Universal harness for height work, climbing or medical rehabilitation

Abstract

The invention relates to a safety harness (1) for height work, climbing or medical rehabilitation, which includes a back plate (2) associated with two back straps (3, 4), which each have an upper portion which merges into shoulder straps (5, 6) and a lower portion which merges into thigh straps (7, 8), the thigh straps (7, 8) each including a male portion (9a) of a snap-fit buckle, the position of which is adjustable on the corresponding thigh strap (7, 8), the shoulder straps (5, 6) merging into chest straps (10, 11), an end portion of which includes a female portion (9b) of the snap-fit buckle, each end portion passing through a doubling of the corresponding lower portion, the doubling being located upstream of the corresponding thigh strap (7, 8), allowing the snap-fit buckle to be closed when the thigh strap (7, 8) extends around the thigh of the user, a sternal loop (12) for connecting the chest straps, a connecting loop (15) connecting the thigh straps (7, 8), and at least one suspension loop (16) arranged on each shoulder strap (5, 6).

Description

[0001] UNIVERSAL HARNESS FOR WORKING AT HEIGHT

[0002] CLIMBING OR MEDICAL REHABILITATION

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the general technical field of sports equipment and in particular to equipment for climbing or for working at height or for medical rehabilitation or the transfer / lifting of patients.

[0005] The invention relates, for example, to a universal safety harness that allows athletes to avoid falls while climbing walls. The invention also relates to a universal safety harness adapted for working at heights. Furthermore, the invention relates to a safety harness adapted for people with disabilities or reduced mobility, for example, to allow them to discover and practice climbing safely. The invention also relates, for example, to a safety harness that supports a patient during certain medical rehabilitation or transfer exercises.

[0006] In the following, the term "user" or "carrier" refers to the person equipped and / or suspended by a safety harness, for example for working at height, for climbing, or for medical rehabilitation sessions or patient transfers.

[0007] Previous technique

[0008] Safety harnesses are commonly used in climbing and for professional activities requiring work at height. During such activities, it is essential to secure the person working at height in case of an accidental fall. A safety harness, secured by a rope or strap attached to a fixed point, prevents serious or fatal consequences in the event of a fall.

[0009] Safety harnesses commonly used in sports, particularly climbing, have a major drawback: they are not suitable for people with disabilities, such as wheelchair users with limited or reduced use of their upper or lower limbs. This makes it difficult for such individuals to discover or practice climbing safely. US patent 2013 / 048418 A1 describes a safety harness designed for working at height. This harness includes a back panel, leg straps, shoulder straps, a sternal loop, a connecting harness, and a suspension loop. This suspension loop is located on the back panel and therefore acts as a dorsal suspension loop, which substantially limits the harness's adaptability and usability, preventing, for example, a vertical position.

[0010] US patent 6,367,582 B1 describes a rescue harness used in rescue operations. This harness is in no way suitable for rock climbing, working at heights, or medical rehabilitation. The described harness has a triangular loop attachment on each shoulder strap. These attachments are not intended to be directly connected to a suspension line. Therefore, they cannot be considered suspension loops. Such a harness design is not suitable for any use other than rescue.

[0011] Presentation of the invention

[0012] The object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by proposing a new safety harness whose use is facilitated and simplified, in particular for people with reduced mobility or disabilities.

[0013] Another object of the invention aims to provide a safety harness that adapts to multiple deficiencies in the arms and / or legs of users.

[0014] Another object of the invention aims to provide a safety harness with increased comfort of use, particularly for people with reduced mobility, people with disabilities, overweight or obese people, without altering its effectiveness in case of a fall.

[0015] Another object of the invention aims to provide a safety harness that frees up space in front of the wearer of said harness and does not hinder their movements, particularly when handling potentially dangerous tools or other devices at height during work at height.

[0016] The objects assigned to the invention are reached using a safety harness for working at height, climbing or medical rehabilitation, comprising: - a back panel associated with two back straps, each of which has an upper part extending to form shoulder straps and a lower part extending to form thigh straps,

[0017] - the thigh straps, each comprising a male part of a snap-on buckle whose position is adjustable on the corresponding thigh strap,

[0018] - the shoulder straps extending to form adjustable-length chest straps, one end of which includes a female part of the snap buckle,

[0019] - each end portion passing through a split in the corresponding lower part, said split being located upstream of the thigh strap, allowing the snap buckle to close when the thigh strap extends around the user's thigh,

[0020] - a sternal bridge with a side-release buckle for connecting the pectoral straps,

[0021] - a connecting harness linking the thigh straps, and

[0022] - at least two suspension loops arranged on each shoulder strap.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the suspension bridges are distributed on said strap in a sagittal plane, to constitute on each strap several distinct and offset attachment points.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, each strap has three suspension loops distributed on said strap in a sagittal plane, to constitute on each strap a front attachment point, a central attachment point and a rear attachment point, which allow the wearer suspended by said safety harness to achieve, respectively, a forward inclination, a near-perfect verticality and a backward inclination.

[0025] According to one example of implementation, the suspension loops are inseparable from the straps and are made with webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto the straps forming webbing loops to constitute the attachment points.

[0026] When suspension loops are used, they alone transmit the suspension forces between a suspension cable and the harness. No other attachment points located on the harness are necessary to ensure the stability, balance, and safety of the harness user.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the sternal bridge includes a ring providing a sternal attachment point.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the pectoral straps have, near and above the sternal bridge, respectively a left sternal loop and a right sternal loop, which are inseparable from the respective pectoral straps and are made with webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto said pectoral straps forming webbing loops to constitute a left sternal attachment point and a right sternal attachment point.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the safety harness comprises a rigid spreader bar, substantially in the shape of an inverted U, associated with at least one suspension strap, said spreader bar being intended to extend around and away from the head of the wearer of said safety harness, approximately in a frontal plane of said wearer and to constrain the positioning of the suspension strap along said spreader bar, each end of the suspension strap being connected to a spreader bar attachment point of said harness, the central part of the suspension strap being provided with a central attachment ring at the top of the spreader bar.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the safety harness comprises a rigid spreader bar, substantially in the shape of an inverted U, associated with at least two separate suspension straps, said spreader bar being intended to extend around and away from the head of the wearer of said safety harness, approximately in a frontal plane of the wearer and to constrain the positioning of the suspension straps along one arm of said spreader bar, a first end of each suspension strap being connected to a spreader bar attachment point of said harness, the second end of each suspension strap being provided with a specific central attachment ring, said central attachment rings being positioned at the top of the spreader bar.

[0031] According to one example of implementation, the lifting beam attachment points are formed by the suspension bridges.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the lifting point attachment points are made up on the one hand by the suspension bridges and on the other hand by the left and right sternal loops.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the safety harness includes a support strap mounted at the bottom on the back panel and connecting the back straps together, the support strap having an adjustment buckle to modify the spacing between the back straps.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the support strap includes fixing clips to establish a connection with non-elastic leg straps, adjustable in length and connected to the thigh straps, to adapt said safety harness to the morphology and orientation of the wearer's pelvis.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the shoulder straps and / or thigh straps and / or chest straps have, on the wearer's side, removable and adjustable foam portions to improve user comfort.

[0036] According to one embodiment, each lower part, at the level of the strap split, has a semi-rigid gripping handle, positioned on the outer lateral side of each thigh and allowing a third person to lift the person wearing said safety harness out of their chair or seat.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the back straps overlap above the back panel, so as to obtain an increased spacing between the upper part of said back straps and to form an additional safety attachment point.

[0038] According to one example of implementation, the safety harness includes a dorsal anti-fall loop, added by overstitching on the overlap area of ​​the dorsal straps.

[0039] According to one example of implementation, the back panel is mounted to slide on the back straps.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each end portion, passing through a doubling of the corresponding lower part, also has a portion of doubled strap so as to create an interlacing between the corresponding doubled parts and allow limited sliding of the end portion on the lower part.

[0041] The objects assigned to the invention are also achieved using a safety assembly for climbing or working at height comprising a safety harness as presented above, a support and traction system connected to the suspension loops of the safety harness via a rope or strap, so as to secure the person equipped with said safety harness and providing a traction force so as to reduce the effort to be made by the user when climbing a climbing wall.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the support and traction system is automated and includes a calculator to determine traction assistance to be provided based on the traction effort provided by the user during their movements.

[0043] The safety harness according to the invention has the significant advantage of being particularly suitable for people who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility, such as in their lower limbs. The safety harness can be easily and quickly put on while seated. In fact, the harness allows a person remaining seated, for example in a wheelchair, to put it on easily without assistance.

[0044] The harness according to the invention facilitates standing and provides substantial support to the postural muscles. This prevents the knees from rubbing against the wall. The safety harness according to the invention adapts perfectly to various constraints related to disabilities of varying degrees.

[0045] Indeed, to adapt to various modes of use, the harness conforming to the invention allows the user to choose an optimal "degree of verticality." The harness can therefore be adapted to people of different body types and / or people with disabilities and / or to work at height, which generates particular constraints. The comfort and safety of the harness wearer are thus improved.

[0046] The harness conforming to the invention also provides remarkable stability to its user when working at height or when climbing a climbing wall, perfectly respecting the human physiology of a person in a standing position.

[0047] Thanks to the safety harness conforming to the invention, a sporting activity such as climbing is made accessible to a public for whom this was not previously conceivable.

[0048] The harness according to the invention also allows for self-adjustment to its wearer and for fine adjustments to be made, so as to adapt to the particular morphology of its wearer and, where applicable, to the specificities of their disability.

[0049] Another advantage of the safety harness conforming to the invention lies in the stability it provides to its user, suspended in mid-air.

[0050] The user, who does not have the use of their lower limbs or, where applicable, has only limited use of their upper limbs, can then very easily move on a climbing wall with full mobility of their upper limbs, which are not hindered, while guaranteeing the maintenance of the torso as would be done by the postural muscles in an able-bodied person.

[0051] In the field of working at height, an advantage of the safety harness according to the invention lies in the absence of a chest or waist safety rope or strap, thus completely freeing up the workspace at height in front of the wearer of said harness. Arm movements and, where applicable, the handling of potentially dangerous tools are therefore greatly facilitated and done in complete safety. Similarly

[0052] Another advantage of the safety harness according to the invention lies in the use of a spreader bar, integrated into the harness, which, in certain cases—particularly when the spreader bar is made with two separate suspension straps—eliminates the need for a second safety line connected to a dorsal loop. This frees up the wearer's back for carrying a backpack or tools. A similar advantage can also be achieved by attaching the second safety line to a suspension loop on a shoulder strap not used by the spreader bar.

[0053] Another advantage of the safety harness according to the invention lies in its integration with an automated traction system connected to the harness via a rope, steel cable, or webbing. This traction system provides assistance to the wearer by pulling on the harness, thus reducing the effort required to climb a wall. This combination allows a person with a disability to improve their physical condition, even with partial impairment of the arms and / or legs.

[0054] The safety harness according to the invention allows for optimal verticality for the wearer and consequently an optimal distance from a climbing wall. Furthermore, the safety harness is suitable for activities with or without the wearer's feet.

[0055] Brief description of the drawings

[0056] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description, made with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0057] - Figure 1 is a rear view of an example of an embodiment of a safety harness according to the invention,

[0058] - Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the upper part of the safety harness shown in Figure 1.

[0059] - Figure 3 is a front view of an example of an embodiment of a safety harness according to the invention,

[0060] - Figure 4 is an enlarged detail of the harness illustrated in figures 1 and 3, at the level of the wearer's hips,

[0061] - Figure 5 is an enlarged detail illustrating an example of the construction of a sternal bridge for the harness shown in Figures 1 and 3,

[0062] - Figure 6 is an enlarged detail illustrating an example of the construction of a connecting saddle for the thigh straps of the harness shown in Figures 1 and 3,

[0063] - Figure 7 is a rear view of another example of an embodiment of a safety harness according to the invention,

[0064] - Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a detail of the safety harness shown in Figure 7,

[0065] - Figure 9 is an illustration of an example of the implementation of a spreader bar for the safety harness shown in Figure 7,

[0066] - Figure 10 is a front view of the safety harness shown in Figure 7,

[0067] - Figure 1a is an enlarged view of another detail of the safety harness according to the invention,

[0068] - Figure 11b is an enlarged view of another example of the implementation of this other detail of the safety harness shown in figure l ia,

[0069] - Figures 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a safety harness according to the invention, respectively suspended by means of different attachment points on the shoulder straps, and

[0070] - Figure 15 illustrates a safety harness according to the invention, suspended via a sternal attachment point.

