PT2015135034B - Securing mechanism for water craft fin - Google Patents

Abstract

Attachment configuration for attaching a boat keel to a boat having a keel connector, the keel connector having a first open cavity configured to receive a base portion (4018) of the boat keel. The attachment configuration includes a resilient push rod (4030) and a projecting member (4035) cooperating with the push rod (4030). The projecting element (4035) is adapted to be actuated when the base part (4018) of the keel is inserted into the first open cavity of the keel connector so that the push rod (4030) and the projecting element (4035) inhibit the removing the keel from the first open cavity.

Description

DESCRIPTION

FIXING MECHANISM FOR VESSEL

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fixation configuration for attaching a vessel keel to a vessel having a keel connector, for installation on a vessel, such as a surfboard or the like, adapted to allow the fins to be connected in a manner removable to the vessel.

The present invention also relates to keels or other items adapted to be removably connected to a vessel.

Background of the invention

A boat, such as a surfboard, especially one in which the person gets up, kneels or sits, when crossing the water or surfing a wave, generally has at least one keel on one side of under the vessel, usually near the rear end of the vessel. Such keels have a number of functions, including: allowing the vessel to move in a desired direction; assist the vessel to make turns easily; prevent the vessel from sliding sideways; and provide greater control over the vessel's movement, such as when surfing a wave.

The discussion that follows refers mainly to surfboards, but it should be understood that the discussion also applies to other boats (and surf boats) adapted to include fins, such as sailboards, paddle boards , rescue boards, surf skis, kayaks and the like.

Some surfboards have integrated fins on the underside of the surfboard and, historically, most surfboards include these integrated fins. These integrated fins are generally incorporated into the board, which means that they are formed as part of the surfboard using fiber reinforced resin. The formation of such fins embedded in the board is quite laborious and makes subsequent board polishing and finishing difficult.

In the past twenty years or so, it has become more common to see surfboards with built-in keel systems that include removable fins. Such keel systems have numerous benefits, including: allowing keels to be removed for transport; allow easy replacement of damaged keels; and allow the selective use of fins in different shapes or styles. These keel systems typically include at least one keel connector built into the underside of the surfboard and adapted to receive at least one surfboard keel. Each keel connector of this type generally includes an open cavity adapted to receive a base part (or base element) of a surfboard keel. The keel can thus be removably attached to the surfboard by inserting the relevant base part (or base element) of the keel into the cavity (or cavities) of the keel connector (or keel connectors).

There are numerous known keel systems that incorporate such a device.

A known and commonly used keel system is described in US 5464369 on behalf of Fin Control Systems Pty Ltd. This system includes keels, with each keel having two protruding base elements (or tabs) and, for each keel, two connectors fins installed on the underside of the surfboard. Each keel connector has a cavity for receiving one of the base elements. Each keel connector also includes a grub screw to secure the base element inside the keel connector cavity.

the aforementioned keel system of US 5464369 has become extremely popular and widely used, since the system allows the application of fins to a surfboard in a highly secure manner, while also allowing the fins to be easily removed from the surfboard when desired. However, a disadvantage of the aforementioned system is that the installation and removal of the keel from the keel connectors takes some time and requires the use of a tool (eg, an Allen key), since the grub screws must be screwed in and unscrewed from each cavity in order to assemble or disassemble the base elements of each keel (when desired).

Another keel connector that works in a similar way as described above, is the keel connector set described in PCT / AU / 2008/001132, also on behalf of Fin Control Systems Pty Ltd. The keel connector described in PCT document / AU / 2008/001132 includes two open cavities adapted to receive corresponding base elements from a surfboard keel. These base elements are adapted to be assembled and disassembled using grub screws (which can be screwed into or unscrewed from the cavities). Each of these grub screws is adapted to be pressed laterally against one side of a keel base element to secure it in position.

Other well-known keel systems include systems that incorporate a single keel connector, with a single cavity, for each surfboard keel. Typically, such a keel system has a very large keel connector with an elongated keel cavity for receiving the base element (s) of a keel. In such keel systems, it is again customary for each keel to be attached to the surfboard (ie the base element of the keel is fixed inside the cavity of the keel connector) by means of a grub screw system, such as the above. There is now a need for a vessel keel fixing mechanism adapted to allow the keels to be removably attached to the underside of a vessel in a quick, easy and safe way, and preferably without the need to use a tool.

International Patent Application PCT / AU2013 / 000738 (document WO 2013/163685) whose holder is the present applicant, discloses a fixing mechanism for attaching a vessel keel, hook or similar element to a vessel, including a fixation configuration comprising a resilient push rod and a projecting member cooperating with the push rod. The projecting element is activated when the base part of said keel is received in said first open cavity, so that the push rod and the projecting element apply a force to the base part of said keel to inhibit the removal of the keel from the cavity open.

International Patent Application PCT / AU2013 / 001314 whose holder is the present applicant, discloses a modified keel connector construction, providing an improved connection to the vessel, and may, in some embodiments, employ the keel attachment mechanism of the WO document 2013/163685.

This publication aims to take the document WO2013 / 163685 and develop it to provide alternative forms of fixation mechanisms.

The contents of WO2013 / 163685 and PCT / AU2013 / 001314 are hereby incorporated by reference.

In addition, the present invention relates to keels or other items that are adapted to be easily and quickly attached to or removed from the aforementioned keel connectors without the use of a tool.

In this publication, when a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof is, on the priority date:

a) part of common general knowledge; or

b) known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem that is the objective of this publication.

Any reference here to the known state of the art, unless otherwise indicated, does not constitute an admission that such a state of the art is normally known to those skilled in the art to which the invention refers, on the priority date of this patent application.

Summary of the invention

According to a first form of the present disclosure, a fixing configuration is provided for attaching a vessel keel to a vessel having a keel connector, the keel connector having a first open cavity adapted to receive a base part of the keel vessel; the fixing configuration comprising a resilient push rod and a projecting member cooperating with the push rod, said projecting element being adapted to be actuated when the base part of said keel is received in said first open cavity so that the rod and the projecting element apply force to the base part of said keel to inhibit the removal of said keel from said first open cavity.

The thrust rod can extend, substantially parallel, to a lateral surface of the base part of said keel.

In a first exemplary form, the push rod and the projecting element are incorporated into the keel, preferably in a base part of the keel, to cooperate with a vessel's keel connector.

The push rod and the projecting element can be incorporated into a housing unit which is mounted in a cavity formed at the base of the keel. Preferably, the housing unit includes a housing body with a cavity in which the push rod and the projecting element are supported.

In another exemplary form, the invention provides a keel adapted to be installed on a keel connector on a vessel, said keel connector including a first open cavity adapted to receive a base part of the vessel keel, in which the keel includes:

a resilient push rod and a projecting member that cooperates with the push rod, said projecting element being adapted to protrude from the keel base part when driven by the push rod, to engage the keel connector and apply force to the keel connector base part of said keel to inhibit the removal of said keel from said first open cavity.

The push rod generally extends substantially parallel to a lateral surface of the base part of said keel. It is preferred that the orientation of the push rod is also substantially parallel to the plane of the vessel.

The push rod can be formed of any suitable material, such as titanium, steel (e.g., marine grade steel), fiberglass, carbon fiber or plastic (including reinforced industrial plastic). It is particularly preferred that the push rod is formed of titanium.

the protruding member is preferably adapted to abut against a lateral surface of the keel connector cavity.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a side surface of the first cavity of the keel connector includes a side indentation part adapted to cooperate with the projecting member to retain the keel in the keel connector cavity. Preferably, the push rod will cause the projecting member to snap into the lateral recess of the keel connector cavity when the keel base part is pushed into the cavity.

The keel and keel connector will typically have an anterior region and a posterior region, and the keel connector will preferably include additional keel removal inhibiting means located in said anterior region. Preferably, the projecting element is located in the posterior region.

Additional keel removal inhibiting means preferably include keel engaging means. The keel engaging means preferably includes a slot or groove to receive a lateral projection, such as a transverse pin, in an anterior part of the keel base.

In another form of the disclosure, the fixing mechanism can be incorporated into the keel connector, in general, as described in WO2013 / 163685.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the projecting member is a ring-shaped member located around said push rod. Preferably, this ring-shaped element is adapted to rotate around said push rod. The ring-shaped element preferably has an external circumferential surface extended between two lateral surfaces, said external circumferential surface having a convex profile between said lateral surfaces. This convex profile allows the load or force that is applied to the ring-shaped element when it is engaged on the side surface of the vessel keel connector, to be more evenly dispersed through the ring-shaped element. The ring-shaped element preferably rotates or rotates in order to reduce frictional wear on the connector and facilitates smoother installation and removal of the keel on the connector.

ring-shaped element is typically formed of a durable, non-corrosive polymer / plastic material (although several other suitable materials can be used). Acetal is a particularly preferred material for the ring element. Acetal is a common term for a relatively rigid industrial plastic with high tensile strength, suitable for machining and high rigidity when in use.

Typically, the embodiments of the present invention where the push rod and protruding element are formed on the keel are adapted for installation on a larger surfing vessel, such as a so-called long board or paddle board, which, typically , have relatively thick keels with thicker keel base parts to accommodate the mechanism. However, the keel-mounted embodiment can also be used for relatively smaller plank fins, for example, with adaptation of the part of the keel base to be thicker than the keel body, with a corresponding change in the width of the keel connector cavity. According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a vessel keel connector adapted to receive a keel connector is provided in accordance with the aforementioned embodiment of the disclosure.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a keel connector and a boat keel kit are provided for use on a surf boat, including a keel connector, as described above, and a boat keel, as described above .

According to a fourth aspect of the present publication, a vessel docking device is provided having a base part including a fastening mechanism, as described above.

In a preferred embodiment, the vessel docking device includes a support connector for connecting the docking device to a support structure. This support connection element may include a hook element for connecting the vessel docking device to a support bar (e.g., a horizontal support bar). The supporting connection element, such as a hook element, can be separated from the base part of the vessel docking device by an intermediate section of the docking device.

In another particularly preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hook element is located on a plane that is at right angles to the plane of the base part.

Typically, the vessel docking device described above may be adapted for use on a surfboard or other surfing vessel.

The aforementioned preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of this publication allows a vessel docking device, which includes a hook element, to be attached to a surfboard (or other vessel), which then allows the surfboard (or other vessel) is suspended from a support bar (eg, a horizontal support bar). In the aforementioned preferred embodiment, where the hook element is located on a plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the base part, this allows multiple surfboards to be suspended from the support bar with a sandwich formation, allowing , thus, the storage of a greater number of surfboards in the support bar.

As will be understood from the above discussion (and as explained and illustrated later in this description), a vessel keel or other vessel docking device, according to the relevant descriptions above, can easily be attached to a keel connector , according to the previous relevant description.

This coupling is carried out, in the case of a vessel keel, by inserting the base part of the keel into the first open cavity of the keel connector. This is typically accomplished by engaging a front part of the keel (eg, the keel section) in the keel engagement means of the keel connector and then rotating a rear part of the keel towards the keel connector, so that the base part of the keel penetrates the open cavity, thus allowing the protruding means of this base part to project into the lateral recess of the keel connector cavity.

In the case of another vessel docking device, such as a hook element (as described above), docking is carried out by inserting the base part of the docking device into the first open cavity of the keel connector. This is typically accomplished by engaging a front part of the coupling device in the keel engaging means of the keel connector and then rotating a rear part of the coupling device downwardly towards the keel connector so that the mechanism for securing the base part of the coupling device functions as described above.

In the aforementioned embodiments, the push rod and projecting member can be, respectively, a resilient elongated member and a bulbous part. The bulbous part may be part of a wheel-like element formed around the elongated rod, the wheel-like element being configured to rotate around the rod when the keel and keel connector engage, during installation and / or removal of the keel , to attach the keel base part to the keel connector cavity after the keel is installed.

The push rod and protruding element will be incorporated in one of the keel or keel connector, the other between the keel or keel connector having a grooved part (or an inclined part), the grooved part (or an inclined part) ) configured to engage the extended part.

The surface of the wheel-like element can be configured to fit inside the grooved part (or to lean against the inclined part).

Other ways and means of carrying out the disclosure will also be evident from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

It should be understood that the features described herein cannot be provided in the device described in this document independently or in different combinations.

Brief description of the drawings

The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a fastening mechanism incorporated in the keel device / connector according to the first aspect of the present invention using the following figures:

Figures IA and 1B are seen in perspective (exploded) of an exemplary keel set and keel connector. Figure 1B shows the tangent edges with dashed lines. This embodiment is in accordance with the present disclosure and WO2013 / 163685.

Figure 2A is a side sectional view of an example keel assembly and central keel connector;

Figure 2B is a perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2C is a front sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2D is a side view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2E is a front view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2F is a rear view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2G is a perspective view under the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 2H is a top view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 2A;

Figure 21 is a bottom view of the keel and keel connector assembly of Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is a side sectional view of the keel and keel connector assembly of Figure 2A, after the keel has been inserted into the device;

Figure 3B is a top perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 3A;

Figure 3C is a front sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 3A;

Figure 4A is a side sectional view of the exemplary keel assembly and keel connector on the right side;

Figure 4B is a rear view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C is a front sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4B along line C-C;

Figure 4D is a side view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4A;

Figure 4E is a bottom perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4A;

Figure 4F is a side sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4A, the keel being received by the device;

Figure 4G is a top perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 4F;

Figure 5A is a side sectional view of the exemplary keel assembly and keel connector on the left;

Figure 5B is a rear view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5A;

Figure 5C is a front sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5C;

Figure 5D is a side view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5A;

Figure 5E is a bottom perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5A;

Figure 5F is a side sectional view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5A, the keel being received by the device;

Figure 5G is a top perspective view of the keel assembly and keel connector of Figure 5F;

Figure 6A is a top perspective view of an exemplary keel device or connector;

Figure 6B is another top perspective view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6C is a perspective view from below of the keel device or connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6D is another perspective view from below of the keel device or connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6E is a top elevation view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6F is an elevation view under the keel device or connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6G is a side elevation view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6H is another side elevation view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 61 is a rear elevation view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6J has been deliberately omitted.

Figure 6K is a front elevation view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6L is a sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6H along cut line A-A;

Figure 6M is a sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 61 along the cut line B-B;

Figure 6N is a sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6K along the cut line C-C.

