Abstract:
A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user&#39;s body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/617,102, filed on Nov. 12, 2009, which claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Parent Application Ser. No. 61/113,725, filed Nov. 12, 2008, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention pertains to safety equipment for climbers such as linesmen, arborists and the like and, more particularly, to a reconfigurable, modular sit harness having multiple ergonomically designed selectable components for supporting a worker in an elevated and/or suspended position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Large numbers of workmen must perform their work tasks above the ground. A growing awareness of worker safety along with ever-increasing governmental and insurance workplace safety requirements has resulted in the design and development of many types of new and improved safety equipment for such workers. Workers (e.g., arborists) must perform at least some aerial work while suspended. To accomplish such tasks, safety harnesses, specifically “sit harnesses” (i.e., saddles) have been developed. 
     In its simplest form, a sit harness or saddle consists of a pair of leg supports (e.g., leg loops) joined to a belt by a link to a body belt, and at least one suspension point for attaching a wearer to a support system. A mechanism may be included for positioning the leg loops with respect to the belt according to the distance between the user&#39;s crotch and waist. 
     In more advanced implementations, sit harnesses may also include a seat structure for supporting the user&#39;s buttocks, thereby relieving some pressure from the wearer&#39;s legs. However, sit harnesses of the prior art, especially when worn for extended periods of time, may impose stress on the body of the wearer. 
     Sit harnesses and other such safety devices of the prior art are generally neither reconfigurable (i.e., modular) nor adjustable across a wide range of sizes. Also, many desirable or undesirable features may be permanently installed. Additionally, structural components of sit harnesses of the prior art are generally permanently connected. Consequently, damage to one portion or component of the sit harness necessitates the replacement of the entire harness. 
     DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART 
     Sit harnesses are known to those of skill in the aerial workplace safety arts. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,364 for SIT HARNESS OR ROPING HARNESS ADJUSTABLE IN HEIGHT, issued Apr. 18, 2000 to Peter Popall, et al. discloses a sit harness having a pair of leg loops joined to a belt by means of a link of webbing passing through a securing ring. The securing ring includes an adjustment mechanism for the height-wise positioning of the link webbing to adjust the leg loop module with respect to the belt according to the distance between the user&#39;s crotch and waist. The adjustment mechanism is formed by at least one intermediate strand subdividing the inside of the ring into super-posed orifices arranged at different positioning levels. 
     Neither this patent nor any other known prior art reference, taken singly, or in any combination is seen to teach or suggest the novel ergonomic sit harness of the present invention. 
     It would, therefore, be desirable to provide a sit harness that is ergonomically designed to be both comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and also safe to prevent injury to the body of a wearer. 
     It would further be desirable to provide a sit harness having modular, ergonomic construction that allows a wide range of features to be added to or removed from the basic sit harness to meet the needs and preferences of a wide range of possible users and work applications. 
     It would also be desirable to provide a sit harness wherein individual structural components are replaceable to allow relatively inexpensive repair of the harness in the event of damage to or excessive wear of one of the components thereof. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention there is provided a reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or other workmen who must work in elevated and, more specifically, suspended positions. The novel sit harness or saddle embodies many features that allow it to be adapted to the specific needs of individual users. The novel back pad provides length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range that allows a particular size back pad to fit a wide range of waist sizes, thus eliminating the need to provide numerous sizes of back pad, and allowing a number of users to share a single sit harness. 
     Importantly, each component and sub-system of the novel sit harness is designed in accordance with ergonomic principles to maximize size while minimizing stresses on the bodies of users. This resulting reduction in body stresses accounts for the improvement in comfort of the inventive sit harness system over sit harnesses of the prior art. For example, the back pad and the reconfigurable lumbar support system are gender specific to ensure maximum protection and comfort depending upon the body structure of the wearer. 
     Because of its modular construction, the novel harness may be reconfigured for use with different climbing styles and systems, such as the single rope technique currently gaining in popularity. Features such as an abdominal support, a batten seat, interchangeable suspension systems, and a full body harness may be added to or removed from the basic sit harness in accordance with the preference of an individual user or as dictated by the type of elevated work being performed. 
     Of special importance is the fact that the load bearing webbing is seperable from the back pad allowing independent replacement of either component as required when one or the other is damaged or becomes excessively worn. 
