Patent Publication Number: US-11661155-B2

Title: Multiple position fin support

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to watersport boards and particularly to surfboards and standup paddle boards. The invention relates more particularly to the apparatus utilized in securing one, or more, downwardly extending fins on the undersurfaces of such boards. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Standup paddle boards, or simply “paddle boards”, typically resemble surfboards but are substantially larger in both length and width. Paddle boards and surfboards often share a similar construction in which a foam core, shaped in accordance with the intended shape of the board, is wrapped and covered with an epoxy base fiberglass outer layer. Other materials are sometimes used in such fabrications, such as carbon fiber, to provide the outer layers. In addition to the rigid foam core type construction of paddle boards which resemble large surfboards, paddle boards are also fabricated in as inflatable structures. The use of inflatable construction may render the board somewhat less stable than the foam core construction. However, because inflatable boards are able to be “folded or compacted”, they enjoy substantial advantages for convenience of storage and transport. 
     Over the years, paddle boards have dramatically increased in popularity and, as a result, practitioners in the art have fabricated paddle boards in a variety of shapes and sizes. However, within the variety of shapes and sizes of paddle boards available, most enjoy similar basic features. Thus, most paddle boards provide an elongated generally planar shape defining a somewhat pointed front end and a narrowed but usually more blunt rear end. The top surface of the typical paddle board is contoured for ease of standing while the bottom surface is usually configured to define a curved or hydrofoil contour. 
     In the anticipated use of such paddle boards, the user stands upon the board&#39;s upper surface and employs a lengthy paddle which is dipped and stroked on each side of the board to propel the user forward. To aid in controlling the travel path and help urge the board toward a straight line travel path, as the user paddles on alternating sides, paddle boards include a plurality of fins located at the rear of the board extending downwardly from the undersurface of the board. While the number, sizes and arrangement of such fins may vary, most utilize a combination of a larger center fin together with two smaller fins, one on each side of the center fan. This arrangement appears to have been generally accepted within the art as producing a minimum of lateral slipping and a tendency toward straight line travel together with acceptable speed and turning capabilities. 
     One of the more vexing problems to which such paddle boards and their smaller cousins, surfboards, have been subjected is the frequency with which the fins tend to become damaged when these boards are stored or handled in transport or periods of nonuse. In particular, the large center fin has proven to be problematic as a result of the frequent damage encountered. 
     The problems associated with fin damage persist in most sport board constructions including paddle boards and surfboards. Typically, in both board species the manner of attaching the fins to the undersurface of the board employs a fin box, or fin receptacle, that is embedded within the foam core body in general alignment with the undersurface thereof. In most constructions, the fin box and the fin utilize cooperating attachment mechanisms to secure the fin within the fin box in a removable attachment. The objective of providing a removable attachment is directed toward enabling the user to remove the fin during periods of nonuse, storage or transport. In addition, the removable fin attachment facilitates the replacement of a damaged fin. While such removable fin attachment apparatus are well intended, they often prove less than optimum in practical use. In many instances, users find removal and attachment of a fin between uses to be difficult and inconvenient. In addition, the user must carefully store the removed fin, or fins, during nonuse and take care to avoid loss or damage. 
     Faced with these difficulties, practitioners in the art have endeavored to address the problems associated with fin damage, particularly as it relates to the larger fins used in paddle boards, but in surfboards as well, by creating a variety of fin box and cooperating fin attachment designs. Unfortunately, while these attempts have provided some improvement and in some instances enjoyed limited commercial success, there remains nonetheless a continuing and unresolved need for improved fin support apparatus that effectively protects the fin during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved support for a fin extending downwardly from the undersurface of a water sport board. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved support for a fin extending downwardly from the undersurface of a water sport board which protects the fin from damage during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved support for a fin extending downwardly from the undersurface of a water sport board which avoids the need for removal and reattachment of the fin between periods of use and periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
     In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multiple position fin support for supporting a fin upon the undersurface of a board, the multiple position fin support comprising: a base having a forward abutment, a rearward abutment and a gap therebetween; a tie-down extending downwardly from the fin base for engaging a board fin box; a fin box, supported between the abutments in the gap, movable in rotation and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position; a fin removably secured to the fin box; a latch operative in the latched position for detenting rotational movement of the fin box at selected rotational positions; and a spring urging the fin box toward the latched position, the fin box being movable to a selected one of the selected rotational positions by overcoming the spring to move the fin box from the latched position and rotating the fin box to the selected one of the selected positions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which: 
