Buoyancy harness

Abstract

 A buoyancy harness for connecting a rider to a water sport apparatus, comprises a body portion (12), a fastener (16), and a connector (18). The body portion may take the form of a waist or seat harness that is configured to encircle at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider and possibly a portion of the pelvic region. At least a portion of the body portion (12) is comprised of at least one layer of buoyant material (26). The body portion may also include a water permeable material that permits trapped water to pass through the harness. The fastener (16) is operably connected to the body portion (12) and is configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider. The connector (18) is also operably connected to the body portion and is configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

Description

[0001] The present invention pertains to a harness for attachment to a water sport apparatus, such as a sailboard, sailboat, kite, boat, or boating accessory. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a buoyant seat or waist harness that may be directly or indirectly attached to a water sport apparatus which covers at least a portion of the participant's, hereinafter referred to as rider, lower abdomen region. The present invention provides some buoyancy in the event that the rider falls into the water or in the event of an emergency.

[0002] Over the years, water-based sports, and particularly sailboarding, including windsurfing and kiteboarding, have steadily increased in popularity. Unlike surfing, sailboarding sports are not dependent on large waves for excitement. Instead, sailboarding sports rely on the power of the wind to propel the rider along or above the water, thereby allowing those not conveniently located near a sea or ride-able waves to participate in board-based water sports. Sailboarding apparatuses typically rely on sails and kites to capture and harness the power of the wind.

[0003] One type of sailboarding apparatus is a windsurfer. Windsurfers are typically comprised of a board, mast, mastfoot, boom, and sail. A rider standing atop the board typically holds onto the boom, which is connected to the mast at one end and the sail at the other end, and which allows the rider to tip and turn the mast about the mastfoot. The manipulation of the mast assists in the rider's ability to control and steer the direction of travel. Riders often wear a harness that directly or indirectly connects to the boom or other parts of the rig. By attaching the harness to the windsurfer, the rider may lessen the load on his or her arms that is created when holding onto the boom or rig, thereby reducing fatigue that a rider may experience when holding onto the boom or rig for relatively long periods of time. Further, by relying on the harness to maintain a connection between the rider and the windsurfer, the rider is able to use more of his or her overall weight to balance the forces that are asserted against the windsurfer.

[0004] With kiteboarding, the mast and boom are eliminated. Instead, sails or kites are typically connected to a bar that is both held by the rider and which is also connected to the rider's harness. When attempting to control the direction of travel, the kiteboard rider may pull on the bar to tug the lines that are connected to the kite, and thus manipulate the position of the kite, while also relying on the secure connection between the harness and the bar to balance his or her weight along the board.

[0005] A variety of harnesses for sailboarding and boating activities are available. These harnesses can be broken down into three main categories, namely, jacket harnesses, waist harnesses, and seat harnesses. Jacket harnesses may be similar to life jackets or life preservers in that the jacket harness fits around the neck, shoulders, and chest of the rider and may also function as a floatation device. Waist and seat harnesses generally cover at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider. Seat harnesses and some waist harnesses may also cover a portion the rider's buttock region. Seat harnesses typically include thigh straps that are not commonly found on waist harnesses. However, some waist harnesses do not extend as far, if at all, below the waist of the rider, or do not cover any portion of the rider's buttock region.

[0006] Although each type of harness has its own advantages and disadvantages, waist and seat harnesses are generally considered more comfortable, offer relatively good back support while maintaining a low profile, and enable the rider to use all of his or her body weight in balancing and maneuvering the specific board-based apparatus. Thus; most participants in sailboarding activities prefer to wear seat or waist harnesses rather than jacket harnesses. However, unlike jacket harnesses, non-inflatable waist or seat harnesses do not assist in keeping a rider afloat in water.

[0007] Because the boards used with sailboarding activities are considered flotation devices, participants in these sports are not required by law to wear separate flotation apparatuses, namely life preserves or flotation jackets. Some boards however, such as those used for kiteboarding, are no larger than a wakeboard, and therefore often do not provide sufficient flotation to help an injured or tired rider stay afloat in the event of an emergency. Yet, because of issues related to comfort, maneuverability, or a general disregard for safety, the majority of participants in sailboarding activities do not wear floatation jackets and continue to wear waist and seat harnesses that are not buoyant.

