CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/144,870, filed Feb. 2, 2021, entitled “Armor Carrier with Tension Memory System,” U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/196,578, filed Jun. 3, 2021, entitled “Armor Carrier with Tension Memory System,” and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/256,870, filed Oct. 18, 2021, entitled “Armor Carrier with Tension Memory System and Holster;” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field wearable equipment. More specifically, the invention is in the subfield of body armor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Wearable equipment, including body armor, sports equipment, and various other types of equipment, requires a proper fit to ensure optimum safety and comfort for a wearer. Proper fit often requires an appropriate level of tension applied to the wearable equipment, such as an armor carrier or other equipment, to ensure that a wearer is comfortable, maintains an adequate range of movement, and has proper fit and material tension to absorb and dissipate the energy of an impact from a bullet, projectile, athlete, or other incoming material. Traditional wearable equipment, including armor carriers, have fitment devices that allow for adjustments to the tension of the material to fit wearers of different sizes and body types. However, these adjustment mechanisms must be engaged and released each time the wearer dons and doffs the wearable equipment. This resetting of the material tension in the wearable equipment results in inconsistent fit between wearing cycles, additional wear and tear on the wearable equipment, shortening its useful life, and a more time-consuming donning process that may expose the wearer to additional danger or distraction in hazardous environments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention provides a tension memory apparatus that allows a wearer to don wearable equipment, such as an armor carrier, athletic pads, or other protective equipment, set the appropriate level of tension, and then doff the wearable equipment while maintaining the tension setting until the wearer dons the wearable equipment for the next wearing cycle. The tension memory apparatus may include a tension adjustment component to fine tune the level of tension in the wearable equipment for the particular size and body shape of the wearer, a tension member that provides the tension, and a release mechanism that allows a user to don and doff the wearable equipment without influencing the set tension level. The tension memory apparatus allows a wearer to don and doff wearable equipment quickly and easily without the need to reset the proper tension in the wearable equipment material and allows for easy replacement of areas that experience high wear, prolonging the useful life of the wearable equipment. In certain embodiments, the tension memory apparatus may also incorporate other functions such as storage pockets or integrated holsters for carrying firearms, weapons, or other items that may be of use to the wearer.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the instant specification, illustrate several aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description herein, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are provided only for the purpose of illustrating select embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.
FIGS. 1-3 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a tension memory system for wearable equipment.
FIGS. 5-7 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of an armor carrier with a tension memory system.
FIGS. 8A-8E provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a tension memory system with different attachment methods.
FIGS. 9 and 10 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a tension memory system with overlap capability.
FIG. 11 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an armor carrier with a tension memory system with overlap capability. FIGS. 12 and 13 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a tension memory system with integrated storage.
FIGS. 14-16 provide schematic illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a tension memory system with an integrated holster.
FIG. 17 provides a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an armor carrier with a tension memory system with an integrated holster.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 provides a depiction of two tension memory apparatuses 1 for use with an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. The tension memory apparatuses 1 may comprise one or more tension members 3, which may comprise elastic webbing, in communication with a tension adjustment component 2 and a release mechanism 4 disposed at opposite ends of the one or more tension members 3. In certain embodiments, the tension adjustment component 2 may comprise one side of a hook and loop fastening system, such as Velcro, adapted to match with the complementary side of a hook and loop fastening system located on the armor carrier. It should be appreciated that in certain embodiments, the tension adjustment component 2 may also include a portion of the complementary hook and loop fastener on the outer facing portion of the tension adjustment component 2. This additional portion of hook and loop material may allow for the overlap of the two tension adjustment components 2 for greater range of adjustment of tension and sizing of the tension memory apparatuses 1. The release mechanism 4 may comprise a zipper or other mechanism for quickly attaching and releasing the tension memory apparatuses 1 from an armor carrier or other personal equipment. It should be appreciated that the tension memory apparatuses 1 may also incorporate other features such as storage pockets, holsters, or other mechanisms to provide additional functionality to the wearer of the armor carrying vest or other personal equipment.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the tension memory apparatuses may be provided as mirror image devices adapted for use on the right and left sides of an armor carrier or other personal equipment, respectively. As shown, the release mechanism, which may comprise a portion of a zipper, may have the zipper tape 11 in communication with the one or more tension members 3 of the tension memory apparatuses 1. The zipper tape 11 may include a retainer box 17, an insertion pin 16, a plurality of teeth 13, and a top stop 12. A slider head 14 with pull tab 15 may be engaged and captured on the zipper or portion of a zipper and adapted to engage with a complementary portion of a zipper on an armor carrier or other personal equipment.
