Devices for controlling flex and apparatus including same

Abstract

Apparatus, and in particular sporting apparatus, that comprise a body configured to flex, as well as devices, assemblies and components that may be incorporated therewith, for controlling flex of the apparatus body Abstract Figure: 1.

Description

[0001] Devices for controlling flex and apparatus including same

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus, and in particular sporting apparatus, that comprise a body configured to flex, as well as devices, assemblies and components that may be incorporated therewith, for controlling flex of the apparatus body.

[0004] Background

[0005]

[0002] Any reference in this specification to prior art, or matter which is said to be known, is not to be taken as an acknowledgement or admission that such prior art or matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of invention to which this specification relates.

[0006]

[0003] Often apparatus, such as sporting apparatus, comprise a body that can be flexed. Typically, this is to improve performance and / or resistance to breakage. One example is a surfboard, which whilst comprising a substantially rigid body, typically has some flex that allows for better manoeuvrability whilst on wave, and greater resistance to breakage during wipeouts.

[0007]

[0004] Other examples are snow skis and snowboards, which are also designed to have a degree of flex. More rigid skis and boards are typically selected for speed, whereas more flexible skis and boards are selected for manoeuvrability. Yet a further example are golf clubs, where the shaft bodies thereof have varying degrees of flex. Stiffer shafts are typically preferred for golfers with above average swing speeds, whilst more flexible shafts are typically preferred for golfers with average swing speeds.

[0008]

[0005] It will be appreciated that both the dimensions and material(s) of the body (or portion) of the apparatus that is configured to flex contribute to the 'flex profile' of the apparatus. For example, in a typical surfboard, the flex profile is influenced by the shape of the board body, as well as the materials that form of the board body, i.e. by the combination of foam and fibreglass that form the majority of the board body, and a 'stringer' (or reinforcing wood strip of material) that extends from nose to tail, which provides stiffening along the board's longitudinal axis.

[0009]

[0006] To date the flex profile, permitted degree of flex and / or state of flex, of an apparatus, such as sporting apparatus, has not been controllable after manufacture.

[0010] Summary of the Invention

[0011]

[0007] According to one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus comprising a body configured to flex, the apparatus including a device for controlling flex of the body. In some forms, the device includes an elongate element that extends between a first point and a second point of the body.

[0012]

[0008] In some forms, the elongate element is a stiffening element or is configurable to be a stiffening element. In some forms, the elongate element is a cable or cord. In some forms, the device is removably installed in or on the body.

[0013]

[0009] In some forms, the apparatus further includes a housing for the elongate element, the housing extending substantially between the first point and the second point.

[0014]

[0010] In some forms, the elongate element has a first end and a second end, and a first engagement portion is included at the first end. In some forms, the apparatus includes a first mounting element fixed to the body, and the first engagement portion is configured for engagement with the first mounting element. In some forms, the first engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be retained by the mounting element.

[0015] [Oil] In some forms, a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element. In some forms, the device includes a tensioner to adjust the tension of the elongate element. In some forms, the second engagement portion is configured for securement to the tensioner. In some forms, the second engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the tensioner.

[0016]

[0012] In some forms, the tensioner comprises a reel about which the elongate element can be wound, and a ratchet mechanism. In some forms, the tensioner includes a tensioner mount fixed to the body and configured to rotatably mount the reel.

[0017]

[0013] In some forms, the tension of the elongate element can be adjusted to flex the body.

[0018]

[0014] In some forms, the apparatus is sporting apparatus. In some forms, the apparatus is a surfboard. In some forms, the surfboard has a nose region and a tail region, and the first point is located at the nose region and the second point is located at the tail region.

[0019]

[0015] According to a further aspect the present invention provides a device for controlling flex in a body of an apparatus, the device comprising an elongate element, and configured for installation in or on the body, so as to extend between a first point and a second point of the body. In some forms, the elongate element is a stiffening element, or is configurable to be a stiffening element. In some forms, the elongate element is a cable or cord. In some forms, the apparatus is a surfboard.

[0016] In some forms, the elongate element has a first end and a second end, and a first engagement portion is included at the first end. In some forms, the first engagement portion is configured for engagement with a mounting element that is fixed to the body. In some forms, the first engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the mounting element.

[0020]

[0017] In some forms, a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element. In some forms, the second engagement portion is configured for securement to a tensioner. In some forms, the second engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the tensioner.

[0021]

[0018] In some forms, the device further comprises a tensioner for adjusting the tension in the elongate element. In some forms, the tensioner comprises a reel, and a ratchet mechanism.

[0022]

[0019] According to a further aspect the present invention provides an assembly for installation in a body of an apparatus, for controlling flex thereof, the assembly including : an elongate element having a first end and second end, the first end including a first engagement portion; a tensioner; and a mounting element configured to retain the first engagement portion. In some forms, the apparatus is a surfboard.

[0023]

[0020] In some forms, the mounting element comprises a body with a cavity, and a first and second opening to the cavity, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening. In some forms, when leading with the second end, the elongate element is insertable into the first opening and out of the second opening, up until the first engagement portion, which is too large to travel through the second opening. In some forms, a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element for releasable securement to the tensioner.

[0021] In some forms, the assembly further includes a housing for the elongate element.

[0024]

[0022] According to a further aspect, the present invention provides, a mounting element for retaining an elongate element that is inserted therethrough, the elongate element having a first end with an engagement portion and a second end, the mounting element comprising a body with a cavity, and a first and second opening to the cavity, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening such that the elongate element, leading with the second end, may be inserted into the first opening and out of the second opening, up until the first engagement portion, which is too large to travel through the second opening. In some forms, the mounting element is for use in a surfboard.

[0025]

[0023] In some forms, the first opening is in a top side of thereof, and the second opening is in a side wall thereof. In some forms, the mounting element comprises a body that is substantially cylindrical with a curved side wall between top and bottom sides, the first opening provided in the top side and the second opening provided in the curved side wall. In some forms, the cavity is shaped to fit the first engagement portion of the elongate element.

[0026]

[0024] According to a further aspect the present invention provides a tensioner for adjusting tension of an elongate element in a body of an apparatus, to control the flex thereof, the tensioner including: a mount for securement to the body; and a reel rotatably mounted within the mount, the reel configured to releasably attach an end of the elongate element. In some forms the apparatus is a surfboard.

[0027]

[0025] In some forms, the reel includes a slot or recess, to releasably receive and attach an end of the elongate element, which has a corresponding engagement portion thereon. In some forms, the tensioner further includes a ratchet mechanism.

[0028] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

[0026] Figure 1 is perspective view of one example of a surfboard with a flex control device installed, the surfboard having a section thereof cut away for illustration purposes;

[0030]

[0027] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the surfboard of Figure 1, along the plane A-A;

[0031]

[0028] Figure 3 is a top view of the surfboard of Figure 1;

[0032]

[0029] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the surfboard of Figure 1;

[0033]

[0030] Figure 5 shows an example of a flex control device;

[0034]

[0031] Figure 6 shows an example of how the flex control device of figure 5, when installed in a surfboard, may be actuated;

[0035]

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates (using arrows) typical rotational adjustment of a tensioner of a flex control device according to one example, and related movement between various flexed positions / configurations of a surfboard in which the device has been installed;

[0036]

[0033] Figure 8 shows another example of a surfboard with a flex control device installed;

[0037]

[0034] Figure 9 is a top view of an example of a flex control assembly for installation in a surfboard;

[0038]

[0035] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a cable or cord for use with the assembly of figure 9;

[0039]

[0036] Figure 11 shows schematic representation of the assembly of figure 9, with mounting element shown in perspective view;

[0040]

[0037] Figure 12 shows example location of the assembly of figure 9, when installed in a surfboard;

[0041]

[0038] Figure 13 shows cross section of cable or cord and associated housing along section B-B;

[0039] Figure 14 shows a schematic sectional representation of position of mounting element portion of figure 11, in a board body;

[0042]

[0040] Figure 15 shows a further example of an anchor body for a flex control device / assembly;

[0043]

[0041] Figure 16 shows a further example of a tensioner for use in a flex control device / assembly; and

[0044]

[0042] Figure 17 shows a further example a surfboard with a flex control device / assembly installed therein, with tensioner of figure 16.

