FLANGED FIN FOR WATERCRAFT

Abstract: A fin for finned watercraft, such as surfboards, surfskis, sailboards, small boats and the like, wherein the or each fin (2) has an apertured, basal flange (3), whereby the or each fin (2) is affixable in a variety of positions to the underside of the watercraft, via fixing means (6, 7) extending through the apertures (6a, 7a) in said basal flange (3) and thence into the fabric or matrix of the hull of the watercraft, such that conventional fin boxes are not required for affixing the fin to the watercraft. The invention also relates to watercraft comprising one or more such fins.

Description: "FLANGED FIN FOR WATERCRAFT" TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to finned watercraft, such as surfboards and the like, of the kind having a stabilising fin or fins, and especially to fins suitable therefor. BACKGROUND ART The sport of riding a board on the crest of a wave as it approaches the shore is old. European seafarers of the 18th century reported having seen this feat performed in the "Sandwich Islands". In course of time, knowledge of this new, exciting .-sport spread from Hawaii to California, from whence it was introduced into such other countries as Australia, South Africa and so forth. The traditional surfboards were heavy, curvilinear wooden artifacts, from 12 to 20 feet in length, and only the strongest surfers could readily handle them. Subsequently, more modern surfboards began to be made from plastic, polyurethane foam, and fibreglass, with the fin set into what is termed a "fin-box" let into the underside or fixed insitu with fibreglass. While a fin-box admittedly provides a fin, set therein, with good resistance to laterally-applied force, the original object of the insert fin-box was apparently to allow for ease of transport, inasmuch as boards with the fins removed could be safely stacked one on top of the other. Damage of fins in transit was a major problem. With a single fin, even moderately difficult conditions are enouqh to cause the "spin-out" which is so frustrating and even dangerous to the rider; this phenomenon to be caused by insufficient lateral adhesion between fin and water, and so attempts were made to counteract it by increasing the depth and lateral area of the base of the fin. The result was excessive drag and loss of manoeuvrability owing to the "keel effect" of the enlarged fin, which led to even poorer performance. Variations of the finned board have been tried out (boardriders being notoriously prone to experiment) for example, laterally-spaced paired fins (the so-called "twin-fin board") . This produced a surfboard which was slightly more manoeuvrable and capable of "tighter" turns under ideal conditions but which tended to "spin-out" in big waves. It should here be noted that what in a conventional marine hull is called the chine is, in surfing parlance, termed the "rail". When a turn is made on a surfboard it is canted sideways and this action, with the keel effect of the fin keying in to the moving water, allows the turns to be made. A board having laterally paired fins will, when canted hard enough onto one of its rails, permit a quite tight turn, but is physically more difficult to cant over because the water funnels between the two fins and tends to keep the board wholly in the water, making turns difficult to accomplish. Laterally-spaced, equally-sized triple fins have some advantages over and above paired fins inasmuch that such a board requires somewhat less "rail" to make a turn, but suffers from the fact that the two outer fins tend to over-react to such an extent that fine control may be compromised. As a modification of the triple fin format, an arrangement involving a large centre-line fin flanked by two smaller, offset fins has been tried out but with limited success. Tandem fins have also been investigated and even five fin arrangements are not unknown. More significantly, recent experimentation has led to multi-fin arrangements in which the outer fins are angled with respect to the longitudinal centre-line of the board so that the leading edges of a laterally-spaced pair of fins are closer together than their trailing edges. Coupled with the increasing proliferation of multi-fin boards is the trend for boards to be made shorte - as short as 5 feet - and also to be lighter. Such combination results in tail-heavy boards, unbalanced by th sheer weight to their fin-boxes, if the box system i utilised. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION It has now been found feasible to dispens completely with both fin-boxes and labour-intensive fixe fins, by the provision of a fin affixing system whic permits single or multiple fins to be rapidly an inexpensively mounted upon the underside of watercraft, suc as a surfboard or the like, in a variety of positions. Therefore, in accordance with the presen invention, there is provided at least one fin for watercraf (e.g., surfboard) or the like; characterized in that the or each fin has a apertured, basal flange; the or each fin being affixabie, i a variety of positions, to the underside of a said surfboar or the like, via fixing means extending through th apertures in said flange, and thence into the fabric of th watercraft, which watercraft requires no fin-box to b installed therein. The invention also relates to watercraf comprising one or more such fins, generally including, bu not limited to, surfboards, surf-skis, sailboards, kayaks, canoes, skiffs and water-skis, and also to "soft" plasti watercraft, such as polyethylene boards e.g., the popula "Boogie" boards. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In order that the reader may gain a bette understanding of the present invention, certain preferred embodiments thereof will be hereinafter described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 is a side view of an inventive fin; Figure 2 is a corresponding front view; Figure 3 shows a multi-socketed insert; Figures 4 to 6 show how a surfboard or other watercraft may variously have multi-socketed, threaded inserts fitted; Figure 7 shows a "winged" fin, while Figure 8 is a corresponding top plan view; Figure 9 illustrates a simplified fin; Figure 10 shows yet a similar fin; Figure 11 illustrates how fin cross-sections may differ according to location on a triple-fin board; Figure 12 is a transverse cross-section through a surfboard or the like having a lateral pair of fins canted with respect to the lower surface of the surfboard or other watercraft; Figure 13 shows, in fragmentary transverse vertical cross-section, a modification; Figure 14 is a perspective view of an inventive surfboard fin; Figure 15 shows the underside of an inventive, flanged centreboard or keel; Figures 16 to 23 show outlines of some fin shapes embodying the present invention; Figures 24 and 25 illustrate preferred measurements of the flange apertures (which may vary for different applications), and Figure 26 illustrates preferred flange dimensions for one embodiment; and Figure 27 shows a front view of an ideal laterally-disposed left-hand fin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS, and BEST MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 is a side elevation of a fin in accordance with the present invention and shows that portion 1 of a surfboard or the like craft to which an inventive fin 2 is to be affixed. Fin 2 may be of a suitable plastic material; for example, a polycarbonate reinforced with fibre plastic (e.g., as sold under the trade name ιr LEXAN" ) . It will be seen that fin 2 does not have the conventional root which slots into the fin-box of a standard board, the base 3 of fin 2 being adapted merely to "sit" on the board; base 3 is flared out as shown in Figure 2. The base, or, more aptly, the basal flange 3 has forward and rearward extensions 4 and 5 respectively, each of which is provided with appropriate slotted apertures - see Figures 14, 24 and 25 - so that the inventive fin 2 is enabled to be adjusted in relation to the undersurface of the board. Extensions 4 and 5 are affixabie to board 1 by such as bolts 6 and 7, each perhaps 1/2" to 1" long, which are adapted to screw into co-acting, threaded inserts 8 and 9 sunk into the fabric of the board. Extensions 4 and 5 have tapered ends 10 and 11, so that they are somewhat faired into the board's shape, fore and af . The bolts and inserts are advantageously made from some rust-resistant material such as monel metal, fibreglass resin itself or a plastic such as Delrin. As will be appreciated, it is quite a simple task to drill two suitable holes into the surfboard and to push home the threaded inserts 8 and 9, preferably after applying a compatible adhesive. Hollow hulls required a suitable sealed thread, with the screws fitted from within, and extending through, the hull, whereby the fin may be attached thereto by hexagonal nuts or other equivalent fastening means. There may be a layer of some compressible material, referenced 12, between board 1 and fin 2, to discourage any chipping of the surface of the board, and to encourage flush fitting. Surf wax may also be another choice. Figure 2 is a self-explanatory front view corresponding to the depiction of fin 2 in Figure 1. The base of the flange 3 is preferably slightly curved or concave (not shown). Figure 3 illustrates a preferred embodiment in the form of a multiple-threaded insert block 13 having, say, 5 threaded holes therein, each adapted to take a screw such as those referenced 6 and 7 in Figure 1. Such a block 13 may be cemented into a suitable cavity in the underside of the surfboard, using a compatible adhesive, and to ensure its retention in the cavity, block 13 may be provided with a 5 pair of grooves 14 and 15. Figure 4 shows how a board may be fitted with a plurality of threaded inserts 8 and 9 so that the angular disposition of a fin may be selected, while Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the range of selectable longitudinal, lateral and lOangular positions of the fins possible with various arrangements of inserts and/or multiple insert blocks. The slots in extensions 4 and 5 enable, for example, a fin to be affixed to the board via threaded holes 16, 17, and 18, 19, etc. 15 Figures 7 and 8 show another fin shape having a main fin portion 20, an apertured basal flange 21. The trailing edge of the fin has a "compound curve" such as 22, 23 but, more significantly, has a pair of laterally-extending secondary fins 24 and 25, preferably 20curved, fore and aft (not shown) . Under certain wave conditions, these extensions 24, 25 enable easier wave entry and better turns to be performed, and the board feels more stable and responsive if the 'wing' is the correct size, and curve, for the craft. 