U.S. patent application number 12/421441 was filed with the patent office on 2012-07-12 for ballistic vest.
Invention is credited to Thomas Craffey.
Application Number | 20120174276 12/421441 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46454018 |
Filed Date | 2012-07-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120174276 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craffey; Thomas |
July 12, 2012 |
BALLISTIC VEST
Abstract
A protective garment having a system and method for wearing the
garment and removal thereof. A system for positioning ballistic
plates in the vest for proper orientation of the same.
Inventors: |
Craffey; Thomas; (Spokane
Valley, WA) |
Family ID: |
46454018 |
Appl. No.: |
12/421441 |
Filed: |
April 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61144664 |
Jan 14, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/2.5 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02 |
Claims
1. A ballistic protective garment comprising: a) a front panel and
a rear panel, b) wherein the front panel and rear panel are
configured to be separable and reconnectable from each other and
interoperate by way of repositionable connective members, c) at
least one of the front panel or rear panel having a front fabric
layer and a rear fabric layer such that an open region is formed
between the front fabric layer and the rear fabric layer, d)
wherein the front fabric layer and the rear fabric layers are
configured to be separable and re-connectable along at least one
edge,
2. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein the
repositionable connective members are comprised of hook and loop
fastener system.
3. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein the
repositionable connective members further comprise: a) at least two
releasable buckles; and b) wherein each buckle is coupled to a
length adjustment system to adjust the distance between the front
panel and the rear panel.
4. The ballistic protective garment of claim 3 wherein each buckle
is coupled to at least two independent length adjustment
systems.
5. The ballistic protective garment of claim 4 wherein each length
adjustment system comprises a hook and loop attachment system.
6. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein the
repositionable connective members comprise: a) at least one quick
release buckle; b) at least one length adjustment system.
7. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 further comprising a
single point harness for a firearm, the harness comprising: a) a
hook and loop fastener operatively configured to removably couple
to a shoulder position on the ballistic protective garment; b) a
quick release attachment operatively configured to removably couple
to a firearm; and c) a cord member extending between the hook and
loop fastener and the quick release attachment.
8. The ballistic protective garment of claim 7 wherein the cord
member comprises an elastic portion.
9. The ballistic protective garment of claim 8 wherein the elastic
portion is covered with an extendable, protective sleeve.
10. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein the front
layer and the rear layer are separable along a bottom edge, the
bottom edge being the edge at the lowermost portion while the
garment is worn by a user in an upright, standing position.
11. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein a chamber
formed by the front layer and rear layer is substantially the
entire dimension of the associated front panel or rear panel.
12. The ballistic protective garment of claim 15 wherein the
positioning system comprises hook and loop fasteners.
13. The ballistic protective garment of claim 12 wherein the hook
and loop fasteners substantially cover the entire interior surface
of the chamber.
14. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein a chamber
formed by the front layer and the rear layer is further separated
by a divider, the divider operatively configured to delineate the
chamber into a first pocket and a second pocket, wherein the first
pocket and the second pocket have substantially the same dimensions
as the associated front layer or rear layer.
15. The ballistic protective garment of claim 11 wherein the
chamber formed by the front layer and the rear layer comprises a
ballistic plate positioning system which is operatively configured
to allow a ballistic plate to be fixedly and positionably set
within the pocket.
16. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 wherein the front
panel and the rear panel are configured to be separable and
reconnectable along at least two shoulder positions and at least
two side positions.
17. The ballistic protective garment of claim 16 wherein the front
panel and the rear panel are configured to be separable and
reconnectable by way of hook and loop fastening systems.
18. The ballistic protective garment of claim 17 further
comprising: a) at least one locking flap operatively configured to
hinder accidental release of the hook and loop fastening systems;
b) a first grasping handle operatively configured to facilitate
release of the locking flap, and c) a second grasping handle
operatively configured to facilitate release of the front panel
from the rear panel at the associated connection position.
19. The ballistic protective garment of claim 18 wherein at least
one end of the first grasping handle is removably detachable from
the garment.
20. The ballistic protective garment of claim 1 further comprising
a carrier the carrier comprising: a) an exterior surface comprising
one portion of a hook and loop fastening system; b) an interior
surface; and c) a ballistic plate restraining system operatively
configured to removably and positionably restrain a rigid ballistic
plate within the interior surface of the carrier.
21-38. (canceled)
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional
Ser. No. 61/144,664, filed Jan. 14, 2009 incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
Field of the Disclosure
[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of ballistic resistant
garments, or vests which are designed to protect a wearer from
flying objects such as shrapnel, or bullets.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a ballistic protective
garment in one form being worn by a person;
[0004] FIG. 2 is an environmental view of a ballistic protective
garment in one form when the user is releasing the front panel from
the rear panel at the shoulder position;
[0005] FIG. 3 is an environmental view of a ballistic protective
garment in one form wherein the user is releasing the front panel
from the rear panel at the waist position;
[0006] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the front panel of a
ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0007] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the interior side of a rear
panel of a ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0008] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the exterior side of a rear
panel of a ballistic protective garment in one form with;
[0009] FIGS. 7-9 are isometric views of a series of steps to secure
a portion of a front panel to a rear panel in one form;
[0010] FIG. 10 is a hidden line view of a front panel of a
ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0011] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a ballistic plate positioned upon
an open carrier in one form;
[0012] FIG. 12 is a plan view of a ballistic plate positioned upon
a closed carrier in one form;
[0013] FIG. 13 is a hidden line view of a ballistic plate and
carrier combination being inserted into a front panel of a
ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0014] FIG. 14 is a partial cutaway and hidden line view of a front
panel of a ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0015] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the front panel of a
ballistic protective garment in one form;
[0016] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a removable handle in one
form;
[0017] FIG. 17 is a side view of a removable handle in one
form;
[0018] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a stock weld enhancement
device in one form;
[0019] FIG. 19 is an environmental view of a stock weld enhancement
device in one form positioned upon a garment being worn by a
user.
[0020] FIG. 20 is a view of a front panel of a ballistic resistant
vest in one form.
[0021] FIG. 21 is a view of a rear panel of a ballistic resistant
vest in one form.
[0022] FIG. 22 is a view of an attachment system in one form
connecting the front panel of FIG. 21 with the rear panel of FIG.
22
[0023] FIG. 23 is an environmental view of a user, utilizing a
rifle harness in one form.
[0024] FIG. 24 is a view of a rifle harness in one form.
[0025] FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the rifle harness of FIG. 24
in one form coupled to a ballistic resistant vest.
[0026] FIG. 26 is a front view of the rifle harness of FIG. 24 in
one form coupled to a ballistic resistant vest.
[0027] FIG. 27 is a view of another embodiment of a rifle harness
in one form.
[0028] FIG. 28 is a front view of the rifle harness of FIG. 27 in
one form coupled to a ballistic resistant vest.
[0029] FIG. 29 is a view of another embodiment of a rifle harness
in one form.
[0030] FIG. 30 is a view of a MOLLE attachment system on a panel of
a ballistic resistant vest in one form.
[0031] FIG. 31 is a detail view of a rifle sling coupled to a MOLLE
attachment system of FIG. 30.
[0032] FIG. 32 is a front view of the rifle harness of FIG. 29 in
one form coupled to a ballistic resistant vest.
[0033] FIG. 33 is a view of another embodiment of a rifle harness
in one form.
[0034] FIG. 34 is a front view of the rifle harness of FIG. 33 in
one form coupled to a ballistic resistant vest.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a ballistic protective garment 20 worn by a
user 22. Before beginning a detailed discussion of the posted
protective garment 20, there will first be a description of an axes
system 10 as shown in FIG. 4 generally comprising a vertical axis
12, a transverse axis 14, and a longitudinal axis 16. Each of these
axes is used to make description of the preferred embodiments more
readily understood, and are not intended to be limiting of the
scope of claimed concept.
[0036] In some instances, letter suffixes are utilized to denote
particular elements from a specified group. For example, the panel
extensions in general are labeled 36 while a particular panel
extension as shown in FIG. 5 is labeled 36B. Furthermore, the
orientation of hook and loop fastening systems may be reversed from
that shown. Once again, a particular arrangement has been disclosed
herein for ease in understanding, and may be reversed, or replaced
by an equivalent structure.
[0037] The ballistic protective garment 20 as shown in FIG. 1 is
operatively configured to be worn by a user 22 and is an
improvement in design and convenience over prior ballistic
protective garments. The ballistic protective garment 20 may be in
the form of a vest, and for ease in understanding will be so
described henceforth. One of the improved design characteristics of
the vest 20 is that the user 22 is able to separate the front panel
24 as shown in FIG. 4 from the rear panel 26 as shown in FIG. 5.
While prior patents including U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,314 allow a user
to adjust the vest at the waist portion, and possibly de-couple the
front portion of the vest from the rear portion at the waist, it
was not usually possible to completely remove the front panel 24
from the rear panel 26. In the field, it is often desired to so
remove said panels, such as when a user is injured and not able to
be positioned such that the vest can be removed over one's head. In
the course of such injuries, it will often be desired to remove the
vest 20 from the user 22 to gain access to the injured user 22. In
addition, there is a considerable amount of weight involved in the
vest 20, not only in its construction and ballistic resistance
components, but also any accessories attached thereto such as
ammunition, rations, firearms, and the like. Applicant has thus
devised a system which can be utilized to support the weight of the
vest 20 and accessories without any fear of accidental decoupling,
but also can be quickly and easily removable in most
situations.
[0038] Looking to FIG. 2, it can be seen how the user 22 is
beginning to release the front panel 24 from the rear panel 26 by
grasping one of the grasping handles 28 at the shoulder position
30. Looking to FIG. 3, the user 22 can be seen beginning to release
the front panel 24 from the rear panel 26 by grasping one of the
grasping handles 28 at the waist position 32. The particular
configuration and operation of this process will be disclosed in
detail.
[0039] Looking to FIG. 2, to release the front panel from the rear
panel in one form, the user 22 grasps the right shoulder outer
handle 230 with the user's right hand 232 and releases the right
shoulder outer handle 230 from the right shoulder securing member
234. The user 22 then exerts force upon the right shoulder outer
handle 230 in a forward direction 236. This releases the front
panel flap from the rear panel flap as will be discussed in more
detail later. It is quite convenient for most users to access the
right shoulder outer handle 230 with the right hand 232 as
described. The user will then have access to the inner grasping
handle 28B as shown in FIG. 7. The user can then grasp said
grasping handle 28B and release it from the panel extension 36A by
an upward force in an upward direction 238. A user would also be
able to enact such a release by exerting force rearwardly, however
given the equipment carried and the normal muscle configuration, a
user would have great difficulty exerting force in this direction.
Thus the apparatus is designed such that a force in an upward
direction 238 would enable such a release.
[0040] To release the front panel from the rear panel at the waist
position 32 of FIG. 3, the user 22 grasps the right waist outer
handle 240 with their right hand 232, or alternatively with their
left hand. The user then exerts force upon the right waist outer
handle 240 to release it from the right waist securing member 242,
and then exerts force in a forward direction 244. Exerting force
upon the right waist outer handle 240 in a forward direction 244
releases the outer panel extension of the front panel from the rear
panel. This allows access to an inner grasping handle 28B as shown
in FIG. 7. The user can then grab this inner grasping handle 28B
and force it in an outward direction 246 as shown in FIG. 3, thus
releasing the front panel from the rear panel at the right waist
position. Similar actions can be taken to release the left shoulder
position and left waist position.
[0041] Alternatively, the user could release the right and left
waist positions, leaving the shoulder positions connected and lift
the vest 20 over the user's head, which would allow the user to
reposition the vest without re-engaging the shoulder positions.
[0042] Now looking to FIG. 4, it can be seen how the front panel 24
in one form can be attached to the rear panel 26 of FIG. 5 at four
separate and distinct positions. These positions comprise a left
shoulder position 30A, a right shoulder position 306, a left waist
position 32A, and a right waist position 32B. In one form, each of
the attachment positions comprises a system of repositionable
connective members 34. These systems of repositionable connective
members 34 may in one form comprise hook-and-loop fastening systems
as shown, wherein each panel extension 36 comprises one half of the
hook-and-loop fastening system such as the loop portion 38 which is
operatively configured to engage a matching panel extension 36 on
the rear panel 26 which comprises the hook portion 40 (see FIG. 5)
of the hook-and-loop fastening system. To further secure the front
panel 24 to the rear panel 26, the panel is some forms may form a
locking flap 42 may be utilized to overlay the panel extension 36B
upon the rear panel 26.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that each flap generally
comprises a lengthwise dimension 272 which is generally aligned
between the panel in the handle and a crosswise dimension 274
generally perpendicular to the lengthwise dimension 272. At the
shoulder positions 30, each of the hook-and-loop fastener portions
comprise a pad which in one form is between 3 and 8 inches along
the crosswise dimension 274. Also at the shoulder positions 30,
each of the hook-and-loop fastener portions comprise a pad which in
one form is between 4 and 10 inches along the lengthwise dimension
272. Wherein the hook-and-loop pads at the waist positions 32 are
in the range of 7 inches along the lengthwise direction 272, this
allows for nearly 14 inches of adjustability along the lengthwise
direction 272. It is generally desired to leave at least one-inch
of each pad connected to the adjacent and matching pad to provide
sufficient connection between the front and rear panels.
[0044] Shown in FIG. 4 are grasping handles 44, which in one form
are attached to the panel extensions 36 and aid a user or other
personnel in releasing the system of repositionable connective
members 34. To keep the grasping handles 44 from accidentally
catching on environmental obstacles, which would be obviously
detrimental, a system of securing members is provided comprising a
first securing member 48 shown attached to the extension 36C and a
second securing member 50 attached to the grasping handle 44A as
shown in FIG. 4. In one form, the first and second securing members
48 and 50 comprise a hook-and-loop fastening system. The phantom
line 52 shows the grasping handle 44A in the stowed position,
wherein it is secured in place by the first securing member 48.
[0045] Looking now to the series of operations for attaching one
position of the vest shown in FIGS. 7-9, it can be seen how a first
panel extension 36A (as previously shown in FIG. 4) can be coupled
to a second panel extension 36B (as previously shown in FIG. 5). To
begin, the panel extension 36B is pressed upon the panel extension
36A and coupled thereto. In one form, each of the mating surfaces
comprises one-half of a hook-and-loop fastening system, although
other systems of repositionable connective members can be utilized.
Once in place and connected, the locking flap 42 is folded over the
panel extension 36B, thus further securing the two elements
together as the contacting faces would comprise repositionable
connective members. The grasping handle 28A remains exterior to the
connected assembly to be easily grasped by a user as shown in FIG.
9; however, the grasping handle 28B remains between the panel
extension 36A and the locking flap 50A, and thus cannot be
accidentally caught on exterior extrusions. In one form, the inner
handle may be positioned against the hook-and-loop portion where it
may be operated. Thus in one form it may be desired to coat the
inner and/or outer handles with a friction reducing compound. It
may be desired to arrange the grasping handle 28B as shown in FIG.
8, to include a folded portion 60 such that the grasping handle 28B
will not interfere with the fastening system but will still be
available to be grasped when it is desired to release the panel
extension 36A from the panel extension 36B. As previously
discussed, a securing member 48A can be utilized to hold the
grasping handle 28A in position adjacent to the locking flap 58.
This maintains the grasping handle 28A in a stowed orientation
wherein it will not substantially hinder the user 22.
[0046] Another novel feature of the ballistic protective garment 20
as disclosed and shown in FIG. 15 is the ability to favorably
position a ballistic plate 60 within a chamber of the vest 20. It
can be seen how the front panel 24 comprises a front fabric layer
62 and a rear fabric layer 64. These two layers 62 and 64 result in
an open region or chamber 66, which in one form is substantially
the same height and width of the front panel 24. Previously
designed ballistic resistance garments having removable ballistic
plates often utilize a pocket formed as a portion of the front or
rear panels which was substantially the same dimension as the
ballistic plate to be inserted thereto. Applicant has designed a
novel system wherein the ballistic plate 60 may be smaller than,
and can be positioned within, the chamber 66. The vertical 12 and
transverse 14 position of the ballistic plate 60 can be adjusted
and fixed in place relative to the chamber 66 as desired to enhance
design and convenience to the user as well as to optimize the
position of the ballistic plate 60 for safety.
[0047] Looking to FIG. 10, it is disclosed that while the front
panel 24 of the vest 20 comprises the fabric layers 62 and 64
previously discussed. These fabric layers may be secured to each
other by sewing or other methods along the majority of the
perimeter edge 63. It may be desired to include a re-connectable
edge 64 such as along the lowermost edge of the vest 20. This
re-connectable edge 64 comprises a fastening system 67, such as a
hook-and-loop fastening system similar to that previously
discussed. Returning to FIG. 15, it can be seen how the loop
portion 68 may be affixed to a portion of the front fabric layer
62, while the hook portion 70 may be affixed to the rear fabric
layer 64, thus forming a re-connectable edge 64 which allows the
ballistic plate 60 to be positioned within the chamber 66.
[0048] It may also be desired to divide the chamber 66 into a first
pocket 72 and a second pocket 74, as shown in FIG. 15. This is
accomplished by including a divider 76, which may be a fabric layer
coupled along the perimeter edge 63 to the front fabric layer 62
and to the rear fabric later 64. This divider 76 will allow a soft
armor plate 78 to be disposed within the first pocket 72 and leave
the second pocket 74 available for a rigid ballistic plate 60 as
previously discussed. It will normally be desired to have the soft
armor plate 78 closer to the user than the rigid armor plate 60 in
use. Also as previously discussed, the re-connectable edge 64 can
be utilized such as by a loop portion 80 coupled to the front
fabric layer 62 and a hook portion 82 affixed to the divider 76. To
facilitate separation of the fastening system 80/82, a handle 84
may be provided. Thus to open the first pocket 72, the
hook-and-loop portion 68/70 is decoupled, and to further gain
access to the second pocket 74, the handle 84 may be grasped such
that the hook-and-loop fastening system 80/82 can be decoupled,
exposing the second pocket 74 for access to or removal of the
ballistic plate 60.
[0049] To facilitate placement of the ballistic plate 60 within the
second pocket 74, a ballistic plate positioning system 86 is
disclosed wherein the interior surface 88 of the second pocket 74
comprises a first part of the ballistic plate positioning system
86, such as the hook portion of a hook-and-loop fastening system.
It may be traditionally desired to have another interior surface 90
also covered by the same fastening system to further enhance
positioning of the ballistic plate 60. The loop portion 92 of the
ballistic plate positioning system 86 may be affixed to the
exterior surface 94 of the ballistic plate 60. This will allow the
ballistic plate 60 to be positioned within the chamber 66 such that
upon an initial installation, the vertical 12 and transverse 14
position of the ballistic plate 60 can be set to the desired design
and convenience of the user.
[0050] As an alternative to affixing the hook portion 92 directly
to the ballistic plate 60, a carrier 96 may be provided as shown in
FIG. 11 which in one form substantially wraps around the ballistic
plate 60 and comprises on its exterior surface 98 the loop portion
100 which is operatively configured to couple to the inner surface
88 and/or 90 within the pocket 74. To install the ballistic plate
60 using the carrier 96, the ballistic plate 60 is placed upon the
interior surface 102 of the carrier 96. The interior surface 102
may include a friction-enhancing material to reduce slippage of the
ballistic plate 60 relative to the interior surface 102 of the
carrier 96. Once the ballistic plate 60 is in place as shown in
FIG. 11, the lower extension 104 may be folded over the upper
surface 106 of the ballistic plate 60 such that the lower tabs 108
are against the upper surface 106 of the ballistic plate 60. As
shown in FIG. 12, the upper extension 110 is then folded over the
ballistic plate 60 and the upper tabs 112 are engaged with the
lower tabs 108. To facilitate this, the upper tabs 112 and lower
tabs 108 comprise a hook portion 114 and a loop portion 116.
Furthermore, the upper tabs 112 and lower tabs 108 may be
positioned in a crisscross-type orientation as shown in FIG.
12.
[0051] To install the carrier package 118 comprising the ballistic
plate 60 and carrier 96 into the second pocket 74, the fastening
system 66 previously discussed must first be released. Access is
then gained to the second pocket 74. The hook portions 88/90 may
have become attached to each other and must be separated prior to
inserting the ballistic plate and/or carrier. Once the hook
portions 88/90 are separated, the carrier package 118 can be set
within the second pocket 74 in the desired location. To facilitate
this, it may be desired to provide a barrier material, such as a
layer of cardboard, between the loop portion 100 of the carrier
package 118 and the interior surfaces 88 and 90 of the second
pocket 74 until the carrier package 118 is properly positioned,
upon which the barrier material is removed. To remove the ballistic
plate 60, the entire carrier package 118 may be removed, or
alternatively, the upper tabs 112 and lower tabs 108 can be
released and the ballistic plate 60 removed while the carrier 96
remains in the second pocket 74. This will allow quick and easy
removal and replacement of the ballistic plate 60 to its former
position.
[0052] While it may be desired to have the grasping handles 44
permanently attached to the vest 20, it may alternatively be
desired to have the grasping handles 44 arranged as shown in FIGS.