[0071] Detailed description of the invention

[0072] Structurally and functionally identical or similar elements, present on several distinct figures, are assigned the same numeric or alphanumeric reference.

[0073] Figure 1 is a rear view of an example of a safety harness 1 intended for the practice of climbing.

[0074] The safety harness 1 comprises a back panel 2 associated with two back straps 3 and 4. The back straps 3 and 4 cross in an X and each has an upper part extending to form shoulder straps 5 and 6 and a lower part extending to form leg straps 7 and 8. Advantageously, the back panel 2 can slide along said back straps 3 and 4.

[0075] The thigh straps 7 and 8 each have a male part 9a of a snap-on buckle whose position is adjustable on the corresponding thigh straps 8, 7.

[0076] Straps 5 and 6 extend to form chest straps 10 and 11 of adjustable length, one end portion of which includes a female part 9b of the snap buckle.

[0077] Each end portion passes through a split 3a, 4a of the corresponding lower part. The split 3a and 4a being located respectively upstream of the thigh strap 7 and 8, allowing the snap buckle to close, by cooperation of the male parts 9a and the female parts 9b, when the thigh strap 7, 8 extends around the user's thigh.

[0078] The safety harness 1 also includes a sternal bridge 12 with a ring 13 and a side release buckle 14 for connecting the chest straps 10 and 11.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the sternal bridge 12 includes a ring 13 providing a sternal attachment point.

[0080] The safety harness 1 advantageously includes a connecting saddle 15 linking the thigh straps 7 and 8.

[0081] The safety harness 1 also includes at least one suspension ring 16 arranged on each shoulder strap 5, 6. The suspension ring 16 located on each shoulder strap 5, 6 allows the safety harness 1 to be attached to a support and / or traction system via a rope, wire rope or strap.

[0082] Shoulder straps 5, 6 and / or thigh straps 7, 8 and / or chest straps 10, 11 advantageously incorporate removable foam sections 17, for example. The position of the foam sections 17 is preferably adjustable to improve user comfort. The foam sections located under shoulder straps 5 and 6, for example, form extensions of the back panel 2.

[0083] As an example, a double loop system 18, known as such, allows the chest straps 10, 11 to be lengthened or shortened.

[0084] According to an example embodiment of the safety harness 1, each lower section, at the point where the straps split 3a and 4a, has a semi-rigid gripping handle 20. The gripping handle 20 is positioned on the outer lateral side of each thigh and allows, for example, a third person to lift the person wearing the safety harness 1 out of their chair or seat.

[0085] In one embodiment, the back straps 3 and 4 cross above the back panel 2. The latter can advantageously slide along said back straps 3 and 4. See Figures 1 and 2 for further details. In another embodiment, each end portion of the chest straps 10 and 11, passing through a split 3a, 4a in the corresponding lower section, also has a split webbing portion 10a, 1a so as to create an interlacing between the corresponding split sections 3a-10a and 4a-1a. This configuration allows limited sliding of the end portion along the lower section on the one hand, and maintains said end portion in a position near the user's thigh on the other. See Figure 4 for further details.

[0086] Figure 5 is an enlarged detail illustrating the sternal bridge 12 of an example of an embodiment of a sternal bridge of the safety harness 1.

[0087] Figure 6 is an enlarged detail illustrating the mounting of the foam portions 17 of the connecting bridge 15 of the thigh straps 7, 8 of the safety harness 1. The foam portions 17 are for example mounted sliding on the thigh straps 7, 8 by means of VELCRO systems 17a.

[0088] Figure 7 is a rear view of another example of a safety harness 1. The back straps 3 and 4 overlap above the back panel 2, increasing the distance between the upper parts of said back straps 3 and 4 and forming an additional safety attachment point. Thus, the two upper parts of the back straps 3 and 4 are made with one of the back straps 3, and the two lower parts of the back straps 3 and 4 are made with the other back strap 4.

[0089] The back strap 4 has an upward section passing over the back strap 3 and then folded back on itself and has a downward section passing behind the back strap 3. The two upward sections of the back strap 3 have an inclination to each other substantially identical to the inclination of the two downward sections of the back strap 4.

[0090] Back straps 3 and 4 are joined together, via seams, at their overlapping area.

[0091] Advantageously, the safety harness 1 includes a dorsal anti-fall bridge, not shown in the figures, added by overstitching on the overlap area of ​​the dorsal straps 3, 4.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the safety harness 1 includes a support strap 28 mounted at the bottom of the back panel 2. The support strap 28, engaged in elastic loops on the back panel 2, connects the back straps 3 and 4. The support strap 28 advantageously includes an adjustment buckle to modify the spacing between the back straps 3 and 4. The safety harness 1 can therefore be best adapted, in particular, to the body size of the wearer of said safety harness 1.

[0093] In one embodiment, the support strap 28 has two attachment clips 29 for non-elastic, length-adjustable leg straps 30. The leg straps 30 are connected to the thigh straps 7 and 8, allowing the safety harness 1 to be adapted to the wearer's morphology and pelvic orientation, and in particular to correct a retroversion / anteversion of the pelvis.

[0094] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of a detail of the safety harness shown in Figure 7. In one embodiment, each shoulder strap 5, 6 has three suspension loops 16 distributed along said strap 5, 6 to form a front attachment point 16a, a central attachment point 16b, and a rear attachment point 16c on each strap 5, 6. These front 16a, central 16b, and rear 16c attachment points are distributed along the respective left and right sagittal planes of the shoulder straps 5 and 6. This distribution allows a person suspended by the safety harness 1 to achieve various inclinations, including, for example, a forward inclination, a near-perfect vertical position, and a backward inclination. The choice of such an inclination, also called degree or amplitude of verticality, is particularly advantageous for improving the comfort and safety of the harness wearer 1 and reproducing the natural position of a standing person.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the suspension loops 16 are made with webbing loops sewn onto the shoulder straps 5, 6 using stitching 21. The suspension loops 16 are preferably inseparable from the shoulder straps 5, 6 and are made with webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto the shoulder straps 5, 6, forming webbing loops to create the attachment points. These attachment points are then advantageously free of metal loops that could detach from the harness 1, thus improving the safety of said harness 1.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the safety harness 1 includes a visual indicator for proper fitting, allowing verification that the harness is fitted in accordance with all safety requirements, and in particular that the attachment point 16a, 16b, or 16c is used. The visual indicator includes, for example, a color code or different markings, such as numbers or letters, associated with the respective attachment points 16a, 16b, and 16c. The visual indicator can advantageously be supplemented with tactile markings for visually impaired persons. The use of two-tone webbing with high contrast, such as orange on the inside and black on the outside, advantageously allows for the identification of strands or twists in the webbing and also advantageously allows for differentiation between the inside and outside of the safety harness 1.

[0097] Figure 9 is an illustration of an example of the realization of a spreader bar 22 adapted to the safety harness 1 of figures 7 and 8.

[0098] The safety harness 1 comprises a rigid spreader bar 22, substantially in the shape of an inverted U, associated with at least one suspension strap 23. The spreader bar 22 is designed to extend around and away from the head of the wearer of the safety harness 1, approximately in a frontal plane of the wearer. The spreader bar 22 constrains the positioning of the suspension strap 23, i.e., the suspension strap 23 extends along the rigid spreader bar 22. The latter is preferably metallic, for example, made of steel.

[0099] Each end of the suspension strap 23 has a sewn end loop 23a into which is engaged a carabiner 25 intended to connect to an attachment point 16a, 16b or 16c of the suspension loop 16 of a shoulder strap 5, 6.

[0100] The central part of the suspension strap 23 is shaped, for example by sewing, into a strap loop 26 located substantially at the top of the inverted U-shape of the spreader bar 22.

[0101] According to another embodiment, the central part of the suspension strap 23 is provided with a central attachment ring at the top of the spreader bar 22.

[0102] The spreader bar 22 is advantageously fitted into a sleeve 27 made of technical fabric. The suspension strap 23 is advantageously sewn onto the sleeve 27.

