U.S. patent application number 14/993025 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-14 for cutaway vest.
The applicant listed for this patent is Chris Osman. Invention is credited to Chris Osman.
Application Number | 20160202023 14/993025 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56367327 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160202023 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Osman; Chris |
July 14, 2016 |
Cutaway Vest
Abstract
A protective vest adapted for engagement with ballistic
shielding is provided which allows a user to quickly and easily
remove the vest by actuation of a release. The vest is designed to
quickly separate from the body of a wearer when required by pulling
a release handle by a minimal distance which opens one side of the
vest for exit, but maintains the components of the vest connected
to avoid loss and allow for easy re-engagement.
Inventors: |
Osman; Chris; (San Diego,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Osman; Chris |
San Diego |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56367327 |
Appl. No.: |
14/993025 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62101904 |
Jan 9, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/2.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A41F 15/002 20130101;
A41D 13/0518 20130101; F41H 1/02 20130101; A41D 13/0007
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02; A41F 15/00 20060101 A41F015/00 |
Claims
1. A protective vest comprising: a front panel, said front panel
adapted for engagement of ballistic shielding therein; a rear
panel, said rear panel adapted for engagement of said ballistic
shielding therein; a first shoulder strap engaged between said
front panel and said rear panel, said first shoulder strap adapted
to support said protective vest on a first shoulder of a wearer; a
second shoulder strap engaged between said front panel and said
rear panel, said shoulder strap adapted to support said protective
vest on a second shoulder of a wearer, opposite said first
shoulder; a first harness engaged between a lower portion of said
front panel on a first side of said protective vest and a lower
portion of said rear panel on said first side of said protective
vest; a second harness engaged between said lower end of said front
panel on a second side of said protective vest and a lower portion
of said rear panel on said second side of said protective vest;
said first side of said protective vest being opposite said second
side of said protective vest; a release handle operatively
positioned upon said front panel of said vest, said release handle
actuatable to disconnect one of said first shoulder strap or said
second shoulder strap from engagement with said front panel; and
said release handle actuatable to disconnect one of said first
harness or said second harness from engagement with said rear
panel, said one of said first harness or second harness being
positioned on a same side of said protective vest, as said one of
said first shoulder strap or second shoulder strap; and whereby
said wearer of said protective vest can exit said protective vest
through an opening formed between said front panel and said rear
panel on said same side of said protective vest as said one of said
first shoulder strap or second shoulder strap released by actuation
of said release handle.
2. The protective vest of claim 1, additionally comprising: said
release handle actuatable to disconnect both of said first harness
and said second harness from engagement with said rear panel.
3. The protective vest of claim 1, additionally comprising: said
release handle engaged with a flexible member having a first distal
end and a second distal end; actuation of said release handle
communicating a translation to both said first distal end and said
second distal end; said translation of said first distal end
disconnecting said one of said first shoulder strap or said second
shoulder strap from said engagement with said front panel; and said
translation of said second distal end disconnecting said one of
said first harness or said second harness from said engagement with
said rear panel.
4. The protective vest of claim 2, additionally comprising: said
release handle engaged with a flexible member having a first distal
end and a second distal end; actuation of said release handle
communicating a translation to both said first distal end and said
second distal end; said translation of said first distal end
disconnecting said one of said first shoulder strap or said second
shoulder strap from said engagement with said front panel; and said
translation of said second distal end disconnecting both said first
harness or said second harness from said engagements with said rear
panel.
5. The protective vest of claim 3, additionally comprising: said
first harness having a loop at a distal end; said second harness
having a loop at a distal end; said second distal end of said
flexible member having a first position engaged through a passage
in said rear panel and concurrently engaged with a loop in a distal
end of said one of said first harness or said second harness; said
translation of said second distal end of said flexible member
moving it to a second position disconnected from said loop.
6. The protective vest of claim 4, additionally comprising: said
first harness having a loop at a distal end; said second harness
having a loop at a distal end; said second distal end of said
flexible member having a first position engaged through a passage
in said rear panel and concurrently engaged with said loop at said
distal end of said first harness and with said loop at said distal
end of said second harness; and said translation of said second
distal end of said flexible member moving it to a second position
disconnected from both said said loop at said distal end of said
first harness and said loop at said distal end of said second
harness.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/101,904, filed on Jan. 9, 2015, which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by this reference thereto.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The disclosed device relates to clothing worn for body
protection. More particularly, the device relates to body armor in
the form of a vest worn by a user which includes compartmentalized
armor or ballistic resistant shielding for the wearer. The
disclosed device is configured to be easily removable through
hand-activated releases and communicating cables operatively
positioned within the device, in case of injury, falling into the
water, or another need requiring an urgent and quick release of the
vest from the torso of a wearer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Ballistic resistant clothing in the form of vests is widely
employed by members of the military and law enforcement as a
critical piece of protective equipment against the perils of
bullets, shrapnel, and other high velocity projectiles. Such
projectiles are perilous elements encountered by members of the
military and law enforcement on a regular basis. For this reason,
bullet and projectile-resistant vests are particularly employed
during military operations and law enforcement operations where it
is anticipated participants are highly likely to encounter
ballistic projectiles such as bullets or shrapnel.
[0004] Such vests, conventionally house strategically positioned
ballistic resistant shielding material around the torso of the
wearer when worn. Such vests also provide pockets and attachment
points for weapons, food, ammunition, and other devices which are
commonly carried into the field.
[0005] Although conventional vests, due to easy attachment
components, will allow the wearer to carry a great deal of
equipment, and help shield the wearer, such a vests, fully loaded
with the ballistic shielding also will act as a weight on the body
of the wearer. By engaging attached heavy ammunition and/or other
supplies, such a vest can become a significantly heavier component
which is operatively engaged to the person of a wearer during use
in the field. This significant increase in weight when engaged to
the wearer, becomes a major reason for concern about the potential
of drowning when a vest-wearer enters a water environment of
sufficient depth where they may have to swim.
[0006] Because such ballistic resistant and utility vests must
securely attach to the user's body during use to prevent rattling,
and chafing, and to provide maximum shielding from ballistic
projectiles, it is often difficult for the user to quickly and
easily release the vest from their person. With some vests, due to
the zippers buttons or other fasteners which must be disengaged,
release from the body can be over a time duration from seconds to
minutes. With the weight of the vest and equipment pulling upon the
wearer, during periods where the threat of drowning is a concern,
such as a water landing of a helicopter or having to cross a deep
river, a means for quick release of such a vest becomes a lifesaver
for the wearer. However such a release should not render the vest
unusable subsequent to the drowning threat.
[0007] An additional concern arises should the wearer become
wounded or injured while wearing the vest. On such occasions, it is
imperative that arriving medical personnel have immediate access to
the wearer's torso. Such is required for first responders to
ascertain injuries and attend to the patient. However, many such
vests, subsequent to activation of a quick release, disengage into
a plurality of components which are not easily reassembled. The
inability to re-engage the vest subsequent to quick release, leaves
the wearer subject to potential injury in a combat zone when being
transported should the vest not be repositionable on their person.
Absent a quick release, which maintains the structural integrity of
the vest itself in a manner allowing for immediate re-engagement to
the wearer, such is not possible.
[0008] Because body armor style vests are built for durability,
they are by design, resistant to cutting and piercing. As such,
conventionally, such vests are hard to remove by cutting. Further,
such vests, in addition to being expensive, are also a component of
equipment that the wearer must not do without. Thus as noted, they
should be easily engageable to the body and easily removed
subsequent to activating the release.
[0009] As a consequence, to save such vests from destruction, and
to allow the vest to be re-engaged to the wearer, yet still allow
for quick release when required, it is important that such a
protective vest be configured with a release mechanism which allows
for easy, intuitive, and immediate vest removal, and an equally
easy subsequent re-engagement. To that end, such a release should
be readily accessible and be intuitive as to activation to
eliminate the need for fumbling around during release attempts when
it might be dark or wet or submerged.
[0010] Military and law enforcement conventionally employ a
"cutaway" vest, which allows the user or responding personnel, to
remove the device through a single action, such as pulling a
ripcord. Upon such a ripcord pulling, the vest instantly disjoins
into a plurality of individual sections of various components of
the vest.
