Equipment for supporting people at height

Abstract

A device for supporting a person working at height is disclosed. The device comprises a safety belt and a seat assembly. The seat assembly comprises a support platform (80), a flexible connecting member (84) fixed to the support platform (80), and a connector (56) on each flexible connecting member (84). The safety belt has two forward connecting devices (36) and a flexible load-bearing member (28) extending between the forward connecting devices (26), and the forward connecting device is used to transfer the load from the backrest and the leg loops (12, 10) to the carried member (28). Each forward connecting device comprises a body (30) permanently connected to the safety belt, a retainer for fixing the flexible load-bearing member to the body, and an attachment aperture, through which a corresponding connector passes to releasably connect the connector and the attached connecting member to the forward connecting member. Therefore, the load carried on the support platform (80) is transferred to the flexible load-bearing member (28) through the connecting member, the connector, and the forward connecting device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for supporting a person at height. The invention is particularly, but not exclusively, applicable to devices for supporting a person working at height, for example in the field of arboriculture, repair of building structures or working on the hull or rigging of a ship. Background Art

[0002] It is well known that the aerial work personnel are supported by the work line through the safety belt. Various proposals have been made to ensure that such safety belts are as comfortable as possible for the user during long periods of use. Although these proposals have been successful and are useful in many applications, additional comfort and stability are sometimes required during the long periods of suspension of the user during aerial work. One way to achieve this is through the use of an aerial work seat (also known as an aerial work seat plate or high work platform). This is essentially a simple seat that can be attached to or integrated into the safety belt structure. The addition of an aerial work seat to the safety belt changes the way the user's weight is carried, and the carrying mode is changed from using a back strap and thigh strap to suspend the user's weight to supporting the user's sitting posture from below in the same way as a normal chair.

[0003] While a work-at-height seat may be more comfortable than a safety harness, in some applications a safety harness is preferred, such as where space is limited or maximum maneuverability is required, such as when working in a tree canopy. Therefore, a method is required by which a work-at-height seat can be added to a safety harness when maximum flexibility is required for the user.

[0004] An example of a seat that can be used in combination with a harness is disclosed in US-B-8220589. The seat can be attached to the harness at a ventral point on the harness and become an integral load bearing component of the harness assembly, or in the case of a typical arborist's harness, the seat can be attached to forward facing hardware. The seat of US-B-8220589 can be restrained behind the user when not in use, so the seat does not improve freedom of movement, but this still limits some aspects of use.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a safety belt and seat combination, wherein the seat can be conveniently attached to or removed from the safety belt when required by the user.

[0006] In EP-A-3332840, the content of which is incorporated by reference into this specification, the applicant proposed a safety belt comprising an improved forward connection device, the forward connection device comprising a plurality of connection assemblies, the plurality of connection assemblies comprising a body permanently connected to the safety belt and a retaining member capable of being removably and rigidly connected to the body to removably fix a flexible load-bearing member to the body. The present invention uses a safety belt having the following components: some of which can be considered as a variant of the forward connection device of EP-A-3332840. Summary of the invention

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a device for supporting a person working at height, the device comprising a safety belt and a seat assembly:

[0008] a. The seat assembly comprises a support platform, a flexible connecting member fixed to the support platform and a connector on each flexible connecting member;

[0009] b. The harness comprises two forward connecting devices and a flexible load-bearing member extending between the forward connecting devices, the forward connecting devices being used to transfer the load from the back and the leg loops to the load-bearing member, wherein each forward connecting device comprises:

[0010] i. a body permanently connected to the harness and a retainer securing the flexible load-bearing member to the body, and

[0011] ii. an attachment aperture through which a corresponding connector passes to releasably connect the connector and the attached flexible connecting member to the forward connecting means; thereby

[0012] The load carried on the supporting platform is transferred to the flexible load-bearing member via the connecting member, the connecting piece and the forward connecting device.

[0013] This arrangement enables a seat assembly to be combined with a safety belt, wherein the loads from the seat assembly are transferred through the forward connecting means. Since these forward connecting means are far apart on the user's body, potentially uncomfortable pinching forces are avoided. When the seat is not needed, the seat can be removed by simply loosening the connector from the connecting member. In addition, this gives the designer certainty of the system as to how and where the loads from the seat will be transferred into the safety belt.

[0014] The attachment apertures of one or both forward connecting means may be formed in the body. For example, the attachment apertures extend through a generally flat portion of the body of the respective attachment means in a direction perpendicular to the plane. Alternatively or in addition, the attachment apertures extend through a generally flat portion of the body of the respective attachment means in a direction parallel to the plane. In such embodiments, the attachment apertures may be centered around an axis that deviates from the plane. For example, the attachment apertures may be formed through a protruding boss that is part of the body.

[0015] The attachment apertures of one or both forward connecting means may be formed in the retainer. Specifically, the attachment apertures may extend through the retainer or a portion of the retainer. Alternatively, the attachment apertures may extend through a component fixed to the body. Such a component may be fixed to the body in one of a plurality of configurations to provide the attachment apertures in one of a plurality of orientations.

[0016] One or each retainer may be releasably connected to the body, whereby the flexible load bearing member may be disconnected from the safety belt.The flexible load bearing member may be releasably connected to the retainer, whereby the flexible load bearing member may be disconnected from the safety belt.

[0017] The connection is usually a lock or a shackle.

[0018] The length of the flexible connecting member is preferably adjustable.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention may include various types of safety belts with which the use of the seat may prove advantageous, including forward-facing attachment means. These safety belts include, but are not limited to, work-positioning seat belts and full-body safety belts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 shows the basic construction of a type of safety belt forming part of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 An assembled forward attachment assembly for use in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 an assembled forward attachment assembly wherein the flexible connecting member is arranged in place;

[0024] Figure 4 is a side view of a safety belt and seat combination as an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figures 5 to 9shows an alternative assembled forward attachment assembly that may be used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figures 10 to 13 Another alternative assembled forward attachment assembly that may be used in embodiments of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Fig.14 Shows Figures 10 to 13 An alternative construction of a forward attachment assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] In the following description, the features described are considered to be optional features of embodiments of the present invention, and features described with reference to one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment.

[0029] The present application relates to a component of a safety belt assembly, the safety belt assembly having Figure 1 The overall structure shown in .

[0030] Known seat belts Figure 1 1. The harness comprises two leg loops 10 which, in use, encircle the thighs of a user. Each leg loop 10 is connected to a padded backrest 12 which rests against a small portion of the user's back and has side wings which, in use, extend around and / or over the user's hips. The backrest has a waist webbing 14 having ends which can be interconnected by a releasable front waist buckle 16.

[0031] Each side wing has a side attachment device 20. Each side attachment device 20 connects the waist webbing 14 in the wing area to the corresponding leg loop 10 via the lifting webbing 18. In this known device, the side attachment device 20 comprises two metal rings 22, 24 through which the waist webbing 14 is passed.

[0032] Traditional seat belts are used as Figure 1 A pair of symmetrical forward attachments 27 are shown to suspend a flexible load-bearing member 28 (also known as a "rope bridge") at the front of the harness. In use, the flexible load-bearing member 28 carries a sliding attachment device 29 which is attached to the climbing line. Commonly known forward attachment devices include Figure 2 1, which is sewn into the lifting webbing 18 and the leg loop 10. During manufacture of the harness, the flexible load bearing member 28 is tied into the connector 27. The length of the flexible load bearing member 28 can be adjusted by the user repositioning the knot on one end, which is time consuming and potentially dangerous to the user if not done correctly.

[0033] The safety belt embodying the present invention has forward attachment means, each of which includes a forward attachment assembly 26, such as Figures 2 to 9 This replaces the connecting piece 27 of the above-mentioned traditional safety belt.

[0034] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the forward attachment assembly includes a body 30 and an attachment rod 32 .

[0035] The body 30 has a generally oval or slightly figure-8 shaped outer peripheral shape and is formed from a single piece of metal by one or more combinations of casting, forging and machining. The body 30 extends in a plane P, has an inner surface and an outer surface disposed to opposite sides of the plane, and the outer periphery of the body 30 can be considered to define an area of ​​the plane through which the plurality of holes pass. The body is symmetrical about an axis A, which extends within the plane and forms the long axis of the body 30. (Note that while the body is flat in this example, the body may alternatively be curved or include a crank, and the outer shape of the body may vary.)

[0036] The bridge hole 40 is centered on the axis A and is about one third of the distance of the bridge hole along the axis A from the first end of the axis A. The shape of the bridge hole 40 is a square with rounded corners and the size of the bridge hole 40 is about one third of the width of the body 30 transverse to the axis A in the plane P.

[0037] The first and second webbing grooves 42, 44 are provided to opposite sides of the axis A. Each groove 42, 44 extends from a small distance from the axis A between the bridge hole 40 and the first axial end of the body 30, and each groove 42, 44 is centered along an arc at a constant distance from the proximal portion of the periphery of the body 30.

[0038] The body 30 includes a lug 54 that is disposed between the webbing slots 42 , 44 and projects generally perpendicular to the plane P. A circular attachment aperture 64 passes through the lug 54 .

[0039] There is an attachment hole 46 that extends symmetrically about axis A to partially surround the bridge hole 40 and to the second axial end of the body 30. This gives the body 30 a D-shaped attachment portion that extends from the bridge hole 40 in a direction away from the webbing grooves 42, 44.

[0040] All four of the above-mentioned holes 40, 42, 44, 46 and the attachment aperture 64 are formed with a curved periphery without sharp corners to avoid creating stress risers in the body and in any object passing through the holes.

[0041] Two bolt holes having circular cross-sections pass through the body at axial positions about halfway along the axial extent of the bridge hole 40. Each bolt hole has one end portion opening to the inner surface of the body 30, which end portion is countersunk.

[0042] The attachment rod 32 has a central portion 50 of circular cross section and two fixing portions 52. Each fixing portion 52 has a flat mating surface. A hole extends through the fixing portion 52 and opens perpendicular to the mating surface. The hole has a hexagonal countersunk hole at the opposite end.

[0043] To assemble the forward attachment assembly, a self-locking nut is inserted into the hexagonal counterbore of each hole in the attachment rod 32. The shaft of a corresponding cap screw 60 is inserted from the countersunk end through each bolt hole in the body 30 into the corresponding hole in the attachment rod 32, and then screwed into the nut 58 in the attachment rod 32 and tightened so that the mating surface of the fixed portion is clamped against the outer surface of the body 30.

[0044] The above-mentioned attachment means can be combined with Figure 1 The seat belt shown is Figure 1 The body 30 is permanently mounted in the harness by the leg lifting webbing and leg loop webbing passing through the webbing slots 42, 44. Figure 4 As shown, the flexible load-bearing member 28 is terminated at each end by a loop 66, which is permanently formed, for example, by sewing. With the attachment rod 32 disconnected from the body, each loop 66 is passed through the bridge hole 40 of the body 30 of one of the forward attachment devices. The attachment rod 32 is then passed into the loop 66 so that the attachment rod 32 protrudes from both sides of the loop 66 at approximately equal distances. The forward attachment assembly is then assembled as described in the previous paragraph so that the attachment rod 32 serves as a retainer to secure the flexible load-bearing member 28 to the forward attachment assembly. This forms a secure connection between the flexible load-bearing member 28 and the forward attachment device, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 shown.

[0045] The attachment hole 46 defines a loop in the body to which a connector, such as a buckle, can be connected. This can be used to attach an anchor that helps the user maintain a desired position, or as a point where items can be carried.

[0046] The attachment bar 32 can be considered to be semi-permanently attached to the body 30 because the attachment bar 32 is not removed during normal use of the safety belt. However, the connection is made in a manner that allows the flexible load-bearing member 28 to be removed and replaced as needed as part of a service operation without requiring the user of the safety belt to perform potentially risky procedures such as forming a secure knot in the flexible load-bearing member 28.

[0047] As mentioned above, a safety belt can be used to suspend a person working at height. For applications where the person prefers to sit down, a safety belt can be used. Figure 4 Adjust the seat belt as shown.

[0048] The seat assembly includes a rectangular seat panel 80 of rigid material that serves as a support platform on which a person can sit. Four slots are formed through the seat panel 80, each slot being adjacent to a respective corner of the seat panel. A length of webbing secured by a buckle or other fastener to form a continuous length is passed through each of the slots so that two loops 84 of webbing are formed, each extending from a respective pair of slots adjacent to the opposite short edges of the seat panel 80. The webbing is arranged so that the length of the webbing is adjustable.

[0049] To secure the seat assembly to the harness, a buckle 56 is used to connect each loop to the lug 54 of the corresponding one of the forward attachment assemblies 26, with the buckle passing through the attachment aperture 64 in the lug 54. The length of the webbing is adjusted so that the spacing between the seat pan 80 and the forward attachment assembly 26 is sufficient to accommodate the thighs of the user and relieve at least a portion of the user's weight that would otherwise be borne by the leg loops 10 and other elements of the harness. When the seat is no longer needed, the buckle can simply be released and the seat assembly removed from the harness.

[0050] The flexible load-bearing member 28 shown is formed by a rope. However, the flexible load-bearing member can have other configurations, such as being made of a webbing.

[0051] In the above embodiment, since the length of the flexible bearing member 28 cannot be adjusted, the flexibility of the application is reduced, but the safety of the attachment of the flexible bearing member 28 is improved. Therefore, in a variation of the above embodiment, a forward attachment device is provided with a component for adjusting the length of the flexible bearing member 28.

[0052] In a variation of the above embodiment, the flexible load bearing member 28 has at least one loop configured to limit the force it may apply to the forward attachment during normal use to provide impact absorption in the event the safety belt acts to arrest a fall.

[0053] The location of the attachment aperture 64 described above is preferred because it ensures that the attachment aperture is away from the lifting webbing, leg webbing and rope bridge. However, the details of the implementation and integration of the attachment aperture in the side connection assembly will vary greatly. As will be apparent from the disclosure of EP-A-3332840, there are many variations in the design of the safety belt and the present invention can be adapted for use with many of the embodiments described herein.

[0054] Figures 5 to 9 The device is Figure 2 Some exemplary variations of the forward attachment assembly 26 are shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 5 The forward attachment assembly is used with Figure 2 The same body 30 and also includes a similar nut and screw 60. However, the retainer of this embodiment is a knot blocking plate 280.

[0056] The outer periphery of the knot blocking plate 280 has a size and shape such that when the knot blocking plate is placed on the main body 230, the knot blocking plate completely covers the bridge hole 240. The inner surface of the knot blocking plate 280 has a protruding boss 282 surrounded by a flat mating surface. The boss 282 fits tightly in the bridge hole, so that when the knot blocking plate 280 is placed on the main body 230, the mating surface contacts the outer surface of the main body 230, and the boss 282 enters the bridge hole 240 to position the knot blocking plate 280 at the correct position on the main body 230.

[0057] Two bolt holes 248 pass through the knot blocking plate 280. The end portion of each bolt hole 248 adjacent the outer surface is countersunk at 286. A recess 288 surrounds each bolt hole 248, where the recess 288 opens to the inner surface of the knot blocking plate 280. As with the attachment rod 230 described above, the presence of the ridge 254 and the recess 288 serves to locate the knot blocking plate 280 in the correct position on the body 230, and also prevents the knot blocking plate 280 from being installed in an incorrect orientation. The length and diameter of the head of the screw 260 are selected so that if an attempt is made to assemble the knot blocking plate 280 onto the wrong surface of the body 230, the head will not enter the countersunk hole 262 of the bolt hole 248, and the length of the head of the screw 260 is not sufficient to protrude from the attachment rod 232 to prevent the nut 258 from being installed.

[0058] The knot blocking plate 280 has a central rope aperture 288 extending between the inner and outer surfaces. The rope aperture 288 is shaped as a rectangle with rounded corners and is sized so that two lengths of rope to be used to form a bridge can be passed through the rope aperture side by side with little to no space between the rope and the material surrounding the rope aperture 288. The rope aperture 288 is flared adjacent to where it opens to the inner and outer surfaces of the knot blocking plate 280 so that the rope aperture has no sharp or small radius edges facing the rope passing through the rope aperture.

[0059] The use of the safety belt is formed by passing two ropes through the rope openings 288 of each knot blocking plate 280 and tying suitable stopper knots in the ropes to the outside of the knot blocking plate 280. Figure 5 The rope bridge of the forward connection device is shown in FIG.

[0060] exist Figure 6In the embodiment of the present invention, the different main bodies 230 are used as follows. Figure 5 The same blocking plate 280 is shown. In this embodiment, the attachment aperture 264 extends through the plane of the body 230 between the webbing slots 242, 244, thereby omitting the lug 54.

[0061] The forward attachment assembly 26 for use with embodiments of the present invention may be constructed using the body disclosed in EP-A-3332840 which does not have any attachment apertures.

[0062] exist Figure 7 In the assembly shown, the body 330 is substantially the same as the body disclosed in EP-A-3332840; that is, the body 330 is similar to Figure 6 of the body, but without the attachment orifice.

[0063] This embodiment includes Figure 6 The knot blocking plate of FIG. 380 is similar to the knot blocking plate of FIG. 380 , with the additional feature of a protruding lug 354 through which the attachment aperture 364 is formed. In the assembled connection device, the lug 354 protrudes from the plane of the body 330 at a location between the webbing slots 342 , 344 .

[0064] Figure 8 The embodiment combines Figure 7 The main body 330 and Figure 2 The adapter plate 450 is clamped between the attachment rod 32 and the body 330 using appropriately lengthened bolts 460. The adapter plate 450 includes lugs 454 through which attachment apertures 464 are formed. In the assembled connection, the lugs 454 protrude from the plane of the body 330 at a location between the webbing slots 342, 344. In another variation, a bolt from Figure 5 The blocking plate 280 replaces the attachment rod.

[0065] exist Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the retainer includes a rope adjuster assembly 532, which is fixed to the Figure 7 The main body 330 of the present invention. The rope adjuster assembly 532 includes two rope gripping cams 534, 534', which are carried on the shaft bolt 536 and are arranged on opposite sides of the central divider plate 540. This allows the two flexible load-bearing members 28 to be used and adjusted independently. In the assembled connection device, a portion of the divider plate 540 extends to a position between the webbing grooves 342, 344, and the attachment aperture 564 is formed through the portion of the divider plate 540.

[0066] Can be used Figures 10 to 14The forward attachment assembly of the embodiment of the present invention replaces the forward attachment assembly shown in the previous figures. In addition to the manner in which the attachment aperture 664 is provided on the body 630, the forward attachment assembly is similar to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 The forward attachment assembly is similar to the forward attachment assembly of . The forward attachment assembly is shown with a retainer formed as a knot blocker 280, but the retainer can be used with the attachment rod 32 or with other alternative fasteners or adjusters.

[0067] In this embodiment, the forward attachment assembly further includes a boss 638. The boss 638 has a ring portion 650 and a mounting portion 654. The mounting portion 654 has a square cross-section through which a threaded hole extends. A mounting hole 646 extends centrally between the webbing slots 642, 644 between the inner and outer surfaces of the body 630. At the outer surface, the mounting hole has a square cross-section, while at the inner surface, the mounting hole 646 is a countersunk hole.

[0068] The mounting portion 654 of the boss 638 is received within the square cross-section of the mounting hole 646, and a ring portion 650 projects from the front surface of the body 630, the ring portion 650 defining an attachment aperture 664. The boss 638 is retained on the body 630 by a cap screw 648 passing through the mounting hole 646, the head of the cap screw 648 being received within the countersunk cross-section of the mounting hole 646.

[0069] The mounting portion 654 of the boss 638 fits tightly into the square cross-section of the mounting hole 646, which prevents rotation of the boss 638 about the axis of the cap screw 648. Because the mounting portion 654 has a square cross-section, the mounting portion 654 can be inserted into the attachment aperture 664 in two orientations: Figure 10-12 As shown, the attachment aperture 664 extends between the webbing slots 642, 644 (similar to the attachment apertures in the previous embodiments) or as shown in FIG. Fig.14 As shown, the mounting portion is oriented in a 90° rotation compared to the previous embodiment.

[0070] It should be noted that it is usually necessary to provide a rope adjuster assembly on one of the two forward attachments, while the other forward attachment employs a fixed connection.

[0071] Although some of the components described above are formed from ropes and some are formed from webbing, those skilled in the art will appreciate that in many cases one component may be substituted for the other.

Claims

1. A device for supporting a person working at height, the device comprising a safety belt and a seat assembly: a. The seat assembly comprises a support platform, a flexible connecting member fixed to the support platform and a connector on each flexible connecting member; b. The safety belt comprises two forward connecting devices and a flexible load-bearing member extending between the forward connecting devices, the forward connecting device is used to transfer the load from the back and the leg loops to the load-bearing member, wherein, Each forward connection device comprises: i. A body, the body being permanently connected to the safety belt, and the body comprising: a bridge hole passing through the body; ii. an attachment aperture separate from the bridge aperture through which a corresponding connector passes to releasably connect the connector and the attached flexible connection member to the forward connection device; and iii. a retainer, said retainer securing said flexible load-bearing member to said body, The load carried by the device on the supporting platform is transferred to the flexible load-bearing member through the flexible connecting member, the connecting piece and the forward connecting device.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: One or two forward connecting device attachment apertures are formed in the body.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The attachment apertures extend through a generally planar portion of the body of the respective attachment device in a direction perpendicular to the plane.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The attachment apertures extend through a generally planar portion of the body of the respective attachment device in a direction parallel to the plane.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The attachment aperture is centered about an axis offset from the plane.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The attachment aperture is formed through a protruding boss that is part of the body.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: One or two forward link attachment apertures are formed in the retainer.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The attachment aperture extends through the retainer.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The attachment aperture extends through a component secured to the body.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein: The component is to be secured to the body in one of a plurality of configurations to provide the attachment aperture in one of a plurality of orientations.

11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The retainer is releasably connected to the body whereby the flexible load bearing member can be disconnected from the safety belt.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The flexible carrier member is releasably connected to the retainer, whereby the flexible carrier member can be disconnected from the seat belt.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: Each connection piece is either a lock or a shackle.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The length of the flexible connecting member is adjustable.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The safety belt is a work positioning seat safety belt or a full body safety belt.

Images