Patent Publication Number: US-11660476-B2

Title: Articulated harness connection arrangement with integrated attachment element

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/868,487, filed Jun. 28, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to wearable safety harnesses and, in particular, to an articulated harness connection arrangement with an integrated attachment element for use with wearable safety harnesses. 
     Technical Considerations 
     As is known in the art, there exist various safety devices and arrangements that can be worn by or attached to a user to ensure the user&#39;s safety in certain situations. Such mechanisms come in many forms, including, but not limited to, harnesses and safety belts. Full body harnesses are widely used for lifting and lowering individuals in dangerous situations and as a primary component in a personal fall arrest system. These harnesses can also be used for work positioning, travel restriction, ladder climbing, rescue retrieval, and evacuation. While full body harnesses are used mainly in an industrial setting, particularly the construction industry where the likelihood and danger of falls from heights is both numerous and significant, a full body harness can be used in various other applications in which total suspension and support of the body must be ensured, either expectedly or unexpectedly. 
     While there are many variations in full body harness construction, all typically include a plurality of elongated straps that are combined together to fit around a user&#39;s body. In some embodiments or aspects, a full body harness may have an attachment point (D-ring) typically positioned in a central portion of the user&#39;s back or chest, and a plurality of straps routed around predetermined portions of the user&#39;s body in such a manner as to hold or suspend the user in the event of a fall. One or more straps of the harness may be removably connected together by a connector, such as a buckle. 
     While a variety of connectors exist in the art for connecting the straps of the harness, there is a continued need in the art for improved connectors. For example, there is a need for improved connectors that prevent tangling of harness straps. There is a further need in the art for improved connectors that can be easily and effectively connected and disconnected to allow quick donning and removal of the harness. There is also a need for improved connectors with increased safety compliance and redundant safety mechanisms. 
     SUMMARY 
     Generally, provided is an improved body harness having an improved harness connection arrangement. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, provided is an improved harness having a harness connection arrangement that can be easily and effectively worn by the user in a variety of work environments without compromising the user&#39;s ability to move. Preferably, provided is a harness having a connector for connecting at least two straps of the harness, wherein the connector can be easily and effectively connected and disconnected to allow quick donning and removal of the harness. Preferably, provided is an improved harness having a harness connection arrangement that not only leads to increased safety compliance at the worksite, but also provides increased effectiveness and safety to the user. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness may include a first connector having a first body component, a second body component, and an attachment element to each other connected by a rod having a longitudinal axis. The connection arrangement further may include a second connector removably connectable to the first connector. Each of the first body component, the second body component, and the attachment element may be independently movable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the rod. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body component may have a tab with a first through opening having a first axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, wherein the rod may be inserted into the first through opening. The second body component may have a pair of tabs each having a second through opening with a second axis extending through the through openings. The tab of the first body component may be received in a space between the pair of tabs such that the first axis and the second axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod. The rod may be inserted into the first through opening and the second through openings. The attachment element may have a pair of opposed terminal ends each having a through opening with an attachment element axis extending therethrough. The pair of tabs of the second body component may be received between the opposed terminal ends such that the first axis, the second axis, and the attachment element axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod. The rod may be inserted into the first through opening, the second through openings, and the terminal end through openings. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first connector and the second connector may be removably connectable to each other via a locking and release mechanism between a first, locked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are disconnected from each other. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first connector may have a first portion of a locking and release mechanism, and the second connector may have a second portion of the locking and release mechanism. The first portion of the locking and release mechanism may have: a tab having a first end connected to the body of the first connector and a second, free end protruding away from the body of the first connector, and a first latch at the second end of the tab and protruding laterally outward relative to at least one lateral side of the tab. The second portion of the locking and release mechanism may have: an upper plate and a lower plate defining a slot therebetween and configured for receiving at least a portion of the tab, and a pair of locking arms disposed within at least a portion of the slot and configured for interacting with the tab, the pair of locking arms movable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position to allow movement of at least a portion of the tab into and out of the slot. Each of the pair of locking arms may have a locking tooth at a first end and a release tab at a second end with a pivot pin positioned between the locking tooth and the release tab such that each locking arm is pivotally movable about the pivot pin. Each of the pair of locking arms may be biased to the first position by a biasing member. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first connector may have a first buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness, and the second connector may have a second buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness. The first buckle may have a first bar spaced apart from the first connector by a first pair of posts and the second buckle may have a second bar spaced apart from the second connector by a second pair of posts. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a wearable body harness may include a plurality of straps comprising: a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap; a first connector connected to the first shoulder strap, the first connector comprising a first body component, a second body component, and an attachment element connected to each other by a rod having a longitudinal axis; and a second connector connected to the second shoulder strap and removably connectable to the first connector, wherein each of the first body component, the second body component, and the attachment element of the first connector are independently movable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the rod. The first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap may be arranged in an X-shaped configuration at a front portion of the harness. 
     Further non-limiting embodiments or aspects are set forth in the following numbered clauses. 
     Clause 1: A connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness, the connection arrangement comprising: a first connector comprising a first body component, a second body component, and an attachment element connected to each other by a rod having a longitudinal axis; and a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, wherein each of the first body component, the second body component, and the attachment element are independently movable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the rod. 
     Clause 2. The connection arrangement of clause 1, wherein the first body component has a tab with a first through opening having a first axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening. 
     Clause 3. The connection arrangement of clause 1 or 2, wherein the second body component has a pair of tabs each having a second through opening with a second axis extending through the through openings, wherein the tab of the first body component is received in a space between the pair of tabs such that the first axis and the second axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening and the second through openings. 
     Clause 4. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the attachment element has a pair of opposed terminal ends each having a through opening with an attachment element axis extending therethrough, wherein the pair of tabs of the second body component are received between the opposed terminal ends such that the first axis, the second axis, and the attachment element axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening, the second through openings, and the terminal end through openings. 
     Clause 5. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-4, wherein the first connector and the second connector are removably connectable to each other via a locking and release mechanism between a first, locked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are disconnected from each other. 
     Clause 6. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the first connector has a first portion of the locking and release mechanism, and wherein the second connector has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism, wherein the first portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: a tab having a first end connected to the body of the first connector and a second, free end protruding away from the body of the first connector, and a first latch at the second end of the tab and protruding laterally outward relative to at least one lateral side of the tab, and wherein the second portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: an upper plate and a lower plate defining a slot therebetween and configured for receiving at least a portion of the tab, and a pair of locking arms disposed within at least a portion of the slot and configured for interacting with the tab, the pair of locking arms movable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position to allow movement of at least a portion of the tab into and out of the slot. 
     Clause 7. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-6, wherein each of the pair of locking arms has a locking tooth at a first end and a release tab at a second end with a pivot pin positioned between the locking tooth and the release tab such that each locking arm is pivotally movable about the pivot pin. 
     Clause 8. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-7, wherein each of the pair of locking arms is biased to the first position by a biasing member. 
     Clause 9. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-8, wherein the first connector comprises a first buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness, and wherein the second connector comprises a second buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness. 
     Clause 10. The connection arrangement of any of clauses 1-9, wherein the first buckle comprises a first bar spaced apart from the first connector by a first pair of posts and wherein the second buckle comprises a second bar spaced apart from the second connector by a second pair of posts. 
     Clause 11. A wearable body harness having a plurality of straps comprising: a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap; a first connector connected to the first shoulder strap, the first connector comprising a first body component, a second body component, and an attachment element connected to each other by a rod having a longitudinal axis; and a second connector connected to the second shoulder strap and removably connectable to the first connector, wherein each of the first body component, the second body component, and the attachment element of the first connector are independently movable relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the rod. 
     Clause 12. The wearable body harness of clause 11, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are arranged in an X-shaped configuration at a front portion of the harness. 
     Clause 13. The wearable body harness of clause 11 or 12, wherein the first body component has a tab with a first through opening having a first axis that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening. 
     Clause 14. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-13, wherein the second body component has a pair of tabs each having a second through opening with a second axis extending through the through openings, wherein the tab of the first body component is received in a space between the pair of tabs such that the first axis and the second axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening and the second through openings. 
     Clause 15. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the attachment element has a pair of opposed terminal ends each having a through opening with an attachment element axis extending therethrough, wherein the pair of tabs of the second body component are received between the opposed terminal ends such that the first axis, the second axis, and the attachment element axis are coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the rod, and wherein the rod is inserted into the first through opening, the second through openings, and the terminal end through openings. 
     Clause 16. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-15, wherein the first connector and the second connector are removably connectable to each other via a locking and release mechanism between a first, locked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are disconnected from each other. 
     Clause 17. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-16, wherein the first connector has a first portion of the locking and release mechanism, and wherein the second connector has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism, wherein the first portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: a tab having a first end connected to the body of the first connector and a second, free end protruding away from the body of the first connector, and a first latch at the second end of the tab and protruding laterally outward relative to at least one lateral side of the tab, and wherein the second portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: an upper plate and a lower plate defining a slot therebetween and configured for receiving at least a portion of the tab, and a pair of locking arms disposed within at least a portion of the slot and configured for interacting with the tab, the pair of locking arms movable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position to allow movement of at least a portion of the tab into and out of the slot. 
     Clause 18. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-17, wherein each of the pair of locking arms has a locking tooth at a first end and a release tab at a second end with a pivot pin positioned between the locking tooth and the release tab such that each locking arm is pivotally movable about the pivot pin. 
     Clause 19. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-18, wherein each of the pair of locking arms is biased to the first position by a biasing member. 
     Clause 20. The wearable body harness of any of clauses 11-19, wherein the first connector comprises a first buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness, and wherein the second connector comprises a second buckle configured to connect to a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness. 
     These and other features and characteristics of the present disclosure, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structures and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front perspective view of a wearable body harness in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a front perspective view of a harness connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure showing a first connector and a second connector connected to each other; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a front view of the harness connection arrangement of  FIG.  2 A ; 
         FIG.  2 C  is a front view of the harness connection arrangement of  FIG.  2 A  showing the first connector and the second connector disconnected from each other; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front perspective view of a first connector of the harness connection arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a rear perspective view of the first connector shown in  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  3 C  is an exploded perspective view of the first connector shown in  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  3 D  is an exploded perspective view of a first connector in accordance with other non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a front perspective view of a second connector of the harness connection arrangement of  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a rear perspective view of the second connector shown in  FIG.  4 A ; 
         FIG.  4 C  is a front partial cross-sectional view of the second connector shown in  FIG.  4 B ; and 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the harness connection arrangement in a simulated load situation showing a distribution of load forces. 
     
    
    
     In  FIGS.  1 - 5   , like characters refer to the same components and elements, as the case may be, unless otherwise stated. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     Spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the disclosure as shown in the drawing figures and are not to be considered as limiting as the disclosure can assume various alternative orientations. 
     All numbers and ranges used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. By “about” is meant plus or minus twenty-five percent of the stated value, such as plus or minus ten percent of the stated value. However, this should not be considered as limiting to any analysis of the values under the doctrine of equivalents. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio. 
     The terms “first”, “second”, and the like are not intended to refer to any particular order or chronology, but refer to different conditions, properties, or elements. 
     The term “at least” is synonymous with “greater than or equal to”. 
     The term “not greater than” is synonymous with “less than or equal to”. 
     As used herein, “at least one of” is synonymous with “one or more of”. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” means any one of A, B, or C, or any combination of any two or more of A, B, or C. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” includes A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B; or A and C; or B and C; or all of A, B, and C. 
     The term “includes” is synonymous with “comprises”. 
     As used herein, the terms “parallel” or “substantially parallel” mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0° to 5°, or from 0° to 3°, or from 0° to 2°, or from 0° to 1°, or from 0° to 0.5°, or from 0° to 0.25°, or from 0° to 0.1°, inclusive of the recited values. 
     As used herein, the terms “perpendicular” or “substantially perpendicular” mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85° to 90°, or from 87° to 90°, or from 88° to 90°, or from 89° to 90°, or from 89.5° to 90°, or from 89.75° to 90°, or from 89.9° to 90°, inclusive of the recited values. 
     The discussion of the disclosure may describe certain features as being “particularly” or “preferably” within certain limitations (e.g., “preferably”, “more preferably”, or “even more preferably”, within certain limitations). It is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to these particular or preferred limitations but encompasses the entire scope of the disclosure. 
     In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, and with reference to  FIG.  1   , the present disclosure is directed to a wearable safety harness  100  (hereinafter referred to as “harness  100 ”) used in a fall protection system. As discussed herein, the harness  100  has a harness connection arrangement configured for releasably coupling at least a pair of straps of the harness  100 . Preferably, the harness  100  has a harness connection arrangement for connecting at least two straps of the harness, wherein the harness connection arrangement can be easily and effectively connected and disconnected to allow quick donning and removal of the harness  100 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the harness  100  has at least two leg straps  102  configured to attach around a user&#39;s legs below a user&#39;s groin area. When attached, the leg straps  102  loop around or encircle each of the user&#39;s legs. Each leg strap  102  has a first end  102   a  that is removably attachable to a second end  102   b  via a connector  104 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connector  104  may be a clip, a buckle, a mating arrangement, an actuatable structure, or the like. The connector  104  permits removable attachment of the first end  102   a  to the second end  102   b  of each leg strap  102 . In this manner, the first and second ends  102   a ,  102   b  of the leg straps  102  are configured to be removably attached to each other and configured to be free floating when detached from each other. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one connector  104  and/or the leg strap  102  may have at least one connection mechanism  106  configured for adjusting the length of each leg strap  102 . In this manner, the at least one connection mechanism  106  adjusts a distance between the first end  102   a  and the second end  102   b  such that each leg strap  102  may be adjusted to fit comfortably around the user&#39;s legs. Each leg strap  102  may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. One or more handles, clips, and/or connectors (not shown) may be provided on at least a portion of the harness  100 . The harness  100  may include padding (not shown) for increasing the user&#39;s comfort while wearing the harness  100 . 
     In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the leg straps  102  (or, indeed, any of the straps in the harness  100 ) may be linear lengths of material, folded straps that form loops with the at least one connector  104  at the first end  102   a  and/or the second end  102   b , or the like. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , the connector  104  may have a first portion  104   a  that is non-adjustably attached to the first end  102   a  of at least one leg strap  102 , while a second portion  104   b  of the connector  104  is adjustably secured at the second end  102   b  of at least one leg strap  102  through a loop of the material that makes up the leg strap  102 . Therefore, in such an arrangement, the first portion  104   a  of the connector  104  and the loop of material that makes up the leg strap  102  at the second end  102   b  defines the at least one connection mechanism  106  for adjusting a length of the leg strap  102 . It should be noted that the position of the connection mechanism  106  may be reversed such that the adjustable second portion  104   b  of the connector  104  is provided on the first end  102   a  of the leg strap  102 . At least one leg strap  102  may include padding (not shown) for increasing the user&#39;s comfort while wearing the harness  100 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , each leg strap  102  is connected to a seat strap  108  at a substantially intermediate portion  102   c  of the leg strap  102  between the first end  102   a  and the second end  102   b . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the substantially intermediate portion  102   c  of the leg strap  102  may be directly and non-movably connected to a seat strap  108 , such as being sewn directly to the seat strap  108 . The seat strap  108  may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the substantially intermediate portion  102   c  of each leg strap  102  may be connected to the rear end of the seat strap  108  by a connection strap (not shown) to allow the substantially intermediate portion  102   c  of the leg strap  102  to slidably move along a front portion of the leg strap  102 . Accordingly, the position of the leg straps  102  may be adjusted relative to the seat strap  108  to increase the user&#39;s comfort while wearing the harness  100 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the harness  100  further has the shoulder strap  110  configured to extend over at least a portion of the user&#39;s shoulders. The shoulder strap  110  may have a first shoulder strap  110   a  and a second shoulder strap  110   b  arranged to overlap one another in an X-shaped configuration, with the shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b  configured to be connected together at the user&#39;s chest area. As described herein, the first and second shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b  may be releasably connected together by a connection arrangement. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the shoulder strap  110  may have at least one shoulder pad  120  having one or more openings through which the first shoulder strap  110   a  and the second shoulder strap  110   b  can be arranged to maintain the first shoulder strap  110   a  and the second shoulder strap  110   b  in the X-shaped configuration. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , the first shoulder strap  110   a  has a first end  112  that is connected to the first end  102   a  of a first leg strap  102 . The first end  112  of the first shoulder strap  110   a  may be removably or non-removably attachable to the first end  102   a  of a first leg strap  102 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end  112  of the first shoulder strap  110   a  may be attached to the first end  102   a  of a first leg strap  102  via a connector similar to the connector  104  described herein with reference to the leg straps  102 . At least a portion of the first shoulder strap  110   a  may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the second shoulder strap  110   b  has a first end  114  that is connected to the first end  102   a  of the second leg strap  102 . The first end  114  of the second shoulder strap  110   b  may be removably or non-removably attachable to the first end  102   a  of the second leg strap  102 . In some embodiments or aspects, the first end  114  of the second shoulder strap  110   b  may be attached to the first end  102   a  of the second leg strap  102  via a connector similar to the connector  104  described herein with reference to the leg straps  102 . At least a portion of the second shoulder strap  110   b  may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , the harness  100  may have a back strap  116  connecting a substantially intermediate portion of the first shoulder strap  110   a  with a substantially intermediate portion of the second shoulder strap  110   b . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a position of the back strap  116  may be fixed relative to the shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b . In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a position of the back strap  116  may be adjustable along a longitudinal direction of the first shoulder strap  110   a  and the second shoulder strap  110   b , such as by sliding the back strap  116  along the first shoulder strap  110   a  and/or the second shoulder strap  110   b . The back strap  116  may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  1   , the first and second shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b  may be connectable together at a front portion of the harness  100  in an area of the user&#39;s chest. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first and second shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b  may have at least one connection arrangement  200  further described herein with reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 5    for releasably connecting the first and second shoulder straps  110   a ,  110   b  to each other. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , the shoulder strap  110  has a rear attachment element  118 , such as a D-ring, for connecting at least a portion of the shoulder strap  110  to a line connected to an anchor point. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least a portion of the first shoulder strap  110   a  and the second shoulder strap  110   b  is looped around or otherwise permanently attached to the rear attachment element  118 . The rear attachment element  118  has a frame defining at least one opening through which the first shoulder strap  110   a  and the second shoulder strap  110   b  may be looped around and through which a clip, such as a carabiner, a lanyard, or other rope or line, can be secured to connect the harness  100  to an anchor point. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , the harness connection arrangement  200  (hereinafter referred to as “connection arrangement  200 ”) for use with a wearable body harness, such as the harness  100  shown in  FIG.  1   , is shown in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure. The connection arrangement  200  is illustrated without harness straps for clarity. While in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure the connection arrangement  200  is configured for connecting portions of the shoulder strap  110 , such as the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap  110   a ,  110   b , across the user&#39;s chest, the connection arrangement  200  can be used to connect any two or more straps of the harness  100  shown in  FIG.  1   . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , the connection arrangement  200  has a first connector  202  removably connectable to a second connector  204 . The first connector  202  and the second connector  204  have a locking and release mechanism  201  for locking the two connectors  202 ,  204  together and for releasing the first connector  202  from the second connector  204 . As described herein, the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are engageable between a first, locked state or configuration ( FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ), where the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked state or configuration ( FIG.  2 C ), where the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are disconnected from each other. The first and second connectors  202 ,  204  can be connected to each another and disconnected from each other by appropriate actuation of the locking and release mechanism  201 , as discussed herein. In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, various components of the connection arrangement  200  may be made from metal, plastic, a composite material, and any combination thereof. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the first connector  202  is shown separate from the second connector  204  of the connection arrangement  200 . The first connector  202  has a first body  206   a  with a first side  208   a  opposite a second side  210   a  (shown in  FIG.  3 B ). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first side  208   a  may face away from a body of the user while a second side  210   a  may face toward a body of the user when the first connector  202  is installed on a harness  100  worn by the user (shown in  FIG.  1   ). While  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B  show the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202  as being substantially planar, the first body  206   a  may have a non-planar shape in other non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The first body  206   a  may be monolithically formed as a single, integral piece. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202  may be formed from two or more components that are removably or non-removably connected together. In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202  may be made from metal, plastic, a composite material, and any combination thereof. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202  has a first body component  207  and a second body component  209  that is connected to the first body component  207  in an articulating manner, as described herein. With reference to  FIG.  3 C , the first body component  207  has a tongue  211  having first through hole  213  with a first axis  215  extending through the first through hole  213 . The second body component  209  has a pair of spaced apart tabs  217 , with each tab  217  having a second through hole  219  with a second axis  221  extending through the second through holes  219 . The tabs  217  are spaced apart such that the tongue  211  of the first body component  207  can be received within a space  223  defined between the tabs  217 . 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  3 C , the first body component  207  is connected to the second body component  209  by a rod  225  that is shaped as an elongated member having a longitudinal axis  227 . The rod  225  is sized to be received within the first through hole  213  of the first body component  207  and the second through holes  219  of the second body component  209 . When the first body component  207  is connected to the second body component  209 , the first axis  215  of the first through hole  213  and the second axis  221  of the second through holes  219  are coaxial with the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225 . The rod  225  may have caps  229  at its terminal ends to prevent movement or removal of the rod from the first through hole  213  and the second through holes  219 . The first body component  207  can articulate relative to the second body component  209  about the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225  in a direction of arrows A shown in  FIG.  3 C . Such articulating motion of the first body component  207  relative to the second body component  209  allows additional movement of the straps of the harness  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) to accommodate for movement of the user while wearing the harness  100 . The harness  100  equipped with the articulating harness connection arrangement  200  is thus more comfortable to wear because the first connector  202  can articulate relative to the second connector  204  to prevent either connector from “digging” into the user&#39;s chest. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , the first connector  202  has an integrated attachment element  231 , such as a D-ring, for connecting harness  100  to a line connected to an anchor point. The attachment element  231  serves as a single, centrally located attachment point for securing the harness  100  to a line using, for example, a connector that is configured for connecting to the attachment element  231 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the attachment element  231  has a U-shaped frame  233  with through holes  235  extending through each of the two terminal ends  237 . The frame  233  is configured for engagement by the connector. The through holes  235  are arranged such that they have a common axis  239  (shown in  FIG.  3 C ). The terminal ends  237  of the attachment element  231  are spaced apart such that at least a portion of the second body component  209 , such as the tabs  217 , can be inserted therebetween. The rod  225  can be inserted into the first through hole  213  of the first body component  207 , the second through holes  219  of the second body component  209 , and the through holes  235  of the terminal ends  237  of the attachment element  231 . In this manner, the first axis  215  of the first through hole  213 , the second axis  221  of the second through holes  219 , and the axis  239  of the attachment element  231  are coaxial with the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225 . Thus, the first body component  207 , the second body component  209 , and the attachment element  231  can each articulate about the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225  in a direction of arrows A shown in  FIG.  3 C . 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, such as shown in  FIG.  3 D , the attachment element  231  may be biased to assume a specific position via at least one attachment element biasing member  241 . For example, the attachment element  231  may be biased to a closed position, wherein the frame  233  is urged close to the first connector  202 , or to an open position, wherein the frame  233  is urged away from the first connector  202 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one biasing member  241  may be at least one torsion spring that is positioned within the through hole  235  of at least one terminal end  237  of the attachment element  231  between an outer surface of the rod  225  and an inner surface of the through hole  235 . In this manner, rotation of the attachment element  231  about the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225  biases the at least one biasing member  241  from an unbiased position, such as an open position or a closed position, to a biased position, such as a closed position or an open position, respectively. In the unbiased position, the at least one biasing member  241  provides a restoring force to move the attachment element  231  toward the biased position. By biasing the attachment element  231  toward the closed position, potential for snagging the attachment element  231  on objects in the user&#39;s vicinity is reduced. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the first connector  202  has at least one first buckle  214   a . The first buckle  214   a  may be connected to, for example, the first body component  207 . The first buckle  214   a  is configured for receiving at least a portion of a harness webbing therethrough, such as at least a portion of the shoulder harness  110 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first buckle  214   a  is configured to connect to two separate ends of the first shoulder strap  110   a . The first buckle  214   a  may have a bar  216   a  that is spaced apart from the first body component  207  of the first connector  202  such that the harness webbing may be inserted through a gap  218   a  formed between the bar  216   a  and the first body component  207 . The bar  216   a  is connected to the first body component  207  by posts  220   a . The webbing is desirably looped through the gap  218   a  and around the bar  216   a  such that the webbing overlaps itself around the bar  216   a . The overlapping ends of the webbing may be sewn together or otherwise attached to prevent removal of the webbing from the first buckle  214   a . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first buckle  214   a  may be configured to allow free movement of the straps of the harness  100  to reduce shear forces on the straps when the straps are under load, such as during a fall event. 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first buckle  214   a  may be provided on at least one of an upper side and a lower side of the first connector  202  when the harness  100  (shown in  FIG.  1   ) is worn by a user. In this manner, one or more straps may be connected to the at least one first buckle  214   a  from above or below the first connector  202 . In  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the at least one first buckle  214   a  is provided on an upper side and a lower side of the first connector  202  when the harness  100  is worn by the user. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B , the first connector  202  has a first portion of a locking and release mechanism  201  (shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E ) configured for engaging the first connector  202  between the first, locked configuration, where the first connector  202  is connected to the second connector  204  (shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ) and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector  202  is disconnected from the second connector  204  ( FIGS.  2 D- 2 E ). The second body component  209  of the first connector  202  has a tab  238 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the tab  238  is substantially parallel and/or coplanar with a plane defined by the second body component  209 . In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the tab  238  may be offset relative to a plane defined by the second body component  209 . The tab  238  may be monolithically formed with the second body component  209  of the first connector  202 , or may be removably or non-removably attached to the second body component  209 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  3 B , the tab  238  has a first end  240  connected to the second body component  209  and a second, free end  242  protruding away from the second body component  209 , with a frame  244  of the tab  238  extending between the first end  240  and the second end  242 . The frame  244  has a first or upper side  246  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ) opposite a second or lower side  248  (shown in  FIG.  3 B ). A thickness of the first or upper side  246 , such as a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202 , may be the same or different than a thickness of the second or lower side  248  of the tab  238 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first or upper side  246  of the frame  244  may have a same shape as the second or lower side  248 . In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first or upper side  246  of the frame  244  may have a different shape than the second or lower side  248 . For example, with reference to  FIG.  3 B , the first or upper side  246  may have a first base  250  having a substantially uniform width between the first end  240  and the second end  242 , with a first latch  252  connected to the first base  250  at the second end  242 . The first latch  252  is configured to interact with the locking teeth of the locking and release mechanism on the second connector  204 , as described herein. A width of the first latch  252  is wider than a width of the base  250  such that the latch  252  protrudes laterally outward relative to one or both lateral sides of the base  250 . An indicator  258  (shown in  FIG.  3 C ) may be at least partially recessed into the first or upper side  246  of the frame  244  at the base  250  and/or the latch  252 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  3 B , the second or lower side  248  may have a second tab  24  having a second base  254  having a width that narrows in a direction from the first end  240  toward the second end  242 . A second latch  256  may be connected to the second base  254  at the second end  242 . A width of the second latch  256  is narrower than a width of the first base  250  and the second base  254 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the second connector  204  is shown separate from the first connector  202  of the connection arrangement  200  shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E . Components of the second connector  204  shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  are substantially similar or identical to the components of the first connector  202  described herein with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C . Reference numerals in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  are used to illustrate identical components of the corresponding reference numerals in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , with the exception of an identifier “a” being replaced with an identifier “b”. For example, whereas the first buckle of the first connector  202  is identified with reference numeral  214   a , the second buckle of the second connector  204  is identified with reference numeral  214   b . As the previous discussion regarding the first connector  202  generally shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C  is applicable to the second connector  204  shown in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , only the relative differences between the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are discussed hereinafter. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the second connector  204  has a second body  206   b  with a first side  208   b  opposite a second side  210   b . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first side  208   b  may face away from a body of the user while a second side  210   b  may face toward a body of the user when the second connector  204  is installed on a harness worn by the user. While  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  show the second body  206   b  of the second connector  204  being substantially planar, the second body  206   b  may have a non-planar shape. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second body  206   b  may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202 . For example, the second body  206   b  of the second connector  204  may be a mirror image of the first body  206   a  of the first connector  202 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the second connector  204  has at least one second buckle  214   b  connected to the second body  206   b . The at least one second buckle  214   b  may be substantially identical to the at least one first buckle  214   a  on the first connector  202 . Accordingly, a detailed description of the at least one second buckle  214   b  will be omitted for brevity. The second buckle  214   b  is configured for receiving at least a portion of a harness webbing therethrough, such as at least a portion of the shoulder strap  110 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the second connector  204  has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism  201  (shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 B ) configured for engaging with the first portion of the locking and release mechanism  201  on the first connector  202  between the first, locked configuration, where the first connector  202  is connected to the second connector  204  (shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ) and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector  202  is disconnected from the second connector  204  (shown in  FIGS.  2 D- 2 E ). 
     In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second connector  204  has a slot  260  configured for removably receiving the tab  238  of the first connector  202 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the slot  260  is defined by a space between an upper plate  262  and a lower plate  264 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the upper plate  262  and the lower plate  264  may be connected together by one or more pins  265 . A width W of the slot  260  in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the second body  206   b  of the second connector  204  may be the same or larger than a width of the first or upper side  246  of the tab  238  of the first connector  202  (shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ), and smaller than an overall width of the tab  238  of the first connector  202 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, and with reference to  FIG.  4 B , at least one of the upper plate  262  and the lower plate  264 , such as the lower plate  264 , may have a recess  266  having a shape that corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of the tab  238 , such as the second or lower side  248  of the tab  238 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recess  266  is configured to receive at least a portion of the tab  238 , such as the second or lower side  248  of the tab  238 , when the tab  238  is inserted into the slot  260 , such as during a locking connection of the first connector  202  with the second connector  204 . In this manner, the first connector  202  and the second connector  204  can only be connected in one orientation, such as when the second or lower side  248  of the tab  238  is received within the recess  266 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , at least one of the upper plate  262  and the lower plate  264 , such as the upper plate  262 , may have an opening  268  extending through the plate and into the slot  260 . The opening  268  may be positioned on the upper plate  262  such that, when the tab  238  of the first connector  202  is fully inserted into the slot  260 , the indicator  258  on the first or upper side  246  of the tab  238  is visible through the opening  268  (shown in  FIG.  6 A ). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the indicator  258  may be colored a conspicuous color, such as bright green, such that the indicator  258  is clearly visible through the opening  268  when the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are locked together. Visibility of the indicator  258  through the opening  268  may provide an indication that the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are locked together and cannot be disconnected without unlocking the locking and release mechanism  201 , as described herein. 
     With reference to  FIG.  4 C , and with continued reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , the second connector  204  has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism  201  that is configured for interacting with the first portion of the locking and release mechanism  201  on the first connector  202  (i.e., the tab  238 ). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second portion of the locking and release mechanism  201  has a pair of locking arms  270  that are configured to releasably engage the at least a portion of the tab  238 , such as the first latch  252  of the tab  238  of the first connector  202 . Each locking arm  270  is movable between a first, locked position, where disengagement of the first latch  252  of the tab  238  from the slot  260  of the second connector  204  is prevented due to interference between at least a portion of the locking arms  270  and the first latch  252 , and a second, unlocked position, where the first latch  252  of the tab  238  can be removed freely from the slot  260 . Each locking arm  270  may be pivotally movable, rotatably movable, linearly movable, or movable in any direction via any combination of pivotal, rotatable, and linear movement between the first position and the second position. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  4 C , each of the locking arms  270  is biased in the first position by a biasing member  272 , such as a spring. Movement of the locking arms  270  from the first position to the second position in the direction of arrows B builds a restoring force in the biasing members  272  such that each locking arm  270  is restored to the first position after the force that causes the movement of the locking arms  270  is removed. Each of the locking arms  270  may be pivotally mounted about a pivot pin  274  for movement between the first position and the second position. 
     With continued reference to  FIG.  4 C , each locking arm  270  has an elongated shape with a locking tooth  276  on one end and a release tab  278  at an opposing end, with the pivot pin  274  positioned between the locking tooth  276  and the release tab  278 . The locking arms  270  are arranged such that the locking teeth  276  are positioned opposite one another and spaced apart from each other in the first position at a distance that is less than a width of the first latch  252  of the tab  238  (shown in  FIG.  3 A ). In this manner, when the first latch  252  is inserted into the slot  260  and into a space between the locking arms  270 , the first latch  252  will cause the locking arms  270  to pivot about their respective pivot pins  274  to deflect the locking arms  270  from the first position toward the second position. The locking teeth  276  may be angled relative to one another at an acute angle to facilitate movement of the locking arms  270  from the first position to the second position with the insertion of the first latch  252  in the slot  260  between the locking arms  270 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  4 C , at least a portion of each locking arm  270 , such as the release tab  278 , protrudes from the second body  206   b  of the second connector  204 . In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the release tab  278  of each locking arm  270  may be exposed such that it can be actuated by a user. To actuate the release tabs  270 , the user urges the release tabs  270  in the direction of arrows B shown in  FIG.  4 C . Movement of the release tabs  278  in this direction moves the locking teeth  276  away from one another to enlarge the space between the locking arms  270 , thereby permitting removal of the first latch  252  of the first connector  202  from the slot  260  of the second connector  204 . 
     Each of the locking arms  270  is movable independently of the other locking arm  270 . In this manner, the user must actuate both locking arms  270  to the second, unlocked position in order to remove the first connector  202  from the second connector  204 . Actuation of one of the pair of locking arms  270  will not permit removal of the first latch  252  from the slot  260 . In this manner, the locking and release mechanism  201  of the connection arrangement  200  has a redundant safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  due to accidental actuation of a single release tab  278 . 
     Having described the structure of the connection arrangement  200 , a method of disconnecting the first connector  202  from the second connector  204  and connecting the first connector  202  to the second connector  204  will now be described. To disconnect the first connector  202  from the second connector  204 , the user first actuates both release tabs  278  by pivoting each locking arm  270  about the pivot pin  274  in a direction of arrows B in  FIG.  4 C . As noted herein, movement of one of the pair of locking arms  270  will not permit removal of the first latch  252  from the slot  260 . Such movement of the release tabs  278  separates the locking teeth  276  from the tab  238  of the first connector  202 . Once the release tabs  278  have been moved from a first position to a second position shown, the locking teeth  276  have been separated from the tab  238  of the first connector  202  to allow the first latch  252  of the tab  238  to be withdrawn from the slot  260  of the second connector  204  by moving the first connector  202  away from the second connector  204 . The restoring force of the biasing members  272  causes the locking arms  270  to revert back to the first position once the actuating force is removed from the release tabs  278 . 
     The first and second connectors  202 ,  204  can be connected together by inserting the tab  238  of the first connector  202  into the slot  260  of the second connector  204 , such as by positioning the first latch  252  of the tab  238  in a space defined between the locking teeth  276 . The first and second connectors  202 ,  204  are then moved toward each other until the locking teeth  276  engage the first latch  252 . The locking arms  270  can be moved from the first position to the second position either manually, such as by actuating both release tabs  278  by pivoting each locking arm  270  about the pivot pin  274 , or automatically, such as due to physical contact between the first latch  252  with the inclined surfaces of the locking teeth  276  that deflects the locking arms  270  to the second position. Movement of the locking arms  270  to the second position allows further insertion of the first latch  252  of the tab  238  in a space defined between the locking teeth  276  until the first latch  252  clears the locking teeth  276 . The restoring force of the biasing members  272  causes the locking arms  270  to revert back to the first position once the actuating force is removed from the release tabs  278  and/or once the first latch  252  clears the locking teeth  276 . The first connector  202  is thus locked with the second connector  204 . 
     With reference to  FIG.  5   , the connection arrangement  200  is shown under a simulated load condition, such as a load that may be experienced during a fall event. The attachment element  231  is connected to a connector  251  of a safety line  253  that may be connected to an anchoring point. During a fall event where the user is supported by the attachment element  231 , significant load is placed on the connection arrangement  200  and the harness straps connected to the connection arrangement  200 . As shown in  FIG.  5   , when under load, such as during a fall event, the attachment element  231  and the first body component  207  are articulated about the longitudinal axis  227  of the rod  225  relative to the second body component  209  and the second connector  204 . In this manner, the components of the connection arrangement  200  are loaded in a direction in which they are designed to withstand the force. The connection arrangement  200  thus efficiently redirects energy through the structural components thereof to minimize forces on the components in directions in which the components are not designed to withstand the force. Furthermore, the straps that are connected to the fixed buckles of the first and second connectors  202 ,  204  can articulate to reduce shear forces on the webbing material. 
     Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical, preferred, and non-limiting embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.