Attachment System for PALS and MOLLE Gear

An attachment system for removably attaching together a first item and a second item, each having spaced parallel mounting strips, includes a track base, a mounting device, and a fastening blade. The track base includes two parallel rails, and at least one spanning plate connecting the rails for engaging a mounting strip of the first item to thereby attach the track base to the first item. The mounting device includes parallel rails, and at least one spanning plate connecting the rails, and a slot. The fastening blade is removably insertable into the slot to engage at least one mounting strip of the second item and attach the mounting device to the second item. The rails of the mounting device are configured to engage the rails of the track base to removably attach the mounting device to the track base.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to removable attachment of gear items to packs. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an attachment system for coupling items each having spaced webbing strips.

BACKGROUND

A popular convention for attaching gear items to backpacks and bags is based on the known Pouch Attachment Ladder System (“PALS”). A PALS equipped item has a grid of spaced mounting strips, typically made of synthetic fabric webbing. Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) refers to load-bearing equipment, for example used by militaries and increasingly as well in civilian sports equipment items, also having spaced mounting strips.

Two items, each with spaced mounting strips, are typically directly attached together by weaving a fastening strap among the mounting strips of the two items. That direct type of conventional attachment is secure but inconvenient when removal is wanted, requiring unweaving of each fastening strap, and reweaving of the fastening strap if a new, different, or replenished gear item is to be mounted on a first item.

Improved convenient, secure, and releasable attachment systems and devices are needed for the attachment of items, for example a MOLLE gear item to a PALS-equipped pack.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An attachment system for removably attaching together a first item and a second item, each having spaced parallel mounting strips, includes a track base, a mounting device, and a fastening blade. The track base includes a longitudinally extending first rail, a longitudinally extending second rail parallel to and spaced from the first rail, and at least one spanning plate connecting the first rail and second rail, the spanning plate for engaging a mounting strip of the first item to thereby attach the track base to the first item. The mounting device includes a longitudinally extending first rail, a longitudinally extending second rail parallel to and spaced from the first rail, at least one spanning plate connecting the first rail and second rail, and a longitudinally extending slot. The fastening blade is removably insertable into the slot of the mounting device to thereby engage at least one mounting strip of the second item and attach the mounting device to the second item. The first rail and second rail of the mounting device are configured to engage the first rail and second rail of the track base to removably attach the mounting device to the track base.

The track base may include a channel that receives the mounting device when the first rail and second rail of the mounting device engage the first rail and second rail of the track base.

The first rail of the track base may include a first overhang; the second rail of the track base may include a second overhang opposing and directed toward the first overhang; the channel may be defined between the first overhang and second overhang; and a portion of the first rail of the mounting device may be received under the first overhang, and a portion of the second rail of the mounting device may be received under the second overhang, when the mounting device is removably attached to the track base.

The first rail of the track base may have a first interior groove at a laterally outward edge of the channel below the first interior groove. The second rail of the track base may have a second interior groove at a laterally outward edge of the channel below the second interior groove. Each of the first rail and second rail of the mounting device may include a respective longitudinally extending ridge received by a respective one of first interior groove and second interior groove when the mounting device is removably attached to the track base.

The channel may be defined as trapezoidal between an acute interior angle of the first overhang and an acute interior angle of the second overhang. The portion of the first rail of the mounting device received under the first overhang when the mounting device is removably attached to the track base may have a ramped outer edge of having an outside angle matching the interior angle of the first overhang. The portion of the second rail of the mounting device received under the second overhang when the mounting device is removably attached to the track base may have a ramped outer edge having an outside angle matching the interior angle of the second overhang.

The scabbard mounting device may be symmetric with respect to the first rail and second rail thereof such that the scabbard mounting device is thereby bi-directional.

The channel may be defined along a first side of the track base facing away from the first item when the track base is attached to the first item. In a second side opposite the first side, the track base may include one or more gaps along the second side, each gap dimensioned to receive a mounting strip of the first item to permit the spanning plate into intimate contact with the first item.

In at least one example, track base includes: a second spanning plate connecting the first rail and second rail; and a spacing between the at least one spanning plate and second spanning plate, the spacing dimensioned to receive a mounting strip of the first item when the track base is attached to the first item.

The track base may include a clip that releasably engages the mounting device when the mounting device is removably attached to the track base.

The track base may include: a first end through which the mounting device is inserted into the track base when the mounting device is to be removably attached to the track base; a second end opposite the first end; and a member on which the clip is mounted at the second end. Upon full insertion of the scabbard mounting device into the track base, the clip engages the scabbard mounting device, for example by manual closure to a locking position.

The fastening blade may include a first end for insertion into the slot of the mounting device, and a second end opposite the first end and having at least one shoulder that registers full insertion by contact with the mounting device.

The fastening blade may include a locking element that engages an opening in the spanning plate to automatically releasably lock the fastening blade in engagement with the scabbard mounting device when the fastening blade is inserted into the slot.

The locking element may include a boss automatically received by the opening when the fastening blade is inserted into the slot.

In at least one example: the mounting device includes a first overhang and an opposing second overhang between which the longitudinally extending slot is defined; the fastening blade includes two parallel longitudinally extending opposite outer edges; and each outer edge of the fastening blade is received under a respective one of the first overhang and second overhang of the mounting device when the fastening blade is inserted into the slot.

The mounting device may further include: a first side that faces the track base when the mounting device is attached to the track base; and a second side that is opposite the first side and in which the slot is defined such that the second side faces the fastening blade when the fastening blade is inserted into the slot.

The above summary is to be understood as cumulative and inclusive. The above described embodiments and features are combined in various combinations in whole or in part in one or more other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although steps may be expressly described or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments.

The components of an attachment system1000(FIG. 10), according to at least one embodiment, are shown inFIGS. 1-3.FIG. 1shows a track base100which, in use, is to be attached to a first item10, for example as shown inFIG. 5.FIG. 2shows a scabbard mounting device200which, in cooperation with a removably insertable blade300, is to be attached to a second item, for example as shown inFIG. 7. A user may prefer to attach the track base100on the larger of any two items to attached together, and the scabbard mounting device200may be attached to a pouch or other accessory sack or item. However, use of the attachment system is not limited to any such expected use. The attachment system provides considerable convenience in removably attaching together any two items, each having mounting strips.

The first item10is shown as having spaced parallel mounting strips12(FIG. 4), such as fabric webbing strips common on PALS backpacks and bags. The second item is illustrated as having spaced parallel mounting strips22, such as fabric webbing strips common on MOLLE gear items. The second item is accordingly referenced in the drawings as a gear item20. The mounting strips12are affixed to the first item10by regularly spaced longitudinal fixation lines13(FIG. 4), which represent stitching, as typically found on PALS-equipped items, or other bonding or fixation. The mounting strips22are affixed to the gear item20by regularly spaced longitudinal fixation lines23(FIG. 6), which represent stitching, as typically found on MOLLE gear items, or other bonding or fixation.

FIG. 3shows the blade300engaged with the scabbard mounting device200in which configuration the scabbard mounting device200would be secured to a gear item20in use. The attachment system1000can be used to releasably mount such a gear item20upon a backpack or bag referenced as the first item10, for example as shown inFIGS. 8-10.

The track base100has two parallel longitudinally extending edge rails, referenced inFIG. 1as a first edge rail102and a second edge rail103. The edge rails (102,103) are connected together by several spanning plates106. The plates are longitudinally separated by spacings108, each adjacent at least one plate106, and each dimensioned to receive a mounting strip12when the track base100is attached to a first item10. For convention, the primarily viewed sides of the components inFIGS. 1-3are referenced as first sides, and the opposite sides are referenced in other drawings as second sides.

FIG. 4shows the track base100in position for attachment to a first item10with the first side110of the track base100facing outward away from the first item. The track base100is positioned with the mounting strips12of the first item10in the spacings108(FIG. 1) between the plates106.FIG. 5shows a longitudinally extending fastening strap14engaging the plates106and mounting strips12by passing over a plate106, under a mounting strip12within a spacing108, over a plate106, and so on in a weaving fashion by which, for example, MOLLE gear items are conventionally attached directly to PALS backpacks and bags. An end16of the fastening strap14is shown progressing in the attachment process over a plate106for illustration purposes inFIG. 5. Typical PALS backpacks and bags have such fastening straps that extend perpendicular to the mounting strips for such use.

The scabbard mounting device200(FIG. 2) has two parallel longitudinally extending edge members202connected together by multiple spanning plates206. The plates206are longitudinally separated by spacings208, each adjacent at least one plate206, and each dimensioned to receive a mounting strip22when the scabbard mounting device200is attached to a gear item20. The blade300is inserted longitudinally into the scabbard mounting device200in use. A slender first end312of the blade300is inserted into either longitudinal end212of the scabbard mounting device200. The second end313of the blade300has laterally protruding shoulders314to register full insertion by contact with the end of the scabbard mounting device200. The blade300has at least one locking element, illustrated inFIG. 2as multiple locking tabs316that are each engaged by a respective opening216in a plate206of the scabbard mounting device200to releasably lock the blade300in engagement with the scabbard mounting device200in use. Each tab316is shown as having an end ramp318raised from the first side310of the blade300. The end ramps318are sloped to permit longitudinal insertion of the blade300into the scabbard mounting device200. The end ramps318are automatically received by the openings216during insertion and click therein to prevent withdrawal of the blade300until the end ramps318are manually depressed through the openings216. Upon full insertion, each end ramp318is received in a respective opening216as shown inFIG. 3. The opening216in the embodiment ofFIG. 2is rectangular or square in correspondence to the generally rectangular shapes of the locking tabs316and end ramps318thereof.

FIG. 6shows the scabbard mounting device200in position for attachment to a gear item20with the first side110of the scabbard mounting device200facing outward away from the gear item. The blade300is aligned with the scabbard mounting device200ready for insertion. The scabbard mounting device200is positioned with the mounting strips22of the gear item20in the spacings208.FIG. 7shows the blade300fully inserted into the scabbard mounting device200. The blade300engages the mounting strips22by passing under each mounting strap. The flexible mounting strips22accommodate the insertion and engagement by raising from the first side18of the gear item20and into the openings to permit the rigid blade300to pass under.

Referring again to the weaving fashion by which, for example, MOLLE gear items are conventionally attached directly to PALS backpacks and bags, it should be noted that the conventional mounting of a MOLLE item such as the gear item is a direct mounting in which the mounting strips22of the gear item20are placed between the mounting strips12of the first item10, and one or more fastening straps are woven therein. Such conventional attachment is secure but inconvenient when removal is wanted, requiring unweaving of each fastening strap, and reweaving of the fastening strap if a new, different, or replenished gear item is to be mounted on a first item. The attachment system (1000,1000B) of the drawings and embodiments thereof within the scope of these descriptions provide considerable convenience over conventional direct attachment of MOLLE gear to PALS-equipped bags, backpacks, and other gear.

InFIG. 8, the track base100is attached to the first side18of the first item10(as inFIG. 5), and the scabbard mounting device200is attached to the first side28of the gear item20(as inFIG. 7). To mount the gear item20upon the first item10by use of the attachment system1000, the first side28of the gear item20and first side18of the first item10are faced toward each other, with the gear item20offset longitudinally aligning the scabbard mounting device200to engage the track base100as inFIG. 9. InFIG. 10, the gear item20has been moved longitudinally, eliminating the offset ofFIG. 9, to engage the scabbard mounting device200and track base100, thereby attaching the gear item to the first item10.

Conveniently, a clip120mounted on the track base100securely maintains the engagement until manually released. Once the track base100is attached to the first item10, and the scabbard mounting device200is attached to the gear item20, the gear item can be securely mounted on the first item by use of the attachment system1000, and conveniently removed from the first item by manually releasing the clip120.

Having described general operation of the attachment system1000, reference is made now toFIGS. 11-14, which illustrate other views and details of the track base100. A spanning end beam104connects the first edge rail102and second edge rail103at the first end112of the track base100. A respective clip mount member122extends inward from each of the first edge rail102and second edge rail103at the second end113of the track base100. The clip120is mounted on the clip mount members122as further described below with reference toFIGS. 33-35. The clip120has a tooth124that extends into a recess224in either end212of the scabbard mounting device200upon full engagement with the track base100. The clip120is shown in a release position inFIGS. 4 and 5, and in a locked position inFIGS. 11-14. The tooth124is ramped to permit automatic opening to the release position for preparation for engagement with the recess224.

Along the first side110of the track base100, each edge rail (102,103) has an inward directed overhang130(FIG. 29) for engagement with a respective edge rail202of the scabbard mounting device200. The two opposing overhangs130are directed toward each other defining a channel132for receiving the scabbard mounting device200. The channel132is open at the first end112and extends toward the second end113to accommodate the full length of the scabbard mounting device200. Between the spanning plates106, along the second side111of the track base100, each edge rail (102,103) has longitudinally separated gaps118(FIG. 12) aligned with the spacings108and dimensioned to receive mounting strips12on a first item10, permitting the plates106to settle between mounting strips for intimate contact with such a first item.

FIGS. 15-18illustrate other views and details of the scabbard mounting device200. At each end212of the scabbard mounting device200, a respective spanning end member204connects the two edge rails202. In the illustrated embodiment, the scabbard mounting device200is symmetric with respect both the two edge rails202and with respect to the two end members204. The scabbard mounting device200is thereby bi-directional, able to receive the blade300via either end212. Between the spanning plates206and end members204, along the second side211of the scabbard mounting device200, each edge rail202has longitudinally separated gaps218(FIG. 16) aligned with the spacings208and dimensioned to receive mounting strips22on a gear item20, permitting the plates206to settle between mounting strips for intimate contact with such a gear item.

