Abstract
A connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness has a first connector with a first fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of a first shoulder strap of the harness, and a first adjustable buckle configured to connect to a second portion of the first shoulder strap. The connection arrangement further has a second connector removably connectable to the first connector. The second connector has a second fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of a second shoulder strap of the harness, and a second adjustable buckle configured to connect to a second portion of the second shoulder strap. Each of the first adjustable buckle and the second adjustable buckle has an adjustment mechanism configured for adjusting a length of the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps by selective frictional engagement with the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps.
Claims
1. A connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness, the connection arrangement comprising: a first connector comprising: a first body; an indicator; a first fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of a first shoulder strap of the wearable body harness, the first fixed buckle being integral to the first body; and a first adjustable buckle in contact with the first fixed buckle and configured to connect to a second portion of the first shoulder strap, a first frame of the first adjustable buckle being integral to the first body; and a second connector removably connectable to the first connector, the second connector comprising: a second body; an opening extending into an interior cavity of the second connector; a second fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of a second shoulder strap of the wearable body harness, the second fixed buckle being integral to the second body; and a second adjustable buckle in contact with the second fixed buckle and configured to connect to a second portion of the second shoulder strap, a second frame of the second adjustable buckle being integral to the second body, wherein: each of the first adjustable buckle and the second adjustable buckle comprises an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism is movable and configured for adjusting a length of the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps by selective frictional engagement with the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps; the indicator is visible through the opening when the first connector is secured to the second connector.
2. The connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism of the first connector comprises: the first frame having terminal ends connected to a body of the first connector with an opening defined between a central portion of the first frame and the body of the first connector, and an adjustment bar extending across the opening and movably engaged with the terminal ends of the first frame.
3. The connection arrangement of claim 2, wherein the adjustment bar has an elongated body movably engaged with the terminal ends of the first frame.
4. The connection arrangement of claim 3, wherein the elongated body is positioned within a slot of the first frame.
5. The connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein each of the first fixed buckle and the second fixed buckle comprises a bar spaced apart from a body of the first connector and the second connector by a gap.
6. The connection arrangement of claim 5, wherein the bar of each the first fixed buckle and the second fixed buckle is connected to the body of the first connector and the second connector by a pair of posts.
7. The connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first connector and the second connector are removably connectable to each other via a locking and release mechanism between a first, locked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are connected and secured to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are disconnected from each other.
8. The connection arrangement of claim 7, wherein the first connector has a first portion of a locking and release mechanism, and wherein the second connector has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism, wherein the first portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: a tab having a first end connected to the body of the first connector and a second, free end protruding away from the body of the first connector, and a first latch at the second end of the tab and protruding laterally outward relative to at least one lateral side of the tab, and wherein the second portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: an upper plate and a lower plate defining a slot therebetween and configured for receiving at least a portion of the tab, and a pair of locking arms disposed within at least a portion of the slot and configured for interacting with the tab, the pair of locking arms movable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position to allow movement of at least a portion of the tab into and out of the slot.
9. The connection arrangement of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of locking arms has a locking tooth at a first end and a release tab at a second end with a pivot pin positioned between the locking tooth and the release tab such that each locking arm is pivotally movable about the pivot pin.
10. The connection arrangement of claim 7, wherein each of the pair of locking arms is biased to the first position by a biasing member.
11. The connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein a front side of the first body is substantially triangular shaped; and wherein a front side of the second body is substantially triangular shaped.
12. The connection arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first fixed buckle and the first frame of the first adjustable buckle each substantially form a side of the substantially triangular shaped first body.
13. A wearable body harness having a plurality of straps comprising: a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap; a first connector on the first shoulder strap; and a second connector on the second shoulder strap, the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap being removably connectable to each other with engagement of the first connector and the second connector, wherein the first connector comprises: a first body; an indicator; a first fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of the first shoulder strap, the first fixed buckle being integral to the first body; and a first adjustable buckle in contact with the first fixed buckle and configured to connect to a second portion of the first shoulder strap, a first frame of the first adjustable buckle being integral to the first body, wherein the second connector comprises: a second body; an opening extending into an interior cavity of the second connector; a second fixed buckle configured to connect to a first portion of the second shoulder strap, the second fixed buckle being integral to the second body; and a second adjustable buckle in contact with the second fixed buckle and configured to connect to a second portion of the second shoulder strap, a second frame of the second adjustable buckle being integral to the second body, and wherein: each of the first adjustable buckle and the second adjustable buckle comprises an adjustment mechanism, the adjustment mechanism is movable and configured for adjusting a length of the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps by selective frictional engagement with the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps, the indicator is visible through the opening when the first connector is secured to the second connector.