[0103] According to another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the rigid spreader bar 22, substantially in the shape of an inverted U, is associated with at least two separate suspension straps 23. One end of each suspension strap is connected to an attachment point 16a, 16b, 16c of the suspension loop 16 of a shoulder strap 5, 6. The other end of each of the suspension straps 23 is then provided with a central attachment ring. The two central attachment rings are positioned at the top of the spreader bar 22 and constitute a separate attachment point specific to each suspension strap 23.

[0104] Figure 10 is a front view of the safety harness 1 of Figure 7, illustrating an example of mounting the spreader bar 22 on the suspension bridges 16. The spreader bar 22 allows complete freedom of movement of the head and arms of the person suspended by the safety harness 1.

[0105] Figure 1a is an enlarged view of another detail of the safety harness 1, illustrating a front view with the sternal loop 12. The side release buckle 14 comprises a male loop portion 14a and a female loop portion 14b connected after the sternal loop 12 passes through the ring 13, which is preferably circular in shape. This circular shape of the ring 13, combined with stitching and a slanted extension of each end 12a and 12b of the sternal loop 12 from the respective chest straps 11 and 10, increases the comfort of the wearer of the safety harness 1 and allows it to adapt better to their body shape.

[0106] The junction areas between the pectoral straps 11, 10 and the sternal bridge 12, for example are provided with foam element 17a to create a soft, optimized-shaped layer that comes into direct contact with the wearer of the safety harness 1.

[0107] Another embodiment, partially illustrated in Figure 11b, shows the spreader bar 22 attached to the harness 1 at a sternal position. For this purpose, the chest straps 10 and 11 have, near and above the sternal loop 12, respectively, a left sternal loop 30a and a right sternal loop 31a. These loops are preferably inseparable from the respective chest straps 10 and 11. The left sternal loop 30a and right sternal loop 31a are, for example, made from webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto the chest straps 10 and 11, forming webbing loops to create a left sternal attachment point and a right sternal attachment point for the snap hooks 25 of the spreader bar 22.

[0108] The left sternal loops 30a and right 31a, as well as the suspension loops 16, are advantageously made of woven webbing in a different color than the chest straps 10, 11 and shoulder straps 5, 6. For example, the webbing forming the left sternal loops 30a and right 31a and the suspension loops 16 are blue, while the rest of the harness 1, particularly the chest straps 10, 11 and shoulder straps 5, 6, is black. The attachment points for the spreader bar 22 are thus easily identifiable.

[0109] Optionally, the front attachment points 16a, central attachment points 16b, and rear attachment points 16c can also be differentiated by assigning them a distinctive visual and / or tactile marker. Identifying an optimal attachment point for the user, for example, via a number on each suspension loop 16, allows for quick verification by the harness user themselves or by a supervisor that the harness 1 is attached in accordance with the constraints related to the activity and / or the user's physical / medical characteristics.

[0110] Advantageously, the webbing elements forming the left sternal loops 30a and right 31a and the suspension loops 16 are fixed to the harness 1 by means of stitching of a different color than that of said suspension loops 16 and the left sternal loops 30a and right 31a. This allows for a quick visual check of the integrity of said stitching.

[0111] Figures 12, 13, and 14 illustrate a safety harness 1 according to the invention, worn by a person (the wearer) suspended by a rope, wire, or webbing 1a from various attachment points 16a, 16b, and 16c on the shoulder straps 5 and 6. An additional safety line 1b is advantageously attached to a different attachment point than the one used for the rope, wire, or webbing 1a. This additional safety line 1b is not, however, essential, particularly when using the spreader bar 22, which has two separate suspension straps 23. Therefore, this additional safety line 1b is shown only as an example in Figures 13 and 14, assuming that the spreader bar 22 has only one suspension strap 23 attached to the suspension loops 16 or the sternal loops 30a and 31a. This then allows us to meet the requirement of "separate double hooking".

[0112] Figure 12 shows the use of the front attachment point 16a of the suspension bridge 16 to attach the spreader bar 22, which is itself suspended from the strap 1a. The person suspended by the safety harness 1 is therefore at rest in a backward tilt. This tilt, indicated by the dashed line VI, is, for example, +10° clockwise. Such a tilt is ideal for a person with at least partial use of their legs or a person with an amputated arm.