Figure 60 is a top perspective view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A without a cover 60;

Figure 6P is an exploded view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 6Q is another exploded view of the device or keel connector of Figure 6A;

Figure 7A is a top perspective view of the exemplary keel connector or device on the right side;

Figure 7B is a front sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 7A;

Figure 7C is a top sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 7A;

Figure 7D is a side sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 7A;

Figure 8A is a top perspective view of the exemplary left-hand keel connector or device;

Figure 8B is a front sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 8A;

Figure 8C is a top sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 8A;

Figure 8D is a side sectional view of the device or keel connector of Figure 8A;

Figure 9A is a side view of an exemplary keel, which can be used with a keel device or connector described in this document;

Figure 9B is a top perspective view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9C is a bottom perspective view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9D is a front view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9E is a rear view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9F is a sectional view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9G is a top view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 9H is a bottom view of the keel of Figure 9A;

Figure 10A is a side view of an exemplary right-sided keel, which can be used with a keel device or connector described herein;

Figure 10B is a sectional view of the keel of Figure 10A;

Figure 10C is a rear view of the keel of Figure 10A;

Figure 10D is a top perspective view of the keel of Figure 10A;

Figure 11A is a side view of an exemplary left-hand keel, which can be used with a keel device or connector described herein;

Figure 11B is a sectional view of the keel of Figure 11A;

Figure 11C is a rear view of the keel of Figure 11A;

Figure 11D is a top perspective view of the keel of Figure 11A;

Figures 12A to 15D illustrate an alternative configuration, in which the fixing mechanism is incorporated in the base part of the keel;

Figs. 12A to 12C are a series of views showing the construction and assembly of a housing incorporating the components of the fixing mechanism, adapted to fit in a base part of the keel or other device;

Figs. 13A to 13D are a series of views showing the installation of the enclosure on the base part of a keel;

Figures 14A to 14E are orthogonal views and an elevation section view of a keel incorporating the enclosure;

Figures 15A to 15C show the installation of the keel on a vessel;

Fig. 15D is a section showing the off-center position of the fastening mechanism at the base of the keel and the engagement on the keel connector;

Figures 16A to 16C are a series of views showing the construction and assembly of a keel, in which a resilient push rod and projecting element are installed directly.

Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments

An example of a fastening mechanism incorporated into a keel device or connector 10 is shown in Figures IA and 1B.

In this particular example, device 10 is used to attach a first keel part 15 to a vessel, such as a surfboard or the like (not shown). The device 10 can be formed to be part of the vessel or to be inserted into it.

As shown in Figures IA and 1B, the device 10 can include a first cavity 20, having a cavity wall 25 (and further described below). The device 10 also includes a resilient elongated member 30, which can be positioned, at least partially, along an elongated side of the cavity wall 25. Figure 1 also shows that the resilient elongated element 30 can have an extended part 35, wherein the extended part 35 extends from the resilient element 30 and through a recess 40 or opening in the elongated side of the cavity wall 25.

Therefore, when the first keel part 15 is inserted into the first cavity 20, any one or a combination of the resilient elongated element 30 and the extended part 35 can apply a force to the first keel part 15 to secure the first keel part 15. inside the first cavity 20.

Thus, in a particular example, the resilient elongated member 30 is a resilient rod or pin and the extended portion 35 may include a bulbous portion 45, wherein the bulbous portion 45 is configured to engage the first keel portion 15. In yet another example, the bulbous part 45 may be a part of a wheel-like element formed around the elongated stem 30, wherein the wheel-like element 35 is configured to move around the stem 30 when engaging the first part 15 of keel, to hold the first keel part 15 in the first cavity 20.

Figures IA and 1B, for example, show that the rod 30 is a pin, or similar element, which can function as a spring to allow the wheel-like element 35 to act as a drum, which can hold the keel 50 in place. Thus, the device 10 can be in the form of a box which can contain the keel and hold the pin in place. Figure 1 also shows that after the stem 30 is inserted into the device 10, the insert can be sealed tightly by an end cap 55 or the like. The plug 55 can prevent the stem 30 from leaving the device 10.

In addition, Figures IA and 1B also show that the device 10 can include one or more covers 55, 57, 60, which can be used to tightly close the part 35 extended inside the device 10. In a particular example, the end cap 55 is typically impervious to water and can hold stem 30 and part 35 extended inside. The side cover 57 can be optional, the stem 30 and the extended part 35 can be installed without using an opening that the side cover 57 seals. Figure 6N illustrates an embodiment of the keel connector 10 without the use of a side cover 57.

According to yet another example, the first keel part 15 can also include a grooved part 65 on a side keel surface 70. The splined part 65 is typically configured to engage the extended part 35. Thus, in one example, a surface of the wheel-like element 35, which is typically a curved surface, is configured to fit within the grooved part 65.

It should be understood that, although the grooved part 65 may be formed or shaped to conform or substantially coincide with the curved surface of the extended part 35, strict adaptation or matching is not necessary. In these examples, the grooved part 65 is configured to roll over the extended part 35 and the extended part 35 can then lock the first keel part 15 inside the first cavity 20. Furthermore, it should also be understood that when the locking action occurs and the first keel part 15 is pushed into the cavity, the rod 30 can bend and can remain slightly bent when applying force to the extended part 35, which subsequently applies a force to the splined part 65 , in order to keep the first keel part 15 inside the first cavity 20. In a particular example, a lateral or downward force, or a combination thereof, can be applied to keep the first keel part 15 inside the device 10.

