Safety belt

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a safety belt ( 4 ), comprising a quick release fastening means ( 5 ) attached to a first end of the belt for releasably retaining a second end of the belt around a user, and one or more tensioning elements ( 8 ) for exerting tension on the first end of the belt proximal to the quick release fastening means ( 5 ) such that, when the quick release fastening means ( 5 ) is operated by a user to release the safety belt ( 4 ), the one or more tensioning elements ( 8 ) pulls the quick release fastening means ( 5 ) free from the second end.

1 . A safety belt, comprising:
 a quick release fastening means attached to a first end of the belt for releasably retaining a second end of the belt around a user;   one or more tensioning elements for exerting tension on the first end of the belt proximal to the quick release fastening means such that, when the quick release fastening means is operated by a user to release the safety belt, the one or more tensioning elements pulls the quick release fastening means free from the second end.   
     
     
         2 . The safety belt of  claim 1 , wherein the tensioning element includes a resiliently extendable portion of the belt. 
     
     
         3 . The safety belt of  claim 2 , wherein the resiliently extendable portion of the belt is formed by an elasticated material. 
     
     
         4 . The safety belt of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more tensioning elements are arranged proximal to the first end of the belt. 
     
     
         5 . The safety belt of  claim 1 , comprising an attachment means for attaching a lanyard to the belt. 
     
     
         6 . The safety belt of  claim 1 , wherein the belt is formed by first and second adjustably connected portions of the belt. 
     
     
         7 . The safety belt according to  claim 6 , wherein said first and second portions are two discrete belt portions connected via an adjustable buckle. 
     
     
         8 . The safety belt of  claim 1 , wherein the quick release fastening means is arranged to grasp the second end of the belt in a fastened position and to release the second end of the belt in response to actuation by the user. 
     
     
         9 . The safety belt according to  claim 1 , wherein said one or more tensioning elements has a maximum extension. 
     
     
         10 . A safety belt according to  claim 9 , comprising a non-extendable element in communication with said tensioning element to limit said maximum extension. 
     
     
         11 . A safety harness comprising securing means for securing said harness about the person of a user; and a safety belt according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . A safety harness according to  claim 11 , further comprising one or more body sections. 
     
     
         13 . A safety harness according to  claim 12 , wherein said one or more body sections are buoyant body sections. 
     
     
         14 . A life jacket comprising one or more buoyant sections and one or more fasteners for securing the life jacket around a torso of a user, the life jacket further comprising a safety belt according to  claim 1  releaseably attached to the life jacket for attaching the life jacket to a lanyard.