Leash for attaching items such as surfboards to the body, with a safety feature for easy release.

Abstract

Safety rip cord on a leash, characterized in that the connection is safely released by a suitable mechanism by pulling on this rip cord at the connection point of the leash to the body, or that the entire connection on / to the body is opened.

Description

- Surfing with floats

[0001] In water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, foil surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and various related sports, the board (hereinafter referred to as "board") on which the athlete stands, kneels, or lies is often connected to the body by a cord—a leash. This leash ensures that, in the event of a fall or being thrown from the board, the board / floating device does not drift away, as it is still in use and also serves as a buoyancy aid. Without a leash, there is generally a safety risk due to the missing, drifting board, or the board could impede other athletes as it drifts away. - Dangers of conventional fixed leashes

[0002] Even though the connection between the board and the athlete is, or can be, safety-relevant as described above, potential dangers also arise. The leash can become entangled with objects (stationary or floating) and immobilize the athlete in a situation from which they cannot escape without assistance, leading to further hazards. In strong currents, for example, it may be impossible to detach a Velcro connection independently. This can lead to drifting and / or drowning. The leash can also become entangled with another athlete, putting both in a dangerous situation. - Reduction of risks through a connection that can be easily and safely released directly at the body-side attachment point.

[0003] A connection that can be released via a rip cord, detaching the leash directly at the body and also releasing the rip cord itself, thus significantly reducing the risk of dangerous entanglement as described in point 2. It is important that the leash is released close to the body; releasing the connection at the board would not, in many cases, increase the athlete's safety, as they would still be potentially at risk from the entangled leash.

Claims

[1] Safety rip cord on a leash, characterized by that the connection is safely released by a suitable mechanism by pulling on this rip cord at the connection point of the leash to the body, or that the entire connection on / to the body is opened. [2] Safety breakaway cord on a leash according to claim 1, characterized by The safety line should be positioned as close to the body as possible, for example under the wetsuit, and easily accessible for pulling. A good place to reach it with your hands and arms would be the hip or stomach area. [3] Safety breakaway cord on a leash according to claim 1 and 2, characterized byThe ripcord itself does not pose a risk of entanglement. It is guided to the body by auxiliary connections and can detach itself from these connections at any time. Should the ripcord become entangled, sufficient pulling force will release the board's attachment to the body as described in point 1, or the ripcord will detach itself from the body. The ripcord must not be attached to the body in a way that makes it difficult to release. [4] Safety breakaway cord on a leash according to claim 1, 2 and 3, characterized by The breakaway cord can be buoyant, ensuring it's always easily accessible for the athlete or others. A float at the end of the cord (at the pull point) is also possible. However, a completely loose, floating breakaway cord increases the risk that it might not be safely reached or found in an emergency or if the leash becomes entangled.