Patent Description:
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 wearer'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 these harnesses are used mainly in an industrial setting, and 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 construction of wearable body harnesses, all typically include a plurality of elongate straps that are combined to fit around a user's body. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a belt strap may be provided with the wearable body harness. The belt strap may be integrated with the harness, or it may be provided as a separate component that is worn together with the harness. The belt strap may be configured to support the lower area of the user's torso and/or allow for carrying of tools or other items. Typically, the belt strap is fixed relative to the straps of the harness. Such fixed arrangement may impair the user's ability to move freely because the belt strap may be positioned too high or too low relative to the user's beltline.

While a variety of harnesses with belt straps exist in the art, there is a continued need for improved harnesses with belt straps.

An example of a wearable harness including a belt is described in <CIT>. An example of a fall arrest safety harness and tool belt is also described in <CIT>, wherein the tool band comprises a waist band connected to the harness waist strap. An example of a sailing harness is described in <CIT>.

Generally, provided is an improved body harness having a harness back plate, a belt strap, and an improved strap arrangement.

The present invention provides a wearable body harness as defined by appended claim <NUM>. The wearable body harness includes a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap; at least one adjustment strap having a first end connected to at least one of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap and a free, second end opposite the first end; a belt strap connected to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap via the at least one adjustment strap; and an adjustment mechanism configured for selectively raising or lowering a position of the belt strap relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap. The adjustment mechanism is connected to at least one of the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap, and the second end of the at least one adjustment strap is connected to the adjustment mechanism. The wearable body harness further includes an adjustment plate connected to the belt strap and the least one adjustment strap, the adjustment plate having a first slot through which webbing of the belt strap is routed and a second slot through which the at least one adjustment strap is routed.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the adjustment mechanism may be an adjustment buckle configured to receive the second end of the at least one adjustment strap therethrough. Movement of the second end of the adjustment strap relative to the adjustment buckle may raise or lower the belt strap relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap. The adjustment buckle may be operable between a locked state, in which the position of the second end of the adjustment strap is fixed relative to the adjustment buckle, and an unlocked state, in which the position of the second end of the adjustment strap relative to the adjustment buckle is adjustable.

In some embodiments, in the locked state of the adjustment buckle, a strap clamp may frictionally engage the adjustment strap to prevent movement of the adjustment strap relative to the adjustment buckle. In the unlocked state of the adjustment buckle, the strap clamp may disengage from the adjustment strap to permit movement of the adjustment strap relative to the adjustment buckle. The belt strap may be suspended relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap by the at least one adjustment strap.

The adjustment mechanism may be a ladder latch having a first end, a second end a plurality of teeth extending between the first and second ends, and a locking piece having at least one pawl configured to engage with the plurality of teeth. The locking piece may be slidable along the ladder latch, and the second end of the at least one adjustment strap may be attached to the locking piece. A portion of the locking piece may be tiltable relative to the plurality of teeth, and the at least one pawl may extend from the tiltable portion of the locking piece and engage with the plurality of teeth thereby locking the locking piece against the plurality of teeth. By tilting the tiltable portion of the locking piece, the at least one pawl may disengage from the plurality of locking teeth permitting the locking piece to slide along the ladder latch. The sliding of the locking piece may raise or lower the belt strap relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap. A position of the belt strap may be fixed relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap when the locking piece is locked against the plurality of teeth. A position of the belt strap may be adjustable relative to the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap when the at least one pawl is disengaged with the plurality of teeth and the locking piece is unlocked.

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.

In <FIG>, like characters refer to the same components and elements unless otherwise stated.

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 embodiments or aspects 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 "<NUM> to <NUM>" should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of <NUM> and the maximum value of <NUM>; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of <NUM> or more and ending with a maximum value of <NUM> 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.

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 <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, 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 that is from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, or from <NUM>° to <NUM>°, 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 some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, and with reference to <FIG>1B, the present disclosure is directed to a wearable safety harness <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "harness <NUM>") used in a fall protection system. The harness <NUM> has a plurality of straps that are arranged to support the user's body in an event of a fall. The harness <NUM> has an adjustable belt strap configured to be moved independently relative to the straps of harness <NUM> to adjust a position of the belt strap on the user's body.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the harness <NUM> has at least two leg straps <NUM> configured to attach around a user's legs below a user's groin area. When attached, the leg straps <NUM> loop around or encircle each of the user's legs. Each leg strap <NUM> has a first end that is removably attachable to a second end via a connector <NUM>. It is contemplated that the connector <NUM> may be any suitable connector known to those having skill in the art. For example, the connector <NUM> may be a buckle-type or a belt-type connector. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the leg straps <NUM> may have at least one adjustment mechanism configured for adjusting the length of each leg strap <NUM>. It is further contemplated that the adjustment mechanism may be any suitable adjustment mechanism known to those having skill in the art. For example, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> may be a sliding adjustment buckle.

Each leg strap <NUM> is connected to a seat strap <NUM> at an intermediate portion of the leg strap <NUM> between the first end and the second end. The seat strap <NUM> may extend across a user's lower back, buttocks, or an upper portion of the leg when the harness <NUM> is in use, depending on the user's size. Each leg strap <NUM> may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction, such as rayon, polyester, nylon or other materials known to those having skill in the art.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the harness <NUM> further has a pair of shoulder straps <NUM> configured to extend over at least a portion of the user's shoulders. The shoulder straps <NUM> may have a first shoulder strap 110a and a second shoulder strap 110b arranged to overlap one another in an X-shaped configuration, with the shoulder straps 110a, 110b configured to be connected at the user's chest area via a chest connector <NUM>. Like the connector <NUM>, the chest connector <NUM> may be any suitable connector, such as a buckle, known to those having skill in the art.

The shoulder straps 110a, 110b are configured to cross over each other at a rear portion of the harness <NUM> worn on the user's back. The harness <NUM> may have a back plate <NUM> through which the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b can be routed to maintain the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b in the X-shaped configuration. The first shoulder strap 110a may cross a longitudinal axis of the back plate <NUM> and the second shoulder strap 110b when forming an X-shaped configuration.

After the routing through the back plate <NUM>, the shoulder straps 110a, 110b may extend downward and beyond the back plate <NUM> in generally opposite directions, maintaining the X-shaped configuration, until the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b reach the leg straps <NUM>. Like the leg straps <NUM>, the shoulder straps 110a, 110b may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction, such as rayon, polyester, nylon or other materials known to those having skill in the art.

As further shown in <FIG>, the harness <NUM> may have a back strap <NUM> connecting a substantially intermediate portion of the first shoulder strap 110a with a substantially intermediate portion of the second shoulder strap 110b. The back strap <NUM> may extend across a user's back to provide support and to maintain a set distance between the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b as they extend beyond the back plate <NUM> and down and along a user's back. The first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b may be connectable together at a front portion of the harness <NUM> in an area of the user's chest. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b may have at least one connection arrangement <NUM> or chest connector, such as a buckle, configured to releasably connect the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b to each other.

As further shown in <FIG>, the harness <NUM> has an anchor element, such as a D-ring <NUM>, for connecting at least a portion of the shoulder straps 110a, 110b to a line fixed to an attachment, anchor point, or to a personal fall limiter device. The D-ring <NUM> has a frame defining at least one opening through which a clip, such as a carabiner, a lanyard, or other rope or line, can be secured to connect the harness <NUM> to the line or the personal fall limiter device. The D-ring <NUM> may be integrated with the back plate <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, and with continued reference to <FIG>, a belt strap <NUM> configured for use with the harness <NUM> is shown. The belt strap <NUM> is connected to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b in an adjustable manner that allows for movement of the belt strap <NUM> relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. In this manner, the position of the belt strap <NUM> relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b may be adjusted based on the needs of each individual user. The belt strap <NUM> described herein may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in belt and harness construction, such as rayon, polyester, nylon or other materials known to those having skill in the art.

In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the belt strap <NUM> may be configured for movement between at least two positions relative to the straps of the harness <NUM>. For example, the belt strap <NUM> may be configured for movement to a first position relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b, wherein the belt strap <NUM> is configured for use as a tool belt, and a second position, wherein the belt strap <NUM> is configured for use during work positioning. When used as a tool belt, a desired position of the belt strap <NUM> is around the waist and lumbar area, so that a portion of the weight of the tools can be supported by the user's hips and waist, with the belt strap <NUM> providing back support. When used for work positioning, the desired position of the belt strap <NUM> is below the waist near the level of the hips, thereby creating a padded area for the user to lean and "sit" into. The belt strap <NUM> may be secured to the harness <NUM>, such as the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b, via an adjustment mechanism <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) that maintains the belt strap <NUM> in a fixed position relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. When it is desired to move or adjust the position of the belt strap <NUM> relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> may permit movement of the belt strap <NUM> relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b, as described herein.

In use, the belt strap <NUM> is configured for extending around at least a portion of a user's waist. The belt strap <NUM> has a first end <NUM> opposite a second end <NUM>. In some embodiments or aspects, the first end <NUM> may be removably connectable to the second end <NUM>, such as via a connector or a buckle. In embodiments or aspects where the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> have buckles, a plurality of holes <NUM> (only two labeled for clarity) may be provided along the belt <NUM> to permit connection with the buckle. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> may also have a connector <NUM>, shown as a D-ring, from which tools or other items may be suspended. In other embodiments or aspects, the first end <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second end <NUM> when the belt strap <NUM> is worn by the user.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the belt strap <NUM> may have a belt pad <NUM> that provides padding to increase user comfort while using the belt strap <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> As shown in <FIG>, the belt pad <NUM> has a plurality of support straps <NUM> for securing the belt strap <NUM> against the belt pad <NUM>. The space between the belt strap <NUM> and the belt pad <NUM> may receive parts of a harness <NUM>, such as first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. With reference to <FIG>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> may be configured for selectively raising or lowering a position of the belt strap <NUM> relative to other straps of the harness <NUM> and locking the belt strap <NUM> at a desired position between a lowered position and a raised position. Desirably, the belt strap <NUM> has a pair of adjustment mechanisms <NUM> proximate to the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the belt strap <NUM>. Each adjustment mechanism <NUM> may have an adjustment strap <NUM> having a first end <NUM> attached to at least one of the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b and a second, free end <NUM> that extends under the belt strap <NUM>. The first end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> may be sewn, adhered to, or otherwise connected to at least one of the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. By moving the second, free end <NUM> in a first direction, such as by pulling in an upward direction, the belt strap <NUM> may be raised relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. Conversely, by moving the second, free end <NUM> in a second direction opposite to the first direction, such as by pulling in a downward direction, the belt strap <NUM> may be lowered relative to the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> may be routed under the belt strap <NUM> through an opening in an adjustment plate <NUM> that is connected to the belt strap <NUM>. In this manner, the belt strap <NUM> is suspended from the harness <NUM> via the adjustment strap <NUM>. The adjustment plate <NUM> has a first slot <NUM> through which the webbing of the belt strap <NUM> is routed and a separate, second slot <NUM> through which the adjustment strap <NUM> is routed. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the adjustment plate <NUM> may be a D-ring fixedly connected to the belt strap <NUM> with the adjustment strap <NUM> being routed through the opening of the D-ring.

In some examples not forming part of the claimed invention, such as shown in <FIG>, the adjustment plate <NUM> can be replaced with a slotted grommet <NUM> extending through the belt strap <NUM>. The slotted grommet <NUM> has a width and height that is larger than a width and thickness of the adjustment strap <NUM> such that the adjustment strap <NUM> can freely move through the slotted grommet <NUM>. The free, second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> is routed through the slotted grommet <NUM> such that the belt strap <NUM> is suspended from the harness <NUM> via the adjustment strap <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> may include an adjustment buckle <NUM> that is connected to a front portion of one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. The adjustment buckle <NUM> may be connected to one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b that is opposite to the other of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b to which the first end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> is connected. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the adjustment buckle <NUM> is directly connected to one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the adjustment buckle <NUM> is connected to one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b by way of a connecting strap <NUM>. For example, the connecting strap <NUM> may be sewn, adhered to, or otherwise connected to one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. As shown in <FIG>, the connecting strap <NUM> may have a loop <NUM> configured to receive at least a portion of the adjustment buckle <NUM>.

The adjustment buckle <NUM> is configured to receive the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> therethrough and permit selective movement of the adjustment strap <NUM>, which in turn adjusts the position of the belt strap <NUM> relative to the harness <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> passes through the adjustment buckle <NUM> that is suspended from the connecting strap <NUM>. The adjustment buckle <NUM> is operable between a locked state or configuration, in which the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> is fixed relative to the adjustment buckle <NUM>, and an unlocked state or configuration, wherein the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> is movable relative to the adjustment buckle <NUM> to permit raising or lowering of the belt strap <NUM>. The locking of the adjustment buckle <NUM> may be done by way of a strap clamp <NUM>. The strap clamp <NUM> may be slidable on the adjustment buckle <NUM> between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the strap clamp <NUM> is retained tightly against the adjustment strap <NUM> so the second end <NUM> cannot move relative to the adjustment buckle <NUM>. In the second position, the strap clamp <NUM> is moved away from the adjustment strap <NUM> so the second end <NUM> can move relative to the adjustment buckle <NUM>. A strap hold <NUM> may be provided on one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b to prevent free movement of the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the adjustment mechanism <NUM> may include a ladder latch <NUM> instead of the buckle <NUM>. The ladder latch <NUM> a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM> both attached to one of the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be bolted, sewn, or tied to the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b. The first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> may be otherwise attached to the first or second shoulder straps 110a, 110b in another manner known to those having skill in the art. A plurality of teeth <NUM> (only one labeled for clarity) extend between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>. A locking piece <NUM> is movable across the plurality of teeth <NUM>, and lockable along any individual tooth <NUM>. The locking piece <NUM> surrounds the ladder latch <NUM> and has a tiltable front portion <NUM> and a back portion (not shown). The front portion <NUM> may include one or more pawls that engage with one of the plurality of teeth <NUM> thereby locking the locking piece <NUM> at a desired location along the ladder latch <NUM>. The tiltable front portion <NUM> is biased towards the plurality of teeth <NUM> so as to keep the pawls engaged with a tooth <NUM>.

In order to adjust the position of the locking piece <NUM> along the plurality of teeth <NUM> of the ladder latch <NUM>, a user may tilt the tiltable front portion <NUM> away from the plurality of teeth <NUM> thus disengaging the pawl from the tooth <NUM> to which it was engaged. While still tilting the front portion <NUM> away from the plurality of teeth <NUM>, the user may slide the locking piece <NUM> upwards or downwards along length of the ladder latch <NUM>. When the locking piece <NUM> is in a desired position, the user may release the tiltable front portion <NUM>, so the pawls engage with a new tooth <NUM>. This adjustment method can be used to move the locking piece <NUM> upwards or downwards along the length of the ladder latch <NUM>.

After the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> is routed through the second slot <NUM> of the adjustment plate <NUM>, the second end <NUM> is attached to the locking piece <NUM>. The second end <NUM> may be attached to the back portion or a part of the tiltable front portion <NUM>. It is contemplated that the second end <NUM> may be attached to the locking piece <NUM> in a manner known to those having skill in the art. In this configuration, as the locking piece <NUM> is moved along the length of the ladder latch <NUM>, the adjustment strap <NUM> moves with the locking piece <NUM>, raising and lowering the belt strap <NUM>. In order to accommodate the ladder latch <NUM>, the adjustment plate <NUM> may have a third slot <NUM> for receiving the ladder latch <NUM> and its respective components.

The adjustment mechanism <NUM> functions as a pulley, wherein the belt strap <NUM> can be raised or lowered by selectively moving the second end <NUM> of the adjustment strap <NUM> through the adjustment buckle <NUM> or the ladder latch <NUM> and locking the adjustment buckle <NUM> or locking piece <NUM> of the ladder latch <NUM> when the belt strap <NUM> is positioned at a desired orientation relative to the rest of the straps of the harness <NUM>. In this configuration, the second slot <NUM> or the slotted grommet <NUM> acts as the pulley over which the adjustment strap <NUM> travels. When the adjustment strap <NUM> is pulled through the adjustment buckle <NUM> in a first direction or guided in a first direction by the locking piece <NUM> of the ladder latch <NUM>,, the belt strap <NUM> is raised relative to the harness <NUM> straps and the user. When the adjustment strap <NUM> is pulled through the adjustment buckle <NUM> in a second direction or guided in the second direction by the locking piece <NUM> of the ladder latch <NUM>, the belt strap <NUM> is lowered relative to the harness <NUM> straps and the user.

Claim 1:
A wearable body harness (<NUM>) comprising:
a first shoulder strap (110a) and a second shoulder strap (110b);
at least one adjustment strap (<NUM>) having a first end (<NUM>) connected to at least one of the first shoulder strap (110a) and the second shoulder strap (110b) and a free, second end (<NUM>) opposite the first end (<NUM>);
a belt strap (<NUM>) connected to at least one of the first shoulder strap (110a) and the second shoulder strap (110b) via the at least one adjustment strap (<NUM>);
an adjustment plate (<NUM>) connected to the belt strap (<NUM>), the adjustment plate (<NUM>) having the at least one adjustment strap (<NUM>) routed therethrough; and
an adjustment mechanism (<NUM>) configured for selectively raising or lowering a position of the belt strap (<NUM>) relative to the first shoulder strap (110a) and the second shoulder strap (110b),
wherein the adjustment mechanism (<NUM>) is connected to at least one of the first shoulder strap (110a) and the second shoulder strap (110b), and
wherein the second end (<NUM>) of the at least one adjustment strap (<NUM>) is connected to the adjustment mechanism (<NUM>),
characterized in that:
the adjustment plate (<NUM>) has a first slot (<NUM>) through which the belt strap (<NUM>) is routed and a second slot (<NUM>) through which the at least one adjustment strap (<NUM>) is routed.