprises an upper surface arranged to make contact with a lower surface of the upper portion 120 in use. In the embodiment shown, at least a portion of the upper surface is angled such that the height of the spacer 150 reduces towards the board 200.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, 7, 10 and 11, the upper surface 152 of the spacer 150 comprises a horizontal outer portion 152a, a sloped middle portion 152b, and a horizontal inner portion 152c. The horizontal inner portion 152c is closer to the lower surface of the spacer than the horizontal outer portion 152a.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 12A and 13, the upper surface 152 of the spacer 150 is sloped at a constant angle between its outer edge and inner edge.

The skilled person will appreciate that having the horizontal surface as the lower surface of the spacer 150, and therefore the lower portion 140 horizontal (aligned with the plane of the board) may be advantageous in many embodiments as the strut 310, fin or the likes connected to the lower portion 140 may therefore be connected such that it is perpendicular to the plane of the board 200.

Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the effect of having a spacer 150.

In Figure 12B, no spacer is present. When the clamp 100 is tightened, by tightening the nut 144a onto the bolt 124a in the embodiment shown, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 splay around the board 200 such that their outer regions are closer than their inner regions. In this scenario, the only points of contact between the clamp 100 and the board 200 are likely to be right at the edge of the board 200. The skilled person will appreciate that, especially given the cured, chamfered or bevelled edges of many boards, contact points at the edge of the board may be ineffective.

In Figure 12A, a spacer 150 is present. The spacer 150 is thicker, at least at its thickest point, than the board 200. The spacer 150 prevents the outer regions of the upper and lower portions 120, 140 from moving closer together than the thickness of the spacer 100 in its outer region. When the clamp 100 is tightened, by tightening the nut 144a onto the bolt 124a in the embodiment shown, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 therefore cannot splay as shown for Figure 12B. Instead, the lower portion 140 makes contact with the horizontal lower surface of the spacer 150 and remains horizontal, and the upper portion 120 slopes towards the board 200. In this scenario, the points of contact between the clamp 100 and the board 200 are inward from the edge of the board, in the lower region of the sloped upper portion 120. The skilled person will appreciate that the inboard contact points may provide a more effective grip than the edge contact points of the embodiment shown in Figure 12B.

Figure 13 illustrates use of the same clamp 100, with the same spacer 150, with three boards 200a, 200b, 200c of different widths.

Figure 13A shows a board 200a with a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the spacer 150 at the spacer’s thickest point. The upper and lower portions 120, 140 are therefore both held substantially parallel/horizontal. Contact is made along at least substantially the full length of the elongate protrusions 122, 142 in this example.

The skilled person would appreciate that a flat spacer 150 (both upper and lower surfaces horizontal) would have the same effect. However, if the spacer were even slightly thinner than the board 200a (under-sized), the clamp 100 would splay as shown in Figure 12B, and, if the spacer 100 were oversized, the clamp 100 may not grip the board effectively. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the skilled person would appreciate that it may be difficult to provide a spacer the exact thickness of the board 200a, and, even if the thickness matched exactly, the end result may then be clamping on the spacer and the board evenly, as opposed to increased clamping on the board.

Figure 13B shows a board 200b with a thickness slightly less than that of the board 200a in Figure 13A. The upper portion 120 is angled inwards towards the board 200b by the angled spacer 150. Contact is made along at least an inner portion of the length of the upper elongate protrusions 122 in this example.

Figure 13C shows a board 200c with a thickness slightly less than that of the board 200b in Figure 13B. The upper portion 120 is angled inwards towards the board 200c by the angled spacer 150, at a steeper angle than that shown in Figure 13B. Contact is made along at least an inner portion of the length of the upper elongate protrusions 122 in this example. The portion of the length in contact may be shorter for this example than the example of Figure 13B. The portion of the length in contact may be a point at the inner end of each elongate protrusion 122.

The use of spacers 150 with an angled surface may therefore allow a range of board widths to be accommodated and gripped by the same clamp 100.

The skilled person will appreciate that a spacer 150 may be used in clamps 100 with or without elongate protrusions 122, 142.

The skilled person will appreciate that using both a spacer 150 and elongate protrusions 122, 142 may allow a greater variety of boards 200 to be used with the same mount 100, as different thicknesses and curvatures may be accommodated.

In the embodiment being described, the spacer 150 is provided as a single piece. In alternative or additional embodiments, a second part of the spacer 150 may be provided. The dotted line in Figure 11 illustrates how a spacer may be separated into two parts. A lower part with horizontal upper and lower surfaces may be added to increase the overall thickness of the spacer 150, or removed to reduce the overall thickness of the spacer 150. A wider variety of board thicknesses may therefore be accommodated by adjusting overall spacer thickness.

