Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02663158 2009-04-21
DORSAL PAD ASSEMBLY FOR USE WITH A SAFETY HARNESS
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a safety hamess and components
thereof.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Various occupations place people in precarious positions at relatively
dangerous heights thereby creating a need for fall-arresting safety apparatus.
Among other things, such apparatus usually include a safety line
interconnected between a support structure and a person working in proximity
to the support structure. The safety line is typically secured to a full-body
safety harness worn by the worker. Obviously, such a harness must be
designed to remain secure about the worker in the event of a fall. In
addition,
the harness should arrest a person's fall in as safe a manner as possible,
placing a minimal amount of strain on the person's body. Yet another design
consideration is to minimize the extent to which people may consider the
harness unconifortable and/or cumbersome.
In addition, there is a need for a more user-friendly safety harness. For
exainple, it is often difficult and/or cunibersome to connect the safety
hamess
to a safety line. Further, once a safety harness has been subjected to forces
from a fall, the safety harness must be discarded. It is often difficult to
determine whether a safety harness has been subjected to forces from a fall or
an inipact.
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Summary of the Invention
In a preferred embodiment safety harness, the safety harness includes a
first strap, a second strap, a D-ring, and a biasing mechanism. The D-ring is
operatively connected to the straps and has a first position and a second
position. The first position is an upright receiving position, and the second
position is a connected operating position. The biasing mechanism is
operatively connected to the D-ring, and the biasing mechanism urges the D-
ring to the first position.
In another preferred embodiment safety harness, the safety harness
includes a first strap, a second strap, a D-ring, and an impact indicator. The
D-ring is operatively comiected to the straps, and the impact indicator is
operatively connected to the D-ring. The impact indicator provides indication
when the D-ring has been subjected to a force.
In a preferred enibodiment safety harness having a first strap and a
second strap, a D-ring is operatively connected to the straps. The D-ring has
a
first position and a second position. The first position is an upright
receiving
position, and the second position is a connected operating position. The
safety
harness also includes means for urging the D-ring to the first position.
In a preferred embodiment dorsal pad assembly for use with a safety
harness having a first strap and a second strap, a D-ring is operatively
connected to the straps. The D-ring has a first position and a second
position.
The first position is an upright receiving position, and the second position
is a
connected operating position. A biasing mechanism is operatively connected
to the D-ring, and the biasing mechanism urging the D-ring to the first
position. An inipact indicator is operatively connected to the D-ring, and the
impact indicator provides indication when the D-ring has been subjected to a
force.
In a preferred embodiment dorsal pad assembly for use with a safety
harness including straps, a D-ring has a bar portion, a first position, and a
second position. The first position is an upright receiving position, and the
second position is a connected operating position. A D-ring clip has a cavity,
and the bar portion of the D-ring is positioned within the cavity and is
engaged
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by the D-ring clip. A dorsal pad has slots and a D-ring connector portion. The
straps of the harness are routed through the slots, and the D-ring connector
portion has a second cavity: The D-ring clip is positioned witllin the second
cavity and is engaged by the dorsal pad. A biasing mechanism interconnects
the D-ring clip and the dorsal pad, and the biasing mechanism applies a force
on the D-ring clip thereby urging the D-ring to the first position. When the D-
ring is placed in the second position, the biasing mechanism urges the D-ring
to the first position.
In a preferred embodiment method of securing a safety harness donned
:;. by a user to a connector of a safety device, a D-ring operatively
connected to
straps of the safety harness is constantly urged to an upright position
relative
to the user. The D-ring has a first position and a second position. The first
position is an upright receiving position, and the second position is a
connected operating position. The connector of the safety device is secured to
the D-ring in the upright receiving position.
In another preferred embodiment dorsal pad assembly for use with a
safety harness having a first strap and a second strap, a D-ring is
operatively
connected to the straps and has a first position and a second position. The
first
position is an upright receiving position, and the second position is an
impact
indicator position. A mechanism is operatively connected to the dorsal pad
assenibly, and the mechanism substantially holds the D-ring in the first
position and allows the D-ring to be in the second position when the D-ring
has been subjected to a force.
In another preferred embodiment dorsal pad assembly for use with a
safety harness having a first strap and a second strap, a D-ring is
operatively
connected to the straps and has a first position and a second position. The
first
position is an upright receiving position, and the second position is an
impact
indicator position. The dorsal pad assembly also includes means for
substantially holding the D-ring in the first position and allowing the D-ring
to
be in the second position when the D-ring has been subjected to a force.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a D-ring clip and impact indicator
constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a bottom view of the D-ring clip and inipact indicator
shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a top view of the D-ring clip and impact indicator shown in
Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the D-ring clip and impact
indicator shown in Figure 1 along the lines 4-4 shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a side view of the D-ring clip and impact indicator shown in
Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring clip and impact
indicator shown in Figure 1 along the lines 6-6 shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7A is a front view of a D-ring;
Figure 7B is a front view of the D-ring shown in Figure 7A engaging
straps of a safety harness;
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a combination dorsal pad, D-ring
connector, and impact indicator constructed according to the principles of the
present invention;
Figure 9A is a front view of a spring for use with the combination
dorsal pad, D-ring connector, and impact indicator;
Figure 9B is a side view of the spring shown in Figure 9A;
Figure 10 is a top view of a D-ring connector constructed according to
the principles of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring connector along the
lines 11-11 shown in Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring connector along the
lines 12-12 shown in Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring connector along the
lines 13-13 shown in Figure 10;
Figure 14 is a front side view of the D-ring connector shown in Figure
10;
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Figure 15 is a left side view of the D-ring connector shown in Figure
10;
Figure 16 is a right side view of the D-ring connector shown in Figure
10;
Figure 17 is a bottom view of the D-ring connector shown in Figure
= 10;
Figure 17A is a bottom view of the D-ring connector shown in Figure