[0011] The existing designs for easily removable vests, however,
have many drawbacks. An example of the current cutaway style vest
conventionally employed to be removable by the soldier without the
requirement to unfasten belts and other typical retainers can be
found in published U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,093 (D'Annunzio) and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,047,570 (Johnson).
[0012] These vests have conventional connectors to engage and
disengage the vest from the body during normal mounting and
dismounting. They also provide cutaway releases employing a release
component to disengage vest components to remove the vest without
having to unfasten a series of buckles, clips, hook and loop
fasteners, and such. These vests, as with most conventional cutaway
vests, employ front and rear torso portions, whereas an internal
cummerbund feature in the rear torso portion and a waist belt
through both torso portions grip the user's waist.
[0013] Shoulder straps in such devices engage through connecting
strap portions on the front torso portion to the strap portions on
the rear torso portion. Additionally, cables are routed in a
serpentine path whose distal end retains the shoulder straps, the
cummerbund and the belt as a unit and which terminates at the
ejection handle. A pulling of this hidden handle translates
connected cables which causes a number of interconnected portions
of the vest device to separate. This allows the vest to be removed
from the wearer quickly, but in pieces.
[0014] As taught in the Johnson reference, the shoulder straps,
cummerbund, and waist belt are all joined at a singular common
point such that pulling the single cable in a generally straight
line except for the accommodation of the curvature of the body,
disjoins its individual components to form a plurality of
disengaged components.
[0015] Although these devices allow for removal for medical
personnel seeking access to the torso, and allow the wearer to
quickly jettison their vest and connected heavy equipment, the
multiple dislocating cummerbund, belt and fastening components
cause a subsequent problem. During release they are rendered
difficult and time-consuming to reassemble, and components are
easily lost or damaged, especially in the fog of battle, survival
or rescue.
[0016] Thus, the vest cannot be easily remounted to the wearer, if
at all. Further, the handles for effecting the release are not
easily accessed nor intuitive as to the action needed to release
the vest should the situation arise where it must be pulled without
the ability to view the handle or cable.
[0017] As the vests and their engaged equipment are often
expensive, and as recovery of the jacket and its components for
repositioning on the wearer may be vital to wearer survival, it is
imperative that reassembly of disengaged vests be easy and simple.
This is because in the quick dismount action of prior art in
dismountable vests, the act initiating a quick dismount often
causes a breaking of the vest into multiple small components and
renders the vest useless to shield the wearer from attack during
mid-operation, medical treatment or transport.
[0018] Accordingly, there is an unmet need for a ballistic
resistant cutaway style vest which requires a minimum number of
engagement and release points, to allow for a quick and simple
dismount in an emergency situation. Further, such a vest should be
rendered removable by activation of an easy to find rip cord or
flexible member or cable system, with minimal user arm extension
and no requirement for uncovering the gripped release prior to use.
Still further, such a vest should subsequent to a release, remain
sufficiently intact to allow for easy recovery, reassembly, and
immediate reuse.
[0019] The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related
therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and
they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and
claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and
understanding of the specification below and the accompanying
drawings.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
protective vest which can be quickly dismounted allowing the user
to disengage.
[0021] It is an additional object of this invention to provide such
a vest which allows the user to activate removal using minimal user
arm or hand extension.
[0022] It is a further object of this invention for the vest to be
adjustable to tightly fit the user's torso when in an as-used
position worn on the wearer.
[0023] It is yet another object of the present invention that the
device remain sufficiently intact after user-activation of the
release, to allow for easy recovery, reassembly, and reuse.
[0024] Yet a further object of the invention is to provide such a
vest with an easily found release which may be located tactually
when situations might render the release non-visible such as in
darkness or when submerged.
[0025] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing
prior art, which will become apparent from the description to
follow, are accomplished by the improvements described in this
specification and hereinafter described in the following detailed
description which fully discloses the invention, but should not be
considered as placing limitations thereon.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] In accordance with the objects and purposes of the present
invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present
invention provides a ballistic-shielding vest which is initially
easily engaged to the torso of the user in an as-used position. So
positioned, it can be easily and quickly removed when required in
an emergency situation, while maintaining the vest components
sufficiently connected to be retrievable and quickly reusable.
[0027] The device, is formed in a vest assembly having a first
shoulder strap and an a second shoulder strap such as the front
left shoulder strap for engagement to the vest on a side opposite
that of the first shoulder strap. The main vest assembly is
comprised of a vest front, which has two shoulder strap engagement
points extending from opposing corners.
[0028] Likewise, the front right shoulder strap is made of two or
more layers of fabric or otherwise has a formed pathway or channel
which guides a translating release cable as it translates during a
pulling of a release handle to activate the release mechanisms
within the main vest assembly. Of course those skilled in the art
will realize a right hand positioning of the release can be
reversed and routed to have the release on the opposite shoulder if
such is required or desirable. Consequently, such is considered
within the scope of this application, which uses and describes the
right-sided positioning for convenience of description of the
operation of the vest.
[0029] The vest front also contains a first or left access flap and
a second or right access flap which allows the user to access the
release mechanisms within which are activated by cable translation.
Additionally, the vest includes a back or rear right shoulder strap
and a rear left shoulder strap. Further, as shown, a left harness
extends from the right side of the vest rear, and terminates with
one or more band loops.
[0030] The vest front and back surfaces preferably should include
an array of attached loops, or engagement points, to allow the user
to fasten any necessary tools, gear, weapons, and other components
to the vest device. The components forming the main vest assembly,
may be optionally dislocatable to easily replace and repair the
various components but should remain sufficiently engaged during
distress or activation of the release mechanism of the device.
[0031] The front left or first shoulder strap, which contains a
first or left securement band, and one or more shoulder strap
loops, may be a separate and removable component from the main vest
assembly.
[0032] The device is configurable for user wear in one mode by
wrapping the right securement band around the back right shoulder
strap to affix it to the front right shoulder strap. In another
mode the components which are separable using velcro can be
separated from the front portion of the vest, to allow it to flip
up should access to the chest of the wearer be necessary.
[0033] Similarly, the left securement band wraps around the back
left shoulder strap to affix it to the front left shoulder
strap.
[0034] Finally, the front left shoulder strap is inserted through
an opening between the upper and lower sheets on the front portion
of the vest, and the shoulder strap loop is inserted through a
release link, which is affixed in a position for pulling upon the
vest front.
[0035] Attaching the shoulder strap before or after threading the
first distal end of the release cable into the guide channel
through the shoulder strap loop, and over the release link, engages
the left shoulder strap to the vest front.
[0036] To eject from the vest using the release mechanism as
described, a user pulls the release handle to translate a flexible
member or cable to actuate a first release. Translating the
flexible member or cable a distance slightly greater than a length
of an engaged first release link actuates the connection to
release. This translation acts to slide a distal end out of contact
with the opposing shoulder strap loop. So disengaged, the right
shoulder of the assembled vest is free from the constraints and the
over the shoulder support strap is thereby disengaged.
[0037] Although the shoulder strap loop disengages from the vest
front during user initiated ejection, the left securement band of
the front left shoulder strap remains fastened to the back left
shoulder strap unless physically detached by breaking a hook and
loop engagement. Maintaining this removable engagement after an
emergency release, insures the device remains whole and
sufficiently intact for post-situational recovery and
re-engagement.
[0038] After inserting the left harness through a second opening
between the upper and lower sheets, the user may align and insert a
cable-engaged release pin through one of the band loops and one set
of the vest loops positioned in the rear vest panel. A slit in the
front surface of the rear vest panel can be opened to allow the
user access for assembly and reassembly of the release pin with the
vest and the individual encircling harness components. The opening
can also be sealed to protect the contents within.
[0039] A second release pin engaged to a second distal end engaged
with the flexible member or cable, will also translates during a
pulling of the release handle a distance equal to the length of the
second release pin. This action will translate the second release
pin out an engagement to the vest loops and the band loops and
allow disengagement of the left harness and/or the right harness
from the rear portion of the vest.
