U.S. patent application number 16/246185 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for panel and system for load carriage and protection for tactical and non-tactical garments.
The applicant listed for this patent is Raine, Inc.. Invention is credited to Massimo Alexandro Gallo.
Application Number | 20200022437 16/246185 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61868372 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200022437 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gallo; Massimo Alexandro |
January 23, 2020 |
PANEL AND SYSTEM FOR LOAD CARRIAGE AND PROTECTION FOR TACTICAL AND
NON-TACTICAL GARMENTS
Abstract
A panel covers a release mechanism of a garment and enables the
mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The panel includes a
reinforcement structure, a fabric having mounting slots wound over
the reinforcement structure, and a securing mechanism that secures
the panel to the release mechanism of the garment. Also, a garment
may include a built-in panel that covers a release mechanism and
enables mounting of pouches and equipment thereon. The garment
includes a main garment portion, a release mechanism extending from
an open end of the garment, and the built-in panel incorporated
into the main garment portion.
Inventors: |
Gallo; Massimo Alexandro;
(Plano, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Raine, Inc. |
Anderson |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
61868372 |
Appl. No.: |
16/246185 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15827999 |
Nov 30, 2017 |
10314355 |
|
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16246185 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41H 1/02 20130101; A41F
1/00 20130101; A45F 3/005 20130101; A47G 25/90 20130101; A41D
13/0518 20130101; A41D 2400/44 20130101; A41D 13/0012 20130101;
A45F 5/022 20130101; F41H 5/013 20130101; A45F 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A41F 1/00 20060101
A41F001/00; A41D 13/00 20060101 A41D013/00; F41H 1/02 20060101
F41H001/02; A45F 5/02 20060101 A45F005/02; A47G 25/90 20060101
A47G025/90; A45F 3/00 20060101 A45F003/00; F41H 5/013 20060101
F41H005/013 |
Claims
1. A panel configured to cover a release mechanism of a garment and
to enable mounting pouches and equipment thereon, the panel
comprising: a reinforcement structure; a fabric wound over the
reinforcement structure, the fabric comprising a plurality of
mounting slots; and a first securing mechanism configured to secure
the panel to mounting slots on the garment such that the panel
extends from an open end of the garment to cover the release
mechanism of the garment enables mounting of pouches and equipment
over an area covering, the release mechanism.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
load-bearing tactical and non-tactical garments, personally worn
armor vests, armor carriers, plate, carriers, chest rigs, apparel,
load bearing gear, and/or vests for carrying items and particularly
to an attachment panel that may be fastened or fixed on a
cummerbund of an armor carrier and/or a cummerbund and/or bad
bearing gear with the attachment panel made into it, that increases
bad carrying capability and/or armor protection that does not
interfere with the emergency and/or standard donning and or doffing
of the garment.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A defense unit that includes military, anti-terrorist
operators and police and/or other operators that have to perform
high risk missions need to be provided armor and load bearing gear
equipped with ammunition and other equipment. Items can include
bullets, gun magazines and hand grenades, water containers etc.
that are required while in combat against the enemy. Equipment may
include communication means, navigation means, binoculars, portable
lighting units and whatever other items that can be foreseen to be
of assistance in a mission.
[0003] Further, apart from ammunition and the equipment, the
operators may want to carry along first aid kits that include
medicine and surgical tools required in state of emergency. Thus,
some operators may need to carry multiple items mentioned above for
a mission. To carry these items, vests, carriers and chest rigs can
be designed with pouches. Pouches are fabricated of cotton canvas
and/or nylon fabrics to carry a particular size or type of military
item. Typically, a pouch has an open mouth which is covered with a
flap using a buckle, hook and loop closures and/or any other
fastening technique. The pouches are mounted on the waist belt,
backpacks and/or garment worn by the operator.
[0004] To carry these items, carriers, and chest rigs are also
designed with Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS) grid also
referred to as a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying
Equipment) grid, is a grid of webbing used to attach smaller
equipment onto load-bearing platforms, such as vests and backpacks.
PALS/MOLLE can be used to attach items such as holsters, magazine
pouches, radio pouches, knife sheathes, and other gear. A wide
variety of pouches are commercially available, allowing operators
to customize their kit. PALS/MOLLE consists of webbing sewn onto
the load-bearing equipment and corresponding webbing and straps on
the attachment. The straps are interwoven between the webbing on
each of two pieces and finally snapped and/or secured into place,
making for a very secure fit which can be detached with moderate
effort. New types MOLLE/PALS grids are cut out of a single piece
fabric rather than webbing straps sewn onto fabric can also be
used.
[0005] The load carrying armor vest and carrier is designed like a
strength training weighted vest having multiple pockets for
mounting pouches for carrying various items. The pockets can be
provided on the entire surface of the armor vest and/or in
combination with PALS/MOLLE or vests can be made with only
PALS/MOLLE. The modern armor vest can also include a cummerbund
that is specifically designed to carry more equipment and/or body
armor. Cummerbunds can also help to distribute weight for the vest
on some vests and provide more space to carry added gear and
equipment.
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a load carrying armor carrier (100), in
accordance with an embodiment of a prior art. As shown in FIG. 1,
the load carrying armor carrier (100) contains multiple slots (102)
and/or cuts on the entire surface of the armor carrier (100),
including the cummerbund (104), to allow mounting of pouches to any
corresponding MOLLE/PALS slot on the surface of the carrier.
Although the slots (102) are illustrated as being horizontal in the
figures, this is merely for exemplary purposes. According to an
embodiment any mention of slots (102) in the present disclosure may
be horizontal and/or vertical and/or in a plurality of angles with
a plurality of shapes for the slots. The slots (102) are typically
provided with cuts in order to maintain the strength and load
bearing capacity such that the cuts do not tear off while mounting
a pouch.
[0007] However, a problem that occurs with a typical load carrying
armor carrier (100) is that the cummerbund (104) is fastened with
the armor carrier (100) using a mechanical release mechanism (106)
such as a buckling arrangement and/or a Tubes.TM. release
apparatus, embodiments of which are disclosed in detail in a US
Patent Publication No. 2014/0332572 that is hereby incorporated by
reference in the present application. Further, the release
mechanism (106) includes a plastic material fastener connected to
the cummerbund (104) using a fabric, webbing and/or nylon connector
stitched with the cummerbund (104). The release mechanism (106),
being a plastic part, does not allow mounting of any pouches on it,
thereby decreasing the load carrying capacity of the armor carrier,
particularly at places that can easily be reached by the user.
Another problem is that because both sides of the armor carrier are
covered by the release mechanism, these areas can be rendered weak
and/or unprotected. However, the release mechanism (106) is to be
held on the abdomen area of the body and, thus should not be left
unprotected.
[0008] In light of the discussion above, there is clearly a need in
the art for a better load bearing solution that does not suffer
from the above mentioned deficiencies.
SUMMARY
[0009] According to an embodiment, a panel is configured to cover a
release mechanism of a garment and to enable mounting pouches and
equipment thereon. The panel includes a reinforcement structure; a
fabric wound over the reinforcement structure, the fabric
comprising a plurality of mounting slots; and a first securing
mechanism configured to secure the panel to the release mechanism
of the garment such that the panel enables mounting of pouches and
equipment over an area covering the release mechanism.
[0010] According to an embodiment, the panel includes a vertical
cavity for allowing the first securing mechanism to be tunneled
through the outer face of the panel.