14. The wearable body harness of claim 13, wherein the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap are arranged in an X-shaped configuration at a front portion of the harness.
15. The wearable body harness of claim 13, wherein the adjustment mechanism of the first connector comprises: the first frame having terminal ends connected to a body of the first connector with an opening defined between a central portion of the first frame and the body of the first connector, and an adjustment bar extending across the opening and movably engaged with the terminal ends of the first frame.
16. The wearable body harness of claim 15, wherein the adjustment bar has an elongated body movably engaged with the terminal ends of the first frame.
17. The wearable body harness of claim 16, wherein the elongated body is positioned within a slot of the first frame.
18. The wearable body harness of claim 13, wherein each of the first fixed buckle and the second fixed buckle comprises a bar spaced apart from a body of the first connector and the second connector by a gap.
19. The wearable body harness of claim 17, wherein the bar of each the first fixed buckle and the second fixed buckle is connected to the body of the first connector and the second connector by a pair of posts.
20. The wearable body harness of claim 13, wherein the first connector and the second connector are removably connectable to each other via a locking and release mechanism between a first, locked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are connected and secured to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector and the second connector are disconnected from each other.
21. The wearable body harness of claim 20, wherein the first connector has a first portion of a locking and release mechanism, and wherein the second connector has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism, wherein the first portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: a tab having a first end connected to the body of the first connector and a second, free end protruding away from the body of the first connector, and a first latch at the second end of the tab and protruding laterally outward relative to at least one lateral side of the tab, and wherein the second portion of the locking and release mechanism comprises: an upper plate and a lower plate defining a slot therebetween and configured for receiving at least a portion of the tab, and a pair of locking arms disposed within at least a portion of the slot and configured for interacting with the tab, the pair of locking arms movable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position to allow movement of at least a portion of the tab into and out of the slot.
22. The wearable body harness of claim 20, wherein: each of the pair of locking arms has a locking tooth at a first end and a release tab at a second end with a pivot pin positioned between the locking tooth and the release tab such that each locking arm is pivotally movable about the pivot pin, the indicator is on an upper side of the tab, and the opening is on the upper plate of the second connector.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a wearable body harness in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure;
(2) FIG. 2A is a front view of a harness connection arrangement for use with a wearable body harness in accordance with some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure showing a first connector and a second connector connected to each other;
(3) FIG. 2B is a rear view of the harness connection arrangement of FIG. 2A;
(4) FIG. 2C is a front view of the harness connection arrangement of FIG. 2A showing the first connector and the second connector disconnected from each other;
(5) FIG. 2D is a rear view of the harness connection arrangement of FIG. 2C;
(6) FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a first connector of the harness connection arrangement of FIGS. 2A-2D;
(7) FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the first connector shown in FIG. 3A;
(8) FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a second connector of the harness connection arrangement of FIGS. 2A-2D;
(9) FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the second connector shown in FIG. 4A;
(10) FIG. 5 is a front partial cross-sectional view of the second connector shown in FIG. 4A;
(11) FIG. 6A is a front view of the harness connection arrangement showing a partial cross-sectional view of a locking and release mechanism in a first position; and
(12) FIG. 6B is a front view of the harness connection arrangement showing a partial cross-sectional view of a locking and release mechanism in a second position.
(13) In FIGS. 1-6B, like characters refer to the same components and elements, as the case may be, unless otherwise stated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
(14) As used herein, the singular form of a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
(15) 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.
(16) 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.
(17) Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass the beginning and ending values and any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of 1 to 10 should be considered to include any and all subranges or subratios between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less. The ranges and/or ratios disclosed herein represent the average values over the specified range and/or ratio.
(18) 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.
(19) The term at least is synonymous with greater than or equal to.
(20) The term not greater than is synonymous with less than or equal to.
(21) 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.
(22) The term includes is synonymous with comprises.
(23) As used herein, the terms parallel or substantially parallel mean a relative angle as between two objects (if extended to theoretical intersection), such as elongated objects and including reference lines, that is from 0? to 5?, or from 0? to 3?, or from 0? to 2?, or from 0? to 1?, or from 0? to 0.5?, or from 0? to 0.25?, or from 0? to 0.1?, inclusive of the recited values.
