Device for securing a paraglider, having a seat strap system and a rescue parachute

(42) Date of commencement of the patent: 15.10.1992 (45) Date of issue: 25. 5.1993 (56) Documentation:

(73)

Patentee:

DE-OS 2756064 DE-OS 2841229 DE-AS 2726453 EP-A1 0327778 US-PS 4746084

PRO DESIGN, GRAF, HOFBAUER SOCIETY MBH A-6020 INNSBRUCK, TIROL (AT).

(54) SAFETY PROTECTION DEVICE COMPRISING A SEAT BELT AND A SAFETY PARKING SHIELD (57) A device for securing a paraglider, comprising a seat harness and a rescue parachute whose main line (9) is detachably connected to the seat belt harness. The Sitzgurtzeug has a seat for the pilot carrying or forming the main belt (1), which is detachably connectable to the carrying lines of the paraglider. Furthermore, the seat harness has two shoulder straps (6) in communication with this main girth (1), which guide over the pilot's shoulders with the harness seated. In order to enable the pilot to use the rescue parachute a normal landing, the invention provides that an example formed as a belt connection device (11) for releasably connecting the main line (9) of the rescue parachute with the two shoulder straps (6) of the seat harness is provided.

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AT 396 098 ns Geraas

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The invention relates to a device for securing a paraglider, with a seat harness and a rescue parachute, whose main line is releasably connectable to the Sitzgurtzeug, wherein the seat harness has at least one seat surface for the pilot-carrying or forming main belt, which is detachably connectable to the carrying lines of the paraglider, and has two shoulder straps connected with this main harness directly or with the interposition of further straps, with the seat harness on the shoulders of the pilot lead.

To secure a paraglider or its pilot against crash, it is already known to provide a connected to the carrying lines of the paraglider seat harness and a rescue parachute attached thereto. The seat harness includes, for example, a main belt guided under a seat, which is to be connected at both ends with the carrying lines of the paraglider. The seat can be formed by an extended main belt or a separate seat. Furthermore, the Sitzgurtzeug shoulder straps, which with applied seat harness from the chest or Abdominal area of ​​the pilot over the shoulders in the neck or Lead back area of ​​the pilot. The shoulder straps are generally crossed at the back to avoid slipping over the pilot's shoulders. The shoulder straps can communicate directly with the main harness. In general, however, one is a slightly above the pelvis arranged, substantially horizontal pelvic or Provide back strap, which is connected to the main belt and the back straps are attached to the shoulder straps.

In the front area of ​​the seat harness, the lap belt is generally adjoined by a front openable chest strap which, on the one hand, communicates with the main belt and, on the other hand, fixes the front ends of the two shoulder straps. The Sitzgurtzeug is generally supplemented by leg loops that surround the thighs of the pilot with seat harness. Each of the belts mentioned can also consist of a plurality of interconnected, for example sewn partial straps. In the known security device containing the collapsed rescue parachute (Rundkappenschirm) containing umbrella package, for example, via Velcro fasteners laterally attached (such as the lap belt) by means of Velcro. From the umbrella package protrudes a loop of the main line or of the main belt of the rescue parachute. This loop is hung in that carabiner that connects the right (or left) end of the main belt with the carrying lines of the paraglider parachute. In emergency situations (for example, failure of the paraglider, by pilot error or gusts of wind caused by falling or Partial collapse of the paraglider), the pilot can open the example sealed via a Velcro umbrella package and collapsed contained in an inner container contained rescue parachute with your hand. The rescue parachute opens, with the main line of the rescue harness in communication with the seat harness in which the pilot is seated. The arrangement of the straps of Sitzgurtzeuges ensures that the pilot falls upon opening shock of the parachute and then not from the seat harness. However, the pilot depends very oblique in Sitzgurtzeug, since the main line of the rescue parachute is mounted only on one side of a carabiner of Sitzgurtzeuges. In this situation, a normal landing is difficult and there is an increased risk of injury.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved device for securing a paraglider, through which the risk of injury to the pilot in a landing after the use of the parachute rescue does not exist or is greatly reduced

This is inventively achieved in that a connecting device is provided for releasably connecting the main line of a rescue parachute with at least one of the two shoulder straps of Sitzgurtzeuges.

An attachment of an auxiliary parachute to the shoulder straps of a parachutist has been known only in the special case of a screen for tandem jumpers. The screen attached to the shoulder strap has only the task here of reducing the initial speed of the interconnected jumpers in the initial phase of the jump and bringing them into a position that would be completely unsuitable for landing. For this reason, the actual parachute according to US-PS 4,746,084 is mounted between the two jumpers in the chest area of ​​a jumper

The inventive design of the backup device ensures that the pilot lands on a use of the parachute rescue in an upright position with the feet ahead. It is particularly advantageous if the shoulder straps of the seat harness - as known per se - are connected to one another in the back region of the pilot and the connecting device acts on both shoulder straps in the region of this connection point of the shoulder straps. In such an arrangement, the pilot hangs straight after use of the rescue parachute (not tilted to one side) and upright over the seat harness on the main line of the parachute. The main line of the rescue parachute is so in the upper Rückenbzw. Neck area of ​​the pilot connected to the Sitzgurtzeug. This ensures that the pilot comes upright and above all without supine with his legs ahead to land. In addition, by attaching the main line of the rescue parachute on the connecting device according to the invention at the junction of the shoulder straps in the back area hardly the risk that the sudden opening of the parachute suddenly exciting main line or Connecting device hits the body of the pilot (whiplash field) and this injured

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the Verbindungsvomchtung a

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Strap, a leash or the like. is, which or which ends with or the shoulder belt (s) of the seat harness is in communication and on or detachably connectable to the main line of the rescue parachute with the other end. Such a belt or the like., Can be conveniently laid and is able to absorb the high tensile stresses occurring at the opening shock of the parachute. Such a connection device allows the attachment of the rescue parachute package at a readily detectable by the pilot body (for example, as previously side of the seat harness). About the elongate connecting element, for example via a belt, despite this lateral attachment of the parachute package ensures that the main line is in communication with the shoulder straps, so that the pilot after opening the parachute on the main line of the parachute and the attacking on the shoulder straps Verbindungsvomchtung upright and with your legs hanging down in the seat harness.

A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the connection device at the end facing the rescue parachute has a loop and the main line of the rescue parachute also has a loop, and that the two loops for making a tensile connection between main line and connecting device by looping, preferably are connected together forming a weaving knot.

By such a looping, in which, for example, the parachute package is carried out through the loop of the connecting device, a fixed connection between the connecting device and the main line of the rescue parachute without separate components can be produced. Such a compound is particularly resistant to tension, and there is no risk of breakage of this connecting part and the injury of the pilot at the opening impact of the parachute by the lack of mechanical connecting parts (carabiners).

The connecting device according to the invention for releasably connecting the main line of the rescue parachute with the shoulder straps of the seat harness may be permanently connected to the seat harness and thus constitute a part of the seat harness. But it is also possible to run the connection device according to the invention as part of the rescue parachute or as a separate part.

The invention further relates to a seat harness for a device according to the invention for securing a paraglider or its pilots, wherein at least a part of the Verbindungsvomchtung and preferably the entire connecting device is constantly connected to at least one of the two shoulder straps of Sitzgurtzeuges.

In such an embodiment, in which the connection device to the rescue parachute is an integral part of the paragliding Sitzgurtzeuges, one has the advantage that a large part of the conventional rescue parachutes or parachute packages can be used, with the advantage that is ensured by the connecting device according to the invention, that the pilot hangs upright and with his legs down in the Sitzgurtzeug with an opening of the rescue parachute.

A preferred embodiment of the seat harness according to the invention is that the two shoulder straps in the back region of the pilot - as is known - cross out and connected to each other at the intersection, preferably sewn, and that the Verbindungsvomchtung in the region of the intersection of the shoulder straps with these in Connection stands. The crossed leadership of the shoulder straps in the back area prevents the pilot unintentionally slip out of the shoulder straps. The intersection of the two shoulder straps in the back or The neck area of ​​the pilot provides a favorable point of attack for the connecting device according to the invention, in which case both shoulder straps can be grasped at once, which is advantageous for a straight position of the pilot after opening the rescue parachute. The connection of the connecting device according to the invention with the two shoulder straps can be done for example by sewing. It is more favorable, however, if the Verbindungsvomchtung preferably formed from at least one belt has a loop which comprises the two shoulder straps at the intersection.

Such a loop provides an extremely high-tensile connection, which also withstands the stresses of the opening shock of the parachute without problems. In addition, such a loop of a belt can be easily subsequently lead around the intersection of the shoulder straps, with which a retrofitting conventional seat belt systems is possible in a simple manner. Trained as a belt connection device needs to have at the rescue parachute end also only one loop, which is then rapidly connected by looping quickly and easily with a main line loop of a likewise conventional parachute package.