[0045] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046]

[0043] Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus which comprise a body configured to flex (i.e. resiliently deform from a unflexed state), as well as devices, assemblies and components that may incorporated therewith, for controlling flex of the apparatus body.

[0047]

[0044] It will be appreciated that such apparatus may include sporting apparatus, such surfboards, skis, snowboards, golfclubs, or other types of apparatus with bodies that are configured to flex, such as aircraft, with wing bodies that flex. In some preferred forms, the apparatus is a surfboard.

[0048]

[0045] The devices for controlling flex typically include an elongate element that extends between a first point and a second point of the body. The elongate element may be, for example, a cable, cord, band, rod or strip of material. It will be appreciated that the term 'point' refers to a position or location in or on the body and may be defined by a direct or indirect general attachment area of the elongate element. In one example, when the apparatus is embodied as a surfboard, the first point may be located at a nose region of the surfboard body and the second point may be located at a tail region of the surfboard body.

[0046] By including an elongate element between the first and second point, the flex properties / profile of the body can be controlled e.g. by reducing, increasing, adjusting or limiting flex. Typically, the elongate element is, or is configured to be, a stiffening element. For example, the elongate element may be a rod or strip of stiffening material, or may be a cable, cord, band or strip of material that may be tensioned to provide varying levels of stiffness. In some preferred examples, the elongate element is flexible.

[0049]

[0047] With regard to 'controlling flex' of the body, it should be noted this may be achieved in a variety of ways. Firstly, in some forms, the elongate element may be removably installed, and so, by swapping or changing between elements of different flex / stiffening properties, the degree of flex may be controlled.

[0050]

[0048] Secondly, in some forms, flex may be controlled by adjusting the tension of an elongate element that has been installed (particularly in the case of a cable, cord or band). Thus, in some examples, the device may include a tensioner to adjust the tension of the elongate element. It will also be appreciated that the tension of the elongate element may be adjusted using an external or separate tensioner. In one example a tensioner may include a mount for securement to the body and a reel rotatably mounted within the mount, the reel configured to releasably attach an end of the elongate element. A ratchet mechanism may also be included.

[0051]

[0049] Thirdly, in some forms, the device may control flex of the body by flexing and optionally maintaining the body in a flexed state, i.e. flexing or deforming the body out of a non-flexed or default state, and optionally thereafter, maintaining the body in the flexed state. Again, considering the example of a surfboard, it is well known that surfboards often have a 'rocker' (or a degree of curvature) from tail to nose, which is typically most visually apparent at the nose region. By tensioning an elongate element that extends between a nose region and a tail region of the surfboard, the board may be flexed out of its non-flexed or default position, into a flexed or 'increased rocker' position, which can be maintained. A surfer could thereby adjust the rocker to suit wave conditions.

[0052]

[0050] It will be appreciated that the device(s) for controlling flex may be removably installed, and thus, according to a one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide for devices per se, for controlling flex in a body of an apparatus. As described, such devices comprise an elongate element, and are configured for installation in or on the body, so as to extend between a first point and a second point of the body. The elongate element may be a cable, cord, band, rod or strip of material. Typically, the elongate element is a stiffening element or is configurable to be a stiffening element. In some preferred examples, the elongate element is flexible, and in some preferred examples, is a cable or cord.

[0053]

[0051] Whilst the device may simply comprise an elongate element in some forms, in other forms it may further comprise a tensioner for adjusting the tension in the elongate element. In one example, the tensioner comprises a reel, and a ratchet mechanism. In such forms the elongate element may be a cable or cord to be wound about the reel.

[0054]

[0052] It will be appreciated that the device may be installed / secured to the body in a number of ways. For example, the elongate element may simply be fixed (directly or indirectly) to the body at the first and second points, to extend therebetween. In some examples, a first end of the elongate element may be configured for securement (direct or indirect) to the body, and a second end of the elongate element is secured or configured for securement to a tensioner that in turn is mounted to the body. In some examples, the device may form part of a larger assembly with one or more mounting elements which are permanently secured to the board body.

[0053] In one example, the elongate element has a first end and a second end, and a first engagement portion is included at the first end. The first engagement portion is configured for engagement with a mounting element that is fixed to the body. Typically, the first engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the mounting element. In some examples, the anchor element at the first end is a substantially rigid body, and, in some forms, may be formed from moulded polymer material. In some forms, the anchor element at the first end provides an increase in cross sectional area from that of the elongate element.

[0055]

[0054] The mounting element may for example comprise a body with a cavity, and a first and second opening to the cavity, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening, such that the elongate element, leading with the second end, may be inserted into the first opening and out of the second opening, up until the first engagement portion, which is too large to travel through the second opening. The first engagement portion thus acts as an anchor being retained within the cavity. The first engagement portion is typically shaped to fit within the cavity.

[0056]

[0055] Typically, the first opening is in a top side of thereof, and the second opening is in a side wall thereof, and the mounting element is fixed within a body such that the top opening is accessible I exposed, to allow in insertion of the elongate element. In one example, the mounting element comprises a body that is substantially cylindrical with a curved side wall between top and bottom sides, the first opening provided in the top side and the second opening provided in the curve side wall.

[0057]

[0056] In some examples, a second engagement portion may be included at the second end of the elongate element. The second engagement portion may be configured for securement to a tensioner. The second engagement portion may also be an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the tensioner. In some examples, the anchor element at the second end is a substantially rigid body, and, in some forms, may be a formed from moulded polymer material. In some forms, the anchor element at the first end provides an increase in cross sectional area from that of the elongate element.

[0058]

[0057] Typically, a housing is included for the elongate element, the housing extending substantially between the first point and the second points. Along with protecting the body from any movement of the elongate elements thereof, a housing provides a guide path to assist with insertion / removal / replacement of the elongate element.

[0059]

[0058] Furthermore, apparatus as described herein are not limited to inclusion of a single device for controlling flex. For example, an apparatus may comprise a body with multiple devices, the elongate elements thereof located in different positions and / or orientations to control flex along different parts of the body and / or along different directions.

[0060]

[0059] One particular example of an apparatus and device according to the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, which shows a surfboard (1) incorporating a flex control device (100). As is typical, the surfboard includes main board body (2), and fins (3). The board body (2) includes a nose region (4) and a tail region (5).

[0061]

[0060] In this example, the flex control device comprises elongate element in the form of a cable or cord (6) that is affixed to a first point (7) at the tail region (5) and is affixed to a second point (8) at the nose region (4) via a tensioner (9). The tensioner comprises a reel (10) with a ratchet mechanism (not shown). The cable / cord extends through housing (12) that extends substantially between the first and second points (7, 8). In this example the housing takes the form of a rectangular tube, however it will be appreciated the housing may take other forms.

[0061] In use the reel (10) is rotated using a handle portion (11), as shown in Figure 6, to adjust the tension of the cable / cord and thereby adjust the stiffness of the body (2), along a line between the first point (7) and second point (8) i.e. along a line from tail region to nose region. Thus, in a first aspect the flex of the body (2) may controlled by the device (100) in this way i.e. by varying the tension in the cable / cord, the permissible flex of the board body is varied.

[0062]

[0062] In addition, the cable / cord (6) may be tightened / tensioned beyond a threshold value, after which the board body (2) is forced to flex from a resting or default shape i.e. resiliently deform from a default shape. By controlling flex in this way (i.e. by maintaining a flexed state) the overall shape, and in particular the curvature from nose to tail (or 'rocker') of the board may be adjusted to suit different wave conditions. See for example, Figure 7, which shows different flexed positions / configurations. It will be appreciated that the board body is typically resiliently deformable and as the tension of the cable is lowered the board progresses and ultimately substantially returns back to the default or resting shape (unflexed state).

[0063]

[0063] A further example of a surfboard with a flex control device is shown in figure 8. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7, the device does not include a tensioner and simply comprises an elongate element (e.g. stiffening rod, cable, cord or the like) installed to extend between a first and second point in the body. Also shown here is a typical fibreglass (13) and foam construction (14) of a board body.

