Adjustment system with improved operation, method for manufacturing such an adjustment system and adjustment method

Abstract

An adjustment system (1) is configured to adjust the length of a first strap (2). The adjustment system (1) includes a ring (3) defining a first through hole in a first direction (A). A rod (4) is mounted to move relative to the ring (3). The rod (4) partially obstructs the ring (3) in the first direction (A) so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole (3a) and a third through hole (3b), separated from the second through hole (3a) by the rod (4). The adjustment system (1) includes a tab (5) at least partially obstructing the first through hole in the first direction (A). The tab (5) is positioned at a distance from the rod (4) to define a passage for the first strap (2) between the rod (4) and the tab (5).

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an adjustment system, a method for manufacturing such an adjustment system and an adjustment method using such an adjustment system. State of the art

[0002] In the fields of working at height, caving, and mountaineering, harnesses with adjustable straps that work with a buckle system are commonly used. These adjustable straps are used to adjust the circumference of a leg loop and / or the length of a shoulder strap.

[0003] A common design uses an adjustment buckle with a ring and a strap that passes through the ring. The ring is partially closed by a rod that is movable relative to the ring. The strap passes through the hole in the ring once, then around the rod, and back inside the ring. Once the strap is under tension, the rod moves towards one end of the ring, locking the strap between the rod and the ring. Various configurations of adjustment buckles are known, including those disclosed in documents EP0614626, FR2996732, EP2946682, US9433260, US2007 / 0187445, US1697833, US2563809, and US2807852.

[0004] First, the adjustment system must be easy to use. Specifically, it must allow the strap to slide smoothly, enabling precise adjustment to the desired length. It must also ensure that the strap setting remains constant when under tension.

[0005] To maintain the desired strap length using the adjustment buckle, several solutions have been proposed. One such system uses an adjustment mechanism with a locking cover. This cover is mounted to rotate between a first position, allowing the strap to slide, and a second position, locking the strap in the chosen position. The cover presses against the strap to prevent any movement. It is then necessary to disengage the locking cover to adjust the strap. However, this technical solution is cumbersome and impractical for tree trimming, as branches can activate the locking cover. Furthermore, this design involves a large number of parts, which limits its practicality.

[0006] In another technical area, US patent 2004 / 0169411 discloses the installation of a cord lock made of VELCRO®-type textile material. The lock opens to allow access to the adjustment buckle and thus adjustment of the shoulder strap. When the lock closes, the buckle is no longer accessible and prevents adjustment. This solution is impractical because it requires installing an additional, bulky component around the adjustment buckle. In the field of working at height and mountaineering, it is common to work with gloves, so the lock must be usable with gloves such as those used for working at height, which necessitates a bulky lock. Such a technical solution is not feasible.

[0007] Various adjustment buckle configurations are known, and numerous optimization efforts have been undertaken to improve load-bearing capacity and strap sliding. One method involves forming prongs on the inner face of the ring so that these prongs engage with the strap, thus maintaining the adjustment under load. However, prongs that penetrate the thickness of the strap can impede its sliding. Work is being done on the shape of the buckle and its edges to facilitate sliding and load-bearing capacity without causing premature wear of the strap due to excessive friction.

[0008] Despite all these optimization efforts, a number of users report a loss of strap length adjustment, forcing them to regularly readjust the system to set the desired length for a leg loop or shoulder strap. This situation is particularly inconvenient for people who use their harness daily.

[0009] Document GB10719 discloses a loop having a ring. In addition to the ring, the loop has a swiveling cover that is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis formed by a portion of the loop. The loop also has a divider that defines two through holes. Document US849004A discloses a similar loop with a ring, a swiveling cover, and a divider. Description of the invention

[0010] One object of the invention is to overcome these disadvantages, and more particularly to provide an adjustment system which ensures better maintenance of the position chosen for a strap in the adjustment system while remaining simple to use and without penalizing the holding of the adjustment under tension.

