Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
  • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
  • B63B32/00—Water sports boards; Accessories therefor
  • B63B32/60—Board appendages, e.g. fins, hydrofoils or centre boards
  • B63B32/66—Arrangements for fixation to the board, e.g. fin boxes or foil boxes

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a securing arrangement for securing a water craft fin to a water craft having a fin plug, for installation in a water craft, such as a surfboard or the like, adapted to enable fins to be removably attached to the water craft.
• the present invention also relates to fins or other items which are adapted to be removably attached to water craft.
• a water craft such as a surfboard, particularly one on which a person stands, kneels or sits, when traversing water or riding a wave, generally has at least one fin in an underside of the water craft, generally near the tail end of the water craft.
• Such fins have a number of functions, including: enabling the craft to travel in a desired direction; facilitating the turning of the craft; preventing the craft from slipping sideways; and providing greater control over the movement of the craft, such as when riding a wave.
• Some surfboards have fins integrally formed in the underside of the surfboard and, historically, most surfboards included such integrally formed fins. These integrally formed fins are generally 'glassed in', meaning that they are formed as part of the surfboard by means of fiber-reinforced resin. The formation of such 'glassed in' fins is quite labour intensive and it makes the subsequent sanding and finishing of the board more difficult.
• fin systems which include removable fins.
• Such fin systems have numerous benefits, including: enabling the fins to be removed whilst travelling; allowing damaged fins to be easily replaced; and enabling fins of different shapes or styles to be selectively used.
• These fin systems typically include at least one fin plug embedded in the underside of the surfboard, adapted to receive at least one surfboard fin.
• Each such fin plug will generally include an open cavity adapted to receive a base portion (or base element) of a surfboard fin.
• the fin is then able to be removably attached to the surfboard by inserting the relevant base portion (or base element) of the fin into the cavity (or cavities) of the fin plug (or fin plugs).
• There are numerous known fin systems which incorporate such an arrangement.
• fins each having two projecting base elements (or tabs) and, for each fin, two fin plugs installed in the underside of the surfboard.
• Each of the fin plugs has a cavity for receiving one of the base elements.
• Each fin plug also includes a grub screw for securing the base element within the cavity of the fin plug.
• FIG. 1 Another fin plug which functions in a similar way to that described above is the fin plug assembly described in PCT/AU/2008/001 132, also in the name of Fin Control Systems Pty Ltd.
• the fin plug described in PCT/AU/2008/001 132 includes two open cavities adapted to receive corresponding base elements of a surfboard fin. These base elements are adapted to be secured and released by means of grub screws (which can be threaded into or out of the cavities). Each such grub screw is adapted to press laterally against a side of a base element of the fin to secure it in position.
• Applicant discloses a modified fin plug construction providing an improved bond with the water craft, and in some embodiments may employ the fin securing mechanism of WO 2013/163685.
• the present invention is directed towards fins or other items which are adapted to be easily and quickly secured to or removed from the abovementioned fin plugs without the use of a tool.
• a securing arrangement for securing a water craft fin to a water craft having a fin plug, the fin plug having a first open cavity adapted to receive a base portion of the water craft fin;
• the securing arrangement comprising a resilient biasing rod and a protruding member cooperating with the biasing rod, said protruding member being adapted to actuate when the base portion of said fin when received in said first open cavity so that the biasing rod and protruding member apply a force to the base portion of said fin to inhibit removal of said fin from said first open cavity.
• the biasing rod may extend substantially parallel to a side surface of the base portion of said fin.
• the biasing rod and protruding member are incorporated in the fin, preferably in a base portion of the fin, to cooperate with a fin plug of the water craft.
• the biasing rod and protruding member may be incorporated in a cartridge assembly which is fitted in a cavity formed in the fin base.
• the cartridge assembly includes a cartridge body with a cavity in which the biasing rod and protruding member are supported.
• the invention provides a fin adapted for installation in a fin plug of a water craft, said fin plug including a first open cavity adapted to receive a base portion of the water craft fin, wherein the fin includes: a resilient biasing rod and a protruding member cooperating with the biasing rod, said protruding member being adapted to protrude from the fin base portion when actuated by the biasing rod, to engage with the fin plug and apply a force to the base portion of said fin to inhibit removal of said fin from said first open cavity.