[0011] According to an embodiment, the panel includes a plurality
of securing slots on the inner face of the panel for allowing
passage of the first securing mechanism through the plurality of
securing slots.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the panel includes a second
securing mechanism for tunneling through the vertical cavity and
fastening to the release mechanism to restrain the panel from
folding back.
[0013] According to an embodiment, the panel includes a loop on an
edge of the panel for allowing passage of a cord that is
operatively coupled to the release mechanism.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the reinforcement structure
comprises at least one elongated bar, and the panel includes at
least one tunnel-ended strip for fastening the at least one
elongated bar to the garment, each tunnel-ended strip comprising a
tunnel portion configured to wrap around a free end of an elongated
bar that is extending out of the panel; and at least one strip
configured to fasten to the garment.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the plurality of mounting slots
form a MOLLE grid.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the plurality of mounting slots
comprise one of sewn webbings and cut slots.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the panel includes a protective
insert underneath the fabric, the protective insert being composed
of one of a rigid and semi-rigid material.
[0018] According to an embodiment, a garment includes a built-in
panel configured to cover a release mechanism of a garment and to
enable mounting pouches and equipment thereon. The garment
comprises a main garment portion comprising a plurality of open end
and a first plurality of mounting slots on an outer surface
proximate to each of the at least one open end; a release mechanism
extending from an open end of the main garment portion and
configured to maintain the garment in a closed state when donned
and enable quick release to an opened state when being doffed; and
the built-in panel incorporated into and extending from the main
garment portion, the built-in panel comprising a fabric comprising
n second plurality of mounting slots. The built-in panel also
covers the release mechanism such as to enable mounting of pouches
and equipment over an area covering the release mechanism.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the built-in panel further
comprises a reinforcement structure underneath the fabric.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the garment includes a securing
mechanism that fastens the release mechanism to the built-in panel
such that the built-in panel is restrained from folding back.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the garment includes a
protective insert underneath the fabric of the built-in panel, the
protective insert being composed of one of a rigid and semi-rigid
material.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the garment includes a loop on
an edge of the built-in panel for allowing passage of a cord that
is operatively coupled to the release mechanism.
[0023] According to an embodiment, the first plurality of mounting
slots of the main garment portion end the second plurality of
mounting slots of the built-in panel form a continuous MOLLE
grid.
[0024] According to an embodiment, the first and second pluralities
of mounting slots comprise at least one of sewn webbings and cut
slots.
[0025] According to an embodiment, the release mechanism comprises
at least one molded passage to allow the securing mechanism to pass
through.
[0026] According to an embodiment, the garment is a cummerbund, a
vest, a carrier, or a chest rig.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the first securing mechanism may
be a strap or a zip tie.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0028] So that the manner in which the above recited features of
the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more
particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above,
may be referred by embodiments, some of which are illustrated in
the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the
appended drawings illustrate are merely exemplary and are therefore
not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may
lend itself other equally effective embodiments.
[0029] These and other features, benefits, and advantages of the
present disclosure will become apparent by reference to the
following figures, with like reference numbers referring to like
structures across the views, wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates an armor carrier, in accordance with an
embodiment of the prior art;
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an attachment panel, in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a reinforcement
structure for an attachment panel, in accordance with an embodiment
of the disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the attachment
panel and a securing mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 5 illustrates an inner face of the attachment panel, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates the outer face of an attachment panel
that is secured to a cummerbund that is fastened to an armor
carrier, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates a release mechanism secured to an
attachment panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0037] FIG. 8 illustrates a skeletonized attachment panel, in
accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 9 illustrates the outer face of a skeletonized
attachment panel, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0039] FIG. 10 illustrates the inner face of the attachment panel,
in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure:
[0040] FIG. 11 illustrates an attachment panel secured to a
cummerbund, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0041] FIG. 12 illustrates a tunnel-ended strip, in accordance with
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0042] FIG. 13 illustrates the release mechanism secured to a
skeletonized attachment panel, in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a zip tie passing in a snakelike manner
through slots provided on the inner face of an attachment panel and
through one or more buckle webbings, in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure;
[0044] FIG. 15A illustrates an cuter side (i.e. face side) of an
integrated cummerbund that includes a built-in panel, in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0045] FIG. 15B illustrates an inner side (i.e. body side) of an
integrated cummerbund that includes a built-in panel, in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0046] FIG. 16 illustrates a frontal view of various shapes of the
reinforcement structure, in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure;
[0047] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of various curve shapes of
the reinforcement structure, in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure;
[0048] FIG. 18 illustrates a chest rig that incorporates a panel to
cover its release mechanism, in accordance with an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0049] FIG. 19 illustrates an attachment pouch, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0050] FIG. 20 illustrates an outer face view of an alternative
fastening configuration for an attachment panel, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0051] FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the
alternative fastening configuration, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0052] FIG. 22 illustrates an inner face view of an alternative
fastening configuration for an attachment panel, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0053] FIG. 23 illustrates the inner face (i.e. body side) of an
attachment panel with passages molded into a release mechanism, in
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] While the present disclosure is described herein by way of
example using embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled
in the art will recognize that the disclosure is not limited to the
embodiments of drawing or drawings described, and are not intended
to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some
components that may form a part of the disclosure may not be
illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such
omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It
should be understood that the drawings and detailed description
thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular
form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claim.
As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a
permissive sense (i.e. meaning having the potential to), rather
than the mandatory sense, (i.e. meaning must). Furthermore, the
terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for
descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in
scope, Language such as "including," "comprising," "having,"
"containing," or "involving," and variations thereof, is intended
to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter,
equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not
intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the
terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and
the like is included in the specification solely for the purpose of
providing a context for the present disclosure. It is not suggested
or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the
prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field
relevant to the present disclosure.
[0055] In this disclosure, whenever a composition or an element or
a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase
"comprising", it is understood that we also contemplate the same
composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases
"consisting of", "consisting", "selected from the group of
consisting of, "including", or "is" preceding the recitation of the
composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.
[0056] The present disclosure is described hereinafter by various
embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein
reference numerals used in the accompanying drawing correspond to
the like elements throughout the description. This disclosure may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather,
the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough
and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to
those skilled in the art. In the following detailed description,
numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the
implementations described. These values and ranges are to be
treated as examples only, and are not intended to limit the scope
of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as
suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials
are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the
scope of the disclosure.
[0057] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to an
attachment to be fastened on to an end of a cummerbund of a body
armor vest, armor carrier, plate carrier and/or
tactical/non-tactical ensemble, garment, and/or a cummerbund that
incorporates the features of the attachment to address the loss of
load carrying capacity due to space taken up by existing closure
systems and quick release systems on conventional cummerbunds. For
example, the release systems described in U.S. Patent No. US
2014/0332572 A1 are polymer C-shaped clip and pin mechanisms on
either side of a cummerbund. The C-shaped clip (female portion) and
pin (male portion), being a polymer part, does not contain any cuts
and/or pockets for attaching pouches or other equipment. Further,
the C-shaped clip and pin together take one or more horizontal
inches of area between the cummerbund (104) and carrier, or between
open ends of a chest rig, that could otherwise be used to add more
slots (102), extend a PALS/MOLLE grid or sew in a permanent pouch.