         FIG.  1    sets forth a perspective view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention supporting an illustrative fin in a vertical position; 
         FIG.  2    sets forth a perspective view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention supporting an illustrative fin in a left-side lowered position; 
         FIG.  3    sets forth a perspective view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention supporting an illustrative fin a right-side lowered position; 
         FIG.  4    sets forth a front view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention supporting an illustrative fin in a vertical position; 
         FIG.  5    sets forth a side elevation view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention together with a partial section view of a cooperating paddleboard and fin box; 
         FIG.  6    sets forth a section view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention taken along section lines  6 - 6  in  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIGS.  7 A,  7 B,  7 C and  7 D  set for sequential partial section views of the rear portion of the present invention fin support and cooperating fin box during an illustrative change of fin position; 
         FIG.  8    sets forth a perspective assembly view of the fin box assembled to an illustrative fin utilized in the present invention multiple position fin support; and 
         FIG.  9    sets forth a perspective assembly view of the present invention multiple position fin support receiving the fin box and illustrative fin shown in  FIG.  8   . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG.  1    sets forth a perspective view of a multiple position fin support constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally reference by numeral  10 . Fin support  10  includes a fin base  11  formed of a pair of mirror image base halves  12  and  13  which are joined by conventional fasteners. Fin base  11  includes a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Fin base  11  further includes slot  34  extending the length of gap  17 . Within gap  17 , a fin box  20  is supported in the manner described below in greater detail. As is also described below in greater detail, fin box  20  is movable within gap  17  between abutments  14  and  15  in the directions indicated by arrows  23  and  24  and is rotatable about an axis of rotation  25 . Fin box  20  defines a fin slot  21  which receives the lower portion of a conventional fin  30  which, in turn, is secured to fin box  20  by a conventional fastener  22 . Fin support  10  further defines a bottom surface  16  which is generally planar and configured to be received upon the undersurface of a cooperating board (shown in  FIG.  5   ). 
     Fin support  10  further includes a tie-down  31  which defines a flange  36  and a pin  33 . Tie-down  31  is captivated within slot  34  and extends downwardly through slot  34  beyond bottom surface  16 . Tie-down  31  facilitates attachment of fin base  11  to a cooperating board in an attachment set forth below in greater detail relating to  FIG.  5   . Suffice it to note here that, in the anticipated use of fin support  10 , a cooperating board such as a paddleboard, or a surfboard, provides an otherwise conventional board fin box on the undersurface thereof which is normally utilized in receiving a conventional fin. In further accordance with the present invention tie-down  31  utilizes this board fin box to secure fin base  11  to the undersurface of the cooperating paddleboard or surfboard in the manner set forth below in  FIG.  6   . 
     By means set forth below in greater detail, fin box  20  is supported between abutments  14  and  15  within gap  17  of fin base  11  in a rotational support which is, in essence, “detented” to latch the rotational position of fin box  20 , and thereby fin  30 , in a selected one of several available rotational positions. Thus, in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin box  20  may be rotated between detented rotational positions and will be selectively positioned, and latched, at either an angular position extending fin  30  vertically as shown in  FIG.  1    or, alternatively, at an angular position extending fin  30  to the left as shown in  FIG.  2    or, by still further alternative, at an angular position extending fin  30  to the right as shown in  FIG.  3   . In this manner, and in further accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin base  11  facilitates the selective and latched positioning of fin  30  vertically for typical use or, alternatively, pivoted to the left or right lying along the undersurface of the cooperating board during periods of nonuse, transport or storage. 
     More specifically,  FIG.  1    shows fin base  11  having fin  30  extending vertically and having fin box  20  latched in the corresponding position of rotation. By means set forth below in greater detail, this vertical extension of fin  30  is maintained by an internal spring housed within forward abutment  14  which urges fin box  20  rearward in the direction indicated by arrow  23  thereby maintaining fin box  20  in a latched position. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin  30  may be repositioned in either the left side position shown in  FIG.  2    or the right side position shown in  FIG.  3    for purposes of protecting fin  30  against damage. This protective positioning of fin  30  is accomplished by initially forcing the combined assembly of fin box  20  and fin  30  forwardly, in the direction indicated by arrow  24 , overcoming the restraining spring force within abutment  14  and releasing the position latch operative upon fin box  20  (seen below in  FIG.  6   ). Once fin box  20  and fin  30  have been moved forwardly within gap  17 , they may be pivoted to the right, as indicated by arrow  27 , to place fin  30  in the right side position shown in  FIG.  3    or, alternatively, pivoted to the left in the manner shown by arrow  26 , to configure fin  30  in the left side position shown in  FIG.  2   . Once this repositioning of fin  30  has taken place, fin  30  is released and the internal spring within abutment  14  moves fin box  30  into a latched side, or folded, position overlying the undersurface of the cooperating paddleboard or surfboard. When thus positioned, fin  30  is significantly protected from damage during nonuse, transport and storage. 
