Support structure for a hip belt for a passenger fall protection belt

Abstract

The invention relates to a support structure (20) for a waist belt (2) for a harness (1) for personal fall protection, comprising a flexible back support (21) and a load-bearing webbing (23) which is guided through openings (22) of the back support (21), wherein the back support (21) is constructed substantially symmetrically around a central axis (ZA), and wherein two upper deflection points (OR, OL) and two lower deflection points (UL, UR) are provided, each arranged symmetrically around the central axis (ZA), wherein the webbing (23) or a webbing assembly is formed into a single circumferential loop and is folded over at all the following points in the following sequence: at the upper left deflection point (OL), at a central left deflection point (24L), at the lower left deflection point (UL), at the lower right deflection point (UR), at a central right deflection point (24R), at the upper right deflection point (OR), and from there again to the upper left deflection point (OL).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a support structure for a hip belt for a personal fall protection harness, comprising a flexible back support with a plurality of openings and a load-bearing webbing which is guided through the openings of the back support to form a woven structure with the back support, wherein the back support is constructed substantially symmetrically about a central axis, and wherein there are two upper deflection points and two lower deflection points, each arranged symmetrically about the central axis.

[0002] In the field of personal safety, particularly in tree care, harnesses are used to protect climbers from falls. These harnesses typically comprise several body-encircling sub-elements, such as a hip belt, leg loops, and, if necessary, a chest or shoulder strap. The sub-elements are connected to each other, and it is usually possible to attach additional elements such as rope bridges.

[0003] It is known from the prior art that the hip belt comprises a supporting structure consisting of a flexible back support with two webbing straps woven into it. The two webbing straps are each formed into a loop and are positioned one above the other and spaced apart from each other. This structure is, for example, Figure 1 EP 4 081 313 B1.

[0004] EP 4 081 313 B1 also discloses further arrangements of the two loops. As can be clearly seen from Figure 14 of EP 4 081 313 B1, for example, the two loops can overlap in the center of the flexible back support, thereby forming a three-layer structure in this area, i.e., three different elements overlap in the center of the back support. This is intended to simplify the manufacture of the support structure and increase the wearing comfort of the hip belt. In practice, however, even the hip belt described in EP 4 081 313 B1 is still too complex to manufacture.

[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a support structure which is particularly easy to manufacture.

[0006] This object is achieved by a support structure for a hip belt for a personal fall protection harness, comprising a flexible back support with a plurality of openings and a load-bearing webbing which is guided through the openings of the back support to form a woven structure with the back support, wherein the back support is constructed substantially symmetrically about a central axis, and wherein there are two upper deflection points and two lower deflection points, each arranged symmetrically about the central axis, wherein the webbing or a webbing assembly (which comprises the webbing) is formed into a single circumferential loop and folded over in the following order at all of the following points: at the upper left turn point, at a central left turn point, at the lower left turn point, at the lower right turn point, at a central right turn point, at the upper right turn point, and runs from the upper right turning point back to the upper left turning point.

[0007] The invention allows the use of a single loop, which, in the arrangement according to the invention, has the effect of two adjacent annular loops. This significantly simplifies the manufacture of the support structure, as only one webbing or webbing assembly needs to be provided, which is inserted into the openings of the flexible back support to form the woven structure. Overall, there are fewer seams required, and in particular, no seams are required in the area of ​​the central deflection points.

[0008] Furthermore, the invention eliminates the need to stack three different elements to form a three-layer structure, as is the case with the support structure of EP 4 081 313 B1. It is understood that such three-layer structures are problematic or difficult to handle during production, and a solution without this three-layer region is easier to manufacture. In particular, manual production of the support structure with the arrangement according to the invention is simpler, since the person manufacturing it only handles a single strap during production and, in particular, does not have to manually overlay two straps.

[0009] The arrangement according to the invention thus forms the single loop into the shape of an hourglass. Due to the two adjacent points of the loop, which are pulled together at the central deflection points, the known mode of operation of the two loops can also be represented by just a single loop. This makes it possible for a load-bearing belt element to be present at all four outer deflection points, despite a single loop, so that additional fittings, such as rings, can be provided there. In other words, the loop can be guided through a deflection fitting at each of the outer four deflection points and folded over at these. If there is also a central fitting that forms the two central deflection points, the loop runs through a total of five deflection fittings, each of which is located at a total of six deflection points.