with the D-ring clip and impact indicator shown in Figure 1 and the spring
shown in Figure 9A;
10. Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring connector shown in
Figure 10 along the lines 18-18 shown in Figure 17;
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the D-ring connector shown in
, Figure 10 along the lines 19-19 shown in Figure 17;
Figure 20 is a front view of a dorsal D-ring pad assembly constructed
according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the dorsal D-ring pad
assembly shown in Figure 20;
Figure 22 is a front view of another dorsal D-ring pad assembly
constracted according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 23 is a side cross-sectional view of the dorsal D-ring pad
assembly shown in Figure 22;
Figure 24 is a front view of a wear pad frame and impact indicator
operatively connected to a D-ring for use with the dorsal D-ring assembly
shown in Figure 22;
Figure 25 is a front view of another wear pad frame and inipact
indicator operatively connected to a D-ring for use with the dorsal D-ring
assembly shown in Figure 22;
Figure 26 is a front view of another dorsal D-ring assembly
constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 27 is a front view of a D-ring and a spring operatively
coimected to the D-ring for use with the dorsal D-ring assenibly shown in
Figure 26;
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Figure 28 is a front view of a dorsal pad for use with the dorsal D-ring
assenibly shown in Figure 26;
Figure 29 is a side view of a wear pad for use with the dorsal D-ring
assembly shown in Figure 26;
Figure 30 is a front view of a dorsal D-ring wear pad asseinbly
constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 31 is a back view of the dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly
shown in Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a bottom perspective view of the dorsal D-ring wear pad
assembly shown in Figure 30;
Figure 33 is a top perspective view of the dorsal D-ring wear pad
assembly shown in Figure 30;
Figure 34 is a top perspective view of a D-ring engaging portion for
use with the dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly shown in Figure 30;
Figure 35 is a bottom perspective view of a D-ring engaging portion
for use with the dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly shown in Figure 30;
Figare 36 is a perspective view of a wear pad assenibly for use with the
dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly shown in Figure 30;
Figure 37 is a front view of the dorsal D-ring wear pad shown in
Figure 30 engaging straps of a safety harness;
Figure 38 is a front view of a D-ring engaging straps of a safety
harness for use with the dorsal D-ring wear pad shown in Figure 30;
Figure 39 is a front view of another dorsal D-ring pad assembly
constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 40 is a side view of the dorsal D-ring pad assembly shown in
Figure 39;
Figure 41 is a front view of a D-ring clip and fall indicator constructed
according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 42 is a bottom view of the D-ring clip and fall indicator shown
in Figure 41;
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Figure 43 is a bottom view of the D-ring clip and fall indicator shown
in Figure 41 after the D-ring clip and fall indicator has been subjected to an
inipact;
Figure 44 is a front view of another dorsal D-ring assembly
constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
Figure 45 is a side view of the dorsal D-ring assembly shown in Figure
44;
Figure 46 is a bottom partially exploded view of the dorsal D-ring
assembly shown in Figure 44;
Figure 47 is an exploded perspective view of a D-ring clip assembly of
the dorsal D-ring assembly shown in Figure 44;
Figure 48 is a top view of a first housing member of the D-ring clip
assembly shown in Figure 47;
Figure 49 is a side view of the first housing member shown in Figure
48 rotated 90 degrees in a downward direction along the line A;
Figure 50 is a side view of the first housing member shown in Figure
48 rotated 90 degrees in an upward direction along the line A;
Figure 51 is an end view of the first housing member shown in Figure
50;
Figure 52 is an end view of the first housing member shown in Figure
50;
Figure 53 is a top view of a second housing member of the D-ring clip
assembly shown in Figure 47;
Figure 54 is a side view of the second housing member shown in
Figure 53 rotated 90 degrees in an upward direction along the line B;
Figure 55 is an end view of the second housing member shown in
Figure 54;
Figure 56 is a front view of another embodiment dorsal D-ring; and
Figure 57 is a side view of the dorsal D-ring shown in Figure 56.
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Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment
Preferred embodiment safety harnesses and components thereof
constructed according to the principles of the present invention are shown in
the drawings, wherein like nunierals represent like components throughout the
drawings.
Access to a safety harness and an indication whether a safety harness
has been subjected to the force of an impact are among the important features
of a safety harness. A dorsal D-ring positioned upright relative to the user
and/or the dorsal pad upon which it is operatively connected assists in
quickly
and easily connecting to a lifeline, a lanyard, a D-ring extension, a shock
absorber, a winch, a rope grab, a descent device, or other safety device well
k-nown in the art. A carabiner, a snap hook, or other connector well k-nown in
the art is typically used to connect the safety device to the D-ring of the
safety
harness.
A biasing mechanism operatively connected to the D-ring to urge the
D-ring in an upright position could be used to assist in quickly and easily
connecting to a lifeline. The biasing mechanism urges the D-ring into a first
position, which is a receiving upright position. The biasing mechanism
preferably places a constant force upon the D-ring that may be overcome
during use of the D-ring. During use of the D-ring, the D-ring moves in a
second position, which is a connected position that varies with the movement
of the user and/or the lifeline connected to the D-ring. The second position
may include the first position during use of the D-ring. When the D-ring is
not
being urged in the second position by a lifeline or another device, the D-ring
is
urged in the first position by the biasing mechanism. Because the lifeline is
attached to the D-ring, an indicator operatively connected to the D-ring would
be helpful in determining whether the safety harness has been subjected to an
impact, in which case the safety harness should be discarded.
Alternatively, a mechanism for holding the D-ring in a first position
and allowing the D-ring to be in a second position when the D-ring has been
subjected to a force could be used. In this instance, the first position is an
upright receiving position, and the second position is an impact indicator
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position. The mechanism could be a biasing mechanism or a clip mechanism,
and the D-ring is substantially held in the first position by the mechanism.
When an impact has occurred, the mechanism will allow the D-ring to be in
the second position from the force of the impact upon the D-ring thereby
providing visual indication that the D-ring has been subjected to a force.
A preferred embodiment D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 is shown
in Figures 1-6, and a typical D-ring 310 for use with the D-ring clip and
inipact indicator 300 is shown in Figure 7A. A preferred embodiment
combination dorsal pad, D-ring connector, and impact indicator 320,
hereinafter assembly 320, is shown in Figures 8-19, and is configured and
arranged for use with the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300.
The D-ring 310 includes a ring portion 311 and a bar portion 312,
which are interconnected with connecting portions 313 on both sides forming
an opening 315 therebetween. The ring portion 311 includes an opening 314
to which a connector may be attached. Between the openings 314 and 315 is
an intermediate portion 318. Straps 316a and 316b are threaded through the
opening 315 of the D-ring 310 and preferably overlap and criss-cross in
divergent fashion, as shown in Figure 7B, to form the shoulder straps and back
straps of the harness. A third strap 317 may be optionally attached at one end
to the back of strap 316a, threaded through the opening 315 of the D-ring 310,
and then attached at the other end to the back of the strap 316b to fix the D-
ring 310, if desired. The third strap 317 is not used with all styles of
safety
harnesses and is therefore optional. Stitching 319 may be used to attach the
third strap 317 to the straps 316a and 316b. If used, the D-ring 310 is kept
in
place between the loop of the third strap 317 and the stitching 319.
The D-ring clip and impact indicator 300, hereinafter referred to as clip
300, is preferably made of nylon type 6-6 and includes a generally cylindrical
housing 301 with a first end 301a, a second end 301b, and a cavity 302 within
the housing 301. Operatively connected to the first end 301 a is a first
rounded
end 304 with a head 304a. The head 304a is operatively connected to the end
304 opposite the first end 301a and has a larger diameter than the diameter of
the end 304. Operatively connected to the second end 301b is a second
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rounded end 305 with a lateral slot 305a. The lateral slot 305a is opposite
the
second end 301b and extends inward toward the second end 301b. The
housing 301 also includes a top opening 306 and a bottom opening 307, which
provide access to the cavity 302. The top opening 306 is configured and
arranged to accept the bar portion 312 of the D-ring 310. The bottom opening
307 is smaller than the top opening 306 and a bottom surface 308 provides a
surface upon which the bar portion 312 may rest. Therefore, the bar portion
312 cannot pass through the bottom opening 307.
A friction fitting assembly 303 proximate a center portion of the top
opening 306 of the housing 301 includes a first catch 303a and a second catch
303b. The catches 303a and 303b are generally triangular protrusions
extending partially into the cavity 302. A cross-sectional view of the catches
303a and 303b is shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 6, the portions of the
catches 303a and 303b proximate the top of the housing 301 are angled from
the top opening 306 into the cavity 302, and the portions of the catches 303a
and 303b proximate the cavity are more horizontal. The angled portion allows
the bar portion 312 to slide through the friction fitting assembly 303 into
the
cavity, and the more horizontal portions provide resistance in removing the
bar
portion 312 from the cavity 302. In other words, when the bar portion 312 is
inserted into the top opening 306, the bar portion 312 forces the catches 303a
and 303b apart to be inserted fully into the cavity 302. The bar portion 312
snaps into place as the bar portion 312 deflects the catches 303a and 303b
away and then the catches 303a and 303b are deflected back to hold the bar
portion 312 in place within the cavity 302 witli the catches 303a and 303b.
With reference to Figures 8-19, the assembly 320 is preferably made of
urethane. The assembly 320 includes a dorsal pad 321 and a D-ring connector
portion 324 operatively connected thereto. The dorsal pad 321 is generally
preferably hexagonal and relatively flat in shape and includes four slots 322
and two slots 323, which are configured and arranged to route straps of a
safety harness as is well known in the art. A slot 322 extends parallel to
each
of two adjacent sides at each end of the dorsal pad 321. In other words, there
are two slots 322 at each end of the dorsal pad 321, a slot 322 extending
CA 02663158 2009-04-21
parallel to each of the two adjacent sides forming the end. A slot 323 extends
perpendicular to the two remaining sides of the dorsal pad 321 approximately
1/3 the length of the dorsal pad 321 from each end. The dorsal pad 321 also
includes triangular indentations 328 between the slots 322 and 323 that are
optional but add flexibility to the dorsal pad 321. The bottom 333 of the
dorsal pad 321 should face the back of the user.
The D-ring connector portion 324 extends between the two remaining
sides of the dorsal pad 321 proximate the middle of the dorsal pad 321
between and parallel to the slots 323. The D-ring comiector portion 324 is
=: generally cylindrical and configured and arranged to house the D-ring clip
and
impact indicator 300. The D-ring connector portion 324 includes a top
opening 337, a bottom opening 338, a first connecting end 325, a second
connecting end 326, and a cavity 329. The top opening 337 is generally
rectangular and includes a first lip 335a and a second lip 335b, which extend
into the cavity 329. The bottom opening 338 is configured and arranged to
receive the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300. As shown in Figures 17 and
17A, the first connecting end 325 is configured and arranged to accommodate
the first rounded end 304 and the head 304a and the second connecting end
326 is configured and arranged to accommodate the second rounded end 305
and a spring 330.
As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the spring 330 includes a D-ring
connector engaging portion 331 and a biasing portion 332. Preferably, the
spring 330 is a torsion spring made of stainless steel spring wire. The
biasing
portion 332 should preferably extend upward from the center of the spring
330, and the D-ring connector engaging portion 331 should preferably extend
downward beyond the center of the spring 330.
The top opening 337 and the boitom opening 338 of the dorsal pad 321
provide access to the cavity 329, wliich is configured and arranged to
accommodate the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300. The cavity 329
includes a first cavity 329a, a second cavity 329b, a third cavity 329c, and a
fourth cavity 329d. The first cavity 329a is configured and arranged to
accommodate the second rounded end 305, the second cavity 329b is
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configured and arranged to accomniodate the spring 330 about the second
rounded end 305, the third cavity 329c is configured and arranged to
accommodate the first rounded end 304, and the fourth cavity 329d is
configured and arranged to accommodate the head 304a. Slots 329e extend
outward proximate the side of second cavity 329b opposite first cavity 329a
and are configured and arranged to accommodate the biasing portion 332 of
the spring 330, although the biasing portion 332 is preferably placed within
only one of the slots 329e. '
In operation, the D-ring 310 is snapped into place within the cavity 302
of the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300. The D-ring connector engaging
portion 331 of the spring 330 is inserted within the slot 305a of the second
rounded end 305 so that the biasing portion 332 extends in an upwardly
direction relative to the D-ring 310. When the D-ring clip and impact
indicator 300 and D-ring 310 are inserted through the bottom opening 307,
with the D-ring 310 being inserted first, and placed within the cavity 329,
the
biasing portion 332 extends in an upwardly direction within the slot 329e of
the spring engaging end 326. The D-ring clip and impact indicator 300
interconnects the spring 330 and the D-ring 310, and the spring 330
interconnects the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 and the dorsal pad 321.
