Fin And Accessory Assembly And Watercraft Having Same

Abstract

A fin assembly includes a fin, a mounting base and a socket base. The mounting base is provided for permanent inclusion within a watercraft. The mounting base defines a cavity that is adapted for receiving the socket base. The socket base further includes a cavity adapted for receiving the fin. The socket base is further adapted for receiving an accessory.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fin assembly, comprising:
 a fin having at least one spigot;   a mounting base provided for permanent inclusion in a watercraft, the mounting base having a cavity therein; and   a socket base mounted in the cavity of the mounting base and defining a recess adapted for receiving the spigot of the fin.   
     
     
         2 . The fin assembly of  claim 1  further comprising a fastening element, wherein the socket base defines a passageway obliquely extending from the outer surface of the socket base and intersecting the recess of the socket base, and the fastening element is disposed in the passageway and extending into the recess of the socket base and in contact with the spigot of the fin. 
     
     
         3 . The fin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting base includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged on a periphery thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The fin assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the socket base further comprises at least one rib formed along a side, and the mounting base further comprises at least one groove along a surface of the cavity and wherein the rib and groove are adapted for reception of the rib within the groove. 
     
     
         5 . The fin assembly of  claim 4 , further comprising an adhesive and wherein the socket base and the mounting base are joined with the adhesive. 
     
     
         6 . A water craft, comprising:
 a watercraft body comprising a foam material and having an upper surface and a lower surface;   a mounting base embedded within the lower surface of the board and defining a cavity therein; and   a socket base mounted in the cavity of the mounting base and having a recess in which an accessory is to be inserted.   
     
     
         7 . The water craft of  claim 6  further comprising a fastening element, wherein the socket base defines a passageway obliquely extending from the outer surface of the socket base and intersecting the recess of the socket base, and the fastening element is disposed in the passageway for retention of the accessory in the socket base. 
     
     
         8 . The water craft of  claim 6 , wherein the mounting base comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged on a periphery thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The water craft of  claim 6 , wherein the socket base further comprises at least one rib formed along at least one side of the recess and the mounting base further comprises at least one groove along at least one wall surface of the cavity, and wherein the rib and groove are adapted for reception of the rib within the groove in the socket base. 
     
     
         10 . The water craft of  claim 9 , wherein the socket base and the mounting base are joined with an adhesive. 
     
     
         11 . A water craft, comprising:
 a board comprising a foam material;   an accessory;   a mounting base embedded in the board body and defining a cavity therein; and   a socket base mounted in the cavity of the mounting base and having a recess in which the accessory is to be inserted.   
     
     
         12 . The water craft of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory comprises a fin. 
     
     
         13 . The water craft of  claim 11  further comprising a fastening element, wherein the socket base defines a passageway obliquely extending from the outer surface of the socket base and intersecting the recess of the socket base, and the fastening element is disposed in the passageway for retention of the accessory in the socket base. 
     
     
         14 . The water craft of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting base comprises a plurality of reinforcing ribs arranged on a periphery thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The water craft of  claim 11 , wherein the socket base comprises at least one tooth formed on a side thereof; and the mounting base has a plurality of grooves defined in a wall surface of the cavity for reception of the tooth of the socket base. 
     
     
         16 . The water craft of  claim 15 , wherein the socket base and the mounting base are joined with an adhesive. 
     
     
         17 . The water craft of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting base is embedded into the upper surface of the board. 
     
     
         18 . The water craft of  claim 17 , wherein the accessory comprises an attachment for connection with a tow line. 
     
     
         19 . The water craft of  claim 11 , wherein the accessory comprises a handle. 
     
     
         20 . The water craft of  claim 17 , wherein the accessory comprises an attachment for securing items to the board.