Harness

Abstract

To provide a harness and a method for putting on the harness which are usable equally for different application scenarios (e.g., both for ski touring and climbing).SOLUTION: A harness includes: a belt loop (1); at least one leg loop (13) having a first leg loop end (16) and an opposite second leg loop end (17); at least one leg loop connection element (23); and a belay connection element (22); where the belt loop (1) and the belay connection element (22) are connected to one another, each first leg loop end (16) and the belay connection element (22) are connected to one another, and the belt loop (1) and each first leg loop end (16) are configured to be alternatively detachably connectable with the respective second leg loop end (17) via the respective leg loop connection element (23).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a harness comprising belt loops, at least one leg loop (each leg loop having a first leg loop end and an opposing second leg loop end), and a belay connection element. The present invention also relates to a method for wearing a harness comprising belt loops, at least one leg loop (each leg loop having a first leg loop end and an opposing second leg loop end), and a belay connection element, in which each first leg loop end and the belay connection element are connected to each other. [Background technology]

[0002] As part of safety equipment, there is a device called a harness, which is worn on the body of a person during climbing, ski touring, mountaineering, via ferrata, tree maintenance work or any work where there is a risk of falling, and which establishes a connection between the person to be protected and, for example, a fall protection device or a connection point.

[0003] A harness typically consists of multiple loops, positioned around the body as belt loops or hip belts and around the legs as leg harnesses. These loops are joined at connection points (usually provided as belay connection elements) for attaching a safety rope or carabiner. The waist belt, leg belts, and optional chest belt are adjustable to the individual's body size, ensuring a safe transfer of forces between the individual and the harness and preventing the individual from accidentally slipping out of the harness. Recreational climbing harnesses and industrial safety harnesses are fundamentally similar in structure, but must meet different standards. For example, while standard EN 12277 applies to sports harnesses, standard EN 361 and standard EN 358 apply to industrial safety harnesses and tethers, respectively. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Harnesses known in the prior art are typically designated for a specific use. For example, a climbing harness could theoretically also be used for ski touring, but the ski touring harness, for example, allows for greater freedom of movement. On the other hand, a person using the harness may want to combine these activities, which may require, for example, taking off the ski touring harness and putting on a climbing harness. Such a change is impractical and would require the user to carry two different harnesses.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a harness and a method for wearing it that can be used equally well in different application scenarios (for example both ski touring and climbing). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are described by the features of the dependent claims.

[0007] The object of the present invention is therefore solved by a harness comprising a belt loop, at least one leg loop having a first leg loop end and an opposing second leg loop end, at least one leg loop connection element, and a belay connection element. The belt loop and the belay connection element are connected to each other. Each first leg loop end and the belay connection element are connected to each other. The belt loop and each first leg loop end are configured to be alternately connectable and detachable with a corresponding second leg loop end via a corresponding leg loop connecting element.

[0008] Therefore, a key aspect of the present invention is to provide a harness that allows for easy transitions between different configurations, thereby modifying the harness's applications and suitability. The proposed harness is ideal for activities requiring different body positions during use. For example, it is possible to transition from standing on a roof to sitting in the harness while climbing a ladder. The harness can therefore be configured to provide a lighter fit when walking and more support when descending. Furthermore, the harness can be worn without lifting the feet off the ground, making it particularly advantageous for soldiers and those using via ferrata (fixed rope routes). Specifically, when the second leg loop end is connected to the belt loop, the harness allows for easier movement, such as walking, hiking, trekking, or ski touring, because the legs are secured higher in the harness. When the second leg loop end is connected to the first leg loop end, the harness allows for easier climbing, because the legs are secured lower in the harness compared to other configurations.

[0009] In short, the proposed harness allows the user to change the load-bearing configuration while wearing the harness. In particular, the belt loops (also called hip loops) distribute the load along the primary structure (i.e., the person's hips), so changing the connection of the second leg loop end between the belt loop and each first leg loop end does not cause a break in the safety chain. In other words, these two configurations can be changed without dismounting the harness. Meanwhile, the changeable second leg loop end provides a load-bearing configuration that can be set without dismounting the harness, depending on the anticipated activity immediately before the activity begins, while the user is wearing the harness. The leg loop connection elements allow for easy change between the two configurations.

[0010] Harnesses can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, such as climbing, mountaineering, walking, hiking, military applications, ski touring, via ferrata, tree maintenance, or specialized work activities. Belt loops, also known as hip loops, are primarily intended or sized to be worn around the waist of the person wearing the harness. Similarly, leg loops are primarily intended or sized to be worn around the legs of the person wearing the harness. Harnesses can be combined with chest loops that can be connected to the belt loops.

[0011] The belay connection element may be provided as a circular or closed belt or strap, wearable or made of fabric, for example, with a diameter ranging from 5 cm to 10 cm, or as a carabiner, metal ring, or a combination thereof. The belay connection element is designed to connect the harness to a carabiner, safety device, lanyard, or similar device. In this context, "connected to each other" means, for example, that the belay connection element passes through or is inserted into a belt loop and is connected in a rigid manner so as to maintain a certain degree of flexibility between the belay connection element and the belt loop. In general, the harness is preferably made of webbing, belt, strap, or similar textile material. The leg loop connection element is preferably configured to provide a replaceable and detachable connection between the second leg loop end and the belt loop or the first leg loop end. The harness preferably has a total weight of ≦200 g, ≦160 g, ≦140 g, or ≦100 g.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, at least one leg loop connection element is provided as a buckle, in particular as a side-release buckle or armature, as a hook, as a knot, and / or as a carabiner with a corresponding eyelet. The buckle can be provided as a plastic and / or metal buckle. One part of the buckle is fixedly secured to the belt loop and the first leg loop end, and another part of the buckle is fixedly secured to the second leg loop end, for example by sewing. The hook and / or carabiner can likewise be made of plastic and / or metal. The eyelet is preferably provided as a loop made of folded strap and / or webbing, for example sewn to the belt loop.

[0013] A flapper (also known as a frog fastener and also used in marine equipment) is a button that functions as a fastener when inserted into an eyelet. The button is secured to the end of the strap and / or webbing and is positioned to extend perpendicular to the extension of the strap and / or webbing. The flapper can comprise a flexible cord, such as a rubber cord or elastic rope, that can be wrapped around the flapper and eyelet to secure them together when the flapper is inserted into the eyelet. Alternatively, the loop connection element can be provided as a simple knot.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, at least one leg loop connection element is connected to the belt loop and each first leg loop end, and includes at least one eyelet for connecting to a corresponding second leg loop. The belt loop may include multiple eyelets, such as three eyelets arranged next to each other, or positioned close to the belay connection element (e.g., 5 cm away from the belay connection element). Similarly, the eyelet connected to the first leg loop end is positioned near the first leg loop end, e.g., directly at the first leg loop end. The eyelet connected to the first leg loop end of one leg group extends parallel to and / or in the opposite direction to the eyelet connected to the first leg loop end of the other leg group.

[0015] In a further preferred embodiment, the two first leg loop ends are connected to each other to form a leg loop connection area for connecting the belay connection elements. In this case, the two first leg loop ends are sewn together or provided as a single piece (continuous structure). The leg loop connection area is primarily intended for connecting the belay connection elements. The leg loop connection area can be surrounded by a woven and / or fabric leg loop connection webbing, for example, extending 5 to 10 cm. Preferably, the belay connection elements are each connected to the leg loop connection webbing. Such leg loop connection webbing prevents abrasion between the leg loop connection area and the belay connection elements.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the leg loop connection is provided as a leg connection loop for connecting the belay connection element. Thus, a leg loop strap component consisting of a strap and / or webbing can be arranged parallel to the leg loop connection webbing and, for example, sewn to the opposite end of the leg loop connection webbing and / or to both first leg loop ends. The leg loop strap component can be shorter than the leg loop connection webbing, for example, by about 5 cm.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the leg loop connection element comprises an eyelet fixed to the leg loop connection area. The eyelet can be positioned opposite the leg loop connection area, and in particular can be positioned to extend away from the leg loop connection area. The strap and / or webbing of the eyelet can be sewn to the first leg loop end, or integrally formed with the first leg loop end, or surrounded by the fabric leg loop connection webbing.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the belt loop has a first belt loop end and an opposing second belt loop end for connecting with a corresponding second leg loop end. Eyelets can be provided at the first belt loop end and the second belt loop end. The eyelets are preferably configured to extend from the belt loop perpendicular to the leg loop direction. The eyelets are preferably configured to be sewn to the first belt loop end and the second belt loop end.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the belt loop has a belt loop connection area for connecting a belay connection element. The belt loop connection area is preferably surrounded by belt loop connection webbing. The belt loop connection webbing is preferably sewn to the belt loop or is intended for connection to the belay connection element. Such belt loop connection webbing prevents abrasion between the leg loop connection area and the belay connection element.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment, the belt loop connection region is provided as a belt connection loop for connecting a belay connection element. Such a belt connection loop is advantageous for holding the belay connection element in position. In a preferred embodiment, the belt loop connection region includes a belt loop connection buckle, in particular a side release buckle, for forming the belt connection loop. The belt loop connection buckle is preferably arranged parallel to the belt loop connection webbing or sewn to the belt loop. The belay connection element can be connected to the belt loop by opening and closing the belt loop connection buckle. Such a belt loop connection buckle allows the harness to be worn without lifting the feet from the ground, for example, during ski touring activities.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, each leg loop is provided with a connecting element for detachably connecting the corresponding first leg loop end and second leg loop end. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element in particular comprises a side-release connecting buckle, connecting loop, connecting hook, or connecting carabiner, and a corresponding connecting eyelet. The connecting element preferably comprises a strap and / or webbing to which the connecting buckle, connecting loop, connecting hook, and / or connecting carabiner is connected. Preferably, one end of the connecting element is rigidly connected, for example by sewing, to the first leg loop end, in particular at a position spaced therefrom, for example 5 cm, and the opposite end is detachably connectable to the second leg loop end, in particular at a position spaced therefrom, for example 5 cm. In this respect, the second leg loop end is preferably provided with a connecting eyelet.

[0022] Preferably, the second leg loop end is provided with a plurality of interconnectable eyelets, more preferably arranged in a row or extending away from the second leg loop end. This interconnection element allows the wearer of the harness to maintain their leg connected to the leg belt when switching between the two possible configurations. In this configuration, the connection element forms a C-shape with other elements of the harness in the walking mode when the second leg loop end is connected to the belt loop, and forms an A-shape with other elements of the harness in the climbing mode when the second leg loop end is connected to the first leg loop end.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the belt loop comprises a first belt loop end, an opposing second belt loop end, and a belt loop connection element that detachably connects the first belt loop end to the second belt loop. In a preferred embodiment, the belt loop connection element is preferably provided as a sliding belt loop buckle, whereby the belt loop is placed around a person's waist and / or belt and then secured to the person with the belt loop buckle.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the belt loops and / or at least one leg loop are provided as plain webbing. The webbing is formed from a fabric material, such as sailcloth, which advantageously minimizes the weight of the harness. The webbing preferably has a convex isosceles trapezoid shape with rounded sides. The webbing can be edged with folded ribbons, particularly fabric ribbons, on both longitudinal sides of the webbing. These ribbons are preferably sewn to the plain webbing or to the opposite end thereof, forming, for example, a second belt loop end opposite the first belt loop end.

[0025] This problem is further solved by a method of wearing a harness comprising a belt loop (1), at least one leg loop (13) having a first leg loop end (16) and an opposing second leg loop end (17), at least one leg loop connection element (23), and a belay connection element (22). Each first leg loop end and the belay connection element are connected to each other, and include the following steps: Connect the belt loop and belay connection element, Each second leg loop end is removably connected to either a belt loop or a corresponding first leg loop end via a corresponding leg loop connecting element. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] This allows the belay connection element to be connected to the belt loop by inserting the belay connection element into the belt connection loop and then fastening the belt loop buckle. Similarly, alternately connecting the second leg loop end to the belt loop or the first leg loop end can be achieved by inserting the respective harnesses into the respective harness holes. This method offers two advantages: first, the harness can be put on without lifting your feet from the ground, and second, the configuration can be changed, for example, when changing activities.

[0027] Further advantages and embodiments of this method can be derived from the harness described above.

[0028] Other embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are intended to illustrate the general concept of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Features shown in the drawings are not considered to be essential elements of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in a schematic side view. [Figure 2]1 shows an embodiment of the present invention in a further simplified side view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to an embodiment showing the harness worn by a person as shown in FIG. 1 and the harness not worn as shown in FIG.

[0031] The harness comprises belt loops 1 (also called hip loops) configured to be worn around the waist or belt. As shown in FIG. 2, the belt loops 1 are formed as plain woven cloth webbing 2 in the shape of a convex isosceles trapezoid with rounded sides. The plain woven webbing 2 is edged at both longitudinal ends thereof with folded ribbons 3, which are sewn to the plain woven webbing 2. These two ribbons 3 are sewn together, thereby firmly connecting a first belt loop end 4 and an opposing second belt loop end 5.

[0032] The first belt loop end 4 is sewn to a first end of a first plain-woven fabric belt component 6, thereby firmly connecting them to form a belt loop connection region 7, which is surrounded by a belt loop connection webbing 8. A belt loop connection buckle 9, provided as a side-release buckle, is sewn parallel to the belt loop connection webbing 8. Closing the belt loop connection buckle 9 forms a belt connection loop 10. A second, opposite end of the belt component 6 is folded over and then sewn to form an eyelet. The eyelet holds two buckles that form a belt loop connection element 11. The second belt loop end 5 is sewn to a second plain-woven fabric belt component 12, which is slidably insertable into the belt loop connection element 11 to form a closed belt loop 1 when worn, as shown in FIG. 1 .

[0033] The harness further includes at least one leg loop 13. Like the belt loop 1, the leg loop 13 is formed as a plain weave leg webbing 14 in the shape of a convex isosceles trapezoid with rounded sides, as shown in FIG. 2. The plain weave leg webbing 14 is edged at both longitudinal ends thereof with folded leg ribbons 15, which are sewn to the plain weave leg webbing 14. Each leg group 13 has a first leg loop end 16 and an opposing second leg loop end 17, and these two leg ribbons 15 are sewn to each other. The two first leg loop end portions 16 of at least one leg group 13 are connected to each other to form a leg loop connection region 18. As a result, the two first leg loop end portions 16 are sewn together or provided as a single piece, i.e., the two leg ribbons 15 surround the two leg webbings 14 of at least one leg group 13.

[0034] The leg loop connection region 18 is surrounded by leg loop connection webbing 19, to which parallel leg loop strap components 20 are sewn, forming closed leg connection loops 21. The leg connection loops 21 are connected to closed belay connection elements 22, which are sewn belts, thereby connecting the two first leg loop ends 16 and the belay connection elements 22 to each other. When donning the harness, first, the belt loops 1 are placed around a person's waist, second, the belay connection elements 22 are fastened to the belt loop connection region 7, and the belt loop connection buckles 9 are closed to form belt connection loops 10, thereby connecting the belay connection elements 22 and the belt loops 1. Third, the belt loops are closed and fastened by the belt loop connection elements 11 so that they are fastened to the waist, respectively.

[0035] The harness further comprises two leg loop connection elements 23 each having a loop 24 and a corresponding eyelet 25. Both leg loop ends 17 are each provided with a loop 24. The first belt loop end 4 and the second belt loop end 5 are each provided with an eyelet 25. Furthermore, each first leg loop end 16 is respectively fitted with an eyelet 25. The loops 24 are provided with retainers configured as elastic bands that can be wrapped around the loops 24 to secure the loops 24 inserted into the eyelets 25.

[0036] In this way, the belt loops 1 and the first leg loop ends 16 are alternately and detachably connected to the corresponding second leg loop ends 17 via the corresponding leg loop connecting elements 23. That is, they are connected by inserting the corresponding loop loops 24 into the corresponding eyelets 25. As shown in FIG. 1 , each loop loop 24 of the left leg loop 13 is inserted into the second leg loop end 17 of the left leg loop 13, and thereby each loop loop 24 of the second leg loop end 17 of the right leg loop 13 is inserted into the eyelet 25 provided on the first leg loop end 16 of the right leg loop 13.

[0037] Although not shown, the loop connection elements 23 can alternatively be provided, in particular as side release buckles, or as hooks and / or carabiners with corresponding eyelets 25. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the eyelets 25 are provided as folded belts, each sewn to the first leg loop end 16 and arranged parallel to the folded leg ribbon 15. Together with the folded leg ribbon 15, the folded belts are surrounded by and respectively sewn to the leg loop connection webbing 19. In this respect, the eyelets 25 are arranged on opposite sides of the leg loop connection region 18.

[0038] The harness further comprises two connecting elements 26, each removably disposed between the corresponding first leg loop end 16 and second leg loop end 17. One end of each connecting element 26 is firmly connected and sewn to the corresponding first leg loop end 16, and the other end is connected to an associated connecting loop, which in turn is removably connectable to a connecting eyelet provided on the corresponding second leg loop end 17. Although not directly shown in the figures, the second leg loop end 17 has three connecting eyelets arranged in a row so that the connecting loop can be connected to any of these three eyelets. As before, connecting buckles, particularly those provided as side-release connecting buckles, connecting hooks, or connecting carabiners can be used instead of the loops.

[0039] Connections between components shown or described should generally be understood as functional connections. These can be implemented as direct links or as indirect links via other components. The order of operations presented is not required, and alternative orders may be possible. The described embodiments are merely exemplary and can be modified and / or supplemented in many ways within the scope of the claims. In particular, features described in a particular embodiment can be used alone or in combination with other features in other embodiments. Each feature described in a particular category of embodiments can be used in an equivalent manner in other categories of embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] Belt loop 1 Webbing 2 Ribbon 3 First belt loop end 4 Second belt loop end 5 First belt part 6 Belt loop connection area 7 Belt loop connection webbing 8 Belt loop connection buckle 9 10 belt connection loops Belt loop connection element 11 Second belt component 12 Leg Loop 13 Leg webbing 14 Leg Ribbon 15 First leg loop end 16 Second leg loop end 17 Leg loop connection 18 Loop connection webbing 19 Leg Loop Strap Parts 20 21 leg connection loops Belay connection parts 22 Leg loop connection element 23 Alamari 24 Eyelets 25 Connecting element 26

Claims

1. The apparatus comprises a belt loop (1), at least one leg loop (13) having a first leg loop end (16) and an opposing second leg loop end (17), at least one leg loop connection element (23), and a belay connection element (22), The belt loop (1) and the belay connection element (22) are connected to each other, Each first leg loop end (16) and a belay connection element (22) are connected to each other; The belt loop (1) and each first leg loop end (16) are configured to be alternately connectable and detachable with the corresponding second leg loop end (17) via at least one corresponding leg loop connecting element (23). Harness.

2. 2. The harness according to claim 1, At least one leg loop connection element (23) is provided as a buckle, in particular as a side release buckle or alamari (24), as a hook, as a knot and / or as a carabiner with a corresponding eyelet (25) respectively. Harness.

3. 3. The harness according to claim 1 or 2, At least one leg loop connection element (23) is connected to the belt loop (1) and each first leg loop end (16), and includes an eyelet (25) for connection to a corresponding second leg loop end (17). Harness.

4. 4. The harness according to claim 1, The two first leg loop ends (16) are connected to each other to form a leg loop connection area (18), which connects a belay connection element (22). Harness.

5. 5. The harness according to claim 4, A leg loop connection area (18) is provided as a leg connection loop (21) that connects with a belay connection element (22). Harness.

6. 6. The harness according to claim 1, The leg loop connection element (23) includes an eyelet (25) attached to the leg loop connection area (18). Harness.

7. 7. The harness according to claim 1, The belt loop (1) includes a first belt loop end (4) and an opposing second belt loop end (5) configured to connect with a corresponding second leg loop end (17). Harness.

8. 8. The harness according to claim 1, The belt loop (1) has a belt loop connection (7) for connecting with a belay connection element (22). Harness.

9. 9. The harness according to claim 8, The belt loop connection area (7) is provided as a belt connection loop (10) that connects with the belay connection element (22). Harness.

10. 10. The harness of claim 9, The belt loop connection area (7) includes a belt loop connection buckle (9), in particular a side release buckle, for forming a belt connection loop (10). Harness.

11. 11. The harness according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Each leg loop (13) has a connecting element (26) for detachably connecting the corresponding first leg loop end (16) and second leg loop end (17). Harness.

12. 12. The harness of claim 11, The connecting element (26) is configured or provided as a connecting buckle, in particular a side-release connecting buckle, or a connecting armature, a connecting hook and / or a connecting carabiner, each with a corresponding connecting eyelet. Harness.

13. 13. The harness according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The belt loop (1) comprises a first belt loop end (4), an opposing second belt loop end (5), and a belt loop connecting element (11) for detachably connecting the first belt loop end (4) and the second belt loop (1), the belt loop connecting element (11) being preferably provided as a belt loop connecting buckle (9), in particular as a sliding belt loop buckle. Harness.

14. 14. The harness according to any one of claims 1 to 13, The belt loops (1) and / or at least one leg loop (13) are provided as plain woven strips (2, 14). Harness.

15. A method of wearing a harness comprising belt loops (1), at least one leg loop (13) having a first leg loop end (16) and an opposing second leg loop end (17), at least one leg loop connection element (23), and a belay connection element (22), the method comprising: Each first leg loop end (16) and a belay connection element (22) are connected to each other; A belt loop (1) and a belay connection element (22) are connected to each other; Each second leg loop end (17) is detachably connected to either the belt loop (1) or the corresponding first leg loop end (16) via at least one corresponding leg loop connecting element (23). How to wear a harness.

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