The present invention relates to safety release devices, generally for sports equipment and more particularly for a kite surfing harness.

Background

Kite surfing has relatively recently become a popular sport and leisure time activity. The sport is generally recognised as a mix of windsurfing, surfing and kiting. The kite surfer is supported on a shortened surf board and wears a harness attached to a kite, which is similar in many respects as a sail or canopy of a paraglider. The kite provides the propulsion which propels the kite surfer.

Typically, a horizontal control bar is connected between the harness and the kite, and enables the kite surfer to orient and steer the kite so that he can control his direction and speed. The control bar is attached to the harness via a loop which hooks onto a downwardly oriented hook on the front of the harness, thus enabling the surfer to use his bodyweight to control the kite.

Kite surfing is becoming increasingly popular and kite surfers are often seen in shallow waters, surfing at speeds in excess of 20 km/h, sometimes even faster than 30 km/h. As with many sports there is an inherent risk of danger. The kite surfer may be inadvertently carried substantial distances by a sudden gust of wind, and may find themselves being propelled towards a hazard such as another kite surfer, boat, swimmer, sea wall or even dragged into deep water as a result of freak conditions. Similarly, guide ropes may become entangled as a result of a collision, e.g. with another kite surfer or a stationary object such as a tree, mast, post or the like.

Previous kite surfing equipment incorporates various types of quick release mechanism that a user can pull in such an emergency. Such quick release mechanisms include arrangements in which the kite is either fully or partially de- powered, i.e. deflated so that the lift forces applied to it by the air are reduced. De- powering may be achieved by rapidly extending one of the control lines tethering the kite by a length approximately equal to the span of the kite, so that the kite collapses. In the process of de-powering, the control bar is released from the harness hook, the de-powered kite remaining attached to the harness via a tethering cable, or leash, in order that the kite surfer is able to easily regain the kite after de-powering.

Despite the above known safety mechanisms, there is still a risk of injury or death to kite surfers who de-power their kites but remain attached via the tethering cable. Some previous harnesses have provided quick release mechanisms for removing the tethering cable, but these are entirely separate from the de-powering safety release mechanisms · and thus must be located and activated separately. Alternatively, the surfer may try to remove the harness in such a situation.

Both such life preserving actions may not always be practicable or even possible, especially in cases where the surfer is being dragged underwater (possibly even face down); has sustained an injury; has limited mobility or little time to get free before an imminent collision. In other words, when the user is placed in an extreme situation which may be life threatening to themselves or others. The present invention has been devised in view of the above considerations, and seeks to provide an improved safety mechanism for kite surfers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety release device for a kite surfing harness, the harness has a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, the release device comprising: first and second ripcords, which first ripcord, when deployed, releases a kite from its connection to the belt and which second ripcord releases the belt from the user.

Ideally the first and second rip cords are located on a single grip or handle.

Advantageously the first ripcord is arranged to deploy before each second ripcord. One way in which this is achieved by dimensioning the first rip cord to be shorter than the second, so that in the event of an emergency, when a user pulls the handle the first ripcord deploys the release of the kite from where it is normally located on the front of the belt; and by continual pulling of the ripcord, the user is able to completely release himself form the belt.

One way in which the first deployment of the first ripcord releases the kite from its connection to the belt, is to detach the kite from a hook portion located on the belt. Thus, the user is able to easily and quickly release the kite from the belt, and thus effectively "de-power" the kite, with one simple pull on the first ripcord. The ripcord provides a failsafe, straightforward and foolproof way of releasing the kite from the hook. The first ripcord ideally secures the kite to the hook or the hook portion to the belt, in the first pre-deployment configuration. This is achieved by way of first safety release loop affixed to either the belt portion or the hook portion and threaded through an opening of the other (belt portion or the hook portion), so that the first ripcord passing through the first safety release loop secures the first safety release loop within an opening.

The opening may comprise a rigid ring, loop, or series of rings or loops, connected to the belt portion or hook portion. Preferably there is provided a rigid ring affixed to an end of a strap, the other end of which is affixed to the hook portion. In the first deployment configuration the first ripcord is removed from the first safety release loop whilst maintaining the belt tight around the user.

The downward orientation of the hook is such that it is oriented in a manner in which a first limb of the hook projects outwardly from the belt portion, and a second limb of the hook projects from the first limb downwardly towards a lower edge of the belt portion.

The harness according to the first aspect may further comprise a leash having a first end arranged to connect to a kite, and a second safety release mechanism comprising a second ripcord, the second safety release mechanism having a second pre-deployment configuration in which the second ripcord secures a second end of the leash to the belt portion, and a second deployment configuration in which the second ripcord is removed to release the leash from the belt portion.

In this way, if the user has removed the first ripcord to achieve the first deployment configuration but he remains in danger because of the leash connection between kite and harness, he can simply remove the second ripcord to achieve complete separation of the kite and harness. The ripcord provides a failsafe, straightforward and foolproof way of releasing the kite.

The first and second ripcords may comprise a length of rope, cable, string, wire, cord, drawstring, pull cord, or any other suitable elongate member.

Advantageously the first and second ripcords are enclosed within a sleeve, casing or enclosed channel defined within the belt in such a way that there is minimum friction provided by an interior of the sleeve, casing or enclosed channel, to the ripcords. This can be achieved by providing surfaces coated with low friction material such as synthetic oil and/or poly-tetra-fluoro-ethene (PTFE) or similar materials, so as to ensure that seizing of the ripcords in the sleeve, casing or enclosed channel does not occur.

According to a second aspect of the invention a kite surfing harness has a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, a hook portion comprising a hook arranged to secure a kite, and a first safety release mechanism comprising a first ripcord, the first safety release mechanism having a first pre-deployment configuration in which the first ripcord is arranged to secure the hook portion to the belt portion such that the hook is restrained in a downward orientation, and a first deployment configuration in which the first ripcord is removed to release the hook portion from the belt portion.

The harness preferably includes a handle to which each of the first and second ripcords is attached, pulling of the handle causing deployment of the first and second ripcords in a sequential manner. Preferably, the relative lengths of the first and second ripcords are selected such that, in use, continued pulling of the handle causes the first deployment configuration to be achieved before the second deployment configuration; the second deployment being used in cases of extreme danger or urgency as is herein described.

As both ripcords are located on the same handle, the user does not need to search in an emergency situation for two separate safety activation mechanisms, but needs only to locate a single handle, which may be done even when a user is disoriented or has only limited mobility. This arrangement ensures that minimum time is lost between separation of the hook and harness (ie "de-powering" of the kite), and subsequent complete un-tethering of the user from the belt and the kite, with the associated risk that the kite, harness and equipment might be blown away in a high wind.

In some embodiments, the second ripcord is of a different colour and/or material to the first ripcord.

Ideally a flap or cover is provided to envelope the handle so as to prevent inadvertent deployment.

A lower portion of the hook portion may be connected to the belt portion in the first pre-deployment configuration via a first ripcord connector through which the first ripcord passes, and an upper portion of the hook portion may be connected to the belt portion in the first pre-deployment configuration via a second ripcord connector through which the first ripcord passes, the first and second ripcord connectors being arranged to permit removal of the first ripcord from the first ripcord connector before the second ripcord connector. The invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a side view of a kite surfing harness having safety mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a pre-deployment configuration;

Figure 2 is an alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a first stage deployment configuration, with some parts shown out of position for clarity;

Figure 3 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a second stage deployment configuration, with the harness shown hooked in to a kite;

Figure 4 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a third stage deployment configuration; and

Figure 5 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a fourth stage deployment configuration.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figs. 1-5 show a kite surfing harness 100 with safety mechanisms according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 the safety mechanisms are shown stowed and un-deployed, while Figs. 2-5 show successive steps in the deployment of the safety mechanisms.

The harness 100 comprises a waist belt 110 which is arranged to be fitted securely around the waist of a user (not shown). The waist belt 110 comprises a padded back panel 112 which, in use, is seated against the user's back so as to spread the loads transmitted from the kite across the back, and a narrower front panel 114.

A hook panel 120 is arranged overlying the front panel 114 so as to be directly in front of and central to the user when the harness 100 is worn. The hook panel 120 supports at its midline a kite hook 122, which comprises a rigid hook shaped member projecting outwardly from the hook panel 120. The kite hook 122 is oriented downwardly, so that when a fully tensioned connecting loop 300 (shown in Fig. 3) of a kite control bar (not shown) is hooked onto the kite hook 122 there is a secure connection between the control bar (and thus the kite, not shown) and the harness 100.

In the pre-deployment configuration shown in Fig. 1 the hook panel 120 is secured to the back panel 112 of the harness 100 via upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps. The upper de-powering strap 130 is fixed at a first end to the hook panel 120 via a slotted opening 1.24 therein proximal to a side edge of the hook panel 120. A second end of the upper de-powering strap 130 comprises a circular upper connection ring 132 which is connected to the back panel 112 via a first releasable fastening mechanism 140.

The first releasable fastening mechanism 140 includes two circular rings which are each attached to the back panel 112 via a short fabric loop: a first upper release ring 142 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the upper connection ring 132; and a second upper release ring 144 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first upper release ring 142. The first upper release ring 142 is mounted more forwardly (i.e. nearer to the front panel 1 14) than the second upper release ring 144. To connect the upper de-powering strap 130 to the harness 100, the first upper release ring 142 is passed through the upper connection ring 132, and the second upper release ring 144 is passed through the first upper release ring 142.

As best shown in Fig. 2, in which the upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps are shown lifted up away from the front panel 114 for clarity, the second upper release ring 144 is then secured via an upper release loop 146 comprising a closed loop of cord or fabric secured to the back panel 112; the upper release loop 146 is passed through the second upper release ring 144 and a first ripcord 220 passed through the closed loop of the upper release loop 146. In this way, the first and second upper release rings 142, 144 and upper connection ring 132 are securely interconnected only while the first ripcord 220 remains within the upper release loop 146.

The lower de-powering strap 150 is arranged below (i.e. vertically lower than) the upper de-powering strap 130, and is connected to the back panel 112 of the harness 100 via a lower connection ring 152 which connects with a second releasable fastening mechanism 60, similar to the first releasable fastening mechanism 140 described above. In contrast to the upper de-powering strap 130, however, the lower de-powering strap 150 is not fixed to the hook panel 120, but instead passes over it so as to apply a bearing force across its full width.

Unlike the first releasable fastening mechanism 140, the second releasable fastening mechanism 160 comprises only a single circular ring: lower release ring 162. The lower release ring 162 is attached to the back panel 112 via a fabric loop, and has an outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connection ring 152. To secure the lower de-powering strap 150 to the harness 100, the lower release ring 162 is first threaded through the lower connection ring 152. The lower release ring 162 is then secured via a lower release loop 164 which comprises a closed loop of fabric or cord which is secured to the back panel 112. The lower release loop 164 is passed through the lower release ring 162 and the first ripcord 220 threaded through the closed loop so that the lower release ring 162 and lower connection ring 152 are securely fastened together only while the first ripcord 220 remains threaded through the lower release loop 164.

Although not shown in the figures, the side of the hook panel 120 not connected to the upper de-powering strap 130 is securely fixed to the harness 100. Thus, when the upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps are released from the harness 100 via the first 140 and second 160 releasable fastening mechanisms, there remains a connection between the hook panel 120 and the harness 100.

The first ripcord 220 comprises an elongate cable or rope which is free at one end and secured at the other end to a handle 200. As shown in Fig. 1 , the handle 200 is stowed pre-deployment at a position to the side of the harness 100 and slightly above its upper edge, so that it is easy to locate by the user. Although not shown in the figures, it is intended that the handle 200 be secured to the harness 100 via a velcro™ strap, or similar, so that it is normally safely stowed, but can be detached by a forceful tug on the handle 200. It is also intended that the handle 200 be concealed by a removable cover (not shown) to further prevent accidental deployment.

When the handle 200 is pulled upwardly away from the harness 100 (as illustrated in the deployment sequences shown in the figures), the first ripcord 220 is first withdrawn from the lower release loop 164, and subsequently from the upper release loop 146. Thus, the lower de-powering strap 150 is unfastened (i.e. de-tensioned) before the upper de-powering strap 130. Since the kite (not shown) applies an upwards force on the hook 122 via the control loop 300 (shown in Fig. 3), the result of the sequential unfastening of the upper and lower de-powering straps 130, 150 is that the hook panel 120 is firstly tilted upwardly so that its lower edge 126 moves away from the front panel 1 14 of the harness, and secondly swings away from the front panel 144 as it is no longer attached at one side to the harness 100. In the first stage the control loop 300 (and thus the kite) is unhooked from the kite hook 122, in the second stage the kite becomes de-powered (i.e. deflated).

After unhooking and depowering of the kite, the kite remains connected to the harness via a leash cable 400. The leash cable 400 extends laterally along the width of the back panel 1 12 of the harness 100, and is connected at one end (not shown) to the kite (not shown), and at the other end to the back panel 1 12 via a removable pin 410. The removable pin 410 has an eyelet 412 at its free end, the eyelet 412 being secured to one end of a second ripcord 240.

