Abstract: A combination clothing/safety harness for fall arresting and rescue from confined spaces provides the advantages of ease of use, distribution of forces over a wide surface area, protection of the harness portion, and ease of enforcing regulations that the harness be worn. The safety harness may be attached to various articles of clothing, such as a jacket, vest, overalls, or coveralls, so that donning the article of clothing automatically positions the harness for use. The harness may be used by employees working at dangerous heights or in confined spaces, or by hunters using tree stands. Combination clothing/safety harness systems can be made to meet OSHA requirements.

Abstract: Utility suspenders for use by individuals in the construction trades. The suspenders include a pair of padded and stretchable straps for suspension from the shoulders of a user. Clips, adapted to firmly grip a tool belt, are secured to the front and rear ends of the straps. A load-distributing pad secures the straps together adjacent their rear ends. A variable length, chest strap is slidably positioned on the straps adjacent their front ends and has a quick release buckle for splitting such in half.

Abstract: A built-in full-body harness system 10 for hunters including a full-body harness member 20 having a pair of adjustable length upper body strap members 21, 22 which are connected to a bracket element 23 having a D-ring element 24, an adjustable length chest strap member 26 and an elongated lower body strap member 31 connected to the upper body strap members 21, 22 which are slidably received in internal passageways 53 formed in an outerwear unit 12 such that the full-body harness member 20 is suspended within the outerwear unit 12.

Abstract: A safety harness comprises a strap portion for extending over a portion of a person's body to retain the person within the safety harness. The strap portion is fabricated from a flexible material having an elastic extension in the range of approximately 3 to approximately 15% under a tensile load of approximately 10 pounds. The material of the strap portion also has a ultimate tensile load of at least approximately 5,000 lbs.

Abstract: A harness assembly having an integral support line. The harness assembly includes a harness body having first and second ends and a hollow interior which receives the support line. The support line has first and second ends that extend from the harness body. The harness is secured within a garment. The garment has a front opening which is normally covered by a releasable flap. The first and second ends of the support line extend through the front opening and are accessible when the flap is moved to an open position. The first end of the support line may be pulled away from the harness to extend the support line therefrom. The second end of the support line is secured to the harness.

Abstract: A crutch sling assembly for use with a pair of crutches. The crutch sling assembly comprising a sling seat for engaging at least one of a buttock and crotch area of a sling user and supporting a portion of the weight of a user of said crutch sling assembly. Intermediate portions of the first and second elongate straps are connected to the sling seat. The first and second elongate straps each have an attachment mechanism for connecting each one of the first elongate strap and the second elongate strap to one of a pair of crutches.

Abstract: The non-motorized aircraft flight control system provides additional lines, cords, hooks and other devices to existing paraglider aircraft to aid in the control of the paraglider wing elements such as the wing suspension lines which are used to change the shape of the wing to change the flight characteristics of the aircraft. The simplest version of the improvements facilitate the location and pulling of the appropriate control lines. Visual facilitators are used to aid in identifying the proper elements. The more complex changes involve cables and handle grips with gear systems similar to a bicycle shifting mechanism. In all cases where a control position is to be maintained for a period of time there is a device to retain the cord or cable in the proper position. A further variation involves the use of a transmission box to shift and control the cables and to use the pilot's leg to aid in manipulation of various elements of the paraglider.

Abstract: A color coded safety belt or harness to be worn by a person to protect the person from a fall and the method of making and using the belt or harness. The belt or harness is formed of first fibers of a predetermined first color, e.g., optical yellow, and also includes at least one color coded indicator fiber woven therein to indicate the year of the manufacture of the belt or harness. The indicator fiber is of a second color which contrasts with the color of the belt or harness fibers to enable the user of the belt or harness to determine if the belt or harness had been produced more than a predetermined number of years before so that a decision can be made by the user of whether or not to discard the belt or harness due to its age. The second color of the indicator fiber is a predetermined different color than the first color, and is changed in successive years, without repeating the second color.

Abstract: A safety harness assembly (10) includes a harness (12) securable to a person's torso having an anterior side (14) and a posterior side (16). A resilient, elastomeric cord assembly (18) has an anterior end portion (24) connected to the anterior side of the harness, and a posterior end portion (26) connected to the posterior side of the harness. An intermediate portion (28) of the elastomeric cord assembly is connectable to a safety lanyard (22). The safety harness assembly absorbs shock and positions the person upright when worn to support a person's weight and break the impact of falls.

Abstract: Each of two risers is composed of a number of braided cords that are woven together. Each cord of one of the risers has a slit located where the two risers converge. Each slit provides communication with a concentric cavity in that cord. Each opposing cord for the other riser is inserted through the slit and has a section which lies in the cavity. When tension is applied, the braided cord enclosing the cavity radially constricts and the friction of the cavity walls holds the enclosed cord section in the cavity. The cords enclosing cavities continue on to become suspension lines connected to the parachute canopy. In one embodiment, each cord lying inside another terminates inside the cavity. Alternatively, the cord lying inside the cavity exits the cavity through a second slit and continues on to become another extension line. To connect the risers to an article to be decelerated by the parachute, the cords for both risers have slits near their ends. Each slit communicates with a concentric cavity.

Abstract: An integrated safety system (20) comprises a rope grab (100), a body engagement device such as a harness (200, 201) or waist belt to be worn by a person (22), a lanyard (104) and lowering device (300). The harness (200, 201), which also constitutes a part of the invention by itself, comprises a compartment (202) for the lowering device (300), and also a first connector (224), a second connector (220) and in one embodiment (201) additionally comprises a third connector (600). The lanyard (104) is securable to the first connector (224) of the harness (200, 201) and to the rope grab (100) to enable the person (22) to be suspended thereby in the event of a fall. The lowering device (300) is stored in the compartment (202) of the harness (200, 201) until needed and is arranged to be mounted on the safety line (28) by the person (22) while the person is suspended thereby after a fall.

Abstract: A harness is provided for a motorcyclist and the like which consists of a pair of shoulder straps to be worn by a driver of a motorcycle. A waist strap is attached to the shoulder straps, while an upper back strap is attached between the shoulder straps and a lower back strap is attached between the shoulder straps. A pair of grip handles are each attached to one shoulder strap between the upper back strap and the lower back strap, so that a passenger sitting behind the driver on the motorcycle can hold onto the grip handles for anchorage and safety, while the driver will wear the harness in comfort.

Abstract: Parachute harness including laterally spaced apart right and left main lift web and leg strap devices, a parachute container disposed therebetween and connected on the top by shoulder straps and on the bottom by articulating rings which also serve to connect the bottom of the main lift web with the opposite ends of respective leg straps.

Abstract: This invention is related to a woven fibrous article which exhibits relatively low reductions in energy-to-break and tenacity on repeated impacts.

Abstract: A safety harness to be worn by a worker, especially a worker wearing a plastic suit thereunder for protection in a radioactive or chemically hostile environment, which safety harness comprises a torso surrounding portion with at least one horizontal strap for adjustably securing the harness about the torso, two vertical shoulder straps with rings just forward of the of the peak of the shoulders for attaching a life-line and a pair of adjustable leg supporting straps releasibly attachable to the torso surrounding portion. In the event of a fall, the weight of the worker, when his fall is broken and he is suspended from the rings with his body angled slightly back and chest up, will be borne by the portion of the leg straps behind his buttocks rather than between his legs. Furthermore, the supporting straps do not restrict the air supplied through hoses into his suit when so suspended.

Abstract: The safety harness includes a shoulder strap, a waist strap and a seat strap. The seat strap includes end portions that wrap around the upper portions of the right and left legs, respectively. The shoulder strap is effectively continuous, having one break where the first and second shoulder strap portions are buckled to each other. The shoulder strap buckle is also the location for adjusting the effective length of the shoulder strap to fit the person's torso. The waist strap includes a buckle location where the safety harness is fastened to the person wearing it, the waist strap buckle permitting easy donning of the safety harness.

Abstract: A sit safety harness comprises a pair of thigh loops in the form of closed loops and a belt with a central clasping device. Adjustment of the size of each thigh loop is performed by means of a clamping buckle fixed to the belt by an attachment strap and an adjustment strap securedly affixed by its end to the loop. The latter remains closed permanently throughout adjustment.

Abstract: The "Lift Back" is an invention for providing spinal protection with an impact resistant moldable material for insertion in a fabric harness in sport aviation particularly Paragliding. The invention is comprised of two main parts which are fastened together and in union provides relief to the low back, rib cage and shoulders from the stress put on the body while the pilot operates his Paraglider, and most importantly provides spinal protection to the pilot's spinal column in the event of impact.

Abstract: A harness for use by adults or children in learning certain sporting activities such as snow skiing is disclosed in two embodiments wherein handles are conveniently disposed for gripping by individuals helping a user of the harness. Anchors are also provided on the harness to releasably attach the harness to a sit ski and other anchors are provided to which tether lines can be attached for use by an individual assisting the user of the harness in snow skiing or the like. The harness is further provided with unique means for positively positioning the harness on a user for optimal control.

Abstract: A harness fitting has a first member which is secured to the vest of a pilot while a second member is secured to a cockpit floor. The first member has vertical torso restraint straps attached thereto which limits the upward displacement of a pilot, relative to his seat, during normal flight. This results in minimizing injuries that might occur as a result of negative "G" conditions during which time the head of the pilot may be injured during contact with a canopy. Arm and leg restraints are connected to the fitting so that they become pulled in during pilot ejection, thereby reducing the possibility of limb injury.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an emergency escape unit to be used in case of an emergency such as a fire, an earthquake or the like, such that the user safely escapes from a high building with the use of this escape unit. In the emergency escape unit of the present invention, a light-weight gas such as helium, air or the like, filled in a bomb may be quickly released into a sack-like canopy, causing the canopy to be expanded in the form of an umbrella, so that the air resistance during descent is quickly increased, enabling the user to fall slowly. When helium is used as the light-weight gas to be released into the sack-like canopy, provision is made such that buoyancy is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting the head of a crew member sitting in a forward posture in a vehicle during high "G" accelerations is disclosed. The invention comprises an upper torso assembly secured to the crew member's upper torso and a head support member. The head support member is hingedly connected to the upper torso assembly for preventing the crew member's head from rotating forward when sitting in a forward lean posture during high G accelerations. The apparatus thereby maintains the proper head position for viewing aircraft displays and viewing the vehicle's external environment. The head support member further allows for free head mobility when the crew member is in the normal upright sitting position.

Abstract: Retention apparatus for a parachutist to a parachute of the type having a flexible wing having casings. The apparatus includes a retention assembly adapted to retain the parachutist, and a device for piloting permitting the parachutist to modify the shape of the aerodynamic surface plane by displacement of his center of gravity G.

Abstract: A harness and belt assembly for a crewmember of an aircraft including left and right slings, a first belt assembly having first end second ends, a survival kit strap assembly attachment fitting which slidably engages the belt assembly, and a mechanism for releasably attaching the fitting to a seat of an aircraft. The slings are designed to extend from the chest of the crewmember, over the crewmember's shoulders, to the back of the crewmember. The first end of the belt assembly is attached to one of the slings at the portion designed to be adjacent the crewmember's chest. The second end of the belt assembly is attached to the other of the slings. A survival kit belt can be affixed to the fitting so that the survival kit ejects with the crewmember during an ejection.

Abstract: A parachute foot support stirrup for preloading the leg muscles of a parachutist. The foot support stirrup comprises a strapping member defining a footrest portion dimensioned to receive the feet of the parachutist and an attachment portion for removable securement of the strapping member to a fixed attachment part located above the feet of the parachutist. The footrest portion provides a support means to maintain the leg muscles of the parachutist preloaded prior to the parachutist landing on solid ground.

Abstract: A parachute harness including a pair of shoulder straps having connected to the upper portion thereof at front and rear spaced apart locations a pair of riser straps which rise upwardly to connect with the canopy shroud lines. The forward and rearward riser straps of the right and left pair are releasably connected together intermediately in close spaced relationship to form at the intermediate location a fulcrum point such that during opening shock the riser straps are connected together at the fulcrum point for swaying of the jumper to and fro generally about such fulcrum point. After deployment of the canopy, the riser straps may be released at the fulcrum point to permit the intermediate portion of the riser to draw apart to assume orientations angling generally upwardly and outwardly from the respective anchor points to thus minimize oscillation of the jumper under the canopy and stabilize the jumper during his descent and while making manuevers and landing.

Abstract: A chest-mountable emergency parachute pack is provided having an upper compartment for a parachute and a lower compartment for an inflatable flotation device such as a life raft. A rear compartment for an inflatable personal flotation device such as a life vest may be provided. Additional pockets may store other survival equipment. The pack is provided with means for attachment to a custom-filled harness which is worn by a crew member. In an emergency, the parachute pack may be quickly attached to the harness for appropriate emergency procedures.

Abstract: A student's parachute harness attaches to an instructor's parachute harness allowing both to descend in tandem. Detaching snaps at the shoulders and waist of the student's harness detachably engage fittings on generally corresponding portions of the instructor's harness to couple the tandem in proper relative body positions. The fittings at the instructor's shoulders are load distribution fittings which have a flat tangential portion connected to the canopy and reserve risers and a forwardly jutting portion connected to a snap hook on the student's harness. A drogue provides stabilization during a prone free fall by having its riser connected to the instructor's harness where the shoulder straps cross each other in the center of the instructor's back. Pulling a rip cord at the end of the drogue free fall detaches the drogue bridle from the drogue riser to release the drogue which deploys the canopy from a container attached to the instructor's harness.

Abstract: An improved harness restraint system for a vehicle seat occupant which includes a unique single-point release device having laterally spaced connectors for attachment of shoulder harness straps. The system also includes an improved harness belt system employing a cross-chest belt configuration as well as a gross adjustment feature for pre-adjusting the harness assembly straps to substantially approximate the occupant. The new system also provides diverging lower restraint belts which encircle each leg of the occupant for anti-gravity and crash restraint. The single-point release device also includes an automatic release mechanism which is activated in a water environment.

Abstract: A continuous main strap (10) has a front H-shaped configuration and a rear X-shaped configuration. Strap (10) extends from one side of the waist diagonally up and across the back, down the front, across and under the buttocks, up the front, and diagonally down and across the back to the opposite side of the waist. A chest strap (30) completely encircles the chest and forms the horizontal portion of the "H". An integral thigh strap and lap belt (20) is attached to the buttocks portion (16) of strap (10) and extends upwardly and laterally outwardly to side waist fittings (56) on vertical front webs (14) of strap (10), through fittings (56), and inwardly to an adjustable connector (26). Each fitting (56) has a cam lock snubber (66) for releasably securing strap (20) against movement relative to fitting (56).

Abstract: A suspension harness utilizes a continuous belt of adjustable effective length which is affixed to the seat strap and passes crosswise through a rear plate to form the shoulder straps of the harness. The passes of the continuous belt then extend downwardly to loop through rigid frames connected to the seat strap ends before passing upwardly through a front frame. The rear plate and front frame alone or together with the lateral frames can have catch eyes.

Abstract: The parachute system comprises three parachutes 1-3, whose shroud lines 16 are combined into partial bundles 8-10 are articulated via articulation points 17 to articulation straps 4-7.The articulation is constructed as follows. The two partial bundles of the first parachute 1 are articulated to one articulation strap pair and the partial bundles of the second parachute 2 are articulated to the opposite articulation strap pair. The two partial bundles of the third parachute 3 are also articulated to an articulation strap of the first parachute 1 and to an articulation strap of the second parachute 2.

Abstract: A strap seat, utilizable in particular by persons descending on a rope by means of a rope payout device, comprises a pair of carrying bands having upper ends connected to one another at a junction or overlap point and lower ends folded back upon themselves to form a pair of leg loops. The carrying bands are firmly attached at their overlap point to a pair of trousers and are guided substantially along an upper edge of the trousers through openings or loops in a triangular extension of the trousers. The bottoms of the trouser legs are closed, while the carrying bands are attached to the upper ends of the trouser legs in the crotch area of the trousers. A rope payout device is connectable to the strap seat at the overlap point of the carrying bands.

Abstract: A pair of crisscrossing straps and a pair of tension straps connect the two ends of a rigid U-shaped member to the two sides of the backrest of an aircraft crewmember's seat. The end portions of the U-shaped member have slip rings which are the support points for a pair of support straps which form loops encircling the crewmember's rib cage. The support straps can move through the slip rings thereby allowing the crewmember the ability to turn to either side while secured to the seat by the restraint system. In another embodiment of the invention, the crisscrossing straps are eliminated and a pair of wedge shaped support pads mounted on the front surface of the backrest of the seat are used instead of a U-shaped member. The tension straps and the crisscross straps are connected to inertial reels mounted at the sides of the backrest of the seat in order to provide restraint to each side of the support strap system.

Abstract: A seat harness for mountain climbers is formed from a continuous length of woven fabric webbing having, at intervals, transverse slots formed therethrough by the weaving process. The leg loops of the harness are formed by passing the ends of the webbing through certain of its own slots. The leg loops are drawn snug while applying the harness; one size harness thus adapts to all leg sizes, avoiding the need for leg loop adjustment buckles. A chest harness formed of the same type webbing is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying a counteracting force which is generated by pulling superposed sections of webbing, which are secured together, through a separating means so that the separation of the secured together superposed sections generates a counteracting force. A frictional force may also be generated so as to provide an additional counteracting force.

Abstract: The safety vest of the present disclosure comprises a front panel and a r panel forming a torso encircling garment and displaying a plurality of strap receiving guide strips; a strap arrangement is associated with this garment and includes two main pairs of straps, each strap of the first pair forming a continuous detachable loop with a front portion, a back portion, a shoulder portion and a hip portion, and each strap of the second pair forming also a continuous detachable loop which is adapted to surround the thigh of a user and which is engaged with the lowermost part of the front portion of the first pair of straps; buckles are associated with each strap of each pair for detaching the loops.

Abstract: A harness system is disclosed for releasably restraining the torso of a cman in a seat aboard an aircraft. The harness system includes an upper torso restraint adapted to engage the seat at points on either side thereof and wherein a pair of chest straps connected to either side of a backpad are slidingly routed through respective roller fittings in a criss-cross fashion across the crewman to permit upper torso rotation. A separate lower torso restraint is coupled to the upper torso restraint and adapted to engage the seat at the same points of engagement as the upper torso restraint. A single-action release mechanism, actuated manually or automatically by water immersion, disengages both the upper and lower restraints from the seat thereby divesting the crewman of the harness system.

Abstract: A safety suspension unit with a tracking carriage connectable to an elevated fixed track, the suspension unit having a spring loaded pulley system with a support cable connected to a harness for aiding a skater, in the learning and practicing of jumps and spins. The tension in the spring which loads the pulley system is increased as the support cable is dispensed.

Abstract: An improved unitary parachute torso harness, having a single fastening me, wherein an auxiallary tightening strap is attached to the groin straps of said harness. Said auxillary straps are used to prevent torso rotation or harness slippage and to prevent harness elongation in the groin and chest area.

Abstract: A releasable fastener for securing together lap belt straps, shoulder harness straps and a parachute ripcord lanyard. The fastener includes a buckle member or release assembly on one lap belt interengageable with a tongue member or link assembly on the other lap belt. A key on the end of the ripcord lanyard is releasably attached to the link assembly. The shoulder harness straps are engaged with the release assembly before it is coupled with the link assembly. The fastener provides for automatic release of the lap belt and shoulder harness straps to release the user from an aircraft ejection seat after its ejection from the aircraft, while retaining the parachute ripcord in attachment to the ejection seat for initiating automatic deployment of the parachute. Upon manual release of the fastener, the lap belt and shoulder harness straps are released and the ripcord lanyard key is positively ejected from the fastener to ensure its release.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a harness for a man carrying parachute including at least one mechanism for simultaneous releasing of a riser and of a harness fastening cross-link; the harness includes a means for positioning the connecting points of the riser at the level of the block which hold the harness fastening cross-link, one of the blocks including a lever to which a riser can be connected, the lever being maintained locked by a latch with the latch being maintained in engagement with the lever by a locking rod; the mechanism further includes a bracket which is maintained locked onto a support plate by a rod which holds the harness fastening cross-link so that when the rod is withdrawn, the lever pivots to release the riser and the bracket escapes to release the harness fastening cross-link.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for preventing premature, manual operation of a parute activated during ejection by airload tensional forces on the parachute container and harness riser strap system, which is accomplished by slidably mounting the ripcord handle assembly with respect to the riser strap.

Abstract: A container for coins, paper money, cards or other articles with means for mounting it on a body belt or safety harness worn in a vehicle, such as an automobile, and which is attachable and detachable from the safety harness.

Abstract: A safety belt is provided with an accessory that can be actuated in emergency situations to sever the belt and allow the belt user to be freed from the belt. This accessory has a pair of parallel blades one of which may be pulled along the other to sever the belt scissor-fashion when a force exceeding a predetermined minimum force is exerted on the blade pull. The movable blade may be spring-loaded so that simple actuation of a pushbutton or withdrawal of an operating pin allows the springs to push the movable blade across the fixed blade and sever the belt. Such an accessory is mounted on the seat belt in the middle of the chest of the user to make it readily accessible to the user or a rescuer in an emergency situation.

Abstract: An improved energy and shock absorber is provided using one standard off--shelf textile material for all the strap components having the same configuration and composition and varying only in length. Such a design enables the shock absorber to be fabricated and/or repaired economically and expeditiously at any installation or facility that has available a commercial sewing machine. The magnitude of shock absorption can be varied without the need for any research and development effort, and by operating personnel.