Abstract
A harness shock absorber assembly for a personal protective equipment and a harness shock absorber for such a shock absorber assembly. The shock absorber assembly comprises a deformable element exhibiting a mechanical resistance against deformation and a flexible strap comprising a middle portion and two protruding portions facing away from each other. The middle portion is tightly wrapped around the deformable element such that pulling the protruding portions away from each other deforms the deformable element. A fall protection safety harness comprising a harness shock absorber assembly according to the present disclosure. A method of retrofitting a harness shock absorber according to the present disclosure to a fall protection safety harness or to a SCBA harness. The method comprises the steps of: providing a fall protection safety harness or a SCBA harness comprising a strap, providing a shock absorber according to the present disclosure comprising a deformable element; and wrapping at least one of the flexible straps of the harness tightly around the deformable element of the harness shock absorber to form the harness shock absorber assembly. The deformation of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly absorbs energy impacting on the personal protective equipment and thereby protects the user's body from impacts or injuries. The shock absorber assembly can easily and reliably be retrofitted to a fall protection safety harness or to a SCBA harness and thereby increase the safety for the user.
Claims
1. A harness shock absorber assembly comprising a deformable element exhibiting a mechanical resistance against deformation; and, a flexible strap comprising a middle portion and two protruding portions facing away from each other, wherein the middle portion is tightly wrapped around the deformable element such that pulling the protruding portions away from each other deforms the deformable element.
2. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element exhibits an elongated shape having a length (l), a width (w) perpendicular to the length (l), a thickness (t) perpendicular to the length (l) and the width (w) and support distances (d1, d2, d3) arranged on the deformable element for supporting the strap, wherein the deformable element can be brought from a non-deformed condition with the length (l), the thickness (t), the width (w) and the support distances (d1, d2, d3) to a deformed condition with the length (l′), the thickness (t′), the width (w′) and the support distances (d1′, d2′, d3′), such that the length (l′) is smaller than length (l), the width (w′) is smaller than the width (w), the support distance (d1′) is smaller than the support distance (d1), the support distance (d2′) is smaller than the support distance (d2) and/or the support distance (d3′) is smaller than the support distance (d3).
3. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises a main body and an opening formed therein, wherein the main body and/or the opening are deformed upon deformation of the deformable element.
4. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the middle portion is supported by the deformable element.
5. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the two protruding portions of the flexible strap each protrude from different sides of the deformable element.
6. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises strap guiding means for guiding the strap at the deformable element, wherein the strap guiding means preferably comprises a guiding arm arranged such that a slot for receiving the strap is formed between the guiding arm and the main body of the deformable element.
7. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 6, wherein the strap comprises a twisted portion when wrapped around the deformable element such that the strap exhibits a 180 degrees twist at the deformable element, wherein the strap preferably comprises two twisted portions.
8. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, comprising two flexible straps each comprising a middle portion and two protruding portions facing away from each other, wherein the middle portion is tightly wrapped around the deformable element such that pulling the protruding portions away from each other deforms the deformable element, wherein the middle portions of the two straps at least partially overlap with each other.
9. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises a reversibly deformable material.
10. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, wherein the deformable element comprises a non-reversibly deformable material.
11. The harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 1, comprising an indicator for indicating a deformation of the deformable element.
12. A harness shock absorber for a harness shock absorber assembly, the harness shock absorber comprises a deformable element, the deformable element exhibiting a mechanical resistance against deformation, wherein the deformable element is configured and arranged to support a middle portion of a strap of a harness of the harness shock absorber assembly such that—when the strap is tightly wrapped around the deformable element—pulling the protruding portions of the strap away from each other deforms the deformable element.
13. A fall protection safety harness comprising a harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 12, wherein the fall protection safety harness comprises at least one shoulder strap and at least one waist strap, wherein the at least one shoulder strap and/or the at least one waist strap forms the strap of the harness shock absorber assembly.