     It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly in which each component and sub-system is ergonomically designed to minimize stress on the body during use. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly that is reconfigurable to allow addition and removal of components and/or features to accommodate individual wearer preferences and to adapt the sit harness for performance of a wide range of aerial tasks. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly in which load bearing webbing is detachable from the back pad to allow selective replacement of either component. 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly in which novel adjustability features allow a small number of belt components to accommodate a wide range of wearer sizes. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly having a predetermined range of waist tensioning adjustability. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly having a range of waist tensioning adjustability in a range of approximately 3:1. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly in which work-positioning D-rings may be adjusted for individual wearer preference. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly that incorporates a gender-specific back pad. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly in which interchangeable suspension connections are provided to accommodate multiple tie-in options for different climbing styles. 
     It is an additional object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly allowing attachment of a body harness and related fall protection safety equipment. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly having a selectively removable seat assembly. 
     It is a still further object of the invention to provide a sit harness or saddle assembly having a selectively removable abdominal support or stabilization system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective, schematic view of the ergonomic, reconfigurable, modular sit harness assembly in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the components of the sit harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are front and rear elevational views, respectively, of a back pad assembly; 
         FIGS. 3 c  and 3 d    are cross-sectionals views of a central lumbar portion and an angled wing portion, respectively, of the back pad of  FIGS. 3 a    and  3   b;    
         FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b    are top plan views of a long D-piece assembly and short D-piece assembly, respectively; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of a D-piece assembly attached to a back pad; 
         FIG. 6 a    is a top plan view of a leg pad prior to assembly; 
         FIG. 6 b    is a top plan view of the leg pad of  FIG. 7 a    with a leg strap assembled thereto; 
         FIGS. 6 c  and 6 d    are front and rear elevational views, respectively, of the leg pad and leg strap of  FIG. 6 b    in place on the leg of a wearer thereof; 
         FIG. 6 e    is a top plan view of a leg pad and a leg strap retainer partially assembled; 
         FIG. 6 f    is a top plan view of a leg pad and a leg strap retainer fully assembled; 
         FIG. 6 g    is a top plan view of back pad assembly with a leg strap retaining anchor attached thereto and two leg pad assemblies; 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of a suspension bridge assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of the components of an abdominal stabilizer system; 
         FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b    are top plan and bottom plan views, respectively, of a seat assembly for attachment to the sit harness assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9 c    is a detailed view showing attachment of a seat assembly to a back pad assembly; 
         FIG. 10 a    is a top plan view of a body harness and body harness connecting straps; and 
         FIG. 10 b    is a top plan view of the body harness of  FIG. 10 a    with a chest strap unfastened. 
     
    
    
     Note that the orientations front, rear, top, and bottom are with respect to a particular component&#39;s orientation when in place on a wearer&#39;s body. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention provides an ergonomic, reconfigurable, modular sit harness or saddle assembly for use by workers in aerial work environments. 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective, schematic view of the ergonomic, reconfigurable, modular sit harness assembly in accordance with the invention, generally at reference number  100 . A back pad assembly  102  supports lower leg strap assemblies  126  and a replaceable suspension bridge assembly  114 . The components of back pad assembly  102 , lower leg strap assemblies  126 , and suspension assembly  114  are described in detail hereinbelow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , there is shown a top plan view of some of the components used to assemble a basic sit harness or saddle assembly  100 . 
     The fundamental components of sit harness  100  include back pad  102 , long D-piece assembly with suspension  104 , short D-piece assembly with suspension  106 , waist adjustment buckles  108   a ,  108   b , quick-connect waist buckle  110 , interchangeable lumbar support  318 , suspension bridge assembly  114 , leg straps  116   a ,  116   b , leg pads  118   a ,  118   b , leg strap retainers  120   a ,  120   b , leg strap retaining anchor  122 , and snap webbing keepers  124 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , there are shown front and rear elevational views, respectively, of back pad  102 . Back pad  102  has a front (i.e., inside), body-facing surface  300  and a rear (i.e., outside) surface  302 . Back pad  102  is divided into a central lumbar portion  304  and two angled wings  306   a ,  306   b  at either side of central lumbar portion  304 . A central point  310  along a major axis  308  of back pad  102  indicates the region of central lumbar portion  304  designed for positioning proximate the wearer&#39;s spine, not shown, in the lumbar region of a wearer&#39;s back, not shown. 