In the embodiment being described, each clamp 100 further comprises two cams 160a, 160b. The cams 160a, 160b are arranged to be mounted between the lower portion 140 and the upper portion 120. In the embodiment shown, the cams 160a, 160b are arranged to be mounted on a lower part 152c of the spacer 150, such that they are positioned between the upper portion 120 of the clamp and the lower part of the spacer, as shown in Figure 11.

The cams 160a, 160b are each arranged to be rotatable. In the embodiment being described, the cams 160a, 160b are longer in a first dimension than a second dimension such that the extension of the cam towards the board 200 can be adjusted by rotating the cam. In the embodiment being described, the cams 160a, 160b are substantially egg-shaped or teardropshaped in horizontal cross-section.

The skilled person will appreciate that board edges may differ in shape, with some being curved, bevelled, chamfered or otherwise shaped. The cam 160 may be rotated so as to make contact with the edge 210a of the board 200 to which the clamp 100 is attached. Different angles of rotation may be appropriate for different boards, dependent on edge shape. The additional contact points with the board 200 provided by the cams 160a, 160b may help to reduce the risk of slippage of the clamp 100.

In the embodiment being described, an upper surface of the edge of each bolt hole 156a, 156b through the spacer 150 is provided with teeth 151. The teeth 151 are arranged to interlock with teeth 161 of the cam 160. In alternative or additional embodiments, a lower surface of the bolt hole 126a, 126b in the upper portion 120 may be provided with teeth to interlock with teeth of the cam 160, instead of or as well as teeth of the spacer interlocking with teeth 161 of the cam 160. In alternative or additional embodiments, a pin, clip, other inter-engaging formation or the likes may be provided to hold the cam 160 in place, instead of teeth. Additionally or alternatively, removable cams of different sizes may be provided instead of, or as well as, a cam which can be rotated to create the effect of a cam of a variety of different sizes.

In the embodiment being described, the cams 160a, 160b have a hole therethrough arranged to receive the shaft of the bolt 124a, 124b. When the bolt 124 is tightened, the cam 160 is held in place by the inter-engaging formations.

The skilled person will appreciate that, in alternative embodiments, rotatable cams 160a, 160b may be used in clamps without elongate protrusions, and/or without spacers. In embodiments without spacers, the cam 160 may be mounted on the upper and/or lower portions or on the urging means.

In the embodiment shown, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 have streamlined shapes which may reduce drag. The spacer 150 fits with the upper and lower portions 120, 140 as shown in Figures 16A and 16B so as to produce a smooth outer surface for the clamp 100, which may further reduce drag.

In the embodiment being described, the spacer 150 comprises end regions 154a, 154b arranged to provide a smooth line between the outer surface of the clamp 100 and the edge 210a of the board 200 to which the clamp 100 is attached. The end regions 154a, 154b are angled towards the board 200, so avoiding a sharp step outward in width between the board edge 210 and the outer edge of the clamp 100. The shaping of the end regions 154 of the spacer 150 may reduce drag.

In the embodiment being described with respect to Figure 2, each clamp 100 further comprises a tightening peg 170 (see Figure 15). The tightening peg 170 is arranged to be received on the upper portion 120, in the centre of the upper portion (between the urging means) in the embodiment shown.

The tightening peg is arranged to be rotatably mounted on the upper portion 120. In the embodiment shown, the rotatable mounting us provided by a mounting bolt 174 and a nut 176 positioned on the far side of the upper portion 120 from the head of the mounting bolt 174 and arranged to receive the shaft of the mounting bolt. The nut is received in an indentation 143 in the lower portion 140 of the clamp 100 in the embodiment shown, such that it cannot rotate.

The tightening peg 170 of the embodiment shown is substantially cylindrical and comprises two radial protrusions 171a, 171b. The radial protrusions 171 are arranged to facilitate rotation of the tightening peg 170, and/or to allow a line 400 to be connected thereto. The tightening peg 170 may be differently shaped in some embodiments, and may comprise an additional or alternative gripping feature for rotation and/or line attachment.

The line 400 may be a kiterope, or any other suitable wire, cord, rope, string or the likes.

In the embodiment shown, each clamp 100 further comprises a peg mount 172 which is arranged to fit within an indentation 125 in the upper surface of the upper portion 120. The peg mount 172 is shaped such that it cannot rotate within the indentation 125.

