Flexible Mid-Section Float System for Protective Outerwear

Abstract

The present invention provides, in part, a mid-section float system that can be used with protective outerwear, such as a protective, wearable carriage device, for example. The present invention also provides a quick attach / detach system for connecting belts or cumberbunds to an upper torso outerwear device. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a flexible connector having a base, a receiving strap and a spring connector component.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention pertains to armor-enhanceable, personal, wearable devices, and more particularly to a flexible mid-section float system for use with such devices.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Military and law enforcement personnel have employed armor-enhanced clothing in order to protect their bodies from gunfire, shrapnel, explosive devices and other harmful ballistic objects. For example, vests, plate carriers, backpack carriers and other upper torso outerwear devices can be enhanced with armor and can come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of optional accessories. In many instances, such devices including multiple plies of material that can be joined along edges to create openings or pockets therein. Such personal wearable devices can also include attachment subsystems such as molle panels and the like, which allow the wearer to attach equipment, gear and even other equipment holders to the device. Examples of such upper torso outerwear d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a mid-section float system that can be used with protective outerwear and allows for quick attaching and detaching of belts or cumberbunds to an upper torso outerwear device. It provides a flexible extension to torso outerwear devices, allowing for proper and natural body positioning during use. Additionally, it shifts the load of any added armor off of the user's shoulders and downward onto the user's hips, providing overall comfort and improved wearability and ergonomics. The invention is designed in various sizes and shapes to accommodate different user sizes. It includes a flexible connector with a base, receiving strap, and spring connector component.

Problems solved by technology

However, even when such clothing is sized according to individual specifications (for example, small, medium and large), the armor-enhanced clothing does not generally fit well, gets bunched up, prohibits smooth movement, results in undesirable gaps between body and clothing, has limited contact points with the body, does not wick sweat and water away, becomes uncomfortable and even hinders the withdrawal and operation of firearms.

In specific environments where a user needs to lean in one direction or another, such upper torso outerwear can become inflexible and can restrict or even prevent proper body posturing to carry out desired tasks.

Such lifting may make it awkward for the user to attain a comfortable and familiar firing position, and may require the user to push down on the outerwear with his or her head to try to counter the lifting force.

Such disadvantages often result in poor performance and can encourage mis-use or even non-use of these protective devices.

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