     In further accordance with the present invention, fin  30  may be restored to the vertically extending position shown in  FIG.  1    by once again forcing fin box  20  forwardly against the internal spring within abutment  14  in the direction indicated by arrow  24  which, in turn, releases the position latch operative upon fin box  20 . This allows the rotation of fin  30  to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  1   . With fin  30  again restored to its vertical position, fin box  20  is released and the internal spring within abutment  14  urges fin box  20  rearward against rearward abutment  15  once again engaging the position latch and detenting fin  30  in its vertical position. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention multiple position fin support provides a substantial improvement over conventional prior art fin attachment apparatus. It will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that the ease with which fin  30  may be positioned in either a vertical position suitable for use, or a folded position on either side of the fin base suitable for periods of nonuse, transport and storage, avoids the need for the user to have access to tools or any other apparatus before, during or after water support activities. In its preferred fabrication, the present invention fin support is fabricated virtually entirely of high-strength high-quality molded plastic components formulated to resist corrosion when exposed to saltwater. As a result, little if any maintenance is required to maintain the present invention multiple position fin support between uses. 
       FIG.  2    sets forth a perspective view of fin support  10  having fin  30  positioned in a left side configuration. As described above, and in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin box  20  is rotatable within fin support  10  to facilitate positioning fin  30  in the left side position shown in  FIG.  2    in order to protect fin  30  during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. More specifically, fin support  30  includes a fin base  11  formed of mirror image base halves  12  and  13  which are joined by conventional fasteners (not shown). Fin base  11  includes a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Fin base  11  further defines a bottom surface  16  which is generally planar and configured to be received upon the undersurface of a cooperating board (seen in  FIG.  5   ). 
     Fin support  10  further includes a fin box  20  which is supported between abutments  14  and  15  within gap  17  in a manner that facilitates rotation about an axis of rotation  25  in the manner indicated by arrow  27 . Fin box  20  supports fin  30  in an attachment described below in greater detail. Fin box  20  is further movable within gap  17  in the directions indicated by arrows  23  and  24  and is urged rearwardly by an internal spring (shown in  FIG.  6   ) within abutment  14 . Fin base  11  further defines a slot  34  within which a tie-down  31  is captivated. Tie-down  31  includes a flange  35  which maintains the position of tie-down  31  within gap  17 . Fin  30  is received within a fin slot  21  formed in fin box  20  and is secured therein by a fastener  22 . 
     As mentioned above, the left side positioning of fin  30  shown in  FIG.  2    is intended to position fin  30  along the undersurface of the host board and thereby protect it from damage during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. In accordance with the present invention, this left side position is secured by the spring and latch apparatus operative upon fin box  20  which is shown and described in detail in  FIGS.  7 A through  7 D . Suffice it to note here that the left side position latch is maintained by the urging of the internal spring within forward abutment  14 . Fin  30  may be repositioned to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  1    to accommodate use by forcing fin box  20  forwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  24  overcoming the force of the internal spring within forward abutment  14  and releasing the position latch operative upon fin box  20 . Thereafter, the user is able to rotate fin box  20  and fin  30  about axis of rotation  25  in the direction indicated by arrow  27  to return fin  30  to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  1   . In further accordance with the present invention, this vertical position is then latched when fin box  20  is released allowing the internal spring within forward abutment  14  to urge fin box  20  rearwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  23 . Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention fin support facilitates the easy movement of fin  30  between the vertical position of use and the left side position which protects fin  30  during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
       FIG.  3    sets forth a perspective view of fin support  10  having fin  30  positioned in a right side configuration. As described above, and in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin box  20  is rotatable within fin support  10  to facilitate positioning fin  30  in the right side position shown in  FIG.  3    in order to protect fin  30  during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
     More specifically and as is described above, fin support  30  includes a fin base  11  formed of mirror image base halves  12  and  13  which are joined by conventional fasteners (not shown). Fin base  11  includes a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Fin base  11  further defines a bottom surface  16  which is generally planar and configured to be received upon the undersurface of a cooperating board (seen in  FIG.  5   ). 
     Fin support  10  further includes a fin box  20  which is supported between abutments  14  and  15  within gap  17  in a manner that facilitates rotation about an axis of rotation  25  in the manner indicated by arrow  27 . Fin box  20  supports fin  30  in an attachment described below in greater detail. Fin box  20  is further movable within gap  17  in the directions indicated by arrows  23  and  24  and is urged rearwardly by an internal spring (shown in  FIG.  6   ) within abutment  14 . 