In the embodiments described in the present disclosure, mentions of
release mechanism (or release apparatus) refer to either the male
or female portion of the release system and/or closure system to
which the panel is secured.
[0058] As such, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
solution that allows additional pouches and/or equipment over the
otherwise unusable space created by the release apparatus areas on
each side of the cummerbund by providing an attachment that can be
fastened and/or fixed to an existing cummerbund or a cummerbund
that incorporates the features of the attachment. The embodiments
of the present disclosure do not impede with the opening and/or
closing (donning or doffing) of the release apparatus (106), and
also do not interfere with any quick release function. Furthermore,
embodiments of the present disclosure cover and protect the release
apparatus (106) and also help extend the service life of the
release mechanism by covering and protecting it from impacts from
day-to-day use and the elements (e.g. direct sunlight, UV light,
wind, dirt, etc.). Furthermore, composite and/or standalone
ballistic and fragmentation protective materials can be used in the
attachment to add protection from ballistic, and/or fragmentation
threats. Embodiments of the present disclosure also increase
protection from accidental quick release opening of the release
mechanism and can be ambidextrous (in that they can be used on
either side of the cummerbund).
[0059] Referring to the drawings, embodiments of the disclosure
will now be described in more detail. FIG. 2 illustrates an
attachment panel (200), in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the attachment panel (200) may be
fastened onto a cummerbund (104) of a plate carrier (100) and
comprises a reinforcement structure (202) (illustrated in dotted
lines) and a fabric (204) wound over the reinforcement structure
(202). Further, the fabric (204) wound over the reinforcement
structure (202) has a plurality of slots (201) capable of receiving
one or more items. According to an embodiment the plurality of
slots may be a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment)
grid. Although the slots (201) are illustrated as being horizontal
in the figures, this is merely for exemplary purposes. According to
an embodiment, any mention of slots in the present disclosure may
be horizontal and/or vertical and/or a plurality of angles. The
slots (201) may be made of a plurality of geometries and are not
limited to solely being made of a straight cut.
[0060] MOLLE is an industry term to refer to the way you attach a
pouch to something with a compatible MOLLE grid. MOLLE grids can be
cut or sewn on with webbing to allow for pouches with MOLLE
compatible straps on their backs to be laced/connected to a body
armor carrier, back pack or similar that has a compatible MOLLE
grid. MOLLE, which stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying
Equipment was a set of equipment the Army made. However, the term
MOLLE stuck as the way to describe how pouches and other gear are
attached or fastened to a grid of slots (201). MOLLE may also be
referred by its technical name: PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder
System). There are several styles and ways to secure the ends of
the webbing for the pouch (e.g., snap fasteners or tucking ends
back into the pouch with a sewn in piece of reinforced plastic or
using hook/loop materials at each end).
[0061] Items that may be stored in the pouches may include but are
not limited to one or more of ammunition items, military equipment
and medical items. The ammunition items include items such as, but
not limited to, bullets, gun magazines and hand grenades etc., that
are required while in combat. Military equipment may include
equipment such as, but not limited to, communication means,
navigation means, binoculars, portable lighting units and whatever
other items that can be foreseen to be of assistance in relation to
a mission. Medical items may include one or more of, but not
limited to, first aid kit and surgical tools. Hydration items to
carry water may include, but not limited to, a canteen, bottle,
reservoir, and bladder.
[0062] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
attachment panel (200) further comprises a loop (206) adapted to
receive an unlocking cord of the release mechanism (106) in a
manner that allows axial pull to the unlocking cord of the release
mechanism (106). The loop (206) is disposed into the fabric (204)
of the attachment panel such that a portion of the loop (206) is
inside the attachment panel (200) and the visible portion extends
out of the attachment panel (200). The portion that extends out of
the attachment panel (200) creates a loop (206) as shown in FIG. 2
that allows the passage of an unlocking cord (720) and/or an
extension cord (715) (illustrated in FIG. 7) for the release
mechanism (106). According to an embodiment, the loop (206) may be
placed anywhere along an edge of the panel (200), such as being
centered along the length of the edge, centered between two cut
slots (102), centered between two sewn webbing slots (201),
centered on a sewn webbing strip, or simply off center. Although
not shown here, the attachment panel (200) may be fastened to slots
(201) (such as on a MOLLE grid) of a cummerbund (104) or chest rig
(1800), as will be described later, or some other tactical or
non-tactical garment.
[0063] According to embodiments, other release mechanisms may also
be used such as Lindnerhof.TM. buckles, AustriAlpin.TM. Buckles,
FirstSpear.RTM. Tubes.TM. buckles, magnetic buckles, London Bridge
Trading quick release buckles, Fidlock buckles, Bushido Tactical
Halo Buckles.TM., Blue Force Gear.RTM. quick release buckles.
Aspetto.RTM. Swift Release buckles, ITW Nexus.RTM. side release
buckles, National Molding.RTM. quick release and side release
buckles and/or similar buckles, fixtures, and/or hardware. For the
sake of clarity and easy understanding only, Tubes.TM. buckles is
taken as an exemplary fastening arrangement in the description and
accompanied drawings.
[0064] According to an embodiment, one or more reinforced parts may
be contained under the fabric (204) to keep the attachment panel
(200) from folding backwards and/or provide a stable and secure
mounting platform over the release apparatus (not illustrated
here). FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view (300) of a curved
U-shaped reinforcement structure (202) for an attachment panel
(200), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The
reinforcement structure (202) is essentially a skeleton for the
panel (200), Although the reinforcement structure (202) illustrated
in FIG. 2 is U-shaped and curved, according to an embodiment, the
reinforcement structure (202) does not have to be in a U-shape (see
FIG. 16 for alternate examples) or curved. Furthermore, according
to an embodiment, the reinforcement structure in any of the
configurations and embodiments described in the present disclosure
may also be a flat or curved plate and take on any shape or
geometry. According to an embodiment the reinforcement structure
(202) may be made of metal or be composed of some other rigid or
semi-rigid material such as plastic, carbon fiber, or composite
materials. As shown in FIG. 2, the reinforcement structure (202)
has at least two elongated horizontal bars (2022) running parallel
to each other and a vertical bar (2024) joining the at least two
elongated horizontal bars (2022). In accordance with an embodiment
of the disclosure, the at least two elongated horizontal bars
(2022) are curved in a manner to be fit on the side of abdomen
region of the human body. According to an embodiment one or more
elongated horizontal bars (2022) may also run parallel to the two
elongated horizontal bars (2022) that are illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0065] According to an embodiment, the reinforcement structure
(202) may incorporate a plurality of geometries and angles/radius
curvature and be made of one or a combination of a plurality of
materials.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view (400) of the
attachment panel (200) and a securing mechanism for securing the
attachment panel (200) to a cummerbund, in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the attachment
panel (200) has an outer face (405) and an inner face (410). In
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the outer face
(405) has a plurality of sewn webbing slots (201) capable of
receiving one or more pouches. In accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure, the outer face (405) of the attachment panel (200)
includes a plurality of strips (415) adapted to be tacked on the
outer face (405) of the attachment panel (200) such that the
tacking of the plurality of strips (415) creates the plurality of
sewn webbing slots (201). Further, the plurality of strips (415) is
tacked in a manner perpendicular to the plurality of strips (415)
as illustrated in FIG. 4. In accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure, the plurality of strips (415) is of nylon material
which is tacked on the fabric (204) of the attachment panel (200).
Further, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
tacking may be done by stitching the plurality of strips (415) on
to the fabric (204) of the outer face (405) of the attachment panel
(200). Further, the stitching may be done in a manner such that the
tacking of the plurality of strips (41) provides a plurality of
sewn webbing slots (201) as shown in FIG. 4. According to an
embodiment, hook and look strips may be stitched to either or both
of the outer facing side of the fabric (204) and the inner facing
side of each strip (415).
[0067] According to an embodiment, the fabric (204) may have a grid
or rows of slots (like a MOLLE grid) that are cut, similar to the
slots (102) in FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 such that the plurality of strips
(415) are not needed. According to an embodiment, one or more hook
and loop strips may be stitched on the fabric (204).
[0068] According to an embodiment, the fabric (204) may cover a
protective insert (not illustrated) made from Tegris.RTM. that can
be placed inside the reinforcement structure (202) between, on top
and/or below the outermost elongated horizontal bars (2022).
According to an embodiment, the fabric (204) may be stitched around
and/or to the protective insert such that the protective insert is
securely held inside, on top and/or below the reinforcement
structure (202). Tegris.RTM. is a thermoplastic composite that
provides stiffness and impact resistance at a very light weight and
does not crack under high or low temperatures. Other materials with
similar attributes may be used instead of Tegris.RTM. for the rigid
material, such as HMPE (high-modulus polyethylene) plastic, LMPE
plastic. Kydex.RTM., Boltaron.RTM., rubber, etc). In addition,
composite and/or standalone materials of Kevlar.RTM., Dyneema.RTM.
Specra.RTM. and/or similar can be used instead of Tegris.RTM. for
added ballistic and fragmentation protection.
[0069] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, one or
more securing mechanisms are provided to fasten and/or fix the
attachment panel (200) to the MOLLE attachment points (i.e. sewn
webbing slots (201)) and/or the release mechanism of a cummerbund.
One type of securing mechanism is self-locking zip ties (420), two
of which are illustrated in FIG. 4 and will be used throughout the
disclosure for exemplary purposes only. Securing mechanisms may be
self-locking zip ties (to fasten permanently), reusable/releasable
zip ties, polymer latching straps, rubber latching straps, webbing,
fabric, cord, elastic, hook and loop tape, Velcro Onewrap.RTM.,
and/or a combination of strap mechanisms such as cut fabric and/or
laminate strips and/or webbing with or without triglide/slide
and/or similar buckles and/or hardware or a plurality releasable
and/or permanent latching mechanisms.
[0070] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
fabric (204) on the outer face (405) of the attachment panel (200)
further includes a vertical cavity (610) (illustrated in FIG. 6)
that is perpendicular to the slots (201) and tunnels across the
outer face (405). In accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure, the vertical cavity (610) is provided between the
fabric (204) and the plurality of strips (415) to allow the passage
of one or more zip ties (420) through the outer face (405) of the
attachment panel (200) (shown in FIG. 6).
[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates the inner face (410) of the attachment
panel (200), in accordance with an embodiment (500) of the
disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner face (410) of the
attachment panel (200) has one or more attachment strips (505)
oriented perpendicular to slots (201) and adapted to secure the
attachment panel (200) with the cummerbund (104). In accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure, the one or more attachment
strips (505) are hook and loop strips stitched to the inner facing
fabric portion toward one lateral end of the attachment panel (200)
such that they can be securely fastened to a cummerbund that has a
plurality of strips (415) (e.g. webbing attachment points) or a
MOLLE grid. According to an embodiment, the hook and loop strips
(505) attach to a counterpart hook and loop fabric that are behind
a plurality of slots (201) of the cummerbund (104). Further, the
inner face (410) of the attachment panel (200) further includes one
or more tunnels (510) adapted to guide a zip tie (420) through the
one or more tunnels (510) such that the zip ties (420) traverse the
inner face (410). FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment in which three
tunnels (510) are arranged in a straight line to guide the passage
of single self-locking zip-tie (420) vertically across the inner
face (410). According to an embodiment, there may be more than one
set of one or more tunnels (510) to guide additional zip ties
vertically across the inner face (410). According to an embodiment,
at least a portion of the vertical cavity (610) on the outer face
(405) is aligned with the one or more tunnels (510) on the inner
face (410). According to an embodiment, the vertical cavity (610)
and the one or more tunnels (510) are disposed such that at least
one zip tie (420) is guided to fasten around the release apparatus
(106).
[0072] According to an embodiment, the securing mechanism may
include one or more zip ties (420) that secure inner face (410) of
the attachment panel (200) to the release mechanism (106). Further,
the attachment panel (200) is fastened to the horizontal and/or
vertical slots (201) of the cummerbund (104) on the other side
using one or more attachment strips (505) provided on the inner
face (410) of the attachment panel (200). The attachment panel
(200) is fastened on two sides or stitched with the fabric to
restrict movement and/or rotation of the attachment panel (200).
According to an embodiment, the attachment panel (200) is held so
firmly with the cummerbund (104) that the attachment panel
essentially becomes a part of the plate carrier (100).
[0073] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a
portion of the attachment panel (200) is held above the release
mechanism (106) of the cummerbund (104) in a manner such that the
attachment panel (200) overlaps the release mechanism (106) of the
cummerbund (104). FIG. 6 illustrates the attachment panel (200)
securely fastened on the cummerbund (104), in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the attachment
panel (200) is held firmly using zip ties (420) on the release
mechanism (106) and the connector strips (505) securely fastened to
the slots (201) of the cummerbund (104), covering the release
mechanism (106) (not visible) of the cummerbund (104).
[0074] Further, the manner of fastening the attachment panel (200)
on the cummerbund (104) is described below:
[0075] The attachment panel (200) is fastened over the release
mechanism (106) such that the inner face (410) of the attachment
panel (200) is in contact with the release mechanism (106). Two zip
ties (420) are inserted through the vertical cavity (610) provided
on the outer face (405) of the attachment panel. FIG. 7 illustrates
the release mechanism (106) fastened to the attachment panel (200),
in accordance with embodiment (700) of the disclosure. In FIG. 7,
the inner face sides of the cummerbund (104) and the attachment
panel (200) are shown. As shown in FIG. 7, a first zip tie (420b)
out of two zip ties (420) is passed through the one or more tunnels
(510). In an embodiment, the first zip tie (420b) that is passed
through the one or more tunnels (510) on the inner face (410) is
also passed through one or more couple webbing (710) that couple
the release mechanism (106) to the cummerbund (104), thereby
securely fastening the attachment panel (200) to the release
mechanism (106). According to an embodiment, the first zip tie
(420b) may also be passed through the vertical cavity (610) on the
outer face (405) of the attachment panel (200) before being secured
or locked. According to an embodiment, a second zip tie (420a) is
passed over the couple webbing (710) on the inner face (410) as
shown in FIG. 7 and also passed through the vertical cavity (610)
on the outer face (405) of the attachment panel (200) before being
secured or locked in order to help prevent the attachment panel
(200) from wiggling or folding back and forth.