According to a particular example, when keel 50 is inserted into device 10, a second keel part 90 is initially inserted, where the recess 85 in the second keel part 90 engages with the protrusion 80 on device 10 (in the second cavity 75). After the second keel part 90 is in place, the first keel part 15 is locked in the first cavity 20 by pushing down the keel 50, so that the groove 65 engages with the extended part 35, which is located , at least partially, inside the first cavity 20.

Thus, in another example, with respect to Figures IA and 1B, a keel connector 10 is provided for installation on a vessel (not shown), said keel connector 10 including an open first cavity 20 adapted to receive a part 18 base of a vessel 50 keel; and a resilient push rod 30 and a projecting member 35 (also referred to as the extended part) cooperating with the push rod 30. The projecting member 35 is adapted / configured to abut the base part 18 of said keel 50 when received in said first open cavity 20. In this way, the push rod 30 and projecting member 35 are adapted to apply force to the base part 18 of said keel 50 to inhibit the removal of said keel 50 from said first open cavity 20.

As shown in Figures IA and 1B, the push rod 30, when inserted in the keel connector 10, is positioned adjacent to the first open cavity 20. According to a particular example, the push rod 30 extends substantially parallel to a lateral surface 16 of the base part 18 of the keel 50. Thus, the projecting element 35 can abut against the lateral surface 16.

It should also be understood that the keel connector 10 can also include a side cavity 22, where the push rod 30 is positioned within the side cavity 22. Thus, the side cavity 22 and the first open cavity 20 are separated by a perforated wall (referred to herein as a cavity wall) and a part of the protruding element 35 projects through an opening (or recess) 40 in the wall 25, penetrating the first open cavity 20.

The side surface 16 may include a section 65 of an inclined surface (also described herein as a grooved part). The inclined surface section 65 is adapted to cooperate with the projecting member 35 in order to create a force, inside the first open cavity 20, to be applied to the base part 18 under the influence of the thrust rod 30.

According to a particular example, the keel connector 10 can have an anterior region 12 and a posterior region 14. The protruding element 35 is typically located in the posterior region 14.

The keel connector 10 may include an additional keel removal inhibition means located in the anterior region 12. The keel removal inhibition means may include a keel engagement means, which includes a shoulder part 80 (hereinafter referred to as a protrusion), which is adapted to overlap a keel section 85 (hereinafter referred to as recess) and to inhibit the movement of the keel 50 when the base part 18 is received inside the first open cavity 20.

As described herein, the keel connector 10 can include a second open cavity 75. In this way, the first open cavity 20 can receive a first flap of the base part 18 of the keel 50 and the second open cavity 75 can receive a second flap of the base part 18 of the keel 50. In this particular example, the first cavity 20 open it is located in the posterior region 14 and the second open cavity is located in the anterior region 12. In addition, the sloping surface section 65 of the base part of said keel is located on the first flap. In addition, the shoulder part 80 can be located inside said second open cavity and the keel section can be located on the second tab of the base part of the keel 50.

The shoulder part may include a shoulder extending from one end of said second open cavity and defining a recess between said shoulder and a base surface of said second open cavity, said recess being adapted to receive the keel section , for example, as shown in Figures 12A to 12H of WO2013 / 1 63685.

As discussed herein, the protruding extended part / member 35 may be of the wheel type or a ring-shaped member located around the push rod 30. In a particular example, the ring-shaped element can rotate about said push rod. In yet another example, the ring-shaped element does not necessarily have to be cylindrical in shape and may have an outer circumferential surface extended between two side surfaces, where the outer circumferential surface has a convex profile between said side surfaces.

In yet another example, as shown particularly in Figures 2A, 3A, 4A, 4F, 5A and 5F, the device 10 can also include a second cavity 75. The second cavity 75 can include a protrusion 80, in which the protrusion 80 is configured to be inserted and coincide with a respective recess 85 of a second keel part 90, to thereby secure the second keel part 90 within the second cavity 75.

Thus, for example, any one or a combination of the protrusion 80 and the recess 85, and the extended part 35 and the first keel part 15 can fit and lock, and the keel 50 can be securely attached inside the device 10.

In particular, those skilled in the art should understand that the second keel portion 90 can be trapped within the second cavity 75 by means of a series of different mechanical elements / securing means. Other examples of securing means for securing / securing the second keel portion 90 to a second cavity 75 are described below.

In the examples shown in the Figures, the first cavity 15 and the second cavity 75 are two separate cavities within the device 10. However, it should be understood that in some cases they may form a part of an elongated cavity (not shown) . In particular, certain advantages can be provided by keeping the two cavities distinct. That is, the bridge 95 between the two cavities can be configured to better attach the first and second keel parts 15, 90 to the respective first and second cavities 20, 75. In addition, the bridge can include a bridge section, which has an upper surface that is adapted to lean against a lower surface of a boat keel.

Those skilled in the art should understand that many boats, such as surfboards or the like, can include one or more fins. In a particular example, a surfboard may include a central fin and two side fins (referred to herein as left and right fins, when looking at the underside of the surfboard with the back of the board at the bottom) . Thus, although the characteristics described here can be applicable to any keel, the vessel may include small variations depending on the location of the keel (central keel, right keel or left keel).