     As is also mentioned above, the right side positioning of fin  30  shown in  FIG.  3    is intended to position fin  30  along the undersurface of the host board and thereby protect it from damage during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. In accordance with the present invention, this right side position is secured by the spring and latch apparatus operative upon fin box  20  which is shown and described in detail in  FIGS.  7 A through  7 D . Suffice it to note here that the right side position latch is maintained by the urging of the internal spring within forward abutment  14 . Fin  30  may be repositioned to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  1    to accommodate use by forcing fin box  20  forwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  24  overcoming the force of the internal spring within forward abutment  14  and releasing the position latch operative upon fin box  20 . Thereafter, the user is able to rotate fin box  20  and fin  30  about axis of rotation  25  in the direction indicated by arrow  26  to return fin  30  to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  1   . In further accordance with the present invention, this vertical position is then latched when fin box  20  is released allowing the internal spring within forward abutment  14  to urge fin box  20  rearwardly in the direction indicated by arrow  23 . Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention fin support facilitates the easy movement of fin  30  between the vertical position of use and the right side position which protects fin  30  during periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
       FIG.  4    sets forth a front view of the present invention fin support having fin  30  in a vertical position. As described above, fin support  10  is constructed in accordance with the present invention and includes a fin base  11  formed of a pair of mirror image base halves  12  and  13 . As is also described above, fin support  10  supports a fin  30  which is shown in  FIG.  4    in a vertical position. Fin base  11  further defines a bottom surface  16  through which a tie-down  31  extends downwardly. Tie-down  31  includes a generally cylindrical pin  33  extending through tie-down  31  and outwardly from each side thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from reference to  FIG.  6    that when fin support  10  is placed upon the undersurface of a cooperating board which includes a conventional fin box such as shown in  FIG.  6   , that tie-down  31  extends downwardly into that fin box and is received therein to secure fin support  10  upon the undersurface of the cooperating board. While the manner in which tie-down  31  is secured within the fin box of a cooperating board is set forth below in  FIG.  6    in greater detail, it is sufficient to note in  FIG.  4    the manner in which tie-down  31  extends downwardly beyond bottom surface  16  of fin base  11  to effectuate this attachment. 
       FIG.  5    sets forth a side elevation view of fin support  10  positioned upon the undersurface of an illustrative board  40 . Board  40  will be understood to be of conventional construction and illustrative of boards such as paddle boards or surfboards or other water sport boards which utilize one, or more, extending fins. For purposes of explaining the attachment of fin support  10  to board  40 , the latter is shown in partial section. It will be understood that board  40  is representative of conventional boards which utilize a fin box to receive and secure a fin in a removable attachment. Accordingly, board  40  includes a foam core  43  within which a receptacle  42  is formed. A board fin box  32  is received within receptacle  42  and secured therein by conventional attachment such as adhesive attachment, or the like. Board  40  further includes an undersurface  41  which will be understood to support a sealing layer such as an epoxy resin and fiberglass layer which functions to seal foam core  43 . In further accordance with the conventional fabrication of board  40 , it will also be understood that this epoxy and fiberglass layer encloses the outer surface of foam core  43  and further serves to enclose and secure board fin box  32 . Thus, it will be apparent that the foregoing described structure of board  40  is representative of an entirely conventional board construction. It will be further recognized that, in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin support  10  cooperates with and is attachable to an otherwise conventional paddleboard or surfboard or the like without modification of the board. That is to say, tie-down  31  is received within and cooperates with board fin box  32  in the same manner as a conventional fin. This renders the attachment of fin support  10  to an otherwise conventional board to be as easy as attaching a conventional fin. It will be apparent that the present invention fin support may be used on boards having a different fin box and fin attachment by altering tie-down  31  accordingly without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     More specifically, a conventional board  40  includes a foam core  43  defining a board undersurface  41  and a fin box receptacle  42 . A board fin box  32  is received and secured within receptacle  42  by conventional attachment such as adhesive or the like. Board fin box  32  defines a channel  38  extending substantially the length of fin box  32 . As described above, it will be understood that foam core  43  is encased within a sealing layer of material such as fiberglass and epoxy resin which forms a thin outer seal for foam core  43 . As is also described above, this outer sealing layer further serves to assist in the securing of board fin box  32  within receptacle  42  of foam core  43 . 
     As described above, fin support  10  includes a fin base  11  formed of a pair of mirror image base halves  12  and  13  (base half  13  seen in  FIG.  2   ). As is also described above, fin base  11  defines a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Fin base  11  further defines a bottom surface  16  which rests upon board undersurface  41 . A fin box  20  supporting a fin  30  is supported within gap  17  of fin base  11  in an attachment which facilitates both rotation of fin box  20  about an axis of rotation  25  in the directions indicated by arrows  26  and  27  and lateral movement in the directions indicated by arrows  23  and  24 . Fin box  20  supports a fin  30  which is received within a fins slot  21  (seen in  FIG.  1   ). Fin support  10  further includes a tie-down  31  which extends downwardly through slot  34  (seen in  FIG.  1   ) and is received within board fin box  32 . Tie-down  31  supports a fastener  36  which extends into channel  38  and which cooperates with a fastener  37  (seen in  FIG.  1   ). Tie-down  31  further includes a pin  33  which extends outwardly from both sides of tie-down  31  into channel  38 . Tie-down  31  further includes a flange  35 . Pin  33  together with fasteners  36  and  37  cooperate to engage channel  38  of board fin box  32  and secure tie-down  31 , and thereby fin support  10 , against board undersurface  41 . 