[0076] According to an embodiment the release mechanism (106) may
have one or more passages molded into it through which the first
zip tie (420b) and/or the second zip tie (420a) can be passed to
securely fasten the attachment panel (200) to the release mechanism
(106). The one or more passages are similar to the molded passages
(2310) shown in FIG. 23. Also, according to an embodiment, the
second zip tie (420a) may be passed through the same or adjacent
passages molded into the release mechanism (106) and also passed
through the vertical cavity (106) on the outer face of the
attachment panel (200) before being secured or locked. According to
another embodiment, the one or more passages may be molded on a
side of the release mechanism (106) that faces the inner face (410)
of the attachment panel (200). Also, according to an embodiment,
the tunnels (510) may be aligned with the one or more passages.
[0077] Although not shown, the one or more attachment strips (505),
provided on the inner face (410) of the attachment panel (200), are
pushed in through the plurality of slots (102) (or sewn webbing
slots, according to an embodiment) of the cummerbund (104). The one
or more attachment strips (505) are adapted to fasten to the
cummerbund (104). According to an embodiment, the inner lining of
the cummerbund (104) may have loop fabric of the loop and hook
mechanism (e.g., Velcro.RTM.) such that the one or more attachment
strips (505) firmly fastens with the cummerbund (104).
[0078] Although not shown, instead of using one or more attachment
strips (505) made from Velcro.RTM. Onewrap, strips made from
webbing, laminate fabric, fabric and/or similar with snap fasteners
or tucking ends back into the cummerbund slots with a sewn in piece
of reinforced plastic or using hook/loop materials at each end may
be used instead to attach the embodiment to a body armor carriers
cummerbund that uses a sewn webbing MOLLE grid slots (201) and/or
cut MOUE grid slots (102).
[0079] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
attachment panel further includes a loop (206) through which an
unlocking cord of the release mechanism (106) may be passed
through. According to an embodiment, an extension cord (715) may be
adapted to join with the unlocking cord (720) of the release
mechanism (106) in order to increase the length of the unlocking
cord (720).
[0080] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, instead
of self-locking zip ties (420) other locking means may be used such
as cut fabric straps (not shown) made from the fabric (204) and/or
a laminate of fabrics (not illustrated). Further, the self-locking
zip ties (420) as shown in FIG. 4 are just an exemplary
representation for securing the attachment panel (200) to the
release mechanism (106) of the cummerbund (104). Securing
mechanisms may be self-locking zip ties (to fasten permanently),
reusable/releasable zip ties, polymer latching straps, rubber
latching straps webbing, fabric, cord, elastic, hook and loop tape,
Velcro Onewrap.RTM., and/or a combination of strap mechanisms, such
as cut fabric and/or laminate strips and/or webbing with or without
triglide/slide and/or similar buckles and/or hardware or a
plurality releasable and/or permanent latching mechanisms and such.
Moreover, the cut fabric straps may be formed from the same
material of that of the plate carrier (100) fabric, or any other
strong material such as nylon or a composite laminate of materials
may also be used.
[0081] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, the cut
fabric may be provided with a triglide/slide buckle arrangement
(not shown) and/or similar for tightening and loosening the cut
fabric strap when in use.
[0082] FIG. 8 illustrates an attachment panel (800), in accordance
with another embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG.
9, the attachment panel (800) comprises a reinforcement structure
(202) and a fabric (204) wound over the reinforcement structure
(202) having a plurality of slots (102) (e.g. MOUE, grid or MOLLE
attachment points) capable of receiving one or more pouches or
other equipment. The reinforcement structure (202) has at least two
elongated horizontal bars (2022) running parallel to each other and
a vertical bar (2024) joining the at least two elongated horizontal
bars (2022). As already discussed with reference to FIG. 2, the
reinforcement structure (202) may take on any shape (see FIG. 16
for alternate examples) and/or curvature. Furthermore, the
reinforcement structure (202) may be made of metal or be composed
of some other rigid or semi-rigid material such as plastic, carbon
fiber, or composite materials. In accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure, the fabric (204) is wound over a portion of the
reinforcement structure (202) such that the elongated horizontal
bars are uncovered as shown in FIG. 8. In accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure, the least two elongated horizontal
bars (2022) have a curvature in a manner to fit the attachment
panel (800) on the side of abdomen region of the human body.
[0083] According to an embodiment, a protective insert (820)
composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material may be inserted under
the fabric (204) of the attachment panel (800). The protective
insert (820) is illustrated as being significantly less than the
entire surface area of the attachment panel (800); however,
according to an embodiment, the protective insert (820) may be
sized to substantially cover the entire surface area of the
attachment panel (800). According to an embodiment, the fabric
(204) may be stitched around and/or to the protective insert (820)
such that the protective insert (820) is securely held inside the
reinforcement structure (202) and/or can be securely held on top,
between, and/or below the reinforcement structure (202).
[0084] According to an embodiment, the protective insert (820)
provides stiffness and impact resistance at a very light weight.
Such protective insert (820) may be made of thermoplastic composite
material such as Tegris.RTM.. Tegris.RTM. is a thermoplastic
composite that provides stiffness and impact resistance at a very
light weight and does not crack under high or low temperatures.
Other materials with similar attributes may be used instead of
Tegris.RTM. for the rigid material, such as HDPE (high-modulus
polyethylene) Plastic, LMPE plastic, Kydex.RTM., Boltaron.RTM.,
rubber, etc). In addition, composite and/or standalone materials of
Kevlar.RTM., Dyneema.RTM., Specra.RTM. and/or similar can be used
instead of Tegris for added ballistic and fragmentation protection.
According to an embodiment, the piece of thermoplastic composite
material may be pliable or have a similar curvature as provided to
the reinforcement structure (202) of the attachment panel (200).
According to an embodiment, curvature to the piece of thermoplastic
composite material and/or a plurality of other
ballistic/fragmentation protective and non-ballistic/fragmentation
protective materials that may be used may be provided by heating
the piece of material using suitable heating and molding means. In
accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the suitable
heating means heated molding tools and/or similar method that can
form the material to a plurality of shapes and curvatures.
[0085] Although not illustrated, according to an embodiment, any
panel system or configuration described in the present disclosure
may include a protective insert under the fabric of the panel,
whether attached or built-in that can be permanently built in or
removable.
[0086] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
attachment panel (800) further comprises a loop (206) adapted to
receive an unlocking cord (720) and/or an extension cord (715) of
the release mechanism (106) in a manner to facilitate axial pull of
the unlocking cord (720) of the release mechanism (106). Similar to
the loop (206) of the attachment panel (200), the loop (206) is
fixed into the fabric (204) of the attachment panel such that a
portion of the loop (206) is inside the attachment panel (800) and
other portion is outside the attachment panel (800).
[0087] FIG. 9 illustrates the outer face (805) of the attachment
panel (800), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
The outer face has a plurality of slots (102) (e.g. MOLLE grid or
MOLLE attachment points). In accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure, the plurality of slots (102) may be cut slots and/or
vertical and/or of a plurality of angles. Though not illustrated,
the slots (102) may be provided by stitching a plurality of strips
similar to the strips (415) of FIG. 4.
[0088] Though not illustrated, according to an embodiment the slots
can be vertical and/or a plurality of angles (102) may be provided
by stitching a plurality of strips similar to the strips (41) of
FIG. 4. According to an embodiment, the vertical gap interval
between slots (102) of the attachment panel (800) may be short in
order to promote alignment with slots (102) provided by various
manufacturers of the cummerbund (104). For example, the vertical
gap interval between slots (102) may be a half inch.
