Patent Description:
These embodiments relate to kiteboarding harnesses, and more particularly to enhancements and improvements and new embodiments in the field of harnesses used for kite boarding. While this disclosure relates to harnesses used in the kiteboarding area, it should be understood and appreciated that this device can be utilized in many other sports. No limitation to the fields of use of this device is intended from this disclosure.

Other sports where this device could be used include, kite surfing, kite boarding, wind surfing, sailing, snow kiting or skiing and land boarding to name a few. This list is not exclusive and these examples are not meant to limit the scope of the device or its use. Kiteboarding is used as an example to explain the benefits and features of the device relative to the existing hardware.

Kiteboarding involves a board similar to a wakeboard having a predetermined length and width and most times having attachments to aid the user in keeping the feet to the board and vice versa. The user wears a harness generally around the waste which sometimes incorporates leg straps.

The kite or powering unit to the system is generally affixed to the harness. The kite catches the wind pulls the user and board along the surface of the water allowing the user to perform tricks or just motor across the surface of the water utilizing the wind energy.

There is generally at least one center line from the user's harness to the kite that runs through a steering bar. The steering bar generally has two additional lines from the ends of the steering bar to the kite. To steer a kite, the user must push one end of the steering bar away from the body while pulling the opposite end towards the body. Pushing and pulling opposite ends of the steering bar can effect turns in both directions. Additionally, the steering bar can be moved closer to or further from the kite and this action can be used to power or de-power the kite to increase or decrease speed. So steering the kite and powering and de-powering the kite can enable the user to do tricks or stunts or just enjoy a ride.

The harness that is used generally circumscribes the user's waist. The harness generally has adjustments to accommodate different waist sizes. This accommodation is generally accomplished with the use of adjustable straps of webbing. The webbing can be tightened or loosened to assist the harness in maintaining a secure attachment to the user.

The harness generally has a rigid spreader bar with a pull (or center) hook or attachment where the main or center lines from the kite are affixed. Many of the devices also have hooks on each end of the spreader bar. As one can imagine this center line can transfer a significant amount of force from the kite to tow or haul the user, board and equipment through and on top of the water.

The center hook is generally centrally located on the spreader bar. The spreader bar is generally relatively rigid and affixed to the harness via the hooks on each end of the spreader bar and by other means. The spreader bar should be maintained near the center of the user when in use to aid in steering and control. The spreader bar and harness are secured and adjusted with webbing straps running from the hooks on the ends of the spreader bar to the harness. Many systems incorporate a hook affixed to the webbing where these webbing hooks hook over the hooks at the ends of the spreader bar. This configuration makes it easier and quicker to remove the harness from the user. The hooks on the spreader bar and webbing hooks many times do not fit as securely as one would desire. There is also some caution needed such that the webbing hooks do not disengage from the spreader bar hooks. Also twisting relative to the webbing hooks and spreader bar hooks can occur.

Obviously, the user when using a kiteboarding system - there is water involved and harnesses have been known to lose tension in the straps from stretching and when soaked with water. Nylon webbing can also stretch from use, while water accelerates this action just providing constant tension to webbing can cause it to stretch. Stretching webbing thus loosens the harness around the users waist. This can be inconvenient, uncomfortable or even dangerous depending upon how loose the straps of the harness become.

One problem with typical harnesses when the straps stretch is that the harness will twist more with the same force from the kite line. Because the spreader bar is no longer secured against the users waist, the top of the spreader bar and harness will tend to dig into the users abdomen, while the bottom of the spreader bar and harness twists away from the user. This is due to the upward force and torque on the hook from the center line of the kite to the spreader bar and thereby the harness.

When the webbing straps become wet from the water - loosen and stretch, this condition can become uncomfortable and even somewhat dangerous to the users. Since the user generally needs to maintain both hands on the steering bar for better control, the tightening of these loosened stretched water soaked straps can be difficult. If this condition becomes too uncomfortable or dangerous such that control is compromised, the user may be forced to drop the kite to free the hands to tighten these loose straps. The user must then re- launch the kite which can require considerable effort and most times requires another person to assist in the re-launch. Obviously if one is any distance from their assist person, this can result in the difficult decision to continue to kiteboard with the loosened compromised strap(s) or drop the kite and hope that one can re-launch the kiteboard alone without the assist person.