FIGS. 2 and 3 provide depictions of a tension memory apparatus 1 for removably securing an armor carrying vest or other wearable equipment while maintaining tension between wearing cycles of the armor carrying vest or other wearable equipment. The tension memory apparatus 1, which may comprise a tension adjustment component 2 in communication with one or more tension members 3 and a release mechanism 4, may be adapted or otherwise configured such that the release mechanism 4 may removably connect with a complementary mechanism on the armor carrier or other wearable equipment. For example, as shown, the tension memory apparatus 1 may include a portion of a zipper mechanism which engages a complementary portion of a zipper mechanism that is attached or otherwise affixed to an armor carrier rear panel 5. The tension memory apparatus 1 may then engage its portion of the zipper with the portion of the zipper on the armor carrier rear panel 5 to securely affix or otherwise attach the tension memory apparatus 1 to the armor carrier rear panel 5. The tension adjustment component 2 of each tension memory apparatus 1 is then free to be secured or otherwise affixed to the front panel of the armor carrier (not shown), or to overlap with the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposite tension memory apparatus 1. Once a wearer has initially donned the armor carrier or other wearable equipment and set the appropriate tension for his or her size and body shape, the wearer may leave the tension adjustment component 2 in place and disengage the release mechanism 4, herein illustrated by moving the zipper slider head 14, to allow for doffing of the armor carrier. The tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 will then remain in position such that when the wearer dons the armor carrier for a subsequent wearing cycle, he or she may re-engage the release mechanism 4 and apply an identical level of tension to the armor carrier or wearable equipment for a consistent and comfortable fit without the necessity to re-adjust the tension adjustment component 2.
FIGS. 4 and 5 provide depictions of an armor carrying vest 6 with tension memory apparatuses 1 for maintaining tension and fit for a wearer between wearing cycles of the armor carrying vest 6. The tension memory apparatuses 1, which may comprise a release mechanism 4, such as a zipper or a portion of a zipper, a tension member 3, which may be elastic webbing, a tension adjustment component 2, which may be a hook pad, and an optional loop pad on the reverse side of the tension adjustment component 2 (not shown), may engage with the rear panel of an armor carrier 6 through a complementary portion of a zipper and may engage with the front panel 7 of an armor carrier 6 through an attachment area 8, which may be a loop pad or other attachment mechanism. In certain embodiments, the hook pad of the tension adjustment component 2 of one tension memory apparatus 1 may overlap with and attach or otherwise affix to the optional loop pad on the reverse side of the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposing tension memory apparatus 1. In this type of arrangement, the two tension memory apparatuses 1 may affix or otherwise attach their tension adjustment components 2 to the attachment area 8 on the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 or to the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposing tension memory apparatus 1. The tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 may be removed from the attachment area 8 of the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 to allow for adjustment of the tension level on the armor carrier 6. Furthermore, the tension memory apparatus 1 may also be separated from the rear panel of the armor carrier 6 via the release mechanism 4, herein illustrated as a zipper. It should be appreciated that the release mechanism may be any mechanism that allows for attachment and release of the tension memory apparatus 1 from the rear panel of the armor carrier 6 without disturbing the location of the tension adjustment component 2. In this manner, the tension memory apparatus 1 separates the tension setting of the tension adjustment component 2 (when applied to the attachment area 8 at a particular horizontal position to provide appropriate tension for the wearer) and the release function of the release mechanism 4 to allow the wearer to don and doff the armor carrier 6 without impacting or otherwise affecting the location of the tension adjustment component 2 and the resulting tension applied to the armor carrier 6 when donned by a wearer.
Still referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the tension memory apparatus 1 may include a tension adjustment component 2 with either the hook portion or the loop portion of a hook and loop fastener with the complementary portion located on the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6 and an optional complementary portion on the reverse side of the tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1. However, it should be appreciated that it may be preferable in certain embodiments that the tension memory apparatus 1 should include the hook pad while the armor carrier 6 includes the loop pad. In certain embodiments, the reverse side of the hook pad on the tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 may also include a portion of loop pad to allow for overlapping of the opposing tension adjustment components 2. During adjustments to tension, the hook side of a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro, may wear or become unsuitable for continued use before the end of the useful life of the armor carrier 6. However, the loop side of a hook and loop fastener may have a longer useful life or be reconditioned to extend its useful life. By placing the loop pad on the attachment area 8 of the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 and the hook pad on the tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1, the tension memory apparatus 1 may be easily replaced to prolong the useful life of the main armor carrier 6 while still providing secure and repeatable tension to the wearer.
FIGS. 6 and 7 provide depictions of an armor carrying vest 6 with a tension memory apparatus 1 for maintaining tension on a wearer between wearing cycles of the armor carrying vest 6 in a tensioned state. The tension memory apparatus 1, which may include a release mechanism 4, herein shown as a zipper or a portion of a zipper, one or more tension members 3, which may be portions of elastic webbing or other flexible material, a tension adjustment component 2, which may include a hook pad facing the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 and an optional loop pad on the opposite face of the tension adjustment component 2, may be affixed or otherwise attached to the rear panel 5 of an armor carrier 6 via the release mechanism and affixed or otherwise attached to the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 via engagement of the hook pad on the tension adjustment component 2 with a corresponding loop pad at the attachment area 8 of the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6. An optional loop pad on the outer surface of the tension adjustment component 2 may allow the tension adjustment component 2 to overlap or otherwise affix or attach to the opposing tension adjustment component 2, or both the opposing tension adjustment component 2 and attachment area 8. A wearer may don the armor carrier 6 with the zipper or other release mechanism 4 engaged to the rear panel 5 of the armor carrier 6 and the hook pad or other attachment means of the tension adjustment component 2 disengaged from the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 and the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposing tension memory apparatus 1. The wearer may then adjust the horizontal location of the hook pad of the tension adjustment component 2 along the loop pad of the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6, the loop pad of the opposing tension adjustment component 2, or both to adjust the sizing and tension of the armor carrier 6 to their desired level for proper fit, comfort, and range of motion. In this configuration, the hook pad of the tension adjustment component 2 provides a first anchor location to the tension memory apparatus 1 and that places the tension members 3, here shown as one or more portions of elastic webbing, into tension and applies that force to the rear panel 5 of the armor carrier 6 through the release mechanism 4, herein illustrated as a zipper. Once tension adjustment component 2 has been placed in the desired location on the loop pad of the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6, the loop pad of the opposing tension adjustment component 2, or both, the wearer may then disengage the release mechanism 4 of the tension memory apparatus 1 from the rear panel 5 of the armor carrier 6 to release the tension between the front panel 7 and rear panel 5 of the armor carrier 6 and allow a wearer to easily doff the armor carrier 6. A user may then quickly and easily don the armor carrier 6 for a subsequent wearing cycle by re-attaching the release mechanism 4 without disturbing the location of the tension adjustment component 2, maintaining the set level of tension between wearing cycles.
Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the tension memory apparatuses 1 may be mirror image structures adapted to work on the left and right sides of the armor carrier 6, respectively. For example, the respective right and left side tension memory apparatuses 1 may include the portion of the release mechanism 4 zipper with the slider and pull tab configured such that the slider and pull tab are on the front-facing portion of the zipper. This arrangement, which requires the use of a right-handed zipper 18 and left-handed zipper 19, respectively, for each tension memory apparatus 1, allows for easier reach and manipulation by the wearer to engage or release the zippers 18, 19 or other release mechanism 4 of the tension memory apparatuses 1 when donning and doffing the armor carrier 6.