[0089] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
fabric (204) on the outer face (805) of the attachment panel (800)
further includes at least one vertical cavity similar to the
vertical cavity (610) of the attachment panel (200) that runs
perpendicular to the slots (102) that tunnels underneath and across
the vertical length of fabric (204). In accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure, the vertical cavity is provided such
that the cavity allows the passage of zip ties (420) under the
outer face (405) of the attachment panel (800). An example is
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0090] FIG. 10 illustrates an inner face (810) of the attachment
panel (800), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
According to an embodiment, the inner face (810) is also provided
with one or more slots (102) that allow passage of zip ties (420)
or similar to snake through the inner face (810) of the attachment
panel (800) and couple webbing of cummerbund (104) and/or passages
molded into the release mechanism (106) similar to the molded
passages (2310) shown in FIG. 23. According to an embodiment, the
inner face (810) may have one or more tunnels similar to tunnels
(510) of FIG. 5 to allow passage of zip ties (420) or similar
securing mechanisms already described.
[0091] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
attachment panel (800) further includes a securing mechanism for
fixing the attachment panel (800) on the armor carrier (100). The
securing mechanism may include a plurality of zip ties (420) that
secures the attachment panel (800) to the release mechanism (106).
In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, instead of zip
ties (420), polymer latching straps, rubber latching straps
webbing, fabric, cord, elastic, hook and loop tape, Velcro
Onewrap.RTM., an for a combination of strap mechanisms, such as cut
fabric and/or laminate strips and/or webbing with or without
triglide/slide and/or similar buckles and/or hardware or a
plurality releasable and/or permanent latching mechanisms and such
may also be used.
[0092] FIG. 11 illustrates an attachment panel (800) secured to a
cummerbund (104), in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. According to an embodiment, at least one tunnel-ended
strip (1210) may be provided for fastening the free ends of the
elongated horizontal bars (2022) to the cummerbund (104) via slots
(102) of the cummerbund (104). FIG. 12 illustrates a tunnel-ended
strip (1210) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Each tunnel-ended strip (1210) comprises a tunnel portion (1250)
that wraps around a free end of an elongated horizontal bar (2022)
and at least one strip (1260) that fastens to the cummerbund (104).
The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 has one tunnel portion (1250)
and two strips (1260); however, in alternate embodiments,
tunnel-ended strips may have a shorter or longer tunnel portion
and/or one strip or more than two strips. For example, each of the
tunnel-ended strips (1910) of FIG. 19 has a shorter tunnel portion
and a single strip. The tunnel portion (1250) may be stitched to
slide on or be created during fastening by wrapping at least one
strip around the elongated horizontal bar (2022). At least one
strip (1260) may have hook and/or loop fabric on each side to
fasten to the counterpart fabric on the inner side of the fabric of
the cummerbund (104) and/or be made from webbing, laminate fabric,
fabric and/or similar with snap fasteners or tucking ends back into
the cummerbund (104) via slots (102) with a sewn in piece of
reinforced plastic or using hook/loop materials at each end may be
used to attach to cut slots (102) and/or sewn webbing MOLLE slots
(102). According to an embodiment, the at least one strip (1260)
may be a Velcro.RTM. Onewrap.RTM. (or similar) strip to secure the
elongated horizontal bars (2022) of the attachment panel (800) with
the cummerbund's MOLLE grid and to keep the elongated horizontal
bars (2022) from rolling over the cummerbund (104) and digging into
the wearer's torso/skin/side of the body. According to another
embodiment, the elongated horizontal bars (2022) may be secured to
the cummerbund (104) by straps and/or a sewn tunnel sewn to straps
(more secure then using single nylon strips). This would help
prevent the elongated horizontal bars (2022) from sliding off the
cummerbund (104) and rubbing against the wearer in an uncomfortable
manner. As such, the attachment panel (800) would be secured by
both tunnel-ended strips (1210) and the zip ties (420) to restrict
movement and/or rotation of the attachment panel (800). The goal is
to have the attachment panel (800) be held so firmly with the
cummerbund (104) that the attachment panel (800) becomes a part of
the cummerbund (104). The tunnel-ended strips (1210) may vary in
geometry and construction and can be used to secure different
geometries and curvatures of a reinforcement structure (202) of the
attachment panel (800) firmly to a cummerbund (104) and
garment.
[0093] in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure,
attachment panel (800) is held above the release mechanism (106) of
the cummerbund (104) in a manner that the attachment panel (800)
overlaps the release mechanism (106) of the cummerbund (104). FIG.
12 illustrates the attachment panel (800) fastened on to the
cummerbund (104) which is attached/connected to the armor carrier
(100), in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown
in FIG. 11, the attachment panel (800) is held nearly flush with
the cummerbund (104) and armor carrier (100), with the extension
cord 720 extending from the unlocking cord (720) which extends from
the release mechanism (106) of the cummerbund (104) out through the
loop (206).
[0094] According to an embodiment, the slots (102) on the
attachment panel (800) may be horizontally aligned with the slots
of the cummerbund, chest rig or some other garment to which the
attachment panel is fastened. Furthermore, although in FIG. 11 the
horizontal spacing of slots (102) are not uniform all the way
across from the cummerbund (104) to the attachment panel (800) in
FIG. 20, this is merely one embodiment for illustrative purposes.
According to an embodiment, the slots (102) may be evenly spaced
across the cummerbund (104) (or chest rig or some other garment)
and attachment panel (800) such that the transition from the
cummerbund (104) (or chest rig or some other garment) to the
attachment panel (800) mimics a continuous MOLLE grid.
[0095] Further, the manner of fixing the attachment panel (800) on
the cummerbund (104) is described below:
[0096] The attachment panel (800) is kept on the release mechanism
(106) such that the inner face (810) of the attachment panel (800)
is in contact with the release mechanism (106). Two zip ties (420a
and 420b) are inserted through the cavity provided on the outer
face (805) of the attachment panel (800) (illustrated in FIG. 11).
FIG. 13 illustrates the release mechanism (106) fastened to the
attachment panel (800) abutting the inner face (810), in accordance
with an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, a first
zip tie (420b) out of two zip ties (420) is passed in a snakelike
manner through the one or more slots (102) provided on the inner
face (810) of the attachment panel (800) and through one or more
couple webbing (710) that couple the release mechanism (106) to the
cummerbund (104), thereby securely fastening the attachment panel
(800) to the release mechanism (106). According to an embodiment,
the first zip tie (420b) may also be passed through the vertical
cavity (similar to vertical cavity (610) of attachment panel (200))
on the outer face (805) of the attachment panel (800) before being
tied. According to an embodiment, a second zip tie (420a) is passed
over the couple webbing (710) as shown in FIG. 13 and also passed
through the vertical cavity on the outer face (805) of the
attachment panel (800) before being fastened in order to help
prevent the attachment panel (200) from wiggling, flipping, or
folding back and forth. According to an embodiment, one or both zip
ties (420a) and (420b) may be passed through one or more slots
(102) on the outer face of the attachment panel (800) if there is
no vertical cavity that runs underneath.
[0097] According to an embodiment the release mechanism (106) may
have one or more passages molded into it through which the first
zip tie (420b) and/or the second zip tie (420a) can be passed to
securely fasten the attachment panel (800) to the release mechanism
(106). The one or more passages are similar to the molded passages
(2310) shown in FIG. 23. Also, according to an embodiment, the
second zip tie (420a) may be passed through the same or adjacent
passages molded into the release mechanism (106) and also passed
through a vertical cavity (similar to vertical cavity (610) of
attachment panel (200)) on the outer face of the attachment panel
(800) before being secured or locked.
