ANCHORAGE POINT FOR GARMENT

Abstract

 An anchorage point (110) for a garment (100), the anchorage point comprising at least two strengthening ribbons (102, 103a,b), the at least two strengthening ribbons (102, 103a,b) having a thickness of at least 0,5mm and a width between 30mm and 100mm, wherein the at least two strengthening ribbons (102, 103a,b) are arranged at an angle and the at least two strengthening ribbons (102, 103a,b) being connected to the garment (100) with at least two seams.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This disclosure relates to a textile-based anchorage point, which can be integrated in a clothing, with sufficient strength to support a falling object.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In various industrial activities humans are wearing protective clothing and/or workwear. Usually the various industrial activities require portable tools or equipment, which are carried by the humans performing the industrial activities, for example hand tools or electronic devices.

[0003] The portable tools or equipment may be attached to a belt or another storage compartment, to prevent the tool or equipment from falling to the ground when dropping it on accident or for storing it at the belt or in the storage compartment. In some examples, the human performing the industrial activity may need to connect himself to a safety line to prevent the human from falling, e.g. when working in an elevated environment or in harsh conditions, e.g. on a boat or an offshore platform. It is advantageous if the protective clothing or workwear that the human is carrying provides an anchorage point to enable the user to attach a portable tool or another item or equipment to said anchorage point. In some examples, the anchorage point may be used to safely connect the user to a safety line to prevent him from falling, similar to a climbing harness.

[0004] WO2018123274 discloses a work jacket that includes fasteners in the armpit area where handheld tools can be attached via cords. The area in the armpit is reinforced with a reinforcing sheet. However, the work jacket may not be suitable for heavier tools or carrying the user's weight as the work jacket may not be sufficiently strong enough to withstand the force of a heavier object.

[0005] This invention aims at providing at least one anchorage point for a garment to enable securing an item to the anchorage point or the user of the garment to securely connect himself to a safety line. In further examples, the anchorage point is designed to transmit forces acting upon the anchorage point along the garment to predetermined points of the user's body, which are able to withstand the forces acting upon them. Other advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY

[0006] A first example relates to an anchorage point for a garment, the anchorage point comprising at least two strengthening ribbons, the at least two strengthening ribbons having a thickness of at least 0,5mm and a width between 30mm and 100mm, wherein the at least two strengthening ribbons are arranged at an angle and the at least two strengthening ribbons being connected to the garment with at least two seams.

[0007] A second example relates to an anchorage point, wherein two of the at least two strengthening ribbons are arranged to enclose an angle of 90 degrees.

[0008] A third example relates to an anchorage point, wherein the anchorage point comprises at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon and at least one vertical strengthening ribbon.

[0009] A fourth example relates to an anchorage point, wherein the at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon is connected to the garment with at least two needle straight seams.

[0010] A fifth example relates to an anchorage point, wherein the at least one vertical strengthening ribbon is connected to the garment with at least two bartack stitching seams.

[0011] A sixth example relates to an anchorage point, wherein the anchorage points comprises a loop, the loop being connected to the anchorage point with at least two needle cross seams.

[0012] A seventh, wherein the seams are formed by a core spun synthetic thread with a breaking strength larger than 3900cN.

[0013] An eighth example relates to an anchorage point, wherein the needle size for the seams is between NM120 and NM130.

[0014] A ninth example relates to a garment comprising an anchorage point, wherein the garment is made of a fabric having a weight between 260 and 350 grams/square meter.

[0015] A tenth example relates to a garment, wherein the garment is made of a fabric having a warp tensile strength equal to or larger than 1000N and a weft tensile strength equal to or larger than 700N.

[0016] An eleventh example relates to a garment, wherein the garment is made of a fabric having a warp tearing strength equal to or larger than 50N and a weft tearing strength equal to or larger than 35N.

[0017] A twelfth example relates to a garment, wherein the garment is made of a fabric being made of at least 20% synthetic fibre.

[0018] A thirteenth example relates to a garment, wherein the anchorage point is located at a chest portion of the garment and the at least one vertical strengthening ribbon is elongated towards a shoulder portion of the garment.

[0019] A fourteenth example relates to a garment, wherein the anchorage point comprises a loop and the loop is located inside a chest pocket of the garment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of illustrative embodiments, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a garment,

Figure 2 illustrates a garment comprising an anchorage point,

Figure 3 illustrates a close-up image of an anchorage point, and

Figures 4a-4c illustrate patterns for seams.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The following description may use terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "lateral", "back and forth", "up and down", "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", "forward", "rear", etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings and that are associated with a normal use of the invention. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be limiting.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a garment 100, herein an overall. Protective clothing and/or workwear, e.g overalls, trousers, jackets, etc., are worn by humans when performing various industrial activities. In some cases, the protective clothing or workwear comprises special properties to protect the human, e.g. from injuries such as burns or cuts. Usually the various industrial activities require portable tools, items or equipment, which are carried by the humans performing the industrial activities, for example hand tools or electronic devices.

[0023] The garment 100 may comprise a pocket 120 to enable storage of said item, tool or equipment. The item, tool or equipment may be connected to the garment 100 or to the body of the user, e.g. by a belt, to prevent the tool or equipment from falling to the ground when dropping it on accident or for storing it at the belt or in the storage compartment. When the tools or equipment is falling to the ground, it may get damaged. When working in elevated environments the tools or equipment may fall to a lower level and may hurt people working on said lower level or may destroy other items on said lower level. In harsh environments, e.g. on a boat or an offshore platform, the item or tool may fall into the water and may be lost. It is therefore advantageous to securely connect the item or tool to the user. Preferably, the tool or item may be connected to the garment by an anchorage point instead of connecting it to a utility belt to reduce the number of clothing/equipment the user has to put on before being ready for work.

[0024] The garment 100 may comprise an anchorage point to enable a user to connect the item, tool or equipment thereto. The anchorage point is designed to securely connect the item, tool or equipment to the garment 100, preventing the item from falling when it is dropped by the user.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates an example of an anchorage point 110 designed to enable connection of an item or tool thereto. The anchorage point 110 may be located inside a pocket 120 of the garment 100 to enable to cover the item or tool from e.g. rain when closing the pocket 120. Figure 2 illustrates a sectional view of the garment 100. Figure 3 illustrates a close up of the anchorage point 110 illustrated in Figure 2 with an item 140 connected thereto. The garment 100 may comprise at least one strengthening ribbon to increase the tensile strength and tearing strength of the fabric of the garment. In some examples, the at least one strengthening ribbon may have a thickness of at least 0,5mm and a width between 30mm and 100mm. In some examples, the garment 100 may comprise at least two strengthening ribbons, which are arranged at an angle. In some examples, two of the at least two strengthening ribbons may be arranged to enclose an angle of 90 degrees. In some examples, two of the at least two strengthening ribbons may be arranged to enclose an angle of 0 to 90 degrees. In some examples, two of the at least two strengthening ribbons may be arranged at any one angle between zero and 90°. In some examples, at least one of the strengthening ribbons may be arranged in a vertical orientation. In some examples, at least one of the strengthening ribbons may be arranged in a horizontal orientation. The example of the garment 100 illustrated in Figure 2 comprises one horizontal strengthening ribbon 102 and two vertical strengthening ribbons 103a,b.

[0026] Referring to the example of the garment 100 illustrated in Figure 2, the thickness of the strengthening ribbon is measured in the direction orthogonal to the picture plane. Referring to Figure 2, the width of the vertical strengthening ribbons 103a,b is measured along the horizontal axis. Accordingly, the width of the horizontal strengthening ribbon 102 is measured along the vertical axis.

[0027] The at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b may be connected to the garment 100 by at least one seam.

[0028] In some examples, the at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b may be connected to the garment 100 by at least two needle straight seams.

[0029] In some examples, the at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b may be connected to the garment 100 by at least two bartack stitching seams.

