EP3512609A1 - Harness connector and harness - Google Patents

Harness connector and harness

Info

Publication number
EP3512609A1
EP3512609A1 EP17777629.1A EP17777629A EP3512609A1 EP 3512609 A1 EP3512609 A1 EP 3512609A1 EP 17777629 A EP17777629 A EP 17777629A EP 3512609 A1 EP3512609 A1 EP 3512609A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
harness
connector
aperture
strap
frame
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP17777629.1A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3512609B1 (en
Inventor
Stephen Griffiths
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carrs Billington Agriculture (sales) Ltd
Original Assignee
Carrs Billington Agriculture (sales) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carrs Billington Agriculture (sales) Ltd filed Critical Carrs Billington Agriculture (sales) Ltd
Publication of EP3512609A1 publication Critical patent/EP3512609A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3512609B1 publication Critical patent/EP3512609B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/0006—Harnesses; Accessories therefor
    • A62B35/0012—Sit harnesses
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/0006—Harnesses; Accessories therefor
    • A62B35/0025—Details and accessories
    • A62B35/0031—Belt sorting accessories, e.g. devices keeping the belts in comfortable positions
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B35/00—Safety belts or body harnesses; Similar equipment for limiting displacement of the human body, especially in case of sudden changes of motion
    • A62B35/0006—Harnesses; Accessories therefor
    • A62B35/0025—Details and accessories
    • A62B35/0037—Attachments for lifelines and lanyards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B29/00—Apparatus for mountaineering
    • A63B29/02—Mountain guy-ropes or accessories, e.g. avalanche ropes; Means for indicating the location of accidentally buried, e.g. snow-buried, persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B27/00—Apparatus for climbing poles, trees, or the like