[0008] Further, because some of these sports, such as kiteboarding, allow riders to ascend thirty feet or more above the water, some manufacturers offer buoyant impact vests. Impact vests are designed to provide some protection from the spectacular falls that often result when riders crash down into the water. However, many riders do not wear impact vests because such vests are cumbersome and thus restrict the upper body movement and maneuverability of the rider. Further, some riders refuse to wear impact vests because the large vests are considered to be unstylish.

[0009] Additionally, while participating in sailboarding and boating activities, riders typically continuously wear seat and waist harnesses for several hours before removing the harness. Because seat and waist harnesses do not include buoyant materials, non-inflatable seat and waist harnesses are often stiff, and thus create pressure points inside the harness that cause rider discomfort, and may result in uncomfortable sores and skin irritation.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,069,153 discloses a seat harness having a body part that fits around the rider and one or more straps that are swivelably mounted on the body part that may be connected to a boom. Although the harness taught by the 5,069,153 reference is intended to allow a rider to transfer his or her weight to the boom, and thus relieve strain on the arms, the harness does not also function as a flotation device. Thus, if a rider were in danger in the middle of a body of water, the rider most likely would have to rely on the board for flotation.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,545,773 discloses a jacket harness for use with sailboards in which the jacket is both buoyant and has a clasp configured for attaching the jacket to a sailboard line. In the event an emergency arises while out on the water, the buoyancy of the jacket provides the rider with an additional safety flotation device, rather than merely having to rely on the board for a safe return to land or to keep the rider afloat until help arrived. Buoyant harness jackets however are typically cumbersome, uncomfortable, and do not allow the rider to use all of his or her body weight in maneuvering the sailboard to the same extent attainable with waist and seat harnesses.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,036,562 discloses a safety belt that may, through the use of compressed air, be converted into a life preserver that is placed over an individual's head and about the shoulders and neck. However, the 6,036,562 reference requires that the user be coherent enough to place the vest around his or her neck and inflate the safety preserve with the compressed air. The 6,036,562 reference does not disclose a waist or seat harness that may both connect a rider to sailboard apparatus and which may also act as a buoyancy device without requiring that the apparatus be inflated.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,677 discloses a water sport belt that may protect personal items such as credit cards, and which includes an inflatable bladder to provide buoyancy in the event an emergency arises. More specifically, the 6,179,677 reference discloses the blowing of a sufficient amount of air into an accordion shaped bladder so that the belt may become buoyant. As with the 6,036,562 reference, the device disclosed in the 6,179,677 reference requires that the user be coherent enough to inflate the bladder. The 6,179,677 reference does not disclose a waist or seat harness that connects a rider to a sailboard apparatus and which does not require inflation.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,047,255 discloses a flotation hiking harness that includes both a jacket and attached waist and seat portions. The front and shoulder sections of the hiking apparatus are configured such that buoyancy is established as high up on the harness as possible, including over the chest, such that a person wearing the hiking harness in the water will be turned to a face-up position. The 4,047,255 reference does not disclose a waist or seat harness apparatus in which buoyancy is provided through the seat or belt portion of the harness.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,961 discloses a safety belt harness that is tethered to a self-retracting reel for use on boats. The reel, and associated tethering line, allows the rider wearing the harness to move around the boat while still ensuring that the rider remains attached to the boat. In the event that the rider falls into the water, the rider may use the tethering line to pull himself back into the boat. The tethering line may also be connected to an inflatable life belt or harness worn by the rider such that, in the event the tethering line is disengaged, the life belt or harness will automatically inflate. The device disclosed in the 4,567,961 patent does not teach a waist or seat harness that also acts as a flotation device without the need for inflation.

[0016] The present invention is directed at a buoyancy harness for use in water-based activities. Such activities include boating, sailing, and sailboarding. The invention is suitable particularly for use with a windsurfer and kiteboarding. The invention seeks to provide a comfortable seat and waist harness that will prevent the development of pressure points inside the harness.

