U.S. patent application number 13/458253 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for attachment system substructure and cummerbund of the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tyler A. Cigard, Jo Won Seuk. Invention is credited to Tyler A. Cigard, Jo Won Seuk.
Application Number | 20130126566 13/458253 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48425827 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130126566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Seuk; Jo Won ; et
al. |
May 23, 2013 |
Attachment System Substructure and Cummerbund of the Same
Abstract
The attachment lattice provides an attachment substructure for
support articles, such as vests, carriers and packs and allows
molle compatible modular pockets, pouches and other accessories to
be readily attached to the support article, but eliminates the need
for a backing material, thereby reducing the weight and bulk of the
support article, while still maintaining the ability to attach
MOLLE compatible accessories to the lattice. In one embodiment, the
attachment lattice is formed by vertical rows of thin webbing or
edge binding sewn to the horizontal rows of evenly spaced nylon
webbing. In another embodiment, the attachment lattice is formed by
the array openings being die cut directly in the fabric material.
The attachment lattice of this invention also allows MOLLE
compatible accessories to be mounted on either side of the lattice,
which effectively increases the capacity and modularity of the
support article.
Inventors: |
Seuk; Jo Won; (Highland
Falls, NY) ; Cigard; Tyler A.; (St. Louis,
MO) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seuk; Jo Won
Cigard; Tyler A. |
Highland Falls
St. Louis |
NY
MO |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48425827 |
Appl. No.: |
13/458253 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61518062 |
Apr 29, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/223 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20130101; A45F
3/14 20130101; A45F 2003/001 20130101; F41H 1/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/223 |
International
Class: |
A45F 5/00 20060101
A45F005/00 |
Claims
1: An attachment substructure for support articles, such as vests,
carriers and packs that allows molle compatible modular pockets,
pouches and other accessories to be readily attached thereto, the
substructure comprising: a pliable flat lattice defining a
plurality of substantially square openings formed therein and
arranged in a plurality of horizontal rows and vertical columns so
that the molle compatible modular pocket, pouches and other
accessories can be interlaced with the lattice in a vertical or
horizontal orientation and on either side of the lattice.
2: The Attachment substructure of claim 1 wherein the lattice
includes a plurality of horizontal webbing and a plurality of
vertical webbing, the horizontal webbing being vertically spaced
apart from each other at a first predetermined interval, the
plurality of vertical webbing being sewn to the plurality of
horizontal webbing and spaced from each other at a second
predetermined interval.
3: An attachment system comprising: a support article; an
accessory; and means for interconnecting the accessory to the
support article, the support article constructed in part of a
pliable flat lattice defining a plurality of substantially square
openings formed therein and arranged in a plurality of horizontal
rows and vertical columns so that the molle compatible modular
pockets, pouches and other accessories can be interlaced with the
lattice in a vertical or horizontal orientation and on either side
of the lattice, the accessory having an array of rows of webbing
mounted thereto, the interconnection means includes an elongated
strap member that is interwoven between the support article lattice
and the array of rows of webbing of the accessory.
4: The attachment system of claim 3 wherein the lattice includes a
plurality of horizontal webbing and a plurality of vertical
webbing, the horizontal webbing being vertically spaced apart from
each other at a first predetermined interval, the plurality of
vertical webbing being sewn to the plurality of horizontal webbing
and spaced from each other at a second predetermined interval.
5: A cummerbund used in a ballistic plate carrier, tactical chest
rig or similar support articles, which allows molle compatible
modular pockets, pouches and other accessories to be readily
attached thereto, the cummerbund comprising: an elongated flat body
constructed of a pliable flat lattice defining a plurality of
substantially square openings formed therein and arranged in a
plurality of horizontal rows and vertical columns so that the molle
compatible modular pocket, pouches and other accessories can be
interlaced with the lattice in a vertical or horizontal orientation
and on either side of the lattice.
6: The cummerbund of claim 5 wherein the lattice includes a
plurality of horizontal webbing and a plurality of vertical
webbing, the horizontal webbing being vertically spaced apart from
each other at a first predetermined interval, the plurality of
vertical webbing being sewn to the plurality of horizontal webbing
and spaced from each other at a second predetermined interval.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from co-pending U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/518,062 filed on Apr.
29, 2011, entitled "Attachment Lattice" which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to an attachment system substructure
for mounting pockets, pouches and other accessories to vests, belts
and other support using interlocking webbing, this being of
particular use with clothing and individual load bearing equipment
used by military and law enforcement personnel, and particularly a
cummerbund for a ballistic plate carrier.
[0003] MOLLE is an attachment standard for modular tactical gear.
MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) generally
refers to any modular attachment system that utilizes the Pouch
Attachment Ladder System ("PALS") for mounting modular accessory
components, such as pockets, pouches, sheaths and holsters to
individual load-bearing support articles, such as belts, vests and
backpacks used by military and law enforcement personnel. The Pouch
Attachment Ladder System ("PALS") was invented and patented by
United States Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and
Engineering Center. The PALS webbing allows the pouches and
accessories to be attached to other MOLLE compatible vests, packs
and pouches. PALS consists of horizontal rows of heavy-duty 1''
nylon webbing sewn to the outside of a pocket, pouch, belt, vest,
or pack in a set grid. The horizontal rows of 1'' webbing are
spaced 1'' apart, and bar-tacked to the backing at 1.5'' intervals.
The array of PALS webbing allows MOLLE compatible accessories to be
quickly attached to a MOLLE compatible support article "Natick
straps" (reinforced webbing straps sewn to the accessories with
push the dot snaps for security), polymer MALICE Clips.RTM. from
Tactical Tailor or a variety of other "weave and tuck" by
connection straps, each of which are interwoven between the PALS
webbing of the support article, the accessory or both. While the
MOLLE attachment system provides a convenient means for attaching
accessories to a support article, the PALS webbing sewn directly to
the mounting surfaces of both the support articles and modular
accessories adds considerable weight and bulk to the gear.
Consequently, it is desirable to have an attachment system that
reduces the weight and bulk of the gear, while maintaining the
functionality and modularity of the attachment system.
[0004] The present invention provides an attachment substructure
(lattice) for support articles, such as vests, carriers and packs
and allows molle compatible modular pockets, pouches and other
accessories to be readily attached to the support article, but
eliminates the need for a backing material, thereby reducing the
weight and bulk of the support article. The attachment substructure
may be used in various tactical load bearing items and equipment,
such as, ballistic plate carriers, chest rigs, tactical vests and
belts, and cummerbunds used in plate carriers and chest rigs. In
certain embodiments, the attachment lattice may be constructed from
vertical rows of thin webbing or binding tape sewn to the
horizontal rows of evenly spaced nylon webbing that form an array
of uniformly spaced and sized openings. In other embodiments, the
attachment lattice is formed by the array of uniformly spaced and
sized openings being die cut directly in the fabric material. The
attachment lattice of this invention also allows MOLLE compatible
accessories to be mounted on either side of the lattice and in
either a vertical or horizontal orientation, which effectively
increases the capacity and modularity of the support article.
[0005] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description of an embodiment of
the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The drawings illustrate an embodiment of the present
invention, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
attachment lattice of this invention fashioned as a cummerbund for
a ballistic plate carrier;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
lattice and cummerbund of FIG. 1 showing a medical pouch and pistol
magazine pouches connected to the lattice in a vertical
orientation;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a partial view of the attachment lattice of FIG. 1
showing the connection of two pistol magazine pouches using a
Malice clip on opposite sides of the lattice;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a side sectional view of the attachment lattice
and two pistol magazine pouches of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is another partial perspective view of the attachment
lattice and cummerbund of FIG. 1 showing the connection of a
medical pouch and pistol magazine pouches;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
lattice of FIG. 1 fashioned into a ballistic plate carrier and
showing the connection of pistol magazine pouches to the attachment
lattice;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
attachment lattice of this invention fashioned as a cummerbund for
a ballistic plate carrier;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the attachment
lattice and cummerbund of FIG. 1 showing pistol magazine pouches
connected to the lattice in a horizontal orientation; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a side sectional view of the attachment lattice
and two pistol magazine pouches of FIG. 8.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] The attachment lattice of this invention provides an
attachment substructure for support articles, such as vests,
carriers and packs and allows Molle compatible modular pocket,
pouches and other accessories to be readily attached to the support
article. The attachment lattice eliminates the need for the rows of
nylon webbing to be sewn to a backing material on the support
article, as with a conventional molle attachment system. In certain
embodiments, the attachment lattice may be constructed by vertical
rows of thin webbing or edge binding sewn to the horizontal rows of
evenly spaced nylon or elastic webbing, which defines an array of
uniformly spaced square openings. In other embodiments, the
attachment lattice is formed by an array of uniformly spaced
openings die-cut, or otherwise formed, directly in a flexible, but
durable fabric or sheet material. In each embodiment, the
configuration of the attachment lattice provides an array of
uniformly spaced square openings arranged in rows and columns,
providing both vertical and horizontal channels within which Molle
compatible accessories can be interlaced. The attachment lattice
itself can be used as a construction material, fabric or
substructure from which the bodies of molle compatible support
articles and modular accessories are fashioned.
[0017] While the drawings show the different embodiments of the
attachment lattice of this invention fashioned and incorporated
into the construction of various support articles, one skilled in
the art will note that the teachings of this invention are not
limited to the use or incorporation of the attachment lattice in
any particular support article or accessory. The drawings
illustrate examples of certain embodiments of the attachment
lattice and their use in various support articles and accessories
for simplicity of explanation and are not intended to limit the
teachings of this invention.
[0018] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6, 8 and 9 show an
embodiment of the attachment lattice of this invention, designated
generally as reference numeral 10, which is fashioned as the body
of a cummerbund 20 for a tactical vest, chest rig or ballistic
plate carrier (not shown). Attachment lattice 10 is formed by a
number of parallel vertical rows of webbing or binding tape 12 bar
tacked over a number of parallel horizontal rows of one inch wide
nylon webbing or elastic webbing 14. As shown, attachment lattice
10 has three horizontal rows of webbing 14 and a plurality of
vertical rows of webbing or binding tape 12. It should be noted
that the width of the vertical rows of webbing or binding tape 12
is generally narrower than the horizontal rows of one inch wide
webbing. The width of the binding tape or webbing used for the
vertical rows is generally 0.50 of an inch wide or less. As shown,
horizontal rows of webbing 14 are spaced one inch apart and
vertical rows of webbing or binding tape 12 are spaced apart 1.50
inches on center so that attachment lattice 10 forms an array of
uniformly spaced openings 13 that are approximately one inch
square. The array of openings 13 are arranged in rows and columns
between webbing 14 and binding tape 12 to form both vertical and
horizontal channels of adjacent openings within which Molle
compatible accessories can be interlaced.
[0019] FIGS. 2-6, 8 and 9 illustrate how Molle compatible pouches
and accessories are mounted to attachment lattice 10. The open
structure of attachment lattice 10 allows any molle compatible
pouch or accessories to be mounted directly to either side of
attachment lattice 10 of cummerbund 20 in either a vertical
orientation (FIGS. 2-6) or a horizontal orientation (FIGS. 8 and
9). For simplicity of illustration and explanation only, a medical
pouch 30 and pistol magazine pouches 40 and 50 are shown mounted to
attachment lattice 10, it being understood that other pouches and
accessories may be mounted in similar fashion within the teachings
of this invention.
[0020] FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a medical pouch 30 and a pair of pistol
magazine pouches 40 mounted to lattice 10 of cummerbund 20 in a
vertical orientation. Medical pouch 30 and pistol magazine pouch 40
each have Naptick.RTM. straps 32 and 42, respectively, which are
interwoven through the opening 13 in attachment lattice 10. Pistol
magazine pouches 50 are connected to attachment lattice 10 by
Malice.RTM. clips 60, which are interwoven between the opening 13
in attachment lattice 10 and the PALS webbing sewn to the back of
the pouch. FIG. 3 shows pistol magazine pouches 40 and 50 connected
to attachment lattice 10 in open channels of the lattice between
the Naptick straps of medical pouch 30. Because they are sewn
directly to the body of the accessory, each Naptick strap occupies
a channel in the attachment lattice 10. Consequently other
accessories may only be mounted on the opposite side of the
attachment lattice in an adjacent open channel of the attachment
lattice. FIGS. 4 and 5 show two pistol magazine pouches 50 being
connected to opposite sides of attachment lattice 10 using a single
Malice clip. Malice.RTM. clip 60 is interwoven between adjacent
openings 13 within the same vertical channel of attachment lattice
10 interlacing between the PALs webbing on the back of each pistol
magazine pouch 50 and the horizontal rows of webbing 14. FIGS. 8
and 9 show pistol magazine pouches 50 being connected to lattice 10
of cummerbund 20 in a horizontal orientation. Malice.RTM. clip 60
is interwoven within adjacent openings 13 within the same
horizontal channel of attachment lattice 10 interlacing between the
PALs webbing on the back of each pistol magazine pouch 50 and the
vertical rows of webbing or binding tape 12.
[0021] FIG. 6 shows the attachment lattice 10 of FIG. 1 fashioned
into the outer covering of part of a ballistic plate carrier 70.
Attachment lattice 10 replaces the backing material that normally
covers and supports the ballistic plate 82 and allows molle
compatible accessories, such as pistol magazine pouches 50 and 60
to be mounted directly to the lattice on the outside of the
carrier.
[0022] FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment
lattice of this invention, designated generally as reference
numeral 80, which is again fashioned as the body of a cummerbund 90
for a tactical vest or ballistic plate carrier (not shown).
Attachment lattice 80 consists of a sheet of fabric or flexible
material 82 having an array of uniformly spaced openings 83 cut or
otherwise formed therein. The attachment lattice 20 may be
constructed from any durable fabric, such as a heavy nylon or
leather, or alternatively constructed from a flexible sheet of
material, rubber or plastic as desired. Again, openings 83 are
approximately one inch square and the array of openings 83 are
uniformly arranged in rows and columns between webbing 14 to form
both vertical and horizontal channels of adjacent openings within
which Molle compatible accessories can be interlaced.
[0023] One skilled in the art will note that the attachment lattice
of this invention provides several advantages over conventional
PALS webbing sewn onto the backing material of a support article.
The attachment lattice of this invention eliminates the need for a
backing material, thereby reducing the weight and bulk of the
support article, while still maintaining the ability to attach
MOLLE compatible accessories to the lattice. Without the backing
material, which supports the PALS webbing in conventional MOLLE
systems, the attachment lattice also allows more air flow through
the article, which may provide some improved degree of cooling for
the user. In addition, the attachment lattice of this invention
allows MOLLE compatible accessories to be mounted on either side of
the lattice and in either a vertical or horizontal orientation,
which effectively increases the capacity and modularity of the
support article. The uniform spacing of the square openings of the
attachment lattice also reduces movement between the lattice and
the attached accessory thereby providing a more secure
interconnection.
[0024] The embodiment of the present invention herein described and
illustrated is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. It is presented to explain
the invention so that others skilled in the art might utilize its
teachings. The embodiment of the present invention may be modified
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *