GB2612961A - Paddleboard and fin box for attaching fin to a paddleboard - Google Patents

Abstract

A fin box 104 for attaching fins (102-1, Fig 2b) to a paddleboard (100, Fig 1) is disclosed. The fin box includes an elongate structure 204 comprising a mounting member 208 adapted to mount the elongate structure on a body of the paddleboard. Further, the elongate structure includes a receptacle 210 disposed on the mounting member and adapted to receive the fin. The receptacle includes a pair of spaced apart walls 212 defining a longitudinal slot 214 extending between a leading end 204-1 and a trailing end 204-2 of the elongate structure and adapted to receive the fin. Opposed surfaces of the walls comprise a channel 216 extending in a direction along a length of the elongate structure. The receptacle includes a gap 218 defined in the walls at a longitudinally central portion. A stopper (224, Fig 2b) of the fin is inserted through the gap and slidably engaged with the channel. A locking mechanism 206 is disposed at a trailing end of the elongate structure to selectively retain a fin with respect to the slot.

Description

PADDLEBOARD AND FIN BOX FOR ATTACHING FIN TO A PADDLEBOARD TECHNICAL HELD

[0001] The embodiments herein are generally related to the field of water sport boards. The embodiments herein are particularly related to a paddleboard, and a fin box. The embodiments herein are more particularly related to a paddleboard and a fin box for attaching a fin to the paddleboard.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a type of water sport in which a boarder stands on a buoyant board and uses a paddle to propel themselves. SUP boards are generally relatively large (8 to 12 feet in length) to provide good stability and may use a rigid (for example with a foam core) or an inflatable structure (which may be referred to as an i SUP board). In recent years SUP has grown significantly with a variety of SUP based activities gaining popularity for example SUP surfing, SUP touring, SUP yoga and SUP fishing.

[0003] For directional stability, paddleboards are generally provided with at least one fin projecting outwardly from a lower surface (the hull) of the board. Such fins are typically removably connected which enables a user to remove the fin (for example during transport or storage) or replace the fin (for example in the event of damage). A removable fin is also beneficial as a user can select an appropriate fin to alter the handling characteristics of the paddleboard. Fins are typically connected to a board via a fin box which defines a slot for receiving an engagement portion of the fin. The fin may be retained in the fin box by a locking mechanism. Some retaining configurations may be relatively complex and/or time consuming when a fin removal or change is required. As such some fin connecting arrangements have been proposed which use a quick release locking member which may, for example, allow a fin to be quickly locked in place with a simple locking member. However, a disadvantage of existing quick release locking arrangements is that they may inadvertently disengage during use causing the loss of a fin [0004] The fin boxes available hitherto, are designed to accept only a specific type of fin. More particularly, the fin boxes have dedicated grooves, and specific fin mounting systems, that allow assembly of fins that can be mounted to the said dedicated grooves and fin mounting systems. This poses various interchangeability related challenges. For example, if a fin is to be connected to the paddleboard, the user is required to be aware about the kind of fin box in the paddleboard. This severely impacts the interchangeability of fins on paddleboards. Moreover, a paddleboard bought in a one geographical location of the world, say a first country, is likely to have fin box more prevalent in that first country. However, if someone tries to use that paddleboard in another geographical location of the world, say a second country, where that type of fin boxes are not that prevalent, it may be difficult or inconvenient to obtain the required type of fin. In addition, some users may have a preference for a certain type of fin boxes, and may look to find paddleboards with fin boxes that allow fin connection, in the manner they prefer.

[0005] The above-mentioned shortcomings, disadvantages, and problems are addressed herein, which will be understood by studying the following specifications.

SUMMARY

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a fin box for attaching a fin to a paddleboard. The fin box comprises an elongate structure comprising: a pair of spaced apart walls defining a longitudinal slot, extending between a leading end and a trailing end of the elongate structure. The is adapted to receive an engagement portion of a fin.

Opposed surfaces of the walls each comprises a channel extending longitudinally along the elongate structure to define an undercut in the longitudinal slot. A longitudinally central portion of the structure comprises a gap defined in an upper portion of the walls and contiguous with the channel such that a transversely projecting tab on a fin can be inserted through the gap to engage with the undercut of the longitudinal slot. A locking mechanism is disposed at a trailing end of the elongate structure and adapted to selectively retain a fin with respect to the slot.

