Anchoring attachment for a watercraft

Abstract

An anchoring attachment (10) for a watercraft (50), the watercraft including a fin box or plug (53) having a cavity (54) therein for receiving a watercraft fin, the fin box or plug (53) being mounted in an underside (52) of the watercraft (50). The anchoring attachment (10) comprises a main body (12) which is at least partially insertable into the cavity (54) and is configured so as to be able to adopt an installed position in which removal of the main body (12) from the cavity (54) is inhibited. The main body (12) comprises first and second body members (15, 25) which are moveable relative to one another so that in one position the main body (12) can be removed from the cavity (54) and in another position, the main body (12) is in the installed position and removal from the cavity (54) is inhibited.

Description

P7298PC00ANCHORING ATTACHMENT FOR A WATERCRAFTTechnical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to an anchoring attachment for use in a locking system for an article. The locking system is used to deter theft or unauthorised use of an article. One application of the anchoring attachment is for use with watercraft, such as surfboards, and the following disclosure will be specifically directed to that application. It will be understood however that the anchoring attachment may find use in other applications.Background Art

[0002] Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless the contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

[0003] Surfboards are difficult to protect from theft due to their shape and size and the difficulty attaching a locking cable to the surfboard. This is a real problem when leaving boards in outdoor racks, in the back of utility vehicles, on roof racks, in shared garages, on boats and docks or on bike transportation racks.

[0004] Most surfboards are fitted with one or more fins on the underside of the board. The fins may be releasably securable to the surfboard. One such releasable fitting arrangement is by way of a fin box. Generally, fin boxes include a slot that incorporates an undercut protrusion at one end of the slot and an opposing surface that prevents the fin from sliding away from the undercut protrusion. Fins are inserted into the slot at the end nearest to the undercut protrusion, and then rotated into the slot around the undercut protrusion, with the opposing surface holding the end of the fin under the undercut. In this position the only way the fin can be removed is by rotating the fin out. Fin boxes generally use either a fixing screw (‘grub screw’) or clipping mechanism to prevent the fin from rotating out during use.

[0005] Examples of commercial fin boxes include those in the ‘FCS II’ fin system, wherein each fin box comprises two fin receiving slots for each fin (known as ‘dual tab’), and the ‘Futures’ system, wherein each fin box comprises a single fin receiving slot for each fin (known as ‘single tab’).P7298PC00

[0006] Sometimes fin boxes are referred to colloquially as ‘fin plugs’, particularly in forms where a fin box might be shaped as such and / or provided in a multiple component form, with multiple separate parts or ‘plugs’ are configured for securement of a single fin.Summary

[0007] According to one aspect, the present disclosure relates to an anchoring attachment for a watercraft, the watercraft including a fin box or plug having a cavity therein for receiving a watercraft fin, the fin box or plug being mounted in an underside of the watercraft, the anchoring attachment comprising a main body which is at least partially insertable into the cavity and configured so as to be able to adopt an installed position in which removal of the main body from the cavity is inhibited, the main body comprising first and second body members which are moveable relative to one another so that in one position the main body can be removed from the cavity and in another position, the main body is in the installed position and removal from the cavity is inhibited.

[0008] In some embodiments, the cavity includes an open outer side, an inner bottom side and opposed side walls with a main axis extending in a direction from the inner bottom side to the outer side, the cavity including a locating section on one of the side walls, and wherein the first body member includes a mounting portion which is receivable within the cavity and includes a locating section which is adapted to cooperate with the cavity locating section so as to restrict movement of the first body member in the direction of the main axis when first body member is disposed within the cavity in a fitted position.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the first body member is in the fitted position and the main body is in the installed position, the cooperating locating sections on the first body member and the cavity are configured to inhibit removal of the main body from the cavity.