[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 14, according to an embodiment, the
inner face (810) of the attachment panel (800) is provided with one
or more slots (812) that allow passage of the first zip tie (420b)
to snake through the inner face (810) of the attachment panel (800)
and couple webbing (710) which function as knuckles of a hinge that
rotatably connect the attachment panel (900) to the cummerbund
(104), with the zip tie (420b) acting as the pin to the hinge.
According to an embodiment, the inner face (810) may have one or
more tunnels similar to slots (812) of FIG. 10 or tunnels (510) of
FIG. 5 to avow passage of zip ties (420).
[0099] According to another embodiment, the one or more passages
may be molded into the side of the release mechanism (106) that
faces the inner face (410) of the attachment pan& (800). Also,
according to an embodiment, the one or more slots (812) may be
aligned with the one or more passages such that the first zip tie
(420b) can snake through the inner face (810) of the attachment
panel (800) and the molded passages that are facing the inner face
(805) of the attachment panel (800). Alternatively, if the molded
passages are facing away from the inner face (805) (similar to
molded passages (2310) of FIG. 23), the first zip tie (420b) and/or
the second zip tie (420a) may pass through the one or more slots
(812) on the inner face (805) of the attachment panel (800) and
wrap around release mechanism (106) and through the molded passages
facing away from the inner face (805) before being securely
fastened.
[0100] As Illustrated in FIG. 11, at least one tunnel-ended strip
(1210) may be provided for fastening the free ends of the elongated
horizontal bars (2022) to the cummerbund (104) via slots (102) of
the cummerbund (104). Each tunnel-ended strip (1210) comprises a
tunnel portion that wraps around a free end of an elongated
horizontal bar (2022) and a strip portion that fastens to the
cummerbund (104). The tunnel portion may be stitched to slide on or
be created during fastening by wrapping the tunnel ended strip
(1210) around the elongated horizontal bar (2022). The strip
portion may have hook and/or loop fabric on each side to fasten to
the counterpart fabric on the inner side of the fabric of the
cummerbund (104). According to an embodiment, the strip portion may
be a Velcro.RTM. Onewrap.RTM. (or similar) strip to secure the
elongated horizontal bars (2022) of the attachment panel (800) with
the cummerbund's cut or sewn webbing MOLLE grid.
[0101] Through not illustrated, according to an embodiment, the
strip portion to secure the elongated horizontal bars (2022) of the
attachment panel (800) with the cummerbund's (104) cut slots (102)
or sewn webbing MOLLE grid slots (102) may be a laminate fabric,
fabric and/or similar with snap fasteners or tucking ends back into
the cummerbund (104) via slots (102) with a sewn in piece of
reinforced plastic or using hook/loop materials at each end may be
used to attach to cut slots (102) and/or sewn webbing MOLLE slots
(102).
[0102] In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, the
attachment panel (800) an extension cord (715) may be joined with
the unlocking cord (720) of the release mechanism (106) in order to
increase the length of the unlocking cord (720) of the release
mechanism (106).
[0103] According to an embodiment, the vertical gap interval
between slots (102) of the attachment panel (800) may be shorter in
order to promote alignment with slots (102) provided by various
manufacturers of the cummerbund (104). As shown in FIG. 11, the
vertical gap interval between slots in the attachment panel (800)
is half the vertical gap interval between the slots on the
cummerbund (104) and the armor carrier (100).
[0104] FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate the outer face of an integrated
cummerbund (1500) that includes a built-in panel that covers the
release mechanism (106), in accordance with an embodiment of the
disclosure. FIG. 15a illustrates the outer side (i.e. face side)
(1540) while FIG. 15b illustrates the inner side (i.e. body side)
(1530). It is noted that in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15a
and 15b, the cummerbund (1500) is an elongated structure that
covers one side of a torso. That is, another cummerbund is needed
to cover the opposite side of the torso.
[0105] As shown in FIGS. 15a and 15b, the integrated cummerbund
(1500) has a first end area (1510) and a second end area (1520).
The first end area (1510) may have a hook and loop fabric and/or
other securing mechanism (or any other known means) to
attach/fasten the first end area (1510) of the integrated
cummerbund to a back portion of a body vest garment. As shown in
FIG. 15a, the second end (1520) includes a built-in panel (1580)
that appears seamless from the rest of the integrated cummerbund
(1500). According to an embodiment, the built-in panel (1580) may
be incorporated into or otherwise permanently attached during
manufacture of the integrated cummerbund (1500). According to an
embodiment, the built-in panel (1580) is sewn in during manufacture
of the integrated cummerbund (1500) such that the elongated
horizontal bars (2022) of a reinforcement structure (202) (not
shown) are held in place underneath the fabric on the outer side.
This is in contrast to FIG. 11, in which the elongated horizontal
bars (2022) are exposed over the outer side of the cummerbund
(104). Although not shown, each elongated horizontal bar (2022) may
be further secured in place using any conventional technique or
those previously disclosed. According to an alterative embodiment,
the built-in panel (1580) may or may not have elongated horizontal
bars (2022) or a reinforcement structure (202). The reinforcement
structure (202) may be a plurality of geometries and curvatures and
made from a plurality of materials. A protective insert (820)
composed of a rigid or semi-rigid material may also be included in
the embodiment made from materials those previously disclosed. The
protective insert (820) may be removable.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 15B, the release mechanism (106) is covered
by the built-in panel (1580) at the second end area (1520) of the
integrated cummerbund (1500). Similar to FIGS. 7 and 13, the
release mechanism (106) is coupled to the integrated cummerbund by
the couple webbing (710). According to an embodiment, the release
mechanism (106) may be securely fastened to the built-in panel
(1580) using zip ties 420a and 420b as previously disclosed.
Alternatively, the release mechanism (106) may be securely fastened
to the built-in panel using one zip tie 420a (or other securing
mechanism) to keep the built-in panel (1580) from folding back
during use. According to an embodiment, the couple webbing (710)
may be sewn to the inner face of the built-in panel (1580). Also,
according to an embodiment, one or more passages (2310) may be
molded into the release mechanism (106) as discussed with regard to
panel (200) and panel (800) to allow one or more zip ties (420)
(i.e. securing mechanism) to pass through.
[0107] The present disclosure provides a number of advantages.
First, the release mechanism (106) is being covered and protected
by the fastening or fixing of attachment panel (200) on the
cummerbund (104) or incorporating its features to a new integrated
cummerbund. The attachment panel (200) may be used on different
types of release mechanisms as discussed earlier. Further, the
fixation or fastening of attachment panel (200) to the release
mechanism (106) allows mounting of and/or sewing on additional
pouches that would otherwise not be possible.
[0108] Moreover, the reinforcement structure (202) provides
required stiffness for holding the attachment panel (200). Further,
the material of the reinforcement structure (202) may be one of,
but not limited to, metal, plastic, fiber glass, composite,
ballistic protective materials and fragmentation protective
materials, and combination thereof. Also, shape of the
reinforcement structure (202) shown in accompanied drawings is just
an exemplary illustration. Further, the reinforcement structure
(202) may include varied shaped such as, but not limited to, shape
of the characters X, C, E and L with a plurality of curvatures
and/or flat. FIG. 16 illustrates different frontal views of the
reinforcement structure (202), in accordance with an embodiment of
the disclosure. Also. FIG. 16 illustrates different cross-sectional
views of the reinforcement structure (202), in accordance with an
embodiment of the disclosure. A skilled person in the art would
recognize that the reinforcement structure (202) may have other
shapes as mentioned above and/or illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG.
17.
[0109] FIG. 18 illustrates a chest rig that incorporates a panel to
cover its release mechanism according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure. According to an embodiment, a panel (1810),
similar to attachment panel (200) or attachment panel (800) may be
incorporated (or otherwise incorporated) into a chest rig that
utilizes a release mechanism that creates a gap lacking MOLLS
attachment points. According to an embodiment, the panel (1810) may
or may not have a reinforcement structure (202). According to an
embodiment, the panel (1810) is fastened to a chest rig (1800) in a
same or similar manner as those embodiments described with respect
to attachment panel (200), (800) and (2000). Alternatively, the
panel (1810) may be built in to the chest rig (1800) in a same or
similar manner as those embodiments described with respect to
built-in panel (1580). Here, although not illustrated, the chest
rig has the release mechanism and its counterpart--i.e. one male
portion and one female portion (e.g. release mechanism (106)
covered by the panel (1810) in the illustrated embodiment)--such
that when the extension cord (715) is pulled, the release mechanism
(106) (i.e. female portion of the release system) disengages from
the male portion, thereby opening the chest rig for doffing.
[0110] FIG. 19 illustrates an attachment pouch, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an
embodiment, the attachment pouch (1900) may be fastened to a
cummerbund (104) or chest rig (1800) in a same or similar manner as
those embodiments described with respect to attachment panel (200),
(800) and (2000). Alternatively, the attachment pouch (1900) may be
built in to a cummerbund (104) or chest rig (1800) in a same or
similar manner as those embodiments described with respect to
built-in panel (1580). According to the embodiment disclosed in
FIG. 19, two tunnel-ended strips (1910) wrap around the top bar of
the elongated bars (2022) to help hold the attachment pouch (1900)
in place by fastening to a cummerbund, chest rig some or other
garment through a cut slot 102 or sewn webbing slot 201 and the
like as already described with regard to FIG. 11. According to an
alternate embodiment, one or more different tunnel-ended strips
(such as, tunnel-ended strip (1210)) may be used instead. Also, the
bottom bar of the elongated bars (2022) remains bare; however, in
an alternate embodiment, one or more tunnel-ended strips may be
used to wrap around the bottom bar. Also, according to an
embodiment, both elongated bars (2022) may be held in place by a
tunnel-ended strip, or the top bar may be bare while the bottom bar
is help in place by a tunnel-ended strip. The embodiment may use a
reinforcement structure (202) that does not include elongated bars
(2022) and can be a plurality of geometries and curvatures. The
embodiment may also include a protective insert (820) that is
permanently built in or is removable.
[0111] FIG. 20 illustrates an outer face view of an alternative
fastening configuration for an attachment panel, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an
embodiment, an attachment panel (2000) may have one or more
securing mechanisms for securing the attachment panel (2000) to a
cummerbund (104). According to an embodiment, the attachment panel
(2000) may or may riot have, a reinforcement structure (202) or a
protective insert (820). The attachment panel (2000) may or may not
have a loop (206) adapted to receive an unlocking cord of the
release mechanism (106) in a manner that allows axial pull to the
unlocking cord of the release mechanism (106). Although the release
mechanism (106) appears to extend past the edge of the attachment
panel (2000) and be exposed in FIG. 20, this is merely for
illustrative purposes. According to an embodiment, the release
mechanism (108) may be fully covered by the attachment panel (2000)
similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11. FIG. 21
illustrates a cross-sectional view of the alternative fastening
configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, the securing
mechanisms are strip (2010) and strip (2020). According to an
embodiment, one end for each of strips (2010) and (2020) may be
sewn or otherwise permanently fixed to the inner face of the
attachment panel (2000). The free end of strip (2010) may wrap
around the release mechanism (106) (as shown in FIG. 22) to keep
the attachment panel (2000) from folding or flipping back and forth
while in use. With regard to strip 2020, the free end may pass
through webbing attachment points/slots (102) or a MOLLE grid
similar to attachment strips (505) of FIG. 5 to be secured to the
cummerbund (104). According to an embodiment, the slots (102) on
the attachment panel (2000) may be horizontally aligned with the
slots (102) of the cummerbund, chest rig or some other garment to
which the attachment panel is fastened. Furthermore, although the
horizontal spacing of slots (102) are not uniform all the way
across from the cummerbund (104) to the attachment panel (2000) in
FIG. 20, this is merely one embodiment for illustrative purposes.
According to an embodiment, the slots (102) may be evenly spaced
across the cummerbund (104) (or chest rig or some other garment)
and attachment panel (2000) such that the transition from the
cummerbund (104) (or chest rig or some other garment) to the
attachment panel (2000) mimics a continuous MOLLS grid.
[0112] According to an embodiment, the attachment panel (2000) may
be attached to a cummerbund (104) of FIG. 5 without permanently
fixed or sewn strips (not illustrated) and use of securing
mechanisms such as self-locking zip ties (to fasten permanently).
reusable/releasable zip ties, polymer latching straps, rubber
latching straps webbing, fabric, cord, elastic, hook and loop tape,
Velcro Onewrap.RTM., and/or a combination of strap mechanisms, such
as cut fabric and/or laminate strips and/or webbing with or without
triglide/slide and/or similar buckles and/or hardware or a
plurality releasable and/or permanent latching mechanisms and
such.
[0113] According to an embodiment, the attachment panel (2000) may
have tunnels similar to tunnels (510) of FIG. 5 or cut slots
similar to slots (812) that allow strips or zip ties to pass
through in a snakelike manner.
[0114] FIG. 23, illustrates the inner face side (i.e. body side)
(1530) with passages (2310) molded into a release mechanism (106),
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The passages
(2310) can be located on any of the surfaces of the release
mechanism (106), internally or externally, and take on any of a
plurality of geometries, lengths and cross-sectional shapes/areas.
There could be multiple passages (2310) to allow for one or more
securing mechanisms to be passed through. The molded passages may
have a plurality of securing mechanisms made from a plurality of
materials, geometries and sizes as previously disclosed passed
through them in a plurality of configurations (e.g. snake-like
manner and/or straight pass through). According to an embodiment,
use of the passages (2310) molded to into a release mechanism (106)
may allow the use of a single securing mechanism (420) to both
fasten a panel to the release mechanism (106) and also help prevent
the panel from folding back. One or more passages (2310) may be
molded into a release mechanism (106). According to an embodiment,
the passages (2310) allow for the securing mechanisms (420a and
420b) to fasten the previously disclosed embodiments of the
attachment panel (200), (500), (800), (2000), integrated cummerbund
(1500), attachment pouch (1900), and chest rig (1500) panel (1810)
securely and help prevent them from wiggling, flipping, or folding
back and forth, folding backwards and/or provide a stable and
secure mounting platform over the release apparatus (106) through
the methods previously disclosed for zip tie (420) securing
mechanisms.
[0115] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to
those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying
drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments
described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore,
the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments
shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be providing
broadest scope of consistent with the principles and the novel and
inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the
disclosure is anticipated to hold on to all other such
alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the
scope of the present disclosure and appended claim.
* * * * *