GB2515756A

GB2515756A - Fully adjustable carrying shoulder strap system for white water kayaks. Design contains a storage pouch for all straps and webbing when not in use.

Info

Publication number: GB2515756A
Application number: GB1311802.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Attila Forbauer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-07-02
Filing date: 2013-07-02
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: GB201311802D0

Abstract

A fully adjustable shoulder strap system for carrying a kayak comprises a pair of padded shoulder straps in the shape of an inverted V, each strap forming a separate loop and having a quick release adjustable buckle which is attachable in use to a rescue safety bar behind the white water kayak's cockpit. A third loop is attached to the top of the inverted V by two stainless steel rings and is threaded around the middle pillar or the hull of the kayak in use, allowing the user to carry the kayak in a substantially upright position on his/her back with the cockpit of the kayak against the user's back. A storage pouch is provided attached to the third loop , allowing the straps and webbing to be safely stored when not in use.

Description

Universal, fully adjustable carrying shoulder strap system for white water kayaks.

Introduction and back2round.

There have been a few attempts over the years to design a carrying system for white water kayaks as the nature of the sport requires participants to carry their kayaks to and from the liver to their means of transport and occasionally around dangerous features. Carrying on one shoulder results in a compromised spine position and back/shoulder pain and is extremely uncomfortable.

The kayak carrying system I designed allows the user to adopt a more upright walking position without having to endure discomfort and risking shoulder or spine injury or strain. It was also key to have a carrying system that is easily installed and adjusted to any river running and creek kayak and can be stored safely out of the way when not in use to eliminate snag hazards and entrapment.

Description as follows.

The design consists of an inverted "V" shaped padded shoulder strap, very similar to a rucksack strap with shoulder pads. (see Figure2) Webbing straps sewn to the shoulder strap foiming two separate loops to go around the paddler's aims with quick release, adjustable plastic or metal buckles (off the shelf) attached for adjustablity. At the top narrowing of the inverted "V" shoulder pads two stainless steel rings are attached (stiched) to the shoulder pads, 25 mm diameter, 65mm apart, close to the wearer's shoulders.(see figure]) A third webbing strap with an adjustable plastic or metal buckle is threaded through these top two stainless steel rings l.5m length.

The system is attached to the commonly used safety/rescue bars/handles behind the cockpit of the white water kayak by the two loops of the inverted "V" shoulder strap. Undo the quick release buckle, thread the webbing behind the external security bars and re-clip buckle.

The third loop is to go around the middle step outlreinforcing pillar inside the kayak following the same method. Unclip quick release buckle, thread around foam/plastic middle pillar, re-clip buckle.

(See Figure3)Once the system is installed, the kayak is stood on it's stern and the user can put the kayak on his/her back adjusting the three straps. When in use, the cockpit will be against the user's back, and by pulling down on the adjustable webbing on either side of one's arms the user can lift the kayak onto his/her back and get as much ground clearance as desired to be able to walk freely.

The user has to adopt a lean forward walking position just like when carrying a heavy rucksack as the typical weight range of white water kayaks is 18-25kg.

The system can be used on older kayaks with no inside pillars, in this case the third loop is to go around the hull of the kayak, outside and to be tightened at the user's shoulder height. Carrying method is the same as before.

Another important feature is the storage pouch that is attached to the third loop. This storage pouch stays attached to the middle pillar inside the kayak by a separate, non load bearing adjustable loop to keep it in place. When the system is not in use, all the shoulder straps and webbing can be folded and stuffed inside the pouch to efiminate snag hazards and entrapment should the need arise for the user to exit the kayak. This way the wh&e system is stored permanently next to the middle pillar, in a safe place but always ready to be deployed and used. When used on old kayaks with no middle pillar, when the device is removed and stored, the storage pouch to be clipped to the back band behind the seat to avoid entrapment.

After initial adjustment it will only take a short time (10-20 seconds)to clip the components of the carrying system to the rescue bar/s behind the cockpit, put the kayak on one's shoulders and start walking.