[0011] These drawbacks are addressed by means of an adjustment system configured to adjust the length of a first strap comprising: a ring defining a first through hole in a first direction; a rod mounted movable relative to the ring, the rod partially obstructing the ring in the first direction so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole and a third through hole separated from the second through hole by the rod.

[0012] The adjustment system is remarkable in that it includes a tab that at least partially obstructs the first hole going through in the first direction, the tab being positioned away from the stem to define a passage space for the first strap between the stem and the tab.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the tongue is made of a flexible material.

[0014] Preferably, the tongue is made of polymer material.

[0015] Advantageously, the tongue is attached exclusively to the ring.

[0016] In one particular embodiment, the tab is removably installed on the ring.

[0017] In another aspect, the adjustment system includes an additional ring that is movable relative to the main ring, with the stem forming part of this additional ring. The tab is attached exclusively to this additional ring.

[0018] In another preferred development, the tongue is removably installed on the additional ring.

[0019] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a carabiner which is easier to implement than the methods of the prior art.

[0020] In an alternative embodiment, a permanently closed textile loop surrounds part of the ring and passes through the first through hole. The tab is fixedly mounted onto the textile loop.

[0021] Advantageously, the strap passes through the first through hole and the second through hole. The separation distance between the stem and the tongue in the first direction is greater than the thickness of the strap in the first direction.

[0022] The invention also relates to a harness in which the strap adjustments are better maintained. This result is achieved by means of a rope harness comprising an adjustment system according to any of the preceding configurations, in which the adjustment system is configured to adjust the circumference of a thigh. This result is also achieved by means of a rope harness comprising an adjustment system according to any of the preceding configurations, in which the adjustment system is configured to adjust the length of a shoulder strap.

[0023] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing an adjustment buckle which is easy to implement and which allows for better retention of the adjustment of the first strap.

[0024] This result is achieved through a manufacturing process for an adjustment system comprising the following steps: provide a ring defining a first through hole in a first direction and a rod mounted movable relative to the ring, the rod partially obstructing the ring in the first direction so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole and a third through hole separated from the second through hole by the rod; install a tab at least partially obstructing the first through hole in the first direction, the tab being disposed at a distance from the rod to define a space for the strap to pass between the rod and the tab.

[0025] The invention also relates to a method for adjusting the length of a first strap that is easy to implement and ensures that the chosen length is maintained. This result is achieved by means of a method for adjusting the length of a first strap comprising the following steps: provide an adjustment system according to any of the previous configurations; pull on the first strap to set the length of the first strap. Description of the drawings

[0026] Other advantages and features will become clearer from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention, given by way of non-limiting examples and shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: there figure 1 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an adjustment system according to a first embodiment; the figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an adjustment system according to a second embodiment; the figure 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a tab intended to be removably mounted on a ring according to the first or second embodiment; figure 4schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an adjustment system according to a third embodiment; the figure 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an adjustment system according to the third embodiment; the figure 6 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a tab intended to be removably fixed to a ring of an adjustment system according to the third embodiment; the figure 7 schematically illustrates another perspective view of an adjustment system according to the third embodiment; the figure 8 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an adjustment system according to the fourth embodiment; the figure 9 schematically illustrates another perspective view of an adjustment system according to the fourth embodiment; the Figure 10 schematically illustrates a harness equipped with an adjustment system to adjust a thigh circumference and an adjustment system to adjust a shoulder strap. Detailed description

[0027] THE figures 1 to 9 illustrate different embodiments of an adjustment system 1 configured to adjust the length of a first strap 2. Preferably, the adjustment system 1 belongs to an adjustment system of a rope harness intended for work at height and / or activities in which the user is suspended by means of their harness. The harness may be a mountaineering harness, a canyoning harness, or a caving harness, as illustrated in the Figure 10 . Il It can also be a harness for pruning work or for other acrobatic work, for example, working on a wind turbine.

[0028] For all these users, it is important that the harness maintains the length of the first strap 2 when the user is suspended from the harness. This results in significant stress on the first strap 2 and therefore on the adjustment mechanisms. The adjustment system can be a leg loop adjustment system or a shoulder strap adjustment system. The first strap 2 forms all or part of a leg loop, or it can form all or part of a shoulder strap.

[0029] The inventors observed that under many conditions, when a user adjusts their harness—for example, by adjusting the leg loops and walking to reach the desired position—they apply opposing forces to the adjustment system. Different forces are applied to the system with varying directions and intensities, leading to misalignment. Because the adjustment system is designed to allow easy strap sliding to facilitate precise adjustments, this also makes it easier for the leg loops to become misaligned during walking. Shoulder strap misalignment is also observed with other movements. Il It is therefore proposed to modify the adjustment system in order to improve the operation of the adjustment system and better maintain the adjustment of the strap when the strap is not under tension.

[0030] The adjustment system 1 includes a ring 3 which defines a first through hole. The first through hole passes through the ring 3 in a first direction A. The ring 3 can extend in a first plane as illustrated in the cross-section on the figures 1, 2 , 4 And 8 Ring 3 is then a planar ring. However, it is also possible for ring 3 to be slightly curved. The curvature of ring 3 may be substantially uniform from one end to the other of ring 3 or localized to one or more points on ring 3, as has already been used in prior art configurations.

[0031] The adjustment system 1 has a rod 4 that is movable relative to the ring 3. The rod 4 partially obstructs the ring 3 in the first direction A, dividing the first through hole into a second through hole 3a and a third through hole 3b. The third through hole 3b is separated from the second through hole 3a by the rod 4 when the adjustment system 1 is viewed in the first direction A.

[0032] To adjust the first strap 2, the first strap 2 passes through ring 3 via one of the second through holes 3a and 3b. The first strap 2 then goes around rod 4 and passes through ring 3 again via the other of the second through holes 3a and 3b. Rod 4 is mounted to move closer to or further from the side of ring 3. When the first strap 2 is tensioned, it pulls on rod 4, which moves closer to the side of ring 3. This locks the first strap 2 in place, thus maintaining the adjustment of the first strap 2 under load. One end of the first strap 2 is held between ring 3 and rod 4.

[0033] The inventors observed that during walking, the various leg movements tend to induce opposing forces on the strap strands on either side of the stem. A leg movement displaces the upper strand of the first strap 2, which induces a force that tends to form a loop of the strap protruding from the adjustment system. With this force, the portion of the first strap 2 that covers the stem 4 moves slightly away from the stem 4. As walking progresses, the first strap 2 forms an increasingly larger loop. The other strand of the first strap remains trapped against the user's leg. During another leg movement, the other strand of the first strap 2 tends to pull on the first strap 2, which completes the loosening of the first strap 2.

[0034] In order to reduce or even eliminate the misalignment of the first strap 2 when it is not under tension or not under enough tension, it is proposed to add a tab 5 which is arranged so as to reduce the length of the loop of the first strap 2 protruding from the ring 3 and the rod 4.

[0035] The tab 5 at least partially obstructs the first through hole along the first direction A. The tab 5 is positioned at a distance from the rod 4 to define a passage for the first strap 2 between the rod 4 and the tab 4. The tab 5 covers the rod 4 along the first direction A. The tab 5 is positioned at a distance from the rod 4 so as not to alter the operation of the rod 4 during the tightening and loosening phases of the first strap 2 in the fastening system. The tab 5 does not bear against the rod 4.

[0036] The tab 5 is positioned at a distance from the rod along the first direction A that is greater than the thickness of the first strap 2 along the same direction A. In this way, when the first strap 2 wraps around the rod 4, resting on it, there remains at least a gap between the first strap 2 and the tab 5. By choosing a separation distance between the rod 4 and the tab 5 greater than the thickness of the first strap 2, friction on the first strap 2 is avoided, thus preserving the adjustability of its length. The tab 5 prevents the formation of an excessively large loop in the first strap 2, thereby reducing or even preventing the loss of the adjustment. By reducing the height of the loop, the unwanted elongation of the first strap 2 is minimized.

[0037] In one particular embodiment, the tab 5 is made of a flexible material. The use of a flexible material allows the tab 5 to deform, which facilitates the installation of the first strap 2 in the adjustment system 1. The use of a flexible material allows the tab 5 to deform, thus preventing the formation of a hook that could compromise user safety. Advantageously, the tab 5 is made of a polymer material. The distal portion of the tab 5 deforms, allowing the user access to the first strap 2, for example, to remove the first strap or, conversely, to facilitate its installation.

[0038] Different configurations of the adjustment system 1 are possible for attaching the tab 5 to the different parts of the adjustment system 1. In one embodiment, the tab 5 is attached exclusively to the ring 3. Such an embodiment is illustrated in figures 1 to 7 These figures also illustrate a preferred embodiment in which the tab 5 is mounted removable relative to the ring 3. Using a removable tab 5 allows for the improvement of an existing adjustment system without having to change the ring 3. Preferably, the tab 5 is configured to rest against the user. The tab 5 is configured to extend under the underside of the ring 3 so as to be wedged between the ring and the user.

[0039] There figure 3illustrates a particular configuration of the tongue 5 which has an open cavity 6 intended to allow the insertion and then the embedding of a portion of the ring 3. The tongue 5 has a support area 7 which is intended to bear against the external faces of the ring 3 and thus ensure good support on the ring 3 and to precisely define the separation distance between the tongue 3 and the rod 4 with respect to the thickness of the first strap 2. The ring 3 is wedged against the support area 7 in the open cavity 6.

[0040] THE figures 5, 6 And 7 illustrate another configuration of the tab 5 mounted on the ring 3. The figures 5, 6 And 7 illustrate an embodiment where the tab 5 is mounted removably relative to the ring 3. figures 4 to 7illustrate an embodiment in which the tab 5 is mounted movably along the ring 3. The tab 5 is movable along the longitudinal axis of the adjustment system which is also the longitudinal axis of the first strap 2.

[0041] There figure 6 The illustration shows a tongue 5 with two grooves 8 in which the ring 3 can slide. The two grooves 8 are formed at the two transverse ends of the tongue 5. Preferably, the obstruction zone 9 of the tongue 5, i.e., the zone that at least partially covers the first through hole and the rod 4, is located between the two grooves 8. The obstruction zone 9 is mounted flexibly relative to the attachment zone of the tongue 5 with the ring 3, another strap, or an additional ring.

[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the tab 5 is overmolded to the ring 3 or the tab 5 is an integral part of the ring 3. Other means of attaching the tab 5 to the ring 3 are possible.

[0043] In another embodiment, the adjustment system 1 includes an additional ring 10 mounted movable relative to the ring 3. The rod 4 forms part of the additional ring 10. figures 8 and 9 illustrate an adjustment system 1 which includes a ring and an additional ring 10.

[0044] In one embodiment, the tab 5 is attached exclusively to the additional ring 10. In another embodiment, the tab 5 is attached to the ring 3. The tab 5 does not alter the relative movement of the additional ring 10 with respect to the ring 3. In yet another embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9, the tab 5 is fixed to a fixing member 11 which achieves the fixing between the ring 3 and the additional ring 10.

[0045] In the embodiment illustrated in figures 8 and 9 The fastening element 11 is a webbing ring that secures the ring 3 to the additional ring 10 and allows relative movement between the ring 3 and the additional ring 10. The webbing ring can be a ring formed at the end of the first strap 2 or a ring formed at one end of a second strap. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 5 is attached to the webbing ring by stitching, but any other means of attachment is possible. The fastening element 11 can be formed by a second strap 12 that is formed into a loop by means of one or more stitches 13.

[0046] In another embodiment not shown, the tab 5 defines an annular fastening member with a through hole allowing the passage of ring 3 and the additional ring 10 to form the fastening member 11. However, it is particularly advantageous to use a closed textile loop that permanently secures ring 3 and the additional ring 10. The closed textile loop encircles part of the ring and passes through the first through hole. The tab 5 is fixedly mounted on the closed textile loop. The deformation of the closed textile loop allows a slight displacement of the obstruction zone 9 relative to the stem 4.

[0047] In this particular embodiment, it is advantageous for the tab 5 to pass through the first through hole, which facilitates obtaining a tab 5 that is flexible and has minimal displacement. The foot of the tab 5 is positioned to bear against the user and against the inner face of the ring 3, which limits the displacement of the tab 5 and thus defines the separation distance between the tab 5 and the stem 4.

[0048] In the various illustrated embodiments, the first strap 2 passes through the second through hole 1a and the third through hole 1b. The first strap 2 goes around the rod 4. One end of the first strap 2 is intended to be wedged between the second end of the first strap 2 and the ring 3. The tension applied to the end of the first strap 2 to lock the first strap against the ring has the effect of moving the obstruction area 9 away from the first strap 2.

[0049] The adjustment loop described above can be made using the following steps: provide a ring 3 defining a first through hole along a first direction A and a rod 4 mounted movable relative to the ring 3, the rod 4 partially obstructing the ring 3 along the first direction so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole 3a and a third through hole 3b separated from the second through hole 3a by the rod 4; install a tab 5 obstructing at least partially the first through hole along the first direction A, the tab 5 being disposed at a distance from the rod 4 to define a passage space for the first strap 2 between the rod 4 and the tab 5.

[0050] The tab 5 can be installed on an existing adjustment system 1, thereby improving the system by making it less susceptible to slippage of the first strap 2 when it is not under tension. The tab 5 is conveniently attached to the ring 3, making the operation easier than attaching it to another strap fixed to the adjustment system 1. The tab 5 is attached without disassembling the other parts of the adjustment system 1.

[0051] Alternatively, the tab 5 is mounted on the ring 3, on the additional ring 10 or on the other strap 12 before assembling the different parts that form the adjustment system 1.

[0052] The length of the first strap 2 can be adjusted using an adjustment procedure comprising the following steps: provide an adjustment system 1 according to any of the previous configurations; pull on the first strap 2 to set the length of the first strap 2.

[0053] It is particularly advantageous that the tab 5 does not press against the first strap 2; the sliding capacity of the first strap 2 during the adjustment phase is not impaired. Since the tab 5 does not interfere with locking one end of the first strap between the rod 4 and the ring 3, the locking capacity of the first strap 2 under load is not impaired.

[0054] The tongue 5 covers the first rod 4 in the first direction A, which blocks or hinders the formation of a loop of the first strap 2. The first strap 2 not being under tension, it does not have the force necessary to deform the tongue 5 so that the maximum height of the loop of the first strap 2 corresponds approximately to the separation distance between the rod 4 and the tongue 5 in the first direction A.

[0055] The use of a flexible tab 5 allows the user to elastically deform the tab 5 so as to be able to access the rod 4 when necessary without having to disassemble the tab 5. The tab 5 makes it possible to reduce or even prevent misalignment when the first strap 2 is not under tension without altering the operation of the adjustment system 1.

[0056] For example, when the adjustment system 1 is formed by a ring 3 and an additional ring 10, it is possible to pivot the additional ring 10 to initiate the loosening of the first strap 2. The additional ring 10 can come into contact with the tab 5, which deforms the tab 5. With the tab 5 deforming, the force applied on the two opposite faces of the first strap 2 between the tab 5 and the additional ring 10 is insufficient to lock the first strap 2.

[0057] Depending on the embodiment, the adjustment system 1 can be attached to a harness or any other equivalent equipment by a second strap 12 or any other equivalent attachment device.

[0058] There figure 1 illustrates a ring 3 with an additional through hole 3c or a groove through which a loop of the second strap 12 passes. In the embodiment of the figure 2, the second strap loop passes through the first through hole and advantageously through a cavity formed in the tongue 5.

[0059] There figure 3 illustrates a ring 3 with an additional through hole 3c or a groove through which a loop of the second strap 12 passes in the same or substantially the same manner as the configuration of the figure 1 .

[0060] There figure 5 illustrates a ring with a through hole 3c which is intended to cooperate with a fixing hook 14 illustrated in the figure 7The attachment hook 14 is fixed to the second strap 12, but it could be fixed to any other equivalent means. The attachment hook 14 and the additional through ring 3c can form a device for opening and closing a leg loop, allowing a harness to be put on while keeping both feet on the ground. Such a device can be used on a shoulder strap or on another component of a harness.

[0061] Advantageously, the second strap 12 is used to form the closed textile loop. The closed textile loop can be defined by means of a seam 13 that fastens together two strands of the second strap 12. The seam 13 can be replaced by any other means of joining two strap strands, for example rivets.

Claims

1. Adjustment system (1) configured to adjust the length of a first strap (2) comprising: - a ring (3) defining a first through hole in a first direction (A); - a pin (4) mounted movable with respect to the ring (3), the pin (4) partially blanking off the ring (3) in the first direction (A) so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole (3a) and a third through hole (3b) separated from the second through hole (3a) by the pin (4) when observed along the first direction (A); - a first strap (2) forming a loop around the pin (4) and passing through the second through hole (3a) and the third through hole (3b) and passing around the pin (4), the pin (4) being mounted movable relative to the ring (3) to move closer to or further away from a wall of the ring between a tightening position intended to lock the first strap (2) between the pin (4) and the ring (3) and a loosening position ; - a tab (5) at least partially blanking off the first through hole in the first direction (A), the tab (5) covering the pin (4) in the first direction (A) ; adjustment system (1) characterised in that the pin (4) is mounted movable with respect to the ring (3) between the tightening position and the loosening position independently of the tab (5), and in that the tab (5) is arranged at a distance from the pin (4) that is greater than a thickness of the first strap (2) to define a space for the first strap (2) to pass between the pin (4) and the tab (5), the first strap (2) passing around the pin (4) in said space for the first strap (2) to pass.

2. Adjustment system (1) according to claim 1 wherein the tab (5) is made from a flexible material.

3. Adjustment system (1) according to claim 2 wherein the tab (5) is made from polymer material.

4. Adjustment system (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims wherein the tab (5) is fixed only to the ring (3).

5. Adjustment system (1) according to the foregoing claim wherein the tab (5) is installed in removable manner on the ring (3).

6. Adjustment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising an additional ring (10) mounted movable with respect to the ring (3), the pin (4) forming a part of the additional ring (10) and wherein the tab (5) is fixed only to the additional ring (10).

7. Adjustment system (1) according to the foregoing claim wherein the tab (5) is installed in removable manner on the additional ring (10).

8. Adjustment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein a closed textile loop (11) in permanent manner surrounds a part of the ring (3) and passes through the first through hole, and wherein the tab (5) is fixedly mounted on the closed textile loop (11).

9. Roping harness comprising an adjustment system (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims wherein the adjustment system (1) is configured to adjust the circumference of a leg loop.

10. Roping harness comprising an adjustment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the adjustment system (1) is configured to adjust the length of a shoulder strap.

11. Method for manufacturing an adjustment system (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 8 configured for adjusting the length of first strap comprising the following steps: - providing a ring (3) defining a first through hole in a first direction (A) and a pin (4) mounted movable with respect to the ring (3), the pin (4) partially blanking off the ring (3) in the first direction (A) so as to divide the first through hole into a second through hole (3b) and a third through hole (3b) separated from the second through hole (3a) by the pin (4) when observed along the first direction (A); - fitting a tab (5) at least partially blanking off the first through hole in the first direction (A), the tab (5) being arranged at a distance from the pin (4) that is greater than a thickness of the first strap (5) to define a space for the first strap (2) to pass between the pin (4) and the tab (5), the tab (5) covering the pin (4) along the first direction (A).

12. Method for adjusting the length of a first strap (2), the method for adjusting comprising the following steps: - providing an adjustment system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; - pulling on the first strap (2) to define the length of the first strap (2).

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