In order to better distribute the forces occurring at the opening impact of the rescue parachute, it is favorable according to a preferred embodiment of the seat harness according to the invention, if from the junction shoulder belt - Verbindungsvomchtung an additional back-connecting element to the seat or essentially leads to the guided under the seat main belt. This back-connecting element directs a part of the forces occurring at the opening impact of the rescue parachute directly to the main belt or the seat, so that the shoulder straps and the pelvic or Chest belt are relieved. The spine connection element can consist of a belt in a simple manner, which is quite capable of absorbing the tensile stresses that occur. Again, this strap could be sewn to the intersection of the two shoulder straps in the back area. However, a cheaper, more reliable connection is thereby

-3AT 396 098 B achieves that the spine connection element has a loop which comprises the two shoulder straps at the crossing point. In the lower region, the belt-formed back-connecting element may be connected to an eyelet or loop, which is formed by leg loops and main belt below the seat.

To protect the straps in the back region of the pilot and to allow this a more comfortable wearing the seat harness, this seat harness in the back area on a fabric panel, which is generally made in two parts, wherein between the back of the pilot facing fabric surface and another fabric surface part the straps runs. By a third layer of fabric, which is provided for example with a zipper, one also achieves an additional storage space between said further fabric surface and the outer third fabric surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the connection device according to the invention for rescue parachute within the fabric cover (for example, a nylon fabric) with the shoulder straps in conjunction and protrudes for connection to the parachute rescue side of the fabric panel out. Thus, the connection device according to the invention can be accommodated in a non-disturbing, visually appealing manner within the seat harness.

In order to have on the one hand a fairly closed fabric panel and on the other hand no loss in functional terms must accept, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention that the Stoffvefkleidung has a lateral, closable by a Velcro, zipper or the like opening slot through which the connecting device of the Cloth panel is led out. The opening slit closed, for example, with a hook-and-loop fastener, preferably extends approximately from the region of the lap belt on one side of the fabric cladding to approximately the uppermost point of the fabric cladding between the exit point of the two shoulder straps. During normal flight, the opening slot is practically closed over its entire length by the Velcro fastener, only in the lowermost area, the conveniently designed as a belt connecting device protrudes to the main line of the rescue parachute from the fabric panel out. When using the rescue parachute this moves relative to the seat harness upwards, the tensioned connection device without damaging the seat harness simply opens the hook and loop and is moved along the opening slot in the upper region of the fabric lining of Sitzgurtzeuges. The connecting device, the first side of the Sitzgurtzeug or whose fabric panel is led out, so can come virtually unhindered in an opening of the rescue parachute in the vertical upward leading position.

The invention further relates to a rescue parachute for use in a device according to the invention for securing a paraglider. Although it seems momentary, constantly connect the connecting device according to the invention with the seat harness (the connecting device is thus essentially a part of Sitzgurtzeuges), there is basically the possibility that the connecting device is part of the rescue parachute. In this case, the rescue parachute is specially designed with its main line protruding so far from the parachute package containing the folded parachute package that it extends to the shoulder straps when the parcel package is fastened laterally to the seat harness. With such a construction of the rescue parachute, the extended main line can be brought directly into connection with the shoulder straps of the seat harness.

Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment in the following description of the figures.

Fig. 2 shows a detail of the connection of the connecting device according to the invention with the main line of the rescue parachute and Fig. 3 shows a partial view of an inventive seat harness from behind, with a part of the fabric panel unfolded is.

The in Fig. 1 Seat harness shown has a main belt (1), which is provided at the top with fastening straps (2) and which runs with its horizontal part below the seat, in Fig. 1 In essence, only the straps are dargesteilt The seat on the horizontal portion of the main belt (1) seat or the like is not dargesteilt In addition, the fabric panel (3) in the back and seating area is shown only schematically The main belt (1) via its fastening tabs (2 ) Connected via a hooked there carabiner with the unillustrated tethers of a paraglider, also not shown. The in Fig. 1 The left-hand area of ​​the main belt, which is not visible in detail, likewise has a fastening strap and is of essentially the same design as the one shown in FIG. 1 visible right area. With the main belt is by sewing a pelvic or Back strap (4) connected.