• the biasing rod generally extends substantially parallel to a side surface of the base portion of said fin. It is preferred that the orientation of the biasing rod is also substantially parallel to the plane of the water craft.
• the biasing rod may be formed of any suitable material, such as titanium, steel (e.g. marine grade steel), fiberglass, carbon fibre or plastic (including reinforced engineering plastic). It is particularly preferred that the biasing rod is formed of titanium.
• the protruding member is preferably adapted to abut a side surface of the fin plug cavity.
• a side surface of the first cavity of the fin plug includes a lateral recess portion being adapted to co-operate with the protruding member so as to retain the fin in the fin plug cavity.
• the biasing rod will cause the protruding member to 'snap-fit' into the lateral recess of the fin plug cavity when the fin base portion is pushed into the cavity.
• the fin and fin plug will typically have a forward region and a rearward region and the fin plug will preferably include additional fin removal inhibiting means located in said forward region.
• the protruding member is located in the rearward region.
• the additional fin removal inhibiting means preferably includes fin engagement means.
• the fin engagement means preferably includes a slot or groove to receive a lateral projection such as a transverse pin on a forward portion of the fin base.
• the securing mechanism may be incorporated in the fin plug, generally as described in WO2013/163685.
• the protruding member is a ring- shaped member located about said biasing rod.
• this ring-shaped member is adapted to rotate about said biasing rod.
• the ring-shaped member preferably has a circumferential outer surface extending between two side surfaces, said circumferential outer surface having a convex profile between said side surfaces. This convex profile enables the load or force, which is applied to the ring-shaped member when it engages with the side surface of the water craft fin plug, to be dispersed more evenly across the ring shaped member.
• the ring shaped member preferably rolls or rotates so as to reduce friction wear on the plug and facilitate a "smoother" installation and removal of the fin from the plug.
• the ring- shaped member is typically formed of a durable, non-corrosive polymer/plastic material (although a number of other suitable materials could be used).
• Acetal is a particularly preferred material for the ring-shaped member.
• Acetal is a common term for a comparatively hard engineering plastic with high tensile strength, suitable for machining and high rigidity in use.
• the embodiments of this invention where the biasing rod and protruding member are formed in the fin are adapted for installation in a larger surf craft, such as a longboard or a stand-up paddle board, which will typically have relatively thick fins with thicker fin base portions to accommodate the mechanism.
• the fin- mounted embodiment may be used for relatively smaller shortboard fins as well, for example with adaption of the fin base portion to be thicker than the body of the fin, with corresponding change in breadth of the cavity of the fin plug.
• a water craft fin plug adapted to receive a fin plug according to the above embodiment of the disclosure.
• fin plug and a water craft fin kit for use in a surf craft, including a fin plug as described above and a water craft fin as described above.
• a water craft attachment device having a base portion including a securing mechanism as described above.
• the water craft attachment device includes a support connecting element for connecting the attachment device to a support structure.
• This support connecting element may include a hook element for connecting the water craft attachment device to a support rod (e.g. a horizontal support rod).
• the support connecting element such as a hook element, may be separated from the base portion of the water craft attachment device by an intermediate section of the attachment device.
• the hook element lies in a plane which is at right angles to the plane of the base portion.
• the water craft attachment device described above will be adapted for use in a surfboard or other surf craft.
• the above preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present disclosure enables a water craft attachment device, which includes a hook element, to be attached to a surfboard (or other water craft), which then enables the surfboard (or other water craft) to be suspended from a supporting rod (e.g. a horizontal support rod).
• a supporting rod e.g. a horizontal support rod.
• This attachment is effected, in the case of a water craft fin, by inserting the base portion of the fin into the first open cavity of the fin plug. This is typically achieved by engaging a forward portion of the fin (e.g. the fin section) with the fin engagement means of the fin plug and then rotating a rearward portion of the fin down towards the fin plug, so that the base portion of the fin extends into the open cavity, thereby enabling the protruding means of this base portion to protrude into lateral recess of the fin plug cavity.
• a forward portion of the fin e.g. the fin section
• the attachment is effected by inserting the base portion of the attachment device into the first open cavity of the fin plug. This is typically achieved by engaging a forward portion of the attachment device with the fin engagement means of the fin plug and then rotating a rearward portion of the attachment device down towards the fin plug, so that the securing mechanism of the base portion of the attachment device operates as described above [042]
• the biasing rod and protruding member may be respectively a resilient elongate member a bulbous portion.
• the bulbous portion can be part of a wheel-like member formed around the elongate rod, the wheel-like member being configured to rotate about the rod when the fin and fin plug engage, during installation and/or removal of the fin, to hold the fin base portion in the fin plug cavity once the fin is installed.
• the biasing rod and protruding member will be incorporated in one of the fin or the fin plug, with the other of the fin or the fin plug having a grooved portion (or an inclined portion), the grooved portion (or inclined portion) being configured to engage with the extending portion.
• a surface of the wheel-like member can be is configured to sit within the grooved portion (or against the inclined portion).
• Figures 1 A and 1 B are perspective (exploded) views of an example fin and fin plug assembly.
• Figure 1 B shows the tangent edges with dashed lines. This embodiment is in common to the present disclosure and to WO2013/163685.
• Figure 2A is a side cross-sectional view of an example centre fin and fin plug assembly
• Figure 2B is a perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure
• Figure 2C is a cross-sectional front view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 2A [052]
• Figure 2D is a side view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 2E is front view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 2F is a back view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 2G is an underneath perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 2H is a top view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 21 is a bottom view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 2A;
• Figure 3A is a side cross-sectional view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 3B is a top perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 3C is a front cross-sectional view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 4A is a side cross-sectional view of an example right-side the fin and fin plug assembly
• Figure 4B is a back view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 4A;
• Figure 4C is a cross-sectional front view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 4D is a side view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 4A;
• Figure 4E is a bottom perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of figure 4A;
• Figure 4F is a cross-sectional side view of the fin and fin plug assembly of the Figure 4A, the fin being received by the device;
• Figure 4G is a top perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 5A is a side cross-sectional view of an example left-side of the fin and fin plug assembly
• Figure 5B is a back view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 5A;
• Figure 5C is a cross-sectional front view of the fin and fin plug assembly of
• Figure 5D is a side view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 5A;
• Figure 5E is a bottom perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of figure 5A;
• Figure 5F is a cross-sectional side view of the fin and fin plug assembly of the Figure 5A, the fin being received by the device;
• Figure 5G is a top perspective view of the fin and fin plug assembly of Figure 5F;
• Figure 6A is a top perspective view of an example device or fin plug
• Figure 6B is another top perspective view of the device or fin plug of
• Figure 6C is an underneath perspective view of the device or fin plug of
• Figure 6D is another underneath perspective view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6E is a top elevational view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6F is an underneath elevational view of the device or fin plug of
• Figure 6G is a side elevational view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6H is another side elevational view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6I is a back end elevational view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6K is a front end elevational view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6L is a cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6H along the section line A-A;
• Figure 6M is a cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 61 along the section line B-B;
• Figure 6N is a cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6K along the section line C-C .
• Figure 6O is a top perspective view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A without a cap 60;
• Figure 6P is an exploded view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 6Q is another exploded view of the device or fin plug of Figure 6A;
• Figure 7A is a top perspective view of an example right-side device or fin plug
• Figure 7B is front cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 7A;
• Figure 7C is a top cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 7A;
• Figure 7D is a side cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 7A;
• Figure 8A is a top perspective view of an example left-side device or fin plug
• Figure 8B is front cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 8A;
• Figure 8C is a top cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 8A;
• Figure 8D is a side cross-sectional view of the device or fin plug of Figure 8A;
• Figure 9A is a side view of an example fin, which can be used with a device or fin plug described herein;
• Figure 9B is a top perspective view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9C is a bottom perspective view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9D is a front view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9E is a back view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9F is a cross-sectional view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9G is a top view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 9H is a bottom view of the fin of Figure 9A;
• Figure 10A is a side view of an example right-side fin, which can be used with a device or fin plug described herein;
• Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view of the fin of Figure 10A;
• Figure 10C is a back view of the fin of Figure 10A;
• Figure 10D is a top perspective view of the fin of Figure 10A;
• Figure 1 1 A is a side view of an example left-side fin, which can be used with a device or fin plug described herein;
• Figure 1 1 B is a cross-sectional view of the fin of Figure 1 1 A;
• Figure 1 1 C is a back view of the fin of Figure 1 1 A;
• Figure 1 1 D is a top perspective view of the fin of Figure 1 1 A;
• Figures 12A to 15D illustrate an alternative arrangement, in which the securing mechanism is incorporated in the fin base portion
• FIGs 12A to 12C is a series of views showing construction and assembly of a cartridge incorporating the securing mechanism components, adapted for fitting into a fin base portion or other device;
• Figs 13A to 13D is a series of views showing the cartridge being installed into the base portion of a fin
• Figs 14A to 14E are orthogonal views and an elevational section view of a fin incorporating the cartridge
• Figs 15A to 15C show the fin being installed in a water craft
• Fig 15D is a section showing the off-centre position of the securing mechanism within the fin base, and the engagement with the fin plug;
• Figs 16A to 16C is a series of views showing construction and assembly of a fin in which a resilient biasing rod and protruding member are installed directly. Detailed description of the embodiment or embodiments
• FIG. 1 A and 1 B An example of a securing mechanism incorporated in a device or fin plug 10 is shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B.
• the device 10 is used for holding a first fin portion 15 in a water craft, such as a surfboard or the like (not shown).
• the device 10 can be formed such that it is integral or insertable into the water craft.
• 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 elongate member 30, which can be located at least partially along an elongate side of the cavity wall 25.
• Figure 1 also shows that the resilient elongate member 30 can have an extending portion 35, where the extending portion 35 extends from the resilient member 30 through a recess 40 or aperture in the elongate side of the cavity wall 25,
• any one or a combination of the resilient elongate member 30 and the extending portion 35 can apply a force to the first fin portion 15 to hold the first fin portion 15 within the first cavity 20.
• the resilient elongate member 30 is a resilient rod or pin
• the extending portion 35 can includes a bulbous portion 45, where the bulbous portion 45 is configured to engage with the first fin portion 15.
• the bulbous portion 45 can be a part of a wheel-like member formed around the elongate rod 30, where the wheel-like member 35 is configured to move around the rod 30 when engaging with the first fin portion 15, to hold the first fin portion 15 in the first cavity 20.
• Figures 1 A and 1 B show that the rod 30 is a pin, or the like, which can act as a spring to allow the wheel-like member 35, to act as a barrel, which can hold the fin 50 in place.
• the device 10 can be in the form of a box which can hold the fin and hold the pin in place.
• Figure 1 also shows that once the rod 30 is inserted into the device 10, the insertion can be sealed by an end plug 55, or the like. The plug 55 can prevent the rod 30 moving out of the device 10.
• Figures 1 A and 1 B also show that the device 10 can include one or more caps 55, 57, 60, which can be used to seal the extending portion 35 into the device 10.
• the end cap 55 is typically water tight and can hold both the rod 30 and the extending portion 35 therein.
• the side cap 57 can be optional, the rod 30 and the extending portion 35 can be installed without the use of an aperture that side cap 57 seals.
• Figure 6N illustrates an embodiment of the fin plug 10 without the use of a side cap 57.
• the first fin portion 15 can also include a grooved portion 65 on a side fin surface 70.
• the grooved portion 65 is typically configured to engage with the extending portion 35.
• a surface of the wheel-like member 35 which is typically a curved surface, is configured to site within the grooved portion 65.