[0040] The device can adjust to tightly fit against a user's torso
by allowing the user to set the shoulder strap length via the left
and right securement bands formed of hook and loop fabric.
Additionally, the user can tighten the device about their hips
through selection of vest loops and band loops, and positioning of
an engagement of hook and loop fabric, or alternatively through
additional tightening straps in the left or right harness.
[0041] The right and left securement bands can employ one or a
combination of means for engagement with the rear right shoulder
strap and the rear left shoulder strap respectively, including but
not limited to: hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, elastics,
drawstrings, or loops.
[0042] Additionally, means for securing the left access flap and a
right access flap to the vest front can include but is not limited
to: hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, elastics, drawstrings
or loops. Opening and sealing of the slit in the vest rear panel
can be performed by one or a combination of the following known
mechanisms including but not limited to: zippers, hook and loop
fasteners, slides, ties, buttons, drawstrings, snaps, or elastics.
The release link and release pin can be composed of metal or any
durable plastic including but not limited to: delrin,
polycarbonate, polypropylene, or acrylic.
[0043] Additionally, the release cable should be made of any one or
a combination of durable materials which are sufficiently flexibly
rigid and which contain sufficient friction to ensure continuous
engagement between the shoulder strap loop 40 and the release link
when the device is worn through common use, including but not
limited to: plastic wire, steel wire, copper wire or other wires
with or without a coating.
[0044] Additional fasteners can be employed to loop and splice the
release cable including one or a combination of crimps, ferrules,
ties or adhesives.
[0045] With respect to the above description, before explaining at
least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangement of the components in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The device herein described and
disclosed in the various modes and combinations is also capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various
ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Any such
alternative configuration as would occur to those skilled in the
art is considered within the scope of this patent. Also, it is to
be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein
are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
[0046] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other ejecting utility vests
for carrying out the several purposes of the present disclosed
device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as
including such equivalent construction and methodology insofar as
they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0047] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only
nor exclusive examples of embodiments and/or features of the
disclosed device. It is intended that the embodiments and figures
disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative of the invention
herein, rather than limiting in any fashion. In the drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 depicts an overhead view of the device in a semi
unassembled state.
[0049] FIG. 1b shows the device of FIG. 1 in a disassembled
state.
[0050] FIG. 2 displays a view of a rear panel of the vest assembly
of the device as worn by a user showing both shoulder straps
extended and adapted for a frontal connection to mating straps
extending from a front panel.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of the first release mechanism
operatively positioned in the front panel and adapted for pulling
by a wearer or responder to disengage only the opposing shoulder
and showing in dotted lines a second flexible member or cable
communicating with the release mechanism in FIG. 4.
[0052] FIG. 4 depicts a detailed view of the second release
mechanism employed to disengage one, side waist panels from the
rear panel if needed while leaving the other engaged.
[0053] FIG. 5 depicts the vest device herein, assembled and
employable in an as-used configuration, with the release handle
positioned on or extending adjacent one of the shoulder straps.
[0054] FIG. 6 shows the device of FIG. 5, after activation of the
release handle, depicting one shoulder strap released and the
harness on the same side as the released shoulder strap, also being
released, thereby forming an exit path from the formed vest, and
back into the vest, through one side.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0055] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-6, wherein similar
components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen
in FIG. 1, an overhead view of the vest or device 10, in an
unfolded and semi-disassembled configuration. As shown, a main vest
assembly 11 comprised of a rear vest 12 panel and a front vest 22
panel connected by a first harness 20. Also shown is a rear portion
16 of a first shoulder strap extending from the top of the rear
vest 12 panel. A distal end of the rear portion 16 of the first
should strap, includes a securement band 18 to engage it to a front
portion 24 of a first shoulder strap. The first harness 20 extends
from a distal end engagement with the rear vest 12 and is joined to
the front vest 22.
[0056] The rear vest 12 panel is comprised of two or more layers of
fabric, whereas the backmost layer is adjacent the back of the
wearer. A slit 44 provides access to an interior cavity which can
be sealed to secure and protect the release mechanisms within the
cavity when not being accessed.
[0057] Likewise, the rear portion 16 of the first shoulder strap is
made of two or more layers of fabric, or employs other means for
forming a channel or pathway for translation of the release cable
44 therein, when pulled by the release handle 32. Translation of
the cable 44 causes two release mechanisms within the main vest
assembly 11 to disconnect a distal end of one rear portion of one
shoulder strap 36 from the rear vest 12, and to disconnect one
harness, on the same side of the vest device 10 as the released
shoulder strap, to disengage from the rear vest 12, and form the
opening or exit 15, as in FIG. 6.
[0058] The rear vest 12 panel also contains a first access flap 46
and a second access flap 48 which allows the user to access the
release mechanisms for the distal end of the first shoulder strap
and distal end of the harness, within. These flaps are engaged with
hook and loop attachments or other means for secure but removable
engagement.
[0059] The vest front 22 panel contains a front portion of a first
or right shoulder strap 24, and a front portion of a second or left
shoulder strap 26. A waist-positionable first harness 28, extends
from the one side of the vest front 22 panel and terminates with
one or more band loops 30 which are engageable with a cable or
cable released connector in a cavity on the rear vest 12 panel. The
vest front and rear panels 22 and 12, both preferably include an
array of gear loops 34 to allow the user to fasten any necessary
tools to the device 10.
[0060] The vest assembly 11 components can be optionally
dislocatable for easy replacement and repair. However, the vest
device 10 is also designed to maintain attachment of the components
during distress or activation of the device's 10 release mechanism.
This novel configuration is shown in FIG. 6, wherein only one
shoulder strap and one, or both harnesses 20 and 28 are disengaged
at their respective distal ends from connection to the rear vest 22
panel. The distal ends of both the first harness and second harness
20 and 28, are configured to disengage from the rear vest 22 panel
upon translation of the cable by pulling the handle 32. The device
10 can be configured to have only one such harness release, and if
so, it will be the harness 20 or 28, on the same side as the
shoulder strap which is released by pulling the handle 32.
Otherwise both distal ends of both the first and second harness 20
and 28 can release.
[0061] The rear portion of the left shoulder strap 36 which engages
to the front portion of the strap 26, forms one shoulder strap
which engages the distal end of the rear portion of the left
shoulder strap 36 with the rear vest 12 panel. The shoulder strap
so formed, includes a left securement band 38, and one or more
shoulder strap loops 40 at the distal end which engage with either
the cable or a release connected to the cable 42. This rear portion
of the strap 36 is thus a separable and removable component from
the main vest assembly 11 if desired, such as in FIG. 1, but will
maintain a connection once the distal end is disengaged by the
cable 42, if the securement band 38 is left secured. Of course it
could just be a once piece shoulder strap with the loops 40 or
other component adapted to release from the rear upon cable 42
translation.
[0062] In FIG. 1b is shown the front vest 22 panel depicting
engagements of components of the device 10 thereto which can remain
engaged during an emergency and allow partial disengagement such as
in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6, or can be totally disengaged for replacement
or other reasons.
[0063] As shown a cover panel 15 has hook or loop fabric 17
positioned on one frontal edge and the rear surface. The edge hook
or loop fabric 17 engages with a strip positioned above an
attachment of the two harnesses 20 and 28 to the front vest 22
panel. The rear surface of the cover panel 15 engages with the
mating hook and loop fabric 17 positioned on the distal ends of the
two harnesses 20 and 28, and on the front vest 22 panel itself. The
hook or loop fabric 17 on the distal ends of the two harnesses 20
and 28 engages to mating hook or loop fabric 17 on the vest front
22 panel to which the cover panel 15 also engages.
[0064] This configuration of the secure but disengageable cover
panel 15, provides an extremely secure sandwiched hook and loop
fabric 17 engagement of the front engaging distal ends of the
harnesses 20 and 28 during use of the vest. However, if for some
reason disassembly is required, other than the release of the
shoulder attachment and the rear-engagement of one or both distal
ends of harnesses 20 and 28, such is easily accomplished by
separating the hook and loop engagement of the cover panel 15, and
then removing the hook and loop engagement of the distal ends of
the harnesses 20 and 28.
[0065] The assembled device 10 is seen from the rear in FIG. 2, and
from the front in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the first securement
band 16 wraps around the front portion of one shoulder strap 26 on
the right, to affix it to the front portion of the should strap 14,
shown on the right. Similarly, the left securement band 38 wraps
around the front portion 26 to form the left shoulder strap 24 to
configure it to hang upon the front left shoulder strap 36 along
with a hook and loop fabric connection. As noted, the configuration
to form a releasable shoulder strap can be formed to make either
releasable, and the depiction showing the right shoulder strap
being releasable can be reversed.
[0066] FIG. 2 also displays a pathway of the release cable 42 as it
extends from the release handle 32 which as depicted in this mode,
would be positioned on one of the shoulder straps such as on the
front left shoulder strap, once connected by the securement band 16
however this could be reversed. Thereafter the handle 32 may be
used to translate the cable 42 and activate one or both release
mechanisms within to disconnect the distal end of one shoulder
strap from the rear vest 12 panel, and at least the one of the
harnesses 20 or 28 on the same side of the vest device 10 as the
released shoulder strap.
[0067] To configure the device 10 to be worn by a user, per FIG. 3
or for example FIG. 5, the left rear portion of the shoulder strap
36 engaged to the rear vest 12 panel is inserted through an opening
in the shoulder area of the front vest 22 and a releasable
component such as the shoulder strap loop 40 at the distal end of
the front portion 36 of the shoulder strap, is engaged with through
a release link 50, connected to the front vest 22 panel.
[0068] Threading the release cable 42 at a first distal end, into a
guide channel 52 sewn into the vest front 22, to communicate
through the shoulder strap loop 40, and over the release link 50,
removably engages the from portion of the shoulder strap 36 to the
vest front 22 in a first releasable engagement. To release this
engagement from vest using the first release mechanism as
described, a user pulls the release handle 32 by a which slides a
first distal end of the release cable 42 out of the shoulder strap
loop 40. This releases one of the two formed shoulder straps from
engagement over the user's shoulder, and allows access and exit
therethrough.
[0069] Although the shoulder strap loop 40 disengages from the vest
front 22 from formed shoulder strap during user-initiated
activation, the front left shoulder left securement band 38 remains
fastened to the rear portion of the formed shoulder strap, to
ensure that components of the device 10 remains connected and
intact for post-situational recovery.
[0070] FIG. 4 displays the mechanism which joins one harness, such
as the left harness 28 to the vest 12 panel. After inserting the
wrap around harness 28 through a second opening between the rear
vest 22 upper and lower layers the user aligns, and inserts a
releasable connector such as the pin 56, through, one or both of
the band loops 30, at the distal end of the harness. If both distal
ends of both harnesses 20 and 28 are to disconnect, the pin 56 will
engage at least one band loop 30 on each distal end of each
harness, and engage them to the rear vest 22 panel.
[0071] A slit 44 in the rear vest 12 facing layer can be opened to
allow for assembly and reassembly, of the release shown. The slit
44 can then be sealed using a closure such as a zipper or hook and
loop fabric to protect the contents within.
[0072] As the release pin 56, is connected to or translated by the
second distal end of the cable 42, pulling the release handle 32 by
a distance equal to the length of the release pin 56, translates
the release pin 56 out of the vest loops 54 and the band loops 30,
to disengage one harness such as the left harness 28, and if so
engaged, the other harness such as the right harness 20 from the
rear vest 12 panel.
[0073] The device 10 can adjust to tightly fit against a user's
torso by allowing the user to set the shoulder strap length via the
left and first securement bands 38, and hook and loop engagements
between the front and rear strap portions. Additionally, the user
can tighten the device 10 about their hips through selection of
vest loops 54 and band loops 30, or alternatively through
additional tightening straps in the left or right harness 28, 20.
Further adjustment can be hand with the harness portions by
mounting the distal ends shown in FIG. 1a, in different
positions.
[0074] The first and second or right and left and securement bands
16, and 38, can employ one or a combination of means to engage with
the front portions and the back rear portions of the shoulder
straps, including connectors from a group including one or a
combination of hook and loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, elastics,
drawstrings, or loops.
[0075] Additionally, means for securing the first access flap 46
and a second access flap 48 to the rear strap portions can include
one or a combination of fasteners from a group including hook and
loop fasteners, buttons, snaps, elastics, drawstrings or loops.
Opening and sealing of the slit 44 in the vest front 22 can be
performed by one or a combination of the following known mechanisms
including but not limited to: zippers, hook and loop fasteners,
slides, ties, buttons, drawstrings, snaps, or elastics.
[0076] The release link 50 and release pin 56 can be composed of
any metal or a durable plastic such as nylon, delrin,
polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylic or another polymer material.
Additionally, the flexible member forming the release cable 42 can
be formed of any one or a combination of flexible member materials
which are sufficiently non-elastic and which contain sufficient
friction to ensure continuous engagement between the shoulder strap
loop 40 and the release link 50 when the device is worn. Such
flexible member materials can include one or a combination of
member materials from a group including polymeric material,
plastic, metal, or flexible member material Additional fasteners
can be employed to loop and splice the release cable 42 including
one or a combination of crimps, ferrules, ties or adhesives.
[0077] Shown in FIG. 5, is a graphic depiction of the vest device
10 herein, assembled and employable in an as-used configuration
showing that the release handle 32 can be employed on either side
of the vest device 10 as a means to disengage one shoulder strap
and one harness 28 from their attachment to the vest device 10 on
the same side, to form an opening 15 adapted for an exit or
entrance to the device 10 from that side. As shown the release
handle 32 which translates the release cable 42, is positioned for
easy grasping on or extending adjacent one of the shoulder straps
which in this case is on the left side of the vest device 10. A
pulling of the handle 32 as noted translates the cable 42 to
disengage a distal end of one shoulder strap 36 and a distal end of
at least one harness 20 on the same side of the device 10 and the
wearer's body, thus allowing egress and ingress to the device 10
from that opening 15 on the opened side.
[0078] In FIG. 6 is shown the means for easy removal and
re-engagement the device 10 herein provides, depicting the device
10 after activation of the release by a pulling of the release
handle 32 to translate the release cable 42. As shown, once the
release handle 32 is pulled, a first distal end of the cable 42 10
disengages one shoulder strap, and a second distal end of the cable
42 translates and disengages at least one harness from the
engagement with the rear panel, to open one side of the vest device
10. As shown in FIG. 6, one shoulder strap has been released at a
distal end engaged with the from portion of the vest, and one
harness has been disengaged from a distal end attachment to the
rear panel of the vest device 10 thereby allowing the shoulder
strap and harness to be released at their distal ends to form an
exit 15, in this example, through the right side of the formed vest
device 10 of FIGS. 5-6.
[0079] As noted the opposite shoulder strap and harness could also
be activated by a pull of the handle 32 to cause the distal ends of
the cable 42 to release them, and thereby form an exit path, and
re-engagement path, through the left side of the vest device 10 of
FIGS. 5 and 6. The important structure being that a shoulder strap
and at least one harness be released, with both on the same side of
the formed vest device 10, to allow for easy exit therefrom in an
emergency, and easy re-engagement therethrough of the wearer once
appropriate.
[0080] As noted, any of the different configurations and components
can be employed with any other configuration or component shown and
described herein. Additionally, while the present invention has
been described herein with reference to particular embodiments
thereof and steps in the method of production, a latitude of
modifications, various changes and substitutions are intended in
the foregoing disclosures, it will be appreciated that in some
instance some features, or configurations, or steps in formation of
the invention could be employed without a corresponding use of
other features without departing from the scope of the invention as
set forth in the following claims. All such changes, alternations
and modifications as would occur to those skilled in the art are
considered to be within the scope of this invention as broadly
defined in the appended claims.
[0081] Further, the purpose of any abstract of this specification
is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the public
generally, and especially the scientists, engineers, and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. Any such abstract is neither intended to define
the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims,
nor is it intended to be limiting, as to the scope of the invention
in any way.
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