LOCKING WEBBING ADJUSTER

Abstract

A strap adjuster for use in connecting two straps is provided. The strap adjuster is designed to provide secure attachment of a first strap, relative to a second strap. The strap adjuster includes a locking mechanism which allows an operator to securely attach one strap to another. The strap adjuster uses an intuitive, simple locking mechanism that allows a user to easily lock and unlock the strap apparatus. When unlocked, the strap adjuster allows for simple, quick adjustment of the tension between the first and second straps as needed. After adjusting, the operator is able to quickly and securely relock the strap adjuster to hold both straps in place relative to each other. The strap adjuster is designed for use in a variety of conditions and applications.

Claims

1. A strap adjuster for use in a connecting two straps comprising: a chassis with a first and second strap receiving slot, wherein the first strap receiving slot is configured for receiving a first safety strap, and the second strap receiving slot is configured for receiving a second safety strap; a roller positioned within the second strap receiving slot, being generally biased by one or more biasing members towards an upper strap bar, the roller being rotatable around a longitudinal axis extending from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller and capable of longitudinal movement within the second strap receiving slot; and one or more locking members configured for selective engagement and disengagement with the roller, wherein when the one or more locking members engage with the roller, the roller is fixed into position and nonrotatable, and when the one or more locking members are disengaged from the roller, the roller may freely rotate around the longitudinal axis.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first strap receiving slot is defined by a lower strap bar and a middle strap bar, and the second strap receiving slot is defined by the middle strap bar and an upper strap bar.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first safety strap is looped around the lower strap bar through the first strap receiving slot, and permanently affixed to itself for a non-adjustable connection.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second safety strap is inserted under the upper strap bar, up around the roller, and back out under the upper strap bar for an adjustable connection.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the roller and one or more locking members are arranged such that when the one or more locking members are engaged with the roller, the second strap is locked into place relative to the first strap and the strap adjuster, and when the one or more locking members are disengaged from the roller, the second strap can be pulled in either direction relative to the strap adjuster thereby permitting a user to loosen or tighten the second strap relative to the first strap while ensuring that the second strap remains secured in place relative to the first strap once the one or more locking members are engaged with the roller.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chassis comprises an upper and lower cover which are held together by one or more rivets.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein roller is knurled or textured to increase friction between the roller and the second strap to prevent the second strap from sliding out of the buckle while the locking members are engaged to the roller.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the roller includes a roller engagement port on the first roller end and the second roller end, said roller engagement ports being configured for engagement with an engagement end of the locking members.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the roller comprises a hollow chamber just beyond the roller engagement port, wherein the hollow chamber is sufficient diameter such that the engagement end of the locking member does not contact the roller.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more locking members include a plunger comprising a finger tab end and an engagement end, wherein the plunger is fed partially through a plunger guide such that the finger tab is on one side of the plunger guide and the engagement end is on the other side of the plunger guide.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more locking members are biased upwards towards the upper strap bar by a plunger guide spring, but may move vertically if sufficient force is applied to overcome the upward bias.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or more locking members are biased outwards by a plunger spring such that under normal configuration, the plungers are extended outwards, thereby causing the engagement end to engage with roller engagement port so that the roller will not spin.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein plungers are capable of both vertical and longitudinal movement.

