CN1608016A - Removable and adjustable surf fin system - Google Patents

Abstract

A removable fin mounting assembly comprising a fin (20), a fin plug assembly (24), a cam and a worm gear. The fin plug assembly (24) defines a cavity (40) adapted to receive a portion of said fin (20). The cam has gears and is positioned within the fin plug assembly (24) adjacent to the cavity (40). The worm gear is positioned within the fin plug assembly (24) and adapted to engage with said gears of the cam. Turning said worm gear causes the cam to rotate and secure said portion of the fin (20) received in the cavity (40).

Description

Removable and adjustable surf fin system

technical field

The present invention relates to a removable and adjustable surf fin system for surfing implements such as surfboards and a method of mounting the system on a surfboard.

Background technique

In surfboard manufacturing, a plastic foam body is formed and then covered with a layer of fiber-reinforced resin, usually fiberglass. The body of the surfboard has an upper side or riding surface, which is used to support the surfer, and a lower surface, which is directed into the water. One or more surf fins, most commonly three, are attached to the lower surface of the body of the surfboard. For example, surf fins may be permanently affixed to a surfboard by using fiber reinforced resin around the base ends of the surf fins.

However, permanently attaching a surf fin to a surfboard has many disadvantages in that it is not easy to remove and replace the surf fin when it becomes damaged or it is desired to replace it with another surf fin having different hydraulic characteristics. Replace the surf fin. Additionally, it is desirable to remove the surf fins in order to minimize the potential for damage to the surfboard or surf fins during shipping and storage. To accommodate disassembly and overcome the drawbacks of permanent mounting, surf fin fitting systems have been developed which allow the surf fin to be removed from the surfboard. Such detachable surf fin systems are disclosed, for example, in US Patent Nos. 5,328,397 and 5,975,974. However, such detachable surf fin systems known in the art still have disadvantages and there is room for improvement.

Existing surf fin systems require manual operation, ie loosening of small countersunk screws before the surf fin can be installed or removed from the surfboard. Additionally, an Allen key or other specialized tool is required in most systems, and damaged or corroded countersunk screws can make removal or replacement difficult and time-consuming. Additionally, in existing systems, once the surf fins are installed, adjustments are not easy to make. It is often necessary to vary the fore-aft position of the surf fins, especially the rear surf fin (or middle surf fin), depending on wave conditions and desired surfboard performance. Existing surf fin systems are designed so that the surf fin is inserted and locked in a fixed or restricted position, making it impossible or very difficult to make adjustments to move the surf fin back and forth once installed.

Other problems associated with existing systems relate to the installation of surf fin retention systems into the body of the surfboard. For example, the dual pin retention system described in US Patent No. 5,328,397 requires precise alignment of the pins at predetermined intervals during installation, and any slight misalignment of the pins can result in less than ideal pin alignment and make it difficult or impossible to install surf fins piece. The pins may also misalign during installation due to physical stress and tempering on the surfboard. Additionally, installation methods known in the art often require multiple marking and positioning jigs or templates and other tools and accessories such as putty, tape, foam, center punches, and the like. What's more, traditional installation methods often include multiple steps of marking, positioning, moving and repositioning fixtures or formwork, which is often difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, it is desirable to have a complete control jig system by which surf fin attachment systems can be easily and accurately installed.

Therefore, there is a need for a surfing fin fixing system that can install, move and adjust the surfing fin conveniently and quickly. A mounting clamp system that enables easy and accurate mounting of a surf fin attachment system on a surfboard would also be a useful improvement.

The applicant believes that the prior art discussed in this specification does not constitute common general knowledge in the field before the priority date of this application.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides a detachable surfing fin installation assembly, which includes: a surfing fin, a surfing fin latch assembly, a toothed cam and a worm wheel, wherein the latch device has a cavity for accommodating all part of the surf fin; the cam is located in the surf fin latch assembly, adjacent to the cavity; and the worm gear is located in the surf fin latch assembly and is adapted to engage with the teeth of the cam, wherein, Turning the worm wheel causes the cam to rotate and secures the portion of the surf fin received in the cavity.

The surf fin also includes a tab, wherein the tab is received within the cavity.

The length of the cavity is greater than the length of the protrusion, and the surfing fin can be adjusted back and forth in the cavity.

The cam also includes a flat portion and a raised portion.

Turning the worm wheel in one direction rotates the cam to an engaged position, while turning the worm wheel in the opposite direction rotates the cam to a disengaged position.

The convex portion of the cam is aligned with the surfer fin in the engaged position and the flat portion of the cam is aligned with the surfer fin in the disengaged position. The protruding portion may contain a rubber material.

The worm wheel also includes an opening for receiving means for rotating the worm wheel. The opening is substantially rectangular and said means for turning said worm wheel comprises a plastic key, a screwdriver and a car or house key.

The surf fin comprises rubber material. The surf fin may have a side surface which is adjacent to said cam when said fin is received in said cavity. The surf fin may also have a side surface with a recessed portion which is adjacent to the cam when the surf fin is received in the cavity. Alternatively, the surf fin may have a side surface with a cut-out, said cut-out adjacent said cam when the surf fin is received in said cavity.

The surf fin mounting assembly described above may also include an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion includes a plurality of support arms.

The surf fin latch assembly may be used to be embedded in the body of a surf craft.

The worm gear can be positioned vertically.

The surf fin is used to move back and forth within the cavity, and the cavity has an inherent inclination angle which may be 3° to 5°.

The present invention also provides a surf fin comprising: a main body portion defining a hydrodynamic foil, said main body portion being arranged to extend generally perpendicularly relative to the lower surface of the surfing implement; and a A mounting portion connected to the body portion, the mounting portion being configured to be accommodated and frictionally secured by a cavity defined by a surf fin latch assembly embedded in the surfing tool.

The mounting portion may comprise a soft, malleable material. This soft, malleable material is preferably rubber. The mounting portion may include at least one protrusion. The protrusion may extend away from the surf fin. The surf fin may have a first side with an angled undercut for engaging the surf fin latch assembly.

The protrusion may have a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is corrugated and adapted to engage a sidewall formed in the cavity. The corrugated portion of the raised second side may also or alternatively be located at the front.

The corrugated portion of the raised second side may also or alternatively be located at the rear.

The corrugated portion of the raised second side may also or alternatively be located in the middle.

The corrugated portion of the raised second side may also or alternatively be located substantially on the second side.

The second side may form a sinusoidal waveform. The second side can also or alternatively be formed in a zigzag shape.

The present invention also provides a combination of the above-mentioned surfing fin installation assembly and the above-mentioned surfing fin.

The present invention also provides a method of installing a surf fin pin assembly on a surfing craft, comprising: positioning a full control clamp system on the lower surface of the surfing tool where the surf fin pin assembly is to be embedded; removing an intermediate portion of said full control clamp system; forming a mounting cavity within said surfcraft, said mounting cavity having substantially the same shape and dimensions as said intermediate portion; positioning said surf fin latch assembly on inside the mounting cavity, wherein the surf fin pin assembly has a plurality of support arms; remove the depth cut outs of the full control clamp system; place the supports of the surf fin pin assembly aligning and positioning an arm within the deep cutout; filling the mounting cavity with resin; and sanding the full control clamp system, the upper surface of the surf fin latch assembly, and the support arm.

The method may also include installing a simulated surf fin into said surf fin plug assembly; and placing different amounts of putty in said depth cutout, and adjusting the vertical inclination angle of said surf fin plug assembly.

The intermediate portion and the deep cutout may be precut. The intermediate portion may be of substantially similar shape to the profile of the surf fin latch assembly.

The method may also include removing material extending from the mounting cavity and forming a space for filling the resin. The space may extend substantially to the exterior of the surfcraft upper surface.

The present invention also provides a system for removably securing a surf fin protrusion, comprising: a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity for receiving a protrusion extending from the surf fin; a toothed worm wheel adapted to rotate within the surf fin pin assembly; a cam positioned between the worm wheel and the cavity, where the cam is adapted to engage the teeth of the worm wheel such that rotation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage with the cavity in the cavity The protrusions of the surf fins engage.

The protrusion may have a first side with an angled undercut for engaging a cam, wherein rotation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage the angled undercut to secure the protrusion in the void of the surf fin latch assembly. cavity.

Reverse rotation of the worm wheel may cause the cam to release the angled undercut of the protrusion located within the cavity. Preferably, the inclined undercut extends to the bottom end of the protrusion. The inclined undercut may also terminate above the raised bottom end.

The projection may have a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is corrugated, and wherein the cavity has a sidewall adapted to be associated with the corrugated second side of the projection.

The corrugated portion of the second side of the protrusion is located at the front.

Said portion in the raised second side may also or alternatively be corrugated at the rear.

Said portion in the raised second side may also or alternatively be corrugated in the middle.

Said portion in the raised second side may also or alternatively be substantially corrugated on the second side.

The second side may be corrugated to form a sinusoidal waveform. The second side may also or alternatively be corrugated to form a zigzag shape.

The present invention also provides a system for engaging a surf fin to a surf craft comprising: a toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity that The cavity is adapted to accommodate a protrusion protruding from the surf fin, where actuation of the worm wheel causes the protrusion to be secured within the cavity.

The system may also include a cam positioned between the protrusion and the worm wheel, wherein the cam has teeth for engaging the teeth of the worm wheel.

The present invention also provides a system for engaging a surf fin to a surf craft, comprising: a toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity; and a projection , the protrusion has a first side adapted to engage teeth of a worm wheel, wherein rotation of the worm wheel causes the protrusion to be secured within the cavity.

The first side of the protrusion may have threads that engage teeth of the worm wheel, causing the protrusion to be secured within the cavity as the worm wheel rotates.

The first side of the protrusion may have an undercut that engages the teeth of the worm wheel, causing the protrusion to be secured within the cavity as the worm wheel rotates. The teeth may have a helix angle that increases as the worm wheel rotates to engage the undercut on the first side of the projection such that the projection is secured within the cavity as the worm wheel rotates.

The longitudinal axis of the worm wheel is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion.

Reverse rotation of the worm wheel can cause the protrusion to be released from the cavity.

The present invention also provides a system for engaging a surf fin of a surfing implement, comprising: a toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity for receiving a protrusion extending from the surf fin; and a cam located between the protrusion and the worm wheel, wherein the cam is configured such that actuation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage the protrusion of the surf fin.

The cam has teeth to mesh with the teeth of the worm gear.

The present invention also provides a method of engaging a surf fin to a surf craft, comprising: forming a protrusion protruding from the surf fin of the surf implement; inserting the protrusion into a void formed in the surf fin latch assembly. The assembly is formed in a cavity in the surfing tool; and one side of the protrusion is engaged in the latch assembly to secure the surfing fin to the surfing tool.

The method may also include undercutting the raised side to engage a cam within the latch assembly; and actuating a worm wheel that causes the cam to engage the undercut.

The method may also include: forming threading in a side of the protrusion; actuating a toothed worm wheel; and engaging teeth of the worm wheel onto the threading to secure the protrusion in the cavity.

The method may also include: undercutting the side of the protrusion; increasing the helix angle of a tooth on the worm wheel; rotating the worm wheel to engage the tooth with the undercut on the side of the protrusion to Engage the tabs inside the latch assembly.

The present invention also provides a surfing tool, which has: the above detachable surfing fin installation assembly; the above surfing fin; the combination of the above surfing fin and the surfing fin installation assembly ; a system for engaging a surf fin as described above; a surf fin engaging a surf implement by the above method; or a surf fin latch assembly installed by the above method. The surfing implement may be a surfboard.

Other systems, methods and features of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. All such other systems, methods, features and advantages which are included within this specification are within the scope of the invention, and are protected by the accompanying claims.

Description of drawings

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Also, in these drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various views.

Figure 1 is an exemplary view showing how a surf fin is mounted in a surf fin latch assembly located on the lower surface of a surfboard, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the surf fin plug assembly and the surf fin in Fig. 1 along line 2-2 in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a surf fin latch assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a cross-sectional view of the surf fin latch assembly along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a cross-sectional view of a surf fin latch assembly along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a cross-sectional view of a surf fin latch assembly along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an internal perspective view of a surf fin latch assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is another perspective view of a complete clamp system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is another perspective view of a complete clamp system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is an exemplary view of a surf fin latch assembly and mid surf fin according to an embodiment of the present invention;

11 is a cross-sectional view of a surfboard and mounting cavity formed therein according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a surf fin latch assembly engaging a protrusion with an undercut;

Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a surf fin latch assembly engaging a protrusion with a modified undercut;

Figure 14 is a side view of the surf fin;

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the surf fin;

Figure 16 is a top view of a dimpled protrusion inserted into a cavity of a surf fin latch assembly;

Figure 17 is a top view of the surf fin latch assembly engaging the protrusion;

Figure 18 is a bottom view of a bump with a corrugation at the front of the bump;

Figure 19 is a bottom view of a bump with corrugations on the rear side of the bump;

Figure 20 is a bottom view of a protrusion having corrugations along certain portions of the protrusion;

Figure 21 is a side view of a surf fin having corrugations along a raised longitudinal axis;

Figure 22 is a top view of the surf fin latch assembly with the surf fin projections engaging cavities in the surf fin latch assembly to lock in place;

Figure 23 is another embodiment of a surf fin latch assembly; and

Figure 24 is another embodiment of a surf fin latch assembly.

Detailed ways

This description does not limit the invention, but illustrates the invention for the purpose of illustrating the basic principles of the invention. The headings in this section and the general organization of the detailed description are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates how a surf fin 20, 30 may be installed in a surfboard 22 using the surf fin latch assembly 24 of the present invention. Figure 1 shows the lower surface 26 of a surfboard 22 in water. The other side of the surfboard (not shown) is the upper ride surface for supporting the surfer. A mid or rear surf fin 30 and two side surf fins 20 may be mounted into the surf fin latch assembly 24 (shown in phantom). The surf fin latch assemblies 24 for the rear surf fin 30 and the side surf fins 20 may be of the same size, however, typically, as shown in Figure 1, the surf fin latch assemblies for the rear surf fin 30 The assembly 24 is larger than the surf fin pin assembly 24 used for the side surf fin 20 .

Typically, the side surf fins 20 and rear surf fins 30 have an end surface 32 and one or more protrusions 34 extending from the end surface 32 . The protrusion 34 is configured to be received in a cavity 40 of the surf fin latch assembly 24, and by inserting a key 60 into a slot 64 (FIG. 3) of a worm gear 62 and turning the key 60, the surf fin sideways 20 or rear surf fin 30 is secured in the surf fin latch assembly 24 . When the side surf fin 20 or the rear surf fin 30 are properly installed, the end face 32 preferably abuts against the surf fin latch assembly 24 and is in contact with the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 and the upper surface 74 of the surf fin latch assembly 24. (Picture 3) are basically flush.

In FIG. 1 , rear surfer fin 30 is depicted at a location at the far rear end of cavity 40 . However, by making the longitudinal extent of the cavity 40 greater than the longitudinal extent of the protrusions 34 of the rear surfer fin 30, the surfer fin 30 can move within the cavity 40 and can be positioned fore and aft. This forward and backward movement/adjustment is quick and easy, even in waves. The side surf fins 20 can also be moved back and forth and positioned within the cavity 40 in the same manner as described above.

This fore and aft movement/adjustment is more clearly illustrated with reference to Figure 2, which shows a cross-sectional view of the surf fin latch assembly 24 and rear surf fin 30 along line 2-2 of Figure 1 . In one embodiment of the invention, the surf fin latch assembly 24 allows the rear surf fin 30 to move back and forth up to about 15 mm. The fore and aft movement of the side surf fins 20 is generally more restrictive, allowing only up to about 5mm of displacement. However, the 5-15mm margin of movement is not absolute, and a greater or lesser margin can easily be obtained by making the cavity 40 longer or the protrusion 34 shorter.

The cross-sectional view in FIG. 2 shows the rear surfer fin 30 with its protrusion 34 inserted into the cavity 40 . The end face 32 of the surf fin may seat against and be substantially flush with a portion of the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 and the upper surface 74 of the surf fin latch assembly 24 . As shown in Figure 2, the rear surfing fin 30 can move back and forth along the direction shown by the arrow 27, and the rear surfing fin 30 can move to the frontmost position or any place between the front and rear positions, and be fixed in place .

Figure 3 shows a top view of a surf fin latch assembly 24 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The surf fin latch assembly 24 is to be inserted into the surfboard 22 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . As shown in Figure 3, the surf fin latch assembly 24 has a cavity 40 for receiving the surf fins 20, 30, and a worm gear 62 having a generally rectangular slot 64 for insertion of a key 60 (eg Figure 1). The surf fin latch assembly 24 shown in FIG. 3 is generally in the shape of three overlapping cylinders with three temporary supports or protruding brackets 66 for positioning the surf fin latch assembly 24 under the surfboard 22 during installation. surface 26. The surf fin latch assembly 24 also has a plurality of grooves 70 and a retaining ring 72 projecting upwardly from its upper surface 74 around the peripheral edge of the surf fin latch assembly 24 . The function of the protruding bracket 66, groove 70 and retaining ring 72 will be discussed in more detail later.