Held in place within slots 305a and 329e, the spring 330 places a constant
force upon the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 and the dorsal pad 321.
The dorsal pad 321 is generally stationary and the D-ring clip and impact
indicator 300 is pivotable or rotatable within the cavity 329 of the dorsal
pad
321. The spring 330 urges the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 in an
upward (upright) direction relative to the dorsal pad 321 and the user.
Because the D-ring 310 is operatively connected to the D-ring clip and impact
indicator 300, the D-ring 310 is urged into an upright position witli the D-
ring
clip and impact indicator 300. An upright position is the ring portion 311 of
the D-ring 310 extending in an upward direction relative to the dorsal pad 321
and the user. If the D-ring 310 and the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300
are urged downward and rotate in a downward direction, the spring 330 will
become coiled tighter. When the spring 330 becomes coiled tighter, the spring
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330 wants to become less coiled thereby urging the D-ring 310 back into an
upright position. How these components are connected is shown in Figures 8
and 17A.
When the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 is inserted through the
bottom opening 338 into the cavity 329, the lips 335a and 335b prevent the D-
ring clip and inipact indicator 300 from coming through the top opening 337.
In addition, when hamess straps are connected to the dorsal pad 321, the lips
335a and 335b act as a wear pad to prevent the D-ring 310 from rubbing
against the straps. When the harness has been subjected to an impact, the D-
ring 310 snaps out of the D-ring clip and impact indicator 300 by deflecting
catches 303a and 303b, and this change in appearance provides a visual
indication to the user that the safety harness should be discarded. In
addition,
the bar portion 312 of the D-ring 310 could include a colored portion that
would become exposed when the D-ring 310 snaps out of the D-ring clip and
impact indicator 300 thereby providing additional visual indication that the
safety harness should be discarded. In other words, an impact indication
mark, such as a colored portion on the bar portion 312 of the D-ring 3 I0,
similar to that shown in Figure 25, may also be used to indicate an impact has
occurred.
Figures 20 and 21 show a preferred embodiment dorsal D-ring pad
assembly 400 including a dorsal pad 401, a D-ring 402, and a wear pad 407.
The dorsal pad 401 is similarly configured and arranged as the dorsal pad 321.
The dorsal pad 401 is generally preferably hexagonal and relatively flat in
shape and includes slots 411 a, 411b, 412, 413, 414a, and 414b, which are
configured and arranged to route straps 408 and 409 of a safety harness as is
well known in the art. Slots 41 la and 41 lb are located proximate the top,
slots 412 and 413 are located proximate the middle, and slots 414a and 414b
are located proximate the bottom of the dorsal pad.
The D-ring 402 includes a ring portion 403, a bar portion 404, and
slots 405 and 406. The harness straps are inserted through slot 405, and an
elastic strap 410 is inserted through the slots 405 and 406. Slot 406 is an
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additional slot than is not typically included in a D-ring but is used so the
elastic strap 410 does not interfere with ring portion 403.
The wear pad 407 protects the webbing of the harness straps 408 and
409 along the bar and the side edges of the D-ring 402 proximate the bar
portion 404. The wear pad 407 includes a bar protector 407a and a side
protector 407b. The wear pad 407 could also include bridges 407c
interconnecting the sides of the side protector 407b. The bar protector 407a
is
positioned over the D-ring 402 bar portion 404 and operatively connected to a
connecting portion 416 on the dorsal pad 401. The bar protector 407a protects
the straps 408 and 409 from rubbing against the bar portion 404 when the D-
ring 402 moves during connection with a lifeline. The connecting portion 416
is preferably located proximate the middle of the D-ring pad assembly 400.
For example, the bar protector 407a could snap into an aperture in the
connecting portion 416. The bar protector 407a could also be connected to the
connecting portion 416 with rivets, ultrasonic welding, glue, or other
connecting devices well k-nown in the art. The side protector 407b extends
outward proximate the ends of the bar protector 407a and acts as a shield to
protect the sides of the straps 408 and 409 from rubbing against the side
edges
of the D-ring 402. The wear pad 407 does not move with the D-ring 402 and
therefore reduces the wear on the straps 408 and 409 as the D-ring 402
rotates.
The wear pad 407 could be snapped over the D-ring 402 bar portion 404 to
ensure the D-ring 402 remains in the desired position relative to the wear pad
407.
An elastic strap 410 is inserted through the slot 406 of the D-ring 402
and operatively connected to the top of the dorsal pad 401 to urge the D-ring
402 in an upright position. In other words, the elastic strap 410 is secured
between the dorsal pad 401 and the D-ring 402. The elastic strap 410 could be
a woven strap having an elastic stretch of 100 to 200%. It could also include
a
sewn or otherwise fabricated stop 410a operatively connected to the end(s) of
the elastic strap 410 and secured at its end(s) by passing the end(s) of the
elastic strap 410 through a slot 415 in the dorsal pad 401 as shown, a slot
406
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in the D-ring 402, or by sewing the elastic strap 410 directly to the
connecting
component.
In operation, the first strap 408 is inserted through the top of slot 411a,
througli the bottom of slot 412, through the slot 405 of the D-ring 402 (under
the bridges 407c and over the bar protector 407a of the wear pad 407), through
the top of slot 413, and through the bottom of slot 414a. The dorsal pad 401
separates the strap 408 into left shoulder strap 408a and right back strap
408b.
The'second strap 409 is inserted through the top of slot 411b, through the
bottom of slot 412, through the slot 405 of the D-ring 402 (under the bridges
:: 407c and over the bar protector 407a of the wear pad 407), through the top
of
slot 413, and through the bottom of slot 414b. The dorsal pad 401 separates
the strap 409 into right shoulder strap 409a and left back strap 409b. The
straps 408 and 409 preferably overlap and criss-cross in divergent fashion
through the dorsal pad 401.
Figures 22 aiid 23 show a preferred embodiment dorsal D-ring pad
assembly 500 including a dorsal pad 501, a D-ring 502, and a wear pad frame
507. The dorsal pad 501 is similarly configured and arranged as the dorsal
pad 321 and dorsal pad 401, and straps 508 and 509 are siniilarly routed
therethrough. The D-ring 502 includes a ring portion 503, a bar portion 504,
and slots 505 and 506. The harness straps are inserted through slot 505, and
an elastic strap 510 is inserted through the slots 505 and 506. Slot 506 is an
additional slot than is not typically included in a D-ring but is used so the
elastic strap 510 does not interfere with ring portion 503.
