RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application hereby claims priority to: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/414,754, entitled PADDLEBOARD, filed Nov. 17, 2010; and, to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/507,962, entitled PADDLEBOARD WITH REINFORCING RIB, filed Jul. 14, 2011. Both of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their respective entireties by this reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to boards, such as paddleboards, suitable for use in water sports or other activities. One or more aspects of example embodiments may also find application in equipment such as, but not limited to, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, knee boards, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boards referred to as boogie boards.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed embodiments are generally concerned with a board suitable for use in water sports. Example embodiments of boards within the scope of this disclosure, which include paddleboards, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, knee boards, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boards referred to as boogie boards, may include any one or more of the following elements, in any combination: a plurality of fins configured and arranged to enable a user to track and/or steer the board; one or more fins that are movable between at least first and second operating positions; a fin that is movable between at least first and second operating positions, and is lockable in one or both of the first and second operating positions; a body having an interior that is at least partly hollow; one or more depressions extending into an interior of a body of the board; a body including one or more tack-offs; a body including one or more depressions at least partly filled with a buoyant material; a body having a deck at least partly covered by a deck covering; a body configured to allow a fin to be removed, repositioned, and/or replaced; a body that is at least partly formed using one or more of a roto-molding process, a blow-molding process, and a twin-sheet process; one or more handles; a removable plug; a removable plug that includes a loop assembly; a fin retention element; a body including an upper surface having or more longitudinal ribs and/or including a lower surface having one or more longitudinal grooves; a body whose upper surface includes or more ribs and/or whose lower surface includes one or more grooves, and at least one of the ribs and/or grooves constitutes or comprises one or more tack-offs; a body having an upper surface where at least a portion of the upper surface is recessed; a body having a fish tail configuration; a shock cord removably attachable to the board; one or more pad eyes, which may be incorporated in a fin and/or a body of a board, to which a shock cord may be removably attached.

It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein do not constitute an exhaustive summary of all possible embodiments, nor does this brief summary constitute an exhaustive list of all aspects of any particular embodiment(s). Rather, this brief summary simply presents selected aspects of some example embodiments. It should be noted that nothing herein should be construed as constituting an essential or indispensable element of any invention or embodiment. Rather, various aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be combined in a variety of ways so as to define yet further embodiments. Such further embodiments are considered as being within the scope of this disclosure. As well, none of the embodiments embraced within the scope of this disclosure should be construed as resolving, or being limited to the resolution of, any particular problem(s). Nor should such embodiments be construed to implement, or be limited to implementation of, any particular technical effect(s) or solution(s).

Below, further example embodiments are set forth. Aspects of any one or more of such embodiments may be combined, in any combination, to define still further embodiments.

In a first example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more portions constructed substantially of blow-molded plastic.

In a second example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more portions constructed using at least one of a roto-molding process, a blow-molding process, and a twin-sheet process.

In a third example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more ribs on the top of the board and/or one or more grooves on the bottom of the board.

In a fourth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more ribs and/or grooves formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process.

In a fifth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more ribs and/or grooves formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process, and at least one rib and/or groove extends longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the body.

In a sixth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a rib and/or groove formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process, and the rib and/or groove includes, or constitutes, one or more tack-offs.

In a seventh example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more portions constructed substantially of blow-molded plastic, and at least one of such portions includes, or constitutes, a tack-off.

In an eighth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a hollow portion into which a depression extends, and the depression is at least partly filled with a buoyant material.

In a ninth example embodiment, a board is provided that is at least partly covered with a deck covering.

In a tenth example embodiment, a board is provided that is at least partly covered with a ethylene-vinyl acetate deck covering.

In an eleventh example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a hollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more blocks of buoyant material are positioned in the depression.

In a twelfth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a hollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more foam blocks are positioned in the depression.

In a thirteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes a hollow portion into which a depression extends, and one or more expanded polystyrene blocks are positioned in the depression.

In a fourteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins.

In a fifteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more movable fins.

In a sixteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins movable between first and second operating positions.