The second ripcord 240 is similar to the first ripcord 220, being an elongate cord formed from cable or rope, and being secured at its other end to the handle 200. When the handle 200 is pulled upwardly and away from the harness 100, the second ripcord 240 eventually becomes sufficiently tensioned so that the removable pin 410 is pulled free from the. leash cable 400. Once the pin 410 is removed, the leash cable 400 is no longer attached to the harness 100, and thus the kite (not shown) is completely free from the harness 100.

Importantly, the relative lengths of the first 220 and second 240 ripcords are selected so that when the handle is pulled upwardly and away from the harness the first ripcord 220 is released from the lower 164 and upper 146 release loops before the second ripcord 240 is sufficiently tensioned for the removable pin 410 to be pulled free from the leash cable 400. Thus, an initial pull on the handle 200 causes unhooking and de-powering of the kite, while continued pull on the handle 200 causes complete detachment of the kite from the harness 100. This two-stage process ensures that the user can first unhook and de-power the kite, and can subsequently easily detach the kite by continuation of the same handle pulling mechanism if the situation requires it.

It is appreciated that the invention may be retrofitted to existing harnesses, by modifying them, for example by introducing a sleeve or conduit for receiving the, or each, ripcord.

It is likewise within the scope of the present invention to include a method of manufacturing a kite surfing harness with a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, wherein the release device comprises first and second ripcords, the first ripcord, when deployed, releases a kite from its connection to the belt and which second ripcord releases the belt from the user.

The skilled reader will understand that the above description of the preferred embodiment represents only one way in which the claimed invention may be embodied. In particular, the skilled reader will understand that there are many possible ways of embodying the first 140 and second 160 releasable fastening mechanisms, of arranging the two stage release of the hook panel 120, and of securing the leash cable 400 to the harness 100. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Although reference has been made to loops being made from fabric, other materials, such as synthetic plastics, metal, rope or cord may be used. A SAFETY RELEASE DEVICE

The present invention relates to safety release devices, generally for sports equipment and more particularly for a kite surfing harness.

Background

Kite surfing has relatively recently become a popular sport and leisure time activity. The sport is generally recognised as a mix of windsurfing, surfing and kiting. The kite surfer is supported on a shortened surf board and wears a harness attached to a kite, which is similar in many respects as a sail or canopy of a paraglider. The kite provides the propulsion which propels the kite surfer.

Typically, a horizontal control bar is connected between the harness and the kite, and enables the kite surfer to orient and steer the kite so that he can control his direction and speed. The control bar is attached to the harness via a loop which hooks onto a downwardly oriented hook on the front of the harness, thus enabling the surfer to use his bodyweight to control the kite.

Kite surfing is becoming increasingly popular and kite surfers are often seen in shallow waters, surfing at speeds in excess of 20 km/h, sometimes even faster than 30 km/h.

1 As with many sports there is an inherent risk of danger. The kite surfer may be inadvertently carried substantial distances by a sudden gust of wind, and may find themselves being propelled towards a hazard such as another kite surfer, boat, swimmer, sea wall or even dragged into deep water as a result of freak conditions. Similarly, guide ropes may become entangled as a result of a collision, e.g. with another kite surfer or a stationary object such as a tree, mast, post or the like.

Previous kite surfing equipment incorporates various types of quick release mechanism that a user can pull in such an emergency. Such quick release mechanisms include arrangements in which the kite is either fully or partially de- powered, i.e. deflated so that the lift forces applied to it by the air are reduced. De- powering may be achieved by rapidly extending one of the control lines tethering the kite by a length approximately equal to the span of the kite, so that the kite collapses. In the process of de-powering, the control bar is released from the harness hook, the de-powered kite remaining attached to the harness via a tethering cable, or leash, in order that the kite surfer is able to easily regain the kite after de-powering.

Despite the above known safety mechanisms, there is still a risk of injury or death to kite surfers who de-power their kites but remain attached via the tethering cable. Some previous harnesses have provided quick release mechanisms for removing the tethering cable, but these are entirely separate from the de-powering safety release mechanisms and thus must be located and activated separately. Alternatively, the surfer may try to remove the harness in such a situation.