     Angled wings  306   a ,  306   b  are provided at each side of central lumbar portion  304  such that back pad  102  may encircle the pelvic girdle, not shown, of a wearer. Back pad  102  has a specific, gender-determined overall shape or contour, at least one contour being provided for males and at least a second contour being provided for females. A “male” contour is shown herein for purposes of disclosure. However, as  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b    are considered schematic, they are intended to represent both a male contour and a female contour. 
     Angled wings  306   a ,  306   b  slope downward and cover the pelvic bony protrusions. When wrapped around the pelvis of a wearer, angle wings  306   a ,  306   b  are contoured to the pelvis. 
     Slots  312  are provided to allow attachment of an optional abdominal stabilizer  900  ( FIG. 8 ) described in detail hereinbelow. Loops  314  are also used in conjunction with abdominal stabilizer  900 . 
     A lumbar pocket  316  is provided to receive one or more interchangeable lumbar support pads  318  which may be inserted into lumbar pocket  316  from a top opening  320 . A closure flap  322  secures interchangeable lumbar support pad  318  within lumbar pocket  316 . Lumbar pocket  316  is typically closed along its bottom edge. 
     The specific lumbar support provided by back pad  102  may be controlled for the individual comfort of a wearer. Gender-specific lumbar support pads  318  may be provided to properly support the lumbar region of male and female wearers. In addition to interchangeable lumbar support pads  318 , hot or cold packs, not shown, or any other suitable objects may be contained in lumbar pocket  316 . The term interchangeable lumbar support pad as used herein is intended to include lumbar pads, hot or cold packs, other therapeutic devices or other suitable objects. 
     One type of lumbar support pad adaptable for use within pocket  316  is a fluid-filled lumbar support pad. The fluids may include water or another liquid media or air. An air-filled lumbar support pad may include a valve mechanism adapted to receive and/or discharge air from an interior region of the air filled lumbar support pad, In other embodiments of an air filled lumbar support pad, a pump may be permanently or removably attached to the valve mechanism. The pump may be a simple, hand-operated pump, for example, a resilient bulb. In still other embodiments, the pump may be a small, electrically driven pump. Such pumps are believed to be well known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein. 
     It will be recognized that lumbar support  316  may be adapted for use on any elongated, torso-encircling member, not shown. Such torso-encircling members are well known to those of skill in the art and may include, but not be limited to body belts, harnesses, etc. Pocket  316  may be either permanently or removably attached thereto. Typically, pocket  316  is selectively positioned along a major axis of a torso-encircling member so as to be placed in contact with the lumbar region of a wearer of the torso-encircling member. 
     While back pad  102  contains a nominal amount of padding  342  ( FIGS. 3 c  and 3 d   ), additional padding  324  ( FIG. 3 d   ) covers at least a portion of angled wings  306   a ,  306   b.    
     Horizontal webbing  328  is secured to the rear (outside) surface  302  of back pad  102 , typically by vertical stitching  326 . Gaps between vertical stitching  326  define loops in horizontal webbing  328 . Such loops are useful for attaching modular components or features described in detail hereinbelow. 
     Loops  330  are attached to horizontal webbing  328  proximate each end thereof. 
     A central tailpiece  332  is attached to back pad  102  and horizontal webbing  328 , positioned at approximately a central point  310 . Tailpiece  332  is stitched to back pad  102  and horizontal webbing  328  at its upper end. The middle and lower portions of tailpiece  332  are attached to back pad  102  by hook-and-loop fastener material, not specifically identified. Tailpiece  332  provides at least one loop through which additional horizontal members (described in detail hereinbelow) may be passed. 
     Gear loops  354  and  356 , typically formed from folded nylon webbing, are secured to horizontal webbing  328 . Gear loops  354  are affixed to back pad  102  at an upper edge of horizontal webbing  328 . Gear loops  356  are affixed to back pad  102  at a lower edge of horizontal webbing  328 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 3 c  and 3 d   , there are shown schematic, cross-sectional views of central lumbar portion  304  and an angled wing  306   a ,  306   b , respectively, of the back pad  102  of  FIGS. 3 a    and  3   b.    