• the grooved portion 65 can be formed or shaped such that it substantially conforms or mates with the curved surface of the extending portion 35, strict conformance or mating is not necessary. In these examples, the grooved portion 65 is configured to roll over the extending portion 35 and the extending portion 35 can then lock the first fin portion 15 into the first cavity 20. It will also be appreciated that when the locking action occurs and the first fin portion 15 is pushed into the cavity, the rod 30 may bend and may remain slightly bent when applying the force to the extending portion 35, which subsequently applies a force to the grooved portion 65, in order to maintain the first fin portion 15 within the first cavity 20. In one particular example, either a lateral or a downward force, or a combination thereof can be applied to maintain the first fin portion 15 within the device 10.
• a second fin portion 90 is inserted initially, where the recess 85 on the second fin portion 90 engages with the protrusion 80 on the device 10 (within the second cavity 75).
• the first fin portion 15 is locked into the first cavity 20 by pushing down on the fin 50 such that the groove 65 engages with the extending portion 35, which is at least partially within the first cavity 20.
• a fin plug 10 for installation in a water craft (not shown), said fin plug 10 including a first open cavity 20 adapted to receive a base portion 18 of a water craft fin 50; and, a resilient biasing rod 30 and a protruding member (otherwise referred to herein as an extending portion) 35 cooperating with the biasing rod 30.
• the protruding member 35 is adapted / configured to abut the base portion 18 of said fin 50 when received in said first open cavity 20. Accordingly, the biasing rod 30 and protruding member 35 are adapted to apply a force to the base portion 18 of said fin 50 to inhibit removal of said fin 50 from said first open cavity 20.
• the biasing rod 30, when inserted into the fin plug 10 is located adjacent the first open cavity 20.
• the biasing rod 30 extends substantially parallel to a side surface 16 of the base portion 18 of the fin 50.
• the protruding member 35 can abut the side surface 16.
• the fin plug 10 can also include a lateral cavity 22 where the biasing rod 30 is located within the lateral cavity 22.
• the lateral cavity 22 and the first open cavity 20 are separated by an apertured wall (herein referred to as the cavity wall) and at a portion of the protruding member 35 protrudes through an aperture (or recess) 40 in the wall 25 into the first open cavity 20.
• the side surface 16 can include an inclined surface section (otherwise described herein as a grooved portion) 65.
• the inclined surface section 65 is adapted to cooperate with the protruding member 35 so as to cause a force, inwardly into the first open cavity 20 to be applied to the base portion 18 under the influence of the biasing rod 30.
• the fin plug 10 can have a forward region 12 and a rearward region 14.
• the protruding member 35 is typically located in the rearward region 14.
• the fin plug 10 can include an additional fin removal inhibiting means located in the forward region 12.
• the fin removal inhibiting means can include a fin engagement means which includes a ledge portion (referred to herein as the protrusion) 80 which is adapted to overlie a fin section (referred to herein as the recess) 85 and to inhibit movement of the fin 50 when the base portion 18 is received within the first open cavity 20.
• the fin plug 10 can include a second open cavity 75.
• the first open cavity 20 can receive a first tab of the base portion 18 of the fin 50 and the second open cavity 75 can receive a second tab of the base portion 18 of the fin 50.
• the first open cavity 20 is located in the rearward region 14 and the second open cavity is located in the forward region 12.
• the inclined surface section 65 of the base portion of said fin is located on the first tab.
• the ledge portion 80 can be located within said second open cavity, and the fin section can be located on the second tab of the base portion of the fin 50.
• the ledge portion can include a ledge extending from one end of said second open cavity and defining a recess between said ledge and a base surface of said second open cavity, said recess being adapted to receive the fin section, for example as shown in Figures 12A to 12H of WO2013/163685.
• the extending portion/protruding member 35 can be wheel-like or a ring-shaped member located about the biasing rod 30.
• the ring-shaped member can rotate about said biasing rod.
• the ring-shaped member does not necessarily have to be cylindrical in shape and may have a circumferential outer surface extending between two side surfaces, where the circumferential outer surface has a convex profile between said side surfaces.
• the device 10 can also include a second cavity 75.