<CIT> discloses a sport harness for use with a kite or other propulsive device having a quick release feature whereby the user may release himself or herself from the harness while being pulled by a kite. The quick release feature includes an interconnection between a spreader bar and one part of a two-part waist band closure whereby releasing one end of the spreader bar causes the closure to separate.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a harness that spreads the loading to the harness to help prevent the twisting of the spreader bar and harness in the case of loosened straps. There is a need for a harness that helps prevent the straps from loosening if they do get water soaked and or stretched from use. Additionally, if the straps could more easily be adjusted by a user, the user might not be required to drop the kite to manually tighten the straps. It would be helpful if the user could increase the tension of the straps if needed with only one hand. Increased comfort and control could be accomplished if there was a device that would discourage the loosening of the device that retains the spreader bar to the harness. There is also a need for a spreader bar that more evenly spreads the load from the center hook to the harness.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the field of harness systems for kiteboarding and other sports, there is a need for a new harness that helps eliminate the problem of the straps loosening from stretching or when soaked in water. There is a need for a new harness to better spread the load from the kite to the harness to help decrease the twisting of the harness while in use.

A harness system is generally presented. The harness system includes a spreader bar having a first end, a second end, and a center hook. First and second elongate end portions are fixed to the first and second ends of the spreader bar respectively. A curved support member is interconnected to the spreader bar by way of a plurality of straps. The straps include a first adjustment strap connected to the first elongate end portion at a first connection point and connected to the support member at a second connection point, and a second adjustment strap connected to the first elongate end portion at a third connection point and connected to the support member at a fourth connection point. The straps are arranged at a non-parallel angle to one another. The first and second elongated end portions each include a plurality of attachment holes. The first connection point comprises a first fastener extending through one of the attachment holes of the first elongate end portion and the first adjustment strap. The third connection point comprises a second fastener extending through a different one of the attachment holes of the first elongate end portion and the second adjustment strap. The plurality of attachment holes provide discrete options for fixing the fasteners there through to alter the distance between the adjustment straps at the spreader bar and adjust the angularity of the adjustment straps. In an embodiment, the distance between the second and fourth connection points is greater than the distance between the first and third connection points. In another optional embodiment the straps may be arranged in a crisscrossed configuration.

The harness system may further include first and second fixed straps interconnecting the spreader bar with the curved support member on a side opposite the adjustment straps. The first and second fixed straps may be arranged at a non-parallel angle with respect to one another.

A first objective of these embodiments is to provide a device that is adjustable and useable for many different sized waist users.

Another objective of these embodiments is to provide a device that does not expand or loosen as much as the background art when soaked in water.

Another objective of these embodiments is to provide a device that has minimal stretching and loosening when put into use.

It is yet another objective of these embodiments to provide a device that can be more easily adjusted if needed.

It is a still further object of these embodiments to provide a device that will more securely affix the spreader bar and harness to the user.

Another objective of these embodiments is to provide a device that will result in less torque from the load and harness to the user such that the device does not become uncomfortable or hazardous.

These together with other objectives of these embodiments, along with various features of novelty which characterize these embodiments, are pointed out with particularity in this application forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of these embodiments, the operating advantages and the specific objectives attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment.

The operation of the invention may be better understood by reference to the detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:.

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims. Moreover, features of the various embodiments may be combined or altered without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings in detail wherein like elements are indicated by like numerals, there is shown in <FIG> one example of a user using a harness <NUM> while participating in a water sport. <FIG> also shows the first steering line <NUM> and second steering line <NUM> and the center line <NUM>. While this example shows one center line <NUM> attached to two lines near the top of <FIG>, it should be understood that the center line <NUM> could split into several source lines from, in this example, the kite (not shown). Other wind sports could utilize more center lines also, but generally, the center line affixes to the user and runs through the steering bar <NUM>.