     As may be seen in  FIG. 3 c   , central lumbar has an inner fabric layer  336 , typically formed from two layers of a material such as Dri-Lex® material. Dri-Lex is a registered trademark of the Faytex Corp. of Weymouth, Mass. 
     Inner fabric layer  336  forms one side of lumbar pad pocket  316 . An interchangeable lumbar support pad  318  is shown positioned in lumbar pocket  316 . Interchangeable lumbar support pad  318  is typically formed from two layers of a material such as Dri-Lex® with a foam filler  318 . Webbing or binding  340  is used to secure the front and rear layers of fabric  344  forming interchangeable lumbar support pad  318 . Typically, webbing  340  is an approximately 1-inch strip of herringbone nylon webbing. It will be recognized that other suitable materials, patterns, and/or dimensions may be chosen rather than the 1-inch nylon chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     Mating hook-and-loop material  346  may be used to secure interchangeable lumbar support pad  318  in lumbar pocket  316 . A flap  322  with hook-and-loop material  350  is used to secure interchangeable lumbar support pad  318  in lumbar pocket  316 . 
     A polyethylene sheet  348  is disposed in lumbar pocket  316  to add stiffness. Foam padding or filler  342  is placed adjacent polyethylene sheet  348  and an outer fabric layer  338 , typically Cordura® fabric or a similar fabric, completes back pad  102 . Cordura® is a registered trademark of INVISTA of Wichita, Kans. for durable fabrics. A 1000 denier cover material has been found suitable for the application. Other similar fabrics believed known to those of skill in the art may be substituted for the Cordura® fabric chosen for purposes of disclosure. 
     As may be seen in  FIG. 3 d   , the angled wing portions  306   a ,  306   b  of back pad  102  have an inner fabric layer  336 , typically formed from Dri-Lex® fabric and a foam pad or filler  342 . A high-density polyethylene “armor” layer  334  is disposed adjacent padding  342 . A thick outer pad  324  is positioned adjacent high-density polyethylene armor layer  334 . Finally an outer fabric layer  338  completes angled wing portions  306   a ,  306   b . Outer fabric  338  is typically 1000 denier Cordura® fabric. 
     Webbing  340  joins and secures the edges of angled wing regions  306   a ,  306   b.    
     High-density polyethylene armor layer  334  and thick outer pad  324  serve to protect the bony protrusions of the pelvis of a wearer of sit harness  100  by buffering and laterally distributing any force applied to that region of the body. Such force may be a continuous force applied by safety equipment or may be impact force from an environmental object. While high-density polyethylene armor layer  334  is shown only in angled wings  306   a ,  306   b  for purposes of disclosure, it will be recognized that high-density polyethylene armor layer  334  may be provided in other regions of back pad  102  as well. High-density polyethylene armor layer  334  may be formed from a polymer, a metal, or any other material that may serve to protect the pelvic bony protrusions or other body portion encircled by back pad  102 . 
     Horizontal webbing  328  is attached to outer fabric layer  338 . It will be recognized that other webbing, hook-and-loop material, webbing loops, etc., shown schematically at reference number  352 , may also be attached to back pad  102 , typically on outer surface  302 . 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   , there are shown detailed top plan views of long D-piece assembly  104  and short D-piece assembly  106 , respectively, used to form a D-piece assembly  400  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     Short D-piece assembly  106  has elongated webbing  402  having a proximal end  404  and a distal end  406 . An adjustment buckle  426   a  is attached to webbing  402  approximately two-thirds the distance between distal end  406  and proximal end  404  of webbing  402 . 
     A first D-ring  410  is attached to webbing  402  adjacent adjustment buckle  416   a  on the side of webbing  402  towards proximal end  408 . A suspension assembly  412   a  is attached to first D-ring  410 . Suspension assembles  412   a ,  412   b  each have an adjustment buckle suspension assembly  412   a  is discussed in detail hereinbelow. 
     A second D-ring  414  is attached to webbing  402  adjacent first D-ring  410  towards proximal end  408 . 