• the second cavity 75 can include a protrusion 80, where the protrusion 80 is configured to be inserted into and mate with a respective recess 85 of a second fin portion 90, to thereby hold the second fin portion 90 within the second cavity 75.
• any one or a combination of the protrusion 80 and the recess 85; and, the extending portion 35 and the first fin portion 15 can snap-lock together, and the fin 50 can be held robustly within the device 10.
• the second fin portion 90 can be held within the second cavity 75 by a number of different mechanical elements/fixing means. Further examples of fixing means for fixing/holding the second fin portion 90 into a second cavity 75 are described below.
• the first cavity 15 and the second cavity 75 are two distinct cavities within the device 10. However, it will be appreciated that they may in some instances form a part of one elongate cavity (not shown). Notably, certain advantages may be provided by maintaining the two distinct cavities. That is, the bridge 95 between the two cavities can be configured to more robustly hold the first and second fin portions 15, 90 in respective first and second cavities 20, 75. Furthermore, the bridge can include a bridge section which has an upper surface which is adapted to abut a lower surface of a water craft fin.
• a surfboard may include a central fin and two side fins (referred to herein as left and right fins, when viewing the underside of the surfboard with tail of the surfboard lowermost).
• left and right fins when viewing the underside of the surfboard with tail of the surfboard lowermost.
• the features described herein may be applicable to any fin, the water craft may include slight variations depending on the location of the fin (whether a central fin, right fin, or left fin).
• Figures 2A to 3C represent an example of a central fin 50, where, as shown in figure 2C, the fin 50 is substantially perpendicular to the device 10. However, in contrast, the fins 50 of Figures 4C and 5C, are at an angle to the vertical of the device 10.
• Figure 4C is an example of a right-side fin
• Figure 5C is an example of a left side fin.
• the fins described are configured to be inserted at any angle to the vertical, in one particular example, the angle is 7 to 9 degrees from the vertical.
• the device 10 may also be varied to accommodate for the varying angle of insertion.
• the first cavity 15 may include an angled opposing wall 28, opposite to the cavity wall 25 (which is typically cavity wall where the extending portion 35 protrudes there through).
• Figures 6A to 6Q show example of a device or fin plug 10, where in these examples, the device 10 would typically be used for a centre fin.
• the extending portion 35 protrudes through the cavity wall 25 at a position where it can easily mate with the corresponding grooved portion 65 of the fin 50.
• the extending portion 35 need not necessarily protrude through at the centre of the cavity wall 25, and can, according to this particular example, be offset from the centre.
• the device 10 shows fixation points 98 for fixing of grub screws or any other suitable fixing means, or the like, for further fixing the fin 50 to the device 10.
• the use of the grub screws or other suitable fixing means can allow for different types of fins to be fixed to the device 10.
• the grub screw can be configured to extend into the first cavity 20 to further secure a base portion of the fin 50 within the first cavity 20.
• a similar grub screw can be used for the second cavity 75 where a grub screw is configured to extend into the second cavity 75 to further secure a tab, base portion, or the like of the fin 50 into the second cavity 75.
• Figures 7A to 7D are examples of the device 10 for use with a right side fin.
• Figures 8A to 8D are examples of the device 10 for use with a left side fin.
• the examples show that the devices when used for the side fins (such as the left and right fins) can be formed such that they are mirror images of each other.
• Figures 7B and 8B show the angled opposing wall 28, to allow for an angled insertion of the respective fins.
• the device 10 is shaped substantially as a figure-eight, such that at least one profile of the device has substantially, a figure-eight shape.
• the first cavity 15 is located or formed within a first end 12 of the figure-eight and the second cavity 75 is formed within the second end 14 of the figure-eight.
• the figure-eight shape of the device 10 can provide advantages such allowing for the device 10 to form part of the water craft and further allowing the fin portions to be locked therein.
• the smooth edges of the figure-eight shape can also provide for an easier manufacturing process.
• the device is not limited to this shape and other shapes which provide the functionality of the cavities, are incorporated herein.
• Figures 9A to 9H show examples of a centre fin 50, for use with a centre device 10.