(24) As used herein, the terms perpendicular or substantially perpendicular mean a relative angle as between two objects at their real or theoretical intersection is from 85? to 90?, or from 87? to 90?, or from 88? to 90?, or from 89? to 90?, or from 89.5? to 90?, or from 89.75? to 90?, or from 89.9? to 90?, inclusive of the recited values.
(25) 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.
(26) In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, and with reference to FIG. 1, the present disclosure is directed to a safety harness 100 (hereinafter referred to as harness 100) used in a fall protection system. As discussed herein, the harness 100 has a harness connection arrangement configured for releasably coupling at least a pair of straps of the harness 100. Preferably, the harness 100 has a harness connection arrangement for connecting at least two straps of the harness, wherein the harness connection arrangement can be easily and effectively connected and disconnected to allow quick donning and removal of the harness 100.
(27) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the harness 100 has at least two leg straps 102 configured to attach around a user's legs below a user's groin area. When attached, the leg straps 102 loop around or encircle each of the user's legs. Each leg strap 102 has a first end 102a that is removably attachable to a second end 102b via a connector 104. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connector 104 may be a clip, a buckle, a mating arrangement, an actuatable structure, or the like. The connector 104 permits removable attachment of the first end 102a to the second end 102b of each leg strap 102. In this manner, the first and second ends 102a, 102b of the leg straps 102 are configured to be removably attached to each other and configured to be free floating when detached from each other. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one connector 104 and/or the leg strap 102 may have at least one connection mechanism 106 configured for adjusting the length of each leg strap 102. In this manner, the at least one connection mechanism 106 adjusts a distance between the first end 102a and the second end 102b such that each leg strap 102 may be adjusted to fit comfortably around the user's legs. Each leg strap 102 may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction. One or more handles, clips, and/or connectors (not shown) may be provided on at least a portion of the harness 100. The harness 100 may include padding (not shown) for increasing the user's comfort while wearing the harness 100.
(28) In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the leg straps 102 (or, indeed, any of the straps in the harness 100) may be linear lengths of material, folded straps that form loops with the at least one connector 104 at the first end 102a and/or the second end 102b, or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the connector 104 may have a first portion 104b that is adjustably attached to the first end 102b of at least one leg strap 102 through a loop of the material that makes up the leg strap 102, while a second portion 104a of the connector 104 is non-adjustably secured at the second end 102b of at least one leg strap 102. Therefore, in such an arrangement, the first portion 104b of the connector 104 and the loop of material that makes up the leg strap 102 at the second end 102b defines the at least one connection mechanism 106 for adjusting a length of the leg strap 102. It should be noted that the position of the connection mechanism 106 may be reversed such that the second portion 104a of the connector 104 is provided on the first end 102a of the leg strap 102. At least one leg strap 102 may include padding (not shown) for increasing the user's comfort while wearing the harness 100.
(29) With continued reference to FIG. 1, each leg strap 102 is connected to a seat strap 108 at a substantially intermediate portion 102c of the leg strap 102 between the first end 102a and the second end 102b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the substantially intermediate portion 102c of the leg strap 102 may be directly and non-movably connected to a seat strap 108, such as being sewn directly to the seat strap 108. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the substantially intermediate portion 102c of each leg strap 102 may be connected to the rear end of the seat strap 108 by a connection strap (not shown) to allow the substantially intermediate portion 102c of the leg strap 102 to slidably move along a front portion of the leg strap 102. Accordingly, the position of the leg straps 102 may be adjusted relative to the seat strap 108 to increase the user's comfort while wearing the harness 100.
(30) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the harness 100 further has a shoulder strap 110 configured to extend over at least a portion of the user's shoulders. The shoulder strap 110 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 together at the user's chest area. As described herein, the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b may be releasably connected together by a connection arrangement. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the shoulder strap 110 may have at least one shoulder pad 120 having one or more openings through which the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b can be arranged to maintain the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b in the X-shaped configuration.
(31) As further shown in FIG. 1, the first shoulder strap 110a has a first end 112 that is connected to the first end 102a of a first leg strap 102. The first end 112 of the first shoulder strap 110a may be removably or non-removably attachable to the first end 102a of a first leg strap 102. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first end 112 of the first shoulder strap 110a may be attached to the first end 102a of a first leg strap 102 via a connector similar to the connector 104 described herein with reference to the leg straps 102. At least a portion of the first shoulder strap 110a may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction.
