Abstract
This invention is directed toward a fin box capable of accepting either a Futures® or an FCS® fin without the need for any additional products being added to either the fins or the fin box. The box has an internally-adjustable wedge that can force the bottom of a fin into an indent, thereby giving it a cant or angle. The box also has channels for both FCS® and Futures® fins, such that a user can easily exchange either brand of fin without adding or subtracting items from the fins or fin boxes. Another embodiment of the invention provides a fin base with a wedge angle that compresses an underlying wedge, thereby “wedging” the fin in the fin box. A further embodiment has a button on the fin that compresses a springy material as it passes over a fin box lip, thereby removably securing the fin in the fin box.
Claims
1. A fin box adapted to be fixedly mounted in the body of a surfboard, said fin box having at least one recess to accept at least one projection from a base of a fin to locate the fin accurately into the fin box, the fin box including at least one latch body, where the at least one latch body is extendable into the at least one recess, where the at least one latch body is impactable against at least one resilient body, where the at least one resilient body is arranged to provide a resistant force of the at least one latch body against a bearing face, where the at least one latch body can be pushed into at least one catch receptacle, where the at least one catch receptable is complimentarily located in at least one fin projection, where the at least one catch receptacle is a catch aperture, whereby the at least one latch body has a variable-shaped impact end which impacts upon at least one resilient body to affect an amount of resistance force on the at least one latch body into a recess.
2. The fin box of claim 1, whereby the at least one resilient body has a varying durometer hardness level so as to affect the amount of resistance force on the at least one latch body into the recess.
3. The fin box of claim 1 whereby the bearing face can be adjusted such as to alter a return force upon the at least one latch body by pre-loading the at least one resilient body so as to affect the amount of resistance force on the at least one latch body.
4. The fin box of claim 1, whereby the at least one resilient body has a varying shape such as to affect the return forces on the at least one latch body.
5. The fin box of claim 4 whereby the at least one resilient body is removably located in the fin box.
6. The fin box of claim 1 whereby the at least one latch body has a force-shape, where the force-shape forces a fin projection relative to the force to remove said fin projection.
7. A combination fin and fin box, where the fin has a clip nestled against a section of spring material, and the fin box has a an engagement lip, such that when the fin is pushed down into the fin box, the clip passes over the engagement lip, thereby forcing the clip back into the section of spring material, creating an opposition force in the section of spring material, such that when the clip passes over the engagement lip, the opposition force in the section of spring material forces the clip in a forward direction, thereby removably securing the fin in the fin box.
8. A combination of claim 7, where the fin has a forward clip and a section of spring material in a recess, where the fin box has a box clip engagement lip, where the forward clip is on a track, where the track is integrated into the fin, such that as the fin is pushed into the fin box, the forward clip engages the box clip engagement lip and is pushed back into recess, thereby applying a forward clip pressure on the section of spring material, whereby the section of spring material is compressed to allow the forward clip to pass the box clip engagement lip, where after the forward clip passes the box clip engagement lip, the section of spring material decompresses, thereby forcing the forward clip back into a box clip engagement lip cavity, where the box clip engagement lip cavity is located under the box clip engagement lip, thereby removably securing the fin in the fix box.
9. The combination of claim 8, where the fin has a cavity in which a section of spring material and a button sit, and where the fin box has an inner side, and were the inner side has a button recess, such that when the fin is forced in a downward direction into the fin box, the button is pushed by an upper lip of the fix box, which thereby compresses the section of spring material, such that as the fin is further pushed into the fin box such that the button comes into contact with the button recess, the section of spring material decompresses, forcing the button into the button recess and thereby removably securing the fin in the fin box.
10. A fin and wedge assembly, comprising a fin that removably connects to a wedge, where the wedge is constructed from a resilient material, such that when the fin is pushed into a fin box, a fin bottom engages the wedge, and deforms the wedge such that the fin is removably secured in the fin box; where the fin comprises a fin base with wedge taper, where the fin base with wedge taper additionally comprises a wedge adjustment screw that adjustably connects the wedge to the fin, where the wedge adjustment screw has a plurality of wedge adjustment screw threads, where the plurality of wedge adjustment screw threads mate with corresponding wedge adjustment screw cavity threads which are located in a wedge adjustment screw cavity, where the wedge adjustment screw cavity is located in a bottom portion of the fin, such that the distance between the wedge and the fin can be adjusted by turning the wedge adjustment screw, and where the wedge comprises a width extension wedge, which has a sloped wedge engagement surface that parallels a fin engagement surface on the fin, such that as the fin and the wedge are forced into a fin box, the fin engagement surface contacts the wedge engagement surface, putting an amount of pressure on the width extension wedge, and thereby wedging the width extension wedge against an inner side of the fin box.
11. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 10, where, the fin comprises a fin base with wedge, and a wedge, where the fin base with wedge additionally comprises a capture spigot that connects the wedge to the fin, where the capture spigot is placed in a slot in the wedge, and where the wedge comprises a width extension wedge, which has a sloped wedge engagement surface that parallels a fin engagement surface on the fin, such that as the fin and the wedge are forced into a fin box, the fin engagement surface contacts the wedge engagement surface, putting an amount of pressure on the width extension wedge, and thereby wedging the width extension wedge against an inner side of the fin box, where the wedge additionally comprises two or more bottom pegs, where the two or more bottom pegs serve to keep a wedge bottom from directly contacting a fin box bottom.
12. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 11, where the fin comprises at least one projection, where the at least one projection has at least one catch aperture or catch groove hole or catch groove holes to accept latch body or latch bodies.
13. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 10, comprising a fin comprising one or more projections for locating in a fin box whereby the one or more projections each include a latch body, where the latch body is extendable out of the one or more projections, said latch body impactable against a resilient body, said resilient body being arranged to provide a return force on said latch body against a bearing face, said latch body being insertable into a catch aperture complimentarily located in fin box.
14. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 13, whereby the latch body has a variable shaped impact end which impacts upon a resilient body to vary a resistance force on said latch body.
15. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 13, where the resilient body having a varying durometer hardness level so as to create a changed resistance force on the latch.
16. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 13, whereby the bearing face is an adjustable bearing face that can be adjusted so as to alter a return force upon the latch body by pre-loading the resilient body so as to change a resistance force on said latch body.
17. The fin and wedge assembly of claim 13, whereby the latch body has a latch body shape, and where the latch body shape and amount of force necessary to insert a fin projection relative to a removal force which is required to remove the fin projection from the fin box.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(1) One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
(2) FIG. 1 is a lateral cross section of a fin fixing system according to the invention having a fin box which includes hollow sections.
(3) FIG. 2 is a lateral cross section of the fin fixing system of FIG. 1 wherein the fin box does not include the hollow sections.
(4) FIG. 3 is a lateral cross section of the fin fixing system of FIG. 1 and incorporating an adaptor and latch means.
(5) FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross section of a canted fin in the fin fixing system according to the invention.
(6) FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an upright fin.
(7) FIG. 6 is a lateral cross section a canted fine in the fin fixing system of FIG. 1 with an alternative adaptor and latch means, showing the fin or adaptor in the slot; and
(8) FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the fin fixing system of FIG. 6 showing the fin or adaptor not in the slot.
(9) FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the fin fixing system of FIG. 7 showing the fin or adaptor not in the slot.
(10) FIG. 9 is a side, perspective view of an FCS fin being restrained in a fin box.
(11) FIG. 10 is a side, perspective view of a Futures fin being restrained in a fin box.
(12) FIG. 11 is top view of the channel created for an FCS fin without the fin in the box.
(13) FIG. 12 is a top view of the channel created for a Futures fin without the fin in the box.
(14) FIGS. 13 through 14 are top views of an alternate embodiment of the fin box.
(15) FIG. 15 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(16) FIG. 16 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(17) FIG. 17 is a top view yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(18) FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(19) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(20) FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(21) FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(22) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(23) FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention.