[0030] The at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon 102 may be connected to the garment 100 by at least one seam. Preferably, the at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon 102 may be connected to the garment 100 by at least two needle straight seams, a needle straight seam is illustrated in Figure 4a and is well known by the person skilled in the art. The at least one vertical strengthening ribbon 103a,b may be connected to the garment 100 by at least one seams. Preferably, the at least one vertical strengthening ribbon 103a,b may be connected to the garment 100 by at least two bartack stitching seams, a bartack stitching seam is illustrated in Figure 4b and is well known by the person skilled in the art.

[0031] The strengthening ribbons may be comprised within the garment, i.e. the strengthening ribbons may be located between an inner and an outer layer of the fabric of the ribbon. Locating the strengthening ribbons between an inner and an outer layer of the ribbon may strengthen the ribbon without reducing the functional properties of the inner and outer layer of the ribbon (e.g. protection against warm/cold conditions, cuts from tools, burning, etc.). The anchorage point 110 may comprise a loop 104 to enable tools, equipment or items to be connected to the loop, e.g. by a karabiner. Utilizing a loop 104 to connect the tools, equipment or item to the anchorage point 110 may enable to swap the tools, equipment or item, when another item or tool is needed for the industrial activity performed by the user. The loop 104 may be formed by a piece of fabric or another material and may be connected to the anchorage point 110 and at least one of the at least one strengthening ribbon by at least two needle cross seams 105. Needle cross seams 105 are well known by the person skilled in the art and a needle cross seam is illustrated in Figure 4c. In some examples, the equipment or item may directly connected to the anchorage point, e.g. the equipment, item or tool may comprise a connecting element, which is connected to the anchorage point 110. The connecting element may in some examples be glued to the anchorage point 110 or may be connected to the anchorage point 110 with at least two needle cross seams.

[0032] In some examples including the example of Figures 2-3, the loop 104 may be located inside a pocket of the garment 100, e.g. a chest pocket as illustrated herein. Having the loop 104 or the anchorage point 110 in a pocket of the garment may enable the user to store the item, tool or equipment 140 inside the pocket when not using the item, equipment or tool 140 without the connecting element 115 (e.g. a carabiner, a cord or the like) connecting the item, tool or equipment 140 to the anchorage point 110 hanging outside the pocket of the garment 100. This may reduce the danger of accidentally pulling on the connecting element 115 and accidentally pulling the tool, equipment or item 140 out of the pocket. Additionally, both the item, tool or equipment 140 and the connecting element 115 may be shielded against damage or environmental influence when stored inside the pocket.

[0033] To provide sufficient support for the equipment, item or tool 140, the anchorage point 110 is dependent on both material choices, construction as well as the manufacturing equipment. Preferably, the anchorage point 110 satisfies the requirement of NS 9611.

[0034] The seams connecting the at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b to the fabric of the garment 100 may be formed by a core spun synthetic thread. In some examples, the core spun synthetic thread may have a breaking strength larger than 3900cN. The strength of the core spun synthetic thread may be selected accordingly to the weight of the attached items or tools. In some examples, the needle size for the seams may be selected between and including both the lower limit of NM120 and the upper limit of NM130. In some examples, the needle size may be selected based on the weight of the attached items or tools. In some examples, the garment 100 may be made of a fabric having a weight between 260 and 350 grams per square meter. The garment 100 preferably has a sufficient strength to prevent damage to the garment (e.g. ripping) when the anchorage point 110 is encumbered. In some examples, the garment 100 is made of a fabric having a warp tensile strength equal to or larger than 1000N and a weft tensile strength equal to or larger than 700N. In some examples, the garment 100 is made of a fabric having a warp tearing strength equal to or larger than 50N and a weft tearing strength equal to or larger than 35N. In some examples, the garment 100 is made of a fabric being made of at least 20% synthetic fibre.

[0035] In the example illustrated in Figure 2, the anchorage point 110 is located at a chest portion of the garment 100. The two vertical strengthening ribbons 103a,b are elongated towards a shoulder portion of the garment 100 to increase the garments strength against the gravitational forces acting upon the garment 100 when the anchorage point 110 is encumbered. The anchorage point 110 may be located at another location of the garment 100, e.g. at an arm or at a leg portion. Preferably, the strengthening ribbons 102,103a,b are located to strengthen the structural strength of the garment 100 against the forces acting upon the anchorage point 110.

