Electronically powered illuminating fin system for watersports involving boards

Abstract

An electronically powered, light emitting fin used with a surfboard or paddleboard, or similar water sports board. The fin is configured to be attached to the water sports board to provide illumination under the board when using the device. The lighted fin may be particularly useful when using the water sports board at night to illuminate water beneath the board.

Claims

1. A fin for a water sports board comprising: a body having a connection area, the fin connectable to the water sports board at the connection area; a waterproof light connected to the body, the waterproof light directed away from the body; wherein the waterproof light is directed to illuminate an area about the fin, the area about the fin comprising the light directed to illuminate at least one of an area below that water sports board when connected to the water sports board, an area at a first side of the fin, an area at a second opposite side of the fin, and an area at a rear of the fin.

2. The fin of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of lights attached to the fin.

3. The fin of claim 1 further comprising a power source in communication with the waterproof light.

4. The fin of claim 1 further comprising a remote controller, the remote controller in wireless communication with a controller of the fin and configured to turn the light on and off.

5. The fin of claim 4 wherein the controller of the fin is configured to adjust a color of the light.

6. The fin of claim 4 wherein the controller of the fin is configured to adjust a brightness of the light.

7. The fin of claim 1 wherein the waterproof light comprises a waterproof housing.

8. A water sports board comprising a plurality of fins, at least one of the plurality of fins being the fin of claim 1.

9. The fin of claim 1 further comprising a camera positioned on the body.

10. A water sports board comprising a fin, the fin comprising: a body; a light directed to illuminate an area below the water sports board; and a remote controller in wireless communication with a controller of the fin.

11. The water sports board of claim 10 wherein the water sports board is one of a paddle board or a surfboard.

12. The water sports board of claim 10 wherein the light is waterproof.

13. The water sports board of claim 10 further comprising a camera positioned on the fin body.

14. A fin for a water sports board comprising: a body, the body connectable to the water sports board; a light connected to the body, the light directed away from the body; and a controller of the fin configured to control the light, the controller capable of wireless communication with a remote controller.

15. The fin of claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to turn the light on and off.

16. The fin of claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to adjust a brightness of the light.

17. The fin of claim 14 wherein the controller is configured to adjust a color of the light.

18. The fin of claim 14 wherein the waterproof light is directed to illuminate an area about the fin, the area about the fin comprising the light directed to illuminate at least one of an area below that water sports board when connected to the water sports board, an area at a first side of the fin, an area at a second opposite side of the fin, and an area at a rear of the fin.

19. The fin of claim 14 further comprising a camera positioned on the body.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures wherein:

(2) FIG. 1: Provides a perspective view of the present invention illuminating fin installed on a water sports board.

(3) FIG. 2: Provides a partially exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3: Provides a partially exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(5) FIG. 4: Provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5: Provides a view of an embodiment of the present invention installed on a water sports board in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The sport of paddle boarding as contemplated in the present invention involves the use of a board having a fin or set of fins. The fin(s) attach to the bottom of the paddleboard and are held in place typically with a setscrew to draw and hold in the attachment point. As the paddleboard is propelled through the water the fins help maintain a direction controlled by the paddler and provide stability.

(8) The fins typically are made of a hard, durable plastic, or in other common instances, a composite with resin. The fins may vary in size, shape and color for various performance and aesthetic reasons. Common arrangement of the fin or fins includes a larger center fin which may or may not have two additional fins. The two additional fins sit in parallel sitting slightly closer towards the front and near the outer edges. The tri fin setup resembles a triangular setup in nature. There is some performance to be gained with the tri fin setup, however for most calm water conditions a single fin offers plenty of control for most users. This is the traditional practice utilized and largely inherited from the sport of surfing since inception.

(9) Today current innovation has allowed for fins to be produced by various methods. Additionally, current innovation has allowed for various improvements in electronics. The resulting combination of advanced manufacturing methods and improvements in electronics has allowed for the present invention to improve the sport of paddle boarding and associated user experience.

(10) The invention described herein can allow the user to paddleboard at night while maintaining optimal fluid dynamic properties of the paddleboard and improving visibility to one self and others on the open water. The invention described is easily transportable from one destination to another and is easily installed on various watersports boards. In many embodiments, the fin may be removably attachable to the paddle board. For example, the light up fin of the present invention may attach to a water sports board using existing connection systems which allow for removable attachment of paddle board fins. An advantage to this removable attachment is the ability for a user to easily transfer the fin from one board to another. This can allow, for example, simple conversion of a rented board to a lighted board without the need to bring a particular board on a trip. The removable attachability allows enhanced portability for travel, convenience and the like.