<FIG> more clearly shows the arrangement of the steering bar <NUM>, first steering line <NUM>, second steering line <NUM> and center line <NUM>. This figure shows the center line <NUM> attached near the center of the harness <NUM>. A safety tether <NUM> is shown between the center line <NUM> and the harness <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a background art harness <NUM>. This conception shows the spreader bar <NUM> covered by a pad and located approximately in the center of the front of the harness <NUM>. On each end of the spreader bar <NUM> are hooks, first bar hook <NUM> and second bar hook <NUM>. There is a center hook <NUM> where the center line <NUM> is attached during use. The spreader bar <NUM> is affixed to the harness <NUM> via the first webbing hook <NUM> and the second webbing hook <NUM>. The webbing hooks <NUM>, <NUM> get hooked over the first bar hook <NUM> and second bar hook <NUM> respectively. The webbing <NUM> then engages the webbing hooks <NUM>, <NUM> gets tightened and spreader bar <NUM> and pad is snugged against the harness <NUM>. The harness <NUM> can then have the center line <NUM> affixed to the center hook <NUM> and the wind sport harness <NUM> can then be used.

<FIG> shows a front view of a background art spreader bar <NUM> and pad with a center hook <NUM>, first bar hook <NUM> and second bar hook <NUM> which can more easily be seen.

<FIG> shows background art webbing <NUM> and first webbing hook <NUM>. <FIG> shows background art webbing <NUM>, second webbing hook <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an internal support <NUM> and system for retaining the harness <NUM> snugly to the user without the harness <NUM> loosening up and causing discomfort, this system is not part of the present invention. It should be understood that the internal support <NUM> is the structure internal to the harness <NUM>. The internal support <NUM> is covered with various softer materials to aid in the comfort of the wearer. The internal support <NUM> and the covering make up the harness <NUM>. This illustration does not show any covering on the internal support <NUM>.

These figures shows the spreader bar <NUM> having a center hook <NUM> and a first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. The ends <NUM>, <NUM> each have a first bar loop <NUM> and second bar loop <NUM> respectively. These bar loops <NUM>, <NUM> are not part of the present invention. As can be seen the bar loops <NUM>, <NUM> are open loops and this would allow the fasteners <NUM> from the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> to be located at almost any vertical position relative to one another and the first bar loop <NUM>. This would allow much customization in the adjustment of the internal support <NUM> in fitting the device to individual users. The bar loops <NUM>, <NUM> could be larger with more vertical distance then those shown in this <FIG> to provide more adjustment to the user.

Likewise, the first fixed strap <NUM> and second fixed strap <NUM> can be located with the fasteners <NUM> in many positions within the second bar loop <NUM>. This provides a benefit to the user from the aspect of comfort. When the center line <NUM> is affixed to the center hook <NUM> and the force from the center line <NUM> is increased, the center hook <NUM> would like to follow the force. If this occurs, then the top of the spreader bar <NUM> and internal support <NUM> and harness <NUM> would want to turn into the abdomen of the user and the bottom of the spreader bar <NUM> internal support <NUM> and harness <NUM> would rotate away from the user's abdomen.

The background art shows one attachment point on the spreader bar <NUM>, <FIG>, on each end of the spreader bar <NUM>, first bar hook <NUM> and second bar hook <NUM>. These bar hooks <NUM>, <NUM> are affixed to the first webbing hook <NUM> and second webbing hook <NUM>. This creates in essence a single point loading, as an example, from the bar hook <NUM> to first webbing hook <NUM>. The load is split into two strips of webbing <NUM>. The net effect on the first bar hook <NUM> of spreader bar <NUM> - one tensile load. It is easier for this spreader bar <NUM> to twist from the moment created by loading the center hook <NUM> with the center line <NUM>. If only one securing point exists from the spreader bar <NUM> to the harness it is easier for the spreader bar <NUM> to rotate in the manner described.

However, if the spreader bar <NUM> of this disclosure, <FIG>, which is not part of the present invention, is secured at two different points, for example, first fixed strap <NUM> and second fixed strap <NUM> that have a distance between each other in the second end <NUM> and then to the harness <NUM>, the spreader bar <NUM> and internal support <NUM> is less likely to twist and become uncomfortable. This embodiment thereby shows two tensile loads from the spreader bar <NUM> to the internal support <NUM> and because these tensile loads are separated by a distance makes the likelihood of twisting of the spreader bar <NUM> and internal support <NUM> to occur.

This device aids in keeping the spreader bar <NUM> relatively flat against the user by having two separate attachment points a distance from one another at the ends of the spreader bar <NUM>. These two attachment points, in this <FIG>, first adjustment strap <NUM> and second adjustment strap <NUM> can be adjusted farther apart than a single point adjustment. If the load from the center line <NUM> becomes increased such that the harness <NUM> in <FIG> begins to twist, the user can tighten the second adjustment strap <NUM> to help prevent this twisting and help eliminate the discomfort and possible hazards of having an internal support <NUM> and harness <NUM> that is too loose. Many of the background art only has a single attachment on each end of the spreader bar <NUM>, see <FIG> first and second bar hooks <NUM>, <NUM> and first and second webbing hooks <NUM>, <NUM>.

As can be seen, by having a larger vertical connection on the spreader bar <NUM> for the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> can help prevent twisting of the spreader bar <NUM> and internal support <NUM> and thereby the harness <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the internal support <NUM> of <FIG> without some of the elements. In this figure can be seen the first ratchet base <NUM> and the second ratchet base <NUM>. These are for securing the first adjustment ratchet <NUM> and second adjustment ratchet <NUM> respectively. The first adjustment ratchet <NUM> can have the first adjustment strap <NUM> inserted and the ratchet <NUM> can be moved back and forth to "ratchet" the adjustment strap <NUM> tighter. This ratchet <NUM> does not release the adjustment strap <NUM> between ratchets, but can continue to tighten the adjustment strap <NUM> to the user's desired tightness. There is no danger of loosening the adjustment straps while tightening the ratchets until the user specifically desires to do so. This can be a benefit in adjusting.

Likewise, the second adjustment strap <NUM> can be fed into the second adjustment ratchet <NUM> and tightened to the user's desired level.

The first and second fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> are secured with fasteners <NUM> to the first and second fixed bases <NUM>, <NUM>. The length of the harness can be adjusted by removing these fasteners <NUM> and adjusting the relative length of the fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an internal support <NUM> with an embodiment of a spreader bar <NUM> according to the present invention. This spreader bar <NUM> has a similar structure to that shown in <FIG>, however, the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> are configured differently. In this embodiment, the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> are a plate material that has had a plurality of holes there through. This provides multiple attachment points for both the first and second adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM>. This embodiment likewise with the distance from the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> and the fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> relative to one another, aids in preventing high loads from the center line <NUM> affixed to the center hook <NUM> from twisting the top of the internal support <NUM> and thereby the harness <NUM> into the users abdomen.

<FIG> shows another embodiment of an internal support <NUM> and spreader bar <NUM> according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the spreader bar <NUM> has a central segment having a first end and a second end affixed respectively to an elongate first end portion <NUM> and an elongate second end portion <NUM>. The first and second elongate end portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be generally perpendicular to the spreader bar <NUM>. The elongate ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to attach the first and second adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> and the first and second fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM>. The elongated ends <NUM>, <NUM> aid in preventing and discouraging the twisting of the spreader bar <NUM> when the center hook <NUM> is under tension from the center line <NUM> of, for example, with a kite board. This embodiment of the spreader bar <NUM> is adjustable and customizable for each user. It is easily tightened via the adjustment ratchets <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be noted that the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from material that is relatively rigid or semi-rigid, such as rubber, plastic, or the like, and water resistant such that it does not creep or stretch very much so that once a desired tension is achieved, little adjustment is necessary. The material is also strong enough to maintain its profile such that the ratchets <NUM>, <NUM> will continue to index the straps with little wear.

Likewise, the first and second fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be made from the same material for the same desired properties.

<FIG> and <FIG> show angled side views of an internal support <NUM> similar to that of <FIG> but also including a lumbar support member <NUM> positioned in an inner surface of the internal support <NUM>. As illustrated, the first and second adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be angled with respect to one another, such as in a non-parallel arrangement, to allow selective tightening of the harness and prevent torqueing and unwanted movement. Specifically, the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be fastened or connected to the elongated end portion <NUM> a first distance apart, and may be fastened or connected to the internal support <NUM> a second distance apart, where the second distance is greater than the first distance, thus angling the first and second adjustment straps with respect to one another. It will be appreciated that the first and second fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be similarly arranged with respect to their connection to the second elongate end portion <NUM> and the internal support <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a front view of the spreader bar <NUM> of <FIG>. The spreader bar <NUM> includes a plurality of attachment holes <NUM> through each of the first and second elongate end portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The attachment holes <NUM> provide discrete options for fixing a fastener <NUM> there through to alter the distance between the adjustment straps at the spreader bar <NUM> and adjust the angularity of the adjustable and fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. It will be appreciated that while the figures generally show one side having adjustment straps and a second side having fixed straps, an arrangement having adjustment straps on both sides of the harness could also be provided.

<FIG> shows a front view of another embodiment of a spreader bar <NUM> having an upper and lower bar <NUM>, <NUM>, a center plate <NUM> and a plurality of attachment holes <NUM> through each of the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a harness having additional components for improved use. It will be appreciated that some embodiments or uses of the system herein may not include all components illustrated here. The shown embodiment includes the spreader bar <NUM> having elongate end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and a center hook <NUM>. A front pad <NUM> may cover the support bar and allow the center hook <NUM> to protrude, and an inner pad <NUM> may provide padding between the spreader bar <NUM> and the front body of a user. The adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> and fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the respective elongate end portions <NUM>, <NUM> and also to the internal support <NUM>. A lumbar support <NUM> may be connected to an inner surface of the inner support <NUM> to provide back support for a user. An elastic belt <NUM> may connect to the inner support <NUM>, such as through the lumbar support <NUM>, to surround the torso of the user. One or more inner components <NUM> may surround the inner support on either side, such as s memory foam layer, a neoprene layer, a vinyl backing, and a foam layer. Outer guides <NUM> may be positioned about ends of the harness and may help to provide stabilization and support. These components are illustrated in assembled configuration in <FIG>.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the adjustment straps <NUM>, <NUM> and/or fixed straps <NUM>, <NUM> may be arranged in a crisscrossed orientation. As with the configuration shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the crisscrossed arrangement provides a non-parallel arrangement of the straps and yields greater adjustability control.

In an embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the spreader bar <NUM> may include a slidable hook <NUM> that is not fixed to the bar. For example, the spreader bar <NUM> may include a rope <NUM> or the like connected to its front face. The slidable hook <NUM> may be capable of sliding along the length of the rope <NUM>, and thus along a portion of the spreader bar <NUM>. The slidable hook <NUM> may comprise a ring connected around the rope and movable as described.

Claim 1:
A harness system configured to surround the torso of a user, the harness system comprising:
a spreader bar (<NUM>) having a first end, a second end, and a hook (<NUM>);
a first elongate end portion (<NUM>) fixed to the first spreader bar end;
a second elongate end portion (<NUM>) fixed to the second spreader bar end;
a curved support member (<NUM>) interconnected to the spreader bar (<NUM>) by way of a plurality of straps, wherein the straps include:
a first adjustment strap (<NUM>) connected to the first elongate end portion (<NUM>) at a first connection point and connected to the support member (<NUM>) at a second connection point;
a second adjustment strap (<NUM>) connected to the first elongate end portion (<NUM>) at a third connection point and connected to the support member (<NUM>) at a fourth connection point;
wherein the first adjustment strap (<NUM>) is nonparallel to the second adjustment strap (<NUM>);
characterized in that
the first and second elongated end portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) each include a plurality of attachment holes (<NUM>);
wherein the first connection point comprises a first fastener (<NUM>) extending through one of the attachment holes (<NUM>) of the first elongate end portion (<NUM>) and the first adjustment strap (<NUM>); and
wherein the third connection point comprises a second fastener (<NUM>) extending through a different one of the attachment holes (<NUM>) of the first elongate end portion (<NUM>) and the second adjustment strap (<NUM>)
wherein the plurality of attachment holes (<NUM>) provide discrete options for fixing the fasteners (<NUM>) there through to alter the distance between the adjustment straps (<NUM>, <NUM>) at the spreader bar (<NUM>) and adjust the angularity of the adjustment straps (<NUM>, <NUM>).