AU606576B2

AU606576B2 - Equipment packs

Info

Publication number: AU606576B2
Application number: AU58611/86A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Rodney Thomas Geary
Original assignee: Web Force Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Web Force Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1985-05-08
Filing date: 1986-05-08
Publication date: 1991-02-14
Anticipated expiration: 2006-05-08
Also published as: DE3688199D1; EP0272254B1; AU5861186A; EP0272254A4; EP0272254A1; ATE87441T1; MY104293A; WO1986006593A1; DE3688199T

Abstract

An equipment pack suitable for military use comprising a padded substantially U-shaped harness (11) coupled to a belt (16) through straps (12) and (14) the connection of the strap to the belt being through quick release fasteners (13) and various accessories such as ammunition pouches (19), water bottle carriers (24) and pouches (31) being mounted on the belt.

Description

Ex~cept as statod in this paragraph, thle h' ic application referred to in paraoraph 2 of this Declaration th o first appl ication, made in a Convention COunty in respect of thle invontion1 tile subject of the application.

Delrdal 41 h day of 19 flcocnoy Thomacis G -arv It HE COMIvtSSION ER OF- PATENTS, (I I POTt i l NI i 011 1iV~ t th T .n

PCT

AU AI 'rAi~P WORLD INTELLECTUL IY~ R IJZSI Er INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) (51) International Patent Classification 4 International Publication Number: Vv 0 86/ 06593 Novem.ber 1986 (20.11.86) (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU86/0013 1 (81) Designated States: AT (European patent), AU, BE (European patent), CH (European patent), DE (Euro- (22) International Filing Date: 8 May 1986 (08.05.86) pean patent), FR (European patent), GB (European paten~t), IT (European patent), JP, LU (European paterac), NL (European patent), SE (European patent), (31) Priority Application Number: PH 0480 13S.

(32) Priority Date: 8 May 1985 (08,05.85) Pub.1ished (33) Priority Country: AU WVith international search report.

(71)(72) Applicant anf! I wentor: GEARY, Rodney, Thomas [AU/AU]; 150 Northstead Street, Scarborough, WV.A.

6019 (AU).

(74) Agents: HARWOOD, Errol, John et al.; Wray Associates, P.O. Box 6292, Hay Street East, Perth, \V,A.

6000 A. OJ.P. 15 JAN 1987 This cdo,.'urw..nt nnti ListhF1 AUSTRA' IAN ste' ftTm t 1 1 1e Vt t 4 DEC 1986 4 PATE1NT OFFICE (54) Title: EQUIPMEN1sT PACKS (57) Abstract An equipment pack suitable for mili- 1 tary use comprising a padded substantially U-shaped hc~rness (11) coupled to a belt (16) through s'raps (12) and (14) the connection of the strap to the belt being through quick Al~f~ release fasteners (13) and various accessories such as ammunition pouches water bottle carriers (24) and pouches (31) being mounted on the belt.

too- .4 "Equipment Packs" 'The invention relates to a webbing systems of the type normally wc.-n by military and civilian personnel to carry such items as camping equipment, rations, medical supplies, ammunition and similar items.

PRIOR ART 0 0 D 0 s *r United States Patent No. 4676419 describes a webbing system which includes a novel coupling for connecting components of the system. Most webbing systems such as those described in United States Patent No. 4318502 have padded straps which fit over the shoulders of the wearer whilst United States Patent No. 2760699 describes a carrying harness in a yoke is provided to fit across the back and shoulders of the wearer to ensure maximum distribution of the load across the trapezius muscle of the wearer.

THE INVENTION

S

1s~c *Y S 0 The aim of the present invention is to provide a webbing system which utilises all of the good points of the previously used equipment and eliminates the jad points.

In particular it is an object of the present invention to .provide a webbing system which fits back and shoulders of the wearer S totally or partially discarded in an which the various items attached to th in place so that they are immediate required.