Each edge rail202has an outer edge230to be received under a respective overhang130of the track base100when the scabbard mounting device200is engaged with the track base100. The outer edges230are parallel to each other and extend longitudinally from one end212to the other. Upon full insertion of the scabbard mounting device200into the channel132by longitudinally sliding the scabbard mounting device200from the first end112of the track base100toward the second end113, the tooth124of the clip120automatically opens to the release position in preparation to engage the recess224. Upon manual closing of the clip120to the locking position, the tooth124engages the scabbard mounting device200at the recess224, according to which end212of the bi-directional scabbard mounting device200is inserted into the first end112of the track base100.

The engagement of the outer edges230of the scabbard mounting device200with the overhangs130of the track base100permits the scabbard mounting to move longitudinally within the channel132to full insertion and engagement of the clip120. Once so engaged the scabbard mounting device200is locked as immovable relative to the track base100until the clip120is manually released.

In the illustrated embodiments, the channel132of the track base100is trapezoidal (shown in dashed line inFIG. 29), as defined by the overhangs130having acute inside angles.FIGS. 29 and 30, which represent multiple embodiments of the track base (100,100B), scabbard mounting device (200,200B) and blade (300,300B) in cross-sectional view. The outer edges230of the mounting device are illustrated as ramped with outside acute angles matching the inside angles of the overhangs130. The scabbard mounting device200is wider along its first side210(that faces the first side110of the track base100when engaged) than along its second side211, thus having a trapezoidal profile (FIG. 17) corresponding to the trapezoidal channel132of the track base100. The ramped outer edges230are received under the overhangs130of the track base100, as the scabbard mounting device200is received in the channel130as a dovetail-in-socket engagement.

The scabbard mounting device200has a longitudinally extending slot232along the second side211for receiving and engaging the blade300. The slot232is defined by respective inward directed overhangs234at the end members204and spanning plates206for engagement with an outer edge330of the blade300. At each end member204and spanning plate206, two opposing overhangs234are directed toward each other defining one of several longitudinally spaced separate sections of the slot232for receiving the blade300.

FIGS. 19-23illustrate other views and details of the blade300. A respective opening324is spaced inward longitudinally from each of the first end112and second end113. Upon full insertion of the blade300into the scabbard mounting device200, the openings324align with the recesses224in the end members of the scabbard mounting device200. When the scabbard mounting device200, carrying the fully inserted blade300, is slid longitudinally into engagement with the track base100. The tooth124of the clip120of the track base100is thereby permitted to pass through the opening324to engage the recess224, according to which end212of the bi-directional scabbard mounting device200is inserted into the first end112of the track base100.

Two parallel opposite outer edges330of the blade300extend longitudinally, each from a respective shoulder314, to the first end312. Each outer edge330is received under a respective overhang234of the scabbard mounting device200when the blade300is inserted into the slot232. The engagement of the outer edges330of the blade300with the overhangs234of the scabbard mounting device200permits the edges of the blade300to move longitudinally within the slot232until the shoulders314register full insertion and each end ramp318of each locking tab316is received in a respective opening216of the scabbard mounting device200. Once so engaged the blade300is locked as immovable relative to the scabbard mounting device200until manually released by depressing the end ramps318through the openings216.

In the illustrated embodiments, the slot232of the scabbard mounting device200is trapezoidal (shown in dashed line inFIG. 17), as defined by the overhangs234having acute inside angles. The outer edges330of the blade300are illustrated as ramped outer edges330, having acute outside angles matching the inside angles of the overhangs234. The blade300is wider along its first side310(that faces the second side111of the scabbard mounting device200when engaged, than along its second side311, thus having a trapezoidal profile corresponding to the trapezoidal slot232. The ramped outer edges330are received under the overhangs234of the scabbard mounting device200, as the blade300is received in the slot232as a dovetail-in-socket engagement.

In the above-described embodiment, with reference toFIGS. 1-23, the track base100has particularly two spacings108defined between three spanning plates106, and similarly two gaps118along each edge rail along the second side111of the track base100. This track base100is thus configured to engage two mounting strips12of, for example, a PALS-equipped bag, backpack, or other gear. The scabbard mounting device200and blade300are similarly dimensioned. The scabbard mounting device200has two spanning plates206and three gaps218(FIG. 16) along the second side211. This scabbard mounting device200is thus configured to engage three mounting strips22of, for example, a MOLLE gear item20. The blade300has two locking tabs316each for engaging a respective opening216in the two plates206.

