Patent Publication Number: US-2011072545-A1

Title: Close quarter ballistic chaps with extensions and/or release system

Description:
The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/125,276 filed on Apr. 23, 2008 (now pending) (which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes and made a part of the present disclosure). 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a ballistic outer garment and, more particularly, to ballistic chaps that protect the wearer&#39;s upper and lower legs, including the femur and femoral artery regions, while also providing a mounting platform for the wearer&#39;s equipment and affording the wearer great flexibility of movement. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Combat environments, whether in a military or police context, benefit from the use of protective garments designed to shield the wearer from injury from small arms fire as well as from shrapnel and other debris propelled from an explosive device or compound. A particularly vulnerable body region is the combatant&#39;s upper leg, as a penetration in the upper leg region that damages the femur or femoral artery can result in serious injury or death in a very short period of time. Unfortunately, most known outer body armor either does not provide adequate coverage for the upper leg region of the body, is too cumbersome to easily move about in, and/or traps too much body heat which can lead to heat exhaustion. These drawbacks are a particular problem in physically taxing, close quarter combat environments in which a high degree of mobility and the comfort of the assaulter or entry team member&#39;s gear are paramount. 
     Such environments also often require the use of various types of combat-related equipment, such as magazine and grenade pouches, holsters, sheathes, radios, and first aid kits, which the combatant must carry and to which ready access is needed. Traditionally, such equipment has been carried on the upper part of the body, such as on a vest or jacket. However, the cumulative weight of the extra equipment creates a heavy load, often resulting in lower back pain. Thus, in conjunction with providing needed protection for the femur and femoral artery regions, it would be desirable to provide a mounting platform for the equipment that transfers the extra weight to a lower portion of the body, such as the hips and upper legs. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a front view of a wearer wearing a pair of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a side view of the wearer wearing the ballistic chaps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a rear view of the wearer wearing the ballistic chaps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the exterior or outermost side of an exemplary embodiment of the ballistic chaps according to the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows a view of the interior or innermost side of one leg of the ballistic chaps of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial cutaway view taken through the interior side of one leg of the ballistic chaps of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the inner side of an exemplary embodiment of the ballistic chaps showing the coupling of an accessory to the chaps according to the invention; 
         FIG. 8A  is partial cutaway view taken through the innermost side of one leg of the ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8B  shows the exterior side of the leg of the ballistic chaps of  FIG. 8A . 
         FIG. 9  is a simplified front view illustration of another embodiment of one side of a pair of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a simplified front view illustration of a knee pad portion of an embodiment of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a simplified front view illustration of an embodiment of the bottom leg portion of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a simplified front view illustration of a wearer wearing a pair of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 13  is a simplified side view illustration of a wearer wearing a pair of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a simplified side view illustration of a wearer wearing a pair of ballistic chaps according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
     
    
    
       FIGS. 9A-12  illustrate an exemplary quick release system for a ballistic chaps, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. 
       FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a ballistic chaps  10  being worn by a wearer. The ballistic chaps  10  are secured to the body of the wearer via a body mounting portion that includes a releasable belt  12 , a pair of suspenders  14 , and an adjustable leg attachment system  16 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the ballistic chaps  10  include a pair of leg portions  18  which are secured to the mounting portion of chaps  10  at the belt  12 , suspenders  14 , and leg attachment system  16 . The leg portions  18  generally extend downwardly from the waist region of the wearer to terminate at a point above the wearer&#39;s knees, such that the leg portions  18  substantially cover at least the front portion of the wearer&#39;s upper legs. 
     Each leg portion  18  of ballistic chaps  10  is configured to receive one or more ballistic armor inserts  20  (shown in dashed lines in  FIG. 1 ). In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the ballistic armor insert  20  is of substantially the same shape and size as each leg portion  18 . When the ballistic chaps  10  are worn by the wearer, the ballistic armor inserts  20  are positioned such that they substantially cover at least the front of the upper leg portion of the wearer, thereby providing frontal protection for the wearer&#39;s femur and femoral artery region. In other embodiments, armor inserts  20  may be of various sizes and shapes and mayor may not extend into the belt or waist region of the chaps  10 . Armor inserts  20  also may be a single insert as shown or may include multiple inserts  20  placed at appropriate locations to protect vulnerable regions of the wearer&#39;s upper legs. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 2 , a side view of the wearer wearing the ballistic chaps  10  of  FIG. 1  is shown. As can be seen in this view, each leg portion  18  of ballistic chaps  10  extends along the side of the wearer such that it substantially covers the wearer&#39;s hip and flank region. Similarly, each ballistic armor insert  20  also extends around the side of the user such that it substantially covers and protects the wearer&#39;s hip and flank. In some embodiments, a separate armor insert  20  may be used to protect the hip and flank rather than a single armor insert that protects both the front and side. A trailing edge  22  of each leg portion  18  terminates substantially along the side of the wearer. By terminating at the sides, the ballistic chaps  10  provide a large degree of flexibility such that the wearer&#39;s mobility is not impeded. Further, by leaving the back side of the upper legs exposed, the chaps  10  minimize the amount of body heat retained by the wearer, thus reducing the risk of heat exhaustion. 
       FIG. 3  provides a rear view of the wearer wearing the ballistic chaps  10  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates the manner in which the leg portions  18  are coupled to the leg attachment system  16 . In the embodiment shown, the attachment system  16  includes an elongate strap  23  and a buckle or clip  24  which is attached to trailing side edges  22  of leg portions  18 . A free end  26  of each strap  23  is configured to engage with a buckle or clip  28  which is attached to a leading side edge  30  of each leg portion  18 . To secure the chaps  10  about the upper leg of the wearer, the free end  26  folds back on itself and is secured in place by a hook and loop type closure system  32 . The hook and loop type closure system  32  facilitates quick removal of the attachment system  16  from about the upper legs of the wearer and also provides for a large degree of adjustability such that the chaps  10  may be fitted to a variety of different sized wearers. It should be understood, however, that other types of closures for attachment system  16  are contemplated, including various types of buckles, snaps, and/or quick-release systems. In the embodiment shown, each strap  23  is made of flat nylon webbing to which the hook and loop type closures  32  are secured. In other embodiments of the chaps  10 , the attachment system  16  may be made of or include different types of materials, such as mesh, elastic, etc. 
       FIG. 4  shows the exterior or outer side (i.e., the side furthest from the wearer&#39;s body) of an exemplary embodiment of the chaps  10 . In this embodiment, not only are the leg portions  18  configured to retain ballistic armor portions  20  that cover the front and sides of the upper leg of the wearer, but the leg portions  18  also provide a mounting platform for supporting various different types of peripheral equipment, such as ammunition pouches  34 , accessory pouches  36 , radios, first aid kits, etc. Towards that end, the mounting platform includes a plurality of attachment points  38  to which the various pieces of peripheral equipment may be secured. In the embodiment shown, the attachment points  38  are formed by an elongate strap  40  (e.g., flat nylon webbing) that is secured (e.g., sewn) to the exterior surface of each leg portion  18  at spaced apart intervals along its length. By securing each strap  40  to the exterior surface of the leg portion  18  in this manner, a plurality of loops or attachment points  38  are formed along the length of the strap  40  to which the various pouches and/or peripheral equipment may be attached, hooked or otherwise secured. Attachment in this manner provides for easy access to the peripheral equipment and also distributes the added weight from this equipment about the hip and thigh region, thus avoiding strain on the wearer&#39;s lower back. Any number of straps and/or attachment points may be provided. However, providing multiple attachment points  38  distributed over substantially the entire exterior surface provides the wearer with a large degree of versatility in positioning his equipment about the hips and upper legs. Other configurations of attachment points  38  also are contemplated, such as various loops, hooks, hook and loop closures, etc. that are secured to the exterior surface or edges of the leg portions  18  in an appropriate manner. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show the interior or inner side (i.e., the side of the chaps  10  which is closest to the wearer&#39;s body) of leg portions  18 . As can be seen in the cutaway view provided in  FIG. 6 , each leg portion  18  includes an outer panel  42  and an inner panel  44  that define a compartment or pocket  46  therebetween. In the embodiment shown, panels  42  and  44  are made of a nylon material. In other embodiments, panels  42  and  44 , and particularly inner panel  44 , may be made of a breathable material, such as mesh, or configured as a plurality of straps or other configuration that facilitates airflow between the wearer&#39;s upper legs and chaps  10 . 
