Quick Release Garment Latches with Pull Cord Redeployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quick release mechanisms for load-bearing vest-style garments, while effective for rapid removal, often require tedious reassembly processes, hindering rapid redeployment in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a set of releasable mechanical latches with a pull cord or cable configuration, allowing single-handed simultaneous release and re-engagement, facilitated by a multiplex coupling device, enabling the garment to be quickly removed and reattached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single draw cable or cord is used to release multiple garment components simultaneously, then the quick release function is achieved, but the reassembly process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The garment fastening system is segmented into multiple independent mechanical latches distributed at different locations (waist, shoulders, sides). Each latch can be independently engaged or released, allowing the garment to be quickly detached by releasing all latches simultaneously via pull cords, while reassembly can be done sequentially by engaging each latch individually, eliminating the need to re-thread a single cable through multiple loops.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical latches serve as intermediary devices between the pull cords and the garment panels. The latches include latch elements with biased engaged positions and release mechanisms that respond to cord tension. This intermediary mechanism allows simple pull-cord operation for release while enabling straightforward manual engagement for reassembly, resolving the contradiction between quick release and easy reassembly.
2Strength
If multiple Velcro primary fasteners are used to secure the garment, then the garment can be firmly attached to the wearer's body, but the doffing process becomes slower
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two functional layers: Velcro fasteners provide distributed attachment strength across the garment surface, while separate mechanical latches at key locations (waist, shoulders) provide rapid release capability. This segmentation allows the garment to remain firmly attached during normal wear while enabling quick doffing by releasing the latch elements without having to manually separate all Velcro fasteners.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different fastening mechanisms - Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners for secure attachment and mechanical latches with pull-cord release for rapid doffing. These systems work together complementarily: the Velcro provides overall garment security and positioning, while the latches enable emergency or quick removal. This merged system resolves the contradiction between strong attachment and fast doffing.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of a quick release garment can be provided. The exemplary garment can include a plurality of co-operable garment panels, which when interconnected, can form a garment in a condition wrapped about an upper torso of a person, a plurality releasable mechanical latches, each latch having a first and a second portion and at least one latch element biased towards an engaged condition, releasably engageable to interconnect the garment panels, and a release arrangement operable in a single operation to release the latches. Further, the latches can be structured so that the single operation allows the garment to fall from the upper torso, and the garment can thereafter be rapidly restorable to the condition wrapped about the upper torso by re-engaging each of the latches by pushing the first and second portions together against the bias to re-engage the latch element(s).