[0007] Advantageously, embodiments of the invention enable different types of fin to be engaged with a common fin box. The centrally located gap providing an entrance to the slot may enable a fin with a connection feature at either its forward or rearward end to be inserted into the slot before being slid in the appropriate direction into position. For example, a typical "US-style" fin may include connection tabs at the rear end and a fastner at the forward end whilst other styles may include a connection tab at the front and a fastner or feature for engaging a locking member at the rear end.

[0008] Each wall may includes a gap. The gaps may be aligned on opposing sides of the longitudinal slot.

[0009] The locking mechanism may comprise a locking arm disposed at the trailing end of the fin box. The locking arm may be adapted to engage with a fin and move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking arm may comprise a first locking end adapted to engage with a fin in the locked position of the locking arm to restrict a vertical movement of the fin with respect to the fin box. A second end distal to the first locking end may be moveable to transfer the locking arm between the locked and unlocked positions.

[0010] The locking mechanism may further comprise a secondary locking member which latches the locking arm in the locked position. The secondary locking member may, for example, block movement of the second end of the locking arm to the unlocked position.

[0011] A forward portion of the gap may defines a rearward facing abutment surface. The rearward facing abutment surface may slopes forwardly from the upper surface of the wall to the channel.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a fin assembly comprising a fin box in accordance with an embodiment and a fin. The fin may comprise a foil portion; and an engagement portion providing at the base of the foil portion and adapted to be engaged with the fin box to releasably attach the fin to the fin box.

[0013] In some embodiments a rear end of the engagement portion comprises a recess adapted to be engaged by the locking mechanism of the fin box to restrict the movement of the fin with respect to the fin box. A front end of the engagement portion of the fin may comprise a transverse tab. A forward-facing surface of the tab may engages a rearward facing abutment surface of the gap of the elongate structure The forward facing surface of the tab and the rearward facing abutment surface may have complementary profiles. The forward facing surface of the tab and the rearward facing abutment surface may have curved surfaces. The surfaces may have matching curvatures such that the surfaces may cam into alignment when the fin is inserted into the fin box.

[0014] In the unlocked position, the primary locking arm may disengages from the recess of the rear end to allow the vertical movement of the fin with respect to the fin box.

[0015] In another embodiment a front end of the engagement portion may have a connector comprising at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastening member. The fastening member may extend into the slot of the fin box to secure the connector in position relative to the slot.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a paddleboard comprising a body and a fin box or fin assembly in accordance with an embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Embodiments of the invention may be performed in various ways, and embodiments thereof will now be described by way of example only, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:: [0018] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a fin attached to a fin box of a paddleboard, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0019] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an isometric view and a side view of a fin with a stopper and a fin box to attach the fin to the paddleboard, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0020] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate an operation of releasably attaching the fin to the fin box, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0021] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a side view and an enlarged view of a fin attached to the fin box of the paddleboard and a portion 'A' of the Figure 4a depicting a locking mechanism, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0022] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate side views of the fin with a stopper and the fin box with the locking mechanism for attaching the fin to the fin box, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a fin attached to a fin box of a paddleboard, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the paddleboard 100 may include a body 101 having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a continuous side surface. The body 101 may include a front end 101-1 and a rear end 101-2 distal to the front end 101-1. Further, the paddleboard 100 may include, at least one fin 102 and at least one fin box 104. In an embodiment, the at least one fin 102 and the at least one fin box 104 may interchangeably be referred to as the fin 102 and the fin box 104, for clarity purposes.

[0025] The fin 102 may be adapted to be releasably attached to the body 101 of the paddleboard 100 to enhance the directional stability of the paddleboard 100 in water. In an embodiment, the fin 102 may be adapted to be attached to the lower surface of the body 101 via the fin box 104. The fin 102 may be attached to the lower surface towards the rear end 1012 of the body 101. The fin box 104 may be adapted to be removably coupled to the body 101 of the paddleboard 100.