• Figures 10A to 10D show examples of a right fin 50
• Figures 1 1 A to 1 1 D show an example of a left fin 50.
• the left and right fins may be mirror images of each other.
• first fin portion 15 and the second fin portion 90 can be or can include first and second tabs respectively, it will be appreciated that any base portion of the fin 50 may be configured to be insertable into the first and second cavities 20, 75.
• securing fin plug arrangement are disclosed in WO2013/163685, the contents of which are incorporated by reference.
• FIGs 12A to 15D, and Figs 16A to 16C illustrate two different embodiments of securing mechanism being incorporated in a fin of the water craft.
• the securing mechanism is formed in a cartridge 4000, or cassette, which is installed in the base portion 4018 of a fin 4050.
• the cartridge is illustrated in Figs 12A to 12C in sequence of assembly.
• Cartridge 4000 consists of an outer cartridge body 4002 which provides a support framework for the resilient biasing rod 4030 and wheel-like protruding member 4035, which when assembled sit within a side-opening cavity 4004 of the cartridge, the cavity having a wider central portion 4006 to accommodate the member 4030.
• end holes 4008 and 4009 which act to support the ends of the biasing rod, with one of the end holes 4008 being a through hole to allow insertion of the rod during cartridge assembly.
• the other end hole 4009 may be either a through hole or a blind hole.
• the wheel-like protruding member has a diameter preferably matching the width of the cartridge body 4002 and the biasing rod 4030 is supported in the cartridge with its axis off-centre, so that part of the protruding member 4035 extends beyond the side of the cartridge and, when installed, beyond the side of the fin base portion.
• the construction of the resilient rod 4030 and of the wheel-like protruding member 4035 may be similar to those described above, for example with reference to Figs 1 A and 1 B.
• the cartridge body 4002 may be formed with perforations 4012 to reduce weight, and may be formed of any suitable material, and by any suitable means, for example molded from plastics material such as Glass-filled Nylon, ABS, Acetal
• FIGs 13 A to 13D show installation of the cartridge into the base portion 4018 of a fin 4050
• Figs 14A to 14E illustrate a fin 4050 with the securing mechanism cartridge 4000 installed in the fin base.
• the rear of the fin base portion 4018 includes a large elongated cavity 4014 for receiving the cartridge, which may be secured in place by a friction/interference fit or alternatively glued or welded in place.
• the smaller cavities 4016 in the fin base portion 4018 serve to reduce weight.
• the width of the cartridge is preferably no wider than that of the fin base into which it is installed, except for the upper profile of the cartridge which preferably has a width slightly greater than the corresponding with of the slot so that when these parts meet there is an interference fit. This creates a tighter fit between fin base and slot, which reduces fin base wobble (which is a desired attribute in smoothly transferring the energy of the surfer to the fin) .
• a transverse pin 4019 projecting at both sides of the fin base, for engaging with tracks in the side surfaces of the fin plug to secure the front of the fin in the fin plug.
• Figs 15A to 15C show a sequence for installing the fin of Figs 13A to 14E in the fin plug of a surf craft.
• Fig 15A the fin is inserted in the fin plug at an angle, so that the projecting portions of the transverse pin 4019 are fed into the longitudinal tracks 4021 in both sides of the fin plug cavity.
• the fin is then moved forward, moving the pin 4019 along the tracks 4021 , until the front of the fin base portion reaches the desired location within the fin plug cavity. Then the rear of the fin is pivoted down (Fig 15B) to engage the securing mechanism. As the wheel-like protruding member 4035 of the mechanism contacts the side surface 4023 of the fin plug cavity 4020, the rod 4030 resiliently flexes to allow the member 4035 to ride inwards and to snap fit into an undercut lateral recess 4065 formed in the side surface of the fin plug cavity (Fig 15D).
• the resilient rod 4030 will remain slightly bent when the fin is fully inserted, the spring force thus provided by the rod 4030 helping to retain the member 4035 firmly in the undercut recess to keep the fin secured to the fin plug.