14. A method of using a strap adjuster for use in connecting straps comprising: Squeezing a pair of plungers on the strap adjuster inward, and pulling the pair of plungers downwards to unlock a roller, thereby permitting the roller to rotate around a longitudinal axis extending from a first end of the roller to a second end of the roller and providing a gap between the roller and an upper strap bar; While holding the plungers inward and downwards, pulling the first end of a first safety strap in a direction opposite the strap adjuster in order to tighten the first safety strap relative to a second safety strap, or pulling the second end of a first safety strap in a direction opposite the strap adjuster in order to loosen the first safety strap relative to a second safety strap; and Upon reaching a desired length of the first safety strap relative to the second safety strap, releasing the plungers outwards to prevent the roller from longitudinal rotation and permitting the plungers to return upwards by releasing the plungers to lock the first safety strap in place relative to the second safety strap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an example of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view showing the orientation of the plunger, plunger guide, plunger spring, and roller, according to one embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross section front view of the presently disclosed roller, according to one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 5. illustrates a perspective view of the strap adjuster with a first safety strap and a second safety strap engaged, according to one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the strap adjuster in the locked configuration with the upper cover removed, according to one embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of the strap adjuster in the unlocked configuration with the upper cover removed, according to one embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the chassis of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 9A illustrates a perspective view of the lower cover portion of the chassis of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 9B illustrates a perspective view of the upper cover portion of the chassis of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the plunger of the presently disclosed strap adjuster apparatus, according to one embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the plunger guide of the presently disclosed strap adjuster apparatus, according to one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the first end of the roller of the presently disclosed strap adjuster, according to one embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the strap adjuster used in a safety harness system, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] According to some embodiments, a strap adjuster for securely attaching two straps together is presented. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. The present disclosure is to be considered as one or more examples only and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the specific embodiments illustrated by the figures or description below.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the strap adjuster, according to one embodiment is presented. In certain embodiments, the apparatus contains a chassis 100 which houses a roller 200, and a pair of plungers 300. In some embodiments, roller 200 is contained within the chassis 100, and the plungers 300 are arranged longitudinally to the roller 200. When assembled, according to some embodiments, the chassis 100 also contains an upper strap bar 101, a middle strap bar 102, and a lower strap bar 103. The space between the lower strap bar 103 and the middle strap bar 102 forms the first strap receiving slot 104, and the slot between the middle strap bar 102 and the upper strap bar 101 form the second strap receiving slot 105. In certain embodiments, the roller 200 rests within the second strap receiving slot 105. FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the assembled chassis without the roller 200 or plungers 300.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 2, an exploded view of the strap adjuster is presented. According to some embodiments, the chassis 100 is comprised of a lower cover 201 and an upper cover 202, which are held together by a pair of upper body rivets 203 and a pair of lower body rivets 204. When pressed together, lower cover 201 and the upper cover 202 form the chassis 100 which serves a dual purpose of holding the strap adjuster components in place and protecting the strap adjuster components from contact with external objects, thereby ensuring the strap adjuster remains functional in adverse environments. Contained within the chassis 100 is the roller 200, which as described with additional information herein, when unlocked may spin freely and when locked is prevented from spinning.

[0034] To understand the operation of the locking and unlocking mechanism, it is helpful to first understand how the roller 200 fits into the chassis 100 when fully installed. The chassis 100 is comprised of a lower cover 201 and an upper cover 202 which are held together by the upper body rivets 203 and the lower body rivets 204. The lower cover 201 and upper cover 202 are shaped such that when they are pressed together to form the assembled chassis 100, there is a substantial amount of direct contact between the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202, shown in FIG. 8. However, according to some embodiments, when the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202 are pressed together, a pair of horizontally elongated channels 205 are created on the sides of the chassis 100, shown in FIG. 8.

[0035] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202 are riveted together, the roller 200 fits between the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202 and first roller end 206 and second roller end 207 fit partially into the horizontally elongated channels 205 formed between the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202. In some embodiments, the roller 200 is designed to include a knurled region 208 with a larger diameter than the first roller end 206 and the second roller end 207 such that the knurled region 208 does not fit into the horizontally elongated channels 205 formed between the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202. As a result, the roller 200 is contained within the chassis 100 and incapable of longitudinal movement, but otherwise free to rotate and move up and down vertically (in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the roller) within the chassis 100 at least the distance of the length of the horizontally elongated channels 205, depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0036] In some embodiments, each of the horizontally elongated channels 205 contain a plunger guide slot 209, which is responsible for holding the plunger guide 210 in place. When the lower cover 201 and upper cover 202 are riveted together, the plunger guide 210 is fitted into the plunger guide slots 209, and in some embodiments, the plunger guide 210 rests substantially in the horizontally elongated channels 205, shown in in FIG. 1. In certain embodiments, the plunger guide slots 209 may be horizontally elongated, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, and as a result the plunger guide 210 is capable of vertical movement the length of the plunger guide slots 209 as depicted by the arrows in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, since the plunger guide slots 209 are only horizontally elongated, their shape prevents the plunger guides 210 and the plunger 200 from any lateral movement (in a direction parallel to the axis of the roller).

[0037] According to some embodiments, the plunger 300 is comprised of an engagement end 301, and a finger pad 303, as shown in FIG. 2. In between the engagement end 301 and the finger pad 303 is the plunger shaft 302 which may vary in length across different embodiments. In some embodiments, the plunger shaft 302 is of sufficient length to fit entirely through the horizontally elongated channels 205 of the chassis 100, through the plunger guide 210, and into a length of the roller 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0038] The arrangement of the plunger 300, plunger guide 210, plunger spring 304, and roller 200, according to some embodiments, is shown in more detail in FIG. 3. More specifically, the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 is inserted through the plunger guide 210 such that a portion of the plunger shaft 302, including the engagement end 301 extends beyond the plunger guide 210. In certain embodiments, the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 is sized to fit directly into the roller engagement port 211 when the plunger is locked, and directly in the hollow chamber 212 when the roller is unlocked.

[0039] The roller engagement port 211 extends a short distance into the roller 200 before opening into the hollow chamber 212 of the roller 200. The plunger spring 304 is contained within the hollow chamber 212 and rests against the engagement end 301 of the plunger shaft 302, applying a constant outward force onto the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300.

[0040] In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the hollow chamber 212 exceeds the diameter of the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300, shown in FIG. 3. The distance the hollow chamber 212 extends into the roller 200 is not relevant in some embodiments, and in some other embodiments the length of the plunger spring 304 may change depending on the distance the hollow chamber 212 extends into the roller 200.

[0041] Turning now to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of the fully assembled presently disclosed strap adjuster with a first safety strap 401 and a second safety strap 402 attached is presented, according to one embodiment. In certain embodiments, the first safety strap 401 is the strap which remains stationary relative to the chassis 100. Specifically, the first safety strap 401 is looped around the lower strap bar 103, through the first strap receiving slot 104, and sewn or otherwise attached back onto itself, creating a secure but non-adjustable attachment to the chassis 100. The second safety strap 402 is fed under the upper strap bar 101, under the roller 200, up between the roller 200 and the middle strap bar 102, over the top of the roller 200, and back down between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101, before being pulled under the upper strap bar 101 in a direction opposite the strap adjuster. In some embodiments, the upper cover 202 of the chassis 100 includes one or more strap guides 403 which are intended to hold the second safety strap 402 flat against the roller 200 so to avoid the second safety strap 402 from rolling or folding onto itself when being adjusted.

[0042] In some embodiments, the strap adjuster is designed to adjust the length of the second strap 402 relative to the first safety strap 401. In the example of a safety harness, the first safety strap 401 is permanently affixed on one end to a lower portion of the harness, and permanently affixed on the other end to the lower strap bar 103 of the chassis 100. As a result of both ends of the first safety strap 401 being permanently affixed, the length of the first safety strap 401 is not adjustable. In comparison, only one end of the second safety strap 402, specifically the end that attaches to the harness is permanently affixed. The other end of the second safety strap 402, is designed to be fed through the strap adjuster. The length of the second safety strap 402 between the strap adjuster and the harness is adjustable depending on how much of the second safety strap is fed through the strap adjuster. The longer the length of the second safety strap 402 between the strap adjuster and the harness, the looser the harness will feel to the wearer. In comparison, the shorter the length of the second safety strap 402 between the strap adjuster and the harness, the tighter the harness will feel. In the harness example, adjustment of the fit of the harness can be controlled by disengaging the roller 200 of the strap adjuster, and either pulling the strap adjuster upwards or downwards, thereby shortening or lengthening the portion of the second safety strap 402 between the harness and strap adjuster to loosen or tighten the harness.