[0026] In an embodiment, the fin box 104 may be adapted to attach fins having different constructional and dimensional aspects without altering any constructional details of the fin box 104. In particular, the fin box 104 may be employed for attaching a fin 102-1 (as shown in Figure 2a) with a stopper at a rear end of the fin and a fin 102-2 (as shown in Figure 4a) having provisions to engage with a locking mechanism of the fin box 104. Constructional and operational details of the fin box 104 with respect to different fins 102-1, 102-2 are explained in detail in the subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate an isometric view and a side view of the fin 102-1 with a stopper 202 and the fin box 104 to attach the fin 102-1 to the paddleboard 100, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2a, in the illustrated embodiment, the fin box 104 may include, but Is not limited to, an elongate structure 204. In an embodiment, the elongate structure 204 may include a leading end 204-1 and a trailing end 204-2. Further, the elongate structure 204 may include, but is not limited to, a locking mechanism 206, a mounting portion 208, a receptacle 210 disposed on the mounting member 208, and.

[0028] The mounting portion 208 may be adapted to mount the elongate structure 204 on the body 101 of the paddleboard 100. The receptacle 210 may be adapted to receive the fin 102-1. The receptacle 210 may include a pair of walls 212 arranged in a parallel opposed configuration to define a longitudinal slot 214 extending therebetween from the leading end 204-1 and the trailing end 204-2 of the elongate structure 204. The longitudinal slot 214 may for convenience be interchangeably be referred to as the slot 214 below.

[0029] The slot 214 may be adapted to removably receive the fin 102-1. At least one, and typically both of the walls 212 may include a channel 216 extending in a direction along a length of the elongate structure 204. The channel 216 forms an undercut feature in the slot 214 (and as will be explained further below may therefore retain a fin in the direction perpendicular to the slot). Further, the receptacle 210 may include a gap 218 defined in an upper surface of one of the plurality of walls 212 of the receptacle 210 The gap extends through the overhanging portion of the wall and into the channel 216.

[0030] Referring to Figure 2b, in the illustrated embodiment, the fin 102-1 may include, but is not limited to, a foil portion 220 and an engagement portion 222 disposed underneath the foil portion 220. The engagement portion 222 may be adapted to be engaged with the fin box 104 of the paddleboard 100 to releasably attach the fin 102-1 to the fin box 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 222 may include a rear end 222-1 and a front end 222-2 distal to the rear end 222-1 [003]] The rear end 222-1 may be provided with a stopper 224 laterally extending and adapted to be inserted through the gap 218 and slidably engaged with the undercut formed by the channel 216 The front end 222-2 may include a connector 226 extending in a longitudinal direction and adapted to be fastened with the receptacle 210 of the fin box 104. The connector 226 may include at least one aperture 228 (as shown in Figure 3c) adapted to receive at least one fastening member to attach the engagement portion 222 with the receptacle 210. The at least one fastening member may be for example be a screw.

[0032] Further, the fin 102-1 may include a tab (not shown) adapted to be positioned within the channel 216 and removably fastened to the connector 226 to attach the fin 102-1 with the fin box 104. The tab may be manually inserted through the gap 218 provided in one of the plurality of walls 212 of the receptacle 210 and subsequently, positioned within the channel 216. The stopper 224 may be inserted through the gap 218 and slid within the channel 216 to align the connector 226 with respect to the tab positioned within the slot 214.

[0033] As mentioned earlier, in the illustrated embodiment, the fin box 104 may include the locking mechanism 206 disposed at the trailing end 204-2 of the elongate structure 204 and adapted to retractably attach the fin 102-1 with the receptacle 210. Constructional and operational details of the locking mechanism 206 are explained in details with respect to Figures 5a and 5b of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figures 3a, 3b, and 3c illustrate an operation of releasably attaching the fin to the fin box 104, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Initially, the tab may be inserted in the slot of the fin box 104 through the gap and subsequently, positioned at a predefined position within the slot Referring to Figure 3a and Figure 3b, the fin 102-1 may be tilted and held in a manner that the rear end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 of the fin 102-1 may be inserted in the slot 214 of the fin box 104.

[0035] The rear end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 may be inserted in the slot 214 in a manner that the stopper 224 may slide in the channel 216 through the gap 218 defined in one of the plurality of walls 212 of the fin box 104. Subsequently, the fin 102-1 may be slid longitudinally within the slot 214 in a manner that the connector 226 of the fin 102-1 may align with the tab positioned within the slot 214. Further, the connector 226 and tab may be coupled to each other via the fastening member to attach the fin 102-1 with the fin box 104.