Different shapes may be used for the surf fin latch assembly 24, such as rectangular, oval, square, etc., and the shape of the three overlapping cylinders of the surf fin latch assembly 24 is not intended to be restrictive or limiting.

Details of the surf fin latch assembly 24 and its operation and interrelationship with the worm gear 62 and an associated cam 80 will be illustrated by the exemplary cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 . The worm gear 62 is vertically aligned within the surf fin latch assembly 24 . The slot 64 of the worm wheel 62 is generally shown as rectangular, but may be of any suitable shape. A key 60 , screwdriver, car or house key, or other similarly shaped device may be inserted into slot 64 for turning worm gear 62 .

Located within the surf fin latch assembly 24 is a cam 80 which is positioned horizontally and has gears or teeth 82 . The cam 80 is adapted to cooperate with the worm gear 62, rotate and engage the protrusion 34 of the surf fin 20,30. The term "horizontal" as used herein refers to alignment with the groove 40 longitudinally parallel to the surf fin latch assembly 24 .

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the clockwise rotation of the worm gear 62 is designed to rotate the cam 80 to secure or engage the projection 34 of the surf fin 20 , 30 inserted in the cavity 40 , and counterclockwise. Turning the worm gear 62 clockwise allows the cam 80 to disengage the protrusion 34 of the surf fin 20 , 30 from the surf fin latch assembly 24 .

As shown in Figure 4, the surf fin latch assembly 24 includes a lower portion 42 and an upper portion 44 that are sealed together into a final product using ultrasonic welding or other methods known in the art. The worm gear 62 located within the surf fin latch assembly 24 has a plurality of gears or teeth 68 and the worm gear 62 is positioned vertically within the surf fin latch assembly 24 as shown in FIG. 4 . The upper portion 44 and lower portion 42 of the surf fin latch assembly 24 form a built-in carrier portion 46 for receiving the cam 80 . The cam 80 is placed within the carrier 46 between the worm wheel 62 and the bore 40 . Cam 80 has a plurality of mating gears or teeth 82 for meshing with gear 68 of worm gear 62 . Cam 80 has a flat (or non-engaging) portion 84 and a convex (or engaging) portion 86 .

Except for the flat portion 84 and the area where the gear 82 is provided, the cam 80 is generally circular, and the phrase “bulge” as used herein refers to the generally circular portion of the cam 80 which is in contact with the surf fins 20, 30. The protrusions 34 are aligned and engaged. Alternatively, the raised portion may be designed to protrude outward relative to the true circular portion of the cam 80 . For example, the protrusion may be oval in shape so that it engages better with the protrusion 34 of the surf fin 20,30. Accordingly, the phrase "protruding portion" as used herein refers to the portion of cam 80 that aligns with and engages projection 34, whether it is actually circular or alternatively oval, or protrudes relative to a true circular portion of the cam.

Cam 80 rotates smoothly within carrier 46 relative to its horizontal axis 87 ( FIG. 7 ), with a stopper 88 at each end of cam 80 . The bearing portion 46 has a shape substantially similar to that of the cam 80 and is shaped to accommodate a stopper 88 and a shaft 87 at both ends of the cam 80 . The surf fin latch assembly 24 is designed to reach the engaged position by turning the worm gear 62 in a predetermined direction, clockwise in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , and rotate in the opposite direction, counterclockwise. The worm wheel 62 reaches the disengaged position. Given the relative configuration of the worm gear 62 and cam 80, clockwise rotation causes the cam 80 to engage the protrusion 34 of the surf fin 20, 30, creating horizontal and vertical forces that pull the protrusion 34 down into the hole 40, and The meshing integrity of the surf fins 20, 30 is increased.

Figure 4 illustrates how the cam 80 is rotated into the engaged position by turning the worm wheel 62. In the engaged position, the raised portion 86 of the cam 80 bears against one side surface 35 of the protrusion 34 of the surfer fin 20, 30 and provides sufficient friction to prevent the surfer fin from moving or dislodging. When the cam 80 is rotated to the disengaged position, the flat portion 84 is aligned with the side surface of the protrusion 34, so that the surf fin can be easily removed from the cavity 40 or inserted into the cavity 40, And the position of the surfing fins 20, 30 in the cavity 40 is adjusted back and forth. Thus, the surf fin latch assembly is designed to receive and secure the surf fin by controlling the rotation of the cam 80 and aligning the protrusion 34 of the surf fin with the protruding portion 86 or flat portion 84 of the cam 80 . Unlike other known systems, the cam 80 is not designed to extend forward or retract to compress the protrusion 34 to secure the surf fin.

The surf fin latch assembly 24 may be made of relatively hard plastic or other similar materials known in the art. Preferably the cam 80 and worm gear 62 are made of a harder material that is less likely to deform, twist, bend or break, ie, engineering grade plastic.

Since both the cam 80 and the protrusion 34 are relatively hard, it may be desirable for them to include a softer, malleable rubber material in certain areas of the protrusion 34 and/or the raised portion 86 of the cam 80 to provide Get a more versatile friction fit. By incorporating certain rubber materials, when the cam 80 is rotated into the engaged position, the friction between the raised portion 86 and the protrusion 34 can be increased or decreased to provide a stronger or weaker secure fit as desired, Or provide the desired controlled friction. In other words, the malleable rubber material incorporated into the protrusion 34 and/or cam 80 is flexible to control the desired friction between the protrusion 34 and the cam 80 and also to control the friction caused by sudden impacts. The force required to extract the surf fin from the surf fin latch assembly.

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a surf fin latch assembly 24 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The cam 80 is rotated to the engaged position in FIG. 5 such that the male portion 86 is received in the female portion 36 of the protrusion 34 . The concave portion 36 on the protrusion 34 is substantially curvilinear and is designed to receive and abut the convex portion 86 of the cam 80 . Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 6 , the protrusion 34 may include a cut-out portion 38 designed to receive the raised portion 86 of the cam 80 . The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 allows greater flexibility in aligning the protrusion 34 with the cam 80 .

In summary, what is shown in FIGS. 1-6 is a surf fin latch assembly 24 in which turning the worm gear 62 in a certain direction allows the raised portion 86 of the cam 80 to align and engage with the protrusion 34 and lock the insertion The surf fin in the cavity 40, while turning the worm gear 62 in the opposite direction, allows the flat portion 84 of the cam 80 to align with the protrusion 34 and disengage to remove or adjust the surf fin.

A surf fin latch assembly 24 may be used for the side surf fin 20 and the rear surf fin 30 . However, the surf fin latch assembly 24 for the rear surf fin 30 may be larger so that the rear surf fin 30 may have a greater amount of fore and aft travel. Additionally, as described in more detail below, the surf fin latch assembly 24 for the side surf fin 20 may have a vertical built-in bevel, while the surf fin latch assembly 24 for the rear surf fin 30 preferably does not. .

FIG. 7 more clearly illustrates the location and relationship between the worm gear 62 , the cam 80 and the cavity 40 of the surf fin latch assembly 24 . The cam 80 has a shaft 87 and a stopper 88 at both ends. The cam 80 also has a plurality of teeth or gears 82 designed to cooperate with the gears of the worm wheel 62 . By turning the worm gear 62 in a certain direction, such as clockwise, the cam 80 is rotated such that the protruding portion of the cam 80 engages the protrusion 34 of the surf fin located in the cavity 40 . Worm wheel 62 has a generally rectangular slot 64 for receiving a specially designed key, screwdriver, car or house key, or other similarly shaped device, slot 64 of worm wheel 62 may be of any suitable shape. The surf fin latch assembly 24 of the present invention also allows incremental locking or adjustment of the surf fin by turning the worm gear 62 only partially or to the desired pinch point.

As shown in Figures 1 and 7, surf fins 20, 30 generally have a main body portion and a mounting portion. The main body portion forms a hydraulic rudder and is arranged to extend generally perpendicularly with respect to the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 . The mounting portion is connected to the body portion and is configured to be received and frictionally secured within the cavity 40 of the surf fin latch assembly 24 . The mounting portion preferably includes at least one protrusion 34 and may contain a malleable rubber material to control friction between the protrusion 34 and the engagement means of the surf fin latch assembly 24, ie the cam 80.

Described now is the process of installing a surf fin latch assembly using a fully controlled clamp system in accordance with the present invention. Typically, the installation of surf fin pin assemblies known in the art requires multiple marking and positioning jigs or templates and other tools and accessories such as putty, tape, foam, center punches, and the like. Additionally, traditional installation methods require multiple steps of marking, positioning, moving and repositioning fixtures or formwork, which are often difficult, inaccurate and time consuming. The fully controlled clamp system 90 according to the present invention allows easy, quick and accurate installation of surf fin pin assemblies.

As an example, Figures 8 and 9 illustrate a method of fully controlling the clamp system 90 and using the system to install a surf fin latch assembly. Figure 8 shows a full control clamp system 90 having a pre-cut center portion 92 that is substantially the same shape as the surf fin pin assembly to be installed. For purposes of illustration, the surf fin latch assembly to be installed is that shown in Figures 1 to 7 and described above.

The surf fin pin assembly is generally installed using the full control clamp system 90 as follows. Prior to placing the full control clamp system 90 on the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22, the area of the surface where the surf fin pin assembly is to be installed is typically sanded and then marks are made on the surface to identify the surf fin pin assembly after installation. Where the front and rear ends of the surf fins are located, and draw a line 94 through the marker. Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the positioning of the full control clamp system 90 for the side surf fin latch assembly. After the line 94 is drawn, the dropout cover 96 at the bottom of the full control clamp system 90 is removed, preferably exposing a self-adhesive surface, and the full control clamp system 90 is positioned along the line 94, as shown in FIGS. 8-9. The bottom of the full control clamp system 90 contains glue and is positioned on the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 . When placed on the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 , the intermediate portion 92 is removed from the full control clamp system 90 .

Once the full control clamp system 90 is properly placed on the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 and the intermediate portion 92 is removed, a drill with a drilling device, router or other cutting device can be used to place the A mounting cavity 98 is formed in the surfboard 22 . The full control clamp system 90 is designed to guide a drill, router or other cutting device as it is moved around to form the mounting cavity 98 . Once the mounting cavity 98 is formed, the depth cutout 97 is removed from the full control clamp system 90 and the surf fin latch assembly 24 as shown in FIG. 7 is positioned within the mounting cavity 98 . The depth cutout 97 is removed from the full control clamp system 90 so that the protruding bracket 66 (in FIG. 3 ) of the surf fin latch assembly 24 is fully aligned and contacts the lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 . The temporary support or protruding bracket 66 keeps the surf fin latch assembly 24 at the proper height relative to the surrounding surface of the surfboard. Preferably, a dummy surf fin (not shown) is installed in the surf fin latch assembly 24 before the surf fin latch assembly is positioned in the mounting hole 98 to ensure proper alignment of the surf fin latch assembly 24. positioning and installation.

Once the surf fin pin assembly 24 is properly aligned and positioned within the mounting cavity 98, the space between the two within the surfboard 22 is slowly filled with resin, or other hardenable material known in the art. Full control clamp system 90 is preferably of sufficient height to act as a dam to contain liquid resin or other hardenable material and prevent it from spilling. After the resin or hardenable material has cured, the full control clamp system 90, the protruding bracket 66 of the surf fin plug assembly 24, and the retaining ring 72 (in FIG. 3 ) are ground away so that the upper surface 74 of the surf fin plug assembly 24 is The lower surface 26 of the surfboard 22 is substantially flush. As such, the full control clamp system should be made of a material suitable for removal by grinding.