The wear pad frame 507 includes two halves 507a and 507b joined by
rivets 511 or shear meinbers which could be separate components or
incorporated into the frame 507. The frame 507 is generally the shape of the
bottom portion of the D-ring 502 from the bottom of the ring portion 503 to
the bottom of the bar portion 504. The frame 507 includes a slot
corresponding with the slot 505 and allows for access to the slot 506 of the D-
ring 502. The rivets 511 are inserted through apertures 512 in the wear pad
frame 507 proximate the top of the wear pad franie 507. The wear pad frame
507 protects the webbing of the harness straps 508 and 509 along the bottom
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and the side edges of the D-ring 502 proximate the bar portion 504 and slot
505.
An elastic strap 510 is inserted through the slot 506 and operatively
connected to the top of the dorsal pad 501 to urge the D-ring 502 in an
upright
position. In other words, the elastic strap 510 is secured between the dorsal
pad 501 and the D-ring 502. The elastic strap 510 could be a woven strap
having an elastic stretch of 100 to 200%. It could also include a plastic
button
or otherwise fabricated stop 510a operatively connected to the end(s) of the
elastic strap 510 and secured at its end(s) by passing the end(s) of the
elastic
strap 510 through a slot 515 in the dorsal pad 501 as shown, a slot 506 in the
D-ring 502, or by sewing the elastic strap 510 directly to the connecting
component.
The dorsal D-ring pad assembly 500 could also include a fall and/or
impact indicator. The wear pad franie 507 could include an ink filled pellet
indicator 513, as shown in Figure 24, or the D-ring 502 could include an
impact indicator mark or flag 514, as shown in Figure 25. The indicators 513
and 514 provide visual indication that the safety harness has been subjected
to
at least approximately 500 to 600 pounds of force. In addition, when the
safety harness is subjected to an impact load of at least approximately 500 to
600 pounds of force, the rivets 511 could fracture and indication of the
impact
would be determined by the absence of the heads on the rivets 511, the wear
pad frame 507 sliding relative to the D-ring 502 (possibly about 3/16 inch)
revealing an indicator mark or flag on the D-ring 514, the separation of the
wear pad frame 507 into two separate halves 507a and 507b, and/or the
bursting of an ink filled pellet indicator 513 which would stain the harness
webbing. The change in appearance would provide visual indication that the
D-ring was subjected to a force of an impact.
Figure 26 shows a preferred embodiment dorsal D-ring pad assembly
600 including a dorsal pad 601, a D-ring 602, and a wear pad 606. The dorsal
pad 601, as shown in Figure 28, is preferably an upside down pentagon shaped
plate meniber and includes a first slot 612 and a second slot 614, through
which straps of a harness pass, with an opening 613 therebetween.
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The D-ring 602, as shown in Figure 27, includes a ring portion 603, a
bar portion 604, and a slot 605. A spring 610 is coiled around the bar portion
604 of the D-ring 602. A first end 611a of the spring 610 extends downward
from the bar portion 604, and a second end 611b of the spring 610 is wrapped
around the side of the bar portion 604. The first end 611 a provides the force
required to urge the D-ring 602 in an upright position, and the second end
611b secures the spring 610 to the D-ring 602.
The wear pad 606, as shown in Figure 29, is a U-shaped member
having a curved base portion 607, a first lip 608a, a second lip 608b, and a
cavity 609 within the curved base portion 607. The first lip 608a extends
upward from the curved base portion 607, and the second lip 608b extends
downward from the curved base portion 607. The second lip 608b is
preferably longer in length than the first lip 608a.
In operation, bar portion 604 of the D-ring 602 including the spring
610 is inserted into the cavity 609 of the wear pad 606 with the first end
611a
of the spring 610 facing outward from the wear pad 606, as shown in Figure
26. The second lip 608b of the wear pad 606 is inserted into the opening 613
and a downward force is exerted upon the curved base portion 607 to insert the
first lip 608a into the opening 613 thereby securing the wear pad 606 to the
dorsal pad 601. The first end 611a of the spring 610 is positioned between the
D-ring 602 and the dorsal pad 601 and keeps the D-ring 602 in an upward
position. When the D-ring 602 is urged in a downward direction relative to
the dorsal pad 601, the first end 611 a pushes against the dorsal pad 601 to
urge
the D-ring 602 back into an upright position. The curved base portion 607 of
the wear pad 606 keeps the bar portion 604 of the D-ring 602 from contacting
the harness straps thereby reducing wear on the harness straps. A ledge could
also be provided along the top edges of the curved base portion 607 to prevent
possible contact of the sides of the D-ring 602 with the harness straps.
Figures 30-33 show a dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly 700 including a
D-ring 702, a D-ring connector 719, and a wear pad assenibly 706. The D-
ring 702 includes a ring portion 703, a bar portion 704, and a slot 705
between
the ring portion 703 and the bar portion 704.
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The D-ring connector 719 includes a bar engaging portion 720, shown
in Figures 34 and 35, which is generally cylindrical in shape and is
configured
and arranged to engage the bar portion 704 of the D-ring 702 within a
longitudinal slot 723. When the D-ring 702 is engaged within the slot 723, the
opening 723a of the slot 723 is preferably proximate the bottom of the D-ring
702. The bar engaging portion 720 includes ears 721a and 721b extending
upward from the ends on one side of the bar engaging portion 720. The ears
721a and 721b extend upward along the sides of the slot 705 on one side of the
D-ring 702. The bar engaging portion 720 also includes a lateral slot 722
proximate the middle of the bar engaging portion 720. A bar 711 extends
across the slot 722 proximate the top of the bar engaging portion 720. One
end of a spring 716 is operatively connected to the bar 711 and the spring 716
fits within the slot 722. In addition, the bar engaging portion 720 could
include tabs 715, which act as an impact indicator, extending into the slot
723.
