US4379703A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for securing fins to a surfboard
Assignee: CALIFORNIA FIN SYSTEMS A CALIFORNIA GENERAL PARTNERSHIP
•
Filing: 1981-05-04
•
Granted: 1983-04-12
•
Expires: 2001-05-04
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for securing a fin to the bottom surface of a surfboard and comprising a uniquely configured fin box designed to provide a more secure structural relationship between the fin box and the surfboard. The invention is also designed to provide a more secure means for securing the fin within the fin box to prevent inadvertent loss of the fin while still providing a more advantageous means for releasing the fin from the fin box when removal of the fin is desirable. More specifically, the present invention comprises a fin box of substantially rectangular configuration and designed to be embedded within the underlying surface of the surfboard whereby the exterior surface of the fin box lies flush with the exterior underlying surface of the surfboard. A novel flange integral with the fin box is included to provide added structural resistance to transverse forces that normally occur during surfing which would otherwise tend to cause rotation and loosening of the fin box within the surfboard. In addition, the fin box of the present invention provides an angularly oriented securing means at one end of the fin which permits reliable but readily removable means for securing the fin within the fin box.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. Mizell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 08:51
CPC Classifications
B; B63; B63B; B63B32/00; B63B32/60; B63B32/66
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
242 words
An improved device for being integrated into the water-side surface of a surfboard for receiving a removable surfboard fin, the device of the type comprising a unitary, substantially rectangular elongated member having a substantially rectangular elongated cut-away portion extending through one surface thereof and having means within the cut-away portion for retaining the base of the surfboard fin, the remainder of the fin extending from said one surface; the improvement comprising: a flange integral to said member and extending along at least a portion of said one surface of said cut-away portion for bearing against said surfboard in two planes, one such plane being parallel to said water-side surface and one such plane being perpendicular to said water-side surface, in response to lateral forces applied to said fin during surfing, a pin extending through the elongated walls of said member and through said cut-away portion in a direction perpendicular to the longer surfaces of said member and in proximity to a shorter surface of said member. said pin being adapted to receive a grooved portion of said fin base for relative rotational engagement therewith, a substantially cylindrical aperture extending diagonally through said member from the external surface thereof and extending through said flange and into said cut-away portion at a location therein substantially opposite said pin, and fastening means extending through said sperture and being adapted to engage a notched portion of said fin base for securing said fin within said device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
242 words
An improved device for being integrated into the water-side surface of a surfboard for receiving a removable surfboard fin, the device of the type comprising a unitary, substantially rectangular elongated member having a substantially rectangular elongated cut-away portion extending through one surface thereof and having means within the cut-away portion for retaining the base of the surfboard fin, the remainder of the fin extending from said one surface; the improvement comprising: a flange integral to said member and extending along at least a portion of said one surface of said cut-away portion for bearing against said surfboard in two planes, one such plane being parallel to said water-side surface and one such plane being perpendicular to said water-side surface, in response to lateral forces applied to said fin during surfing, a pin extending through the elongated walls of said member and through said cut-away portion in a direction perpendicular to the longer surfaces of said member and in proximity to a shorter surface of said member. said pin being adapted to receive a grooved portion of said fin base for relative rotational engagement therewith, a substantially cylindrical aperture extending diagonally through said member from the external surface thereof and extending through said flange and into said cut-away portion at a location therein substantially opposite said pin, and fastening means extending through said sperture and being adapted to engage a notched portion of said fin base for securing said fin within said device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
64 words
The improvement recited in claim 1 further comprising: a surfboard fin having a substantially rectangular elongated base of dimensions substantially equal to said cut-away portion of said device, said base being grooved at substantially one end of the elongated dimension thereof for rotatably engaging said pin and being notched at substantially the other end of the elongated dimension thereof for engaging said fastening means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
131 words
A unitary fin box for a surfboard of the type that employs at least one removable fin on the water-side surface thereof, the fin box comprising: an open elongated box-like member having a floor member, a pair of opposing shorter end members, a pair of opposing longer side members, said floor, end members and side members interconnected to form an elongated slot for receiving the base portion of said removable fin, said fin box also having a flange member extending substantially parallel to said floor member along the entrance to said slot, and at least one aperture extending diagonally into said slot extending through one of said end members and through said flange member and toward said floor member for receiving fastening means for securing said base portion within said slot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
A unitary fin box for a surfboard of the type that employs at least one removable fin on the water-side surface thereof, the fin box comprising: an open elongated box-like member having a floor member, a pair of opposing shorter end members, a pair of opposing longer side members, said floor, end members and side members interconnected to form an elongated slot for receiving the base portion of said removable fin, said fin box also having a flange member extending substantially parallel to said floor member along the entrance to said slot, and at least one aperture extending diagonally into said slot extending through one of said end members and through said flange member and toward said floor member for receiving fastening means for securing said base portion within said slot.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-04-11 | 1986-10-11 | 1987-04-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-04-11 | 1990-10-11 | 1991-04-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-04-11 | 1994-10-11 | 1995-04-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |