Patent Publication Number: US-8533862-B2

Title: Quickly releasable vest

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to garments, and, more particularly, to self protection vests. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Vests are configured to cover a torso portion of a user. The vests are disposed on the shoulder portion of the user by means of cables, buckles and the like. The vests are of different types such as exercise vests, cooling vests, protective vests and the like. The protective vests are used to protect the torso portion of the user against an impact. The protective vests may also be referred to as bulletproof vests. The bullet proof vests include bullet resistance armor. 
     The bulletproof vests for military operations worn by soldiers are heavier than the bulletproof vests worn by others like police or security guard because the soldiers need protection from powerful bullets from rifle or machine gun. The soldiers, according to mission, may also require various accessories such as pouches, magazines, water carrier, medical kit, small portable walkie-talkie sets and the like which can be positioned or fixed on the bullet proof vest as per the convenience of the soldier. The various accessories positioned on the bullet proof vest make the bullet proof vest heavy. During various emergency military operations such as, evacuation, running fast in forest or going through water, it will be necessary to quickly separate the vest from the body of the soldier for either better efficiency or to save his life. 
     Thus there is a need for a vest that is capable of being separated easily from a torso portion of a user. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a quickly releasable vest configured to include all the advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a quickly releasable vest, which is capable of being dressed in and separated easily by a user. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a quickly releasable vest, which is capable of being used by the persons such as soldiers, police, security guards and the like involved in military and other tactical operations. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a quickly releasable vest, which is capable of protecting at least a torso portion of a user. 
     Accordingly, the present invention provides a quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user. The quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The pull cord includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Each of the plurality of connecting tapes includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the proximal end portion of the pull cord and the second end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the one of the plurality of plug members. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first torso panel from the second torso panel. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, the quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The first torso panel includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The second torso panel includes a first side portion and a second side portion. The first side portion of the second torso panel is releasably coupled to the second side portion of the first torso panel. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first side portion of the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second side portion of the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first side portion of the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The pull cord includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Each of the plurality of connecting tapes includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the proximal end portion of the pull cord and the second end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the one of the plurality of plug members. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first side portion of the first torso panel from the second side portion of the second torso panel. 
     These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a quickly releasable vest including a first torso panel and a second torso panels held together by means of a plurality of plug members and a plurality of socket members, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a quickly releasable vest including a first torso panel and a second torso panels separated from each away, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the first torso panel of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a pocket disposed on strips of the first torso panel and the second torso panel for mounting various accessories, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a first torso panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a first torso panel with a bullet resistant armor, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the second torso panel of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7A  illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a second torso panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  illustrates a perspective view of an inner surface of a second torso panel with a bullet resistant armor, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a plug member and a socket member separately, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a plug member and a socket member in fastened position and in released position, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a perspective view of a socket member comprising a spring member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a perspective view of a plug member and a socket member in fastened position, wherein the plug member includes a pair of connecting wires, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a perspective view of a quick release mechanism disposed on the first torso panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a perspective view of a quick release mechanism disposed on the first torso panel, according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  illustrates a perspective view of a quickly releasable vest including a first torso panel and a second torso panels held together by means of a plurality of plug members and a plurality of socket members, according to an another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the first torso panel of  FIG. 14 , according to an another embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a perspective view of an outer surface of the second torso panel of  FIG. 14 , according to another embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a perspective view of a quick release mechanism disposed on the first torso panel of  FIG. 15 , according to an another embodiment of the present invention; 
     
    
    
     Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular quickly releasable vest, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 
     The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. 
     The present invention provides a quickly releasable vest capable of protecting a torso portion of a user. The quickly releasable vest includes a first torso panel, a second torso panel, a plurality of plug members, a plurality of socket members and a quick release mechanism. The plurality of plug members is disposed on the first torso panel. The plurality of socket members is disposed on the second torso panel. Each of the plurality of socket members is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of plug members disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism is disposed on the first torso panel. The quick release mechanism includes a pull cord and a plurality of connecting tapes. The pull cord includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. Each of the plurality of connecting tapes includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the proximal end portion of the pull cord and the second end portion of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes is coupled to the one of the plurality of plug members. The quick release mechanism is configured to separate the first torso panel from the second torso panel. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , a quickly releasable vest  100  configured to cover a torso portion of a user in an embodiment of the present invention, is shown. The quickly releasable vest  100  includes a first torso panel  200 , a second torso panel  300 , a plurality of plug members  400 , a plurality of socket members  500  and a quick release mechanism  600  (depicted in  FIG. 2 ). 