(32) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the second shoulder strap 110b has a first end 114 that is connected to the first end 102a of the second leg strap 102. The first end 114 of the second shoulder strap 110b may be removably or non-removably attachable to the first end 102a of the second leg strap 102. In some embodiments or aspects, the first end 114 of the second shoulder strap 110b may be attached to the first end 102a of the second leg strap 102 via a connector similar to the connector 104 described herein with reference to the leg straps 102. At least a portion of the second shoulder strap 110b may be formed from a substantially flat webbing material typically used in harness construction.
(33) As further shown in FIG. 1, the harness 100 may have a back strap 116 connecting a substantially intermediate portion of the first shoulder strap 110a between its first end 112 with a substantially intermediate portion of the second shoulder strap 110b between its first end 114. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a position of the back strap 116 may be fixed relative to the shoulder straps 110a, 110b. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a position of the back strap 116 may be adjustable along a longitudinal direction of the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b, such as by sliding the back strap 116 along the first shoulder strap 110a and/or the second shoulder strap 110b.
(34) With continued reference to FIG. 1, the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b may be connectable together at a front portion of the harness 100 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 200 further described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-6B.
(35) As further shown in FIG. 1, the shoulder strap 110 has an anchor element, such as a D-ring 118, for connecting at least a portion of the shoulder strap 110 to a line connected to an anchor point. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least a portion of the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b is looped around or otherwise permanently attached to the D-ring 118. The D-ring 118 has a frame defining at least one opening through which the first shoulder strap 110a and the second shoulder strap 110b may be looped around and through which a clip, such as a carabiner, a lanyard, or other rope or line, can be secured to connect the harness 100 to an anchor point.
(36) With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the harness connection arrangement 200 (hereinafter referred to as connection arrangement 200) for use with a wearable body harness, such as the harness 100 shown in FIG. 1, is shown in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment or aspect of the present disclosure. The connection arrangement 200 is illustrated without harness straps for clarity. While in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects of the present disclosure the connection arrangement 200 is configured for connecting portions of the shoulder strap 110, such as the first shoulder strap and the second shoulder strap 110a, 110b, across the user's chest, the connection arrangement 200 can be used to connect any two or more straps of the harness 100.
(37) With continued reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, the connection arrangement 200 has a first connector 202 removably connectable to a second connector 204. Together, the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 define a locking and release mechanism 201. As described herein, the first and second connectors 202, 204 are engageable between a first, locked configuration, where the first and second connectors 202, 204 are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first and second connectors 202, 204 are disconnected from each other. The first and second connectors 202, 204 can be connected to one another by actuating a locking and release mechanism 201 discussed herein. In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the connection arrangement 200 may be made from metal, plastic, a composite material, and any combination thereof.
(38) With reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the first connector 202 is shown separate from the second connector 204 of the connection arrangement 200. The first connector 202 has a first body 206a with a first side 208a opposite a second side 210a (shown in FIG. 3B). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first side 208a may face away from a body of the user while a second side 210a may face toward a body of the user when the first connector 202 is installed on a harness worn by the user. While FIGS. 3A-3B show the first body 206a of the first connector 202 being substantially planar, the first body 206a may have a non-planar shape in other non-limiting embodiments or aspects. The first body 206a may be monolithically formed as a single, integral piece. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body 206a of the first connector 202 may be formed from two or more components that are removably or non-removably connected together. In various non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body 206a of the first connector 202 may be made from metal, plastic, a composite material, and any combination thereof.
(39) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the first body 206a of the first connector 202 has a substantially triangular shape. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first body 206a may have any other shape, such as a circular shape, an oval shape, a rectangular shape, or any other regular or irregular geometric shape. In non-limiting embodiments or aspects, a recess 212a may be provided on the first body 206a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recess 212a is partially recessed into one or both of the first side 208a and the second side 210a of the first body 206a. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recess 212a extends through the entire first body 206a between the first side 208a and the second side 210a. The recess 212a may be shaped to correspond to the shape of the first body 206a. For example, in a first body 206a having a substantially triangular shape, the recess 212a may have a corresponding substantially triangular shape. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recess 212a may have a shape that is different than the shape of the first body 206a of the first connector 202. The recess 212a may be centered on the first body 206a or offset toward any side of the first body 206a.
