JP2009542507A - Fin assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A fin assembly in accordance with the present invention is a fin assembly including a fin having a base and at least one socket mount, the base having at least one extension extending from the base, and at least one extension. At least one engaging portion is attached to the at least one socket, and the at least one socket mounting base is substantially permanently installed in a boat to which the fin is attached. At least one opening corresponding to and complementary to at least one extension and engagement portion, and at least one fixing for removably attaching the fin to the socket mount Means.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

  The present invention relates to boats and, more particularly, to fin assemblies that are securely attached to removable fins.

  The present invention particularly relates to fin assemblies for surfboards, and for convenience, the invention related to this application will be described below. However, it should be clearly understood that the present invention can be applied to a wider range. It extends to other ships such as sailing boats, paddle skis and surf skis, for example. For convenience, such ships are collectively referred to as “boards” below.

  One prior art in this field is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,139,383, which includes a summary of prior art systems and some of their problems. A part of the background art section of US Pat. No. 6,139,383 is reproduced as it is.

“A surfboard broadly comprises a body having a core of buoyancy material, an upper ride surface to support the surfer, and a lower surface that is submerged. One or more fins are attached to the lower surface of the body. Traditionally, fins have been permanently attached to the body by being covered with glass fibers on the body.
The disadvantage of permanently attaching the fins to the surfboard is that they cannot be easily removed and replaced when the fins are damaged. Furthermore, in order to be able to perform experiments with different types of fins, it is not easy to remove a fin from the board and replace it with another fin having different performance characteristics. In addition, when carrying a surfboard, the fins are relatively clunky and take up a lot of space. Therefore, in such a situation, it would be advantageous if the fin could be removed from the board body.
A removable fin assembly has been developed and is described in Australian Patent No. 665804. The fin assembly includes a fin having two thin rectangular tabs that project outwardly from the base of the fin. Each of such tabs is housed in a disk-shaped plug socket attached to the bottom surface of the surfboard body. The fin tabs are removably locked into the plug by opposing fixing elements such as grab screws that tighten the tabs. However, this assembly has limited strength.
There are other drawbacks to this fin assembly. For example, the fin assembly requires precision work to be mounted on the surfboard body. This is because in order to facilitate the mounting and release of the fin mounting means, the two spaced apart plugs need to be separated by an exact distance so that they can be coupled to the two fin mounting elements. In addition, it takes time to attach the fins to the board because many grab screws are used to secure each fin.
A further feature of this fin assembly is a resin plug that extends from the bottom of the body mounting element through the core of the body to the upper ride surface of the surfboard. The resin plug provides some support for the fin mounting element and assists the fin mounting element in a stable manner on the surfboard body. However, after use, this resin plug tends to act on the glass fiber coating covering the ride surface of the surfboard. This is unsightly and causes water leakage to the inner core of the board. The cuts thus formed in the ride surface may cause injury to the rider.
Another drawback associated with such an arrangement is that the fin body protrudes forward and rearward over the tabs, and in use, these portions of the fin body abut against the bottom surface or are disposed adjacent to the bottom surface. That is. "

  To increase its usefulness in the art, the fin assembly should be easy to install, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and be securely fixed when needed while being easy to remove when needed. is there.

  Where prior art publications may be referred to herein, this mentions that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge of the art in Australia or other countries. It should be clearly understood that this is not acceptable.

  The present invention is directed to a fin assembly that can at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above or that provides a useful or commercial choice.

  In one form, the present invention is a fin assembly including a fin having a mounting base and at least one socket mount, the mounting base having at least one anchoring portion, the at least one anchoring portion. Includes at least one extension extending from the mounting base, each of the at least one extension having at least one engaging portion attached thereto, wherein the at least one socket mount is within the boat to which the fin is attached. And at least one opening corresponding to and complementary to at least one fixing portion on the fin, each of which has at least one fixing portion accommodated therein, and a socket mounting base. And a fixing means for removably fixing the fin.

  In a further aspect, the present invention is a fin assembly including a fin having a base and at least one socket mount, the base having at least one extension extending from the base, and at least one At least one engagement portion is attached to the extension, and at least one base has at least one socket mount for permanent installation in a boat to which the fin is attached, the extension on the fin and the engagement And at least one opening corresponding to and complementary to the opening, each of which includes at least one extension and engaging portion, and a fixing means for removably fixing the fin to the socket mounting base It has.

  As mentioned above, the fin assembly of the present invention is particularly well adapted for use with surfboards, but is applicable to any boat provided with fins. The fin assembly typically includes a fin and a mounting assembly for the fin to removably attach the fin to the board. One or more fin assemblies may be provided on the same board. For example, a known type of surfboard is provided with three fins spaced laterally along the width direction behind the board, with the central fin located behind the two outer fins. Yes.

