The invention relates to a full body climbing harness, in particular to a full body climbing harness that is quickly and easily adjustable.
In the scope of use for sports activities, full body harnesses are mainly used by children. A child does in fact have a different centre of gravity from that of an adult—the smaller he or she is, the higher his/her centre of gravity. It is therefore important that a child's harness attachment hasp be positioned relatively high up on his/her chest, close the sternum, and that the harness be provided with a pair of shoulder straps so that the top of the child's body does not topple over backwards in the event of a fall.
Full body harnesses designed for children who want to go rock climbing with a sports club or on an individual basis therefore exist on the market.
For example, the full body harness marketed by the Edelrid Company under the name of Fraggle comprises a pair of shoulder straps and a pair of leg loops. The harness closes by means of a clip fixed to the shoulder straps, and the child can then make his belay knot by means of two semi-hasps placed on the belt on each side of the clip. The pair of leg loops is connected to the two semi-hasps by means of straps of fixed lengths. The pair of shoulder straps for its part comprises two adjustable straps connected to the belt. The adjustment means of the webbing straps of the pair of shoulder straps enables the top of the harness to be adjusted to the corpulence of the child, which has the effect of adjusting the hasp vertically on the child's torso.
The full body harness marketed by the Simond Company under the name of Spider Kid presents a fairly similar construction. Here, two straps are crossed over one another on the torso and on the back so as to form a pair of shoulder straps. The straps are sewn to the pair of leg loops to close the harness. The hasp is a strap sewn onto the ventral crossing of the webbing forming the shoulder straps. Adjustment loops of the straps are positioned at the level of the torso above the hasp and enable the pair of shoulder straps to be adjusted to the size of the child. A dorsal strap acts as belt. The latter is sewn onto the dorsal part of the straps forming the pair of shoulder straps.
The drawback of these harnesses is that the circumference of the belt is not adjustable, which means that a slender child is not correctly secured in the event of a fall. In the worst case, if the child topples over on himself, he may even slide out of the harness through the space situated between the belt and the pair of leg loops. This type of harness does not provide optimum protection if it is not correctly adjusted to suit the size and corpulence of the child.
It is also known to fabricate harnesses made by means of a single strap that forms the shoulder straps, the belt and the leg loops. These harnesses are adjustable, but they are not practical to use because the excess length of strap must flow between the different components of the harness until it reaches the adjustment device. For example, an excess length strap at the belt should be transferred to the shoulder straps and then to the adjustment device.
One object of the invention is to remedy these shortcomings by proposing a full body harness providing an enhanced safety and that is easy to adjust.
For this purpose, the harness comprises:
The harness is remarkable in that the hasp comprises a first deflecting element through which the first strap passes so that:
In one development, the first strap forms at least a part of the first shoulder strap. A second strap connects the belt with the second shoulder strap. A second adjustment device is configured to adjust the length of the second strap. A second deflecting element is formed in the attachment hasp and is passed through by the second strap so that:
In a preferential embodiment, the first strap and second strap belong to one and the same strap.
Advantageously, the strap forming the first strap and second strap extends from the first deflecting element to the second deflecting element.
It is advantageous to provide for the second deflecting element to be positioned in symmetrical manner to the first deflecting element with respect to a sagittal plane of the harness.
In preferential manner, the first adjustment device is fixed to the first shoulder strap. As an alternative, the first adjustment device is fixed to the belt.
It is also possible to provide for the second adjustment device to be fixed to the second shoulder strap. As an alternative, the second adjustment device is fixed to the belt.
In another embodiment, the first and second shoulder straps are fixed to one another to form a dorsal part of the pair of shoulder straps and an additional strap connects a lumbar area of the belt to the dorsal part of the pair of shoulder straps.
In another development, the additional strap collaborates with an additional adjustment device configured to adjust the distance separating the dorsal part of the pair of shoulder straps and the lumbar area of the belt.
Preferentially, the additional adjustment device is fixed to the lumbar area of the belt. As an alternative, the additional adjustment device is fixed to the dorsal part forming the junction with the first and second shoulder straps.
In a preferential embodiment, the hasp comprises a transverse strap, the first deflecting element and second deflecting element being respectively fixed to opposite first and second ends of the transverse strap.
It is also possible to provide for the first deflecting element, the second deflecting element and a suspension point of the hasp to be formed by a metal plate or ring.
Other advantages and features will become more clearly apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention given for non-restrictive example purposes only and represented in the appended drawings, in which:
The harness 1 is also provided with a hasp 5 which closes the belt 3. The hasp 5 is connected to the pair of leg loops 2 and to the pair of shoulder straps 4. The pair of shoulder straps comprises a first shoulder strap 4a and a second shoulder strap 4b. The two shoulder straps pass respectively over each of the user's shoulders. In conventional manner, the shoulder straps 4a and 4b are connected to the lumbar part of the belt 3.
Connection of the hasp 5 with the pair of shoulder straps 4 is performed by means of at least a first strap 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of shoulder straps is connected to the hasp 5 by a first strap 6 and by a second strap 10. In more particular manner, the first shoulder strap 4a is connected to the hasp 5 by means of the first strap 6 and the second shoulder strap 4b is connected to the hasp 5 by means of a second strap 10.
In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of shoulder straps 4 comprise a dorsal part 4c forming a junction between the first shoulder strap 4a and second shoulder strap 4b. In this way, the pair of shoulder straps 4 can have a single contact point with the belt 3 at the rear. As an alternative, the two shoulder straps 4a and 4b could be connected independently or together to the belt 3 behind the user's back. It is advantageous to connect the shoulder straps in the support strip of the belt.
Such a junction of the shoulder straps 4a and 4b may be used to connect the two shoulder straps 4a/4b with the hasp 5 by means of a single strap.
In order to adjust the dimensions of the harness 1 to the user's corpulence, i.e. the height of the chest and the circumference of the hips, it is advantageous to provide adjustment means of these two dimensions. As indicated in the foregoing, only one of these two dimensions is adjusted in the harness of the prior art, with the risk of not correctly adjusting the harness to fit the user's dimensions.
In order to facilitate adjustment of the harness 1, the inventors propose to use the first strap 6 to form at least a part of the pair of shoulder straps and to form at least a part of the belt 3. The inventors propose to simultaneously adjust the length of the pair of shoulder straps 4a/4b or of at least one of the shoulder straps and the circumference of the belt 3 by adjusting the length of the first strap 6.
To achieve this, the hasp 5 comprises a first deflecting element 7 arranged to perform an angular deviation of the first strap 6 between the belt 3 and at least one of the shoulder straps. The first strap 6 passes through the first deflecting element 7 so as to advantageously form at least a part of the pair of shoulder straps 4a/4b and at least a part of the belt 3. The first strap 6 connects the pair of shoulder straps with the belt by passing through the first deflecting element 7. The strap portion that forms a part of the pair of shoulder straps passes through the deflecting element to be deflected and form immediately after at least part of the belt. The first deflecting element 7 is a slip deflecting element so that by pulling on one end of the first strap, it is possible to adjust the shoulder strap and the belt simultaneously by applying the same stress to the user. The first deflecting element makes the separation between the strap portion forming the belt and the strap portion forming the shoulder strap.
In order to adjust the length of the first strap 6 to adjust the circumference of the belt 3 and the length of the pair of shoulder straps 4 or of at least one of the shoulder straps to the size and corpulence of the user, the harness 1 comprises a first adjustment device 9 connected to the first strap 6 and configured to adjust the effective length of the first strap 6.
The first adjustment device 9 can be fitted at different locations on the harness. The first adjustment device can be fixed either to one of the shoulder straps, for example to the first shoulder strap 4a or to the second shoulder strap 4b, or to the belt 3. The first adjustment device 9 enables the effective length of the first strap 6 to be shortened or lengthened. The first adjustment device 9 enables the effective length of the first strap 6 to be blocked.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In a particular embodiment illustrated in
The second strap 10 collaborates with a second deflecting element 8 and a second adjustment device 11 to adjust the length of the first shoulder strap 4b and the circumference of the belt 3. The second deflecting element 8 is distinct from the first deflecting element 7. In advantageous manner, the shape of the second deflecting element is identical to that of the first deflecting element 7, but its orientation can be different in order to achieve a symmetry in the structure of the harness. The hasp 5 advantageously comprises the second deflecting element 8. In advantageous manner, the second strap 10 passes through the second deflecting element 8.
In a preferential embodiment, the first deflecting element 7 and second deflecting element 8 are arranged at two opposite ends of the hasp 5 and advantageously along the longitudinal axis of the belt in order to facilitate take-up of stresses and to prevent the formation of hang-up points generating discomfort. Preferably, the first and second deflecting elements 7 and 8 are positioned in symmetrical manner with respect to a sagittal plane Ps of the harness 1 or of the user who is also a plane of symmetry of the hasp 5.
In this configuration, each shoulder strap 4a/4b can be adjusted separately. The circumference of the belt is defined by the two straps 6 and 10. This embodiment is particularly advantageous as it makes adjustment of the harness 1 easier and enables the hasp to be better positioned on the sagittal plane of the user.
Although the two straps 6 and 10 can be adjusted separately to define the length of the shoulder straps 4a and 4b, it is possible to provide for the straps 6 and 10 to belong to a single strap, for example they represent the two opposite ends of one and the same strap. It is also possible for the two straps 6 and 10 to be different and physically dissociated from one another.
It is particularly advantageous to provide for the straps 6 and 10 to belong to one and the same strap which facilitates manufacturing of the harness and take-up of stresses.
In the configurations presented, the first strap 6 forms at least a part of the first shoulder strap 4a and at least a first part of the belt 3. The second strap 10 forms at least a part of the second shoulder strap 4b and at least a second part of the belt 3. These first and second parts of the belt are in direct contact with the hasp via the first and second deflecting elements 7 and 8.
It is possible to provide for the first strap 6 and second strap 10 to form the whole of the belt 3. The same strap advantageously passes right round the user, passing for example inside the belt support 3d illustrated in
As an alternative, the two straps may only form a part of the belt. The rest of the belt can be formed by another strap or by a reinforcement part of the support illustrated in
In advantageous manner, the support of the belt 3 comprises a guide which allows passage of the first strap 6 inside the support in order to protect the latter against external aggressions. The support of the belt 3 can also define a guide which allows passage of the second strap 10 inside the support. The guide can run along the whole length of the support in order to enable a single strap to form the belt 3.
If the first and second straps 6 and 10 are formed by the same strap, it is advantageous to provide for the strap to be fixed to the belt support 3d, for example by a stitched seam. In this way, the portions of the strap which form straps 6 and 10 are fixed with respect to the support which defines the optimal position of use. This prevents an offset of the strap from progressively occurring with use of the harness.
As illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, the first strap 6 forms the whole of the first shoulder strap 4a, i.e. it connects the hasp with a lumbar part of the belt 3. It is also possible to provide for the second strap 10 to form the whole of the second shoulder strap 4b.
In a particular embodiment illustrated in
To further improve adjustment of the full body climbing harness 1, the latter can be provided with an additional adjustment device 12 which is configured to adjust the height of the harness at dorsal level, i.e. the distance between the belt 3 and the pair of shoulder straps 4 on the child's back. For this purpose, the additional adjustment device 12 collaborates with an additional strap 13 which connects a lumbar area 3c of the belt 3 to the dorsal part 4c of the pair of shoulder straps 4.
This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the two shoulder straps 4a and 4b are joined to one another behind the user's back in order to prevent the tension applied on the first strap 6 or on the two straps 6 and 10 from being applied on the cervical vertebrae. The additional adjustment device 12 is configured to define the distance which separates the dorsal part of the belt and the junction of the two shoulder straps 4a and 4b.
According to the embodiment illustrated in
Therefore, to adjust the height of the harness 1, the person who is supervising the child simply has to pull the additional strap 13 downwards. The harness 1 is correctly adjusted when the belt 3 presses on the child's iliac crests, and when there is no clearance between the child's shoulders and the pair of shoulder straps 4.
As an alternative, the additional adjustment device 12 can be fixed to the lumbar area 3c of the belt 3. The additional strap 13 is then advantageously fixed to the dorsal part 4c of the pair of shoulder straps 4 and slides in the additional adjustment device 12. The additional strap 13 then simply has to be pulled upwards to position the belt 3 correctly with respect to the pair of shoulder straps 4, the belt 3 having to be situated on the child's iliac crests. There again, the additional strap 13 can form a loop having a length which is adjusted to adjust the distance separating the dorsal part 4c of the shoulder straps and the lumbar area 3c of the belt 3.
The combined use of the first adjustment device 9, possibly in combination with the second adjustment device 11 and/or with the additional adjustment device 12, enables an optimum adjustment of the full body climbing harness 1 to be obtained. The latter adjusts perfectly to the size and corpulence of child who is therefore secured in comfortable manner and in total safety.
Several embodiments can be envisaged to form the hasp 5. In a particular embodiment, the hasp 5 comprises a transverse strap 15. The first and second deflecting elements 7 and 8 are located at the two opposite ends of the transverse strap 15. The hasp 5 comprises a suspension loop 16 which can be made from a textile or a metallic element.
According to a first embodiment illustrated in
To form the suspension loop or ring 16, the connecting strap 14 can be folded so as to form a U shape, and a transverse strap 15 can be sewn onto the connecting strap 14 so that the assembly forms the hasp 5. The two ends of the transverse strap 15 can advantageously comprise metal loops forming the first and second deflecting elements 7 and 8, or acting as attachment area for metal deflecting elements 7 and 8 such as rings. The first and second deflecting elements 7 and 8 are advantageously positioned in symmetrical manner with respect to the latter and to the sagittal plane Ps.