     Further referring to  FIG. 1  to  FIG. 5B , the first torso panel  200  configured to cover either a front side or a rear side of a torso portion of a user, is shown. In one embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  200  may cover the front side of the torso portion of the user. In another embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  200  may cover the rear side of the torso portion of the user. The first torso panel  200  may be made by over lined layers of sewn fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  200  may accompany a plurality of strips  202 , a pair of shoulder pads  206 , a pair of shoulder straps  208 , a flap  210  and a bullet resistance armor  212 . 
     The plurality of strips  202  may be disposed both vertically and horizontally on the first torso panel to accommodate various accessories such as pouches, magazines, water carrier, medical kit, small portable walkie-talkie sets and other similar equipments which can be positioned or fixed as per the convenience of the user. The construction of the plurality of strips  202  permits positioning of accessory pouch etc. at different locations on the first torso panel  200 . More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a pocket  204  disposed on the plurality of strips  202  of the first torso panel  200  for mounting various accessories. The pair of shoulder straps  208  is disposed on shoulder portions of the first torso panel  200 . The shoulder pad  206  is configured to cover a substantial portion of the shoulder strap  208 . The shoulder pad  206  is configured to provide cushioning to shoulder portions of the user. As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the flap  210  is configured to cover a portion of the quick release mechanism  600 . The flap  210  may also include the plurality of strips  202 . The bullet resistance armor  212  may be disposed on the first torso panel  200 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 5B  the bullet resistant armor  212  may be disposed, on an inner surface of the first torso panel  200 . In another embodiment of the present invention the bullet resistant armor  212  may be disposed on an outer surface of the first torso panel  200 . The first torso panel  200  and the second torso panel  300  are configured to cover the torso portion of the user. 
     With reference to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7   a  and  FIG. 7   b , the second torso panel  300  configured to cover either a rear side or a front side of a torso portion of a user, is shown. In one embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  300  may cover the rear side of the torso portion of the user. In another embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  300  may cover the front side of the torso portion of the user. In one embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  300  may accompany a plurality of strips  202 , a pair of shoulder straps  208 , a flap  210  and a bullet resistance armor  212 . 
     The plurality of strips  202  may be disposed both vertically and horizontally on the second torso panel  300  to accommodate various accessories such as pouches, magazines, water carrier, medical kit, small portable walkie-talkie sets and other similar equipments which can be positioned or fixed as per the convenience of a wearer. The construction of the plurality of strips  202  permits positioning of accessory pouch etc. at different locations on the second torso panel  300 . More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates the pocket  204  disposed on the plurality of strips  202  of the second torso panel  300  for mounting various accessories. The pair of shoulder straps  208  may be disposed on shoulder portions of the second torso panel  300 . The flap  210  is configured to pivotally cover a lower portion of the second torso panel  300 . The flap  210  may also include the plurality of strips  202 . The bullet resistance armor  212  may be disposed on the second torso panel  200 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 7B  the bullet resistant armor  212  may be disposed on an inner surface of the second torso panel  300  of the quickly releasable vest  100 . In another embodiment of the present invention the bullet resistant armor  212  may be disposed on an outer surface of the second torso panel  300  of the quickly releasable vest  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 11  the quickly releasable vest  100  further includes the plurality of plug members  400 . The plurality of plug members  400  is disposed on the first torso panel  200 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of plug members  400  is disposed on the shoulder strap  208  of the first torso panel  200 . In one embodiment of the present invention each of the plurality of plug members  400  includes an eye hook  402  and a tongue  404 . The eye hook  402  includes an eye opening  406 . In one embodiment of the present invention the eye opening  406  is rectangular in configuration. The tongue  404  includes a pair of engaging legs  408 . The engaging legs  408  are curved inwardly towards each other. In another embodiment of the present invention each of