An example of a variation can be seen when Figures 2C, 4C and 5C are compared. In these examples, Figures 2A to 3C represent an example of a central keel 50, in which, as shown in figure 2C, keel 50 is substantially perpendicular to device 10. However, in contrast, the keels 50 of Figures 4C and 5C form an angle to the vertical of the device 10. Figure 4C is an example of a right keel and Figure 5C is an example of a left keel. Although the keels described are configured to be inserted at any angle in relation to the vertical, in a particular example, the angle is 7 to 9 degrees in relation to the vertical.

Therefore, device 10 can also be varied to accommodate the variable insertion angle. As shown in Figures 4C and 5C, the first cavity 15 can include an opposed sloping wall 28, opposite the cavity wall 25 (which is typically the cavity wall through which the extended part 35 protrudes.

In other examples, Figures 6A to 6Q show the example of a keel device or connector 10, in which, in these examples, device 10 will typically be used for a central keel. Those skilled in the art should understand that, as shown in figure 6N, the extended part 35 projects through the cavity wall 25 in a position where it can easily coincide with the corresponding grooved part 65 of the keel 50. Thus, the extended part 35 does not it must necessarily protrude through the center of the cavity wall 25 and can, according to this particular example, be off-center.

In addition, device 10 shows attachment points 98 for fixing grub screws or any other suitable fixing means, or the like, to further secure keel 50 to device 10. It should be understood that the use of screws without head or other suitable fastening means, may allow different types of keels to be attached to device 10. Thus, in this particular example, the grub screw can be configured to penetrate the first cavity 20 in order to further secure a portion of keel base 50 inside the first cavity 20. A similar grub screw can be used for the second cavity 75, in which a grub screw is configured to penetrate the second cavity 75 in order to further secure a flap, base part or the like of the keel 50 inside the second cavity 75.

Figures 7A to 7D are examples of the device 10 for use with a keel on the right side. In addition, Figures 8A to 8D are examples of the device 10 for use with a keel on the left. It should be noted, from these figures, that the examples show that the devices, when used for the side fins (such as the left and right fins), can be formed so as to be symmetrical images of each other. In addition, Figures 7B and 8B show the opposite inclined wall 28, to allow an oblique insertion of the respective keels.

In the examples presented here, device 10 is substantially eight-shaped, so that at least one profile of the device is substantially eight-shaped. In these examples, the first cavity 15 is located or formed within a first end 12 of the eight and the second cavity 75 is formed within the second end 14 of the eight.

Those skilled in the art should understand that the eight shape of the device 10 can be advantageous in that it allows the device 10 to be part of the vessel and still allows the keel parts to remain locked there. The smooth edges of the eight can also provide an easier manufacturing process. However, it should be understood that the device is not limited to this shape and that other shapes that provide the functionality of the cavities are incorporated herein.

Figures 9A to 9H show examples of a central keel 50 for use with a central device 10. Figures 10A to 10D show examples of a right keel 50 and Figures 11A to 11D show an example of a left keel 50. In particular, the left and right fins 50 may be symmetrical images of each other.

In particular, with regard to keels 50, it should also be understood that, although the first keel part 15 and the second keel part 90 may be or may include the first and second flaps, respectively, any part of keel base 50 can be configured to be inserted in the first and second cavities 20, 75.

Further variants of the keel connector system are disclosed in WO2013 / 163685, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.

Figures 12A to 15D and Figures 16A to 16C, illustrate two different embodiments of the fixing mechanism to be incorporated into a vessel's keel.

In figures 12A to 15D, the fixing mechanism is formed in a casing 4000, or cassette, which is installed in the base part 4018 of a 4050 keel.

The housing is illustrated in Figs. 12A to 12C according to an assembly sequence.

Housing 4000 consists of an outer housing body 4002, which provides a support structure for resilient thrust rod 4030 and protruding wheel-like element 4035, which, when assembled, lie within a side opening cavity 4004 of the housing, the cavity having a wider central part 4006 to accommodate the 4030 element.

At the ends of the cavity, there are end holes 4008 and 4009, whose function is to support the ends of the push rod, one end hole 4008 being a through hole to allow the insertion of the rod during assembly of the housing. The other end hole 4009 can be a through hole or a blind hole.

As best seen in Figs. 13A to 13C and in sectional views 14D and 15D, the protruding wheel-like element has a diameter that preferably matches the width of the casing body 4002 and the thrust rod 4030 is supported on the casing with its axis off center, so that part of the projecting element 4035 extends beyond the side of the enclosure and, when installed, beyond the side of the keel base part.

The construction of the resilient rod 4030 and the protruding wheel-like element 4035 may be similar to that described above, for example, with reference to Figs. IA and 1B.

The casing body 4002 can be formed with perforations 4012 to reduce weight and can be formed with any suitable material, and with any suitable means, for example, molded in plastic, such as fiberglass reinforced nylon, ABS, Acetal .