[0064]

[0064] Figures 9 to 14 show a further example of a similar device (100a) and overall assembly for controlling flex, and how this may be installed in a surfboard (1). Like the devices as previously described the device (100a) includes an elongate element in the form of a cable or cord (101) that can be tensioned using a tensioner (102) in the form of a reel with a ratchet mechanism. The reel is typically rotatably mounted to a tensioner mount which is fixed to the board body (2). It will be appreciated that whilst the tensioner mount is fixed in position, the reel or other components of the tensioner (102) may be replaceable.

[0065]

[0065] At one end of the cable / cord (101), for connection with the tensioner (102), the cable / cord includes a head (103). In this example, the head is substantially cylindrical in shape, but with a curved end, and has a diameter slightly larger than the cable / cord. The head (103) acts as an anchor or hook, that can be received in a corresponding slot or recess of the tensioner reel. The cable / cord (101) may thereby be releasably secured to the tensioner (102).

[0066]

[0066] At the other end of the cable / cord (101), there is a larger anchor body (104) (when compared to the head (103)), that is configured for engagement with a mounting element (105) that is fixed in the board body (2). The anchor body is shaped to fit within and be releasably retained by the mounting element (105). The mounting element (105) in this example is a substantially cylindrical body with a cavity (110) therein to shaped fit the anchor body, which is also substantially cylindrical.

[0067]

[0067] The mounting element (105) has two openings to the cavity (110), a first top opening (106), and a second smaller side wall opening (107). A tube extension (113) extends outwardly at the side wall opening (107) to facilitate connection to housing (108). In a typical example of cable installation, leading end of the cable / cord (101), with head (103), is fed into the top opening (106), and then out through the smaller side wall opening (107). Head (103) also assists with feeding leading end through side opening (107). The cable / cord (101) is then fed along housing (108) which extends beneath the board surface (120), to the tensioner (102), at which point the head (103) is hooked into the tensioner (102). The tensioner (102) is then wound to pull the anchor body (104) into cavity (110) of the mounting element (105), through the top opening (106). The anchor body (104) is shaped to fit within the cavity (110) but is too large to travel out through the small side opening (107). Once the anchor body (104) is fitted within the cavity (110), the cable / cord (101) can be further tightened, thereby adjusting the tension thereof. As described previously, tensioning is typically actuated by handle of reel accessible at the board's surface. It will be appreciated that the tensioner and mounting element are typically mounted within the board so as to be exposed or accessible at the board top surface (see e.g. fig 14), and space / located as required to provide desired flex control functionality or flex properties / profile (see example placement at Figure 12). It will also be appreciated that the tensioner and mounting element would typically be substantially recessed into the board top surface so as to avoid increasing drag.

[0068]

[0068] It will be appreciated that device (100a) may operate to control flex as previously described, by way of the cable / cord being interchangeable, due to non-permanent engagement with the tensioner and mounting element, and also by way of selective tensioning of the cable / cord.

[0069]

[0069] It will also be appreciated that the cable / cord may similarly be string or other the like elongate element. The cable / cord (101) may be made from a range of materials, such as, for example, a suitable polymer, plastic, carbon, rubber or nylon. The diameter, tensile strength, and elastic properties thereof may also vary. It will also be appreciated that the head (103) and anchor body (104) are typically substantially rigid, and may be made from a variety of materials, and in some examples, are formed from moulded polymer material. The mounting element may similarly be formed from a range of materials, and some examples, may be a moulded polymer material.

[0070]

[0070] Figure 15 shows a varied shape of anchor body (104a) for flex control devices / assemblies as described herein. Figure 16 shows a further example of a suitable tensioner (102a), having reel (10a) and tensioner mount (20a), for use in flex control devices / assemblies as described herein. Figure 17 shows a further example of a surfboard with a flex control device / assembly as described herein installed, with tensioner 102(a).

[0071]

[0071] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and any variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", are to be interpreted in a non-exhaustive sense.

Claims

Claims1. An apparatus comprising a body configured to flex, the apparatus including a device for controlling flex of the body.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device includes an elongate element that extends between a first point and a second point of the body.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the elongate element is a stiffening element or is configurable to be a stiffening element.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the elongate element is a cable or cord.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the device is removably installed in or on the body.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, further including a housing for the elongate element, the housing extending substantially between the first point and the second point.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the elongate element has a first end and a second end, and a first engagement portion is included at the first end.

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the apparatus includes a first mounting element fixed to the body, and the first engagement portion is configured for engagement with the first mounting element.

9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be retained by the mounting element.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element.

11. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the device includes a tensioner to adjust the tension of the elongate element.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the second engagement portion is configured for securement to the tensioner.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the second engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the tensioner.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the tensioner comprises a reel about which the elongate element can be wound, and a ratchet mechanism.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, the tensioner includes a tensioner mount fixed to the body and configured to rotatably mount the reel.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15, wherein the tension of the elongate element can be adjusted to flex the body.

17. An apparatus as claims in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is sporting apparatus.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus is a surfboard.

19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 18 when dependent on any one of claim 2 to 16, wherein the surfboard has a nose region and a tail region, and the first point is located at the nose region and the second point is located at the tail region.

20. A device for controlling flex in a body of an apparatus, the device comprising an elongate element, and configured for installation in or on the body, so as to extend between a first point and a second point of the body.

21. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the elongate element is a stiffening element, or is configurable to be a stiffening element.

22. A device as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the elongate element is a cable or cord.

23. A device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the elongate element has a first end and a second end, and a first engagement portion is included at the first end.

24. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein the first engagement portion is configured for engagement with a mounting element that is fixed to the body.

25. A device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the first engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the mounting element.

26. A device as claimed in any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element.

27. A device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the second engagement portion is configured for securement to a tensioner.

28. A device as claimed in claim 27, wherein the second engagement portion is an anchor element configured to be releasably retained by the tensioner.

29. A device as claimed in any one of the 20 to 28, further comprising a tensioner for adjusting the tension in the elongate element.

30. A device as claimed in claim 29, where the tensioner comprises a reel, and a ratchet mechanism.

31. A device as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 30, wherein the apparatus is a surfboard.

32. An assembly for installation in a body of an apparatus, for controlling flex thereof, the assembly including : an elongate element having a first end and second end, the first end including a first engagement portion; a tensioner; and a mounting element configured to retain the first engagement portion.

33. An assembly as claimed in claim 32, wherein the mounting element comprises a body with a cavity, and a first and second opening to the cavity, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening.

34. An assembly as claimed in claim 33, wherein leading with the second end, the elongate element is insertable into the first opening and out of the second opening, up until the first engagement portion, which is too large to travel through the second opening.

35. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, where a second engagement portion is included at the second end of the elongate element for releasable securement to the tensioner.

36. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, further including a housing for the elongate element.

37. A mounting element for retaining an elongate element that is inserted therethrough, the elongate element having a first end with an engagement portion and a second end, the mounting element comprising a body with a cavity, and a first and second opening to the cavity, wherein the first opening is larger than the second opening such that the elongate element, leading with the second end, may be inserted into the first opening and out of the second opening, up until the first engagement portion, which is too large to travel through the second opening.

38. A mounting element as claimed in claim 37, wherein the first opening is in a top side of thereof, and the second opening is in a side wall thereof.

39. A mounting element as claimed in claim 37, wherein the mounting element comprises a body that is substantially cylindrical with a curved side wall between top and bottom sides, the first opening provided in the top side and the second opening provided in the curved side wall.

40. A mounting element as claimed in any one of claim 37 to 39, wherein the cavity is shaped to fit the first engagement portion of the elongate element.

41. A tensioner for adjusting tension of an elongate element in a body of an apparatus, to control the flex thereof, the tensioner including: a mount for securement to the body; and a reel rotatably mounted within the mount, the reel configured to releasably attach an end of the elongate element.

42. A tensioner as claimed in claim 41, wherein reel includes a slot or recess, to releasably receive and attach an end of the elongate element, which has a corresponding engagement portion thereon.

43. A tensioner as claimed in claim 41 or 42, further including a ratchet mechanism.

44. A tensioner as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the apparatus is a surfboard.

45. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the apparatus is a surfboard.

46. A mounting element as claimed in any one of claims 37 to 40, for use in a surfboard.

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