The peg mount 172 comprises upwardly-directed teeth arranged to interlock with teeth on a lower surface of the tightening peg 170 in the embodiment shown. In alternative or additional embodiments, a pin, catch or other inter-engaging formation(s) may be provided to as well as or instead of teeth. In still further embodiments, no separate peg mount may be provided and the tightening peg 170 may instead be directly mounted on the upper portion 120.

In the embodiment being described, the teeth are symmetrical. In alternative embodiments, the teeth may be angled such that the tightening peg 170 cannot rotate in the loosening direction when pushed down onto the peg mount 172. The teeth may be angled such that the tightening peg 170 is rotated further in the tightening direction when pushed down onto the peg mount 172. For example, each tooth may have a vertical edge and a sloped edge, the slope being angled in the direction of rotation used for tightening.

As teeth or other inter-engaging formations may wear with use, it may be desirable to have the tightening peg 170 and peg mount 172 separable from the rest of the clamp such that these may be replaced. The same consideration may apply to the cams 160 and/or spacer 150, where present.

The upper portion 120 comprises a pair of line guide holes or tunnels 129a, 129b, each sized to allow the line 400 to pass therethrough. The line guide holes 129a, 129b are aligned with line guide holes/tunnels 149a, 149b in the lower portion 140. In embodiments with a spacer 150, line guide holes/tunnels may also be provided through the spacer.

In the embodiment shown, the line guide holes/tunnels pass vertically through the clamp 100.

In the embodiment shown, the line guide holes/tunnels 129, 149 are positioned adjacent to the bolt holes 126, 146 of the urging means, and both between the bolt holes 126, 146 of the urging means.

The line guide holes/tunnels 129, 149 are arranged such that the line 400 can pass all the way through the clamp 100. A pair of line guide holes/tunnels is provided, one either side of the centre, in the embodiment being described. This may facilitate a more even force distribution when used as described below.

In the embodiment shown, the upper and lower portions 120, 140 each comprise a pair of line guide channels 127, 147 - the channels are in the upper surface of the upper portion 120 and the lower surface of the lower portion 140. The line guide channels 127, 147 each extend inwardly from one of the line guide holes 129, 149. The line guide channels 127, 147 are parallel to each other. The line guide channels 127, 147 are perpendicular to the edge of the board 200 to which the clamp 100 is attached.

The line guide channels 127, 147 serve to direct the line 400 when used as described below.

The line 400 may be used in conjunction with the tightening peg 170 to assist with attaching a mount comprising two clamps 100 to a board 200 (see Figures 14 to 16). The method 500 is described with respect to Figure 17.

At step 501, the line 400 is threaded through the first clamp 100a. In the embodiment being described, the line is threaded through a first channel, provided by a line guide tunnel 129, 149 through the upper portion 120, lower portion 140, and spacer 150 if present.

At step 502, the line 400 is threaded through the second clamp 100b, on the opposing edge of the board 200 from the first clamp 100a. In the embodiment being described, the line 400 is threaded through a first channel, provided by a line guide tunnel 129, 149 through the upper portion 120, lower portion 140, and spacer 150 if present.

In the embodiment being described, the tightening peg 170 has two arms 171. In alternative or additional embodiments, the peg 170 may comprise one or more apertures or grooves sized to allow the line to be passed therethrough, and optionally to be tied thereto. In alternative embodiments, the peg 170 may have no arms 171.

At step 503, an end region of the line is looped over one of the two arms 171a.

The tightening peg 170 is then rotated once, at step 504, holding an end region of the line in place, such that a portion of the line wraps around the peg 170 and secures the end region in place. The line 400 may therefore hold itself in place for further rotations.

In additional or alternative embodiments, a clip, pin or the likes may be provided to secure the end region of the line 400, or one or more knots may be used, and a first rotation 504 may not be needed or used to secure the line.

The skilled person will appreciate that the steps 501-504 may be performed in any reasonable order, and that intervening steps may be inserted. For example, a line may be inserted through each clamp 100a, 100b, or through one of the two clamps 100 twice, optionally by passing through each of two (or two or more of a plurality of) line guide tunnels 129a, 129b in each clamp. Additionally or alternatively, one end of the line 400 may be attached to the tightening peg 170, or to a different tightening peg, prior to threading the line through the clamps 100a,b.

The tightening peg 170 is then rotated 505, winding more of the line 400 around the peg 170, and thereby pulling the clamps 100a, 100b in onto the board edges 210a, 210b once the line 400 is taut.