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a harness connector and a harness for supporting a user in a suspended position.
  • Harnesses for arborists typically comprise a short rope section which bridges a left and right side of the harness so that a supporting rope can be suitably anchored thereto.
  • the so-called "rope bridge” offers a coupling point for the rope which can move across the harness as the user moves around a tree for example.
  • the rope bridge offers a limited anchorage point such that it is difficult for a user to transfer between trees or other transfer between different supporting ropes.
  • the present invention seeks to improve harnesses by providing harness connectors which increase versatility for arborists and the like when operating in a suspended state at elevated positions.
  • a harness connector comprising a closed loop first frame defining a first aperture, at least two closed loop second frames rigidly coupled to the first frame, each closed loop second frame defining a second aperture and a bridging member which extends across the first aperture between the at least two second frames, the bridging member defining a third aperture nested within the first aperture, wherein the at least two second apertures and third aperture are linearly aligned.
  • the bridging member separates the first aperture into a proximal aperture which extends adjacent a proximal end of the connector and a distal aperture which extends adjacent a distal end of the connector.
  • the first frame comprises a linear portion and an arcuate portion which extends to opposite ends of the linear portion.
  • the first frame may be substantially D-shaped.
  • the connector may further comprise a connecting member which extends between a proximal end of the connector and the bridging member. The connecting member separates the proximal aperture into two elongate apertures.
  • the linear portion of the first frame preferably extends along the proximal end of the connector and the arcuate portion preferably extends along the distal end of the connector.
  • the at least two second apertures and third aperture are aligned along a first axis which extends substantially transverse to a second axis of the connector.
  • the second axis is an axis of symmetry of the connector.
  • the connecting member extends along the second axis.
  • the elongate apertures extend along respective axes which are acutely orientated relative to the second axis.
  • the respective axes diverge with respect to each other along the connector in a direction which is from the proximal end to the distal end of the connector.
  • the first frame, at least two second frames, bridging member and connecting member extend in a common plane such that the connector is substantially planar.
  • each of the at least two second apertures and third aperture is a substantially circular aperture.
  • the distal aperture is an arcuate aperture.
  • the connector is formed of a rigid material such as a metal.
  • the connector is formed of aluminium.
  • a harness for supporting a user in a suspended position, the harness comprising a waist belt for extending around a user's waist and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg of a user, wherein the harness further comprises a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt, the cradle comprising at least two harness connectors of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the harness connectors are disposed at a front of the harness so that the harness connectors extend at the front of a user during use.
  • the cradle comprises a plurality of belt straps which extend between the waist belt and the harness connectors and a plurality of band straps which extend between the leg bands and the harness connectors.
  • a proximal end of the belt straps are rigidly coupled to the waist belt and a distal end of each belt strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector.
  • the cradle preferably further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each belt strap.
  • a proximal end of the band straps are rigidly coupled to the leg bands and a distal end of each band strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector.
  • the cradle preferably further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each band strap.
  • the belt straps and band straps are looped around the first frame through the proximal aperture and preferably through a separate elongate aperture of each connector.
  • the divergent nature of the elongate apertures offers an improved comfort for the user as the belt straps and leg straps become held in position by virtue of the orientation of the section of the first frame which defines the elongate apertures.
  • the first frame section extends substantially parallel to the respective axes of the elongate apertures so that the first frame section bordering each elongate aperture are similarly inclined to the axis of symmetry.
  • the harness connectors are orientated upon the harness such that the distal end of each connector faces towards each other.
  • the harness further comprises a bridge strap or rope which is coupled to one of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of one connector and a corresponding aperture of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of the other connector.
  • the harness further comprises a support (such as a padded lumbar support) which is coupled to the waist belt and a leg support (such as a padded leg support) which is coupled to each leg band.
  • a support such as a padded lumbar support
  • a leg support such as a padded leg support
  • the waist belt and leg bands are adjustable via a respective buckle, so that the effective length of the belt and leg bands can be adjusted to suitably fit a user.
  • the harness further comprises a plurality of attachment points located on the waist belt for detachably coupling climbing accessories.
  • the attachment points may comprise loops or rings secured to the waist belt.
  • the harness further comprises a sub-harness configured to provide anatomical support for the female pelvis.
  • the sub-harness comprises a first adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a first end of the waist belt and a second adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a second end of the waist belt.
