EP4327892A1 - Anti-fall harness comprising a two-part fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a belt (1) for protecting people from falling, comprising a fitting part (10) and at least a first and a second belt sub-element encompassing the body part, the fitting part (10) comprising a body (11) which is intended for connection to the first belt sub-element and to the second Belt sub-element and is formed with a flexible bridge (7), the body (11) of the fitting part (10) comprising a first part (12) and a second part (13), which can be brought into an assembled state and into a separated state , wherein the first part (12) and / or the second part (13) comprises at least one first external groove (16) for the first belt sub-element, wherein in the assembled state of the two parts (12, 13) the first groove (16) passes through the other part (12, 13) is completed to the first webbing opening (15) passing through the body (11) in order to semi-permanently connect a first webbing (6) of the first belt sub-element encompassing the body part to the fitting part (10).

Description

The invention relates to a belt for protecting people from falling, comprising a fitting part and at least a first and a second belt sub-element encompassing the body part, the fitting part comprising a body which is designed for connection to the first belt sub-element, with the second belt sub-element and with a flexible bridge.

In the area of personal safety, especially in the area of tree care, belts are used to protect climbers from falling. The belts generally comprise several belt sub-elements that surround the body part, such as a hip belt, chest belt and/or leg loops. The belt sub-elements are connected to one another using fittings and it is usually possible to attach further elements such as rope bridges to the fittings. Usually, a fitting part is provided on the left and a fitting part on the right of the belt and the rope bridge is fastened between the fitting parts, depending on the design of the fitting part, using knots or loops at the ends of the rope bridge. The rope bridge can therefore be used as an anchor point, e.g. hooked into a safety device, and the user can lean back securely.

Embodiments with shackles as fittings are known, with a webbing of the hip belt, a webbing of the leg loop and one end of the rope bridge being hung on a U-shaped body of the shackle during assembly. The U-shaped body can be closed using a bolt so that the elements mentioned are fixed on the shackle. When assembled, the end of the rope bridge usually rests on the bolt. The disadvantage of these embodiments is that all elements are released when the bolt is removed and that there are no dedicated strap openings and therefore all straps or the flexible bridge rub together. However, the modularity of this embodiment, particularly with regard to the interchangeability of the cable bridge, has always been viewed as a positive characteristic.

Other fittings are designed as rigid bodies and have two separate webbing openings for the webbing of the hip belt or for the webbing of the leg loop. Furthermore, a bridge hole is provided in which the rope bridge can be fixed using a stopper knot.

One from the EP 3 332 840 A A well-known obvious modification provides for the releasable fastening element known from the shackles to be connected to an otherwise rigid fitting part use. To implement this, a bone-shaped fastening strip or mounting strip is screwed over the outside of the bridge hole. The webbing openings remain unchanged in this embodiment, as is the case with fittings with rigid bodies.

From the EP 3 466 493 B1 a fitting part is known that has an opening on one side. A closing element can be inserted into the opening, which completes the shape of the fitting part and replaces a partition in the fitting part. The closing element thus separates the bridge hole from an opening for an anchor point. In this embodiment too, the webbing openings remain unchanged, as is the case with fittings with rigid bodies.

However, belts comprising fittings with bodies which are penetrated by two belt openings in the usual manner are difficult to manufacture or difficult to maintain. First, the belt sub-elements must be provided with belt straps, with the ends of the belt straps being loose. The webbings are then passed through the respective webbing openings of the fitting part and then sewn into a loop, with the fitting part being located in the loop. In this way, the belt sub-elements can be permanently connected to the fitting part. Changing the fitting part and/or belt sub-elements for maintenance purposes is not possible.

It is the object of the invention to create a belt for protecting people from falling that is easier to manufacture or whose elements can be changed more easily.

This object is achieved by a belt for protecting people from falling, comprising a fitting part and at least a first and a second belt sub-element encompassing the body part, the fitting part comprising a body which is designed for connection to the first belt sub-element, with the second belt sub-element and with a flexible bridge, whereby the body is penetrated by a first webbing opening and by a bridge hole, the body of the fitting part comprising a first part and a second part, which can be brought into an assembled state and into a separated state, the first part and/or the second part at least one first external groove for the first belt sub-element, wherein in the assembled state of the two parts, the first groove is completed by the other part to the first belt opening passing through the body, in order to create a first belt therein to semi-permanently connect the first belt sub-element encompassing the body part to the fitting part.

The two-part fitting part of this belt enables the webbing opening separate from the bridge hole to be designed to be openable, which was previously not known from the prior art. In a first aspect, this makes it possible for the first time that the belt sub-elements can be completely manufactured before they are connected to the fitting part, i.e. the ends of the belt straps of the belt sub-elements can be sewn into loops in advance before they are connected to the fitting part. In a second aspect, it is made possible for the first time that the belt sub-elements or the fitting part can be replaced even after they have been assembled for the first time.

The term "semi-permanent" connection is used herein synonymously with a "releasable" connection and is intended to emphasize that the two parts are usually not separated from each other in use, but can be separated before or after use, preferably by means of tools, for example by means of a screwdriver to loosen the screws described below.