  The present invention is particularly well adapted for mounting fins that are fixed in orientation when secured to a board, but a similar system with relatively minor modifications within the scope of those skilled in the art. Can also be applied to pivoting or rotating fins.

  The present invention is a fin assembly including fins. The fin can have any structure suitable for use as a fin. The fin usually has a front end portion and an opposing main surface extending from the front end portion. The fin is usually made of a rigid material such as glass fiber, plastic or the like, but in the past metal fins have been used. Obviously, in conditions where fins are used, metals are generally not used, as corrosion resistant materials are preferred. The fin typically has a leading edge and a trailing edge based on the direction of travel in normal usage.

  The fins of the preferred embodiment include a mounting base. The fin typically has a proximal edge that is approximately opposite the tip of the fin. The base edge is substantially planar and is substantially perpendicular to the front and rear edges of the fin, ie, the “fin surface”. In this regard, it should be noted that fins having a base that is at an angle other than perpendicular to the fin surface are known and the assembly of the present invention can be used to mount such types of fins as well. I want to be.

  The base edge of the fin is usually configured to abut the outer lower surface of the boat when properly and securely mounted on the boat.

  The fin mounting base of the preferred embodiment has at least one anchoring portion to facilitate the anchoring of the fin to the board. The at least one anchor typically includes one or more male portions that are received and retained within the socket mount opening of the assembly.

  The number of fixing portions used in accordance with the present invention may be one, but it is preferable to use two or more because more uniform and superior load distribution is performed. Preferably, a pair of anchoring portions are used, the first anchoring portion is disposed toward the front edge side end portion of the base edge portion, and the second anchoring portion is disposed on the rear edge side of the base edge portion. It is arranged towards the end. Each of the anchoring portions is typically spaced from the respective leading and trailing edges.

  It should be noted that a single anchor can be used for this connection, but it is less preferred than multiple anchors.

  The anchoring portion of the preferred embodiment includes at least one extension extending from the mounting base, with at least one engaging portion attached to each at least one extension.

  The extension may extend substantially perpendicular to the fin surface, but an extension on the same plane is preferred. Further, the extension may be formed integrally with the fin itself, and in general, it is preferable that the extension is formed simultaneously with the fin itself and with the same material as the fin itself.

  Each extension is preferably substantially rectangular, but any shape can be employed. By providing a rectangular extension, the extension can be formed by removing portions of the fin from the mounting base.

  The extension usually extends from the base edge of the fin and typically has a width similar to the fin itself. The extension may be slightly narrower than the width of the fin, thereby providing a shoulder that more effectively aligns the fin adjacent to the lower surface of the boat. This extension is also referred to as a “tab” part.

  Each extension includes at least one engagement portion. Each at least one engagement portion is preferably attached to the extension and extends at an angle to the extension and / or the fin. The engagement portion preferably extends substantially perpendicularly from the extension, so that the length available for the securing means can be maximized.

  The engaging part can be mounted so as to extend on one or both sides of the extension or tab part. The engagement portion may extend in front of or behind the extension portion, or in both directions, in substantially the same plane as the extension portion.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the engaging part may be formed separately from the engaging part, or integrated therewith to reduce the number of parts of the fin assembly or to improve the strength of the assembly. May be formed. The extension can be provided with an opening therein or through the interior, and the engagement portion can be disposed within or through the opening. When this method is used, any suitable method can be used to secure the engaging portion within the opening, but more preferably an adhesive or the like. A part of the engaging portion can be screwed to be engaged with the extension portion.

  Each of the engaging portions may be an elongated member, and may be substantially rod-shaped or pin-shaped. The engaging portion may have a prismatic shape, a cylindrical shape, or any other cross-sectional shape.

  The fin assembly of the present invention also includes at least one socket mount for permanent installation in a boat to which the fin is mounted, each socket mount corresponding to at least one complementary portion on at least one anchor on the fin. It has an opening, and at least one fixing part is accommodated in each opening and fixed detachably.

  The fin assembly includes at least one socket mount for permanent installation in a boat to which the fin is mounted, the socket mount having at least one opening corresponding to and complementary to at least one anchor on the fin. Thereby, at least one fastening part is accommodated in each opening. These socket mounts are also referred to as “plugs”.

  Each of the plugs preferably has a generally cylindrical body molded with a suitable material such as polycarbonate. A rib portion extending in the circumferential direction can be provided on the cylindrical outer surface of the plug so that the plug can be more securely fixed to the board.

