U.S. patent application number 13/305243 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for quick release mechanism for garment.
This patent application is currently assigned to BAE SYSTEMS AEROSPACE & DEFENSE GROUP INC.. Invention is credited to Lloyd Bill Darnell, Kevin Flynn, Kenneth W. Sego, JR., Ken Von Der Ahe.
Application Number | 20120297527 13/305243 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47218186 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120297527 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Darnell; Lloyd Bill ; et
al. |
November 29, 2012 |
Quick Release Mechanism for Garment
Abstract
A garment such as a plate carrier has a front part and a back
part which are held together by a plurality of buckles. The buckles
are releasable manually, and also are simultaneously releasable as
a group via a quick release mechanism that includes an actuator
cord extending through a plurality of rings. Reassembly of the
garment after actuation of the quick release mechanism is effected
by buckling the plurality of buckles.
Inventors: |
Darnell; Lloyd Bill;
(Gilbert, AZ) ; Sego, JR.; Kenneth W.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; Flynn; Kevin; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Von Der
Ahe; Ken; (Gilbert, AZ) |
Assignee: |
BAE SYSTEMS AEROSPACE & DEFENSE
GROUP INC.
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
47218186 |
Appl. No.: |
13/305243 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61417680 |
Nov 29, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
2/455 ;
24/302 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A44B 11/2519 20130101;
A41D 2400/44 20130101; Y10T 24/318 20150115; A44B 11/266 20130101;
F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
2/455 ;
24/302 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/00 20060101
F41H001/00; A44B 11/25 20060101 A44B011/25 |
Claims
1. A quick release plate carrier to be worn by a soldier, the plate
carrier having a front part and a back part which are held together
by a plurality of buckles, each one of the plurality of buckles
being individually releasable manually, all of the buckles being
simultaneously releasable as a group via a quick release mechanism
on the plate carrier in response to a single application of pulling
force on a lanyard mechanism.
2. A plate carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein the quick
release mechanism has an unactuated condition and an actuated
condition, and including an actuator cord extending through a
plurality of rings when the quick release mechanism in both the
unactuated condition and the actuated condition, reassembly of the
plate carrier after actuation of the quick release mechanism being
effected by buckling the plurality of buckles.
3. A mechanism as set forth in claim 2 wherein the plurality of
rings are floating rings that float above a support plate that is
part of the quick release mechanism and that is fixed in position
in the plate carrier.
4. A plate carrier as set forth in claim 1 wherein: each one of the
buckles is individually engageable in a first manner when the
garment is being donned thereby to connect the two parts of the
garment to each other for wear by a soldier; each one of the
buckles is individually releasable manually thereby to disconnect
the two parts of the garment from each other when the garment is
being doffed; the plurality of buckles are releasable as a group in
response to the single application of force thereby to disconnect
the two parts of the garment from each other, while the garment is
being worn; and the plurality of buckles are individually
engageable in the first manner thereby to re-connect the two parts
of the garment to each other for wear by the soldier, after the two
parts of the garment have been disconnected by releasing the
connectors as a group.
5. A plate carrier as set forth in claim 1 comprising: a plurality
of lanyards, each one of the plurality of lanyards being connected
with a respective one of the plurality of buckles in a
force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that a pulling
force on the lanyard results in release of the associated buckle; a
plurality of rings, each one of the plurality of rings being
connected with a respective one of the plurality of lanyards in a
force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that a pulling
force on the ring results in a pulling force on the lanyard; an
actuator cord extending through the plurality of rings in a
force-transmitting relationship with the plurality of rings in a
manner such that a pulling force on the actuator cord results in a
pulling force on the plurality of rings; and a pull tab that is on
the garment and that is connected with the actuator cord in a
force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that a pulling
force on the pull tab results in a pulling force on the actuator
cord.
6. A quick release mechanism for a garment having a front part and
a back part that are held together by a plurality of buckles for
wearing by a soldier, each one of the plurality of buckles being
individually engageable manually and individually releasable
manually, all of the buckles being simultaneously releasable as a
group via the quick release mechanism, the quick release mechanism
comprising: a plurality of lanyards, each one of the plurality of
lanyards being connected with a respective one of the plurality of
buckles in a force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that
a pulling force on the lanyard results in release of the associated
buckle; a plurality of rings, each one of the plurality of rings
being connected with a respective one of the plurality of lanyards
in a force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that a
pulling force on the ring results in a pulling force on the
lanyard; an actuator cord extending through the plurality of rings
in a force-transmitting relationship with the plurality of rings in
a manner such that a pulling force on the actuator cord results in
a pulling force on the plurality of rings; and a pull tab that is
on the garment and that is connected with the actuator cord in a
force-transmitting relationship in a manner such that a pulling
force on the pull tab results in a pulling force on the actuator
cord.
7. A mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein the pulling force on
the actuator cord cause the actuator cord both to move through the
rings and to move the rings bodily to pull on the lanyards.
8. A mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein the actuator cord is
not removed from any of the rings when the quick release mechanism
is actuated so that no reassembly or re-threading of the actuator
cord is needed, and reassembly of the plate carrier is effected by
buckling the plurality of buckles.
9. A mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein the actuator cord
comprises a single length of flexible material that extends between
the pull tab and all the rings.
10. A mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein the actuator cord
comprises a first length of flexible material that extends between
the pull tab and a central ring, and at least one additional length
of flexible material that extends between the central ring and the
remaining rings.
11. A mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein the plurality of
rings are floating rings that float above a support plate that is
part of the quick release mechanism and that is fixed in position
in the garment.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/417,680, filed Nov. 29, 2010,
the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This application relates to a quick release mechanism for a
garment. In particular, this application relates to a quick release
mechanism for a garment worn by a soldier, which garment must be
capable of being removed almost instantly in an emergency
situation. This type of garment is often called a "quick release
vest".
[0003] One type of garment that can advantageously employ a quick
release mechanism is a plate carrier, which is a garment configured
basically as a vest and specifically designed to carry body armor
panels. These panels can be soft armor but are often hard armor
plates, which offer more protection but are quite heavy. Because
hard armor plates are heavy, they can dangerously weigh down a
soldier who, for examples, falls into water. In such a situation,
the soldier needs to be able to remove the plate carrier very
quickly and easily. Removing the plate carrier (or allowing it to
fall off the soldier) can allow the soldier to survive. Quick and
easy removal of the plate carrier is desirable in other
circumstances also, such as when a solider needs to be given
emergency medical attention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a plate carrier, shown in laid-flat
condition, that includes a quick release mechanism in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0005] FIGS. 2-4 are a series of views of an exemplary buckle that
is included in the plate carrier of FIG. 1 and that is actuatable
by the quick release mechanism; and
[0006] FIG. 5 is a view of the quick release mechanism as included
in a portion of the plate carrier;
[0007] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the quick release mechanism;
and
[0008] FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 of a quick release
mechanism that is a second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a quick release mechanism
for a garment. In particular, this application relates to a quick
release mechanism for a garment worn by a soldier, which garment
must be capable of being removed almost instantly in an emergency
situation. This type of garment is often called a "quick release
vest". A plate carrier often forms an integral portion of a vest
that is worn by a soldier. Alternatively, a plate carrier can be a
stand-alone garment. The present invention is applicable to both
types of garments, and can also be used with a vest or other
garment that is not carrying armor. As representative of the
invention, without limiting, the drawings illustrate a plate
carrier 10 including a quick release mechanism 12 (FIGS. 5 and 6)
that is a first embodiment of the invention.
[0010] The plate carrier 10 (FIG. 1) is designed in two parts, a
front part 20 and a back part 30, with the quick release mechanism
12 securing them together in a manner as described below. In
accordance with the present invention, the two plate carrier parts
20 and 22 can easily be attached to each other in a secure manner
when donning the garment, then can be almost instantly released
from each other so that the two parts can fall off the soldier to
unburden the soldier. The two plate carrier parts 20 and 22 can
also be manually released from each other, at a more measured pace,
to remove the plate carrier, in the normal course of doffing the
garment.
[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, the front part 20 of the
plate carrier 10 includes or supports the quick release mechanism
12, which is not visible in FIG. 1 because it is enclosed within
the garment. Alternatively, a quick release mechanism of the
present invention might be included at least partially or
completely in a back part of a garment such as a plate carrier.
[0012] The front part 20 of the plate carrier 10 has left and right
side sections 32 and 34 that extend rearward from the central
section; and left and right shoulder straps 36 and 38 that extend
upward and rearward.
[0013] The back part 22 of the plate carrier 10 has left and right
side sections 42 and 44 that extend forward from the central
section; and left and right shoulder straps 46 and 48 that extend
upward and forward.
[0014] Four buckles 50, 52, 54 and 56 on the front part 20 of the
plate carrier 10 releasably join the front part of the plate
carrier to the back part 22 of the plate carrier. The first buckle
50 is located on the left front shoulder strap 36. The second
buckle 52 is located on the right front shoulder strap 38. The
third buckle 54 is located on the left side section 32 of the front
carrier part 20. The fourth buckle is located on the right side
section 34 of the front carrier part 20.
[0015] The first buckle 50 is manually engageable with a first
tongue 50a that is located on the left back shoulder strap 46. (The
first buckle 50 and the first tongue 50a are identical in
construction and operation to the other three buckles and tongues,
and so will be described here in detail.) When the first buckle 50
is engaged with the first tongue 50a, the left front and left back
shoulder straps 36 and 46, respectively, are releasably connected
to each other. The engagement process is as simple as inserting the
tongue 50a into the buckle 50, a known procedure such as is
involved in buckling a seat belt or a strap on a backpack.
[0016] In accordance with the present invention, the first buckle
50 can be released from the first tongue 50a in either one of two
different manners as described below--manually via a manual
actuator, or in an emergency via a quick release actuator. One
specific type of buckle that can be used in the present invention
is shown in detail in FIGS. 2-4. Other types of buckles can be
used, so long as they are actuatable to release both manually and
via a lanyard or cable.
[0017] The buckle 50 (female lock element), together with the
tongue 50a (male lock element), form a buckle assembly 51. The
tongue 50a has an arrow-shaped end portion 60 that includes two
buckle locking surfaces that engage two locking pawls 64. The pawls
64 are supported for pivotal movement relative to a housing 68. A
lock spring/ejection spring 70 in the housing 68 extends between
the pawls 64 and biases them to a position as shown in FIG. 8. The
spring 70 is preferably a tension coil spring held in tension
between the pawls 64.
[0018] The pawls 64 contain protrusions 72 on their ends opposite
the locking portion, that serve as side-release actuation surfaces.
Thus, the pawls 64 can be disengaged from contact with the tongue
50a by applying opposing compressive forces to the actuating
surfaces as with other side-release buckles. This is the primary or
manual release mechanism for the buckle 50, that is used when the
plate carrier 10 is being normally doffed.
[0019] As a secondary or quick release mechanism, a first lanyard
74 is connected with the pawls 64. Specifically, the housing 68 has
a release lanyard hole 70 through which the first lanyard 74
extends. End portions of the lanyard 74 are connected with the
pawls 64.
[0020] In the absence of external forces, the relative position of
the pawls 64 is controlled by the spring 62. FIG. 3 shows the
tongue 50a fully engaged with the buckle 50, the buckle assembly 51
being in a locked configuration. The arrow-shaped end portion of
the tongue 50a is engaging and deflecting the spring 70. FIG. 4
shows the tongue 50a fully engaged with the buckle 50, and shows
the pawls 64 in a release condition caused either by inwardly
directed compressive force on the pawl actuation surfaces 72 or by
a pulling force on the lanyard 74. The pawls 64 are pivoted out of
engagement with the tongue 50a. The tongue 50a will then be ejected
by the force of the spring 70 as the spring straightens itself
out.
[0021] In a similar manner, the second buckle 52 (FIG. 1), which is
on the right front shoulder strap 38, is manually engageable with a
second tongue 52a that is located on the right back shoulder strap
48. When the second buckle 52 is engaged with the second tongue
52a, the right front and right back shoulder straps 38 and 48 are
releasably connected to each other. The second buckle 52 can be
released from the second tongue in either one of two different
manners--manually via a manual actuator, or in an emergency via a
quick release actuator. The quick release actuator includes a
second lanyard 76 (FIGS. 5 and 6) that can be pulled to cause the
second buckle 52 to release the second tongue 52a.
[0022] The third buckle 54 (FIG. 1), which is located on the left
side section 32 of the front carrier part 20, is engageable with a
third tongue 54a that is located on the left side section 42 of the
back carrier part 22. When the third buckle 54 and the third tongue
54a are engaged, the left side section 22 of the front carrier part
20 and the left side section 42 of the back carrier part 22 are
releasably connected to each other, about the soldier's waist. The
third buckle 54 can be released from the third tongue 52a in either
one of two different manners--manually via a manual actuator, or in
an emergency via a quick release actuator. The quick release
actuator includes a third lanyard 78 (FIGS. 5 and 6) that can be
pulled to cause the third buckle 54 to release the third tongue
54a.
[0023] The fourth buckle 56 (FIG. 1), which is located on the right
side section 34 of the front carrier part 20, is engageable with a
fourth tongue 56a that is located on the right side section 44 of
the back carrier part 22. When the fourth buckle 56 and the fourth
tongue 56a are engaged, the right side section 34 of the front
carrier part 20 and the right side section 44 of the back carrier
part 22 are releasably connected to each other, about the soldier's
waist. The fourth buckle 56 can be released from the fourth tongue
56a in either one of two different manners--manually via a manual
actuator, or in an emergency via a quick release actuator. The
quick release actuator includes a fourth lanyard 80 (FIGS. 5 and 6)
that can be pulled to cause the fourth buckle 56 to release the
fourth tongue 56a.
[0024] The quick release mechanism 12 (FIGS. 5 and 6) is used to
apply the desired pulling force to the lanyards 74-80 in an
emergency situation. The quick release mechanism 12 includes a
support plate 90 that is sewn to or otherwise secured on the inside
of the front carrier part 20, overlying the user's chest when the
plate carrier 10 is being worn. The support plate 90 in the
illustrated embodiment is made from a flexible sheet material such
as but not limited to nylon. The support plate is strong and rigid
enough to maintain the position of the parts of the quick release
mechanism 12 when it is actuated, but flexible enough to be
comfortably worn as part of the garment 10.
[0025] The support plate 90 as shown has a central area 91 and four
arms that extend outward from the central area 91. Two upper arms
92 and 94 of the support plate 90 are relatively short and two
lower arms 96 and 98 of the support plate are relatively long.
[0026] The quick release mechanism 12 includes a central ring or
guide ring 100 that is connected with the central area 91 of the
support plate 90 by a short length of cord 102. The central ring
100 does not lie in the plane of the support plate 90, but rather
overlies it, and is movable relative to (floats over) the support
plate, such movement being limited by the cord 102. The central
ring 100 may be made from a smooth metal or plastic to enable
portions of an actuator cord 130 that are trained over the ring 100
to slide smoothly along the ring, in a manner as described
below.
[0027] Several openings are formed in the support plate 90 and
extend between its front and back sides. An upper central cord
opening 104 (FIG. 5) is located in the central area 91 of the
support plate 90. A left upper cord opening 106 is located in the
left upper arm 92 of the support plate 90. A right upper cord
opening 108 is located in the right upper arm 94 of the support
plate 90. A left lower cord opening 110 (FIG. 6) is located in the
left lower arm 96 of the support plate 90, and a right lower cord
opening 112 is located in the right lower arm 98 of the support
plate 90.
[0028] The support plate 90 is dimensioned, and is positioned on
the front carrier part 20, so that the four cord openings 106-112
that are in the support plate arms 92-98 are located near the four
buckles 50-56. Specifically, the left upper cord opening 106 (FIG.
5) is situated near the location of the first buckle 50 on the
front left shoulder strap 36. The first lanyard 74 extends from the
first buckle 50, on the outside of the front carrier part 20,
inwardly through the left upper cord opening 106, to a location
inside the support plate 90. A first ring 116, movable relative
(floating over) to the support plate 90, is connected with an inner
end of the first lanyard 74. The first lanyard 74 enables tensile
force to be transmitted from the first ring 116 to the quick
release actuator of the first buckle 50.
[0029] Similarly, the right upper cord opening 108 (FIG. 5) is
situated near the location of the second buckle 52 on the front
right shoulder strap 38. The second lanyard 76 extends from the
second buckle 52, on the outside of the front carrier part 20,
inwardly through the right upper cord opening 108, to a location
inside the support plate 90. A second ring 118, movable relative to
(floating over) the support plate 90, is connected with an inner
end of the second lanyard 76. The second lanyard 76 enables tensile
force to be transmitted from the second ring 118 to the quick
release actuator of the second buckle 52.
[0030] In a similar fashion, the left lower cord opening 110 (FIG.
6) is situated near the location of the third buckle 54 on the left
side section 32 of the front carrier part 20. The third lanyard 78
extends from the third buckle 54, on the outside of the front
carrier part 20, inwardly through the left lower cord opening 110,
to a location inside the support plate 90. An auxiliary third ring
119, movable relative to (floating over) the support plate, is
connected with an inner end of the third lanyard 78. The third
lanyard 78 enables tensile force to be transmitted from the
auxiliary third ring 119 to the quick release actuator of the third
buckle 54.
[0031] And again, the right lower cord opening 112 (FIG. 6) is
situated near the location of the fourth buckle 56 on the right
side section 34 of the front carrier part 20. The fourth lanyard 80
extends from the fourth buckle 56, on the outside of the front
carrier part 20, inwardly through the right lower cord opening 112,
to a location inside the support plate 90. An auxiliary fourth ring
121, movable relative to (floating over) the support plate, is
connected with an inner end of the fourth lanyard 80. The fourth
lanyard 80 enables tensile force to be transmitted from the
auxiliary fourth ring to the quick release actuator of the fourth
buckle 56.
[0032] To accommodate the extra length of the lower arms 96 and 98
of the support plate 90 as compared to the upper arms 92 and 94,
connector cords extend from the lower arms of the support plate and
through the auxiliary rings 119 and 121 to the central area 91 of
the support plate 90. Specifically, one connector cord 119a extends
between the auxiliary third ring 119 and a third ring 120 (FIG. 5)
that is located much closer to the central area 91 of the support
plate 90. Another connector cord 121a extends between the auxiliary
fourth ring 121 and a fourth ring 122 that is located much closer
to the central area 91 of the support plate 90.
[0033] As a result of this positioning, the third and fourth rings
120 and 122, together with the first ring 116 and the second ring
118, form the four corners of an imaginary rectangle that is
centered on the central ring 100.
[0034] The actuator cord 130 is a single length of flexible
material with two end portions located outside of the support plate
90 and outside of the front carrier part 20, at a location over the
chest area of the soldier. The actuator cord 130 may be one
continuous length of braided cord with a load rating of several
times the expected pull force. The two end portions are connected
with each other by a pull tab 132 (FIG. 1) that is located on the
front exterior of the garment 10, that is, on the front plate
carrier part 20. The pull tab 132 is normally held down onto the
front carrier part 20 by hook and loop fasteners, in an easily
accessible exterior location. In an emergency situation, the pull
tab 132 can be quickly released from the front carrier part 20, as
described below, and pulled to actuate the quick release mechanism
12.
[0035] The actuator cord 130 extends from the pull tab 132 through
the upper cord opening 104 in the support plate 90, to the central
area 91 of the support plate. Specifically, the actuator cord 130
(FIG. 5) extends from one end portion outside the carrier front
portion 20 in through the upper cord opening 106 to and through the
central ring 100. The actuator cord then extends outward from the
central ring to and through the third ring 120; up to and through
the first ring 116; and back in to the central ring 100. The
actuator cord 130 then passes through the central ring 100 again,
and extends out and up to the second ring 118; down to and through
the fourth ring 122, in to the central ring 100, and back up to the
upper cord opening 106. The actuator cord 130 then passes outward
through the upper cord opening 106 and terminates with its other
end portion at the pull tab 132. The actuator cord 130 thus forms a
single loop 134, with most of its length inside the support plate
90 and its two ends outside the support plate at the pull tab
132.
[0036] When the plate carrier 10 is being donned, the four buckles
50-56 are manually engaged to connect the front part 20 of the
plate carrier to the back part 22 of the plate carrier. The four
buckles 50-56 may be manually released, individually, to doff the
plate carrier 10. In an emergency, however, such a process may be
too slow or difficult. In such a case, the quick release mechanism
12 can be used, in a manner as follows.
[0037] The pull tab 132 (FIG. 1) is lifted and is detached from its
hook and loop connection with the front carrier part 20. The pull
tab 132 is pulled in a direction outward, away from the front
carrier part 20. When this occurs, the two ends of the actuator
cord 130 are pulled outward from the front carrier part 20. This
action pulls on the portion of the actuator cord that is inside the
support plate 90 (FIGS. 5 and 6). As a result, the actuator cord
pulls inward on all four of the rings 116-122, tending to move them
bodily inward toward the central ring 100. The amount or length of
actuator cord 130 that is left inside the support plate 90
decreases accordingly. The actuator cord 130 moves through the
rings at the same time that it causes the rings to move bodily
inward.
[0038] This inward movement of the four rings 116-122 is resisted
only by the four lanyards 74-78, which are connected with the
engaged buckles 50-56. When the pull tab 132 is pulled with
sufficient force, the inward force on the rings 116-122 is greater
than the resistance provided by the engaged buckles 50-56. As a
result, the lanyards 74-78 cause all the quick release actuators of
all the buckles 50-56 to release, with the waist buckles 54 and 56
preferably releasing first, followed immediately by the shoulder
buckles 50 and 52. The release of the buckles via the quick release
mechanism 10 is much faster than releasing them manually and
individually.
[0039] Specifically, the first tongue 50a is released from the
first buckle 50, and the left shoulder strap section 36 of the
front carrier part 20 is no longer connected with the left shoulder
strap section 46 of the back carrier part 22. The second tongue 52a
is released from the second buckle 52, and the right shoulder strap
section 38 of the front carrier part 20 is no longer connected with
the right shoulder strap section 48 of the back carrier part
22.
[0040] The third tongue 54a is released from the third buckle 54,
and the left side section 32 of the front carrier part 20 is no
longer connected with the left side section 42 of the back carrier
part 22. The fourth tongue 56a is released from the fourth buckle
56, and the right side section 34 of the front carrier part 20 is
no longer connected with the right side section 44 of the back
carrier part 22.
[0041] Because all four buckles 50-56 are released, the front
carrier part 20 can separate completely from the back carrier part
22. Under the weight of any included armor, the two carrier parts
20 and 22 can fall off the soldier without any further action on
the part of the soldier. This beneficial result occurs in response
to a single application of force (pulling on the pull tab 132) at a
single location on the garment 10.
[0042] When the quick release mechanism 12 is thus actuated, it
does not come apart. The loop 134 of actuator cord 130 is not
removed from any of the rings 100 or 116-122. No reassembly or
re-threading of the actuator cord 130 is needed, and no reassembly
of the quick release mechanism 12 is needed. Reassembly of the
plate carrier 10 simply involves buckling the four buckles 50-56
again, in the same manner as when the plate carrier 10 was earlier
donned, and securing the pull tab 132 back in place.
[0043] The plate carrier 10 of the present invention can be worn
alone, or over or under another piece of a uniform. The quick
release mechanism 12 of the present invention can be used in a
garment other than a plate carrier, for example, a tactical
vest.
[0044] Alternatively, the plate carrier 10 can be interconnected
with a concealable carrier or vest (not shown) in a manner as
follows. The vest is designed with front and back parts that
open/close at the shoulder strap areas, and also at the sides. When
the vest is worn with the plate carrier 10, the vest front and back
shoulder straps are opened, and separated from each other. The
shoulder straps of the plate carrier 10 are then inserted between
the shoulder straps of the vest, to form a load bearing connection
between the front and back shoulder straps of the vest Similarly,
the vest front and back sides are opened, and separated from each
other. The side sections of the plate carrier 10 are then inserted
between the front and back sides of the vest, to form a load
bearing connection between the front and back sides of the vest. In
this manner, the plate carrier 10 is interconnected with the vest,
so that when the plate carrier 10 is released, the vest is also
released and can fall off the soldier.
[0045] The quick release mechanism 12 can easily be configured so
that force is applied to each of the lanyards 74-80 in a manner so
as to tailor the release sequence when the pull tab 132 is
pulled.
[0046] In a second embodiment of the quick release mechanism,
illustrated in FIG. 8, only a single length of cord is connected
with the pull tab, rather than a double length as in the embodiment
of FIGS. 1-7. Parts of the quick release mechanism illustrated in
FIG. 8 are given the same reference numerals with the suffix "a"
added to distinguish them.
[0047] Specifically, as seen in FIG. 8, the quick release mechanism
10a includes a support plate 90a and four lanyards 74a-80a. A
single pull cord 140 extends from the pull tab (not shown). The end
141 of the pull cord 140 that is opposite the pull tab is tied down
to the support plate 90a. The pull cord 140 passes through a pull
ring 142 that is located adjacent to a central ring 100a.
[0048] An upper cord 144 extends from the upper arm 92a, through a
ring 116a, through the central ring 100a, loops over the pull ring
142 and back to the central ring, and through a ring 118a on the
upper arm 94a. A lower cord 146 extends from the lower arm 96a,
through the central ring 100a, and back down to the other lower arm
98a.
[0049] When the pull tab is pulled, the force on the pull cord 140
is transmitted through the pull ring 142 to the upper cord 144.
This force is then transmitted from the upper cord 144 through the
central ring 100a to the lower cord 146. As a result, release force
is exerted on all the lanyards 74a-80a, and their associated
buckles (not shown) are released to enable the vest to release from
the wearer.
[0050] From the foregoing description of preferred embodiments of
the invention, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the
invention pertains will see variations and modifications of the
invention. Such variations and modifications are intended to be
covered by the appended claims.
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