POCKET FOR A V-BLADE SAFETY AND RESCUE KNIFE

Abstract

A pocket arrangement for a protective garment, the pocket arrangement comprising a first pocket having a first width, a first depth, a front face, a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber. The pocket arrangement further comprising a second pocket positioned on the front face of the first pocket. The second pocket having a second width and a second depth and defining a bottom end and a top end. The second pocket further comprising a second internal chamber, a second opening to the second internal chamber and a tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the pocket towards the bottom end of the second pocket. The tool-positioning wall providing an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the second internal chamber of the second pocket for preventing the tool from changing positions within the second pocket.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC §119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/310,116 filed Mar. 3, 2010. The contents of the above-mentioned patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of pockets for protective garments, and more specifically to pockets for safely and securely holding V-blade safety and rescue knives.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many safety and rescue workers, as well as many members of the military, frequently carry with them heavy tools that are needed when responding to emergency and rescue situations. These tools often include knives and other cutting tools that are suitable for rescue activities such as cutting through a seat-belt in order rescue a victim of a car accident, or cutting through a pilot's harness in order to rescue a pilot from being trapped within an airplane.

While knives and axes are very useful in many situations, they are also cumbersome to carry, and include sharp blades. Traditionally, knives and other emergency rescue tools have been carried by emergency and rescue workers within the outer pockets of their protective garments. However, carrying heavy knives and cutting tools in this manner creates many problems.

When a heavy-duty knife is placed within an outer pocket of a protective garment, the knife is able to move around and shift positions. This is very uncomfortable for the wearer, as the movement of the knife within the pocket constricts and hinders the movement of the wearer, and often bangs the wearer's leg. In addition, the movement of the heavy knife can cause other tools within the pocket to become crushed or otherwise damaged. Furthermore, the movement of the knife within the outer pocket causes the knife to shift position and orientation. This makes it difficult for a wearer to access the knife quickly and easily when the wearer needs to retrieve the knife from the pocket. In addition, when the user has to fish the knife out of the pocket, the wearer must be very careful not to grab the knife by the blade. This presents a risk of injury to the user, which is undesirable when the user is faced with an emergency or rescue situation.

In light of the above, it is clear that there is a need in the industry for an improved method for enabling an emergency worker to carry heavy knives that alleviates at least in part the deficiencies of existing garments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a broad aspect, the present invention provides a pair of protective pants that comprise a first leg, a second leg and a pocket positioned on at least one of the first leg and the second leg. The pocket has a width and a depth and defines a bottom end and a top end. The pocket comprises an internal chamber, an opening to the internal chamber at the top end of the pocket and at least one tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the pocket towards the bottom end. The tool-positioning wall provides a surface against which a blade portion of a knife rests when the knife is positioned within the internal chamber of the pocket.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the present invention provides a pocket arrangement for a protective garment. The pocket arrangement comprises a first pocket that has a first width, a first depth, a front face, a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber. The pocket arrangement further comprises a second pocket positioned on the front face of the first pocket. The second pocket has a second width and a second depth and defines a bottom end and a top end. The second pocket comprises a second internal chamber, a second opening to the second internal chamber and a tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the pocket towards the bottom end. The tool-positioning wall provides a surface against which a blade portion of a knife rests when the knife is positioned within the internal chamber of the pocket.

In accordance with another broad aspect, the present invention provides a pocket arrangement for a protective garment. The pocket arrangement comprises a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber. The pocket arrangement further comprises a second internal chamber and a second opening to the second internal chamber. The second internal chamber has a width and a length that extends from the second opening to a bottom end. The second internal chamber further comprises a tool-positioning wall that narrows the width of the second internal chamber towards the bottom end, and provides an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the second internal chamber for preventing the tool from changing positions within the second internal chamber.

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to the persons skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A detailed description of examples of implementation of the present invention is provided herein below with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a pair of protective pants comprising two pockets in accordance with a first non-limiting example of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pair of protective pants of FIG. 1 with the pocket shown in a closed position;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the pair of protective pants of FIG. 1 with the pocket shown in an open position;

FIGS. 4 shows a non-limiting example of a V-blade safety and rescue knife suitable for storage within the pocket shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 5 shows a transparent view of the pocket of FIG. 2 with a V-blade safety and rescue shown therein in dotted lines;

FIG. 6 shows a side view of a pair of protective pants having a pocket in accordance with a second non-limiting example of the present invention, with the pocket shown in a closed position; and

FIG. 7 shows the pair of protective pants of FIG. 6 with the pocket shown in an open position.

