Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.

Abstract: A buckle assembly may include a first connection member, and a second connection member configured to receive at least a portion of the first connection member in order to removably connect the first connection member to the second connection member. The second connection member includes an outer frame defining a central opening that is configured to allow monitoring of alignment and connection between the first and second connection members.

Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism includes a pair of coaxially aligned inner and outer components with ends disposed in telescoping relation with an interposed resilient elastomeric member comprising a monolithic polymeric structure comprising a hollow body within the end of the outer component, and receiving the end of the inner component with the body including an attachment portion secured to the outer component, and a support portion supporting the inner component. The body portion includes a plurality of equally spaced webs extending between the attachment portion and support portion. In one form, the body is generally cylindrical and disposed between the inner surface of the outer component and the outer surface of the inner component in telescoping relation and frictionally engaging the telescoping components.

Abstract: A buckle assembly may include a first connection member, and a second connection member configured to receive at least a portion of the first connection member in order to removably connect the first connection member to the second connection member. The second connection member includes an outer frame defining a central opening that is configured to allow monitoring of alignment and connection between the first and second connection members.

Abstract: A device is configured to adjustably retain at least one strap and dampen forces exerted into or by the at least one strap. The device includes a main body including at least one strap adjustment channel configured to adjustably retain the at least one strap, and at least one tensile member formed on or within the main body. The at least one tensile member is configured to flex, bend, and/or stretch in order to absorb the forces exerted into or by the at least one strap.

Abstract: A dampening mechanism includes a pair of coaxially aligned inner and outer components with ends disposed in telescoping relation with an interposed resilient elastomeric member comprising a monolithic polymeric structure comprising a hollow body within the end of the outer component, and receiving the end of the inner component with the body including an attachment portion secured to the outer component, and a support portion supporting the inner component. The body portion includes a plurality of equally spaced webs extending between the attachment portion and support portion. In one form, the body is generally cylindrical and disposed between the inner surface of the outer component and the outer surface of the inner component in telescoping relation and frictionally engaging the telescoping components.

Abstract: A self-nesting zipper puller includes a body defining a periphery, a lanyard by which to suspend the zipper puller from a zipper for use; and a loop secured to the lanyard and engaged about the periphery of the body during use of the zipper puller to secure the lanyard and body as an enclosed structure captured by the zipper.

Abstract: A zipper puller (110) has a one piece structure including a molded plastic body (112) and an integral molded looped tether (114). The looped tether is molded in a first size and shape, and after molding the looped tether is permanently deformed to a second size and second shape by aligning the crystalline structure of the looped tether material.

Abstract: A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.

Abstract: A device is configured to adjustably retain at least one strap and dampen forces exerted into or by the at least one strap. The device includes a main body including at least one strap adjustment channel configured to adjustably retain the at least one strap, and at least one tensile member formed on or within the main body. The at least one tensile member is configured to flex, bend, and/or stretch in order to absorb the forces exerted into or by the at least one strap.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include a main housing having an air passage chamber, and a flapper positioned on or within the air passage chamber. The flapper includes a membrane flap and a stabilizing member extending toward a center of the membrane flap. The stabilizing member prevents the center of said membrane flap from flapping open, but allows outer free edges of the membrane flap to open when air flow at a particular pressure is exerted into said membrane flap from an opening direction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include a main housing having an air passage chamber, and a flapper positioned on or within the air passage chamber. The flapper includes a membrane flap and a stabilizing member extending toward a center of the membrane flap. The stabilizing member prevents the center of said membrane flap from flapping open, but allows outer free edges of the membrane flap to open when air flow at a particular pressure is exerted into said membrane flap from an opening direction.

Abstract: A holding clip for tubes, hoses and the like has a pocket and deflectable arms protecting an entrance to the pocket. The arms extend one past another and interdigitate one with another. The arms deflect outwardly in response to force exerted thereagainst from outside of the pocket and interengage one against another to resist force exerted thereagainst from within the pocket.