A control system for a kite having a quick release loop assembly includes a retention mechanism configured to release one end of the loop upon sliding a handle from a covered disposition to an uncovered disposition. The quick release assembly also includes a mechanism to untwist a landing line tube from a static line automatically, and to automatically index a landing line.
A foot strap insert and assembly for aquatic sports equipment. The foot strap insert may include: a curved body comprising at least one aperture configured to receive and removably retain at least one fastener therein. The foot strap insert assembly may include: at least one pair of curved bodies comprising two curved bodies, the two curved bodies each comprising at least one aperture. The foot strap insert assembly may also include: aquatic sports equipment and at least one foot strap insert, the at least one foot strap insert comprising a curved body, the curved body comprising at least one aperture. Additionally, the present invention relates to a foot strap insert and assembly that is practical—thereby permitting a user to easily and removably position and insert one or more foot straps—and inexpensive—thus allowing for widespread use in the field of aquatic sports equipment.
A board attachment mounting assembly for mounting various attachments to a board. The assembly can allow multiple attachments to mount to a board. Further, the assembly may allow for attachments to be removed from a board (via releasing an attachment from the board attachment mounting assembly) while keeping the board attachment mounting assembly locked in place on or within a board or affixed to a board. Also, the board attachment mounting assembly may lock in place on or within a board or become affixed to a board regardless as to if an attachment has been attached to a board (via the board attachment mounting assembly). The board attachment mounting assembly can comprise a t-nut with at least one through-hole and at least one receiver, at least one flexible rod, and at least one extended t-nut with a least one through-opening, at least one angled through-opening, and at least one receptacle.
A floatable apparatus includes a floatable body defining a longitudinal axis parallel with the length of the floatable body, a supporting member positioned under the floatable body for exerting a lifting force onto the floatable apparatus and a coupling assembly coupling the floatable body to the supporting member. The coupling assembly includes a base adapted to secure to the floatable body and a joint adapted to secure to the supporting member. The joint is detachably attached to the base and movable from a first position at which the joint is pivotable about and detachable from the base and a second position at which the joint abuts and is secured to the base. A coupling assembly for a floatable apparatus with a floatable body under which a supporting member is positioned for exerting a lifting force onto the floatable apparatus is also provided.
A kite leading edge has a tubular structure having a first curve in a span-wise direction and a second curve a chord-wise direction. The tubular structure is formed by a plurality of panels joined together at seams including at least a first longitudinal seam running in the span-wise direction of the tubular structure. At least a portion of the first longitudinal seam defines a first partial helical path about the circumference of the tubular structure.
A hookless coupling device for a sports harness has an elongate body having a connector end for connection with a sports harness and an engagement end. An elongate aperture extends between the connector end and the engagement end. The aperture is wider at the connector end, for receiving an engager through the aperture, than at the engagement end provided for engaging the engager with the elongate body.
A hookless coupling device for releasable connection to a sports harness includes an elongate body having a connector end for connection with the sports harness, an engagement end, and an elongate aperture extending between the connector end and the engagement end for engaging an engager. The aperture is wider at the connector end than at the engagement end. The sports harness includes a band for surrounding the waist or hips of a person, and the elongate body. A sports device, releasably engagable to the harness, has a spherical engager tethered with a line. The aperture passes the spherical engager though the engagement end and the engager is moved to the connector end. A sports kite includes a canopy, a traction line having a first end tethered to the canopy, and a second end to which the spherical engager is connected.
A control system for a traction wing includes a control bar having first and second ends. A first fixing arm is connected to each end of the bar. Each fixing arm has a fixing point for attachment of a respective wing control line. At least one of the fixing arms is an articulated arm that is pivotally connected to its end of the bar and is pivotable between a first position defining a first effective control bar length and a second position defining a second effective control bar length.
A device for coupling a pair of kite lines to a kite harness loop has a first releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a first kite line to the harness loop and a second releasable coupling rotatably attached to the harness loop for securing a second kite line to the harness loop. The first and second couplings are rotatable about a common axis. An attachment point for a third line is provided. The attachment point is also rotatable about the common axis.
A control system for a traction wing or a surfing kite includes a bar that is gripped by a person carried in the wind by the wing or kite. Fixtures on the opposed ends of the bar are connected to respective lines that are attached to the wing. A central line attached to the wing passes through a hole located in the bar and divides into two lines that are connected to the user. A grip slides along the central line and the grip is biased toward the bar.
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