  • the sub-harness further comprises an intermediate strap attached at an upper end to the rear face (eg exterior rear face) of the waist belt at substantially the midpoint. More preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are convergent and coupled to the front exterior face of each of the leg bands by a coupling strap (eg a U-shaped coupling strap).
  • a coupling strap eg a U-shaped coupling strap
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be fixed (eg jointly fixed) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be stitched (eg jointly stitched) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are connected freely (eg jointly connected freely) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be looped on (eg jointly looped on) the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap have greater articulation with (eg slidability on) the coupling strap to promote comfort.
  • a harness for supporting a female user in a suspended position comprising a waist belt for extending around a user's waist and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg of a user, a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt and a sub-harness configured to provide anatomical support for the female pelvis.
  • the sub-harness comprises a first adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a first end of the waist belt and a second adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a second end of the waist belt.
  • the sub-harness further comprises an intermediate strap attached at an upper end to the rear face (eg exterior rear face) of the waist belt at substantially the midpoint. More preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are convergent and coupled to the front exterior face of each of the leg bands by a coupling strap (eg a U-shaped coupling strap).
  • a coupling strap eg a U-shaped coupling strap
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be fixed (eg jointly fixed) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be stitched (eg jointly stitched) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are connected freely (eg jointly connected freely) to the coupling strap.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap have greater articulation with (eg slidability on) the coupling strap to promote comfort.
  • the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be looped on (eg jointly looped on) the coupling strap.
  • the coupling strap is attached at a medial position of the front exterior face of each of the leg bands.
  • Figure 1 is a front view of a harness according to a first embodiment of the present invention fitted to a male user;
  • Figure 2 is a rear view of the harness illustrated in figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a view of a harness connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4a is a front view of a harness according to a second embodiment of the present invention suitable to be fitted to a female user; and Figure 4b is a rear view of the harness illustrated in figure 4a.
  • the harness 10 for supporting a male user when suspended from a rope or similar (not shown).
  • the harness 10 comprises a waist belt 20 comprising a webbing strap 21 (which may be formed of a polyester for example) which is arranged to extend around a user's waist and is adjustable via a buckle 22 so that the effective length of the waist belt 20 can be varied.
  • the webbing strap 21 extends around an exterior of a lumbar support 23 so that (when fitted to a user) the lumbar support 23 extends between the webbing strap 21 and the user.
  • the lumbar support 23 may be padded and formed of a foamed material such as a polyethylene.
  • a plurality of looped straps 24 through which the webbing strap 21 can extend secures the lumbar support 23 to the webbing strap 21.
  • the harness 10 further comprises a plurality of looped rope sections 25 and/or rings 26 secured around the waist belt 20.
  • the looped sections 25 and rings 26 serve as attachment points for detachably coupled climbing accessories such as quick draws (not shown), camming devices (not shown) or karabiners (not shown) to the harness 10.
  • the harness 10 further comprises two leg bands 30, 40 or loops, which are separately arranged to extend around the thigh region of a users' legs.
  • Each leg band 30, 40 comprises a fixing strap 31 , 41 which may be similarly formed of a polyester, which is adjustable via a respective buckle 32, 42 and a leg support 33, 43 which extends between the fixing strap 31 , 41 and the users leg.
  • the leg supports 33, 43 reduce the pressure exerted on the users legs from the fixing straps 31 , 41 by distributing the force across a larger area compared with the fixing straps 31 , 41 alone.
  • the leg supports 33, 43 may be padded and similarly formed of a foamed material such as a polyethylene and further comprise a plurality of looped straps 34, 44 (only one of which is shown) similar to the lumbar support 23 through which the fixing straps 31 , 41 can extend to secure the leg supports 33, 43 to the fixing straps 31 , 41.
  • the harness 10 further comprises a cradle 50 which couples the leg supports 30, 40 to the waist belt 20, so that the waist belt 20 and leg supports 30, 40 can cooperate to support a user at multiple positions.
  • the cradle 50 comprises two rear straps 51 , 52 which extend between the waist belt 20 and the leg supports 30, 40 at a rear of the harness 10.
  • Each rear strap 51 , 52 comprises a belt portion 51a, 52a and a leg portion 51 b, 52b.
  • a proximal end of the belt portion 51a, 52a is rigidly coupled to the waist belt 20 (such as by stitching) and a proximal end of each leg portion 51 , 52b is rigidly coupled to a respective leg band 30, 40.
  • the belt portion 51a, 52a and leg portion 51 b, 52b of each rear strap 51 , 52 are coupled together via a buckle 53, 54 , so that the rise (namely the separation of the waist belt 20 from the leg bands 30, 40) can be varied.
  • the cradle 50 further comprises two front straps 55, 56 which similarly extend between the waist belt 20 and the leg supports 30, 40 at a front of the harness 0.
  • Each front strap 55, 56 comprises a belt portion 55a, 56a and a leg portion 55b, 56b.
  • a proximal end of the belt portion 55a, 56a is rigidly coupled to the waist belt 20 (such as by stitching) and a proximal end of each leg portion 55b, 56b is rigidly coupled to a respective leg band 30, 40.