     A slide bar friction buckle (e.g., a Y/ 2  buckle)  408  is attached to webbing  402  at proximal end  404 . 
     Long D-piece assembly  104  has elongated webbing  416  having a proximal end  418  and a distal end  420 . An adjustment buckle  426   b  is attached to webbing  416  at a point approximately two-thirds the distance from distal end  420  and proximal end  418  of webbing  416 . 
     A first D-ring  422  is attached to webbing  416  adjacent adjustment buckle  426   b  towards proximal end  418 . A suspension assembly  412   b  is attached to first D-ring  422 . Suspension assembly  160   a  is discussed in detail hereinbelow. 
     A second D-ring  424  is attached to webbing  416  adjacent first D-ring  422  towards proximal end  418 . 
     Referring again also to  FIG. 3 a    and to  FIG. 5 , a D-piece assembly  400  is formed and assembled to back pad  102  by first threading distal end  406  of webbing  402  through webbing loop  330   a  on angled wing  306   a . Distal end  406  then projects beyond an outer edge of the angled wing  306   a.    
     Next, proximal end  418  of webbing  416  is fed outwardly through webbing loop  330   b  on an outer edge of angled wing  306   b . Proximal end  418  then projects beyond an outer edge of angled wing  306   b . Webbing  416  is fed, distal end  420  first, entirely through a bottom side, not specifically identified, of friction buckle  408 . Once webbing  416  is pulled entirely through the bottom side of buckle  408 , distal end  420  of webbing  416  is fed back through a top side, not specifically identified, of friction buckle  408 . Distal end  420  is then fed through slot  428  of tailpiece  332 , thereby securing short D-piece assembly  106  to long D-piece assembly  104  and forming D-piece assembly  400 . 
     Excess  432  of webbing  416  remaining at proximal end  418  may be trimmed to a suitable length, if required. Webbing  416  has periodic cross stitching  430  to facilitate trimming to length. The webbing  416  may be cut adjacent an appropriate one of cross stitching  430  and then the exposed end of the remaining webbing  116  burned or otherwise sealed to prevent unraveling. Typically, a heat gun, lighter, propane torch, or electrically heated blade, none of which are shown, may be used for sealing the ends of cut webbing  416 . Such end treatment techniques are known to those of skill in the art and are not further described herein. 
     While the D-piece assembly  400  has been described in conjunction with backpad  100 , it will be recognized that the novel construction of D-piece assembly  400  may be used with and waist-encircling member equipped with necessary attachment points. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the combination of d-piece assembly and backpad  100 . Rather, the invention covers D-piece assembly  400  inc combination with any waist-encircling member. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , ergonomic saddle  100  has two leg strap assemblies  126  suspended from back pad  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 a   , there is shown a top plan view of a leg pad  118   a  prior to its assembly into a leg pad assembly  126 . Note that leg pad  118   b , not shown in this FIGURE, is a mirror image of leg pad  118   a . A web  702  is affixed to an outer surface (with respect to a wearer&#39;s leg) of leg pad  118   a  along a major axis thereof. The outer surface of web  702  has the hook portion of hook-and-loop fastening material  704  affixed thereto. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 6 b   , there is shown a top plan view of the leg pad  118   a  of  FIG. 6 a    with a leg strap  116   a  positioned on web  702 . Leg strap  116   a  has the female portion, not specifically identified, of a quick-connect buckle  706  affixed to a proximal end  708  thereof. Loop portion  710  of hook-and-loop fastening material is affixed to an inner surface of leg strap  116   a . The female portion of quick-connect buckle  706  is positioned adjacent an edge  712  of leg pad  118   a . It will be recognized that the hook portion  704  and loop portion  710  of the hook-and-loop fastening system could readily be reversed. 
     Prior to use, the length of leg strap  116   a  must be trimmed to size to accommodate the leg diameter of the wearer. As seen in  FIGS. 6 c  and 6 d   , this may be done by donning leg pad  118   a  with the narrow side oriented towards the inside of the wearer&#39;s thigh and with the curved portion facing upwards towards the wearer&#39;s buttocks. It is assumed that a male portion, not specifically identified, of quick-connect buckle  706  has previously been inserted into and secured in the female portion thereof. The distal end  714  of leg strap  116   a  is then fed through the male portion of quick-connect buckle  706  and leg strap  116   a  is drawn snuggly around the wearer&#39;s leg, not specifically identified. Leg strap  116   a  may then be folded back over itself to engage mating hook-and-loop fastening material  704  on an outer surface of web  702 . 