[0010] In some embodiments, the locating section on the first body member of the main body comprises a shoulder having a locating surface which is adapted to interact with an undercut locating surface on the cavity locating section so that when in the fitted position movement of the first body member is limited.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first body member is operatively mounted to the second body member for relative pivotal movement therebetween for movement of theP7298PC00 first body member from the installed position to a release position, in which the main body can be removed from the cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second body member includes an insert portion which is disposed within cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position so that the insert portion and first body member inhibit lateral movement of the anchoring attachment with respect to the main axis.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first body member includes a mounting portion which is receivable within the cavity and is sized so as to limit lateral movement within the cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, and the second body member includes a base side which operatively seats against the underside of the watercraft when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, the arrangement being such that pivotal movement of the second body member causes the base side to be displaced from the underside of the watercraft so as to enable removal of the mounting portion of first body member from the cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first body member includes a mounting portion and an outer portion and the second body member includes an insert portion which is receivable within the cavity, the second body member being moveable in a linear fashion with respect to the first body member, the mounting portion of the first body member and the insert portion of the second body member when in the installed position inhibiting lateral movement of the main body within the cavity.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first body member includes a mounting portion and an outer portion, the mounting portion receivable within the cavity and sized so as to limit lateral movement within the cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, and wherein the second body member has a base side, the base side operatively seated against the underside of the watercraft when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, the first and second body members being moveable laterally with respect to one another so that the base side of the second body member can be moved clear of the watercraft underside so as to enable removal of the anchoring attachment from the cavity.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first and second body members are operatively connected together through a pin and slot arrangement which permits the lateral movement with respect to the main axis therebetween.P7298PC00

[0017] In some embodiments, the anchoring attachment includes a retention arrangement for restricting the relative movement between the first and second body members.

[0018] In some embodiments, the retention arrangement includes a through hole in each body member which are adapted to be aligned for receipt of a fastener which restricts the relative movement therebetween.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a locking system for a watercraft including an anchoring attachment according to any one of the above embodiments operatively connectible to the watercraft and a connector member for operatively connecting the anchoring attachment and a structure.

[0020] According to a further aspect, the present disclosure relates to a fin box lock for a watercraft, such as surfboard, the fin box lock having a surface that interacts with an underside of an undercut at one end of a fin slot in a fin box, a surface that interacts with an opposing surface to the undercut of the fin box preventing the device from being slid away from the undercut surface and a surface that interacts with a surface of a board or fin box preventing the rotation and removal of the fin box lock when in a locked position. The fin box lock has a mechanism enabling the selective locking and unlocking of the position of at least one of said three surfaces. The mechanism when in the locked position prevents movement of the three interactive surfaces and prevents the removal of the fin box lock from the fin box. The mechanism when in the unlocked position allows movement of one or more of the interactive surfaces allowing the insertion and removal of the fin box lock.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism is a through hole that a locking cable or padlock can be inserted preventing the device from being in an unlocked position.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism incorporates a combination or key lock and the fin box lock has means of being secured to a fixed object or rack. In one form the means of being secured to a fixed object or rack is a flexible steel cable.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the surface that prevents the fin box lock from rotating out of the fin box, interacts with a surface in the fin slot.

[0024] In certain embodiments, the surface that interacts with the underside of the undercut protrusion can rotate in relation to the interactive surface that prevents the finP7298PC00 box lock from rotating, when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, allowing the insertion and removal of the fin box lock.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the surface that interacts with the underside of the undercut protrusion can slide in relation to the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock from rotating, when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, allowing the insertion and removal of the fin box lock.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the surface that interacts with the underside of the undercut protrusion can slide in relation to the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock sliding away from the undercut protrusion, when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked position, allowing the insertion and removal of the fin box lock.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock from rotating can be rotated into a position that allows the removal of the device when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock from rotating can slide into a position that allows the removal of the device when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock from sliding away from the undercut protrusion can rotate into a position that allows the removal of the device when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the interactive surface that prevents the fin box lock from sliding away from the undercut protrusion can slide into a position that allows the removal of the device when the locking mechanism is in an unlocked state.Brief Description of the DrawingsVarious aspects of the disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred but non limiting embodiments thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of an anchoring attachment according to one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of part of a surfboard and associated fin box;P7298PC00

[0033] Figures 3 to 5 are schematic sectional views of the anchoring attachment shown in figure 1 being installed;

[0034] Figure 6 is a sectional view of an anchoring attachment according to another embodiment;

[0035] Figures 7 and 8 are schematic side elevations of an anchoring attachment according to yet another embodiment;

[0036] Figures 9 and 10 are schematic side elevations of an anchoring element according to yet another embodiment;

[0037] Figures 11 and 12 are schematic side elevations of an anchoring element according to yet another embodiment;

[0038] Figure 13 is an underside view of a surface with an attachment device secured thereto;

[0039] Figure 14 is a schematic view of a locking system incorporating an anchoring attachment; and

[0040] Figure 15 is a side elevation of another type of locking system.Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0041] Referring to the drawings there is shown an anchoring attachment 10 for use with watercraft, which in the example shown is a surfboard 50. The anchoring attachment 10 may be used in a lock system for locking the surfboard in a location so as to deter it from theft or unauthorised use.

[0042] The surfboard 50 has an upper surface or deck 51 and a bottom or underside 52 to which one or more fin boxes 53 are operatively mounted. This is shown schematically in figure 2. The fin box 53 comprises a cavity 50 which has an open outer side 55, an inner bottom side 56 and opposed side walls 57 and 58. The fin box 53 further includes a locating section 60 in one of the sidewalls 58 the purpose of which will become apparent from the following description. The locating section 60 is disposed in spaced relation from the outer side 55 and the inner side 56 and includes an undercut 65 which provides for an overhanging locating surface 62.

[0043] The locating section 60 comprises a projection 64 which extends from one of the side walls 58 into the cavity 54 with the undercut 65 thereunder. As shown the fin boxP7298PC0053 is flush with the underside 52 of the surfboard 50. The fin box 53 has a main axis X-X which extends from the inner side 56 to the top side 55 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 51 and underside 52 of the board.

[0044] Figures 1 and 3 to 5 illustrate a first embodiment of anchoring attachment 10 which comprises a main body 12 which includes a first body member 15 and a second body member 25 which are configured for movement relative to one another so that the anchoring attachment 10 can be at least partially received within the fin box cavity 54 and adopt an installed position in which removal of the anchoring attachment 10 from the fin box cavity 54 is inhibited.

[0045] The first and second body members 15 and 25 are operatively mounted together for pivotal movement relative to one another about pivot 30. The first body member 15 includes an outer portion 14 and a mounting portion 16. The mounting portion can be received within the cavity 54 and includes a locating section 18 on a side 21 thereof. The locating section 18 is in the form of a slot 19 having a locating surface 20. The surface 20 is adapted to cooperate with surface 62 on the fin box 53 so that in a fitted position movement of the first body member 15 out of the fin box cavity 54 is inhibited in the direction of main axis X-X. As would be appreciated from the figures the locating surface 20 of the slot 19 is that which faces the overhanging locating surface 62 when the first body member is in the fitted position.

[0046] The second body member 25 comprises a base side 26 which when the anchoring attachment 10 is in use is adapted to operatively seat against the underside 52 of the surfboard 50. This is best illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The second body member 25 further includes an insert portion 27 which projects from the base side 26 and is receivable within the fin box cavity 54. The insert portion 27 includes a side 28 which operatively seats against side 57 of the fin box 53. When the anchoring attachment 10 is in the installed position with the first body member 15 in the fitted position the insert portion 27 together with the mounting section 16 are sized and configured to inhibit any substantial lateral movement of the anchoring attachment within the cavity 54 with respect to the main axis X-X.

[0047] The surface 20 of locating section 18 of the first body member 15 interacts with locating surface 62 of the undercut 65. The surface of side 28 of the insert portion 27 of the second body member interacts with the surface of side 57 of the fin box 53 (which is on the opposite side wall 58 having the locating section 60 thereon) and theP7298PC00 surface of the base side 26 of the second body member 25 interacts with the underside 52 of the surfboard.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates the anchoring attachment 10 in the installed position within the fin box 53. As shown the first body member 15 is in the fitted position with the locating section 18 interacting with the locating section 60 of the fin box 53. The insert portion 27 of the second body member 25 is positioned within the fin box cavity 54 so that the mounting portion 16 and the insert portion 27 are side by side and lateral movement of the two parts with respect to the main axis X-X is inhibited. In this position the base side 26 of the second body member operatively abuts or seats on the underside of the surfboard.

[0049] A retention arrangement may be provided to restrict the relative movement of the first and second body members. To this end each member may have a through hole 35 and 36 therein which, when the anchoring attachment 10 is in the installed position, are aligned so as to be able to receive a fastener which can lock the two members together. As shown in figures 14 and 15, fasteners may comprise a padlock or keylock.

[0050] To enable removal or release of the anchoring attachment 10 the first body member 15 can be pivotally moved about pivot 30 so that it is clear of the locating section 60 of the fin box (as per figure 4). To this end the first body member 15 includes a manually engageable part 24 on the outer section 14 thereof which can be manually engaged to pivot the first body member. In this configuration the anchoring attachment can then be lifted clear of the fin box as shown in figure 5. Of course, to allow pivoting movement of the first body member, any fastener received through holes 35 and 26 is first removed.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates a second embodiment of anchoring attachment 10. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same parts described with reference to the first embodiment. The only difference is the shape of the second body member 25, which is shortened in the second embodiment such that it does not extend to abut against the underside 52 of the main board body when the anchoring attachment is installed. Instead, any abutment of the base side is with the fin box only. This second embodiment otherwise functions in the same manner as in the first embodiment.P7298PC00

[0052] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a third embodiment of anchoring element. Again, where possible the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same parts described with reference to the earlier described embodiments. In this embodiment the mounting portion 16 of the first body member 15 is sized so that in the installed position it extends substantially from side wall 57 of the cavity 51 to the other side wall 58. That is side 21 is adjacent sidewall 58 and side 22 is an adjacent side wall 57, when the anchoring attachment 10 is in the installed position. Side 22 is angularly inclined so that it extends away from side wall 57 when in the installed position, becoming gradually more spaced from the side wall 57 in the direction towards the inner bottom side 56 of the cavity. The second body member 25 does not include an insert portion. The base side 26, at one end 70 of the second body member, seats against the underside of the surfboard when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, with the pivot 30 being in the region of the other end 71. As shown in figure 8, pivotal movement of the second body member 25, so that base side 26 at end 70 is displaced substantially from the underside of the board, enables the mounting portion 16 of the first body member 15 to be manipulated out from the cavity by a pivoting or rotating action.

[0053] The surface of the locating part 18 of the first body member 15 interacts with the locating surface 62 of the undercut 65. The surface of side 22 of the first body member15 interacts with the surface of the side wall 57 and the surface of the base side 26 of the second body member 25 interacts with the underside 52 of the surfboard.

[0054] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a fourth embodiment of anchoring attachment. Again, where appropriate the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same parts described with reference to the earlier embodiments. In this embodiment the first and second body members 15 and 25 are operatively mounted together for sliding or linear movement relative to one another in the direction of main axis X-X. In this embodiment the outer section 14 of the first body member 15 includes a base side 72 which is configured to seat against the underside of the surfboard when in the installed position. The mounting portion 16 is similar in structure to that described earlier, including a slot 19 for receiving projection 64. The second body member 25 is elongated in form and has one end section 73 providing for the insert portion 27. When in the installed position 16 the insert portion 27 is disposed within the cavity 54 so that the anchoring attachment cannot be removed because the insert portion 27 and the mounting portion16 are sized to as to inhibit any lateral movement within the cavity. The other end 74 of the member 25 provides for manual engagement by which the member can be movedP7298PC00 out of the cavity in the direction of main axis X-X thereby providing enough space for the first body member to be first slid within the cavity, to disengage the projection 64 from the slot 19, and thereafter be removed.

[0055] The surface 20 of the locating section of the first body member 15 interacts with the locating surface 62 of the undercut 65. The surface of side 28 of the second body member 25 interacts with the surface of side wall 57 of the fin box 53 and the surface 72 of the first body member interacts with the underside 52 of the surfboard.

[0056] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate a fifth embodiment of anchoring attachment. Again, where appropriate the same reference numerals have been used to identify the same parts described with reference to the earlier embodiments. In this embodiment the first body member 15 includes a mounting portion 16 which is sized so that in the installed position it extends substantially from one side of the cavity to the other in a similar fashion to the embodiment described with reference to figures 7 and 8. The first body member further includes an outer section 14 having a base side 72 which in the installed position seats against the underside of the surfboard to one side of the cavity. The second body member includes a base side 26 which in the installed position seats against the underside of the board to the other side of the cavity. In the installed position, abutment of the base side 26 of the second member against the underside of the surfboard prohibits rotation of the first body member so that it cannot be removed from the cavity. The body members are operatively mounted together for linear movement relative to one another so that the base side 26 of the second member can be moved into a position in which it is clear of the underside of the board thereby enabling rotation of the first body member 15 in order to remove it from the cavity 54. The first and second body members are operatively connected together through a slot and pin assembly 33 and 34. It will be appreciated to a skilled person that in a varied form the first body member 15 may not extend have a base side 72 that seats against the underside of the surfboard.

[0057] The surface 20 of the locating section of the first body member 15 interacts with the locating surface 62 of the undercut 65. The surface of side 22 of the first body member 15 interacts with side wall 57 and the surfaces 72 and 26 of the first and second body members 15 and 25 interact with the underside 52 of the surfboard.

[0058] Figure 13 illustrates a surfboard being secured by a surfboard fin box locking system. As shown in the drawing the surfboard 50 has fin boxes 53 in its underside. An anchoring attachment 10 is inserted into a fin box and secured by cable 40 being passedP7298PC00 through the through holes 35 and 36, which is secured by combination locking device 44, and loop 45 can be attached or incorporated to a secure object or rack.

[0059] Figure 14 illustrates an example of a surfboard fin box locking system. In the drawing shows surfboard fin box locking system has an attached cable 40 with a secure loop 45 that can be used to secure objects or racks. The through holes 35, 36 of the anchoring attachment are secured by a key locking device 44 in the form of a padlock 46.

[0060] Figure 15 illustrates an example of a surfboard fin box locking system. The drawing shows surfboard anchoring attachment 10 that has an attached cable 40 with a secure loop 45 that can be used to secure to objects or racks. A lock in the form of a keylock 48 locks the anchoring attachment component in the installed position.

[0061] Whilst in the embodiments shown in the drawings the locating section 18 of the first body member comprises a slot 19 that includes the locating surface 20, it will be appreciated that the slot may be varied in some embodiments to simply a shoulder having a locating surface thereon, which is adapted to interact with the undercut locating surface 62 on the locating section 60, so that when in the fitted position, movement of the first body member is limited.

[0062] It will also be appreciated that where the mechanism of action permits, the embodiments as shown in the drawings or otherwise may take varied forms where the first and second body members are arranged side-by-side or one member moves within the other member.

[0063] As described previously, with regard to the term ‘fin box’, it will be appreciated to a skilled person that sometimes the term ‘fin plug’ is used colloquially and / or in an interchangeable manner therewith. Furthermore, the term ‘fin box’ as used herein is intended to be inclusive all forms of installable mounting elements with one or more cavities for receiving watercraft fins, inclusive of those that are plug shaped or that might be sometimes / alternatively referred to as ‘fin plugs’.

[0064] It will also be appreciated to a skilled person that in ‘dual tab’ or two slot systems, like the ‘FCS II’ system, wherein only one of the slots provides the undercut for interacting with the anchoring attachments as described herein, the anchoring attachments as described herein may be secured within that slot only, leaving the other vacant. It will also be appreciated that the components of the anchoring attachments may be sized / shaped to fit and function within fin receiving cavities / slots of different sizes / shapes. It will thus be appreciated that the anchoring attachment according to theP7298PC00 disclosure may be adapted for use with the ‘FCS II’ fin system as described in WO 2014 / 008529 and the ‘Futures’ fin system.

[0065] As also described previously, whilst the use case in the above embodiments has been in relation to the securement of surfboards, it will be appreciated that the anchoring attachment as described may be applied for other watercraft that might implement appropriate fin boxes, such as, for example, other surf craft, stand up paddle boards, windsurfing boards, kiteboards, and boogey boards.