(24) FIG. 24 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 31 with clip/latch/button 22 prior to insertion into cavity of box 39.
(25) FIG. 25 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 31 with clip/latch/button 22 partially inserted into cavity of box 39.
(26) FIG. 26 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 31 with clip/latch/button 22 fully inserted into cavity of box 39.
(27) FIG. 27 shows in part longitudinal cross section of the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 30 with fin base 31 with clip/latch/button 22 inserted into fin box 1.
(28) FIG. 28 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 30 with fin base with wedge taper 36 with attached width extension wedge 32.
(29) FIG. 29 shows in part longitudinal cross section a fin box 1 with fin base 41 and wedge adjustment bolt 35 with longitudinal taper and longitudinal width extension wedge 42 adjusted by adjustment nut 35.
(30) FIG. 30 shows in part longitudinal cross section a fin 30 with fin base with clip/latch/button 31 and attached width extension wedge 32 inserted into box 1,
(31) FIG. 31 shows in part lateral cross section a fin 30 with fin base 31 with width extension wedge 32 inserts into box 1.
REFERENCE NUMBERS USED
(32) 1. Box 2. Wedge 3. Channel created for FCS 4. Cavity for Futures 5. Indent for FCS to create angle 6. Wedge adjustment screw 7. Grub screw 8. FCS fin 9. FCS fin base 10. Futures fin base 11. Grub screw hole 12. Wedge screw access 13. Futures fin 14. Futures fin angle at base 15. FCS fin no angle at base 16. Angled lock screw hole 17. Sawtooth adjustment screw 18. Longitudinal adjustment plate 19. Sawtooth wedge 20. Sawtooth Adjustment screw hole 21. Sawtooth box body 22. Clip/latch/button 23. Spring material 24. Cavity 25. Cap 26. Engagement point 27. Fin 28. Spring 29. Surfboard body 30. Fin 31. Fin base with clip/latch/button 32. Width extension wedge 33. Wedge adjustment screw 34. Wedge adjustment nut 35. Wedge adjustment bolt 36. Fin base with wedge taper 37. Wedge adjustment screw cavity 38. Clip/latch/button recess 39. Cavity to accept fin base 40. Box clip engagement lip 41. Fin base with longitudinal taper 42. Longitudinal width extension wedge 43. Engagement surface 44. Wedge outer surface 45. Box inner surface 46. Slot 47. Capture Spigot 48. Bottom Pegs 49. Box Bottom surface
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
(33) Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with references made to the drawings below. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the components of the present invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views in the drawings. Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not limited in their application to the details of construction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments of the invention are capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways. In addition, the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
(34) FIG. 1 is a lateral cross section of a fin fixing system according to the invention. The general concept behind this fin box is that through the movement of basically five screws and a wedge, a single fin box can handle fins from both FCS and Futures. There are no inserts needed or anything else to adhere to a fin or insert into the fin box the box; the fin box comes with everything a surfer needs to use either an FCS or a Futures fin. The fin box, 1 shows the parallel channel 3 created by the encroachment of the wedge 2 and the indent 5 for the acceptance of an FCS fin base. The wedge 2 can be adjusted by the wedge adjustment screw 6 which lies in a wedge screw access 12. On the other side of the fin box 1 is a grub screw hole 11 in which a grub screw 7 can be placed, which can be used to exert pressure on the other side of the fin thus retaining the fin in place.
(35) FIG. 2 is a lateral cross section of the fin fixing system according to the invention. In this figure, the wedge 2 has been retracted from an active position through the screwing “down” of the wedge adjustment screw 6 which rests in the wedge screw access 12. Due to the retraction of the wedge 2 the parallel channel 4 now becomes available for the acceptance of a Futures fin base as shown in FIG. 6.
(36) FIG. 3 is a lateral cross section of the fin fixing system shown in FIG. 1. With an FCS fin 8 and Base 9 inserted into the fin box 1. The FCS fin base 9 resides in the parallel channel 3 created by the indent 5 and the wedge 2. The grub screw 7 is exerting pressure on the FCS fin base 9 to keep it in the channel 3. Wedge 2 has been activated by the wedge adjustment screw 6 and in cooperation with the indent 5 the channel 3 creates the required cant angle for FCS fin 8. Thereby creating the required cant angle for the FCS fin 8
(37) FIG. 4 is a side and front view representation of a typical Futures fin 13 indicating the cant angle 14 between the fin 13 and base 10. canted fin in the fin fixing system according to the invention. A Futures fin 13 has been inserted into the Futures fin base 10, which has created a Futures fin angle at base 14.
(38) FIG. 5 is a side and front view representation of a typical FCS fin 8 with and FCS fin base 9 which indicates an FCS fin with no cant angle at base 15.
(39) FIG. 6 is a lateral cross section of the fin fixing system shown in FIG. 2. With The Futures fin 13 and base 10 inserted into the fin box 1. The Futures fin 13 has a canted angle, such that the Futures fin base 10 is not parallel to the direction of the Futures fin 13. The wedge 2 has been pulled back and down, by wedge adjustment screw 6 such that the channel 4 is available for the acceptance of the Futures base 10. Force from the grub screw 7 holds the fin 13 in place.
(40) FIG. 7 is a top, perspective view of the fin fixing system of FIG. 6 showing the fin or adaptor not in the slot. On one side of the fin box 1 is the wedge 2 and wedge adjustment screws 6. On the other side are two grub screw holes 11 and an angled lock screw hole 16 which functions to provide access for a further grub screw to lock in the leading edge of the fin.
(41) FIG. 8 is a top, perspective view of the fin fixing system of FIG. 7 showing the fin or adaptor not in the slot. This figure is identical to FIG. 7, except that the wedge 2 has been extended in this figure.
(42) FIG. 9 is an angled perspective view of FIG. 6 of a Futures fin 13 being restrained in the fin box 1. The Futures fin 13 has a canted angle, such that the Futures fin base 10 is not parallel to the direction of the Futures fin 13. The wedge 2 has been pulled back and down, by force from the grub screw 7 holds the fin in place.
(43) FIG. 10 is a an angled perspective view of FIG. 3 of an FCS fin 8 and base 9 being restrained in a fin box 1. The FCS fin base 9 resides in the parallel channel 3 created by the indent 5 and the wedge 2. The grub screw 7 is exerting pressure on the FCS fin base 9 to keep it in the channel 3. Wedge 2 has been activated by the wedge adjustment screw 6 and in cooperation with the indent 5 the channel 3 creates the required cant angle for FCS fin 8. Thereby creating the required cant angle for the FCS fin 8.
(44) FIG. 11 is top view of the channel created for an FCS fin without the fin in the box. The wedge 2 is shown as encroached into the channel by the wedge adjustment screws (not shown) creating the required specifications in channel 3 for the insertion of an FCS fin.
(45) FIG. 12 is a top view of the channel 4 for a Futures fin without the fin in the box. It shows the channel 4 available for insertion of a Futures fin without the fin in the box. The channel 4 is shown without the wedge 2 of FIG. 11.
(46) FIGS. 13 through 14 are top views of an alternate embodiment of the fin box.
(47) FIG. 15 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(48) FIG. 16 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(49) FIG. 17 is a top view yet another embodiment of the fin box.
(50) FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 18 indicates the FCS type fin 8 and base 9 being inserted into the box 1 the fin engages the clip/latch/button 22 at the engagement point 26 that starts pushing the clip/latch/button 22 into the cavity 24 compressing the resilient/compressible material ‘spring’ 23 (shown un-compressed). The cap 25 provides an assembly access to the cavity 24. The channel 3 is provided by the wedge 2 being in the up position after being adjusted by the adjustment screw 6.
(51) FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 19 shows the fin 8 and base 9 encroaching further into the channel 3 and moving the clip/latch/button 22 further into the cavity 24 and compressing the ‘spring’ 28 (shown being compressed therefore different number).
(52) FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 20 shows the fin 8 and base 9 encroaching to the point whereby the engagement point 26 is compressing the ‘spring’ 28 to maximum compressed state.
(53) FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 21 show the fin 8 and base 9 having being fully inserted into the channel 3 and the ‘spring’ 23 now fully un-compressed pushing the clip/latch/button 22 into the channel and occupy the space in the fin 27 thus locking the fin into place.
(54) FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 22 indicates Futures type fin 13 and base 10 being inserted into the channel 4 created by the withdrawal of wedge 2 by adjustment screw 6
(55) FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the invention. Drawing 23 indicates the Futures type fin 13 and base 10 fully inserted into the channel 4 and showing the clip/latch/button pressed into the cavity 24 and compressing the ‘spring’ (indicated as 28) allowing the full insertion of the fin.
(56) FIG. 24 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin base 31 prior to insertion into cavity of box 39 with laterally mounted clip/latch/button 22 is shown in extended position with spring material 23 in non-compressed state in cavity 24.
(57) FIG. 25 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin base 31 with laterally mounted clip/latch/button 22 partially inserted into cavity of box 39 compressing and causing spring material 23 to distort into cavity 24 allowing clip/latch/button to move allowing fin to be inserted into cavity 39.
(58) FIG. 26 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin base 31 with laterally mounted clip/latch/button 22 fully inserted into cavity of box 39 the clip/latch/button 22 has returned to extended position by resilience of spring material 23 aligning clip/latch/button 22 into clip/latch/button recess 38 retaining fin and fin base 31 in box 1 until desired removal.
(59) FIG. 27 shows in part longitudinal cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 30 with fin base 31 with longitudinally mounted clip/latch/button 22 engaged with box clip engagement lip 40 or other means retaining fin base 31 in box 1 with pressure derived from pressure from spring material 23.
(60) FIG. 28 shows in part lateral cross section the surfboard body 29 with fixedly mounted fin box 1 and fin 30 with fin base with wedge taper 36 attached to width extension wedge 32 by wedge adjustment screw 33 inserted and retained by the wedge adjustment screw cavity 37 adjustment of wedge adjustment screw 33 causes the wedges to touch at the engagement surfaces 43 causing the wedge outer surfaces 44 to expand laterally increasing pressure upon the box inner surfaces 45 allowing for adjustment of pressure between wedge outer surfaces 44 and box inner surfaces 45 thus alleviating any undesired movement between the fin base 36 and the fin box 1.
(61) FIG. 29 shows in part longitudinal cross section a fin box 1 with inserted fin base with longitudinal taper 41 and wedge adjustment bolt 35 extending to accept the longitudinal width extension wedge 42 and held in place by the wedge adjustment nut 34 whereby said adjustment of wedge adjustment nut 34 causes sliding of engagement surfaces 43 causing the wedge outer surfaces 44 to extend laterally and create pressure upon the box inner surfaces 45 thus alleviating any undesired movement between the fin base 41 and box 1.
(62) FIG. 30 shows in part longitudinal cross section a surfboard body 29 with a fixedly mounted fin box 1 with a clip/latch/button fixing system 22 retaining the fin base 31 in the box 1 the width extension wedge 32 is shown captured by the capture spigots 47 within the slots 46 and the bottom pegs 48 are engaged with the bottom of the fin box surface 49.
(63) FIG. 31 shows in part lateral cross section a surfboard body 29 with a fixedly mounted fin box 1 and a fin 30 with a fin base 31 with width extension wedge 32 captured by the capture spigot 47 the bottom pegs 48 about to engage with the bottom of the fin box 49 causing the width extension wedge to slide vertically along the slots 46 the movement causing the engagement surfaces 43 to interact and thus changing the width of the total fin base wedge dimension causing the wedge outer surface 44 to press against box inner surface 45.
(64) It will be realized that the above is illustrative of one or more examples of the invention, and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.
(65) It should be understood that while the preferred embodiments of the invention are described in some detail herein, the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that variations and changes thereto are possible without departing from the subject matter coming within the scope of the following claims, and a reasonable equivalency thereof, which claims I regard as my invention.
(66) All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.