16 and 17. As shown, the grasping handles may comprise a removable
portion 120. For example, a first end 122 of the grasping handle 44
may comprise a fastening system wherein the first end 122 is placed
upon a receiving structure or fastening system 124 which is
configured to removably retain the first end 122 in place. The
receiving structure 124 may comprise a hook portion 126 of a
hook-and-loop fastening system wherein the loop portion is disposed
on the first end 122 of the grasping handle 44. Once in place, a
locking flap 128 may be positioned over the first end 122, further
securing the first end 122 in place. Once again, a hook-and-loop
system 130 can be utilized. This removable portion 120 allows the
grasping handle 44 to become at least partially detached from the
extension 36 when it is caught upon an environmental extrusion as
the user passes therethrough. Of course if the removable portion
120 is provided on both ends of the grasping handle 44, it would be
possible for the grasping handle 44 to become completely detached
from the extension 36.
[0053] Now looking to FIG. 18, a stock weld enhancement device 200
is disclosed, which is operatively configured to couple to the
ballistic protective garment 20 as shown in FIG. 19 upon a shoulder
position 202. Looking now to FIG. 18, the stock weld enhancement
device 200 is shown and generally comprises a user contact surface
204 which, when in position, lies against the garment 20. The user
contact surface 204 may be planar or may be curved to conform to
the user. Also shown is a proximal side 206 which is configured to
face towards the centerline of a user and a distal side 208 which
is transversely opposite from the proximal side 206. Also shown is
a top side 210 generally on the vertical upward surface and a
bottom side 212 vertically opposite the top side 210. Also shown is
a rifle engagement surface 214 which is operatively configured to
engage the butt end of a rifle or other firearm when in use by a
user. Positioned between the rifle engagement surface 214 and a
user contact surface 204 is a recoil pad 216. The recoil pad 216 is
operatively configured to absorb some of the recoil shock generated
by the rifle when it is fired. In one form, the stock weld
enhancement device 200 is a unitary structure such that the stock
weld enhancement device comprises the recoil pad 216. The recoil
pad 216 in one form has a durometer rating of approximately 65. To
enhance frictional engagement between the butt end of the rifle and
the rifle engagement surface 214, a friction-enhancing surface may
be utilized such as a series of ridges 218 and troughs 220. One of
the major functions of the stock weld enhancement device 200 is
that it allows a user to quickly and efficiently position the butt
end of the rifle against the user's shoulder. This positioning of
the butt end of the rifle against the user's shoulder is commonly
called the stock weld, and it is desired for accuracy to have the
stock weld be in the proper position each and every time the user
raises his rifle to a usable position. To assist in this, the stock
weld enhancement device 200 comprises a bottom flange 222 to
properly position the rifle along the vertical axis 12 and a side
flange 224 to assist the user to properly position the butt end of
the rifle along the transverse axis 14. All the user needs to do to
achieve a proper stock weld is to position the butt end of the
rifle against the rifle engagement surface 214, allowing the side
of the stock to rest vertically against the bottom flange 222 and
provide sufficient force that one side of the stock of the rifle
rests against the side flange 224. To avoid any mis-positioning
effected by dirt or debris, a channel 226 may be provided between
the rifle engagement surface 214 and the side flange 224.
[0054] As shown, the rifle engagement surface 214, may not be
parallel to the user contact surface 204 but rather may be angled
such that the rifle engagement surface 214 is substantially
vertical when the user is in an upright standing position. This
configuration provides for a better stock weld between the rifle
and the user.
[0055] It is often desired for a soldier or other user 22 to shoot
around the corners of buildings or other obstacles without
presenting a substantial profile. This is normally accomplished by
rotating one's shoulder forward such that the butt end of the rifle
rests against the user's upper arm adjacent the shoulder rather
than against the shoulder itself. This makes achieving a proper or
stock weld problematic at best. The stock weld enhancement device
200 as shown comprises the side flange 224 which allows a user to
rest the side portion of the stock of the rifle against the rifle
engagement surface 214 and the butt end of the rifle against the
side flange 224. This allows the user to shoot laterally across
one's body such that the recoil of the rifle is transmitted through
the side flange 224. In this configuration, it is much desired to
have the stock weld enhancement device fixedly coupled to the user
22. To achieve this, the stock weld enhancement device may be
permanently attached via rivets, bolts or other adhesive methods to
a vest 20. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 18, a plurality of
openings 228 are provided near the user contact surface 204 to
allow for a MOLLE system to be utilized to connect the stock weld
enhancement device to the vest 20.
[0056] Looking now to FIG. 32, a rifle sling 248 is shown which
generally comprises a sling cord 250, and a connector portion 252
which connects to a rifle. The belt portion connects to the garment
20 on at least one sidebelow the level of an armhole 256. Prior art
rifle slings generally either went over the user's shoulder or
around the user's head such that the sling could be quickly and
easily removed when it was desired to utilize the rifle in a
shooting position. More recent rifle slings attach near the
shoulders of the user and allow the user to shoot from a right-hand
and/or left-hand position while standing or prone without releasing
the sling. As the prior art sling was attached to the user on or
about the user's shoulders, when the user leaned forward the rifle
would interfere with the user's hands as it hung below the level of
the user's shoulder and would swing outward from the user's chest
in so doing. This disclosure relates to a sling as previously
mentioned, which in one form attaches on at least one side, below
an armhole 256. In this arrangement, as the user 22 leans forward,
the rifle will not swing outward from the user's chest but will
remain substantially close to the user.
[0057] In one form, the sling 248 utilizes a sling cord 250 which
comprises an elastic portion. The elastic portion in one form could
extend from the one of the rear anchor position 258 as shown in
FIG. 31 around the user's torso to the front of the user 22. Thus
when it is desired to position a rifle to a shoulder position, the
sling cord 250 will extend to allow such movement. This may result
in a slightly downward force as a result of the extended elastic
portion which should be easily overcome by most users in the
field.
[0058] In one form as shown in FIG. 33, the connector portion 252,
which connects the cord 250 with the rifle 254, comprises a sliding
loop 262 which generally wraps around the sling cord 250 and allows
the connector portion 252 to slide along the sling cord 250. This
allows the user 22 to shoot from either side of the body. The
connector portion 252 in one form, also comprises a connective
member 264 which may be a part of the sliding loop 262 and may
connect the sliding loop 262 with a swivel 266. The swivel 266 may
not be necessary, but may be desired in some forms. In one form,
the swivel 266 connects the connective member 264 with a quick
release clip 268 or equivalent structure. In one form as shown in
FIG. 26, the swivel 266 couples to a rifle as a single point
harness, however, other attachment methods could also be
utilized.
[0059] In one form, the sling 248 pulls against the rear panel 26
of the vest 20. In one form, at least one anchor position 258 is
provided on the rear panel 26, such as a loop of cord or webbing. A
conventional MOLLE loop 259 system can be utilized as shown in
FIGS. 30 and 31. To connect the cord 250 to the anchor position 258
in one form as shown in FIG. 34, a clip 269 or loop may be provided
at either end of the belt 250, or a portion of the sling cord 250
may. Clips 269 in one form allow the user 22 to quickly release one
or both ends of the cord 250 from the vest 20.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 29, to allow the user 22 to adjust the
length of the cord 250 for comfort or ease of use, an adjustable
buckle 260 may be provided. The adjustable buckle 260 may utilize a
non-elastic portion 270 of the cord 250 such as a length of webbing
which may in one form extend from the clip 269 to the adjustable
buckle 260. In one form, the adjustable buckle 260 also comprises a
quick-release mechanism which allows the user to disengage the
rifle 254 from the cord 250 by simply releasing this quick-release
mechanism on the adjustable buckle 260 and sliding the sliding loop
262 off of the cord 250 past the remaining portion of the
adjustable buckle 260.
[0061] In one form, the sling 248 as shown in FIGS. 32 and 34, has
additional advantages. One advantage is that the weight of the
sling 248 and rifle is translated to the rear panel 26 and not to
the shoulders or neck of the user 22 as encountered in prior art
slings. Thus the weight of the assembly pulls on the rear panel 26
below the lumbar arch of the user, and wherein a ballistic plate is
provided as part of the rear panel 26, the assembly functions to
pull the ballistic plate and rear panel 26 closer to the user,
distributing the weight of the assembly across the user's back, and
actually increases comfort of the user and safety the rear panel 26
tends to move with the user 22 rather than as a separate unit. This
can also be enhanced by tightening the fit of the vest 20 as
previously discussed.
[0062] Looking to FIG. 27, another version of a sling 280 is
conceived wherein a first end 282 of the sling 280 comprises a
hook-and-loop connector portion 284. This hook-and-loop connector
284 comprises a first side 286 having a loop portion of the
hook-and-loop fastener thereupon, and a second side 288 having the
hook portion of the hook-and-loop connector thereupon. In one form,
the hook-and-loop connector portion 284 is configured to attach at
a shoulder region 290 as shown in FIG. 28 and allow the sling 280
hang directly downward therefrom when the rifle 254 is not being
held in place by the user. As previously described, the opposite
end of the sling 280 may terminate in a swivel 266 and/or a clip
268 which fastens to the rifle 254. To ensure that the second end
292 of the sling 280 does not get caught on environmental or other
extrusions, the second end 292 may be covered by a protective
covering 294 such as a shrink wrap plastic coating, tool dip
covering, or any other sort of protective covering. Looking to FIG.
25, it can be seen how the hook-and-loop connector 284 in one form
may be fastened to the shoulder position connective members as
previously described. In one form, a portion of the sling 280 may
pass through an opening 296 disposed between a first seam 298 and a
second seam 300. This allows the sling 280 to remain in position
upon the front panel 302 when the front panel 302 is released from
the rear panel 304.
[0063] In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 24-26, both ends of a
sling 306 may attach to the shoulder positions as described above.
In this way, the rifle 254 will generally hang along the centerline
308 of the user as shown when the rifle 254 is not held in
position. This is opposed to the embodiment shown in FIG. 28 when
the rifle 254 in a hanging state is obviously substantially to one
side of the centerline 308.
[0064] As also previously discussed, a portion of the sling 306 may
comprise an elastic cord 310 to allow the rifle to be positioned
beyond the static extremities of the slide cord.
[0065] Another embodiment is conceived which combines two of the
above-mentioned styles of slings. This combination embodiment is
shown in FIG. 29 and is shown in use in FIG. 32. As previously
discussed, the first end 310 of the sling 312 terminates in the
hook-and-loop connector 284 described above. Once again a sliding
loop 262 is utilized which may also have a protective covering 294
and terminate in a clip 268. The second end 314 of the sling 312
terminates in some sort of fastener such as to attach to the MOLLE
loops 259 on the back portion of the vest. In one form, both ends
may connect to the MOLLE system of the garment. As shown in FIG.
29, a portion of the sling 312 forms a loop 316 which utilizes an
adjustable buckle 260 to attach to the MOLLE loops 259. When
desired, at least one quick-release buckle 318 is utilized to
substantially separate the sling 312 into a first elastic end 320
and a second end 322 for quick removal of the sliding loop 262. In
one form, another loop 324 may be formed to attach the elastic
portion 320 to the buckle 318 and terminate in a sealed portion 326
utilized for the same purposes as those of the sealed covering 294
previously discussed.
[0066] This embodiment shown in FIGS. 29 and 32 has an added
advantage in that as the rifle is released and hangs from the sling
312 by gravity, it tends to reposition below the armhole 256 and
generally slide underneath the user's arm and away from the
centerline 308, effectively putting the rifle out of the way of the
user where it no longer hampers the use of his arms or hands, and
does not substantially hinder movement by walking or running.
[0067] Looking now to FIGS. 20-22, a different embodiment is
disclosed for attaching the front panel 328 to a rear panel 330 of
a vest 332. Looking to FIG. 20, the front panel 328 comprises on
each side a first portion 334 of the attachment system 336. This
first portion comprises a front strap 338 which is connected to the
front panel 328 at a waist position 32. This front strap may be
secured to the front panel 328 by way of stitches or other
connective means. The first portion 334 further comprises in one
form a female buckle portion 340 which is operatively configured to
couple to the male buckle 342 of the rear panel 330 as shown in
FIG. 21. The rear panel 330 comprises the second portion 344 of the
adjustment system 336 on one side. This second portion 344
generally comprises a plurality of lower straps 346 and upper
straps 348. Each of these attachments comprises an inner loop 350
which is attached to the rear panel 330 by stitching or other
attachment methods. Attached to the inner loop 350 is an adjustment
buckle 352 which comprises an O-ring, D-ring, or other similar
configuration. Connecting the adjustment buckle 352 to the male
buckle 342 is an outer loop 354. This outer loop terminates at the
male buckle 342 and passes through the adjustment buckle 352 and
reconnects by way of a hook-and-loop fastener portion wherein a
loop portion 356 is operatively configured to connect to a hook
portion 358. A detail of this connection is shown in FIG. 22. This
arrangement allows for multiple degrees of adjustment between the
front panel 328 and rear panel 330 and allows the vest 332 to be
removed by the user by way of the buckle 360 comprising the female
buckle portion 340 and male buckle 342.
[0068] While the present invention is illustrated by description of
several embodiments and while the illustrative embodiments are
described in detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to
restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to
such detail. Additional advantages and modifications within the
scope of the appended claims will readily appear to those sufficed
in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not
limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and
methods, and illustrative examples shown and described.
Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without
departing from the spirit or scope of applicants' general
concept.
* * * * *