U.S. patent application number 10/522936 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-09 for mining vest.
Invention is credited to Debra Alexandra Austin, Maehe Ranginui Austin.
Application Number | 20060248627 10/522936 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31189039 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060248627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austin; Maehe Ranginui ; et
al. |
November 9, 2006 |
Mining vest
Abstract
A clothing article (30) worn by miners for attaching apparatus
with increased availability and better weight distribution which
comprises at least one front portion and at least one rear portion,
and at least one attachment means (10) for the releasable
attachment of equipment (14) located on at least one of the
portions.
Inventors: |
Austin; Maehe Ranginui;
(Queensland, AU) ; Austin; Debra Alexandra;
(Queensland, AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RENNER OTTO BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP
1621 EUCLID AVENUE
NINETEENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44115
US
|
Family ID: |
31189039 |
Appl. No.: |
10/522936 |
Filed: |
July 30, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
July 30, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU03/00962 |
371 Date: |
December 8, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41D 13/0012
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/102 |
International
Class: |
A41D 1/04 20060101
A41D001/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2002 |
AU |
2002300316 |
Apr 17, 2003 |
AU |
2003901903 |
Claims
1. A clothing article worn by miners for attaching apparatus with
increased availability and better weight distribution which
comprises at least one front portion and at least one rear portion
separate from but attachable to the at least one front portion, and
at least one attachment means for the releasable attachment of
equipment located on at least one of the portions.
2. A clothing article according to claim 1 wherein the clothing
article is a mining vest.
3. A clothing article according to claim 1, further comprising a
belt wherein the belt is releasably attached to a lower portion of
the clothing article to provide additional support for equipment
attached to either the belt or the front or rear portions.
4. A clothing article as claimed in claim 3 wherein the at least
one attachment means is associated with the clothing article for
the releasable attachment of equipment, the attachment means
comprising a locking portion, the locking portion having a bore,
and a resilient spring plate which is removably located in the
bore, the spring plate having a shoulder portion to abut the
locking portion when in the bore, an angled portion to bias the
spring plate and a locking rebate movable between a first locked
position where the locking rebate abuts a lower edge of the bore to
lock the spring plate in place within the bore, and a second.
released position where the locking rebate is free from the lower
edge of the bore, one of the locking portion or the spring plate
attached to the clothing article and the other attached to the
equipment to allow releasable attachment of the equipment to the
clothing article.
5. A clothing article according to claim 4 wherein the attachment
means comprises a locking portion, the locking portion having a
bore, and a resilient spring plate attached to the equipment for
use by the user which is removably located in the bore, the spring
plate having a shoulder portion to abut the locking portion when in
the bore, an angled portion to bias the spring plate and a locking
rebate movable between a first locked position where the locking
rebate abuts a lower edge of the bore to lock the spring plate in
place within the bore, and a second released position where the
locking rebate is the bore to lock the spring plate in place within
the bore, and a second released position where the locking rebate
is free from the lower edge of the bore.
6. A clothing article according to claim 1 wherein the clothing
article comprises three portions, a back portion and two separate
side portions releasably attachable to the back portion.
7. A clothing article according to claim 6 further comprising a
belt wherein the belt is releasably attached to a lower section of
the back portion and the belt includes a lumbar support belt which
is adapted to be wrapped about a wearer's lower torso.
8. A clothing article according to claim 7 wherein at least one
portion of the lumbar support belt includes at least one attachment
means to attach the side portions of the clothing article to the
back portion of the clothing article to provide a size adjustable
clothing article.
9. A clothing article according to claim 3 further comprising a
safety harness releasably attachable to one or more harness straps
associated with the clothing article and/or the belt.
10. A clothing article according to claim 1 further comprising a
"camel back.TM." water storage or hydration system associated a
portion of the clothing article.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to clothing and in particular
to clothing to be worn in a mining environment or any other
environment where equipment needs to be carried leaving a wearer's
hands free.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Underground coal miners are required to have or carry
specific equipment for their own safety. Coal mines also vary in
conditions, and as such, legislation only sets out guidelines under
which all mines must operate. The policy and procedures are
generally set by each mine depending on their conditions, but they
must comply with the guidelines in the legislation.