Figs. 13A to 13D show the installation of the enclosure in the base part 4018 of a 4050 keel and Figs. 14A to 14E illustrate a 4050 keel with housing 4000 of the fastening mechanism installed at the base of the keel.

The rear part of the keel base part 4018 includes a large elongated cavity 4014 for receiving the housing, which can be secured in place by a friction / pressure fitting or, alternatively, glued or welded in place. The smaller 4016 cavities in the keel base part 4018 serve to reduce weight.

The width of the enclosure is preferably not greater than that of the keel base on which it is installed, except for the upper profile of the enclosure, which is preferably slightly wider than the corresponding slot width, in so that when these parts meet, there is a snap fit. This creates a tighter fit between the keel base and the groove, which reduces the oscillation of the keel base (which is a desired attribute to smoothly transfer the surfer's energy to the keel).

At the front of the keel base there is a cross pin 4019 that protrudes from both sides of the keel base, to engage with rails on the side surfaces of the keel connector in order to protect the front part of the keel on the connector keel.

Figs. 15A to 15C show a sequence for installing the keel of Figs. 13A to 14E on the keel connector of a surfing vessel.

In Figure 15A, the keel is inserted obliquely into the keel connector, so that the parts projecting from the transverse pin 4019 are inserted into the longitudinal rails 4021, on both sides of the keel connector cavity.

The keel is then moved forward by moving pin 4019 along rails 4021, until the front of the keel base part reaches the desired location within the keel connector cavity. Then, the rear part of the keel is rotated downwards (Fig. 15B) to engage the fastening mechanism. When the 4035 protruding wheel-like element of the mechanism comes into contact with the side surface 4023 of the keel connector cavity 4020, the rod 4030 bends resiliently to allow the 4035 element to move inward and snap into place in a cut-out 4065 lateral recess formed on the side surface of the keel connector cavity (Fig. 15D).

The resilient stem 4030 will remain slightly bent when the keel is fully inserted, helping the spring force thus provided by stem 4030 to firmly retain element 4035 in the indented indentation to keep the keel attached to the keel connector.

In addition to producing a lateral force between the keel base and the keel connector cavity, the engagement of the 4035 element in the indented indentation can also generate a downward force vector on the keel, forcing the bottom surface of the base. keel against the base of the keel connector cavity and retaining the slightly tapered housing in a snap fit with the sides of the keel connector cavity. This helps to stabilize the keel engagement on the vessel.

To remove the keel from the vessel, for example, for replacement or transportation, the rear part of the keel is rotated upwards so as to again bend the 4030 shank and detach the locking mechanism from the keel connector cavity, essentially in the opposite sequence to the insertion sequence of Figs. 15A to 15C. There is a low risk of involuntary disengagement while using the vessel, as it is not an angle from which the keel would normally be dropped during use.

This embodiment of the housing has the advantage that the housing can be adapted for installation on a variety of different keel configurations, or on other devices, such as storage hooks, with less expense for tools.

Figs. 16A to 16C show an alternative exemplary embodiment, in which the resilient rod 4030 and the protruding element 4035 of the fastening mechanism are installed directly on the keel base part 4018 and not in a housing installed on the keel base. In addition, the construction and operation of the embodiment of Figs. 16A to 16C are similar to those in Figs. 13A to 15D.

The embodiments of Figs. 12A to 16C use a cross pin 4019 engaged in the longitudinal rails 4021 to secure the front part of the keel base to the keel connector cavity. It should be understood that the publication covers other mechanisms for performing this function, including, for example, a configuration similar to that of the recess 85 and protuberance 80 of Figs. 1 D AI or a recess formed between a shoulder and a base surface of the keel connector cavity, adapted to receive the keel section, for example, as shown in Figures 12A to 12H of WO2013 / 1 63685.

Although it is intended that the keel connector of the first aspect of the present invention is mainly used with boat keels (eg, surfboard fins) of the second aspect of the present invention, in order to allow such fins to be easily and conveniently attached to or detached from the keel connector (without the use of a tool), it is not limited to that use. For example, other vessel coupling devices may be selectively coupled to or decoupled from the relevant keel connector in substantially the same manner as the abovementioned keels are coupled or decoupled.

An example of such other vessel coupling devices is a hook / suspension device, not shown, for example, as described and shown, in general, in Figures 29A to 29H of document W02013 / 163685. As you can easily understand, this hook device is adapted to be connected to a surfboard (or other vessel), so that the surfboard (or other vessel) can be suspended from a horizontal support bar (or structure) similar).

The base part of the hook device can be configured to receive a clamping mechanism housing, for example, as shown in Figs. 12A to 12C or, alternatively, to directly receive a push rod and projecting element in an arrangement similar to the keel base shown in Figs. 16A to 16C.

In particular, it should be understood that, although many different materials can be used for the keel connector 10, it can be formed from ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or any other plastic materials) or Zytel. The rod 30 or 4030 is typically formed from any elastic material, such as high quality stainless steel or titanium, which is also a robust material in vessels, since the material, in general, does not degrade or oxidize. The same robust material can also be used for the extended part 35 or 4035. It should also be understood that the device 10 can be injection molded.

