Abstract: A buckle includes two pawls engageable by a tongue. A single spring controls the position of the pawls. The buckle has a manual primary release mode of operation. The buckle also has a secondary release mode of operation, in which the spring acts as a secondary release member for the pawls. This is actuated by pulling force exerted by a single point release lanyard of a quick release vest.

Abstract: A garment such as a plate carrier has a front part and a back part which are held together by a plurality of buckles. The buckles are releasable manually, and also are simultaneously releasable as a group via a quick release mechanism that includes an actuator cord extending through a plurality of rings. Reassembly of the garment after actuation of the quick release mechanism is effected by buckling the plurality of buckles.

Abstract: A soldier's garment includes a hard plate carrier, a concealable carrier that can carry soft armor panels, and separate soft armor panels. The plate carrier can be worn alone, the concealable carrier can be worn alone, the plate carrier can be worn with the concealable carrier, or the plate carrier can be worn with the soft armor panels. The plate carrier has an actuatable quick release system for enabling release of the plate carrier. Each one of the concealable carrier and the soft armor panels is released from the soldier with the plate carrier when the quick release system is actuated.

Abstract: A buckle includes two pawls engageable by a tongue. A single spring controls the position of the pawls. The buckle has a manual primary release mode of operation. The buckle also has a secondary release mode of operation, in which the spring acts as a secondary release member for the pawls. This is actuated by pulling force exerted by a single point release lanyard of a quick release vest.

Abstract: A flexible linkage system for connecting an environmentally sealed apparatus such as a parachute system to an external apparatus such as a parachute harness, the system comprising an internal link and an external link. The internal link is completely within the sealing packaging and is directly attached to the sealed apparatus. The internal link has a looped end wherein the sealing packaging is sealed around the internal link and joined in the center of the loop. A portion of the sealing is cut away from the center of the loop, thereby forming a void surrounded by the loop and the sealing material. The external link comprises a loop and a connecting hardware anchored to the external link. The loop in the external link is threaded through the center of the loop in the inner link and then it is connected to the connecting hardware.

Abstract: The present invention is an environmentally sealed storage and deployment system for inflatable aircraft escape slides which is comprised of an environmentally sealed vacuum bag and an inflatable escape slide. Environmentally sealing the slide protects the slide fabric and components from degradation due to moisture, oxygen, ozone, tobacco smoke, and other deleterious agents. By protecting the slide from degradation in this manner, the time period between routine inspections may be extended. The force generated by the opening of the aircraft door tears open the environmentally sealed bag, initiating the deployment of the inflatable escape slide. The sealed vacuum bag is equipped with air-tight disconnect fittings that make it unnecessary to repack the slide after the changing of the CO.sub.2 cylinder or the slide light batteries.

Abstract: An environmentally-sealed parachute deployment system for bail-out parachutes comprising a spring-loaded pilot parachute, an environmentally sealed vacuum bag, a deployment bag having one or two elastic closure loops, and a man-rated parachute. The drag force exerted by the pilot parachute tears open the environmentally sealed bag, initiating deployment of the parachute.