Other embodiments can have other dimensions as exemplified inFIGS. 24-26. Like reference numbers throughout the drawings and descriptions denote like features, such that much of the above descriptions relate to theFIGS. 24-26as well, particularly where the same reference numbers are used. The track base100B ofFIG. 24for example has particularly a single spacing108defined between two spanning plates106, and similarly a single gap118along each edge rail (102,103) along the second side111of the track base100B. This track base100B is thus configured to engage a single mounting strap of, for example, a PALS-equipped bag, backpack, or other gear. The scabbard mounting device200B and blade300B ofFIGS. 25 and 26are similarly dimensioned. The scabbard mounting device200B has a single central spanning plate206between two spacings208, and is thus configured to engage two mounting strips22of, for example, a MOLLE gear item. The blade300B ofFIGS. 25 and 26has a single locking tab316for engaging the opening116in the central spanning plate106.

FIG. 27shows the first side110of the track base100B for the embodiment ofFIG. 24.FIG. 28shows a corresponding embodiment of an attachment system1000B including the track base100B ofFIG. 24and the scabbard mounting device200B and blade300B ofFIGS. 25 and 26, with full insertion and engagement of the blade300B in the scabbard mounting device200B, and full insertion and engagement of the scabbard mounting device200B in the track base100B. The cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 29 and 30are particularly referenced inFIGS. 27 and 28respectively, but represent similarly taken cross-sectional views of the embodiment of the track base100inFIG. 11and the attachment system1000ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 29shows the trapezoidal channel132present in the first side110of the track base (100,100B) between the overhangs130. Similarly,FIG. 30shows the trapezoidal profile of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B), and the ramped outer edges230of the of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) received by the overhangs130of the track base (100,100B).

FIG. 30also shows the trapezoidal slot232present in the second side211of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) between the overhangs234. Similarly,FIG. 30shows the trapezoidal profile of the blade (300,300B) and the ramped outer edges330received by the overhangs234of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B).

FIGS. 29 and 30also illustrate advantageous features not particularly referenced in the above descriptions, but that are also present in both the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-23and ofFIGS. 24-26. For further secure and intimate engagement of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) and track base (100,100B), the track base, in the multiple embodiments, within the interior of each edge rail (102,103), includes a longitudinally extending interior groove136at the laterally outward edge of the respective channel132, below the respective overhang130. The scabbard mounting device (200,200B), in corresponding multiple embodiments, at the outer brink of each ramped outer edge230, includes a respective longitudinally extending exterior ridge236extending along and away from the first side110. The ridges236are received by the grooves136when the scabbard mounting device (200,200B is received by the track base (100,100B), further securing their engagement and attachment.

When the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) is mounted on a gear item, the track base (100,100B) is mounted on a first item10, and the gear item20is mounted onto the first item by way of engagement of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) with the track base (100,100B), forces in all directions are expected to occur, according the mass of the gear item20for example in use and in motion, to potentially separate the gear item from the first item. Some flexure is also expected in almost all load bearing equipment in real world use. Flexure for example of the scabbard mounting device (200,200B) and track base (100,100B) may occur. Oscillatory forces in use between these two items may for example cause cupping and dishing and other dynamic flexure modes. Advantageously, forces tending to separate the two are countered by increased engagement of the ridges236and grooves136, which provide claw-like gripping function under flexure.

A fastening blade300C and scabbard mounting device200C are shown as particular alternative embodiments having many similar features with regard to the above described blades (300,300B) and mounting devices (200,200B). The locking element of the blade300C is shown as a boss317raised from the first side310. The boss317is received in an opening217in the plate206to releasably lock the blade300C in engagement with the scabbard mounting device200C in use. The boss317is rounded or hemispherical in the illustrated embodiment to engage the opening217automatically upon full insertion of the blade300C into the scabbard mounting device200C and permit release upon firm manual withdrawal for example by grasping the shoulders314. The opening217in the embodiment ofFIG. 31is circular in correspondence to the generally round shape of the boss317. The fastening blade300C and mounting device200C can be of other lengths than that shown, and thus may include any number of locking elements (boss317) and corresponding openings217.

FIGS. 33-35illustrate other views and details of the track base100, clip120, and clip mount members122. While shown in particular for the track base100inFIGS. 33-35, the descriptions here and illustrations thereof relate as well to the track base100B and other embodiments as well. Each clip mount member122includes a stopcock140that limits rotational movement of the clip120to a range between the release and locking positions. The clip120includes a hub126that is pivotally mounted to the track base (100,100B) between the clip mount members122. Each lateral side of the hub126has a respective space142that receives a respective stopcock140.

Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.