(40) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the first connector 202 has at least one first fixed buckle 214a connected to the first body 206a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first fixed buckle 214a may be connected to one of the three sides of the first body 206a having a substantially triangular shape. The first fixed buckle 214a is configured for receiving at least a portion of a harness webbing therethrough, such as at least a portion of the shoulder strap 110 and/or a chest strap. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first fixed buckle 214a is configured to connect to a first portion of the first shoulder strap 110a. The first fixed buckle 214a may have a bar 216a that is spaced apart from the first body 206a of the first connector 202 such that the harness webbing may be inserted through a gap 218a formed between the bar 216a and the first body 206a. The bar 216a is connected to the first body 206a by posts 220a. The webbing is desirably looped through the gap 218a and around the bar 216a such that the webbing overlaps itself around the bar 216a. The overlapping ends of the webbing may be sewn together or otherwise attached to prevent removal of the webbing from the first fixed buckle 214a.
(41) In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first fixed buckle 214a may be provided on an upper side and/or a lower side of the first connector 202 when the harness 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is worn by a user. In this manner, one or more straps may be connected to the at least one first fixed buckle 214a from above or below the first connector 202. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the at least one first fixed buckle 214a is provided on an upper side of the first connector 202 when the harness 100 is worn by the user.
(42) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the first connector 202 has at least one first adjustable buckle 222a connected to the first body 206a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a may be connected to one of the three sides of the first body 206a having a substantially triangular shape. The at least one first adjustable buckle 222a is configured for receiving at least a portion of a harness webbing therethrough, such as at least a portion of the shoulder strap 110 (shown in FIG. 1). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first fixed buckle 214a is configured to connect to a second portion of the first shoulder strap 110a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a has an adjustment mechanism associated therewith to permit an adjustment of at least one strap of the harness 100 (shown in FIG. 1) that is connected to the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a. In this manner, the length of the at least one strap of the harness 100 may be adjusted to suit the user's body shape. By allowing an adjustment of strap length directly on the first connector, a separate adjustment mechanism for regulating the length of the strap may be eliminated, thereby reducing the overall weight of the harness 100. The adjustment mechanism may be configured for permitting frictional adjustment of the at least one strap of the harness 100, as described herein.
(43) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a may have a frame 224a that is spaced apart from the first body 206a of the first connector 202 such that at least one strap of the harness 100 (shown in FIG. 1) may be inserted through an opening 226a formed between the frame 224a and the first body 206a. The frame 224a is connected to the first body 206a at its terminal ends 228a. The at least one first adjustable buckle 222a further has an adjustment bar 230a configured to permit adjustable movement of at least one strap of the harness 100. The adjustment bar 230a extends across the opening 226a and is moveably engaged with the first adjustable buckle 222a, such as by sliding within a slot 231a of the frame 224a. The adjustment bar 230a is movable within the slot 231a and across the opening 226a between a first position closer to the first body 206a of the first connector 202 and a second position further away from the first body 206a. The adjustment bar 230a has an elongated body 235a with terminal ends 237a that are positioned within the slot 231a.
(44) In use, at least one strap of the harness 100 is looped around the adjustment bar 230a and through the opening 226a. The adjustment bar 230a has a first contact surface 232a to contact a first surface of at least one strap of the harness 100, while a first end 234a of the frame 224a has a second contact surface 236a to contact a second surface opposite the first surface of the at least one strap of the harness 100 such that the at least one strap is wedged between the first contact surface 232a and the second contact surface 236a when the adjustment bar 230a is in the second position. The frictional contact between the at least one strap and the first contact surface 232a and the second contact surface 236a prevents the strap from moving relative to the first connector 202. Movement of the frame 224a changes an angle of at least one strap relative to the first contact surface 232a and the second contact surface 236a to allow the adjustment bar 230a to be moved to the first position, thereby allowing the at least one strap to movably adjust relative to the first connector 202.
(45) In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a may be provided on an upper side and/or a lower side of the first connector 202 when the harness 100 (shown in FIG. 1) is worn by a user. In this manner, one or more straps may be connected to the at least one fixed buckle 214a from above or below the first connector 202. In FIGS. 3A-3B, the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a is provided on a lower side of the first connector 202 when the harness 100 is worn by the user.
(46) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the first connector 202 has a first portion of a locking and release mechanism 201 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D) configured for engaging the first connector 202 between the first, locked configuration, where the first connector 202 is connected to the second connector 204 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B) and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector 202 is disconnected from the second connector 204. The first connector 202 has a tab 238 that is connected to the first body 206a. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the tab 238 is substantially parallel and/or coplanar with a plane defined by the first body 206a. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the tab 238 may be offset relative to a plane defined by the first body 206a. The tab 238 may be monolithically formed with the first body 206a of the first connector 202, or may be removably or non-removably attached to the first body 206a.
(47) With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B, the tab 238 has a first end 240 connected to the first body 206a and a second, free end 242 protruding away from the first body 206a, with a frame 244 of the tab extending between the first end 240 and the second end 242. The frame 244 has a first or upper side 246 (shown in FIG. 3A) opposite a second or lower side 248 (shown in FIG. 3B). A thickness of the first or upper side 246, such as a thickness in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first body 206a of the first connector 202, may be the same or different than a thickness of the second or lower side 248 of the tab 238. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first or upper side 246 of the frame 244 may have a same shape as the second or lower side 248. In other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first or upper side 246 of the frame 244 may have a different shape than the second or lower side 248. For example, with reference to FIG. 3A, the first or upper side 246 may have a first base 250 having a substantially uniform width between the first end 240 and the second end 242, with a first latch 252 connected to the first base 250 at the second end 242. The first latch 252 is configured to interact with the locking teeth of the locking and release mechanism on the second connector 204, as described herein. A width of the first latch 252 is wider than a width of the base 250 such that the latch 252 protrudes laterally outward relative to one or both lateral sides of the base 250. An indicator 258 may be at least partially recessed into the first or upper side 246 of the frame 244 at the base 250 and/or the latch 252.
(48) With reference to FIG. 3B, the second or lower side 248 may have a second base 254 having a width that narrows in a direction from the first end 240 toward the second end 242. A second latch 256 may be connected to the second base 254 at the second end 242. A width of the second latch 256 is narrower than a width of the first base 250 and the second base 254.
(49) With reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 is shown separate from the first connector 202 of the connection arrangement 200. Components of the second connector 204 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B are substantially similar or identical to the components of the first connector 202 described herein with reference to FIGS. 3A-3B. Reference numerals in FIGS. 4A-4B are used to illustrate identical components of the corresponding reference numerals in FIGS. 3A-3B, with the exception of an identifier a being replaced with an identifier b. For example, whereas the body of the first connector 202 is identified with reference numeral 206a, the body of the second connector 204 is identified with reference numeral 206b. As the previous discussion regarding the first connector 202 generally shown in FIGS. 3A-3B is applicable to the second connector 204 shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, only the relative differences between the first and second connectors 202, 204 are discussed hereinafter.
(50) With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 is shown separate from the first connector 202 of the connection arrangement 200. As described herein, the first and second connectors 202, 204 are engageable between a first, locked configuration, where the first and second connectors 202, 204 are connected to each other, and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first and second connectors 202, 204 are disconnected from each other. The first and second connectors 202, 204 can be connected to one another by actuating the locking and release mechanism discussed herein.
(51) With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 has a second body 206b with a first side 208b opposite a second side 210b. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the first side 208b may face away from a body of the user while a second side 210b may face toward a body of the user when the second connector 204 is installed on a harness worn by the user. While FIGS. 4A-4B show the second body 206b of the second connector 204 being substantially planar, the second body 206b may have a non-planar shape. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second body 206b may have a shape that corresponds to the shape of the first body 206a of the first connector 202. For example, the second body 206b of the second connector 204 may be a mirror image of the first body 206a of the first connector 202.
(52) With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 has at least one second fixed buckle 214b connected to the second body 206b. The at least one second fixed buckle 214b may be substantially identical to the at least one first fixed buckle 214a on the first connector 202. Accordingly, a detailed description of the at least one second fixed buckle 214b will be omitted for brevity. The second fixed buckle 214b is configured for receiving at least a portion of a harness webbing therethrough, such as at least a portion of the shoulder harness 110 and/or the chest strap. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second fixed buckle 214b is configured to connect to a first portion of the second shoulder strap 110b.
(53) With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 has at least one second adjustable buckle 222b connected to the second body 206b. The at least one second adjustable buckle 222b may be substantially identical to the at least one first adjustable buckle 222a on the first connector 202. Accordingly, a detailed description of the at least one second adjustable buckle 222b will be omitted for brevity. Together, the first and second fixed buckles 214a, 214b and the first and second adjustable buckles 222a, 222b allow for connection of four separate pieces of webbing of the harness 100, such as the first and second portions of the first shoulder strap 110a at the first connector 202 and the first and second portions of the second shoulder strap 110b. In addition, the first and second adjustable buckles 222a, 222b allow for adjusting a length of the second portion of the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b directly on the first and second connectors 202, 204, rather on separate adjustment mechanisms provided on the first and second shoulder straps 110a, 110b themselves.
