Abstract: A device for mounting a noise attenuating ear cup on a helmet shell. The device includes a clamp plate, which is secured to the shell in an operative position extending along a side edge of the shell. A flexible strap extends along an inner surface of the clamp plate. The strap has first and second ends and an intermediate portion bulging inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate. The ear cup is attached to the intermediate portion of the strap, and the first end of the strap is anchored to the clamp plate. The second end of the strap is adjustably constrained for longitudinal movement relative to the clamp plate to thereby vary the extent to which the intermediate portion of the strap bulges inwardly from the inner surface of the clamp plate.

Abstract: A low profile quick release assembly for securing and releasing a backpack frame to and from a waist belt which comprises a catch assembly adapted to be secured to the waist belt and a hook assembly adapted to be secured to the backpack frame. The catch assembly has laterally opposed guide surfaces extending downwardly and terminating in a retaining notch, at least one catch surface and a pivot radius formed in the retaining notch. The hook assembly comprises a front surface, a hook and at least one flexible finger having a catch surface formed in the hook assembly. The hook is spaced apart from the front surface to define therewith locating surfaces which terminate in a retaining radius. When the catch assembly and the hook assembly are engaged, the retaining radius seats on the pivot radius in contacting engagement and the catch surface engages the catch slot. The assembly disengages when the rearward angle of the backpack exceeds a predetermined angle with reference to vertical.

Abstract: A button snap flap closure for a pocket having a flap which overlaps a surface of the pocket. The closure comprises an elongated keeper secured to the pocket, the keeper having a ridge comprised of ribs in parallel relationship formed therein and a clip having a top portion secured to the flap. The clip is comprised of depending walls adapted to engage the ribs of the keeper.

Abstract: A two-piece lanyard release buckle which comprises a keeper and a secure part. The keeper is comprised of a floor which includes a front portion and a rear portion and a cover spaced apart from the floor, means for flexibly securing the cover and the floor to one another and a lanyard secured to the cover. The opposed surfaces of the floor and the cover define a slot therebetween and a keeper surface is formed on the surface of the cover. The secure part is configured to be received in the slot and is comprised of a front portion and a rear portion. The secure part is characterized by at least one locking finger having a top surface and terminating in a catch tab. When the secure part is received in the keeper, the locking finger engages the keeper surface and locks the secure part to the keeper.

Abstract: A quick release assembly for releasing a backpack from a waistbelt which comprises a socket and a probe. The socket is adapted to secure the waistbelt and the probe is secured to a backpack. The probe is adapted to matably engage the socket and is configured for forward and backward rotatable movement in the socket. The socket has a recess and means for engaging catch surfaces of the probe. When the angular displacement of the probe from the socket exceeds a predetermined design angle the probe is released from the socket.

Abstract: A quick release buckle assembly which is activated by pulling upwardly on a short lanyard. The buckle comprises a keeper part including a latch and a secure part. The secure part has a leading edge which is chamfered in several planes to facilitate its insertion into the keeper part. The latch per se flexes to facilitate locking and unlocking the keeper part and the secure part.

Abstract: A strap assembly for controlling the inward pressure on ear cups (14) mounted on a helmut (10). A rear strap (22) is rotatably secured to the helmut (10). At each end of the rear strap (22) are a pair of opposed buckles tabs (27). Each buckle defines a slot (36). The tabs (27) have a flexbile pawl (48) formed in a movable cover (44). There are a pair of opposed straps (60) having one end secured to the forward portion of the helmut. The other end of the strap (60) passes through the ear cups (14) and through the slots (36) in the buckle tabs. Each of the straps (60) has a ratchet track (64). When the straps (60) are moved toward one another to increase the inward pressure of the associated ear cups (14) the ratchet track slides under and displaces outwardly the pawl (48) in the tabs (27). Reversal movement of the strap (60) is prevented when the cover (44) is in its closed position.