In the drawings, embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for purposes of illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To facilitate the description, any reference numeral designating an element in one figure will designate the same element if used in any other figures. In describing the embodiments, specific terminology is resorted to for the sake of clarity but the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is understood that each specific term comprises all equivalents.

Shown in FIG. 1 is a pair of protective pants 10 comprising two pockets 12a and 12b, in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the present invention. The pair of protective pants 10 comprises a first leg 14 and a second leg 16 and a lower trunk covering portion 18. The first pocket 12a is positioned on the first leg 14 and the second pocket 12b is positioned on the second leg 16. Although the pair of protective pants 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises two pockets 12a and 12, it should be appreciated that the protective pants 10 could have included only one of the pockets 12a, 12b without departing from the spirit of the invention.

The pair of protective pants 10 may be suitable for use by a firefighter, policeman, paramedic, emergency scene first-responder or military personnel among other possibilities. The pair of protective pants 10 is preferably made of a durable and tear-resistant material, such as a woven aramid fiber and/or polybenzimidazole fibers, that provide flame, abrasion and pierce resistance. The pants 10 may be adorned with knee patches 20, reflective material 22 and/or any other accessory that may be required or desirable for the intended purpose of the protective pants 10. It should be appreciated that the construction and material of the pair of protective pants 10 is not intended to be limiting to the present invention.

For the sake of simplicity, only pocket 12b will be described in more detail below. However, it should be appreciated that both pockets 12a and 12b are substantially the same, and that the description provided for pocket 12b is equally as applicable to the pocket 12a.

Shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is a side view of the pair of pants 10, with a front view of the pocket 12b. As best shown in FIG. 3, the pocket 12b comprises a front face 24, a top end 26 and a bottom end 28. The pocket further comprises an interior chamber (not visible) and an opening 30 to the interior chamber at the top end 26 of the pocket 12b. The pocket 12b has a width “w” and a length “l”. The length “l” extends from the top end 26 of the pocket 12b to the bottom end 28 of the pocket 12b. In accordance with a non-limiting example, the length “l” of the pocket ranges between 8 and 12 inches and preferably between 10 and 11 inches, and the width “w” of the pocket ranges between 4 and 8 inches, and preferably between 5 and 6.5 inches.

The pocket 12b further comprises a tool-positioning wall 34 for narrowing the width “w” of the pocket towards the bottom end 28. While the width “w” of the pocket is between 4 and 8 inches, the width at the bottom end 28 is generally between 2 and 3 inches. As will be explained in more detail further on in the description, the tool-positioning wall 34 provides a surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the internal chamber of the pocket 12b, for preventing the tool from changing positions within the pocket 12b.

The pocket 12b comprises a flap 32 that is shown in a closed position in FIG. 2 and an open position in FIG. 3. When the flap 32 is in the closed position, it covers the opening 30 to the internal chamber. And when the flap 32 in the open position, items can be placed inside and removed from, the internal chamber of the pocket 12b. In order to prevent items from falling out of the pocket 12b, the flap 32 can be secured to the front face 24 of the pocket 12b when in the closed position, via a closing mechanism. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the flap 32 and the front face 24 of the pocket 12b each comprise corresponding parts of a hook-and-loop type fastener. More specifically, the front face 24 of the pocket 12b comprises the loop portions 40a of the fastener and the underside of the flap 32 comprises the hook portions 40b of the fastener, such that when the flap 32 is closed, it remains in the closed position until a user pulls the flap 32 into the open position. Although a hook-and-loop type fastener has been shown in FIG. 3, it should be appreciated that other fastening mechanisms such as buttons, snaps and a zip could also have been depicted without departing from the invention.

The pocket 12b further comprises a first side wall 36 and a second side wall 38, that each comprises a surface length that extends between the top end 26 and the bottom end 28 of the pocket 12b. As used herein, the term “surface length” refers to the length that is measured between the top end 26 and the bottom end 28 following the edge of each side. The surface length of the first side wall 36, which faces towards the front of the protective pants, is substantially the same as the length “l” of the pocket. However, the surface length of the second side wall 38, which faces towards the back of the protective pants, is slightly longer than the length “l” of the pocket 12b, due to the angle of the tool-positioning wall 34.