The new fitting parts therefore create an opportunity to assemble or maintain the belt independently of the belt straps of the belt sub-elements. The solution according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the end of the first webbing of the first belt sub-element, which is to be connected to the fitting part, is sewn into a loop.

In one embodiment, it would be possible for both the first webbing of the first webbing sub-element and the second webbing of the second webbing sub-element to be received in the first webbing opening, which means that a second webbing opening can be omitted. However, the straps touch each other, which can lead to wear and tear. In order to prevent this and to take advantage of the advantage according to the invention for the belt straps of both belt sub-elements, the first part and/or the second part preferably comprises at least one second external groove for the second belt sub-element, the second groove being in the assembled state of the two parts is completed by the other part to form a second webbing opening passing through the body, in order to connect a second webbing of the second belt sub-element encompassing the body part to the fitting part.

As already explained at the beginning, the body is penetrated by the first webbing opening (and possibly also by the second webbing opening) and by a bridge hole. In the simplest case, the first or second part is penetrated by the bridge hole, i.e. the bridge hole is not present as a groove on an outside of the part. In this case, the flexible bridge can be anchored in the bridge hole using a knot. Preferably, however, the first part and/or the second part can comprise at least a third external groove for the flexible bridge, wherein in the assembled state of the two parts, the third groove is completed by the other part to form a bridge hole passing through the body in order to achieve this flexible bridge to connect to the fitting part. In this way, when assembling the fitting part, not only the straps of the belt sub-elements, but also the flexible bridge can be semi-permanently connected to the fitting part.

In order to semi-permanently connect the two parts to one another, the body of the fitting part preferably has at least one transverse hole, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from a front and a back of the body, the transverse hole covering both the first part and the second Part penetrates, the fitting part further comprising a screw, the screw being able to be guided into the transverse hole and locked therein in order to connect the first part to the second part in the assembled state. In contrast to the webbing openings or the bridge hole, which pass through the front and back of the body, the transverse hole enters the body from a side surface and can thus run through both parts so that they can be connected by screws. Screws with threads are particularly preferred because they can be easily loosened using a tool and at the same time offer a high level of protection against accidental loosening of the screw and subsequently the two parts. For this purpose, the transverse hole can have an internal thread which, for example, is cut directly into the respective part. Alternatively, the transverse hole could have an area with a larger diameter in which a screw nut is inserted which has the internal thread. In order to prevent the screws from loosening due to vibrations, an adhesive could also be provided between the transverse hole and the screw, preferably between the thread of the screw and the internal thread of the transverse hole. As an alternative to the transversal hole with screw solution, external connectors such as clamps could be used to semi-permanently connect the two parts together.

As is known to those skilled in the art, the fitting part also has a pulling direction, which is the direction in which the fitting part is mainly stressed when the belt is in use. As a rule, the fitting part is essentially symmetrical about the direction of pull, which also takes into account minor deviations from symmetry in order to adapt the fitting part to anatomical conditions. Since the greatest force acts on the screws in the pulling direction, it is preferred if the transverse hole is arranged at an angle to the pulling direction. Furthermore, it is preferred if two transverse holes are used, each with a screw and the transverse holes are also symmetrical about the pulling direction, although this is not mandatory. Further preferably, the two parts are also designed symmetrically about the pulling direction. In the simplest case, a simple definition of the pulling direction can be seen as a direction about which the body is mirror-symmetrical, whereby the webbing openings can deviate from the mirror-symmetry if necessary.

The screws or generally the connectors for the semi-permanent connection of the two parts are usually selected such that the fitting part can withstand a static force of at least 23 kN along the pulling direction. To achieve this, the screws have a minimum diameter of 5 mm, for example. This is dimensioned for a case in which two screws are used, they are fully load-bearing in the tensile direction and the highest strength class is selected for the screws.

In all of the aforementioned embodiments, it is further preferred if the body comprises a web that divides, i.e. passes through or bridges, the bridge hole. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the third groove mentioned if the web is also open on one side when the two parts are separated. As a result, in the separated state, an end of the flexible bridge that is preformed into a loop, in particular sewn, can be pushed onto the web. When the two parts are then put together, this preformed loop of the flexible bridge can be securely anchored in the bridge hole.

As already explained previously, the body of the fitting part as well as the parts are usually designed symmetrically about a pulling direction. In this variant, the web is preferably parallel to the pulling direction or axis of symmetry and particularly preferably the pulling direction or axis of symmetry runs through the web. This makes the bridge particularly easy to access, since the open end of the bridge is made accessible by separating the two parts.

The web is therefore preferably formed in one piece on the first part or on the second part and protrudes from the third groove. Alternatively, the web could be formed as a separate element and, for example, be inserted as a pin between the first part and the second part. In both cases, it is further advantageous if the part opposite the web comprises a recess for receiving the web (in particular if the web has a diameter that is smaller than the thickness of the body) or for receiving an extension of the web in the assembled state of the parts , as this means that the bridge is supported on both sides and can therefore withstand greater loads. As an alternative to the recess, a pin could be used which engages in a tubular web.

In a further preferred embodiment, the aforementioned screw, which connects the first part to the second part, can also perform a dual function and form the web when it passes through the bridge hole. This creates a particularly stable web that is more robust than a web that is formed in one piece on the second part. Typically, the web in this embodiment will be located normal to the pulling direction, but an arrangement parallel to the pulling direction is also conceivable.

In order to further increase the stability of the body after the two parts have been assembled and to facilitate correct assembly, the first part and the second part preferably have interlocking guide surfaces at those points that touch each other in the assembled state of the two parts. These interlocking guide surfaces provide particular support for preventing the two parts from rotating relative to one another.

It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the body has a thickness, measured from the front to the back, of 6 mm to 14 mm, preferably 8 mm to 10 mm. Further preferably, the transverse hole has a diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, preferably 6 mm to 8 mm.

Although the harness described herein could be used for all possible purposes, its intended use as a climbing harness is particularly preferred. In this case, the first belt sub-element is a hip belt and the second belt sub-element is a leg loop, with a webbing of the hip belt usually being located in the first webbing opening and a webbing of the leg loop being located in the second webbing opening. As a rule, this belt will have a further leg loop and a further fitting part, which can preferably be designed with two parts like the first-mentioned fitting part or in one piece according to the prior art. Here too usually a webbing of the hip belt is guided through a first webbing opening of the further fitting part and a webbing of the further leg loop is guided through a second webbing opening of the further fitting part.

• Bereitstellen der beiden Teile im getrennten Zustand,
• Bereitstellen des ersten und des zweiten Gurtunterelements, wobei die Enden der Gurtbänder der beiden Gurtunterelemente zu Schlaufen vorgeformt sind, bevorzugt durch Vernähen,
• Aufschieben der Schlaufe des Gurtbandes des ersten Gurtunterelements auf die erste Nut,
• Aufschieben der Schlaufe des Gurtbandes des zweiten Gurtunterelements auf die erste Nut oder auf die zweite Nut,
• Verbringen der beiden Teile in den zusammengesetzten Zustand, wobei sich die Schlaufe des Gurtbandes des ersten Gurtunterelements in der ersten Gurtbandöffnung befindet und sich die Schlaufe des Gurtbandes des zweiten Gurtunterelements in der ersten Gurtbandöffnung oder in der zweiten Gurtbandöffnung befindet, und gegebenenfalls Einführen der Schraube bzw. der Schrauben in das Transversalloch bzw. die Transversallöcher zum semi-permanenten Verbinden der beiden Teile.

The strap described above can be made using the following steps:

• Providing the two parts in a separate state,
• Providing the first and second belt sub-elements, the ends of the belt straps of the two belt sub-elements being preformed into loops, preferably by sewing,
• Pushing the loop of the webbing of the first sub-belt element onto the first groove,
• Pushing the loop of the webbing of the second belt sub-element onto the first groove or onto the second groove,
• Bringing the two parts into the assembled state, with the loop of the webbing of the first webbing sub-element located in the first webbing opening and the loop of the webbing of the second webbing sub-element being in the first webbing opening or in the second webbing opening, and if necessary inserting the screw or the screws into the transverse hole(s) to semi-permanently connect the two parts.

This manufacturing process can also be used as part of a maintenance process in which one of the belt sub-elements or the fitting part is to be changed. Here, the two parts are first moved from the assembled state to the separated state and the loops are removed from the grooves and then the mentioned manufacturing process is carried out.

• Bereitstellen einer flexiblen Brücke mit einem Ende, das zu einer Schlaufe vorgeformt ist,
• Aufschieben der Schlaufe der flexiblen Brücke auf den Steg oder Verschieben des Stegs durch die Schlaufe der flexiblen Brücke.

If one of the parts includes said third groove, the manufacturing process further comprises the following steps, which are carried out before bringing the two parts into the assembled state:

• Providing a flexible bridge with an end preformed into a loop,
• Push the loop of the flexible bridge onto the bar or move the bar through the loop of the flexible bridge.

If a screw is used as a web, it is first guided through a first section of the transverse hole and here preferably passes through both the first and that second part until the screw protrudes into the bridge hole. The screw is then passed through the loop of the flexible bridge located in the bridge hole. The screw is then further pushed through a second section of the transverse hole, which preferably passes through both the first and second parts. Finally, the screw is preferably screwed into the transverse hole or to a nut located outside the fitting part.

Advantageous and non-limiting embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a harness for personal fall protection according to the state of the art.

The Figures 2a and 2b show a method for connecting belt sub-elements with a fitting part according to the prior art.

The Figures 3a and 3b show a method for connecting belt sub-elements with a fitting part according to the invention.

The Figures 4 to 8 show different embodiments of parts of the body to form openable webbing openings and bridge holes.

The Figures 9a and 9b show a first preferred embodiment of the fitting part according to the invention with two screws.

The Figures 10a and 10b show a second preferred embodiment of the fitting part according to the invention with a screw that can be used as a web in the bridge hole.

The Figures 11a and 11b show a connection of a flexible bridge to a fitting part with a static bridge hole.

The Figures 12a and 12b show a connection of a flexible bridge to a fitting part with an openable bridge hole and a permanent bridge.

The Figures 13a and 13b show a connection of a flexible bridge to a fitting part with a static bridge hole and a removable screw as a bridge.

