Abstract:
The present invention is an attachment system for modular stowage units. The system features a rail matrix utilized with a clasp system. Each rail component of the matrix features either a raised bridge or a loop onto which the clasp system attaches and may be a modular rail. Clasp designs include small and large bladed versions where the blade is designed to interface with an underside of a loop and secure an object to the rail matrix. Clasps may be designed to work with woven modular interfaces currently on the market

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority as a non-provisional application of prior filed U.S. provisional application No. 61/444,119 filed Feb. 17, 2011 and incorporates the same by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to the field of stowage and more particularly relates to a modular system for the attachment for stowage articles onto either an object&#39;s surface or an individual. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Ever since the invention of tools, mankind has had a need to carry them. Devices for carrying articles range from the simple pocket, to backpacks, slings, boxes, pouches and an assortment of other devices. Of particular concern is the fact that stowage articles may or may not be necessary, depending upon what needs to be carried. To this end, modular stowage systems have been developed. One such system is the MOLLE (MOdular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) system currently utilized by the US Armed Forces. The MOLLE system is based on a Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS). The PALS is essentially a webbing grid, usually made from 1″ webbing spaced 1″ apart and tacked to the backing at 1.5″ intervals, into which straps attached to a pouch or other container are interwoven. The PALS grid is usually found on the personal equipment of an individual, such as a backpack, rucksack or vest, and used to attach pouches and other implements on the person as needed and in a location the person deems most advantageous. Usage is simple, as the person merely interweaves a strap, originating from the stowage article, into the PALS grid and secures the loose end. However, the MOLLE system is not without disadvantages. The process of interweaving a strap is somewhat time-consuming. The system is also limited in the weight it can bear as the means of support and the means of attachment are, essentially, fabric. 
         [0004]    The present invention is a modular load bearing system that utilizes a more rigid mounting structure as its attachment grid. It also utilizes quick release clasps to more efficiently attach and detach stowage articles to the attachment grid. As such, it bears more weight and is easier to implement than the current MOLLE system. 
         [0005]    The present invention represents a departure from the prior art in that the modular stowage system of the present invention allows for rapid and easy attachment and reattachment of modular stowage units while also increasing weight capacity and allowing for use on both individuals and inanimate objects. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of modular stowage systems, this invention provides an improved modular stowage system with a more rigid support grid. As such, the present invention&#39;s general purpose is to provide a new and improved modular stowage system that is easy and faster to use and, when properly mounted on a proper support structure, can bear more weight than previous systems. 
         [0007]    To accomplish these objectives, the modular stowage system comprises at least one rail that is attached to a load bearing object, such as a wall, vehicle surface, vest, backpack or other item. The rail has two embodiments. The first is a fairly rigid material such as plastic or metal and is mounted to an object or on personal gear, such as a gear belt or flak jacket. The second is a bar made of rubber or rubberized plastic which may be sewn onto a fabric surface. The fabric surface may be clothing, such as a vest, allowing the system to be used on an individual person. The first rail features regularly spaced attachment nodes with raised bridges therebetween, creating loops which are utilized by the clasps on the articles as an anchor point. This first rail also may be of a modular design. The second rail features raised loops for the same purpose. Ideally, the system has positioned at least one rail in a rail matrix. A clasp, which may be one of several designs, is located on a stowage article and secures the stowage article on the rail matrix. Another feature of the invention is the use of clips which may be designed to not only hold items, such as a flashlight, but also clip directly into the loops. The current design is not only an improvement on the previous MOLLE system, but is also backwards compatible with it as the straps used on the MOLLE stowage articles may be threaded through the loops of the rails in the rail matrix. 
         [0008]    The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow. 
         [0009]    Many objects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
         [0010]    Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0011]    As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention, mounted on a generic support article. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation of the system and support article of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the system and support article of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a front elevation of the system of  FIG. 1 , showing alternate clasps and other securement apparatuses. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a rail depicted as part of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the rail of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a front elevation of the rail of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side elevation of the rail of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 8 , taken along line A-A. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 8 , taken along line B-B. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a modular rail for use in the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a top plan view of the modular rail of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a front elevation of the modular rail of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 13 , taken along line C-C. 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the modular rail of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a front elevation of the modular rail of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 16 , taken along line D-D. 
           [0029]      FIG. 18  is sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 16 , taken along line E-E. 
           [0030]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an alternate rail depicted as part of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 20  is a top plan view of the rail of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 21  is a front elevation of the rail of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is a side elevation of the rail of  FIG. 19 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 23  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 19 , taken along line F-F. 
           [0035]      FIG. 24  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 19 , taken along line G-G. 
           [0036]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a clasp for the present invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the clasp of  FIG. 25 , opened. 
           [0038]      FIG. 27  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 25 , disassembled. 
           [0039]      FIG. 28  is a side elevation of the clasp of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 29  is a rear plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 30  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 25 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 31  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 25 , taken along line H-H. 
           [0043]      FIG. 32  is a side elevation of the clasp of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 33  is a rear plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 34  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 26 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 35  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 26 , taken along line J-J. 