[0010] The support structure preferably further comprises a central fitting part which is present on the central axis and forms the left and right central deflection points, wherein the central fitting part is further preferably an annular or frame-shaped element. The central fitting part has the particular advantage that the central deflection points can be implemented in a simple manner. As an alternative to the central fitting part, the back support could be modified, e.g. with a reinforced hole in the middle. Annular or frame-shaped central fitting parts are particularly advantageous, however, since existing fitting parts can be used and therefore no new elements have to be constructed. Since two spaced-apart deflection points can be created with a single ring, the two sections of the loop present at this point are not subject to mutual wear.

[0011] Specifically, in all embodiments, even if the central fitting part is not designed as a ring, it is preferred that a first section of the loop, which is guided from the upper left deflection point via the central left deflection point to the lower left deflection point, is not in contact with a second section of the loop, which is guided from the lower right deflection point via the central right deflection point to the upper right deflection point, ie the two sections are in contact-free contact.

[0012] Particularly preferably, the distance between the two central deflection points is equal to or greater than twice the thickness of the webbing or webbing composite. A distance corresponding to twice the thickness at least ensures that the webbing does not have to be crushed. A distance greater than twice the thickness at least prevents the two sections of the loop from touching in the area of ​​the central deflection points.

[0013] In general, the loop can be routed through the central fitting in any direction. In a specific, exemplary variant, the loop can be routed in the area of ​​the central fitting as follows: Those sections of the loop that are routed between the upper left pivot point and the central fitting, or between the central fitting and the upper right pivot point, are located in the area of ​​the central fitting between the outside of the back support and the central fitting, and those sections of the loop that are routed between the lower left pivot point and the central fitting, or between the central fitting and the lower right pivot point, are located in the area of ​​the central fitting both above the outside of the back support and above the central fitting, or vice versa. It goes without saying that many other variants are possible for connecting the loop to the central fitting.

[0014] Furthermore, the loop is preferably symmetrical about the central axis, particularly preferably also with respect to an outer side of the back support and an inner side of the back support. This allows for force introduction similar to that achieved with known support structures. Symmetrical with respect to the outer side and the inner side is understood here to mean that if a point of the webbing or webbing assembly lies on the outer side of the back support, the respective mirror point of the webbing or webbing assembly mirrored about the central axis also lies on the outer side of the back support. The same applies to corresponding points and mirror points on the inner side.

[0015] It is also advantageous if the loop is shaped like an hourglass. Alternatively, the loop could also be routed between the upper right and upper left pivot points, for example, to the central fitting (or other central pivot points in this area), although this is generally not done. Furthermore, it is preferred that the loop be folded over only at the aforementioned pivot points. This also ensures the simplest possible loop routing.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, two fastening straps can be attached, e.g., sewn, to the circumferential loop. Typically, one of the fastening straps is sewn to the section of the loop between the upper left deflection point and the central left deflection point, and the other of the fastening straps is sewn to the section of the loop between the central right deflection point and the upper right deflection point, although this is not mandatory. The fastening straps have buckle parts at their respective opposite ends, allowing the support structure and, consequently, the hip belt to be formed into a body-enclosing element.

[0017] To produce the said supporting structure, the following procedure is preferably carried out: Providing the back support, providing the webbing or webbing assembly, threading the webbing or webbing assembly into the openings to form a woven structure with the back support, wherein the webbing or webbing assembly is threaded such that it runs in the aforementioned order, after which the two ends are present between two of the deflection points, sewing the ends.

[0018] In this support structure, the loop is thus formed by sewing two ends of the webbing or two ends of the webbing composite together, with a sewing point of the ends preferably being located in the section of the loop between the upper right deflection point and the upper left deflection point.

[0019] In a preliminary step of the aforementioned manufacturing process, the webbing composite can also be produced, e.g. by sewing at least two webbings together to form an elongated webbing composite.