     Leg strap  116   a  is provided with periodic cross-stitching  716 . Quick-connect buckle  706  may be opened and the excess portion of leg strap  116   a  trimmed by first cutting the strap adjacent one of the cross-stitching patterns  716  and then heat-sealing the remaining end. Heat sealing has been discussed hereinabove. 
     As may be seen in  FIG. 6 e   , leg strap retainer  120   a  has an adjusting buckle  726  adjacent proximal end  718  thereof. Adjusting buckle  726  of leg strap retainer  120   a  is fed through a loop  720  in web  702  on leg pad  118   a  and as may be seen in  FIG. 6 f   , then fed back through a loop  720  attached to leg strap retainer  120   a  adjacent a distal end  724  thereof, thereby forming a girth hitch around web  702  through loop  720 . Distal end  724  of leg strap retainer is now secured to web  702  of leg pad  118   a.    
     An elastic web retainer  722  may be positioned over a free portion of leg strap retainer  120   a  to secure the free end created when adjusting buckle  726  is moved along leg strap retainer  120   a  away from proximal end  718 . As assembled, leg pad  118   a , leg strap  116   a  and leg strap retainer  120   a  make up leg pad assembly  126 . A second leg pad assembly  126  ( FIG. 1 ) is formed from leg pad  118   b , leg strap  116   b , and leg strap retainer  120   b.    
     As is well known to those of skill in the art, hook-and-loop keeper retainers  730  may be inserted into friction buckles such as adjusting buckle  726 , as required. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 g   , there is shown a top plan view of back pad assembly  102  having leg strap retaining anchor  122  attached thereto and two leg pad assemblies  126  disposed adjacent thereto. Leg strap retaining anchor  122 , secured to back pad  102  through a loop in tailpiece  332 , has a pair of buckles  328 , each adapted to removably receive an adjusting buckle  726  from one of leg strap retainers  120   a ,  120   b  as indicated by dashed lines  734 . Buckles  328  and adjusting buckles  726  together form interlocking buckles. 
     While a detailed description of the assembly of leg pad  118   a  into a leg pad assembly  126  has been provided, the description also applies to the assembly of leg pad  118   b  and its related components, leg strap  116   b  and leg strap retainer  120   b.    
     Another unique feature of the sit harness or saddle  100  of the invention is the interchangeable suspension components. For purposes of disclosure, a suspension bridge assembly  114  ( FIG. 2 ), useful for attachment in a dynamic climbing system. It will be recognized that other suspension systems (i.e., suspension bridge assemblies) adapted for different climbing systems and styles may readily be substituted therefor. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , suspension bridge assembly  114  is seen attached to back pad  102  upper suspension assemblies  412   a ,  412   b , and to leg pad assemblies  126 . Referring now also to  FIG. 7 , there is shown a top plan view of suspension bridge assembly  114 , which consists of a pair of rigging or climbing plates  802 . Climbing plates  802  each have three circular openings  804   a ,  804   b ,  804   c  and a larger, substantially triangular opening  806  disposed in an interior portion thereof. A suspension bridge or line  808  is passed through one of the circular openings  804   a ,  804   b ,  804   c  in each of the two climbing plates  802 . A stopper knot is tied at each end of suspension bridge. An attachment ring  812  is free to slide on cord  808  between climbing plates  802 . Suspension loops  814  formed from webbing are attached to each of climbing plates  802  through substantially triangular opening  806 . 
     Suspension bridge assembly  114  is attached to leg pad assemblies  126  by passing leg straps  116   a ,  116   b  ( FIG. 6 g   ) through respective suspension loops  814 . 