  One or more positioning protrusions can also be provided. When the positioning protrusion is provided, it is dimensioned so that the plug is correctly positioned in use.

  Each plug is provided with a substantially rectangular main slot opening on its circular upper surface. The main slot opening is usually arranged parallel to the length of the board and the plug is fixed to the board at the position where this is achieved.

  A laterally extending slot opening is also preferably provided, which is preferably combined with the main slot opening to form a T-shaped opening. The shape and structure of the opening is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and structure of the extension and engagement portion of the fin anchor.

  Each plug is also provided with an obliquely extending opening or screw hole. The threaded hole extends from the surface and intersects the laterally extending slot opening, preferably at the lower portion of the laterally extending slot opening. This is because this part is located when the fixing part of the fin is properly arranged. Preferably, this hole is fitted with a fixing means, most preferably a grab screw or the like, to fix the engagement part in a laterally extending slot opening, thereby fixing the fin to the board To do. When used properly, the grab screw typically abuts over the engagement portion of the fin anchor and retains the engagement portion in a laterally extending slot opening. An obliquely extending opening or screw hole may extend forward or backward in the plug.

  The plug is secured in a circular hole drilled in the board, preferably by a polyester resin or other adhesive selected from materials compatible with the board and plug material. These holes can be formed at any convenient stage during board manufacture, but can be drilled especially after glazing the board, thereby simplifying the finishing steps during board manufacture. be able to. It is not essential that the hole is circular, but the hole must be circular because a hand drill can be used and the hole can be quickly and accurately placed in the board using the appropriate jig or template. Is preferred.

  In a preferred form, each fin is provided with two plugs, and each fin is provided with a pair of anchors extending downward from the base of the fin and spaced the same distance as the distance between the plugs. These anchors are dimensioned to allow an interference fit within the slot of the plug. By pressing the fixing portion into the slot, the fin is mounted on the board, and the position is fixed by deeply screwing the grab screw so as to hit the engaging portion in the slot opening extending in the lateral direction. The end opening of the hole in the plug into which the grab screw is screwed may be closed with a core plug so that its upper surface and the surface of the plug are flat.

  In this manner, the fins having both simplified manufacturing, light weight and strength are realized, and assembly and disassembly are easier than in the case of using the fin box. The plug provides a flat, uninterrupted surface to the board surface, and the plug can be polished and finished with the board surface, eliminating the fins that interfere with the final finishing steps of the board manufacture for the operator and equipment Which can save costs and provide a better finish and avoid the hydrodynamic deficiencies associated with prior art arrangements.

  Various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a fin assembly having a pair of socket mounts for mounting fins. FIG. FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment fin assembly shown in FIG. 1 with one socket mount engaged and the other not engaged. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a preferred embodiment of the fin assembly shown in FIG. 3 in a state where neither of the socket mounts is engaged. FIG. 2 is a detailed partial cross-sectional view of the fin assembly shown in FIG. 1. 1 is a perspective view of a socket mount according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the socket mount shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the socket mount shown in FIG. 6.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

  In accordance with a preferred aspect of the present invention, a fin assembly is provided.

  The fin assembly includes a fin 10, particularly as shown in FIGS. The fin has a front end portion 11 and an opposing main surface 12 extending from the front end portion 11. The fin 10 is manufactured from a rigid material such as glass fiber, plastic or the like. The fin 10 has a leading edge 13 and a trailing edge 14 based on the direction of travel in normal usage.

  The fin of the illustrated embodiment has a mounting base 15, which has a pair of anchors 16. Each fixing portion 16 includes an extension portion 17 and an engagement portion 18 extending from the attachment base edge portion 15 of the fin 10.

  The base edge portion 15 of the fin 10 is generally provided on the opposite side of the tip portion 11 of the fin 10. The base edge portion 15 is substantially flat and is substantially perpendicular to the front edge portion 13 and the rear edge portion 14 of the fin 10, that is, the main “fin plane”.

  The base edge 15 of the fin 10 is configured to abut the outer bottom surface of the boat when properly and securely attached to the boat.

  The pair of fixing portions 16 are used in accordance with the illustrated embodiment, and the first fixing portion is disposed toward the end of the base edge portion 15 on the front edge side, and the second fixing portion is the base edge. It is arranged toward the end on the rear edge side of the portion 15. Each of the fixed portions 16 is spaced from each of the front edge portion 13 and the rear edge portion 14.

  The extension 17 in the illustrated embodiment extends from the base edge 15 of the fin 10 in the same plane as the fin plane. The extension 17 is formed integrally with the fin 10 itself, and is generally formed simultaneously with the fin 10 itself and of the same material.

  Each extension portion 17 is substantially rectangular, but other shapes may be employed. By providing a rectangular extension as shown, the extension 17 can be formed by removing portions of the fin from the adjacent mounting base 15.

  The extension 17 is usually the same width as the fin 10 itself. The extension may be slightly narrower than the width of the fin, thereby providing a shoulder that more effectively aligns the fin adjacent to the lower surface of the boat.

  Each extension 17 includes at least one engagement portion 18. Each engagement portion 18 is attached to the extension portion 17 and extends at an angle with respect to the extension portion 17 and / or the fin 10. In the illustrated embodiment, each engagement portion 18 extends from the extension 17 in a substantially vertical direction, thereby maximizing the length available for the securing means.

  The engaging portion 18 of the illustrated embodiment is attached so as to extend on one side surface of the extension portion 17.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging portion 18 is formed separately from the engaging portion 17. The extension portion 17 is provided with an opening therein, and the engaging portion can be disposed in the opening portion. When using this method, any suitable method may be used to secure the engagement portion 18 within the opening, but more preferably an adhesive or the like is used. A part of the engaging portion 18 can be screwed to be engaged with the extension portion.

  Each of the engaging portions 18 is an elongated member, and is substantially a rod shape or a pin shape.

  The fin assembly of the illustrated embodiment also includes a socket mount 19 and a plug for permanent installation in the boat to which the fin 10 is mounted, as shown in FIGS. Corresponding to the shape of the fixing portion 16, the opening 16 is complementary, so that the fixing portion 16 is accommodated in each opening and is detachably fixed. These socket mounts are also referred to as “plugs”.

  Each of the plugs 19 has a substantially cylindrical body molded with a suitable material such as polycarbonate. A rib portion 20 extending in the circumferential direction can be provided on the cylindrical outer surface of the plug so that the plug can be more securely fixed to the board.

  One or more positioning protrusions 21 are also provided and are dimensioned so that the plug 19 is correctly positioned in use.

  Each plug 19 is provided with a substantially rectangular main slot opening 22 on the circular upper surface 23 thereof. The main slot opening 22 is arranged parallel to the length direction of the board, and the plug 19 is fixed to the board at a position where this is achieved.

  A slot opening 24 extending in the lateral direction is also provided. The slot opening 24 is coupled to the main slot opening 22 so that the opening has a T-shape. The shape and structure of the opening are shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the shape and structure of the extension 17 and the engagement portion 18 of the fixing portion 16 of the fin 10.

  Each plug 19 is also provided with an obliquely extending opening, that is, a screw hole 25. The screw hole 25 extends from the surface 23 and intersects the slot opening 24 at a lower portion of the laterally extending slot opening 24, which is an engaging portion of the fixing portion 16 of the fin 10. This is because the portion 18 is located when properly arranged. This hole 25 is fitted with fastening means, most preferably a grab screw 26 or the like, to secure the engagement portion 18 in the laterally extending slot opening 24, thereby securing the fin 10 to the board. Secure to. When properly used, the grab screw 26 abuts over the engagement portion 18 of the fastening portion 16 of the fin 10 and retains the engagement portion 18 in a laterally extending slot opening 24. To do.

  Plug 19 is secured in a circular hole drilled in the board with a polyester resin or other adhesive selected from a material compatible with the board and plug material. These holes can be formed at any convenient stage during board manufacture, but may be drilled especially after the board is glazed, thereby simplifying the finishing step during board manufacture. be able to. Although it is not essential that the hole is circular, the hole can be circular because a hand drill can be used and the hole can be quickly and accurately placed in the board using the appropriate jig or template. It is preferable that

  In the illustrated form, each fin 10 is provided with two plugs 19, and each fin 10 extends downward from the base of the fin 10 and is paired with a distance that is the same distance as the distance between the plugs 19. A portion 16 is provided. These anchors 16 are dimensioned so that they can be interference fit within the opening of the plug 19. By press-fitting the fixing portion 16 into the opening, the fin 10 is mounted on the board, and the grab screw 26 is screwed deeply so as to hit the engaging portion 18 in the slot opening 24 extending in the lateral direction. The position is fixed. The end opening of the screw hole 25 in the plug 19 into which the grab screw 26 is screwed may be closed with a core plug so that the upper surface thereof and the surface of the plug 19 are flat.

  In this manner, the fins having both simplified manufacturing, light weight and strength are realized, and assembly and disassembly are easier than in the case of using the fin box. The plug provides a flat, uninterrupted surface to the board surface, and the plug can be polished and finished with the board surface, eliminating the fins that interfere with the final finishing steps of the board manufacture for the operator and equipment Which can save costs and provide a better finish and avoid the hydrodynamic deficiencies associated with prior art arrangements.

  In this specification and in the claims (if any), the word “comprising” and derivatives including “comprises” are represented by the indicated number (numbers). Each of which is included, but it is not excluded to include those expressed by one or more additional symbols.

  Throughout this specification, reference to “an embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular shape, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is at least one of the present invention. It is meant to be included in the embodiment. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” found in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, those particular shapes, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

Claims (22)

A fin assembly including a fin having a base and at least one socket mount;
The base has at least one extension extending from the base and at least one engagement portion extending from the at least one extension and having an abutment shoulder having a height lower than the extension. ,
The at least one socket mounting base is substantially permanently installed in a boat to which the fin is mounted, and at least one opening corresponding to and complementary to the extension portion and the engagement portion on the fin. Wherein the at least one extension portion and the engagement portion are respectively accommodated in the opening portion and the contact shoulder portion of the at least one engagement portion is brought into contact with the socket mounting base. A fin assembly having at least one securing means for removably attaching the fin and at least one opening for receiving said securing means.   The fin assembly of claim 1, wherein the at least one extension and the at least one engagement portion form a securing portion that is received and retained within the at least one opening in the socket mount.   The fin includes a front end portion, a base edge portion, opposing main surfaces extending from the front end portion to the base edge portion, and a front edge portion and a rear edge portion based on a traveling direction in a normal usage. A fin assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2.   4. The structure according to claim 1, wherein the base edge portion of the fin is configured to contact an outer bottom surface of the boat when the boat is appropriately and firmly attached to the boat. The fin assembly as described.   A pair of fixing portions is provided, the first fixing portion is disposed at a distance from an end of the base edge on the front edge side, and the second fixing portion is the base. The fin assembly according to claim 4, wherein the fin assembly is spaced from an end of the edge on the rear edge side.   6. A fin assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each extension is coplanar with the fin.   The fin assembly according to claim 1, wherein the extension is formed integrally with the fin.   The extension portion extends from the base edge portion of the fin and is narrower than the width of the fin, and a shoulder portion that aligns the fin adjacent to the lower surface of the boat more effectively. The fin assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fin assembly is provided.   The said at least one engaging part is attached with respect to the said extension part, and has extended with a certain angle with respect to the said extension part. Fin assembly.   The fin assembly of claim 9, wherein the engagement portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the extension.   The fin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one engagement portion is attached to extend on one side surface of the extension portion.   The fin assembly according to claim 1, wherein each of the engaging portions includes an elongated member.   The fin assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each of the socket mounts has a main body whose outermost surface is substantially cylindrical when attached to the boat.   14. A fin assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the socket mount includes at least one positioning protrusion that assists in positioning the socket mount on the boat.   15. A fin assembly according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein each socket mount is provided with a substantially rectangular main slot opening on its outermost surface.   The fin assembly of claim 15, wherein the main slot opening is disposed parallel to a length direction of the boat.   17. A fin assembly according to any one of claims 15 or 16, further comprising a laterally extending slot opening coupled with the main slot opening to form a T-shaped opening.   And further including an obliquely extending opening extending from a top surface, intersecting the laterally extending slot opening and engaging the engaging portion when the engaging portion of the fin is properly positioned. The fin assembly of claim 17.   The obliquely extending opening accommodates a detachable fixing means and fixes the engaging portion in the laterally extending slot opening, thereby fixing the fin to the board. The fin assembly of claim 18.   An end opening of the obliquely extending opening in the socket mounting base in which the fixing means is accommodated is closed by a core plug press-fitted into the opening so that the upper surface and the surface of the plug are flat. The fin assembly of claim 18, wherein: A fin assembly including a fin having a base and at least one socket mount;
The base has at least one anchoring portion, the at least one anchoring portion includes at least one extension extending from the base, and at least one engaging portion is attached to each of the at least one extension. And
The at least one socket mounting base is substantially permanently installed in a boat to which the fin is mounted, and is at least one opening corresponding to and complementary to the at least one fixing portion on the fin. A fin assembly having an opening in which each of the at least one fixing portion is accommodated and a fixing means for removably attaching the fin to the socket mounting base.   The fin includes a front end portion, a base edge portion, opposing main surfaces extending from the front end portion to the base edge portion, a front edge portion and a rear edge portion based on a traveling direction in a normal usage, A pair of fixing portions, wherein the first fixing portion is arranged at a distance from an end of the base edge portion on the front edge side, and the second fixing portion is The fin assembly of claim 21, further comprising the pair of anchoring portions spaced from an end of the base edge on the trailing edge side.

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