Attachment system for load

Abstract

An attachment system includes a support surface (50) having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations (52), a load (60) having a load surface (66) with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations (68), and an elongate resiliently deformable securing member (70) configured to attach the load to the support surface by cooperation with the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load surface attachment formations. The elongate securing member is configured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface. The attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots (52-1, 68 -2, 68 -3) in the surface.

Description

ATTACHMENT SYSTEM FOR LOADTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an attachment system including a support surface having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations , a load having a load surface with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations , and a securing member conf igured to attach the load to the support surface by cooperation with the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load surface attachment formations . The present invention also relates to a load system and a method of attaching a load to a support surface , and to a load system .BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] For military use , in particular , a load-carrying garment is known in the form, for example , of a vest or j acket that is formed with parallel spaced rows of webbing . Each webbing it attached to the garment at spaced intervals so that each webbing has alternate attached and unattached sections along its length . The unattached sections are in vertical al ignment . A load, for example a pouch, includes at least one flexible webbing strap that is attached at one end to the load and whose distal end i s free . The load is also formed with parallel spaced rows of webbing . Each webbing i s attached to the load at spaced intervals so that each webbing has alternate attached and unattached sections along its length . The unattached sections are in vertical alignment . The load is of fered-up to the garment so that webbing rows on the load are between the webbing rows of the garment and the unattached sections are aligned . The distal end of the webbing strap is f lexed and fed through an aligned row of unattached sections of the garment webbing and the load webbing, and the webbing strap is long enough that the distal end can then be reversed back through the rows to draw the webbing strap through the row to secure the load to the garment . The webbing may be arranged in accordance with theMOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) specification (see, e.g. https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / MOLLE) . The MOLLE specification defines the current generation of loadbearing equipment and backpacks used by a number of NATO armed forces, especially the British Army and the United States Army. The webbing may be a MACS system (Modular Attachment Carrier System) , available from Survitec Group Ltd.

[0003] Garments of this kind are disclosed in, for example, US2007 / 0158380, US2006 / 0113344 , WO2006 / 116952, US2008 / 0257922 and WO2010 / 046664.

[0004] It is a problem with such garments (and other items to which a load is to be attached) that feeding the distal end of the webbing strap through many rows of unattached sections is time consuming. In addition, the load has long lengths of webbing strap hanging from it before attachment and this can be inconvenient. There is also the possibility that the webbing strap will pull free and, to try to prevent this, it has been proposed to provide the ends of the webbing strap with press studs that fasten to the garment - but this increases cost and complexity. In addition, webbing rows are required on both the garment and the load.

[0005] US 11129466 (Blue Force Gear) discloses a way of manufacturing loads and garments of a MACS-type system. The load may be provided with a plurality of slits. The garment surface may be provided with a plurality of slits. Flexible and non- rigid webbing straps form an integral part of the load. It is described how the end of the webbing strap has an arrangement (in this case Velcro®) for securing the end of the webbing strap to the load after it is threaded through the garment slits and the load slits. The methods for making the load (with the integral webbing strap (s) ) and for attaching the load to the garment are complex.

[0006] US 11109664 discloses another way of manufacturing loads and garments of a MACS-type system. The load has a flexibleand non-rigid webbing strap attached thereto that co-operates with sl its formed in the garment surface to attach the load to the garment . The methods for making the load (with the attached webbing strap ( s ) ) and for attaching the load to the garment are complex .SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides an attachment system including a support surface having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations , a load having a load surface with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations , and a resiliently deformable and / or rigid / semi-rigid securing member configured to attach the load to the support surface by cooperation with the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load surface attachment formations , wherein the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in / through the surface , and wherein the securing member is configured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .

[0008] The attachment formations of one of the support surface and the load surface may comprise the spaced aligned s lots in / through the surface and the attachment formations of the other of the support surface and the load surface comprise a plural ity of spaced aligned loops , wherein the securing member is configured to pass through the spaced aligned slots and the plurality of spaced aligned loops to attach the load to the support surface . Alternatively , the attachment formations of the support surface and the load surface may comprise spaced aligned s lots in / through the surface , wherein the securing member is configured to pass through the spaced al igned slots in the support surface and the spaced aligned s lots in the load surface to attach the load to the support surface .

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention provides a load system including a load having a load surface with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations , and a resiliently deformable securing member configured to attach the load to a support surface having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations , wherein the attachment formations of the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , and wherein the securing member is configured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the spaced aligned s lots in the load surface to attach the load to the support surface . Such a load system may be attached to a support surface where the attachment formations comprise a plurality of spaced aligned s lots or a plurality of spaced al igned loops .

[0010] The s lots may be formed by cutting (e . g . laser cutting) , which may be a more ef ficient process than conventional forming of sewn-on webbing loops .

