Patent Application
20150158563
The present invention relates to 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 the abovementioned fin plug.
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.
The following discussion is directed mainly to surfboards but it is to be understood that the discussion applies equally to other water craft (and surf craft) which are adapted to include fins, such as sail boards, paddle boards, rescue boards, surf skis, kayaks, and the like.
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.
In the last twenty years or so, it has become more common for surfboards to incorporate 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.
One known and commonly used fin system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,369 in the name of Fin Control Systems Pty Ltd. This system includes 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.
The above fin system of U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,369 has become exceedingly popular and widely used as the system enables fins to be affixed to a surfboard in a highly secure manner whilst also enabling the fins to be easily removed from the surfboard when desired. However, one drawback of the abovementioned system is that the installation and removal of fins from the fin plugs is somewhat time-consuming and requires the use of a tool (e.g. an Allen key) as the grub screws need to be threaded into or out of each cavity in order to secure or release the base elements of each fin as desired).
Another fin plug which functions in a similar way to that described above is the fin plug assembly described in PCT/AU/2008/001132, also in the name of Fin Control Systems Pty Ltd. The fin plug described in PCT/AU/2008/001132 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.
Other known fin systems include systems which incorporate a single fin plug, with a single cavity, for each surfboard fin. Typically, such a fin system has quite a large fin plug with an elongated fin cavity for receiving the base element(s) of a fin. In such fin systems it is again usual for each fin to be secured to the surfboard (that is, the base element of the fin to be secured within the cavity of the fin plug) by means of a grub screw arrangement, such as that mentioned above.
There is a present need for a surfboard fin plug adapted to enable surfboard fins to be removably secured to the underside of a surfboard in a quick, easy and secure manner and preferably without the need for using a tool.
The present invention is directed towards ameliorating at least some of the above described problems associated with prior art fin plugs. More particularly, the present invention is directed towards a fin plug adapted to receive a surfboard fin which enables the fin to be easily and quickly secured to or removed from a surfboard. Even more particularly, the present invention is directed towards a fin plug, adapted to receive a surfboard fin, which enables the fin to be easily and quickly secured to or removed from a surfboard without the use of a tool.
Further, 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.
In this specification, where 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 was at the priority date:
Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fin plug for installation in a water craft, said fin plug including:
The biasing rod is preferably located adjacent the 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 the side surface of the base portion of said fin.
It is preferred that the fin plug further includes a lateral cavity and said biasing rod is located within said lateral cavity. The lateral cavity typically includes a lateral opening positioned in a side of said fin plug. It is preferred that this lateral opening is sealed (at least prior to installation in the water craft).
Preferably, the lateral cavity and the first open cavity are separated by an internal wall. It is preferred that the internal wall is an apertured wall and a portion of said protruding member protrudes through an aperture in said wall into said first open cavity.
In an alternative embodiment, the protruding member may be formed on the internal wall and said protruding member cooperates with the biasing rod and is adapted to abut the base portion of said fin when received in said first cavity.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the side surface of the base portion of said fin includes an inclined surface section, said inclined surface section being adapted to co-operate with the protruding member so as to cause a force, inwardly into said first open cavity, to be applied to said base portion under the influence of said biasing rod.
The fin plug will typically have a forward region and a rearward region and it will preferably include additional fin removal inhibiting means located in said forward region. Preferably, 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 ledge portion adapted to overlie a fin section of said fin and to inhibit movement of said fin when the base portion of said fin is received within the first open cavity.
It is particularly preferred that the fin plug includes a second open cavity, wherein the first open cavity is adapted to receive a first tab of the base portion of said fin and the second open cavity is adapted to receive a second tab of the base portion of said fin.
Preferably, the first open cavity is located in the rearward region and the second open cavity is located in the forward region of said fin plug.
The inclined surface section of the base portion is preferably located on the first tab.
The ledge portion is preferably located within said second open cavity. Preferably, this ledge portion includes 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.
Accordingly, it is preferred that the fin section of the water craft fin is located on the second tab of the base portion of said fin.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the protruding member is a ring-shaped member located about said biasing rod. Preferably, 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 base portion or the first tab of the water craft fin, to be dispersed more evenly across the ring shaped member.
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 fin plug may also include a grub screw adapted to extend into said first open cavity and to further secure the base portion of said fin within said first open cavity. The fin plug may also include a further grub screw adapted to extend into said second open cavity and to further secure the second tab of the base portion of said fin within said second open cavity. A benefit of having one or more grub screws in the fin plug is so that some existing water craft fins, which are made to be received within existing fin plugs, may also be received and secured by the fin plug of the present invention.