[0036] In some examples, smaller items with lower weight may be attached to the anchorage point 110. For these items the requirements in NS-EN 565:2017 may be applicable (Rock-climbing gear - Bands - Safety requirements and test methods). In some examples, the human performing the industrial activity wearing the garment 100 may need to connect himself to a safety line to prevent the human from falling to the ground, e.g. when working in an elevated environment or in harsh conditions, e.g. on a boat or an offshore platform.

[0037] The anchorage point 110 may be designed to carry the weight of the user of the garment 100. Herein, both the garment 100 and the anchorage point 110 are not only required to have a sufficient strength to support the tool, item or user in case of falling, but have to have a sufficient strength to carry the weight of the user. In some examples, e.g. when carrying the weight of the user of when connecting heavy tools to the anchorage point 110, the at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b may be designed and located to transmit the forces acting upon the anchorage point 110 to predetermined points of the user's body. The predetermined points of the user's body may be points, which are able to withstand the forces acting upon them, e.g. because of the user's anatomy, such as the shoulders, the waist or the chest area. When supporting the weight of the user, the at least one strengthening ribbon 102,103a,b may be located around the waistline, around hips and thighs and across the shoulders both at the front and the back of the user with a combination of seams (e.g. needle straight seams, bartack stitching seams and/or needle cross seams). Safety regulations such as NS-EN 12277:2015+A1:2008 may be applicable to the garment 100 and the anchorage point 110 when being designed to carry the weight of the user.

Claims

1. An anchorage point (110) for a garment (100), the anchorage point (110) comprising at least two strengthening ribbons (102,103a,b), the at least two strengthening ribbons (102,103a,b) having a thickness of at least 0,5mm and a width between 30mm and 100mm, wherein the at least two strengthening ribbons (102,103a,b) are arranged to enclose an angle and the at least two strengthening ribbons (102,103a,b) being connected to the garment (100) with at least two seams.

2. The anchorage point (110) according to claim 1, wherein two of the at least two strengthening ribbons (102,103a,b) are arranged to enclose an angle of 90 degrees.

3. The anchorage point (110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchorage point (110) comprises at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon (102) and at least one vertical strengthening ribbon (103a,b).

4. The anchorage point (110) according to claim 3, wherein the at least one horizontal strengthening ribbon (102) is connected to the garment (100) with at least two needle straight seams.

5. The anchorage point (110) according to any of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least one vertical strengthening ribbon (103a,b) is connected to the garment (100) with at least two bartack stitching seams.

6. The anchorage point (110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the anchorage point (110) comprises a loop (104), the loop (104) being connected to the anchorage point (110) with at least two needle cross seams.

7. The anchorage point (110) according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the seams are formed by a core spun synthetic thread with a breaking strength larger than 3900cN.

8. The anchorage point (110) according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the needle size for the seams is between NM120 and NM130.

9. A garment (100) comprising at least one anchorage point (110) according to any preceding claim, wherein the garment (100) is made of a fabric having a weight between 260 and 350 grams per square meter.

10. The garment (100) according to claim 9, wherein the garment (100) is made of a fabric having a warp tensile strength equal to or larger than 1000N and a weft tensile strength equal to or larger than 700N.

11. The garment (100) according to any of claims 9 or 10, wherein the garment (100) made of a fabric having a warp tearing strength equal to or larger than 50N and a weft tearing strength equal to or larger than 35N.

12. The garment (100) according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the garment (100) is made of a fabric being made of at least 20% synthetic fibre.

13. The garment (100) according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the anchorage point (110) is located at a chest portion of the garment (100) and the at least one vertical strengthening ribbon (103a,b) is elongated towards a shoulder portion of the garment (100).

14. The garment (100) according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the anchorage point (110) comprises a loop (104) and the loop (104) is located inside a pocket (120) of the garment (100).

Drawing