Abstract:
A load-bearing garment, such as a vest, is provided having stretchable web platform on an outside surface, such as between front and back panels of the vest. The stretchable web platform includes stretchable bands that extend horizontally, and vertical webbing extending between multiple horizontal bands. Additional embodiments are directed to a mounting system in a plate carrier for a plate. Still further embodiments are directed to a handle and strap system for a vest or other garment that permits a quick rescue of a person wearing the vest.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/732,165 (Attorney Docket No. 93168-831642 (001200US)), filed on Nov. 30, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is load-bearing equipment and rucksacks utilized by the United States armed forces. The MOLLE system is modular and permits the attachment of various MOLLE-compatible accessories, such as holsters, magazine pouches, radio pouches, knife sheathes, and other gear to MOLLE compatible load-bearing garments, such as vests, backpacks, and jackets. 
         [0003]    The MOLLE system&#39;s modularity is derived from the use web platforms on load-bearing garments. For example, PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) web platforms can be included on the load-bearing garments. PALS webbing includes rows of heavy-duty nylon stitched onto the vest or other load-bearing garment so as to allow for attachment of MOLLE accessories. 
         [0004]    PALS webbing is attached to load-bearing garments in a grid structure. The PALS grid consists of horizontal rows of 1 inch nylon webbing (most commercial vendors use Type IIIa), spaced 1 inch apart, and reattached, typically via stitching, to the backing at 1.5 inch intervals. This consistent reattachment forms, for each strap, a series of upwardly and downwardly opened loops. The loops for adjacent straps are aligned so that a series of loops are stacked one on top of each other. This pattern provides secure and stable attachment for MOLLE accessories. 
         [0005]    The following references may be relevant to this technology: U.S. Published Patent application number 2012/0180189 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,917,968. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0007]    In accordance with embodiments, a load-bearing garment, such as a vest, is provided having stretchable web platform on an outside surface, such as between front and back panels of the vest. The stretchable web platform includes stretchable bands that extend horizontally, and vertical webbing extending between multiple horizontal bands. 
         [0008]    The stretchable bands can be, for example, elastic sleeves that fit within tube webbing, and pull the tube webbing inward. 
         [0009]    Gear can be attached either to the horizontal bands or the vertical webbing. The gear can be, for example, MOLLE compatible gear. 
         [0010]    Additional embodiments are directed to a mounting system in a plate carrier for a plate. The mounting system includes two sets of straps, such as webbing, with hook and loop material. The straps can be connected at different points along their length so that plates of various sizes can be accommodated. For each set, one strap extends under the plate and one strap extends around a lower side edge of the plate. The ends are connected by the hook and loop materials. Pulling the ends taunt permits the plate to be firmly held in position, regardless of plate size. 
         [0011]    Still further embodiments are directed to a handle and strap system for a vest or other garment that permits a quick rescue of a person wearing the vest. A handle is attached to a strap and is usually accessible from an outside of the vest, for example just below the back of the base of the neck. The strap can be mounted in a pocket or sleeve in this storage configuration. The handle can be grasped and pulled outward, released for example from hook and loop closures. The strap is pulled outward, but is anchored at a distal end to the vest. 
         [0012]    When the handle is pulled out and the strap is pulled taut, the handle can be used to pull and/or drag the wearer of the vest to a safe location. Once used, the strap can be stored again in its sleeve, and the handle can be reattached, if attachments are provided. 
         [0013]    For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    Various embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a side, perspective view of a vest incorporating stretchable web platform in accordance with embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of stretchable web platform in accordance with embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a side assembled view of the stretchable web platform of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 3 , of the stretchable web platform of  FIG. 2 , showing vertical mount options for the stretchable web platform. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view, similar to  FIG. 4 , of the stretchable web platform of  FIG. 2 , showing horizontal mount options for the stretchable web platform. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a plate carrier vest having a handle and strap system, with the system in a stored configuration. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6 , of the plate carrier vest with the handle and strap system in a deployed configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of a front panel of a plate carrier vest showing a plate carrier retention system in accordance with embodiments. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is partial cutaway rear view of the front panel of the plate carrier vest of  FIG. 8 , with the plate carrier retention system partly detached. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a partial cutaway rear view, similar to  FIG. 9 , with the plate carrier retention system partly attached around a smaller plate. 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is a rear view, similar to  FIG. 8 , with the plate of  FIG. 10  mounted in the plate carrier vest. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described. 
         [0027]    In accordance with embodiments, a jacket or vest or other garment is provided having a stretchable web platform exposed for the attachment of gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear. In embodiments, the stretchable web platform can support gear hung either vertically or horizontally. 
         [0028]    For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , a vest  20  is shown having a front panel  22  and a rear panel  24 . A shoulder yoke  25  attaches to the tops of the front and rear panels  22 ,  24  and connects the two panels. A stretchable web platform  26  extends between a bottom portion of the front panel  22  and the rear panel  24 . Specifically, in  FIG. 1 , the stretchable web platform  26  extends between lower side edges of the front and rear panels. A separate stretchable web platform  26  is positioned on each side of the vest  20 , although only the left side is shown in  FIG. 1 . Webbing material  27  extends from the stretchable web platform  26  and across the front the front panel  22  and the rear (not shown) of the rear panel  24 . Thus, the stretchable web platform  26  on each side of the vest  20  and the webbing material  27  on the front and rear panels  22 ,  24  circumscribe the bottom of the vest. The stretchable web platform  26  permits some elasticity to the connection between the front and rear panels  22 ,  24 , providing a more snug fit of the vest without the vest being too tight. 
         [0029]    Although shown as attached between the front and rear panels  22 ,  24 , the stretchable web platform  26  can be attached to other locations, such as across the front or inside either of the panels  22 ,  24  of the vest  20 . To this end, the stretchable web platform  26  can extend over any portion of the outside of the vest  20 , or can overlap portions of the inside of the vest. The stretchable web platform  26  can also be mounted on other garments, such as a jacket or pants, or could be used with many different items, including backpacks. The stretchable web platform has particular application, however, to installations where both (1) stretch and elasticity and (2) attachment of gear are desired at the same location. 
         [0030]    Details of the stretchable web platform  26  are shown in the exploded perspective view of  FIG. 2 . The stretchable web platform  26  includes a plurality (e.g., more than two) horizontally-aligned webbing tubes  28 . The webbing tubes  28  can be, for example, 1.0 inch tubes of webbing. 
         [0031]    Strips  30  of elastic material are inserted in the webbing tubes  28 . The elastic strips  30  can be elastic webbing or other material that is stretchable and has a memory to return to its initial shape after stretching. The elastic can be made of rubber or an imitative rubber synthetic material, as examples. 
         [0032]    The elastic strips  30  are shorter in length than the webbing tubes  28 . In embodiments, the elastic strips  30  are ⅔ the length of the webbing tubes  28 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the ends of the elastic strips  30  are sewn at sew lines  31  to ends of the webbing tubes  28 . Sewing the elastic strips  30  to the ends of the webbing tubes  28  causes the webbing tubes to compress and fold to the length of the elastic straps. The webbing tubes  28  can include a number of folds or wrinkles during this compression. 
         [0033]    The compressed webbing tubes  28  and the elastic strips  30 , once sewn together, provide a stable structure to which gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear, can be attached. The outer webbing tubes  28  provide a surface that is similar to regular webbing, and thus is suitable for the attachment of gear. The compressed/folded/wrinkled configuration of the web tubing  28 , along with the elastic strips  30 , permits the overall structure of the stretchable web platform  26  to be stretchable in a horizontal direction, allowing the vest  20  to fit snugly, but not too tightly, against a wearer, and to adjust to movements of a wearer, adding to comfort to the wearer. 
         [0034]    Vertical webbing  32  ( FIG. 2 ) can be attached between multiple webbing tubes  28 . The vertical webbing  32  can be any width, but in embodiments is 0.25 inch webbing. The vertical webbing  32  is sewn to the web tubing  28 , and can also be sewn through the web tubing to the elastic strips  30 . In embodiments, however, the vertical webbing  32  is sewn only to the web tubing  28 , allowing the elastic strips  30  to freely move within the web tubing  28 . 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the stretchable web platform  26  can receive and support gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear, mounted vertically, as shown by the arrows  40 . The gear mounts down over one or two of the horizontally aligned web tubings  28 . The gear can attach, for example, between vertical webbings  32  or on opposite sides of a vertical webbing. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the stretchable web platform  26  can also receive and support gear, such as MOLLE compatible gear, mounted horizontally, as shown by the arrows  42 . The gear mounts sideways, attached to one or more of the vertical webbings  32 . The gear can attach, for example, between adjacent horizontally aligned web tubings  28  or on opposite sides of a horizontally aligned web tubing. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  shows another feature that can be provided for the vest  20 . In  FIG. 6 , a handle and strap system  48  is shown mounted on the rear of the vest  20 . The handle and strap system  48  permits a quick rescue of a person wearing the vest or other garment. Briefly described, the handle and strap system  48  is mounted in a storage position against and/or within the vest  20  ( FIG. 6 ), and can be pulled outward to a deployed position where it can be used to drag a wearer of the vest to a safe location ( FIG. 7 ). A handle  50  is attached to a strap  52  and mounted in a storage configuration where the handle is accessible from an outside of the vest, for example just below the back of the base of the neck. 
         [0038]    In the storage position, fasteners or other connectors, such as hook and loop closures  54 ,  56 , can be used to hold the handle in position. Hook and loop closures  54 ,  56  work well to connect the handle, because the closures can be released and the handle and strap deployed using a single movement (i.e., pulling outward on the handle). However, other closures can be used, or the handle can be held in position by gravity and/or retention of the strap  52 . Closures could also or alternatively be used to retain the strap. 
         [0039]    In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the handle  50  is formed of a loop of webbing. The strap  52  is attached to one position on the loop, and the closures  54  are positioned on opposite sides of the strap attachment. The closures  54  connect to closures  56  when the handle is in the storage position. 
         [0040]    In embodiments, the strap  52  is positioned in a sleeve  58  or other pocket while the handle and strap system  48  is in the storage configuration. The sleeve  58  permits the strap  52  to be out of the way while the handle and strap system  48  is in the storage position, but easily deployed when needed. The sleeve  58  shown in the drawings extends in a direction of deployment so that the sleeve does not hinder deployment. A distal end of the strap  52  is anchored to the vest  20 , for example at the opening of the sleeve  58 . 
         [0041]    In use, when a wearer of the vest  20  is to be rescued, the wearer is extended in a prone position, and the rescuer grasps the handle and pulls outward in a direction, first releasing the hook and loop closures  54 ,  56 , and then pulling the strap  52  from the sleeve  58 . The strap  52  is pulled taut against its anchor at an opening of the sleeve  58 , such as is shown in  FIG. 7 . Continued pulling on the handle  50  permits the rescuer to drag the wearer to safety. The vest  20  retains the wearer during this rescue, and the strap can readily take advantage of the fact that the wearer is fully connected. 
         [0042]    Once used, the strap  52  can be stored again in its sleeve  58 , and the handle  50  can be reattached via the hook and loop closures  54 ,  56 . 
         [0043]      FIGS. 8-11  show a plate retention system  70  for a vest, such as the vest  20 , in accordance with embodiments. The plate retention system  70  can be utilized, for example, in pockets on the front and/or back panels  22 ,  24  of the vest  20 . Such pockets are known, and typically include an opening, such as an opening  72  at the bottom of the front panel  22  ( FIG. 8 ). In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the opening  72  can include a closure  74 , such as hook and loop closures, for easy access. The pocket is generally designated by the reference numeral  76 , and is generally the inside region of a panel, such as the front panel  22 , designed to receive a plate. 
         [0044]    In use, a wearer can install a plate in one of the front and or back panels  22 ,  24 . Such plates are known, and can be various sizes, depending upon the desire of the user and/or the needs for a particular assignment. In embodiments disclosed herein, the plate retention system  70  is configured to securely mount plates of different sizes and anchor and/or center a plate in place in the pocket  76 . 
         [0045]    In embodiments, the plate retention system  70  includes two sets of straps, one each at the lower bottom corners of the pocket  72 . In short, these sets of straps include straps that are configured to extend around the bottom and sides of a plate inserted in the pocket and that attach to each other to push the plate to the center and top of the pocket  76 . In this manner, the straps anchor the plate against the upper edge of the pocket, regardless of the size of the plate inserted. The straps can be any material, such as webbing, and include attachment mechanisms, such as hook and loop material, that permit attachment to each other at various locations along their length. Variable attachment locations permit anchoring of several different sizes of plates. The straps can be connected at different points along their length so that plates of various sizes can be accommodated. For each set, one strap extends under the plate and one strap extends around a bottom side edge of the plate. The ends are connected by the hook and loop materials to anchor the plate in the center of the pocket against the top of the pocket. 
         [0046]    Specific embodiments are shown in  FIGS. 8-11 . A first strap  80  of each pair is positioned to extend horizontally, and is spaced from the bottom of the opening  72 . The strap  80  is anchored at a first location  82  spaced inward from the side edge of the pocket and upward from a bottom edge of the pocket. 
         [0047]    A second strap  84  of each pair is positioned to extend vertically, and is also anchored at a position spaced inward from the side edge of the pocket and upward from a bottom edge of the pocket. In embodiments, this second strap  84  is also and anchored at the first location  82 . 
         [0048]    In embodiments, the first strap  80  is positioned so that, if any size plate that would typically be installed in the front panel  22  were installed in the pocket of the front panel and pushed fully upward against the top of the pocket, the bottom edge of the plate would extend below a bottom edge of the first strap  80 . The length of the first strap  80  is preferably sufficient so that, if the widest plate that fits into the pocket were installed, the strap could double back along its length while extending around the outer edge of the plate. Thus, the first location  82  would fall behind any size plate installed in the pocket  76 . 
         [0049]    The second strap  84  is positioned in a similar manner relative to the bottom and sides of the pocket  76 . In an embodiment where the two straps are anchored at the same location  82 , the two locations for the two sets of straps are positioned to be located behind any size plate to be received in the pocket after the plate has been centered and pushed to the top of the pocket. 
         [0050]    To install a plate, such as the plate  90  shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the fasteners  74  are opened at the bottom of the pocket  76  at the opening  72 . The plate  90  is inserted into the pocket  76 , centered in the pocket, and pressed upward against the top of the pocket. The ends of the two strap  80 ,  84  are wrapped around the side and bottom of the plate, respectively, and then attached to each other, for example via hook and loop fasteners extending along the length of the straps  80 ,  84 . As an example, loop fastener material can be included on a front side of the strap  84 , and hook fastener material on the rear side of the strap  80 . The strap  80  is then folded over first, with the strap  84  attached to the strap  80 . The straps  80 ,  84 , if anchored at the same location  82 , would be attached in the same vertical and horizontal position as the location  82  on the opposite side of the plate  90 . If the straps are anchored at different locations, then the attachment would be varied based on the size of the plate. 
         [0051]    For a different size plate, such as the plate  100  shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , the straps are pulled more so as to appropriately anchor the plate. The system can thus be used on many different sized plates, and can be used to center the plate and position the plate upward. A plate could also be positioned to one side by varying the straps, for example to move the plate away from an injury. In addition, the plate does not have to be pushed to the top of the pocket, but instead could be held by gravity against the attached straps. Additionally, a similar strap configuration could be used at other locations in the pocket  76  (e.g., the top) to push the plate downward or in another desired direction. 
         [0052]    Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and have been described above in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. 
         [0053]    The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0054]    Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0055]    All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein, including cited in the contemporaneously filed Information Disclosure Statement, are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.