[0066] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and any variation thereof such as “comprises’ or “comprising”, are to be interpreted in a non-exhaustive sense.

[0067] Wherever it is used, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[0068] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology had been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be constructed as limiting terms.

[0069] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s) and alteration, modification, additions and / or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments the embodiment being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0070] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments, e.g., aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

Claims

P7298PC00Claims1 . An anchoring attachment for a watercraft, the watercraft including a fin box or plug having a cavity therein for receiving a watercraft fin, the fin box or plug being mounted in an underside of the watercraft, the anchoring attachment comprising a main body which is at least partially insertable into the cavity and configured so as to be able to adopt an installed position in which removal of the main body from the cavity is inhibited, the main body comprising first and second body members which are moveable relative to one another so that in one position the main body can be removed from the cavity and in another position, the main body is in the installed position and removal from the cavity is inhibited.

2. An anchoring attachment according to claim 1 , wherein the cavity includes an open outer side, an inner bottom side and opposed side walls with a main axis extending in a direction from the inner bottom side to the outer side, the cavity including a locating section on one of the side walls, and wherein the first body member includes a mounting portion which is receivable within the cavity and includes a locating section which is adapted to cooperate with the cavity locating section so as to restrict movement of the first body member in the direction of the main axis when first body member is disposed within the cavity in a fitted position.

3. An anchoring attachment according to claim 2, wherein when the first body member is in the fitted position and the main body is in the installed position, the cooperating locating sections on the first body member and the cavity are configured to inhibit removal of the main body from the cavity.

4. An anchoring attachment according to claim 3, wherein the locating section on the first body member of the main body comprises a shoulder having a locating surface which is adapted to interact with an undercut locating surface on the cavity locating section so that when in the fitted position movement of the first body member is limited.

5. An anchoring attachment according to claim 4, wherein the first body member is operatively mounted to the second body member for relative pivotal movement therebetween for movement of the first body member from the installed position to a release position, in which the main body can be removed from the cavity.P7298PC006. An anchoring attachment according to claim 5, wherein the second body member includes an insert portion which is disposed within cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position so that the insert portion and first body member inhibit lateral movement of the anchoring attachment with respect to the main axis.

7. An anchoring attachment according to claim 5, wherein the first body member includes a mounting portion which is receivable within the cavity and is sized so as to limit lateral movement within the cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, and the second body member includes a base side which operatively seats against the underside of the watercraft when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, the arrangement being such that pivotal movement of the second body member causes the base side to be displaced from the underside of the watercraft so as to enable removal of the mounting portion of first body member from the cavity.

8. An anchoring attachment according to claim 4, wherein the first body member includes a mounting portion and an outer portion and the second body member includes an insert portion which is receivable within the cavity, the second body member being moveable in a linear fashion with respect to the first body member, the mounting portion of the first body member and the insert portion of the second body member when in the installed position inhibiting lateral movement of the main body within the cavity.

9. An anchoring attachment according to claim 3, wherein the first body member includes a mounting portion and an outer portion, the mounting portion receivable within the cavity and sized so as to limit lateral movement within the cavity when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, and wherein the second body member has a base side, the base side operatively seated against the underside of the watercraft when the anchoring attachment is in the installed position, the first and second body members being moveable laterally with respect to one another so that the base side of the second body member can be moved clear of the watercraft underside so as to enable removal of the anchoring attachment from the cavity.

10. An anchoring attachment according to claim 9, wherein the first and second body members are operatively connected together through a pin and slot arrangement which permits the lateral movement with respect to the main axis therebetween.P7298PC0011. An anchoring attachment according to any one of claims 1 to 10, including a retention arrangement for restricting the relative movement between the first and second body members.

12. An anchoring attachment according to claim 11 , wherein the retention arrangement includes a through hole in each body member which are adapted to be aligned for receipt of a fastener which restricts the relative movement therebetween.

13. A locking system for a watercraft including an anchoring attachment according to any one of the claims 1 to 12 operatively connectible to the watercraft and a connector member for operatively connecting the anchoring attachment and a structure.

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