25 By now the reader will have realised that the very spirit of the present invention resides in dispensing with a surfboard fin-box and labour intensive fixed fin, and providing in lieu thereof a simple and inexpensive fin-securing system, in which a fin is affixed directly to a 0surfboard, preferably employing bolts or screws accommodated in internally-threaded sunken inserts. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate such fins. Figure 11 clearly indicates how fin cross-sections may differ. As will be seen, while the 35 centre fin 26 has the conventional aerofoil section, the lateral fins 27 and 28 are generally planar on one side. With regard to Figure 12, it is a known fact that, in triple-finned surfboards, the angle between the lateral fins and the lower surface of the board will affect performance - very extreme angles having, indeed, been tested. Thus, in the present invention, the base lines of the fins may be deliberately angled, as exemplified by the angle subtended between the centre-line of a lateral fin 29 and an undersurface 30 of a surfboard. A further advantage of surfboard fins affixed in position with inserts or blocks over the conventional fin-boxes is that, should for some reason one or more fins be removed, the resulting empty holes can very easily be temporarily filled but, even if they are left empty, cause no drag, whereas an empty fin-box results in quite considerable drag and turbulence. It is contemplated that surfboards moulded without fin-box recessess will be supplied with various sets of fittings to the purchaser's choice and that the purchaser will be able to drill the holes in the board to give the fin arrangement required. Many other advantages accrue from surfboards constructed according to the present invention, such as the question of "tail-lift". Early surfboards were made with a generally linear bottom contour but with the fore end slightly upswept - the so-called "nose-lift" of the board. This design proved to be not wholly satisfactory and subsequently boards have been made with a full sheer, giving so-called "tail-lift" to the board and providing superior turning qualities and less keel effect. As will have been appreciated, the spirit of the invention lies in the abolition, or at least in the non-use, of fin-boxes into which the tang of a conventional fin is adapted to fit. The method of the present invention is superior to both fixed and fin-boxed fins as shown in the following table: - ITEM FIXED FIN FIN BOX INVENTION Performance good medium good Strength good high-overkill good Surfboard damage if medium-bad very bad minimal broken Ease of experience experience easy fitting only only Flexability none fore-aft unli it of position only Materials G.R.P. , wood G.R.P. polycarb, polycarb foam, others others others Base fitting not possible possible possible correction fore - aft (unlimited) Before-use 6 to 12 6 to 12 30 mins. fitting time hours hours minimum Appearance good ugly good Material resin; brush; resin; rovings; drill or router; requirements rovings ; jig; router; epoxy glue to fit glass mat; sander machine (G.R.P. choice) sander machine sandpaper; blade sandpaper; blade; tape Advantages invisible removable removable ; ease of join - interchange positioning fins (change of angles) inbuilt angle; do-it-yourself; quick- itting lightweight; interchangeable fins; inexpensive tooling; also fits fin boxes 'BOOGIE' not possible only in fits "soft" fin fitting production boards (e.g . , process polyethylene) . Attention must now be drawn to some further- preferred variations and to this end reference should be made to the following drawings, Figs. 13 to 27. Now while the aim of the invention is to do away 5 with fin boxes and fixed fins, it is realised that some board-riders may wish to fit new fins to their existing fin-boxed boards and this can, or course, be easily accomplished by screwing the fin into the fabric of the fin box instead of into the board itself. Because of different lObrand boxes and their complimentary fin tangs being of different widths in the box, this system is unique in being universal. In a further variation, not shown, expanding or "umbrella" screws may be employed, sealed in with rubber or neoprene O-rings. In yet a further variation, rustless 5self-tapping screws may replace the screw/insert arrangement,- to allow screw fixing directly into the craft itself. Figures 13 and 14 depict an inventive fin. Figure 14 having a T-shaped slot 31 