     Once suspension bridge assembly  114  is attached to leg pad assemblies  126 , suspension assemblies  412   a ,  412   b , depending from back pad assembly  102 , are attached to respective climbing plates  802  by disconnecting, if necessary, adjustment buckles  434   a  and/or  434   b  ( FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   ) from suspension assembly support buckle frames  436   a ,  436   b  ( FIGS. 4 a  and 4 b   ), respectively. Adjustment buckles  434   a ,  434   b  may be used by a wearer of sit harness  100  to control his or her center of gravity. Distal ends  438   a ,  438   b  of respective suspension assemblies  412   a ,  412   b  are passed through triangular opening  806 . Suspension assembly adjustment buckles  434   a ,  434   b  are then passed through and retained by suspension assembly support buckle frames  436   a ,  436   b , respectively, thereby securing suspension bridge assembly  114  to back pad assembly  102 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is shown a top plan view of the components of an abdominal stabilizer system, generally at reference number  900 . Abdominal stabilizer system  900  may readily be attached to and removed from back pad  120  of the reconfigurable sit harness or saddle  100 . 
     Abdominal stabilizer  900  has a short component  902  having a proximal end  904 , and a long component  906  having a proximal end  908 . Both short component  902  and long component  906  are formed from at least one elastic strap  914 ,  916 , respectively, and each have short, snap-bearing web portions  910  affixed to elastic straps  914 ,  916  at respective proximal ends  904 ,  908  thereof. Snap-bearing web portions  910  each have pairs of snaps  912  affixed thereto. 
     Short component  902  has a hook portion  918  of a hook-and-loop fastening system on outer surfaces thereof. Correspondingly, long component  906  has a loop portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system disposed on an outer surface thereof. It will be recognized that hook portion  918  and loop portion  920  may, of course, be interchanged as desired. 
     Referring now also to  FIGS. 3 a  and 3 b   , abdominal stabilizer  900  is attached to back pad  102  by inserting distal end  904  with snap-bearing web portion  910  of short component  902  through one of the slots  312  in back pad  102 . Snap-bearing web portion  910  is looped around horizontal webbing  328  and secured using snaps  912 . 
     Likewise, long component  906  is secured to back pad  102  by inserting distal end  908  with snap-bearing web portion  910  through the other one of the slots  312  in back pad  102 . Snap-bearing web portion  910  is also looped around horizontal webbing  328  and secured using snaps  912 . 
     Distal ends of each of short component  902  and long component  906  are inserted through respective abdominal stabilizer loops  314  on the inside surface  300  of back pad  102 . 
     In use, a wearer wraps short component  902  and long component  906  around his or her abdomen and attaches the respective hook portions  918  to loop portions  920  to secure the ends of abdominal stabilizer in a desired position. 
     Another modular component of sit harness or saddle  100  is a suspended seat. Referring now to  FIGS. 9 a  and 9 b   , there are shown top plan and bottom plan views, respectively, of a seat assembly adapted for selective use with sit harness or saddle  100  of the present invention, generally at reference number  1000 . A body portion  1002  has right and left attachment webs  1004 ,  1006 , respectively secured proximate the right and left ends thereof. Each attachment web  1004 ,  1006  has both halves  1008 ,  1010  of an interlocking buckle disposed thereupon. 
     A support web  1014  is attached to a bottom surface of body portion  1002  of seat  1000 , right and left attachment webs  1004 ,  1006 , respectively, being attached thereto. 
     A batten pocket  1016  is also disposed on a lower surface of seat  1000 . A batten, not shown, formed from aluminum or another suitable material, is housed in batten pocket  1016 . The batten may be permanently enclosed in batten pocket  1016  or, in alternate embodiments, may be selectively removable therefrom. 
     Referring now also to  FIG. 9 c   , seat  1000  is attached to suspensions assemblies  412   a ,  412   b  by passing a distal end of each of right and left attachment webs  1004 ,  1006 , respectively, through first D-ring  422  ( FIG. 5 ) on D-piece assembly  400  ( FIG. 5 ). Small adjustment portion of the interlocking buckle  1008  is then secured in large portion  1010  of the interlocking buckle  1008 . Once secured, the small, adjusting portion of the interlocking buckle  1008  may be used to adjust the height of the seat  1000  relative to back pad  102 . 
     Yet another modular component for use with sit harness or saddle  100  of the invention is a readily attachable full body harness to allow use of the novel sit harness  100  cooperatively with a fall arrest or restraint system, not shown. Referring now to  FIG. 10 a   , there is shown a front elevational view of a full body harness  1100  configured for removable attachment to back pad assembly  102 . 
     Right and left front straps  1102 ,  1104 , respectively, converge at a point  1106  which, when in use, is positioned near the back of the wearer&#39;s shoulders. A back strap  1108  carries two halves of interlocking buckle  1008 , small adjusting portion  1110  and large portion  1112 . 
     A cross-connecting chest strap  1114  is disposed adjacent the lower ends of left and right front straps  1102 ,  1104 , respectively. 
     Large portions  1116 ,  1118  of interconnecting buckles  1008  are attached at the lower ends of respective right and left front straps  1102  and  1104 . 
     A suspension ring  1119  is attached to harness  1100  proximate point  1106 . 
     A pair of identical harness connecting straps  1120   a ,  1120   b , only one of which is shown, each has a web portion  1122  with a small, adjusting portion  1124  of an interlocking buckle  1008  disposed at a proximal end of web portion  1122 . A web loop  1126  is affixed to web portion  1122  at a distal end thereof. 
     Elastic web retaining sleeves  1128  are disposed on both back attachment strap  1108  and web portion  1122  of each harness connecting strap  1120   a ,  1120   b.    
     Referring now also to  FIG. 10 b   , cross-connecting chest strap  1114  has hook-and-loop material  1130  disposed on inner and outer surfaces. Reference number  1130  is used to schematically represent either hook portions or loop portions of the hook-and-loop fastening material. Hook-and-loop material is disposed and configured to allow surfaces of cross-connecting chest strap to fasten to one another to provide length adjustability thereof. 
     A wrap length warning label  1132  affixed to cross-connecting chest strap  1114  is used as a visual indicator if to alert a wearer of an unsafe wrap length. 
     Body harness  1100  is connected to back pad assembly  102  by first passing buckles  1124  of harness connecting straps  1120   a ,  1120   b  through loops, not specifically identified, in webbing  328  ( FIG. 5 ) proximate webbing loops  330   a ,  330   b  ( FIG. 5 ). Girth hitches, not shown, are thereby formed as buckles  1124  of harness connecting strap  1120   a ,  1120   b , fastened at respective ends of back pad  102  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The back of harness  1100  is next attached to back pad  102  by passing distal end  1134  of back attachment strap  1108  through buckle frame  356  ( FIG. 3 b   ). Alternately, distal end  1134  may be passed through a carabineer, not shown, attached to a loop, not shown, in tailpiece  332  ( FIG. 3 b   ). 
     Small adjusting portion  1110  of and interlocking buckle is then connected to large buckle portion  1112 . The effective length of back attachment strap  1108  may be adjusted by means of small adjusting portion  1110 . 
     Once back connecting strap  1108  is connected to back pad  102 , left front strap  1102  and right front strap  1104  are placed over a wearer&#39;s respective shoulders, not shown and bottom connecting buckles  1116 ,  1118  are connected to respective buckles  1124  of harness connecting straps  1120   a ,  1120   b . Buckles  1124  may then be used to adjust the effective lengths of harness connecting straps  1120   a ,  1120   b  to properly fit a wearer. 
     Many buckles and connectors have been shown in the embodiment of the novel sit harness or saddle chosen for purposes of disclosure. It will be recognized that numerous equivalent buckles and connectors may be known to persons of skill in the art. Consequently, the invention is not considered limited to the particular buckles and/or connectors chosen for purposes of disclosure. Rather, the invention includes any and all alternate buckles or connectors, and that substitutions of such equivalent buckles and/or connectors. 
     The foregoing illustrates the modular, reconfigurable construction of the sit harness or saddle  100  of the invention. The construction allows individual components to be replaced readily and relatively inexpensively in case of damage or severe wear. Consequently, unlike related safety equipment of the prior art, the cost of ownership of the sit harness  100  may be minimized. For example, the load bearing webbing is detachable from the back pad allowing selective replacement of either component as required. Spare components, not shown, may be stocked at a job site to minimize down time in the event of damage at the job. The novel sit harness or saddle  100  may be completely reconstructed in a matter of minutes. 
     Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention. 
     Having thus described the invention, what is desired to be protected by Letters Patent is presented in the subsequently appended claims.