           [0047]      FIG. 36  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 25  affixed to an article. 
           [0048]      FIG. 37  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 36 , taken along line K-K. 
           [0049]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a clasp for the present invention. 
           [0050]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view of the clasp of  FIG. 38 , opened. 
           [0051]      FIG. 40  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 38 , disassembled. 
           [0052]      FIG. 41  is a side elevation of the clasp of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 42  is a rear plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 43  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 38 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 44  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 38 , taken along line L-L. 
           [0056]      FIG. 45  is a side elevation of the clasp of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 46  is a rear plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 47  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 39 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 48  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 39 , taken along line M-M. 
           [0060]      FIG. 49  is a front plan view of the clasp of  FIG. 38  affixed to an article. 
           [0061]      FIG. 50  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 49 , taken along line N-N. 
           [0062]      FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a clasp for use with the invention. 
           [0063]      FIG. 52  is a side elevation of the clasp of  FIG. 51   
           [0064]      FIG. 53  is a front plant view of the clasp of  FIG. 51 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 54  is a sectional view of the clasp of  FIG. 53 , taken along line P-P. 
           [0066]      FIG. 55  is a perspective view of the clasp of  FIG. 51 , installed on a MOLLE system. 
           [0067]      FIG. 56  is a front plan view of the clasp and system of  FIG. 55 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 57  is a sectional view of the clasp and system of  FIG. 56 , taken along line Q-Q. 
           [0069]      FIG. 58  is a perspective view of an exemplary clip for securing an item to the system. 
           [0070]      FIG. 59  is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system. 
           [0071]      FIG. 60  is a perspective view of yet another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system. 
           [0072]      FIG. 61  is a perspective view of still another exemplary clip for securing an item to the system. 
           [0073]      FIG. 62  is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing a cylindrical item to the system. 
           [0074]      FIG. 63  is a perspective view of another exemplary clip for securing a cylindrical item to the system. 
           [0075]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an alternate rail depicted as part of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 35  is a top plan view of the rail of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0077]      FIG. 36  is a front elevation of the rail of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 37  is a side elevation of the rail of  FIG. 34 . 
           [0079]      FIG. 38  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 37 , taken along line G-G. 
           [0080]      FIG. 39  is a sectional view of the rail of  FIG. 37 , taken along line H-H. 
           [0081]      FIG. 40  is a side elevation of an article being secured to a series of the rails of  FIG. 5 , using the MOLLE attachment system. 
           [0082]      FIG. 41  is a top plan view of the article and system of  FIG. 40 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0083]    With reference now to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the attachment system is herein described. It should be noted that the articles “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this specification, include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0084]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the system attaches an article  1  to a support surface  2 . The system is centered about a notched support bar  10  and an attachment apparatus  18  interacting to secure the article  1  and surface  2  together. Various attachment apparatuses are shown in  FIG. 4 , including an assortment of attachment clips ( 50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 , and  58 ) and two attachment clasps ( 3 ,  4 ). As can be seen, attachment apparatuses may be configured to interact with a single rail  10 , or a plurality of rails. 
         [0085]    The construction of the rail  10  is depicted in  FIGS. 5-10 . The rail is comprised of a plurality of evenly spaced nodes  12  with a bridge  16  between adjacent nodes  12 . Each node  12  features a countersunk hole  14 , used for mounting the rail  10  to the surface  2 . This may be done through rivets, screws, bolts or any suitable means. Rails  10  are then mounted upon any suitable surface by attaching the rail  10  to the surface through the countersunk area  14  of the nodes  12 . The bridges  16  are shown to be narrower than the nodes  12 , giving the rail  10  a saw-toothed appearance. This structure aids in connecting the attachment apparatuses as it adds two additional surfaces for the parts to interface with each other. This feature is not, however, essential to the function of the invention and the bridges  16  may be of any suitable width. A positioning hole  18  may also be utilized on the bridges  16 , the use of which will be described below. As seen in  FIG. 1 , the rails  10  are positioned on a support surface  2  in a matrix formation. Spacing of the rails  10 , as well of spacing of the nodes  12  within the rails  10 , is ideally comparable to the MOLLE system so as to be backwards compatible—that is the nodes  12  should be 1″-1.5″ apart and the rails  10 , when positioned on a surface, should be 1″-1.5″ apart. However, any spacing, larger or smaller, is possible that would still allow functionality. 
         [0086]    A modular rail  20  may be utilized to customize the size of the rail matrix. Shown in  FIGS. 11-18 , the rail  20  may be comprised of a first end piece  22  and a second end piece  26  and at least one rail module  24 . These pieces are separable at the nodes  28 , each piece having complimentary portions  23 ,  25  of the node structure  28 . In practice, it has been found that dividing the node structure roughly in half, with each portion  23 ,  25  having a complete hole, is preferable. Likewise, allowing the two portions to snap-fit together is also preferable as it provides positive association of the pieces. Any suitable construction of the pieces may, however, be utilized. For optimum performance, each rail module  24  should have one of each type of node portion  23 ,  25  and each set of rail end pieces  22 ,  26  should have one end piece  22  with one portion  23  and the other end piece  26  with the other  25 . 