[0011] By the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface comprising spaced aligned s lots in the surface , the manufacturing process may simplified ( the slots generally being eas ier to form than conventional sewn-on webbing loops ) . By having a resi liently deformable and / or rigid / semi-rigid securing member configured to attach the load to the support surface , the attachment procedure may be simpli fied - for example , because the resilience of the securing member allows it to be easily passed through the slots ( and webbings , where provided) . The res i l ience of the securing member may also resist pulling apart of the load and the support surface , so that they are held closer together .

[0012] In the embodiment to be described, the securing member is formed separately from the support surface and the load . The securing member is fixed vertically between attachment formations . This may simpl i fy the manufacturing process of the securing member as the manufacturing process can be optimised for the securing member alone ( rather than for making thesecuring member as part of the load) . By forming the securing member separately from the support surface and the load, the materials for the respective parts may be optimally be chosen for each part ' s purpose . For example , the support surface and load may be made from a suitable f lexible fabric and the securing member may be made of resil iently deformable material .

[0013] The securing member may comprise an elongate (e . g . generally rectangular ) strip of resil iently de formable material . The securing member may be semi-rigid . The securing member may be formed of plastics or polycarbonate . The securing member may be cut ( e . g . laser cut ) from a suitable sheet of material .

[0014] The securing member may have a f irst, insertion , end and a second end oppos ite the first end, wherein the first end i s configured to pas s through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface . The second end may have a width greater than a width of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface so that the second end cannot pass through the attachment formations having a lesser width . This may prevent the securing member from sl ipping through the attachment formations - so that the securing member is correctly positioned . The arrangement of the second end provides a simple way of controlling the position of the securing member that avoids requirements for complex webbing threading pathways and / or fixings such as Velcro fixings .

[0015] The first end may be configured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in one direction to attach the load to the support surface but to res i st the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to the f irst-mentioned direction . This may make the insertion proces s straightforward whileadvantageously making inadvertent removal of the securing member di f ficult or impossible .

[0016] The f irst end may have a barb formation . The barb formation may resi st the pas sage of the securing member through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to the first-mentioned direction by mechanically engaging the adj acent attachment formation .

[0017] The securing member may comprise a general ly planar main elongate body, wherein the first end (e . g . barb formation) includes an additional general ly planar portion that i s folded back over the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations in a direction oppos ite to f irst-mentioned direction . The additional generally planar portion, in its natural state , may extend obliquely from the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations in use but is res iliently deformable to lie generally parallel to the main elongate body to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in the first-mentioned direction . The additional generally planar portion may resi le from the position generally parallel to the main elongate body when in the final position to resist the passage through the plurality o f the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a di rection oppos ite to the first-mentioned direction . The main body i s pre ferably a single planar ( unfolded) sheet of res iliently deformable material .

[0018] The securing member may be one of two or more securing members , each securing member extending through a series of the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and a series of the plurality of the load attachment formations toattach the load to the support surface . The use of a plurality of securing members may better locate the load on the support surface .

[0019] The support surface may be part of a load-carrying garment .

[0020] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of attaching a load to a support surface , wherein the support surface has a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations and the load has a load surface with a plural ity of spaced aligned load attachment formations , wherein the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , and the method includes inserting a resil iently deformable securing member through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load surface attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .

[0021] The attachment formations of one of the support surface and the load surface may comprise the spaced al igned slots in the surface and the attachment formations of the other of the support surface and the load surface comprise a plurality of spaced aligned loops , wherein the securing member pas ses through the spaced al igned slots and the plurality of spaced aligned loops to attach the load to the support surface . Alternatively, the attachment formations of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned s lots in the surface , wherein the securing member pas ses through the spaced aligned slots in the support surface and the spaced aligned s lots in the load surface .

[0022] In the embodiment to be described, prior to insertion, the securing member is separate from ( i . e . not attached to and not formed with) the support surface and the load .

[0023] The securing member may have a f irst , insertion, end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is passed through the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface . The second end may have a width greater than a width of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface so that the second end cannot pass through the attachment formations having a lesser width . The first end may be passed through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in one direction to attach the load to the support surface but is configured to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to the first- mentioned direction .

[0024] The securing member may comprise a generally planar main elongate body, wherein the first end includes an additional generally planar portion that is folded back over the main elongate body and engages at least one of the attachment formations to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to the first- mentioned direction . The additional generally planar portion, in its natural state , may extend obliquely from the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations but is resil iently deformed to l ie generally paral lel to the main elongate body as it passes through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in the first-mentioned direction .

[0025] The method may include providing two or more securing members , each securing member being inserted through a series of the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and a series of the plural ity of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .

[0026] Embodiments of the invention may improve the method of installing or removing the loads onto / from the support surface. One of the problems of a conventional MACS / MOLLE systems is that installing or removing the load onto the support surface is difficult to achieve easily and rapidly. For example a change of a pistol type can need a different pocket. The conventional systems rely on lacing the flexible webbing straps through another set of webbing straps (the retaining straps) which is a "fiddly" and quite difficult technique. This can often need to be done in a hurry and in poor light. Embodiments of the invention may be much easier and simpler to use as sliding the semi-rigid / f lexible securing member, strap or band (e.g. a thin plastic or polycarbonate strip) , which is not attached to either the load or the support surface, between the two sets of slots or a set of slots on the load and a set of webbings on the support surface, is relatively simple. The arrangement has low friction and it is easy to guide the securing member through the two sets of slots (or one set of slots and one set of webbings) .