[0017] According to the invention a buoyancy harness for connecting a rider to a water sport apparatus comprises:

a) a body portion, the body portion configured to encircle at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider, the body portion having an inner region, and outer region, and a mid region, at least a portion of the inner region or the mid region being comprises of at least one layer of buoyant material;

b) a fastener operably connected to the body portion, the fastener configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider; and

c) a connector, the connector operably connected to the body portion, the connector configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, a harness of the invention comprises:

a. a body portion, the body portion configured to encircle at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider, the body portion having a first body, a second body, an inner region, an outer region, an upper region, a mid region, and a lower region, at least a portion of the mid region of the first body being comprised of at least one layer of water buoyant material, the mid region including at least one arm, at least a portion of the lower region being comprised of a water permeable material, the first body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the outer surface configured for operable engagement with at least a portion of the second body;

b. a fastener configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider, the fastener being comprised of at least one strap and at least one clamp, said at least one clamp configured to operably maintain said at least one strap in a taut condition, said strap comprised of a first end and a second end, said first end operably attached to at least a portion of the body portion; and

c. a connector, the connector operably connected to the body portion, the connector being comprised of a clasp and a bar, said bar configured for operable engagement with at least a portion of the at least one strap, the clasp configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

[0019] The above and other characteristics of the present invention will become apparent from the description which follows.

[0020] The present invention pertains to a safety device for water sports and activities. More particularly, the present invention relates to a waist or seat harness for use with water sport apparatuses, including boating, sailing, and sailboarding activities in which the waist or seat harness is buoyant and may operably connect the rider to the water sport apparatus.

[0021] The harness includes a body portion, a fastener, and a connector. The fastener may be configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider and may assist in operably connecting the harness to the water sport apparatus. The fastener may include at least one strap and at least one clamp, the clamp or clamps preferably being configured to operably maintain the strap or straps in a taut condition. The connector is operably connected to the fastener or to the body portion, and may include a clasp and a bar. The clasp may be configured for direct or indirect attachment to the water sport apparatus, including attachment through the use of lines and straps.

[0022] The body preferably has an outer region, an inner region, an upper region, a mid region, and a lower region. At least a portion of the inner region may include at least one layer of buoyant material, such as, but not limited to, a closed cell foam. Besides providing buoyancy, the layer or layers of buoyant material may also provide padding that prevents the development of pressure points inside the harness and discomfort to the rider. Further, at least a portion of the outer region of the lower region may include a water permeable material configured to allow trapped water to flow through the harness, and thus improve the rider's comfort while also reducing drag.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is a buoyant seat harness, which may further include a thigh strap or straps. In such an embodiment, the body portion may fit around at least a portion of the lower abdomen and pelvis of the rider. The lower region of the body may also be configured to surround at least a portion of the rider's buttock. In another embodiment the harness may, when inverted, be configured to be used as a buoyant chest harness. In such an embodiment, a thigh strap may be used as one or more arm straps, thereby assisting in transforming the apparatus into an upper body floatation device. The fastener may also be configured so as to wrap around a portion of the rider's back region so as to further secure the apparatus to the rider's body.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is a buoyant waist harness, wherein the body portion encircles at least a portion of the rider's lower abdomen and lower back region. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower region of the waist harness terminates at approximately the waist of the rider. In such an embodiment, the lower region may cover a minimal, if any, portion of the rider's buttock region.

[0025] The invention will now be further described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a front elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a rear elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a cross sectional view of a layer of buoyant material in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 illustrates a front elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 illustrates a side elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 illustrates a rear elevation view of a seat harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of two layers of buoyant material and an secondary layer in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 10 illustrates a front elevation view of a waist harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 illustrates a side elevation view of a waist harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 12 illustrates a rear elevation view of a waist harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 13 illustrates a bottom view of a waist harness in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings, certain embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentalities shown in the attached drawings.

[0040] Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention in which the buoyant harness 10 is a seat harness 11. The seat harness 11 may include a body portion 12, a fastener 16, and a connector 18. The seat harness 11 may also include at least one thigh strap 20, each thigh strap 20 being configured to wrap around at least a portion of the upper thigh or groin region of the rider.

[0041] The body portion 12 of the seat harness 11 is comprised of an outer region 60, an inner region, an upper region 13, a mid region 14, and a lower region 15, and is configured to fit around at least a portion of the lower abdomen and pelvis of the rider. The lower region 15 of the seat harness 11 may be configured to surround at least a portion of the rider's buttock. The mid region 14 may include arms 21 that are configured to extend across at least a portion of the lower abdomen and/or the frontal waist region of the rider. Although the arms 21, as illustrated in Figure 1, are shown as being apart from one another, the arms 21 may also be configured for closer proximity, including abutting or overlapping orientations. Further, at least a portion of the upper region 13 of the seat harness 11 may include an elevated region 24 that is oriented to provide back support to the rider.

[0042] As shown in Figure 1, the mid region 14 of the body portion 12 may be operably connected to a belt 22 that assists in securing the seat harness 11 to the rider, the belt 22 being configured to traverse at least a portion of the lower abdomen or waist region of the rider. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the belt 22 may be operably connected to the arms 21. The belt 22 may be securely fastened in a number of ways, including, but not limited to, through the use of Velcro, clasps, snaps, buttons, buckles, or hooks.

[0043] At least a portion of the outer region 60 of the body portion 12 may be constructed of a water resistant material, including, but not limited to, nylon. Further, at least a portion of the outer region 60 located in proximity to the lower region 15 may include a permeable material, such as, but not limited to, a mesh, that allows accumulated water to flow through the seat harness 11, thereby improving the comfort of the rider while also reducing drag.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the outer region 60 encloses at least a substantial portion of the inner region 62 and may offer some structural support to the materials contained within the inner region 62. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the inner region 62 includes at least one layer of buoyant material 26, such as, but not limited to, a closed cell foam. The foam may also add some padding so as to assist in resisting the development of pressure points within the harness 11 that may cause rider discomfort.

[0045] The fastener 16 may be configured to secure the seat harness 11 to the rider and assist in operably attaching the seat harness 11 to the water sport apparatus. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the fastener 16 may include at least one strap 30 and at least one clamp 34, the strap 30 having a first end 31 and a second end 32. The clamp 34 may include, but is not limited to, a pivotable locking mechanism, buckle, snap, hook, or clasp. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 31 of the strap 30 is stitched to the seat harness 11. Alternatively, a portion of the strap 30 in proximity to the first end 31 may be operably connected to the seat harness 11 via a second clamp. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the strap 30 passes through a loop or buckle such that the first end 31 and second end 32 of the strap 30 may be located in proximity to the same side of the seat harness 11. In another alternative embodiment, the strap 30 is comprised of two straps 30, both of which are operably connected to the seat harness 11. In such an embodiment, at least a portion of both straps 30 engage a clamp 34 so as to operably secure the seat harness 11 about the rider.

[0046] The clamp 34 is configured to operably maintain the desired tautness of the strap 30 about the seat harness 11, thereby securing the seat harness 11 to the rider. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the second end 32 of the strap 30 is pulled until the strap 30 is taut. Upon the removal of the pulling force, a portion of the strap 30 remains operably engaged with the clamp 34, thereby retaining the strap 30 in a taut condition.

[0047] Figures 1, 2, and 4 illustrate a seat harness 11 that includes a connector 18. The connector 18 is configured for both attachment to the seat harness 11 and for operable engagement with a strap or line that is directly or indirectly connected to a water sport apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the connector 18 includes a bar 40 and a clasp 42, the bar 40 having a first end 43, a second end 44, and a mid section 45. The clasp 42 may be operably connected to the mid section of the bar 40. The first and second ends 43, 44 may be configured for operable engagement with the mid region 14 of the seat harness 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second ends 43, 44 include slots that are configured for operable engagement with the strap 30.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the seat harness 11 may be configured so that, when inverted, the seat harness 11 may be used as a chest harness. In such an embodiment, the thigh strap 20 may be used as an arm strap. The body portion 12 of the seat harness 11 may then be placed about the chest region of the rider. Further, the strap 30 may be of sufficient length to be secured in a taut condition about the back of the rider through the use of the clamp 34, thereby further assisting in securing the harness 11 about the chest region of the rider.

[0049] Figures 6, 7, and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the body portion 12 of a seat harness 17 further includes a first body 28 and second body 29, the first body 28 having an outer region 60a that includes an inner surface 36 and an outer surface 37. At least a portion of the inner surface 36 of the first body 28 abuts the body of the rider. The body portion 60b of the second body 29 abuts at least a portion of the outer surface 37 and is configured to add structural support to the first body 28. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the body portion 60b of the second body 29 may cover a substantial portion of the abutting upper, mid, and lower regions 13, 14, 15 of the outer surface 37 of the body portion 60a of the first body 28. In an alternative embodiment, the second body 29 encircles only a portion of the upper and/or mid region 13, 14 of the first body 28.

[0050] Figure 9 illustrates a partial cross sectional view of Figure 8. As shown, the inner region 62a of the first body 28 includes a layer of buoyant material 26, while the inner region 62b of the second body 29 includes an secondary layer 27. The secondary layer 27 may be constructed from a variety of different materials, including a buoyant material, such as, but not limited to, a closed cell foam having a density higher than the material used for the layer of buoyant material 26. Additionally, the secondary layer 27 preferably provides additional structural support to the layer of buoyant material 26 contained within the first body 28. Further, the secondary layer 27 may assist in displacing uncomfortable pressure points that may develop within the harness 11 from the operable connection of the harness 11 to a water sport apparatus.

[0051] Although Figure 9 illustrates a difference in height between the layer of buoyant material 26 and the secondary layer 27 so as to create a step 52, the secondary layer 27 may also be configured to have the same general shape and height of the layer of buoyant material 26 so that a step 52 is not present. Further, the layer of buoyant material 26 and the secondary layer 27 may be both positioned within the same inner region 62 and thus enclosed by the same outer region 60. For example, the partial cross section illustrated by Figure 5 may be modified to include an secondary layer 27 that is positioned alongside the layer of buoyant material 26 within the inner region 62. In such a modified embodiment, the harness 11 does not have to include first and second body 28, 29 as illustrated in Figure 6, but may instead have the same general configuration of the harness 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the harness 10 is a buoyant waist harness 50, as illustrated in Figures 10, 11, 12, and 13. The waist harness 50 includes a body portion 12, a fastener 16, and a connector 18. In such an embodiment, the waist harness 50 is substantially similar to the seat harness 11 with the exception of the configuration of the lower region 15 of the body portion 12. In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the lower region 15 of the waist harness 50 terminates at approximately the waist of the rider, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. In such an embodiment, the lower region 15 may cover a minimal, if any, portion of the rider's buttock region.

Claims

1. A buoyancy harness for connecting a rider to water sport apparatus, comprising:

a) a body portion, the body portion configured to encircle at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider, the body portion having an inner region, and outer region, and a mid region, at least a portion of the inner region or the mid region being comprises of at least one layer of buoyant material;

b) a fastener operably connected to the body portion, the fastener configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider; and

c) a connector, the connector operably connected to the body portion, the connector configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

2. A harness according to Claim 1 wherein the body portion includes an upper region, and a lower region, at least a portion of the mid region comprises at least one layer of buoyant material and wherein at least a portion of the lower region comprises a water permeable material.

3. A harness according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the body portion is configured to be a waist harness in which the body portion or the lower region terminates at approximately at the waist region of the rider.

4. A harness according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the body portion is configured to be a seat harness in which the body portion or the lower region covers at least a portion of the buttock region of the rider.

5. A harness according to Claim 4 including at least one thigh strap, said at least one thigh strap bring operably connected to the body portion.

6. A harness according to Claim 5 wherein the seat harness is configured to be a chest harness when inverted, said at least one thigh strap being configured to encircle at least a portion of at least one arm of the rider.

7. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein at least a portion of the outer region of the body portion is comprised of a water permeable material.

8. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the fastener comprises at least one strap and at least one clamp, said at least one clamp configured to operably maintain said at least one strap in a taut condition.

9. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the connector comprises a clasp and a bar, which bar is configured for engagement with at least a portion of at least one strap of the fastener, the clasp configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

10. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the body portion comprises a first body and a second body, the first body having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface being configured to abut against at least a portion of the second body.

11. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein at least a portion of the outer region of the body portion comprises nylon.

12. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the at least one layer of buoyant material comprises a closed cell foam.

13. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the at least one layer of buoyant material is configured to provide padding to the harness.

14. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the body portion includes a secondary layer, configured to provide structural support to said at least one layer of buoyant material.

15. A harness according to Claim 14 wherein the secondary layer comprises a closed cell foam.

16. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the mid region of the body portion includes at least one arm.

17. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the mid region of the body portion is operably connected to a belt, said belt being configured to traverse at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider.

18. A harness according to any preceding Claim wherein the mid region of the body portion is operably connected to a belt configured to traverse at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider.

Drawing