Roping harness provided with an adjustment device

Abstract

A roping harness (1) comprises a belt (2), a pair of leg loops (3) and an elastic wire element (4). The belt has a lining (2b) arranged between an outer wall (2c) and an inner wall (2a). The elastic wire element (4) is integral with the belt (2) and has one end mounted so as to be movable relative to the belt (2) by elastic deformation. The lining (2b) defines a channel (6) receiving a portion of the elastic wire element (4). The outer wall (2c) defines a right through hole (5a) or a left through hole (5b) opening opposite the channel (6). The elastic wire element (4) passes through the two through holes (5a, 5b) so that the end of the elastic wire element (4) is arranged outside the channel (6).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a roping harness. Prior art

[0002] In acrobatic activities, the user moves vertically along a rope. Moving downward is easily achieved by allowing gravity to act and adjusting the sliding speed. On the other hand, ascending a rope is a more energy-intensive operation. To prevent the user from tiring prematurely while ascending the rope, efforts are being made to improve the efficiency of the operation of sliding upward along the rope and then locking onto it.

[0003] In order to increase the efficiency of the rope ascending operation on a single rope, it is particularly advantageous to use a rope ascender for each of the user's two feet. One of the rope ascenders, for example the right ascender, is attached directly to one of the user's feet while the other rope ascender (the left ascender) is connected to the other foot by a strap so that the rope ascenders do not interfere with each other. In order to move the left ascender upwards, it is known to connect this ascender to an upper part of the body by means of an elastic band so as to mechanically stress the left ascender upwards when the left foot is not stressing the left ascender. This solution gives good results but it results in the management of a cumbersome rope ascending system when the user arrives at his working position and must move to carry out his work.

[0004] Alternatively, the rigid mechanical connection exists between the two foot ascenders, which are connected to the right and left feet in the same way as before. The assembly formed by the right and left feet is connected to the upper part of the body by means of an elastic element. For example, the elastic is attached to the shoulders or to the body ascender. Here again, it can be seen that the rope ascent system takes up a lot of space when it is no longer in use and must be stored on the roping harness.

[0005] It is also known to replace a foot blocker with a knee blocker that works identically, i.e. a blocker that is positioned at knee height and is connected to the foot.

[0006] In order to facilitate the management of the elastic wire element that is connected to the rope stopper, it is known to modify a harness belt to attach a sheath to the top of the belt and install the elastic wire element in the sheath. However, this construction generates other problems in use with accelerated wear of the belt.

[0007] Document FR 2865410 discloses a rope harness whose leg loops have an elastic band that goes completely around the leg loop in order to adjust the circumference of the leg loop.

[0008] Document EP1997538 discloses a roping harness having a belt defining two slots that receive the front portion of the belt in order to adjust the circumference of the belt. The front portion has a strap that is attached to each of its ends by an adjustment device in order to adjust the circumference of the belt.

[0009] Document US2022 / 0266073 discloses a roping harness provided with several resistance elements which are in the form of a braid which makes a complete turn along the belt and which closes the belt by means of a constriction zone where a first portion of the braid is introduced inside a second portion of the braid. When a force is applied to enlarge the circumference of the belt, the braid expands and shrinks which increases the tightness on the other portion of the braid.

[0010] Document US2022 / 0249886 discloses a roping harness having a belt associated with a belt element that forms a ring. The belt element is closed by a knot. The belt element is installed in a channel fixed to the top of the belt and installed sliding relative to the channel. The belt element is a rope. The belt element attaches a harness to the waist of the belt. Subject of the invention

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a roping harness which is easier and more pleasant to use during rope ascent operations and during rope descent operations and whose management of the rope ascent system is better integrated.

[0012] This result is achieved by means of a rope harness comprising: a belt with a lining arranged between an outer wall and an inner wall, a pair of leg loops; at least one elastic wire element mounted integral with the belt, the at least one elastic wire element having an end mounted movable relative to the belt by elastic deformation of the elastic wire element, the end having a connector.

[0013] The roping harness is remarkable in that: the lining defines at least one channel receiving a portion of the at least one elastic wire element; the outer wall defines at least one right through hole or one left through hole opening into the lining, the elastic wire element passing through the at least one right through hole or left through hole so that the end of the at least one elastic wire element is disposed outside the at least one channel; the at least one channel has a first thickness; the at least one elastic wire element has a second thickness less than or equal to the first thickness.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the outer wall defines a right through hole and a left through hole. The at least one channel is a channel extending continuously from the right through hole to the left through hole. Advantageously, the at least one elastic wire element is an elastic wire element extending continuously to pass through the right through hole and the left through hole, each end of the elastic wire element being terminated by a connector.