FIGS. 8A-8E provide depictions of additional exemplary embodiments of a tension memory apparatus 1 with various release mechanisms 4 for engagement with a rear panel 5 and tension adjustment components for maintaining tension between wearing cycles of an armor carrying vest or other wearable equipment. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C, the tension memory apparatus 1 may include a release mechanism comprising one or more hooks 20 that engage with one or more rings 21 on the back panel 5 of an armor carrier, one or more snaps or buttons 23, one or more snap buckles 22, or magnetic closures. It should be appreciated that the tension memory apparatus 1 may include any type of release mechanism that allows for a quick, stable, and non-adjustable engagement and release of the tension memory apparatus 1 from the rear panel 5 that is easily engaged and disengaged by the user without affecting the tension setting determined by the tension adjustment component. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8D and 8E, the tension adjustment component may comprise any means of attaching or otherwise affixing the tension memory apparatus 1 to the front panel of an armor carrier that allows for the adjustment of the position of the tension adjustment component, and subsequently the reach of the tension memory apparatus 1, to apply varying levels of tension to the one or more tension members of the tension memory apparatus 1. For example, the tension memory apparatus may include a tension adjustment component that includes buckles or D-rings 24 that allow a strap or strip of fabric affixed or otherwise attached to the front panel of an armor carrier (not shown) to be captured in the buckle or D-rings at different locations to adjust tension. Similarly, the tension adjustment component may comprise a clamping buckle 25 with jaws 26 and teeth 27 or serrations to secure a fabric strip or strap that is affixed or otherwise attached to the front panel of the armor carrier.
FIGS. 9 and 10 provide depictions of tension memory apparatuses 1 for use with an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. The tension memory apparatuses 1 may comprise one or more tension members 3 in communication with a release mechanism 4 and a tension adjustment component 2, which may be disposed at opposing ends of the tension members 3. As shown, the release mechanism 4 may comprise a zipper or a portion of a zipper adapted to engage a complementary zipper or other mechanism on an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. However, it should be appreciated that the release mechanism 4 may be any coupling, device, or mechanism that allows the tension memory apparatus 1 to engage and disengage the armor carrying vest or other personal equipment quickly and without the need for adjustment of tension, fit, or position. The tension adjustment component 2 may comprise a hook and loop fastening system, such as Velcro, adapted to mate with a complementary hook and loop attachment on an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. As shown, the tension memory apparatus 1 may have both a hook pad 28 on one side and a loop pad 29 on the opposing side of the tension adjustment component 2. For example, the inner, vest facing, side of the tension adjustment component 2 may include a hook pad 28 adapted to mate with a corresponding loop pad on an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment, while the outer, exposed side of the tension adjustment component 2 may include a loop pad 29. As shown in FIG. 10, the hook pad 28 of the inner facing surface of the tension adjustment component 2 of one tension memory apparatus 1 may then overlap with, and subsequently attach or affix to, the loop pad 29 of the outer surface of the tension adjustment component 2 of the other tension memory apparatus 1. The ability of the tension adjustment components 2 to overlap and attach or affix to one another provides for additional range of adjustment of tension and fit to a wider variety of sizes and shapes of wearer.
FIG. 11 provides a depiction of tension memory apparatuses 1 with double-sided tension adjustment components 2 fitted to an armor carrier 6. The tension memory apparatuses 1 may comprise one or more tension members 3 in communication with a tension adjustment component 2 and a release mechanism 4 disposed on opposing ends of the one or more tension members 3. The release mechanism 4 may comprise a zipper, or a portion of a zipper, adapted to engage a corresponding zipper or mechanism on the armor carrier 6. However, it should be appreciated that the release mechanism 4 may comprise any method or mechanism of attachment that allows the tension memory apparatus 1 to be attached and detached from the armor carrier 6 without adjusting or otherwise disturbing the tension adjustment components 2. The tension adjustment component 2 may include a loop pad and a hook pad disposed on opposite sides of the tension adjustment component 2. For example, the tension adjustment component 2 may comprise a loop pad on the outer surface of the tension adjustment component 2 and a hook pad on the inner, armor carrier 6 facing, surface.
