Abstract: A sealed zipper assembly includes a first zipper segment and a second zipper segment in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone. A sealing element is positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment.

Abstract: A slide fastener sealing system and related methods. In one example, the slide fastener sealing system includes a separating slide fastener in which a first end overlaps and is secured to a second end such that a sealing zone is located between the overlapping ends of the slide fastener. The sealing system also includes in this example a sealing member that can be secured to the slide fastener in a removable fashion with a portion of the sealing member located in the sealing zone to seal against fluid penetration through the sealing zone.

Abstract: A sealed zipper assembly includes a first zipper segment and a second zipper segment in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone. A sealing element is positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment.

Abstract: A method of loading a bladder into an outer envelope of an inflatable kite involves inserting the bladder through a valve opening in a portion of the outer envelope of the inflatable kite until a valve of the bladder is positioned in the valve opening. The preferred manner of inserting the bladder into position is accomplished by securing a line to a remote end of the bladder and using the line to draw the bladder through the valve opening.

Abstract: An outdoor activity suit includes a body having a front portion, a back portion, opposed sides where the front portion connects to the back portion, a neck receiving portion, an arms receiving portion and a legs receiving portion. The front portion, the neck receiving portion and the legs receiving portion of the body form a first component of the body. The back portion and the arms receiving portion form a second component of the body. An endless loop zipper connects the first component and the second component such that the second component is selectively removable from the first component.

Abstract: A sealed zipper assembly includes a first zipper segment and a second zipper segment in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone. A sealing element is positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment.

Abstract: A sealed zipper assembly includes a first zipper segment and a second zipper segment in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone. A sealing element is positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment.

Abstract: A method of sealing a zipper closure has a first waterproof element in the form of a sealing zone base and a second waterproof element in the form of a waterproof interlocking zipper fastener. The first waterproof element and the second waterproof element are placed in overlapping engagement to define a sealing zone. One or more sealing elements are placed in the sealing zone to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A method of loading a bladder into an outer envelope of an inflatable kite involves inserting the bladder through a valve opening in a portion of the outer envelope of the inflatable kite until a valve of the bladder is positioned in the valve opening. The preferred manner of inserting the bladder into position is accomplished by securing a line to a remote end of the bladder and using the line to draw the bladder through the valve opening.

Abstract: An airtight bladder for kites and method of sealing an airtight bladder for kites. The bladder body has longitudinal edges sealed with a lap seam and ends sealed by a combination of deforming bladder material and applying an end seam. The deforming of the bladder materials is done by folding, rolling, accordion folding, knotting, or twisting the ends. The deforming of the bladder material in this matter shelters and protects the end seals.

Abstract: A method of sealing a zipper closure has a first waterproof element in the form of a sealing zone base and a second waterproof element in the form of a waterproof interlocking zipper fastener. The first waterproof element and the second waterproof element are placed in overlapping engagement to define a sealing zone. One or more sealing elements are placed in the sealing zone to prevent leakage.

Abstract: A front flying line kite depower system includes a line sheath that extends through a transverse opening in the control bar. A front flying line parting fitting is non-rotatably fixed to an upper end of the line sheath above the control bar. When a manual rotation force is imparted to the line sheath, the relative positioning of a first front flying line and a second front flying line is altered by the front flying line parting fitting to untangle any twisting above the line sheath. Within the line sheath, the second front flying line is off-set from a primary axis and orbits the first front flying line which is positioned on the primary axis to avoid any tangling during manual adjustment.

Abstract: A kite control bar having a line guide extending with a fixed pawl towards one end. A reel is pivotally mounted towards one end of the control bar and extending into the line receiving channel. The reel has a fixed shaft with a knob on the shaft to enabling manual rotation of the reel. The reel has a ratchet gear. The reel is pivotally movable from an engaged positioned in which the ratchet gear of the reel is engaged with the pawl on the control bar thereby preventing rotation of the reel and a disengaged position in which the ratchet gear of the reel is disengaged from the pawl on the control bar thereby allowing rotation of the reel. The reel is biased into the engaged position. The reel is moved from the engaged position to the disengaged position by pushing the knob away from a center of the control bar.

Abstract: A sealed zipper assembly includes a first zipper segment and a second zipper segment in overlapping relation to create a sealing zone. A sealing element is positioned in the sealing zone to prevent leakage between the first zipper segment and the second zipper segment.

Abstract: A dry suit having detachable or permanent zippered compression flaps. The compression flaps can be disposed over the front or the back of a dry suit. The compression flaps are used to gather and hide excess dry suit materials and dry zipper ends under the compression flaps. The compression flaps form a tunnel around the wearer under which a kayak spray skirt or a kite boarding/surfboarding harness can be worn.

Abstract: A kite control bar having a tensioning bar end float which is capable of expanding and contracting. When an adjusting force is exerted upon the trim line, the trim line to backline leader connection pushes the bar end float from an expanded state to a contracted state. When the adjusting force is released, the bar end float tends to return to its expanded state. This ensures that constant tension is maintained on the trim line to prevent excess line from tangling inside the kite bar and bar end float while depowering.

Abstract: An outdoor activity suit includes a body having a front portion, a back portion, opposed sides where the front portion connects to the back portion, a neck receiving portion, an arms receiving portion and a legs receiving portion. The front portion, the neck receiving portion and the legs receiving portion of the body form a first component of the body. The back portion and the arms receiving portion form a second component of the body. An endless loop zipper connects the first component and the second component such that the second component is selectively removable from the first component.

Abstract: A front flying line kite depower system includes a line sheath that extends through a transverse opening in the control bar. A front flying line parting fitting is non-rotatably fixed to an upper end of the line sheath above the control bar. When a manual rotation force is imparted to the line sheath, the relative positioning of a first front flying line and a second front flying line is altered by the front flying line parting fitting to untangle any twisting above the line sheath. Within the line sheath, the second front flying line is off-set from a primary axis and orbits the first front flying line which is positioned on the primary axis to avoid any tangling during manual adjustment.

Abstract: An adjustable circumference seal includes an envelope having an outer layer and an inner layer, with the inner layer defining a sealing surface. A circumferential closure is provided for constricting the inner layer of the envelope and thereby adjusting a circumference of the inner layer of the envelope. The closure includes a band having a first end and a second end, with a first cord guide at the first end and a second cord guide at the second end. A cord is threaded from the outer layer through a cord channel in the envelope, through the first cord guide of the band, through the second cord guide of the band and back through the cord channel. By pulling the cord, the circumference of the inner layer of the envelope is reduced until the sealing surface is brought into a sealing engagement. A cord lock for maintains the cord in a selected position.