• the engagement of member 4035 with the undercut recess may also provide a downwards force vector on the fin, forcing the bottom surface of the fin base against the base of the fin plug cavity and retaining the slightly tapered cartridge in interference fit engagement with the sides of the fin plug cavity. This aids stability of the fin engagement in the water craft.
• the rear of the fin is pivoted upwards to again flex the rod 4030 and 'snap' the securing mechanism out of the fin plug cavity, in essentially the opposite sequence to the insertion sequence of Figs 15A to 15C. There is a low risk of unintentional disengagement during use of the water craft as it is not an angle from which the fin will normally be knocked in use.
• This cartridge embodiment has the advantage that the cartridge may be adapted for installation in a variety of different fin configurations, or in other devices such as storage hooks, with less tooling expense.
• Figs 16A to 16C show an alternative example embodiment, in which the resilient rod 4030 and protruding member 4035 of the securing mechanism are installed directly in the fin base portion 4018, rather than in a cartridge installed in the fin base. Otherwise, the construction and operation of the embodiment of Figs 16A to 16C are similar to that of Figs 13A to 15D.
• Figs 12A to 16C use a transverse pin 4019 engaging with the longitudinal tracks 4021 to secure the front of the fin base in the fin plug cavity. It will be appreciated that the disclosure extends to other mechanisms to perform this function, including for example an arrangement similar to the recess 85 and protrusion 80 of Figs 1 A to 1 1 D, or a recess formed between a ledge and a base surface of the fin plug cavity, adapted to receive the fin section, for example as shown in Figures 12A to 12H of WO2013/163685.
• the fin plug of the first aspect of this invention is primarily intended to be used with water craft fins (e.g. surfboard fins) of the second aspect of this invention, so as to enable such fins to be easily and conveniently attached to, or detached from the fin plug (without the use of a tool), it is not limited to such use.
• other water craft attachment devices can be selectively attached to, or detached from, the relevant fin plug in substantially the same way as the abovementioned fins are attached or detached.
• FIG. 29A to 29H of WO2013/163685 An example of such other water craft attachment devices is a hanger/hook device, not shown, for example generally as described and shown in Figures 29A to 29H of WO2013/163685.
• this hook device is adapted to be connected to a surfboard (or other water craft) so that the surfboard (or other water craft) can be suspended from a horizontal supporting rod (or similar structure).
• the base portion of the hook device may be configured to receive a securing mechanism cartridge for example as shown in Figs 12A to 12C, or alternatively to receive directly a biasing rod and protruding member in similar arrangement to the fin base shown in Figs 16A to 16C.
• the fin plug 10 can be formed of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or any other plastics) or Zytel.
• the rod 30 or 4030 is typically formed of any elastic material such as high grade stainless steel or titanium, which is also a robust material in watercraft as the material does not generally degrade or rust. The same robust material may also be used for the extending portion 35 or 4035. It will further be appreciated that the device 10 can be injection molded.
• the cartridge body may also be formed of many different materials. Typically, the cartridge body will be injection molded plastics, with (Glass-filled Nylon, ABS, Acetal being examples of preferred materials.
• the described hook device can be formed from many different materials. Typically, this device will be formed from appropriate plastic materials which are relatively inexpensive and sufficiently strong for suspending a surfboard (or other water craft) from a supporting rod.

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• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
• Toys (AREA)
• Connector Housings Or Holding Contact Members (AREA)
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• Farming Of Fish And Shellfish (AREA)
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• 2015
  • 2015-03-09 AU AU2015230676A patent/AU2015230676B2/en active Active
  • 2015-03-09 WO PCT/AU2015/050092 patent/WO2015135034A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2015-03-09 GB GB1616999.7A patent/GB2540295B/en active Active
  • 2015-03-09 JP JP2016556732A patent/JP6549606B2/ja active Active
  • 2015-03-09 PT PT2015050092A patent/PT2015135034B/pt active IP Right Grant
  • 2015-03-09 CN CN201590000571.3U patent/CN207843256U/zh not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 2015-03-10 FR FR1551968A patent/FR3018499B1/fr active Active
  • 2015-03-11 BR BR132015005385A patent/BR132015005385E2/pt active Search and Examination

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