Still referring to FIG. 11, the tension memory apparatuses 1 may be affixed or otherwise attached to the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 through the attachment of the hook pad on the inner surface of the tension adjustment component 2 to a corresponding loop pad on the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6. The placement of the tension adjustment components 2 may be such that the hook pad of the tension adjustment component 2 engages the loop pad of the attachment area 8 armor carrier, the outer facing loop pad of the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposing tension memory apparatus 1, or both. This allows for placement of the tension adjustment components 2 at a wide variety of locations across the width of the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6 to properly fit a wide variety of body shapes and sizes. The armor carrier 6 may then be donned or doffed by a user by simply engaging or disengaging the release mechanisms 4 on the tension memory apparatuses 1 without the need to adjust the tension adjustment components 2 and tension for subsequent wearing cycles. It should be appreciated that the hook and loop pads of the tension adjustment components 2 may be reversed such that the hook pad is on the outer facing surface of the tension adjustment component 2 and the loop pad is on the inner, armor carrier 6 facing, surface of the tension adjustment component 2. In such an arrangement, the armor carrier 6 may include a hook pad in place of the loop pad on the attachment area 8 to engage the inner facing loop pad of the tension adjustment components 2.
FIGS. 12 and 13 provide depictions of an exemplary embodiment of a tension memory pocket 30 with an integrated pocket or pouch 31 engaging the rear panel 5 of an armor carrier. The tension memory pocket 30 may comprise a tension adjustment component 2, which may include the hook side of a hook and loop fastener to engage the loop side of a hook and loop fastener on an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment, and an optional loop pad on the outer facing side of the tension adjustment component 2. The tension memory pocket 30 may engage the rear panel of an armor carrier through a release mechanism 4, herein depicted as a zipper. It should be appreciated that the slider head of the zipper may be affixed or otherwise attached to either the tension memory pocket 30 or the rear panel 5 of the armor carrier. One or more tension members 3 may be disposed between, and in communication with, the tension adjustment component 2 and the release mechanism 4 of the tension pocket 30.
Still referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the tension memory pocket 30 may include a pocket or pouch 31 on the tension member 3 for storing and securing small items. The pocket or pouch 31 may be made of a similar material to the tension member 3 to allow the pocket or pouch 31 to stretch with the tension member 3 and to not interfere with the tension memory pocket 30 as it performs the function of securing the armor carrying vest or other personal equipment to a wearer. The pocket or pouch 31 may also include one or more closing mechanisms 32 to allow a user to more securely store items in the pocket or pouch 31. For example, the pocket or pouch 31 may include a zipper (as shown), hook and loop closure, buttons, clips, or any other closing mechanism 32 as desired or required for a particular application or implementation. It should be appreciated that the closure mechanism 32 may be oriented vertically such that it will not interfere with the horizontal stretch of the one or more tension members 3 when a wearer dons or doffs the armor carrying vest or other personal equipment and the tension memory pocket 30 is stretching or flexing.
FIGS. 14-16 provide depictions of an exemplary embodiment of a tension memory holster 33 for use with an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. The tension memory holster 33 may comprise one or more tension members 3 disposed between and in communication with a tension adjustment component 2 and a release mechanism 4. The tension adjustment component 2, which may comprise a hook pad and an optional outer facing loop pad, may be configured or otherwise adapted to engage a hook pad or loop pad on an armor carrying vest, other personal equipment, or a corresponding hook or loop pad on a complementary tension memory apparatus. Similarly, the release mechanism 4, herein depicted as a zipper, may engage with a complementary mechanism on an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment to affix or otherwise attach the tension memory holster 33 to the armor carrying vest or other personal equipment. It should be appreciated that the tension adjustment component 2 and release mechanism 4 may take on a number of different mechanisms to allow for the adjustment of tension and quick release of the tension memory holster 33 as described with respect to other embodiments of the tension memory apparatus described herein. The tension memory holster 33 may also comprise a firearm strap 35 with a strap attachment 36, and a holster aperture 34 with a corresponding strap anchor 37. The holster aperture 34 may be configured, adapted, or otherwise shaped to accept a firearm, other weapons, or other equipment that a wearer of the armor carrier or other personal equipment may commonly use or require. The tension memory holster 33 may accept the firearm into the holster aperture 34, and the firearm strap 35 may then be placed over the weapon and the strap attachment 36 of the firearm strap 35 may engage the strap anchor 37 of the tension memory holster 33 to securely seat and hold the weapon in the holster aperture 34 while allowing a user to quickly access the firearm when needed. It should be appreciated that the strap attachment 36 and strap anchor 37 may include a number of different alternative mechanisms for securing the strap attachment 36 to the strap anchor 37. For example, the strap attachment 36 firearm strap 35 may include snaps, clips, magnetic closures, or any other closing mechanism while the strap anchor 37 includes a complementary device to secure the firearm, weapon, or other equipment into the holster aperture 34.
The holster aperture 34 may be formed between the two tension members 3 such that the firearm or other weapon is secured between the upper and lower tension members 3 of the tension memory holster 33. In certain embodiments, one or more of the tension members 3 may include loops or other features that help secure the firearm, weapon, or other item into the holster aperture 34. However, it should be appreciated that the holster aperture 34 may also be formed from a separate piece of material, including flexible or rigid materials, to separate the holstering function of the tension memory holster from tension-providing function.
Still referring to FIGS. 14-16, the tension memory holster 33 may include a holster aperture 34 configured in a variety of ways to accommodate different types of firearms, weapons, or other equipment. For example, the holster aperture 34 may extend away from the one or more tension members 3 fully or partially to allow for easier insertion or removal of a firearm or other item. The holster aperture 34 may include a wire, thicker material, rigid material, or other features in its upper portion to hold the holster open and away from the one or more tension members 3. This wire, thicker material, rigid material, or other feature may be configured to minimize the interference between the holster aperture 34 and the tension member 3 so that any impact to the stretch or flexing of the tension member 3 is minimized. The holster aperture 34 may also be configured or adapted such that the upper portion of the holster aperture 34 seats against the one or more tension 3 members when there is no firearm or other item present to provide a lower profile. In such embodiments, the wearer may then pull the upper edge of the holster aperture 34 away from the one or more tension members 3 and insert the firearm or other item. In still further embodiments, the holster aperture 34 may be a separate piece that is sewn, stitched, riveted, or otherwise affixed or attached to the one or more tension members 3 with minimal interference to the stretch or flexing of the tension members 3 during donning, doffing, or wear of the tension memory holster 33 with an armor carrying vest or other personal equipment.
FIG. 17 provides a depiction of an exemplary embodiment of a tension memory holster 33 in use with an armor carrier 6 and a complementary tension memory apparatus 1. The tension memory apparatus 1 may comprise one or more tension members 3 in communication with a tension adjustment component 2 and a release mechanism 4, herein depicted as a pad with an inner facing hook pad (not shown) and an outer facing loop pad and a zipper, respectively. The zipper of the release mechanism 4 may be adapted to engage a corresponding zipper on the armor carrier 6 to provide a quick attachment and release point for the tension memory apparatus 1. Similarly, the tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 may engage an attachment area 8, herein illustrated as a loop pad, on the front panel 7 of the armor carrier 6 to provide an adjustable anchor point between the tension memory apparatus 1 and the armor carrier 6.
The tension memory holster 33 may be adapted or configured similarly to the tension memory apparatus 1, but as a mirror image structure intended for use opposite the tension memory apparatus 1. For example, the tension memory holster may incorporate one or more tension members 3 in communication with, and disposed between, a tension adjustment component 2 and a release mechanism 4. As depicted, the tension adjustment component 2 may be a pad with an inner facing hook pad for engaging the loop pad of the attachment area 8 of the armor carrier 6 and an outer facing loop pad which may engage or overlap with the tension adjustment component 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1. The release mechanism 4 of the tension memory holster 33 may be a zipper adapted or configured to engage with a corresponding zipper on the armor carrier 6 to provide a quick attachment or detachment point for the tension memory holster 33. The tension memory holster may also comprise a holster aperture 34 with a strap anchor 37, and a firearm strap 35 with a strap attachment 36 configured or adapted to engage the strap anchor 37 of the tension memory holster 33.
Still referring to FIG. 17, a wearer may don the armor carrier 6 with the tension memory apparatus 1 and tension memory holster 33 disengaged from the armor carrier 6 attachment area 8, release mechanisms 4, or both. The wearer may then engage the release mechanisms 4 and then adjust the tension adjustment components 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 and tension memory holster 33 to set the appropriate tension for the size and shape of the wearer's body. The wearer may then disengage the release mechanisms 4 to allow for doffing the armor carrier without disturbing the tension adjustment components 2 of the tension memory apparatus 1 and tension memory holster 33. During wear, the wearer may disengage the strap attachment 36 of the firearm strap 35 to allow insertion of a firearm or other weapon into the holster aperture 34, and then place the firearm strap 35 around the firearm and re-engage the strap attachment 36 of the firearm strap 35 with the strap anchor 37 of the tension memory holster 33 to secure the firearm in place. The wearer may then disengage the strap attachment 36 of the firearm strap 35 from the strap anchor 37 of the tension memory holster 33 as necessary to remove the firearm if needed. It should be appreciated that the tension memory holster 33 may be configured as a mirror image structure to a corresponding tension memory apparatus 1. For example, the tension memory holster 33 may include a right- or left-handed zipper to engage a particular side of the armor carrier 6 while the tension memory apparatus 1 has an opposite-handed zipper for engaging the other side of the armor carrier 6, preserving the direction of use for the zipper on both release mechanisms 4.
Referring to FIGS. 1-17, the tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, and tension memory holster 33 may include various modifications or alterations to adapt the tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, and tension memory holster 33 to a particular application. For example, the release mechanism 4 may include a magnetic zipper or a portion of a magnetic zipper that is self-aligning to allow for simplified engagement of the zippers when donning the armor carrier 6. In certain embodiments, the zipper or portion of a zipper may be metal, plastic, or any other suitable material. The zipper or portion of a zipper may also be a non-separating zipper such that a user may release the tension on the tension memory apparatus without completely disconnecting the front panel 7 and rear panel 5 of the armor carrier 6 so that re-aligning the zipper for engagement is unnecessary. It should be appreciated that the tension adjustment component 2, such as the hook pad, may take on any shape, size or dimension to provide for a stronger hold, such as with a larger hook pad, or for a wider range of adjustment in tension and fitment, as with a hook pad that is shorter in the horizontal direction to allow more placement options without overlap of the opposing tension adjustment components 2. In certain embodiments, the tension adjustment component 2 may include a loop pad on the reverse side of the hook pad, or vice versa, to allow one tension adjustment component 2 to overlap with, and adhere or otherwise affix to, the tension adjustment component 2 of the opposing tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, or tension memory holster 33. This type of arrangement may allow a user to overlap the tension adjustment components 2 of the two tension memory apparatuses 1, tension memory pockets 30, tension memory holsters 33, or any combination thereof, to allow for a greater range of adjustability of tension and fitment. In yet further embodiments, the tension members 3 of a first tension memory apparatus 1 may include segments or sections of hook or loop fasteners to allow the tension adjustment component 2 of a second tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, or tension memory holster 33 to affix or otherwise adhere in additional positions along the tension members 3 of the first tension memory apparatus 1.
Still referring to FIGS. 1-17, the tension members 3 of the tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, or tension memory holster 33 may take on any shape, size, or variation as desired or required for a particular application. In certain embodiments, one or more tension members 3 may be combined at angles to create a triangular shape that provides tension in both the horizontal and vertical directions. In other exemplary embodiments, the one or more tension members 3 may be oriented in any direction or take on any shape as desired or required. Furthermore, the tension members 3 may comprise any number of materials including elastic materials, rubber, elastomers, latex, or any other material that provides for stretch and elasticity. In certain embodiments, a material may be selected that has differing properties in different directions, or that is anisotropic, such as strength, stretch, or elasticity. The tension memory apparatus 1, tension memory pocket 30, or tension memory holster 33 may then be adapted for any number of applications including armor carriers 6 as described above, gun belts and holsters, construction equipment, law enforcement or military equipment, sporting equipment, or any other type of personal equipment that requires adjustment for proper fit, comfort, and range of motion.
In summary, while the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiment described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the present invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the invention is to be considered as limited only by the spirit and scope of the following claims, including all modifications and equivalents.
Still other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited detailed description and drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the spirit and scope of this application. For example, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for the inclusion in any claim herein or of any application claiming priority hereto of any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Moreover, any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any element can be duplicated. Further, any activity or element can be excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. Unless clearly specified to the contrary, there is no requirement for any particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular sequence or such activities, any particular size, speed, material, dimension or frequency, or any particular interrelationship of such elements. Accordingly, the descriptions and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all sub ranges therein. Any information in any material (e.g., a United States/foreign patent, United States/foreign patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such incorporated by reference material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein.