14. A SCBA harness comprising a harness shock absorber assembly according to claim 12, wherein the SCBA harness comprises at least one shoulder strap and at least one waist strap, wherein the at least one shoulder strap and/or the at least one waist strap forms the strap of the harness shock absorber assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a fall protection safety harness according to one embodiment of the present disclosure worn by a user;
[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly according to the present disclosure;
[0054] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly according to the present disclosure with two flexible straps assembled to the deformable element;
[0055] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 2 with the deformable element being in a non-deformed condition;
[0056] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 2 with the deformable element being in a deformed condition;
[0057] FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of the harness shock absorber assembly assembled with two flexible straps as shown in FIG. 3 with the deformable element being in a non-deformed condition;
[0058] FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of the harness shock absorber assembly assembled with two flexible straps as shown in FIG. 3 with the deformable element being in a deformed condition;
[0059] FIG. 8 is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly according to another embodiment and an indicator attachable thereto;
[0060] FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 8 with the indicator attached thereto;
[0061] FIG. 10A is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly according to another embodiment and an indicator attachable thereto;
[0062] FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 10A;
[0063] FIG. 11A is a schematic top view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 10A with the indicator attached thereto;
[0064] FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the deformable element of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 11A with the indicator attached thereto;
[0065] FIG. 12A is a schematic top view of the indicator of the harness shock absorber assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in a first condition;
[0066] FIG. 12B is a schematic top view of the indicator of the harness shock absorber assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in a second condition;
[0067] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a fall protection safety harness according to one embodiment of the present disclosure worn by a user;
[0068] FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of the harness shock absorber assembly with its deformable element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0069] FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of the harness shock absorber assembly with its deformable element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0070] FIG. 16 is a schematic front view of a SCBA harness according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0071] FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly of the present disclosure for a SCBA harness with two flexible straps assembled to the deformable element;
[0072] FIG. 18 is a schematic rear view of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 17;
[0073] FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly according to a different embodiment of the present disclosure for a SCBA harness with two flexible straps assembled to the deformable element and
[0074] FIG. 20 is a schematic rear view of the harness shock absorber assembly as shown in FIG. 19.
[0075] FIG. 1 shows in a schematic front view a fall protection safety harness 100 worn by a user 600. The fall protection safety harness 100 comprises a harness shock absorber assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and two flexible straps 16, 17 in the upper region 450 (i. e. each worn over one of the user's shoulders 610, 620 together forming the harness shock absorber assembly 10). The harness shock absorber 1 and the harness shock absorber assembly 10, respectively, comprises a deformable element 10a according to the present disclosure around which the two flexible straps 16, 17 are tightly wrapped. The deformable element 10a and the straps 16, 17 form the harness shock absorber assembly 100. The harness shock absorber assembly 10 may comprise a connection ring or D-ring (not shown here) for connecting to a safety rope or lanyard of a crane or davit for carrying persons working at a certain height. In the example shown, the two straps 16, 17 are wrapped around the deformable element 10a such that a so-called (pseudo-)crossover harness configuration of the fall protection safety harness 100 is formed. That is the first flexible strap 16 coming from the upper left area and going to the lower left area and vice versa for the second flexible strap 17. The harness shock absorber assembly 10 will be described in more detail below. The fall protection safety harness 100 further comprises two straps in the lower region 460 each worn around one of the user's hips 630, 640.
[0076] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the deformable element 10a of the harness shock absorber 1 according to the present disclosure. The harness shock absorber 1—as mentioned above—is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 and comprises a deformable element 10a having an elongated shape with a length l and a width w perpendicular to the length l. In the embodiment shown, the length l is approximately 3 times of the width w. Although not shown here, other configurations are conceivable with a different length-to-width ratio. The deformable element 10a of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 comprises a main body 12 and an opening 14 formed therein. The opening 14 may be formed by cutting out or punching the material of the main body 12. Alternatively, the main body 12 may be formed in a molding process, e. g. an injection molding process, wherein the opening 14 is directly formed together with the main body 12 in such a process. Upon deformation of the deformable element 10a, the main body 12 and/or the opening 14 will change their shape and appearance (not shown in FIG. 2, see FIGS. 4 and 5 or FIGS. 6 and 7). The harness shock absorber assembly 10 comprises the harness shock absorber 1 as shown and two flexible straps 16, 17, which are not shown here (please see FIG. 3). At the upper and lower perimeter of the deformable element 10a, towards the transverse sides of the deformable element 10a, strap guiding means 20 comprising a guiding arm 22 defining a slot 24 for receiving the strap 16 (not visible here) are arranged for guiding the straps 16, 17 (not shown) at the deformable element 10a. The strap guiding means 20 are explained in more detail below in FIG. 3. The deformable element 10a of the shock absorber 1 as shown further comprises an indicator 30 for indicating that a deformation of the deformable element 10a has happened. As can be seen, the indicator 30 comprises two protrusions 32a, 32b extending from the inner perimeter of the deformable element 10a into the opening 14. The protrusions 32a, 32b are connected to each other by connection 32c. A deformation of the deformable element 10a will lead to a movement of the protrusions 32a, 32b relative to each other such that the connection 32c therebetween is released, e. g. by breaking. Such a release can be observed, e. g. optically, by a user. The deformable element 10a also shows a further indicator 36, which may be arranged in addition to the indicator 30 or as an alternative thereto. In the example shown, the indicator 36 comprises an ink or paint which is arranged on the surface of the deformable element A deformation of the deformable element 10a leads to damage of the surface of the ink or paint such that cracks therein or the like occur. The indicator 36 in the example shown exhibits cracks 38 which occurred upon a deformation the deformable element 10a did undergo. Such cracks 38 can be observed, e. g. optically, by a user.
[0077] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 according to the present disclosure. Similar to FIG. 2, the harness shock absorber assembly 10 comprises a deformable element 10a and has an elongated extension. The harness shock absorber 1—as mentioned above—is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10. The deformable element 10a comprises a main body 12 and an opening 14 formed therein. In addition to the harness shock absorber 1 as shown in FIG. 2, the harness shock absorber assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 3 further comprises two flexible straps 16, 17 each having a middle portion 16b which is tightly wrapped around the deformable element 10a and two protruding portions 16a facing away from each other. It is understood that the two protruding portions 16a are sections or portions of the flexible straps 16, 17 and that the straps 16, 17 continue beyond the protruding portions 16a. The middle portion 16b of the straps 16, 17 is supported by the deformable element 10a. A part of the middle portion 16b of the strap 16 is on a first major surface of the deformable element 10a. The strap 16 further comprises two twisted portions 16c at which the strap 16 turns from a first major surface of the deformable element 10a to a second major surface opposite to the first major surface such that a part of the middle portion of the strap is on the opposite second major surface (underneath the deformable element 10a and thus not visible here) and vice versa. Although two twisted portions 16c are indicated in FIG. 3, it is noted that there may be more than two twisted portions 16c present at the straps 16, 17 depending on the number of windings of the strap 16 around the deformable elements 10a when tightly wrapping the strap 16 around the deformable element 10a. In the example shown in FIG. 3, there are two straps 16, 17 each with a middle portion 16b tightly wrapped around the deformable element 10a. As can be seen, the middle portions 16b of the two straps 16, 17 overlap with each other three times, [0078] i. e. two times on the first major surface (in FIG. 3 the top side or top view) of the deformable element 10a and one time on the second major surface thereof (in FIG. 3 the rear side or rear view, thus not visible here). Other configurations are conceivable, e. g. having more or less overlaps of the middle portions 16b of the straps 16, 17. Pulling the protruding portions 16a of a strap 16 away from each other deforms the deformable element 10a (deformation not shown here, see FIGS. 4 and 5 or 6 and 7). The protruding portions 16a of the straps 16, 17 each have a free length s protruding from the deformable element 10a. The protruding portion 16a is not supported by the deformable element 10a. Upon deformation of the deformable element 10a, the middle portion 16b of the straps 16, 17 moves relative to the surface of the deformable element 10a in a direction along the extension of the strap 16. In other words, the middle portion 16b slides on the surface of the deformable element 10a such that the length s of the protruding portion 16a protruding from the deformable element 10a increases to the protruding length s′ (not shown here, see FIGS. 6 and 7). As can be seen from FIG. 3, the protruding portions 16a of the flexible strap 16 protrude from the deformable element 10a at different sides thereof. In the example shown, the strap 16 starts on the lower left side having a protruding portion 16a there. After wrapping around for providing the middle portion 16b being supported by the deformable element 10a and having two twisted portions 16c, the strap continues to the upper right side having a protruding portion 16a there as well, which is—relative to the other protruding portion 16a on the lower left side—at a different side of the deformable element 10a. The arrangement of the protruding portions of the second flexible strap 17 is similar (not indicated with reference signs here). Similar to FIG. 2, the deformable element 10a comprises strap guiding means 20 which is formed by a guiding arm 22 defining a slot 24 for receiving the strap 16. As shown, the strap 16 extends through the slot 24 and is kept in place by the guiding arm 22. It is noted that the contact between the guiding arm 22 and the strap 16 is tight, but not so strong that a movement of the strap through the slot 24 of the guiding means 20 is substantially inhibited. Such a strap guiding means 20 with its guiding arm 22 may be formed by cutting out a portion of the main body 12 of the deformable element 10a to form the slot 24 and thereby the guiding arm 22. It is also conceivable to make the strap guiding means 20 by a molding process, e. g. an injection molding process, preferably at the same time when the main body 12 of the deformable element 10a is formed. Although shown with one end open, the slot 24 may also be defined by the guiding arm 22 such that the slot 24 is closed on the other end, i. e. the guiding arm 22 is connected to the main body 12 of the deformable element 10 on both sides or ends thereof.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the deformable element 10a of the harness shock absorber 1 according to the present disclosure in a non-deformed condition. As mentioned above, the harness shock absorber 1 is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10. The deformable element 10a has—prior to deformation, i. e. in a non-deformed condition—a width w. The straps 16, 17 are only schematically illustrated here as arrows, wherein the strap 16 has two protruding portions 16a each with a protruding length s (only indicated for one strap 16 here). FIG. 4 further illustrates the support distances d1, d2, d3 over which the middle portion 16b (not shown here) of the straps 16 is supported by the deformable element 10a. Although only indicated for the width w, as mentioned above, also other dimensions of the deformable element 10a may decrease upon deformation thereof.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a schematic top view of the deformable element 10a of the harness shock absorber 1 in a deformed condition, e. g. when a load had acted or is acting on the straps 16, 17 such that the protruding portions 16a of the strap 16 are pulled away from each other. As mentioned above, the harness shock absorber 1 is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10. FIG. 5 further illustrates the reduced support distances d1′, d2′, d3′ over which the middle portion 16b of the straps is supported by the deformable element 10a. The deformable element 10a has—in the deformed condition—a width w′. Due to the deformation of the deformable element 10a, the width w′ is smaller than the width w of the deformable element 10a in the non-deformed condition as illustrated in FIG. 4 above. The straps 16, 17 are only schematically illustrated here as arrows, wherein the strap 16 has two protruding portions 16a with a prolonged protruding length s′ (only one is indicated here). This is because the middle portion 16b of the strap 16 has moved relative to the surface of the deformable element 10a and at least one of the support distances d1′, d2′, d3′, over which the strap 16 is supported on the deformable element 10a, has been decreased. In the example shown, in particular support distance d1′ has been decreased in the deformed condition of the deformable element 10a relative to the support distance d1 of the deformable element 10a in the non-deformed condition as shown in FIG. 4. This leads to an increase in length s′ compared to the length s in FIG. 4. Although not illustrated here, other dimensions of the deformable element 10a may also be decreased, e. g. the length l′ or the support distances d2′, d3′ relative to the length l or the support distances d2, d3 as shown on FIG. 4, at the same time.
[0081] FIGS. 6 and 7 are schematic top views of the harness shock absorber 1 as part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 as shown in FIG. 3 with its deformable element 10a and with two straps 16, 17 arranged on the deformable element 10a such that the middle portion 16b is tightly wrapped around the deformable element 10a. As can be seen, the straps 16, 17 each further comprise two protruding portions 16a (only one of which is indicated with 16a) having a protruding length s as well as two twisted portions 16c. It is noted that the protruding portions 16a—as mentioned above—only indicate a section or portion of the flexible straps 16, 17. Similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the deformable element 10a and the dimensions width w and the support distances d1, d2, d3 in the non-deformed condition (FIG. 6) and the dimensions width w′ and the support distances d 1′, d2′, d3′ in the deformed condition (FIG. 7) of the deformable element 10a. As can be seen from FIGS. 6 and 7. the width w′ and the support distances d1′, d2′, d3′ of FIG. 7 are smaller compared to the width w and the support distances d1, d2, d3 of FIG. 6. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, also the length I of the deformable element 10a in the non-deformed condition (FIG. 6) may decrease to the length of the deformable element 10a in the deformed condition (FIG. 7). Similar to FIGS. 4 and 5, FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the protruding length s of the strap 16 when the deformable element 10a is in a non-deformed condition (FIG. 6) which increases to the prolonged protruding length s′ of the strap 16 when the deformable element 10a is in a deformed condition (FIG. 7). It is noted that—although such an arrangement is only illustrated for one protruding portion 16a of the strap 16—the other protrusions may similarly exhibit an increased protruding length s′ of the protruding portion 16 of the straps 16, 17 when the deformable element 10a is in the deformed condition relative to the protruding length s of the protruding portion 16a of the straps 16, 17 when the deformable element 10a is in the non-deformed condition. FIGS. 6 and 7 also show the strap guiding means 20 comprising the guiding arm 22 defining the slot 24 for guiding the flexible straps 16, 17 at the deformable element 10.
[0082] FIGS. 8 and 9 are schematic top views of the deformable element 10a′ according to a further embodiment of the harness shock absorber 1′ of the present disclosure. Similar to as mentioned above, the harness shock absorber 1′ is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10′ which is formed by the harness shock absorber 1′ together with the flexible straps 16, 17 (not shown here). The deformable element 10a′ of FIGS. 8 and 9 is generally similar to the deformable element 10a as shown in FIG. 2 except that the indicator 30′ here is different compared to the indicator 30 as shown on FIG. 2. The indicator 30′ is separate from the deformable element 10a′ here, whereas the indicator 30 shown in FIG. 2 is integral with the main body 12 of the deformable element 10a. The deformable element 10a′ as shown here also comprises a main body 12′ and an opening 14′ formed therein. Shape and function of the main body 12′ and the opening 14′ as shown here are similar to the main body 12 and the opening 14′ as shown in FIG. 8. The indicator 30′ comprises two protrusions 32a′, 32b′ into an opening 32′ formed within the indicator 30′. The two protrusions 32a′, 32b′ are connected to each other by connection 32c′, which is being released upon deformation of the deformable element 10a′ (not shown here). The indicator 30′ further comprises attachment means 34a′ for engaging with corresponding attachment means 34b′ arranged on the main body 12′ of the deformable element 10a′ for attaching the indicator 30′ to the deformable element 10a′. It is noted that the attachment may be releasable, i. e. disconnectable, or non-releasable, i. e. permanent or not disconnectable. FIG. 9 shows the indicator 30′ attached to the main body 12′ of the deformable element 10a′ with the attachment means 34a′ and 34b′ engaged with each other. FIGS. 8 and 9 show four attachment means 34a′, 34b′. Other configurations with more or less attachment means are conceivable as well. A further alternative of attachment means is shown below in FIGS. 10A and 11A. Further details of the indicator 30′ are also shown in and described for FIGS. 12A, 12B. It is noted that the details of the harness shock absorber 1 or of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 as shown above are also conceivable to be present here.