In a seventeenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins movable between first and second operating positions, such that when in the first operating position, the fin(s) may facilitate steering control when a user is surfing with the board.

In an eighteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins movable between first and second operating positions, such that when in the second operating position, the fin(s) may facilitate tracking when a user is paddling the board.

In a nineteenth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins, and at least one of the fins is movable between first and second operating positions, such that when in the first operating position, the fin(s) may facilitate steering control when a user is surfing with the board, and when in the second operating position, the fin(s) may facilitate tracking when a user is paddling the board.

In a twentieth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes two or more fins movable between first and second operating positions, such that when in the first operating position, the fins are pointed in substantially the same direction.

In a twenty-first example embodiment, a board is provided that includes two or more fins movable between first and second operating positions, such that when in the second operating position, the fins are pointed in different respective directions.

In a twenty-second example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more fins configured and arranged to produce a directional influence that may facilitate tracking, turning and/or maneuvering of the board.

In a twenty-third example embodiment, a board is provided that includes two or more fins that may point and/or angle towards each other.

In a twenty-fourth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes two or more fins that may point and/or angle towards each other in such a way as to produce a directional influence that may facilitate tracking, turning and/or maneuvering of the board.

In a twenty-fifth example embodiment, a board is provided that includes one or more receiving portions configured and arranged to engage one or more respective fins.

In a twenty-sixth example embodiment, a board and/or fin includes one or more pad eyes to which a shock cord or other element may be removably attached.

In a twenty-seventh example embodiment, a board includes a plurality of fins and is configured to enable a user to change the set-up of the board, by adjusting the position of the fins, to assume various configurations for different contemplated uses.

Any embodiment of the board that includes a body, and/or other portion(s), constructed at least partly of blow-molded plastic may have an interior, and/or other portion(s), that is/are partly, or completely, hollow. Such embodiments may also include, disposed in a hollow portion, one or more depressions, sometimes referred to as â€œtack-offs.â€ In such embodiments, these tack-offs may be integrally formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process. The depressions may extend from a first surface, such as a first interior surface of the body for example, towards a second surface, such as a second interior surface of the body for example. The ends of one or more depressions may contact or engage the second surface, or the ends of one or more of the depressions may be spaced apart from the second surface by a distance. In yet other instances, a board may include some depressions extending from a first surface and contacting a second surface, and that board may further include some depressions that extend from a first surface but terminate short of a second surface. The second surface may additionally, or alternatively, be configured in the same way as the first surface.

In some instances, one or more depressions on a first interior surface may be substantially aligned with corresponding depressions on a second interior surface, and one or more depressions on the first interior surface may contact one or more corresponding depressions on the second interior surface and/or one or more depressions on the first interior surface may be spaced apart from corresponding depressions on the second interior surface. The depressions may be sized and configured to strengthen and/or reinforce the blow-molded plastic body, and/or any other portion of the board.

These and other aspects of example embodiments of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following brief description of the drawings, the drawings themselves and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The appended drawings contain figures of example embodiments to further illustrate and clarify various aspects of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these drawings depict only example embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 2 is a partial upper perspective view of a portion of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of an example paddleboard, with various elements removed for clarity;

FIG. 4 is an exploded, upper perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 6 is a lower perspective view of an example paddleboard;

FIG. 7 is a partial lower perspective view of a portion of an example paddleboard; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an example fin.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ASPECTS OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

As noted above, embodiments within the scope of the present invention generally relate to boards, such as paddleboards, suitable for use in water sports or other activities. One or more aspects of example embodiments may also find application in equipment such as, but not limited to, surfboards, paipo boards, boards for wind surfers, knee boards, wakeboards, and body boards, examples of which include boards referred to as boogie boards.

