Buoys – rafts – and aquatic devices – Water skimming or walking device – Having stabilizing surface
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-22
2001-11-27
Swinehart, Ed (Department: 3617)
Buoys, rafts, and aquatic devices
Water skimming or walking device
Having stabilizing surface
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322413
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a fin.
The invention has particular but not exclusive application to fins for surfboards and the like and for illustrative purposes reference will be made throughout the specification to this application. However it is to be understood that the fin of the present invention may be used in other applications including for example, sailboards, yachts, boats, ships and other keeled vessels.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
It is known for surfboards to have a central tail fin and a pair of side fins. The side fins aim to increase manoeuvrability. It is also known to design the side fins with a part circular profile when viewed longitudinally.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention aims to provide an alternative to known fins for surfboards and the like.
This invention in one aspect resides broadly in a fin for a surfboard or the like, the fin having a base edge portion which in use juxtaposes the surfboard and a leading edge and a trailing edge which meet to define a fin tip, the fin including:
a substantially planar fin base portion extending from the base edge portion, and
a substantially curved fin tip portion extending from the fin base portion to the fin tip:
wherein when the fin profile is viewed from the leading edge to the trailing edge, the profile of the fin base portion is substantially rectilinear and the profile of the fin tip portion is curved.
The fin profile may have various configurations. In one preferred embodiment the radius of curvature of the profile of the fin tip portion progressively decreases towards the fin tip. Alternatively the radius of curvature of the fin profile may progressively decrease towards the fin tip. In one preferred embodiment the fin profile is substantially parabolic.
The fin may be integrally formed with the surfboard. However it is preferred that the fin includes mounting means for mounting the fin to a surfboard, the mounting means being disposed at an angle to the fin base portion such that when the fin is mounted to a surfboard at a side thereof the fin base portion extends in an outwardly direction and the fin profile is concave with respect to the longitudinal axis of the surfboard.
In another aspect this invention resides broadly in a surfboard having a pair of side fins each having a base edge portion juxtaposing the surfboard and a leading edge and a trailing edge which meet to define a fin tip, the surface of the side fins including:
a substantially planar fin base portion extending from the base edge portion, and
a substantially curved fin tip portion extending from the fin base portion to the fin tip;
wherein when the fin profile is viewed along the longitudinal direction of the surfboard, the profile of the fin base portion is substantially rectilinear and the profile of the fin tip portion is curved;
the fin base portion of the side fins extending in an outwardly direction from the surfboard and the fin profile of each side fin being concave with respect to the longitudinal axis of the surfboard.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 397394 (1998-08-01), Akins
patent: 4493665 (1985-01-01), Liddle
patent: 4940438 (1990-07-01), Miller
Cagle Stephen H.
Howrey Simon Arnold & White , LLP
Swinehart Ed
White Carter J.
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