As an example, as shown in Figure 11, the foam material 99 within the body of the surfboard 22, specifically the material extending from the mounting cavity 98, may also be further removed to provide additional space 100 for the entry of resin or other hardenable material. , which can increase the stability of the installation of the surf fin plug assembly 24 . In one embodiment, a hand tool or other cutting device known in the art may be used to cut material from an area extending substantially from the bottom end of the mounting cavity (shown in phantom in FIG. 11 ) to the bottom of the surfboard 22. The exterior of the upper surface 25, which is typically fiberglass. The void 100 is filled with resin or other hardenable material to provide greater structural strength and stability to the surf fin pin assembly 24 mounted within the surfboard 22 .

Alternatively, a spiking tool can be used to remove material from an area extending from the sides and/or bottom of mounting cavity 98 to create additional space for resin or other hardenable material to enter. As shown in Figure 11, this space 102, 104 can extend vertically or at an angle, and when using a piercing tool, the foam material around the piercing point is also compacted, the compacted foam material 101 provides additional structure support. If desired, the space created by the piercing tool can substantially touch the exterior of the upper surface 25 of the surfboard 22, typically fiberglass.

The full control clamp system 90 of the present invention also allows for easy adjustment of the surf fin pitch angle. As noted above, it may be desirable for the surf fin to have a vertical angle of inclination. Typically, the side surf fins are inclined approximately 4° in a vertically outward direction. The term "outwardly" as used herein refers to a direction opposite to the middle portion of the surfboard 22 . The rear surf fin 30 generally does not require a rake angle. In order to accommodate the required slope angle of the side surf fin, according to the present invention, the surf fin latch assembly 24 for the side surf fin 20 has a built-in slope angle, typically 3° to 5°, preferably 4°.

If a bevel angle greater than 3° to 5° is desired, a small amount of putty can be squeezed into the depth cutout 97 of the full control clamp system 90 . Using putty to control the depth of the protruding bracket 66 allows the surf fin latch assembly 24 to be tilted.

The full control clamp system 90 controls and guides the installation of the surf fin latch assembly 24 . The installation process using the fully controlled clamping system 90 of the present invention is easy, accurate and time saving, a significant improvement over other conventional systems.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary view illustrating how a surf fin latch assembly 24 according to the present invention may be used to secure a surf fin 30 having a plurality of protrusions 34 . Shown in FIG. 10 are two surf fin latch assemblies 24 embedded in a surfboard 22 . The layout shown in Figure 10 is especially useful for securing larger rear surf fins that require greater anchoring force. The rear surf fin 30 shown in FIG. 10 has two protrusions 34 and each protrusion 34 can be inserted and secured into a separate surf fin latch assembly 24 . Alternatively, each surf fin latch assembly 24 may also accommodate one or more protrusions 34 .

12 is a cross-sectional view showing the surf fin latch assembly 24 in which the projection 34 has an undercut 100 that cuts into the first side 102 of the projection 34 at a predetermined location 104 and forms a The bevel terminates at the bottom end 106 of the protrusion 34 . The undercut 100 may form an angle θ1 with the vertical 108 . The angle θ1 may vary according to the profile of the convex portion 86 of the cam 80 . The angle θ1 can be set such that when the cam is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, the raised portion 86 engages the undercut 100, pulling the protrusion 34 down into the hole 40 until the protrusion is firmly held in place. . The angle θ1 may be between about 5° and 45°. An advantage of providing an undercut 100 to engage the cam 80 is that the protrusion 86 can engage the undercut 100 anywhere between the predetermined position 104 and the bottom end 106 to ensure a secure engagement of the protrusion with the cavity 40 .

FIG. 13 shows the protrusion 34 having an undercut 110 terminating above the bottom end 106 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 12 , the undercut angle θ2 may be greater than θ1 without having to cut deeply into the first sidewall 102 along the predetermined location 104 . Providing the undercut at a steeper angle may allow better engagement of the raised portion with the undercut.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of a surf fin with protrusions 34 protruding from the end face 32 . As further shown in FIG. 15, the protrusion 34 has a first side 102 and a second side 112, wherein the first side 102 engages the cam 80 and the second side engages a side wall 114 formed in the cavity 40. Engage, as shown in Figure 16. The first side 112 and the side wall 114 may have corrugations 111 to engage each other so that when the worm wheel 62 is actuated, the corrugated second side 112 may be flush with the corrugated side wall 114 in the cavity, as shown in FIG. 17 shown. Since the second side 112 and the side wall 114 are corrugated, the protrusion 34 can be substantially locked in place, cannot move back and forth along its longitudinal axis, and acts as a side surf fin or a rear surf fin during surfing. This essentially prevents the surf fin from being pulled out of the cavity should the blade suddenly hit a rock or other object. Alternatively, the sidewall 114 or the second side 12 may be corrugated instead of corrugated on both sides.

FIGS. 18-20 illustrate that some portions of the second side may be corrugated, rather than being substantially corrugated along the second side 112 . For example, FIG. 18 shows that corrugations may be formed on the front side 116 of the protrusion 34 . FIG. 19 shows that corrugations may be formed on the rear side 118 of the protrusion 34 . FIG. 20 shows that the corrugations may be formed on the front side 116 and the rear side 118 of the protrusion 34 instead of the middle portion of the protrusion 34 . FIG. 21 shows that the corrugations may extend along the longitudinal channel 120 of the protrusion 34 rather than in a vertical direction as shown in FIG. 14 . As such, the sidewall 114 within the cavity 40 may also be corrugated to engage the corrugations formed along the longitudinal channel 120 of the protrusion 34 . The corrugations can be of various shapes, such as sinusoidal as shown in FIG. 15 . Alternatively, the corrugations can be triangular and rectangular. For example, as further shown in FIG. 22, the corrugations between the side wall 114 and the second side 112 may intermesh so that the surf fin does not experience any bending forces due to, for example, the surf fin striking a rock, and fall from the cavity.

FIG. 23 shows another surf fin latch assembly 200 that includes a worm gear 62 positioned adjacent to the cavity 40 formed in the surf fin latch assembly 200 . Worm wheel 62 may have teeth that project into cavity 40 and are adapted to engage threads 206 formed on first side 102 of protrusion 34 . In this embodiment, when the worm gear 62 is actuated, for example by rotation, the teeth 68 engage the threads 206 for securing the protrusion 34 within the cavity 40 of the device 200 . With the surf fin latch assembly 200, the cam may not be required.

FIG. 24 shows a surf fin latch assembly 300 comprising a worm wheel 302 having teeth 304 for engaging undercuts 306 formed on the first side 102 of the protrusion 34 . The teeth 304 may have a helix angle that increases as the worm wheel 302 rotates so that when the worm wheel rotates in a certain direction, the threads 304 push the undercut 306 downward, securing the protrusion 34 within the cavity 40 . As shown in FIG. 24 , in order to insert the protrusion 34 into the cavity 40 , the worm wheel 302 may be positioned such that the teeth 304 have a helix angle α1 facing the undercut 306 . And as the worm wheel 302 is rotated to engage the protrusion 34 within the cavity 40 , the helix angle increases until the helix angle α2 engages the undercut 306 . The rotational motion of the worm gear 302 can pull the protrusion 34 into the cavity as the teeth 304 have a downward force on the undercut 306 as the helix angle increases. When the worm wheel 302 is rotated until fully engaged, the helix angle α2 may be substantially equal to the angle θ3 formed on the undercut 306 such that the surface area of the tooth 304 substantially engages the surface area of the undercut 306 .

It is to be understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the features mentioned or obvious herein. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the invention.

Having described various embodiments of the invention herein, other variations and embodiments which do not depart from the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. As such, the scope of the present invention is not limited to any single embodiment, but is set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims (73)