       FIG.  6    sets forth a section view of fin support  10  taken along section lines  6 - 6  in  FIG.  4   . With temporary return to  FIG.  1   , it should be noted that, because fin base  11  is preferably fabricated of a pair mirror image base halves  12  and  13  joined by fasteners,  FIG.  6    may also be regarded as a side elevation view of base half  13  having base half  12  removed therefrom to show the interior components of fin base  11  and fin box  20 . For purposes of consistency,  FIG.  6    will be treated as a section view and referred to accordingly in this description. 
     Returning to  FIG.  6   , fin support  10  is shown positioned upon the undersurface of an illustrative board  40  in the same manner as shown in  FIG.  5   .  FIG.  6    differs from  FIG.  5    in that the section view thereof shows the internal structure of fin base  11  and cooperating components supporting fin box  20 . As mentioned above, board  40  is shown in partial section and will be understood to be of conventional construction and illustrative of boards such as paddle boards or surfboards or other water sport boards which utilize one, or more, extending fins. Board  40  is representative of conventional boards which utilize a fin box to receive and secure a fin in a removable attachment. Accordingly, board  40  includes a foam core  43  within which a receptacle  42  is formed. A board fin box  32  is received within receptacle  42  and secured therein by conventional attachment such as adhesive attachment, or the like. Board  40  further includes an undersurface  41 . It will be further recognized that, in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin support  10  cooperates with and is attachable to an otherwise conventional paddleboard, or surfboard, or the like, without modification of the board fin box or board. That is to say, tie-down  31  is received within and cooperates with board fin box  32  in the same manner and attachment as would a conventional fin. 
     More specifically, a conventional board  40  includes a foam core  43  defining a board undersurface  41  and a fin box receptacle  42 . A board fin box  32  is received and secured within receptacle  42  by conventional attachment such as adhesive or the like. Board fin box  32  defines a channel  38  extending substantially the length of board fin box  32 . As described above, it will be understood that foam core  43  is encased within a sealing layer of material such as fiberglass and epoxy resin which forms a thin outer seal for foam core  43 . As is also described above, this outer sealing layer further serves to assist in the securing of board fin box  32  within receptacle  42  of foam core  43 . 
     As described above, fin support  10  includes a fin base  11  formed of a pair of mirror image base halves  12  and  13  (base half  12  seen in  FIG.  2   ). As is also described above, fin base  11  defines a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Fin base  11  further defines a bottom surface  16  which rests upon board undersurface  41 . A fin box  20  supporting a fin  30  is supported within gap  17  of fin base  11  in an attachment which facilitates both rotation of fin box  20  about an axis of rotation  25  in the directions indicated by arrows  26  and  27  and lateral movement in the directions indicated by arrows  23  and  24 . Fin box  20  supports a fin  30  which is received within a fin slot  21  (seen in  FIG.  1   ). Fin support  10  further includes a tie-down  31  which extends downwardly through slot  34  and is received within board fin box  32 . Tie-down  31  supports a fastener  36  which extends into and is captivated within channel  38  of board fin box  32 . A fastener  37  (seen in  FIG.  1   ) engages fastener  36  and secures tie-down  31  within slot  34  of fin base  11 . Tie-down  31  further includes a pin  33  which extends outwardly from both sides of tie-down  31  into channel  38  of board fin box  32 . Tie-down  31  further includes a flange  35  extending beyond slot  34 . Pin  33  together with fasteners  36  and  37  cooperate to engage channel  38  of board fin box  32  and secure tie-down  31 , and thereby fin support  10 , against board undersurface  41 . 
     Forward abutment  14  and rearward abutment  15  of fin base  11  are mirror images of each other and are otherwise identical in their interior construction. Thus, abutment  14  defines a generally cylindrical bearing race  70  together with a square shaped latch receptacle  71  and a generally cylindrical spring bore  72 , all in coaxial arrangement. Similarly, rearward abutment  15  of fin base  11  defines a generally cylindrical bearing race  50  together with a square cross-section latch receptacle  51  and a generally cylindrical spring bore  52 , all in coaxial arrangement. The utilization of mirror image otherwise identical structures within forward abutment  14  and rearward abutment  15  facilitates the assembly of fin box  20  between abutments  14  and  15  in the arrangement shown in  FIGS.  6    or, alternatively, in a reverse arrangement should the need arise. However, in most uses of the present invention fin support, it has been found preferable to assemble fin box  20  in the orientation shown in  FIG.  6   . Accordingly, the descriptions set forth herein will utilize the orientation of fin box  20  within fin base  11  shown in  FIG.  6   . 
