US20110209260A1 - Plate Carrier - Google Patents
Plate Carrier Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110209260A1 US20110209260A1 US13/032,610 US201113032610A US2011209260A1 US 20110209260 A1 US20110209260 A1 US 20110209260A1 US 201113032610 A US201113032610 A US 201113032610A US 2011209260 A1 US2011209260 A1 US 2011209260A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carrier
- strap
- armor
- rear portion
- front portion
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
- F41H1/00—Personal protection gear
- F41H1/02—Armoured or projectile- or missile-resistant garments; Composite protection fabrics
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to body armor systems and, more specifically, to plate carrier devices and systems.
- a plate carrier is worn by a person around the torso and over the shoulders and houses armor plates, ballistic packs, and other forms of soft armor protection. This armor within the plate carrier provides ballistic and fragmentation protection to the wearer.
- the present invention provides plate carrier devices and systems that provide a wearer added comfort and allow for the quick and easy removal of armor.
- the carrier may include a front portion, a rear portion, and side panels, each of which can include pockets for holding armor plates.
- the side panels and shoulder straps may connect the front portion to the rear portion.
- the carrier may also include a carrier release mechanism for removal of the carrier.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an armor carrier as worn by a wearer, the armor carrier comprising a front portion, a rear portion, two side panels, and a plurality of buckles and waist straps, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are secured, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates an inside view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 8 illustrates a view of a shoulder strap of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 9 illustrates a closer view of a rear end of the shoulder strap illustrated in FIG. 8 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a front-side view of the armor carrier, wherein the buckles are in a secured position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11 illustrates a front-side view of the armor carrier, wherein the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 11A illustrates a detailed view of the waist straps and the buckles of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12 illustrates a view of the inside of one of the side panels of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 13 illustrates a rear-side view of the armor carrier when worn by the wearer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 14 illustrates a view of the inside of the rear portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 15 illustrates another view of the inside of the rear portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 illustrates a view of the inside of the front portion of the armor carrier, showing a carrier release mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 17 illustrates an opening and pocket for an armor plate for the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 18 illustrates another view of the opening and pocket for an armor plate for the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 19 illustrates another view of the inside of the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- aramid fiber such as Kevlar®, ceramic, and other ballistic grade materials to manufacture armor plates
- a wearer must still bear the physical weight of the armor plates while maintaining combat effectiveness.
- an armor carrier to provide for added comfort while at the same time allowing for quick and easy removal by the wearer.
- Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide devices and systems for providing a wearer the ability to carry and wear armor and quickly and easily remove such armor when needed.
- An exemplary embodiment of such devices and systems comprises an armor carrier which provides a wearer added comfort while still allowing for the quick and easy removal of armor through removal of the armor carrier.
- the armor carrier may include a front portion, a rear portion, and side panels, each of which may include pockets for holding armor plates and/or soft armor packs.
- the armor carrier may further include shoulder straps, which together with the side panels, connect the front portion to the rear portion of the armor carrier.
- the armor carrier may also include a carrier release mechanism for quick removal of the armor carrier by and from the wearer.
- FIG. 1 there is illustrated an exemplary front view of an armor carrier, generally designated as 100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates the armor carrier 100 as worn by a wearer 10 .
- the armor carrier 100 comprises a front panel or portion 102 and a pair of side panels or portions 150 .
- the armor carrier 100 further comprises a bottom end 108 , a top end 106 , a head opening 308 , and shoulder straps 300 at the top end 106 of the armor carrier 100 .
- the armor carrier 100 includes a plurality of buckles 408 which secure the armor carrier 100 to the wearer 10 .
- the buckles 408 may be opened by the wearer 10 to remove the armor carrier 100 from the wearer 10 .
- the armor carrier 100 includes a release pull strap 504 , as illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the release pull strap 504 forms part of a carrier release mechanism 500 for quickly removing the armor carrier 100 .
- the release pull strap 504 is any device capable of being pulled by the wearer 10 of the armor carrier 100 to achieve the features of the carrier release mechanism 500 .
- the carrier release mechanism 500 is described in further detail below with respect to FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 2 there is illustrated an exemplary rear view of the armor carrier 100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the rear view shows that the armor carrier 100 further comprises a rear panel or portion 104 .
- a rear handle 110 secured to the rear portion 104 is a rear handle 110 , which allows for pulling the wearer 10 when he has become immobilized.
- the rear handle 110 may be any device capable of being grabbed by a hand and pulled and remaining attached to the rear portion 104 while the wearer 10 is pulled.
- each of the pair of side panels 150 connects a side of the front portion 102 to a respective side of the rear portion 104 .
- Each side panel 150 is releasably connected to the front portion 102 by a pair of the buckles 408 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates the buckles 408 in their closed positions securing the side panels 150 to the front portion 102 .
- each of the buckles 408 is a side release buckle comprising a male buckle member (a hook end) and a female buckle member (a catch end).
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary front view of the armor carrier 100 showing the armor carrier 100 as it has been removed from the wearer 10 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the buckles 408 are opened such that each side panel 150 is no longer releasably attached the front portion 102 .
- FIG. 4 additionally shows that the front portion 102 is connected to the rear portion 104 by the shoulder straps 300 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a further exemplary rear view of the armor carrier 100 showing the armor carrier 100 as it has been removed from the wearer 10 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the buckles 408 are opened such that each side panel 150 is no longer releasably attached to the front portion 102 .
- FIG. 5 additionally shows that the armor carrier 100 further includes a plurality of waist straps 402 . An end of each of the waist straps 402 is anchored to the rear portion 104 to connect a side panel 150 to the rear portion 104 .