Both such life preserving actions may not always be practicable or even possible, especially in cases where the surfer is being dragged underwater (possibly even face down); has sustained an injury; has limited mobility or little time to get free before an imminent collision. In other words, when the user is placed in an extreme situation which may be life threatening to themselves or others.

2 The present invention has been devised in view of the above considerations, and seeks to provide an improved safety mechanism for kite surfers.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a safety release device for a kite surfing harness, the harness has a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, the release device comprising: first and second ripcords, which first ripcord, when deployed, releases a kite from its connection to the belt and which second ripcord releases the belt from the user.

Ideally the first and second rip cords are located on a single grip or handle.

Advantageously the first ripcord is arranged to deploy before each second ripcord. One way in which this is achieved by dimensioning the first rip cord to be shorter than the second, so that in the event of an emergency, when a user pulls the handle the first ripcord deploys the release of the kite from where it is normally located on the front of the belt; and by continual pulling of the ripcord, the user is able to completely release himself form the belt.

One way in which the first deployment of the first ripcord releases the kite from its connection to the belt, is to detach the kite from a hook portion located on the belt. Thus, the user is able to easily and quickly release the kite from the belt, and thus effectively "de-power" the kite, with one simple pull on the first ripcord. The ripcord provides a failsafe, straightforward and foolproof way of releasing the kite from the hook.

3 The first ripcord ideally secures the kite to the hook or the hook portion to the belt, in the first pre-deployment configuration. This is achieved by way of first safety release loop affixed to either the belt portion or the hook portion and threaded through an opening of the other (belt portion or the hook portion), so that the first ripcord passing through the first safety release loop secures the first safety release loop within an opening.

The opening may comprise a rigid ring, loop, or series of rings or loops, connected to the belt portion or hook portion. Preferably there is provided a rigid ring affixed to an end of a strap, the other end of which is affixed to the hook portion. In the first deployment configuration the first ripcord is removed from the first safety release loop whilst maintaining the belt tight around the user.

The downward orientation of the hook is such that it is oriented in a manner in which a first limb of the hook projects outwardly from the belt portion, and a second limb of the hook projects from the first limb downwardly towards a lower edge of the belt portion.

The harness according to the first aspect may further comprise a leash having a first end arranged to connect to a kite, and a second safety release mechanism comprising a second ripcord, the second safety release mechanism having a second pre-deployment configuration in which the second ripcord secures a second end of the leash to the belt portion, and a second deployment configuration in which the second ripcord is removed to release the leash from the belt portion.

In this way, if the user has removed the first ripcord to achieve the first deployment configuration but he remains in danger because of the leash connection between kite and harness, he can simply remove the second ripcord to achieve complete

4 separation of the kite and harness. The ripcord provides a failsafe, straightforward and foolproof way of releasing the kite.

The first and second ripcords may comprise a length of rope, cable, string, wire, cord, drawstring, pull cord, or any other suitable elongate member.

Advantageously the first and second ripcords are enclosed within a sleeve, casing or enclosed channel defined within the belt in such a way that there is minimum friction provided by an interior of the sleeve, casing or enclosed channel, to the ripcords. This can be achieved by providing surfaces coated with low friction material such as synthetic oil and/or poly-tetra-fluoro-ethene (PTFE) or similar materials, so as to ensure that seizing of the ripcords in the sleeve, casing or enclosed channel does not occur.

According to a second aspect of the invention a kite surfing harness has a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, a hook portion comprising a hook arranged to secure a kite, and a first safety release mechanism comprising a first ripcord, the first safety release mechanism having a first pre-deployment configuration in which the first ripcord is arranged to secure the hook portion to the belt portion such that the hook is restrained in a downward orientation, and a first deployment configuration in which the first ripcord is removed to release the hook portion from the belt portion.

The harness preferably includes a handle to which each of the first and second ripcords is attached, pulling of the handle causing deployment of the first and second ripcords in a sequential manner.

5 Preferably, the relative lengths of the first and second ripcords are selected such that, in use, continued pulling of the handle causes the first deployment configuration to be achieved before the second deployment configuration; the second deployment being used in cases of extreme danger or urgency as is herein described.

As both ripcords are located on the same handle, the user does not need to search in an emergency situation for two separate safety activation mechanisms, but needs only to locate a single handle, which may be done even when a user is disoriented or has only limited mobility. This arrangement ensures that minimum time is lost between separation of the hook and harness (ie "de-powering" of the kite), and subsequent complete un-tethering of the user from the belt and the kite, with the associated risk that the kite, harness and equipment might be blown away in a high wind.