^-7 1- IVT 0 comfortably on the which can be readily emergency and in e system will remain ly accessible when 1 -2 In one form the invention providek a webbing system for use by military or civilian personnel comprising a substantially U-shaped padded saddle having a bridge portion positioned to fit around the back of the neck of the wearer and a pair of arms integral with said bridge portion and adapted to extend from said bridging port, n over the shoulder of the wearer and downwardly over the wearer's chest, a belt positioned around the waist of the wearer, the end s being secured together by a quick-release -fastener said belt being formed of webbing having the loop portion of loop pile-hook type fastener secured to the inside face, a plurality of loops positioned on the belt, the inside face of each loop being provided with the hook portion of a loop pile-hook type fastener and a first pair of straps secured to the bridging portion of the saddle in spaced positions and a second pair of straps each having one end secured to one of the arms of the S* saddle, each strap being connected to one of the belt loops by a quick-release catch.

In another form the invention provides a webbing system for use by military or civilian personnel comprising a substantially U-shaped saddle having a bridge portion positioned to fit around the back of the neck of the wearer and a pair of arms integral with said bridge portion and adapted to extend from said bridging portion over the shoeulder of the wearer and downwardly over the wearer's chest, said saddle being formed of lengths of webbing fastened together and enclosed between two layers of material the edges of which are secured together by stitching or the like with a layer of foam therebetween, the layer in contact with the body of the wearer being formed of a non-chafing material and the outer layer being formed of a substantially waterproof and wear resistant

B

1 *0 9 0 0 e I 0 909 9 9 9*99 -3 material, a belt positioned around the waist of the wearer, the ends being secured together by a quick-release &fatener, saidA being formed of webbing having the loop portion of loop pile-hook type fastener secured to the inside face, a plurality of loops positioned on the belt, the inside face of each loop being provided with the hook portion of a loop pile-hook type fastener and a first pair of straps secured to the bridging portion of the saddle in spaced positions and a second pair of straps each having one end secured to one of the arms of the saddle, each strap being connected to one of the belt loops by a quickrelease catch.

Preferably a short length of lighter webbing material is secured to one end, f the belt and one of the components cafcA of the quick-releasenis adjustably positioned on the short length of webbing material so that the length of the belt can be adjusted to suit the waist of a particular wearer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1A is a front view of a saddle or harness; Fig. 1B is a side view; Fig. 1C is a front view of a suitable type of quick C9;rCh release faetener; Fig. 2A is a plan view of a belt to be used in conjunction with the saddle or harness of Figo. 1A and 1B; Fig. 2B is elevation of the belt; Fig. 3A is a front view of an accessory holder to be attached to the belt; c. i I I 1 4 Fig. 3B is a back view of the accessory holder; Fig. 3C is a side view of the accessory holder; Fig. 4A is a front view of a water bottle holder; Fig. 4B is a top view of the water bottle holder; Fig. 4C is a side view of the water bottle holder; Fig. 4D is a back view of the water bottle holder; Fig. 4E is a bottom view of the water bottle holder; Fig. 5A is a front view of a basic pocket; Fig. 5B is a top view of the pocket; Fig. 5C is a side view of the pocket; Fig. 5D is a back view of the pocket; and Fig. 5E is a bottom view of the pocket.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS As shown in the drawings the saddle or harness 11 is of more or less conventional design being substantially SU-shaped to fit around the neck of the user with the arms S. of the U lying over the chest of the wearer. The saddle is formed of two layers of material the edges of which are bound and stitched together, there being a layer of foam between the two layers of material. The layer in contact with the body of the wearer is formed of a material which does not chafe such as felt or woven woollen material whilst the outer layer is formed of a substantially waterproof and wear resistant material such as that marketed under the trade mark "HERCULITE". Straps 12 are fitted to the neck portion of the harness to be positioned n on the back of the wearer, the free ends thereof being fitted with one component of a quick release -~aten 13 (see Fig. 1C) the other component of the fastener being fitted to the belt to be described later. Preferably the straps 12 are provided with means whereby the length of the strap can be adjusted to meet individual requirements.

It is preferably that the component of the quick release -U ~irc 5 fa~tener fitted to the belt be provided with a loop of webbing the inside face of which is provided with a piece of the hook portion of a hook and loop pile ("Velcro") Vebbi! A op oop type nr to prevent the -adte-rfor sliding around the belt. Straps 14 are fitted to the free ends of each arm of the harness, the free ends of each strap,being provided with one component of a quick release -fastener, the other component of the factonor being attached to the belt to be described later. Pockets 15 for storage of items such as a medical kit and/or compass are provided on the arms of the harness.

The belt shown in Figs. 2A, and 2B is formed from a length of webbing 16 each end of the webbing being fitted with one component of a quick release fatener- 17. Provision is made in the attachment of the belt to one component of the -s-tener-to enable the length of the belt to be adjusted. The inside face 18 of the belt is provided over a substantial portion of its length with the velvet like (loop) portion of a loop and hook type fastener such as that marketed under the trade mark "Velcro". This inside layer greatly strengthens the belt and prevents it from 'bending along its longitudinal axis so that it remains Sfirmly in contact with the waist of the wearer. It also ensures that the loop to which the straps 12 and 14 are attached remains in position and do not slide along the length of the belt.

Preferably, one end of a length of webbing of lighter construction than the main portion of the belt is secured to one end of the blt and one of the components of the quick release fasten*e adjustably positioned thereon so that the length of the belt can be adjusted to suit the individual wearers requirements.

r- 6 Various items of equipment such as that shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 of the drawings may be fitted to the belt.

As shown in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C an accessory holder for carrying such things as ammunition magazines comprises a series of pockets 19 each of which is adapted to accommodate one magazine mounted on one face of a supporting member 20. Each pocket is provided with a closure 21 held in the closed position by a press stud 22, Loops 29 of the webbing are provided on the rear face of the supporting member to enable it to be mounted directly on the belt. The inside face of each loop 29 is provided with a piece of the hook portion of a hook and loop pile type of fastener to engage the loop pile fastened to the inside face of the belt to ensure that the pocket remains in the desired position on the belt, Preferably the rear face of the supporting member is provided with pieces 22 *T of the hook portion of a hook and loop ('Velcro") type fastener and press studs 23 to lock with co-operating components provided on the front and/or sides of a basic pocket as shown in Figs. 5A to 5E as described later.

Referring now to Figs. 4A to 4D, which show a water bottle carrier which forms part of the invention, the carrier is in the form of a pocket 24 open at the top and provided with two flaps 25 which overlie the top of the bottle on opposite sides of the neck and locked in place by means of press studs 26. A small pouch 27 is provided on the front r of the pocket and is closed by means of a slide fastener 28. The rear wall of the pocket is provided with two loops 30 formed of webbing through which the belt passes.

The inside face of each loop 30 is provided with a piece of the hook portion of a hook and loop pipe type of fastener to engage the loop pile fastened to the inside of the belt to ensure that the water bottle carrier remains in the desired position on the belt.

7 In Figs. 5A to 5D there is shown a basic pocket adapted to carry various items such as field rations. The basic pocket 31 is general rectangular in plan and elevation and is fitted with a hinged lid 32 provided on the three sides with a downwardly projecting skirt 33 the lid being closed by means of a quick release fastener 34. If desired the rear end of the skirt on each side may be closed by a small piece of a hook and loop ("Velcro") type fastener.

The rear wall of the pocket is provided with webbing loops through which the belt passes. The inside face of each of the loops 35 is provided with a piece of the hook portion of a hook and loop pile type fastener to engage the loop pile fastened to the inside of the belt to ensure that the pocket remains in the desired position on the belt. The front and side walls of the pocket may be provided with press stud components 36 to enable an of.

accessory holder as shown in Figs. 3A, 3B and 3C to be fitted thereto. The pocket is also provided with a length 37 of the loop portion of a hook and loop ("Velcro") type I fastener to receive appropriately located hook portions fitted to the accessory holder. If desired a small pocket 38 fitter with a slide fastener 39 may be provided on top of the lid 32, Cc'-bcA A quick release fastener is suitable for the purposes of j 'the present invention is that marketed under the trade mark "Fastex", With the equipment pack of the present invention there is a more even distribution of the load on the wearer and greater icility to vary the load to be carried and more easy access to the various items of equipment, i, 1 i ii g I I

Claims

1. A webbing system for use by military or civilian personnel comprising a substantially U-ehape saddle having a bridge portion positioned to fit :round the back of the neck of the wearer and a pair of arms integral with said bridge portion and adapted to extend from said bridging portion over the shoulder of the wearer and downwardly over the wearer's chest, a belt positioned around the waist of the wearer, tc. ends being secured together by a quick-release fastener-, said belt being formed of webbing having the loop portion of loop pile-hook type fastener secured to the inside face, a plurality of loops positioned on the belt the inside face of each loop being provided with the hook portion of a loop pile-hook type fastener and a first pair of straps secured to the bridging portion of the saddle in spaced positions and a second pair of straps each having one end secured to one of the arms of the saddle, each strap being connected to one of the belt loops by a quick-release catch.

2. A webbing system for use by military or civilian personnel comprising a substantially U-shaped saddle having a bridge portion positioned to fit around the back "I of the neck of the wearer and a pair of arms integral with said bridge portion and adapted to extend from said bridging portion over the shoulder of the wearer and

4.to" downwardly over the wearer's chest, said saddle being formed of lengths of webbing fastened together and enclosed between two layers of material the edges of which are secured together by stitching or the like with a layer of foam therebetween, the layer in contact with the body of the wearer being formed of non-chafing material and the outer layer being formed of P substantially waterproof and i y J

9- wear resistant material, a belt positioned around the waist of the wearer, the ends being secured together by a quick-release -fas4ener said belt being formed of webbing having the loop portion of loop pile-hookifastener secured to the inside face, a plurality of loops positioned on the belt, the inside face of each loop being positioned on the Sbelt, the in.Ae3 face of eaoh loop being provided with the hook portion of a loop pile-hook type fastener and a first pair of straps secured to the bridging portion of the saddle in spaced positions and a second pair of straps each having one end secured to one of the arms of the saddle, each strp being connected to one of the belt loops by a quick-release catch. 3. A webbing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein a S. short length of lighter webbing material is secured to one end of the belt and one of the components of the quick-release catch is adjustably positioned on the short length of lighter webbing. 4. A webbing system as claimed in claim 1 having an accessory holder mounted on the belt, the rear face of the holder being provided with at least one loop through which *o the belt passes and the inside of the loop being provided with a length of the hook portion of a loop pile-hook type fastener to engage the loop pile material secured to the inside face of the belt, S* 5. A webbing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the accessory holder comprises a series of pockets each of which is to be adapted to receive an ammunition magazine and is provided with a flap cover to hold the magazine in position. I~ whc st eaatdt eciea muiinmgz -A ii 10 6. A .ebbing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein the rear face of the accessory holder is provided with a component of one or more separable fasteners adapted to engage another component of the separable fastener provided on the front or side face of pouch or pocket mounted on the belt. 7. A webbing system as claimed in claim 4 wherein a water bottle carrier is mounted on the belt, said carrier being in the form of a pocket open at the top to receive the water bottle and is provided with two flaps which overlie the top of the bottle or each side of the neck of the bottle and are locked in place by separable fasteners. S S. S 4 5 S 0 8. A webbing system substantially as herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. described DATED this sixteenth day of October, 1990 #1 I S .S. 9 4 *r 0 RODNEY THOMAS GEARY Applicant WRAY ASSOCIATES Perth, Western Australia Patent Attorneys for Applicant -i -ii I