A harness system includes a spreader bar having first and second elongate end portions at its respective ends. A curved support member is interconnected to the spreader bar by way of a plurality of straps. The straps include first and second adjustment straps connected to the first elongate end portion and to the curved support member. The first and second adjustment straps are arranged at a non-parallel angle to one another. Fixed straps may be located on a side opposite the adjustment straps. The arrangement and configuration of the spreader bar, curved support member, and adjustment straps provides an improved adjustable harness.

A harness for sailing, comprising a harness body with a pair of side flaps, a groin piece connected to the harness body and connecting to a spreader bar assembly. The spreader bar assembly comprising a front piece, and a pair of distal flaps, in which a respective side flap can be positioned between the front piece and the respective distal flap to be releasably secured therein; the spreader bar assembly comprising a quick release strap positioned between each distal flap and respective side flap, such that when the quick release strap is moved distally of the spreader bar assembly, the distal flap is separated from the side flap.

A harness system includes a spreader bar having first and second elongate end portions at its respective ends. A curved support member is interconnected to the spreader bar by way of a plurality of straps. The straps include first and second adjustment straps connected to the first elongate end portion and to the curved support member. The first and second adjustment straps are arranged at a non-parallel angle to one another. Fixed straps may be located on a side opposite the adjustment straps. The arrangement and configuration of the spreader bar, curved support member, and adjustment straps provides an improved adjustable harness.

A load distribution harness, in particular for based sports. The load distribution harness comprises a body support that in use is connected to a spreader bar for connection to a pulling element. The body support and the spreader bar are connectable to each other so that the harness in use encircles the lower part of the torso of a user and distributes a pulling load exerted on the spreader bar over the body of the user, preferably over the lumbar region of the user. The body support includes a stiffening shell provided with composite material. The stiffening shell comprises a support plate from fibre reinforced sheet material having thermoplastic matrix material with fibres embedded therein. The support plate is substantially C-shaped. The support plate extends continuously from a first end region that in use extends to a first end of the spreader bar, via a midsection that in use extends along the body of the user, preferably along the lumbar region of the user, to a second end region that in use extends to a second end of the spreader bar.

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 harness for wind sports has a rigid, external composite frame that contours to a region of a user's back. Direct connections between the composite frame and a spreader bar facilitate transmission of forces. The spreader bar may have a rope to provide a sliding attachment point to a sail or kite.