Safety harness pouch

Abstract

A pouch for use with a safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness includes at least one panel, a first mating member, and a second mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the second mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pouch for use with a safety harness.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various occupations place workers in precarious positions at relatively dangerous heights thereby creating a need for fall protection 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. While the worker is performing tasks, the worker may need additional tools or become thirsty. Thus it would be helpful to have a place to store extra tools or a beverage without interfering with the performance of tasks. The present invention addresses the problems associated with the prior art devices and provides for a pouch for use with a safety harness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention provides for a pouch for use with a safety harness. The safety harness includes a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness. The pouch includes at least one panel, a first mating member, and a second mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the second mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a pouch for use with a safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness. The pouch includes at least one panel, first overlapping panels, and second overlapping panels. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The first overlapping panels are operatively connected to the first side of the rear and form a first channel configured and arranged to receive the first portion. A first mating member releasably connects the first overlapping panels. The second overlapping panels are operatively connected to the second side of the rear and form a second channel configured and arranged to receive the second portion. A second mating member releasably connects the second overlapping panels. The first overlapping panels are configured and arranged to be placed about the first portion and connected with the first mating member to releasably secure the first portion to the first side of the rear. The second overlapping panels are configured and arranged to be placed about the second portion and connected with the second mating member to releasably secure the second portion to the second side of the rear.

Another aspect of the present invention provides for a pouch for use with a safety harness including a dorsal pad assembly and padding configured and arranged to engage shoulder straps of the safety harness proximate the dorsal pad assembly. The padding includes a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion proximate below the dorsal pad assembly. The first bottom portion includes first overlapping panels having a first mating member releasably connecting the first overlapping panels. The second bottom portion includes second overlapping panels having a second mating member releasably connecting the second overlapping panels. The pouch includes at least one panel, a third mating member, and a fourth mating member. The at least one panel is configured and arranged to form a cavity therein and has a front and a rear. The rear has a first side and a second side, and the front has a third side and a fourth side. The third mating member is operatively connected to the first side of the rear, and the fourth mating member is operatively connected to the second side of the rear. The third mating member is configured and arranged to releasably connect to the first mating member and the fourth mating member is configured and arranged to releasably connect to the second mating member thereby releasably connecting the first side to the first bottom portion and the second side to the second bottom portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pouch constructed according to the principles of the present invention operatively connected to a safety harness donned by a user;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of a safety harness to which the pouch shown in FIG. 1 may be operatively connected;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the pouch shown in FIG. 1 operatively connected to a connector of a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment pouch constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the pouch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the pouch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the pouch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the pouch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the pouch shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a front view of another embodiment pouch constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section view of the pouch taken along the lines 13-13 shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the pouch shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the pouch shown in FIG. 12 with a hydration insert operatively connected thereto;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the pouch shown in FIG. 15 shown operatively connected to a portion of a padding of a safety harness;

FIG. 17 is a rear view of a safety harness to which the pouch shown in FIG. 12 may be operatively connected;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a hydration insert that may be operatively connected to the pouch shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of another embodiment pouch constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a rear view of a safety harness that may be used with the pouch shown in FIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a side view of a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Preferred embodiment pouches constructed according to the principles of the present invention are designated by the numerals 100, 300, 500, and 700 in the drawings. The pouch 100 is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as that designated by the numeral 200 or by the numeral 600 in the drawings. The pouches 300 and 500 are configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as that designated by the numeral 400 in the drawings. The pouch 700 is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as that designated by the numeral 600 in the drawings.

The pouch 100 includes a front panel 101 and a rear panel 118 interconnected by sides 111 and is preferably generally triangular-shaped. The front panel 101 includes a first side 104, a second side 105, and a bottom portion 106 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape. A top portion 102 extends along the perimeter of the front panel 101 proximate the middle of the first side 104 to proximate the middle of the second side 105 and includes a first mating member 103. The rear panel 118 includes a first side 120, a second side 121, and a bottom portion 122 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape corresponding with that of the front panel 101. The rear panel 118 also includes a top portion 119 proximate the juncture of the first and second sides 120 and 121.

The sides 111 interconnect the perimeters of the front panel 101 and the rear panel 118 and define a cavity 136 therebetween. A top portion 112 of the sides 111 corresponds with the top portion 102 of the front panel 101 and includes a second mating member 113, which is configured and arranged to releasably connect to the first mating member 103. The first mating member 103 is preferably a first portion of a zipper extending along the length of the top portion 102 of the front panel 101 and the second mating member 113 is preferably a second portion of a zipper extending along the length of the top portion 112 of the sides 111 to releasably connect the top portions 102 and 112. A first pull 114 and a second pull 115 are operatively connected to the first and second mating members 103 and 113 to release the connection of the zipper portions. The front panel 101 may include a separate bottom panel 108, which acts as a stop for the pulls 114 and 115, proximate the bottom portion 106. Although only one pull is necessary to connect and release the zipper portions, two are preferred for ease in opening the pouch 100 to gain access into the cavity 136. This is shown in FIG. 2. The first mating member 103 and the second mating member 113 could be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, laces, and magnets.

A connector 125 is operatively connected to the rear panel 118 proximate the first side 120, the second side 121, and the bottom portion 122. Each connector 125 includes a panel 126 having a first side 127, a middle side 128, and a second side 129. The middle side 128 is operatively connected to the rear panel 118, preferably by stitching, so that the first and second sides 127 and 129 can be folded on top of the middle side 128 in an overlapping fashion to define a channel 130 between the middle side 128 and the overlapping first and second sides 127 and 129. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the second side 129 is folded over on top of the middle side 128 and the first side 127 is folded over on top of the second side 129. The first side 127 includes a first mating member 131 and the second side 128 includes a second mating member 132. The first and second mating members 131 and 132 releasably connect the first and second sides 127 and 129, respectively. Preferably, the first mating member 131 is hook or loop and the second mating member 132 is loop or hook to releasably connect to the first mating member 131. The first mating member 131 and the second mating member 132 could be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, laces, and magnets.

The pouch 100 is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as the safety harness 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. Such a safety harness is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,874, which is incorporated by reference herein. It is recognized that the pouch 100 may also be operatively connected to other suitable safety harnesses.

The safety harness 200 includes a first shoulder strap 202 and a second shoulder strap 203. A dorsal pad assembly 201 includes a connector 205 having slots 210 through which the first and second shoulder straps 202 and 203 are routed in a criss-crossing divergent fashion proximate the rear of the harness 200 as shown in FIG. 4. The juncture of the first and second shoulder straps 202 and 203 is routed through a D-ring 212 to operatively connect the D-ring 212 to the connector 205. The connector 205 is preferably triangular in shape and includes a top portion 206 to which the D-ring 212 is operatively connected and a first side 207 and a second side 208 extending downward therefrom. A bottom side 209 interconnects the first and second sides 207 and 208 to form a triangular opening therebetween. The connector 205 assists in keeping the D-ring 212 and the first and second shoulder straps 202 and 203 positioned properly on the user's back.

The connectors 125 are configured and arranged to engage the respective sides 207, 208, and 209 of the connector 205. The connectors 125 may be positioned in an open receiving position and a closed secured position. The open receiving position is when the first and second sides 127 and 129 are released from one another and positioned so that they are not overlapping the middle side 128. The closed secured position is when the first and second sides 127 and 129 are overlapping and connected to one another. Thus, to secure the pouch 100 to the connector 205, the connectors 125 are positioned in the open receiving position and the sides 207, 208, and 209 of the connector 205 are positioned proximate the middle sides 128. Then, the second sides 129 are folded on top of the respective sides of the connector 105 and the first sides 127 are folded on top of the second sides 129. The first and second mating members 131 and 132 connect the first and second sides 127 and 129 together thus securing the connector 205 within the channels 130 of the connectors 125 in the closed secured position. FIG. 5 shows the pouch 100 connected to the connector 205 with two connectors 125 in the closed secured position and one connector 125 transitioning between the closed secured position and the open receiving position.

Another safety harness 600 that may be used with the pouch 100 is shown in FIG. 20. The safety harness 600 includes a first strap 601 and a second strap 602 that are threaded through a dorsal pad 603 and criss-cross in a divergent fashion as is known in the art. A D-ring 604 may be secured between the straps 601 and 602 and the dorsal pad 603 proximate the juncture of the straps 601 and 602. A gap 605 is created between the dorsal pad 603 and the straps 601 and 602 proximate the D-ring 604. An optional connecting strap 606 may be used to interconnect the shoulder straps 601 and 602 below the dorsal pad assembly 600a. The pouch 100 is similarly connected to the safety harness 600 as it is connected to the safety harness 200 but rather than connecting the connector 125 proximate the bottom portion 122 to the bottom side 209, the connector 125 proximate the bottom portion 122 is connected to the connecting strap 606. For the safety harness 600, the first and second straps 601 and 602 and the optional strap 606 are the connectors of the safety harness 600.

The pouch 300 includes a front panel 301, sides 311, and a rear panel 318 and is preferably generally triangular-shaped. The front panel 301 includes a top portion 302, a first side 307, a second side 308, and a bottom portion 306 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape. The top portion 302 interconnects the tops of the sides 307 and 308 and is preferably rounded upward from the sides 307 and 308. Proximate the top portion 302 and the sides 307 and 308 is a circular opening 303. The bottom portion 306 interconnects the bottoms of the sides 307 and 308 and is preferably slightly rounded downward from the sides 307 and 308. This is shown in FIG. 7. The rear panel 318 includes an upper rear panel 315, a top portion 319, a first side 320, a second side 321, and a bottom portion 322 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape corresponding with that of the front panel 301. The top portion 319 interconnects the tops of the sides 320 and 321 and the upper rear panel 315 is operatively connected to the top of the top portion 319. The upper rear panel 315 is preferably rounded upward thus corresponding with the shape of the top portion 302 of the front panel 301. Proximate the middle of the juncture between the top portion 319 and the upper rear panel 315 is an opening 316, which is preferably in the seam between the top portion 319 and the upper rear panel 315. The bottom portion 322 interconnects the bottoms of the sides 320 and 321 and is preferably slightly rounded downward from the sides 320 and 321. This is shown in FIG. 8. A side 311 interconnects the first sides 307 and 320 and a side 311 interconnects the second sides 308 and 321. The top portion 302 of the front panel 301 extends upward between the sides 311 and is operatively connected to the upper rear panel 315. A trim piece 304 extends upward from proximate the opening 303 to proximate the upper rear panel 315. The bottom portion 306 of the front panel 301 is operatively connected to the bottom portion 322 of the rear panel 318. The front panel 301, the rear panel 318, the upper rear panel 315, and the sides 311 define a cavity 336 therebetween, and the opening 303 and the opening 316 allow access to the cavity 336. The bottoms of the sides 311 are preferably gusseted so that the bottom of the pouch 300 proximate the bottom portion 306 of the front panel 301 can be expanded thus expanding the cavity 336. A mating member 312 is operatively connected to each side 311, and a mating member 324 is operatively connected to the first side 320 and to the second side 321 of the rear panel 318.

Preferably, the pouch 300 is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as the safety harness 400 shown in FIG. 17. An example of such a safety harness is the EXOFIT™ XP safety harness, Part No. 1110103, manufactured by D B Industries, Inc. of Red Wing, Minn. Accordingly, the mating members 312 are preferably loop material and the mating members 324 are preferably hook material. Another example of such a safety harness is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,476, which is incorporated by reference herein. It is recognized that the pouch 300 may also be operatively connected to other suitable safety harnesses and the mating members 312 and 324 could be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, laces, and magnets.

