Patent ID: 7047570

Claim:
A cut away vest comprising: a first torso panel; a second torso panel; shoulder straps connected to the first torso panel, and extending to the second torso panel, at least one said shoulder strap having a free end and at least one first connector element; a waist belt having at least one side portion with a free end connecting a lower portion of one of the first torso panel and second torso panel to the other of the first torso panel and second torso panel, said belt side portion having at least one second connector element; a cummerbund associated with at least one of the first and second torso panels and having at least one side portion with a first free end overlying a portion of the second torso panel adjacent at least one connector device, said cummerbund having at least one third connector element associated with a respective said cummerbund side portion with a free end; said at least one connector device connected to the second torso panel and selectively operably associated with a respective at least one of the first, second and third connector elements; and a flexible retainer element carried by at least one of the first and second torso panels to releasably retain the first, second and third connector elements associated each with a respective said connector device whereby a portion of the retainer element is movable in a generally straight line from the connector device to a curved body portion of a vest wearer to release the first, second and third connector elements from their respective connector device.