  • the belt portion 55a, 56a and leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 are coupled together via a respective harness connector 100 as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • the harness 10 comprises two harness connectors 100 disposed at a front of the harness 10.
  • the harness connector 100 is formed of a rigid material (such as a metal) and is preferably formed of a lightweight metal such as aluminium.
  • the connector 100 comprises a first closed loop frame portion 110 which defines a first aperture 111 .
  • the connector 100 further comprises at least two second frame portions 120 rigidly coupled to the first frame portion 1 10 (or otherwise integrally formed therewith) disposed on opposing sides of the first frame 1 10 on an outer periphery thereof.
  • the second frame portions 120 separately define a second aperture 121 having a substantially circular shape.
  • the connector 100 further comprises a bridging member 130 which extends across the first aperture 111 and is rigidly coupled at each end thereof with the first frame portion 110 or otherwise formed integrally therewith.
  • the bridging member 130 extends across the first aperture 111 between the second frame portions 120.
  • the member 130 defines a third aperture 131 at a central location thereof, which comprises a substantially circular shape.
  • the at least two second apertures 121 and third aperture 131 are linearly aligned and extend along an axis 140 which is substantially transverse to a longitudinal, symmetric axis 150 of the connector 100.
  • the bridging member 13 separates the first aperture 111 into a proximal and distal aperture 112, 1 13, which extend at opposite sides of the bridging member 130.
  • the proximal aperture 112 extends adjacent a proximal end of the aperture 1 11 which comprises a substantially linear portion 1 10a of the first frame portion 110.
  • the distal aperture 1 13 extends adjacent a distal end of the connector 100 which comprises an arcuate portion 110b of the first frame 110.
  • the arcuate portion 1 10b extends to opposite ends of the linear portion 110a such that the first frame portion 110 is substantially D-shaped.
  • the connector 100 further comprises a connecting member 160 which extends along the longitudinal axis 150 of the connector 100 between a central region of the linear portion 1 10a and the bridging member 130.
  • the connecting member 160 is rigidly coupled to the linear portion 110a and bridging member 130 (or otherwise integrally formed therewith) and separates the proximal aperture 112 into two elongate apertures 114, 115 which are separately orientated along a respective axis.
  • the elongate apertures 114, 1 15 are orientated at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 150 and preferably diverge away from each other in a direction which is toward the distal end of the connector 100.
  • the first frame portion 110, at least two second frame portions 120, bridging member 130 and connecting member 160 extend in a common plane, such that the connector 100 is substantially planar.
  • the belt portion 55a, 56a of each front strap 55, 56 is looped around the first frame portion 110 within an elongate aperture 114 of a connector 100
  • the leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 is looped around the first frame portion 110 within the adjacent elongate aperture 1 15 of the respective connector 100.
  • the connectors 100 are orientated such that the distal end of each connector 100 extend toward each other and the divergent orientation of the elongate aperture 114, 115 of each connector accommodate the orientation of the belt portion 55a, 56a and leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 and help centralise the connector 100 relative to the harness 10.
  • the front straps 55, 56 may further comprise buckles 57, 58 or similar so that the effective length of the front straps 55, 56 and thus the separation of the waist belt 20 from the leg bands 30, 40 can be varied.
  • the harness 10 further comprises a rope bridge 60 which extends between the harness connectors 100.
  • the rope bridge 60 comprises a short length of rope 61 or similar, one end of which is passed through one of the aligned circular apertures 121 , 131 of one connector 100 and secured thereto.
  • the other end of the rope 61 is passed through a corresponding circular aperture 121 , 131 of the other connector 100 and secured thereto.
  • the rope bridge 60 serves as an attachment point for securing a rope (not shown), and may comprise a ring 62 or similar threaded thereon for facilitating the attachment of a rope (not shown) to the rope bridge 60 using a karabiner (not shown) or similar for suspending a user above the ground.
  • FIG. 4a is a front view of a harness 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention suitable to be fitted to a female user.
  • Figure 4b is a rear view of the harness 400 illustrated in Figure 4a.
  • the harness 400 according to the second embodiment is largely identical to the harness 10 according to the first embodiment but is additionally equipped with a sub-harness 401.
  • the sub-harness 401 generates anatomical support and comfort for the female pelvis and so the harness 400 is intended for female users.
  • the sub-harness 401 comprises a first adjustable strap 401 a attached at an upper end to the inside face of a first end of the waist belt 20 and a second adjustable strap 401 b attached at an upper end to the inside face of a second end of the waist belt 20.
  • the first adjustable strap 401 a and second adjustable strap 401 b are pulled tightly to give the harness 400 a snug fit.
  • the sub-harness 401 further comprises an intermediate strap 402 attached at an upper end to the exterior rear face of the waist belt 20 at substantially the mid-point. Lower ends of the first adjustable strap 401a, the second adjustable strap 401 b and the intermediate strap 402 are convergent and jointly coupled to the front exterior face of each of the right leg band 30 and the left leg band 40 by a U-shaped coupling strap 403.
  • harness and connector provide an improved support for climbers when operating at elevated positions.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

A harness for supporting a user in a suspended position is disclosed, together with a harness connector. The harness comprises a waist belt for extending around a user's waist, and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg, of a user. The harness further comprises a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt, and which comprises at least two harness connectors. The harness connectors comprise a closed loop first frame defining a first aperture, at least two closed loop second frames rigidly coupled to the first frame, each closed loop second frame defining a second aperture, and a bridging member which extends across the first aperture between the at least two second frames. The bridging member defines a third aperture nested within the first aperture, and the at least two second apertures and third aperture are linearly aligned.

Description

HARNESS CONNECTOR AND HARNESS
The present invention relates to a harness connector and a harness for supporting a user in a suspended position.
Harnesses for arborists typically comprise a short rope section which bridges a left and right side of the harness so that a supporting rope can be suitably anchored thereto. The so-called "rope bridge" offers a coupling point for the rope which can move across the harness as the user moves around a tree for example. However, the rope bridge offers a limited anchorage point such that it is difficult for a user to transfer between trees or other transfer between different supporting ropes. The present invention seeks to improve harnesses by providing harness connectors which increase versatility for arborists and the like when operating in a suspended state at elevated positions.
In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a harness connector comprising a closed loop first frame defining a first aperture, at least two closed loop second frames rigidly coupled to the first frame, each closed loop second frame defining a second aperture and a bridging member which extends across the first aperture between the at least two second frames, the bridging member defining a third aperture nested within the first aperture, wherein the at least two second apertures and third aperture are linearly aligned. In an embodiment, the bridging member separates the first aperture into a proximal aperture which extends adjacent a proximal end of the connector and a distal aperture which extends adjacent a distal end of the connector.
In an embodiment, the first frame comprises a linear portion and an arcuate portion which extends to opposite ends of the linear portion. In this respect, the first frame may be substantially D-shaped. The connector may further comprise a connecting member which extends between a proximal end of the connector and the bridging member. The connecting member separates the proximal aperture into two elongate apertures.
The linear portion of the first frame preferably extends along the proximal end of the connector and the arcuate portion preferably extends along the distal end of the connector. In an embodiment, the at least two second apertures and third aperture are aligned along a first axis which extends substantially transverse to a second axis of the connector. Preferably the second axis is an axis of symmetry of the connector.
In an embodiment, the connecting member extends along the second axis. The elongate apertures extend along respective axes which are acutely orientated relative to the second axis. In an embodiment, the respective axes diverge with respect to each other along the connector in a direction which is from the proximal end to the distal end of the connector.
In an embodiment, the first frame, at least two second frames, bridging member and connecting member extend in a common plane such that the connector is substantially planar.
In an embodiment, each of the at least two second apertures and third aperture is a substantially circular aperture.
In an embodiment, the distal aperture is an arcuate aperture.
In an embodiment, the connector is formed of a rigid material such as a metal. Preferably the connector is formed of aluminium.
In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a harness for supporting a user in a suspended position, the harness comprising a waist belt for extending around a user's waist and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg of a user, wherein the harness further comprises a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt, the cradle comprising at least two harness connectors of the first aspect of the invention. In an embodiment, the harness connectors are disposed at a front of the harness so that the harness connectors extend at the front of a user during use.
In an embodiment, the cradle comprises a plurality of belt straps which extend between the waist belt and the harness connectors and a plurality of band straps which extend between the leg bands and the harness connectors.
In an embodiment, a proximal end of the belt straps are rigidly coupled to the waist belt and a distal end of each belt strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector. The cradle preferably further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each belt strap. In an embodiment, a proximal end of the band straps are rigidly coupled to the leg bands and a distal end of each band strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector. The cradle preferably further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each band strap.
In an embodiment, the belt straps and band straps are looped around the first frame through the proximal aperture and preferably through a separate elongate aperture of each connector. The divergent nature of the elongate apertures offers an improved comfort for the user as the belt straps and leg straps become held in position by virtue of the orientation of the section of the first frame which defines the elongate apertures. The first frame section extends substantially parallel to the respective axes of the elongate apertures so that the first frame section bordering each elongate aperture are similarly inclined to the axis of symmetry.
In an embodiment, the harness connectors are orientated upon the harness such that the distal end of each connector faces towards each other.
In an embodiment, the harness further comprises a bridge strap or rope which is coupled to one of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of one connector and a corresponding aperture of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of the other connector.
In an embodiment, the harness further comprises a support (such as a padded lumbar support) which is coupled to the waist belt and a leg support (such as a padded leg support) which is coupled to each leg band.
In an embodiment, the waist belt and leg bands are adjustable via a respective buckle, so that the effective length of the belt and leg bands can be adjusted to suitably fit a user.
In an embodiment, the harness further comprises a plurality of attachment points located on the waist belt for detachably coupling climbing accessories. The attachment points may comprise loops or rings secured to the waist belt.
In an embodiment, the harness further comprises a sub-harness configured to provide anatomical support for the female pelvis.