The side walls 36 and 38 may be formed by seams that join the front face 24 of the pocket to the surface of the leg 16 of the pair of pants 10. Alternatively, the side walls 36 and 38 may be formed by a more three-dimensional wall, such as in the case of the pocket 12b shown in FIGS. 2 & 3, wherein the side walls 36, 38 are created by pleated pieces of material that extend between the front face 24 and the surface of the leg 16 of the pair of pants. These side walls 36 and 38 are bellowed, and have depth of 2 inches at the top, and narrowing to 1.5-1.375 inches at the bottom. In this manner, the pocket is deeper at the top end 26 of the pocket than the bottom end 28. In general, the internal chamber is defined between the interior surface of the front face 24, the outer surface of the pant leg 16 and the internal surfaces of the two side walls 36, 38. However, the interior and exterior of the pocket may include a lining, such that the internal chamber will be defined by the internal dimensions of the lining. The lining may be made of a reinforcing material, such as aramid, leather, coated aramid (and other fabrics), for preventing tearing and piercing of the pocket 12b.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tool-positioning wall 34 forms at least a portion of the surface length of the second wall 38. In accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation, the surface length of the tool-positioning wall 34 forms between ⅓ and ¾ of the total surface length of the second wall 38, and preferably approximately 60% of the total length. In addition, the tool-positioning wall 34 is generally positioned at an angle θ of between 115 and 145 degrees, and preferably between 125 and 130 degrees with respect to the bottom end 28 of the pocket 12b.

The asymmetric shape of the pocket 12b resulting from the angle of the tool-positioning wall 34 creates an internal chamber having an angled wall that is suitable for receiving a specific type of tool, and maintaining that tool in a desired orientation.

Shown in FIG. 4 is a non-limiting example of a V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 that is suitable for being held by the pocket 12b. The V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 comprises a handle portion 52 and an overall blade portion 54. The blade portion 54 comprises a fixed blade portion 56 and an arm blade portion 58 that is connected to the bottom of the fixed blade portion 56. The arm blade portion 58 may be hingedly connected to the fixed blade portion 56. The inside surfaces of the fixed blade portion 56 and the arm blade portion 58 that face each other create a V-blade configuration. The V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 can be used to cut up to 10000 lb strength webbing used in seat belts and harnesses. It can also be used to smash glass and open quick-disconnect fasteners on aircraft and other vehicles.

The particular V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 shown in the Figures has the dual function of being able to break into the canopy of an aircraft (with the metal end of the tool) and then extricate a pilot from his/her harness using the blade portions 54 of the tool.

Shown in FIG. 5 is transparent view of the pocket 12b, with the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 positioned therein. As shown, the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 (or another knife having a similar shape) can be safely and securely held within the pocket 12b. More specifically, the tool-positioning wall 34 causes the internal chamber to narrow towards the bottom end 28 of the pocket 12b, such that the bottom portion of the internal chamber has an angled wall for receiving the V-shaped blade portion 54 of the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50. The bottom portion of the internal chamber has substantially the same shape as the blade portion 54 of the knife 50, so as to receive the blade portion 54 in a relatively snug fit. This snug fit of the blade portion 54 within the bottom portion of the internal chamber prevents the knife 50 from moving around and changing orientation within the pocket 12b. In operation, the arm blade portion 48 of the knife 40 may lean against the tool-positioning edge of the pocket 14.

As such, the internal chamber of the pocket 12b is shaped in order to snugly receive a V-shaped safety and rescue knife 50, or similarly shaped knife, so as to prevent the knife 50 from moving around and/or changing orientation within the pocket 12b. The blade portion 54 of the knife 50 is received within a narrower bottom portion of the internal chamber and the movable arm blade portion 58 is able to rest against the angled surface created by the tool-positioning wall 34.

The pocket 12b of the present invention thus allows an emergency worker to carry this important tool on his or her person. Traditionally, heavy and awkward tools, such as the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 have been carried in a tool roll, which requires time to access. When the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 is carried in the pocket 12b, it allows easy access to the tool and allows the emergency worker to save precious time. When the V-blade safety and rescue knife 50 is needed for emergency extrication, it takes only second to access, thus becoming potentially life-saving.

Although only one angled tool-positioning wall 34 is shown in the Figures, it should be appreciated that multiple angled tool-positioning walls 34 could be used in order to create a narrowed bottom portion of the pocket 12b. For example, a first angled tool-positioning wall 34 may extend between the second side edge 38 and the bottom end 28, and a second angled tool-positioning wall 34 may extend between the first side edge 36 and the bottom end 28. In such a scenario, the bottom portion of the pocket 12b may have the shape of a truncated symmetric V.

When the V-blade safety and rescue knife is positioned within the pocket 12b, the handle 52 of the knife 50 extends upwardly towards the opening 30 of the pocket 12b such that a wearer of the protective garment is able to easily access the handle 52 of the knife 50 without worrying about how the orientation of the knife may have changed during the course of the wearer's regular activities. This helps to prevent the wearer from accidentally grabbing the blades 56 and 58 of the knife 50.

In order to be able to place the V-blade safety and rescue within the pocket 12b, the opening 30 of the pocket 12b is wider than the bottom edge 28 of the pocket. More specifically, the opening 30 of the pocket 14 is wider than the width anywhere between the first side wall 36 and the tool-positioning wall 34. This provides easy access to the handle, even for a person having a gloved-hand.

Although walls 28, 36, 38 and 34 are all shown as being distinct walls, it should be appreciated that one continuous wall that bends in order to form a shape similar to that shown in FIG. 1 is also included within the present invention.

Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, is the pair of pants 10 having a pocket arrangement 60 in accordance with a further example of implementation of the present invention. The pocket arrangement 60 comprises a first pocket 62 and a second pocket 64.

In the embodiment shown, the first pocket 62 has a generally rectangular shape with a top end 66, a bottom end 68, a first side wall 70 and a second side wall 72. The first pocket 62 further comprises a front face 76, an internal chamber (not shown) and an opening 74 to the internal chamber. In general, the internal chamber is defined between the interior surface of the front face 76, the outer surface of the pant leg 16 and internal surface of the two side walls 70, 72 and the bottom end 68. However, the interior of the pocket may include a lining, such that the internal chamber will be defined by the internal dimensions of the lining. The lining may be made of a reinforcing material, such as aramid fabric, leather, coated aramid among other possible fabrics, for preventing tearing and piercing of the pocket 62.

The side walls 70, 72 and the bottom end 68 may be formed by seams that join the front face 76 of the pocket to the surface of the leg 16 of the pair of pants 10. Alternatively, the side walls 70, 72 and bottom end 68 may be formed by a more three-dimensional construction, wherein the sidewalls 70, 72 and bottom end 68 are created by pleated pieces of material that extend between the front face 76 and the surface of the leg 16 of the pair of pants.

The first pocket 62 has a first width “w₁” and a first length “1₁”. Although the first pocket 62 is shown as having a rectangular shape, it should be appreciated that the first pocket 62 could be of a variety of other shapes, as well. The present invention is not limited to the shape of the first pocket 62.

The second pocket 64 is substantially the same as pocket 12b described above with respect to FIGS. 1-3, and has a bottom end 28, a top end 26, a first side wall 36, a second side wall 38 and a tool-positioning wall 34 narrowing the width of the pocket 64 towards the bottom end 28, as described above. The second pocket 64 further comprises a front face 24, an internal chamber (not shown) and an opening 30 into the internal chamber at the top end 28 of the second pocket 64. The second pocket 64 has a second width “w₂” and a second length “l₂”. The second width “w₂” is measured at the widest point of the front face 24 and the length “l₂” is measured at the longest point of the front face 24.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the second pocket 64 is positioned on the front face 76 of the first pocket 62. The front face 76 of the first pocket 76 may thus form the interior back face of the second pocket 64. Alternatively, the second pocket 64 may have an independent back face that is applied to the front face 76 of the first pocket 62.

In accordance with the present invention, the first width “w₁” of the first pocket 62 is wider than the second width “w₂” of the second pocket 64. In addition, the first length “l₁” of the first pocket 62 is longer than the second length “l₂” of the second pocket 64.

The pocket arrangement 60 further comprises a flap 80 that is shown in a closed position in FIG. 6 and an open position in FIG. 7. When the flap 80 is in the closed position, it covers the openings 74, 30 to the internal chambers of both the first pocket 62 and the second pocket 64. When the flap 80 in the open position, items can be placed inside and removed from, the internal chambers of the first and second pockets 62 and 64. When in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 6, in order to prevent items from falling out of the pockets 62, 4 the flap 80 can be secured to one or both of the front faces 24 or 76 of the pockets 62 and 64, via one or more closing mechanisms. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the flap 80 and the front face 24 of the pocket 64 each comprise corresponding parts of a hook-and-loop type fastener. More specifically, the front face 24 of the pocket 64 comprises the loop portions 82a of the fastener and the underside of the flap 80 comprises the hook portions 82b of the fastener, such that when the flap 80 is closed, it remains in the closed position until a user pulls the flap 80 into the open position. Although a hook-and-loop type fastener has been shown in FIG. 7, it should be appreciated that other fastening mechanisms such as buttons, snaps and a zip could also have been depicted without departing from the invention.