[0015] Preferably, the elastic wire element is continuously sliding and stretchable between the right through hole and the left through hole.

[0016] In a particular configuration, at least one sheath is disposed in the at least one channel, the at least one channel receiving the at least one elastic wire element. The at least one sheath has a third thickness less than the second thickness.

[0017] In an advantageous development, the outer wall has a stiffness greater than a stiffness of the lining in a longitudinal direction and / or a transverse direction which are perpendicular to a thickness direction.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one sheath is fixed to the external wall.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the sheath is separated from the internal wall by a portion of lining.

[0020] In an advantageous development, in a rest position, each end of the at least one elastic wire element rests against an openwork plate attached to the external wall.

[0021] In another advantageous development, the at least one end is attached to a rope blocker intended to form a right foot blocker or a left foot blocker. Summary description of the drawings

[0022] Other advantages and characteristics will emerge more clearly from the following description of particular embodiments and implementations of the invention given as non-limiting examples and represented in the appended drawings, in which: There figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a roping harness provided with an elastic wire element emerging from a through hole in the belt for connecting a rope stopper; The figure 2 schematically illustrates views of the inner face and the outer face of the inner wall of a belt of a roping harness; The figure 3 schematically illustrates different stages in the manufacture of a harness belt; The figure 4 schematically illustrates a sectional view of a belt of a roping harness provided with a sheath inside a fitting. Description of the embodiments

[0023] There figure 1illustrates an embodiment of a lacing harness 1 which is provided with a belt 2, a pair of thigh loops 3 and an elastic cord element 4, one end of which is mounted movably relative to the belt 2 to approach or move away from a foot of a user wearing the lacing harness 1.

[0024] The belt 2 has an inner wall 2a, a lining 2b and an outer wall 2c. The inner wall 2a, the lining 2b and the outer wall 2c are arranged successively in a thickness direction. The inner wall 2a is intended to come into contact with the user, and the lining 2b is separated from the user by the inner wall 2a. In a particular embodiment, the inner wall 2a and the outer wall 2c join on their peripheral parts to form an envelope receiving the lining 2b.

[0025] The outer wall 2c defines at least one through hole which is a right through hole 5a or a left through hole 5b. Preferably, the outer wall 2c defines a right through hole 5a as well as a left through hole 5b. The right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b are separated by the median sagittal plane of the user wearing the roping harness 1. Preferably, the right through hole 5a is arranged facing the right iliac fossa while the left through hole 5b is arranged facing the left iliac fossa when the roping harness 1 is worn by a user who is standing. The opposite is observed in a direction normal to the median sagittal plane.

[0026] The lining 2b defines at least one channel 6 intended to receive a portion of the elastic wire element 4. A portion of the elastic wire element 4 is arranged in the channel 6. The through hole 5 is arranged facing the channel 6 to allow the elastic wire element 4 to pass through the through hole 5 and allow one end of the elastic wire element 4 to move relative to the belt 2 by elastic deformation of the elastic wire element 4.

[0027] The elastic wire element 4 is an elastic wire element that is deformable independently of the belt 2 which allows the elastic wire element 4 to have one end that moves out of the belt 2, for example to reach a knee or a foot of the user who is wearing the rope harness 1. The end of the elastic wire element 4 can move away from the belt by pulling on the elastic wire element 4 to lengthen the elastic wire element 4. Once the force is stopped or by reducing the applied force, the elastic wire element 4 shortens which allows the end of the elastic wire element 4 and the belt 2 to be brought closer together.

[0028] In one embodiment, the outer wall 2c defines a right through hole 5a and a left through hole 5b. This configuration makes it possible to have a roping harness 1 adapted to a user whose rope clamp 7 connected to a foot or knee by a strap or rope is the right or left foot / knee.

[0029] The roping harness 1 may have a single elastic wire element 4 which emerges from the external wall 2c through each of the two through holes 5. Alternatively, the roping harness 1 has a right elastic wire element and a left elastic wire element. Preferably, the fitting 2b defines a single channel 6 which extends from the right through hole 5a to the left through hole 5b. A fitting 2b which defines a right channel and a left channel is also possible.

[0030] The roping harness 1 has at least one elastic wire element 4 which is arranged in the at least one channel 6 between the inner wall 2a and the outer wall 2c. The at least one elastic wire element 4 passes through the outer wall 2c by passing through the through hole 5 so as to be able to extend up to a knee or a foot. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that in its rest position, i.e. without external stress, the end of the elastic wire element 4 is in abutment against the belt part 2 defining the through hole 5, i.e. the vast majority of the elastic wire element 4 is stored in the belt 2.