[0003] As a result, the equipment as described in the following
portion is specific to the mine and conditions best known by the
inventors. However, similar equipment is required in other mine
sites although it may not be exactly the same.
[0004] The equipment (or similar) described in this document is
required under the Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation (QLD)
2001 (the Regulation) enacted under the Coal Mining Safety and
Health Act 1999.
[0005] Most miners carry their essential equipment on a belt
secured around the user's waist. A fully equipped mining belt
weighs approximately 16.75 kilograms. Some of the equipment that
must be carried includes: [0006] Personal Emergency Device (PED)
and Cap Lamp battery--The battery powers the cap lamp used as a
personal light source in the mine. Any person entering a coal mine
is required under the Regulation to wear a cap lamp. The PED unit
is located on the top of the cap lamp battery. In the event of an
emergency, the PED can communicate withal persons underground
simultaneously with information regarding the situation and, if
required, instructions on evacuation procedures. [0007] The PED is
one of the more modern forms of underground communications and is
used only in some mines. Other sites do however have some type of
communication device that they would need to carry. [0008] Self
Rescuer--These items are a personal escape unit which are used in
the event of a fire or explosion. They provide the wearer with a
source of breathable air for a duration of approximately thirty
minutes, enabling the wearer to reach a longer capacity unit of
fresh air. All persons entering a coal mine must be carrying some
type of personal escape unit. [0009] Continuous Gas Monitoring
Instrument--these are battery-powered units which continually
monitor the immediate environment for hazardous gases at dangerous
levels. Not all mine personnel are required to carry a continuous
gas monitor. All Undermanagers and Deputies are required to carry
one. Other personnel are also required to carry this instrument.
[0010] Older Gas Detection equipment--older types of gas detection
equipment used in conjunction with glass detection tubes are often
carried. These tubes contain crystals that are sensitive to
different types of gases and undergo a colour change when the gas
is present. These devices do not require batteries or other power
source and can generally monitor a wider range of gases than newer
models. [0011] Whirling Hygrometer--this instrument is used to
measure effective air temperature. Fans and air moving equipment
are the only source of ventilation, temperature and humidity in an
underground mine and conditions may vary widely. This device is
used to monitor the safety of the work environment. [0012]
Velometer--this instrument measures air velocity and is used to
ensure that fans and air moving equipment are supplying adequate
air to move gases and keep the temperature at a workable level.
[0013] Tools--all mining personnel in an underground mine carry
tools of some sort. These may be simple multi-purpose tools or
specialist tools in the case of a tradesperson. [0014] Isolation
Locks, Multi-locks and Safety Clips--All mines have some sort of
isolation procedure and most mines use some kind of lock and key
system. The isolation locks and multi-locks are used together to
prevent or stop any person from operating or moving a machine or
piece of equipment while another person is repairing it or is in a
dangerous position relative to the equipment. [0015] Personal
Safety Wear--protective wear is required to be worn or carried by
all personnel on a mine site. Miners usually carry hearing
protection, dust masks, eye protection and gloves.
[0016] Reflective strips are also an essential part of the mining
personnel's clothing as all mines require that any person going
underground be visible from the front and back in a dark
environment.
[0017] As can be seen from the above list, a miner is required to
carry a lot of equipment. Generally, belts are used to carry all
the equipment or to attach the equipment thereto. As can be
appreciated, most miners use a belt as it allows them to keep their
hands free to work. There are however, a number of problems with
the belts.
[0018] Firstly, the belt has a limited amount of space in which to
attach equipment. This can lead to items being difficult to find or
attach. In an emergency situation, a miner may have so much safety
equipment that his safety is at issue, as he may not be able to
find the much-needed item quickly enough. As well as these
problems, the items to be attached to the belt can fall off and
become lost or are damaged by the fall. Some of the equipment to be
carried is expensive and may also be fragile. These items can be
damaged by knocking together or from impacts caused by striking the
ground or other hard objects.
[0019] A miner may also tend to assume that the item he needs is
attached to the belt. As there is so much equipment on the belt, a
cursory visual inspection may not reveal that a smaller, but no
less valuable item may be missing from the belt.
[0020] Also, the weight distribution of the belt may lead to
problems. These problems may be physical, from carrying so much
weight around for extended periods of time when there is no sharing
of the load. The weight is always borne by the same muscles and
this may lead to repetitive strain injuries or other long-term
problems.