[0113] Figure 13 shows the use of the central attachment point 16b of the suspension bridge 16 to attach the spreader bar 22. The person suspended by the safety harness 1 is therefore in a near-perfect vertical position at rest. This inclination is indicated by the dashed line V2. Such a vertical position is ideal, for example, for a person with partial arm and / or leg impairment.

[0114] Figure 14 shows the use of the rear attachment point 16c of the suspension bridge 16 to attach the spreader bar 22. The person suspended by the safety harness 1 is therefore at rest in a forward tilt. This tilt, indicated by the dashed line V3, is, for example, -5° counterclockwise. Such a tilt is ideal for a paraplegic or quadriplegic person.

[0115] Figure 15 illustrates a safety harness 1, suspended by means of the spreader bar 22, which is attached to the left sternal loops 30a and right 31a. One end 23a of the suspension strap(s) 23 is connected to a spreader bar attachment point of said harness 1. The spreader bar attachment points are formed by the left sternal loops 30a and right 31a. The person suspended by the safety harness 1 is then, at rest, in a seated position with approximately 50% of the load distributed between the back and thighs of the wearer of said safety harness 1. Such a seated position is, for example, represented by the dashed line V4. This position is ideal for an overweight person or a person with obesity (PSO), or for a worker at height who requires such a position to perform their work.Unlike suspension via the sternal ring 13, the safety harness 1 thus allows, in particular thanks to the spreader bar 22, to free up the workspace and field of vision located directly in front of the user suspended by said safety harness 1.

[0116] Furthermore, given the rigidity of the spreader bar 22 and that the latter extends in a frontal plane in front of the user in a seated and suspended position, said user can grip said spreader bar 22 with one hand or with two hands for reasons of balance, stability or any other operation.

[0117] The spreader bar 22 also prevents a worker at height from accidentally cutting the rope which no longer passes in front of him, as is the case in known systems, by judiciously shifting said rope above him.

[0118] The safety harness 1 is for example associated with a motorized support and traction system connected to the suspension rings 16 via a rope, wire rope or webbing so as to secure the person equipped with said safety harness 1. Such a motorized system can for example provide a traction force so as to reduce the effort to be made by the user when climbing a climbing wall.

[0119] According to one example of an embodiment, the support and traction system is automated and includes a calculator to determine traction assistance to be provided based on the traction effort provided by the user during their movements, or also to offer permanent balancing of all or part of the load suspended from it.

[0120] It is clear that the present description is not limited to the explicitly described examples, but also includes other embodiments. Thus, a described technical feature may be replaced by an equivalent technical feature without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Safety harness (1) for working at height, climbing or medical rehabilitation, comprising: - a back panel (2) associated with two back straps (3, 4), each of which has an upper part extending to form shoulder straps (5, 6) and a lower part extending to form thigh straps (7, 8), - the thigh straps (7, 8) each comprising a male part (9a) of a snap-on buckle whose position is adjustable on the corresponding thigh strap (7, 8), - the shoulder straps (5, 6) extending to form chest straps (10, 11) of adjustable length, one end portion of which includes a female part (9b) of the snap buckle, - each end portion passing through a split (3a, 4a) of the corresponding lower part, said split (3a, 4a) being located upstream of the thigh strap (7, 8), allowing the snap buckle to close when the thigh strap (7, 8) extends around the user's thigh, - a sternal bridge (12) with a side-release buckle (14) for connecting the pectoral straps (10, 11), - a connecting harness (15) linking the thigh straps (7, 8), and - at least two suspension bridges (16) arranged on each shoulder strap (5, 6).

2. Safety harness (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suspension loops (16) are distributed on said strap (5, 6) in a sagittal plane, to constitute on each strap (5, 6) several distinct and offset attachment points (16a, 16, 16c).

3. Safety harness (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each shoulder strap (5, 6) has three suspension loops (16) distributed on said shoulder strap (5, 6) in a sagittal plane, to constitute on each shoulder strap (5, 6) a front attachment point (16a), a central attachment point (16b), and a rear attachment point (16b). rear attachment points (16c), which allow the wearer suspended by said safety harness (1) to achieve, respectively, a forward tilt, an almost perfect verticality and a backward tilt.

4. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the suspension loops (16) are inseparable from the shoulder straps (5, 6) and are made with webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto the shoulder straps (5, 6) forming webbing loops to constitute the attachment points (16a, 16b, 16c).

5. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the sternal bridge (12) comprises a ring (13) providing a sternal attachment point.

6. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the chest straps (10, 11) have in the vicinity and above the sternal bridge (12), respectively a left sternal loop (30a) and a right sternal loop (31a), which are inseparable from the respective chest straps (10, 11) and are made with webbing elements, such as woven webbing, sewn onto said chest straps (10, 11) forming webbing loops to constitute a left sternal attachment point and a right sternal attachment point.

7. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a rigid spreader bar (22), substantially in the shape of an inverted U, associated with at least one suspension strap (23), said spreader bar (22) being designed to extend around and away from the head of the wearer of said safety harness (1), approximately in a frontal plane of said wearer, and to constrain the positioning of the suspension strap (23) along said spreader bar (22), each end (23a) of the suspension strap (23) being connected to a spreader bar attachment point of said harness (1), the central portion of the suspension strap (23) being provided with a central attachment ring (25) at level of the top of the rudder post (22).

8. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a rigid spreader bar (22), substantially in the shape of an inverted U, associated with at least two separate suspension straps (23), said spreader bar (22) being intended to extend around and away from the head of the wearer of said safety harness (1), approximately in a frontal plane of the wearer and to constrain the positioning of the suspension straps (23) along one arm of said spreader bar (22), a first end (23a) of each suspension strap (23) being connected to a spreader bar attachment point of said harness (1), the second end of each suspension strap (23) being provided with a specific central attachment ring, said central attachment rings being positioned at the top of the spreader bar (22).

9. Safety harness (1) according to claim 7 or 8 and one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the lifting-hook points are constituted by the suspension bridges (16).

10. Safety harness (1) according to claim 7 or 8 and claim 6, characterized in that the attachment points-swing bar are constituted on the one hand by the suspension bridges (16) and on the other hand by the left and right sternal loops (30a, 31a).

11. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a support strap (28) mounted in the lower part on the dorsal breastplate (2) and connecting the dorsal straps (3, 4) together, the support strap (28) having an adjustment buckle to modify the spacing between the dorsal straps (3, 4).

12. Safety harness (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the support strap (28) comprises fastening clips (29) for establish a connection with non-elastic leg straps (30), adjustable in length and connected to the thigh straps (7, 8), to adapt said safety harness (1) to the morphology and orientation of the wearer's pelvis.

13. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the shoulder straps (5, 6) and / or thigh straps (7, 8) and / or chest straps (10, 11) have, on the wearer's side, removable and adjustable portions of foam (17, 17a) to improve user comfort.

14. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that each lower part, at the level of the strap split (3a, 4a), has a semi-rigid gripping handle (20), positioned on the outer lateral side of each thigh and enabling a third person to lift the person wearing said safety harness (1) out of his chair or seat.

15. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the dorsal straps (3, 4) overlap above the dorsal breastplate (2), so as to obtain an increased spacing between the upper part of said dorsal straps (3, 4) and to form an additional safety attachment point.

16. Safety harness (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a dorsal fall arrest loop, added by overstitching on the overlap area of ​​the dorsal straps (3, 4).

17. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the dorsal breastplate (2) is mounted sliding on the dorsal straps (3, 4).

18. Safety harness (1) according to any one of claims 1 at 17, characterized in that each end portion, passing through a split (3a, 4a) of the corresponding lower part, also has a split strap portion (10a, 1 la) so as to achieve an interlacing between the corresponding split parts (3a-10a, 4a-1 la) and allow limited sliding of the end portion on the lower part.

19. Safety assembly for climbing or working at height comprising a safety harness (1) conforming to any one of claims 1 to 18, a support and traction system connected to the suspension loops (16) of the safety harness (1) via a rope or webbing, so as to secure the person equipped with said safety harness (1) and providing a traction force so as to reduce the effort to be exerted by the user when climbing a climbing wall.

20. Safety assembly for climbing or working at height according to claim 19, characterized in that the support and traction system is automated and includes a calculator to determine traction assistance to be provided as a function of the traction effort provided by the user during his movements.

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