- the waist straps 402 span the side panels 150 and form respective portions of MOLLE webbing along the side panels 150 .
- the waist straps 402 span across an entire width of the side panels 150 in parallel, and an end of each waist straps 402 opposite its anchored end is coupled to one of the buckles 408 .
- the buckles 408 are side release buckles
- the male buckle member of each side release buckle is coupled to the end of each waist strap 402 opposite its anchored end for connection to a respective female buckle member connected to the front portion 102 .
- the portions of the buckles 408 illustrated therein are female buckle members.
- FIG. 6 there is illustrated an exemplary top view of the armor carrier 100 as it has been removed from the wearer 10 but with the buckles 408 secured, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- This figure provides an additional view of the shoulder portions 300 and how they connect the front portion 102 to the rear portion 104 and provide a space for the head opening 308 .
- Also illustrated in the figure is a top view of the release pull strap 504 and the rear handle 110 .
- FIG. 7 shows an inside view of the armor carrier 100 as it has been removed from the wearer 10 and with the buckles 408 opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can been seen in the figure, the armor carrier 100 is generally flat when unbuckled and removed from the wearer 10 .
- the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 of the armor carrier 100 include a plurality of openings for receiving armor.
- the armor may be positioned between inner and outer layers of the material forming the armor carrier 100 .
- the armor carrier 100 provides a plurality of pockets accessed via the plurality of openings for carrying armor.
- the armor used with the armor carrier 100 may comprise a range of soft armor packs and armor plates and, optionally, an armor plate used in conjunction with a soft armor pack.
- the armor carrier 100 may accommodate a variety of different types of soft armor packs.
- such soft armor packs may comply with NIJ Standard 0101.04, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor Systems; NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet Resistant Body Armor; or NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor.
- the protection level of the soft armor packs may comply with NIJ Level II or IIIA standards, or with other promulgated standards.
- the soft armor may comprise US Military specification soft armor to specifications such as, for example, US Army FO/PD 07-05.
- the armor carrier 100 may accommodate a variety of different types of armor plates.
- the armor plate may offer protection from military caliber and high velocity rounds that, under some circumstances, would not be stopped by a soft armor pack alone.
- the armor plate may be a standard issue armor plate. It may be a metal or ceramic based armor plate, and may be selected from a variety of standard sizes, such as 8 inches by 11 inches, 10 inches by 12 inches, or other dimensions, and may be planar or of varying degrees of curvature.
- An armor plate may offer ballistic protection certified to NIJ Level III or NIJ Level IV on its own. Alternatively, NIJ Level III or NIJ Level IV ballistic protection may be accomplished through using a soft armor pack with an armor plate.
- the armor carrier 100 includes (a) an opening 220 for a rear portion armor plate pocket 218 , which opening 220 is releasably closed via hook and loop fasteners, (b) an opening 208 for a rear portion soft armor pocket 206 , which opening 208 is accessed by opening a flap 708 releasably secured to the body of the rear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners, (c) an opening 204 for a front portion soft armor pocket 202 , which opening 204 is releasably closed via hook and loop fasteners, and (d) an opening 216 for a front portion armor plate pocket 214 , which opening 216 is accessed by opening a flap 709 releasably secured to the body of the rear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners.
- the functioning of the pockets 218 , 206 , 202 , and 214 is discussed in greater detail below.
- FIG. 8 shows a closer view of one of the shoulder straps 300 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the shoulder strap 300 comprises a front end 302 and a rear end 304 .
- the front end 302 attaches to the front portion 102 of the carrier 100 .
- the rear end 304 attaches to the rear portion 104 by hook and loop 810 fasteners.
- the loop fasteners 810 are attached to the rear portion 104 and the hook fasteners (not illustrated) are attached to the underside of the shoulder strap 300 .
- FIG. 9 shows a closer view of the rear end 304 of the shoulder strap 300 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 9 shows that, in the rear end 304 , the shoulder strap 300 attaches to a slide 306 , and the slide 306 attaches to the rear portion 104 of the carrier 100 .
- the slide 306 allows the wearer 10 to adjust the distance between the top end of the front portion 102 of the carrier 100 and the slide 306 to thereby adjust the size of the head opening 308 for the wearer 10 .
- the slide 306 is a tri-slide.
- the shoulder strap 300 is secured to the rear portion 104 by the slide 306 and the hook and loop 810 fasteners, it is to be understood that both of these attachment means are not necessary.
- the armor carrier 100 includes the hook and loop 810 fasteners and not the slide 306 .
- the armor carrier 100 includes the slide 306 and not the hook and loop 810 fasteners.
- FIGS. 10-11 show an exemplary front-side view of the armor carrier 100 when worn by the wearer 10 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 shows the buckles 408 in the secured position, thereby connecting one of the side panels 150 to the front portion 102 .
- FIG. 11 shows the buckles 408 when opened.
- each waist strap 402 may form part of the connection between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 , as described above with respect to FIG. 5 .
- the buckles 408 are side release buckles
- the male buckle member of each side release buckle 408 is connected to one of the side panels 150
- the female buckle member of each side release buckle 408 is connected to the front portion 102 .
- each waist strap 402 ends in a loop 419 , which is connected to a front waist strap slide 418 ; each front waist strap slide 418 is connected to a front securement strap 409 ; and each front securement strap 409 is connected to one of the buckles 408 .
- These components enable adjustment of the distance between the front portion 102 and the side panels 150 by taking in slack or letting out slack in the securement straps 409 .
- the wearer 10 could tighten the fit of the armor carrier 100 by pulling the securement straps 409 through the front waist strap slides 418 to cause the buckles 408 to move toward the strap slides 418 .
- the front waist strap slides 408 are tri-slides.
- the buckles 408 are side release buckles
- the male buckle member of each side release buckle is connected to one of the securement straps 409 .
- FIG. 12 there is illustrated an exemplary view of the inside of one of the side panels 150 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the side panel 150 may include a pocket 210 for holding armor, and an opening 212 for accessing the pocket 210 .
- Armor may be inserted through the opening 212 and into the pocket 210 to dispose and seat the armor within the side panel armor pocket 210 .
- the armor for the side panel 150 may be of any type appropriate, such as those described above for protecting the wearer 10 .
- the armor disposed within each pocket 210 of the side panels 150 is a soft armor pack as described above.
- FIG. 12 also shows that the opening 212 may be secured in the closed position by hook 1210 and loop 1220 fasteners.
- each side panel 150 further includes an additional pocket 1230 disposed within the pocket 210 .
- the pocket 1230 is accessed through the opening 212 for inserting armor through the opening 212 and into the pocket 1230 to dispose and seat the armor within the pocket 1230 .
- the pocket 1230 may hold armor of any appropriate type, such as an armor plate.
- the armor plate may be curved to conform to a side of the torso of the wearer 10 because the pocket 1230 is disposed within the side panel 150 .
- each waist strap 402 forms part of the connection between the front portion 102 and the rear portion 104 . Specifically, each waist strap 402 connects the rear portion 104 to one of the side panels 150 . The waist straps 402 are anchored within the rear portion 102 .
- the armor carrier 100 includes a pair of back straps 414 further connecting the rear portion 104 to respective ones of the pair of side panels 150 .
- the back straps 414 may include slides 416 for adjusting the distance between the side panels 150 and the rear portion 104 . While both the back straps 414 and the waist straps 402 may adjust the horizontal distance between a respective one of the side panels 150 and the rear portion 104 , the back straps 414 also provide for adjusting the vertical distance between the bottom of the side panel 150 and the bottom 108 of the rear portion 104 . Working together, the back straps 414 and the waist straps 402 allow the wearer 10 to adjust the placement of the side panels 150 relative to the rear portion 104 to successfully accommodate the build of the wearer 10 .
- FIG. 14 there is illustrated an inside of the rear portion 104 of the armor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of the rear portion 104 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the view illustrated in FIG. 14 is that of the opening 220 opened to expose the internal armor plate pocket 218 within the rear portion 104 and other structural elements within the rear portion 104 .
- each waist strap 402 is connected to a rear waist strap slide 420 , that each rear waist strap slide 420 is connected to a rear securement strap 422 , and that each rear securement strap 422 is connected to the rear portion 104 of the carrier 100 .
- These elements of the carrier 100 enable adjustment of the distance between the rear portion 104 and the side panels 150 .
- the portions of the waist straps 402 labeled as “ 402 ” in FIG. 14 are the ends of the waist straps 402 disposed away from the side panels 150 .
- each rear securement strap 422 is connected to the rear portion 104 of the carrier 100 by a loop 424 fixed at one end to the rear portion 104 of the carrier 100 .
- FIG. 14 also shows the pocket 218 for holding armor.
- the pocket 218 is configured to hold an armor plate.
- the opening 220 for this pocket 218 can be secured in the closed position by the flap 708 illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the flap 708 is removably attached to the body of the rear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners near the bottom end 108 of the rear portion 104 .
- FIG. 15 there is illustrated another inside of the rear portion 104 of the armor carrier 100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- This view shows that the rear portion 104 may include an additional pocket 206 near the bottom 108 of the rear portion 104 , which pocket 206 is for holding a soft armor pack, and an opening 208 for accessing the pocket 206 .
- the soft armor pack may be inserted through the opening 208 and into the pocket 206 to dispose and seat the soft armor pack within the rear portion 104 .
- This view also shows that the opening 208 for the rear portion soft armor pocket 206 may be secured in a closed position by hook and loop fasteners 1510 near the bottom end 108 of the rear portion 104 .
- FIG. 15 also illustrates loop fasteners 1520 attached to the rear portion 104 to which the flap 708 is removably attached to secure the opening 220 in a closed position.
- FIG. 16 there is illustrated an inside of the front portion 102 of the armor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of the front portion 102 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the view shown in FIG. 16 illustrates the front portion armor plate pocket 214 and the opening 216 for accessing the front portion armor plate pocket 214 .
- FIG. 16 also illustrates the carrier release mechanism 500 for enabling quick and easy removal of the armor carrier 100 .
- the carrier release mechanism 500 includes the pull strap 504 (illustrated in FIG. 1 ), which is connected to a release cord 502 illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- the release cord 502 may be any cord, string, strap, or similar device to run along the front portion 102 of the carrier 100 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 , the cord 502 runs between an inner and outer material of the front portion 102 .
- Each buckle 408 is connected to a buckle strap 410 , and each buckle strap 410 passes through a release loop 506 fixed at one end to the front portion 102 of the carrier 100 .
- the release cord 502 passes through an opening 412 in the buckle strap 410 such that the presence of the release cord 502 within the buckle strap 410 prevents the buckle strap 410 from exiting the fixed release loop 506 .
- Each release cord continues through the opening 412 and terminates at a release cord pocket 508 configured to receive an end of the release cord 502 .
- the wearer 10 may simply pull on the pull strap 504 , thereby pulling the release cords 502 out of the release cord pockets 508 and out of the openings 412 in the buckle straps 410 . Once the release cords 502 are no longer present within the buckle straps 410 , the buckle straps 410 may exit the fixed release loops 506 , and the front portion 102 then separates from the side panels 150 , even while the buckles 408 remain secured. At this point, the wearer 10 may easily remove the carrier 100 by lifting the carrier 100 over his head.
- FIG. 17 there is illustrated an inside of the front portion 102 of the armor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of the front portion 102 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the view illustrated in FIG. 17 is that of the flap 709 opened to expose the internal armor plate pocket 214 within the front portion 102 and other structural elements within the rear portion 102 .
- the pocket 214 is configured to hold an armor plate.
- the pocket 214 is access by opening the flap 709 illustrated in FIG. 7 .
- the flap 709 is removably attached to the body of the front portion 102 by hook 1730 and loop 1710 fasteners near the bottom end 108 of the front portion 102 .
- FIG. 17 Also illustrated in FIG. 17 is a center strap 1720 which secures the opening 216 for the pocket 214 .
- FIG. 18 shows another view of the center strap 1720 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the center strap 1720 is detached from a loop fastener 1740 and pulled down to expose the pocket 214 and opening 216 for the front portion armor plate.
- the center strap 1720 includes hook fasteners for attaching to the loop fastener 1740 .
- FIG. 19 there is illustrated another inside of the front portion 102 of the armor carrier 100 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
- the front portion 102 may include an additional pocket 202 near the bottom 108 of the front portion 102 , which pocket 202 is for holding a soft armor pack, and an opening 204 for accessing the pocket 202 .
- the soft armor pack may be inserted through the opening 204 and into the pocket 202 to dispose and seat the soft armor pack within the front portion 102 .
- This view also shows that the opening 204 for the front portion soft armor pocket 202 may be secured in a closed position by hook and loop fasteners 1910 near the bottom end 108 of the front portion 102 .
- FIG. 19 also illustrates loop fasteners 1920 attached to the front portion 102 to which the flap 709 is removably attached to secure the opening 204 in a closed position.
- Hook and loop fasteners are described herein and shown throughout the figures as a means to secure parts of the armor carrier 100 together.
- An example of hook and loop fasteners is Velcro®.
- Alternative forms of removable attachments may be used, including but not limited to, buttons, snaps, or other suitable forms of attachment.
- the armor carrier 100 may be formed from one or more layers of fabric, for example, a 500 Denier Nylon Cordura or other durable fabric material.
- the buckles described herein may be formed from plastic or other suitable forms of material for attachment. Other suitable forms of connectors may be used, such as the side release buckles described herein.
- the loops, slides, rings, and strap connectors described herein may be formed from plastic, metal, or other suitable forms of material for creating static and dynamic connections.
- the present invention may be used in connection with back packs and alternative types of plate carriers and armor carriers.
- the armor carrier 100 may have additional straps, such as the MOLLE straps illustrated in the figures, attached along various aspects of its surface for holding packs, grenades, carabiners, and other devices and materials used in the battlefield environment.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/306,033, filed Feb. 19, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. W91CRB-10-C-0175 awarded by the United States Department of the Army. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
- This invention relates generally to body armor systems and, more specifically, to plate carrier devices and systems.
- Military and police use many different types and styles of body armor systems. One such system is a plate carrier. A plate carrier is worn by a person around the torso and over the shoulders and houses armor plates, ballistic packs, and other forms of soft armor protection. This armor within the plate carrier provides ballistic and fragmentation protection to the wearer.
- The present invention provides plate carrier devices and systems that provide a wearer added comfort and allow for the quick and easy removal of armor. The carrier may include a front portion, a rear portion, and side panels, each of which can include pockets for holding armor plates. The side panels and shoulder straps may connect the front portion to the rear portion. The carrier may also include a carrier release mechanism for removal of the carrier.
- For the purpose of illustration, there are shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and instruments shown. In the drawings:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an armor carrier as worn by a wearer, the armor carrier comprising a front portion, a rear portion, two side panels, and a plurality of buckles and waist straps, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are secured, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates an inside view of the armor carrier, wherein the armor carrier has been removed from the wearer and the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a view of a shoulder strap of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 9 illustrates a closer view of a rear end of the shoulder strap illustrated inFIG. 8 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 illustrates a front-side view of the armor carrier, wherein the buckles are in a secured position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11 illustrates a front-side view of the armor carrier, wherein the buckles are opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 11A illustrates a detailed view of the waist straps and the buckles of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a view of the inside of one of the side panels of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a rear-side view of the armor carrier when worn by the wearer, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 14 illustrates a view of the inside of the rear portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 15 illustrates another view of the inside of the rear portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 16 illustrates a view of the inside of the front portion of the armor carrier, showing a carrier release mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 17 illustrates an opening and pocket for an armor plate for the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 18 illustrates another view of the opening and pocket for an armor plate for the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 19 illustrates another view of the inside of the front portion of the armor carrier, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. - While modern technology has developed new materials for armor plates, the armor plates remain the heaviest component of a plate carrier (also referred to herein as an “armor carrier”). Even with the advantages provided through use of aramid fiber, such as Kevlar®, ceramic, and other ballistic grade materials to manufacture armor plates, a wearer must still bear the physical weight of the armor plates while maintaining combat effectiveness.
- In addition to issues with weight, modern armor carriers do not allow users to quickly and easily remove them. In modern armor carriers, ease of removal may be sacrificed to ensure that the carrier remains securely positioned on the wearer. Quick removal of an armor carrier, however, may be of particular importance to a wearer who has entered a body of water or needs to flee an area quickly.
- Accordingly, it would be advantageous for an armor carrier to provide for added comfort while at the same time allowing for quick and easy removal by the wearer.
- Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide devices and systems for providing a wearer the ability to carry and wear armor and quickly and easily remove such armor when needed. An exemplary embodiment of such devices and systems comprises an armor carrier which provides a wearer added comfort while still allowing for the quick and easy removal of armor through removal of the armor carrier. The armor carrier may include a front portion, a rear portion, and side panels, each of which may include pockets for holding armor plates and/or soft armor packs. The armor carrier may further include shoulder straps, which together with the side panels, connect the front portion to the rear portion of the armor carrier. The armor carrier may also include a carrier release mechanism for quick removal of the armor carrier by and from the wearer.
- Referring now to
FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an exemplary front view of an armor carrier, generally designated as 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,FIG. 1 illustrates thearmor carrier 100 as worn by awearer 10. Thearmor carrier 100 comprises a front panel orportion 102 and a pair of side panels orportions 150. Thearmor carrier 100 further comprises abottom end 108, atop end 106, a head opening 308, andshoulder straps 300 at thetop end 106 of thearmor carrier 100. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1 , thearmor carrier 100 includes a plurality ofbuckles 408 which secure thearmor carrier 100 to thewearer 10. Thebuckles 408 may be opened by thewearer 10 to remove thearmor carrier 100 from thewearer 10. - In an exemplary embodiment of the
armor carrier 100, thearmor carrier 100 includes arelease pull strap 504, as illustrated inFIG. 1 . Therelease pull strap 504 forms part of acarrier release mechanism 500 for quickly removing thearmor carrier 100. Therelease pull strap 504 is any device capable of being pulled by thewearer 10 of thearmor carrier 100 to achieve the features of thecarrier release mechanism 500. Thecarrier release mechanism 500 is described in further detail below with respect toFIG. 16 . - Referring now to
FIG. 2 , there is illustrated an exemplary rear view of thearmor carrier 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The rear view shows that thearmor carrier 100 further comprises a rear panel orportion 104. In an exemplary embodiment of thearmor carrier 100, secured to therear portion 104 is arear handle 110, which allows for pulling thewearer 10 when he has become immobilized. Therear handle 110 may be any device capable of being grabbed by a hand and pulled and remaining attached to therear portion 104 while thewearer 10 is pulled. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 , there is illustrated an exemplary side view of thearmor carrier 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The side view shows that thefront portion 102 and therear portion 104 are connected to one another by one of theside panels 150. It is to be understood that each of the pair ofside panels 150 connects a side of thefront portion 102 to a respective side of therear portion 104. Eachside panel 150 is releasably connected to thefront portion 102 by a pair of thebuckles 408.FIG. 3 illustrates thebuckles 408 in their closed positions securing theside panels 150 to thefront portion 102. In an exemplary embodiment, each of thebuckles 408 is a side release buckle comprising a male buckle member (a hook end) and a female buckle member (a catch end). -
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary front view of thearmor carrier 100 showing thearmor carrier 100 as it has been removed from thewearer 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As seen inFIG. 4 , thebuckles 408 are opened such that eachside panel 150 is no longer releasably attached thefront portion 102.FIG. 4 additionally shows that thefront portion 102 is connected to therear portion 104 by the shoulder straps 300. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a further exemplary rear view of thearmor carrier 100 showing thearmor carrier 100 as it has been removed from thewearer 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As seen inFIG. 5 , thebuckles 408 are opened such that eachside panel 150 is no longer releasably attached to thefront portion 102.FIG. 5 additionally shows that thearmor carrier 100 further includes a plurality of waist straps 402. An end of each of the waist straps 402 is anchored to therear portion 104 to connect aside panel 150 to therear portion 104. - In an exemplary embodiment, the waist straps 402 span the
side panels 150 and form respective portions of MOLLE webbing along theside panels 150. In such exemplary embodiment, the waist straps 402 span across an entire width of theside panels 150 in parallel, and an end of each waist straps 402 opposite its anchored end is coupled to one of thebuckles 408. In the exemplary embodiment in which thebuckles 408 are side release buckles, the male buckle member of each side release buckle is coupled to the end of eachwaist strap 402 opposite its anchored end for connection to a respective female buckle member connected to thefront portion 102. In the exemplary embodiment of thearmor carrier 100 illustrated inFIG. 4 , the portions of thebuckles 408 illustrated therein are female buckle members. - Referring now to
FIG. 6 , there is illustrated an exemplary top view of thearmor carrier 100 as it has been removed from thewearer 10 but with thebuckles 408 secured, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This figure provides an additional view of theshoulder portions 300 and how they connect thefront portion 102 to therear portion 104 and provide a space for thehead opening 308. Also illustrated in the figure is a top view of therelease pull strap 504 and therear handle 110. - When the
buckles 408 are opened and thearmor carrier 100 has been removed from thewearer 10, thearmor carrier 100 has a generally flat or planar shape.FIG. 7 shows an inside view of thearmor carrier 100 as it has been removed from thewearer 10 and with thebuckles 408 opened, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can been seen in the figure, thearmor carrier 100 is generally flat when unbuckled and removed from thewearer 10. - The
front portion 102 and therear portion 104 of thearmor carrier 100 include a plurality of openings for receiving armor. The armor may be positioned between inner and outer layers of the material forming thearmor carrier 100. Hence, thearmor carrier 100 provides a plurality of pockets accessed via the plurality of openings for carrying armor. The armor used with thearmor carrier 100 may comprise a range of soft armor packs and armor plates and, optionally, an armor plate used in conjunction with a soft armor pack. - The
armor carrier 100 may accommodate a variety of different types of soft armor packs. In an exemplary embodiment, such soft armor packs may comply with NIJ Standard 0101.04, Ballistic Resistance of Personal Body Armor Systems; NIJ 2005 Interim Requirements for Bullet Resistant Body Armor; or NIJ Standard 0101.06, Ballistic Resistance of Body Armor. The protection level of the soft armor packs may comply with NIJ Level II or IIIA standards, or with other promulgated standards. In other exemplary embodiments, the soft armor may comprise US Military specification soft armor to specifications such as, for example, US Army FO/PD 07-05. - The
armor carrier 100 may accommodate a variety of different types of armor plates. The armor plate may offer protection from military caliber and high velocity rounds that, under some circumstances, would not be stopped by a soft armor pack alone. In one exemplary embodiment, the armor plate may be a standard issue armor plate. It may be a metal or ceramic based armor plate, and may be selected from a variety of standard sizes, such as 8 inches by 11 inches, 10 inches by 12 inches, or other dimensions, and may be planar or of varying degrees of curvature. An armor plate may offer ballistic protection certified to NIJ Level III or NIJ Level IV on its own. Alternatively, NIJ Level III or NIJ Level IV ballistic protection may be accomplished through using a soft armor pack with an armor plate. - As shown in the exemplary view illustrated in
FIG. 7 , thearmor carrier 100 includes (a) anopening 220 for a rear portionarmor plate pocket 218, whichopening 220 is releasably closed via hook and loop fasteners, (b) anopening 208 for a rear portionsoft armor pocket 206, whichopening 208 is accessed by opening aflap 708 releasably secured to the body of therear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners, (c) anopening 204 for a front portionsoft armor pocket 202, whichopening 204 is releasably closed via hook and loop fasteners, and (d) anopening 216 for a front portionarmor plate pocket 214, whichopening 216 is accessed by opening a flap 709 releasably secured to the body of therear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners. The functioning of thepockets -
FIG. 8 shows a closer view of one of theshoulder straps 300, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Theshoulder strap 300 comprises afront end 302 and arear end 304. Thefront end 302 attaches to thefront portion 102 of thecarrier 100. Therear end 304 attaches to therear portion 104 by hook andloop 810 fasteners. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIG. 8 , theloop fasteners 810 are attached to therear portion 104 and the hook fasteners (not illustrated) are attached to the underside of theshoulder strap 300. -
FIG. 9 shows a closer view of therear end 304 of theshoulder strap 300, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. More specifically,FIG. 9 shows that, in therear end 304, theshoulder strap 300 attaches to aslide 306, and theslide 306 attaches to therear portion 104 of thecarrier 100. Theslide 306 allows thewearer 10 to adjust the distance between the top end of thefront portion 102 of thecarrier 100 and theslide 306 to thereby adjust the size of thehead opening 308 for thewearer 10. In an exemplary embodiment, theslide 306 is a tri-slide. - Although it is illustrated and described above that the
shoulder strap 300 is secured to therear portion 104 by theslide 306 and the hook andloop 810 fasteners, it is to be understood that both of these attachment means are not necessary. Thus, in one exemplary embodiment, thearmor carrier 100 includes the hook andloop 810 fasteners and not theslide 306. In another exemplary embodiment, thearmor carrier 100 includes theslide 306 and not the hook andloop 810 fasteners. -
FIGS. 10-11 show an exemplary front-side view of thearmor carrier 100 when worn by thewearer 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 shows thebuckles 408 in the secured position, thereby connecting one of theside panels 150 to thefront portion 102.FIG. 11 shows thebuckles 408 when opened. Together,FIGS. 10-11 show that eachwaist strap 402 may form part of the connection between thefront portion 102 and therear portion 104, as described above with respect toFIG. 5 . In the exemplary embodiment in which thebuckles 408 are side release buckles, the male buckle member of eachside release buckle 408 is connected to one of theside panels 150, and the female buckle member of eachside release buckle 408 is connected to thefront portion 102. - Referring now to
FIG. 11A , there is illustrated a closer view of the waist straps 402 and buckles 408, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As seen inFIG. 11A , eachwaist strap 402 ends in aloop 419, which is connected to a frontwaist strap slide 418; each frontwaist strap slide 418 is connected to afront securement strap 409; and eachfront securement strap 409 is connected to one of thebuckles 408. These components enable adjustment of the distance between thefront portion 102 and theside panels 150 by taking in slack or letting out slack in the securement straps 409. For example, thewearer 10 could tighten the fit of thearmor carrier 100 by pulling the securement straps 409 through the front waist strap slides 418 to cause thebuckles 408 to move toward the strap slides 418. In an exemplary embodiment, the front waist strap slides 408 are tri-slides. In the exemplary embodiment in which thebuckles 408 are side release buckles, the male buckle member of each side release buckle is connected to one of the securement straps 409. - Referring now to
FIG. 12 , there is illustrated an exemplary view of the inside of one of theside panels 150, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 12 illustrates that theside panel 150 may include apocket 210 for holding armor, and anopening 212 for accessing thepocket 210. Armor may be inserted through theopening 212 and into thepocket 210 to dispose and seat the armor within the sidepanel armor pocket 210. As with thefront portion 102 and therear portion 104, the armor for theside panel 150 may be of any type appropriate, such as those described above for protecting thewearer 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the armor disposed within eachpocket 210 of theside panels 150 is a soft armor pack as described above.FIG. 12 also shows that theopening 212 may be secured in the closed position byhook 1210 andloop 1220 fasteners. - In exemplary embodiment, each
side panel 150 further includes anadditional pocket 1230 disposed within thepocket 210. Thepocket 1230 is accessed through theopening 212 for inserting armor through theopening 212 and into thepocket 1230 to dispose and seat the armor within thepocket 1230. Thepocket 1230 may hold armor of any appropriate type, such as an armor plate. The armor plate may be curved to conform to a side of the torso of thewearer 10 because thepocket 1230 is disposed within theside panel 150. - Referring now to
FIG. 13 , there is illustrated an exemplary rear-side view of thearmor carrier 100 when worn by thewearer 10, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in the figure, eachwaist strap 402 forms part of the connection between thefront portion 102 and therear portion 104. Specifically, eachwaist strap 402 connects therear portion 104 to one of theside panels 150. The waist straps 402 are anchored within therear portion 102. - In an exemplary embodiment, the
armor carrier 100 includes a pair ofback straps 414 further connecting therear portion 104 to respective ones of the pair ofside panels 150. The back straps 414 may includeslides 416 for adjusting the distance between theside panels 150 and therear portion 104. While both theback straps 414 and the waist straps 402 may adjust the horizontal distance between a respective one of theside panels 150 and therear portion 104, theback straps 414 also provide for adjusting the vertical distance between the bottom of theside panel 150 and thebottom 108 of therear portion 104. Working together, theback straps 414 and the waist straps 402 allow thewearer 10 to adjust the placement of theside panels 150 relative to therear portion 104 to successfully accommodate the build of thewearer 10. - Referring now to
FIG. 14 , there is illustrated an inside of therear portion 104 of thearmor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of therear portion 104, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The view illustrated inFIG. 14 is that of theopening 220 opened to expose the internalarmor plate pocket 218 within therear portion 104 and other structural elements within therear portion 104. - As seen in the figure, within the
rear portion 104 is a plurality of strap slides 420. This figure shows that eachwaist strap 402 is connected to a rearwaist strap slide 420, that each rearwaist strap slide 420 is connected to arear securement strap 422, and that eachrear securement strap 422 is connected to therear portion 104 of thecarrier 100. These elements of thecarrier 100 enable adjustment of the distance between therear portion 104 and theside panels 150. It is to be understood that the portions of the waist straps 402 labeled as “402” inFIG. 14 are the ends of the waist straps 402 disposed away from theside panels 150. Thus, to decrease the distance between therear portion 104 and theside panels 150, thewearer 10 may pull on the ends of the waist straps 402 shown inFIG. 14 . In an exemplary embodiment, eachrear securement strap 422 is connected to therear portion 104 of thecarrier 100 by aloop 424 fixed at one end to therear portion 104 of thecarrier 100. -
FIG. 14 also shows thepocket 218 for holding armor. As stated above, in an exemplary embodiment, thepocket 218 is configured to hold an armor plate. Theopening 220 for thispocket 218 can be secured in the closed position by theflap 708 illustrated inFIG. 7 . Theflap 708 is removably attached to the body of therear portion 104 by hook and loop fasteners near thebottom end 108 of therear portion 104. - Referring now to
FIG. 15 , there is illustrated another inside of therear portion 104 of thearmor carrier 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This view shows that therear portion 104 may include anadditional pocket 206 near thebottom 108 of therear portion 104, whichpocket 206 is for holding a soft armor pack, and anopening 208 for accessing thepocket 206. The soft armor pack may be inserted through theopening 208 and into thepocket 206 to dispose and seat the soft armor pack within therear portion 104. This view also shows that theopening 208 for the rear portionsoft armor pocket 206 may be secured in a closed position by hook andloop fasteners 1510 near thebottom end 108 of therear portion 104.FIG. 15 also illustratesloop fasteners 1520 attached to therear portion 104 to which theflap 708 is removably attached to secure theopening 220 in a closed position. - Referring now to
FIG. 16 , there is illustrated an inside of thefront portion 102 of thearmor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of thefront portion 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The view shown inFIG. 16 illustrates the front portionarmor plate pocket 214 and theopening 216 for accessing the front portionarmor plate pocket 214. -
FIG. 16 also illustrates thecarrier release mechanism 500 for enabling quick and easy removal of thearmor carrier 100. Thecarrier release mechanism 500 includes the pull strap 504 (illustrated inFIG. 1 ), which is connected to arelease cord 502 illustrated inFIG. 16 . Therelease cord 502 may be any cord, string, strap, or similar device to run along thefront portion 102 of thecarrier 100. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 16 , thecord 502 runs between an inner and outer material of thefront portion 102. - Each
buckle 408 is connected to abuckle strap 410, and eachbuckle strap 410 passes through arelease loop 506 fixed at one end to thefront portion 102 of thecarrier 100. Therelease cord 502 passes through anopening 412 in thebuckle strap 410 such that the presence of therelease cord 502 within thebuckle strap 410 prevents thebuckle strap 410 from exiting the fixedrelease loop 506. Each release cord continues through theopening 412 and terminates at arelease cord pocket 508 configured to receive an end of therelease cord 502. - The
wearer 10, if wishing to quickly remove thecarrier 100, may simply pull on thepull strap 504, thereby pulling therelease cords 502 out of the release cord pockets 508 and out of theopenings 412 in the buckle straps 410. Once therelease cords 502 are no longer present within the buckle straps 410, the buckle straps 410 may exit the fixedrelease loops 506, and thefront portion 102 then separates from theside panels 150, even while thebuckles 408 remain secured. At this point, thewearer 10 may easily remove thecarrier 100 by lifting thecarrier 100 over his head. - Referring now to
FIG. 17 , there is illustrated an inside of thefront portion 102 of thearmor carrier 100 at the bottom 108 of thefront portion 102, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The view illustrated inFIG. 17 is that of the flap 709 opened to expose the internalarmor plate pocket 214 within thefront portion 102 and other structural elements within therear portion 102. In an exemplary embodiment, thepocket 214 is configured to hold an armor plate. Thepocket 214 is access by opening the flap 709 illustrated inFIG. 7 . The flap 709 is removably attached to the body of thefront portion 102 byhook 1730 andloop 1710 fasteners near thebottom end 108 of thefront portion 102. - Also illustrated in
FIG. 17 is acenter strap 1720 which secures theopening 216 for thepocket 214.FIG. 18 shows another view of thecenter strap 1720, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 18 , thecenter strap 1720 is detached from aloop fastener 1740 and pulled down to expose thepocket 214 andopening 216 for the front portion armor plate. Thecenter strap 1720 includes hook fasteners for attaching to theloop fastener 1740. - Referring now to
FIG. 19 , there is illustrated another inside of thefront portion 102 of thearmor carrier 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. This view shows that thefront portion 102 may include anadditional pocket 202 near thebottom 108 of thefront portion 102, whichpocket 202 is for holding a soft armor pack, and anopening 204 for accessing thepocket 202. The soft armor pack may be inserted through theopening 204 and into thepocket 202 to dispose and seat the soft armor pack within thefront portion 102. This view also shows that theopening 204 for the front portionsoft armor pocket 202 may be secured in a closed position by hook andloop fasteners 1910 near thebottom end 108 of thefront portion 102.FIG. 19 also illustratesloop fasteners 1920 attached to thefront portion 102 to which the flap 709 is removably attached to secure theopening 204 in a closed position. - Hook and loop fasteners are described herein and shown throughout the figures as a means to secure parts of the
armor carrier 100 together. An example of hook and loop fasteners is Velcro®. Alternative forms of removable attachments may be used, including but not limited to, buttons, snaps, or other suitable forms of attachment. - The
armor carrier 100 may be formed from one or more layers of fabric, for example, a 500 Denier Nylon Cordura or other durable fabric material. The buckles described herein may be formed from plastic or other suitable forms of material for attachment. Other suitable forms of connectors may be used, such as the side release buckles described herein. The loops, slides, rings, and strap connectors described herein may be formed from plastic, metal, or other suitable forms of material for creating static and dynamic connections. - The present invention may be used in connection with back packs and alternative types of plate carriers and armor carriers. The
armor carrier 100 may have additional straps, such as the MOLLE straps illustrated in the figures, attached along various aspects of its surface for holding packs, grenades, carabiners, and other devices and materials used in the battlefield environment. - Modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Having described exemplary embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These and other embodiments will be understood to be within the scope of the appended claims and apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims (14)
Priority Applications (1)
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US13/032,610 US20110209260A1 (en) | 2010-02-19 | 2011-02-22 | Plate Carrier |
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US20120084906A1 (en) * | 2010-07-09 | 2012-04-12 | Sego Jr Kenneth W | Modular and Scalable Soldier's Garment |
US20120180189A1 (en) * | 2011-01-13 | 2012-07-19 | Lineweight Llc | Lightweight Equipment Carrying Garment |
USD677433S1 (en) | 2012-03-27 | 2013-03-05 | S & S Precision, Llc | Plate carrier vest |
US8444291B2 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2013-05-21 | S&S Precision, Llc | LED illuminating device for use during tactical operations, and method |
US8650794B2 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2014-02-18 | S&S Precision, Llc | Firearm fastener |
US8727556B2 (en) | 2010-09-02 | 2014-05-20 | S & S Precision, Llc | Integrated illumination device mount |
US8819984B2 (en) | 2009-12-04 | 2014-09-02 | Asymmetric Technologies, Llc | Firearm stabilization apparatus |
US8882292B2 (en) | 2008-11-21 | 2014-11-11 | S & S Precision, Llc | Multi-spectrum lighting device with plurality of switches |
US20150059051A1 (en) * | 2008-01-22 | 2015-03-05 | Alliant Techsystems Inc. | Releasable Vest |
US9726450B2 (en) | 2009-12-04 | 2017-08-08 | Asymmetric Technologies, Llc | Firearm stabilization apparatus |
US9777997B2 (en) | 2011-10-03 | 2017-10-03 | S&S Precision, Llc | Plate carrier apparatus and method |
US9835414B2 (en) | 2015-02-12 | 2017-12-05 | Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Ballistic vest carrier cover system with pouches for hard armor panels |
US10139199B2 (en) | 2015-02-12 | 2018-11-27 | Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Ballistic vest carrier cover with pouches for hard armor |
US10485272B2 (en) | 2015-02-12 | 2019-11-26 | Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Ballistic vest carrier cover with pouches for hard armor |
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US10139199B2 (en) | 2015-02-12 | 2018-11-27 | Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Ballistic vest carrier cover with pouches for hard armor |
US10485272B2 (en) | 2015-02-12 | 2019-11-26 | Blauer Manufacturing Company, Inc. | Ballistic vest carrier cover with pouches for hard armor |
USD961164S1 (en) * | 2020-11-18 | 2022-08-16 | Szymon Mateusz Cader | Front and back ballistic plate carrier frame set |
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