It is preferred that the first open cavity and the second open cavity of the fin plug are separated by a bridge section having an upper surface which is adapted to abut a lower surface of the water craft fin. This bridge section enhances the rigidity and/or strength of the fin plug. Also, by abutting the lower surface of the water craft fin, this bridge section prevents the lower surface of the fin from being forced down against other surfaces of the fin plug and/or the water craft (which could over time cause some damage to the fin, the fin plug and/or the surfboard).
Typically, the fin plug of this invention will be installed within a surfboard, such as a stand-up surfboard.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water craft fin having a base portion adapted to be received within an open cavity of a fin plug according to the first aspect of this invention (as described above).
The base portion of the water craft fin preferably includes a side surface adapted to abut the protruding member of said fin plug. The side surface preferably includes an inclined surface section adapted to cooperate with the protruding member so as to cause a force, inwardly into said open cavity, to be applied to said base portion under the influence of the biasing rod of said fin plug.
Preferably, the base portion of the water craft fin further includes a fin section adapted to underlie the ledge portion of said fin plug and to inhibit movement of said fin when the base portion of said fin is received within the first open cavity.
The base portion of the water craft fin preferably includes a first tab and a second tab and the fin plug preferably includes a first open cavity and a second open cavity, wherein the first tab is adapted to be received within said first open cavity and the second tab is adapted to be received within said second open cavity.
It is preferred that the inclined surface section of the base portion of the water craft fin is located on the first tab.
It is further preferred that the fin section of the base portion of the water craft fin is located on the second tab.
The water craft fin preferably includes a lower surface adapted to abut an upper surface of the bridge section of the fin plug.
Typically, the water craft fin described above will be adapted for use in a surfboard.
According to a third aspect of this invention, there is provided fin plug and a water craft fin kit, for use in a surfboard, including a fin plug as described above and a water craft fin as described above.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a water craft attachment device having a base portion adapted to be received within an open cavity of a fin plug according to the first aspect of this invention (as described above).
The base portion of the water craft attachment device preferably includes a side surface adapted to abut the protruding member of said fin plug. The side surface preferably includes an inclined surface section adapted to cooperate with the protruding member (of the fin plug) so as to cause a force, inwardly into said open cavity, to be applied to said base portion under the influence of the biasing rod of said fin plug.
Preferably, the base portion of the water craft attachment device further includes a nose section adapted to underlie the ledge portion of said fin plug and to inhibit movement of the water craft attachment device when the base portion of said attachment device is received within the first open cavity.
The base portion of the water craft attachment device preferably includes a first tab and a second tab and the fin plug preferably includes a first open cavity and a second open cavity, wherein the first tab is adapted to be received within said first open cavity and the second tab is adapted to be received within said second open cavity.
It is preferred that the inclined surface section of the base portion of the water craft attachment device is located on the first tab.
It is further preferred that the nose section of the base portion of the water craft attachment device is located on the second tab.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, 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, is preferably separated from the base portion of the water craft attachment device by an intermediate section of the attachment device.
In a further, particularly preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the hook element lies in a plane which is at right angles to the plane of the first and second tabs.
The water craft attachment device preferably includes a lower surface adapted to abut an upper surface of the bridge section of the fin plug.
Typically, the water craft attachment device described above will be adapted for use in a surfboard.
The above preferred embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention 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). In the abovementioned preferred embodiment, in which the hook element lies in a plane which is at right angles to the plane of the first and second tabs, this enables a multitude of surfboards to be suspended from the supporting rod in a sandwiched formation, thereby enabling a greater number of surfboards to be stored on the supporting rod.
As will be appreciated from the above discussion (and as further explained and illustrated later in this specification), a water craft fin or other water craft attachment device, according to the above relevant descriptions, can readily be attached to a fin plug, according to the above relevant description.
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 relevant open cavity, thereby enabling this base portion to abut the protruding means which protrudes into said cavity.
In the case of another water craft attachment device, such as a hook element (as described above), 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 (e.g. the nose section of the base portion of the water craft 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 base portion of the attachment device extends into the relevant open cavity, thereby enabling this base portion to abut the protruding means which protrudes into said cavity
There is provided herein a device for holding a first fin portion in a water craft, the device including: a first cavity having a cavity wall; and, a resilient elongate member located at least partially along an elongate side of the cavity wall, the resilient elongate member having an extending portion, the extending portion extending from the resilient member through a recess in the elongate side of the cavity wall, wherein the first fin portion is configured to be inserted into the first cavity such that any one or a combination of the resilient elongate member and the extending portion apply a force to the first fin portion to hold the first fin portion within the first cavity.
The resilient elongate member can be a resilient rod and the extending portion includes a bulbous portion, the bulbous portion being configured to engage with the first fin 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 engaging with the first fin portion, during installation and/or removal of the fin/first fin portion, and to hold the first fin portion in the first cavity once the fin/first fin portion is installed.
The first fin portion can include a grooved portion (or an inclined portion) on a side fin surface, 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).
The device can include a second cavity, the second cavity including a protrusion, the protrusion being configured to be received by a corresponding recess of a second fin portion, to thereby hold the second fin portion within the second cavity.
Any one or a combination of the protrusion and the recess and, the extending portion and the first fin portion can snap-lock together.
The first cavity and the second cavity can be part of one elongate cavity.
The first cavity and the second cavity can be two distinct cavities formed within the device.
The first fin portion and the second fin portion can be first and second tabs, respectively, the first and second tabs protruding from a base portion of the fin.
The device can be shaped so as to have a substantially figure-eight profile.
The first cavity can be formed within a first end of the figure-eight and the second cavity is formed within a second end of the figure-eight.
The device can be integral to the water craft. Alternatively, the device can be a stand-alone product which can be installed within a water craft during the manufacture of the craft.
Thus, the device can be insertable into the water craft as a separate device.
A device and fin assembly, the device being the device or fin plug described herein, and being configured to hold a fin.
A compatibility infill adapted to be received within a cavity of a fin plug with a water craft fin as described herein.
A full plug infill adapted to be received within a cavity of a fin plug as described herein.
A compatibility infill for installation in a fin plug of a water craft, the compatibility infill including: a front surface profile adapted to a fin engagement means of the fin plug, a rear surface profile adapted to engage with a front tab of a fin, an exterior surface, and a material being in part at least deformable.
A full plug infill for installation in a fin plug of a water craft, the full plug infill including: an exterior surface, at least one vertical member, and a material being in part at least deformable.
A compatibility infill substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of
A full plug infill substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of
It will be appreciated that the features described herein can be provided in the device described herein either independently or in different combinations.
A detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a device/fin plug according to the first aspect of this invention is given hereinafter, while referring to the following figures:
An example of a device or fin plug 10 is shown in
In this particular example, 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.
As shown in
Accordingly, when the first fin portion 15 is inserted into the first cavity 20, 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.
Thus, in one particular example, the resilient elongate member 30 is a resilient rod or pin, and 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. In yet a further example, 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.
Additionally,
According to yet a further example, 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. Thus, in one example, a surface of the wheel-like member 35, which is typically a curved surface, is configured to site within the grooved portion 65.
It will be appreciated that although 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.
According to one particular example, when inserting the fin 50 into 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). Once the second fin portion 90 is in place, 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.
Thus, in a further example, referring to
As shown in
It will further be appreciated that the fin plug 10 can also include a lateral cavity 22 where the biasing rod 30 is located within the lateral cavity 22. Thus, 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.
According to one particular example, 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.
As described herein, the fin plug 10 can include a second open cavity 75. Accordingly, 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. In this particular example, the first open cavity 20 is located in the rearward region 14 and the second open cavity is located in the forward region 12. And further, the inclined surface section 65 of the base portion of said fin is located on the first tab. Additionally, 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.
As shown in
As discussed herein, the extending portion/protruding member 35 can be wheel-like or a ring-shaped member located about the biasing rod 30. In one particular example, the ring-shaped member can rotate about said biasing rod. In yet a further example, 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.
In yet a further example, as particularly shown in
Thus, for example, 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.
Notably, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that 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.
In the examples shown in the Figures, 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.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that many water crafts such as surfboards or the like can include one or more fins. In one particular example, 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). Thus, although 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).
An example of a variation can be seen when comparing
Accordingly, the device 10 may also be varied to accommodate for the varying angle of insertion. As shown in
In further examples,
Additionally, 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. It will be appreciated that 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. Thus in this particular example, 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.
In the examples shown herein, 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. In these examples, 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.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that 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. However, it will be appreciated that the device is not limited to this shape and other shapes which provide the functionality of the cavities, are incorporated herein.
Notably, referring to the fins 50, it will further be appreciated that although the 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.
Further examples of fixing means for the second fin portion 90 and the second cavity 75 are shown in
In
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the engagement means described herein, which is typically used to hold the second tab portion within the second cavity, can be of any form and can also include any attachment means such as magnets, or even a second biasing means (such as the rod and wheel-like member of the first cavity).
In yet further examples, the device/fin plug described herein can be configured to receive an adapted fin. For example, the fin portion or base portion on the adapted fin, can be a separate element which is insertable as an adapter over a fin, in order to then be able to insert the fin into the device/fin plug as described herein. Example adaptors are shown in
Although 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. For instance, 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.
An example of such other water craft attachment devices is the hook device 100 shown in
This hook device 100 has a first end 101 and a second end 102. A hook element 103 is located adjacent the first end 101 and a connection portion 105 is located adjacent the second end 102. An intermediate portion 106 is located between the hook element 104 and the connection portion 105.
The hook element 103 comprises a plurality of perforations 104. A benefit of the perforations is that they reduce the weight of the device and less material is required when the device is manufactured (resulting in cost savings).
The connection portion 105 comprises a first tab 115 and a second tab 190. The first tab 115 and the second tab 190 are adapted to be inserted into the first cavity 20 and the second cavity 75 (respectively) of the fin plug 10.
The first tab includes a grooved portion 165. This grooved portion 165 is located on a side surface 170 of the first tab 115. The grooved portion 165 is typically configured to engage with the extending portion 35 of the fin plug 10. Thus, in one example, a surface of the wheel-like member 35, which is typically a curved surface, is configured to site within the grooved portion 165.
It will be appreciated that although the grooved portion 165 can be formed or shaped such that it substantially conforms or mates with the curved surface of the extending portion 35 (of the fin plug 1), strict conformance or mating is not necessary. In this example, the grooved portion 165 is configured to roll over the extending portion 35 (of the fin plug 1) and the extending portion 35 can then lock the first tab 115 into the first cavity 20. It will also be appreciated that when the locking action occurs and the first tab 115 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 165, in order to maintain the first tab 115 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 tab 115 within the fin plug 10.
The second tab 190 includes a recess 185. This recess 185 is adapted to engage with the protrusion 80 on the device 10 (within the second cavity 75).
According to one particular example, when inserting the hook device 100 into the fin plug 10, the second tab 190 is inserted initially, where the recess 185 on the second tab 190 engages with the protrusion 80 on the fin plug 10 (within the second cavity 75). Once the second tab 190 is in place, the first tab 115 is locked into the first cavity 20 by pushing down on the hook device 100 such that the groove 165 engages with the extending portion 35 (of the fin plug 1), which is at least partially within the first cavity 20.
As can be seen from the drawings, the plane of the hook element 103 is at right angles (normal to) the plane of the connection portion 105. The effect of this is that, when a surfboard is connected to the hood device 100 (via the connection portion 105), the substantial plane of the surfboard will be substantially parallel to the plane of the hook element 103, thereby enabling a plurality of surfboards to be suspended from a supporting rod, in a sandwich-type formation (which results in improved space efficiencies).
A fifth aspect of the invention is the infills illustrated in
The fitting of the side fin compatibility infill 3110 together with another side fin can also be done in a similar manner to that described for the center fin compatibility infill 3010.
It will be readily appreciated that full plug infills can also be designed and made for side fin plugs.
The full plug infills can alternatively be made in a fuller profile so as to fill the cavities more completely and more securely. In this alternative embodiment the full plug infills can be removed with the aid of a tool and/or fingernail.
Notably, it will be appreciated that although many different materials can be used for the device 10, it can be formed of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, or any other plastics) or Zytel. The side cap 57, cap 60 and end plug 55 can also be formed of the same material. The rod 30 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. It will further be appreciated that the device 10 can be injection molded.
It will also be appreciated that the hook device 100 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.
In this specification, terms denoting direction, such as vertical, up, down, left, right etc. or rotation, should be taken to refer to the directions or rotations relative to the corresponding drawing rather than to absolute directions or rotations unless the context require otherwise.
Where ever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.
It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.
While particular embodiments of this invention have been described, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments and examples are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all modifications which would be obvious to those skilled in the art are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012902939 | Jul 2012 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2013/000738 | 7/5/2013 | WO | 00 |