(54) With continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism 201 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2B) configured for engaging with the first portion of the locking and release mechanism 201 on the first connector 202 between the first, locked configuration, where the first connector 202 is connected to the second connector 204 (shown in FIG. 2A) and a second, unlocked configuration, where the first connector 202 is disconnected from the second connector 204 (shown in FIG. 2B).
(55) In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second connector 204 has a slot 260 configured for removably receiving the tab 238 of the first connector 202. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the slot 260 is defined by a space between an upper plate 262 and a lower plate 264. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the upper plate 262 and the lower plate 264 may be connected together by one or more pins 265. A thickness T of the slot 260 in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the second body 206b of the second connector 204 may be the same or larger than a thickness T.sub.1 of the first or upper side 246 of the tab 238 of the first connector 202 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3B), and smaller than an overall thickness of the tab 238 of the first connector 202. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, and with reference to FIG. 4B, at least one of the upper plate 262 and the lower plate 264, such as the lower plate 264, may have a recess 266 having a shape that corresponds to the shape of at least a portion of the tab 238, such as the second or lower side 248 of the tab 238. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the recess 266 is configured to receive at least a portion of the tab 238, such as the second or lower side 248 of the tab 238, when the tab 238 is inserted into the slot 260, such as during a locking connection of the first connector 202 with the second connector 204 (shown in FIG. 2B). In this manner, the first connector 202 and the second connector 204 can only be connected in one orientation, such as when the second or lower side 248 of the tab 238 is received within the recess 266.
(56) With reference to FIG. 4A, at least one of the upper plate 262 and the lower plate 264, such as the upper plate 262, may have an opening 268 extending through the plate and into the slot 260. The opening 268 may be positioned on the upper plate 262 such that, when the tab 238 of the first connector 202 is fully inserted into the slot 260, the indicator 258 on the first or upper side 246 of the tab 238 is visible through the opening 268 (shown in FIG. 6A). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the indicator 258 may be colored a conspicuous color, such as bright green, such that the indicator 258 is clearly visible through the opening 268 when the first and second connectors 202, 204 are locked together. Visibility of the indicator 258 through the opening 268 may provide an indication that the first and second connectors 202, 204 are locked together and cannot be disconnected without unlocking the locking and release mechanism 201, as described herein.
(57) With reference to FIG. 5, and with continued reference to FIGS. 4A-4B, the second connector 204 has a second portion of the locking and release mechanism 201 that is configured for interacting with the first portion of the locking and release mechanism 201 on the first connector 202 (i.e., the tab 238). In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the second portion of the locking and release mechanism 201 has a pair of locking arms 270 that are configured to releasably engage the at least a portion of the tab 238, such as the first latch 252 of the tab 238 of the first connector 202. Each locking arm 270 is movable between a first, locked position, where disengagement of the first latch 252 of the tab 238 from the slot 260 of the second connector 204 is prevented due to interference between at least a portion of the locking arms 270 and the first latch 252, and a second, unlocked position (shown in FIG. 6B), where the first latch 252 of the tab 238 can be removed freely from the slot 260. Each locking arm 270 may be pivotally movable, rotatably movable, linearly movable, or movable in any direction via any combination of pivotal, rotatable, and linear movement between the first position and the second position.
(58) With reference to FIG. 5, each of the locking arms 270 is biased in the first position by a biasing member 272, such as a spring. Movement of the locking arms 270 from the first position to the second position in the direction of arrows A in FIG. 5 builds a restoring force in the biasing members 272 such that each locking arm 270 is restored to the first position after the force that causes the movement of the locking arms 270 is removed. Each of the locking arms 270 may be pivotally mounted about a pivot pin 274 for movement between the first position and the second position.
(59) With continued reference to FIG. 5, each locking arm 270 has an elongated shape with a locking tooth 276 on one end and a release tab 278 at an opposing end, with the pivot pin 274 positioned between the locking tooth 276 and the release tab 278. The locking arms 270 are arranged such that the locking teeth 276 are positioned opposite one another and spaced apart from each other in the first positon at a distance D that is less than a width W of the first latch 252 of the tab 238 (shown in FIG. 3A). In this manner, when the first latch 252 is inserted into the slot 260 and into a space between the locking arms 270, the first latch 252 will cause the locking arms 270 to pivot about their respective pivot pins 274 to deflect the locking arms 270 from the first position toward the second position. The locking teeth 276 may be angled relative to one another at an acute angle to facilitate movement of the locking arms 270 from the first position to the second position with the insertion of the first latch 252 in the slot 260 between the locking arms 270.
(60) As shown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of each locking arm 270, such as the release tab 278, protrudes from the second body 206b of the second connector 204. In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the release tab 278 of each locking arm 270 may be exposed such that it can be actuated by a user. To actuate the release tabs 270, the user urges the release tabs 270 in the direction of arrows A shown in FIG. 5. Movement of the release tabs 278 in this direction moves the locking teeth 276 away from one another to enlarge the space between the locking arms 270, thereby permitting removal of the first latch 252 of the first connector 202 from the slot 260 of the second connector 204.
(61) Each of the locking arms 270 is movable independently of the other locking arm 270. In this manner, the user must actuate both locking arms 270 to the second, unlocked position in order to remove the first connector 202 from the second connector 204. Actuation of one of the pair of locking arms 270 will not permit removal of the first latch 252 from the slot 260. In this manner, the locking and release mechanism 201 of the connection arrangement 200 has a redundant safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent disengagement of the first and second connectors 202, 204 due to accidental actuation of a single release tab 278.
(62) Having described the structure of the connection arrangement 200, a method of disconnecting the first connector 202 from the second connector 204 and connecting the first connector 202 to the second connector 204 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6A-6B. Referring initially to FIG. 6A, the connection arrangement 200 is shown in a locked configuration, where the first and second connectors 202, 204 are connected to each other. While straps of the harness 100 (shown in FIG. 1) are omitted from FIGS. 6A-6B for clarity, when the first and second connectors 202, 204 are in the locked configuration, at least two straps of the harness 100, such as the shoulder straps 110, are connected to each other to prevent removal of the harness 100 from the user's body.
(63) To disconnect the first connector 202 from the second connector 204, the user first must actuate both release tabs 278 by pivoting each locking arm 270 about the pivot pin 274 in a direction of arrows B in FIG. 6A. As noted herein, movement of one of the pair of locking arms 270 will not permit removal of the first latch 252 from the slot 260. Such movement of the release tabs 278 separates the locking teeth 276 from the tab 238 of the first connector 202, such as shown in FIG. 6B. Once the release tabs 278 have been moved from a first position shown in FIG. 6A to a second position shown in FIG. 6B, the locking teeth 276 have been separated from the tab 238 of the first connector 202 to allow the first latch 252 of the tab 238 to be withdrawn from the slot 260 of the second connector 204 by moving the first connector 202 relative to the second connector 204 in a direction of arrows C in FIG. 6B. The restoring force of the biasing members 272 causes the locking arms 270 to revert back to the first position once the actuating force is removed from the release tabs 278.
(64) The first and second connectors 202, 204 can be connected together by inserting the tab 238 of the first connector 202 into the slot 260 of the second connector 204, such as by positioning the first latch 252 of the tab 238 in a space defined between the locking teeth 276. The first and second connectors 202, 204 are then moved toward each other in a direction opposite to arrow C in FIG. 6B until the locking teeth 276 engage the first latch 252. The locking arms 270 can be moved from the first position (shown in FIG. 6A) to the second position (shown in FIG. 6B) either manually, such as by actuating both release tabs 278 by pivoting each locking arm 270 about the pivot pin 274 in a direction of arrows B in FIG. 6A, or automatically, such as due to physical contact between the first latch 252 with the inclined surfaces of the locking teeth 276. Movement of the locking arms 270 to the second position allows further insertion of the first latch 252 of the tab 238 in a space defined between the locking teeth 276 until the first latch 252 clears the locking teeth 276. The restoring force of the biasing members 272 causes the locking arms 270 to revert back to the first position once the actuating force is removed from the release tabs 278 and/or once the first latch 252 clears the locking teeth 276. The first connector 202 is thus locked with the second connector 204.
(65) Although the disclosure has been described in detail for the purpose of illustration based on what are currently considered to be the most practical, preferred, and non-limiting embodiments or aspects, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments or aspects, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.
