Patent Publication Number: US-2011072546-A1

Title: Protective garment having a quick release system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/231,125, filed Aug. 4, 2009, entitled “PROTECTIVE GARMENT HAVING A QUICK RELEASE SYSTEM,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention relate to garments (e.g., outer garments) having quick release systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Oftentimes, such as in emergency situations, protective outer garments including tactical vests, body armor vests, safety vests, and other protective outer garments need to be removed quickly. For example, when a soldier or law enforcement officer is wearing a protective vest and is injured or incapacitated, in order to provide immediate medical attention, the protective vest needs to be removed as quickly as possible. Similarly, a soldier, in danger of drowning due to being weighed down by protective outer garments along with the equipment and ammunition thereon, can save himself by quickly removing his protective outer garments. A protective garment may also need to be removed quickly, simply so the wearer can quickly change gear and put on other protective outer garments. 
     Protective outer garments such as military vests, tactical ballistic vests and body armor vests are usually detachable at the shoulders, and at the sides of the vest. The attachment mechanism typically includes Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, buckles or other fastening hardware. To put on or remove the protective outer garment, a wearer must manipulate several fasteners typically one at a time. This can be a time consuming process, or may not be possible. 
     Cutaway vests typically have three main components, a front portion, a rear portion, and a cummerbund. Generally, the front and rear portions of the vest, and cummerbund can be releasably attached together by cables. The cables can be routed through a series of rings and loops that are attached to the fabric of the vest, thereby releasably interlocking the vest components together. In operation, a wearer pulls a handle that is attached to the cables and withdraws the cables from the vest, thereby releasing the vest components, which can then be disengaged from the wearer. To reassemble the cutaway vest, the cables need to be rerouted through the entire series of rings and loops throughout the vest, thereby interlocking the vest components together. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one example, a ballistic garment comprises a front panel of the ballistic garment; a rear panel of the ballistic garment; a plurality of connecting elements, wherein each of the plurality of connecting elements having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of connecting elements is operatively fastened to a first end of a respective anchor element and each of a second end of each respective anchor element is operatively fixed to the rear panel of the ballistic garment; a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is operatively fixed to the ballistic garment; at least one releasable plug for releasably engaging the locking assembly, wherein the at least one releasable plug is operatively attached to the second end of at least one connecting element, and wherein the front panel of the ballistic garment is attached to the rear panel of the ballistic garment when the at least one releasable plug engages the locking assembly; wherein at least one releasable plug is releasably engaged by at least one pin member of the locking assembly; wherein a cover at least partially covers the locking assembly and the at least one releasable plug; and a pull mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one pin member of the locking assembly, wherein the pull mechanism actuates the at least one pin member to disengage the at least one releasable plug to allow a detachment of at least a part of the front panel of the ballistic garment from at least a part of the rear panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes a body of the locking mechanism having at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the front panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the at least one extension member is operatively secured to a plate member embedded in the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the plate member embedded in the front plate of the ballistic garment 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the back panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the plate member embedded in the back plate of the ballistic garment 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes the plurality of connecting elements operatively join the front panel and the rear panel of the ballistic garment at a shoulder area and a waist area, and wherein the activation of the pull mechanism permits the detachment of the front panel from the rear panel at the shoulder area and waist area of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment may be vest. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes a left side and a right side, and wherein the pull mechanism is coupled to the at least one releasable plugs to permit the detachment of the front panel of the ballistic garment from the rear panel of the ballistic garment at one of the left side and the right side of the ballistic garment while leaving the front panel of the ballistic garment and the rear panel of the ballistic garment attached at the other side of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes the locking assembly that further comprises at least one back-up element, wherein at least one back up element is operatively connected to at least one pin member, and wherein the at least one back-up element is being capable of disengaging the at least one releasable plug without use of the pull mechanism. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one of soft armor and plate protection. 
     In another example, a method for removing a ballistic garment, the method comprising: wearing a ballistic garment having: a front panel of the ballistic garment; a rear panel of the ballistic garment; a plurality of connecting elements, wherein each of the plurality of connecting elements having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of connecting elements is operatively fastened to a first end of a respective anchor element and each of a second end of each respective anchor element is operatively fixed to the rear panel of the ballistic garment; a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is operatively fixed to the ballistic garment; at least one releasable plug for releasably engaging the locking assembly, wherein the at least one releasable plug is operatively attached to the second end of at least one connecting element, and wherein the front panel of the ballistic garment is attached to the rear panel of the ballistic garment when the at least one releasable plug engages the locking assembly; wherein at least one releasable plug is releasably engaged by at least one pin member of the locking assembly; wherein a cover at least partially covers the locking assembly and the at least one releasable plug; and a pull mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one pin member of the locking assembly; and pulling the pull mechanism, wherein the pull mechanism actuates the at least one pin member to disengage the at least one releasable plug to allow a detachment of at least a part of the front panel of the ballistic garment from at least a part of the rear panel of the ballistic garment. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  shows an embodiment of a quick release system in accordance with principles of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures constitute a part of this specification and include illustrative embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further, the figures are not necessarily to scale, some features may be exaggerated to show details of particular components. In addition, any measurements, materials and the like disclosed in the figures are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. 
     One embodiment of the present invention provides a protective garment, such as a tactical ballistic vest, having a quick release system for separating the protective garment into a number of components, for instance, a front portion and back portion. In one example, the front and back portions of the vest may separate at the shoulders and at the sides of the waist. The front and back portions may be held together, for example, by four connectors (one for each shoulder and one for each side of the waist) releasably attached at a single location (e.g., a central location at a front waist area of the garment). A single pull mechanism may open at the single location to essentially simultaneously release both shoulders and both sides. 
     In one example, the tactical ballistic vest may be a solid front, side-entry style vest with adjustable shoulders and adjustable side closures. The tactical ballistic vest may contain, for example, IIIA soft armor and front, rear, and side torso rifle plate protection that can be inserted or removed at will. The size of the rifle plates may vary, but may include (but not be limited to) 6×8, 7×8, 8×10, 10×12, and other Small Arms Protective Insert (SAPI) sizes. The tactical ballistic vest may also accept Department of Defense (DoD) Outer Tactical Vest (OTV) ballistic panels and enhanced protection components. 
     Further, the tactical ballistic vest may also accept, in an embodiment, standard military OTV additional ballistic options including (but not limited to) groin guard, neck and throat armor, shoulder and bicep protection. Full shoulder and chest friction material can also be provided for improved weapon welds and firing positions. The tactical ballistic vest may provide substantial load-bearing for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), Pocket Attachment Ladder System (PALS), and Advanced Tactical (AT) style pouches and gear options. Additional features that may be provided, in an embodiment, include (but are not limited to) communication wire-routing channels, camelback hydration compatibility, and rear drag strap. The tactical ballistic vest may also be integrated with military pack assemblies, and may be treated to be flame-resistant. 
     In another example, the front portion and/or the rear portion may be made of natural and/or synthetic material, e.g., leather, nylon, Kevlar, etc. One or both portions may include internal pockets for holding the rifle plates discussed above. The pockets may be located in torso portions and/or side portions. The pockets may be accessed from external openings and/or from inside the tactical ballistic vest. 
     In one example, a ballistic garment comprises a front panel of the ballistic garment; a rear panel of the ballistic garment; a plurality of connecting elements, wherein each of the plurality of connecting elements having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of connecting elements is operatively fastened to a first end of a respective anchor element and each of a second end of each respective anchor element is operatively fixed to the rear panel of the ballistic garment; a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is operatively fixed to the ballistic garment; at least one releasable plug for releasably engaging the locking assembly, wherein the at least one releasable plug is operatively attached to the second end of at least one connecting element, and wherein the front panel of the ballistic garment is attached to the rear panel of the ballistic garment when the at least one releasable plug engages the locking assembly; wherein at least one releasable plug is releasably engaged by at least one pin member of the locking assembly; wherein a cover at least partially covers the locking assembly and the at least one releasable plug; and a pull mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one pin member of the locking assembly, wherein the pull mechanism actuates the at least one pin member to disengage the at least one releasable plug to allow a detachment of at least a part of the front panel of the ballistic garment from at least a part of the rear panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes a body of the locking mechanism having at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the front panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the at least one extension member is operatively secured to a plate member embedded in the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the plate member embedded in the front panel of the ballistic garment 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one extension member that operatively secures the locking mechanism to the rear panel of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the plate member embedded in the rear panel of the ballistic garment 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes the plurality of connecting elements operatively join the front panel and the rear panel of the ballistic garment at a shoulder area and a waist area, and wherein the activation of the pull mechanism permits the detachment of the front panel from the rear panel at the shoulder area and waist area of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment may be vest. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes a left side and a right side, and wherein the pull mechanism is coupled to the at least one releasable plugs to permit the detachment of the front panel of the ballistic garment from the rear panel of the ballistic garment at one of the left side and the right side of the ballistic garment while leaving the front panel of the ballistic garment and the rear panel of the ballistic garment attached at the other side of the ballistic garment. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes the locking assembly that further comprises at least one back-up element, wherein at least one back up element is operatively connected to at least one pin member, and wherein the at least one back-up element is being capable of disengaging the at least one releasable plug without use of the pull mechanism. 
     In another example, the inventive ballistic garment includes at least one of soft armor and plate protection. 
     In another example, a method for removing a ballistic garment, the method comprising: wearing a ballistic garment having: a front panel of the ballistic garment; a rear panel of the ballistic garment; a plurality of connecting elements, wherein each of the plurality of connecting elements having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of connecting elements is operatively fastened to a first end of a respective anchor element and each of a second end of each respective anchor element is operatively fixed to the rear panel of the ballistic garment; a locking assembly, wherein the locking assembly is operatively fixed to the ballistic garment; at least one releasable plug for releasably engaging the locking assembly, wherein the at least one releasable plug is operatively attached to the second end of at least one connecting element, and wherein the front panel of the ballistic garment is attached to the rear panel of the ballistic garment when the at least one releasable plug engages the locking assembly; wherein at least one releasable plug is releasably engaged by at least one pin member of the locking assembly; wherein a cover at least partially covers the locking assembly and the at least one releasable plug; and a pull mechanism operatively coupled to the at least one pin member of the locking assembly; and pulling the pull mechanism, wherein the pull mechanism actuates the at least one pin member to disengage the at least one releasable plug to allow a detachment of at least a part of the front panel of the ballistic garment from at least a part of the rear panel of the ballistic garment. 
     While a number of embodiments of the present invention have been described, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrative only, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, while the embodiments of the present invention discussed in this application are primarily focused on tactical ballistic vests, body armor vests, and other protective vests, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the quick release system of the present invention can also be configured and utilized on other garments including (but not limited to) safety vests, life preservers, harnesses, parachutes, military packs, and backpacks. Further, the protective garment may include one or more flame resistant elements (e.g., a flame resistant lining). Further still, any desired number of releasable shackle(s), buckle(s) and/or strap(s)/ring(s) may be utilized. Further still, all sizes, measurements and the like are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Further still, methods corresponding to the systems disclosed herein are contemplated and the various steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desired steps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).