         [0087]    An alternate rail  30  may also be utilized ( FIGS. 19-24 ). This particular rail is designed to be more flexible that the first, for attachment to surfaces intended to be worn on an individual or placed on any fabric surface, such as that provided by luggage, backpacks, upholstery, etc., where the alternate rail  30  is sewn into position. A flexible backing  32  features a plurality of loops  34 , similar to the node and bridge arrangement of the first rail. A trough  36  may also provided to allow easier stitching of the backing  32  to a surface. This rail functions and is configured to function essentially the same as the first. 
         [0088]    The second component of the system is the attachment apparatus, or “clasp.” An example of a suitable clasp  40  is shown in  FIGS. 25-36 . This particular embodiment features a clasp base  42  with a plurality of mounting holes  38  for use in attaching the clasp base  42  to an article. It should be noted that other means of attachment are possible; such as the stitching trench  39  about the clasp base  42 . The clasp base  42  also features a plurality of maxillary jaws  45  which are spaced and sized to interface with a top edge of the rail  10 . Alone, the maxillary jaws  45  would hang the article on the rail matrix, but not secure it. Centrally located within the clasp base  42  is a sliding blade  46 , with corresponding mandible jaws  47 . The blade  46  is manipulated by way of a grip  49  on its lower end. When closed, the clip features clip teeth  48  that nest within sockets  43  on the side of the clasp body  42 . The mandible jaws  47  reside along a lower edge of the rail  10 , securing the article to the surface ( FIGS. 36 and 37 ). Both sets of jaws  45 ,  47  should be configured to grasp the rail  10  between themselves. A trapezoidal shaped jaw, designed to interface with the saw-toothed rail  10 , provides three interfacing surfaces for each tooth and is an ideal configuration. Other jaw shapes, however, are possible. When opened ( FIGS. 26 ,  32 - 35 ) the blade  46  is pulled downward, disengaging mandible jaws  47  and allowing the article to be lifted up and away from the rail matrix. It should be noted that one maxillary jaw is located on a gate  44  through which the blade  46  passes as it is engaged and disengaged. It should also be appreciated that blade  46  travels along a two tabs  41  which help to secure the blade in position while not hindering movement of the upper mandible jaw. A stop  46   a  is also provided to maintain the blade  46  within the base  42  when the blade is retracted. The depicted stop  46   a  is a set of two angled bars extending from blade  46  which, when the blade  46  is disengaged, interface with structure on the base  42  ( FIG. 33 ) to prevent further movement. 
         [0089]    A second attachment clasp  50  is shown in  FIGS. 38-48 . Like the first embodiment, it also features a clasp body with mounting holes or other means of mounting the attachment clasp  50  to an article (not shown). It also features a blade strip  57  that travels through the clasp body to secure it on the rail matrix. In this embodiment the clasp body features a plurality of orthogonally oriented gates,  52 ,  53 ,  54  with sufficient space in between them to fit around the rails of the rail matrix and that project forwards and behind the rails  10  of the rail matrix. The blade strip  57  slides through the gates  52 ,  53 ,  54  and behind the rails  10  of the rail matrix, thereby securing the article to the rail matrix ( FIGS. 49 and 50 ). A keying structure  55  may also be provided to key into the positioning holes  18  in the rails  10 . The use of this keying structure  55  is preferred, especially in this embodiment of the clasp, but it is not necessary. The blade strip  57  is manipulated by use of a provided handle. The top gate  52  contains an internal tooth  51  that interfaces with slots  58 ,  59  on the blade strip  57  to hold the blade in open and closed configurations. Bottom slot  59  may be coupled to a flange slot  56  on the bottom of the clasp body  52  in order to further secure the clasp in a closed position. This is done by simply threading a zip-tie or similar item through both slots. Top slot  58  may be a detent rather than a full slot. 
         [0090]    A third clasp embodiment, based on the second, allows the use of a clasp with a traditional MOLLE system. Shown in  FIGS. 51-57 , this third clasp body is shorter than that of the second embodiment and the gates  62  present a defined cusp towards a bottom edge. This cusp allows a user to secure the clasp onto the loops  68  of a MOLLE system and slide the strap blade  63  underneath the loops. 
         [0091]    It should be noted that the depicted embodiments all allow for attachment onto two rails. It is to be understood that clasps may readily be manufactured for attachment to as few as one rail or as many as may be needed to secure an object to a desired surface. Likewise, larger objects may require the use of multiple clasps. 
         [0092]    Alternate clips ( FIGS. 58-63 ) may be used to attach small articles to a single rail. Four example clips are shown as clips  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  76 . Two clip loops  78 ,  80  may also be utilized to secure cylindrical items like batteries and/or flashlights. 
         [0093]      FIGS. 64 and 65  depict the use of the prior art MOLLE system with the rail matrix of the present invention. As shown, MOLLE strap  82  is threaded under the bridges  16  of the necessary rails  10  and secures back onto the article  1 . 
         [0094]    Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. Such modifications include different attachment apparatus designs, different shaped clips with specialized functionality, different materials and different shaped teeth and rail designs. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred.