Harness configurations for a suspension device

Abstract

A harness system for harnessing a user to a suspension device. The harness comprises a strap system having a plurality of straps configured and operable to connect the suspension device to a back region of the harness, each strap having a back end portion at said back region and connectable to the suspension device, and a front end portion located in a front side of the harness. The straps extend from the back region to the front side of the harness and wrap around all sides of a torso of said user. A single connector assembly is used for quick connection of front end portions of at least some of the straps at the front side of the harness in a single interlocking operation, thereby to secure the harness to the user.

Claims

1. A harness for harnessing a user to a suspension device, the harness comprising: two spaced apart abdomen straps, each abdomen strap having a front end comprising a connector attached thereto and a back end configured to connect to said suspension device; two spaced apart shoulder straps, each shoulder strap having a front end connected directly to a respective one of said abdomen straps, and a back end configured to connect to said suspension device, thereby forming with said respective one of said abdomen straps a respective shoulder loop; two crotch straps each having front and back ends, the front ends of said crotch straps being connected one to the other to form a V-shaped strap structure having a connector attached to its apex, said connector configured to connect to the connectors of the abdomen straps; two spaced apart intermediary straps, each intermediary strap having a front end directly connected to a respective one of said abdomen straps, a back end configured to connect to the suspension device, and an intermediary section between said front and back ends connected directly to the back end of a respective one of said crotch straps.

2. The harness of claim 1 wherein the connection of the back ends of the shoulder, abdomen, and intermediate straps to the suspension device is configured to securely connect each of said back ends to a respective plurality of locations substantially circumferentially distributed on a circumference of the suspension device.

3. The harness of claim 1 wherein the shoulder and abdomen straps are connected directly to each other at a front side of the harness using either permanent or adjustable connecting means.

4. The harness of claim 1 wherein each intermediary strap forms a V-shaped structure having an apex at the intermediary section that directly connects to the back end of the respective crotch strap.

5. The harness of claim 1 comprising a suspension plate for mounting the suspension device thereon, said suspension plate comprising a plurality of locations substantially circumferentially distributed thereon and configured to establish the connection of the suspension device to the back ends of the shoulder, abdomen, and intermediary straps.

6. The harness of claim 5 wherein the suspension plate comprises two side slots located at opposite lateral sides of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the abdomen straps thereto, two spaced apart top slots located in an upper region of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the shoulder straps thereto, and two spaced apart bottom slots located in a lower region of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the intermediary straps thereto.

7. The harness device of claim 1 comprising a bag configured to enclose the suspension device thereinside.

8. The harness of claim 7 wherein the bag comprises a bottom pocket usable for holding the crotch straps of the harness thereinside and for quickly releasing said crotch straps through an underside opening of said bag.

9. A controlled descent device comprising the harness of claim 1, and the suspension device comprising a cable drum device configured to control a rate of release of a cable spooled thereinside and to thereby provide a desired descent rate profile.

10. A controlled descent device comprising: a suspension device, the suspension device comprising a cable drum device; and a harness for harnessing said cable drum device to a user, the harness comprising: two spaced apart abdomen straps, each having a front end comprising a connector attached thereto and a back end directly connected to said suspension device, said abdomen strap extending between said front and back ends along a respective lateral side of the harness; two spaced apart shoulder straps, each having a front end connected directly to a respective one of said abdomen straps, and a back end directly connected to said suspension device, said shoulder strap extending between said front and back ends along an upper side of the harness forming with said respective one of said abdomen straps a respective shoulder loop; two crotch straps each having front and back ends, said front ends being connected one to the other to form a V-shaped strap structure having a connector attached to its apex, said connector configured to connect to the connectors of the abdomen straps, said crotch straps extending between said front and back ends along a bottom side of the harness; two spaced apart intermediary straps each having a front end connected directly to a respective one of said abdomen straps, a back end connected directly to said suspension device, and an intermediary section between said front and back ends connected directly to a back end of a respective one of said crotch straps.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the back ends of the shoulder, abdomen, and intermediate straps are configured to connect to a respective plurality of locations substantially circumferentially distributed on a circumference of the controlled descent device.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the suspension device further comprises a suspension plate for mounting the cable drum device thereon, said suspension plate being configured to connect to back ends of the abdomen, shoulder, and intermediary straps at a plurality of locations circumferentially distributed on a circumference thereof.

13. The device of claim 12 wherein the suspension plate comprises two side slots located at the opposite lateral sides of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the abdomen straps thereto, two spaced apart top slots located in an upper region of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the shoulder straps thereto, and two spaced apart bottom slots located in a lower region of the plate for the connection of the back ends of the intermediary straps thereto.

14. The device of claim 10 wherein the cable drum device is configured to control a rate of release of a cable spooled inside said drum device, to thereby provide a desired descent rate profile.

15. The device of claim 14 wherein the cable drum device comprises: a housing and a cable reel rotatably mounted thereinside, the cable being spooled over said reel; an anchor fastener connected to a free end of said cable; and a brake mechanism inside the housing configured and operable to control the rate of release of the spooled cable.

16. A method of harnessing a user to the harness of claim 8 comprising: pulling the crotch straps outwardly from the bottom pocket of the bag; introducing shoulders of the user into the shoulder loops; passing the crotch straps between legs of the user and wrapping the crotch straps around a bottom side of the user′ torso; and connecting the connector connected to the crotch straps to the connectors connected to said abdomen straps.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the cable drum device is connected to the harness by directly connecting back ends of the abdomen, shoulder and intermediary straps to a plurality of locations substantially circumferentially distributed on a circumference of the suspension device.

18. A harness strap system comprising two spaced apart abdomen straps, each of said abdomen straps having a front end connectable to a connector and a back end configured to connect to a suspension device; two spaced apart shoulder straps, each of said shoulder straps having a front end configured to directly connect to a respective one of said abdomen straps, and a back end configured to connect to said suspension device for forming with said respective one of said abdomen straps a respective shoulder loop; two crotch straps, each of said crotch straps having front and back ends, said front ends being connected one to the other to form a V-shaped strap structure configured to connect to a connector by its apex; two spaced apart intermediary straps, each of said intermediary straps having a front end directly connected to a respective one of said abdomen straps, a back end configured to connect to said suspension device, and an intermediary section between said front and back ends directly connected to a back end of a respective one of said crotch straps.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Features shown in the drawings are meant to be illustrative of only some embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise implicitly indicated. In the drawings like reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 exemplifies use of a CDD by a rescuee descending from a multi-storied building according to some possible embodiments;

(3) FIGS. 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a harness configuration according to some possible embodiments, wherein FIG. 2A is a simplified illustration of the harness, and FIG. 2B depicts a possible implementation thereof;

(4) FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate harness and drum device arrangements according to possible embodiments wherein the drum device is attached at an upper portion of the back side of the harness, and wherein FIG. 3A depicts a CDD arrangement in which the drum device is substantially perpendicular to the back piece of the harness and FIG. 3B depicts a CDD arrangement in which the drum device is substantially parallel to the back piece of the harness;

(5) FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically illustrate a CDD and harness arrangement according to possible embodiments shown in perspective back and front views, respectively;

(6) FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically illustrate a CDD configuration according to some possible embodiments wherein a crotch support piece of the harness is held releasable undeployed inside a compartment of the CDD in its unused state, wherein FIG. 5A demonstrates an embodiment wherein the CDD is configured in the form of a backpack/bag, FIG. 5B depicts the arrangement of the drum device and harness inside the backpack before changing the harness into its deployed state, and FIG. 5C depicts the drum and harness of the CDD in an unfolded state of the crotch support piece;

(7) FIGS. 6A to 6D schematically illustrate a CDD configuration arranged as a backpack, wherein FIG. 6A depicts a front view of the CDD, FIG. 6B depicts a back view of the CDD, and FIGS. 6C and 6D depict a possible arrangement of the drum device;

(8) FIGS. 7A to 7D schematically illustrate a harness arrangement according to some possible embodiments, wherein FIG. 7A shows a back view of the harness arrangement, FIG. 7B shows an exploded view of the harness arrangement, FIG. 7C is a back view illustrating the strap system of the harness, and FIG. 7D illustrates attachment of a suspension device to the strap system of the harness;

(9) FIGS. 8A to 8N schematically illustrate step by step use of a CDD employing the harness arrangement shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D;

(10) FIGS. 9A and 9B depict back views of a CDD arrangement according to some possible embodiments wherein the drum device is mounted at a lower back area of the harness;

(11) FIG. 10A to 10C schematically illustrate a CDD arrangement according to possible embodiments configured for a reclining descent position, wherein FIG. 10A depicts a back view, and FIGS. 10B and 10C, respectively depict perspective side and back views, of the CDD in use by a descending user; and

(12) FIGS. 11A to 11C schematically illustrate a CDD arrangement according to possible embodiments wherein the drum device is releasably held in a pouch before using the CDD, and wherein FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B depicts back views of the CDD respectively showing the crotch support of the CDD in a folded state and in a deployed state, and FIG. 11C depicts a front view of the CDD in use by the descending user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

(13) The various embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. Elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. This invention may be provided in other specific forms and embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics described herein.

(14) FIG. 1 exemplifies use of a CDD 9 according to some possible embodiments. In this non-limiting example, a rescuee 7 escaping a high structure 3 (e.g., building) safely descends from the structure by controlled release of a cable 4 spooled in the CDD 9. The CDD 9 comprises a harness 6 (e.g., type of adjustable quick fit harness) worn by the rescuee 7, and a drum device 5 attached to the back side of the harness 6, at the upper back area of the rescuee 7 (e.g., between the shoulder blades of the rescuee 7). The drum device 5 includes a spooled cable 4 having an anchor fastener 4h (e.g., a snap hook) attached to its free end and a brake mechanism 5m (e.g., centrifugal brake) configured to regulate the rate of cable release from the drum device 5 and thereby guarantee safe descent of the rescuee 7 to the ground 2.

(15) As shown in FIG. 1, in order to escape the structure 3 (e.g., in an emergency situation, such as a spreading fire) the rescuee 7 wears the harness 6, secures the anchor fastener 4h to an anchor member 3r, preferably an anchor fixture fixedly attached to the structure 3 (e.g., anchor ring), and exits the structure 3 e.g., through an opening 3w such as a window, exit/escape door, or the like. After exiting the structure 3 the rescuee 7 is pulled downwards by gravity (shown by arrow 1) towards the ground 2 and the spooled cable 4 is progressively released from the drum device 5 as the rescuee 7 descends downwardly towards the ground 2. In this non-limiting example the harness 6 and drum device 5 arrangement guarantees that orientation of the body of the rescuee 7 during the fall is substantially vertical relative to the ground 2. The brake mechanism 5m provided in the drum device 5 is configured to controllably release the spooled cable 4 within predefined release rates and thereby maintain a substantially controlled descent speed (e.g., about 1 to 2 m/sec) of the rescuee 7, until safely reaching the ground 2.

(16) FIGS. 2A and 2B show a harness design according to some possible embodiments. With reference to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments the harness 6 includes an upper strap arrangement 66 comprising two substantially vertical torso straps 65 and a suspension strap system 63 traversing the back side of the harness (i.e., passing horizontally) and connecting between the torso straps 65, thereby forming a “”-shaped upper strap structure 66. The suspension strap system 63 may comprise at least one back traverse strap (6q in FIG. 2B) connecting between the torso straps 65 (e.g., the back strap portions 65b) and being configured and operable as a suspension assembly defining a suspension point at a predetermined location (at 5s) corresponding to a lower back region of the user.

(17) An attachment member 5s secured at a lower region of the suspension strap system 63 may be used to provide a suspension point located at a lower back area of the harnessed user 7. With this configuration of the harness 6 the drum device 5 is attached to the suspension point 5s located at the lower back area of the harnessed rescuee which facilitates positioning the body of the harnessed rescuee in a desired upright substantially vertical body posture during the fall. As will be explained hereinbelow, this configuration of the harness 6 may be further employed to evenly distribute the tensions exerted over the different straps of the harness 6, and thereby assist in preventing suspension trauma.

(18) Each torso strap 65 includes a back strap portion 65b passing along the back side of the harness 6, a shoulder strap portion 65s extending upwardly from one end of the back strap portion 65b, and a waist strap portion 65w extending downwardly from another end of the back strap portion 65b. More particularly, the shoulder strap portions 65s of the torso straps 65 are designed to pass frontally over the shoulders of the user 7, and therefrom downwardly along the front side of the user, and the waist strap portions 65w are designed to pass frontally over waist regions of the user 7 towards abdomen areas of the user. The extremities of the torso straps 65 may be connectable to each other by a connecting means (not shown), and/or by chest straps (6t in FIG. 3B), to thereby form two shoulder loops (66p in FIG. 3) designed for fitting the harness straps over the shoulders of the user.

(19) The harness 6 may further comprise a bottom strap arrangement 67 having a V-shaped structure connected to the waist strap portions 65w of the torso straps 65. For example, and without being limiting, the connection between the torso straps 65 and the V-shaped strap structure 67 may be applied at intersection points C1 wherein the upper portions of the arms 6y of the V-shaped strap structure 67 and the waist strap portions of the torso straps 65 are crossed. As will be described hereinbelow, the apex region C6 of the V-shaped strap structure 67 is connectable to the extremities of the arms of the V-shaped strap structure 67 (e.g., by belly straps 6e shown in FIG. 3B) to thereby form leg loops (66g in FIG. 3) of the harness.

(20) Referring now to FIG. 2B, showing a possible implementation of the harness design exemplified in FIG. 2A comprising the upper strap arrangement (66) and the bottom strap arrangement (67). In this non-limiting example the back strap portions 65b extend vertically along the sides of a back piece 6b of the harness 6, which includes the suspension strap system 63. As seen, the suspension strap system 63 includes two spaced apart back traverse straps; the back traverse strap 6q having a “^”-shaped structure passing (horizontally) along the bottom side of the back piece 6b and connected to the torso straps 65 at points C1, and an upper back traverse strap 6g passing (horizontally) along the upper part of the back piece 6b (at shoulder area of the rescuee 7) and connected at points C8 to the torso straps 65. The suspension strap system 63 may also comprise two or more spaced apart vertical shoulder-blade support straps 6u passing vertically along the back piece 6b and connected to the upper back traverse strap 6g at their upper ends (at points C9) and to the lower back traverse strap 6q at their lower ends (at points C3).

(21) As also seen in FIG. 3B, the bottom strap arrangement 67 is generally a V-shaped strap structure having two straps 6y (also referred to herein as arms) tapering downwardly towards the apex region of the structure situated at the free end (at 8c) of the crotch piece 6c. The intersections of the waist strap portions 65w of the torso straps 65 and the upper arm portions of the V-like shaped strap structure 6y form/define two waist pieces 6w of the harness 6 designed to pass frontally along the waist of the harnessed user towards abdomen areas of the user. The V-shaped strap structure 6y is part of the crotch piece 6c designed to pass between the legs of the rescuee 7, and its arms extend downwardly from the waist (and back) pieces 6w and pass along the sides of the crotch piece 6c. In some embodiments the V-shaped strap structure 6y further includes a buttock strap 6h passing horizontally between the ‘arms’ of the V-shaped strap 6y for supporting the bottom of the harnessed rescuee 7.

(22) As exemplified in FIG. 2B the torso straps 65 may extend upwardly from a lower lobe LL of the waist pieces 6w, passing vertically along the sides of the back piece 6b and therefrom over the shoulders of the rescuee 7 towards the rescuee's front side and downwardly towards the chest of the rescuee. The V-shaped straps 6y may extend from an upper lobe UL of the waist pieces 6w downwardly towards the rescuee's buttock (at buttock strap 6h), and therefrom upwardly along the front side of the rescuee 7 towards the abdomen area of the user. In this configuration the torso straps 65 extending upwardly from a lower lobe LL of the waist pieces 6w and the V-shaped straps 6y extending downwardly from an upper lobe UL of the waist pieces 6w are crossed at the waist area of the rescuee (at points C1 in the waist pieces 6w).

(23) As described above, the front ends of the waist pieces 6w may be shaped to form ear-like structures having upper lobes UL and lower lobes LL. The upper lobes UL of the waist pieces 6w are connectable to the free ends of the shoulder strap portions 65s by chest straps 6t (at points C4 and C7). In some embodiments connection of the chest straps 6t to the shoulder strap portions 65s is implemented using a type of adjustable connection mechanism (e.g., buckles). Two belly straps 6e may be connected to the lower lobes LL of the waist pieces 6w. Alternatively, the belly straps 6e may be implemented as an integral part of the shoulder strap portions 65s, which may thus extend beyond the waist pieces 6w towards the abdomen area of the rescuee (7). As also seen in FIG. 2B, the belly straps 6e include connection elements 8f (e.g., adjustable slide buckles) configured to implement quick connection of the waist pieces 6w to the free end (at 8c) of the crotch piece 6c.

(24) FIG. 2B demonstrates various strap connection points, as follows: at the crossing area C1 of the V-shaped straps 6y and shoulder strap portions 65s; at the apex portion of the V-shaped strap structure 6y for connecting a quick connection element 8c (e.g., “T”-lock bar/male part of quick-lock buckle) at C6; at the midpoint C5 of the lower back traverse strap 6q for connecting the arms of its A-shaped structure to each other, and for connecting the attachment member 5s thereto; and at the extremities C2 of the buttock strap 6h for connecting it to the V-shaped strap structure 6y. In some embodiments, the connection point C1, of the free ends of the V-shaped straps 6y and of the free ends of the waist strap portions of the torso straps, may be further used to connect the extremities of the back traverse strap 6q at the waist pieces 6w areas of the harness.

(25) The connection of the various straps and their connection points may be carried out by stitching, welding, using rivets/bolts, buckles and/or adhesives, or any combination thereof. The harness 6 may further comprise one or more mesh and/or padding layers 6d applied over the straps.

(26) Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, as seen, different arrangements of the harness 6 and drum device 5 of the CDD 9 may be used. For example, and without being limiting, in FIG. 3A the drum device 5 includes a cable reel 5d and it is attached to the suspension strap system 63 provided in the back piece (or plate) 6b of the harness 6 such that the plane of rotation of the cable reel 5d, rotatably mounted inside the drum device 5, is substantially perpendicular to the back piece 6b (i.e., perpendicular to a frontal plane of the harnessed user) and is aligned with a longitudinal axis 7g thereof (i.e., in, or in parallel to, a sagittal/median plane of a rescuee's body). In another non-limiting example, depicted in FIG. 3B, the drum device 5 is attached to the suspension strap system 63 of the harness 6 such that the plane of rotation of the cable reel 5d is substantially parallel to the back piece 6b (i.e., parallel to a frontal plane of the harnessed rescuee 7).

(27) As exemplified in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in these non-limiting examples the harness 6 and drum device 5 may be arranged such that the orientation of the body of the rescuee 7 during the fall is forwardly inclined, relative to the descent direction 1, with the head of the rescuee 7 directed upwardly, as exemplified in FIG. 1.

(28) FIGS. 3A and 3B further show the shoulder strap portions 65s extending frontally from the sides of the upper part of the back piece 6b over the shoulders of the rescuee 7 and then passing downwardly along the front side of the rescuee's body are connected to the two waist pieces (or straps) 6w extending frontally form the lower part of the back piece 6b towards the front side of the rescuee 7. Particularly, in this non-limiting example, upper sides of the free ends of the waist pieces 6w are connected to (or integral part of) the free ends of the shoulder strap portions 65s to thereby form two shoulder loops 66p, that are wearable by passing the rescuee's arms through the shoulder loops 66p, and placing the shoulder strap portions 65s over the shoulders of the rescuee 7.

(29) FIGS. 3A and 3B further show the crotch piece (or straps) 6c extending from the lower side of the back piece 6b and passing between the legs of the rescuee 7 and then passing upwardly along the front side of the rescuee 7. The harness 6 further comprises, in this non-limiting example, a quick connector mechanism 8 (e.g., safe-T-bar buckle) configured to enable quick connection (and release) of the waist pieces/straps 6w to the free end (at 8c) of the crotch piece/strap 6c at a location over the rescuee's abdomen.

(30) As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B the drum device 5 may comprise a housing 5h in which the cable reel 5d is operably mounted for rotation about a rotation axis 5a. The cable 4 is spooled on the cable reel 5d and its free end (to which the anchor fastener 4h is attached) exits the housing 5h through an opening 5p provided at the top side of the housing of the drum device 5. In some embodiments a centrifugal brake mechanism is mounted inside the cable reel 5d configured to rotate movable brake elements 5b (e.g., brake shoes) thereinside in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the cable reel 5d (e.g., using a planetary gear—not shown). In this way, while the spooled cable 4 is gradually released through the opening 5p during the fall, the cable reel 5d rotates inside the housing 5h and the brake elements 5b rotating in a counter direction become pressed against the inner wall of the cable reel 5d due to centrifugal forces acting on them. Friction forces evolving between the movable brake elements 5b and the inner wall of the cable reel 5d slow the rotation speed of the cable reel 5d and thus adjust the descent speed of the rescuee 7 towards the ground 2.

(31) Possible embodiments of the centrifugal brake mechanism are described in Israeli Patent Application No. 235049, titled “Centrifugal Brake”, of the same applicant hereof. It should be however understood that the present invention is not limited to a specific centrifugal brake mechanism, and that other suitable brake mechanisms may be used in possible embodiments of the invention.

(32) Optionally, and in some embodiments preferably, the harness 6 and drum device 5 are arranged such that an inclination of a rescuee's body relative to the direction of the fall 1 is caused during the fall, as demonstrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this non-limiting example, the desired body inclination is achieved by arranging the CDD such that the drum device 5 is attached to the harness 6 (e.g., by “O”-rings and/or shackles 5r) at a suspension point (e.g., at Ss) located at a lower portion of the back piece 6b of the harness 6 (e.g., about, or slightly above the center of gravity of the rescuee). In this way, by lowering the suspension point of the rescuee 7 towards the lower back area, a forward tilt (“nose-down tilt” of a degrees e.g., about 5° to 10°) of the rescuee's body is enabled during the fall. Such nose-down tilt advantageously provides the rescuee a downward line of sight, thereby allowing the rescuee 7 to observe and skip possible obstacles along the fall path 1, see the approaching ground 2, and prepare to hit it.

(33) For this purpose, the harness 6 may be provided with an attachment member 5s (e.g., anchor ring or eye) of the suspension strap system 63 fixedly secured at the lower part of the back piece 6b and above the crotch piece 6c. The CDD configuration demonstrated in FIG. 3A may be further adjusted to facilitate the desired nose-down tilt by configuring the rotating drum 5d to apply a pitching moment (e.g., a negative pitching moment) on the body of the rescuee 7.

(34) FIGS. 4A and 4B exemplify connection of the drum device 5′ to the harness 6. In this non-limiting example the drum device 5′ is substantially parallel to the suspension strap system 63 of the back piece (6b). The upper side of the drum device 5′ includes an opening 5p through which the spooled cable is released, and the bottom side of the drum device is attached to the center of the lower back traverse strap 6q to form a lower suspension point (at 5s) for allowing tilting the body of the rescuee 7 forwardly. The drum device 5 may be also connected to the upper back traverse strap 6g and/or to the shoulder-blade support straps 6u, however, this additional connection may be a loose or elastic connection suitable for mounting the drum over an upper area of the back piece (6b) while guaranteeing the desired lower suspension point at 5s.

(35) FIGS. 5A to 5C demonstrate possible embodiments wherein the CDD is implemented in the form of a backpack 11g. With reference to FIG. 5A, the backpack 11g is configured to comfortably enclose and carry the drum device 5 and a releasable crotch piece assembly 11. In this non-limiting example, the CDD comprises waist pieces 6w extending frontally from the back piece 6b of the backpack 11g, and a cover 6f enclosing the drum device 5 and the releasable crotch piece assembly 11 inside the backpack 11g.

(36) FIG. 5B shows the CCD without the cover 6f and with the crotch piece assembly 11 in a folded state. The crotch piece assembly 11 may comprise a quick release handle 11a, usable for quickly changing the folded crotch piece 11 into its open state, as exemplified in FIG. 5C. The quick release handle 11a may be situated in any suitable location in the CDD allowing easy and convenient access to it by the user. In use, the user 7 pulls the quick release handle 11a to release the crotch piece 11 by changing its state into an unfolded state, and then draws the unfolded crotch piece 11 between the user's legs and secures the apex region E6 to the waist pieces 6w over an abdomen region thereof.

(37) FIGS. 6A to 6D schematically illustrate a CDD arrangement configured in the form of a backpack. FIG. 6A shows a front view of the CDD 90, according to a possible embodiment, comprising a back piece 6b, two spaced apart shoulder straps 65s extending frontally from the upper side of the back piece 6b, and two waist straps 6w extending frontally from lateral sides and the bottom side of the back piece 6b. As seen, the waist straps 6w include connection elements 8f configured to permit quick connection of the waist straps 6w over an abdomen region of the harnessed user. The back piece 6b may comprise a suspension strap system 63 as described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

(38) Referring now to FIG. 6B showing a back view of the CDD 90. As seen, the back piece 6b includes a backpack cover 6f enclosing the drum device 5″ and a portion of unspooled cable 4 including the anchor fastener 4h secured to the free end of the cable. In this non-limiting example the CDD 90 further includes a cable guiding unit 91 situated within the backpack arrangement of the CDD above the drum device 5″. A first compartment 90a of the backpack arrangement 90, located at an upper part of the back piece 6b, may be used for accommodating a predetermined length of unspooled cable 4 thereinside together with the anchor fastener 4h secured thereto, and another compartment 90b of the backpack arrangement 90, located at a lower part of the back piece 6b, may be used for accommodating the drum device 5″ and the cable guiding unit 91.

(39) In this configuration the unspooled portion of the cable extending from the cable release opening 5p is engaged in the cable guiding unit 91 located above the drum unit 5″, and passes therefrom through a partition 90p, separating between the compartments 90a and 90b, into the upper compartment 90a. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the drum device 5″ may be secured (e.g., by “O”-rings and/or shackles 5r) to the suspension strap system 63 at a suspension point at 5s located at a lower portion of the back piece 6b.

(40) Referring now to FIG. 6D, the cable release opening 5p of the drum device 5″ may include a cable guiding assembly 92c (e.g., using rollers 92d) configured to smoothly guide the cable released from the drum device 5″ during descent. The cable guiding assembly 92c may be further configured to ensure one way outside passage of the cable 4 through the opening 5p and prevent undesired return of the cable therethrough into the drum device 5″ (e.g., by using a ratchet mechanism—not shown).

(41) Similarly, the cable guiding unit 91 located above the drum device 5″ may also include a cable guiding assembly 91c (e.g., using rollers 91d) for smoothly releasing the cable from the CDD, which may be also configured to ensure one direction cable passage therethrough. In some embodiments employing rollers 91d and 92d in the cable guiding assemblies 91c and 92c respectively, the rollers 91d and 92d may be arranged such that one set of rollers is substantially perpendicular to the other, thereby guaranteeing that the cable is released from the drum substantially straight upwardly without entangling with the straps and/or other parts of the harness.

(42) FIGS. 7A to 7D schematically illustrate a harness 70 having a single strap connector arrangement. With reference to FIG. 7A, the harness 70 may comprise a back-piece or a backpack (hereinafter referred to as backpack 75), to which a suspension device 5 can be attached. Two spaced-apart shoulder straps 71s of the harness 70 extend from an upper portion of the backpack 75, and two abdomen straps 72s extend laterally (sideways) from the opposite sides of the backpack 75. Two spaced-apart crotch straps 74s define a bottom portion of the harness 70 and are designed to pass between the user's legs and along the front side of the user. Two intermediary straps 73s extend downwardly from a bottom side of the backpack 75 and define apexes 73b at a lower back area of the harness 70, wherefrom the intermediary straps extend upwardly and their ends are connected (e.g., by stitches 73t shown in FIG. 7C) to the abdomen straps 72s.

(43) In other words, the intermediary straps 73s are arranged to form two spaced apart V-shaped structures connecting the abdomen straps 72s of the harness 70 to the crotch straps 74s attached to their apexes (at 73b). Particularly, each intermediary strap 73s connects, by one arm of its V-shaped structure, one crotch strap 74s to a respective abdomen strap 72s of the harness 70, and by the other arm of its V-shaped structure, connects the crotch strap 74s to the backpack 75. This configuration of the intermediary straps 73s facilitates even distribution of the load of the harnessed user over the different straps of the harness 70, and enables quick connection of the shoulder (71s) and abdomen (72s) straps to the V-shaped crotch straps 74s by a single connector assembly (e.g., using a “T”-lock buckle).

(44) The shoulder straps 71s extend from an upper portion of the backpack 75 and pass downwardly along the frontal side of the harness 70 where the free end (at 71b in FIGS. 7B and 7C) of each shoulder strap 71s is connected to a respective loop adjustment strap 71k of the harness 70. Each loop adjustment strap 71k is connected at one end to a respective abdomen strap 72s (e.g., by stitches 73t) and at its free end connects to the respective shoulder strap 71s (e.g., by slide buckles 71b), thereby forming two adjustable shoulder loops 710 of the harness 70. The crotch straps 74s are connected to the apexes (e.g., by slide buckles 73b) of the V-shaped intermediary straps 73s and extend downwardly forming a V-shape structure having an apex (at 74b) where their free ends are connected to each other.

(45) A quick connector 8c (e.g., “T”-lock bar) connected (e.g., via slide buckle 74b) by an adjustable strap 74e to the apex of the crotch straps 74s, and two connecting elements 8f (e.g., female part of quick lock buckle) provided at the free ends of the abdomen straps 72s, are used for harnessing the user by passing the V-shaped crotch straps 74s between the user's legs and therefrom upwardly along the front side of the user, and connecting the quick connector 8c to the connecting elements 8f at the abdomen (or lower chest) area of the user. The backpack includes a bottom pocket 75p having an underside opening at the bottom side of the backpack 75 for holding the V-shaped crotch straps 74s of the harness 70 in a folded state, and allowing quick release of the crotch straps 74s therefrom for harnessing to the user.

(46) A suspension device 5 (e.g., parachute or drum device) can be connected to the to end portions (71s′, 72s′ and 73s′ in FIG. 7B) of the shoulder, intermediary and abdomen, straps of the harness 70 residing inside the backpack 75, thereby defining a back suspension area of the harness 70 configured and operable to equally distribute the load of the harnessed user between the different straps wrapping the user's torso, and thereby facilitate in preventing suspension trauma. A cable slit 75s provided in an upper region of the backpack 75 can be used for releasing a cable 4 of the suspension device 5 attached to the harness 70 inside the backpack 75, to the outside of the backpack 75. In this non-limiting example the suspension device 5 comprises a drum device configured and operable to controllably release the cable 4 having an anchor fastener 4h attached to its free end. The anchor fastener 4h may be releasably attached to one of the shoulder straps 71s near the chest area of the user.

(47) The shoulder, abdomen and intermediary straps of the harness 70, are attached, or embedded in, one or more covers/pads arranged for cushioning the harness for user comfort, and prevent suspension trauma which may be caused during the fall by straps pressed against the limbs and/or torso of the harnessed user. With reference to FIG. 7B, the harness may comprise an upper pad 71 configured to pad upper shoulder and chest regions of the harnessed user. The upper pad 71 comprises two spaced apart arms 71f converging into a base section 71a of the pad 71. The arms 71f of the pad 71 are configured to accommodate the shoulder straps 71s and define a gap 71n between them configured to receive the neck of the harnessed user therein. In this non-limiting example the upper pad 71 comprises two slits 71x at its base section 71a for passing the end portions 71s′ of the shoulder straps 71s from the inner (or interior) side of the pad 71 to its outer side for connection to the suspension device 5.

(48) A handle 71d may be attached to the upper pad 71 of the harness 70 (and/or to the back piece 75) to provide convenient grip of the harness. The connection of the different straps of the harness 70 between themselves, and/or to other parts/elements of the harness can be carried out by stitching, welding, rivet/bolts, adhesive materials, or combinations thereof. Adjustable strap connectors (e.g., having slide buckles) may be used for connecting some of the straps of the harness 70 to enable easy size adjustment of parts of the harness 70 to the user's body.

(49) The base section of the upper pad 71 is connected to a middle pad 72 configured to pad back regions of the harness user. The middle pad 72 is generally of trapezoidal shape which major base is used to connect to the upper pad 71 and define two side flaps 72f configured for wrapping the sides (waists) of the harnessed user. The middle pad 72 comprises two spaced apart slits 72y at opposite sides near the major base for passing the end portions 72s′ of the abdomen straps 72s from the inner (or interior) side of the pads to the outer side for attachment to the suspension device 5. Two additional spaced apart slits 73z provided in the middle pad 72 below the slits 72y are used for passing the end portions 73s′ of the intermediate straps 73s from the inner (or interior) side of the pads to the outer side for attachment to the suspension device 5.

(50) A lower pad 73 comprising the waist straps 72s and the intermediary straps 73s (e.g., attached to it by stitches) is used for padding middle and lower back regions of the harnessed user. The lower pad 73 is also generally of trapezoid shape, having a major bases region configured to fit for attachment beneath a minor base region of the middle pad 72, and two spaced apart legs 73q extending downwardly from its minor base. The trapezoidal shape of the lower pad 73 is configured to accommodate the V-shaped structures of the intermediate straps 73s, such that the arms of each intermediate strap 73s are sideways spread towards its major base portion, and the apex of each intermediate strap 73s, with the slide buckles 73b attached to it, is located in a respective leg 73q extending from the minor base portion of the lower pad 73.

(51) As also seen in FIGS. 7B and 7C, each arm of the V-shaped crotch assembly formed by the crotch straps 74s is configured to connect to the slide buckles 73b of a respective intermediary strap 73s. The V-shaped crotch assembly may also comprise a V-shaped pad 74v having at each arm thereof a sleeve configured for passage of a respective crotch strap 74s therethrough.

(52) In this non-limiting example the abdomen straps 72s are attached at the major base region of the lower pad 73, and extend therefrom in opposite lateral directions. The intermediary straps 73s and the abdomen straps 72s may be connected (e.g., by stitches 73t) to each the other at their intersection areas at the extremities of the major base of the middle pad 72. As also seen in FIG. 7C, The lower pad 73 is placed underneath the middle pad 72 such that the gap 73g formed between its legs 73q is aligned with an arc-shaped indentation 73c formed in the center of the minor base region of the upper pad 71.

(53) FIG. 7C shows the harness 70 after attaching the upper pad 71 and the lower pad 73 to the middle pad 72, and passing the end portions of the shoulders, abdomen and intermediate straps, 71s′, 72s′ and 73s′, respectively, through their respective slits, 71x, 72y and 73z. As also seen in FIG. 7C, the loop adjustment strap 71k may be connected to the abdomen straps 72s and/or the intermediary straps 73s at the extremities of the major base of the middle pad 72 (e.g., by stitches 73t). Optionally, each loop adjustment strap 71k is a continuation of a respective intermediary strap 73s, being together a unitary unsegmented strap. Also, a cable holder sleeve 71w, for holding the portion of the cable 4 released from the suspension device before use, may be quickly opened (e.g., by Velcro attachment) for releasing the cable 4 therefrom.

(54) Referring now to FIG. 7D, the strap system is designed such that the end portions of shoulder straps 71s′, the abdomen straps 72s′, and the intermediary straps 73s′, are connected inside the backpack 75 to a descent device e.g., drum device, 5, by means of circumferentially arranged strap slots (93x, 93y, 93z), thereby defining a suspension area of the device about the middle, or middle-upper back area (near the shoulder blades) of the harnessed user. For example, and without being limiting, the end portion 71s′, 72s′ and 73s′, of each shoulder, abdomen and intermediary strap is passed through its respective slot 93x, 93y, 93z, and secured to itself by straps connecting means 94 (e.g., using a slide buckle).

(55) Optionally, and in some embodiments preferably, the suspension device is a drum device 5 attached to a suspension plate 93 (e.g., made of metal and having a thickness of about 1.5 to 2 mm) in which the strap slots 93x, 93y and 93z are formed. In this non-limiting example, the suspension plate comprises two side slots 93y, located at opposite lateral sides of the plate 93 for connection of the two abdomen straps 72s thereto, two spaced apart top slots 93x located in an upper region of the plate 93 for connection of the two shoulder straps 71s thereto, and two spaced apart bottom slots 93z located in a lower region of the plate 93 for connection of the two intermediary straps 73s thereto.

(56) The strap slots 93x, 93y and 93z, may be formed in peripherally distributed ears of the suspension plate 93. This arrangement of the straps connected to the suspension plate 93, and the attachment of the crotch (74s) and shoulder (71s, via the loop adjustment straps 71k) straps to the abdomen straps 72s, guarantees that the load of the harnessed user is evenly distributed between the various straps. In addition, the location of the drum device 5 at an upper back region of the harnessed user may be used to cause a forward nose-down tilt posture of the user's body during descent.

(57) FIGS. 8A to 8N schematically illustrate step by step use of the CDD shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D. In FIG. 8A the harness 70 is seen in an undeployed state of its various straps and with the crotch straps (74s) in a folded state inside the bottom pocket 75p of the backpack 75. A pulling band 74c attached to the crotch straps (74s) is seen emerging from the bottom pocket 75p of the backpack 75 so as to provide a quick release of the crotch strap in an emergency situation, as exemplified in FIG. 8B. After pulling out the crotch straps 74s from the bottom pocket 75p the harness 70 is changed into a deployed state seen in FIG. 8C, by spreading the shoulder (71s) and the abdomen (72s) straps and revealing the shoulder loops 71o.

(58) Next, harness 70 is donned by the user 7 by fitting the shoulder loops 710 over the shoulders, as shown in FIG. 8D. The size of the shoulder loops 710 may be then adjusted by pulling, or releasing, portions of the loop adjustment strap 71k through their attachment means 71b to the shoulder straps 71s, as exemplified in FIG. 8E. Referring now to FIGS. 8F to 8H, the harnessing of the user 7 requires passing the crotch straps 74s between the legs of the user 7, and attaching the connecting elements 8f provided at the free ends of the abdomen straps to quick connector 8c at the apex of the V-shaped crotch strap structure. As seen, in this way all straps of the harness 70 become connected by means of a single quick connecting assembly, allowing speedy harnessing of the user, and speedy release therefrom upon reaching safe ground. In FIG. 81 the abdomen straps 72s are adjusted (e.g., by slide buckles provided in the connecting elements 81) to tightly fit the harness straps' over the torso of the user, and in FIG. 8J the size of the crotch assembly is adjusted by the adjustable strap 74e connecting the quick connector 8c to the crotch straps 74s.

(59) After the user is harnessed, the anchor fastener 4h is released from the shoulder strap 71s. In FIG. 8K the user utilizes a release band 4j to pull the anchor fastener 4 and remove it from the shoulder strap 71s, and in FIG. 8L the user connects the anchor fastener 4h to an anchor member 3r provided in a wall of the high structure 3. The user exits in FIG. 8M the high structure 3 through the opening/window 3w, and in FIG. 8N, safely descends down to safe ground.

(60) FIGS. 9A and 9B depict back views of a CDD according to some possible embodiments wherein the drum device 5 is mounted at a lower back area of the harness. In this non-limiting example, the harness includes two spaced apart shoulder straps 65s attached to the upper side of a back piece 6b and configured to wrap around the shoulders of the harnessed user 7, and two waist pieces/straps 6w configured to wrap around waist regions of the harnessed user 7. The shoulder straps 65s may be connected to waist straps 6w over an abdomen region of the user using a type of quick connection unit.

(61) The back piece 6b of the harness may be implemented by a plate 68 (e.g., made from a suitable metal and having a thickness of about 1.5 to 2 mm) having a relatively wider width at its upper portion, and whose width is gradually reduced towards its lower portion along section 68t, until assuming a constant width along a subsequent section 68c of the plate passing along the lower back side of the harness. As better seen in FIG. 9B, the lower part 68c of the plate 68 having substantially constant width includes two lateral legs 68e extending downwardly therefrom in sideway directions and respectively attached to the waist pieces/straps 6w of the harness.

(62) As exemplified in FIGS. 9A and 9B, this configuration of the back piece 6b may be advantageously used to mount the drum device 5 directly over the lower back region of the harnessed user. More particularly, the back plate 68 may be configured to provide secured connection for the drum device 5 at the lower part of its constant width section 68c, near the location of attachment of the lateral legs 68e thereto, or between the lateral legs 68e. In some possible embodiments the CDD includes a cable guide 61 (e.g., sheath or conduit) attached along the length of the back plate 68 for preventing contact with the cable 4 by the user and by parts of the CDD located above drum device 5 and assuring smooth and obstacle-free cable release during descent.

(63) FIGS. 10A to 10C schematically illustrate a CDD arrangement according to possible embodiments configured for a reclining descent position. FIG. 10A schematically depicts a CDD 10 comprising a drum device 12, a cable 14, a cable conduit 16, an anchor fastener 18, a sheath 20, a back piece 22, a harness mount 24, a left shoulder strap 26, a right shoulder strap 28, a chest traverse strap 30 a strap fastener 32, a female fastener 34, a male fastener 36, a right crotch strap 38, a left crotch strap 40, a harness seat 42, a harness conjugation 44 and chest loops 46.

(64) The drum device 12 comprises a spool of cable configured to release a cable at a controlled speed upon reeling out of the cable from the drum. The drum device may be equipped with a centrifugal braking mechanism as described hereinabove configured to control the speed of cable release from the drum device by applying friction forces by brake shoes.

(65) The conduit 16 is configured to allow cable 14 to slide through it. The conduit 16 may be made from a substantially rigid or flexible tubing having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the cable 14. For example, and without being limiting, the conduit 16 may be made from metal or plastic material, optionally with an additional inner sleeve made of a material having a low coefficient of friction with the cable 14. Since the cable 14 is configured to hold the user's weight and this force is transferred via the cable guide assembly, if the conduit diameter is large, relative to the cable diameter, the force will be concentrated on a relatively small area of the conduit, thereby potentially impacting the structural integrity of the conduit. According to an embodiment of the invention, the conduit inner diameter is similar to the cable outer diameter such that it maximizes the area (relative to the conduit diameter) upon which the force is concentrated. Alternatively the metal of the conduit may be a self-lubricating metal or plastic which reduces friction. In addition, a lubricant may be applied to the cable and/or to the conduit 16.

(66) The conduit 16 may optionally be enclosed or partially enclosed by a sheath 20 to assist in affixing the conduit to the CDD. The sheath 20 may be attached, for example, by sewing to crotch strap 38 or 40 or harness seat 42 to enable passage of the conduit 16 from the user's back side to the user's front side between the user's legs. In some embodiments the sheath 20 comprises a synthetic fabric material.

(67) The cable 14, at its distal end (after passing through conduit 16) is attached to the anchor fastener 18, which may comprise a carabineer, loop, hook or similar device configured to be fastened to an anchor located in or in the proximity of the high structure being escaped from. The anchor fastener 18 may comprise a quick-release device which can be rapidly secured to an anchor.

(68) The back piece 22 may comprise a synthetic fabric material to which straps may be affixed, for example, by stitching. The harness mount 24 may be affixed to the drum device 12 and to the back piece 22 of the harness. Left shoulder strap 26 and right shoulder strap 28 may be affixed to the back piece 22 of the harness, for example, by stitching. The shoulder straps 26 and 28 may be configured to attach to the back piece 22 at an upper end and at a lower end, thereby forming shoulder loops configured to fit snugly around the shoulders of the user.

(69) The straps 26, 28 and/or 30 may be adjustable by buckles, for example spring loaded buckles, for easy length adjustment. Such spring-loaded buckles may be configured to prevent loosening of straps under substantial force, for example, gravitational forces acting on a human exiting from a high structure. The straps 26, 28 and 30 may be attached to the back piece 24, for example by looping through loops provided in the back piece 24 of the harness, for example by using the strap fastener 32.

(70) The chest traverse strap 30 may be fitted with interlocking fasteners which are configured to remain interlocked under substantial force. For example, chest traverse strap 30 may be fitted at one end with a male fastener 32 and at the other end with a female fastener 34 which interlock. The interlocking fasteners may comprise a safety mechanism to prevent inadvertent opening of the fasteners.

(71) The crotch straps 38 and 40 may be attached to harness seat 42 (e.g., a triangular piece of durable fabric), for example, by stitching. The harness seat 42 may have a wide side attached to the lower side of the back piece 22 of the harness, and may narrow to a narrow end at the end of the harness seat opposite the wide side, near harness conjugation 44. Harness seat 42 may comprise padding.

(72) The right crotch strap 38 and the left crotch strap 40 may overlap or meet at harness conjugation 44 at which point crotch straps may be sewn together. Optionally, one or both of the crotch straps may continue distally from harness conjugation. At the conjugation 44, the sheath 20 and/or the conduit 16 may also be affixed. The sheath 20 may also be fitted with chest loops 46 attached to the sheath 20 configured to accommodate the chest traverse strap 30 passing through it. Optionally the chest loops 46 are provided at a point distal from conjugation 44. Alternatively or additionally, the crotch strap may comprise chest loops 46 at a point distal from conjugation 44.

(73) During its operation, for example in an emergency situation in which escape from a high structure is necessary, the CDD 10 is easily and quickly donned and secured as follows. A user may remove the CDD from a secure location and optionally remove a protective wrapping (not shown) from the CDD. A user may place his left arm through shoulder loop formed by left shoulder strap 26 and the back piece 22 of the harness. A user may then place the right arm through shoulder loop formed by right shoulder strap 28 and the back piece 22 of the harness. The user may then tighten shoulder straps 26 and 28, for example, by tightening shoulder strap at a spring-loaded buckle (not shown) so that the back piece 22 is secured onto the user's back. Donning CDD in this fashion resembles putting on a back-mounted pack (also known as a back pack, or rucksack.) This manner of donning the CDD is intuitive to a user and allows the user's shoulders and back to bear much of the weight of the CDD, which stems from the weight of the cable 14 and drum device 12.

(74) After donning and securing the shoulder straps 26 and 28, the harness seat 42 will be located adjacent to user's rear end. A user may reach between his legs and pull harness seat 42 between his legs, optionally by raising a crotch strap or a sheath 20 at a point distal from harness conjugation 44. The user may continue to raise a crotch strap or sheath 20 so that chest loops 46 are roughly at chest level.

(75) As opposed to other full body harnesses which comprise individual loops to secure each leg, the CDD 10 comprises a harness seat 42 on the lower end which narrows to a narrow width that is easily held in one hand. The harness seat may be brought from the user's back side, between the legs to the user's front side. This narrow end or single sheath, once brought to the user's front side, may be easily held and secured quickly into position to ensure rapid donning of the CDD, without the need for multiple fasteners. This rapid and quick feature of embodiments of the invention may be useful in harnesses used in self-rescue systems which are put on under duress of an emergency, with potentially limited visibility in the dark or in smoke.

(76) Chest traverse strap 30 may be configured so that after donning the CDD 10, the chest traverse strap 30 is at a height corresponding to a user's lower chest, below a user's breast. A user may then extend an end of the chest traverse strap 30 through a loop 46. The user may then secure male fastener 36 to female fastener 34, thereby configuring the chest traverse strap 30 as a closed loop. The formed closed loop may be tightened (for example, via a buckle) to a point that it is about 10 cm longer than a user's chest circumference. For the sake of convenience, the user may be instructed to tighten the loop formed by chest traverse strap 30 while keeping a clenched first between the chest traverse strap 30 and the user's chest, thereby leaving approximately 10 cm of slack in the chest loop.

(77) The user may then attach anchor fastener 18 to an anchor embedded in a high structure from which attempting to descend. The anchor may be a hook firmly secured to a wall or to a floor of the structure. After donning the CDD 10 and firmly fastening anchor fastener 18 to an anchor, a user is prepared to descend from a high structure.

(78) The user may then exit the high structure, for example, by climbing out of a window which opens to the outside of the high structure. Upon a user's exit and extension of the cable 14 from the drum device 12, and gravitational forces pulls the user in the downward direction, a centrifugal brake in the drum device 12 may slow down descent of the user by slowing release of the cable 14 from the drum device 12.

(79) FIG. 10B schematically depicts a perspective side view of a user descending while using the CDD according to a possible embodiment, wherein the CDD 10, while donned by the user, maintains the user in reclining position, preferably approximately 10-60 degrees from a vector parallel to the force of gravity. This positioning is advantageous to a user rapidly descending from a high structure in an emergency situation. A user descending in such a position may reduce risk of suspension trauma. In addition, the user can easily maneuver using the user's arms and legs, to avoid colliding with falling objects, other users descending from the high structure, and other architectural obstructions located on the outside of the structure, for example, balconies. The user may “bounce” off of the building by kicking with her feet. The user is also in a position in which user's lap and hands are free, and thus may exit the structure with an object, such as a pet in his or her lap.

(80) FIG. 10B depicts, in addition to the elements described in reference to FIG. 10A, a weight bearing/suspension point 48. A reclining seated position while using the CDD is an effect of the positioning of the center of gravity of the user relative to weight bearing point 48 of the harness. Weight bearing point 48 of the harness is the point of convergence of chest traverse strap 30 and the sheath 20 (or conduit 16.) The center of gravity of a user in a seated position is in proximity to a user's buttocks. Since the CDD is configured to allow for slack in the chest strap, as gravitational force pulls a user in the downward direction, the center of gravity of the user will be located below the weight bearing point of the harness, thereby ensuring reclining positioning.

(81) The CDD 10 may be advantageous as opposed to other devices having a drum device situated in front of the user, as the user of the CDD may hold on to sheath 20 while descending, as shown in FIG. 10B. Since the released cable 14 is protected by the conduit 16 and/or the sheath 20, the user does not risk friction burn from cable 14 as it is released from the drum device.

(82) In some possible embodiments the CDD 10 may be used to provide front-side suspension used in a fall-arrest system. The CDD 10 may be used in conjunction with a safety lanyard (not shown) which may be connected on its distal end to a secure anchor on a structure and at its proximal end to a point on the CDD 10 located on the back of the user, for example the back piece 22 of the harness. The connection between the lanyard proximal end and the back piece 22 may be made via a carabiner or similar locking/unlocking device. When a user uses the CDD 10 in a situation in which fall-arrest is desired, the CDD 10 may be secured on the body of the user, but the anchor fastener 18 may not be connected to any anchor, rather it may be located at a location within easy reach of the user. If the user falls, for example from a scaffold located external to a high structure, the lanyard will prevent the user from falling to the ground, however, the worker will be in a face-down position, suspended from a lanyard connected to his back side. This position is dangerous as it may cause suspension trauma. Using the CDD 10, the user may move his hanging point to a front side thereof by connecting the anchor fastener 18 to a point at or near the proximal end of the lanyard, for example a ring near the proximal end of the lanyard. The user may then free the lanyard connection from the back piece 22 of the harness and then the user will be supported from weight in the bearing point 48 in the user's front. The user's weight will then cause the cable to reel out from drum device 12 thereby lowering the user safely to the ground. This upward facing reclining position is advantageous for control and safety when rappelling down a structure and may obviate risk of suspension trauma.

(83) FIGS. 11A to 11C schematically illustrate a CDD arrangement according to possible embodiments wherein the drum device is releasably held in a pouch before using the CDD. As shown in FIG. 11A the CDD 10 comprises a back piece 12, a right shoulder strap 14, a left shoulder strap 16, a hood 18, a drum device 20, an upper pouch 24, a crotch support 26, a pouch fastener 28, a lower pouch 30, a left waist strap 32, a right waist strap 34, support rings 36 and 38, a harness ring 40, a harness connector 42 and a harness fastener 50.

(84) The back piece 12 may comprise a synthetic fabric material, to which straps may be affixed (e.g., by stitching), and a padding material to add comfort to a user while wearing the CDD 10. Shoulder straps 14 and 16 may be affixed to harness back piece 12 (e.g., by sewing), and may be adjustable by buckles (e.g., spring loaded buckles), for easy length adjustment. Such spring-loaded buckles may be configured to prevent loosening of straps under substantial force, for example, gravitational forces acting on a human exiting from a high structure.

(85) Hood 18 may be a head-protecting element attached to harness back piece 12 (e.g., by sewing), and comprising a rigid or semi rigid material (e.g., a padding material) configured to cover the head and/or neck of the descending user and protect the user's head from impact. The areas designed to be covered by hood 18 may include neck, back of head, sides of head and/or top of head.

(86) In some possible embodiments, the drum device 20 comprises a spool of cable configured to release cable at a controlled speed upon reeling out of cable from the drum. The drum device may be equipped with a centrifugal braking mechanism which comprises revolving brake shoes that are driven outwards by centrifugal force generated upon release of cable and rotational movement of the spool, thereby contacting the brake shoes with the brake drum. The friction generated between the brake shoes and brake drum control the rotational movement of the spool and the speed of reeling out of cable.

(87) The cable (not shown) may be coiled/spooled on a spool within drum device 20 such that one end of the cable is affixed to the drum and the other end (distal end) may be configured to attach to a secured anchor of the escaped structure before descent, via an anchor fastener (not shown). The anchor fastener may comprise a carabineer, loop, hook or similar device configured to be fastened to an anchor located in or in the proximity of a high structure. For example and without being limiting, the anchor fastener may comprise a quick-release device which can be rapidly secured to an anchor.

(88) In some possible embodiments, the upper pouch 24 includes a recess having an opening in the upward direction (when worn by a user who is standing upright) and closures (not shown e.g., Velcro fasteners, snaps or suchlike) which are configured to keep the pouch closed but are configured to open upon motion of the drum device 20 in the direction of the closures. Additionally or alternatively, straps, cords or fasteners may be configured to detachably hold the drum device 20 on the back of the harnessed user before escaping the structure.

(89) The drum device 20 is configured to be securely attached to the back piece 12 or to shoulder straps 14 and/or 16, and the drum device 20 may be attached to the CDD by, for example, straps (as shown in FIG. 11C).

(90) The back piece 12 of the harness may be attached at its lower end to a crotch support piece 26 e.g., a triangular piece of flexible, durable material configured to harness a user's crotch area. Alternatively, crotch support piece may comprise straps, shorts or upper leggings or ropes configured to secure the user's crotch area. Crotch support piece 26 may be configured to be folded and fit in lower pouch 30. The lower pouch 30 may have an opening facing down (relative to a user standing in an upright position) and may optionally comprise a pouch fastener 28, configured to keep crotch support 26 contained in lower pouch 30. Pouch fastener 28 may comprise Velcro, snaps or similar closing mechanisms which can easily be opened by pulling downwards on a folded crotch support 26. The crotch support 26 may be configured to attach, in a folded conformation, to a lower end of the back piece 12 using straps, cords, fasteners or any other device suitable to removably hold crotch support 26.

(91) The back piece 12 of the harness may be attached to a left waist strap 32 and to a right waist strap 34. The left waist strap 32 may comprise a support ring 36, configured to connect to the crotch support piece 26, and the right waist strap 34 may comprise a support ring 38, configured to connect to the crotch support piece 26. One of the waist straps may be attached to a harness ring 40, configured to secure the other waist strap via a harness connector 42 (e.g., a carabineer, a clip, a ring or any other suitable connector capable to detachably connect to harness ring 40 and withstand significant force while connected). One or both of the waist straps 32 and/or 34 may comprise a harness fastener 50 configured to adjust the length of a waist strap.

(92) With reference to FIG. 11B, CDD 10 is shown with crotch support piece 26 unfolded and removed from lower pouch 30. As can be seen in the figure, crotch support piece is connected to the back piece 12 of the harness at the lower end of the back piece 12 by, for example, stitching. Alternatively, the back piece 12 and crotch support piece 26 may be formed of the same piece of fabric. The crotch support piece 26 may be configured to be wide at the end adjacent to the back piece 12 and narrow at the distal end.

(93) The CDD 10 further may comprise harness connectors 41 and 44 (e.g., carabineers, clips, rings or any other suitable connector capable to detachably connect to support rings 36 or 38 and withstand significant force once attached), attached to crotch support piece 26 and configured to connect to support rings 36 and 38 respectively, thereby securing crotch support piece 26 to waist straps. The CDD 10 may further comprise harness connector 46 secured at the distal end of crotch support 26, and be configured to attach to harness ring 40 after crotch support piece 26 is drawn along the crotch of user.

(94) During its operation, for example in an emergency situation in which escape from a high structure is necessary, CDD 10 is easily and quickly donned and secured as follows: the user may place the left arm through loop formed by the left shoulder strap 16 and the back piece 12, place the right arm through the loop formed by the right shoulder strap 14 and the back piece 12, and tighten shoulder straps 14 and 16 (e.g., by tightening shoulder strap at a spring-loaded buckle—not shown) so that the back piece 12 of the harness is secured onto the user's back. Donning the CDD 10 in this fashion resembles putting on a back-mounted pack (also known as a back pack, or rucksack.) This manner of donning CDD 10 is intuitive to a user and allows the user's shoulders and back to bear much of the weight of the CDD 10, which stems from the weight of cable and drum device 20.

(95) After donning and securing shoulder straps in a standing position, the back piece 12 of the harness will be located on the user's back, and the user may then secure waist straps 34 and 32 by interlocking harness ring 40 with harness connector 42. The user may then reach behind his or her back and pull crotch support piece 26 downwards, thereby loosening pouch fastener 28 and removing crotch support 26 from lower pouch 30. A user may then reach between her legs, optionally by raising a narrow area of crotch support piece 26 which is distal from back piece 12 of the harness, and continue to raise the crotch support piece 26 bringing harness connector 46 to roughly chest level, and securing it to harness ring 40.

(96) As opposed to other harnesses which comprise individual loops to secure each leg, CDD 10 may comprise the crotch support piece 26 which narrows to a narrow width that is easily held in one hand. This narrow end can be held and secured quickly into position to ensure rapid donning of CDD 10.

(97) The user may further don hood 18 on her head in order to prevent head injury upon exiting a high structure, specifically head injury associated with drum device 20 or straps or cables associated with drum device 20 moving from behind the evacuee to her front side.

(98) In some possible embodiments, the hood is arranged with a substantially hard layer to provide helmet like protection to the head from impact, and a softer, shock absorbing material to protect the head from concussion. Thus while rappelling down the building the user may collide with the structure or other evacuees, and hood 18 will offer protection by absorbing mechanical energy and protecting against any impact.

(99) In use the user attaches the anchor fastener to an anchor embedded in a high structure from which descent is attempted, optionally reeling out the cable from a drum device. The anchor may be a hook firmly secured to a wall or to a floor of the structure in the proximity of a door, window or other exit route from a high structure. After donning CDD 10 and firmly fastening the anchor fastener to an anchor, a user is ready to descend from a high structure. The cable may be reeled out from the drum device 20 while the drum device 20 is located in upper pouch 24 as the user approaches an exit of the high structure.

(100) The user may exit the high structure (e.g., by climbing out of a window which opens to the outside of the high structure). Upon the user's exit and extension of cable from the drum device 20, as the user descends in the downward direction, drum device 20 may be pulled upwards out of upper pouch 24 and may begin to unreel cable from drum device 20.

(101) Reference is made to FIG. 11C, showing a front view of a user descending while using the CDD 10. The CDD 10 comprises drum connector 52, cable 54, strap connector 56, drum straps 60, strap separator 62 and chest traverse strap 64. Upon descent, cable 54 which is reeled within drum device 20 and attached at its distal end to anchor fastener (not shown in FIG. 11C, but shown in FIG. 11A) which is secured to an anchor, is configured to pull drum device 20 from upper pouch in the upwards direction. The drum device 20 is secured via drum connector 52 to strap connector 56. The strap connector 56 is fixedly attached to drum straps 60 which are fixedly connected to the back piece of the harness or to the shoulder straps. Upon upward movement of drum device 20 (relative to the user) to a position above the user's head, the drum straps 60 suspend the user below the drum device 20.

(102) As the drum device 20 moves from a position behind the user to a position above the user (as shown in FIG. 11C), hood 18 protects the user's head from impact by the drum device 20. Strap separator 62 ensures that drum straps 60 are configured above and to the sides of user's head. Thus, as the user descends, the drum device 20 is maintained at a fixed distance above the user's head while reeling out cable 54 at a controlled rate, ensuring that the user descends safely from the structure.

(103) Also shown, the chest traverse strap 64 securely maintains shoulder straps in place. Upon gravitational force being applied on the user in the downward direction, the cable 54 is reeled out from the drum device 20 in a controlled manner, and as a result, the user may descend at a controlled pace. During descent, a centrifugal brake mechanism provided in the drum device 20 may slow descent of the user by slowing release of cable 54 from the drum device 20.

(104) According to a possible embodiment, as seen in FIG. 11C, the CDD 10, while donned by the user, maintains the user in a substantially upright position, preferably approximately 10 to 60 degrees from a vector parallel to the force of gravity (as defined by an imaginary line drawn from the user's shoulders to the user's hips). The positioning (angle) of the user while descending can be varied by moving the location of the connection between the drum straps 60 and the straps 14/16. This positioning is advantageous to a user rapidly descending from a high structure in an emergency situation. A user reclining in such a position may reduce risk of suspension trauma. In addition, the user can easily maneuver with her arms and legs to avoid colliding with falling objects, other users descending from the high structure and other architectural obstructions located on the outside of the structure, for example, balconies. Hood 18, which is configured to remain on the user's head during descent, is advantageous in that it prevents debris or other people descending from the high structure from injuring the user. In addition, the user may “bounce” off the building by kicking with the feet. The user is also in a position in which the lap and hands are free, and may exit the structure with an object, such as a pet in hands.

(105) Many users of controlled descent devices are afraid of heights and are anxious while descending. In controlled descent devices in which a drum device is located in front of the user, a user may risk friction burn if the rapidly releasing cable is touched while descending. In the CDD of the present invention this risk is not present, as the drum device is positioned out of reach of the user (e.g., above a user's head) while the user is descending.

(106) The CDD of the present invention may be used to provide front-side suspension used in a fall-arrest system. For example, such a system may be used by a user who is located on high scaffolding, cleaning windows on a high building. The CDD of the present invention may be used in conjunction with a safety lanyard (not shown) which may be connected on its distal end to a secure anchor on a structure and at its proximal end to a point on the CDD located on the back of the user, for example the back piece 12 of the harness.

(107) After the fall, the user may have fallen off a scaffold and may hang suspended by the lanyard. The lanyard may have a pull-cord (not shown) which may be configured to release the lanyard from the user or to break the lanyard, thereby allowing the user to descend and for the CDD to begin its operation. In some embodiments, the drum device may be attached to straps configured to attach to a user's harness at a position near midriff or near the shoulders of the user, for example at the shoulder straps. In some embodiments a seating or reclining position is preferred when descending from a high structure such as a building, to allow a user to position the body and use the arms and legs to push away from the building to avoid injury while descending.

(108) The various harness straps described hereinabove may be made from a durable strap material, such as, but not limited to, nylon, polyester, polypropylene webbing, or any other suitable material, and may comprise padding configured to be located on straps situated at the user's weight bearing areas. The straps may be about 3 to about 10 centimeters (cm) in width. In possible embodiments the straps may be attached to the back piece of the harness by looping through loops (not shown) provided in the harness back piece. In some embodiments at least some of the harness straps may be slidable through the harness back piece for adjustment.

(109) The back piece, waist pieces, and the crotch support piece, may be fabricated from a woven natural or synthetic fiber, optionally having fire resistant properties, and may comprise light reflecting tape/stripes.

(110) In some possible embodiments, in place of a friction brake shoe and drum braking system, a hydraulic circuit operatively connected to the spool to control the rate at which the cable reels out may be used. Alternatively, an electric generator/load circuit, induction system, fan or other energy dissipation apparatus may be used to control the speed of reeling out of the cable.

(111) In some possible embodiments: the weight of a drum device and about 80 m of cable may be about 3 kilograms, the weight of a drum device and about 100 m of cable may be about 7.5 kilograms; the weight of a drum device and about 200 m of cable may be about 12 kilograms. The drum devices having these weight ranges may be suitable weights for a user to lift and put on his or her back using a CDD according to embodiments of the invention.

(112) The cable may be made from a fireproof material, such as a metal, for example, steel or synthetic material, and its length may be about 25-500 meters (m) and have a diameter of about 1 to about 4 millimeters (mm). Alternatively, the cable may be made of engineering plastics, Kevlar®, carbon fiber or other high strength cable material. The drum device used in the CDD of the present invention may be configured to reel out cable at a rate of about 1 to 2 meter per second when a weight of an average human (about 70 kg) descends while connected to the drum device and while an end of a cable is maintained in a fixed position.

(113) In some embodiments one or more upper layers of the cable spooled inside the drum device over the cable reel are adhered (e.g., by hot glue) to prevent inadvertent release of the spooled cable before the CDD is used. For example, and without being limiting, about 1 to 2 meters of the spooled cable may be adhered by applying an adhesive material over the upper turns of the spooled cable.

(114) As described hereinabove and shown in the associated FIGS., the present invention provides harness systems and controlled descent devices usable for rescuing a user attempting to escape a high structure/building and quickly reach the ground, and related methods. While particular embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited thereto, since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teachings. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.