In an alternative embodiment presented in
According to another alternative embodiment, the hasp 5 with its suspension loop 16, the first deflecting element 7, and second deflecting element 8 can be formed in a single part such as a ring (embodiment not represented). The ring can be either a metal ring or a webbing ring. In this case, the first strap 6 and the second strap 10 (if the latter exists) pass through the ring. The same is the case for the connecting strap 14 which connects the hasp 5 to the pair of leg loops 2. The child also uses the ring to make his belay knot when he is climbing.
Instead of the ring, a metal plate, also called metal connector, can be used. This embodiment is the one illustrated in
The present invention is not limited to the features which have been mentioned in the above. Without departing from the scope of the invention, additional deflecting elements can be provided in order to complexify the path of the straps if necessary between the pair of shoulder straps 4 and the belt 3. It is also possible to eliminate the padded support strips of the pair of shoulder straps 4, of the belt 3 and of the pair of leg loops 2, as these strips do not play any role in the child's safety but simply contribute to his comfort.
Whatever the embodiment chosen, the full body climbing harness 1 is very easy to adjust to the child's size and corpulence. Being able to adjust both the length of the shoulder straps 4 and the circumference of the belt 3, and if need be the dorsal height of the harness 1, means that optimum adjustment can be achieved. The child's safety is therefore enhanced compared with harnesses of the prior art.
As indicated in the foregoing, it is possible to provide for the same strap to form the first and second straps 6 and 10. As indicated in the foregoing, adjustment of the harness is preferentially performed by means of the first adjustment device and by means of the second adjustment device.
The two adjustment devices can be arranged on the shoulder straps 4a and 4b or on the belt 3. It is also possible to combine an adjustment device on a shoulder strap 4a/4b and an adjustment device on the belt 3.
The use of a single strap also makes it possible to only use the first adjustment device. It is then advantageous to provide sliding of the strap in the belt support if the belt support is used. It is also advantageous to provide for the strap to be able to run between the shoulder straps.
In the embodiment illustrated in
To adjust the full body climbing harness 1 on the user's body, it is advantageous to slacken the first strap 6 and possibly the second strap 10 to the maximum, to position the harness 1 on the user. The first strap 6 is retightened so as to apply the same tension on the two ends 3a and 3b of the belt 3 and on the shoulder straps 4a and 4b. This enables the hasp 5 to be naturally placed in the right position corresponding to the child's centre of gravity.
When the two shoulder straps are joined by a dorsal shoulder strap support, it is advantageous to adjust the shoulder strap support so that the first strap 6 and possibly the second strap 10 are taut.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In advantageous manner, the first strap 6 can connect the first end 3a of the support of the belt 3 to the first end of the shoulder strap support and a second strap 10 can be used to connect the second end 3b of the support of the belt 3 to the second end of the shoulder strap support.
In this configuration, application of a tension on the first and second straps 6 and 10 enables the belt 3 and first and second shoulder straps 4a and 4b to snugly fit the user's morphology.
For the sake of simplicity of manufacturing and of adjustment on the child's body, the first and second adjustment devices 9 and 11 can advantageously be arranged in symmetrical manner with respect to the sagittal plane Ps.
For example, according to the embodiment illustrated in
Depending on the manner in which the first and second adjustment devices 9 and 11 are fitted on the pair of shoulder straps 4, the child (or the adult who is supervising him) simply has to pull downwards or upwards on the ends of the first and second straps 6 and 10 to adjust both the size of the pair of shoulder straps 4 and the circumference of the belt 3. It is preferable to exert an identical tensile force on each strap in order to obtain identical tightening for the two shoulder straps 4a and 4b, and so that the hasp 5 is positioned towards the front of the child's torso and bisects the sagittal plane Ps.
It is preferable to exert an identical tensile force on each strap in order to obtain identical tightening for the two shoulder straps 4a and 4b, and so that the hasp 5 is positioned towards the front of the child's torso and bisects the sagittal plane Ps.
In the illustrated embodiments, the first strap 4 and the second strap 6 do not participate in the adjustment of the leg loops. Thus, the adjustment of the belt and shoulder straps can be independent of the adjustment of the leg loops, making it easier to realize the harness and easier to adjust the harness to the user's morphology. For example, the hasp is attached to the leg loops by means of an additional strap which is different from the first strap and the second strap.
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