Load carrying assembly with interior pouch attachment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a load carrying assembly, including a front section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first fastener positioned on the inner surface and a pouch attachment having a pouch section configured to hold an accessory, and a second fastener fixed to the pouch attachment. The pouch section can have an opening configured to receive the accessory. The first fastener and second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the front section. When the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section, the opening of the pouch section can be oriented to face downward.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 747,487 filed Jan. 21, 2025, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a pouch attachment for ergonomic, secure attachment to a load carrying assembly, such as a ballistic vest.BACKGROUND

[0003] Load carrying assemblies are commonly used by members of the military and law enforcement to secure both protective body armor and desired items (e.g., weapons, radios, flashlights, ammunition, maps, and other accessories) to the user wearing the load carrying assembly. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,603,393. Conventionally, items are carried on the outside of the load carrying assembly. While such an arrangement provides easy access to the items, it can result in significant external bulk, creating a multitude of catch points on which the user could snag the gear on obstacles in the environment. For example, externally placed magazine pouches can catch on vehicles, corners, handrails, walls, etc. These catch points can be critical for soldiers climbing over walls and other obstacles or entering and exiting vehicles (such as ground vehicles, helicopters, or airplanes) - situations where snagging equipment could be extremely dangerous. Additionally, certain users engaged in covert operations may require body armor having a low profile and that is easily concealed, while also being able to carry desired items, such as spare firearm magazines. Conventional systems using exterior pouches make suitable concealment exceedingly difficult. Thus, there is a need for an improved system for ergonomically attaching and securing accessories to a load carrying assembly.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to a load carrying assembly including a vest, and a pouch attachment fastened inside a front or rear section of the vest such that the pouch attachment is securely positioned between the front or rear section of the vest and the user when the user is wearing the vest.

[0005] In one aspect, the disclosed technology relates to a load carrying assembly, including: a front section comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first fastener positioned on the inner surface; a pouch attachment comprising a pouch section configured to hold an accessory, and a second fastener fixed to the pouch attachment, the pouch section having an opening configured to receive the accessory; wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the front section; and wherein when the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section, the opening of the pouch section is oriented to face downward. The load carrying assembly can be configured to be worn on a torso of a user; and the front section can be configured such that pouch attachment is positioned between the front section and the torso of the user when the load carrying assembly is worn by the user and the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section.

[0006] In some embodiments, the first fastener is located on a lower half of the front section. In some embodiments, the first fastener is located on a lower third of the front section. In some embodiments, the first fastener and the second fastener comprise hook and loop. In some embodiments the first fastener has a length of about 2 inches to about 16 inches. In some embodiments, the first fastener has a width of about 4 inches to about 18 inches. In some embodiments, the load carrying assembly further includes a back section having an inner surface, outer surface, and a third fastener positioned on the inner surface of the back section; wherein the third fastener and second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the back section. The pouch attachment can be securely attached to the back section, and the opening of the pouch section is oriented to face downward. In some embodiments, the first fastener occupies an area that is at least 25% of the total area of the inner surface of the front section. In some embodiments, the first fastener is an area of loop and the second fastener is an area of hook. In some embodiments, a width or length of the first fastener provided on the front section extends at least 50% of the full width or length, respectively, of the front section. In some embodiments, a width or length of the second fastener provided on the pouch attachment extends at least 75% of the full width or length, respectively, of an exterior surface of the pouch attachment.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosed technology relates to a load carrying assembly, a vest including a front section comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first fastener positioned on the inner surface; and a pouch attachment comprising a pouch section configured to hold an accessory, and a second fastener fixed to the pouch attachment. The first fastener and second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the front section; the load carrying assembly is configured to be worn on a torso of a user; and the front section is configured such that pouch attachment is positioned between the front section and the torso of the user when the load carrying assembly is worn by the user and the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section.

[0008] In some embodiments, the vest can further include a back section having an inner surface, outer surface, and a third fastener positioned on the inner surface of the back section; wherein the third fastener and second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the back section. In some embodiments, the first fastener is located on a lower half of the front section. In some embodiments, the first fastener is located on a lower third of the front section. In some embodiments, the first fastener and the second fastener comprise hook and loop. The first fastener can be an area of loop, and the second fastener can be an area of hook; or the first fastener can be an area of hook, and the second fastener can be an area of loop.

[0009] A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the description that follows. The aspects can relate to individual features and to combinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventive concepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description.

[0011] FIG. 1 shows an example of a vest.

[0012] FIG. 2 shows another example of a vest.

[0013] FIG. 3 shows an example of a front section of a vest provided with a loop fastener.

[0014] FIG. 4A shows an example of a pouch attachment.

[0015] FIG. 4B shows the pouch attachment of FIG. 4A with accessories installed.

[0016] FIG. 4C shows another example of a pouch attachment.

[0017] FIG. 5 shows another example of a pouch attachment secured to an interior surface of a front section of a vest.

[0018] FIG. 6A shows a front view of example of a vest with an installed pouch attachment holding accessories, the vest being worn by user.

[0019] FIG. 6B shows a side view of an example of a vest with an installed pouch attachment holding accessories, the vest being worn by user.

[0020] FIG. 7A shows another example of a pouch attachment holding an accessory.

[0021] FIG. 7B shows another example of a pouch attachment holding accessories.

[0022] FIG. 7C shows an example of two pouch attachments secured to an interior surface of a front section of a vest.

[0023] FIG. 8A is a front view of another example pouch attachment holding an accessory.

[0024] FIG. 8B is a back view of the example pouch attachment holding an accessory of FIG. 8A.

[0025] FIG. 8C is a left side view of the example pouch attachment holding an accessory of FIG. 8A.

[0026] FIG. 8D is a front view of another example pouch attachment holding an accessory.

[0027] FIG. 8E is a back view of the example pouch attachment holding an accessory of FIG. 8D.

[0028] FIG. 8F is a left side view of the example pouch attachment holding an accessory of FIG. 8D.

[0029] FIG. 9A shows another example of a pouch attachment.

[0030] FIG. 9B shows another example of a pouch attachment secured to an interior surface of a front section of a vest.

[0031] FIG. 10A shows an example of a front view of a user wearing a concealed load carrying assembly.

[0032] FIG. 10B shows an example of a side view of a user wearing a concealed load carrying assembly.

[0033] FIG. 10C shows an example of a front view of a user wearing a concealed load carrying assembly and partially exposing the load carrying assembly.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following discussion omits or only briefly describes conventional features of the disclosed technology that are apparent to those skilled in the art. It is noted that various embodiments are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are intended to be non-limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. A person of ordinary skill in the art would know how to use the instant invention, in combination with routine experiments, to achieve other outcomes not specifically disclosed in the examples or the embodiments.

[0035] Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the specification as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and / or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art in the field of the disclosed technology. It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,”“an” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise specified, and that the terms “includes” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, methods, equipment, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the disclosed technology.

[0036] The devices of the present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the embodiments taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this application is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and / or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting. All spatial references, such as, for example, proximal, distal, horizontal, vertical, top, upper, lower, bottom, left and right, are for illustrative purposes only and can be varied within the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] Various examples of the disclosed technology are provided throughout this disclosure. The use of these examples is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified form. Likewise, the invention is not limited to any particular preferred embodiments described herein. Indeed, modifications and variations of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification, and can be made without departing from its spirit and scope. The invention is therefore to be limited only by the terms of the claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which the claims are entitled.

[0038] The disclosed technology generally relates to a load carrying assembly that includes a vest and a pouch attachment. The vest may include a front section and a rear section. In some embodiments, the vest may include left and right side sections and / or shoulder straps. The rear section is spaced rearwardly of the front section from the perspective of a user wearing the vest. Shoulder straps can extend between and connect the front and rear sections. Similarly, the left and right side sections can extend between and connect the front and rear sections. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the rearward-facing (inner) surface of the front section has approximately the same maximum length and / or maximum width as all or a portion of a forward-facing (inner) surface of the back section. The front and rear sections may include pockets that hold hard or soft ballistic armor plates. While the disclosed technology is generally described with reference to a vest in the form of a plate carrier having a front section and a rear section, the disclosed technology may be applied to other types of vests including but not limited to vests without armor plates or vests with a single section (e.g., a “chest rig”).

[0039] The side sections may be provided in different forms, for example, a waist-encircling cummerbund. The side sections can have a variety of styles and structures. For example, the side sections may be configured with pockets configured to hold hard or soft ballistic armor plates. Each side section of the vest can define an arm opening that allows the shoulder straps of the vest to be transferred to the shoulders of a user donning the vest. In some embodiments, side sections may be provided with an internal stiffening element, including but not limited to a material comprising soft or hard armor. In embodiments where the side sections are formed as a cummerbund, the cummerbund can include a buckle or attachable portion that connects the cummerbund to the front section of the vest. The cummerbund can be adjustable to securely engage the waist of a wearer at a desired height.

[0040] The vest is configured to be worn on the torso of a user. The front section and / or rear section of the vest includes a fastener located on the interior side of the vest (i.e., the side of the front section or rear section that is closest to the wearer's body). The fastener can be configured to engage a corresponding fastener of a pouch attachment, thus enabling the pouch attachment to be attached to the vest and be positioned between the vest and the user's body when the vest is worn by the user. In some embodiments, the cummerbund can include one or more fasteners (e.g., hook or loop material, or another type of fastener as described herein) on an interior side of the cummerbund. For example, the side sections (such as a cummerbund) could include a fastener on an inner surface of the right and left side sections can be configured to engage with a corresponding fastener of a pouch attachment, thus enabling the pouch attachment to be attached to the vest (on the side sections) and positioned between the vest and a side of the user's body when the vest is being worn. In some embodiments, one or more exterior surfaces the front, back, and side sections can include corresponding fasteners such that one or more pouch attachments can be attached to the outside of the vest.

[0041] The pouch attachment can include a fastener and a pouch section. The fastener can be placed on the back or a side of the pouch section. To attach the pouch attachment to the vest, the fastener (including, e.g., fastening materials such as hook and loop) of the pouch attachment is connected to or otherwise engaged with a corresponding fastener on the inner surface of either the front section or back section of the vest. For instance, if the fastener is hook and loop material, the pouch attachment is placed over corresponding inner surface by hand and then pressed into place. The pouch section can include an interior portion configured to receive an accessory and an opening through which an accessory can be placed into the interior portion. In order to effectively access an accessory placed within the pouch section, the pouch attachment can be oriented such that the opening(s) is at the lower end of the pouch attachment (i.e., the opening is facing downward, away from the user's head), permitting the user to more easily reach the pouch attachment from below the vest. In some cases, the pouch attachment can be placed such that at least a portion of an accessory stored in the pouch section extends beyond a lower edge of the vest, making access to the accessory even easier.

[0042] The dimensions and structure of the pouch section can vary as appropriate to hold the desired accessory. For example, the pouch section can be configured to hold one or more accessories including a firearm, a firearm magazine, an electronic device (such as a radio or GPS unit), a bottle, a light, a medical kit, a tool (such as a knife or multitool), a firearm suppressor, or other suitably sized items. A pouch attachment can include a plurality of pouch sections. For example, a pouch attachment can include three pouch sections, each configured to hold a firearm magazine. The three pouch sections can share the same fastener. For example, a pouch attachment may have three pouch sections sharing a single panel of hook material. In some embodiments, the pouch attachment may include one, two, three, four, five, or more pouch sections. Such arrangements of multiple pouch sections can permit users to carry multiple accessories on both the front and back insides of the vest. For example, a user could carry ten pistol magazines across two pouch attachments (one in the front and one in the back), with each pouch attachment having five pouch sections.

[0043] A variety of fasteners can be suitably used to secure the pouch attachment to the interior of the vest, including but not limited to hook and loop (wherein the loop fastener can be provided on the vest and the hook can be provided on the pouch attachment, or vice versa); snaps; buttons; zippers; a Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system, a Pouch Attachment Ladder System (PALS), or other suitable webbing system; and the like. Suitable non-limiting examples of fasteners include: a section of hook material attached directly or indirectly to an interior surface of the front section or back section of the vest and an aligned strip of loop material attached directly or indirectly to the pouch attachment, or vice versa; a strip of zipper teeth attached directly or indirectly to an interior surface of the front section or back section of the vest and an aligned strip of mating zipper teeth attached directly or indirectly to the pouch attachment; a series of snap studs attached directly or indirectly to an interior surface of the front section or back section of the vest and an aligned series of snap sockets attached directly or indirectly to the pouch attachment, or vice versa; and a series of MOLLE loops on the interior surface of the front section or back section of the vest and aligned strips of compatible MOLLE webbing attached to the pouch attachment, or vice versa.

[0044] Fasteners can be directly or indirectly attached to, for example, the pouch attachment. As one specific example of an indirect attachment, a pouch attachment may be a conventional rifle magazine pouch with MOLLE straps on the back. The MOLLE straps could be attached to a panel having MOLLE webbing on one side and a hook material on an opposing side. Thus, the MOLLE webbing can be used to attach the panel to the pouch attachment (and thereby indirectly attach the hook material to the pouch attachment). The hook material could then be used to attach the pouch attachment to corresponding loop material on an inner surface of a front section or back section of a vest. Thus, in some embodiments, a load carrying assembly could include three (or more) components: a vest, a pouch attachment, and an intermediate fastener panel.

[0045] In some embodiments, a pouch attachment can include a plurality of fasteners. For example, a pouch attachment can include multiple areas of hook (and / or loop) material, multiple snaps, multiple pieces of MOLLE webbing, multiple zippers, or others.

[0046] As used herein, a “width” is measured in a horizontal direction, for example, generally parallel to the ground when a standing user is wearing the vest. By contrast, a “length” is measured in a vertical direction (e.g., parallel to the height of the standing user wearing the vest and generally perpendicular to the ground).

[0047] In some embodiments, one or more fasteners may be provided on a front or back section of the vest in a strip having a width of about 0.5 inches to about 6 inches, such as about 1 inch to about 4.5 inches, about 1.5 inches to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches; and having a length of about 1 inch to about 15 inches, such as about 2 inches to about 12 inches, or about 5 inches to about 10 inches. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners may be provided in a strip having a width of about 3 inches to about 17 inches, such as about 5 inches to about 15 inches, or about 6 inches to about 12 inches; and having a length of about 0.5 inches to about 4 inches, such as about 1 inch to about 3.5 inches, about 1 inch to about 3 inches, or about 1 inch to about 2.5 inches. In some embodiments, one or more fasteners may occupy a total area of about 5 square inches to about 270 square inches, such as about 20 square inches to about 220 square inches, or about 60 square inches to about 180 square inches.

[0048] In some embodiments, a fastener provided on the pouch attachment (e.g., provided in a single piece) has a width of about 1 inch to about 18 inches, such as about 4 inches to about 14 inches, or about 6 inches to about 12 inches. In some embodiments, a fastener provided on the pouch attachment (e.g., provided in a single piece) has a length of about 1.5 inches to about 15.5 inches, such as about 3 inches to about 12 inches, or about 5 inches to about 10 inches.

[0049] In some embodiments, a fastener provided on the pouch attachment occupies an area that is at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total area of a surface of the pouch attachment. When the fastener comprises multiple parts (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more snaps, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more buttons, etc.), the area occupied by the fastener is the total area defined by the parts positioned furthermost from each other. As an example, in a case of 4 snaps arranged in a rectangular configuration, the total area occupied by the fastener is the area of the rectangle defined by the snaps. In some embodiments, the width of a fastener provided on the pouch attachment is at least 75% (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90%) of the full width of the surface of the pouch attachment. In some embodiments, the length of a fastener provided on the pouch attachment is at least 75% (e.g., at least 80%, at least 85%, or at least 90%) of the full length of the surface of the pouch attachment. In some embodiments, the fastener is set back from the outer perimeter edge of the surface of the pouch attachment. In some embodiments, the fastener positioned on the front section or back section of the vest occupies an area that is greater than the area occupied by the corresponding fastener positioned on the pouch attachment.

[0050] In general, the width of the front section / back section of the vest is greater than the width of the pouch attachment. In some embodiments, the width of the front section / back section of the vest is about 6 inches to about 24 inches, such as about 7 inches to about 18 inches, or about 7.5 inches to about 14 inches. In general, the length of the front section / back section of the vest is greater than the length of the pouch attachment. In some embodiments, the length of the vest is about 8 inches to about 30 inches, such as about 9 inches to about 16 inches, or about 10 inches to about 16 inches. The width and / or length of the front section / back section of the vest being greater than the corresponding dimension(s) of a pouch attachment can permit a user to place multiple pouch attachments on each of the front section and / or back section. For example, the front section of the vest may include a large section of loop material. A user may place three individual pouch attachments (e.g., two rifle magazine pouch attachments and a pistol magazine pouch attachment), each having their own hook material, on the one large section of loop material. In some embodiments, a fastener provided on the front section or back section of the vest occupies an area that is at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the total area of an interior surface of the front section or back section.

[0051] As described herein, when the pouch attachment is attached to the front (or rear) section of the vest, the outer surfaces of the vest can remain relatively streamlined and less likely to snag on external objects when a user is wearing the load carrying assembly. This also permits the significant advantage of being able to conceal the load carrying assembly under other clothing (e.g., as shown in and described below with respect to FIGS. 10A-10C), while still carrying extra equipment (such as extra firearm magazines). Pouch attachments can be installed such that the opening(s) for the pouch section(s) are oriented to face downward (also referred to as “underslung”). This can permit accessories to be accessed easily without requiring removal of the vest. This orientation permits quick access, while keeping the accessories close to the wearer's body and maintaining an overall sleek low profile. In some embodiments, the pouch attachment includes a retaining feature that is configured to prevent the accessory from falling out of the pouch attachment.

[0052] Additionally, the pouch attachments may be configured and positioned to permit a portion of the accessory (such as a firearm magazine) to extend below a lower edge of the front section and / or back section. This further facilitates quick access to accessories by providing a surface of the accessory for the user to grab onto that is not covered by the vest. However, because the pouch attachments are mounted inside the vest, they are still held close to the user's body to prevent unwanted environmental snags.

[0053] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are further described below with reference to the figures.

[0054] As shown in the figures, a load carrying assembly 10 includes a vest 2 and one or more pouch attachments 20A / B, 44, 50A / B, 60. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, vest 2 has a front section 3 having an outer surface 4A and an inner surface 4B. Vest 2 also has a rear section 5 having an outer surface 7A and inner surface 7B. A fastener 6, 8 (e.g., loop material) can be positioned on inner surfaces 4B, 7B, respectively. Vest 2 can further include shoulder straps 12, 14, and a cummerbund 16, each of which can connect the front section and rear section together. Cummerbund 16 can form a right side section and a left side section connecting the front section 3 and rear section 5.

[0055] FIGS. 4A-C illustrate example pouch attachments 20A, 20B for holding rifle magazines. Pouch attachment 20A has three pouch sections 22A-C. Each pouch section 22A-C has an opening 28A-C, respectively, for receiving a firearm magazine 26A-C. Each pouch section also includes a retaining feature 24A-C to aid in securely retaining magazines 26A-C. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining features 24A-C are elastic cords with pull tabs to aid in removal. However, other suitable retention methods could be used. For example, the retaining feature may extend across the opening of the pouch attachment in the form of elastic or rigid cords attached at two or more points at or near the opening of the pouch attachment. Non-limiting examples of suitable retaining features include cords, snaps, hook / loop, zippers, or other fasteners disclosed herein. The retaining feature may render the opening of the pouch attachment fully closeable or partially closeable. For instance, one or more strips of hook / loop may extend the full length of the opening (hook on one side, loop on the other, or vice versa) to allow the opening to be fully closed and opened by the user; or one or more strips of hook / loop may cover only a portion (e.g., less than 10%, less than 25%, or less than 50%) of the full length of the opening to allow the opening to be partially closed and opened by the user and to retain the accessory therein when in the closed configuration. Other embodiments can include internal retention features that securely clamp or grip onto accessories but do not physically interfere with the opening of the pouch section. For example, the pouch attachment can include spring loaded panels or detents within the interior of the pouch section. These can include metal or plastic (e.g., Kydex™) members configured to apply gripping forces to accessories to retain them within the pouch section until removed by a user.

[0056] The back of pouch attachment 20A includes a fastener. Pouch attachment 20B is substantially similar to pouch attachment 20A, but includes two pouch sections 32A, 32B instead of three pouch sections. As shown in FIG. 4C, pouch attachment 20B includes a fastener 30, which in this case is a panel of hook material. FIG. 5 illustrates pouch attachment 20A installed on inner surface 4B of front panel 3. The fastener of pouch attachment 20A is engaged with fastener 6 of inner surface 4B. Pouch attachment 20A is installed such that the openings 28A-C of the pouch sections 22A-C are oriented to face downward.

[0057] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a pouch attachment 44 installed on a front section 40 of a vest being worn by a user. The vest includes a cummerbund 42 to aid in securing the vest to the user. Pouch attachment 44 is installed such that the lower portions of magazines 46A-C extend beyond the lower edge of the front section 40, permitting the user to access the magazines 46A-C, while still maintaining a sleek low profile.

[0058] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate example pouch attachments 50A, 50B for holding pistol magazines. Pouch attachments 50A, 50B are substantially similar in function to pouch attachments 20A, 2B of FIGS. 4A-C, but differ in size to accommodate a different type of accessory (i.e., pistol magazines instead of rifle magazines). Pouch attachment 50A has one pouch section 52, while pouch attachment 50B has two pouch sections 52A, 52B. Each pouch section 52A, 52B has an opening, respectively, for receiving a pistol magazine 58A, B. Each pouch section also includes a retaining feature 56A, 56B to aid in securely retaining magazines 58A, 58B. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining features 56A, 56B are elastic cords with pull tabs to aid in removal. However, other suitable retention methods could be used. The back of pouch attachment 20A includes a fastener. Pouch attachment 50A is substantially similar to pouch attachment 50B, but includes one pouch section 52 instead of two pouch sections. Pouch attachments 50A, 50B include a fastener 54, which in this case is a panel of hook material. FIG. 7C illustrates pouch attachments 50A and 50B installed on inner surface 4B of front panel 3. The fasteners 54 of pouch attachments 50A, 50B are engaged with fastener 6 (loop material) of inner surface 4B. Pouch attachments 50A, 50B are installed such that the openings of the pouch sections 52A, 52B are oriented to face downward.

[0059] FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate another example pouch attachment 80 for holding pistol magazines and having a variation of retaining feature. Pouch attachment 80 has two pouch sections 82A, 82B, each configured to hold an accessory, such as a pistol magazine. Each pouch section 82A, 82B has an opening, respectively, for receiving a pistol magazine 88A, 88B. The back of pouch attachment 80 includes a fastener 84, which in this example is a panel of hook material.

[0060] Each pouch section 82A, 82B also includes a retaining feature to aid in securely retaining magazines 88A, 88B. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining features are slidable tabs 86A, 86B to aid in removal of the accessory. The slidable tabs 86A, 86B are tensioned by cords 87A, 87B, which can be elastic cords. The user can slide tabs 86A, 86B to either side (e.g., to the left or right from the perspective of FIG. 8A) to release the magazine (or other accessory) from the pouch section. The slidable tabs 86, 86B can be advantageous because they are thin and generally eye-shaped to minimize discomfort and avoid pinching during use when the magazine and the associated retention feature may rest against the user's torso. Additionally, the slidable tabs 86A, 86B can be released with a brushing motion, which is more ergonomic and intuitive in an underslung position than a pinch-and-pull style of release. Thus, these features can aid in comfort, speed, and ease of use. The length of the cords 87A, 87B can be adjusted via cord stops 89A, 89B. Cord stops can be a knot (as illustrated), spring loaded or other style cord locks, or other structures facilitating adjustment of the functional length of the cord. By changing the length of cords 87A, 87B, a user can change the amount retaining force (and thus the amount of force required to release an accessory from a pouch section).

[0061] FIGS. 8D-8F illustrate another example pouch attachment 90 for holding a rifle magazine and having variation of the retaining feature. Pouch attachment 90 is substantially similar in function to pouch attachment 80 of FIGS. 8A-C, but differs in size to accommodate a different type of accessory (i.e., a single rifle magazine instead of multiple pistol magazines). Pouch section 92 has an opening for receiving a rifle magazine 98 (or other accessory). The back of pouch attachment 90 includes a fastener 94, which in this example is a panel of hook material. Pouch section 92 also includes a retaining feature to aid in securely retaining magazine 98. In the illustrated embodiment, retaining features is slidable tab 96. The slidable tab 96 is tensioned by cords 97, which can be an elastic cord. The user can slide tab 96 to either side (e.g., to the left or right from the perspective of FIG. 8D) to release the magazine (or other accessory) from the pouch section. The length of the cord 97 can be adjusted via cord stop 99. Cord stop can be a knot (as illustrated), spring loaded or other style cord lock, or other structure facilitating adjustment of the functional length of the cord.

[0062] While the various illustrations provided in this document show one, two, or three pouch sections, it is understood that the various pouch attachments disclosed can include more or fewer pouch sections depending on the user's desired application, the size of the pouch section(s), and the size of the vest on which the pouch attachment will be placed. For example, while pouch attachment 90 includes a single pouch section 92, pouch attachment 90 could be modified to include 2, 3, or more pouch sections, including pouch sections of different sizes. As another example, pouch attachment 90 could be modified to include one (or more) pouch sections for a rifle magazine and one (or more) pouch sections for a pistol magazine.

[0063] FIGS. 9A, 9B illustrate yet another example pouch attachment 60. Pouch attachment 60 includes a pouch section 62, which can include a zipper pocket 66, a mesh pocket 68, and foam reinforced sections 60. Pouch attachment 60 includes multiple fasteners 64A-C, which in the illustrated embodiment are individual strips of hook material. As shown in FIG. 9B, the hook material of 64A-C can engage with the loop material of fastener 6 of inner surface 4B to securely attach pouch attachment 60 to front section 3 of a vest.

[0064] FIGS. 10A-10C together illustrate the concealment advantage of disclosed load carrying assemblies. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a user 70 wearing a load carrying assembly under a t-shirt 74. As shown in the figures, the t-shirt 74 conceals the load carrying assembly, including a vest, pouch attachment, and accessories. FIG. 10C illustrates the user 70 pulling aside the t-shirt 74 to expose the load carrying assembly, having a pouch attachment attached to front section 3. Three accessories 72A-72C (i.e., rifle magazines in the illustrated example) are mounted inside the pouch attachment, which are also concealed.

[0065] All references cited and / or discussed in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A load carrying assembly, comprising:a vest comprising a front section comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a first fastener positioned on the inner surface; anda pouch attachment comprising a pouch section configured to hold an accessory;wherein:the first fastener is configured to securely attach the pouch attachment to the inner surface of the front section;the load carrying assembly is configured to be worn on a torso of a user; andthe inner surface of the front section is configured to face the user when the load carrying assembly is worn by the user.

2. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein the vest further comprises a back section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a second fastener positioned on the inner surface of the back section.

3. The load carrying assembly of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the front section and the inner surface of the back section define a space configured to receive the torso of the user.

4. The load carrying assembly of claim 2, further comprising a second pouch attachment comprising a second pouch section configured to hold a second accessory,wherein the second fastener is configured securely attach the second pouch attachment to the back section.

5. The load carrying assembly of claim 4, wherein the first fastener and second fastener are configured such that the first pouch attachment and second pouch attachment are interchangeably positioned between the front section and the back section.

6. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fastener is located on a lower half of the front section.

7. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein:the pouch section comprises an opening; andwhen the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section, the opening of the pouch section is oriented to face downward.

8. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fastener is hook material or loop material.

9. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein:the vest further comprises a first side section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a third fastener positioned on the inner surface of the first side section; andthe first fastener and second fastener are configured such that the first pouch attachment can be interchangeably positioned between the front section and the first side section.

10. The load carrying assembly of claim 9, wherein the vest further comprises a second side section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a fourth fastener positioned on the inner surface of the section side section;the first fastener, the second fastener, and the third fastener are configured such that the first pouch attachment can be interchangeably positioned between the front section, the first side section, and the second side section.

11. The load carrying assembly of claim 10, wherein the first side section and the second side section form a cummerbund.

12. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein the first fastener occupies an area that is at least 25% of a total area of the inner surface of the front section.

13. The load carrying assembly of claim 1, wherein the pouch attachment and fastener are configured to permit a portion of the accessory to extend below a lower edge of the front section.

14. A load carrying assembly, comprising:a front section comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface comprising a first fastener;a first shoulder strap and a second shoulder strap, each attached to a top portion the front section; anda pouch attachment comprising a pouch section configured to hold an accessory, and a second fastener positioned on the pouch attachment, the pouch section having an opening configured to receive the accessory;wherein:the first fastener and the second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the front section; andwhen the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section, the opening of the pouch section is oriented to face downward away from the top portion of the front section.

15. The load carrying assembly of claim 14, wherein:the load carrying assembly is configured to be worn on a torso of a user; andwhen the pouch attachment is securely attached to the front section, the pouch attachment is covered by the front section.

16. The load carrying assembly of claim 14, wherein the first fastener has a length of about 2 inches to about 16 inches, and the first fastener has a width of about 4 inches to about 18 inches.

17. The load carrying assembly of claim 14, further comprising a back section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a third fastener positioned on the inner surface of the back section;wherein the third fastener and the second fastener are configured to engage each other to securely attach the pouch attachment to the back section.

18. The load carrying assembly of claim 14, wherein a width or length of the first fastener provided on the front section extends at least 50% of a full width or length, respectively, of the front section.

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