Abstract:
The invention relates to a restraint system for securing a user on a watercraft, on which the user at least partially rests. The restraint system has a belt strap ( 14 ) which is passed around the body of the user ( 10 ). Furthermore, the restraint system has two stepped straps ( 22   a,    22   b ) which are fitted onto the belt strap ( 14 ) on the one hand in the area ( 18 ) of the stomach of the user and on the other hand in the area ( 20 ) of the back of the user and are each passed through the step of the user ( 10 ). A connecting strap ( 26 ), one end ( 28 ) of which acts on the belt strap ( 14 ) in the area ( 18 ) of the stomach of the user ( 10 ), can be fitted at its other end ( 30 ) to the water-craft. Furthermore, the invention relates to a watercraft having a belt system such as this.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a restraint system for securing a user on a watercraft on which the user at least partially lies. This invention also relates to a watercraft having such a restraint system. 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    A watercraft with a vehicle hull is known from PCT International Publication WO 96/30087 and from German Patent Reference DE 10 2004 049 615 A1. In this case, a user places his upper body on the vehicle hull while his lower body extends out toward the rear and his legs stretch out behind him in the water. A flow conduit with a motor-driven water propeller extends inside the vehicle hull. The flow conduit extends from an influx opening in the region of the bow to the flow outlet in the stern region of the vehicle hull. The water propeller in the flow conduit is driven by a battery-powered electric motor so that a flow of water is sucked through the flow conduit and travels in the direction opposite from the travel direction of the watercraft. 
         [0005]    It is thus possible for the water flow to be kept away from the user. In addition, the travel-induced water flow can be conveyed past the user by the vehicle hull shape. This facilitates swimming and diving with the watercraft. 
         [0006]    If the user is lying on the vehicle hull, then he can hold onto the grip elements or recessed grips that are positioned on both sides of the vehicle hull. Controls for controlling the watercraft are integrated into the grip elements. During travel, a force is exerted on the lower body and legs of the user that threatens to pull the user rearward off the watercraft. In order to counteract this force, the user must hold onto the grip elements. Particularly when traveling longer distances and at faster speeds, this can be very strenuous. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    One object of this invention is to provide a restraint system for securing the user on a watercraft that makes it possible to travel with the watercraft in a strength-saving way. This invention also discloses a watercraft having such a restraint system. 
         [0008]    This object of the invention is attained by a restraint system with the defining characteristics taught in this specification and in the claims and by a watercraft with the defining characteristics of the dependent claims that relate to advantageous modifications of the subjects of this invention. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, one restraint system has a belt strap that can be placed around the user&#39;s trunk and secured there like a belt in the hip region. In addition, two crotch straps each is attached to the belt strap at one end in the region of the user&#39;s stomach and at the other end in the region of the user&#39;s back, and can each be guided through the user&#39;s crotch, achieving a comfortable support in the region of the user&#39;s buttocks. 
         [0010]    A connecting strap, one end of which acts on the belt strap in the region of the user&#39;s stomach, can be attached to the watercraft at its other end. 
         [0011]    The connecting strap produces a connection between the user and the watercraft that is secure in the traction direction and movable thereto in the direction transverse. The lateral freedom of movement required for controlling the watercraft is retained, but the tractive forces that act on the lower body and legs of the user while traveling through the water are absorbed by the connecting strap in the traction direction. This makes it possible to travel with the watercraft in a strength-saving way. 
         [0012]    In order to achieve a stable connection between the belt strap and the connecting strap, a fastening element can be attached in the region of the user&#39;s stomach and is acted on in turn by the connecting strap. Alternatively, however, the connecting strap can also be fastened directly to the belt strap. 
         [0013]    The connecting strap can extend perpendicularly from the belt strap in a direction toward the user&#39;s chest in order to permit a coupling to the watercraft in the user&#39;s chest region. 
         [0014]    In order to achieve an easy-to-use attachment to the watercraft, the end of the connecting strap associated with the watercraft can have a receptacle for an eyelet, a pin, a carabineer, a pushbutton, or a similar securing element. The securing element is used for securing to an attachment point on the watercraft. 
         [0015]    In order to permit the user to easily step into the arrangement of the two crotch straps, with each leg guided through a loop defined by each crotch strap and the belt strap, the two crotch straps can be fastened to each other in the region of the user&#39;s crotch, on their outer surfaces oriented away from the user. 
         [0016]    To permit the restraint system to be adapted to users of different heights and different physiques, the belt strap and/or the crotch straps and/or the connecting strap can be adjustable in length. 
         [0017]    The watercraft, which has a vehicle hull on which the user at least partially lies, can have a restraint system. 
         [0018]    In this case, the vehicle hull can have a lying surface on top for the user, on which the user places his upper body against the watercraft. 
         [0019]    The connecting strap can have its attachment point to the vehicle hull in the region of the lying surface. Alternatively, the connecting strap can have its attachment point to the vehicle hull in the region that adjoins the lying surface in the direction toward the user&#39;s feet. This arrangement permits a particularly comfortable attachment of the connecting strap to the vehicle because the user, when in the prone position, does not end up lying on the attachment point. 
         [0020]    According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of this invention, the attachment point of the connecting strap to the vehicle hull can be situated in the central longitudinal plane of the watercraft. This measure effectively prevents the transmission of torques during travel. 
         [0021]    In order to achieve a particularly good maneuverability of the watercraft, the attachment point of the connecting strap to the vehicle hull can be situated in the region of the watercraft&#39;s center of gravity. 
         [0022]    To provide the user with good mobility during travel, particularly in the transverse direction to the vehicle, the connecting strap can be supported on the vehicle hull to allow it to rotate around an axis extending essentially perpendicular to the vehicle hull. 
         [0023]    In order to permit the quickest possible detachment of the connecting strap from the watercraft in the event of danger, a quick-release fastener or quick-acting fastener can be provided between the connecting strap and the vehicle hull. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    This invention is explained in detail below in view of a preferred exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a schematic, perspective side view of a restraint system; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a schematic, perspective top view of the restraint system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a schematic, perspective top view of a watercraft on which a user is lying in a travel position, with the user secured to the watercraft by the restraint system shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a schematic, perspective top view of the watercraft shown in  FIG. 4 , on which the user is lying in the travel position; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a schematic, perspective side view of an enlarged partial view of the watercraft shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4  on which the user is lying in the travel position; and 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6 through 9  are partial views from the side of the connection between the restraint system and the watercraft, in various operating positions. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0031]      FIGS. 1 and 2  are schematic depictions of different perspective views of a restraint system.  FIGS. 3 through 5  show different perspective views of a watercraft  12  that is equipped with or having this restraint system for securing a user  10  to the watercraft  12 . 
         [0032]    The restraint system essentially comprises an arrangement of textile belts that have essentially no tensile elasticity. Synthetic materials are particularly suitable for use as the textile material because they maintain their material properties even when in contact with water. 
         [0033]    The restraint system has a belt strap  14  that can be placed around the trunk  16  of the user  10 , like a belt. The belt strap  14  is adjustable in length but the adjusting mechanism is not shown. In the region  18  of the stomach of the user  10 , two crotch straps  22   a  and  22   b  are each stitched to the belt strap  14  at one end, spaced a short distance apart from each other. The two crotch straps  22   a  and  22   b  can be guided through the crotch  24  of the user  10  and at their other ends, are stitched to the belt strap  14  in the region of or near the back of the user  10 . The two crotch straps  22   a  and  22   b  are fastened to each other in the region of the crotch  24  of the user  10 , on their outer surfaces  40   a  and  40   b  oriented away from the user  10 . The two crotch straps  22   a  and  22   b  are adjustable in length but the adjusting mechanism is not shown. 
         [0034]    In the region  18  of the stomach of the user  10 , the one end  28  of a connecting strap  26  is attached to a fastening element  32 . The fastening element  32  is in turn attached to the belt strap  14 . The fastening element  32  in this case is situated or positioned between the crotch straps  22   a  and  22   b  whose ends are stitched to the belt strap  14 . The connecting strap  16  extends from the belt strap perpendicularly in the direction toward the chest  34  of the user  10 , which is indicated in the drawings by the arrow B. The connecting strap  26  is adjustable in length and the adjusting mechanism  27  is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         [0035]    At its other end  30 , the connecting strap can be fastened to the watercraft  12 . For this purpose, the end  30  of the connecting strap  26  associated with the watercraft  12  has a receptacle  36  for a pin for securing to an attachment point  38  on the watercraft  12 . 
         [0036]    Alternatively, the receptacle  36  can accommodate an eyelet, a carabineer, a pushbutton, or a similar securing element. 
         [0037]    The watercraft  12  shown in  FIGS. 3 through 5  has a vehicle hull  42  on which the user  10  places his chest region  34 . In this position, the user can grasp grip elements  43  or recessed grips situated on both sides of the vehicle hull  42 . Controls of the watercraft  12  are integrated into the grip elements  43 . 
         [0038]    The vehicle hull  42  has a lying surface  44  on top for the user  10 . The connecting strap  26  is connected to the vehicle hull  42  at the attachment point  38  in the region that adjoins the lying surface  44  in the direction toward the feet  46  of the user  10 , which is indicated by the arrow F in the drawings. A quick-release fastener or quick-acting fastener, shown in more detail in  FIGS. 6 through 9 , is provided at the attachment point  38  between the connecting strap  26  and the vehicle hull  42 . 
         [0039]    The attachment point  38  of the connecting strap  26  to the vehicle hull  42  is situated or positioned in the central longitudinal plane M of the watercraft  12 , which is indicated by the dot-and-dash line M in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 3 , the central longitudinal plane M extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. In addition, the attachment point  38  of the connecting strap  26  to the vehicle hull  42  is situated in the region of the center of gravity S of the watercraft. 
         [0040]    As clear from  FIG. 5  taken in conjunction with  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the connecting strap  26  is supported on the vehicle hull  42  so that it rotates around an axis A extending essentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the vehicle hull  42 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 6 through 9  show an exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned quick-release fastener. As shown, to produce the attachment point  38 , a recess  38 . 1  is let into the vehicle hull  42 . For example, the recess  38 . 1  is formed into the region of the lying surface  44  in an integral fashion and is thus watertight. The recess  38 . 1  encompasses a receptacle  38 . 5  that is accessible through an opening  38 . 6 . An insert  38 . 2  is mounted in this receptacle  38 . 5  and fastened to the recess  38 . 1 . In this case, a threaded connection  38 . 3  is depicted between the sidewall, which encompasses the receptacle  38 . 5 , and the outer contour of the insert  38 . 2 . It would also be possible to glue the insert  38 . 2  into the receptacle  38 . 5 . 
         [0042]    The insert  38 . 2  has one or more detent elements  38 . 4 , in the present case a detent edge. The detent elements  38 . 3  and the detent element  38 . 4  have an insertion bevel that transitions into a steeply inclined detent flank. The detent flank engages behind detent bevels of second latching elements  36 . 3  of the receptacle part  36 . 
         [0043]    The receptacle part  36  has a holding part  36 . 1  that can, for example, be a housing. The two latching elements  36 . 3  are fastened to the holding part  36 . 1  by pivot bearings  36 . 2 . A spring which is not shown acts on the two latching elements  36 . 3  so that the latching elements are held in the splayed position shown in  FIG. 6 . The right latching element  36 . 3  shown in  FIG. 6  is coupled to a release lever  36 . 4  that is secured to the holding part  36 . 1  in a pivotable fashion. The release lever  36 . 4  has a grip  36 . 5 . 
         [0044]    Starting from the latched position shown in  FIG. 6 , in which the receptacle part  36  is detent-engaged in the attachment point  38 , the release lever  36 . 4  can be pivoted upward at its grip  36 . 5  until it is operatively connected to the right latching element  36 . 3 . Then the operating position shown in  FIG. 7  is reached. With a continued pivoting of the release lever  36 . 4 , the two latching elements  36 . 3  are pivoted around the pivot bearings  36 . 2  so that they disengage from the detent element  38 . 4 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . The right latching element drives the left latching element  36 . 3  by a denticulation  36 . 6 . When the release lever  36 . 4  is pivoted all the way open, the receptacle part can be lifted out of the attachment point  38 , out of the insert  36 . 2 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . When the release lever  36 . 4  is released, it is moved back into the starting position shown in  FIG. 6  through the action of a spring that is not shown. The two spring-prestressed latching elements  36 . 3  also return to their starting positions according to  FIG. 6 . 
         [0045]    The coupling of the receptacle part  36  to the attachment point  38  occurs in a simple fashion. It is only necessary to press the receptacle part  36  into the insert  38 . 2 . During this, inclined surfaces of the latching elements  36 . 3  come into contact with the insertion bevels of the detent elements  38 . 4 . As a result, the latching elements  36 . 3  are pivoted radially inward in opposition to the spring prestressing. When the inclined surfaces have moved past the insertion bevels, counterpart surfaces of the latching elements  36 . 3  snap behind the detent flanks of the latching elements  363  so that the mounted position shown in  FIG. 6  is produced. 
         [0046]    As is particularly clear from  FIG. 9 , the counterpart surfaces and detent flanks are inclined in relation to the central longitudinal axis  11  of the insert  38 . 2  at an angle &lt;90°. It is thus possible to implement a panic release. Employed in this way, when an impermissibly powerful traction is exerted on the connecting strap  26 , the latching elements  36 . 2  can be automatically deflected inward and the connection to the attachment point  38  can be released. 
         [0047]    To improve usability, the receptacle part  36  can be rotated in the insert  38 . 2  around the central longitudinal axis  11 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 through 9 , the connecting strap  26  is coupled directly to an eyelet of the holding part  36 . 1  by a stitched loop  26 . 1 .