Figure 1 shows a belt 1 for protecting people from falling, which in the embodiment shown is designed as a climbing belt, also referred to as a seat belt or holding belt. This belt 1 includes a hip belt 2 and two leg loops 3, which are connected to the hip belt 2 via fittings 4. However, the invention is not limited to this specific embodiment, but the belt could, for example, also include further or other elements such as a chest strap, in which case the belt could be referred to as a safety harness. In general, the elements such as the hip belt 2, the leg loops 3 or a chest strap are referred to as belt sub-elements that surround the body part.

The strap sub-elements are usually designed as open straps, the ends of which are connected to a buckle 5 to form the strap into a loop that can be placed around a body part, as in Figure 1 is shown. The belt sub-elements can be designed to be adjustable in size using a length adjustment device in the area of the buckle 5. Such embodiments can be provided for both the hip belt 2 and the leg loops 3. As a rule, the belt sub-elements are made of textile material and can, for example, be provided with a reinforcing leather part.

The fitting parts 4 are used as a connection point between the belt sub-elements. The fitting parts 4 can thus simultaneously form a force transmission point between the body of the user of the belt 1 and an anchor point at which the user of the belt 1 is to be secured. In order to enable uniform force transmission, a fitting part 4 is usually provided on the left and a fitting part 4 on the right on the belt 1 and a flexible bridge 7 (such as one or more ropes or a webbing) is suspended between the fitting parts 4. The bridge 7 can subsequently be attached to a stop point, which can be made easier if there is a ring 8 on the bridge between the fittings 4. In the example shown, the bridge 7 is fixed in a bridge hole in the fitting part 4 by knotting the bridge at the ends, see knots 9 in Figure 1 . The length can be adjusted by positioning the knot.

In order to connect the lower belt elements to one another or to the fitting parts 4 and thereby enable good force transmission, the lower belt elements usually have belt straps 6 which, for example, run through the entire lower belt element. This achieves, in particular, good force transmission between the belt straps 6 of a belt sub-element and the body of a user. Out of Figure 1 It can be seen that the hip belt 2, ie the first belt sub-element, has a first webbing 6 and the leg loops 3, ie the second belt sub-elements, each have a second webbing 6. The first webbing and the second webbing connect the hip belt 2, ie the first belt sub-element, and the leg loops 2, ie the second belt sub-elements with the fitting part 4. The first webbing and the second webbing could also be made of different materials.

The Figures 2a and 2b show how the straps 6 are connected to the fitting parts 4 if, as is usual in the prior art, these are non-openable elements are carried out. Figure 2a shows that the webbing 6 must first be guided through webbing openings in the fitting parts 4. Only then can the ends of the straps 6 be sewn into a loop, as in Figure 2b is shown in order to establish a secure connection between the belt sub-elements and the fitting part 4. The mutual connection of the belt sub-elements via the fitting parts 4 is therefore designed to be inseparable, which means that one of the elements cannot be changed subsequently. Furthermore, this manufacturing process has the disadvantage that the loops on the webbing 6 cannot be produced in advance, which would be advantageous in terms of process technology.

These disadvantages can be overcome if, as in the Figures 3a, 3b shown a fitting part 10 according to the invention is used, which comprises a body 11 which has a first part 12 and a second part 13. The body 11 and subsequently also the parts 12, 13 are preferably made of metal and are further preferably designed as flat parts. Such a flat body 11 usually has a thickness, measured from a front side V to a back side R, of 6 mm to 14 mm, preferably of 8 mm to 10 mm. Since it is a flat body, the thickness is usually the smallest distance from external surfaces. The parts 12, 13 also have this thickness, so that this is also preferably the smallest distance from outer surfaces for the parts 12, 13.

As in Figure 3a shown, the first part 12 and the second part 13 can be brought into a separate state so that a prefabricated loop 14 of a webbing 6 can be inserted between them, as explained in detail below. In Figure 3b is shown that the first part 12 and the second part 13 can also be brought into an assembled state in which the prefabricated loop 14 of the webbing 6 is enclosed in a first webbing opening 15 of the fitting part 10. In this state, the webbing 6 and thus the respective lower belt element is connected to the fitting part 10. The prefabricated loops 14 were preferably produced by sewing, optionally also by providing a buckle.

In the assembled state of the parts 12, 13, the body 11 thus has at least the first webbing opening 15, which passes through the body 11 and thereby passes through the front V and the back R of the body 11. The first webbing opening 15 is located entirely within the front V and back R of the body 11, respectively, viewed in a second direction extending from the front V to the back R, so that the webbing 6 can be enclosed in the body 11. In the separated state of the parts 12, 13, the first webbing opening 15 is released, ie the first webbing opening 15 is opened in a first direction which is normal to a second direction in which the first Webbing opening 15 passes through the body 11. To make this possible, the first part 12, for example, has a first external groove 16. The second part 13 has an outer surface that is complementary to the formation of the webbing opening 15, for example a flat outer surface or a further first groove. Conversely, only the second part 13 could have a first external groove 16 and the first part 12 could have a flat outer surface, or both parts 12, 13 could have a first groove 16.

How out Figure 3b As can be seen, the first part 12 and the second part 13 touch each other in the assembled state at least in two places, and between these points the first part 12 and the second part 13 are spaced apart by the first external groove 16, so that the webbing 6 is therein can be recorded.

The first external groove 16 can be made so long that both a webbing 6 of the first belt sub-element and a webbing 6 of the second belt sub-element can rest in it. In order to avoid contact with the belt straps 6 of the belt sub-elements, as in the Figures 3a, 3b shown, the first groove 16 and a second groove 17 are also provided in order to provide the first webbing opening 15 and a second webbing opening 18 in the body in the assembled state of the parts 12, 13, which do not merge into one another and are therefore separated. This is also in Figure 4 shown schematically. The first groove 16 and the second groove 17 can both be present only in the first part 12 or in the second part 13 (ie one of the parts 12, 13 has two grooves for the webbing, as in Figure 4 shown), the other part 12, 13 having a flat outer surface for both of the grooves to form the two webbing openings 15, 18. Otherwise, the first part 12 could also have a first groove 16 and the second part 13 could have a flat outer surface for the first webbing opening 15, whereby the second part 12 could have a second groove 16 and the first part 13 could have a flat outer surface for the second webbing opening 18 . Both parts 12, 13 could also have grooves for both of the webbing openings 15, 18.

Figure 5 shows such an embodiment in which both parts 12, 13 have grooves 16, 17 for both of the webbing openings 15, 18. It goes without saying that only one of the webbing openings 15, 18 could be formed by two identical grooves 16, 17.

In another variant, in Figure 6 is shown, one of the parts 12, 13 could have a long first groove 16, and the other of the two parts 12, 13 could have a projection 19, which engages in the first groove 16 in the assembled state, to thereby form a second webbing opening 18 which is separate from the first webbing opening 15.

In the Figures 4 to 6 a non-openable, static bridge hole B is provided in the second part 13, in which the flexible bridge 7 can be anchored as described below. However, an openable bridge hole 20 could also be provided, which passes through the body 11 in the assembled state of the parts 12, 13, as shown in FIGS Figures 3a, 3b and Figures 7 and 8 is shown. For this purpose, the first and/or second part 12, 13 can have a third groove 21, with the other part 12, 13 having a complementary outside in order to form a bridge hole 20 on the third groove 21 when the two parts 12, 13 are assembled , which is separate from the first webbing opening 15 and from the second webbing opening 18, if present. Alternatively to the third groove 21 could also be analogous to Figure 6 Two projections may be provided in order to provide both the first webbing opening 15 and the second webbing opening 18 as well as the bridge hole 20 in the first groove 16. The bridge hole 20 is usually provided between the two webbing openings 15, 18 to achieve symmetry. In the area of the bridge hole 20, the first groove 16 can also protrude further into the respective part in order to achieve a larger bridge hole 20 or the other part can only provide its own third groove 21 for the bridge hole 20, so that the bridge hole 20 is made larger can be used as the two webbing openings 15, 18. The background is that the two webbing openings 15, 18 are intended to accommodate flat belts, while the bridge hole 20 can also be designed to accommodate a rope. In general, it is therefore preferred for all embodiments if the bridge hole 20 is dimensioned differently than the webbing openings 15, 18. For example, the bridge hole 20 could be larger than the webbing openings 15, 18 and/or the bridge hole 20 could have an approximately square shape, while the webbing openings 15, 18 have a rectangular, elongated shape. These variants are also advantageous for a non-openable, static bridge hole B.

However, the preferred embodiment is that of Figure 7 , in which the first part 12 has a first groove 16 and a second groove 17, which are spaced from a projection 19, and the second part 13 has a third groove 21. The third groove 21 is closed on one side by a projection 19 in order to form the bridge hole 20, and the first groove 16 and the second groove 17 are closed on one side by two outer surfaces of the second part 13 located on the side of the third groove 21 in order to form the first To form the webbing opening 15 or the second webbing opening 18.

In a further embodiment, the in Figure 8 As shown, the body 11 could include a third part 24, so that the body 11 is not as shown in FIGS Figures 4-7 consists of two parts 12, 13, but of three parts 12, 13, 24. In this embodiment, the first webbing opening 15 is enclosed between the first part 12 and the second part 13 and the second webbing opening 18 is enclosed between the second part 13 and the third Part 24. The openable bridge hole 20 is optional and may be included between two or between three of the parts 12, 13 and 24. The parts 12 and 24 interlock with one another in such a way that, when closed, they cannot be twisted against each other about the screws 22 in the transverse holes 23.

In the assembled state of the belt 1, a webbing 6 of the first webbing sub-element is located in the first webbing opening 15, a webbing 6 of the second webbing sub-element is in the second webbing opening 18 and a flexible bridge 7 is anchored in the bridge hole B / 20.

In order to achieve a secure, semi-permanent connection in the assembled state of the two parts 12, 13, screws 22 can, for example, be used to connect the first part 12 to the second part 13. For this purpose, the body 11 of the fitting part 10 further has at least one transverse hole 23, which is arranged at a predetermined distance from a front side V and from a back side R of the body 11, the transverse hole 23 covering both the first part 12 and the second part 13 enforced. The screw 22 can now be locked in the transverse hole 23, for example if an internal thread is provided in the transverse hole 23. The internal thread can optionally only be located in the first and/or second part 12, 13. In one of the two parts 12, 13, the transverse hole 23 can also be designed as a blind hole and have the internal thread there, with the transverse hole 23 completely penetrating the other part. The transverse hole 23 can also completely pass through both parts 12, 13, whereby the screw 22 can optionally protrude from the body 11 on one or both sides and is fastened there to the body by means of a nut. In a special case, the screw 22 can be completely received in the transverse hole 23, as in Figure 13a is shown, this also being the case with screws 22 as in the Figures 3a, 3b , 9a, 9b shown can be implemented, which does not pass through the bridge hole 20. In a special case, the transverse hole 23 could be in the form of a blind hole in both parts 12, 13 and the screw 22 could be inserted into it in the form of a pin.

In the embodiment of Figure 8 At least two transverse holes 23 can be used to connect all three parts 12, 13, 24.

In some embodiments, such as in the example of Figures 3a and 3b shown, two screws 22 are used to ensure a secure connection of the two parts 12, 13. Alternatively, however, only one screw 22 or more than two screws 22 could be provided.

As a rule, it is provided that one of the two parts 12, 13 (in the embodiments shown here, the second part 13) is penetrated by a static, non-openable further opening W, which does not adjoin the edge of the respective part 12, 13 . This (optional) further opening W is intended for connection to an anchor point, for which purpose a carabiner of a lanyard is usually hooked into the further opening W. If a static, non-openable bridge hole B is provided, this is usually provided in the same part 12, 13 as the further opening W.

If the fitting part 10 has such a further opening W for a stop point, a pulling direction Z1 can be defined on the fitting part 10, in which a tensile force acts on a stop point connected to the further opening W. The user can hang onto the belt 1 against the tensile force, with opposing tensile forces occurring in the pulling directions Z2, Z3 on the belt straps 6 in the belt strap openings 15, 18.

The body 11 is usually designed to be essentially symmetrical about the pulling direction Z1, which includes minor deviations that are caused, for example, by anatomical reasons. If necessary, the symmetrical body 11 can be understood to mean that it is mirror-symmetrical about the pulling direction Z1, whereby the webbing openings 15, 18 can deviate from this symmetry. If no pull direction Z1 can be defined, any other mirror axis could also be used. If the two parts 12, 13 are connected by means of screws 22, these are preferably not parallel to the pulling direction Z1 or mirror axis, but are arranged at an angle to this, as in the Figures 3a, 3b is shown. The screws 22 are preferably located in particular normal to the pulling direction Z1 or mirror axis, as in the embodiment of Figures 9a and 9b is shown. However, it is understood that differently designed and in particular completely asymmetrical bodies 11 could also be used and an arrangement of the screws 22 can also be arbitrary.

At this point it should also be emphasized that the screws 22 or transverse holes 23 are not mandatory, since the first part 12 and the second part 13 can also be connected to one another using general connectors such as clamps or the like. As a rule, the fitting part 10 is therefore formed by the body 11 and the connectors for connecting the two parts 12, 13.

Furthermore, the contact points of the first and second parts 12, 13 can, for example, also have opposite, mutually engaging surfaces in order to enable a connection or to further strengthen the connection between the two parts 12, 13. Out of Figure 9b , 10b It can be seen that the first part 12 has a shoulder A in two places, which engages in an opposite notch K in the second part 13. However, the shape of the opposite surfaces can be chosen arbitrarily. The counter-engaging surfaces may be arranged along the entire contact area, or only over a portion, as shown in FIG Figures 9b , 10b shown.

To connect the flexible bridge 7 to the fitting part 10, the body is penetrated by the already mentioned bridge hole, which can be designed either as a static bridge hole B or as an openable bridge hole 20. A static bridge hole B passes through the first and/or the second part 12, 13, as shown in FIGS Figures 4 to 6 shown, ie does not border on an outside of the respective part 12, 13. However, as already explained above, the bridge hole 20 can also be designed to be openable and be present between the two parts 12, 13 in order to pass through the body 11 at this point, that is, at least one of the two parts 12, 13 has the third external groove 21.

In general, the bridge hole B, 20 can be divided by a web 25, that is, it can be penetrated by a web 25 or it can be bridged by a web. A detachable bridge can be used to bridge the bridge hole B, 20, as in the EP 3 332 840 A is shown. Novel other embodiments for the web are described below. However, it should be noted that a web 25 is by no means necessary, as in the case for example Figures 3a, 3b , 11a, 11b is shown. In the embodiments without a web, a stopper knot is usually provided at one end of the flexible bridge 7, which prevents the flexible bridge 7 from being pulled through the bridge hole 20. However, a web 25 can also be provided when using a bridge 7 with a stopper knot in order to make the bridge hole 20 smaller and prevent the stopper knot from slipping through.

The Figures 9a, 9b , 12a, 12b show embodiments in which the bridge hole 20 is penetrated by a web 25. In these embodiments, the bridge hole 20 is designed to be openable, ie the first and/or the second part 12, 13 have the third groove 21 mentioned, so that the bridge hole 20 passes through the body 11 in the assembled state. The web 25 is designed in such a way that it is open on one side of the third groove 21 when the two parts 12, 13 are separated. The web 25 is preferably parallel to the mentioned pulling direction Z1 or axis of symmetry. In these cases, a loop formed at the end of the flexible bridge 7 can be hung on the web 25 when the two parts 12, 13 are separated. When the two parts 12, 13 are then brought into the assembled state, the loop of the flexible bridge 7 is enclosed between the two parts 12, 13 in the body 11. The flexible bridge 7 cannot therefore be removed from the fitting part 10 when the two parts 12, 13 are in the assembled state. In order to remove the flexible bridge 7 or replace it with another flexible bridge, the two parts 12, 13 are brought into the separated state, which can take place, for example, by opening the screws 22 mentioned. Such a web 25 can also be used, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 3a, 3b are used. The web 25 can also have an extension 26, which can engage in a recess 27 of the other part 12, 13 in order to increase the stability of the body 11 in the assembled state of the two parts 12, 13. The web 25 could also have a smaller diameter than the thickness of the body 11 and thus be inserted into the recess 27 - assuming the stability of the resulting fitting part required by the use in personal fall protection. In a further embodiment, the web 25 could, for example, be tubular and instead of a recess 27, the other part 12, 13 has a pin that fits into the tubular web 25. The pin can then be pushed into the tube when the two parts 12, 13 are joined together.

In a further embodiment, which is in the Figures 10a, 10b , 13a, 13b is shown, the web 25 can also be formed by the aforementioned screw 22, which connects the two parts 12, 13 to one another. The transverse hole 23 passes through both parts 12, 13 on both sides of the bridge hole 21, so that a single screw 22 connects the parts 12, 13 to one another at two different points. The screw 22 can therefore pass through the bridge hole 20. This means that one loop of the flexible bridge 7 can be pushed onto the screw 22. This variant, in which the screw 22 passes through the bridge hole, can be used as in the Figures 10a, 10b shown can be used with an openable bridge hole 20 or as in the Figures 13a, 13b shown at a static bridge hole B.

The Figures 1 la-13b show three variants for producing the belt 1 with three different fitting parts 10. All three variants have in common that initially at least two belt sub-elements are provided with belt straps 6, the ends of the belt straps 6 preferably being preformed into loops. Furthermore, the fitting part 10 is provided, with the parts 12, 13 being in a separate state.

In the variant of Figure 11a, 11b a fitting part 10 is provided, in which the first webbing opening 15 and the second webbing opening 18 are designed to be openable. The bridge hole B, on the other hand, is provided as an opening which permanently penetrates the second part 13 and cannot be opened by separating the parts 12, 13. To produce the belt 1, the loop 14 of a webbing 6 is inserted into the first groove 16, which will later form the first webbing opening 15. The loop 14 of the other webbing 6 is inserted into the second groove 16, which will later form the second webbing opening 18. The two parts 12, 13 are then brought into the assembled state and, if necessary, connected using the screws 22. Before or after - and generally independently of the aforementioned steps - the flexible bridge 7 can be guided through the bridge hole 20 and knotted or provided with a prefabricated knot and guided through the bridge hole 20 with the untied end. It goes without saying that this embodiment could also be implemented with an openable bridge hole 20. The fitting part 10 could then be as in the Figures 3a, 3b be carried out, whereby a web 25 could optionally run through the bridge hole 20, which in this case would serve to make the bridge hole 20 smaller so that the stopper knot is better secured.

In the variant of Figure 12a, 12b a fitting part 10 is provided, in which the first webbing opening 15, the second webbing opening 18 and the bridge hole 20 are designed to be openable. In the bridge hole 20, a permanent web 25 is formed on the third groove 21, which is designed to be open on one side. This essentially corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 9a, 9b . To produce the belt 1, the loop 14 of a webbing 6 is inserted into the first groove 16, which will later form the first webbing opening 15. The loop 14 of the other webbing 6 is inserted into the second groove 16, which will later form the second webbing opening 18. Furthermore, a flexible bridge 7 is provided, one end of which is preformed into a loop. The loop of the flexible bridge 7 is pushed onto the web 25. The two parts 12, 13 are then brought into the assembled state and, if necessary, connected by means of the screws 22.

In the variant of Figure 13a, 13b a fitting part 10 is provided, in which the first webbing opening 15 and the second webbing opening 18 are designed to be openable. The bridge hole B is static, but could also be opened as in the Figures 10a, 10b be trained. No permanent web is formed in the bridge hole B, but rather this is formed by a screw 22 which can be inserted into the body 11. To produce the belt 1, the loop 14 of a webbing 6 is inserted into the first groove 16, which will later form the first webbing opening 15. The loop 14 of the other webbing 6 is inserted into the second groove 16, which will later form the second webbing opening 18. The two parts 12, 13 are then brought into the assembled state. The screw 22 is then guided through a first section of the transverse hole 23 until it protrudes into the bridge hole B. Thereafter, a flexible bridge 7 is provided, one end of which is preformed into a loop, and the loop is inserted into the bridge hole B. The screw 22 is then further pushed through the loop and the second section of the transverse hole 23 and screwed into an internal thread in this second section or with a nut located outside the fitting part.

In the Figures 11a, 11b the flexible bridge 7 is shown as a rope bridge. This is preferred for making a knot 9. In the Figures 12a-13b the flexible bridge 7 is shown as a webbing, the end of which is sewn into a loop. However, this could be implemented in the same way if the flexible bridge 7 is formed by one or more cables, which usually corresponds to the preferred embodiment.

In all of the aforementioned embodiments, it is preferred that the ends of the webbing 6 are (pre-)sewn into loops. Alternatively, buckles or the like could also be used to form the ends of the webbing 6 into loops. The fitting parts 10 according to the invention further enable an advantageous assembly or an advantageous maintenance of the belt 1.

Claims (15)

Belt (1) for protecting people from falling, comprising a fitting part (10) and at least a first and a second belt sub-element encompassing the body part, wherein the fitting part (10) comprises a body (11) which is designed to be connected to the first belt sub-element, to the second belt sub-element and to a flexible bridge (7), wherein the body (11) is penetrated by a first webbing opening (15) and by a bridge hole (20, B), characterized in that the body (11) of the fitting part (10) comprises a first part (12) and a second part (13), which can be brought into an assembled state and into a separated state, the first part (12) and/or the second Part (13) comprises at least one first external groove (16) for the first lower belt element, wherein in the assembled state of the two parts (12, 13), the first groove (16) is completed by the other part (12, 13) to the first webbing opening (15) passing through the body (11), in order to insert a first webbing ( 6) to semi-permanently connect the first belt sub-element encompassing the body part to the fitting part (10). Belt (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (12) and/or the second part (13) comprises at least a second external groove (17) for the second belt sub-element, wherein in the assembled state of the two parts (12, 13) the second groove (17) is completed by the other part (12, 13) to form a second webbing opening (18) passing through the body (11), in order to accommodate a second webbing (6) of the second belt sub-element encompassing the body part with the fitting part (10) connect to. Belt (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (12) and / or the second part (13) comprises at least a third external groove (21) for the flexible bridge (7), wherein in the assembled state of the two parts (12, 13) the third groove (21) is completed by the other part (12, 13) to form a bridge hole (20) passing through the body (11) in order to accommodate the flexible bridge (7) with the fitting part (10) connect to. Belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body (11) of the fitting part (10) further has at least one transverse hole (23) which is at a predetermined distance from a front side (V) and a back side (R). of the body is arranged, wherein the transverse hole (23) passes through both the first part (12) and the second part (13), the fitting part (10) further comprising a screw (22), the screw (22) being able to be guided into the transverse hole (23). and can be locked therein in order to connect the first part (12) to the second part (13) in the assembled state. Belt (1) according to claim 4, wherein the body (11) is formed substantially symmetrically about a pulling direction (Z1) and the transverse hole (23) is arranged at an angle to the pulling direction (Z1). A belt (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a web (25) dividing the bridge hole (20, B). Belt (1) according to claim 6, wherein the body (11) is designed essentially symmetrically about a pulling direction (Z1) and the web (25) runs parallel to the pulling direction (Z1). Belt (1) according to claim 6, wherein the body (11) is designed substantially symmetrically about a pulling direction (Z1) and the web (25) runs normal to the pulling direction (Z1). Belt (1) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the web (25) is formed in one piece on the first part (12) or on the second part (13), and wherein the part (12, 13) opposite the web (25) preferably comprises a recess (27) for receiving the web (25) or for receiving an extension (26) of the web (25) in the assembled state of the parts (12, 13), or wherein the web is preferably tubular and the web (25) opposite part (12, 13) comprises a pin for engaging in the web (25). Belt (1) according to claim 4 in conjunction with one of claims 6 to 8 or according to claim 5 in conjunction with claim 6 or 8, wherein the web (25) is formed by the screw (22). Belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first part (12) and the second part (13) have interlocking guide surfaces at those points which touch each other in the assembled state of the two parts (12, 13). Belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the body (11) has a thickness, measured from a front (V) to a back (R), of 6 mm to 14 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 10 mm, having. Belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first belt sub-element is a hip belt (2) and the second belt sub-element is a leg loop (3), the belt (1) preferably having a further leg loop (3) and a further fitting part comprises, which connects the hip belt (2) to the further leg loop (3), the further fitting part particularly preferably being designed in the same way as the first-mentioned fitting part. Method for producing a belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, - Providing the two parts (12, 13) in the separated state, - Providing the first and second belt sub-elements, the ends of the belt straps (6) of the two belt sub-elements being preformed into loops (14), preferably sewn into loops, - pushing the loop (14) of the webbing (6) of the first lower belt element onto the first groove (16), - pushing the loop (14) of the webbing (6) of the second lower belt element onto the first groove (16) or onto the second groove (17), - Bringing the two parts (12, 13) into the assembled state, with the loop (14) of the webbing (6) of the first webbing sub-element located in the first webbing opening (15) and the loop (14) of the webbing (6) of the second belt sub-element is located in the first belt opening (15) or in the second belt opening (18). Method according to claim 13 for producing a belt (1) according to one of claims 6 to 9, comprising the steps which are carried out before bringing the two parts (12, 13) into the assembled state: - Providing a flexible bridge (7) with an end that is pre-shaped into a loop, - Push the loop of the flexible bridge (7) onto the bridge (25) or move the bridge (25) through the loop of the flexible bridge (7).

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