[0031] The distance between the iliac fossa and the knee or between the iliac fossa and the foot is relatively large compared to the length of the dorsal part of the belt 2 capable of storing the elastic wire element 4. IlIt is therefore advantageous to have an elastic wire element 4 as long as possible to limit the elongation of the elastic wire element 4 and thus have an elastic force better adapted to raise the rope blocker 7 in the absence of stress.

[0032] IlIt is particularly advantageous to have an elastic wire element 4 which extends continuously from the right through hole 5a to the left through hole 5b and which is continuously slidable between the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b. In addition to being suitable for a user whose supporting foot is a right foot or a left foot, the elastic wire element 4 has a length which is substantially equal to the distance which separates the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b and this entire length of the elastic wire element 4 is used. The elastic wire element 4 is mounted continuously slidable relative to the lining 2b between the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b. The two ends of the elastic wire element 4 can move independently of each other.

[0033] The installation of the elastic wire element 4 inside the belt 2 between the inner wall 2a and the outer wall 2c makes it possible to functionalize the inside of the belt 2. The elastic wire element 4 no longer needs to be disassembled and then hung after use, it is automatically stored in the belt 2. The installation of the channel 6 inside the belt 2 instead of the top of the belt 2 makes it possible to improve the mechanical connection between the belt 2 and the elastic wire element 4. The forces applied downwards when stressing the end of the elastic wire element 4 are better absorbed by the outer wall 2c.

[0034] It is particularly advantageous to attach the elastic wire element 4 to a resistance element 8 which ensures the mechanical resistance of the rope harness 1 in the event of a fall.

[0035] Preferably, the belt 2 defines a sheath 9 and the elastic wire element 4 is arranged inside the sheath 9. It is particularly advantageous for the belt 2 to be provided with a right through hole 5a and a left through hole 5b and for the sheath 9 to define a path for the elastic wire element 4 to pass between the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b. For example, the sheath 9 extends continuously from the right through hole 5a to the left through hole 5b. The elastic wire element 4 can slide freely along the sheath 9. It is also possible for the sheath 9 to be formed by elementary sheaths arranged at a distance from each other to define the path.

[0036] When the path is a straight line between the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b, it is advantageous to fix the elementary sheaths to the internal wall 2a. The forces in the longitudinal direction are absorbed by the external wall 2c and / or the resistance element 8.

[0037] It is also possible for the sheath 9 to be attached to the external wall 2c which is chosen to have increased rigidity compared to the lining 2b so as to withstand the stresses on the elastic wire element 4. The stress of the rope blocker 7 attached to the end of the elastic wire element 4 causes a stress on the external wall 2c or on the resistance element 8. It is advantageous to mechanically separate the lining 2b and the sheath 9 to avoid deforming the lining 2b and creating an area of ​​discomfort in the examiner's back.

[0038] The lining 2b defines at least one channel 6 which has a first thickness. The first thickness is greater than a second thickness which is the thickness of the elastic wire element 4 which makes it possible to avoid having an excess thickness linked to the elastic wire element 4 relative to the external face of the external wall 2c and relative to the internal face of the internal wall 2a. The presence of a bead on the internal wall 2a introduces an area of ​​discomfort. The presence of a bead on the external wall 2c introduces an area of ​​accelerated wear.

[0039] When the belt 2 is provided with a sheath 9 which receives the elastic wire element 4,the sheath 9 has a third thickness. The third thickness is greater than the first thickness and less than the second thickness so as not to have any excess thickness linked to the assembly formed by the sheath 9 and the elastic wire element 4 relative to the external face of the external wall 2c and relative to the internal face of the internal wall 2a.

[0040] The at least one elastic wire element 4 extends beyond the outer wall 2c to move towards a thigh circumference 3 and towards a foot or a knee. The right part of the at least one elastic wire element 4 passes through the right through hole 5a and can support the right connector 10. The left part of the at least one elastic wire element 4 passes through the left through hole 5b and can support the left connector 10. The elastic wire element 4 has an inflection when leaving the channel 6 to move towards a knee or a foot. Preferably, the belt 2 comprises a right plate 11 and / or a left plate 11 which define a through orifice which opens opposite the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b. The plate 11 projects from the outer wall 2c. The plate 11 defines an outlet whose outlet direction is directed downwards.The exit direction is arranged in the angular range between the average longitudinal direction of the elastic wire element 4 between the right through hole 5a and the left through hole 5b and the longitudinal direction of a leg of a user who wears the roping harness 1 in a standing position with both feet on the ground.

[0041] The plate 11 makes it possible to introduce an inflection of the elastic wire element 4 in order to reduce friction to facilitate the transmission of forces and limit the wear of the elastic wire element 4. The plate 11 defines a sliding zone for the elastic wire element 4.

[0042] The plate 11 makes it possible to protect the elastic wire element immediately upon exiting the external wall 2c.

[0043] Preferably, the end of the elastic wire element 4 has a connector 10 which is, for example, a knot or any other fastening means. The connector 10 prevents the end of the elastic wire element 4 from passing through the through hole 5 and through the plate 11 if applicable. The end connector 10 of the elastic wire element 4 may also be a carabiner, a shackle, a quick link or any other device capable of receiving a rope blocker 7. An additional connector 12 may be used to connect the connector 10 and the rope blocker 7.

[0044] During its use, the connector 10 can directly or indirectly hook a rope blocker 7 which is hooked to a foot or a knee. During the rope ascent phases, the foot or the knee moves towards and then away from the belt 2. The rope blocker 7 makes a back and forth movement relative to the belt 2. The elastic wire element 4 relaxes and contracts alternately to follow the extensions of its attachment leg. The elastic wire element 4 enters and then leaves the channel 6. When the user's leg forces the rope blocker 7 downwards, the leg applies a force to the elastic wire element 4 which elastically deforms it in extension. A portion of the elastic wire element 4 leaves the channel 6. When the leg reduces the stress on the elastic wire element 4, the elastic wire element 4 contracts and at least partially returns to the channel 6.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 2 , the lining 2b and the inner wall 2a are formed by the same part. The lining 2b defines a groove which forms a channel 6. The groove does not pass through the element forming the inner wall 2a and the lining 2b in the thickness direction in order to define an inner wall 2a locking the elastic wire element 4 in the belt 2. The outer face 2a' is illustrated by the upper image while the inner face 2a" is illustrated by the lower image.

[0046] There figure 3 illustrates the stages of manufacturing a belt 2 of a roping harness 1. The Figure 3a illustrates a reinforcement element 2c' which supports elementary sheaths and an elastic wire element 4. The Figure 3b illustrates the assembly of the reinforcing element 2c' and the elastic wire element 4 with the trim 2b. The Figure 3cillustrates the assembly of the external wall 2c on the lining 2b associated with the reinforcing element 2c'.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing element 2c' defines the position of the multiple elementary sheaths 9 receiving the elastic wire element 4. The lining 2b defines a channel 6 and the elastic wire element 4 already shaped by means of the elementary sheaths 9 fixed to the reinforcing element 2c' is installed in the channel by installing the reinforcing element 2c'. The external wall 2c is installed on the reinforcing element 2c' and on the lining 2b to block the reinforcing element 2c' between the internal wall 2a and the external wall 2c.

[0048] Preferably, the external wall 2c defines slots 13 for the passage of the resistance element 8. The external wall 2c defines a right through hole 5a and a left through hole 5b whose shapes are arranged to receive plates 11.

[0049] The elastic wire element 4 may be formed by an element which is homogeneous from one end to the other, advantageously with an elongation rate greater than 50%, for example a rope or a strap which is elastically deformable. Alternatively, the elastic wire element 4 is made in several parts which have elongation values ​​at break which are different. The end may be formed by an element having a lower elongation at break than the part intended to be located in the channel 6.

[0050] As illustrated in the figure 1 , it is advantageous for the resistance element 8 to be in the form of a strap terminated by an opening-closing device 15 configured to define an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the user can put on or take off the roping harness 1. In the closed position, the user and the roping harness 1 are inseparable.

[0051] The belt 2 may have one or more anchor points 2d which are fixed to the resistance element 8 so as to ensure the suspension of the user installed in the rope harness 1.

[0052] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 , the reinforcing element 2c' is provided with spacers 14 which make it possible to space the lining 2b and the external wall 2c.

[0053] In the embodiment illustrated in figure 3 , the reinforcing element 2c' is provided with spacers 14 which make it possible to space the lining 2b and the external wall 2c.

[0054] The elastic wire element 4 is not a safety element intended to provide mechanical resistance to the belt 2 when the user is suspended in the roping harness 1. The elastic wire element 4 is distinct from the resistance element 8. The elastic wire element is not intended to tighten the belt 2, nor to act on the circumference of the belt 2. The elastic wire element 4 is not attached to a device for adjusting the circumference of the belt, nor attached to a device for opening / closing the belt 15. The elastic wire element 4 deforms independently of the resistance element 8 in order to allow the movement of the connector 10 relative to the belt 2 without taking into account whether the user is suspended in the roping harness or not.

[0055] As illustrated, it is advantageous that the elastic wire element 4 does not form a complete turn of the belt 2. As illustrated, the elastic wire element 4 extends over a portion of the length of the belt 2 and preferably the elastic wire element 4 extends over the rear portion of the belt 2 and advantageously to the right and left front edges which are in the front half of the roping harness when worn. When the user is suspended in the roping harness, the elastic wire element 4 is not able to adjust the length of the belt 2.

[0056] The elastic wire element 4 is elastically deformable relative to the belt 2. The extension and shortening of the elastic wire element 4 do not modify the circumference of the belt 2.

[0057] The elastic wire element 4 is elastically deformable when the belt 2 is closed and when the belt 2 is open. Preferably, the elastic wire element 4 has a maximum length which is greater than the length of the belt 2.

[0058] As illustrated in the figure 1 , in a rest position, the end of the elastic wire element 4 is supported against the edge of the through hole. The elasticity of the elastic wire element 4 generates a restoring force which places the end of the elastic wire element 4 against the edge of the through hole. Preferably, the elasticity of the elastic wire element 4 generates a restoring force sufficient to place the end of the elastic wire element 4 against the edge of the through hole when a rope blocker 7 is attached to the end of the elastic wire element 4.

[0059] As illustrated in the figure 1, it is advantageous that one end of the channel 6 near the through hole 5 is directed downwards so that the end of the elastic wire element 4 is oriented downwards which facilitates the deformation of the elastic wire element 4 when the rope blocker 7 moves from bottom to top following a knee or a foot in phases of extension and bending of the leg. This reduces friction and this facilitates the deformation of the elastic wire element 4 for a given force.

Claims

1. A roping harness (1) comprising: - a belt (2) with a lining (2b) arranged between an outer wall (2c) and an inner wall (2a), the lining (2b) defining at least one channel (6) between the outer wall (2c) and the inner wall (2a), the outer wall (2c) defining at least one right through hole (5a) or one left through hole (5b) opening into the lining (2b) opposite the channel (6), the at least one channel (6) having a first thickness; - a pair of leg loops (3); - a resistance element (8) fixed to the belt (2) and ensuring mechanical resistance in the event of a fall; - an elastic wire element (4) different from the resistance element (8); characterized in thatthe elastic wire element (4) is disposed in the channel (6) and passes through one of the right through hole (5a) and the left through hole (5b) so that one end of the elastic wire element (4) emerges out of the channel (6), the end having a connector (10) disposed out of the channel (6); in that the connector (10) is mounted to move relative to the belt (2) to move away from or towards the belt (2) by elastic elongation or shortening of the elastic wire element (4); in that the elastic wire element (4) generates a restoring force placing the end of the elastic wire element (4) against an edge of the right through hole (5a) or the left through hole (5b), in a rest position; in that the end of the at least one elastic wire element (4) is able to move to a knee or a foot when the roping harness (2) is worn; and in thatthe at least one elastic wire element (4) has a second thickness less than or equal to the first thickness.

2. A roping harness (2) according to claim 1 wherein the outer wall (2c) defines a right through hole (5a) and a left through hole (5b) and wherein the at least one channel (6) is a channel extending continuously from the right through hole (5a) to the left through hole (5b).

3. A roping harness (2) according to claim 2 wherein the at least one elastic wire element (4) is an elastic wire element extending continuously to pass through the right through hole (5a) and the left through hole (5b), each end of the elastic wire element (4) being terminated by a connector (10).

4. A roping harness (2) according to claim 3 wherein the elastic wire element is continuously sliding and stretchable between the right through hole and the left through hole.

5. Rope harness (2) according to any of claims 1 to 4 in which at least one sheath (9) is arranged in the at least one channel (6), the at least one channel (6) receiving the at least one elastic wire element (4) and in which the at least one sheath (9) has a third thickness less than the second thickness.

6. Rope harness according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which the external wall (2c) has a rigidity greater than a rigidity of the lining (2b) in a longitudinal direction and / or a transverse direction which are perpendicular to a thickness direction.

7. A roping harness according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5 wherein the at least one sheath (9) is fixed to the outer wall (2c).

8. Rope harness according to claim 7 in which the sheath (9) is separated from the internal wall (2a) by a portion of lining (2b).

9. Rope harness (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in which in a rest position, each end of the at least one elastic wire element (4) bears against an openwork plate (11) attached to the external wall (2c).

10. Rope harness (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the at least one end is fixed to a rope blocker (7) intended to form a right foot blocker or a left foot blocker.

11. Rope harness (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 in which the elastic wire element (4) has an elongation rate greater than 50%.

12. Rope harness (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in which the elastic wire element (4) extends only over a part of the belt (2) without forming a complete turn of the belt (2).

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