1. A detachable surf fin mounting assembly, comprising: a surf fin; a surf fin latch assembly defining a cavity for receiving a portion of said surf fin; a toothed cam located within the surffin latch assembly adjacent to the cavity; and a worm gear located within said surf fin latch assembly and adapted to engage said teeth of said cam, wherein turning said worm gear causes said cam to rotate and secures said fin contained in said hollow part of the cavity. 2. The removable surf fin mounting assembly of claim 1, said surf fin further comprising a protrusion, wherein said protrusion is received within said cavity. 3. A removable surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cavity has a length greater than the length of the protrusion, allowing the surf fin to be adjusted back and forth within the cavity. 4. A removable surf fin mount assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cam further comprises a flat portion and a convex portion. 5. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein turning the worm wheel in one direction rotates the cam to an engaged position and turning the worm wheel in the opposite direction causes the cam to Rotate to a disengaged position. 6. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any one of claim 5 when appended to claim 4, wherein said raised portion of said cam engages said surf fin in said engaged position and the flat portion of the cam is aligned with the surf fin in the disengaged position. 7. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 or any one of claims 5 and 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the raised portion comprises a rubber material. 8. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, the worm wheel further comprising an opening for receiving means for rotating the worm wheel. 9. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein said opening is substantially rectangular and said means for turning said worm wheel comprises a plastic key, a screwdriver and a car or house key. 10. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the surf fin comprises a rubber material. 11. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said surf fin has a side surface which is adjacent when the surf fin is received in said cavity the cam. 12. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said surf fin has a side surface having a recessed portion when the surf fin is received in said hollow When inside the cavity, the recessed portion is adjacent to the cam. 13. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said surf fin has a side surface with a cutaway portion when the surf fin is received in said cavity The cutout portion is adjacent to the cam when inward. 14. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section includes a plurality of support arms. 15. A surf fin mount assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the surf fin latch assembly is adapted to be embedded into the body of a surf craft. 16. A surf fin mount assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the worm gear is vertically oriented. 17. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the surf fin is adapted to move back and forth within the cavity. 18. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the cavity has an inherent slope angle. 19. A surf fin mount assembly as claimed in claim 18, wherein said inherent slope angle is 3° to 5°. 20. A surfing fin comprising: a body portion configured to extend generally perpendicularly relative to the lower surface of the surfboard; and A mounting portion connected to the body portion, the mounting portion configured to be received and frictionally secured within a cavity defined by a surf fin latch assembly embedded in the surf craft. 21. A surf fin as claimed in claim 20, wherein the mounting portion comprises a soft, malleable material. 22. A surf fin as claimed in claim 21 wherein said soft, extensible material is rubber. 23. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the mounting portion comprises at least one protrusion. 24. A surfing fin as claimed in claim 23, wherein the protrusions extend away from the surfing fin. 25. A surfing fin as claimed in any one of claims 23 or 24, wherein the surfing fin has a first side with an angled undercut adapted to engage Surf fin latch assembly. 26. A surf fin as claimed in claim 24, wherein the protrusion has a second side at least in part corrugated and adapted to associate with a side wall formed in the cavity. 27. A surf fin as claimed in claim 26, wherein the corrugated portion of the second side of the protrusion is at the front. 28. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 27 wherein the corrugated portion of the second side of the protrusion is at the rear. 29. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 28 wherein the corrugated portion of the second side of the protrusion is centrally located. 30. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 29 wherein the corrugated portion of the second side of the protrusion is substantially the second side. 31. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 30 wherein the second side is corrugated to form a sinusoidal wave. 32. A surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 26 to 31 wherein the second side is corrugated to form a zigzag shape. 33. A surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 in combination with a surf fin as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 32. 34. A method of installing a surf fin latch assembly in a surf craft, comprising: positioning a full control clamp system in the lower surface of the surfcraft into which the surf fin latch assembly is to be embedded; removing the middle portion of the full control fixture system; forming a mounting cavity in said surfcraft, said mounting cavity having substantially the same shape and dimensions as said intermediate portion; positioning the surf fin latch assembly within the mounting cavity, wherein the surf fin latch assembly has a plurality of support arms; removing the deep cutout of the full control clamp system; aligning and positioning said support arm of said surf fin latch assembly within said depth cutout; filling the mounting cavity with resin; and Grind away the full control clamp system, the upper surface of the surf fin latch assembly and the support arms. 35. The method of claim 34, further comprising fitting a simulated surf fin into said surf fin latch assembly. 36. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 or 35, further comprising placing different amounts of putty in the depth cutouts and adjusting the vertical angle of inclination of the surf fin latch assembly. 37. The method of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the intermediate portion and the deep cutout are pre-cut. 38. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the intermediate portion is of substantially similar shape to the contour of the surf fin latch assembly. 39. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 38, further comprising removing material protruding from the mounting cavity and forming a space for filling the resin. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein said space extends substantially to the exterior of said surfboard upper surface. 41. A system for releasably securing a protrusion of a surf fin comprising: a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity for receiving a protrusion extending from the surf fin; a toothed worm gear for rotation within the surf fin pin assembly; A cam is positioned between the worm wheel and the cavity, where the cam is adapted to engage the teeth of the worm wheel such that rotation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage the projections of the surf fin in the cavity. 42. The system of claim 41 , wherein the protrusion has a first side with an angled undercut adapted to engage the cam, wherein rotation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage the cam. The angled undercut engages to secure the protrusion within the cavity of the surf fin latch assembly. 43. The system of claim 42, wherein counter-rotation of the worm wheel causes the cam to release the raised sloped undercut located within the cavity. 44. The system of any one of claims 42 or 43, wherein the angled undercut extends to the bottom end of the protrusion. 45. The system of any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the angled undercut terminates above the raised bottom end. 46. The system of any one of claims 41 to 45, wherein the protrusion has a second side, wherein at least a portion of the second side is corrugated, and wherein the cavity has a side wall adapted to be in contact with the protrusion. Associated with the corrugated second side. 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the corrugated portion of the raised second side is at the front. 48. The system of any one of claims 46 or 47, wherein the corrugated portion of the raised second side is located at the rear. 49. The system of any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the corrugated portion of the raised second side is centrally located. 50. The system of any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the corrugated portion of the raised second side is on substantially the second side. 51. The system of any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein the second side is corrugated to form a sinusoidal wave. 52. The system of any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the second side is corrugated to form a zigzag shape. 53. A system for joining a surf fin to a surf craft comprising: A toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a surf fin latch assembly with a cavity adapted to accommodate a protrusion extending from the surf fin, wherein actuation of the worm gear causes the protrusion to be actuated fixed in the cavity. 54. The system of claim 53, further comprising a cam positioned between the protrusion and the worm wheel, wherein the cam has teeth to engage teeth of the worm wheel. 55. A system for joining a surf fin to a surf implement comprising: a toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a cavity surf fin latch assembly; and A protrusion having a first side for engaging the teeth of the worm wheel, wherein rotation of the worm wheel causes the protrusion to be secured within the cavity. 56. The system of claim 55, wherein the first side of the protrusion has threads that engage teeth of a worm wheel, causing the protrusion to be secured within the cavity as the worm wheel rotates. 57. The system of any one of claims 55 or 56, wherein the first side of the projection has an undercut that engages the teeth of the worm wheel, which causes the projection to rotate as the worm wheel rotates. are fixed in the cavity. 58. The system of claim 57, wherein the teeth have a helix angle that increases as the worm wheel rotates to engage an undercut on the first side of the protrusion, causing the protrusion to be distorted as the worm wheel rotates. fixed in the cavity. 59. The system of any one of claims 55 to 58, wherein the longitudinal axis of the worm wheel is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the protrusion. 60. The system of any one of claims 55 to 59, wherein counter-rotation of the worm wheel causes the protrusion to be released from the cavity. 61. A system for engaging a surf fin of a surfing implement, comprising: a toothed worm gear adapted to be actuated within a surf fin latch assembly having a cavity adapted to accommodate protrusions protruding from the surf fin; and A cam located between the protrusion and the worm wheel, wherein the cam is modified such that actuation of the worm wheel causes the cam to engage the protrusion of the surf fin. 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the cam has teeth to engage teeth of the worm wheel. 63. A method of joining a surf fin to a surf craft comprising: forming a protrusion protruding from the surf fin of the surf implement; inserting the protrusion into a cavity formed in a latch assembly formed in the surfing tool, and engaging one side of the protrusion in the latch assembly to secure the surf fin to the surfing tool superior. 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising: undercutting said side of the protrusion to engage a cam within the latch assembly; and A worm wheel is driven which causes the cam to engage the undercut. 65. The method of any one of claims 63 or 64, further comprising: forming threads on said side of the protrusion; actuating the toothed worm gear; and The teeth of the worm gear are engaged to the thread to secure the protrusion within the cavity. 66. The method of any one of claims 63 to 65, further comprising: undercutting the raised side; Increase the helix angle of the teeth on the worm wheel; The worm wheel is rotated to engage the teeth with the undercuts on the sides of the protrusion to engage the protrusion within the latch assembly. 67. A surfing craft having a removable surf fin mounting assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19. 68. A surfing craft having a surfing fin as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 32. 69. A surfing craft having a surf fin mounting assembly and a surf fin combination as claimed in claim 33. 70. A surfing craft having a surf fin latch assembly mounted by the method of any one of claims 34 to 40. 71. A surfing craft having a system for engaging a surfing fin as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 62. 72. A surf craft having a surf fin joined by the method of any one of claims 63 to 66. 73. A surfing implement as claimed in any one of claims 67 to 72 wherein the surfing implement is a surfboard.

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