The wear pad assembly 706, shown in Figure 36, includes a generally
triangular base portion 707. The base portion 707 includes a front base 707a
and a back base 707b, which are interconnected by a curved portion 708. The
curved portion 708 is generally cylindrical and includes a longitudinal bore
709 and a lateral slot 710 proximate the middle of the curved portion 708. The
curved portion 708 is configured and arranged to house the bar engaging
portion 720 within the bore 709. The front base 707a and the back base 707b
extend downward from the bottom of the curved portion 708 and each
includes an aperture 714a and 714b, respectively, at the ends opposite the
curved portion 708. The other end of the spring 716 is operatively connected
proximate the aperture 714b with a fastener sucli as a nut 718 and a bolt 717
extending through apertures 714a and 714b. The nut 718 and the bolt 717 not
only secure the other eud of the spring 716 but also operatively connect the
bases 707a and 707b. The back base 707b includes a channel 712 which
extends downward from the slot 710 to the bottom of the back base 707b. The
spring 716 is housed within the channel 712 and ribs 713 extending along the
sides of the channe1712 protect the spring 716.
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In operation, the D-ring 702 is inserted into the slot 123 of the D-ring
connector 719. The bases 707a and 707b of the wear pad assembly 706 are
separated, one on either side of the D-ring connector 719, and the D-ring
connector 719 is inserted into the bore 709. Then the spring 716, which has
been connected to the bar 711, is placed within the channe1712 and connected
to the end of the base 707b via the nut 718 and bolt 717 through apertures
714a and 714b to connect the bases 707a and 707b.
The dorsal D-ring wear pad assembly 700 is then operatively
connected to a safety harness, as illustrated in Figures 37 and 38. The safety
harness includes a first strap 725a, a second strap 725b, and a third strap
725c.
The first and second straps 725a and 725b are threaded through the slot 705 of
the D-ring 702 and preferably overlap and criss-cross in divergent fashion to
form the shoulder straps and legs straps of the harness. The third strap 725c
is
attached at one end to the back of strap 725a, tlireaded through the slot 705
of
the D-ring 702 over the wear pad assembly 706, and then attached at the other
end to the back of the strap 725b. Stitching 726 may be used to attach the
third strap 725c to the straps 725a and 725b. When assembled, the D-ring 702
extends generally in an upward direction relative to the wear pad 706 thereby
extending the spring 716. The D-ring 702 and the wear pad assembly 706 are
kept in place between the loop of the third strap 725c and the stitching 726.
When thus connected, the spring 716 urges the D-ring 702 in an upright
position. When the D-ring 702 is pushed in a downward direction, the spring
716 is extended and because the spring 716 wants to contract, a constant force
urges the D-ring 702 in an upright position.
The curved portion 708 of the wear pad assembly 706 acts as a wear
pad because as the D-ring 702 pivots, the curved portion 708 does not move
with the D-ring 702. This prevents excess wear on the straps 725a and 725b.
In addition, the spring 716 exerts constant force upon the D-ring 702 to
ensure
that the D-ring 702 remains in an upright position. Should a fall occur and/or
a load is applied to the D-ring 702, the tabs 715 are crushed or collapse to
expose a color under the ears 721a and 721b. The exposed color is an impact
indicator visually indicating that the safety harness should be discarded.
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Figures 39 and 40 show a preferred embodiment dorsal D-ring pad
assembly 800 including a dorsal pad 801, a D-ring 802, and a wear tube 807.
The D-ring 802 includes a ring portion 803, a bar portion 804, a slot 805, and
an intermediate portion 806. The bar portion 804 fits within a cavity in the
wear tube 807. The dorsal pad 801 is similarly configured and arranged as the
dorsal pad 321 and dorsal pads 401 and 501, and the harness straps 808 and 809
are similarly threaded therethrough, being inserted through slot 805 in the
D-nng 802. The wear tube 807 is preferably a cylindrical tube member about
the bar portion 804 of the D-ring 802 that protects the harness straps 808 and
809 along the bottom of the D-ring 802 proximate the bar portion 804. The
wear tube 807 is positioned between the D-ring 802 and the straps 808 and
809 and because the D-ring 802 moves independently within the wear tube
807, the D-ring 802 does not rub against the straps 808 and 809.
An elastic cord 812 interconnects the D-ring 802 and the dorsal pad
801 and urges the D-ring 802 in an upright position. The elastic cord 812 may
be stretched to urge the D-ring 802 in a downward position, but the elastic
cord 812 wants to contract to urge the D-ring 802 back into an upright
position. A coupling 811 may be used to connect the elastic cord 812 to the
D-ring 802, and a stop 813 may be used to connect the elastic cord 812 to the
dorsal pad 801. For example, the coupling 811 could be a snap on member
secured to the intermediate portion 806 of the D-ring 802. The elastic cord
812 could be inserted through an aperture 815 in the dorsal pad 801, and the
stop 813 could be a knot'or other fabricated securing member well known in
the art. The elastic cord 812 is preferably woven or molded having an elastic
stretch of 100 to 200%.
An example of a mechanism for substantially holding a D-ring 910 in
an upright receiving position is shown in Figures 41-43. A preferred
embodiment D-ring clip and fall indicator 900 includes a dorsal pad 901
having clip members 902a and 902b. The dorsal pad 901 is similarly
configured and arranged as the dorsal pad 321 and dorsal pads 401, 501, and
801, and the harness straps 916a and 916b are similarly threaded therethrough,
being inserted through the strap opening 915 in the D-ring 910.
CA 02663158 2009-04-21
The D-ring 910 includes a ring portion 911 and a bar portion 912
interconnected by connecting portions 913. The ring portion 911 includes a
connector opening 914. A strap opening 915 is defmed between the ring
portion 911, the bar portion 912, and the connecting portions 913. An
intermediate portion 918 divides the connector opening 914 and the strap
opening 915. The harness straps 916a and 916b preferably criss-cross and
overlap through the strap opening 915.
The clip members 902a and 902b are preferably molded to the dorsal
pad 901, as shown in Figures 42 and 43. The clip menibers 902a and 902b
extend outward from the dorsal pad 901 to accommodate the width and the
thickness of the D-ring 910 and then extend inward to hold the D-ring 910 in
an upright receiving position, as shown in Figures 41 and 42. It is preferred
to
position the clip members 902a and 902b proximate the intermediate portion
918 as to not interfere with the operation of the D-ring 910 and the safety
harness. Although one clip member could be used, it is preferred to have at
least two clip members, at least one on each side of the D-ring 910. It is
recognized that a biasing mechanism could also be used to substantially hold
the D-ring in the upright receiving position.
In operation, the D-ring 910 is held in an upright receiving position by
the clip members 902a and 902b, as shown in Figure 42. When the D-ring
910 has been subjected to a force, the D-ring 910 nioves in a downward
position thereby deflecting the clip members 902a and 902b outward, as
shown in Figure 43, and releasing the D-ring 910 from the clip members 902a
and 902b. Because the D-ring 910 becomes disengaged by the clip members
902a and 902b and is no longer in an upright receiving position, this provides
visual indication that the D-ring 910 has been subjected to a force or an
impact. The D-ring could be placed in the first position again manually or by
other suitable means.
With reference to Figures 44-55, another embodiment dorsal D-ring
assembly includes a D-ring clip assembly 100, a D-ring 110, and a
combination back pad and D-ring coimector 120, which are similar to the D-
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ring clip and impact indicator 300, the D-ring 310, and the assembly 320,
respectively, shown in Figures 1-19.
As shown in Figure 47, the D-ring 110 includes a ring portion 111 and
a bar portion 112, which are interconnected with connecting portions 113 on
both sides forming an opening 115 therebetween. The ring portion 111
includes an opening 114 to which a connector may be attached. Between the
openings 114 and 115 is an intermediate portion 116. Straps of a safety
harness (not shown) are threaded through the opening 115 of the D-ring 110
and preferably overlap and criss-cross in divergent fashion, similar to that
shown in Figure 7B, to form the shoulder straps and back straps of the safety
harness. A third strap (not shown) may be optionally attached at one end to
the back of one back strap, threaded through the opening 115 of the D-ring
110, and then attached at the other end to the back of the other back strap to
fix the D-ring 110, if desired. The third strap is not used with all styles of
safety harnesses and is therefore optional. Stitching may be used to attach
the
third strap to the back straps. If used, the D-ring 110 is kept in place
between
the loop of the third strap and the stitching.
The D-ring clip assembly 100 includes a first housing member 101, a
second housing member 107, and a biasing member 130. As shown in Figure
47, the biasing member 130 is preferably a spring including a D-ring
connector eiigaging portion 131 and a biasing portion 132. Preferably, the
spring 130 is a torsion spring made of stainless steel spring wire. The
biasing
portion 132 should preferably extend upward from the center of the spring
130, and the D-ring connector engaging portion 131 should preferably extend
downward beyond the center of the spring 130.
The first housing member 101 and the second housing member 107
operatively connect to form a generally cylindrical member configured and
arranged to engage the bar portion 112 of the D-ring 110. With reference to
Figures 48-52, the first housing meniber 101 includes a first end 101 a, a
second end 101b, and a cavity 102. Operatively connected to the first end
lOla is a first rounded end 104 with a head 104a. The head 104a is
operatively connected to the end 104 opposite the first end 101 a and has a
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CA 02663158 2009-04-21
larger diameter than the diameter of the end 104. Operatively connected to the
second end 101b is a second rounded end 105 with a lateral slot 105a. The
lateral slot 105a is opposite the second end 101b and extends inward toward
the second end 101b.
The cavity 102 is defmed by a recessed portion 102a and plurality of
catches 103 and is configured and arranged to receive a portion of the bar
portion 112 of the D-ring 110. The recessed portion 102a is preferably U-
shaped like the bar portion 112 and portions of the connecting portions 113
proximate the bar portion 112 to acconunodate and receive these portions of
the D-ring 110. There are preferably a plurality of catches 103 on each side
of
a middle section of the recessed portion 102a. Each of the plurality of
catches
103 extends upward from the first housing member 101 and includes a
generally triangular protruding portion 103a extending partially inward toward
the center of the cavity 102. The protruding portions 103a are angled from the
top of the catches 103 into the cavity 102, and the portions of the catches
103
more proximate the first housing member 101 are generally horizontal relative
to the housing member 101. The first housing member 101 also includes
openings 106 between the opposing plurality of catches 103.
The second housing member 107 includes a cavity 108 and a plurality
of apertures 109. The cavity 108 is defmed by a recessed portion 108a and is
configured and arranged to receive another portion of the bar portion 112 of
the D-ring 110. The recessed portion 108a is also preferably U-shaped like the
bar portion 112 and portions of the connecting portions 113 proximate the bar
portion 112 to accommodate and receive these portions of the D-ring 110.
The cavity 108 and the cavity 102 cooperate to receive the bar portion 112 of
the D-ring 110 so that the first housing member 101 and the second housing
member 107 envelope the bar portion 112 of the D-ring 110. Each of the
plurality of apertures 109 is aligned with a corresponding catch 103 and is
configured and arranged to receive and engage the catch 103. More
particularly, each of the plurality of apertures 109 includes a shelf 109a
proximate the inner edge of the aperture 109 configured and arranged to
engage the respective protruding portion 103a.
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The plurality of catches 103 and the corresponding plurality of
apertures 109 cooperate as a friction fitting assembly to connect the first
housing member 101 and the second housing member 107 about the bar
portion 112 of the D-ring 110. To operatively connect the D-ring clip
assembly 100 to the D-ring 110, the bar portion 112 of the D-ring 110 is
placed within the recessed portion 102a of the first housing member 101. The
catches 103 of the first housing member 101 are aligned with the
corresponding apertures 109 of the second housing member 107, and each
catch 103 is inserted into the respective aperture 109. As the first housing
member 101 and the second housing member 107 are pushed together and the
catches 103 are inserted into the respective apertures 109, the catches 103
deflect outward until the protruding portions 103a extend through the
apertures 109 at which point the catches 103 deflect back inward so that the
protruding portions 103a engage the shelves 109a of the plurality of apertures
109. When thus engaged, the protruding portions 103a provide resistance in
removing the catches 103 from the plurality of apertures 109. In other words,
when the catches 103 are inserted into the apertures 109, the apertures 109
force the catches 103 outward so that the catches 103 may be inserted into the
apertures 109. When inserted into the apertures 109, the catches 103 snap
back inward to engage the inside edges of the apertures 109.
Alternatively, with reference to Figures 56 and 57, a D-ring 210 may
be used with the combination back pad and D-ring connector 120 in lieu of the
D-ring clip assembly 100 and the D-ring 110. The D-ring 210 includes a ring
portion 211 and a bar portion 212, whicli are interconnected with connecting
portions 213 on both sides forming an opening 215 therebetween. The ring
portion 211 includes an opening 214 to which a connector may be attached.
Between the openings 214 and 215 is an intemiediate portion 216. In
addition, the D-ring 210 includes a first end 217 having a head 217a and a
second end 218 having a lateral slot 218a. The head 217a is operatively
connected to the first end 217 and has a larger diameter than the diameter of
the first end 217. The lateral slot 218a extends inward toward the second end
218.
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CA 02663158 2009-04-21
,. 3
The combination back pad and D-ring connector 120 includes a back
pad portion 121, a D-ring connector portion 124, and a strap connector portion
140 operatively connected thereto. The back pad portion 121 is generally
preferably hexagonal and relatively flat in shape and includes four slots 122
and two slots 123, which are configured and arranged to route straps of a
safety hamess as is well known in the art. A slot 122 extends parallel to each
of two adjacent sides at each end of the back pad portion 121. In other words,
there are two slots 122 at each end of the back pad portion 121, a slot 122
extending parallel to each of the two adjacent sides forming the end. A slot
123 extends perpendicular to the two remaining sides of the back pad portion
121 approximately 1/3 the length of the back pad portion 121 from each end.
The D-ring connector portion 124 extends between the two remaining
sides of the back pad portion 121 proximate the middle of the back pad portion
121 between and parallel to the slots 123. The D-ring connector portion 124 is
generally cylindrical and configured and arranged to house the D-ring clip
assembly 100 housing the D-ring 110 or the D-ring 210. The D-ring
connector portion 124 includes a top opening 137, a bottom opening 138, a
first connecting end 125, a second connecting end 126, and a cavity 129. The
top opening 137 is generally rectangular and includes a first lip 135a and a
second lip 135b, which extend into the cavity 129. The bottom opening 138 is
configured and arranged to receive the D-ring clip assembly 100 and the D-
ring 110 or the D-ring 210. As shown in Figure 46, the first connecting end
125 is configured and arranged to accommodate the first rounded end 104 and
the head 104a and the second connecting end 126 is configured and arranged
to acconunodate the second rounded end 105 and the biasing member 130.
The top opening 137 and the bottom opening 138 of the back pad portion 121
provide access to the cavity 129, which is configured and arranged to
acconunodate the D-ring clip assembly 100 or the D-ring 210. The cavity 129
is configured and arranged similarly to cavity 329 described herein and shown
in Figures 17 and 17A. A slot 129a extends upward from cavity 129
proximate the second connecting end 126 and is configured and arranged to
receive and engage the biasing portion 132 of the biasing menlber 130.
CA 02663158 2009-04-21
With reference to Figure 44, the strap connector portion 140 is
generally triangular shaped with a first side 140a, a second side 140b, and a
third (bottom) side 140c with an opening 145 therein defined by the three
sides. The front of the first and second sides 140a and 140b include recessed
portions 142a and 142b, respectively, below the bottom two slots 122. The
recessed portions 142a and 142b include openings 141 a and 141b proximate
the middle and slots 143a and 143b proximate the bottom, respectively. A slot
144a is proximate the junction between the first side 140a and the third side
140c and a slot 144b is proximate the junction between the second side 140b
and the third side 140c. With reference to Figure 46, the back of the first
and
second sides 140a and 140b include recessed portions 146a and 146b
extending from the slots 143a and 143b to the slots 144a and 144b,
respectively. The strap comiector portion 140 is configured and arranged to
route straps of a safety harness as is well known in the art, such as
disclosed in
U.S. Patent 6,253,874;
In operation, the combination back pad and D-ring connector 120 may
be used with either the D-ring clip assembly 100 housing the D-ring 110 or the
D-ring 210. When the D-ring clip assembly 100 and the D-ring 110 are used,
the bar portion 112 of the D-ring 110 is placed within the cavity 102 of the
first housing member 101, and the first housing member 101 and the second
housing member 107 are connected about the bar portion 112. The D-ring
connector engaging portion 131 of the biasing member 130 is inserted within
the slot 105a of the second rounded end 105 so that the biasing portion 132
extends in an upwardly direction relative to the D-ring 110. When the D-ring
210 is used, the D-ring connector engaging portion 131 of the biasing member
130 is inserted within the slot 218a of the second end 218 so that the biasing
portion 132 extends in an upwardly direction relative to the D-ring 210.
When the D-ring clip assembly 100 and D-ring 110 are inserted
through the bottom opening 138, with the ring portion 111 of the D-ring 110
being inserted first, and placed within the cavity 129, the biasing portion
132
extends in an upwardly direction within the slot 129a of the second connecting
end 126. The D-ring clip assembly 100 interconnects the biasing member 130
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and the D-ring 110, and the biasing member 130 interconnects the D-ring clip
assembly 100 and the back pad portion 121. Held in place within slots 105a
and 129a, the biasing member 130 places a constant force upon the D-ring clip
assembly 100 and the back pad portion 121. The back pad portion 121 is
generally stationary and the D-ring clip assembly 100 is pivotable or
rotatable
within the cavity 129 of the back pad portion 121. When the D-ring clip
assembly 100 is inserted through the bottom opening 138 into the cavity 129,
the lips 135a and 135b prevent the D-ring clip assembly 100 from coming
through the top opening 137. In addition, when harness straps are connected
to the back pad portion 121, the lips 135a and 135b act as a wear pad to
prevent the D-ring 110 from rubbing against the straps.
The biasing meniber 130 urges the D-ring clip assembly 100 in an
upward (upright) direction relative to the back pad portion 121 and the user.
Because the D-ring 110 is operatively connected to the D-ring clip assembly
100, the D-ring 110 is urged into an upright position with the D-ring clip
assembly 100. An upright position is the ring portion 111 of the D-ring 110
extending in an upward direction relative to the back pad portion 121 and the
user. If the D-ring 110 and the D-ring clip assembly 100 are urged downward
and rotate in a downward direction, the biasing member 130 will become
coiled tighter. When the biasing member 130 becomes coiled tighter, the
biasing member 130 wants to become less coiled thereby urging the D-ring
110 back into an upright position. The D-ring 210 is similarly operated.
It is understood that any of these features may be interchanged among
the different preferred embodiments to create variations thereof and such
variations are within the scope of the present invention. The above
specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the
manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many
embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter
appended.
27