Preferably the sub-harness comprises a first adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a first end of the waist belt and a second adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a second end of the waist belt. Particularly preferably the sub-harness further comprises an intermediate strap attached at an upper end to the rear face (eg exterior rear face) of the waist belt at substantially the midpoint. More preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are convergent and coupled to the front exterior face of each of the leg bands by a coupling strap (eg a U-shaped coupling strap).
The lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be fixed (eg jointly fixed) to the coupling strap. For example, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be stitched (eg jointly stitched) to the coupling strap. Preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are connected freely (eg jointly connected freely) to the coupling strap. For example, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be looped on (eg jointly looped on) the coupling strap. By being connected freely to the coupling strap, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap have greater articulation with (eg slidability on) the coupling strap to promote comfort.
In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a harness for supporting a female user in a suspended position, the harness comprising a waist belt for extending around a user's waist and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg of a user, a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt and a sub-harness configured to provide anatomical support for the female pelvis.
Preferably the sub-harness comprises a first adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a first end of the waist belt and a second adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the face (eg the inside face) of a second end of the waist belt. Particularly preferably the sub-harness further comprises an intermediate strap attached at an upper end to the rear face (eg exterior rear face) of the waist belt at substantially the midpoint. More preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are convergent and coupled to the front exterior face of each of the leg bands by a coupling strap (eg a U-shaped coupling strap).
The lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be fixed (eg jointly fixed) to the coupling strap. For example, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be stitched (eg jointly stitched) to the coupling strap. Preferably the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are connected freely (eg jointly connected freely) to the coupling strap. By being connected freely to the coupling strap, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap have greater articulation with (eg slidability on) the coupling strap to promote comfort. For example, the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap may be looped on (eg jointly looped on) the coupling strap.
Typically the coupling strap is attached at a medial position of the front exterior face of each of the leg bands.
Whilst the invention has been described above, it extends to any inventive combination of features set out above or in the following description. Although illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments.
Furthermore it is contemplated that a particular feature described either individually or as part of an embodiment can be combined with other individually described features, or parts of other embodiments, even if the other features and embodiments make no mention of the particular feature. Thus the invention extends to such specific combinations not already described.
By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of a harness according to a first embodiment of the present invention fitted to a male user;
Figure 2 is a rear view of the harness illustrated in figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a view of a harness connector according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4a is a front view of a harness according to a second embodiment of the present invention suitable to be fitted to a female user; and Figure 4b is a rear view of the harness illustrated in figure 4a.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated a harness 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention for supporting a male user when suspended from a rope or similar (not shown). The harness 10 comprises a waist belt 20 comprising a webbing strap 21 (which may be formed of a polyester for example) which is arranged to extend around a user's waist and is adjustable via a buckle 22 so that the effective length of the waist belt 20 can be varied. The webbing strap 21 extends around an exterior of a lumbar support 23 so that (when fitted to a user) the lumbar support 23 extends between the webbing strap 21 and the user. The lumbar support 23 may be padded and formed of a foamed material such as a polyethylene. A plurality of looped straps 24 through which the webbing strap 21 can extend secures the lumbar support 23 to the webbing strap 21. In an embodiment, the harness 10 further comprises a plurality of looped rope sections 25 and/or rings 26 secured around the waist belt 20. The looped sections 25 and rings 26 serve as attachment points for detachably coupled climbing accessories such as quick draws (not shown), camming devices (not shown) or karabiners (not shown) to the harness 10.
The harness 10 further comprises two leg bands 30, 40 or loops, which are separately arranged to extend around the thigh region of a users' legs. Each leg band 30, 40 comprises a fixing strap 31 , 41 which may be similarly formed of a polyester, which is adjustable via a respective buckle 32, 42 and a leg support 33, 43 which extends between the fixing strap 31 , 41 and the users leg. The leg supports 33, 43 reduce the pressure exerted on the users legs from the fixing straps 31 , 41 by distributing the force across a larger area compared with the fixing straps 31 , 41 alone. The leg supports 33, 43 may be padded and similarly formed of a foamed material such as a polyethylene and further comprise a plurality of looped straps 34, 44 (only one of which is shown) similar to the lumbar support 23 through which the fixing straps 31 , 41 can extend to secure the leg supports 33, 43 to the fixing straps 31 , 41. The harness 10 further comprises a cradle 50 which couples the leg supports 30, 40 to the waist belt 20, so that the waist belt 20 and leg supports 30, 40 can cooperate to support a user at multiple positions. The cradle 50 comprises two rear straps 51 , 52 which extend between the waist belt 20 and the leg supports 30, 40 at a rear of the harness 10. Each rear strap 51 , 52 comprises a belt portion 51a, 52a and a leg portion 51 b, 52b. A proximal end of the belt portion 51a, 52a is rigidly coupled to the waist belt 20 (such as by stitching) and a proximal end of each leg portion 51 , 52b is rigidly coupled to a respective leg band 30, 40. The belt portion 51a, 52a and leg portion 51 b, 52b of each rear strap 51 , 52 are coupled together via a buckle 53, 54 , so that the rise (namely the separation of the waist belt 20 from the leg bands 30, 40) can be varied.