In a further embodiment of the invention that is not shown in the Figures, the pocket arrangement 60 may be constructed differently, such that the shape of the second pocket 64 is located within the first pocket 62. In such an embodiment, the shape of the internal chamber of the second pocket 64 is included within the first pocket 62, such that from the outside, the pocket arrangement 60 appears to be a single pocket, but on the inside, the pocket arrangement 60 comprises a first internal chamber and a second internal chamber that is different from the first internal chamber, wherein the second internal chamber has the shape of the internal chamber of pocket 12b and pocket 64 as described above. More specifically, the second internal chamber comprises the tool-positioning wall 34 such that an edge of the tool is able to rest against the angled surface of the tool-positioning wall 34 for preventing the tool from moving around. Although the shape of the second internal chamber would not be visible from the outside, as described above, when the flap 80 is lifted, the pocket arrangement 60 comprises a first internal chamber that has a substantially rectangular shape, and a second internal chamber that has the asymmetric shape of the second pocket 64 as described above.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and refinements are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Therefore, the scope of the invention should be limited only by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A pair of protective pants, comprising:

a. a first leg;

b. a second leg; and

c. a pocket positioned on at least one of the first leg and the second leg, the pocket having a width and a length and comprising a bottom end and a top end, the pocket comprising: i. an internal chamber; ii. an opening to the internal chamber at the top end of the pocket; and iii. at least one tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the pocket towards the bottom end, the tool-positioning wall providing an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the internal chamber for preventing the tool from changing positions within the pocket.

2. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 1, wherein the pocket further comprises a flap for covering the opening to the internal chamber.

3. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 2, wherein the flap is closable via at least one of buttons, snaps and a hook-and-loop fastener for closing the pocket.

4. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 1, the pocket further comprises a first side wall and a second side wall each comprising a length that extends between the top end and the bottom end of the pocket, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms at least a portion of the length of the second wall.

5. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 4, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms an angle of between 115 and 145 degrees with respect to the bottom end of the pocket.

6. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 4, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms between ⅓ and ¾ of the surface length of the second wall.

7. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 4, wherein the first side wall faces the front of the pair of protective pants and the second side wall faces the rear of the pair of protective pants.

8. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 4, wherein the pocket has a width of between 4 and 8 inches, and the bottom end of the pocket has a width of between 2 and 3 inches.

9. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 1, wherein the pocket is a first pocket positioned on the first leg, the pair of protective pants further comprising a second pocket positioned on the second leg.

10. The pair of protective pants as defined in claim 1, wherein the tool-positioning wall is operative for supporting the blade portion of a V-blade safety and rescue knife.

11. A pocket arrangement for a protective garment, the pocket arrangement comprising:

a. a first pocket having a first width, a first depth, a front face, a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber;

b. a second pocket positioned on the front face of the first pocket, the second pocket having a second width and a second depth and defining a bottom end and a top end, the second pocket comprising: i. a second internal chamber; ii. a second opening to the second internal chamber, a tool-positioning wall for narrowing the width of the second pocket towards the bottom end, the tool-positioning wall providing an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the second internal chamber for preventing the tool from changing positions within the second pocket.

12. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 11, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width.

13. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 11, further comprising a flap for covering both the first opening to the first internal chamber and the second opening to the second internal chamber.

14. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 13, wherein the flap is closable via at least one of buttons, snaps and a hook-and-loop fastener.

15. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 11, the second pocket further comprising a first side wall and a second side wall each comprising a length that extends between the second opening and the bottom end of the pocket, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms at least a portion of the length of the second wall.

16. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 15, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms an angle of between 115 and 145 degrees with respect to the bottom end of the second pocket.

17. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 15, wherein the tool-positioning wall forms between ⅓ and ¾ of the surface length of the second wall.

18. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 15, wherein the second pocket has a width of between 4 and 8 inches, and the bottom end of the second pocket has a width of between 2 and 3 inches.

19. The pocket arrangement as defined in claim 11, wherein the front face of the first pocket forms a back face of the second pocket.

20. The pocket as defined in claim 11, wherein the tool-positioning wall is operative for supporting the blade portion of a V-blade safety and rescue knife.

21. A pocket arrangement for a protective garment, the pocket arrangement comprising:

a. a first internal chamber and a first opening to the first internal chamber; i. a second internal chamber and a second opening to the second internal chamber, the second internal chamber having a width and a length that extends from the second opening to a bottom end, the second internal chamber having a tool-positioning wall that narrows the width of the second internal chamber towards the bottom end, and providing an angled surface against which a portion of a tool rests when positioned within the second internal chamber for preventing the tool from changing positions within the second internal chamber.