In the front area a front openable chest strap (5) is provided, which is also connected to the main belt (1) (for example, sewn). The shoulder straps (6) leading in the applied state over the shoulders of the pilot are crossed over in the back region, the shoulder straps (6) being sewn together at their intersection (7). As shown in FIG. 1 can be seen, the shoulder straps (6) in the rear area with the pelvic or Back strap (4) connected and in the front area with the chest strap (5). The parachute package (8) containing the folded rescue parachute can be fastened to the seat harness in a manner known per se (for example in the vicinity of the main belt (1) on the lap belt (4), ie laterally on the seat harness). The main line or the main belt (9) of the rescue parachute in

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Parachute package (8) protrudes from this parachute package (8) and points to her or its end a loop (10). This loop (10) was previously connected to the carabiner, which is mounted in the attachment loop (2) of the main belt (1) for connection to the paraglider. The pilot hangs obliquely in the Sitzgurtzeug after pressing the emergency parachute, so the risk of injury during landing is great. In order to reduce this risk and allow the pilot to use the rescue parachute in an upright position with the legs ahead, according to the invention a connecting device (11) for releasably connecting the main line (9) of the rescue parachute with the two shoulder straps (6 ) of the seat harness. In the present embodiment, the connecting device consists of a belt (11) which is connected via a loop (12), which comprises the two shoulder straps (6) in the region of the crossing point (7), constantly with the Sitzgurtzeug. The connection belt (11) is in the present embodiment, therefore, a part of the seat harness. The connection belt (11) has at its other end a large loop (13) which is so large that the entire rescue package can be carried out by them. This makes it possible to connect the loop (10) of the main line (9) of the rescue parachute with the loop (13) of the connection belt (11) without further aids, such as carabiners, by simply looping together. Basically, there are several ways to connect two loops together to form a node. In Fig. 2 an example of such a connection of the two loops (10) and (13) is shown, forming a so-called weaver or cross knot. This compound is particularly resistant to strain and does not require separate fasteners, such as carabiners in which due to material defects or the like there is a risk that they can not stand the loads occurring at the opening impact. In addition, by carabiners there would be an increased risk of injury to the pilot at the opening of the rescue parachute.

As already mentioned, the connecting device designed as a connecting belt (11) engages in the region of the connection or Crossing point of the shoulder straps (6) on these shoulder straps, in which the loop (12) includes the shoulder straps in this area. When the rescue parachute is deployed, the pilot hangs down the seat harness in an upright position via the connecting device (11) and the main line (9) and can therefore make a normal landing. The loop (12) comprising the shoulder straps (6) establishes a particularly high-tensile connection between the connecting belt (11) and the shoulder straps. This type of connection also keeps the opening shock when opening the rescue parachute without difficulty and is relatively easy to retrofit existing seat harnesses.

In order to better distribute the high tensile loads occurring in particular when opening the rescue parachute on the Sitzgurtzeug, which has in FIG. 1 seat harness shown an additional RückenKerbindungsgurt to the seat or to the main belt (1) guided under the seat. The back connection belt is provided in the crossing region (7) of the two shoulder straps (6) with a loop (15) which comprises the two shoulder straps (6) at the intersection (7). In the area of ​​the seat, the Sitzgurtzeug leg loops (16), which surround the thighs of the pilot in the applied state. The leg loops (16) are, as shown in FIG. 1 seen in the area of ​​the main belt under the seat so guided that they form a loop (17). This loop provides an ideal connection point for the loop (18) of the back connection belt (14).

In Fig. 1 is already a fabric panel (3) indicated. This fabric paneling is generally formed in two layers, between the pilots facing inner fabric surface (3a) and the outer fabric surface (3b) protects a part of the straps in the back region of the seat harness and invisible from the outside Also the connection belt according to the invention is for the most part between these two Cloth layers (3a) and (3b) housed. Only a portion of its loop (13) protrudes laterally between the two layers of fabric and can be connected to the loop (10) of the side of the seat harness attached rescue parachute package. When the rescue parachute is opened, the connection belt (11) together with the loop moves from the connection belt (11) in FIG. 3 shown lateral position according to the arrow (19) upwards, so that the Sitzgurtzeug including pilots is directly below the opened rescue parachute. In order to enable such a movement of the connection belt (11) with otherwise closed fabric lining, this has a lateral opening slot which can be closed by a hook-and-loop fastener (20). Upon actuation of the rescue parachute this Velcro closure (20) is torn open without damaging the seat harness and the connecting device (11) moves along the arrow (19) upwards. In Fig. 3 For better illustration, a part (3b ') of the outer fabric lining layer (3b) is shown folded outwards to show the hook-and-loop fasteners (20). By connecting the two Velcro closures to obtain a substantially closed fabric cover.

The invention is of course not limited to the illustrated embodiments. For example, the connecting device could also be designed differently than shown in the figures. Also, the point of application to the shoulder straps need not necessarily be in the illustrated crossing region of the shoulder straps, although such an attachment appears most favorable. In principle, the connection device can also be part of the rescue parachute or a separate part. Also, further embodiments within the scope of the claims are quite conceivable and possible.

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