     Fin box  20  receives and supports fin  30  in an attachment which is described in greater detail in  FIG.  8   . However, suffice it to note here that fin box  20  defines a fin slot  21  (seen in  FIG.  1   ) which receives the lower end of fin  30  such that fin  30  is secured within fin slot  21  by a fastener  22 . 
     Fin box  20  includes an end bearing  80  which is generally cylindrical in shape and which is received within bearing race  70  of forward abutment  14  in a fit which facilitates rotation of end bearing  80  within bearing race  70 . As is better seen in  FIG.  9   , end bearing  80  further defines a spring cup  82  which receives one end of a spring  81 . Spring  81  extends from spring cup  82  of end bearing  80  through the remainder of bearing race  70  and latch receptacle  71  into spring bore  72 . Spring  81  is compressed within spring bore  81  and spring cup  82  such that it exerts an expanding force against end bearing  80  in the direction indicated by arrow  23 . 
     The remaining end of fin box  20  defines a generally cylindrical end bearing  60  and a square cross-section latch post  61 . End bearing  60  is rotatable within bearing race  50  and provides support for fin box  20  within rearward abutment  15 . Latch post  61  is received within square cross-section latch receptacle  51 . The extension of latch post  61  into latch receptacle  51  prevents rotation of fin box  20  and thereby maintains the latched position of fin  30  in the vertical position shown in  FIG.  6   . This latched position is further maintained by the force of spring  81  against end bearing  80  in the direction indicated by arrow  23  which keeps latch post  61  within latch receptacle  51 . 
     As described above, and in accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, fin box  20  and fin  30  may be rotated to alternative left side (seen in  FIG.  2   ) and right side (seen in  FIG.  3   ) positions. The operation of the latch mechanism utilized in fin support  10  is set forth below in  FIGS.  7 A  through D the in greater detail. However, suffice it to note here with reference to  FIG.  6    that fin box  20  and fin  30  are maintained in the vertical fin position shown in  FIG.  6    by the engagement of square shaped latch post  61  within square shaped latch receptacle  51 . In addition, this engagement is maintained by the force of spring  81  in the direction indicated by arrow  23 . Accordingly, the position of fin  30  may be changed by moving fin box  20  and fin  30  against the force of spring  81  in the direction indicated by arrow  24  which withdraws latch post  61  from latch receptacle  51  and allows the rotation of fin box  20  and fin  30  to either a left side or right side position. The use of a square cross section shape for latch receptacle  51  and square cross section latch post  61  defines three useable detent positions for the rotation of fin box  20  (a fourth position against board surface  16  is not useable). This, in turn, allows fin box  20  to be rotated and latched in either a left side, or right side, or vertical position when fin box  20  is released and spring  81  returns latch post  61  into latch receptacle  51 . 
       FIGS.  7 A through  7 D  set forth sequential partial section views of rearward abutment  14  and a portion of fin box  20  illustrating the operation by which the rotational position of fin box  20  is latched or detented at a selected position. Accordingly, with reference to  FIGS.  7 A through  7 D  concurrently, rearward abutment  15  of fin base  11  is shown in section view and defines a generally cylindrical bearing race  50  together with a square cross-section latch receptacle  51  and a generally cylindrical spring bore  52  all in coaxial arrangement. Correspondingly, fin base  20  supports fin  30  in the above described attachment and includes an end bearing  60  together with a square cross-section latch post  61 . It will be recalled from the above descriptions that spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) exerts an expanding spring force against end bearing  80  (also seen in  FIG.  6   ) which urges fin box  20  in the direction indicated by arrow  23 . It will be further recalled that this spring force is operative to maintain the position of latch post  61  within latch receptacle  51 . It will also be recalled that end bearing  60  is received within bearing race  50  to provide a rotatable support which allows the rotation of fin box  20 . 
     With particular reference to  FIG.  7 A , the end portion of fin box  20  within rearward abutment  15  are shown in the relative positions corresponding to the vertical fin positioning shown in  FIG.  6   . Thus, it will be understood that in the position shown in  FIG.  7 A , fin  30  extends vertically in the manner seen in  FIG.  6   . In this position, the force of spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) urges fin box  20  to the position shown in which square shaped latch post  61  is received within latch receptacle  51 . As a result, the rotational position of fin box  20  is latched or detented in the vertical fin position. This position is maintained so long as spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) is able to maintain the position of latch post  61  within latch receptacle  51 . 
       FIG.  7 B  shows the position of the position latch elements of fin box  20  and rearward abutment  15  once the user has moved fin box  20  in the direction indicated by arrow  24  overcoming the force of spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ). This corresponds to a latch release position characterized by the withdrawal of latch post  61  from latch receptacle  51 . It will be noted that this movement of fin box  20  does not withdraw the entirety of end bearing  60  from bearing race  50 . Accordingly, in the position shown in  FIG.  7 B , fin box  20  remains rotationally supported by the cooperation of end bearing  60  within bearing race  50 . Of importance to note in  FIG.  7 B  is the withdrawal of latch post  61  from latch receptacle  51  which fully disengages any restriction upon rotation of fin box  20 . Accordingly, once the position shown in  FIG.  7 B  has been attained, fin box  20  and fin  30  may be rotated to either a left side or right side fin protective position. 
       FIG.  7 C  shows an intermediate stage of position change as fin box  20  continues to be urged in the direction indicated by arrow  24  overcoming the force of spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) and continuing to withdraw latch post  61  from latch receptacle  51  with the added movement of rotating fin box  20  in the direction indicated by arrow  26 . At this intermediate position, latch post  61  is rotated out of alignment with latch receptacle  51  and thus is not able to move into latch receptacle  51 . The rotation of fin box  20  in the direction indicated by arrow  26  continues until fin box  20  assumes the position shown in  FIG.  7 D  which corresponds to the left side fin position set forth above in  FIG.  2   . 
       FIG.  7 D  shows fin box  20  and fin  30  rotated to the left side position shown in  FIG.  2   .  FIG.  7 D  also shows the component positions once the force against spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) has been released and fin box  20  has moved in the direction indicated by arrow  23  under the urging of spring  81 . It is of importance to note that the alignment of latch post  61  with latch receptacle  51  allows latch post  61  to be reinserted into latch receptacle  51  which in turn once again detents the rotational position of fin box  20 . With latch post  61  engaged within latch receptacle  51  and with spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) once again maintaining the spring force which establishes the position shown in  FIG.  7 D , the position latch is operative and further rotation of fin box  20  is prevented. 
     Accordingly, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the sequence of  FIGS.  7 A through  7 D  are equally illustrative of alternative rotations of fin box  20  and fin  30 . For example, fin  30  may be restored to its vertical position by the above sequence. Initially, fin box  20  and fin  30  are forced in the direction indicated by the arrow  24  overcoming the force of spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ). Next, fin box  20  is rotated ninety degrees to the vertical position shown in  FIG.  6   . Finally, fin box  20  is released allowing spring  81  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) to move latch post  61  into latch receptacle  51 . Alternatively, the rotation of fin box  20  and fin  30  may be continued prior to release of fin box  20  until fin box  20  has assumed the right side fin position shown in  FIG.  3   . In this case, releasing fin box  20  establishes the latched position in the right side position in an analogous manner to that shown in  FIGS.  7 A through  7 D . 
     As described above, the shape of latch receptacle  51  and latch post  61  (seen in  FIG.  6   ) are both square shaped in cross-section and are essentially “matching”. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of square cross-section shapes for latch receptacle  51  and latch post  61  is a preferred and is selected to define three usable detent positions operative upon fin box  20  each separated by a right angle. (The fourth detent position not being required or used due to the presence of the cooperating board). It will be apparent to those killed in the art, however, that the present invention is not limited to the use of a detenting and latch mechanism utilizing a square shape latch receptacle and a square cross-section latch post. Rather, a variety of cooperating shapes may be utilized without departing from the spirit and will of the present invention. Examples of alternative shapes include, but are not limited to, cooperating gear and tooth combinations, a triangular cross-section shape, or other shapes such as octagonal or the like. The defining characteristics of cooperating shapes being found in the detenting of the rotation of fin box  20  at selected rotational positions which, in turn, defines selected angular position for fin  30 . 
       FIG.  8    sets forth a perspective assembly view of fin box  20  together with fin  30 . In the preferred fabrication of the inventive fin support, fin box  20  is formed of a pair of mirror image fin box halves  28  and  29  which are joined by a pair of conventional fasteners  62  and  63  utilizing embedded fasteners (molded into fin box half  29 ). Thus, many of the features formed in fin box  20  are actually formed of portions in each of the fin box halves which are completed when the two fin box halves are joined. For example, fin box  20  defines a fin slot  21  which, as may be observed in  FIG.  1   , receives the lower end of fin  30 . Fin slot  21  is actually formed of slot portions within fin box halves  28  and  29  which combine to form fin slot  21  when fin box half  28  and fin box half  29  are joined. In a similar fashion, fin box  20  defines an end bearing  80  within which a spring cup  82  is formed. A channel  49  is formed within fin box  20  and receives a fastener  48 . Fin box  20  further defines an aperture  46  and an aperture  45  the functions of which are described below in greater detail. Fin box  20  further defines an end bearing  60  and a square cross-section latch post  61 . 