[0043] Being able to quickly and simply alter between locked and unlocked configurations is a desirable trait for a strap adjuster, because it allows a user to customize the length or tension of a strap for a more secure and comfortable fit, then quickly lock the straps into place without concern that the straps may shift or slip. In order to lock the second strap 402 in place, the presently disclosed strap adjuster relies on a combination of friction and pressure points to ensure that the second strap 402 remains static when locked.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 6, when in a locked position, the roller 200 is biased upwards towards the upper strap bar 101 (as depicted by the upwards arrow). In certain embodiments, the knurled region 208 of the roller 200 is the portion of the roller 200 in which the second safety strap 402 directly contacts, as described previously and shown in FIG. 5. The purpose of using a knurled region 208 on the roller 200 is that the knurled texture increases the friction between the second safety strap 402 and the roller 200, thereby decreasing the likelihood that the second safety strap 402 can slip once locked. In addition to the friction of the second safety strap 402 relative to the roller 200, the upward bias of the roller 200 pinches the second safety strap 402 in between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101, thereby further preventing the second safety strap 402 from shifting relative to the strap adjuster. The forces exerted on the second safety strap 402 from the friction of the knurled region 208 of the roller 200, in addition to the pinching force resulting from the second safety strap 402 being pinched between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101, are sufficient to prevent the second safety strap 402 from slipping once in the locked position.

[0045] In order to keep the roller 200 biased upwards toward the upper strap bar 101, the present disclosure according to some embodiments employs a pair of plunger guide springs 213, which are connected to the upper body rivets 203 and the plunger guides 210. As described previously and shown in FIG. 2, the plunger guides 210 rest in the plunger guide slots 209 which are located in the horizontally elongated channel 205 of the chassis 100. Because the plunger guide slots 209 allow for vertical movement of the plunger guides 210 within the horizontally elongated channel 205, the plunger 300 and roller 200 are also able to move vertically along with the plunger guide slide slots 209. The plunger guide springs 213 apply a constant upward bias on the plunger guides 210 which result in the roller 200 being also constantly biased upwards. In some embodiments, the plunger guide springs 213 are attached atop the inner surface of the lower cover 201. In other embodiments, the plunger guide springs 213 may be recessed directly into channels or slots of the lower cover 201. Still, in other embodiments, the location of the plunger guide spring 213 may be located in other places such as below the roller 200, on recessed into the upper cover 202, so long as the plunger guide spring can apply an upwards biasing force onto the roller 200.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of the strap adjuster in the unlocked position. In this position, the roller 200 is separated from the upper strap bar 101, thereby removing the pinching force resulting from the roller 200 pinching the second safety strap 402 against the upper strap bar 101. To lower the roller 200 from the upper strap bar 101 and remove this pinching force, an operator places fingers on both finger pads 303 of the plungers 300 and pulls downwardly away from the upper strap bar 101 (in the direction depicted by the arrow in FIG. 7). This downward motion should be of sufficient force to overcome the upward bias that the plunger guide springs 213 are applying onto the plunger guides 210. By applying a force sufficient to overcome the upward force of the plunger guide springs 213, an operator may pull the roller 200 down and away from the upper strap bar 101, thereby releasing the second safety strap 402 from being pinched between the roller 200 and upper strap bar 101. Because the plunger springs guide springs 213 apply a constant upward force, a user must hold the finger pads 303 downwards for as long as they wish to release the pressure between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101. Upon releasing the finger pads 303, the upward force resulting from the plunger guide springs 213 will automatically pull the roller 200 back up against the upper strap bar 101 thereby relocking the strap adjuster.

[0047] In addition to the vertical movement within horizontally elongated channel 205, the plunger 300 is also capable of movement along the axis of the roller 200. As described previously, the plunger 300, starting with the finger pads 303 outside the chassis 100, extends through the horizontally elongated channel 205, through the plunger guide 210, and into the roller 200. More specifically, the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300, shown in FIG. 10, is shaped to fit into the roller engagement port 211 of the first roller end 206, shown in FIG. 12. The longitudinal movement of the plunger 300 is controlled by the constant outward force exerted on the plunger 300 by the plunger spring 304 as shown in FIG. 3. During installation, the plunger spring 304 is compressed into the hollow chamber 212 of the roller 200 such that the plunger spring 304 maintains a constant outwards force against the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300. Being that the roller 200 is longitudinally stationary in the chassis 100, the force created by the compressed plunger spring 304 is exerted outwardly onto the finger pad 303 of the plunger 300. This outward force on the finger pad 303 is sufficient to push the entire plunger 300 outwards, including the finger pad 303, plunger shaft 302, and engagement end 301. The plunger 300 is prevented from being pushed fully out of the chassis 100 by a set screw 220 contained in the plunger guide 210, shown in FIG. 11, which engages with the plunger shaft port 305 located on the plunger shaft 302, shown in FIG. 10, thereby preventing only limited longitudinal movement of the plunger 300. In some embodiments, to further stabilize the finger pad 303 relative to the the plunger guide 210, a press fit plunger guide pin 306 is inserted between the plunger guide 210 and the finger pad 303. The press fit plunger guide pin 306 prevents rotation of the finger pad 303 and the plunger 300 relative to the plunger guide 210 by keeping the finger pad 303 axially aligned with the plunger shaft 302.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the plunger 300 is comprised of an engagement end 301, and a finger pad 303, as shown in FIG. 2. In between the engagement end 301 and the finger pad 303 is the plunger shaft 302 which may vary in length across different embodiments. In some embodiments, the plunger shaft 302 is of sufficient length to fit entirely through the horizontally elongated channels 205 of the chassis 100, through the plunger guide 210, and into a length of the roller 200, as will be described in more detail below.

[0049] While the plunger 300 is capable of longitudinal movements, the shape and configuration of the plunger 300, shown in FIG. 10, relative to the plunger guide 210, shown in FIG. 11, prevents the plunger 300 from rotating. Likewise, the shape of the plunger guide 210 relative to the plunger guide slot 209 prevent the plunger guide 210 from rotating.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the plunger 300 is sufficient length such that when in the unlocked configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, the engagement end 301 extends into the hollow chamber 212 of the roller 200, while the finger pad 303 remains extended beyond the chassis 100. The hollow chamber 212 of the roller 200, as shown in FIG. 4, is of sufficient internal diameter that the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 will not contact the walls of the hollow chamber 212.

[0051] Without any external forces being applied to the strap adjuster, the strap adjuster's default resting position is in the locked configuration. In the locked position, such as that shown in FIG. 6, the constant forces exerted outwardly by the plunger spring 304 result in the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 engaging into the roller engagement port 211 of the roller 200. The engagement end 301 of the plunger 300, which is unable to rotate due to the plunger guide's 210 placement in the horizontally elongated channel 205, engages with the roller engagement port 211 and prevents the roller 200 from rotating, thereby locking the roller 200. Because the plunger spring 304 is exerting a constant outwardly force, the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 will remain engaged with the roller engagement port 211 until an external force is applied to the plunger 300 to counter the outwardly exerted forces of the plunger spring 304. This keeps the roller 200 locked until a user unlocks the roller 200 to adjust or release a strap.

[0052] In one embodiment, to unlock the roller 200, thereby allowing it spin freely, the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 is disengaged from the roller engagement port 211. This is done by simultaneously pressing the finger pads 303 of the plungers 300. Doing so causes the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 to disengage from the roller engagement port 211 and move inward into the hollow chamber 212 of the roller 200. Once disengaged, the roller 200 is free to spin within the chassis 100 and will remain free to spin so long as the finger pads 303 are pressed inwards sufficiently to overcome the outward forces exerted by the plunger spring 304. As soon the operator releases the finger pads 303, the plunger springs 304 outwardly exerted force will push the plungers 300 back outwards, thereby forcing the engagement end 301 to reengage with the roller engagement port 211, which prevents the roller 200 from spinning.

[0053] Operation of the strap adjuster requires both unlocking aspects to occur before the second safety strap 402 can be released. As explained previously, according to some embodiments the strap adjuster is intended to allow the connection of two straps to each other. One of the straps, the first safety strap 401, is looped around the lower strap bar 103 and sewn or otherwise attached to itself, thereby not allowing for any adjustability. Instead, it is the movement of the second safety strap 402 through the strap adjuster which facilitates adjustability of the two straps relative to each other.

[0054] To connect the second safety strap 402 to the first safety strap 401, an operator presses the finger pads 303 and pull them downwardly, thereby creating a space between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101. By pressing the finger pads 303 inward, the operator has also released the aspect of the locking mechanism which prevents the roller 200 from spinning. The operator may feed the first safety strap 401 under the upper strap bar 101, and up and over the roller 200, which should require little to no force since the roller 200 may freely roll when unlocked. The user then feeds the second safety strap 402 back under the upper strap bar 101 and pulls the second safety strap 402 in a direction opposite the strap adjuster. So long as the operator applies a continuous downward and inward force to the finger pads 303, the strap adjuster will remain unlocked, and the user may pull the second safety strap 402 to a desired length or tightness. Once the desired length or tightness is reached, the operator simply releases the finger pads 303, which locks the roller 200 from spinning and forces it upward into the upper strap bar 101. The forces resulting from the friction of the stationary roller, and the pinching of the second safety strap 402 between the roller 200 and the upper strap bar 101 are sufficient to immediately lock the second safety strap 402 in place relative to the first safety strap 401. Once installed, the operator may, at any time, adjust the tightness or length of the second safety strap 402 by simply pressing the finger pads 303 inward and pulling them down to unlock the strap adjuster. This simple operation allows an operator to quickly adjust the second safety strap 402 relative to the first safety strap 401, even when integrated into a safety harness as shown in FIG. 13

[0055] According to some embodiments, both aspects of unlocking the roller 200, disengagement of the engagement end 301 of the plunger 300 from the roller engagement port 211 of the roller 200 and separation of the roller 200 from the upper strap bar 101 may be accomplished independently of one another, and the order in which the steps are performed is irrelevant. Either aspect of unlocking the strap adjuster may occur first, or the two steps may be performed simultaneously, depending solely on whether the operator pushes the finger pads 303 inward, or pulls them downwards first.

[0056] While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, modifications to the size of the various components may vary in relation to each other in ways not depicted in the figures. Similarly, the shape of certain components may vary while still performing the same function as described herein. These variations are expressly contemplated with this disclosure.

[0057] Additionally, various embodiments may utilize multiple of the same components. For example, certain embodiments may utilize multiple finger pads. Other embodiments may utilize a single plunger of extended length, as opposed to two smaller plungers. Similarly, other embodiments may also include additional features such as the ability to adjust both the first and second safety strap relative to the chassis.

[0058] Further, the materials used for each component are generally of no consequence. As long as the materials used are sufficient to bear the forces exerted on the strap adjuster by the straps, generally any material may be utilized for construction.

[0059] Additionally, although described herein primarily for use in a safety harness system, the scope of the application of the disclosed strap adjuster should not be construed to be limited only to use in a safety harness. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed strap adjuster can be used in any situation where it is desirable to attach a first strap to a second strap.

[0060] Therefore, the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the disclosure. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the disclosure, defined by the following claim or claims.

[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the term and/or includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms a, an and the are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms comprises and/or comprising when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, orientations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

[0063] It will be understood that a number of techniques and steps relating to the disclosure are presented. Each of these has individual benefits and each can also be used in conjunction with one or more, or in some cases all, of the other disclosed techniques. Accordingly, for the sake of clarity, this description will refrain from repeating every possible combination of the individual steps in an unnecessary fashion. Nevertheless, the specification and claims should be read with the understanding that such combinations are entirely within the scope of the inventions and the claims.