the plurality of plug members  400  further includes a pair of connecting wires  410  (shown in  FIG. 11 )). Each of the pair of connecting wires  410  is configured to connect a side portion of the eye hook  402  to a side portion of the tongue  404 . The tongue  404  is configured to be received in one of the plurality of socket members  500  disposed on the second torso panel  300 . Although in the present invention each of the plurality of plug members  400  have been described with respect to particular embodiments but they are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed. Each of the plurality of plug members  400  is configured to detachably couple to one of the plurality of socket members  500  disposed on the second torso panel  300 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9   FIG. 10  and  FIG. 11  the plurality of socket members  500  configured to be detachably couple to the plurality of plug members  400 , is shown. The plurality of socket members  500  is disposed on the second torso panel  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of socket members  500  is disposed on the shoulder strap  208  of the second torso panel  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention the each of the plurality of socket members  500  includes a base plate  502  and a rigid head  504 . The rigid head  504  is disposed perpendicularly to the base plate  502 . The rigid head  504  is configured to hook the eye hook  402 . Further, the rigid head  504  is also configured to receive the tongue  404 . In another embodiment of the present invention the each of the plurality of socket members  500  further includes a spring member  506 . The spring member  506  is disposed on the base plate  502  of the each of the plurality of socket members  500 . In one embodiment of the present invention the spring member  506  is hingedly connected to the base plate  502  of the socket members  500 . The spring member  506  is configured to force out the eye hook  402  from the rigid head  504  when the tongue  404  is pulled out of the rigid head  504 . The tongue  404  may be pulled out of the rigid head  504  by means of the quick release mechanism  600 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12  and  FIG. 13 , the quick release mechanism  600  disposed on the first torso panel  200 , is shown. The quick release mechanism  600  includes a pull cord  602  and a plurality of connecting tapes  604 . The pull cord  602  has a proximal end portion  606  and a distal end portion  608 . Each of the plurality of connecting tapes  604  includes a first end portion  610  and a second end portion  612 . The first end portion  610  of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes  604  is coupled to the proximal end portion  606  of the pull cord  602  and the second end portion  612  of the each of the plurality of connecting tapes  604  is coupled to the one of the plurality of plug members  400 . More specifically, the each of the plurality of connecting tapes  604  is coupled to one of the tongue  404  of the plurality of plug members  400 . Further, the distal end portion  608  of the pull cord  602  may be coupled to a grip (not shown). In one embodiment of the present invention, the pull cord  602  of the quick release mechanism  600  is positioned at the lower portion of the first torso panel  200  for easy and quick access by the user for the purpose of quick release of the first torso panel  200  from the second torso panel  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the pull cord  602  of the quick release mechanism  600  may be covered by the flap  210  of the first torso panel  200 . The pull cord  602  is configured to separate the first torso panel  200  and the second torso panel  300  from each other, when the pull cord  602  is pulled downwards. 
     In use, while dressing in the quickly releasable vest  100 , the wearer has to place the first torso panel  200  over the second torso panel  300  so that the inner faces of both the first torso panel  200  and the second torso panel  300  are placed one over the other and fully aligned with each other. Thereafter the eye hook  402  of the plurality of plug members is hooked to the rigid head  504  of the plurality of socket members  500 , and then the tongue  404  of the plurality of plug members is inserted into the rigid head  504  of the plurality of socket members  500  over the eye hook  402 . In one embodiment of the present invention the shoulder straps  208  of the second torso panel  300  are inserted partially in a slot (not shown) disposed on the first torso panel  200  so that the shoulder strap  208  of the first torso panel  200  may be placed over the shoulder strap  208  of the second torso panel  300 . Thereafter the eye hook  402  of the plurality of plug members is hooked to the rigid head  504  of the plurality of socket members  500 , and then the tongue  404  of the plurality of plug members  400  is inserted into the rigid head  504  of the plurality of socket members  500  over the eye hook  402 . This process is to be repeated mutatis mutandis at all the points where the first torso panel  200  is releasably attached with the second torso panel  300 . 
     Similarly, while separating the quickly releasable vest  100  from the torso portion of the user, the user has to drag the pull cord  602  downwards by applying downward pressure on the connecting tapes  604 . Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting tapes  604  pulls the tongue  404  of the plurality of plug members  400  out of the rigid head  504  and while being pulled out, the tongue  404  also pulls out the eye hook  402  by means of the pair of connecting wires  410 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the connecting tapes  604  pull the tongue  404  of the plurality of plug members  400  out of the rigid head  504 . As, the tongue  404  is pulled out of the rigid head  504 , the spring member  506  forces the eye hook  402  to be unhooked from the rigid head  504 . 
       FIG. 14  to  FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of a quickly releasable vest in accordance with the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 14  illustrates the quickly releasable vest  700  configured to cover a torso portion of a user. The quickly releasable vest  700  includes a first torso panel  800 , a second torso panel  900 , a plurality of plug members  1000 , a plurality of socket members  1100  and a quick release mechanism  1200 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 15 , the first torso panel  800  configured to cover either a front side or a rear side of a torso portion of a user, is shown. In one embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  800  may cover the front side of the torso portion of the user. In another embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  800  may cover the rear side of the torso portion of the user. The first torso panel  800  includes a first side portion  802  and a second side portion  804 . The first torso panel  800  may be made by over lined layers of sewn fabric. In one embodiment of the present invention the first torso panel  800  may accompany the plurality of strips  202 , the pair of shoulder pads  206 , the pair of shoulder straps  208 , the flap  210  and the bullet resistance armor  212 . The plurality of strips  202 , the pair of shoulder pads  206 , the pair of shoulder straps  208 , the flap  210  and the bullet resistance armor  212  are configured and disposed on the first torso panel  800  similarly as they are configured and disposed on the first torso panel  200 . The first torso panel  800  and the second torso panel  900  are configured to cover the torso portion of the user. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the second torso panel  900  is configured to cover either a rear side or a front side of a torso portion of a user. In one embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  900  may cover the rear side of the torso portion of the user. In another embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  900  may cover the front side of the torso portion of the user. The second torso panel  900  includes a first side portion  902  and a second side portion  904 . The first side portion  902  of the second torso panel  900  is releasably coupled to the second side portion  804  of the first torso panel  800 . In one embodiment of the present invention the first side portion  902  of the second torso panel  900  is releasably coupled to the second side portion  804  of the first torso panel  800  by means of an adhesive tape  906 . In another embodiment of the present invention, the first side portion  902  of the second torso panel  900  is permanently coupled to the second side portion  804  of the first torso panel  800 . The first side portion  902  of the second torso panel  900  may be permanently coupled to the second side portion  804  of the first torso panel  800  by means of stitching or any other means known in the art. In one embodiment of the present invention the second torso panel  900  may accompany the plurality of strips  202 , the pair of shoulder straps  208 , the flap  210  and the bullet resistance armor  212 . The plurality of strips  202 , the pair of shoulder straps  208 , the flap  210  and the bullet resistance armor  212  are configured and disposed on the second torso panel  900  similarly as they are configured and disposed on the second torso panel  300  of the quickly releasable vest  100 . 
     The quickly releasable vest  700  further includes the plurality of plug members  1000 . The plurality of plug members  1000  is similar to the plurality of plug members  400  explained above in the first embodiment of the present embodiment. The plurality of plug members  1000  is disposed on the first side portion  802  of the first torso panel  800 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the first side portion  802  of the first torso panel  800  is on the left hand side of a right handed user. In another embodiment of the present invention, the first side portion  802  of the first torso panel  800  is on the right hand side of a left handed user. Each of the plurality of plug members  1000  is configured to be detachably couple to one of the plurality of socket members  1100 . The plurality of socket members  1100  are similar to the plurality of socket members  500  explained above in the first embodiment of the present invention. The plurality of socket members  1100  is disposed on the second side portion  904  of the second torso panel  900 . The first side portion  802  of the first torso panel  800  may be separated from the second side portion  904  of the second torso panel  900  by means of the quick release mechanism  1200  (shown in  FIG. 17 ). The quick release mechanism  1200  is also similar to the quick release mechanism  600  explained in the first embodiment of the present invention. The quick release mechanism  1200  is disposed on the first torso panel  800 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.