Patent ID: 7762497

Claim:
A kite surfing apparatus for use by a user, the apparatus comprising: a kite or paragliding type wing; a traction line extending from the kite or paragliding type wing to connect the kite or paragliding type wing to the user or to a mobile support on which the user is riding; and a release system connected to the traction line and configured and positioned to be interposed between the user or the mobile support and the traction line, the release system including a releasable holding device including: a clamp movable between an open position and a closed position; a pivot arm connected to the clamp to pivot about a pivot axis, the pivot arm including first and second arm segments located on opposed sides of the pivot axis, wherein: the pivot arm is pivotable relative to the clamp about the pivot axis between a locking position, wherein the first arm segment holds the clamp in the closed position, and a releasing position, wherein the first arm segment permits the clamp to open; and the pivot arm can be pivoted from the locking position to the releasing position by applying a load to the second arm segment and thereby causing the pivot arm to pivot about the pivot axis; and a biasing device operative to hold the pivoting arm in the locking position; wherein, upon releasing the clamp using the pivot arm with the traction line under tension from the kite or paragliding type wing, the clamp will move to the open position to enable release of the traction line under tension from the user or mobile support.