forward of the leading edge of 0 the fin. As seen in Figure 13, the base 32 of the fin should be well-flared at the sides 33. These flares should provide sufficient width at the base of the fin to oppose lateral deflection of the fin tip relative to the base without causing damage to the skin 5 of the board. The varying thickness gives a more uniform spread of load at the fin/board interface - the need to reinforce the board in the area of the fin by providing an extra layer of glass being much reduced. The width of the fin at T is advantageously half that of the base 2T, and 0 base 32 may be cambered 3° each side, although this will vary according to fin area and flex. Although the method of fin-fitting relies on screws there is no reason why, if desired or when optimum positioning has been achieved, they should not be bonded to the board by such as the epoxy adhesive sold as "Araldite", although it is contemplated that most users would prefer the removable aspect of the system of the present invention. A fin may be "raked" by such as a washer or shim placed between fin and board, while a fin may even be made to "stand proud" of its board - an arrangement thought to have some advantages under certain conditions. While the foregoing specification has been couched in terms of sur boards, it is envisaged that the present invention also has application to the fins, keels and centreboards of other watercraft such as soft 'BOOGIE' boards sailboats (such as eighteen-footers) , sailboards, catamarans, surfskis , kayaks, canoes and the like. Figure 15 shows the underside of a suitable flanged centreboard or keel having slots 34 for the reception of fixing bolts. Figures 16 to 21, and 22, 23 show outlines of eight different fin shapes as under:- 35 "sailfin" ; 36 "trapezoidal"; 37 "football"; 38 " toucam" ; 39 "foot"; 40 "flash"? 41 "sailboard" ; 42 "surfski"; all of which relate to the present invention. Figures 24 and 25 show typical dimensions of the basal flange slots of one embodiment of the invention, dimension A being 5.5 mm; B being 15 mm; and C 9.5 mm. In Figure 26, dimension D, the thickness of the basal flange, is 4 mm. Finally, Figure 27 depicts an inventive left-hand fin, showing that side 43 is curved, while side 44 is planar. The width of a typical basal flange may be 35 mm, and the planar sides 44 of laterally-disposed fins face towards the centreline of the board. As has been stated, the base of the flanges may be slightly concave to follow the contour of a board's lower surface. From the abovegoing, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that may other variations and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof as set out in the following claims.

Claims: - > CLAIMS 1. At least one fin for watercraft, such as a surfboard or the like; characterized in that:- the or each fin (2) has an apertured, basal flange (3); the or each fin (2) being affixabie, in a variety of positions, to the underside of said watercraft, via fixing means (6, 7) extending through the apertures (6a, 7a) in said basal flange (3) and thence into the fabric of the hull of the watercraft, said watercraft requiring no fin-box installed therein. 2. The fin (2) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said fixing means (6, 7) are bolts adapted to screw into co-acting, internally-threaded inserts (8, 9) which are adapted to be contained within the undersurface of the watercraft. 3. The fin (2) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said fixing means (6, 7) are bolts or screws each adapted to fixedly fix into a co-acting, interally-threaded bore in a multiple-bore insert block (13) which is adapted to be contained within the undersurface of the watercraft. 4. The fin (2) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said basal flange (3) has forward and rearward extensions (4, 5), each having therethrough an aperture (6a, 7a) in the form of a slot, the longitudinal axis of which lies along that of said basal flange (3), thereby permitting fore-and-aft adjustment of said fin (2) in relation to the underside of the watercraft. 5. The fin (2) as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the forward slot (31) is T-shaped thereby additionally permitting lateral adjustment of the forward end of said basal flange (3) in relation to the underside of the watercraft. 6. The fin (2) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the said fin includes a main portion (20) on which are a pair of laterally-extending secondary fins (24, 25) disposed normal to said main portion (20) in a fore-and-aft direction. 7. Watercraft comprising one or more fins of the type as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 6. 8. Watercraft as claimed in Claim 7, selected from the group comprising, surfboards, surfskis, sailboards, soft plastic boards, kayaks, canoes, skiffs and waterskis.

Inventors: BEACHAM CHRISTOPHER JAMES, BEACHAM, CHRISTOPHER, JAMES
Applicants: BEACHAM CHRISTOPHER JAMES, BEACHAM, CHRISTOPHER, JAMES
Application year: 1987
Main classification: A63C15
IPC codes: B63B35, B63B41