Patent Description:
Soldiers often require different belt order pouches for different situations. A soldier may require a different torso item depending on whether they are in a ground assault situation, a vertical assault situation, a situation where they need to swim or if they are performing humanitarian work. There is a need to provide a system that enables easy and quick switching of scalable gear to different capabilities and provides the necessary mission requirements for operating at height.

<CIT> discloses a harness for suspending a rescuer by a line that includes an upright attachment so that the rescuer may be suspended in a substantially upright position, an inverted attachment so that the rescuer may be suspended in a substantially inverted position, a seated attachment so that the rescuer may be suspended in a substantially seated position, and a back attachment, so that the rescuer may be suspended in an angled forward-facing position. The harness also includes a longitudinally adjustable back strap so that the suspension angle of rescuer may be altered, and two spaced longitudinally adjustable front straps which limit the degree to which the rescuer can lean backward when in the seated position.

<CIT> discloses a vest and harness combination is comprising a sleeveless vest formed of a fabric material for covering the shoulders, front and back of a wearer. A harness comprising two pairs of spaced webs is secured to said vest. The first pair of spaced webs is attached to and extends longitudinally along the front of said vest. The second pair of spaced webs is attached to said vest and extends laterally of said first pair of webs at least partially around the vest. The first pair of webs extends over the shoulders of said vest, criss crosses the back of said vest and is fastened to opposite sides thereof. The first pair of webs at the point of criss crossing is provided with a slotted ring-like frame through which each of the first pair of webs extends. One of the pair of webs is provided with a second slotted ring-like frame at a point midway of the back of the vest. The other of said second pair of webs is provided with a slotted buckle at one end and a clasp at its other end for engaging said buckle.

<CIT> discloses a vest having two or more length-adjustable parts which can be connected to have a stable position when under strain. The back part is connected to the front or other parts to be length adjustable in the shoulder area. Eyelets for cords are provided on the back part and on the front part underneath the armholes and along the side seams. A rescue strap can be fitted on e.g., the back part. Both on the lower edge of the front and on the lower edge of the back there is on one hand a hip cushion fixing with hip padding for the inner lining and on the other hand several coupling loops with coupling members. Four of these loops have D-rings for elastic leg straps.

<CIT> discloses a harness for securing a user, comprising a waist belt connected to two leg loops and a belay ring. The waist belt comprises at least one sequence of slits in the lumbar area of the outer covering which are arranged such as to provide an integrated buckle into the covering. Each of the leg loops comprises an adjusting system allowing the leg loop to alternatively take a predetermined maximum size and a predetermined minimum size when the latter is subjected to stress. The belay ring comprises a loop adapted to wrap a portion of a carabiner.

<CIT> discloses a load-bearing vest comprising a yoke, a core, attached to the yoke and comprising a telescoping assembly, and a waist belt, attached to the core.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a system comprising: a vest; wherein the vest comprises: a front portion; a rear portion; a rear ballistic protection plate; two side flanks configured to hold soft armour inserts; wherein the front portion and rear portion are connected at least by shoulder straps; the rear portion comprises a first rear anchor point and a second rear anchor point; wherein the first rear anchor point and the second rear anchor point are parts of a single first loop, wherein a portion of the first loop is concealed behind a front layer of the rear portion of the vest, and wherein the portions of the first loop forming the first rear anchor point and the second rear anchor point emerge from the front layer of the rear portion of the vest ; and wherein at least part of the first loop overlies the rear ballistic protection plate, wherein the first loop is configured to disperse at least part of the load applied to it over the rear ballistic protection plate when the first loop is pressing the rear ballistic protection plate into the user's back; the system additionally comprising a belt, wherein the belt comprises: a rear belt anchor point; and means for coupling a waist portion of a sit harness to the belt such that a front belt anchor point of the sit harness and the rear belt anchor point of the belt are located on opposite sides of the belt.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the front portion of the vest comprises a first front anchor point and a second front anchor point; the second front anchor point of the vest is configured to be coupled to the front belt anchor point of the sit harness by second coupling means; the first front anchor point of the vest is configured to couple to a rope to enable sternum ascent and sternum descent of the user.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the system additionally comprises leg loops, wherein the leg loops comprise a rear strap connecting the leg loops and a front strap connecting the leg loops; the rear strap is configured to couple to the rear belt anchor point of the belt. The front strap is configured to couple to the front belt anchor point of the sit harness.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first rear anchor point of the vest is linked to the second rear anchor point of the vest, the first front anchor point of the vest is linked to the second front anchor of the vest; the interconnection of the front anchor points, the front belt anchor point, the leg loops, the rear-load bearing loop and the rear anchor points enables: the system to spread load applied to the first rear anchor point when the user is having a dorsal ascent or a dorsal descent or is in an arrest fall whilst rope is attached to the first rear anchor point; and also enables: the system to spread load applied to the first front anchor point when the user is having a sternum ascent or a sternum descent or is in an arrest fall whilst rope is attached to the first front anchor point.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first front anchor and second front anchor are parts of a single second loop; a portion of the second loop is concealed behind a front layer of the front portion of the vest, and the portions of the second loop forming the first front anchor point and second front anchor point emerge from the front layer of the front portion of the vest.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the first rear anchor point and the second rear anchor point are provided by first and second links, wherein the first and second links are connected via a first loop, wherein at least a portion of the first loop is concealed behind a front layer of the rear portion of the vest, wherein the first front anchor and second front anchor are provided by third and fourth links, wherein the third and fourth links are connected via a second loop, wherein at least a portion of the second loop is concealed behind a front layer of the front portion of the vest.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first and second links each comprise first attachment means and second attachment means, wherein the first attachment means is angled with respect to the second attachment means, wherein the first attachment means of the first link and second link are configured to attach to the first loop; wherein the third and fourth links each comprise first attachment means and second attachment means, wherein the first attachment means is angled with respect to the second attachment means, wherein the first attachment means of the third link and fourth link are configured to attach to the second loop.

In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the second attachment means of one or more of the first, second, third and fourth links comprises a D-hook.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vest additionally comprises a front ballistic protection plate; at least part of the second loop overlies the front ballistic protection plate; the second loop is configured to disperse at least part of the load applied to it over the front ballistic protection plate when the second loop is pressing the front ballistic protection plate into the user's chest.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the rear portion of the vest comprises rear padding located so that at least two edges of the rear ballistic protection plate disperse the load applied by first loop to the rear padding, thereby dispersing the load away from the user's spine; and the front portion of the vest comprises front padding located so that at least two edges of the front ballistic protection plate disperse the load applied by second loop to the front padding, thereby dispersing the load away from the user's sternum.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the leg loops comprise leg loops adjustment means on one of the rear strap and front strap which adjusts both leg loops and can be accessed by one hand of the user for adjustment.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, each leg loop comprises a quick out buckle.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the system additionally comprises an auxiliary anchor point attachment, wherein the auxiliary anchor point attachment comprises attachment means for attachment to the first front anchor point and the second front anchor point; the auxiliary anchor point attachment comprises one or more auxiliary anchor points; attaching the rope for a sternum ascent or sternum descent to each different auxiliary loop instead of the first front anchor point changes the user's centre of gravity whilst ascending or descending.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the shoulder straps are adjustable to adjust the fitting of the vest for different users.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vest comprises secondary item attachment buckles configured to attach secondary items to the vest.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the secondary items comprise a life preserver unit and a backpack.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, one side flank connects the front portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest by buckles on one side and the other side flank connects the front portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest by buckles on the other side.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the system additionally comprises two side snatches; one side snatch connects the front portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest by buckles on one side and the other side snatch connects the front portion of the vest to the rear portion of the vest by buckles on the other side.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the belt comprises attachment means for attaching the belt to the vest and to other torso items when the vest is not connected to the belt.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the other torso items comprise a yoke and a second vest.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the belt is a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) belt with the rear belt anchor point.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the means for coupling the waist portion of the sit harness to the belt comprises a sleeve that runs around the majority of the length of the belt.