In some embodiments, the second ripcord is of a different colour and/or material to the first ripcord.

Ideally a flap or cover is provided to envelope the handle so as to prevent inadvertent deployment.

A lower portion of the hook portion may be connected to the belt portion in the first pre-deployment configuration via a first ripcord connector through which the first ripcord passes, and an upper portion of the hook portion may be connected to the belt portion in the first pre-deployment configuration via a second ripcord connector through which the first ripcord passes, the first and second ripcord connectors being arranged to permit removal of the first ripcord from the first ripcord connector before the second ripcord connector.

6 The invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1 is a side view of a kite surfing harness having safety mechanisms according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a pre-deployment configuration;

Figure 2 is an alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a first stage deployment configuration, with some parts shown out of position for clarity;

Figure 3 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a second stage deployment configuration, with the harness shown hooked in to a kite;

Figure 4 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a third stage deployment configuration; and

Figure 5 is another alternative side view of the kite surfing harness of Figure 1 , in a fourth stage deployment configuration.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figs. 1-5 show a kite surfing harness 100 with safety mechanisms according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1 the safety mechanisms are

7 shown stowed and un-deployed, while Figs. 2-5 show successive steps in the deployment of the safety mechanisms.

The harness 100 comprises a waist belt 110 which is arranged to be fitted securely around the waist of a user (not shown). The waist belt 110 comprises a padded back panel 112 which, in use, is seated against the user's back so as to spread the loads transmitted from the kite across the back, and a narrower front panel 114.

A hook panel 120 is arranged overlying the front panel 114 so as to be directly in front of and central to the user when the harness 100 is worn. The hook panel 120 supports at its midline a kite hook 122, which comprises a rigid hook shaped member projecting outwardly from the hook panel 20. The kite hook 122 is oriented downwardly, so that when a fully tensioned connecting loop 300 (shown in Fig. 3) of a kite control bar (not shown) is hooked onto the kite hook 122 there is a secure connection between the control bar (and thus the kite, not shown) and the harness 100.

In the pre-deployment configuration shown in Fig. 1 the hook panel 120 is secured to the back panel 112 of the harness 100 via upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps. The upper de-powering strap 130 is fixed at a first end to the hook panel 120 via a slotted opening 124 therein proximal to a side edge of the hook panel 120. A second end of the upper de-powering strap 130 comprises a circular upper connection ring 132 which is connected to the back panel 12 via a first releasable fastening mechanism 140.

The first releasable fastening mechanism 140 includes two circular rings which are each attached to the back panel 112 via a short fabric loop: a first upper release ring 142 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the upper connection

8 ring 132; and a second upper release ring 144 with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the first upper release ring 142. The first upper release ring 142 is mounted more forwardly (i.e. nearer to the front panel 114) than the second upper release ring 144. To connect the upper de-powering strap 130 to the harness 100, the first upper release ring 142 is passed through the upper connection ring 32, and the second upper release ring 144 is passed through the first upper release ring 142.

As best shown in Fig. 2, in which the upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps are shown lifted up away from the front panel 114 for clarity, the second upper release ring 144 is then secured via an upper release loop 146 comprising a closed loop of cord or fabric secured to the back panel 1 2; the upper release loop 146 is passed through the second upper release ring 144 and a first ripcord 220 passed through the closed loop of the upper release loop 146. In this way, the first and second upper release rings 142, 144 and upper connection ring 132 are securely interconnected only while the first ripcord 220 remains within the upper release loop 146.

The lower de-powering strap 150 is arranged below (i.e. vertically lower than) the upper de-powering strap 130, and is connected to the back panel 112 of the harness 100 via a lower connection ring 152 which connects with a second releasable fastening mechanism 160, similar to the first releasable fastening mechanism 140 described above. In contrast to the upper de-powering strap 130, however, the lower de-powering strap 150 is not fixed to the hook panel 120, but instead passes over it so as to apply a bearing force across its full width.

Unlike the first releasable fastening mechanism 140, the second releasable fastening mechanism 160 comprises only a single circular ring: lower release ring 162. The lower release ring 162 is attached to the back panel 112 via a fabric loop, and has an

9 outer diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower connection ring 152. To secure the lower de-powering strap 150 to the harness 100, the lower release ring 162 is first threaded through the lower connection ring 152. The lower release ring 162 is then secured via a lower release loop 164 which comprises a closed loop of fabric or cord which is secured to the back panel 112. The lower release loop 164 is passed through the lower release ring 162 and the first ripcord 220 threaded through the closed loop so that the lower release ring 162 and lower connection ring 152 are securely fastened together only while the first ripcord 220 remains threaded through the lower release loop 164.