     In the embodiment of the chaps illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the enclosure  46  has an opening  48  disposed in the waist or belt region of the leg portion  18 . The opening  48  provides access into the compartment  46  such that a ballistic armor portion  20  may be easily inserted and removed. In the embodiment shown, the ballistic armor  20  is soft ballistic armor, preferably level IIIA ballistic armor. However, hard armor plates also may be inserted through opening  48  into compartment  46  in lieu of or in addition to the soft armor inserts  20 . Yet further, in other embodiments of the invention, the opening  48  leading into the enclosure  46  may be disposed in other regions of the leg portion  18 . For instance, the opening  48  may be placed along a bottom edge  50 , trailing side edge  22 , or a leading side edge  30 . Alternatively, opening  48  may extend through any portion of outer panel  42  or inner panel  44  of each leg portion  18 . 
     In the embodiment of chaps  10  illustrated in the figures, the armor inserts  20  are held in the compartment  46  which is defined between the outer and inner panels  42  and  44  of each leg portion  18 . In other embodiments, armor inserts  20  may be secured to leg portions  18  in other manners and mayor may not be removable. For instance, various pockets or channels may be formed on either the exterior or interior sides of leg portions  18 , one or more armor portions  20  may be inserted therein, and such pockets or channels may even be sewn shut such that the armor portions  20  are a more permanent component of each leg portion  18 . 
     Returning to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , leg portion  18  further includes a flap  54  which is moveable between an open and a closed position. When in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the flap  54  provides access to the opening  48  of the compartment  46 . When in the closed position, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the flap portion  54  defines a belt channel  56  through which the belt  12  is routed. When in the closed position, the flap  54  is secured by one or more closure systems, such as hook and loop type closure  58   a ,  58   b  and/or a plurality of complementary snaps  60   a ,  60   b.    
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , belt  12  may be secured within belt channel  56  in various manners. For instance, belt  12  may be held in belt channel  56  by routing belt  12  through one or more belt loops  62 . In addition, to prevent slippage of belt  12  as well as to prevent undesired movement of leg portions  18  relative to belt  12 , belt  12  may be secured within belt channel  56  via a hook and loop type closure system  64   a ,  64   b . For instance, both sides of belt  12  may be covered with a loop type tape  64   b  and the corresponding hook type tape  64   a  may be secured to the inside surface of the flap  54 . In this manner, the belt  12  is firmly secured to the flap  54  via the hook and loop type closure  64   a  and  64   b , thus preventing slippage of the belt  12 . Further, when flap  54  is in a closed position as shown in  FIG. 6 , the loop type tape  64   b  on belt  12  engages with the hook type tape  58   b  which is secured to the inner panel  44  of leg portion  18 , thereby preventing movement of leg portions  18  relative to belt  12 . 
     Belt loop  62  may also provide a fail-safe attachment point for suspenders  14 . For instance, loop  62  may be configured such that an end of loop  62  extends through the folded edge  55  of flap  54  and is terminated by buckle or clip  57 . To attach the suspenders  14  to chaps  10 , a free end of suspenders  14  maybe coupled with buckle  57  and secured by a hook and loop type closure or other releasable closure. In the event that the attachment point of belt loop  62  to flap  54  fails, suspenders  14  will still be attached to chaps  10  via belt  12  (i.e., belt  12  is routed through loop  62  and thus, will provide the coupling between suspenders  14  and chaps  10 ). 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , belt  12  is adjustable in that a free end of the belt strap folds back on itself and is secured in position by a hook and loop type closure. Belt  12  further includes a quick release buckle system  66   a ,  66   b , although other types of releasable buckles are contemplated. 
     Flap portion  54  may also include one or more tabs  68  which are affixed proximate an edge  70  of flap  54 . Tabs  68  provide a gripping surface for the wearer to easily grab flap  54  and disengage the closure system  58   a ,  58   b  and/or  60   a ,  60   b.    
     In the embodiment of chaps  10  shown in  FIG. 6 , the armor insert  20  may be secured within compartment  46  via an attachment system  72 , such as a hook and loop type attachment system. One portion of the hook and loop closure  72  is secured to an interior surface of the outer panel  42 , while the complementary portion of the hook and loop type closure  72  is secured to the armor insert  20 . Securing the armor insert  20  within the compartment  46  using the attachment system  72  may allow the wearer of chaps  10  to position armor insert  20  in an optimal location relative to the wearer&#39;s upper leg and may also prevent slippage of armor insert  20  within compartment  46 . In other embodiments, particularly where the armor inserts  20  have substantially the same shape as compartment  46 , attachment system  72  may be used to secure a hard armor insert that is used instead of or in addition to a soft armor insert  20  or may be omitted altogether. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4 and 6 , in some embodiments, the chaps  10  may also include a tourniquet  74  coupled to one or both leg portions  18 . Tourniquet  74  includes an elongate strap  76  and a windlass or winding stick  80  for tightening the elongate strap  76  about the wearer&#39;s upper leg in the event of an injury. In the embodiment shown, the elongate strap  76  extends through compartment  46  such that opposing ends  82  and  84  of tourniquet  74  generally extend outwardly from trailing edge  22  and leading edge  30  of leg portion  18  in parallel with leg strap system  16 . The windlass  80  is secured to the elongate strap  76  and, preferably, also may be secured to the leg portion  18  itself (not shown), such as by a hook and loop type closure that secures the windlass  80  to the trailing edge  22 . As can be seen in  FIG. 6 , the strap  76  may be coupled to leg portion  18  via an attachment system  86  located within compartment  46 . Attachment system  86  may be configured as one or more hook and loop type closures which secure the elongate strap in an appropriate position. In other embodiments, tourniquet  74  may be coupled to leg portion  18  in other manners, such as via an attachment portion that is disposed on the surface of inner panel  44  that abuts the wearer&#39;s upper leg. 
     For normal wear, tourniquet  74  is loosely secured about the wearer&#39;s leg by threading the free end  84  of strap  76  though an adjustable buckle or clip  75  (see  FIG. 8B ). When in use, strap  76  may be tightened about the wearer&#39;s leg by pulling the free end  84  through the buckle  75 , winding the windlass  80  to achieve the desired tension, and then securing one end of windlass  80  in triangle buckle  77 . A lock screw  79  may then be turned to maintain the tension about the wearer&#39;s leg. 
     Various other types of accessories also maybe coupled to chaps  10 . For instance, as shown in  FIG. 7 , chaps  10  may be configured to be used with a climbing harness or extraction seat  90 . Harness  90  includes a releasable belt  92  and a pair of leg straps  94  which are attached to the belt  92 . The harness  90  may be secured to chaps  10  by routing the harness belt  92  through belt channel  56  as shown. The belt  92  may be secured within the belt channel  56  via an appropriate attachment system  96 , such as a hook and loop type fastener. Harness  90  also may include one or more steel links  98  secured to the belt  92  in locations which facilitate the use of the harness  90  for climbing and/or extraction. 
       FIGS. 8   a  and  8   b  illustrate yet another accessory that may be coupled to chaps  10 . In this embodiment, the accessory is an inflatable bladder system  100  which may be secured to one or more leg portions  18  in a location relative to the wearer of the chaps  10  (see  FIG. 1 ) in which pressure may be applied along the wearer&#39;s inguinal crease when the inflatable bladder system  100  is activated. The inguinal crease is the crease formed by the union of the upper leg and hip along the frontal aspect of the wearer&#39;s body, and is the region where the femoral artery is closest to the surface of the body. 
     Inflatable bladder system  100  includes an inflatable bladder  102 , an inflation bulb  104 , a hose or tube  106  interconnecting the bulb  104  and the bladder  102 , and a release valve system  108   a ,  108   b . Bladder  102  may be placed within compartment  46  and held in place by an appropriate attachment system, such as a hook and loop type attachment system, or may be coupled to the leg portion  18  in another manner appropriate to provide optimal pressure along the inguinal crease when the chaps  10  are worn by the wearer and bladder  102  is inflated. Easy access to the inflation bulb  104  may be provided by placing the inflation bulb  104  in a pouch  108  which is secured to the leg portion  18  at an attachment region  38 . The hose  106  may be routed through the compartment  46 , through the belt channel  56 , and then exit the belt channel  56  through an opening  110  that extends through outer panel  42 . 
       FIG. 9  shows another embodiment of the ballistic chaps described hereinbove. In this embodiment, a multi piece ballistic chap allows the chaps to protect the front section of the wearer&#39;s entire leg including the knee region. The upper section  10   a  and the lower section  110  ( FIG. 11 ) are constructed similar to ballistic chap  10  as described hereinabove. Ballistic chap  10   a  comprises similar features as ballistic chap  10 , such as, but not limited to, the belt  12   a , leg straps, suspenders (not shown), and pockets for the armor inserts  20 . This embodiment also includes grommets  90  at the bottom end to secure the knee portion  100  ( FIG. 10 ) thereto. It should be understood that grommets  90  and attachment members  102  ( FIG. 10 ) may be a variety of attachment members such as, but not limited to, snaps, quick release connections, loop and buckles, Velcro, and the like. It should be further understood that the plate pockets may be internal or placed in other accessible areas. 
       FIG. 10  shows a knee portion  100  of the ballistic chap. In one embodiment, knee portion  100  may have pockets therein for additional armor plates  20 . The knee portion  100  may include an additional padded area  103 . This provides impact protection to the wearer&#39;s knee as well as providing traction to allow the user to maneuver on their knees and also to stay in place when firing various weapons. It should be understood that an embodiment of the knee portion  100  may not have any additional padding. Knee portion  100  also provides for lower connections  104 . The lower connections  104  are preferably attached to lower leg portion  110  ( FIG. 11 ). Similar to attachment members  102 , lower connections  104  may be a variety of attachment members such as, but not limited to, snaps, quick release connections, loop and buckles, Velcro, and the like. It should be understood that the knee portion  100  is preferably free from attachment straps as such straps would hinder the wearer&#39;s knee mobility. 
       FIG. 11  shows the lower leg portion  110  of the ballistic chaps. The lower leg portion  110  provides adjustable leg straps  112 ,  114  which are similar in material and design to the leg straps of the upper leg portion  10 ,  10   a . The knee portion  100  attachment points  116  are further illustrated. Similar to attachment members  102  and lower connections  104 , the knee portion attachment points  116  may be a variety of attachment members such as, but not limited to, snaps, quick release connections, loop and buckles, Velcro, and the like. It should be further understood that the plate pockets may be internal or placed in other accessible areas. 
     In at least one embodiment, the ballistic chaps is further equipped with a quick release system that allows the wearer to quickly and efficiently shed the ballistic chaps as desired. This quick release system may be composed an interconnected system or network of handles  17  ( FIG. 9 ), cables, and strap and cable combinations. The quick release system preferably includes the buckles and straps of the suspenders, the belt, and the leg straps. A wearer activates the system by pulling at handles preferably positioned in the groin area. The handle is connected by cable cables and the strap cable combinations free from the leg straps, frees the belt and suspenders, thus releasing the attachments and causing the modular ballistic chaps system to fall away from the wearer. It should be understood that the quick release system may have several embodiments and should not be viewed as a limitation herein. The quick release system may be a combination of various separate releases such as a release for the belt and suspenders and separate releases for the upper and lower leg portions. A further embodiment of the release system is evident from  FIGS. 12-14 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a front view of a wearer in the full leg ballistic chap  10   a ,  100 ,  110 . 
       FIG. 13  shows a side view of a wearer in the full leg ballistic chap  10   a ,  100 ,  110 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a side view of a wearer in the full leg ballistic chap  10   a ,  100 ,  110 . Here it is further illustrated the knee mobility of the full leg ballistic chaps. It should be appreciated that the full leg ballistic chaps allows the wearer to maintain full battle mobility while at the same time be afforded extra protection of the entire leg area as opposed to only the upper portion of the leg. 
       FIGS. 9A ,  10 A,  11 A, and  12 A depict a preferred embodiment of the ballistic chap with lower leg chaps extensions and a quick release system, in accordance with the present invention. The illustrations of  FIGS. 9A ,  10 A, and  11 A correspond with the earlier described illustrations  FIGS. 9-11 . In these illustrations, the quick release system is highlighted and is generally shown in dash lines. The quick release system preferably includes a pair of soft handles H, interconnecting cables, and straps and cable combinations. As shown in  FIGS. 10A and 11A , the handles H are preferably positioned in the front near the groin are and as such, is readily accessible by the wearer. Operation of the handle activates the quick release system and generally pulls the cables and strap cable combinations free at both leg straps, the belt, and the suspenders. In this manner, with the leg straps, suspenders, and belts released, the modular ballistic chaps system falls away from the wearer. 
     The quick release systems may be described as having an anchoring system. Referring to the Figures, the anchoring system is provided by such components as straps with loops formed in one end, plastic D-rings sewn to the chap component, and anchoring cables with eyes crimped on an upper end. Preferably, all anchoring points in the anchoring system are identical. For example, all straps (leg or suspenders) may be equipped with a loop formed in one end, which loop may be inserted into the anchoring system. Further, anchoring cables are preferably attached to the handle by a nylon strap, and/or are secured to nylon straps by a Velcro. All components are linked to the quick release handles located in the groin area in each side respectively. In further embodiments, the handles may be linked together. Thus, the quick release system may be initiated by the user by manipulating the handles in the groin area. The user pulls the handle to retract the connected cables. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 9A ,  10 A,  11 A, the quick release system includes, for each side of the ballistic chaps, one handle H and four interconnecting connecting assemblies A-D attached to and operable by the handle. Interconnecting assemblies A and B are provided primarily by cables  1  and  2 , while interconnecting assemblies C and D are provided by primarily by a strap ( 3 , 4 ) and cable ( 5 , 6 ) combination. Cable  1  extends generally upward from handle H and then along the top edge of the chaps, before attaching to the suspender strap and belt. Cable  1  is attached to the suspender strap by passing it through an eye formed in the end of the suspender strap, once it has passed through the rectangular D-ring type anchor point. Once the cable has been inserted into the eye of the suspender strap the aforementioned strap can not be retracted until such time as the cable has been removed. Cable  1  is initially secured at anchoring point A 1  near the edge of the chaps. By pulling on handle H, cable  1  is retracted and detached from anchoring point A 1 , thereby releasing the suspender and belt strap. Cable  2  extends generally downward from handle H to anchoring points A 2 , A 3  near the lower outside corner. The end of cable  2  is connected to the two upper leg straps in the same fashion that cable  1  is attached to the suspender strap and belt. By pulling handle H, cable  2  is retracted and detach from anchoring points A 2 , A 3 , thereby releasing the two upper leg straps. Assembly C is provided by a strap  3  connected to handle H. Strap  3  extends downward from handle H and connects with cable  5  at the lower leg chap portion. By pulling on handle H, strap  3  and cable  5  are retracted and detached from anchoring point A 4 , thereby releasing the knee armor component&#39;s leg strap. Assembly D provides a strap  4  connected to handle H. Strap  4  extends downward from the handle H, through and beneath the upper leg armor, the knee armor, and connects with cable  6  at the lower leg chap portion. By pulling on handle H, strap  4  and cable  6  are retracted and detached from anchoring points A 5  and A 6 , thereby releasing the lower leg armor leg straps. 
     Certain advantages and benefits are provided by the inclusion of a quick a release system of the invention. In one aspect, the quick release system facilitates the expedient doffing of heavy armor in the event that the wearer has to move more quickly or away from the situation. The quick release also enables a soldier or medical first responder to rapidly uncover, access, and treat a wound. Furthermore, the quick release system, as described herein, enables a solider to readily jettison the armor if caught on a stationary object (i.e., during an offensive or defensive operation). The quick release system also makes it possible to discard the armor in the event that the armor or components are caught on fire. 
     To further describe at least one preferred embodiment of the quick release system, provided below is an inventory of preferred components and further description of attributes of the preferred components:
         Material—Flame Retardant 1000D Material
           Quick release   Scalable to suit mission threat   Articulates with the leg   
           Suspenders  200 —Broad load bearing suspenders ride comfortably under IOTV while easily disbursing the weight across to shoulders. Adjustable front and rear to customize fit and pitch of padded belt system.   Belt  202 —rear adjustment padded belt eliminates pressure and point loading on hips and kidney area.   Chaps—The ballistic chaps cover the frontal and flank aspects of the upper leg thus protecting the areas most often struck by IEDs and small arms fire. The chaps come with NIJ IIIA armor inserts and can include Enhanced Small arms Protective Inserts (ESAPI) plates which are custom shaped for the upper leg.
           Triangle buckles  204  and lug assemblies on leg straps enable rapid donning and doffing and facilitate rapid leg strap adjustment process.   Chaps have a molle exterior to enable the soldier to rig combat equipment to suit his or her mission   
           Knee Armor—Knee armor is attached or detached via specialized shock absorption straps (SAS)  102 . Straps secure with lift-the-dot fasteners (snaps).
           Armor covers front and flank of knee region   Knee armor may be worn with or without lower leg armor   Knee armor protected with knee cap.   
           Lower Leg Armor—Covers front and flank of leg
           Attaches with SAS connectors  102  and leg straps.   Configured with Molle Strap System to afford more options to the soldier for the mounting of Combat Equipment.   
               

     Exemplary System Components 
     
         
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Handle H is strategically located near groin area for handling by the user. Handle H is preferably veneer 1000D Nylon. 
                     Cables  1 ,  2  are preferably ⅛″ wire rope, plastic coated. Cables  1  and  2  provide assemblies A and B, and are operable to release the suspender/belt straps and two upper leg straps, respectively. 
                     Straps  3 ,  4  are preferably flat nylon webbing with hook tape connection points on lower end. 
                     Cables  5 ,  6  are preferably ⅛″ wire rope, plastic coated. Cables  5  and  6  provide assemblies C and D, and are operable to release the knee armor and lower leg armor leg straps respectively. 
                     Anchoring Point A 1  is preferably a plastic rectangular D-type ring with one side sewn to the 1000D shell of the Chap System. 
                     Anchoring Point A 2  is preferably a plastic rectangular D-type ring with one side sewn to the 1000D shell of the Chap System. 
                     Anchoring Point A 3  is preferably a plastic rectangular D-type ring with one side sewn to the 1000D shell of the Chap System. 
                     Anchoring Point A 4  is preferably a plastic rectangular D-type ring with one side sewn to the 1000D shell of the Chap System. 
                     Strap  900  is preferably flat nylon webbing and routes through typical anchor point. 
                     Eyelet-Handle Connection  901  is preferably constructed of nylon webbing and is sewn back to itself and onto handle H after passing through the eyelet formed onto the end of the cable. 
                     Connection  902  is preferably flat nylon webbing sewn directly to Handle H. 
                     Connection  903  preferably loop tape sewn back on itself after having passed through the eye formed on the end of the cable  5 . 
                     Connection  904  preferably is preferably loop tape sewn back on itself after having passed through the eye formed on the end of the cable  6 . 
                   
                 
               
             
           
         
       
    
     While the invention has been disclosed with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having the benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate numerous modifications and variations there from. It is intended that the appended claims cover such modifications and variations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.