Abstract: A firefighter rescue system includes a pair of clasp members connected to opposing ends of a longitudinally extended and flexible harness. The system further includes a pair of handles respectively secured to the harness in longitudinally spaced relationship. The flexible harness includes first and second strap members. The first strap member is coupled to one of the pair of clasp members on one end thereof, and affixed on an opposing end to a length adjusting mechanism. The second strap member has a first end thereof coupled to the other of the pair of clasp members and an opposing second end threaded through length adjusting mechanism. By that arrangement, a distance between the first end of the second strap member and the length adjusting mechanism is adjustably settable.

Abstract: An offshore facility evacuation system that includes a submerged-floating pod (SFP) unit adapted to be positioned in a body of water adjacent an offshore facility, and a SFP station of the offshore facility adapted to launch the SFP unit from the facility. The SFP unit including a SFP controller, an SFP escape line to extend between the SFP station and the SFP unit to provide a path for moving persons from the SFP station to the SFP unit while the SFP unit is floating in the body of water, a SFP landing base including an inflatable platform to provide a landing area for persons, a SFP depth control system to regulate submergence of the SFP unit, a SFP location control system to control a location of the SFP unit, and a SFP communication system to provide communication with the SFP unit, and personal evacuation devices (PEDs).

Abstract: A fall restraint for a worker on a roof comprising a yoke line, wherein a first end of the yoke line is releasably connected to a first building structure and a second end of the yoke line is releasably connected to a second building structure. The fall restraint also comprises a support line, wherein a first end of the support line is slidably connected to the yoke line, and a second end of the support line is connected to a worker harness, wherein the support line is adapted to travel over a ridge line of the roof and at least partially support the weight of the worker.

Abstract: A lift vest of this disclosure includes a base garment shaped to cover at least a substantial portion of an upper torso of a patient, a waist belt connected to the base garment, and a pair of crotch belts removably connected to the waist belt. The base garment may include a chest a waist belt interconnected by cross-webbing. Pulling on one or both of the belts in any direction causes the webbing to tighten about the wearer's torso. The lift vest may include a pair of knee belts connected to the waist belt. The knee belts can be fixed to the waist belt or removably connected to it. The knee belt may include a removable connection along its length. Other embodiments include a base garment covering the upper torso below the armpits and having a single belt connected to garment that provides a hand hold.

Abstract: A self-advancing knee ascender comprising: a piece of webbing having a first end and a second end, thereby defining a length; an adjusting mechanism arranged at a location on the webbing length; a webbing loop arranged at the second end of said webbing; a first linking mechanism removably attached to the webbing loop; a mechanical ascender attached to the first end of the webbing; a cord having a first end and a second end, constructed to have elastic properties, wherein the second end of the cord is attached to the mechanical ascender; and a second linking mechanism movably attached at a point along the cord.

Abstract: Implementations described and claimed herein provide an integrated body armor harness system. In one implementation, a front panel extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A shackle harness is integrated with the front panel, and the shackle harness has at least one shackle strap extending from the front panel and having a shackle loop adapted to receive a shackle for releasably engaging a sling. A leg harness extends from the distal end of the front panel. The leg harness includes a set of leg straps forming a first leg loop and a second leg loop. A back panel is disposed opposite the front panel, with the front panel and the back panel forming a tactical vest. A torso harness is integrated with the back panel, and the torso harness includes a set of shoulder straps.

Abstract: A tip resistant system for use with a belay tether includes a user tether having a first length and configured to be connectable between a user and the belay tether. The user tether has a belay tether connector adjacent one end of the user tether, and a user connector adjacent an opposite end of the user tether. An auxiliary tether having a second length less than the first length of the user tether and configured to be connectable between the user and the user tether includes a user tether connector located adjacent a first end of the auxiliary tether, and an auxiliary user connector located adjacent a second end of the auxiliary tether opposite the user tether connector. The tip resistant system operates to maintain a user in a desired static attitude. A quick disconnect for use with a belay tether is also provided.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment suspension trauma relief strap assembly for use with a full body harness includes a pair of straps connectable in two configurations. The first configuration is formed by engaging a hook of one strap with one of a plurality of closed loop arrangements of the other strap to form a sling upon which a person donning the full body harness may stand. The second configuration is formed by engaging the hook of the one strap with one of the plurality of closed loop arrangements of the one strap and engaging the hook of the other strap with one of the plurality of closed loop arrangements of the other strap to form two slings upon which a person donning the full body harness may stand.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is related to a harness system including a waist member and a leg loop member. The two leg loop members are configured to encircle the legs of the user and are coupled to the waist member. The leg loop members each comprise a net-leg region, a waist coupling region, and two net-waist transition regions. The net-leg region comprises a load bearing net structure having a plurality of independent recesses defined by an intercoupled mesh material. The waist member may also include a similar net-waist region, leg coupling region, and two net-leg transition regions. The net-leg and net-waist regions may include at least one of edge tape, shape mesh, proximal fabric, and distal fabric. The net-waist transition regions and the net-leg transition regions may comprise either a non-stitch transition or a stitch coupling to the waist and leg coupling regions respectively.

Abstract: The diameter of an annulus in a patient (e.g., the mitral valve annulus) can be reduced using a tissue engaging member that is installed on the annulus and an actuator that is implanted into the patient's body. The tissue engaging member has anchors used to implant the tissue engaging member into the annulus, and a cinching loop runs through the tissue engaging member. The cinching loop terminates onto cinching wires. Preferably, tissue healing is used to enhance the bond between the tissue engaging member and the annulus. The actuator, which can be actuated from outside the patient's body, pulls the cinching wires in a proximal direction while holding the distal end of the cinching wires in close proximity to each other, so as to cause a reduction in the diameter of the cinching loop. This will cause a corresponding reduction in the diameter of the annulus.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a protective garment and a method of manufacturing such garments are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the protective garment can include an elastic lumbar panel attached to a rear portion of a body of the protective garment in a waist region, left and right shoulder elastic straps each including a first end attached to a front portion of the body and a second end attached to the rear portion, a left side elastic waist strap attached to the front portion and extending around a left side of the garment where it is attached to the rear portion, and a right side elastic waist strap attached to the front portion and extending around a right side of the garment where it is attached to the rear portion.

Abstract: A user-controllable braking system, including a descent tether connectable to a support and configurable for descending a user; a rigid body configured to be connectable between the descent tether and a user for enabling control of the descent by the user; a pulley rotatably positioned on the rigid body, the descent tether positionable around the pulley; a brake member yieldably positioned on the rigid body adjacent the pulley; a bias member operatively associated with the brake member to bias the brake member away from the pulley; and a lever pivotally connected to the rigid body and operable to bear against the brake member to controllably overcome the bias member and controllably bear the brake member against a portion of the descent tether. Operation of the lever by the user enables the user to controllably bear the brake member against the portion of the descent tether positioned around the pulley to provide a braking force.

Abstract: A leg pad assembly for a safety harness, the leg pad assembly including a pair of leg pad portions structured to receive leg straps of the safety harness, a central pad portion connecting the pair of leg pad portions and structured to receive a seat strap of the safety harness, a pair of handles, wherein each handle is attached to one of the pair of leg pad portions, and elastic cording attached to each of the pair of handles and being structured to bias the pair of handles toward each other and against the pair of leg pad portions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is related to a harness system including a waist member and a leg loop member. The waist member is configured to encircle the naval region of the user and form a continuous loop. The leg loop member is configured to encircle the legs of the user. The leg loop member nay also be coupled to the waist member via a third loop. The leg loop member includes a continuous cord with at least two unbraided regions and at least one splice coupling. The unbraided regions are disposed between braided regions and are disposed on the leg loop member to correspond to the user's legs. The unbraided regions further comprise a plurality of separated strands oriented substantially parallel and equidistant to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a harness comprising a belt and a pair of thigh straps and a ventral suspension point. The ventral suspension point comprises: a connector positioned on the belt, the connector comprising a connecting ring fitted movable in rotation with respect to the belt by means of a rod of longitudinal axis, the rod comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end along the axis of rotation of the connecting ring, a first attachment part and a second attachment part designed to be connected to an external device, the first attachment part and the second attachment part being placed on the connector along the axis of rotation of the connecting ring and outside the connecting ring.

Abstract: A fall restraint kit for rope access work may include a length of rope (1), at least two rope braking devices (2a, 2b) permanently attached to the rope, at least two rope ascender devices (3) at least five karabiners (4, 5) at least two rope pulleys (6) and at least two slings (7, 8). The application discloses improved roping arrangements suitable for working at heights using a number of those components. In one basic fall restraint arrangement a first rope braking device (2a) is attached to an anchor point (18), a second rope baking device (2b) is attached to a person (22), typically via a harness and a length of rope (1) extends between the first and second rope braking devices. In the event of a fall, or accident, the person may safely lower themselves to ground using the second rope braking device (2b), or may be lowered to ground by a colleague/operator (20) located at the anchor point (18) operating the first rope braking device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component for fitting to a safety harness for a human user, for at least partially preventing obstruction of the femoral vein of the user, said component comprising: a support structure; two leg harness pads fitted to the support structure at such a distance from one another that, when the component is fitted to the safety harness, a section of the support structure arranged between the two leg harness pads, in particular a section without a leg harness pad, at least partially prevents obstruction of the femoral vein of the user, if the user has put on the safety harness; and a detachable fastening mechanism, that is fitted or can be fitted to the support structure, for detachably fastening the component to the safety harness.

Abstract: A convertible suspension/seat harness is readily converted from a suspension to a seat harness and can receive a yolk for chest harness conversion. The harness includes a waist belt portion having a pair of elongated leg straps terminating at a fastening mechanism. A pair of minor straps terminates at a mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a suspension harness configuration. A pair of secondary straps has a secondary mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a seat harness configuration. A yolk is provided for attachment to the harness to yield a chest harness configuration creating a Class III style harness.

Abstract: A convertible suspension/seat harness is readily converted from a suspension to a seat harness and can receive a yolk for chest harness conversion. The harness includes a waist belt portion having a pair of elongated leg straps terminating at a fastening mechanism. A pair of minor straps terminates at a mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a suspension harness configuration. A pair of secondary straps has a secondary mating fastening mechanism adapted to mate with corresponding fastening mechanisms of the elongated leg straps to convert the harness to a seat harness configuration. A yolk is provided for attachment to the harness to yield a chest harness configuration creating a Class III style harness.

Abstract: An upper body harness portion for converting a seat-style harness to a full body harness. The upper body harness portion includes a front lower component, a rear lower component, and an upper torso component having elongated first, second and third webbings. The ends of the first and second webbings are detachably securable to opposite sides of the front and rear or side portions of the seat-style harness waist belt, respectively. The third webbing forms a closed loop which, when worn, extends over a wearer's shoulders on opposite sides of the wearer's head. First and second connectors are slidably connected to the third webbing, with the first connector also being slidably connected to the first webbing adjacent the front of a wearer and the second connector being slidably connected to the second webbing adjacent the back of a wearer.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: An escape system has a harness, pants, a hook, a rope, a slider, a carabiner and a bag. The bag is packed so that the rope is packed into the rope pocket of the bag and threaded through a channel of the slider, the slider and the carabiner attached thereto are packed in the bag on top of the rope, the hook is inside the bag and attached to a hook connector disposed on a flap of the bag, and the flap is connected to the front side of the bag. The carabiner is attached to a D-ring on the harness that is attached to pants worn by a human. In use, when the flap is pulled away from the front side, the hook is automatically pulled out of the bag, eliminating a step of groping for the hook during an emergency escape.

Abstract: A fall-arresting safety harness assembly includes a lanyard including a pair of lanyard straps, at least one strap breakaway area attaching the lanyard straps to each other and a strap separation area generally adjacent to the at least one strap breakaway area; a lanyard ring extending between the lanyard straps at the strap separation area of the lanyard; a harness carried by the lanyard; and at least one resilient shock-absorbing member carried by the harness and engaging the lanyard ring.

Abstract: An emergency descent system for use by an individual to effect escape from a building or other elevated structure. The system comprises: an upper vest component for securing about the individual's chest, said vest component including an integral rack; a lower component for securing about both upper legs of the individual; and an elongate section of rope for securing at one end to a fixture on the structure from which the individual can effect gradual descent along said rope as it frictionally engages with the integral rack of the upper vest component. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A reconfigurable, modular ergonomic sit harness or saddle for use by linesmen, arborists, or the like includes a gender-specific back pad assembly that supports a number of removable, optional attachments allowing customization for user preference or job environment. Gender-specific angled wing portions of the back pad contain an armor layer and extra padding to protect the bony protrusions of both the male and female pelvis. A “one size fits all” approach includes a waistband having length adjustability over approximately a 3:1 range. Each component and sub-system of the sit harness is ergonomically designed to maximize comfort and minimize stresses on a user's body. The back pad features interchangeable lumbar support pads. Optional, removable features include a seat, an abdominal support, and a body harness for use with a fall restraint device. Interchangeable suspension bridges allow user attachment to a wide range of support systems.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring compliance with the 100% tied off rule for climbers using personal fall protection equipment. The personal fall protection monitoring system includes a remote monitoring module that monitors multiple harness systems. Each harness system includes sensors that detect the engagement of the lanyard with anchorage points and the harness. The system also includes a harness module that monitors the sensors and indicates an alarm condition to the climber and to the remote monitoring module. The harness module includes a transmitter that communicates with the remote monitoring module. The remote monitoring module communicates with multiple harness systems to indicate and log the status of each harness system.

Abstract: A securing ring, such as a belay loop, including a plurality of layers of ring-shaped surface sections, an outermost ring-shaped surface section being fixed to at least one of the layers below. The ring-shaped surface sections are formed from surface sections of a flat tubular element folded or rolled upon one another. A corresponding process for the manufacture of the securing ring involves the folding or rolling up of a flat tubular element.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, packed within an exterior rope pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the exterior/outer rope pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integral protective work clothing item comprising releasable integrated retaining elements and a digitally-activated retaining fastener. The inventive clothing item includes a harness and a retractable mechanism for securing a user to a standard lifeline. The item also comprises additional protective elements, such as a helmet, gloves and shoes which are connected thereto by means of respective elastic bands. Each of said bands is equipped with a hole for a fastener device that can only be released using a device designed for said purpose. The digitally-activated fastener comprises an electromagnet, a mobile discoidal part and a spring element. The cover of the fastener casing is provided with a hole and a tubular formation in which a pin or rod can be inserted and guided.

Abstract: A belt system convertible into and out of a sit harness configuration for selective use as a harness or a utility belt features a pair of leg loops and a waistband equipped with a quick release buckle. Support straps projecting from the leg loops are arranged for releasable engagement to the waistband and releasable engagement to one another so that the releasable engagement to one another when also engaged to the waistband provides a second closure thereof so that the waistband remains closed by the connection between the support straps even if the quick release buckle on the waistband is inadvertently disengaged. Using only a single waistband, the belt system provides a quick release function when used only as a utility belt, yet avoids the hazard of having the waistband open by inadvertent release of the quick release waistband buckle during use as a harness.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for safely lowering a user from a structure. The apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the cable and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and securely attached to the frame; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support, spool and frame to descend at a safe rate for the user. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a frame; a spool including a cable rotatably mounted on the frame; a securing device attached to the frame and adapted to securely attached to the structure; a user support adapted to support the user and attached to the cable; and a pair of centrifugal hydraulic brake systems adapted to slow a rotation of the spool to cause the user support to descend at a safe rate for the user.

Abstract: An improved fall protection system has been developed. The system functions by: (1) arresting the fall of such users, thereby protecting them from impact with the ground which could cause serious injury or death; (2) providing a method of recovery and escape from a fall-arresting device by providing a user with a controlled descent back to the ground or to a lower place of safety at a safe and gradual rate of descent; (3) providing greater simplicity and wearer comfort in fall-arresting and self-recovery devices; and (4) incorporating gear storage capability into such protective devices, in order to eliminate the need to wear a separate gear storage pack, vest, tool belt, or other such garment or accessory.

Abstract: A roping belt comprises a lining structure, and an equipment-carrying device achieved by means of a continuous cord fixed by seams along the lining structure forming a succession of attachment loops. The ends of the cord are securedly attached to the belt by first end seams able to withstand higher forces than those of the second intermediate seams forming the attachment loops.

Abstract: A suspension trauma relief device includes a member extending from a ring to which the safety harness and lanyard are attached. The member provides a support for the wearer so that the wearer can take his/her weight off of the safety harness, and particularly the leg straps on the safety harness, to allow blood circulation and prevent suspension trauma. Preferably the member includes at least one foot support allowing at least one of the wearer's feet to be placed in the foot support to take the wearer's weight off the safety harness and avoid any constriction of the straps of the safety harness on the person's blood flow.

Abstract: A roping belt for a safety harness comprising an equipment-carrying device having at least one U-shaped attachment loop securedly fastened to the belt by fixing means and composed of a joining part made of flexible textile material and of a pre-formed stiffener part made of semi-rigid plastic. The joining part and the stiffener part are inserted in one another and are housed at least one of the ends thereof in a securing gusset fixed to the belt to form a non-articulated join biasing the equipment-carrying device to a salient position.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long, thin composite rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A lightweight safety harness comprises adjustable belt sections for the upper chest, waist and upper thighs. In one of two shoulder straps, there is stored a primary release pin and secondary brake strap. The shoulder straps criss-cross to form a soft, triangular shaped panel on the harness wearer's back. A spine brace divides that triangle in two. Near the top of that spine brace is a rack having at least one aperture wrapped with Kevlar® webbing. A long nylon rope serpentines back-and-forth, between sets of elastic loops running down opposed legs to the triangular panel before being threaded through the rack in a preferred pattern. At the base of that triangular panel, there is attached one end to a reserve suspension relief strap (RSRS). A cover extends the triangular panel but can be removed for inspection before every use.

Abstract: A tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) is a one-piece webbing. The tear-away energy absorbing webbing (10) has a top layer load-bearing web (12) and a bottom layer load-bearing web (24). An energy absorbing portion (38) of the webbing has binder yarns (36) interlaced with the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). A sufficiently high load force applied to the webbing breaks the binder yarns (36) and tears apart the top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14). The energy absorbing portion (38) absorbs energy as it tears apart. The top and bottom layer load-bearing webs (12, 14) support the load force when the shock absorbing portion is torn apart.

Abstract: A foot lock ascender for ascending along a rope comprises a swivelling gate and attachment means comprising at least a first passage for a first strap to pass through and to be adjusted, and at least a second passage for a second strap to pass through. The first positioning passage of the first strap is inclined by a predefined angle with respect to the guide throat of the rope, said angle being comprised between 40° and 75° so as to keep the bottom of the throat parallel to the path of the rope when ascending.

Abstract: A casualty extraction strap for use in a tactical environment that is a durable, lightweight, adjustable, compact strap that allows the operator to effectively and rapidly extract a non-ambulatory casualty from a high-threat situation. Once the extraction strap is connected to an extraction loop sewn onto the neck of a flack jacket. The casualty's upper body is lifted off the ground, and his weight is centered between the legs of the operator, reducing drag and allowing maximum lifting capacity from the back, legs and hips of the rescuer. The operator maintains proper posture and the “hands free” design allows the operator to back away from the threat while maintaining engagement with the enemy.

Abstract: A safety harness and techniques for integrating the safety harness into apparel such as a firefighter's turnout suit. The safety harness may include a waist belt having a fastener (e.g., buckle) for adjustably securing the waist belt around a wearer's waist, first and second leg straps for encircling a wearer's legs, and a continuous support strap fixed to each of the first and second leg straps and slideably attached to the waist belt. The continuous support strap has a front middle portion for coupling to a coupling mechanism (e.g., carabiner, ladder hook, knot, clamp, weld, or a combination thereof) and having sufficient slack so as to not impede access to the waist belt fastener. Under no-load conditions, the front middle portion of the continuous strap may hang down below the waist belt fastener, or may be stowed to one side of the waist belt fastener.

Abstract: A fall protection harness that includes: an adjustable belt having a front, a back, a first side and a second side; a tie-in point; a first weight supporting loop having a first front section connected to the front of the belt and a first back section connected to the back of the belt; a second weight supporting loop having a second front section connected to the front of the belt and a second back section connected to the back of the belt; a first lateral member extending between the first front section and the first back section; and a second lateral member extending between the second front section and the second back section. The weight supporting loops and the lateral members define openings that are adapted to encircle a wearer's legs, and the back sections are adapted to support the wearer's lower back and/or buttocks.

Abstract: A roping harness is achieved from a lining structure 120 composed of an aerated double texture 13 comprising a first internal comfort layer superposed on a second external abrasion-resistance layer, and reinforcing means comprising an intermediate preform 17B of greater rigidity inserted and joined between the first and second layers by the biases 18. Such a texture enables the strength and comfort of the harness to be improved.

Abstract: A roping and suspension harness is manufactured from a cushioned fabric the opposite lateral edges whereof at the level of the belt and leg loops are reinforced by support biases providing mechanical strength. The biases pass through the closing and/or adjustment device and return in the opposite direction to then be secured by fixing stitches.

Abstract: A Self-Belay And Rappel Device (10) is presented which will arrest the fall of a climber who is solo lead climbing, and will also allow the climber to rappel down a Rope (36). The simple and inexpensive device comprises a Left Side Face (12), a Right Side Face (14), Cylindrical Stand-Offs (16) which separate and join to the two side faces, and a Brake Surface (18) extending between the two side faces. In use for fall arrest, the device is attached, using two karabiners, both to a climber's chest harness and to the climber's waist harness. A third karabiner is clipped through two slots in the device, one slot in each of the two side faces. The fall of a climber causes the third karabiner to be pulled up within the two slots, ultimately locking the device against the climber's Rope (36) by causing the Rope (36) to become pinched between a portion of the third karabiner and the Braking Surface (18).

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a fall arrest strap assembly that can reduce the risk of suspension trauma in a user of a fall-arrest body harness, and in particular, a fall arrest strap assembly that supports the user in a seated position with the knees elevated to at least hip level in the event of a fall from an elevated structure. The device deploys passively, so it is effective even when the user is injured or unconscious.