The safety harness 400 includes a first shoulder strap 402 and a second shoulder strap 403. A dorsal pad assembly 401 includes a connector 405 having slots (not shown) through which the first and second shoulder straps 402 and 403 are routed in a criss-crossing divergent fashion proximate the rear of the harness 400 as shown in FIG. 17. The juncture of the first and second shoulder straps 402 and 403 is routed through a D-ring 412 to operatively connect the D-ring 412 to the connector 405. A padding 414 is configured and arranged to engage the first and second shoulder straps 402 and 403 and includes a first top portion 415, a second top portion 416, a first bottom portion 417, and a second bottom portion 418. Each of the portions 415, 416, 417, and 418 includes a connector 420. Each connector 420 includes a first panel 421 having a first mating member 422 proximate the outer perimeter of the portion and a second panel 423 having a second mating member 424 proximate the inner perimeter of the portion. The second panel 423 is positioned proximate the padding portion and the first panel 421 is positioned to overlap at least a portion of the second panel 423. The first and second mating members 422 and 424 are releasably connectable to connect the first panel 421 to the second panel 423 thus forming a channel 425 between the padding portion and the connected panels 421 and 423. Preferably, the first mating member 422 is hook material and the second mating member 424 is loop material. The first top portion 415 is configured and arranged to engage the first shoulder strap 402 above the dorsal pad assembly 401, the second top portion 416 is configured and arranged to engage the second shoulder strap 403 above the dorsal pad assembly 401, the first bottom portion 417 is configured and arranged to engage the second shoulder strap 403 below the dorsal pad assembly 401, and the second bottom portion 418 is configured and arranged to engage the first shoulder strap 402 below the dorsal pad assembly 401. The padding 414 assists in keeping the D-ring 412 and the first and second shoulder straps 402 and 403 positioned properly on the user's back.

The connectors 420 of the padding 414 may be positioned in an open receiving position and a closed secured position. The open receiving position is when the first and second panels 421 and 423 are released from one another and positioned so that they are not overlapping proximate the padding portion. The closed secured position is when the first and second panels 421 and 423 are overlapping and connected to one another. Thus, to secure the pouch 300 to the harness 400, the connectors 420 proximate the first and second bottom portions 417 and 418 are positioned in the open receiving position. Each of the second panels 423 is placed proximate the padding portion over the respective shoulder strap with the second mating members 424 on top of the second panels 423. This is shown on the second bottom portion 418 in FIG. 17. The pouch 300 is then placed proximate the harness 400 with the mating members 324 of the rear panel 318 aligned with the second mating members 424 of the second panels 423. More specifically, the first side 320 of the rear panel 318 is positioned proximate the first bottom portion 417 of the padding 414, the second side 321 of the rear panel 318 is positioned proximate the second bottom portion 418 of the padding 414, and the mating members 324 and the second mating members 424 are releasably connectable to connect the rear panel 318 to the second panels 423. Then, the first panels 421 are placed over the pouch 300 so that the second mating members 424 are aligned with the mating members 312 of the pouch 300. More specifically, the first side 307 of the front panel 301 is positioned proximate the first bottom portion 417 of the padding 414, the second side 308 of the front panel 301 is positioned proximate the second bottom portion 418 of the padding 414, and the mating members 312 and the first mating members 422 are releasably connectable to connect the sides 311 to the first panels 421.

The pouch 500 includes a front panel 501, sides 511, and a rear panel 518 and is preferably generally triangular-shaped. The front panel 501 includes a top portion 502, a first side 507, a second side 508, and a bottom portion 506 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape. The top portion 502 interconnects the tops of the sides 507 and 508 and is preferably rounded upward from the sides 507 and 508. Proximate the top portion 502 and the sides 507 and 508 is a circular opening 503. The bottom portion 506 interconnects the bottoms of the sides 507 and 508 and is preferably slightly rounded downward from the sides 507 and 508. This is shown in FIG. 12. The rear panel 518 includes an upper rear panel 515, a top portion 519, a first side 520, a second side 521, and a bottom portion 522 generally configured and arranged in a triangular shape corresponding with that of the front panel 501. The top portion 519 interconnects the tops of the sides 520 and 521 and the upper rear panel 515 is operatively connected to the top of the top portion 519. The upper rear panel 515 is preferably rounded upward thus corresponding with the shape of the top portion 502 of the front panel 50 1. Proximate the middle of the juncture between the top portion 519 and the upper rear panel 515 is an opening 516, which is preferably in the seam between the top portion 519 and the upper rear panel 515. A flap 505 is operatively connected to the upper rear panel 515 proximate the opening 516 and includes a first mating member 509 configured and arranged to releasably connect to a second mating member 510 operatively connected to the top portion 519 proximate the opening 516. The bottom portion 522 interconnects the bottoms of the sides 520 and 521 and is preferably slightly rounded downward from the sides 520 and 521. This is shown in FIG. 14. A side 511 interconnects the first sides 507 and 520 and a side 511 interconnects the second sides 508 and 521. The top portion 502 of the front panel 501 extends upward between the sides 511 and is operatively connected to the upper rear panel 515. A trim piece 504 extends upward from proximate the opening 503 to proximate the upper rear panel 515. The bottom portion 506 of the front panel 501 is operatively connected to the bottom portion 522 of the rear panel 518. The front panel 50 1, the rear panel 518, the upper rear panel 515, and the sides 511 define a cavity 536 therebetween, and the opening 503 and the opening 516 allow access to the cavity 536. The bottoms of the sides 511 are preferably gusseted so that the bottom of the pouch 500 proximate the bottom portion 506 of the front panel 501 can be expanded thus expanding the cavity 536. A mating member 512 is operatively connected to each side 51 1, and a mating member 524 is operatively connected to the first side 520 and to the second side 521 of the rear panel 518.

Preferably, the pouch 500 is configured and arranged to be operatively connected to a safety harness such as the safety harness 400 shown in FIG. 17. An example of such a safety harness is the EXOFIT™ XP safety harness, Part No. 1110103, manufactured by D B Industries, Inc. of Red Wing, Minn. Accordingly, the mating members 512 are preferably loop material and the mating members 524 are preferably hook material. Another example of such a safety harness is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,476, which is incorporated by reference herein. It is recognized that the pouch 500 may also be operatively connected to other suitable safety harnesses and the mating members 512 and 524 could be any suitable fastener such as, but not limited to, zippers, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, buttons, buckles, laces, and magnets.

To secure the pouch 500 to the harness 400, the connectors 420 proximate the first and second bottom portions 417 and 418 are positioned in the open receiving position. Each of the second panels 423 is placed proximate the padding portion over the respective shoulder strap with the second mating members 424 on top of the second panels 423. This is shown on the second bottom portion 418 in FIG. 17. The pouch 500 is then placed proximate the harness 400 with the mating members 524 of the rear panel 518 aligned with the second mating members 424 of the second panels 423. More specifically, the first side 520 of the rear panel 518 is positioned proximate the first bottom portion 417 of the padding 414, the second side 521 of the rear panel 518 is positioned proximate the second bottom portion 418 of the padding 414, and the mating members 524 and the second mating members 424 are releasably connectable to connect the rear panel 518 to the second panels 423. Then, the first panels 421 are placed over the pouch 500 so that the second mating members 424 are aligned with the mating members 512 of the pouch 500. More specifically, the first side 507 of the front panel 501 is positioned proximate the first bottom portion 417 of the padding 414, the second side 508 of the front panel 501 is positioned proximate the second bottom portion 418 of the padding 414, and the mating members 512 and the first mating members 422 are releasably connectable to connect the sides 511 to the first panels 421. The pouch 500 is shown connected to a portion of a padding 414 in FIG. 16.

It can be seen that the pouch 700 is similar to the pouch 100, and the following will be a description of components that include more substantive differences. The pouch 700 includes a rear panel 718 having a first side 720, a second side 721, and a third side 722 interconnecting the bottoms of the first side 720 and the second side 721. A connector 725a is operatively connected to the rear panel 718 proximate the first side 720, a connector 725b is operatively connected to the rear panel 718 proximate the second side 121, and a connector 725c is operatively connected to the rear panel 718 proximate the bottom portion 122. The connector 725c could be optional.

A connector 737 is operatively connected to a top portion 719 of the pouch 700 and includes a first portion 738 having a first mating member 738a and a second portion 739 having a second mating member 739a. Preferably, the first and second portions 738 and 739 are operatively connected to the sides 711 proximate the top portion 719, but they could also be operatively connected to either the front panel (not shown) or the rear panel 718. The first mating member 738a and the second mating member 739a are configured and arranged to releasably connect the first portion 738 and the second portion 739. Preferably, the first and second mating members 738a and 739a are hook and loop, but other suitable fasteners such as snaps or a buckle may be used. The connector 737 could also be a carabiner, a connector such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,724, which is incorporated herein by reference, or any other suitable connector operatively connected to the pouch 700.

Many different types of safety harnesses may be used with the pouch 700. An example of a suitable safety harness 600 is shown in FIG. 20, and a side view of a portion of the safety harness 600 is shown in FIG. 21. The safety harness 600 includes a first strap 601 and a second strap 602 that are threaded through a dorsal pad 603 and criss-cross in a divergent fashion as is known in the art. A D-ring 604 may be secured between the straps 601 and 602 and the dorsal pad 603 proximate the juncture of the straps 601 and 602. A gap 605 is created between the dorsal pad 603 and the straps 601 and 602 proximate the D-ring 604. An optional connecting strap 606 may be used to interconnect the shoulder straps 601 and 602 below the dorsal pad assembly 600a. For the safety harness 600, the first and second straps 601 and 602 and the optional strap 606 are the connectors of the safety harness 600.

The connectors 725a and 725b may be connected to the shoulder straps 601 and 602 in a similar fashion as the connectors 125 proximate the sides 120 and 121 of the pouch 100 are connected to the sides 207 and 208 of the connector 205 shown in FIG. 5. The optional connector 725c may be connected to the optional connecting strap 606 in a similar fashion as the connector 125 proximate the bottom portion 122 of the pouch 100 is connected to the bottom 209 of the connector 205 shown in FIG. 5. If the safety harness does not include a connecting strap like the connecting strap 606, the connector 725c does not need to be used. Instead of or in addition to using the connector 725c, the connector 737 may be releasably connected to the safety harness 600 proximate the dorsal pad assembly 600a. At least one of the first and second portions 738 and 739 is inserted through the gap 605 of the safety harness 600, and then the first and second portions 738 and 739 are secured with the first and second mating members 738a and 739a thus connecting the top portion 719 of the pouch 700 to the safety harness 600.

The pouches 100, 300, 500, and 700 could be used to store tools or to hold a beverage in a hydration insert. The pouch 500 is shown with a hydration insert 527 in FIGS. 15 and 16. The hydration insert 527 is shown in FIG. 18 and includes a fluid reservoir 528, which is configured and arranged to fit within the cavity 536 of the pouch 500. A rim 529 is configured and arranged to extend outward from the fluid reservoir 528 and through the opening 503 of the pouch 500. The rim 529 includes an opening (not shown) for replenishing the beverage in the fluid reservoir 528. An extension portion 530 is preferably included and extends downward from the rim 529. The extension portion 530 includes opposing notches 531, which provide a grippable surface to stabilize the rim 529 when securing and removing a cap 532 threadably connected to the rim 529. The cap 532 covers and seals the opening of the rim 529. A tube 533 is operatively connected to the rear of the fluid reservoir 528 proximate the bottom and is inserted through the opening 516. The flap 505 could be used to position the tube 533 proximate one side of the opening 516. The distal end of the tube 533 includes a mouthpiece 534, and the tube 533 is preferably a length sufficient to extend over the user's shoulder so that the mouthpiece 534 is easily accessible to the user. A clip member (not shown) may be used to releasably connect the tube 533 proximate the mouthpiece 534 to a shoulder strap of the safety harness proximate the user's chest. This allows the mouthpiece 534 to be readily available to the user without getting in the user's way while performing tasks. The hydration insert 527 may be used with the pouches 100, 300, and 700 as well. For the pouches 100 and 700, the tube 533 may extend through a gap between the pulls 114 and 115 and the pulls 714 and 715, respectively. The pouch 300 is similarly used with the hydration insert 527 as the pouch 500. Examples of hydration inserts that could be constructed to be operatively connected to at least one of the pouches of the present invention include U.S. Pat. 6,675,998 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,947. It is recognized that other suitable types of hydration inserts may be used with 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.

Claims

1. A pouch for use with a safety harness, the safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness, comprising:

a) at least one panel configured and arranged to form a cavity therein, the at least one panel having a front and a rear, the rear having a first side and a second side, the front having a third side and a fourth side;

b) a first mating member operatively connected to the first side of the rear;

c) a second mating member operatively connected to the second side of the rear; and

d) wherein the first mating member is releasably connectable to the first portion of the connector and the second mating member is releasably connectable to the second portion of the connector.

2. The pouch of claim 1, further comprising a hydration insert configured and arranged to fit within the cavity of the at least one panel, the hydration insert including a reservoir configured and arranged to contain a fluid, wherein the at least one panel is configured and arranged to contain the hydration insert when the reservoir contains fluid.

3. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the first mating member releasably connects first overlapping panels forming a first channel configured and arranged to receive the first portion, the first overlapping panels being placed about the first portion and connected with the first mating member to releasably secure the first portion to the first side of the rear, and wherein the second mating member releasably connects second overlapping panels forming a second channel configured and arranged to receive the second portion, the second overlapping panels being placed about the second portion and connected with the second mating member to releasably secure the second portion to the second side of the rear.

4. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the connector of the safety harness has a third portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion, further comprising a third mating member operatively connected to a bottom of the rear, the bottom interconnecting the first side and the second side of the rear, the third mating member being releasably connectable to the third portion of the connector.

5. The pouch of claim 4, wherein the connector of the safety harness is a triangular-shaped connector member including slots through which shoulder straps of the safety harness are routed to secure a D-ring to the shoulder straps as a component of the dorsal pad assembly.

6. The pouch of claim 1, wherein the connector of the safety harness is padding configured and arranged to engage shoulder straps of the safety harness proximate the dorsal pad assembly.

7. The pouch of claim 6, wherein the padding includes a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, the first bottom portion including first overlapping panels having a third mating member, the second bottom portion including second overlapping panels having a fourth mating member, the third mating member being configured and arranged to releasably connect to the first mating member, the fourth mating member being configured and arranged to releasably connect to the second mating member thereby releasably connecting the first side to the first bottom portion and the second side to the second bottom portion.

8. The pouch of claim 6, further comprising a third mating member operatively connected to the third side of the front and a fourth mating member operatively connected to the fourth side of the front, wherein the padding includes a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion, the first bottom portion including a first overlapping panel and a third overlapping panel and the second bottom portion including a second overlapping panel and a fourth overlapping panel, the first overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the first mating member, the second overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the second mating member, the third overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the third mating member, and the fourth overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the fourth mating member.

9. The pouch of claim 1, further comprising a third mating member operatively connected to a top portion of the at least one panel, the third mating member being configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the safety harness proximate the dorsal pad assembly.

10. A pouch for use with a safety harness, the safety harness including a connector having a first portion and a second portion proximate a dorsal pad assembly of the safety harness, comprising:

a) at least one panel configured and arranged to form a cavity therein, the at least one panel having a front and a rear, the rear having a first side and a second side, the front having a third side and a fourth side;

b) first overlapping panels operatively connected to the first side of the rear and forming a first channel configured and arranged to receive the first portion;

c) a first mating member releasably connecting the first overlapping panels;

d) second overlapping panels operatively connected to the second side of the rear and forming a second channel configured and arranged to receive the second portion;

e) a second mating member releasably connecting the second overlapping panels; and

f) wherein the first overlapping panels are configured and arranged to be placed about the first portion and connected with the first mating member to releasably secure the first portion to the first side of the rear, and wherein the second overlapping panels are configured and arranged to be placed about the second portion and connected with the second mating member to releasably secure the second portion to the second side of the rear.

11. The pouch of claim 10, further comprising a hydration insert configured and arranged to fit within the cavity of the at least one panel, the hydration insert including a reservoir configured and arranged to contain a fluid, wherein the at least one panel is configured and arranged to contain the hydration insert when the reservoir contains fluid.

12. The pouch of claim 10, further comprising:

a) a third portion interconnecting the first portion and the second portion of the connector of the safety harness;

b) third overlapping panels operatively connected to a bottom of the rear and forming a third channel configured and arranged to receive the third portion; and

c) a third mating member releasably connecting the third overlapping panels; and

d) wherein the third overlapping panels are configured and arranged to be placed about the third portion and connected with the third mating member to releasably secure the third portion to the bottom of the rear.

13. The pouch of claim 12, wherein the connector is a triangular-shaped connector member including slots through which shoulder straps of the safety harness are routed to secure a D-ring to the shoulder straps as a component of the dorsal pad assembly.

14. The pouch of claim 10, further comprising a third mating member operatively connected to a top portion of the at least one panel, the third mating member being configured and arranged to be releasably connected to the safety harness proximate the dorsal pad assembly.

15. A pouch for use with a safety harness, the safety harness including a dorsal pad assembly and padding configured and arranged to engage shoulder straps of the safety harness proximate the dorsal pad assembly, the padding including a first bottom portion and a second bottom portion proximate below the dorsal pad assembly, the first bottom portion including first overlapping panels having a first mating member releasably connecting the first overlapping panels, the second bottom portion including second overlapping panels having a second mating member releasably connecting the second overlapping panels, comprising:

a) at least one panel configured and arranged to form a cavity therein, the at least one panel having a front and a rear, the rear having a first side and a second side, the front having a third side and a fourth side;

b) a third mating member operatively connected to the first side of the rear;

c) a fourth mating member operatively connected to the second side of the rear; and

d) wherein the third mating member is configured and arranged to releasably connect to the first mating member and the fourth mating member is configured and arranged to releasably connect to the second mating member thereby releasably connecting the first side to the first bottom portion and the second side to the second bottom portion.

16. The pouch of claim 15, further comprising a hydration insert configured and arranged to fit within the cavity of the at least one panel, the hydration insert including a reservoir configured and arranged to contain a fluid, wherein the at least one panel is configured and arranged to contain the hydration insert when the reservoir contains fluid.

17. The pouch of claim 15, further comprising a fifth mating member operatively connected to the third side of the front and a sixth mating member operatively connected to the fourth side of the front, wherein the first overlapping panels includes a first overlapping panel and a third overlapping panel and the second overlapping panels includes a second overlapping panel and a fourth overlapping panel, the first overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the third mating member, the second overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the fourth mating member, the third overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the fifth mating member, and the fourth overlapping panel being releasably connectable to the sixth mating member.