(11) In one example, testing in the intracoastal waterways of Miami, Fla. proved that the fins can illuminate the water surrounding at least a portion of the paddle board by up to approximately 20 feet. Water visibility was slightly murky yet the illuminating fins allowed the paddleboard to be easily spotted from shore several hundred feet away. In yet another example of testing in Hawaii, early designs of the fin allowed the user to view the corals just a few feet underwater and attracted several small fish within minutes, providing an exciting exploratory experience for the user.

(12) FIG. 1 show a paddle board 14 fin system generally located at rear bottom surface 10. The fin system is comprised of a main center fin 13 and two optional fins 11 and 12 attached to paddle board 14. The illuminating fin may be center fin 13 and/or fins 11 and 12.

(13) FIG. 2 shows the illuminating fin assembly with 23 representing the fin body. LED light strip 21 is installed into groove 22 on the perimeter of the fin 23. LED light strip 21 may contain any number of LEDs and also capable of various color and being powered by various voltages. In other embodiments, alternative light arrangements may be used without straying from the scope of this invention. Twist lock cover 24 attaches to fin body 23 and compresses o-ring 26 in the assembly to provide a waterproof seal. Twist lock cover 24 utilizes an integrated board attachment point that also is used as leverage for the user to open and close the twist lock cover 24. It should be understood however, that different arrangements for providing access to the interior of the fin body 23 without straying from the scope of the present invention. Second board attachment point 25 is inserted permanently to fin body 23 if it is not already an extension of fin body 23. Remote control 27 is used as an on/off switch in addition to controlling color, brightness and variation of color such as color change, strobe effect, a pulsing of the lights, and the like. Remote control 27 is interfaced with wireless receiver 28 which is connected to battery 29 and LED strip 21.

(14) FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the fin having a removably attachable component portion. In this view, the fin 33 defines a central aperture portion 32 in which an insert 31 may fit. This insert, in varying embodiments, may comprise any of: additional lighting in addition to perimeter lighting, a camera, the battery or other power source, a controller or microchip, and the like. In most embodiments, insert 31 is a waterproof container that is generally clear and provides housing for battery 34 and additional LED light source 35. LED strip 36 is installed around the perimeter in groove 37 of the fin body 33. In some embodiments, a camera (not shown) may be positioned on or within the insert 31. This camera may also be placed elsewhere on the fin without straying from the present invention. In embodiments having electronic components within the insert 31, a connector may be positioned on the insert 31 to mate with a connector of the fin body 33.

(15) FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. In this view, the top connecting area of the illuminating fin 23 can be seen. Two connectors 25 extend from the fin 23. One of the connectors 25 is at a front of the fin, and another of the connectors 25 is part of the twist lock cover 24 which seals an interior component section of the fin 23. In other embodiments, the connector 25 need not be on the twist lock cover 24 and may be positioned anywhere on the fin 23 to connect to connection structures of the water sports board. Also, the twist lock cover 24 may be substituted with any other closure structure that may seal components of the fin 23. While the two connector system is shown in this figure, it should be understood that the fin may be attached to a water sports board in any manner, without straying from the scope of the present invention. This view further shows the lighting strip 21 about the perimeter of the fin 23. A waterproof covering layer 42 covers the lighting strip 21 to prevent entry of water. In some embodiments, a camera holder or attachment area may be positioned on the fin 23 to allow connection of a camera to the fin 23, such as a waterproof camera.

(16) FIG. 5 provides a view of the illuminating fins of the present invention in use on a water sports board. A user is standing on a paddle board 14 in this view. The board 14 comprises a front fin 50 and a rear fin 13, which are both illuminated, as indicated by light beams 50. The fins 12, 13, are mounted to a rear bottom surface 10 of the board. In an embodiment of use, a user may activate the illuminating fins to provide light underneath the water sports board. As noted above, activation may be achieved by remote control, or control on the fin or board, depending on actuation embodiments. This activation may be done before or after mounting the board by the user. Once activated, a user may use the board as normal. For example, in a paddle board embodiment, the user may paddle about, or may perform yoga, stretches, resting, and the like on the board. In a surf board embodiment, the user may ride waves, and the like.