Abstract: A locking connector assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member each having a channel. The first connection member has an upper retaining arm and a lower retaining arm. A longitudinal passage is defined between the upper and lower retaining arms, a tab includes a pull beam extending outwardly and linearly beyond the upper and lower retaining arms, and a gap is formed in an upper free end of the upper retaining arm and a lower free end of the lower retaining arm. The second connection member includes at least two insert members configured to be received within the longitudinal passage of the first connection member. The at least two insert members are configured to be engaged and moved to connect the first connection member to the second connection member in a connected state.

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 locking connector assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member each having a channel. The first connection member has an upper retaining arm and a lower retaining arm. A longitudinal passage is defined between the upper and lower retaining arms, a tab includes a pull beam extending outwardly and linearly beyond the upper and lower retaining arms, and a gap is formed in an upper free end of the upper retaining arm and a lower free end of the lower retaining arm. The second connection member includes at least two insert members configured to be received within the longitudinal passage of the first connection member. The at least two insert members are configured to be engaged and moved to connect the first connection member to the second connection member in a connected state.

Abstract: A locking connector assembly is configured to securely connect a first component to a second component. The locking connector assembly may include a female connector having first and second female ends and a longitudinal passage defined therebetween, and a male connector having first and second male ends. Either of the first or second male ends may be configured to mate with the female connector at either the first or second female ends in order to securely connect the male connector to the female connector.

Abstract: A rotatable buckle assembly may include a male buckle member, and a female buckle member configured to rotatably connect to the male buckle member. The female buckle member may include a handle that is configured to be pulled to disconnect the first buckle member from the second buckle member.

Abstract: A latching buckle assembly wherein one buckle component includes a removable cross-bar adapted to receive an attachment strap in looped relation. The cross-bar is adapted to hold the attachment strap in place during use while permitting free relative rotation. When the cross-bar is removed, the webbing can be disengaged from the buckle member to facilitate replacement if required.

Abstract: A vest incorporating a pull element operatively connected to a plurality of tether lines extending along pathways to panel connection points at which front and rear panels of the vest are adjoined. When the pull element is extended away from the vest, the tether lines are placed into tension thereby causing the connection assemblies to be disengaged and the front and rear panels of the vest can fall away from one another.

Abstract: A loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of strength in a low profile hook structure.

Abstract: A buckle assembly includes a hollow buckle body and an insertable buckle latch with elongate latching legs. A separate reciprocable slide element carried by the buckle latch element with cam surfaces, angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the buckle that overlies the free ends of the latching legs. The cam surfaces are associated with angled surfaces on the latching legs forward of the latching edges. Movement of the slide element relative to the latch element causes the cam surfaces to urge the free ends of the latching legs together to unlatch the latching legs from the hollow buckle body locking edges. In one form, a cable is connected to the separate slide element to slide the separate slide element.

Abstract: An attachment strap incorporating an elongated strap segment extending away from an attachment head. The attachment head includes a crossbar extending between raised lateral sidewalls. The strap may be passed under the crossbar between the lateral sidewalls. The strap segment includes an array of raised or lowered profile elements disposed at positions along the length. The crossbar includes a complementary raised or lowered profile element adapted to matedly engage the strap profile elements in reversible inserted relation and to hold the strap in place within the attachment head following insertion of the strap behind the crossbar.

Abstract: A buckle assembly (10) includes a frame (12) having a base (66) connected to opposed side walls (68). The frame (12) has a latch chamber (70) between the base (66) and the opposed side walls (68). The buckle assembly (10) also includes a lever (14) pivotally secured with in the latch chamber (70) between the opposed side walls (68), and a latch (16) configured to be secured in the latch chamber (70) by the lever (14). The latch (16) may include a frame-engaging member (30) having an ogived leading end (36). The ogived leading end (36) is configured to self-align the latch (16) within the latch chamber (70) when the latch (16) is mated into the latch chamber (70).

Abstract: An attachment strap incorporating an elongated strap segment extending away from an attachment head. The attachment head includes a crossbar extending between raised lateral sidewalls. The strap may be passed under the crossbar between the lateral sidewalls. The strap segment includes an array of raised or lowered profile elements disposed at positions along the length. The crossbar includes a complementary raised or lowered profile element adapted to matedly engage the strap profile elements in reversible inserted relation and to hold the strap in place within the attachment head following insertion of the strap behind the crossbar.

Abstract: A female buckle member is configured to securely mate with a male buckle member and adjustably retain webbing through multiple directions. The female buckle member may include a housing having first and second ends and first and second sides. A base of the housing may include a base connected to opposed lateral walls and an upper wall. An insertion channel is defined between the base, the opposed lateral walls, and an upper wall. The housing may be symmetrical about longitudinal and lateral axes. The first and second ends of the housing may have the same size and shape. The first and second ends are configured to receive an insertion end of a male buckle member. The female buckle member may also include a plurality of web-retainers that define a first web-retaining channel configured to adjustably retain webbing extending between the first and second ends, and a second web-retaining channel configured to adjustably retain webbing extending between the first and second sides.

Abstract: An ammunition feed guide assembly for a connected band of ammunition cartridges includes a bracket with upstanding side plates each defining an ammunition discharge channel. The channel has a bottom wall, a pair of side walls spaced apart a distance greater than the length of a cartridge and may include at least one tension tab to resist movement of the ammunition band. An ammunition chute is connected to a discharge chute and comprises a plurality of hollow feed links connected for limited pivotal movement to guide the band of ammunition cartridges to the feed mechanism of an associated weapon. In one form, the chute includes a link at its free end to connect to a discharge chute of another feed guide assembly.