Paraglider tow release Easy Quick

Abstract

Paraglider tow release with a simple attachment and release mechanism characterized by The principle is to use a sleeve (2) over a milled part (1) as a fastening and release mechanism. This very simple mechanism is the fundamental idea behind our trailing pawl. The special design ensures that a release is always guaranteed, regardless of the prevailing release conditions (different pull angles of the tow rope and under load or without load).

Description

[0001] Paragliding requires a difference in altitude between the launch and landing sites. In alpine flying, this is achieved by launching from an elevated point (e.g., a mountainside). In flat terrain, a winch is used, to which the paraglider pilot is attached and pulled aloft. This requires a fixed connection between the tow rope and the pilot.

[0002] This connection must be able to be released by the pilot at sufficient altitude. For this purpose, we developed the Easy Quick, a tow release that ensures this process is safe.

[0003] Existing latch systems are very complex in their design and operation, and are often large and heavy. For example, the towing position requires threading locking pins through several loops. This is complicated, not self-explanatory, and therefore prone to user error. This can lead to two safety-related problems: - If the tow release is threaded incorrectly, the pilot may no longer be able to detach it from the tow rope. In such a case, the winch operator must cut the tow rope and interrupt the towing operation. - The tow release mechanism may be unintentionally triggered.

[0004] Both cases carry a high risk of accidents.

[0005] Our first claim for protection therefore consists of using a sleeve (2) and a milled part (1) as a simple and secure fastening and release mechanism.

[0006] The tow rope is hooked onto a milled lug on the milled part and secured by a sleeve slid over it. The angle and thickness of the hook and the entire milled part are designed and engineered for this specific application.

[0007] Pulling back the sleeve releases the tow rope and the pilot is unhooked. Incorrect threading of the tow release is impossible, thus resolving a safety-related issue.

[0008] The release force required to retract the sleeve is precisely defined, which also almost completely eliminates the possibility of unintentional release of the drag latch.

[0009] Our tow hook is therefore characterized by extremely simple and safe handling.

[0010] The Easy Quick also has approval according to DHV (German Hang Gliding Association) specifications (e.g. LTF NFL II 91 / 09 / DHV 06-0043-15) and is already commercially distributed.

[0011] The design of the milled part constitutes our second protection claim. The material pairing and coating, as well as the manufacturing tolerances of the milled part (1) and the sleeve (2), must be precisely coordinated. According to DHV specifications, the force required to move the sleeve (2) relative to the milled part (1) must not exceed a certain value, even after numerous activations. Furthermore, the latch has been mechanically tested for breaking load, with the result that it withstands several times the required load (according to DHV).

[0012] Our mounting and release mechanism with sleeve and milled part always functions the same way and can also be attached to our other towbar models. The Easy Quick towbar is available in non-separable and separable versions.

[0013] An embodiment of the invention is described with reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 2 explained: Fig. 1 sleeve with precision milled part as fastening and release mechanism Fig. 2. An overview drawing of the non-divisible pawl with the most important components. In general, the advantages of this pawl can be summarized as follows: - Incorrect threading of the tow rope on the release mechanism is not possible. - The only moving part is the sleeve, making it safe and easy to use. - Triggering under load possible - Low weight and space-saving packing size Reference list for Figure 1 and Figure 2: 001 Core - Milled part with nose and recesses 002 Sleeve over the milled part 003 Tow rope 004 Carrying strap 005 Acceleration cord 006 Brummelhaken 007 Hanging loops

Claims

Paraglider tow release with a simple attachment and release mechanism, characterized by the principle of using a sleeve (2) over a milled part (1) as the attachment and release mechanism. This very simple mechanism is the fundamental idea behind our tow release. Due to its special shape, release is always guaranteed, regardless of the prevailing release conditions (different tension angles of the tow rope and under load or unloaded). A paraglider tow release with a milled component characterized by the fact that the material pairing, the material coating, as well as the manufacturing tolerances and dimensions of the milled component (1) and the sleeve (2) are precisely matched. This combination constitutes one of the patent claims. The milled component has also been designed with optimized weight. The Easy Quick paraglider tow release with a flexible head is characterized by the fact that our main component, the sleeve with the milled part, can be variably attached to our other models. The Easy Quick tow release is available in both non-separable and separable versions. However, the attachment and release mechanism of the milled part and sleeve functions identically on every model.

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