     Fin  30  is constructed in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and supports a threaded fastener  22  and a pin  47 . While not visible in  FIG.  8   , it will be understood that pin  47  extends outwardly from both sides of the lower end of fin  30 . The assembly of fin box  20  and fin  30  is carried forward by initially placing fastener  48  within the channel  49  formed within fin box  20 . Thereafter, with fin  30  remaining separated from fin box  20 , fin box halves  28  and  29  are brought together and secured with fasteners  62  and  63  while fastener  48  remains captive within channel  49 . It will be noted that in the preferred assembly of fin box  20  to fin base  11 , described below in  FIG.  9   , fin  30  remains separate from fin box  20  until after fin base  11  (seen in  FIG.  9   ) is secured to the fin box of the cooperating board. This provides access to fastener  37  (seen in  FIG.  9   ) through fin slot  21  and aperture  45  to secure tie-down  31  in the manner described below. With fin box halves  28  and  29  joined and with fin  30  not yet assembled, fin box  20  and its associated components may be assembled within fin base  11  in the manner described below in  FIG.  9   . 
       FIG.  9    sets forth a perspective assembly view of fin support  10 . As described above, fin base  11  is formed of mirror image fin base halves  12  and  13  which are joined by fasteners  55  and  56 . As is also described above, fin base  11  includes a forward abutment  14  and a rearward abutment  15  separated by a gap  17 . Forward abutment  14  and rearward abutment  15  define substantially identical mirror images internally and are better seen above in  FIG.  6   . Thus, forward abutment  14  defines a generally cylindrical bearing race  70  and a square cross-section latch receptacle  71  together with a generally cylindrical spring bore  72 . As is better seen in  FIG.  6   , rearward abutment  15  defines a generally cylindrical bearing race  50 , a square cross-section latch receptacle  51  and a cylindrical spring bore  52 . Fin support  10  further includes a tie-down  31  defining a flange  35  and supporting a pin  33 . Pin  33  extends outwardly from both sides of tie-down  31 . Tie-down  31  further defines an aperture  39  which receives a fastener  37  which, in turn, thread ably engages a fastener  36 . A spring  81  is received within spring cup  82  and extends through bearing race  70  and latch receptacle  71  and is seated within spring bore  72 . 
     Fin box  20  defines a slot  21  within which the lower end of a pin  30  is see. Fin  30  is secured in the manner described above by a fastener  22 . Fin box  20  further defines an end bearing  80  and a spring cup  82  at one and there up. The remaining end of fin box  20  defines an end bearing  60  and a square cross-section latch post  61 . 
     Fin support  10  is assembled by combining fin box  20  and spring  81  within fin base  13 . In this assembly, spring  81  has one end received within spring bore  72  and the remaining end received within spring cup  82 . It will be recalled from the descriptions of  FIG.  8    above that in the preferred assembly of the present invention fin support, fin  30  is not, at this point, assembled to fin box  20  but is assembled as a final step. Accordingly, with fin  30  removed from fin box  20  and with fin box  20  and spring  81  positioned within fin base half  13  in the manner seen above in  FIG.  6   , tie-down  31  is positioned within slot  34 . Thereafter, fin base half  12  is positioned upon fin base half  13  and secured thereto by fasteners  55  and  56 . At this point, the assembly of fin base  11 , tie-down  31  and fin box  20  may be secured within board fin box  32  in the manner shown in  FIG.  5   . Of particular importance is the positioning of fastener  36  within channel  38  of board fin box  32 . With concurrent reference to  FIGS.  8  and  9   , it will be recalled that  FIG.  8    shows aperture  45  defined within fin box  20 . It will be further recalled that access to fastener  37  during the assembly of fin support  10  to the fin box of the cooperating board is provided by fin slot  21  and aperture  45 . Thus, at this point of assembly tie-down  31  is received within board fin box  32  (seen in  FIG.  5   ) and is secured by accessing fastener  37  through fin slot  21  and aperture  45  of fin box  20 . Once fastener  37  engages fastener  36  and is tightened sufficiently to secure tie-down  31 , the assembly of fin support  10  to the cooperating board is complete. At this point, fin  30  is assembled to fin box  20  by passing pin  47  through aperture  46  and thereafter aligning and tightening fastener  22  within fastener  48  to complete the attachment of fin  30 . The assembly is now complete. It will be noted that fin  30  may be easily removed and replaced by simply loosening fastener  22  and removing fin  30  should fin  30  become damaged during use or otherwise require replacement. 
     What has been shown is an improved support for a fin extending downwardly from the undersurface of a water sport board which protects the fin from damage during periods of nonuse, transport and storage and which avoids the need for removal and reattachment of the fin between periods of use and periods of nonuse, transport and storage. 
     While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.