The cradle 50 further comprises two front straps 55, 56 which similarly extend between the waist belt 20 and the leg supports 30, 40 at a front of the harness 0. Each front strap 55, 56 comprises a belt portion 55a, 56a and a leg portion 55b, 56b. A proximal end of the belt portion 55a, 56a is rigidly coupled to the waist belt 20 (such as by stitching) and a proximal end of each leg portion 55b, 56b is rigidly coupled to a respective leg band 30, 40. The belt portion 55a, 56a and leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 are coupled together via a respective harness connector 100 as illustrated in Figure 3. In this respect, the harness 10 comprises two harness connectors 100 disposed at a front of the harness 10.
Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a harness connector 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The harness connector 100 is formed of a rigid material (such as a metal) and is preferably formed of a lightweight metal such as aluminium. The connector 100 comprises a first closed loop frame portion 110 which defines a first aperture 111 . The connector 100 further comprises at least two second frame portions 120 rigidly coupled to the first frame portion 1 10 (or otherwise integrally formed therewith) disposed on opposing sides of the first frame 1 10 on an outer periphery thereof. The second frame portions 120 separately define a second aperture 121 having a substantially circular shape. The connector 100 further comprises a bridging member 130 which extends across the first aperture 111 and is rigidly coupled at each end thereof with the first frame portion 110 or otherwise formed integrally therewith. The bridging member 130 extends across the first aperture 111 between the second frame portions 120. The member 130 defines a third aperture 131 at a central location thereof, which comprises a substantially circular shape. The at least two second apertures 121 and third aperture 131 are linearly aligned and extend along an axis 140 which is substantially transverse to a longitudinal, symmetric axis 150 of the connector 100.
The bridging member 13 separates the first aperture 111 into a proximal and distal aperture 112, 1 13, which extend at opposite sides of the bridging member 130. The proximal aperture 112 extends adjacent a proximal end of the aperture 1 11 which comprises a substantially linear portion 1 10a of the first frame portion 110. The distal aperture 1 13 extends adjacent a distal end of the connector 100 which comprises an arcuate portion 110b of the first frame 110. The arcuate portion 1 10b extends to opposite ends of the linear portion 110a such that the first frame portion 110 is substantially D-shaped.
The connector 100 further comprises a connecting member 160 which extends along the longitudinal axis 150 of the connector 100 between a central region of the linear portion 1 10a and the bridging member 130. The connecting member 160 is rigidly coupled to the linear portion 110a and bridging member 130 (or otherwise integrally formed therewith) and separates the proximal aperture 112 into two elongate apertures 114, 115 which are separately orientated along a respective axis. The elongate apertures 114, 1 15 are orientated at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis 150 and preferably diverge away from each other in a direction which is toward the distal end of the connector 100.
The first frame portion 110, at least two second frame portions 120, bridging member 130 and connecting member 160 extend in a common plane, such that the connector 100 is substantially planar. When incorporated within the harness 10 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the belt portion 55a, 56a of each front strap 55, 56 is looped around the first frame portion 110 within an elongate aperture 114 of a connector 100, and the leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 is looped around the first frame portion 110 within the adjacent elongate aperture 1 15 of the respective connector 100. The connectors 100 are orientated such that the distal end of each connector 100 extend toward each other and the divergent orientation of the elongate aperture 114, 115 of each connector accommodate the orientation of the belt portion 55a, 56a and leg portion 55b, 56b of each front strap 55, 56 and help centralise the connector 100 relative to the harness 10. The front straps 55, 56 may further comprise buckles 57, 58 or similar so that the effective length of the front straps 55, 56 and thus the separation of the waist belt 20 from the leg bands 30, 40 can be varied.
The harness 10 further comprises a rope bridge 60 which extends between the harness connectors 100. The rope bridge 60 comprises a short length of rope 61 or similar, one end of which is passed through one of the aligned circular apertures 121 , 131 of one connector 100 and secured thereto. The other end of the rope 61 is passed through a corresponding circular aperture 121 , 131 of the other connector 100 and secured thereto. During use, the rope bridge 60 serves as an attachment point for securing a rope (not shown), and may comprise a ring 62 or similar threaded thereon for facilitating the attachment of a rope (not shown) to the rope bridge 60 using a karabiner (not shown) or similar for suspending a user above the ground. The further aligned apertures 121 , 131 provide additional attachment points for securing further rope bridges (not shown). The additional rope bridges enable arborists and the like to easily transfer between trees by coupling separate support ropes to the separate rope bridges. Moreover, the separate apertures 121 , 131 enable rope bridges 60 to be secured therebetween having different lengths to provide differing degrees of freedom for the user when suspended. In addition, the distal aperture 113 of each connector 100 provides an easily accessible attachment point which is separate from the rope bridge(s) for securing additional ropes and lines to a user (such as during an emergency when it is required to rescue a user from an elevated, suspended position). Figure 4a is a front view of a harness 400 according to a second embodiment of the present invention suitable to be fitted to a female user. Figure 4b is a rear view of the harness 400 illustrated in Figure 4a.
The harness 400 according to the second embodiment is largely identical to the harness 10 according to the first embodiment but is additionally equipped with a sub-harness 401. The sub-harness 401 generates anatomical support and comfort for the female pelvis and so the harness 400 is intended for female users.
The sub-harness 401 comprises a first adjustable strap 401 a attached at an upper end to the inside face of a first end of the waist belt 20 and a second adjustable strap 401 b attached at an upper end to the inside face of a second end of the waist belt 20. In use, the first adjustable strap 401 a and second adjustable strap 401 b are pulled tightly to give the harness 400 a snug fit. The sub-harness 401 further comprises an intermediate strap 402 attached at an upper end to the exterior rear face of the waist belt 20 at substantially the mid-point. Lower ends of the first adjustable strap 401a, the second adjustable strap 401 b and the intermediate strap 402 are convergent and jointly coupled to the front exterior face of each of the right leg band 30 and the left leg band 40 by a U-shaped coupling strap 403.
From the foregoing therefore, it is evident that the harness and connector provide an improved support for climbers when operating at elevated positions.

