Patent Publication Number: US-8967332-B2

Title: Safety harness strap adjuster

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a safety harness strap adjuster. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various occupations place people in precarious positions at relatively dangerous heights thereby creating a need for fall-arresting safety apparatus. Among other things, such apparatus usually include a safety line interconnected between a support structure and a person working in proximity to the support structure. The safety line is typically secured to a full-body safety harness worn by the worker. Obviously, such a harness must be designed to remain secure about the worker in the event of a fall. In addition, the harness should arrest a person&#39;s fall in as safe a manner as possible, placing a minimal amount of strain on the person&#39;s body. Yet another design consideration is to minimize the extent to which people may consider the harness uncomfortable and/or cumbersome. 
     Various types of buckles are used to interconnect straps of harnesses. One problem with some of these buckles is that the straps could loosen and compromise the proper fit of the harness, and proper fit is important to maximize safety and minimize injury. 
     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a safety harness strap adjuster. 
     SUMMARY 
     The above-mentioned problems associated with prior devices are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and understanding the present specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention. 
     One embodiment adjuster for adjusting a length of at least one strap of a safety harness comprises a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. 
     One embodiment adjuster for adjusting a length of at least one strap of a safety harness, comprises a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction. The locking mechanism comprises a ratchet wheel with teeth operatively connected to each end of the shaft, pawls pivotally connected to the base and configured and arranged to engage the ratchet wheels in an engaged position and disengage the ratchet wheels in a disengaged position, and springs interconnecting the pawls and the base to bias the pawls in the engaged position. The shaft is rotatable in the first direction when the pawls are in the engaged position, and the shaft is rotatable in the first direction and in the second direction when both of the pawls are positioned in the disengaged position. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. 
     One embodiment adjuster for adjusting a length of at least one strap of a safety harness comprises a base, a shaft rotatably operatively connected to the shaft and defining a slot configured and arranged to receive the at least one strap, and a locking mechanism interconnecting the base and the shaft. The locking mechanism allows rotation of the shaft in a first direction and prevents rotation of the shaft in a second opposite direction. The locking mechanism comprises a knob operatively connected to an end of the shaft, a spring operatively connected to the end of the shaft and to the knob to bias the knob toward the base, one of the base and the knob having an inclined ramp, and another of the base and the knob having a notch, wherein the notch receives the ramp in an engaged position. The shaft is rotatable in the first direction when the ramp is positioned in the notch in an engaged position, and the shaft is rotatable in the first direction and in the second direction when the knob is moved away from the base to release the ramp from the notch in a disengaged position. The at least one strap is selected from the group consisting of at least one shoulder strap, at least one chest strap, at least one waist strap, at least one seat strap, and at least one leg strap. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be more easily understood, and further advantages and uses thereof can be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following Figures in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a bottom front perspective view of an embodiment adjuster constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial exploded top front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial exploded bottom front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded bottom front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1  connected to a strap in a positioning position; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-section view of the adjuster taken along the lines  7 - 7  shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1  connected to a strap in a partially wound position; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-section view of the adjuster taken along the lines  9 - 9  shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 1  connected to a strap in another partially wound position; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-section view of the adjuster taken along the lines  11 - 11  shown in  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom front perspective view of another embodiment adjuster constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded bottom front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a bottom view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a first side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a second side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a rear view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a front perspective view of another embodiment adjuster constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is an exploded front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 21  is a top view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 22  is a first side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 23  is a second side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 19 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a bottom front perspective view of another embodiment adjuster constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 25  is an exploded bottom front perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 28  is a side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 30  is a bottom view of a base of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 31  is a first side view of the base shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 32  is a front view of the base shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 33  is a second side view of the base shown in  FIG. 30 ; 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of a cover of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 35  is a first side view of the cover shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 36  is a front view of the cover shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 37  is a second side view of the cover shown in  FIG. 34 ; 
         FIG. 38  is a front view of a fastener of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 39  is a bottom view of a shaft of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 40  is a front view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 39 ; 
         FIG. 41  is a cross-section view of the shaft taken along the lines  41 - 41  shown in  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 42  is a side view of the shaft shown in  FIG. 40 ; 
         FIG. 43  is an inner side view of a knob of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 24 ; 
         FIG. 44  is a cross-section view of the knob taken along the lines  44 - 44  shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 45  is an outer side view of the knob shown in  FIG. 43 ; 
         FIG. 46  is a rear perspective view of another embodiment adjuster including a male portion of a buckle constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 47  is a front view of a female portion of a buckle for use with the adjuster shown in  FIG. 46 ; 
         FIG. 48  is a rear view of a safety harness with adjusters; 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective schematic view of another safety harness with adjusters; 
         FIG. 50  is a rear perspective view of another embodiment adjuster constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 51  is a front exploded perspective view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 50 ; 
         FIG. 52  is a front view of the adjuster shown in  FIG. 50 ; and 
         FIG. 53  is a cross section view of the adjuster taken along the lines  53 - 53  shown in  FIG. 52 . 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout the Figures and the text. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof. 
     Embodiments of adjusters constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention are designated by the numerals  100 ,  200 ,  300 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600  in the drawings. 
     An embodiment adjuster  100  is shown in  FIGS. 1-11 . Although the adjuster is being described in the orientation shown in  FIG. 5 , it should be understood that the adjuster should not be limited to this orientation. The adjuster  100  includes base plates  101  and  111  to which other components are operatively connected. 
     The base plate  101  is generally rectangular and includes a first side  102  proximate the front and a second side  106  proximate the rear. The base plate  101  includes an aperture  103  proximate the top and the first side  102  and an aperture  104  proximate the bottom and the first side  102 . The base plate  101  includes an aperture  107  proximate the top and the second side  106  and an aperture  108  proximate the bottom and the second side  106 . The base plate  101  also includes a center aperture  105  proximate the center of the base plate  101  between the apertures  103  and  104  and the apertures  107  and  108 . Proximate the aperture  107  and the top, a protrusion  109  extends generally upwardly from the base plate  101  and forms a notch proximate the top and the second side  106 . 
     The base plate  111  is also generally rectangular and includes a first side  112  proximate the front and a second side  116  proximate the rear. The base plate  111  includes an aperture  113  proximate the top and the first side  112  and an aperture  114  proximate the bottom and the first side  112 . The base plate  111  includes an aperture  117  proximate the top and the second side  116  and an aperture  118  proximate the bottom and the second side  116 . The base plate  111  also includes a center aperture  115  proximate the center of the base plate  111  between the apertures  113  and  114  and the apertures  117  and  118 . Proximate the aperture  117  and the top, a protrusion  119  extends generally upwardly from the base plate  111  and forms a notch proximate the top and the second side  116 . 
     A hub or shaft includes hub portions  121  and  128 , which are operatively connected to the base plates  101  and  111 . The hub portions  121  and  128  are shafts having semicircular cross-sections and are positioned with the flat portions facing one another with a gap forming a slot  135  therebetween. The hub portion  121  includes a first end  122  with a bore  123  extending laterally therethrough, a second end  124  with a bore  125  extending laterally therethrough, and a bore  126  extending laterally through an intermediate portion between the first and second ends  122  and  124 . The hub portion  128  includes a first end  129  with a bore  130  extending laterally therethrough, a second end  131  with a bore  132  extending laterally therethrough, and a bore  133  extending laterally through an intermediate portion between the first and second ends  129  and  131 . 
     A pin  136  is a cylindrical shaft with first and second ends  137  and  138  having smaller diameters than an intermediate portion of the pin  136 . The first end  137  is configured and arranged to be inserted into the aperture  104  of the base plate  101 , and the second end  138  is configured and arranged to be inserted into the aperture  114  of the base plate  111 . The intermediate portion of the pin  136  is positioned between the base plates  101  and  111 . 
     A pin  140  is also a cylindrical shaft with first and second ends  141  and  142  having smaller diameters than an intermediate portion of the pin  140 . The first end  141  is configured and arranged to be inserted through the aperture  107  of the base plate  101 , and the second end  142  is configured and arranged to be inserted through the aperture  117  of the base plate  111 . The ends  141  and  142  extend outward from the respective outer sides of the base plates  101  and  111 , and the intermediate portion of the pin  140  is positioned between the base plates  101  and  111 . 
     A ratchet wheel  180  is a generally cylindrical portion with first and second semicircular longitudinal bores  181  and  182  configured and arranged to receive the ends  122  and  129  of the hub portions  121  and  128 . The ratchet wheel  180  also includes teeth  183  extending outward from its sides and a lateral bore  184 . The lateral bore  184  corresponds with the bores  123  and  130  of the hub portions  121  and  128 , and a fastener  194  extends through the bores to connect the ratchet wheel  180  to the ends  122  and  129 . 
     A ratchet wheel  186  is also a generally cylindrical portion with first and second longitudinal bores  187  and  188  configured and arranged to receive the ends  124  and  131  of the hub portions  121  and  128 . The ratchet wheel  186  also includes teeth  189  extending outward from its sides and a lateral bore  190 . The lateral bore  190  corresponds with the bores  125  and  132  of the hub portions  121  and  128 , and a fastener  195  extends through the bores to connect the ratchet wheel  186  to the ends  124  and  131 . 
     A spacer  145  is a generally square-shaped shaft from which a first flange  146  extends outward from proximate the top of one end and a second flange  147  extends outward from proximate the top of the other end. A bore  148  extends longitudinally through the spacer  145 . The base of the spacer  145  is configured and arranged to be positioned between the base plates  101  and  111  so that the bore  148  corresponds with the apertures  103  and  113  of the base plates  101  and  111 , and the flanges  146  and  147  are positioned on top of the base plates  101  and  111 . A fastener  192  extends through the apertures  103  and  113  and the bore  148  to connect the spacer  145  to the base plates  101  and  111 . The pin  136  and the spacer  145  form a slot  155  therebetween. 
     A spacer  150  is also a generally square-shaped shaft from which a first flange  151  extends outward from proximate the bottom of one end and a second flange  152  extends outward from proximate the bottom of the other end. A bore  153  extends longitudinally through the spacer  150 . The base of the spacer  150  is configured and arranged to be positioned between the base plates  101  and  111  so that the bore  153  corresponds with the apertures  108  and  118  of the base plates  101  and  111 , and the flanges  151  and  152  are positioned below the base plates  101  and  111 . A fastener  193  extends through the apertures  108  and  118  and the bore  153  to connect the spacer  150  to the base plates  101  and  111 . The pin  140  and the spacer  150  form a slot  156  therebetween. 
     A pawl member  168  is generally L-shaped with an engaging portion  169  proximate one end and a release portion  170  proximate the other end. The engaging portion  169  includes an aperture  171  proximate the juncture of the two ends. The first end  141  of the pin  140  extends through the aperture  171 , and the first end  141  is clinched to form a head, which secures the pawl member  168  to the pin  140 . The engaging portion  169  is configured and arranged to engage a tooth of the ratchet wheel  180 . 
     A pawl member  174  is also generally L-shaped with an engaging portion  175  proximate one end and a release portion  176  proximate the other end. The engaging portion  175  includes an aperture (not shown) proximate the juncture of the two ends. The second end  142  of the pin  140  extends through the aperture  177 , and the second end  142  is clinched to form a head, which secures the pawl member  174  to the pin  140 . The engaging portion  175  is configured and arranged to engage a tooth of the ratchet wheel  186 . 
     A spring  158  includes a coiled intermediate portion  161  interconnecting a first end  159  and a second end  160 , and a spring  163  includes a coiled intermediate portion  166  interconnecting a first end  164  and a second end  165 . The coiled portion  161  of the spring  158  is configured and arranged to be positioned about the first end  141  of the pin  140 , and the coiled portion  166  of the spring  163  is configured and arranged to be positioned about the second end  142  of the pin  140 . The spring  158  is positioned between the base plate  101  and the pawl member  168 , and the spring  163  is positioned between the base plate  111  and the pawl member  174 . The first end  159  of the spring  158  engages the base plate  101  proximate the notch formed by the protrusion  109 , and the second end  160  of the spring  158  engages the pawl member  168 . Because the pawl member  168  is pivotally connected to the pin  140 , the spring  158  places a biasing force on the pawl member  168  so that the engaging portion  169  is biased in a downward direction to engage the ratchet wheel  180 . The first end  164  of the spring  163  engages the base plate  111  proximate the notch formed by the protrusion  119 , and the second end  165  of the spring  163  engages the pawl member  174 . Because the pawl member  174  is pivotally connected to the pin  140 , the spring  163  places a biasing force on the pawl member  174  so that the engaging portion  175  is biased in a downward direction to engage the ratchet wheel  186 . 
     To assemble the adjuster  100  and connect the adjuster to a strap or webbing  197  of a safety harness, the hub portions  121  and  128  are positioned on opposing sides of the webbing  197  with the flat portions facing one another thus positioning the webbing  197  in the slot  135 . The ends  122  and  129  of the hub portions  121  and  128  are inserted through the center aperture  105  of the base plate  101  and into the respective bores  181  and  182  of the ratchet wheel  180 , and the fastener  194  is inserted into the bores  184 ,  123 , and  130 . The ends  137  and  141  of the pins  136  and  140  are inserted into the respective apertures  104  and  107  of the base plate  101 , and then the base plate  111  is connected. The pins  136  and  140  are positioned on opposing sides of the webbing  197 . The ends  124  and  131  of the hub portions  121  and  128  are inserted through the center aperture  115  and the ends  138  and  142  of the pins  136  and  140  are inserted into the respective apertures  114  and  117  of the base plate  111 . The ends  124  and  131  of the hub portions  121  and  128  are then inserted into the respective bores  187  and  188  of the ratchet wheel  186 , and the fastener  195  is inserted into the bores  190 ,  125 , and  132 . A fastener could be inserted through the bores  126  and  133  and the webbing to secure the webbing to the hub portions  121  and  128 , if desired. The spacers  145  and  150  are positioned between the base plates  101  and  111  so that the bores  148  and  153  correspond with the respective apertures  103  and  113  and apertures  108  and  118 , the flanges  146  and  147  being proximate the top of the base plates  101  and  111  and the flanges  151  and  152  being proximate the bottom of the base plates  101  and  111 , and then fasteners  192  and  193  are inserted to connect the spacers  145  and  150  to the base plates  101  and  111 . The spacers  145  and  150  are positioned on opposing sides of the webbing  197 , and the webbing  197  extends through the opening  155  formed by the pin  136  and the spacer  145  and the opening  156  formed by the pin  140  and the spacer  150 . 
     The coiled portion  161  of the spring  158  is positioned about the first end  141  of the pin  140  extending outward from the base plate  101 , and the first end  159  of the spring is positioned to engage the base plate  101  proximate the notch formed by the protrusion  109 . The first end  141  is then inserted into the aperture  171  of the pawl member  168 , with the engaging portion  169  positioned to engage a tooth of the ratchet wheel  180 , the second end  160  of the spring is positioned to engage the pawl member  168 , and a fastener (not shown) is inserted through the aperture  171  and into the first end  141  to secure the pawl member  168  to the pin  140 . The coiled portion  166  of the spring  163  is positioned about the second end  142  of the pin  140  extending outward from the base plate  111 , and the first end  164  of the spring is positioned to engage the base plate  111  proximate the notch formed by the protrusion  119 . The second end  142  is then inserted into the aperture (not shown) of the pawl member  174 , with the engaging portion  175  positioned to engage a tooth of the ratchet wheel  186 , the second end  165  of the spring is positioned to engage the pawl member  174 , and a fastener  178  is inserted through the aperture and into the second end  142  to secure the pawl member  174  to the pin  140 . It is recognized that the components of the adjuster  100  could be assembled in any suitable order and this is just an example of how the adjuster  100  could be assembled. 
     In operation, the adjuster  100  could be moved along the length of the webbing  197  to a desired location when the adjuster  100  is in a positioning position, which is shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . One of the ratchet wheels  180  and  186  could be turned to take up any slack in the webbing  197  to obtain a desired fit. Because the ratchet wheels  180  and  186  are connected to the hub portions  121  and  128 , turning one turns the other and the hub portions  121  and  128  rotate to wind the webbing  197  about the hub. The teeth provide a non-slip surface to assist in turning the ratchet wheels. The shape of the teeth allow rotation in one direction but prevent rotation in the opposite direction. The springs  158  and  163  bias the pawl members  168  and  174  to engage the teeth, and as the ratchet wheels turn, the pawl members  168  and  174  move to slide over the teeth and engage the adjacent teeth in the direction of rotation. A first partially wound position is shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , and a second partially wound position is shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . 
     To loosen the webbing  197 , both pawl members  168  and  174  are pivoted to disengage the engaging portions  169  and  175  from the teeth, and this could be accomplished by applying a downward force on the release portions  170  and  176 , which moves the engaging portions  169  and  175  upward away from the teeth. Then, either the webbing  197  can be pulled in opposite directions away from the adjuster  100  or the adjuster  100  can be pulled outward to unwind the webbing  197  from the hub or shaft. 
     An embodiment adjuster  200  is shown in  FIGS. 12-18 . Although the adjuster is being described in the orientation shown in  FIG. 12 , it should be understood that the adjuster should not be limited to this orientation. 
     The adjuster  200  includes a base  201  with an intermediate portion  202  interconnecting a first side  205  and a second side  215 . The intermediate portion  202  is generally rectangular with an opening  203  between a front portion  202   a  and a rear portion  202   b . The first side  205  extends upward proximate one side of the intermediate portion  202  and the second side  215  extends upward proximate an opposing side of the intermediate portion  202 . The first side  205  includes a first end  206  and a second end  208  with an opening  207  between the ends  206  and  208 . A first protrusion  209  extends upward from the first side  205  proximate the second end  208  and includes an aperture  210 . A second protrusion  211  extends outward proximate the first protrusion  209  and includes a first arm  212  and a second arm  213  forming a notch  214  therebetween. The second side  215  includes a first end  216  and a second end  218  with an opening  217  between the ends  216  and  218 . A first protrusion  219  extends upward from the second side  215  proximate the second end  218  and includes an aperture  220 . A second protrusion  221  extends outward proximate the first protrusion and includes a first arm  222  and a second arm  223  forming a notch  224  therebetween. 
     A bar  230  includes a generally cylindrical intermediate portion  233  with a knurled surface  234  interconnecting a first end  231  and a second end  232 , which are rectangular protrusions extending longitudinally outward from the intermediate portion  233 . The intermediate portion  233  is configured and arranged to fit within the opening  203  of the base, and the ends  231  and  232  are configured and arranged to fit within the respective openings  207  and  217  in the sides  205  and  215  of the base  201 . The bar  230  is preferably slidable within the base  201 . 
     A hub or shaft portion  242  includes first and second portions  248  and  249 , which form a slot  250  therebetween, interconnecting a first end  243  and a second end  251 . The slot  250  is tapered so that one side is wider than the other side of the slot  250 . The first end  243  includes connecting portion  245  interconnecting a knob  244  and a ratchet wheel  246 . The knob  244  is a cross-shaped member as shown but could be any suitable knob, preferably with a non-slip type surface. The connecting portion  245  is configured and arranged to be received within the notch  214  by the arms  212  and  213 . The ratchet wheel  246  includes teeth  247 , and ends of the first and second portions  248  and  249  are operatively connected to the ratchet wheel  246  on the side opposite the connecting portion  245 . The second end  251  includes a ratchet wheel  252  including teeth  253 , and the opposing ends of the first and second portions  248  and  249  are operatively connected to the ratchet wheel  252 . A protrusion  254  extends outward from the ratchet wheel  252  and is configured and arranged to be received within the notch  224  by the arms  222  and  223 . The components of the hub portion  242  could be integral, molded as a single part, or separate parts operatively connected. The hub or shaft portion  242  could be made of plastic. 
     Pawls  260   a  and  260   b  are configured and arranged to releasably engage the respective ratchet wheels  246  and  252 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , pawl  260   b  includes an engaging portion  261  configured and arranged to engage the ratchet wheel  252  proximate between two adjacent teeth  253 , one of the teeth being configured and arranged to engage the engaging portion  261  and prevent rotation in one direction. An intermediate portion  262 , which includes an aperture  263 , a notch  264 , and an extension portion  265 , interconnects the engaging portion  261  and a release portion  266 . The extension portion  265  extends outward from the intermediate portion  262  proximate the release portion  266 , and the notch  264  is between the extension portion  265  and the engaging portion  261 . Although not labeled, pawl  260   a  includes similar components as pawl  260   b.    
     A pin  238  includes a first end  239  and a second end  240 , which are smaller in diameter than an intermediate portion of the pin  238 . The ends  239  and  240  of the pin  238  are inserted through the respective apertures of the pawls  260   a  and  260   b  and through bores of springs (not shown) before being inserted into the respective apertures  210  and  220  of the base  201 . Portions of the ends  239  and  240  extending outward from the base  201  are clinched to form heads. One end of each spring engages the base  201  and the other end of each spring engages the respective pawl to place biasing forces on the pawls to bias the pawls in an engaging position to engage the ratchet wheels. The pawls&#39; notches accommodate and position the bar  230  and also move the bar  230  when the pawls are pivoted. When the pawls engage the ratchet wheels, the bar  230  is positioned toward the rear portion  202   b . When the pawls disengage the ratchet wheels, the bar  230  is positioned toward the front portion  202   a . The springs bias the release portions of the pawls downward, and the pawls&#39; extension portions contact the sides  205  and  215  to act as stops to prevent further downward movement of the pawls. The release portion  266  extends inward and provides a surface upon which a downward force can be exerted to overcome the biasing force of the springs and pivot the engaging portion  261  upward and away from the ratchet wheel  252  to release the ratchet wheels. 
     A webbing (not shown) includes an end, which is folded over approximately ¼ inch and sewn to itself using a “bar tac”. Slot  250  is tapered so that the end of the webbing with the “bar tac” fits within the wider part of the slot but cannot be pulled through the narrower part of the slot. The webbing then goes under the base  201 , through the opening  203  between the bar  230  and the front portion  202   a  of the base  201 , around the bar  230 , and then through the opening  203  between the bar  230  and the rear portion  202   b  proximate the other side of the base  201 . The webbing is pinched between the bar  230  and the rear portion  202   b , and friction keeps the webbing secured. The friction is sufficient to adequately keep the webbing in place should a load be applied to the webbing. An end of a second webbing (not shown) is inserted through the opening  203  between the bar  230  and the front portion  202   a  and then sewn to itself. Thus, the adjuster  200  is used to interconnect two webbings and adjust one of the webbings, the webbing connected to the hub portion  242 . 
     In operation, to take up any slack or excess webbing, the knob  244  is rotated to wind a portion of the webbing around the portions  248  and  249 , and as the knob  244  is rotated in the winding direction, the pawls  260  slide over the teeth to engage the ratchet wheels proximate the adjacent teeth. In the opposite direction, the pawls  260  are engaged by the teeth, which prevent the knob  244  from being rotated. As the webbing is being wound about the portions  248  and  249 , the webbing slides through the intermediate portion  202  and around the bar  230 . To loosen the webbing, both pawls  260  are disengaged from the ratchet wheels  246  and  252  by exerting an upward force on the release portions, which pivots the engaging portions downward and away from the teeth of the ratchet wheels. In addition, the pawls move the bar  230  toward the front portion  202   a  to allow the webbing to slide through the device. The knob  244  can then be rotated in the opposite, unwinding direction. 
     An embodiment adjuster  600 , which is shown in  FIGS. 50-53 , is similar to adjuster  200 . Therefore, only the relatively significant differences will be described. Although the adjuster is being described in the orientation shown in  FIG. 51 , it should be understood that the adjuster should not be limited to this orientation. 
     The adjuster&#39;s base includes a front portion  602   a  and a rear portion  602   b , and sides  605  and  615  extend upward from the base similar to the adjuster  200 . The bar  630  is similarly connected to the base. Proximate the second arm  613  of the first side, a protrusion  625  extends outward therefrom and includes an aperture  626 , and proximate the second arm  623  of the second side, a protrusion  627  extends outward therefrom and includes an aperture  628 . 
     A cover  675  is configured and arranged to connect to the base and includes a top  676 , a hinge portion  677  through which a bore  677   a  extends, and a rear portion  678 . The rear portion  678  includes a top  679  and a bottom  680  interconnected at the sides and forming a slot  681 . The bore  677   a  is configured and arranged to receive the pin  638 , and the pawls  660   a  and  660   b  are positioned on the pin  638  on each respective side of the cover  675 . The ends of the pin  638  are then inserted into the apertures in the protrusions  609  and  619  to secure the cover  675  and the pawls  660   a  and  660   b  to the base. The pin  638  could also be a rivet. A fastener (not shown) such as a screw, a stud, or a rivet could be inserted through each of the apertures  626  and  628  in the base to secure the cover  675  to the base to prevent the cover  675  from opening. 
     A spring (not shown) is positioned about the pin  638  between the cover  675  and each of the pawls  660   a  and  660   b , and one end is operatively connected to the cover  675  and the other end is operatively connected to the pawl to bias the pawl to engage the ratchet wheel. The end connected to the cover  675  is wrapped about the cylindrical portion forming the bore  677   a , and the end connected to the pawl engages the pawl proximate the notch between the engaging portion and the release portion. 
     As shown in  FIG. 53 , the cover  675  conforms to the shape of the ratchet wheels  646  and  652  of the hub portion  642 , and the knob  644  is positioned on the other side of the cover  675 . The webbing (not shown) is similarly routed through the adjuster  600  as adjuster  200 , but the webbing extends through the slot  681  of the cover  675 . The tapered slot of the hub portion  642  is shown in  FIG. 53 . The cover  675  assists in keeping the webbing in place on the hub portion  642  and proximate the rear portion  678  of the cover  675 . 
     An embodiment adjuster  300  is shown in  FIGS. 19-23 . Although the adjuster is being described in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , it should be understood that the adjuster should not be limited to this orientation. The adjuster  300  includes plates  301  and  311  to which other components are operatively connected. 
     The plate  301  is generally rectangular-shaped and includes a first side  302  and a second side  306 . The plate  301  also includes an aperture  303  proximate the top and the first side  302 , an aperture  304  proximate the bottom and the first side  302 , an aperture  307  proximate the top and the second side  306 , an aperture  308  proximate the bottom and the second side  306 , and a center aperture  305  between the side apertures. 
     The plate  311  is also generally rectangular-shaped and includes a first side  312  and a second side  316 . The plate  311  also includes an aperture  313  proximate the top and the first side  312 , an aperture  314  proximate the bottom and the first side  312 , an aperture  317  proximate the top and the second side  316 , an aperture  318  proximate the bottom and the second side  316 , and a center aperture  315  between the side apertures. A ramp  319  is positioned proximate between the center aperture  315  and the apertures  313  and  314 , and a ramp  320  is positioned proximate between the center aperture  315  and the apertures  317  and  318 . The ramp  319  inclines from bottom to top, and ramp  320  inclines from top to bottom. 
     A shaft  322 , which is generally cylindrical, includes an intermediate portion  324  interconnecting a first end  323  and a second end  326 . The intermediate portion  324  includes a slot  325 . The first and second ends  323  and  326  have smaller diameters than the intermediate portion  324 . The second end  326  includes three portions with gradually smaller diameters and first and second shoulders  328  and  329  between the portions. Proximate the distal end of the second end  326  is a detent  327 . Opposing sides of the second end  326  include flat portions  330 . The first end  323  is configured and arranged to be inserted into the center aperture  305  of the plate  301 , and the second end  326  is configured and arranged to be inserted into the center aperture  315  of the plate  311 . The distal end of the second end  326  extends outward from the plate  311 . The intermediate portion  324  of the shaft  322  is positioned between the plates  301  and  311 . 
     A spacer  335  having a longitudinal bore that corresponds with the apertures  303  and  313  is positioned between the plates  301  and  311 , and a fastener  336  extends through the apertures  303  and  313  and the bore to connect the spacer  335  to the plates  301  and  311 . A spacer  337  having a longitudinal bore that corresponds with the apertures  304  and  314  is positioned between the plates  301  and  311 , and a fastener  338  extends through the apertures  304  and  314  and the bore to connect the spacer  337  to the plates  301  and  311 . A spacer  339  having a longitudinal bore that corresponds with the apertures  307  and  317  is positioned between the plates  301  and  311 , and a fastener  340  extends through the apertures  307  and  317  and the bore to connect the spacer  339  to the plates  301  and  311 . A spacer  341  having a longitudinal bore that corresponds with the apertures  308  and  318  is positioned between the plates  301  and  311 , and a fastener  342  extends through the apertures  308  and  318  and the bore to connect the spacer  341  to the plates  301  and  311 .  FIG. 20  shows the fasteners  336 ,  338 ,  340 , and  342  already clinched to form heads to secure the spacers to the plates  301  and  311 . 
     A knob  345  is generally cylindrical with a bore  350  extending longitudinally therethrough. The bore  350  includes opposing flat portions  351  corresponding with the flat portions  330  of the shaft  322  so that when the knob  345  is positioned about the second end  326 , the knob  345  and the shaft  322  rotate together. A first end  346  of the knob  345  includes notches  347 , preferably four spaced ninety degrees apart. Each notch  347  is configured and arranged to receive a portion of a ramp of the plate  311 , two opposing notches receiving the ramps. A second end  348  includes a cavity  349  in fluid communication with the bore  350 . A spring  354  is positioned within the cavity  349  and about the second end  326  of the shaft  322 , and a washer  355  and a retaining ring  356 , which engages the detent  327 , secures the spring  354  to the shaft  322 . 
     A webbing (not shown) extends through the slot  325  and between the spacers  335  and  337  and between the spacers  339  and  341 . The spacers assist in reducing wear on the webbing. When the webbing is not wound about the shaft  322 , the adjuster  300  is in a positioning position and can be slid along the length of the webbing to position the adjuster  300  in a desired location on the webbing. 
     In operation, the webbing is wound about the shaft  322  by simply turning the knob  345 , which turns the shaft  322 . The spring  354  places a biasing force on the knob  345 , biasing the knob  345  toward the plate  311 , and when the ramps  319  and  320  are engaged by the knob  345 , the knob  345  cannot rotate in one direction and thus the shaft  322  cannot rotate in the one direction. As shown in  FIGS. 19 ,  20 , and  23 , the one direction is a counter-clockwise direction. However, because the ramps  319  and  320  are inclined, the knob  345  can be rotated in the opposite direction and thus the shaft  322  can be rotated in the opposite direction. The opposite direction is a clockwise direction. To unwind the webbing from the shaft  322 , the knob  345  is pulled outward away from the plate  311 , compressing the spring, and the knob  345  disengages the ramps  319  and  320 , which enables the knob  345  and the shaft  322  to be rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. When the knob  345  is released, the spring  354  biases the knob  345  toward the plate  311  to engage the ramps  319  and  320 . 
     An embodiment adjuster  400  is shown in  FIGS. 24-29 . Although the adjuster is being described in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 , it should be understood that the adjuster should not be limited to this orientation. 
     A base  401 , shown in  FIGS. 30-33 , includes an intermediate portion  402  interconnecting a first side  405  and a second side  415 , which are preferably integral but could be separate components operatively connected together. The intermediate portion  402  includes an opening  403  between a front portion  402   a  and a rear portion  402   b  of the intermediate portion  402 . The first side  405  includes a top portion extending upward from a side of the intermediate portion  402 , proximate between the front and rear portions, having a front  406  and a rear  409  and includes a bottom portion  411  extending downward from the intermediate portion  402 . The first side  405  also includes an aperture  407  proximate the front  406  and a protrusion  410  extending outward proximate the top of the rear  409 . The bottom portion  411  is rounded and a bore  408  is positioned proximate the juncture of the top portion and the bottom portion  411 . 
     The second side  415  includes a top portion extending upward from an opposing side of the intermediate portion  402 , proximate between the front and rear portions, having a front  416  and a rear  419  and includes a bottom portion  422  extending downward from the intermediate portion  402 . The first side  415  also includes an aperture  417  proximate the front  416  and a protrusion  420  extending outward proximate the top of the rear  419 . The bottom portion  422  is rounded and a bore  418  is positioned proximate the juncture of the top portion and the bottom portion  422 . The bore  418  includes notches  421 , preferably three spaced approximately 120 degrees apart. 
     A shaft  425 , shown in  FIGS. 39-42 , includes an intermediate portion  427  interconnecting a first end  426  and a second end  429 . The intermediate portion  427  includes a slot  428 , which is preferably chamfered or radiused to reduce wear on the webbing. Because the slot  428  is chamfered or radiused, the first end  426  appears differently in  FIGS. 39 and 40 . The second end  429 , as shown in  FIGS. 39 and 40 , includes a portion with a smaller diameter and a shoulder  431  between the two portions. Flat portions  432  are on opposing sides of the second end  429 , and a detent is proximate the distal end of the second end  429 . 
     A knob  435 , shown in  FIGS. 43-45 , is generally cylindrical with a bore  440  extending longitudinally therethrough and includes a first end  436  from which ramps  437  extend outward. Preferably there are three ramps  437  spaced approximately 120 degrees apart to correspond with the notches  421  of the bore  418 . The ramps  437  incline in a clockwise direction about the bore  440 . The second end  438  includes a cavity  439  with a larger diameter than the bore  440 , which includes flat portions  441  on opposing sides of the bore  440  that correspond with the flat portions  432  of the shaft  425 . The outer surface of the knob  435  preferably includes ribs  442  or any other suitable non-slip surface. 
     A cover  445 , shown in  FIGS. 34-37 , includes a front  446  and a rear  450 , which curve downward from an intermediate portion. First and second inner protrusions  447  and  448  extend along the front  446  and form a channel  449  therebetween. The rear  450  includes a flange  455  extending outward therefrom, and first and second protrusions  451   453  extend outward from opposing sides of the distal end of the flange  455  to form first and second notches  452  and  454 , respectively. 
     The shaft  425  extends through the bores  408  and  418  so that the shaft&#39;s intermediate portion  427  is proximate the base&#39;s intermediate portion  402 , the first side  405  receives the first end  426  within the bore  408 , and the second side  415  receives the second end  429  within the bore  418 . The second end  429  is inserted into the  439  of the knob  435 , and the knob  435  is connected to the second end  429  with a washer  461  and a retaining ring  462 . The retaining ring  462  is received in a receiving groove (detent) of a retaining portion  430  of the shaft  425  that is positioned proximate the second end  429  of the shaft  425 . A spring  433  (shown in the embodiment in  FIG. 46 ) is positioned between the shoulder  431  and the washer  461  about the second end  429 , and the spring  433  places a biasing force on the knob  435 , biasing knob  435  toward the second side  415  so the ramps  437  are positioned within the notches  421  to prevent rotation of the knob  435  and thus prevent rotation of the shaft  425 . 
     The protrusions  410  and  420  of the base  401  fit within the notches  452  and  454  of the cover  445 , and the apertures  407  and  417  of the base align with the channel  449  of the cover  445 . A fastener  458 , which is shown in  FIG. 38 , extends through the apertures  407  and  417  and the channel  449  to connect the cover  445  and the base  401 . When the cover  445  and the base  401  are connected, a slot  456  is formed between the base  401  and the front  446  of the cover  445 . 
     A webbing (not shown) includes an end, which is inserted through the slot  428 , around one side of the intermediate portion  427 , and then is secured to itself with stitching. Alternatively, the end of the webbing could be folded over approximately ¼ inch and sewn to itself using a “bar tac”. Slot  428  could be chamfered or tapered so that the end of the webbing with the “bar tac” fits within the wider (outer) part of one side of the slot but cannot be pulled through the narrower (inner) part of the slot. The webbing extends through the slot  428  and through the slot  456  between the base  401  and the cover  445 . An end of a second webbing (not shown) is inserted through the opening  403 , positioned about the rear portion  402   b , and then sewn to itself. Thus, the adjuster  400  is used to interconnect two webbings and adjust one of the webbings, the webbing connected to the shaft  425 . 
     In operation, the webbing is wound about the shaft  425  by simply turning the knob  435 , which turns the shaft  425 . The ramps  437  are inclined so the knob  435  can only be rotated in the winding direction because the shoulders of the ramps  437  prevent the knob  435  from being rotated in the opposite, unwinding direction. The spring (not shown) places a biasing force on the knob  435 , biasing the knob  435  toward the second side  415 , and when the ramps  437  are engaged by the second side  415  within the notches  421 , the knob  435  cannot rotate in the opposite, unwinding direction and thus the shaft  322  cannot rotate in the opposite, unwinding direction. To unwind the webbing from the shaft  425 , the knob  435  is pulled outward away from the second side  415 , compressing the spring, and the ramps  437  clear the notches  421 , which enables the knob  435  and the shaft  425  to be rotated in the opposite, unwinding direction. When the knob  435  is released, the spring biases the knob  435  toward the second side  415  to engage the ramps  437 . 
     An embodiment adjuster  400 ′ is shown in  FIG. 46 , and a female buckle portion  495  that could be used with the adjuster  400 ′ is shown in  FIG. 47 . The adjuster  400 ′ is similar to the adjuster  400  but includes a male buckle portion  490  extending outward from the rear portion of the base&#39;s intermediate portion. An example of a suitable female buckle portion that could be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,668,434. The male buckle portion  490  includes shoulders  491  and  492  configured and arranged to be engaged by the pawls  469  and  497  of the female buckle portion  495 , which is well known in the art. Any suitable male buckle portions and female buckle portions could be used, and these portions could also be interchanged. In addition to quick-connect type buckles, pass-through type buckles or any other suitable types of buckles could also be used and one portion of these buckles could be connected to an adjuster to connect two straps. 
     One possible use for the adjusters is shown in  FIG. 48 , which shows adjuster  100 , but any suitable adjuster could be used. Although any suitable safety harness could be used, safety harness  500  is an example of a suitable safety harness. The safety harness straps could be made of webbing or any other suitable material. The safety harness  500  includes a first shoulder strap  501  and a second shoulder strap  502 , which are routed through a dorsal pad  503 , and a D-ring  504  is operatively connected to the straps  501  and  502  with the dorsal pad  503 . Proximate the front of the safety harness  500 , the shoulder straps  501  and  502  are interconnected with chest straps  505  and  506 . A waist strap  507  connects the shoulder straps  501  and  502  proximate below the dorsal pad  503  and proximate below the chest straps  505  and  506 , and a seat strap  508  is operatively connected to the shoulder straps  501  and  502  proximate the distal ends of the shoulder straps  501  and  502 . Leg straps  509  and  510  are operatively connected proximate the junctures of the shoulder straps  501  and  502  and the seat strap  508 . 
     The adjuster  100  is operatively connected to the shoulder straps  501  and  502  between the chest straps  505  and  506  and the waist strap  507 , and the adjuster  100  is used to adjust the lengths of the shoulder straps  501  and  502  by winding any excess webbing about the hub or shaft portions. An adjuster similar to adjusters  100  and  300  could be used to adjust the lengths of the shoulder straps  501  and  502 . 
     Examples of other possible uses, which should not considered exhaustive, for adjusters with safety harnesses are shown in  FIG. 49 . Although any suitable safety harness could be used, safety harness  600  is an example of a suitable safety harness. The safety harness  600  includes a first shoulder strap  601  and a second shoulder strap  602 , which are interconnected with chest straps  605  and  606 . An optional waist strap, with end portions  607   a  and  607   b , connects the shoulder straps  601  and  602  proximate below the chest straps  605  and  606 , and a seat strap  608  is operatively connected to the shoulder straps  601  and  602  proximate the distal ends of the shoulder straps  601  and  602 . Leg straps, with end portions  609   a  and  609   b  and straps  610   a  and  610   b , are operatively connected proximate the junctures of the shoulder straps  601  and  602  and the seat strap  608 . 
     The various locations of where adjusters could be used on safety harness  600  are indicted by blocks in  FIG. 49 . Adjuster A 1  interconnects the chest straps  605  and  606 , and adjuster A 1  could be one of the adjusters  200 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600 . Alternatively, if the chest strap were a single strap rather than two straps, one of the adjusters  100  and  300  could be used. 
     Adjusters A 2  and A 3  are operatively connected to the shoulder straps  601  and  602 , respectively, and adjusters A 2  and A 3  could be one of the adjusters  100  and  300 . Alternatively, if the shoulder straps were two straps each rather than a single strap each, one of the adjusters  200 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600  could be used. In addition, if the adjusters A 2  and A 3  were adjusters  400  or other suitable adjusters, buckles could be used in the locations of the adjusters A 4  and A 5  to connect the shoulder strap portions to the ends of the seat strap  608 . 
     Adjusters A 4  and A 5  interconnect the shoulder straps  601  and  602  and the ends of the seat strap  608 , and adjusters A 4  and A 5  could be one of the adjusters  200 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600 . 
     Adjuster A 6  interconnects the end portions  607   a  and  607   b  of the waist strap, and adjuster A 6  could be one of the adjusters  200 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600 . 
     Adjusters A 7  and A 8  interconnect the end portions  609   a  and  609   b  and the end portions  610   a  and  610   b , respectively, of the leg straps, and adjusters A 7  and A 8  could be one of the adjusters  200 ,  400 ,  400 ′, and  600 . 
     Because the adjusters wind excess webbing material about the hub or the shaft, there are not any end portions left hanging from the safety harness. Thus, the risk of the safety harness getting caught on something is reduced. 
     In addition, once the straps are adjusted, the straps should not have to be readjusted because the adjusters reduce the likelihood that the straps will become loose during use. 
     Several embodiments have been described as examples, and the various features could be interchanged among the embodiments. 
     The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of embodiments of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.