[0083] FIGS. 10A and 11A are schematic top views of the deformable element 10a″ of the harness shock absorber 1″ with alternative attachment means 34″ for the indicator 30″. Similar to as mentioned above, the harness shock absorber 1″ is part of the harness shock absorber assembly 10″ which is formed by the harness shock absorber 1″ together with the flexible straps 16, 17 (not shown here). The indicator 30″ is similar in structure and function regarding the indicator 30, 30′ as shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9 above, i. e. the indicator 30″ comprises two protrusions 32a″, 32b″ extending into an opening 32″ and connected to each other by a connection 32c″. Similar to the above-described indicators 30, 30′, the connection 32c″ of indicator 30″ is being released upon deformation of the deformable element 10a″. As can be seen, the indicator 30″ does not have explicit attachment means arranged thereon except the outer perimeter region 34a″ thereof, which is engaged by attachment means 34″ of the main body 12″ of the deformable element 10a″. FIG. 10A shows the indicator 30″ in a not-attached condition, whereas FIG. 11A shows the indicator 30″ attached to the main body 12″ of the deformable element 10a″. In this attached condition, the attachment means 34″ with its two legs 34b′ forming a gap 34c″ therebetween engage the outer perimeter region 34a″ of the indicator 30″. It is noted that the thickness of the indicator element and the gap 34c″ between the two legs 34b″ of the attachment means 34″ are configured and arranged such that—when the indicator 30″ is attached and the outer perimeter region 34a″ is introduced into the gap 34c″—a tight fit or clamping is provided in order to keep the indicator 30″ securely in place. Other configurations are conceivable as well, for example an increased friction of the surfaces to enhance the attachment. It is also conceivable to provide an adhesive between the surfaces to further enhance the attachment. Similar to FIGS. 2, 8 and 9, an opening 14″ formed in the main body 12″ of the deformable element 10a″ is shown here. Shape and function of the main body 12″ and the opening 14″ as shown here are similar to the main body 12, 12′ and the opening 14, 14′ of the deformable elements 10a, 10a′ as shown in FIGS. 2, 8 and 9. FIGS. 10B and 11B illustrate in a schematic cross-sectional view the main body 12″ with the attachment means 34″ (FIG. 10B) and the engagement of the outer perimeter region of the indicator 30″ by the attachment means 34″ according to the cut A-A as indicated in FIGS. 10A and 10B. As can be seen, the attachment means 34″ has two legs 34b″ forming a gap 34c″ therebetween for receiving the outer perimeter region 34a″ of the indicator 30″ (FIG. 11B). As mentioned above, the attachment means 34″ and the outer perimeter region 34a″ of the indicator 30″ are configured and arranged to provide a reliable fit such that the indicator 30″ is securely kept in place. It is noted that the attachment may be releasable, i. e. disconnectable, or non-releasable, i. e. permanent or not disconnectable. It is also noted that the details of the harness shock absorber 1, 1′, 1″ and of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 as shown above are also conceivable to be present here.
[0084] FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic top views of the indicator 30′ as illustrated above in FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 12A shows the indicator 30′ in a first condition, i. e. prior to the deformation of the deformable element 10a′ of the harness shock absorber 1′ (both not shown here, see FIGS. 8 and 9), i. e. with the deformable element 10a′ in a non-deformed condition. As can be seen, the connection 32c′ between the two protrusions 32a′, 32b′ is intact. FIG. 12B shows the indicator 30′ in a second condition when a deformation of the deformable element 10a′ of the shock absorber 1′ has happened, i. e. with the deformable element 10a′ in a deformed condition. Here, the connection 32c′ has been broken as indicated by the two remaining portions 33a′, 33b′, which previously had formed the connection 32c′. Although the details of the connection 32c′ are illustrated for the separate indicator 30′ here, the same applies to other indicators 30, for example an alternative separate indicator 30″ as shown in FIGS. 10A, 11A or an integrated indicator 30 as shown in FIG. 2. It is further noted that the connection 32c, 32c′, 32c″, which is formed as a bar between the two protrusions 32a, 32b, 32a′, 32b′, 32a″, 32b″ and which may be integral with these, may be formed in a different way. For example, the connection 32c, 32c′, 32c″ may have a different shape and/or may be a separate part which is attached to the two protrusions 32a, 32b, 32a′, 32b′, 32a″, 32b″. Suitable attachment means may be present in such a case. It is noted that the details of the harness shock absorber 1, 1′, 1″ and of the harness shock absorber assembly 10 as shown above are also conceivable to be present here.