Claims

1. A harness connector comprising a closed loop first frame defining a first aperture, at least two closed loop second frames rigidly coupled to the first frame, each closed loop second frame defining a second aperture and a bridging member which extends across the first aperture between the at least two second frames, the bridging member defining a third aperture nested within the first aperture, wherein the at least two second apertures and third aperture are linearly aligned.
2. A harness connector according to claim 1 , wherein the bridging member separates the first aperture into a proximal aperture which extends adjacent a proximal end of the connector and a distal aperture which extends adjacent a distal end of the connector.
3. A harness connector according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first frame comprises a linear portion and an arcuate portion which extends to opposite ends of the linear portion.
4. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the first frame is substantially D-shaped.
5. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector further comprises a connecting member which extends between a proximal end of the connector and the bridging member.
6. A harness connector according to claim 5, wherein the connecting member separates the proximal aperture into two elongate apertures.
7. A harness connector according to claim 3, wherein the linear portion of the first frame extends along a proximal end of the connector and the arcuate portion extends along a distal end of the connector.
8. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two second apertures and third aperture are aligned along a first axis which extends substantially transverse to a second axis of the connector.
9. A harness connector according to claim 8, wherein the second axis is an axis of symmetry of the connector.
10. A harness connector according to claim 8 or 9, as appended to claim 5, wherein the connecting member extends along the second axis.
1 1. A harness connector according to claim 8 as appended to claim 6, wherein the elongate apertures extend along respective axes which are acutely orientated relative to the second axis.
12. A harness connector according to claim 11 , wherein the respective axes diverge with respect to each other along the connector in a direction which is from a proximal end to a distal end of the connector.
13. A harness connector according to claim 5, wherein the first frame, at least two second frames, bridging member and connecting member extend in a common plane, such that the connector is substantially planar.
4. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least two second apertures and third aperture are substantially circular.
15. A harness connector according to claim 2, wherein the distal aperture is an arcuate aperture.
16. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is formed of a rigid material.
17. A harness connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector is formed of aluminium.
18. A harness for supporting a user in a suspended position comprising a waist belt for extending around a user's waist, and two leg bands configured to extend around a left and right leg of a user, wherein the harness further comprises a cradle for coupling the leg bands with the waist belt, the cradle comprising at least two harness connectors according to any preceding claim.
19. A harness according to claim 18, wherein the harness connectors are disposed at a front of the harness so that the harness connectors extend at the front of a user during use.
20. A harness according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the cradle comprises a plurality of belt straps which extend between the waist belt and the harness connectors, and a plurality of band straps which extend between the leg bands and the harness connectors.
21. A harness according to claim 20, wherein a proximal end of the belt straps are rigidly coupled to the waist belt and a distal end of each belt strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector.
22. A harness according to claim 20 or 21 , wherein the cradle further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each belt strap.
23. A harness according to claim 22, wherein a proximal end of the band straps are rigidly coupled to the leg bands and a distal end of each band strap is looped around the first frame through the first aperture of a separate connector.
24. A harness according to claim 23, wherein the cradle further comprises a plurality of buckles for adjusting the length of each band strap.
25. A harness according to claim 20, wherein the belt straps and band straps are looped around the first frame through the proximal aperture.
26. A harness according to claim 25, wherein the belt straps and band straps are looped around the first frame through a separate elongate aperture of each connector.
27. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 26, wherein the harness connectors are orientated upon the harness such that the distal end of each connector faces towards each other.
28. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 27, further comprising a bridge strap or rope which is coupled to one of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of one connector and a corresponding aperture of the at least two second apertures or third aperture of the other connector.
29. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 28, further comprising a support which is coupled to the waist belt and a leg support which is coupled to each leg band.
30. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 29, wherein the waist belt and leg bands are adjustable via a respective buckle so that the effective length of the belt and leg bands can be varied.
31. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 30, further comprising a plurality of attachment points located on the waist belt for detachably coupling climbing accessories.
32. A harness according to any of claims 18 to 30 further comprising a sub-harness configured to provide anatomical support for the female pelvis.
33. A harness according to claim 32 wherein the sub-harness comprises a first adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the inside face of a first end of the waist belt and a second adjustable strap attached at an upper end to the inside face of a second end of the waist belt.
34. A harness according to claim 33 wherein the sub-harness further comprises an intermediate strap attached at an upper end to the exterior rear face of the waist belt at substantially the mid-point.
35. A harness according to claim 34 wherein lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are convergent and jointly coupled to the front exterior face of each of the leg bands by a coupling strap.
36. A harness according to claim 34 or 35 wherein the lower ends of the first adjustable strap, the second adjustable strap and the intermediate strap are connected freely to the coupling strap
EP17777629.1A 2016-09-14 2017-09-12 Harness connector and harness Active EP3512609B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1615634.1A GB201615634D0 (en) 2016-09-14 2016-09-14 Harness connector and harness
GBGB1707358.6A GB201707358D0 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-05-08 Harness connector and harness
PCT/GB2017/052664 WO2018051068A1 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-09-12 Harness connector and harness

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3512609A1 true EP3512609A1 (en) 2019-07-24
EP3512609B1 EP3512609B1 (en) 2020-07-08

Family

ID=57234477

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17777629.1A Active EP3512609B1 (en) 2016-09-14 2017-09-12 Harness connector and harness

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3512609B1 (en)
GB (3) GB201615634D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2018051068A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2577516B (en) * 2018-09-26 2021-03-17 Treemagineers Ltd Apparatus for supporting a person at height
GB2614909A (en) * 2022-01-24 2023-07-26 Excalibur Wales Ltd Attachment assembly

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6467851B1 (en) * 2000-08-21 2002-10-22 Little Cliffies, L.L.C. Safety harness
US8333262B1 (en) * 2008-11-12 2012-12-18 Buckingham Manufacturing Company, Inc. Reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2018051068A1 (en) 2018-03-22
EP3512609B1 (en) 2020-07-08
GB201707358D0 (en) 2017-06-21
GB201615634D0 (en) 2016-10-26
GB201707349D0 (en) 2017-06-21

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