Once a user has rotated the peg 170 as far as reasonably possible/so that the line 400 is taut, the peg 170 may be fixed in place 506. In the embodiment being described, the peg 170 is pushed down onto the peg mount 172, such that the inter-engaging formations interlock and no further rotation is possible. A peg mounting bolt 174 or screw may then be tightened to hold the peg 170 to the peg mount 172.

The line 400 may then be detached and removed.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 14, two lines 400 are used. Each line 400 passes through each clamp 100a, 100b once, and both ends of the line are connected to the same tightening peg 170. Each end region of the line 400 may be looped over one arm 171 of the tightening peg, optionally the same arm.

In alternative embodiments, each end region of the line 400 may be attached to a different tightening peg 170a, 170b, on a different clamp 100a, 100b. Both tightening pegs 170a, 170b may be rotated to tighten the line 400, or one tightening peg 170b may be secured in place and used to hold the line 400 whilst the other tightening peg 170a is rotated.

In alternative embodiments, a single line 400 may be used. The line 400 may pass across the board once (with each end attached to a different tightening peg 170a,b), or twice or more (with each end attached to a different tightening peg or the same tightening peg 170a,b). The line 400 may pass through each clamp 100a, 100b once, or a plurality of times.

The skilled person will appreciate that using two lines 400 may provide redundancy, so if one line fails, the other is still in place. A shorter route for each line may also facilitate tightening of the line.

In the example shown in Figure 14, the first line 400a is arranged to have a first end attached to the peg 170a on the first clamp 100a. The line 400a then passes (downwards) through the guide hole 126a, 146a in the first clamp 100a, under the board 200, and to the hole 146b, 126b in the second clamp 100b. The line 400 passes (upwards) through the hole in the second clamp 100b, and then returns to the peg 170a on the first clamp 100a, completing a circuit.

The second line 400b is arranged to have a first end attached to the peg 170b on the second clamp 100b. The line 400b then passes (downwards) through the guide hole 126b, 146b in the second clamp 100b, under the board 200, and to and through (upwards) the hole 146a, 126a in the first clamp 100a (due to relative 180° rotation between the two clamps 100a, 100b, the guide holes labelled “a” in the first clamp are directly opposite the guide holes labelled “b” in the second clamp). The line 400 then returns to the peg 170b on the second clamp 100b, completing a circuit.

In other embodiments, a line 400 could go from the peg 170a on the first clamp 100a, through the guide hole 126a, 146a in the first clamp 100a, under the board 200, and to the hole 146b, 126b in the second clamp 100b, back over the board 200, through the other guide hole 126b, 146b in the first clamp 100a, under the board 200, through the other guide hole 126a, 146a in the second clamp 100b, and back to the peg 170a on the first clamp 100.

In other embodiments, a line 400 could go from the peg 170a on the first clamp 100a, through the guide hole 126a, 146a in the first clamp 100a, under the board 200, to the hole 146b, 126b in the second clamp 100b, and be attached to the peg 170b on the second clamp 100b.

In other embodiments, the line 400 may pass along the bottom or top of the clamp 100a, 100b and go through both guide holes 126a-b, 146a-b of that clamp before returning to the other side of the board 200.

The skilled person will appreciate that the examples described above are not exhaustive.

The skilled person will appreciate that the method 500 may be used with clamps 100 with or without elongate protrusions 122, 142, and with or without a spacer 150.

Claims

1. A watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to a watersports board, the mount comprising: a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board, the clamp comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use; a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp.

2. The watersports board mount of claim 1, wherein the urging means comprises two holes arranged to receive tightening screws or bolts, and wherein further each elongate protrusion is inwardly-directed from one of the holes.

3. The watersports board mount of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein contact between the clamp and the board is made by and between contact surfaces of the aligned elongate protrusions, and the contact surfaces are angled or curved, such that the contact is made along lines of contact along a peak of the contact surface.

4. The watersports board mount of any preceding claim, wherein the clamp further comprises a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions, the spacer having an inner portion adjacent the first edge of the board and an outer portion further from the board, the spacer being arranged to provide a minimum spacing between an outer region of the upper portion and an outer region of the lower portion.

5. The watersports board mount of claim 4, wherein the spacer comprises a horizontal lower surface, and an upper surface of which at least a portion is angled such that the height of the spacer reduces towards the board.

6. The watersports board mount of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the spacer comprises separable lower and upper parts such that a height of the spacer can be adjusted by removal or replacement of the lower part.

7. The watersports board mount of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the urging means comprises two holes arranged to receive tightening screws or bolts, the holes passing through the spacer.

8. The watersports board mount of any of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least a part of the inner portion of the spacer is arranged to make contact with the first edge of the board in use.

9. The watersports board mount of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the outer portion of the spacer is positioned further from the board than the urging means in use.

10. The watersports board mount of any preceding claim, wherein the mount further comprises a cam, the cam being rotatably mounted between the upper portion and the lower portion, and being longer in a first dimension than a second dimension, such that the cam can be rotated to extend a varying distance inward towards the board.

11. The watersports board mount of claim 10 as dependent on any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the cam is arranged to fit within a space adjacent the spacer and between the spacer and the board, and to make contact with the board at its narrower portion.

12. The watersports board mount of claim 11, wherein the cam comprises formations arranged to engage with formations on the spacer such that, once the clamp is tightened, the cam cannot rotate.

13. The watersports board mount of any of claims 10 to 11, wherein the mount further comprises a second cam, each cam being aligned with an elongate protrusion of each of the first and second pairs of elongate protrusions in use.

14. The watersports board mount of any preceding claim, wherein the board mount comprises a second clamp arranged to receive a second edge of the board, the second edge being opposite the first edge and the second clamp comprising the features of the first clamp.

15. The watersports board mount of claim 14, wherein the first and second clamps are arranged, in use, to be directly opposite each other such that pairs of the elongate protrusions of each clamp are at least substantially collinear.

16. The watersports board mount of claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the first and second clamps each comprise a connector arranged to allow a hydrofoil to be mounted to the board in an orientation aligned with the board width, each clamp being arranged to have one end region of the hydrofoil attached thereto.

17. The watersports board mount of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein each clamp further comprises: a pair of guide holes passing vertically through the upper and lower portions, the guide holes being sized to receive a line; and a rotatable tightening peg located on the upper portion and between the guide holes and arranged to have the line twisted therearound, so as to tighten each clamp when the line is run between the pair of clamps and the tightening peg rotated.

18. The watersports board mount of claim 17, wherein the tightening peg further comprises formations arranged to interlock with formations of the upper portion once the clamp has been tightened so as to prevent the tightening peg from loosening.

19. The watersports board mount of claim 17 or claim 18, wherein each clamp further comprises a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions, and wherein further the guide holes extend through the spacer.

20. A watersports board assembly comprising: a watersports board having a width, a length perpendicular to the width, a thickness perpendicular to the width and length, and first and second edges along the length of the board; and a mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to the board, the mount comprising a first clamp arranged to receive the first edge of the board, the clamp comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board; a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and perpendicular to the first edge of the board, the upper and lower portions being spaced so as to receive the thickness of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to urge the upper and lower portions together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp..

21. The watersports board of claim 20, wherein the mount comprises a second clamp arranged to receive a second edge of the board, the second edge being opposite the first edge and the second clamp comprising the features of the first clamp.

22. The watersports board of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein the watersports board is a kiteboard.

23. A hydrofoil assembly comprising: a hydrofoil arranged, in use, to extend across the width of a watersports board; a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board; and a second clamp arranged to receive a second side of the board, the second edge being opposite the first edge; wherein each clamp is arranged to have one end region of the hydrofoil attached thereto and comprises: an upper portion, the upper portion comprising a first pair of elongate protrusions on its lower surface, the first pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use; a lower portion, the lower portion comprising a second pair of elongate protrusions on its upper surface, the second pair of elongate protrusions being parallel and arranged to be vertically aligned with the first pair of elongate protrusions and oriented perpendicular to the first edge of the board in use, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board therebetween; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together such that, in use, the board is gripped between the aligned elongate protrusions of the clamp..

24. A watersports board mount arranged to allow a hydrofoil or fin to be mounted to a watersports board, the mount comprising: a first clamp arranged to receive a first edge of the board, the clamp comprising: an upper portion having an inner region and an outer region; a lower portion having an inner region and an outer region, the upper and lower portions being spaced for receiving the edge of the board between the inner regions thereof; a spacer arranged to lie between the upper and lower portions and adjacent the edge of the board in use; and an urging means arranged to allow the upper and lower portions to be urged together, and to be adjacent the edge of the board in use, wherein the spacer is arranged to determine a minimum spacing between an outer region of the upper portion and an outer region of the lower portion, the outer regions of the upper and lower portions being further from the edge of the board than the urging means in use.

25. The watersports board mount of claim 24, wherein the spacer comprises a horizontal lower surface, and an upper surface of which at least a portion is angled such that the height of the spacer reduces towards the board.