The housing body can also be formed from many different materials. Typically, the casing body will be injection molded plastic, with glass fiber reinforced nylon, ABS, Acetal examples of preferred materials.

It should also be understood that the described hook device can be formed of many different materials. Typically, this device will be formed from suitable plastic materials, which are relatively inexpensive and strong enough to suspend a surfboard (or other vessel) from a support bar.

In this document, terms indicating direction, such as vertical, up, down, left, right, etc. or rotation, refer to directions or rotations relative to the corresponding drawing and not to absolute directions or rotations, unless otherwise specified by the context.

Wherever it is used, the word understanding must be understood in its broad sense, that is, in the sense of including, and thus not limited to its closed sense, which is the meaning of consisting only of. A corresponding meaning must be attributed to the corresponding words understand, understood and understand, when mentioned.

It should be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein encompasses all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual characteristics mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute the various alternative aspects of the invention.

Although particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be carried out in other specific forms without deviating from its essential features. It should therefore be considered that the present embodiments and examples, in all respects, are illustrative and not limiting, and that any modifications that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be here covered.

Claims (21)

1. Keel (4050) adapted for installation on a vessel's keel connector, including: a base part (4018) adapted for insertion into a keel connector cavity (4020), characterized in that the keel (4050) includes: a resilient rod (4030) within the base part (4018) which extends substantially parallel to a lateral surface of the base part (4018); and a projecting element (4035) positioned around the resilient rod (4030), the element (4035) projecting laterally from the base part (4018), the resilient rod (4030) being adapted to bend elastically to allow the insertion of the base part (4018) and the protruding element (4035) into the keel connector cavity (4020), such that the base part (4018) is removably retained in the keel connector cavity (4020). Keel (4050) according to claim 1, characterized in that the projecting element (4035) is a ring-shaped element (4035). Keel (4050) according to claim 2, characterized in that the ring-shaped element (4035) has a circumferential outer surface that extends between two lateral surfaces, the circumferential outer surface having a convex profile between the lateral surfaces . Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, characterized in that the resilient stem (4030) is mounted so that a longitudinal axis of the resilient stem (4030) is off-center towards the center point of the keel base part (4018) width. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the outer diameter of the ring-shaped element (4035) is substantially equal to the width of the keel base part (4018). Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a front part of the base part (4018) has a cross pin (4019) and a rear section of the keel base part (4018) have the stem (4030) resilient and the element (4035) protrude. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a front section of the keel base part (4018) has a recess (4065), the recess (4065) of the front section is adapted to receive a projection in the keel connector cavity (4020) and in which the resilient rod (4030) and the projecting element (4035) are positioned in a rear section of the keel base part (4018). Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a front section of the keel base part (4018) is adapted to engage with a shoulder extending from a front end of the cavity (4020 ) keel connector; and wherein the resilient rod (4030) and the projecting element (4035) are positioned in a rear section of the keel base part (4018) to engage with a rear part of the keel connector cavity (4020). Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the projecting element (4035) is positioned substantially at a central point of the resilient rod (4030). Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the resilient stem (4030) is substantially supported at its ends. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the resilient rod (4030) is an elongated member. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the projecting element (4035) is rotatably mounted on the resilient rod (4030). Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a material for the resilient rod (4030) is at least one of titanium, steel, stainless steel, stainless steel naval quality, fiberglass, carbon fiber, plastic and reinforced industrial plastic. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the resilient rod (4030) and the projecting element (4035) are included in a cartridge (4000) incorporated in the keel base part (4018). 15. Keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the vessel is at least one of a long board, a paddle board, a larger vessel for surfing and a board little. Keel connector for receiving a keel (4050) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the keel connector includes a keel connector cavity (4020) with a side surface including a recess (4065) , the recess (4065) being adapted to cooperate with the element (4035) protruding from the keel (4050) in order to facilitate the engagement of the keel (4050) inside the keel connector. Keel connector according to claim 16, characterized in that the keel connector includes at least one rail (4021) extending longitudinally on one or more side walls of the keel connector cavity (4020). 18. A keel system for a vessel comprising: a keel (4050) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 and a keel connector adapted to receive the keel (4050). 19. Cartridge (4000) adapted for installation on a vessel's keel connector, characterized in that the cartridge (4000) includes: a cartridge body (4002) adapted for insertion into a cavity (4020) of the keel connector; a resilient rod (4030) within the cartridge body (4002) which extends substantially parallel to a lateral surface of the cartridge body (4002); and a projecting element (4035) positioned around the resilient rod (4030), the projecting element (4035) projecting laterally from the cartridge body (4002), wherein the resilient rod (4030) is adapted to bend elastically to allow inserting the cartridge body (4002) and the element (4035) protruding into the keel connector cavity (4020) such that the cartridge body (4002) is removably retained in the keel connector cavity (4020). 20. Keel (4050) characterized by including a cartridge (4000) as claimed in claim 19. 21. Suspension characterized by including a cartridge (4000) as claimed in claim 19.