[0020] The invention thus provides a hip harness comprising a support structure according to one of the aforementioned variants, wherein a hip pad is preferably also connected to the support structure, for example via loop and hook fasteners (Velcro fastener). Consequently, a harness for personal fall protection comprising the aforementioned hip harness can also be created, wherein the harness preferably also comprises two leg loops and optionally a shoulder strap or a chest strap. A shoulder harness is part of the climbing harness system and is used to secure and protect the climber. A chest strap is part of the fall arrest harness system and is used to keep the user's body upright and prevent them from slipping out of the harness.

[0021] Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1shows a state-of-the-art belt for personal fall protection. Figure 2 shows a supporting structure according to the state of the art with a schematically illustrated course of the two load-bearing belt straps. Figure 3 shows the supporting structure according to the invention with a schematically illustrated course of the only load-bearing belt. Figure 4 shows a section of the supporting structure according to the invention in the assembled state. Figure 5 shows a section of the supporting structure according to the invention during production. Figure 6 shows a photograph of a belt in which the supporting structure according to the invention is installed.

[0022] Figure 1shows a harness 1 for personal fall protection, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a seat belt or holding harness. This harness 1 comprises a hip belt 2 and two leg loops 3 connected to the hip belt 2. However, the invention is not limited to this specific embodiment; rather, the harness could also comprise additional or different elements, such as a shoulder strap or chest strap, in which case the harness could be referred to as a climbing harness or full body harness. The hip belt 2 could also be used alone.

[0023] The hip belt 2 typically comprises a buckle 4 comprising two complementary buckle parts 4', each attached to a fastening strap 5. By opening and closing the buckle 4, the hip belt 2 can be moved from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the hip belt 2 can grip around a person's hips. To individually adjust the hip belt 2 to a person, length adjustment devices can be provided for the fastening straps 5.

[0024] The hip belt 2 is in turn composed of a support structure 6 and a hip pad 7. The support structure 6 is designed to absorb and transmit essentially all forces occurring during use. When the hip belt 2 is in the closed position, the hip pad 7 is located between the support structure 6 and the user's body in order to increase wearing comfort for the user. It is evident that the hip pad 7 is not primarily designed to transmit forces to other elements such as the leg loops 3. The support structure 6 and the hip pad 7 are usually connected to one another, e.g. via a hook and loop fastener or sewn or glued together.

[0025] Figure 2shows a support structure 6 according to the prior art. This support structure 6 comprises a flexible back support 8 and two load-bearing straps 9, 10, each formed into a loop. The term "loop" is understood herein to mean a ring-shaped, yet deformable element.

[0026] The back support 8 is a flat substrate, e.g. a plastic laminate, comprising or consisting of, for example, PVC or polyester. However, there is no restriction to specific materials, so that it could also be leather, for example. The back support 8 has a plurality of openings 11 through which the straps 9, 10 are guided, whereby they form a woven structure with the flexible back support 8. To define this more precisely, the side of the back support 8 facing a user or the hip pad 7 is referred to as the inside, and the side of the back support 8 facing away from the user or the hip pad 7 is referred to as the outside. When the strap 9, 10 passes through an opening 11, it changes from the outside of the back support 8 to the inside of the back support 8. The woven structure is formed by repeatedly changing from the outside to the inside and vice versa.

[0027] In the prior art, the two load-bearing straps 9, 10 form two spaced-apart loops, with one loop positioned above the other. The term "above" refers to a vertical direction while wearing the hip belt 2, i.e., a direction parallel to the central axis ZA of the back support 8. In another variant, described in EP 4 081 313 B1, the two loops overlap in the central area and are thus not spaced apart from each other. However, they still constitute two separate loops.

[0028] The two loops have the effect that the upper loop can be led to two upper deflection points OL, OR, where, for example, rings or other deflection fittings 12, 12` ( Figure 1). Thus, the upper loop can be guided through the deflection fittings 12, 12' at the upper deflection points OL, OR. Forces occurring at the deflection fittings 12, 12', e.g. because they are connected to the leg loops 3, can thus be introduced into the webbing 9. In the same way, the lower loop can be guided to two lower deflection points UL, UR, at which other rings or other deflection fittings 13, 13' can be located. Additional connecting webbing 14, 14' can enable force to be transmitted from one or two of the deflection fittings 12, 12', 13, 13', if necessary via additional rings and fittings, to the leg loops 3. The actual connection of the leg loops 3 to the hip belt 2 can be effected in various ways that are generally known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] A structure with essentially the same effect should be used with the Figure 3illustrated inventive support structure 20. All other elements of the above-described hip belt 2 can also be combined with the support structure 20. In particular, the hip belt 2, in which the inventive support structure 20 is used, can also be combined with two leg loops 3, which are each to be connected to the hip belt 2, for example, via connecting straps 14, 14' and further fittings. Furthermore, the inventive support structure 20 should also comprise two upper deflection points OR, OL, i.e. an upper right deflection point OR and an upper left deflection point OL, and two lower deflection points UR, UL, i.e. a lower right deflection point UR and a lower left deflection point UL, at which respective deflection fittings 12, 12', 13, 13' can be located. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for the belt 1 or hip belt 2, which comprises the inventive support structure 20, and its elements, as in the Figures 1and 2 are used. In particular, the same hip pad 7 can also be used.

[0030] As from Figure 3 As can be seen, the support structure 20 according to the invention comprises a flexible, flat back support 21, which is even identical in construction to the back support 8 made of Figure 2 could be designed, both in terms of the materials used and in terms of shape. In other words, the back support 21 also comprises openings 22, which could be arranged in the same way as or differently from the prior art. In particular, the openings 22 can be designed as in EP 4 081 313 B1, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Furthermore, this back support 21 can also be made of the aforementioned plastic laminate, leather, or other suitable materials. This back support 21 also comprises an outer side and an inner side according to the above definition, so that the woven structure as defined above can also be achieved.

[0031] The backrest 21 is essentially symmetrically constructed, so that it comprises a central axis ZA and two of the aforementioned deflection points OR, OL, UR, UL are arranged symmetrically (i.e., mirror-symmetrically) around the central axis ZA. In other words, the two upper deflection points OR, OL are arranged symmetrically around the central axis ZA and occupy a first mutual distance, and the two lower deflection points UR, UL are arranged symmetrically around the central axis ZA and occupy a second mutual distance, which can be equal to, smaller, or larger than the first distance. Furthermore, there is a vertical distance from the two upper deflection points OR, OL to the two lower deflection points UR, UL in the direction of the central axis ZA. At this point, it should also be noted that the terms "right" and "left" refer to the view from the outside, i.e., as in the Figures 3 to 6shown, although this is arbitrary due to the existing symmetry. The terms "top" and "bottom" are clearly defined by the intended use of the support structure 20.

[0032] Unlike the prior art, however, the support structure 20 according to the invention comprises only a single loop, which is formed by a single webbing 23 or a webbing composite. A webbing composite is understood here to mean a linear assembly of individual webbings, e.g. by sewing, by connecting using buckles or the like. A webbing composite can be used, for example, to string together webbings of different colors, whereby, for example, each of the aforementioned sections can be provided with a different color. This webbing 23 or this webbing composite is guided through the openings 22 in the back support 21, e.g. alternating from the outside to the inside of the back support 21 and vice versa. This in turn makes it possible to achieve the woven structure with the back support 21.

[0033] The single loop is to be guided to all four deflection points OR, OL, UR, UL and passes through a deflection fitting 12, 12', 13, 13' at each of these points. To ensure that the single loop is guided to all four deflection points OR, OL, UR, UL and to achieve a force introduction essentially equivalent to that of the prior art support structure 6, two additional central deflection points 24L, 24R are provided. These can be implemented, for example, by an additional fitting, referred to below as the central fitting 24, which in the simplest case is a ring. Alternatively, instead of the central fitting 24, a reinforcement of the backrest could also be provided at this position, e.g., a reinforced edge of a hole through the backrest 21.When the central fitting part 24 is mentioned below, this could also be replaced by any other structure that forms a left central deflection point 24L and a right central deflection point 24R.

[0034] The two central deflection points 24L, 24R or the central fitting part 24 are located vertically between the upper deflection points OR, OL and the lower deflection points UR, UL. In other words, both central deflection points 24L, 24R or the central fitting part 24 are located within a contour formed by the deflection points OR, OL, UR, UL. If a central fitting part 24 is used, it lies essentially on the central axis ZA. However, as explained below, the two central deflection points 24L, 24R are usually spaced from the central axis ZA.

[0035] As from Figure 3As can be seen, the single loop can now be guided to all of the following points in the following sequence: from the upper left deflection point OL to the central left deflection point 24L (or to the central fitting part 24), from there to the lower left deflection point UL, from there to the lower right deflection point UR, from there to the central right deflection point 24R (or to the central fitting part 24), from there to the upper right deflection point OR, and from there again to the upper left deflection point OL. It is understood that it does not matter where you start with this sequence, as it is a single circumferential loop. The sequence could therefore just as easily be UR-24R-OR-OL-24L-UL-UR, which forms the same loop. Furthermore, Figure 3Two arrows are shown in the area of ​​the central fitting 24, which are intended to indicate where the loop is deflected. However, it is understood that the loop or webbing 23 or webbing assembly itself has no "direction," except possibly during manufacturing.

[0036] Due to the aforementioned arrangement of the loops, they form an hourglass shape. This allows a single loop to transmit the force of two loops arranged one above the other.

[0037] As previously mentioned, the loop is formed by a webbing 23 or a webbing assembly. Webbing is an elongated, substantially flat element having a first side and an opposite second side. In order to guide the webbing 23 or the webbing assembly on the back support 21, the webbing 23 or the webbing assembly is folded over at the aforementioned points, i.e., at the upper left deflection point OL, at the central left deflection point 24L (i.e., a first time at the central fitting 24), at the lower left deflection point UL, at the lower right deflection point UR, at the central right deflection point 24R (i.e., a second time at the central fitting 24), and at the upper right deflection point OR.

[0038] The term "folded over" is understood here to mean that before and after the respective deflection point OL, 24L, UL, UR, 24R, OR, a different side of the webbing 23 or webbing assembly is directed "upward," i.e., away from the hip pad 7 or the user. By alternately folding over, one of the sides of the webbing 23 or webbing assembly points upward at the following sections: OL-24L, UL-UR, 24R-OR. The other side of the webbing 23 or webbing assembly accordingly points upward at the following sections: 24L-UL, UR-24R, OR-OL. Section OL-24L is understood here to mean the section of the webbing 23 or webbing assembly between the upper left deflection point OL and the central left deflection point 24L, etc. Folding is thus a bending around a line that lies in the plane of the backrest. On this line, one of the deflection fittings 12, 12', 13, 13' is usually located.The webbing or webbing assembly is usually folded over by the respective deflection fitting 12, 12`, 13, 13'.

[0039] By folding, a relatively large change in direction of the webbing 23 or webbing assembly is achieved, ie the webbing 23 or webbing assembly is deflected. Usually, the webbing 23 or webbing assembly is only folded at the aforementioned deflection points OL, 24L, UL, UR, 24R, OR. However, it should not be ruled out that the loop could be deflected and / or folded at other points. A slight deviation from the straight extension (without folding) can also occur at other points, e.g. at point ST, which in Figure 3 The deflection can be determined by the shape and / or positioning of the openings.

[0040] As already mentioned, the central fitting part 24 can, in the simplest case, be a ring. In general terms, it can be said that the central fitting part 24 in the preferred variants is an annular or frame-shaped element, i.e. colloquially a round or rectangular ring. Other shapes such as a double ring, i.e. two rings rigidly or movably connected to one another, could also be used. The aforementioned designs of the central fitting part 24 make it possible for the latter to form two central deflection points 24L, 24R which are located symmetrically around the central axis ZA and are thus spaced apart from one another. This ensures that the two points of the loop folded over on the central fitting part 24 do not touch, thereby preventing wear on the webbing 23 or the webbing assembly.In other words, the loop should be deflected at the closer deflection point 24L, 24R so that the loop does not cross at the central fitting part 24.

[0041] It should be noted, however, that the central fitting part 24 is not limited to the embodiments explained above; other variants could also be used. For example, the central fitting part 24 could comprise a pin running along the central axis ZA. This pin could form two deflection points 24L, 24R arranged vertically one above the other, although this would also result in a certain asymmetry of the loop. It is clear that many other shapes are conceivable for the central fitting part 24. The material from which the central fitting part 24 is made can also be chosen arbitrarily, with metal being preferred.

[0042] The special effect of the preferred variants of the two additional central deflection points 24L, 24R is particularly evident from Figure 4, which shows the support structure 20 according to the invention in the assembled state (the section OR-OL of the loop is not shown for clarity, as are the deflection points OR, OL, UR, and UL). It can be seen that the first section OL-24L-UL of the loop, which runs from the upper left deflection point OL via the central left deflection point 24L to the lower left deflection point UL, is not in contact with the second section UR-24R-OR of the loop, which runs from the lower right deflection point UR via the central right deflection point 24R to the upper right deflection point OR. Thus, there is a "recess" between the central deflection points 24L, 24R, which remains free even when the support structure 20 is assembled. It therefore never happens that three elements would overlap on the central axis ZA (which cannot be the case because there is only a single loop and a single back support 21).

[0043] With reference to Figure 5 It can be seen that the central fitting part 24 is usually not permanently connected to the back support 21, but can essentially be free and is only held in position by tightening the loop (e.g. by connecting the two ends of the belt strap 23).

[0044] One of many possible variants for guiding the loop in the area of ​​the central fitting part 24 is shown in the Figures 4 and 5is visible. Here, all four sections OL-24L, 24L-UL, UR-24R, and 24R-OR of the loop are located in the area of ​​the central fitting 24 on the outside of the backrest 21. In order to guide the parts of the loop that are to be folded through the central fitting 24, the two sections 24L-UL and UR-24R are located in the area of ​​the central fitting 24 between the outside of the backrest 21 and the central fitting 24. However, the two sections OL-24L and 24R-OR are located in the area of ​​the central fitting 24 both above the outside of the backrest 21 and above the central fitting 24.

[0045] The Figures 4 and 5However, the variant shown is only a preferred variant, and many other variants are conceivable for connecting the central fitting part 24 to two points on the loop. The back support 21 could, for example, also have a hole 25 to which the central fitting part 24 is, for example, permanently glued, or the two central deflection points 24L, 24R could be formed by a reinforced edge of the hole 25 (both variants not shown). In this case, the two sections OL-24L, 24R-OR could, for example, be guided on the inside of the back support 24 and pass through the hole 25 and also the central fitting part 24 (if present), whereby the two sections 24L-UL, UR-24R can be guided both over the outside of the back support 21 and over the central fitting part 24 (if present).

[0046] From the Figures 3 and 4It is also evident that the loop is substantially symmetrical to the central axis ZA, i.e., the hourglass shape is symmetrical about the central axis ZA. Preferably, the loop is not only symmetrical in shape, but also in relation to a guide on the outside and inside of the back support 21. Alternatively, the shape could be symmetrical, but, for example, the section 24R-UR could be guided substantially along the outside of the back support 21 and the section UL-24L could be guided substantially along the inside of the back support 21. However, such variants are usually disadvantageous with regard to force distribution.

[0047] The following describes the manufacture of the support structure 20. Initially, the back support 21 and the webbing 23 or the webbing assembly are prepared. At this point, the webbing 23 or the webbing assembly is not yet connected to form a loop, i.e., in both variants, there is a linear element with two ends. The back support 21 already includes the prefabricated openings 22, so that one of the ends can be pulled forward and guided through one of the openings 22 or through one of the deflection points OL, 24L, UL, UR, 24R, OR. The end (or the other end) is then guided through further openings 22 and folded over at the deflection points OL, 24L, UL, UR, 24R, OR until the previously described hourglass shape is achieved.In practice, it is particularly advisable to thread the two ends into openings 22 in the middle of the UL-UR section, after which one of the ends is guided in the sequence UL-24L-OL and the other end in the sequence UR-24R-OR until both ends are present at the OL-OR section. At this point, the woven structure is produced. The two ends of the webbing 23 or the webbing composite are now positioned next to each other. Since it is arbitrary where the first end of the webbing 23 or the webbing composite was first guided through the back support 21, the two ends are present at any section of the loop to be created. For particularly simple connection, however, the two ends are usually located at the OR-OL section between the upper right deflection point OR and the upper left deflection point OL. The two ends can now be sewn together at a point 26 (. Figure 3) are sewn together or connected in another way, e.g., by means of a buckle. It is evident that the webbing 23 or the webbing composite only needs to be connected or sewn at a single point after the woven structure has been produced. This is advantageous even if the webbing composite itself consists of linearly sewn material webbings, since the webbing composite can generally be manufactured easily.

[0048] During manufacture of the support structure 20 according to the invention, ie usually before the two ends are sewn together, the fastening straps 5 and / or a material loop can also be attached to the loop, e.g. threaded onto the strap or the strap assembly, sewn to it, or connected to it by means of a buckle. Typically, one of the fastening straps 5 is sewn or otherwise connected to the section OL-24L of the loop between the upper left deflection point OL and the central left deflection point 24L, and the other of the fastening straps 5 is sewn or otherwise connected to the section of the loop between the central right deflection point 24R and the upper right deflection point OR. As already explained above, the two fastening straps 5 can each comprise a buckle part 4', which can be brought together to form the buckle 4.As a result, the support structure 20 and subsequently the hip belt 2 can be connected to form a body-enclosing element.

[0049] After the support structure 20 according to the invention has been manufactured, it can be connected to the hip pad 7 to form the hip belt 2. This can be connected to further elements such as the leg loops 3 to form the belt 1, which in Figure 6 is shown.

Claims

1. A support structure (20) for a hip belt (2) for a belt (1) for personal fall protection, comprising a flexible back support (21) with a plurality of openings (22) and a load-bearing webbing (23) which is guided through the openings (22) of the back support (21) to form a woven structure with the back support (21), wherein the back support (21) is constructed substantially symmetrically about a central axis (ZA), and wherein there are further two upper deflection points (OR, OL) and two lower deflection points (UL, UR), which are each arranged symmetrically about the central axis (ZA), characterized in thatthe webbing (23) or a webbing assembly is formed into a single circumferential loop and is folded over at all of the following points in the following order: - at the upper left deflection point (OL), - at a left central deflection point (24L), - at the lower left deflection point (UL), - at the lower right deflection point (UR), - at a right central deflection point (24R), - at the upper right deflection point (OR), and from there back to the upper left deflection point (OL).

2. Support structure (20) according to claim 1, wherein the support structure (20) further comprises a central fitting part (24) which is present on the central axis (ZA) and forms the left and right central deflection points (24L, 24R), wherein the central fitting part (24) is preferably an annular or frame-shaped element.

3. Support structure (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the left and right central deflection points (24L, 24R) are each spaced from the central axis (ZA).

4. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a first portion (OL-24L-UL) of the loop, which is guided from the upper left deflection point (OL) via the central left deflection point (24L) to the lower left deflection point (UL), is not in contact with a second portion (UR-24R-OR) of the loop, which is guided from the lower right deflection point (UR) via the central right deflection point (24R) to the upper right deflection point (OR).

5. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the distance between the two central deflection points (24L, 24R) is equal to or greater than twice the thickness of the webbing or the webbing composite.

6. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the loop is symmetrical about the central axis (ZA), preferably also with respect to an outer side and an inner side of the back support (21).

7. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shape of the loop forms an hourglass shape.

8. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the loop is folded over only at said deflection points.

9. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein two fastening straps (5) are attached, preferably sewn, to the circumferential loop.

10. Support structure (20) according to claim 9, wherein one of the fastening straps (5) is sewn to the section (OL-24L) of the loop between the upper left deflection point (OL) and the central left deflection point (24L), the other of the fastening straps (5) is sewn to the section (24R-OR) of the loop between the central right deflection point (24R) and the upper right deflection point (OR).

11. Support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the loop is formed by two ends of the webbing (23) or two ends of the webbing composite being sewn together, wherein a sewing point (26) of the ends is preferably located in the section of the loop between the upper right deflection point (OR) and the upper left deflection point (OL).

12. Hip belt (2) comprising a support structure (20) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a hip pad (7) is preferably connected to the support structure (20).

13. Belt (1) for personal fall protection comprising a hip belt (2) according to claim 12 and preferably two leg loops (3) and optionally a shoulder strap or chest strap.

14. A method for producing a support structure (20) according to claim 11, comprising the steps of: - providing the back support (21), - providing the webbing (23) or the webbing composite, - threading the webbing (23) or the webbing composite into the openings (22) to form a woven structure with the back support (21), wherein the webbing (23) or the webbing composite is threaded such that it runs in the aforementioned order, after which the two ends are present between two of the deflection points (OL, 24L, UL, UR, 24R, OR), - sewing the ends.

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