Tactical belt or belt accessory

A tactical belt or belt accessory system comprising an integral single layer strap having a two opposite ends, a top edge and a bottom edge, and at least one row of a plurality of openings distributed lengthwise along the strap between the two opposite ends, the openings being separated by links that are an integral part of the single layer strap, the openings configured to facilitate attachment of MOLLE-compatible accessories along a horizontal axis or a vertical axis without skipping any of the links.

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to tactical belt or tactical belt accessory system.

2. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

In tactical situations, military or law enforcement personnel, often depend on personal mobility to transport mission specific equipment. Typically, at least a portion of this mission specific equipment is carried using a belt mounted on the waist of an individual. The type of equipment may vary significantly depending on the specific mission or tactical situation. Many other conventional belts, while accounting for load carriage, fail to provide the versatility of carrying different types of interchangeable equipment. It is with these observations in mind, among others, that various aspects of the present disclosure were conceived and developed (see WO/2017/007773).

Current Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) belts are of nylon construction and require layer and or stitching to attach MOLLE pouches. It is common for tactical belts which are MOLLE capable to be constructed of nylon, requiring additional stitching to attach additional MOLLE mounting points. The nylon has reduced strength and rigidity when wet, is heavy and degrades in wet environments or with constant weights applied to it (e.g. pistol holster and pistol). Current MOLLE capable nylon belts only allow for MOLLE attachments in the vertical position and when a belt is degraded, the entire belt requires replacement.

WO/2017/007773 describes a tactical belt having a base belt made of nylon and at least one row of webbing attached to an outer surface of the base belt, also made of nylon. The webbing may be MOLLE webbing adapted to carry mission specific equipment. The webbing extends along a length of the base belt and can only carry equipment in the vertical position.

WO/2016/022838 describes an attachment system having a plurality of hexagonal openings formed in the attachment system and arranged in a repeating hexagonal pattern. The hexagonal openings are arranged in a pattern corresponding to a hexagon so that an attachment member for a MOLLE-compatible accessory may be passed through one or more of the openings so as to attach the accessory in a variety of different directions. This document does not teach a single row of openings but rather a plurality of rows to form a hexagon pattern. Since a hexagon pattern is an essential element of this disclosure, this document fails to mention belts as an example of a load bearing platform onto which the hexagonal system can be attached.

To fully secure a piece of MOLLE-compatible equipment or gear, the attachment member of the MOLLE-compatible equipment/gear must go through at least two links without skipping any links between the openings. With the system of WO/2016/022838 as illustrated inFIG. 2, one can fully secure a MOLLE-compatible equipment horizontally or diagonally, but not vertically because links between the hexagonal openings would be skipped.

3. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tactical belt or belt accessory system that has the elements of claim1.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a tactical belt comprising an integral single layer strap having a two opposite ends, a top edge and a bottom edge, and a plurality of cut-outs distributed lengthwise along the strap between the two opposite ends.

In one embodiment of the tactical belt of the present invention, the tactical belt comprises an integral single layer strap having a two opposite ends, a top edge and a bottom edge, and at least one row of a plurality of openings distributed lengthwise along the strap between the two opposite ends, the openings being separated by links that are an integral part of the single layer strap, the openings configured to facilitate attachment of MOLLE-compatible accessories along a horizontal axis that extends lengthwise through the two opposite ends or along a vertical axis without skipping any of the links between the openings to which the MOLLE-compatible accessory is attached to.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the tactical belt further comprises at least one attachment point below a main horizontal plane of the strap and attachment points at either of the opposite ends of the strap.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the tactical belt further comprises a belt weaved through the cut-outs.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the single layer strap is configured to remain rigged in a vertical plane, flexible in a horizontal plane, chemically resistant and impervious to salt water.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the single layer strap is composed of a thermoplastic composite.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the composite of the tactical belt or belt accessory system is Tegris®.

In another embodiment of the present invention the tactical belt further comprises one or more attachments and leg straps connected to the tactical belt by the one or more attachments.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the tactical belt comprises two or more rows of the plurality of openings.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses a multi-functional belt or belt accessory to which Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), a standard for NATO armed forces, can be attached in a vertical or horizontal configuration to cut-outs arranged along the belt accessory without stitching typically required for MOLLE attachment points, while maintaining freedom of movement of the wearer and the inner belt (if used). The belt accessory of the present invention is made of Tegris® (see http://tegris.milliken.com/en-us/technology/Documents/Tegris %20Overview %202015.pdf, this document, including the properties of Tegris®, are incorporated herein by reference), a thermoplastic composite that in the single layer cut for of the belt remains rigged in the vertical plane but flexible in the horizontal plane. The material is naturally chemically resistant and impervious to salt water and the degradation seen in typical nylon belts. Any belt or strap of about 2.54 cm. (1 inch) can be weaved through the cut-outs to allow customization for different uses, quickly and without changing MOLLE pouches attached.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Also, unless indicated otherwise, except within the claims, the use of “or” includes “and” and vice versa. Non-limiting terms are not to be construed as limiting unless expressly stated or the context clearly indicates otherwise (for example “including”, “having” and “comprising” typically indicate “including without limitation”). Singular forms included in the claims such as “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless expressly stated otherwise. All relevant references, including patents, patent applications; government publications, government regulations, and academic literature, and including the priority document, are hereinafter detailed and incorporated by reference in their entireties.