In some, but not necessarily all examples; the system additionally comprises the waist portion of the sit harness; the waist portion of the sit harness comprises a quick out buckle configured to fasten the sit harness around the user's waist.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the sit harness comprises a second rear belt anchor configured to couple to the second rear anchor point of the vest by the first coupling means.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a vest comprising: a front portion; a rear portion; wherein the front portion and rear portion are connected at least by shoulder straps; the rear portion comprises a first rear anchor point and a second rear anchor point; the second rear anchor point of the vest is configured to be coupled to a rear belt anchor point of a belt by first coupling means; the first rear anchor point of the vest is configured to couple to a rope to enable dorsal ascent and dorsal descent of a user.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the front portion of the vest comprises a first front anchor point and a second front anchor point, wherein the second front anchor point of the vest is configured to be coupled to a front belt anchor point of a sit harness by second coupling means; the first front anchor point of the vest is configured to couple to a rope to enable sternum ascent and sternum descent of the user.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a belt comprising: a rear belt anchor point; and means for coupling a waist portion of a sit harness to the belt such that a front belt anchor point of the sit harness and the rear belt anchor point of the belt are located on opposite sides of the belt; the rear belt anchor point of the belt is configured to couple to a second rear anchor point of a vest by first coupling means.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the belt is a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) belt.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an auxiliary anchor point attachment, wherein the auxiliary anchor point attachment comprises attachment means for attachment to a first anchor point and a second anchor point; wherein the auxiliary anchor point attachment comprises one or more auxiliary anchor points, wherein attaching the rope for a sternum ascent or sternum descent to each different auxiliary loop instead of the first anchor point changes the user's centre of gravity whilst ascending or descending.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, there is provided a waist wrap comprising: an opening at a front of the wrap so that a user of the wrap can wrap the wrap around the user's waist with the opening at a front side of the user and comprising a rear loop located at a rear of the wrap so that the rear loop is located at a rear side of the user when the wrap is wrapped around the user's waist with the opening at the front side of the user and wherein the rear loop is configured to bear a suspended weight of the user; wherein the wrap comprises upwardly disposed attachment means for attaching to items worn by the user at a location above the wrap when the wrap is wrapped around the user's waist with the opening to the front side of the user.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, there is provided a system comprising: the waist wrap and a torso item attached to the upwardly disposed attachment means.

In some, but not necessarily all examples, the torso item comprises a vest.

<FIG> illustrates an example system <NUM>. The system comprises a vest <NUM>. The vest is also known as a torso sub-system. In this example the vest <NUM> comprises a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. The front portion <NUM> and rear portion <NUM> are connected by shoulder straps <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic cross section of the system <NUM> and so only one shoulder strap <NUM> is shown.

The rear portion <NUM> comprises a first rear anchor point <NUM> and a second rear anchor point <NUM>.

The system <NUM> additionally comprises a belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> comprises a rear belt anchor point <NUM> and means for coupling <NUM> a waist portion of a sit harness <NUM> to the belt <NUM> such that a front belt anchor point <NUM> of the sit harness <NUM> and the rear belt anchor point <NUM> of the belt <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the belt <NUM>. In this example the means for coupling <NUM> comprises a sleeve.

The second rear anchor point <NUM> of the vest <NUM> is configured to be coupled to the rear belt anchor point <NUM> of the belt <NUM> by first coupling means <NUM>. In this example the first coupling means <NUM> comprises a carabiner, a screw gate clamp or a maillon. In some examples the first coupling means <NUM> is part of the system <NUM>.

The first rear anchor point <NUM> of the vest <NUM> is configured to couple to a rope to enable dorsal ascent and dorsal descent of the user. References to dorsal are referring to when a user is lifted or descended via a rope <NUM> attached to their back.

<FIG> illustrates another example system <NUM>, where the front portion <NUM> of the vest comprises a first front anchor point <NUM> and a second front anchor point <NUM>. The second front anchor point <NUM> of the vest is configured to be coupled to the front belt anchor point <NUM> of the sit harness <NUM> by second coupling means <NUM>. In this example the second coupling means <NUM> can be a carabiner, a screw gate clamp or a maillon. In some examples the second coupling means <NUM> is part of the system <NUM>.

The first front anchor point <NUM> of the vest <NUM> is configured to couple to a rope <NUM> to enable sternum ascent and sternum descent of the user.

References to sternum refer to when the user is attached to rope <NUM> on their chest and they are lifted or lowered by their chest.

In this example, the belt <NUM> also comprises front attachment means <NUM> and rear attachment means <NUM> for attaching to the vest <NUM>.

In this example, the first rear anchor point <NUM>, the rear belt anchor point <NUM>, the first front anchor point <NUM> and the front belt anchor point <NUM> are configured to bear the suspended weight of the user. In particular, in this example they meet the <NUM> kN strain requirement for belay requirements, and they also meet the requirements for BSEN <NUM>. The second rear anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> do not have to be tested as they are tested in conjunction with the belt anchor points, but in some examples they may comply with the same requirements.

In some examples the system <NUM> may be provided with both pairs of front anchors and rear anchors and in other examples the system <NUM> may only be provided with either the front anchors or the rear anchors.

<FIG> illustrates an example system <NUM> comprising a belt <NUM> and a vest <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the system <NUM> additionally comprises leg loops <NUM>. A rear strap <NUM> connecting the leg loops <NUM> is configured to couple to the rear belt anchor point <NUM>. In this example a front strap <NUM> that connects the leg loops <NUM> is configured to couple to the front belt anchor point <NUM> (front belt anchor point <NUM> is not shown in <FIG>). The leg loops <NUM> comprise leg loop adjustment means <NUM> on the rear strap <NUM> which adjusts both leg loops <NUM>. In this example, the leg loop adjustment means is provided on the left-hand side of the leg loops so that the user can access and operate the leg loop adjustment means <NUM> with just their left hand, leaving their right arm free for holding a weapon. In this example the leg loops <NUM> each comprise quick out buckles <NUM> which allow for quicker removal of the leg loops <NUM> for the user.

The leg loops <NUM> go through the rear belt anchor point <NUM> to maximize comfort and disperse the load across a greater body mass area on a dorsal ascent or descent or an arrest fall.

In the examples illustrated above, the belt <NUM> may be provided as a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE). The MOLLE belt needs to have the sit harness waist portion inserted with the front belt anchor point <NUM> at the front and the rear belt anchor point <NUM> at the back to comply with safety requirements. The attachment of the leg loops <NUM> to the front belt anchor point <NUM> and the rear belt anchor point <NUM> meets all of the full harness rig safety at height requirements, for BSEN <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates part of the vest <NUM>. In this example the first rear anchor point <NUM> and the second rear anchor point <NUM> are linked. <FIG> illustrates part of the vest <NUM>. In this example the first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> are linked.

The interconnection of the front anchor points of the vest <NUM>, <NUM>, the front belt anchor point <NUM>, the leg loops <NUM>, the rear belt anchor point <NUM> and the rear anchor points of the vest <NUM>, <NUM>, enables the system to spread load applied to the first rear anchor point <NUM> when the user is having a dorsal ascent or a dorsal descent or is in an arrest fall whilst rope is attached to the first rear anchor point <NUM>. It also enables the system to spread load applied to the first front anchor point <NUM> when the user is having a sternum ascent or a sternum descent or is in an arrest fall whilst rope is attached to the first front anchor point <NUM>.

This capability to transfer load throughout the system is because of the chain of linkage from the first front anchor point <NUM> to the first rear anchor point <NUM>. The chain of linkage is as follows: the first front anchor point <NUM> is linked to the second front anchor point <NUM>, which is coupled to the front belt anchor point <NUM> by the second coupling means <NUM>. The front belt anchor point <NUM> is coupled to the leg loops <NUM> by the front strap <NUM>. The leg loops <NUM> couple to the rear belt anchor point <NUM> by the rear strap <NUM>. The rear belt anchor point <NUM> is coupled to the second rear anchor point <NUM> by the first coupling means <NUM>. The second rear anchor point <NUM> is linked to the first rear anchor point <NUM>. In an arrest fall, the leg loops <NUM> take the strain and disperse the load around the system.

In the example of <FIG> the first rear anchor point <NUM> and the second rear anchor point <NUM> are linked by being parts of a single first loop <NUM> of material. A portion <NUM> of the loop <NUM> is concealed behind a front layer <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. The portions of the first loop <NUM> forming the first rear anchor point <NUM> and the second rear anchor point <NUM> emerge from the front layer <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. In this example at least part of the loop <NUM> is stitched to the interior of the vest <NUM> by stitches <NUM>. This prevents movement of the anchors and also increases the integrity of the vest <NUM> and first loop <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of the vest <NUM>. The first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> are parts of a second loop <NUM> of material. A portion <NUM> of the second loop <NUM> is concealed behind a front layer <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. The portions of the second loop <NUM> forming the first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> emerge from the front layer <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> at least part of the loop <NUM> is stitched to the interior of the vest <NUM> to prevent the loop from moving and also to increase the integrity of the vest <NUM> and second loop <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example part of a vest <NUM>. In this example the vest <NUM> comprises the first rear anchor point <NUM> and the second rear anchor point <NUM> formed of a single first loop <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this example the first loop <NUM> at least partly overlies a rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> which is contained within the rear portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. The first loop <NUM> overlies the rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> to the extent that it overlies the rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> relative to the user's back when the user is wearing the vest <NUM>. The first loop <NUM> is positioned over the rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> so that when the first loop <NUM> has a load applied to it which presses into the user's back the first loop <NUM> at least partially disperses the load over the rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> which is a wider area compared to if it was only the first loop <NUM> pressing into the user's back. This leads to a decreased risk of injury of the user if they, for example, were in an arrest fall and at the point of elasticity where there is no more slack in the rope after the user has been falling there is a hard force applied to the first loop <NUM> which then presses into the user.

<FIG> illustrates another example part of a vest <NUM>. In this example the vest <NUM> comprises the first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> formed of a single second loop <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In this example the second loop <NUM> at least partly overlies a front ballistic protection plate <NUM> which is contained within the front portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. The second loop <NUM> overlies the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> to the extent that it overlies the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> relative to the user's chest when the user is wearing the vest <NUM>. The second loop <NUM> is positioned over the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> so that when the second loop <NUM> has a load applied to it which presses into the user's chest the second loop <NUM> at least partially disperses the load over the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> which is a wider area compared to if it was only the second loop <NUM> pressing into the user's chest. This leads to a decreased risk of injury of the user if they, for example, were in an arrest fall and at the point of elasticity where there is no more slack in the rope after the user has been falling there is a hard force applied to the second loop <NUM> which then presses into the user.

In the examples of <FIG>, a load is applied to the second loop <NUM> when the user is having a dorsal ascent or dorsal descent or is in an arrest fall with the first rear anchor <NUM> connected to rope <NUM>. When the load is applied to the first rear anchor <NUM> which tends to be in a direction away from the user's body, the transferal of the load through the system to the second loop <NUM> presses the second loop <NUM> towards the user's chest. A load is applied to the first loop <NUM> when the user is having a sternum ascent or sternum descent or is in an arrest fall with the first front anchor <NUM> connected to rope <NUM>. When the load is applied to the first front anchor <NUM> which tends to be in a direction away from the user's body, the transferal of the load through the system to the first loop <NUM> presses the first loop <NUM> towards the user's back.

In the examples of <FIG>, the ballistic protection plates <NUM>, <NUM>, may be a standalone with no soft armour, or may be an in-conjunction plate which requires additional soft armour to be provided between the user and the in-conjunction plate.

<FIG> illustrates an example front portion <NUM> of a vest <NUM>. In this example, the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> (dashed) is contained within the front portion <NUM>. Front padding <NUM> on either side of the front portion <NUM> is configured to contact the user when worn. The front padding <NUM> is located so that at least two edges of the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> disperse the load applied by second loop <NUM> (not shown) to the front padding, thereby dispersing the load away from the user's sternum.

The front ballistic protection plate <NUM> is generally curved and so follows the curve of the user's chest. This means the central part of the front ballistic protection plate <NUM> will not press against the user's sternum and centre of their rib cage. By diverting the load applied to the second loop <NUM> to the side of the rib cage this reduces the isolated point of impact in an arrest fall than you would normally get in a next to skin chest harness, thereby mitigating blood pooling whilst in distress at height.

In a typical chest harness, the load is against the rib cage and sternum due to the positioning of the straps and the narrowness of the straps. In the system <NUM>, the load is taken off the centre of rib cage and put onto the working muscles, including the pectoral mass. The ballistic protection plates spread the load over a wider area, whereas typical harnesses focus load on certain points of body.

Rear padding is also provided on the rear portion <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. This provides a similar function as the front padding <NUM> as it is located so that at least two edges of the rear ballistic protection plate <NUM> disperse the load applied by first loop <NUM> to the rear padding, thereby dispersing the load away from the user's spine.

The front and rear padding reduces blood pooling in an arrest fall, providing higher levels of comfort. The padding will not stop blood pooling permanently, but will provide a greater window of recovery.

In this example, the front and rear padding is made of <NUM> of EVA foam, machined to allow for air ventilation, wicking, and working with the muscles of the body and works in tandem with the muscular skeletal mass to maximise on the elasticity of the rib cage as it spreads the load.

The system <NUM> also spreads load across the shoulders via the shoulder straps <NUM>, which are, in this example, provided with extra padding so that they contour across the shoulders and spread the load against deltoids.

<FIG> illustrates an auxiliary anchor point attachment <NUM>. The auxiliary anchor point attachment <NUM> comprises attachment means <NUM>, <NUM> for attachment to the first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM>. The auxiliary anchor point attachment <NUM> comprises one or more auxiliary anchor points <NUM>. Attaching the rope <NUM> for a sternum ascent or sternum descent to each different auxiliary anchor point <NUM> instead of the first front anchor point <NUM> changes the user's centre of gravity whilst ascending or descending, so that the angle of ascent or descent is adjustable and may also be changed so that a user can alter their relative position to a descender attached to the rope <NUM>. The auxiliary anchor point attachment may be provided separately to the system <NUM> and may be used for any harness which has two anchor points. The auxiliary anchor point attachment means <NUM> in this example has bar tacks between each auxiliary anchor point <NUM>. Other reinforcement means may be used instead of bar tacks.

Without the auxiliary anchor point attachment <NUM>, the angle of a sternum ascent or descent is typically <NUM> degrees and the angle of a dorsal ascent or descent is <NUM> degrees, but these angles are variable depending on the positioning of the anchors.

<FIG> illustrates an example vest <NUM>. The shoulder straps <NUM> comprise secondary shoulder straps <NUM> which are adjustable by buckles <NUM> on the secondary shoulder straps <NUM>. By providing the secondary shoulder straps <NUM> and buckles <NUM> to make the shoulder straps <NUM> adjustable, this makes the vest <NUM> a one-size-fits-all so that users of different sizes can adjust the vest <NUM> to suit their shape and size.

<FIG> illustrates an example vest <NUM> comprising buckles <NUM> on the shoulder straps <NUM> of the vest <NUM>. The buckles <NUM> are configured to attach secondary items to the vest <NUM>. In the example of <FIG> the secondary item is a micro life preserver unit (LPU) <NUM>. The micro LPU has a 150N buoyancy and meets the beyond the horizon requirements and this torso sub-system is certified for an arrest fall with the micro LPU.

In <FIG> the secondary item is a backpack <NUM>. In this example, buckles <NUM> are also provided to attach the backpack to side flanks of the vest <NUM>. Attaching the backpack <NUM> to these buckles on the side of the vest and the shoulder spreads the load applied to the user due to the weight of the backpack so that it is more comfortable for the user and less likely to strain their back.

<FIG> shows an example vest <NUM>. In this example the side flanks <NUM> of the vest <NUM> are connected by side buckles <NUM> to the vest <NUM>. Two side flanks are provided, with one being shown in <FIG> as it is a side view.

In <FIG> instead of side flanks the front portion <NUM> of the vest and the rear portion <NUM> of the vest are connected by snatches <NUM>, one of which is shown in <FIG> as it is a side view, which are also attached by side buckles <NUM>. The ability to switch between side flanks and snatches gives unique operational scalability.

The side flanks <NUM> contain soft armour inserts, which provide protection against <NUM> ammunition and protection against blast shrapnel.

<FIG> illustrates another example system <NUM> comprising a belt <NUM> as described herein and in this example system <NUM>, the vest <NUM> has been removed and replaced with a yoke <NUM> which is comprised mainly of two lengths of material which extend over each of a user's shoulders and attaches onto the front and rear of the belt <NUM>. In this example, the belt <NUM> comprises front attachment means <NUM> and rear attachment means <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view so only one of the lengths of material is shown.

<FIG> illustrate examples of a belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> comprises a rear belt anchor point <NUM> (shown as dashed, hidden behind back of belt in <FIG>), and means for coupling <NUM> a waist portion of a sit harness <NUM> to the belt <NUM> such that a front belt anchor point <NUM> of the sit harness and the rear belt anchor point <NUM> of the belt <NUM> are located on opposite sides of the belt <NUM>. The rear belt anchor point <NUM> of the belt is configured to couple to a second rear anchor point of a vest by first coupling means as illustrated above.

In the example of <FIG>, the means for coupling <NUM> comprises a sleeve that extends around the majority of the length of the belt <NUM>. Other means for coupling <NUM> are possible, such as multiple sleeves with gaps or pockets.

In the example of <FIG>, the belt <NUM> has an opening at the front of the belt <NUM> so that a user of the belt can wrap it around the user's waist with the opening at a front side of the user.

In the example of <FIG>, the belt <NUM> also comprises upwardly disposed attachment means <NUM> for attaching to items worn by the user at a location above the belt when the belt is wrapped around the user's waist with the opening to the front side of the user.

In <FIG>, the belt <NUM> additional comprises second attachment means <NUM> for attaching one or more pouches and/or ammunition and/or fighting order to the belt <NUM>. The belt <NUM> in this example also comprises rear attachment means <NUM> for attaching to items worn by the user at a location above the belt when the belt is wrapped around the user's waist with the opening to the front side of the user.

In this example, each of the upwardly disposed attachment means <NUM> comprises one half of a snap buckle arrangement on each side of the belt. The other side of each snap buckle arrangement will be typically provided on the item worn by the user at a location above the belt. In this example the second attachment means <NUM> comprises two parallel lines of MOLLE belt attachment loops. The rear attachment means <NUM> in this example comprises a buckle.

The buckle comprising: a first part, a second part and selective locking means; wherein the selective locking means is configured to selectively lock the second part and first part together; wherein the first part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the first part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the first part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another; wherein the second part comprises multiple spaced strap anchor points integrated in the second part; wherein the multiple spaced strap anchor points in the second part have a fixed spatial relationship relative to one another and are distinct from one another.

One or more of the side buckles <NUM> may be the same as the rear attachment means <NUM>.

In <FIG> the sit harness <NUM> comprises closing means <NUM>. The closing means <NUM> in this example comprises a quick out buckle. Other closing means may be provided. The closing means fastens the harness around the user's waist.

<FIG> illustrates part of an example vest <NUM>. In this example the first rear anchor point <NUM> and the second rear anchor point <NUM> are provided by first and second links. The first and second links are connected via a first loop <NUM>. At least a portion of the first loop <NUM> is concealed behind a front layer <NUM> of the rear portion of the vest. At least part of the loop <NUM> is stitched to the interior vest <NUM> by stitches <NUM>, which prevent movement of the loop <NUM> and the first and second links.

<FIG> illustrates a portion of an example vest <NUM>. The first front anchor point <NUM> and the second front anchor point <NUM> are provided by third and fourth links, wherein the third and fourth links are connected via a second loop <NUM>. At least a portion of the second loop <NUM> is concealed behind a front layer <NUM> of the front portion of the vest. At least part of the loop <NUM> is stitched to the interior vest <NUM> by stitches <NUM>, which prevent movement of the loop <NUM> and the third and fourth links.

<FIG> illustrate an example link, in this example the first link providing the first rear anchor point <NUM>. The first link comprises first attachment means <NUM> and second attachment means <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG> the first attachment means <NUM> is angled with respect to the second attachment means <NUM>.

The first attachment means <NUM> provides a hole and is configured to allow attachment to the first loop <NUM> by the first loop <NUM> passing through the hole provided by the first attachment means <NUM>.

In this example the second attachment means <NUM> comprises a D-hook. This enables a rope to be passed through the D-hook, for example to enable a dorsal lift of the user to be performed using the first rear anchor point <NUM>.

In some examples the first link, second link, third link and fourth link are substantially identical. In other examples there may be variations between the different links, for example a different shaped D-hook. Any or all of the first, second, third and fourth links may be provided with a different shaped D-hook to the D-hook illustrated in <FIG>, for example all of the links can be semi-circular D-hooks instead of the triangular shaped D-hook provided in the example of <FIG>. In some examples the links are made of a light and rigid material, for example aluminum. By providing the first attachment means and the second attachment means at an angle with respect to each other, this enables the second attachment means to protrude correctly from the vest. As with the examples provided in <FIG>, the first loop <NUM> and the second loop <NUM> may overlie front and rear ballistic protection plates so that the load applied to the first loop <NUM> or second loop <NUM> is spread over the user's chest or back as described above in the examples of <FIG>.

In another example, a system <NUM> is provided which is known as VAULT - Vertical Assault, User Light Tactical which has operational capability. This system is designed for specialist work orders, mountain warfare, urban warfare, urban assault, maritime interdiction, where boarding parties have to go into an oil safe. The system is to be used anytime where you need safety at height and still fight with an operational piece of kit.

The VAULT system is also jump compatible, it meets the requirements so you can jump out of a plane when wearing protection underneath free fall kit or static line kit. The VAULT system has no hook or loop systems and will work in all environments and is fully scalable.

In the examples shown the system <NUM> scales into different formats by changing what is attached to the belt. The system <NUM> is belt centric in that the system is based around the belt. In some examples the belt <NUM> is designed to be a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) belt so that the user can have all pouches for fighting order on the belt. The MOLLE belt can be removed so that the user just has the sit harness with the vest for maritime interdiction with concealed pouches in the front of the vest for storing equipment including ammunition.

By linking the rear anchors and the rear belt anchor, this allows for a correct centre of gravity to do a face first run down a cliff and reducing the risk of inverting because of where the centre of gravity is. Due to the ballistic protection plates in the vest (torso subsystem) the user is typically top heavy so if you are doing a face first dive all the weight is at the front which can pull you forward and cause you to invert. The system avoids this by the placement and linkage of the rear anchors and rear belt anchor.

In some examples the front closing means is a separate harness belt which slides into the belt and in other example the front closing means is integrated into the belt.

The layout of the system which comprises the belt and the vest which comprises the front anchors and rear anchors may be known as an urban/mountain assault rig. It enables a user to have a dorsal lift, a sternum lift and a sit lift, and can include the auxiliary anchor point attachment <NUM> for changing the centre of gravity of the user when suspended. The sit lift is done via the front loop. The user may swap out the urban rig into a swim rig which is itself designed to be buoyant. The swim rig comprises the same vest with the dorsal and sternum lift system and the sit harness but without the MOLLE belt <NUM>. The sit harness <NUM> may itself have a front belt anchor point and a rear belt anchor point so that it can connect to the vest <NUM> without the MOLLE belt. In the swim rig, the vest has the side flanks to provide buoyancy. The sit harness <NUM> may be part of the system.

The swim rig has positive buoyancy and has attachments for a life preserver unit attached to the buckles on the side of the vest which meet the 150N self-righting horizon requirement for Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS). It also completes the full maritime interdiction requirements of any exclusive economic zone. Without the life preserver unit, the swim preserver unit meets the interdiction requirements for littoral but does not self-right. The swim rig has a special secondary oral inflation device on the front of the vest for the littoral requirements.

The system <NUM> is designed so that it can be jump compatible out of an airplane. In this rig, the belt <NUM> may be arranged to be a MOLLE belt and be attached to a yoke. Alternatively, the belt <NUM> may be provided with or without the MOLLE belt and attached to a load vest. A load vest is a simple vest without ballistic protection or any of the anchor points mentioned herein. As the front loop is still provided in this system the yoke and load vest rigs may still be provided for sit lifts. The system is also scuba-rebreather compatible.

The system is tested and compliant with all operational zones C1 to A1 (STANAG <NUM>) from -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°.

The system is also complaint with BSEN <NUM>, <NUM> and the <NUM> Generic Soldier Architecture requirements.

The system meets air crew requirements. The anchor points from the back may be attached to the deck of the plane or to the roof of the plane. The system also meets requirements for winching for search and rescue and is Short Term Air Supply (STAS) compliant.

Throughout this description, anchor points have been described, which may be described as belay point anchors.

The term 'a' or 'the' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of `at least one' or 'one or more' may be used to emphasis an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer and exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features believed to be of importance it should be understood that the Applicant may seek protection via the claims in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) comprising:
a vest (<NUM>);
wherein the vest comprises:
a front portion (<NUM>);
a rear portion (<NUM>);
a rear ballistic protection plate (<NUM>);
two side flanks (<NUM>) configured to hold soft armour inserts;
wherein the front portion and rear portion are connected at least by shoulder straps (<NUM>);
wherein the rear portion comprises a first rear anchor point (<NUM>) and a second rear anchor point (<NUM>);
wherein the first rear anchor point and the second rear anchor point are parts of a single first loop (<NUM>), wherein a portion of the first loop is concealed behind a front layer (<NUM>) of the rear portion of the vest, and
wherein the portions of the first loop forming the first rear anchor point and the second rear anchor point emerge from the front layer of the rear portion of the vest; and
wherein at least part of the first loop overlies the rear ballistic protection plate, wherein the first loop is configured to disperse at least part of the load applied to it over the rear ballistic protection plate when the first loop is pressing the rear ballistic protection plate into the user's back;
the system additionally comprising a belt (<NUM>), wherein the belt comprises:
a rear belt anchor point (<NUM>); and
means for coupling (<NUM>) a waist portion of a sit harness (<NUM>) to the belt such that a front belt anchor point of the sit harness and the rear belt anchor point of the belt are located on opposite sides of the belt.