[0085] FIG. 13 shows in a schematic front view the fall protection safety harness 111 worn by a user 600. The fall protection safety harness 111 comprises two shoulder straps 16, 17 in the upper region 450 (i. e. each worn over one of the user's shoulders 610, 620) and a harness shock absorber assembly 110 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure with two deformable elements 110A, 110B forming—together with the flexible straps 16, 17—the harness shock absorber assembly 110. The fall protection safety harness 111 also comprises a buckle having a first and second connectable buckle part connection between the two shoulder straps 16, 17 such that a so-called pseudo-crossover harness configuration is formed. The straps 16, 17 together with the deformable elements 110A, 110B form the strap 20 of the harness shock absorber assembly 110. One of the buckle parts comprises a connection ring or D-ring 410 for connecting to a safety rope or lanyard of a crane or davit for carrying persons working at a certain height. Each of the two shoulder straps 16, 17 comprise a harness shock absorber assembly 110 according to the present disclosure. The harness shock absorber assembly 110 will be described in more detail below. The fall protection safety harness 111 further comprises two straps in the lower region 460 each worn around one of the user's hips 630, 640.
[0086] FIG. 14 shows in a schematic perspective view the harness shock absorber assembly 210 with its deformable element 210a according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in more detail. In addition to the harness shock absorber assemblies as shown and described above, the harness shock absorber assembly 210 comprises a connection ring 410 for connecting to a safety rope or lanyard of a crane or davit for carrying persons working at a certain height, e. g. by a hook (not shown here). The connection ring 410 comprises a ring structure 420 with an opening 430 formed therein. A hook or the like of a safety rope (not shown here) may engage with the opening 430. The connection ring 410 further comprises a base 440 engaged by the straps 16, 17 of the harness shock absorber assembly 210 such that the connection ring 410 is fixed to the harness shock absorber assembly 210 thereby such that a movement away from the harness shock absorber assembly 210 is inhibited. It is noted that the connection ring 410 may have some freedom to move, e. g. rotate relative to the deformable element 210a of the harness shock absorber assembly 210. Also, a slight translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the deformable element 210a may be possible, depending on the tension applied by the straps 16, 17 onto the base 440 of the connection ring 410 and the deformable element 210a, respectively.
[0087] FIG. 15 shows in a schematic perspective view the harness shock absorber assembly 210′ with its deformable element 210a′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure in more detail. The embodiment as shown in FIG. 15 is similar to the embodiment as shown in FIG. 14 and also comprises a connection ring 410′ for connecting to a safety rope or lanyard of a crane or davit for carrying persons working at a certain height, e. g. by a hook (not shown here). The difference to the embodiment of FIG. 14 is, that the shape of the connection ring 410′ here is different to the connection ring 410 as shown in FIG. 14. The connection ring 410′ comprises a ring structure 420′ with an opening 430′ formed therein. As mentioned above, the shape of the ring structure 420′ and the opening 430′ formed therein, respectively, is different compared to the ring structure 420 and the opening 430 formed therein, respectively, as shown in FIG. 14. A hook or the like of a safety rope (not shown here) may engage with the opening 430′. The connection ring 410′ further comprises a base 440′ engaged by the straps 16, 17 of the harness shock absorber assembly 210′ such that the connection ring 410′ is fixed to the shock absorber assembly 210′ thereby such that a movement away from the harness shock absorber assembly 210′ is inhibited. It is noted that the connection ring 410′ may have some freedom to move, e. g. rotate relative to the deformable element 210a′ of the harness shock absorber assembly 210′. Also, a slight translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the deformable element 210a′ may be possible, depending on the tension applied by the straps 16, 17 onto the base 440′ of the connection ring 410′ and the deformable element 210a′, respectively.
[0088] FIG. 16 shows in a schematic front view a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) harness 500 comprising a pressure vessel (not visible here) at a rear side thereof, two shoulder straps 16′, 17′ in the upper region and a waist strap 18′ in the lower region. The straps 16′, 17′ together with the deformable element 310a form the harness shock absorber assembly 310. It is understood that the harness shock absorber assembly 310 of the SCBA harness may have some similarity in structure and function to the harness shock absorber assembly of the fall protection safety harnesses 100, 111 as shown and described above. The SCBA harness further comprises a breathing device 510 connected to the pressure vessel by a breathing hose 516 and a control unit 520, e. g. to display and/or control conditions of the pressure vessel. FIG. 16 also shows the connection ring or D-ring 410′ of the SCBA harness 500 which is similar in shape and/or function as the connection rings or D-rings as described above for FIGS. 13 to 15.
[0089] FIGS. 17 and 18 are schematic views of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly 310 of the present disclosure for a SCBA harness 500 as shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 17 represents a front view of the harness shock absorber assembly 310, whereas FIG. 18 represents a rear view thereof. The SCBA harness 500 comprises two flexible straps 16′, 17′ assembled to the deformable element 310a thereby forming the harness shock absorber assembly 310. The deformable element 310a comprises a main body 312 and an opening 314 formed therein. The flexible straps 16′, 17′ are wrapped around a portion of the deformable element 310 several times such that a zigzag pattern is formed. Similar to the embodiment of the harness shock absorber 1 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, strap guiding means 320 are arranged at the perimeter of the deformable element 320 for guiding the flexible straps 16′, 17′ such that a strap movement is possible in a direction of the main extension of the flexible straps 16′, 17′, but a movement perpendicular thereto is inhibited. The strap guiding means 320 are formed by a guiding arm 322 defining an opening or slot 324 in the main body 312 of the deformable element 310a in a similar way as described for the strap guiding means 20 as described for FIGS. 2 and 3, except that the slot 324 is not open on one end. However, although not shown, it is conceivable that the slot 324 is open on one end. In the example shown, the first flexible strap 16′ starts in the upper right area of the deformable element 310a and ends in the lower left area thereof, whereas the second flexible strap 17′ starts in the upper left area of the deformable element 310a and ends in the lower right area thereof.
[0090] FIGS. 19 and 20 are schematic views of an embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly 310′ according to a different embodiment of the present disclosure for a SCBA harness 500 as shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18. FIG. 19 is a front view and FIG. 20 is a rear view of the harness shock absorber assembly 310′. Different to the embodiment of FIGS. 16 to 18, the harness shock absorber assembly 310′ is only formed by one flexible strap 16″ tightly wrapped around the deformable element 310a′ as follows. The flexible strap 16″ starts at the upper left area of the deformable element 310a′ and is wrapped around a portion thereof several time such that a zigzag structure is formed. Once the flexible strap 16″ is at the lower area, the same flexible strap 16″ returns to the upper area of the deformable element 310a′ in the same way, i. e. forming a zigzag structure as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, until it reaches again the upper area, in this case the upper right area, of the deformable element 310a′. In addition to the flexible strap 16″, a waist strap 18′ is arranged in the lower area of the deformable element 310a′, wherein the waist strap 18′ has no connection to the flexible strap 16″ wrapped around a portion of the deformable element 310a′. It is noted that the deformable element 310a′— similar to the deformable element 310a as shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, also comprises a main body 312′ with an opening 314′ formed therein. Similar to the embodiment of the harness shock absorber as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and to the embodiment of the harness shock absorber assembly 310 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, strap guiding means 320′ are arranged at the perimeter of the deformable element 320′ for guiding the flexible strap 16″ such that a strap movement is possible in a direction of the main extension of the flexible strap 16″, but a movement perpendicular thereto is inhibited. The strap guiding means 320′ are formed by a guiding arm 322′ defining an opening or slot 324′ in the main body 312′ of the deformable element 310a′ in a similar way as described for the strap guiding means 20 as described for FIGS. 2 and 3, except that the slot 324′ is not open on one end. However, although not shown, it is conceivable that the slot 324′ is open on one end. Although not indicated in FIGS. 19 and 20, strap guiding means may be arranged for the waist strap 18′ as well in a similar way as the strap guiding means 320′ for the flexible strap 16″.