As used herein, the term “substantially” includes exactly the term it modifies and slight variations therefrom.

5.3 Tactical Belt or Belt Accessory System

This invention provides for a tactical belt or belt accessory system with multiple cut-outs lengthwise along the belt provide a vertical rigidity, increased rapid customization via MOLLE pouches and greater resistance to deterioration without requiring additional layers, stitching or stiffeners. The belt of the present invention provides an ability to allow a user to customize loadout and belt attachments quickly and easily to suit intended use by user, as shown in the figures.

With reference toFIGS. 1 to 14, a tactical belt/belt accessory10according to one embodiment of the present invention has a first end11, a second end12, a top edge13, a bottom edge14, a front face15and an opposite back face71.

The tactical belt/belt accessory10may be made as an integral unity having only one layer of material8. The material being a flexible material that is chemical resistant and waterproof. Example of this material is a polypropylene thermoplastic sold under the brand Tegris®. The tactical belt/belt accessory of the present invention is lightweight (about 42 gm. for size small).

The tactical belt accessory system10includes a single row of a plurality of (i.e. more than one) openings or cut outs16separated by links19. The openings16are arranged along the tactical belt accessory system10from the first end11to the second end12of the accessory system along horizontal axis5. In one embodiment, the openings16are polygonal, including square and rectangular. Double arrow5inFIG. 1indicates the horizontal axis that runs lengthwise connecting ends11and12and through all of the openings16. Arrows3a,binFIG. 1are examples of vertical axes, which are perpendicular to the horizontal axis5. Each opening16includes its own vertical axis.

In one embodiment, not shown in the figures, the tactical belt accessory system of the present invention may include more than one row of openings, each row being arranged lengthwise between the first and send ends of the tactical belt accessory system. The openings in one row being aligned with the openings in the other rows.

As illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, MOLLE-compatible accessories101may be secured along the horizontal axis that extends lengthwise through the two opposite ends or they may be secured along vertical axis without skipping any of the links19between the openings16.

The front face15of the tactical belt accessory system10can be lined with another suitable material, such as a fabric. The fabric may be fixed to the front face15of the system10. The suitable material may include patterns or graphics such as camouflage patterns.

In one embodiment, a second strap17shown inFIGS. 3 and 4can be attached to the back face71by stitches or other connectors, such as loops and hooks (Velcro®) or both stitches and connectors. The second strap17can be seen through the openings16as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

As shown in theFIG. 11, the openings16may be configured to receive a belt, webbing or strap21, such as a tactical belt, laced through or below the openings16of the system10as it will be described below. The belt21may be a 1 inch (2.54 cm.) belt woven through the cut-outs to give additional customization to an individual. In this case, the tactical belt/belt accessory of the present invention functions as a belt accessory, providing the aforementioned benefits. In one embodiment, illustrated inFIG. 11, the belt21can go through a first opening16aup and around the link19between the first opening16aand the immediate neighboring second opening16band back down through the second opening16bwhere it can be weaved through the two layers17of the belt. In another embodiment, the belt can be weaved through the two layers (i.e. the Tegris® layer8and the fabric layer17) on the middle like a sandwich still allowing free movement of the webbing or strap. That is the strap or webbing21can be just pushed between the Tegris® layer8and the fabric layer17.

The tactical belt/belt accessory10of the present invention may include cut outs or opening means18to receive a fastener such as a buckle. Fasteners48,49can be attached, coupled or linked to both ends11,12of the tactical belt/belt accessory of the present invention to attach around an individual's waist. In this case, the tactical belt/belt accessory system is functioning as a belt. Opening means18, which in the embodiment shown inFIG. 1are four openings18, two at each end of the tactical belt10, allows the user to use straps or webbing47a,bhe or she chooses to go through the two openings18on each end11,12and stitching42or tri glide attaching the straps together through any buckle or fastener system48,49the user may choose.FIGS. 5 and 6show a strap or webbing47a,bthat can be used to secure fast connecting buckle parts48,49.

Referring toFIG. 13, the tactical belt/belt accessory10of the present invention may include tri glide belt adjustments91.

In one embodiment, illustrated inFIGS. 12 and 13, at least one of the top or bottom edges of the belt10can include at least one extension or protrusion29having a hole28. Holes28may be used to receive cords22for yet another layer of attachments. These holes28allow a user to attach cord22of their choosing to be weaved through and serve as placements or attachment points for lanyards, carabineers or accessories.

The distance between the bottom and top edges13,14may be about 1.7 inches (4.3 cm.). The openings16, in one embodiment, may be substantially square having sides of about one (1) inch (2.54 centimeters) each. The links19between the openings16may be about 0.35 inches (0.89 centimeters).

Illustrated inFIG. 14are one or more leg straps25that can be connected to corresponding one or more attachments23in the tactical belt accessory system10. The leg straps themselves, in one embodiment, may include a plurality of openings just like the openings16in the tactical belt accessory system10.

Preferred practice of the belt of the present invention include:a. Tactical scenarios such as: policy, military, security and so forth.b. Environments such as: Ocean, river, lake, etc. including swift water, deserts, arid, urban, aerial rope work and so forth.c. Recreational scenarios such as: Competitive shooting, Hiking, Wargames (e.g. paintball) and so forth.

The belt/belt accessory of the present invention may be used independently or in conjunction with the MOLLE system and or inner belt.

Advantages of the belt of the present invention include: 1. No stitching required to create MOLLE attachment points. 2. Remains rigged in the vertical plane, requiring no stiffener. 3. Lightweight (42 g for size small) due to single layer Tegris® material compared to layered nylon of the prior art. 4. Retains strength when wet, but flexible around the users waist. Regular belts break down over time and become floppy and non-rigid because of their materials such a as leather or nylon or poly webbing/straps. Water and chemicals and environment speed up the wear on these types of materials causing the user to have to replace them. 5. No water absorption. 6. Chemically and salt water resistant. 7. Allows for use of a belt weaved through cut-outs for customization. 8. Allows users to quickly change inner belt to suit use without re-rigging MOLLE pouches. 9. Ability to interchange multiple fastener depending on use of user. 10. MOLLE pouches can be fastened both vertically and horizontally. 11. When layered can provide ballistic protection properties. 12. Ability to add ripstop camo tape. 13. To be used around waist with MOLLE pouches attached to proper attachment points. 14. Can be used in environments down to −40 Celsius. 15. One can secure any pouch with only one MOLLE attachment on a single pouch.

With reference toFIGS. 15 to 17, the belt/belt accessory of the present invention is superior and have many advantages over to the hexagonal pattern solution described in WO2016022838 (“WO838”) due to the following:

a. A MOLLE-compatible pouch can be fully secured with only one MOLLE attachment to the system of the present invention vs the hexagonal openings of WO838. As previously explained, the hexagonal openings of WO838 only allows for fully secured items at a vertical orientation or an angle aligning with the hex pattern (FIG. 6-8 of WO838). A new attachment belt is required if a different orientation is required. For example, the system ofFIGS. 15 and 17allow to fully secure a MOLLE attachment only diagonally and vertically. As it can be seen in FIG. 9 of WO838, attachment links are skipped when securing a MOLLE attachment horizontally. The system of the present invention, on the other hand, allows to fully secure vertical, horizontal utilizing all MOLLE-attachment points on the pouch without leaving attachments points unused as seen in FIG. 9 of WO838.FIGS. 8 and 10illustrates an example in which no link19between openings16is skipped, i.e. fully securing the equipment101to the belt system10. If a link19is skipped then the equipment, although attached, is not fully secured to the belt system. Skipping a link19would compromise strength and rigidity and creates a gap which could snag and put the user of the device at risk.

b. Allowing different sized pouches to be attached without reducing stability. Typical MOLLE attachments require straps on the pouches that a belt weaved through the MOLLE hexagon are attached to. The belt must skip weaves through the hexagonal pattern of WO283 depending on the size of the pouch. Different MOLLE hexagonal patterns are required for different sized pouches to maintain stability and remain secure. The belt/bel accessory system of the present invention can be used for any traditionally size MOLLE pouch without changing the belt and allows for a variety of sized pouches on the same belt.

c. The tactical belt accessory system of the present invention maintains a rectangular opening for a belt to be weaved through reducing wear and tear on the belt. A typical MOLLE hex is angled due to the hex shape causing increase wear and tear on the top and bottom of the belt where it contacts the hexes vertices. Depending on the angle a pouch is mounted, the hex system can also cause improper mounting unlike the tactical belt accessory system which allows for multiple orientations while maintaining a secure attachment.

d. The tactical belt accessory system allows for the first three crucial MOLLE points to be as close as possible to keep the pouch secure and stable. As these points move away, a gap develops compromising the locking nature of a MOLLE attachment.

e. Being able to be used without the traditional nylon material, allowing the belt to maintain rigidity in wet environments due to its inability to absorb water.

f. Its resistance to chemical and water degradation, improving useful life and increase performance during use. The strap remains rigged in a vertical plane, flexible in a horizontal plane, chemically resistant and impervious to salt water.

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. The following claims are provided to add additional clarity to this disclosure. Future applications claiming priority to this application may or may not include the following claims, and may include claims broader, narrower, or entirely different from the following claims.