[0036] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a side view and an enlarged view of a fin 102-2 attached to the fin box 104 of the paddleboard 100 and a portion 'A' of the Figure 4a depicting the locking mechanism 206, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 5a and 5b illustrate side views of the fin 102-2 with a stopper 402 and the fin box 104 with the locking mechanism 206 for attaching the fin 102-2 to the fin box 104, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of brevity, details of the present disclosure that are explained in details in the description of Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3a, Figure 3b, and Figure 3c, are not explained in detail in the description of Figures 4a, Figure 4b, Figure 5a, and Figure 5b.

[0037] Referring to Figure 4a and Figure 4b, in the illustrated embodiment, the locking mechanism 206 may include, but is not limited to, a primary locking arm 404 and a secondary locking arm 406. The primary locking arm 404 may be disposed at the trailing end 204-2 of the fin box 104. The primary locking arm 404 may be adapted to be engaged with the fin 102-2 and swivel between a locking position and an unlocking position.

[0038] The primary locking arm 404 may include, but is not limited to, a first locking end 404-1 and a second locking end 404-2 distal to the first locking end 404-1. The first locking end 404-1 may be adapted to be engaged with the fin 102-2 in the locking position of the primary locking arm 404 to restrict a vertical movement of the fin 102-2 with respect to the fin box 104. Further, the second locking end 404-2 may be adapted to be moved to swivel the primary locking arm 404 between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0039] The secondary locking arm 406 disposed at the trailing end 204-2 of the fin box 104 and adapted to be releasably engaged with the second locking end 404-2 of the primary locking arm 404 to restrict swivel movement of the primary locking arm 404. The secondary locking arm 406 may be adapted to be moved in a longitudinal direction with respect to the fin box 104 to disengage the second locking end 404-2 from the secondary locking arm 406 and allow the swivel movement of the primary locking arm 404.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5a, similar to the fin 102-1 of the Figure 2b, the fin 102-2 may include the foil portion 220 and the engagement portion 222 disposed underneath the foil portion 220. The engagement portion 222 may be adapted to be engaged with the fin box 104 of the paddleboard 100 to releasably attach the fin 102-2 to the fin box 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 may include a groove 502 adapted to be engaged with the primary locking arm 404 of the fin box 104.

[0041] The primary locking arm 404 may be adapted to swivel between the locking position and the unlocking position. In the locking position, the primary locking arm 404 may engage with the groove 502 at the rear end 222-1 to restrict the vertical movement of the fin 102-2 with respect to the fin box 104. In the unlocking position, the primary locking arm 404 disengages from the groove 502 of the rear end 222-1 to allow the vertical movement of the fin 102-2 with respect to the fin box 104.

[0042] Further, referring to Figure 4a and Figure 5b, the fin 102-2 may include a stopper 408 disposed at the front end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 of the fin 102-2. The stopper 408 may be adapted to be inserted in the channel 216 through the gap 218 defined in one of the plurality of walls 212 of the receptacle 210. A forward-facing surface of the stopper 408 abuts and engages a rearward facing abutment surface of the gap 218 to restrict longitudinal movement of the fin in the fin box.. The stopper 408 may be adapted to be engaged with the channel 112 to restrict lateral movement of the fin 102-2 towards the leading end 204I of the fin box 104.

[0043] In an embodiment, the fin 102-2 may be tilted and held in a manner that the front end 222-2 of the engagement portion 222 of the fin 102-2 may be initially inserted in the slot 214 of the fin box 104. The front end 222-2 of the engagement portion 222 may be inserted in the slot 214 in a manner that the stopper 408 may slide in the channel 216 through the gap 218 defined in one of the plurality of walls 212 of the fin box 104. Subsequently, the stopper 408 may abut at least one of the plurality of walls 212 to restrict lateral movement of the fin 102-2 within the slot 110 in a direction towards the front end 204-1 of the fin box 104.

[0044] Thereafter, the primary locking arm 404 may be swiveled in the downward direction with respect to the fin box 104 to engage the first locking end 404-1 with the rear end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 of the fin 102-2. The first locking end 206 may slide in the groove 502 formed at the rear end 222-1 of the engagement portion 222 to lock the fin 102-2 with the fin box 104. Subsequently, the second locking end 404-2 of the primary locking arm 404 may be snap-locked with the secondary locking arm 406. This results in attachment of the fin 102-2 with the fin box 104 disposed on the paddleboard 100.

[0045] The present disclosure provides a paddleboard, such as the paddleboard 100. Further, the paddleboard 100 of the present disclosure includes a fin box such as the fin box 104 that may be adapted to attach fins of different constructional and dimensional aspects in a quick and convenient manner. In particular, the fin box 104 may be employed for attaching a fin 102-1 with a stopper at a rear end of the fin and a fin 102-2 having provisions to engage with a locking mechanism 206 of the fin box 104.

[0046] The present disclosure further provides the locking mechanism 206 disposed at a trailing end of the elongate structure 204 and adapted to retractably attach the fin 102 with the receptacle 210. The locking mechanism 206 includes a primary locking arm 404 and a secondary locking arm 406. The primary locking arm 404 is adapted to be engaged with the fin 102-2 and swivel between a locking position and an unlocking position. In the locking position, the primary locking arm 404 engages with the groove 502 at the rear end 222-1 to restrict the vertical movement of the fin 102-2 with respect to the fin box 104, whereby the fin 102-2 remains locked with the fin box 104. On the other hand, in the unlocking position, the primary locking arm 404 gets disengaged from the groove 502 of the rear end 222-1 allowing for the vertical movement of the fin 102-2 with respect to the fin box 104, whereby the fin 1022 may be detached from the fin box 104, for replacement, repair, transportation or for any other purposes.

[0047] Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that various changes or modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS: A fin box for attaching a fin to a paddleboard, the fin box comprising an elongate structure comprising: a pair of spaced apart walls defining a longitudinal slot, extending between a leading end and a trailing end of the elongate structure, the slot being adapted to receive an engagement portion of a fin, wherein opposed surfaces of the walls each comprises a channel extending longitudinally along the elongate structure to define an undercut in the longitudinal slot; a longitudinally central portion of the structure comprising a gap defined in an upper portion of the walls and contiguous with the channel such that a transversely projecting tab on a fin can be inserted through the gap to engage with the undercut of the longitudinal slot, and a locking mechanism disposed at a trailing end of the elongate structure and adapted to selectively retain a fin with respect to the slot The fin box as claimed in claim 1, wherein each wall includes a gap, the gaps being aligned on opposing sides of the longitudinal slot.The fin box as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking arm disposed at the trailing end of the fin box and adapted to be engaged with a fin and move between a locked position and an unlocked position The fin box as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a secondary locking member which latches the locking arm in the locked position.The fin box as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a forward portion of the gap defines a rearward facing abutment surface The fin box as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rearward facing abutment surface slopes forwardly from the upper surface of the wall to the channel.A fin assembly comprising a fin box as claimed in any preceding claim and a fin, the fin comprising: a foil portion and an engagement portion providing at the base of the foil portion and adapted to be engaged with the fin box to releasably attach the fin to the fin box, wherein a rear end of the engagement portion comprises a recess adapted to be engaged by the locking mechanism of the fin box to restrict the movement of the fin with respect to the fin box.The fin assembly of claim 7, wherein a front end of the engagement portion of the fin comprises a transverse tab.The fin assembly of claim 8, wherein a forward-facing surface of the tab engages a rearward facing abutment surface of the gap of the elongate structure 10. The fin assembly of claim 9, wherein the forward facing surface of the tab and the rearward facing abutment surface have complementary profiles.11 The fin assembly of claim 10, wherein the forward facing surface of the tab and the rearward facing abutment surface have curved surfaces having matching curvatures such that the surfaces may cam into alignment when the fin is inserted into the fin box.12 The fin assembly as claimed in any of claims 7 to 9 wherein in the unlocked position, the primary locking arm disengages from the recess of the rear end to allow the vertical movement of the fin with respect to the fin box 13. A fin assembly comprising a fin box as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 and a fin comprising: a foil portion; and an engagement portion providing a base to the foil portion and adapted to engage the fin box o to releasably attach the fin to the fin box, the engagement portion comprising: a rear end having the tab laterally extending and adapted to be inserted through the gap and slidably engage the undercut of the longitudinal slot; a front end having a connector comprising at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastening member extending into the slot of the fin box to secure rhe connector in position relative to the slot.14. A paddleboard comprising a body and a fin box or fin assembly as claimed in any preceding claim.