Patent AU-2020204203-A1 (AU)
Title: This invention is a plastic extrusion that adheres to the underside of a body board to improve directional control and stability of the board. Its unique features are that it is a plastic extrusion, which can be of variable hardness, depending on the users preference. with an extruded profile that also meets user preferences. Its length can be cut to the desired length. It can be cut or trimmed to the user's preferences; for example the leading edge can be streamlined. Installation is via peelable tape which reveals adhesive which affixes to the body board's underside.
Inventor: SMOUT IAN WESTALL
IPC: B63B32/62
Filed: 2020-06-24
Abstract: Description of Device: 
A body board is a flotation device that the user lies on and propels either by kicking 
(usually wearing flippers) or by paddling, or both. They are usually used for catching ocean 
waves and are generally made of a plastic type foam material that provides floatation.  
They usually have a hard flat bottom. Sometimes the board may have slight depressions 
incorporated into it's hard flat undersurface. Because the bottom is hard and essentially 
flat, the ability of the user to turn the body board in order to travel in a desired direction is 
limited. This can be achieved by tilting the board at a substantial angle to horizontal, but 
lateral wave movements can cause the board to travel laterally, or sideways; often the user 
has little control over the directional stability of the board. Surfboard style fins have been 
used in the past to improve directional response but because of the nature of the body 
board riding experience, these long/deep rigid fins have not proven to be popular. They 
also need to be generally bolted right through the board because of the lateral water 
pressure created by turning these long devices. Large stick-on short lengthways 
dimension fins just don't work because lateral sliding and a desire for greater overall 
'looseness'is an integral part of the appeal of the body board riding experience. Surfboard 
style fins tend to inhibit this looseness. Users of Body board are afforded a much greater 
freedom of movement than surfboards or similar craft because unlike surfboards they don't 
possess fins that inhabit freedom of movement.  
The converse is also true. Lateral wave forces can cause the body board to move laterally 
unexpectedly and undesirably.  
The purpose of this device is to assist the user's ability to control body board's directional 
stability and lateral movement without unduly compromising the ability of the user to utilise 
the body board's versatility.  
Unlike fins, they do not prohibit lateral manoeuvres but provide sufficient lateral 'bite'to 
enable the user to much better control lateral 'slide'and aid the user to use the body board 
in the desired manner and direction.  
The unique features of the device is that it is affixed to the hard plastic underside of the 
body board by adhesive material. The shape of the device is also unique. While profiles 
may vary, the device runs lengthwise along the bodyboard. The profile, the actual number 
of the devices fitted, and the length of each device, is subject to infinite variation 
depending on the user's requirements. Another unique feature of the device is that it is 
made from an extruded plastic material. The strength and hardness of the material 
depends on the form the extrusion takes, which can be manufactured to meet local 
requirements. For example, in Australia any surfing device with hard or sharp surfaces is 
prohibited from use within flagged patrolled beaches )a safety hazard), so the device used 
within a flagged environment will be extruded using a softer yet resilient material, probably 
with a flat top profile. Other users may prefer a profile with more 'bite'so a taller profile 
made from a firmer material would be chosen. There are infinite variations to the size/ 
scope/profile of the device/s used however the basic unique properties remain. These 
being: 
- Extruded product 
- Material can vary from being relatively rigid through to semi-soft yet resilient plastics.  
- Able to be cut to any desired length 
- Positioned as desired by user 
- Variations to the existing profile can be achieved by simply using a sharp knife or similar 
to reshape the profile. For example a common modification will be streamlining the leading 
and/or trailing edges of the extrusion. (See diagram) 
- Self adhesive 
The diagrams below provide reference to how the device could be used. These are 
examples only and demonstrate the versatility of the application of the product. There is an
infinite variety of extruded profiles and materials that can be used and an equally infinite 
manner in which they can be applied, depending on the user's preferences.