With attention first to FIG. 1, an upper perspective view of an example paddleboard 100 is disclosed. The paddleboard 100 may be approximately 10 feet long, although other embodiments may be longer, or shorter. The disclosed example of a paddleboard 100 includes a body 102 having a front 102a and a back 102b. In at least some embodiments (and as best shown in FIG. 5), the front 102a may be turned up, and the back 102b may have a fish tail configuration. Near the front 102a, a recess 104 may be defined that provides space for a user to grasp a handle 106 attached to the body 102. The handle 106 can be attached, permanently or removably, to the body 102 in any suitable way. In at least one embodiment, the handle 106 is attached to the body 102 with one or more fasteners 108, such as rivets, pins or screws for example. Embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include more than one handle 106, and the handle 106 may be plastic, metal or other material. The paddleboard 100 may include one or more plugs 110 that are configured to removably engage the body 102. The plugs 110 may be plastic, rubber, metal, or other material, and may enable a user to drain any water that may have collected within the body 102, and the plugs 110 may include threads configured to engage corresponding threads of the body 102. Some embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include one or more plugs 112 that include a loop 112a to which a shock cord, rope, or other element can be attached. As discussed in further detail below, the paddleboard 100 may include one or more fins 200. Finally, at least some embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include deck covering 114 disposed on at least a portion of the paddleboard 100. In some embodiments, the deck covering 114 comprises ethylene-vinyl acetate material. The deck covering 114 may constitute, or include, a non-slip material or configuration that may enable a user to better grip the paddleboard 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, and directing particular attention to the body 102, embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include a body 102 that is at least partly hollow. In some embodiments, the body 102 is substantially hollow. The body 102 may be formed as part of a unitary, one-piece structure during a blow-molding process and may include one or more tack-offs. Additionally, or alternatively, roto-molding, twin-sheet, and/or other processes may also be employed to produce part or all of the body 102.

The body 102 may include an upper surface 102c and a lower surface 102d. As noted earlier, a portion of the upper surface 102c may be covered with a deck covering 114. The upper surface 102c and/or lower surface 102d may incorporate a surface treatment and/or be textured in any desired manner. The texturing can be performed with the use of chemical etching or other processes. The type of texturing, which may be rough, smooth, or some other type, employed may vary from one part of the upper/lower surface 102c/102d to another. For example, texturing in the area of the upper surface 102c where a user is likely to stand, or to grip the paddleboard 100, may be relatively rough so as to enhance the grip of the user.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, at least a portion of the upper surface 102c may be recessed such that it lies below a pair of side rails 102e running along the sides of the paddleboard 100. In other embodiments, the upper surface 102c is not recessed. The side rails 102e may curve or slope away from the upper surface 102c, and their position above the recessed upper surface 102c may lend rigidity to the paddleboard 100. In the example of FIG. 1, a rib 102f is provided that runs longitudinally along at least a portion of the length of the paddleboard 100. In terms of its orientation, the rib 102f may be located proximate, or on, a centerline AA of the paddleboard 100. In the example of FIG. 1, the rib 102f extends from a location proximate the handle 106 to a location proximate the start of the fish tail configuration, although ribs of longer, or shorter, length may be employed. In some instances, the rib 102f may be employed by a user to store a paddle or other equipment.

The rib 102f may be concave, and variables such as the length, width and depth of the rib 102f can be varied. The rib 102f may constitute, or include, one or more tack-offs that extend from the upper surface 102c into the interior (not shown) of the body 102. At least some embodiments of the paddleboard include multiple ribs in the upper surface. The ribs may be substantially the same as each other, or may be different from each other. For example, some ribs may be longer than others, and/or some ribs may be deeper and/or wider than others. In at least one embodiment, the rib 102f may include one or more scuppers (not shown) which allow water to drain from the paddleboard 100. By way of example, the scupper(s) may comprise a tack-off that has been drilled out, or that has been punched out as part of a molding process.

Among other things, the use of one or more ribs 102f in the upper surface 102c may lend strength and rigidity to the paddleboard 100, while also reducing its weight. The strength and rigidity of the paddleboard 100 may be especially enhanced where the rib(s) 102f constitute, or comprise, one or more tack-offs that extend into the interior of the body 102 toward the lower surface 102d. In some embodiments, one or more of such tack-offs may contact the interior of the lower surface 102d while, in other embodiments, one or more of the tack-offs may extend toward, but terminate short of, the interior of the lower surface 102d. As suggested elsewhere herein, where the rib 102f comprises a plurality of tack-offs, all of the tack-offs may terminate short of the interior of the lower surface 102d, or one or more tack-offs may terminate short of the interior of the lower surface 102d while one or more other tack-offs contact the interior of the lower surface 102, or all of the tack-offs may contact the interior of the lower surface 102d.

As further indicated in FIG. 1, at least some embodiments of the paddleboard 100 may include one or more recesses 102g that may be configured and arranged to facilitate gripping, carrying, and/or maneuvering of the paddleboard 100 by a user. For example, the recess(es) 102g positioned in the rib 102f may provide a handhold for a user who desires to carry the paddleboard 100 under his arm. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more such handholds can be located in the bottom of the paddleboard 100, such as in the groove(s) 102k (see FIG. 6), for example.

Directing attention now to FIG. 2, and with continued attention to FIG. 1, some embodiments of the paddleboard 10 may include one or more pad eyes 116 connected to the body 102. The pad eyes 116 may enable a user to removably connect retention elements 118 such as shock cords, ropes, or other devices to the body 102. In the example of FIG. 2, the paddleboard further includes fins 200 that may include loops to which a retention element 118, such as shock cord, rope or other device can be attached. In this way, a user can use the back 102b of the paddleboard 100 to securely store various items. Although the pad eyes 116 in the example of FIG. 2 are located at the back 102b of the paddleboard 100, other locations may additionally or alternatively be employed.

With attention now to FIGS. 3 and 4, additional details are provided concerning the example paddleboard 100, shown with the deck covering 114 removed. As indicated in FIG. 3, the upper surface 102c may include one or more depressions 102h, one or more of which may be partly, or completely, filled with a filler material 102i that may be buoyant and comprise expanded polystyrene foam, although other buoyant filler materials may be employed. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 4, four depressions 102h are provided, although more or fewer depressions can be employed. As well, the configuration, size, location and orientation of the depressions 102h are presented solely by way of example, and depressions of other sizes, configurations, locations and/or orientations can be employed. One or more of the depressions 102h may extend partway into the interior of the body 102 toward, but terminating short of, the interior of lower surface 102d, one or more of the depressions 102h may extend toward, and contact, the interior of the lower surface 102d, and some embodiments may include depressions 102h of both of these configurations.

Among other things, the depressions 102h may contribute to the strength and rigidity of the paddleboard 100. The buoyant filler material 102i may improve the overall buoyancy of the paddleboard 100.

With particular reference now to FIGS. 4 and 5, further details are provided concerning attachment of the fins 200 to the body 102 of the paddleboard 100. As indicated in FIG. 4, the body 102 defines a pair of fin housings 102j in which a corresponding fin 200 is configured to be at least partly received. While two fins 200 are indicated in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, more, or fewer, fins 200 may be employed in other embodiments. Where more than one fin housing 102j is provided, one or more fin housings 102j may include a removable cover in the event that fewer than all the fin housings 102j are employed. In this way, a user can customize the set-up of the paddleboard 100 by using fewer fins 200 than the maximum that the paddleboard 100 is configured to use. Likewise, the user can customize the placement of the fins 200 in a desired configuration, and can further customize the set-up of the paddleboard 100 by mixing different types of fins in a particular configuration, or by removing one set of fins and replacing those fins with fins having a different physical size and/or configuration.

In order to connect and releasably retain the fins 200 to the body 102, respective fin retention elements 120 are provided. The fin retention elements 120 are configured such that when the upper portion of each fin 200 is inserted into a corresponding fin housing 102j, the fin retention element 120 can then be secured to the fin 200 and/or the body 102, thereby securing the fin 200 to the body 102. The fin retention elements 120 and the body 102 may include structures configured to releasably engage complementary structure of the fins 200 so that the fins 200 can be removably attached to the body 102. For example, the fin retention elements 120 may be configured to be removably snap-fit into place in the fin housing 102j and/or onto the fin 200. As another example, the fin retention elements 120 may include threads configured to releasably engage corresponding threads of the fin 200.

As the foregoing makes clear, the fin retention elements 120 are example structural implementations of a means for releasably retaining a fin 200 in one or more positions. Any other structure(s) of comparable functionality may alternatively be employed.

The fin retention elements 120 are configured, in at least some embodiments, to permit adjustments to the position of the fins 200. For example, by loosening and/or removing a fin retention element 120 from a fin 200 and/or the body 102, the rotational position of the fin 200 can then be adjusted. Detents, slots and/or other structures may be provided in the fin housings 102j, the fin 200, and/or the fin retention elements 120, to enable the fin 200 to be secured to the body 102 in any of a variety of different positions. Such detents, slots and/or other structures may also enable the fin 200 to move through a defined range of motion. In at least some embodiments, the fins 200 may be oriented in the same direction as each other so as to be substantially parallel when residing in a first operating position and, further, the fins 200 may be oriented in different directions from each other so as to be angled toward, or away from, each other when residing in a second operating position. Yet other fin 200 positions may also be defined and employed.

Among other things, the ability to change the orientation of one or more of the fins 200 may allow the user to customize the set-up of the paddleboard to assume various configurations to suit a contemplated use. More particularly, when the fins 200 are angled toward each other in the second operating position, the paddleboard 100 may be in a paddling configuration where such a position of the fins 200 may facilitate tracking of the paddleboard 100 when a user is paddling the paddleboard 100. When the fins 200 are substantially parallel to each other in the first operating position (as best shown in FIG. 6), the paddleboard 100 may be in a surfing configuration where such a position of the fins 200 may facilitate steering control when a user is surfing with the paddleboard 100.

Stated more generally, and as noted earlier, the paddleboard 100 is configured to enable a user to change the set-up of the board, by adjusting one or more of the position, type, and number of the fins, to assume various configurations for different contemplated uses. This attribute of the paddleboard 100 also enables a user to switch out the fins 200 for different types and/or sizes of fins, depending upon the contemplated use of the paddleboard 100. Thus, the fins and fin retention elements collectively comprise an example structural implementation of a means for reconfiguring the board to assume different operating configurations. Any other structure(s) of comparable functionality may likewise be employed.

Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, further details are provided concerning aspects of the lower surface 102d of the example paddleboard 100. In general, and with general reference to FIG. 6, embodiments of the invention may include one, two, three, or more grooves 102k in a lower surface 102d of the paddleboard 100. One or more of the grooves 102k may have the same, or different, configuration, size, and/or orientation, than one or more other grooves 102k, and the scope of the invention is not limited to any particular number, configuration, size, or orientation of grooves 102k. As exemplified in FIG. 6, one groove may be longer than another. As well, at least one of the grooves 102k may be substantially parallel to at least one other groove 102k. Further, one or more grooves 102k may be located proximate, or on, the centerline AA of the paddleboard 100. At least one groove 102k may extend along a substantial portion of the length of the paddleboard 100. As well, at least one groove 102k may constitute, or comprise, one or more tack-offs. As such, at least a portion of at least one groove 102k may extend into an interior of the paddleboard 100 toward an interior portion of, for example, the upper surface 102c (see FIG. 1). Such portion of the groove 102k may, or may not, actually contact the interior portion of the upper surface 102c (see FIG. 1).

Referring now to the particular example of FIG. 6, two outer grooves 102k and one inner groove 102k are provided. As shown, the outer grooves 102k are similar to each other in their configuration, size, and orientation, although in other embodiments, the outer grooves, if employed, may be dissimilar to each other in one or more of these aspects. Disposed between the two outer grooves 102k is an inner groove 102k that is shorter than the outer grooves 102k. In the example of FIG. 6, all of the grooves 102k terminate in approximately the same location near the back 102b of the paddleboard 100, while the two outer grooves 102k extend further toward the front 102a than does the inner groove 102k. Further, and as indicated in FIG. 6, the outer grooves 102k may curve inwardly towards each other near the front 102a of the paddleboard 100, and one, some, or all of the grooves 102k may have a depth that varies from one part of a groove to another part.

Finally, one or more of the grooves 102k may include one or more tack-offs 103. One or more of the tack-offs 103 may extend into the interior of the paddleboard 100 and contact a surface in the interior of the paddleboard 100 and/or terminate short of a surface in the interior of the paddleboard 100. In the example of FIG. 6, six tack-offs 103 are indicated, although more, or fewer, tack-offs 103 may be employed.

Among other things, one or more grooves 102k may serve to enhance the strength and rigidity of the paddleboard 100, particularly in a longitudinal direction generally parallel to the centerline AA, while also facilitating tracking and maneuverability of the paddleboard 100 in use.

With particular attention now to FIG. 8, and renewed attention to FIG. 7, details are provided concerning an example fin 200 such as may be employed in at least some example embodiments. As noted earlier herein, the paddleboard 100 may include one or more fin housings 102j, each of which is configured to removably receive a corresponding fin. As best shown in FIG. 7, the lower surface 102d may include a recessed portion 102dâˆ’1 in which a corresponding portion of the fin 200, discussed below, can be seated. The size and/or configuration of the recessed portion 102dâˆ’1 can be varied to define a plurality of different fin 200 positions.

As indicated in FIG. 8, the example fin 200 includes a fin portion 202 configured to extend below the bottom of the paddleboard 100. Atop the fin portion 202 is a seat portion 204 configured to be removably received, or seated, in the recessed portion 102dâˆ’1, as shown in FIG. 7. A shoulder 205 may be provided that interacts with corresponding structure of the paddleboard 100, such as a plurality of notches (not shown) to enable the fin 200 to be secured in a plurality of different orientations relative to the paddleboard 100. A fin post 206 of the fin 200 is configured to extend into the fin housing 102j of the paddleboard 100 when the seat portion 204 is received in the recessed portion 102dâˆ’1. One or more stabilizer elements 208 may be attached to the fin post 206 and are configured to contact the interior of the fin housing 102j when the fin 200 is positioned in the fin housing 102j. Among other things, the stabilizer elements 208 may help to minimize, or eliminate, lateral movement of the fin post 206 in the fin housing 102j, and thereby enhance the performance of the fin 200 and the paddleboard 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 8, the fin 200 includes a threaded portion 210 that is configured to releasably engage a correspondingly threaded fin retention element 120 (see FIGS. 2 and 4). As a result of this configuration and arrangement of the fin 200 and fin retention element 120, a user can readily loosen the fin 200 so as to be able adjust the rotational position of the fin 200 and point the fin 200 in a desired direction. Subsequent to such an adjustment, the fin 200 can be secured in the desired position by tightening the fin retention element 120 onto the fin 200. As well, the configuration and arrangement of the fin 200 and fin retention element 120 enable a user to remove and/or replace the fin 200 if desired. With reference to both FIG. 8 and FIG. 3, the example fin 200 includes a cap portion 212 that cooperates with the fin retention element 120 to substantially close off the fin housing 102j when the fin 200 is fully received within the fin housing 102j. Finally, the example fin 200 includes one or more retention slots 214, or comparable structures, in the upper portion of the fin 200. As indicated in FIG. 2, the retention slots 214 may enable temporary attachment of a retention element 118 to the top of the fin 200.

Embodiments of the fin 200 may comprise any suitable material, including plastic, metal, rubber, carbon or carbon fiber materials, composites, and combinations of any of the foregoing. Some embodiments of the fin 200 comprise a single piece of material, while other embodiments of the fin 200 comprise various portions assembled together to form the final configuration. The geometry of the fin portion 202 shown in the figures is presented by way of example only. In fact, a wide variety of other fin portion 202 geometries may be employed depending upon variables such as the intended use of the fin 200, and the conditions in which the fin 200 is to be employed. For example, a generally triangular fin portion geometry may be useful in some applications. As noted herein, one or more of the fins 200 can be readily removed and replaced with another fin having a fin portion with a different geometry. Moreover, in some instances, fewer than all of the fin housings 102j may be occupied by a fin.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.