Although not shown in the figures, the side of the hook panel 120 not connected to the upper de-powering strap 130 is securely fixed to the harness 100. Thus, when the upper 130 and lower 150 de-powering straps are released from the harness 100 via the first 140 and second 160 releasable fastening mechanisms, there remains a connection between the hook panel 120 and the harness 100.

The first ripcord 220 comprises an elongate cable or rope which is free at one end and secured at the other end to a handle 200. As shown in Fig. 1 , the handle 200 is stowed pre-deployment at a position to the side of the harness 100 and slightly above its upper edge, so that it is easy to locate by the user. Although not shown in the figures, it is intended that the handle 200 be secured to the harness 100 via a velcro™ strap, or similar, so that it is normally safely stowed, but can be detached by a forceful tug on the handle 200. It is also intended that the handle 200 be concealed by a removable cover (not shown) to further prevent accidental deployment.

When the handle 200 is pulled upwardly away from the harness 100 (as illustrated in the deployment sequences shown in the figures), the first ripcord 220 is first withdrawn from the lower release loop 164, and subsequently from the upper release

10 loop 146. Thus, the lower de-powering strap 150 is unfastened (i.e. de-tensioned) before the upper de-powering strap 130. Since the kite (not shown) applies an upwards force on the hook 122 via the control loop 300 (shown in Fig. 3), the result of the sequential unfastening of the upper and lower de-powering straps 130, 150 is that the hook panel 120 is firstly tilted upwardly so that its lower edge 126 moves away from the front panel 114 of the harness, and secondly swings away from the front panel 144 as it is no longer attached at one side to the harness 100. In the first stage the control loop 300 (and thus the kite) is unhooked from the kite hook 122, in the second stage the kite becomes de-powered (i.e. deflated).

After unhooking and depowering of the kite, the kite remains connected to the harness via a leash cable 400. The leash cable 400 extends laterally along the width of the back panel 112 of the harness 100, and is connected at one end (not shown) to the kite (not shown), and at the other end to the back panel 112 via a removable pin 410. The removable pin 410 has an eyelet 412 at its free end, the eyelet 412 being secured to one end of a second ripcord 240.

The second ripcord 240 is similar to the first ripcord 220, being an elongate cord formed from cable or rope, and being secured at its other end to the handle 200. When the handle 200 is pulled upwardly and away from the harness 100, the second ripcord 240 eventually becomes sufficiently tensioned so that the removable pin 410 is pulled free from the leash cable 400. Once the pin 410 is removed, the leash cable 400 is no longer attached to the harness 100, and thus the kite (not shown) is completely free from the harness 100.

Importantly, the relative lengths of the first 220 and second 240 ripcords are selected so that when the handle is pulled upwardly and away from the harness the first ripcord 220 is released from the lower 164 and upper 146 release loops before the second ripcord 240 is sufficiently tensioned for the removable pin 410 to be pulled

11 free from the leash cable 400. Thus, an initial pull on the handle 200 causes unhooking and de-powering of the kite, while continued pull on the handle 200 causes complete detachment of the kite from the harness 100. This two-stage process ensures that the user can first unhook and de-power the kite, and can subsequently easily detach the kite by continuation of the same handle pulling mechanism if the situation requires it.

It is appreciated that the invention may be retrofitted to existing harnesses, by modifying them, for example by introducing a sleeve or conduit for receiving the, or each, ripcord.

It is likewise within the scope of the present invention to include a method of manufacturing a kite surfing harness with a belt portion arranged to extend around the waist of a user, wherein the release device comprises first and second ripcords, the first ripcord, when deployed, releases a kite from its connection to the belt and which second ripcord releases the belt from the user.

The skilled reader will understand that the above description of the preferred embodiment represents only one way in which the claimed invention may be embodied. In particular, the skilled reader will understand that there are many possible ways of embodying the first 140 and second 160 releasable fastening mechanisms, of arranging the two stage release of the hook panel 120, and of securing the leash cable 400 to the harness 100. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Although reference has been made to loops being made from fabric, other materials, such as synthetic plastics, metal, rope or cord may be used.

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