[0027] Embodiments of the invention may be simple and low cost to manufacture. Slots can be cut into the back of the load, typically on a laser cutter against a program on the laser cutter. Slots can be cut on the back of the load surface prior to assembly (e.g. by a laser cutter against a program on the laser cutter) and no other manufacturing process is needed. The load is then simply assembled. In comparison, arrangements such as in US 11129466 involve a complicated process that requires cutting, folding and machining on a sewing machine of the straps. The securing member, strap or band of the embodiments may be laser cut or punched out from a semi-rigid, flexible plastic sheet in quantity and require no other assembly process.

[0028] In the embodiments to be described, the securing members are separate components are not attached to or coupled with the load and support surface prior to use. The top of the securing member may have a section wider that prevents thesecuring member being inserted too far and the other end can be folded back to form a "barb" to prevent it being withdrawn too easily .

[0029] The load and / or the support surface can be manufactured with a flap that protects the securing member being withdrawn too easily or accidental ly ( e . g . by catching on another item when the assembly i s moved) . As mentioned above , the second end of the securing member may have a width greater than a width of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface so that the second end cannot pass through the attachment formations having a lesser width . The load and / or the support surface may have a flap of material formed thereon that overlies the second end of the securing member after the securing member is correctly pos itioned . The second end of the securing member is therefore less li kely to catch or snag another component as it is hidden behind the flap .

[0030] The attachment system may be used for securing l i fej ackets to body armour .

[0031] The securing member can pas s behind existing loads , pockets , etc . that have been attached to the support surface , occupying the same portion of s lots / webbing without interference .

[0032] The attachment system may allow the load to s it flush to the support surface so there is no or a reduced snagging hazard .

[0033] Embodiments of the invention may al low a user to feed the attachment formations onto the support surface without interfering with an existing current set up of other loads mounted on the same support surface .

[0034] The attachment system may anchor its associated load (e . g . a bladder of a li fej acket or other li fe preserver unit )into the best pos ition to enhance the performance of the load / li fe j acket . Anchoring a l i fej acket on the correct pos ition on the user' s body is important to getting the performance from the bladder, and embodiments may allow the li fej acket to anchor into place onto the load-carrying garment without a ffecting the set-up of other loads on the body armour .

[0035] The load may be fixed at the front and the back of a load-carrying garment with securing members which run through the attachment formations of the load-carrying garment at the front and the back .BRIEF DESCRI PTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] For a better understanding o f the present invention embodiments will now be described by way of example , with reference to the accompanying drawings , in which :

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a known load-carrying garment in the form of a military j acket including rows of webbing and with loads in the form of an inflatable lifej acket and two equipment packs attached to the garment ;

[0038] Figure 2 is an elevation of a known equipment pack having a mounting surface carrying rows of loops and two parallel elongate securing webbings extending from the pack;

[0039] Figure 3 is a partial s ide elevation of the pack of Figure 2 against the garment of Figure 1 with the loops of the pack between the loops of the garment and the securing webbings fed through the loops in a f irst stage of attachment ;

[0040] Figure 4 is a s imilar view to Figure 4 but showing a second stage of attachment ;

[0041] Figure 5 shows part of a support surface , in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, which may be part of a load-carrying garment ;

[0042] Figure 6 shows a rear perspective view of a load, inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention, which may be part of an equipment pack;

[0043] Figure 7 shows a front perspective view of a securing member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 8 shows a rear perspective view of the load of Figure 6 to which two securing members of Figure 7 are attached;

[0045] Figure 9 shows a front perspective view the load of Figure 6 that is attached to the support surface of Figure 5 by two securing members of Figure 7 ;

[0046] Figure 10 shows a cross-section taken along line A-A of Figure 9 ; and

[0047] Figure 11 shows a cross-section similar to that of Figure 10 in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention .

[0048] In the drawings , li ke elements are generally designated with the same reference sign .DETAILED DESCRI PTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0049] Referring f irst to Figure 1 , a known load-carrying garment 10 such as a military j acket has le ft and right front panel s 11A, 11B overlying the chest of a wearer and meeting at the centre of the chest , and arms 12 for receiving the arms of a wearer . The left and right front panels 11A, 11B are both provided with rows of webbing 13 . The rows are parallel to but spaced from one another and, when the j acket is worn and the wearer upright, the rows are horizontal . The webbing may be arranged in accordance with the MOLLE speci fication . The webbing may be a MACS system (Modular Attachment Carrier System) , available f rom Survitec Group Ltd .

[0050] Each row is formed by a single length of webbing 13 that is woven in known fashion from cotton or arti ficial fibresor a mixture of both and has a width of about 25mm (although any suitable flexible material may be used) . Each length of webbing 13 is stitched (or otherwise connected) to the associated panel 11A, 11B at its ends and at equidistant intervals between its ends along stitch lines 14, each stitch line 14 creating an attachment section. The spacing between the stitch lines 14 is about 38 mm. Each webbing length 13 thus forms a succession of attached portions and unattached loops 15 along its length. The loops 15 formed by one row are vertically aligned with the loops of the next adjacent rows.

[0051] The function of the loops 15 is to allow the attachment to the garment of various loads. As seen in Figure 1, these may include a packed inflatable lifejacket 16 and equipment packs 17.

[0052] As described so far, the arrangement is as the known MOLLE system.

[0053] One such known equipment pack 17 is shown in Figures 2 and 3. Referring to those Figures, the equipment pack 17 is of generally rectangular cross-section with a front wall 19 (see Figure 1) connected to a back wall 20 by a side wall 21. The back wall 20 carries five lines of webbing 22 connected to the back wall 20 by stitching lines 23 to form loops 24. The width of the lines of webbing 22 and the spacing of the stitching lines 22 is as described above with reference to the webbings 13 and the stitching lines 14, with the exception of the lowermost line of webbing 18, which abuts the next succeeding webbing 21, for a purpose to be described below.

[0054] Two securing webbings 25a, 25b are attached to an upper end of the back wall 20 of the equipment pack 17 and, in the position shown in Figure 2, extend in parallel directions that are aligned with the loops 24. Each securing webbing 25a, 25b has a proximal portion 26 that is formed from unmodified flexible webbing material. The distal portion 27, however, of each securing webbing 25a, 25b is stiffened so that the distalportion 27 is straight and self-supporting when unloaded.

[0055] The stiffness is such that the distal portion 27 can be flexed, for a purpose to be described below, and will then return back to an unflexed straightened disposition.

[0056] The equipment pack 17 is attached to the ensemble 10 in the following way, with reference to Figures 3 and 4. First, the back wall 20 of the equipment pack 17 is placed against the front panel 11 of the ensemble 10 so that each webbing 22 on the back wall 20 is located between respective pairs of webbings 13 on the front panel 11. Thus the front panel loops 15 and back wall loops 24 are arranged in an aligned succession to define parallel paths through the loops 15, 24. There is one exception to this, as seen in Figures 3 and 4 the lowermost webbing 18 on the back wall 20 is aligned with a webbing 13 on the front panel 11 so that their respective loops are aligned. Next, the stiffened distal portion 27 of each securing webbing 25a, 25b is fed through successively through a front panel loop 15 and a back wall loop 24 until the stiffened distal portion 27 emerges from the front panel loop 15 adjacent the lower edge of the equipment pack 17. The stiffness of the distal end 27 right up to the free end makes this a relatively simple task and prevents the free end of the distal portion 27 folding as it is inserted. Since the stiffened distal portion 27 is substantially the same length as the proximal portion 26, which, in turn has of necessity to be of sufficient length to extend through all the aligned loops 15, 24 to allow the proximal portion 26 to extend through one path formed by a succession of aligned loops 15, 24, the part of the distal portion 27 adjacent the proximal portion26 will still be exposed as the free end of the distal portion27 is emerging from the lowermost loop Once the distal portion 27 emerges from the lower-most front panel loop 15, the remainder of the securing webbing 24, 28 can be drawn through the path formed by the loops 15, 24 by pulling on the free end until the flexible proximal portion 26 extends through the loops 15 and 24 and the distal portion 27 is beyond the path and hangingfreely .

[0057] The free end of the distal portion 27 can then be flexed and the free end of the distal portion 27 passed up firstly through the two lowermost loops 24 on the back wall 20 and then through successive front panel loops 13 (see Figure 4) and back wall loops 22 along the path formed by the loops 15, 24 to lock the end of the securing webbing 25a, 25b. The resilience of the distal portion 27 causes the distal portion 27 to revert to a straightened or substantially straightened orientation once it has entered the loops 15, 24. This insertion continues until the free end of the distal portion 27 emerges from the uppermost of the back wall loops 15 entered by the webbing 24, 28 (see Figure 4) . Due to the stiffness of the distal portion 27, this provides a geometrical lock for the end of the securing webbing 25a, 25b. Loads applied to the equipment pack 17, 18 will not result in the webbings releasing.

[0058] Such an arrangement is described in W02010046664. Although the arrangement of Figures 1 to 4 is an improvement upon an arrangement like that in WO2006 / 116952 having flexible webbings, the arrangement of Figures 1 to 4 is still complex to manufacture and use.

[0059] An attachment system in accordance with embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 11 of the drawings.

[0060] Referring first to Figure 5, part of a load-carrying support surface 50 is shown that includes attachment formations for attaching a load thereto. The load-carrying support surface 50 may, for example, be part of a load-carrying garment such as a military jacket worn by military personnel. The load-carrying support surface 50 may, for example, be formed of fabric. The load-carrying support surface 50 may, for example, be provided in a position overlying the left and right side of the chest of a wearer. The attachment formations of the load-carrying support surface 50 may be rows of load-carrying slots 52. The rows ofslots 52 are parallel to but spaced from one another and, when a garment comprising the load-carrying support surface 50 is worn and the wearer upright, the rows of slots 52 are horizontal.

[0061] Each slot 52 may be formed by cutting the loadcarrying support surface 50. For example, laser cutting may be used. In Figure 5 the slots 52 are shown as narrow slits having a main linear portion 54 (extending horizontally in use) and having a smaller slit 56 at each end (and may have the form of flaps in the surface) . The smaller slits 56 extend generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicularly to the main linear portion 54. The smaller slits 56 extend vertically upwardly in use.

[0062] The slots 52 may have a different shape. For example, the slots 52 may be narrow rectangular slots (as shown in Figure6) .

[0063] The slots 52 are horizontally spaced apart at equal intervals sh. The slots 52 are vertically spaced apart at equal intervals sv. Each slot may conveniently have a length 1 (measured in the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 5) of about 38 mm. This size corresponds to the size of the webbing loops of a MOLLE system.

[0064] The function of the slots 52 is to allow the attachment to load-carrying support surface 50 of various loads.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an example of a load 60 for attachment to the load-carrying support surface 50. In this example, the load 60 is an equipment pack. The equipment pack is of generally rectangular cross-section with a front wall 61 (see Figure 10) connected to a back wall 62 by a side wall 64. The back wall 62 includes a load support surface 66. The load support surface 66 includes attachment formations to enable it to be attached to the load-carrying support surface 50.

[0066] The load support surface 66 may, for example, be formed of fabric. The attachment formations of the load-carryingsupport surface 50 may be rows of load slots 68. The rows of slots 68 are parallel to but spaced from one another and, when the load 60 is attached to a garment comprising the load-carrying support surface 50 and the wearer upright, the rows of slots 68 are horizontal.

[0067] Each slot 68 may be formed by cutting the load support surface 66. For example, laser cutting may be used. In Figure 6 the slots 68 are shown as narrow rectangular slots.

[0068] The slots 68 may have a different shape. For example, the slots 68 may be narrow slits having a main linear portion (extending horizontally in use) and having a smaller slit at each end - similar to the load-carrying slots 52 of Figure 5. The smaller slits may extend generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicularly to the main linear portion. The smaller slits extend vertically upwardly in use.

[0069] The load slots 66 are horizontally spaced apart at equal intervals Ih. The interval Ih is preferably equal to the interval sh. The load slots 68 are vertically spaced apart at equal intervals Iv. The interval Iv is preferably equal to the interval sv. Each load slot 68 may conveniently have a length 1' (measured in the horizontal direction, as shown in Figure 6) of about 38 mm. This size corresponds to the size of the webbing loops of a MOLLE system.

[0070] Figure 7 shows a resiliently deformable (and / or rigid / semi-rigid) securing member 70 configured to attach the load 60 to the support surface 50 by cooperation with the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load surface attachment formations. In this embodiment, the securing member 70 comprises an elongate strip of resiliently deformable material. The securing member 70 may be semi-rigid. The securing member 70 has a main body 72, first, insertion, end 74, and a second end 76 opposite the first end 74. The main body 72, first end 74 and second end 76 may be integrally formed as a single component. The securing member may be formed by cutting out a suitable shape from a single sheetof polycarbonate or other plastic material .

[0071] The main body 72 of the securing member 70 may be a generally planar elongate body and may for example be generally rectangular . The main body 72 has a width w that is less than or equal to the length 1 / 1 ' of the attachment formations of the support surface 50 and the load surface 60 ( the slots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) . For example , the width w may be les s than or equal to 38mm .

[0072] The first end 74 is conf igured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations ( the slots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) to attach the load 60 to the support surface 50 .

[0073] The second end 76 has a width w' greater than a length 1 / 1 ' of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface 50 and the load surface 60 ( the slots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) so that the second end 76 cannot pass through the attachment formations having a length 1 / 1 ' less than the width w. The width w' of the second end 76 i s also greater than the width w of the main body 72 . The securing member 70 may have a generally T shape where the second end 76 meets the main body 72 .

[0074] The first end 74 is configured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations ( the s lots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) in an insertion direction i to attach the load 60 to the support surface 50 but to res ist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to the insertion direction . The first end 74 may comprise a barb-li ke formation .

[0075] The f irst end 74 may include an additional generally planar portion that 78 that is folded back over the main body 72 to engage at least one of the attachment formations ( theslots 52 and / or 68 in this embodiment ) to resist the passage through the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations ( the slots 52 in this embodiment ) and the plurality of the load attachment formations ( the s lots 68 in this embodiment ) in a direction opposite to insertion direction .

[0076] The additional generally planar portion 78 , in its natural (unloaded) state , extends obliquely from the main body 72 to engage at least one of the attachment formations (the s lots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) . For example , the additional generally planar portion 78 may extends at an angle a ( see Figure 8 ) of about 45 degrees to the main body 72 . The additional general ly planar portion 78 is resiliently deformable from its natural ( unloaded) state to lie general ly paral lel to the main body 72 so that it can pass through the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations ( the slots 52 and 68 in this embodiment ) in the insertion direction i . The additional generally planar portion 78 may have a length la greater than the interval sv and Iv.

[0077] The securing member 70 is formed separately from the support surface 50 and the load 60 . This al lows the securing member to be formed from a material optimised for the functionality of the securing member , and allows easy handling of the securing member 70 as its movement is not restricted by any attachment to the support surface 50 and the load 60 . The securing member 70 may be formed from any suitable res il iently de formable material , such as plastics or polycarbonate . The securing member 70 may be laser cut from a suitable sheet of resiliently deformable material . The additional general ly planar portion 78 at the f irst end 74 may be formed by folding the sheet of material back on itsel f along a folding l ine 79 in such a way that the additional generally planar portion 78 has the obl ique orientation described above in its natural (unloaded) state .

[0078] More than one securing member 70 have be used toattach the load 60 to the support surface 50

[0079] To illustrate the use of the securing member 70 , Figure 8 shows the securing member 70 coupled to the load 60 . In practice the securing member 70 is coupled to both the load 60 and the support surface 50 in order to connect the load 60 to the support surface 50 ( as wil l be described later ) . The first end 74 of the securing member 70 is inserted downwardly through a first slot 68 -1 in the load support surface 66 of the load 60 so that it passes behind the load support surface 66 , between the load support surface 66 and the back wall 62 of the load 60 ( i f the back wall 62 extends behind the load support surface 60 ) . After further downward movement of the securing member 70 , the securing member 70 is passed out through a second s lot 68 -2 and in front of the load support surface 66. After further downward movement of the securing member 70 , the securing member 70 is passed in through a third slot 68-3 and in behind the load support surface 66 . As the downward movement continues , the securing member 70 is passed in front of and behind the load support surface 66 as it passes through success ive slots 68 . As the securing member 70 passes through the s lots the additional generally planar portion 78 is deformed so that it lies general ly parallel to the main body 72 .

[0080] Towards the end of the downward travel of the securing member 70 , the f irst end 74 passes out through a lower slot 68 - n and is not inserted through any subsequent lower slot . As the distal end of the additional generally planar portion 78 emerges from the lower s lot 68-n is resiles and returns to its natural ( unloaded) orientation, extending obliquely to the main surface 72 , due to the resil ient deformability of the securing member 70 . In this orientation the additional generally planar portion 78 resists movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction as the additional general ly planar portion 78 will abut the slot 68 -n where it is folded along the line 79

[0081] When the second end 76 reaches the s lot 68 -1 , further downward movement of the securing member 70 in the insertiondirection 1 is inhibited as the as the width w' of the second end 76 prevents the second end 76 from pas sing through the slot 68 -1 .

[0082] The load 60 may be attached to the support surface 50 in the following way, with reference to Figures 8 , 9 and 10 . First , the back wall 62 and load support surface 66 of the load 60 is placed against the load-carrying support surface 50 so that the slots 68 of the load support surface 66 and the slots 52 of the load-carrying support surface 50 are facing and aligned with each other . Next , the f irst end 74 of the securing member 70 is fed through a first slot 52-1 of the support surface 50 . The first end 74 of the securing member 70 then emerges from the s lot 52-2 below of support surface 50 and passes through the al igned slot 68-2 of the load 60 . The secur ing member 70 then passes over the load support surface 66 (and the load-carrying support surface 50 ) and then is inserted through the next slot 68-3 below of the support surface 66 and through the aligned s lot 52-3 of the support surface 50 and so also passes behind the load-carrying support surface 50 (and the load support surface 66 ) . As the downward movement of the securing member 70 continues , the securing member 70 is passed in front of and behind the load support surface 66 and the load-carrying support surface 50 as it passes through successive aligned slots 52 and 68 .

[0083] As the securing member 70 passes through the slots 52 and 68 the additional generally planar portion 78 is deformed so that it lies general ly parallel to the main body 72 .

[0084] Towards the end of the downward travel of the securing member 70 , the first end 74 passes out through a lower slot 52 / 68 -n and is not inserted through any subsequent lower slot . As the distal end of the additional generally planar portion 78 emerges from the lower slot 52 / 68 -n is res iles and returns to its natural ( unloaded) orientation, extending obliquely to the main surface 72 , due to the resil ient deformability of the securing member 70 . In this orientation the additional generallyplanar portion 78 resi sts movement in the direction oppos ite to the insertion direction as the additional general ly planar portion 78 wil l abut the lower slot 52 / 68-n where it is folded along the line 79 .

[0085] When the second end 76 reaches the s lot 52-1 , further downward movement of the securing member 70 in the insertion direction i is inhibited as the as the width w' of the second end 76 prevents the second end 76 from pass ing through the slot 52-1 .

[0086] Figure 10 is a cross-section taken along l ine A-A of Figure 9 and shows the passage of the securing member 70 through the s lots 52 and 68 .

[0087] An adj acent pair of slots 51- 1 and 51-2 of the support surface 50 can be considered to correspond in functionality to a front panel loop 15 of the load-carrying garment 10 of Figures 1 to 4 . An adj acent pair of s lots 68-2 and 68 -3 of the load support surface 66 can be considered to correspond in functionality to a loop 24 of the equipment pack 17 of Figures 1 to 4 . However , the s lots are easier to manufacture that the loops . Further , the semi-rigid / res il iently deformable securing member 70 may co-operate with the slots to hold the load support surface 66 closer to the load-carrying support surface 50 than would be pos sible the loops and the f lexible securing webbings 25a , 25b of Figures 1 to 4 .

[0088] In one alternative embodiment , only the load support surface 66 is provided with slots 68 , and the load-carrying support surface 50 i s provided with webbing loops 82 li ke the front panel loops 15 of the load-carrying garment 10 of Figures 1 to 4 . Figure 11 is a cross-section corresponding to that of Figure 10 but the passage of the securing member 70 through the loops 82 and the slots 68 of such an alternative embodiment . In this embodiment the securing member 70 passes through the loops 82 and the slots 68 as described below .

[0089] The load 60 is attached to the support surface 50 inthe following way, with reference to 11 . First , the back wal l 62 and load support surface 66 of the load 60 is placed against the support surface 50 so that the slots 68 of the load support surface 66 and the loops 82 of the load-carrying support surface 50 are facing and al igned with each other . Next , the first end 74 of the securing member 70 is fed through a first loop 82 of the support surface 50 . The first end 74 of the securing member 70 then emerges from the first loop 82 of support surface 50 and pas ses through the aligned slot 68 -2 of the load 60 . The securing member 70 then passes over the load support surface 66 and then is inserted through the next slot 68-3 below of the support surface 66 and through the second loop 82 of the support surface 50 (below the f irst loop 82 - as shown in Figure 11 ) and so al so passes behind the support surface 66 . As the downward movement of the securing member 70 continues , the securing member 70 i s passed in front of and behind the load support surface 66 as it pas ses through success ive al igned slots loops 82 and slots 68 .

[0090] As the securing member 70 passes through the loops 82 and s lots 68 the additional general ly planar portion 78 is deformed so that it lies generally parallel to the main body 72 .

[0091] Towards the end of the downward travel of the securing member 70 , the first end 74 passes out through a lower slot 68- n and is not inserted through any subsequent lower slot . As the distal end of the additional generally planar portion 78 emerges from the lower s lot 68 -n it resiles and returns to its natural (unloaded) orientation, extending obliquely to the main surface 72 , due to the resil ient deformabi lity of the securing member 70 . In this orientation the additional general ly planar portion 78 res ists movement in the direction opposite to the insertion direction as the additional general ly planar portion 78 wi ll abut the lower slot 68 -n where it is folded along the line 79 .

[0092] When the second end 76 reaches the first loop 82 , further downward movement of the securing member 70 in the insertion direction i is inhibited as the as the width w' of the second end 76 prevents the second end 76 f rom passing throughthe first loop 82.

[0093] In another alternative embodiment only the loadcarrying support surface 50 is provided with slots 68, and the load support surface 66 is provided with webbing loops like the loops 24 of the equipment pack 17 of Figures 1 to 4. In this embodiment the securing member 70 passes through the loops and the slots 52 in a similar manner to that described in relation to Figure 11.

[0094] The ensemble described above is intended primarily for use in military environment. There is also, however, a requirement for an attachment system that has wider application, and the attachment system of the present invention may be used in these applications. Such an attachment system could be used by persons needing to carry personal equipment that depends on mission requirements. Examples of such persons are soldiers, sailors, aircrew, emergency services, police, paramilitary services and rescue services. The equipment can be selected in accordance with different types of missions or activities that may be determined by, for example, environment (for example, hot weather, cold weather, cold sea) , the type of mission (for example, land missions, water missions or air missions) , types of warfare (for example, nuclear, biological, chemical or conventional) and types of threats requiring protection (ballistic high velocity, shrapnel low velocity ballistics, shock explosives) .

[0095] Of course, may types of load may be attached to the support surface 50. For example, first aid equipment may be attached and survival equipment, such as flares, radio and radio beacons, may be attached. In addition, emergency breathing equipment may be attached or a personal lowering device may be attached. The load may be any item that can usefully be carried by the wearer, such as pockets, holsters (e.g. for a weapon) , communication equipment and first aid supplies.

[0096] The slots 52 and 68 are shown and described asextending hori zontally when the wearer is upright . While this is preferred, this need not be the case . The slots could have any desired orientation relative to the wearer .

[0097] Although the invention has been described with reference to a MOLLE system, and the dimensions thereof , it should be understood that the invention may be used in other systems having di f ferent dimensions .

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An attachment system including a support surface having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations , a load having a load surface with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations , and a resiliently deformable securing member configured to attach the load to the support surface , wherein the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , and wherein the securing member is configured to pas s through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .2 . The attachment system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment formations of one of the support surface and the load surface comprise the spaced al igned slots in the surface and the attachment formations of the other of the support surface and the load surface comprise a plurality of spaced aligned loops , wherein the securing member is conf igured to pass through the spaced aligned slots and the plurali ty of spaced aligned loops to attach the load to the support surface .3 . The attachment system of claim 1 , wherein the attachment formations of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , wherein the securing member is configured to pas s through the spaced aligned s lots in the support surface and the spaced aligned slots in the load surface to attach the load to the support surface .4 . A load system including a load having a load surface with a plurality o f spaced aligned load attachment formations , and a resiliently deformable securing member configured to attach the load to a support surface having a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations , wherein the attachment formations of the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , and wherein the securing member is conf igured to pas s through the plurality of the support surface attachmentformations and the spaced al igned slots in the load surface to attach the load to the support surface .5 . The attachment system of claim 1 , 2 or 3 , or the load system of claim 4 , wherein the securing member is formed separately from the support surface and the load .6 . The attachment system or load system of any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the securing member comprises an elongate strip of resiliently deformable material .7 . The attachment system or load system of any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the securing member is semi-rigid .8 . The attachment system or load system of any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the securing member has a f irst , insertion , end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first end is conf igured to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .9 . The attachment system or load system of claim 8 , wherein the second end has a width greater than a width of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface so that the second end cannot pass through the attachment formations having a lesser width .10 . The attachment system or load system of claim 8 or 9 , wherein the first end is conf igured to pass through the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations in one direction to attach the load to the support surface but to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to said direction .11 . The attachment system or load system of claim 10 , wherein the first end includes a barb formation .12 . The attachment system or load system of claim 10 or 11 , wherein the securing member comprises a generally planar main elongate body, wherein the first end includes an additional generally planar portion that is folded back over the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a di rection opposite to said direction . 13 . The attachment system or load system of claim 12 , wherein the additional generally planar portion, in its natural state , extends obliquely from the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations in use but is resiliently deformable to lie generally parallel to the main elongate body to pass through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations in said direction .14 . The attachment system or load system of any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the securing member i s one of two or more securing members , each securing member extending through a series of the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and a series of the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface to attach the load to the support surface .15 . The attachment system or load system of any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the support surface is part of a load-carrying garment .16 . A method of attaching a load to a support surface , wherein : the support surface has a plurality of spaced aligned support surface attachment formations and the load has a load surface with a plurality of spaced aligned load attachment formations , wherein the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface compri se spaced aligned slots in the surface , and the method includes inserting a resil iently deformable securing member through the plurality of the support surfaceattachment formations and the plurality of the load surface attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the attachment formations of one of the support surface and the load surface comprise the spaced aligned slots in the surface and the attachment formations of the other of the support surface and the load surface comprise a plurality of spaced aligned loops , wherein the securing member passes through the spaced al igned slots and the plurality of spaced aligned loops to attach the load to the support surface .18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the attachment formations of the support surface and the load surface comprise spaced aligned slots in the surface , wherein the securing member passes through the spaced aligned s lots in the support surface and the spaced al igned slots in the load surface .19 . The method of claim 16 , 17 or 18 , wherein, prior to insertion, the securing member is separate from the support surface and the load .20 . The method of any one of claims 16 to 19 , wherein the securing member has a f irst , insertion, end and a second end opposite the f irst end, wherein the f irst end is passed through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plural ity of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .21 . The method of claim 20 , wherein the second end has a width greater than a width of the attachment formations of at least one of the support surface and the load surface so that the second end cannot pass through the attachment formations having a les ser width .22 . The method of claim 20 or 21 , wherein the first end is passed through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in one direction to attach the load to the support surface butis configured to resist the passage through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality o f the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to said direction .23 . The method of any one of claims 16 to 22 , wherein the securing member comprises a generally planar main elongate body , wherein the first end includes an additional generally planar portion that is folded back over the main elongate body and engages at least one of the attachment formations to resist the passage through the plural ity of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in a direction opposite to said direction, and wherein, optionally, the additional generally planar portion , in its natural state , extends obliquely from the main elongate body to engage at least one of the attachment formations but is res iliently deformed to lie general ly parallel to the main elongate body as it passes through the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and the plurality of the load attachment formations in said direction .24 . The method of any one of claims 16 to 23 , including providing two or more securing members , each securing member being inserted through a series of the plurality of the support surface attachment formations and a series of the plurality of the load attachment formations to attach the load to the support surface .25 . The method of any one o f claims 16 to 24 , wherein the support surface is part of a load-carrying garment .

Images