[0021] Other belts have attempted to address this problem by
widening the belt, thus giving a larger weight distribution area,
or by adding braces or shoulder straps which may be clipped to the
belt. The shoulder straps can become tangled upon removing them
making it difficult to don the belt and shoulder straps
conveniently. The shoulder straps can also become snagged or caught
on projections.
[0022] As can be appreciated, a mine is a confined area and one in
which moving around can be difficult. For this reason, miners often
wear clothing that has a reduced chance of becoming caught on any
projecting items.
[0023] These attempts to improve the belts however, have not
overcome the problems. They have only moved the point(s) of weight
bearing or created additional problems.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0024] The present invention is directed to a clothing article,
which may at least partially overcome the abovementioned
disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial
choice.
[0025] In its broadest form, the invention resides in a clothing
article for attaching apparatus with increased availability and
better weight distribution.
[0026] In one preferred form, the invention resides in a clothing
article worn by miners for attaching apparatus with increased
availability and better weight distribution which comprises at
least one front portion and at least one rear portion, and at least
one attachment means for the releasable attachment of equipment
located on at least one of the portions.
[0027] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the
article comprises a clothing article to be worn by a user, a belt
associated with the clothing article, the belt having attachment
means for attaching equipment for use by the user, at least one
pocket attached to the clothing article, and at least one
attachment means, attached to the clothing article for the
releasable attachment of equipment, the attachment means comprising
a locking portion for attachment to the clothing article, the
locking portion having a bore, and a resilient spring plate
attached to the equipment for use by the user which may be
removably located in the bore, the spring plate having a shoulder
portion to abut the locking portion when in the bore, an angled
portion to bias the spring plate and a locking rebate movable
between a first locked position where the locking rebate abuts a
lower edge of the bore to lock the spring plate in place within the
bore, and a second released position where the locking rebate is
free from the lower edge of the bore.
[0028] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the vest
may or may not be worn with the belt. For instance, the vest may be
worn without the belt and still accomplish the objects of the
invention. The belt may or may not be attached to the vest. In a
preferred embodiment of the vest may be a stand-alone article for
use without a belt of any kind.
[0029] With the clothing article, the weight may be effectively
moved from the hip area by transferring equipment normally attached
to the belt to pockets or other attachment points positioned on the
clothing article or belt. This feature combined with the back and
shoulder support provided by the clothing article, leads to a more
secure means for carrying mining equipment with increased
availability and better weight distribution. Also the expensive
items may be more securely fastened to the vest or they may be
placed in pockets or similar pouches secured to the vest. Due to
the more even distribution of the equipment items on the vest, the
pockets or pouches can have flaps or other similar means that can
be secured about the equipment to enhance the security of the items
to the vest.
[0030] The clothing article may preferably take the form of a vest.
The clothing article may suitably be manufactured from a durable
fabric with sufficient strength to accomplish the attachment and
support of heavy items without ruining it.
[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the vest may
comprise three portions, a back portion and two separate but
releasably attachable side portions. The back portion may
preferably be an approximately singlet shaped piece having an
attachment means at each shoulder area for attaching each of the
side portions. The attachment means may preferably be Velcro or the
like.
[0032] The lower section of the back portion may preferably
incorporate a lumbar support belt which is adapted to be wrapped
about a wearer's lower torso. The lumbar support belt may suitably
be releasably fastened about a wearer's torso using fastening
means, for example Velcro fasteners or the like. The lumbar support
belt may be flexible and is preferably at least slightly
resilient.
[0033] At least one portion of the lumbar support belt may have
additional attachment means to attach the side portions of the vest
to the back portion of the vest. Preferably this may make the vest
size adjustable.
[0034] Each side portion of the vest may comprise attachment means
at an upper portion to attach to the attachment means of the upper
portion of the back portion of the vest. Each side portion of the
vest may also comprise attachment means at a lower portion to
attach to the attachment means provided on the lumbar support belt.
All attachment means may preferably be Velcro or the like.
[0035] The clothing article may preferably have at least one
support strap attached to it, which may provide better weight
distribution. There will typically be two support straps.
[0036] The clothing article may suitably be available in a variety
of sizes to suit a variety of users.
[0037] The clothing article may preferably be available in tight or
loose fitting styles, but should not have any freely flowing or
billowing sections to reduce the chance that the clothing article
may be caught in machinery or other equipment.
[0038] The clothing article may include one or more reinforced
areas to provide extra strength to the article. Preferably the
shoulders of the clothing article may be one such reinforced area.
The clothing article may suitably include one or more padded areas
to increase the comfort of the wearer. The most preferred portions
for padding are the shoulder regions and the hips. The padding may
be of any type suitable for the purpose.
[0039] The clothing article may preferably possess at least one
button, or a zip or Velcro in order to close the front or back of
the clothing.
[0040] There may also preferably be a clip means associated with
the clothing article when worn by a user, to attach or secure the
cable running from the cap lamp to the cap lamp battery. The clip
means may typically be attached to the back of the clothing
article.
[0041] The support straps may preferably be attached to the
clothing article. The support straps may also be integrally formed
with the clothing article. They may suitably be located as
extending substantially around the trunk of the wearer of the
clothing article. They may also be fully adjustable to allow a
comfortable fit for a variety of wearers.
[0042] Each support strap may suitably possess a clip at the front
of the clothing article when worn, to secure the support
straps.
[0043] The belt may preferably be attached to the clothing article.
The method of attachment may be releasable or permanent. This may
allow the clothing article to assist in the bearing of the weight
of the belt. The belt may also be formed integrally with the
clothing article.
[0044] Preferably, the belt may be secured to the vest through the
provision of elongate sleeve belt loops on the clothing article.
These sleeve belt loops may be more effective than conventional
belt loops for supporting a load. Each elongate sleeve belt loop
may preferably be an extra portion of the fabric of the clothing
article, attached to the clothing article in such a way as to
provide a tube type sleeve through which the belt may be
threaded.
[0045] The belt may suitably possess one or more attachment means
for attaching equipment thereto. There may suitably be more than
one type of attachment means associated with the belt. At least one
of the attachment means may preferably be of the type whereby the
equipment attached to it may be moved on the belt without removing
the equipment item from the belt or its attachment to the belt.
[0046] The belt may preferably be manufactured from a strong,
durable and supple material, preferably leather or an artificial
material similar to leather. The belt may have one or more padded
portions to increase wearer comfort. The belt may also possess an
enlarged section at the rear for additional back support.
[0047] Preferably the movement of a number of the equipment items
from the belt to the clothing article may allow the belt used
according to the present invention to be smaller in dimension than
a conventional mining belt. The belt may be thinner or smaller in
one or both of thickness and height of the belt.
[0048] The pockets may preferably be of any size or shape. They may
be formed of the same material as the clothing article or the belt.
They may preferably be sewn onto the clothing article but may be
integrally formed with the clothing article. Ideally, they may be
positioned about the clothing article in order to distribute the
weight and not confine the equipment to a smaller area.
[0049] One or more reflective portions may preferably be associated
with the clothing article.
[0050] The attachment means may suitably comprise a locking
portion, the locking portion having a bore, and a resilient spring
plate, attached to the equipment for use by the user, which may be
removably located within the bore, the spring plate having a
shoulder portion to abut the locking portion, an angled portion to
bias the spring plate and a locking rebate movable between a first
locked position where the locking rebate abuts a lower edge of the
bore to lock the spring plate in place within the bore, and a
second released position where the locking rebate is free from the
lower edge of the bore.
[0051] The attachment means may preferably be associated with an
article of clothing for the attachment of equipment. The attachment
means may suitably be sewn or riveted to the clothing in order to
secure the attachment means to the clothing.
[0052] The locking portion may preferably be formed of more than
one part. Most preferably there may be a flat backing plate and a
substantially U-shaped locking plate forming the bore when attached
to the backing plate. The bore may preferably be rectangular in
cross-section whether the locking portion is formed of one or more
parts.
[0053] The locking portion may suitably be substantially flat on
the clothing side in order to facilitate its attachment to the
clothing article.
[0054] The locking portion may preferably possess rounded edges.
The rounded edges may help reduce damage to both the clothing
article and a user by reducing injuries through accidental bumping
on sharp edges.
[0055] The locking portion may suitably be manufactured from a
lightweight but strong and durable material, preferably metal or
plastic. Of course, any material with suitable properties could be
used.
[0056] Preferably, as mentioned above, the bore in the locking
portion may be substantially rectangular in cross-section. This may
allow the spring plate to be located more easily in the bore. The
rectangular shape may also allow for manufacture of the locking
portion and spring plate more cheaply and more easily.
[0057] The spring plate may preferably be manufactured from a
lightweight but strong and durable material, preferably metal or
plastic. Of course, any material with suitable properties could be
used.
[0058] The spring plate preferably has an upper portion for
attachment to the equipment to be attached to the attachment means.
The spring plate may also be attached using the upper portion to
the cases of such equipment. The attachment to the equipment or
cases may take any necessary form though sewing or riveting is
preferred.
[0059] The shoulder portion of the spring plate may suitably be
located at the top of the bore when in use. This may assist in the
support of the equipment in the bore. The shoulder portion may also
preferably abut the locking portion when the spring plate is
located in the bore.
[0060] The shoulder portion may also be formed in a hook shape. In
this aspect the hook shape may allow the equipment to which the
spring plate is attached to hang from the locking portion even when
not in its first locked position.
[0061] The spring portion may preferably possess rounded edges. The
rounded edges may help reduce damage to the clothing and a user by
reducing injuries through accidental bumping on sharp edges. It may
also assist in the positioning of the spring plate within the bore
in conditions of low visibility.
[0062] The locking rebate may preferably extend transversely across
the spring plate. The locking rebate, when correctly positioned
within the bore, may extend away from the clothing to which the
locking portion is secured or towards it.
[0063] The spring plate may suitably be biased into the first
locked position.
[0064] The spring plate may preferably be formed with a release
portion adjacent the locking rebate which may facilitate the
movement of the spring plate from its first position to its second
position. The release portion may be formed as a tab portion so
that it may be pushed or pulled by a user's hand.
[0065] The release portion may be a part separate from the spring
plate but associated therewith. In this form the release portion
may extend through a slot in the spring plate and abut a lower
portion of the spring plate. The slot may provide a pivot point
about which the release portion may pivot and due to the abutment
of the lower portion of the spring plate, moving the release
portion may move the spring plate as well.
[0066] The release portion in this form may be attached to the
spring plate either releasably or permanently. This attachment may
be accomplished by any suitable means.
[0067] The release portion may be angled slightly away from the
clothing to which the locking portion is attached, to facilitate
either the location of the spring portion in the bore or for ease
of manipulation by a user. The release portion may also be equipped
with grip enhancing means.
[0068] In another preferred form, the invention resides in a mining
vest which comprises a front and a rear portion, at least one
pocket in the front portion, at least one attachment means in the
front portion for the releasable attachment of equipment, and a
mining belt which extends over a lower part of the mining vest and
is attachable thereto.
[0069] Suitably, the front portion of the clothing article has a
plurality of pockets. Pockets may also preferably be found on a
rear or side portion of the clothing article for carrying
additional or alternative equipment. The pockets can hold various
safety devices.
[0070] The mining vest may be provided with at least one horizontal
support strap. The support strap may extend from the rear portion
of the vest to the front portion of the vest. The support strap may
be provided with a buckle or other type of releasable attachment
means. Suitably, a pair of spaced apart horizontal support straps
are provided.
[0071] The mining vest as described above may suitably further
comprise an optional safety harness. The safety harness may
preferably be releasably attachable to one or more harness straps
associated with the vest and/or the belt. Alternatively, the
harness may preferably be integrally formed with the vest. Each
harness strap may comprise a ring member or the like to allow the
attachment of the harness. The attachment of the safety harness and
may preferably adapt the vest to be used as a safety harness when
working at a height such as from raised platforms or for use in
rescue situation such as working with rescue helicopters, for
example.
[0072] The vest may preferably further comprise at least one mesh
portion allowing the attachment of equipment and the like through
the use of a "cable tie" arrangement. Cable tie arrangements are
well-known in the field of defence force clothing and are used to
attach equipment to army "fatigue" clothing.
[0073] The vest may also preferably further comprise a "camel
back.TM." water storage or hydration system associated with the
back portion of the vest. In the embodiment of the invention which
is a single piece vest, the hydration system may be associated with
the vest as a whole.
[0074] While the above description is directed toward the clothing
article being a vest, it is to be appreciated that the clothing
article may also take other forms such as for example, a jacket or
other sleeved article of clothing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0075] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with
reference to the following drawings, in which:
[0076] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a preferred aspect of the
clothing article in the form of a vest.
[0077] FIG. 2 is rear elevation of a preferred aspect of the
clothing article in the form of a vest.
[0078] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the attachment means
according to an aspect of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 4 is a side view of the attachment means according to
an aspect of the invention showing the spring plate disposed within
the bore and free.
[0080] FIG. 5 is a side view of the attachment means according to
another aspect of the invention showing the spring plate disposed
within the bore and free.
[0081] FIG. 6 is a side view of the attachment means according to
yet another aspect of the invention showing the spring plate
disposed within the bore and free.
[0082] FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a multipart vest according to
a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0083] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a multipart vest according to
a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention.
BEST MODE
[0084] According to a first aspect, a clothing article for
attaching equipment thereto with increased availability and
improved weight distribution is provided.
[0085] According to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
clothing article 30 comprises a vest 30 to be worn by a user having
at least one releasable support strap 31 attached thereto for
weight distribution, a belt 32 associated with the vest 30, the
belt 32 having attachment means for attaching equipment 14 for use
by the user, at least one pocket 33 attached to the vest 30, and at
least one attachment means 10, attached to the vest 30 for the
releasable attachment of equipment 14, the attachment means having
a locking portion 11 for attachment to the vest 30, the locking
portion 11 having a bore 12, and a resilient spring plate 13
attached to the equipment 14 for use by the user, the spring plate
13 having a shoulder portion 15 to abut the locking portion 11, an
angled portion 16 to bias the spring plate 13 and a locking rebate
17 movable between a first locked position where the locking rebate
17 abuts a lower edge of the bore 18 to lock the spring plate 13 in
place within the bore 12, and a second released position where the
locking rebate 17 is free from the lower edge of the bore 18.
[0086] The vest 30 is manufactured from a durable fabric with
sufficient strength to accomplish the attachment and support of
heavy items without ruining.
[0087] The vest 30 does not have any freely flowing or billowing
sections to reduce the chance that the vest 30 may be caught in
machinery or other equipment.
[0088] The vest 30 possesses a zip in order to close the front of
the vest 30.
[0089] There is also a clip 34 on the back of the vest 30 when worn
by a user, to attach or secure the cable 35 running from the cap
lamp (not shown) to the cap lamp battery 36.
[0090] The support straps 31 are attached to the vest 30. They
extend substantially around the trunk of the wearer of the vest 30.
They are also fully adjustable to allow a comfortable fit for a
variety of wearers.
[0091] Each support strap has a clip attachment 37 at the front of
the vest 30 when worn, to secure the support straps 31. Ideally
there are two support straps.
[0092] The belt 32 is attached to the vest 30 to allow the vest 30
to assist in the bearing of the weight of the belt 32.
[0093] The belt 32 has a plurality of attachment means for
attaching equipment 14 thereto. There is more than one type of
attachment means associated with the belt 32. One of the attachment
means is designed to allow the equipment 14 attached to it to be
moved on the belt 32 without removing the equipment item 14 from
the belt 32 or its attachment with the belt 32.
[0094] The belt possesses an enlarged section 38 at the rear for
additional back support.
[0095] The pockets 33 may be of any size or shape. They are
positioned about the vest 30 in order to distribute the weight and
not confine the equipment 14 to a smaller area.
[0096] There are numerous reflective strips 39 spread over the
front and rear of the vest 30.
[0097] According to a second aspect of the invention, the vest as
illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 comprises three portions, a back
portion 40 and two separate but releasably attachable side portions
41, 42. The back portion 40 is an approximately singlet shaped
piece having an attachment means 43 at each shoulder area for
attaching each of the side portions 41, 42. The attachment means 43
is Velcro or the like.
[0098] The lower section of the back portion 40 incorporates a
lumbar support belt 44 which is adapted to be wrapped about a
wearer's lower torso. The lumbar support belt 44 is releasably
fastened about a wearer's torso using fastening means 45, for
example Velcro fasteners or the like. The lumbar support belt 44 is
flexible and is also at least slightly resilient.
[0099] At least one portion of the lumbar support belt 44 is
provided with additional attachment means 46 to attach the side
portions 41, 42 of the vest to the back portion 40 of the vest to
make the vest size adjustable.
[0100] Each side portion 41, 42 of the vest has attachment means 43
at an upper portion to attach to the attachment means 43 of the
upper portion of the back portion 40 of the vest. Each side portion
41, 42 of the vest also has attachment means 43 at a lower portion
to attach to the attachment means 46 provided on the lumbar support
belt 44. All attachment means are Velcro or the like.
[0101] One possible configuration for an attachment means, for the
releasable attachment of equipment 10 is also illustrated.
[0102] The attachment means as seen in FIGS. 3 and 4 comprises a
locking portion 11, the locking portion 11 having a bore 12, and a
resilient spring plate 13 attached to the equipment 14 for use by
the user. The spring plate 13 has a shoulder portion 15 to abut the
locking portion 11. It also has an angled portion 16 to bias the
spring plate 13 and a locking rebate 17 movable between a first
locked position where the locking rebate 17 abuts a lower edge 18
of the bore 12 to lock the spring plate 13 in place within the bore
12, and a second released position where the locking rebate 17 is
free from the lower edge 18 of the bore 12.
[0103] Two parts form the locking portion 11, a flat backing plate
19 and a substantially U-shaped locking plate 20 which forms the
bore 12 when attached to the backing plate 19. The bore 12 is
rectangular.
[0104] The locking portion 11 has rounded edges to help reduce
damage to the clothing and a user by reducing injuries through
accidental bumping on sharp edges.
[0105] The rectangular bore 12 in the locking portion allows the
spring plate 13 to be located more easily in the bore 12.
[0106] The shoulder portion 15 of the spring plate 13 is located at
the top of the bore 12 when in use. This assists in the support of
the equipment 14 in the bore 12. The shoulder portion 12 also abuts
the locking plate 20 when the spring plate 13 is located in the
bore 12.
[0107] The spring portion 13 possesses rounded edges to assist in
the positioning of the spring plate 13 within the bore 12 in
conditions of low visibility.
[0108] The locking rebate 17 extends transversely across the spring
plate 13. The locking rebate 17, when correctly positioned within
the bore, extends away from the backing plate 19 to which the
locking plate 20 is secured.
[0109] The spring plate 13 has an upper portion 21 for attachment
to the equipment 14 to be attached to the attachment means 10. The
spring plate 13 may also be attached via the upper portion 21, to
the cases of such equipment 14.
[0110] The spring plate 13 has a release portion 22 adjacent the
locking rebate 17 to facilitate the movement of the spring plate 13
from its first position to its second position. The release portion
22 is formed as a tab portion so that it may be pushed or pulled by
a user's hand.
[0111] The release portion 22 is angled slightly away from the
equipment 14 to which the locking portion 11 is attached to
facilitate either the location of the spring portion 13 in the bore
12 or for ease of manipulation by a user.
[0112] In another embodiment of the attachment means shown in FIG.
5, the shoulder portion 15 is formed in a hook shape. In this
aspect the hook shape allows the equipment 14 to which the spring
plate 13 is attached to hang from the locking plate 20 even when
not in its locked position.
[0113] In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the release portion
22 is a part separate from the spring plate 13 but attached
thereto. In this form the release portion 22 extends through a slot
23 in the spring plate 13 and abut a lower portion of the spring
plate 13. The slot 23 provides a pivot point about which the
release portion 22 pivots and due to the abutment of the lower
portion of the spring plate 13, moving the release portion 22 moves
the spring plate 13 as well.
[0114] The release portion 22 in this form is attached to the
spring plate 13 permanently.
[0115] In all embodiments of the attachment means illustrated, the
locking rebate 17 locks the spring plate 13 into the bore 12 by
locking against the edge of the bore 12 furthest from the backing
plate 19.
[0116] In the present specification and claims, the word
"comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and
"comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude
the inclusion of one or more further integers.
* * * * *