Abstract
An assembly structured for removably mounting armor on a user's body in a protective orientation including a base having an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portion is structured to retain the armor, preferably but not exclusively, in the form of an armor plate on the base in substantially facing relation to the body of the user, wherein the outer portion is disposed in overlying, covering relation to the armor. Preferably the base is formed of a rigid material and an attachment assembly is connected to the base and structured to facilitate the operative and removable mounting of the base and the armor on the user in a predetermined protective orientation. The attachment assembly may also include a plurality of connectors and a common release mechanism, wherein the base and the armor can be quickly and easily removed from its protective orientation and operative mounting on the user.
Claims
1. An assembly structured for mounting armor on the body of a user, said assembly comprising: a base formed of a rigid material and including an outer portion and an inner portion, an armor structure connected to said base and being at least partially formed of a projectile resistant material, said base structured to protect said armor structure from impacts other than an encounter with a projectile, an attachment assembly connected to said base and structured to facilitate operative mounting and removal of said base and said armor structure on the user, in and from a protective orientation, said attachment assembly comprising a plurality of connectors connected to said base and collectively structured to facilitate the operative mounting of said base in said protective orientation on the user, said plurality of connectors structured for removable attachment of said base from the operative mounting on the user, and said attachment assembly further comprising a release assembly disposed in interconnected relation to said plurality of connectors and structured for substantially concurrent release of said plurality of connectors, an intermediate structure connected to said base substantially adjacent to and between said inner portion and said armor structure, and a common release mechanism mounted on said base and interconnected to said plurality of connectors.
2. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said rigid material of said outer portion comprises a rigid plastic material.
3. The assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said rigid material of said outer portion comprises an armor composite material.
4. The assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said common release mechanism is operative to substantially concurrently dispose said plurality of connectors in a released orientation.
5. The assembly as recited in claim 4 wherein said release assembly includes a cable assembly operatively interconnecting said common release mechanism to said plurality of connectors.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the armor holder assembly of the present invention.
(3) FIG. 2 is an additional front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
(4) FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a partially assembled state, representing the armor structure retained on an under portion of the base thereof.
(5) FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of interior portions of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.
(6) FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 in a partially assembled state representing an attachment assembly and release mechanism associated therewith.
(7) FIG. 6 is a composite perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the armor holder assembly of the present invention.
(8) FIG. 7 is a rear composite perspective view of the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6.
(9) FIG. 8 is a top rear perspective view in partially exploded form of an intermediate structure associated with the embodiment of FIGS. 4-7.
(10) FIG. 9 is a top front perspective view in partially exploded form of the intermediate structure of the embodiment of FIG. 8.
(11) FIG. 10 is a front elevation in partially exploded form of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-9.
(12) Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
(13) As clearly represented in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a holder assembly for armor, generally indicated as 10, which is mounted on the body of a user. More specifically, the holder assembly 10 comprises a base, generally indicated as 12, structured to include an outer portion 16 and an inner portion 18, wherein the inner portion 18 is represented in FIGS. 3 and 4.
(14) Also, as represented in FIG. 5, a cover structure 19 may be connected to the base 12 and more specifically to the inner portion 18 thereof, in overlying at least partially covering relation to an armor structure 20 retained on the base 12 at least partially by the inner portion 18. Further, the base 12 includes, but is not limited to, the outer portion 16 and the cover structure 19 being formed from a hard, rigid material such as, but not limited to, a rigid plastic, rigid armor composite or other appropriately rigid, lightweight material. As set forth above, the rigid material from which the base is formed is not limited to a hard plastic material but may be formed from a variety of different materials, which are preferably and at least partially resistant to the penetration of ballistics or projectiles. Further, the material(s) from which the base 12, cover structure 19, etc. are formed should be sufficiently rigid to at least partially protect the armor structure from breakage, cracking or similar type damage prior to an encounter with a projectile. Additional characteristics of the material from which the base 12 is formed include a generally high strength material which is sufficiently light in weight to be mounted on and carried by the body of a user without adding to the discomfort of the user or restrict his/her movement, when the base 12 is disposed in an operative position.
(15) As represented in FIG. 3, the inner portion 18 of the base 12 is dimensioned, configured and structured to support and retain the armor structure 20 on the base 12. Further, the armor structure 20 may be in the form of a one-piece armor plate which, as set forth in greater detail hereinafter, may be correspondingly dimensioned and configured to at least a partially conform to the inner portion 18 so as to be effectively retained on the base 12. As also indicated herein, the armor structure 20 may be in the form of a single, rigid, one-piece armor plate comprising a ceramic composite material commonly known as “SAPI”. While normally effective against the penetration of projectiles, such material is considered to be somewhat fragile due at least in part to the fact that portions of the “SAPI” material comprise a ceramic based composition. As such, inadvertent trauma such as, but not limited to, dropping the armor structure 20 formed from this material, could result in its breakage, cracking or other type damage that renders it less effective as a ballistic or projectile resistant material. Therefore, the structure of the base 12, the outer portion 16, the an inner portion 18, as well as a cover structure 19 are cooperatively and relatively disposed in a “protective” relation to the armor structure 20 and should have sufficient rigidity and/or other physical characteristics to protect the armor structure 20 from breakage, cracking or like damage due to inadvertent trauma, unrelated to its encounter with a penetrating projectile.
(16) In addition, the inner portion 18 of the base 12 is also structured, dimensioned and configured to retain armor structures having different physical characteristics, other than a one-piece rigid construction. Therefore, the armor structure 20 may be in the form of one or more interconnected segments each being formed of a substantially rigid material. Alternatively, the armor structure 20 may be in the form of other structures, which are also dimensioned and configured to at least partially correspond to parts of the inner portion 18 so as to be comfortably disposed, relative to the body of a user. Therefore, as represented, the exterior portion 16 is exteriorly exposed substantially in its entirety and is dimensioned and configured to overlie and cover the armor structure 20, regardless of its physical characteristics, as well as the inner portion 18. As should also be apparent, the outer portion 16 and the cover structure 19 are cooperatively disposed and structured to collectively and at least partially enclose the armor structure 20. Therefore, when operatively mounted on the body of the user, the armor structure 20 and the inner portion 18 may be accurately described as being disposed in a “protective orientation”, relative to an upper torso or other intended portion of the body of the user.
(17) In at least one preferred embodiment, the armor holder assembly 10, specifically including the base 12 is dimensioned and configured to overlie and be disposed in the aforementioned “protective orientation” relative to either a frontal portion or a rear portion of the upper torso of the user. In addition, while only a single armor holder assembly 10 is represented in the accompanying Figures, an attachment assembly generally indicated as 22, may be used to secure one or two bases 12 of correspondingly different holder assemblies 10 in a manner which protects both the majority of the frontal portion or chest of the upper torso, as well as the rear portion or back of the upper torso. However, it is further noted that the overall dimension and configuration of the armor holder assembly 10 of the present invention may be such that the base 12 and the operative components associated therewith may be structured to cover different and or additional body parts.
(18) Further with regard to the inner portion 18, as at least partially represented in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 12 may include an at least partially recessed cavity generally indicated as 24. The cavity 24 is structured to retain the armor structure 20, whether or not it is in the form of an armor plate, at least partially on the interior of the base 12. Accordingly, both the outer portion 16 and the inner portion 18 are cooperatively structured to define an at least partially recessed cavity 24. The cavity 24 is structured to facilitate the retention and support of the armor structure or armor plate 20 at least partially within the interior of the base 12. Interior space within the cavity 24 and or other parts of the inner portion 18 will be sufficient to accommodate the armor structure 20 within the cavity 24, due at least in part to the outward protrusion or “bulging” of the outer portion 16 in the manner clearly represented in FIGS. 1 and 2.
(19) In addition, the cavity 24 may include at least an inner peripheral surface or portion 26 which engages and thereby facilitates the support and retention of the armor structure or armor plate 20 on the inner portion 18 of the base 12. Therefore, the outer periphery or outer peripheral portion 20′ of the armor structure 20 may correspond, at least in part, to the inner peripheral portion or peripheral surface 26. This serves to accomplish the at least partial enclosure of the armor structure or armor plate 20 within the cavity 24 and at least partially within the interior of the base 12. When so disposed, the armor structure or armor plate 20 has its outer surface substantially flush or extending minimally outward from the open face of the cavity 24, wherein the open face of the cavity 24 may be at least partially defined by the inner periphery or peripheral surface 26. Such a disposition of the armor structure 20 will facilitate a comfortable, operative mounting of the base 12 on the user when the holder assembly 10 is worn in its intended, protective orientation. It should be further noted that padding or cushioning material may be disposed in at least partially overlying relation to the outer face or surface of the armor structure or armor plate 20, as well as exposed portions of the remainder of the inner portion 18 of the base 12.
(20) As set forth above, the armor holder assembly 10 also includes an attachment assembly generally indicated as 22 which facilitates the reliable, but preferably removable, operative mounting of the base 12 and armor structure 20 in the aforementioned “protective orientation” on the user. In more specific terms, the attachment assembly 22 comprises a plurality of connectors 23 attached to the base 12 at spaced locations from one another. In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of connectors 23 may include a “quick-release” structure such as, but not limited to, a quick release connector of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,038,251 to the inventor herein. Moreover, whether each or at least some of the plurality of connectors 23 assume the quick-release structure and/or capabilities, each of the connectors 23 is operative to be removably secured to a cooperatively disposed and structured buckle or connector 25. Each of the plurality of connectors or buckles 25 may be associated with a strap, belt, harness, etc. 27 which may be a part of the gear, apparel, garment, etc. worn by or secured to the user's body.
(21) In addition to the plurality of connectors 23, the attachment assembly 22 also comprises a release assembly generally indicated as 30 in FIG. 4. As represented, the release assembly 30 includes at least one but preferably a plurality of cables, cords or the like 32, which operatively interconnect each or a predetermined number of the plurality of connectors 23 to a common release mechanism 34. While at least a portion of the common release mechanism 34 is disposed on or in combination with the inner portion 18, it also includes a handle or like gripping structure 36 exteriorly accessible on the base 12 preferably, but not exclusively adjacent the outer portion 16. Further, the gripping structure 36 is disposed on the exterior of the base 12 in a location which is easily and quickly accessible by the user on which the armor holder assembly 10 is operatively mounted. Accordingly, operative interconnection between the common release mechanism 34 and the plurality of cables 32 will result in a substantially concurrent release of the connectors 23 or there concurrent disposition into a release orientation. When so released, the plurality of connectors 23 will be substantially immediately disconnected from corresponding ones of the connector or buckles 25.
(22) Moreover, by virtue of the release assembly 30 and accompanying common release mechanism 34, the base 12 can be quickly, easily and reliably removed from its operative mounting on the body of the user, such as in emergency or other appropriate situations. It is further noted that the gripping structure 36 may be in the form of a flexible strap or like handle, as clearly represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 or may assume a variety of other structural and operative features. In use, a pulling force or other appropriate directional force may be exerted on the gripping structure 36 associated with the common release mechanism 34 thereby serving to concurrently release each of the connectors 23 from corresponding ones of the connectors or buckles 25. Further, while the specific structural and operative features of each of the plurality of connectors 23 may vary, it is noted that an operative distal end as at 32′ (see FIG. 1) of the cables, cords, etc. 32 may extend outwardly from interior portions of the base 12. Also, a comparison of FIGS. 3 and 4 indicates that in at least one embodiment the plurality of interconnecting, operative cables 32 may be disposed “beneath” the armor structure or armor plate 20 and the cover structure 19 in sandwiched but movable disposition between the interior surface of the armor structure 20 and the interior surface of the cavity 24 and or inner portion 18.
(23) Yet another preferred embodiment of the armor holder assembly is generally indicated as 110 and represented in FIGS. 6 through 10. With initial reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 the holder assembly 110 includes many of the structural components as appears in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5. More specifically, the holder assembly 110 includes a base 12 having an outer portion 16 and an inner portion 18 as well as a recessed cavity 24. Further, an armor structure 20 and a cover structure 19 are disposed in substantially adjacent relation to one another when assembled. As a result, the assembled holder assembly 110 will be similar in appearance and overall structural configuration as that represented in FIGS. 1-4.
(24) However, the armor holder assembly 110 further includes an intermediate structure 120 disposed adjacent to the armor structure 20 and further disposed substantially between the base 12 and the armor structure 20 in an at least partially sandwiched relation. Also, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 and as set forth above a completed assembled armor holder assembly 110 will have the appearance and overall structural configuration of the embodiments of FIGS. 1 through 5. As such, the intermediate structure 120, the armor structure 20 and the cover 19 will be at least partially disposed within or in contiguous relation to the inner portion 18 and at least partially disposed within the recessed cavity 24 of the base 12.
(25) As also represented in FIG. 6-10 the attachment assembly 22 is operatively mounted on the intermediate portion 120. As such, the various components of the attachment assembly are movably and/or operatively disposable relative to one another to facilitate the attachment of the armor holder assembly 110 to the body of the user and the quick removal or release of the armor holder assembly 110 from the user, when desired. Therefore, the attachment assembly 22 includes all of the components as represented in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5 and differs primarily by being mounted on the outer surface 122 of the intermediate structure 120.
(26) For purposes of clarity the outer surface 122 and the inner surface 124 are respectively disposed in facing relation to the base 12 and inner portion 18 thereof and the armor structure 20, as clearly represented in FIGS. 7 and 8. Additional structural features of the intermediate portion 120 include its configuration into a substantially outwardly beveled, domed, curved or like shape. As such this outwardly bowed configuration facilitates its connection to the base 12 contiguous with the inner portion 18 and at least partially disposed within the recessed cavity 24 of the base 12.
(27) Further, for purposes of clarity it is emphasized that in the additional preferred embodiment of FIG. 6-10 the base 12, armor structure 20 and cover 19 are herein described and defined as being structurally equivalent in dimension, configuration, material and operative features as the base 12, armor structure 20 and cover 19 described with reference to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5.
(28) As set forth above, the armor holder assembly 110 also includes an attachment assembly generally indicated as 22 mounted on or connected to the intermediate portion 120. As such the attachment assembly 22 facilitates the reliable, but preferably removable, operative mounting of the base 12, armor structure 20, in the aforementioned “protective orientation” on the user. In more specific terms and in accord with the attachment assembly 22 associated with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, the attachment assembly 22 of the additional preferred embodiment of FIGS. 6-10 comprises a plurality of connectors 23 attached to the outer face or surface 122 of the intermediate portion 120 at spaced locations from one another. Further, each of the plurality of connectors 23 may include a “quick-release” structure such as, but not limited to, a quick release connector of the type disclosed in presently pending U.S. Pat. No. 9,038,251 to the inventor herein. Moreover, whether each or at least some of the plurality of connectors 23 assume the quick-release structure and/or capabilities, each of the connectors 23 is operative to be removably secured to a cooperatively disposed and structured buckle or connector 25. As represented in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5, each of the plurality of connectors or buckles 25 may be associated with a strap, belt, harness, etc. 27 which may be a part of the gear, apparel, garment, etc. worn by or secured to the user's body. Further, the relative positions, shapes, sizes, etc. of the intermediate structure 120 and at least the base 12 facilitate attachment of the connectors 25 to the connectors 23 generally about and or long an outer periphery of the intermediate structure 120.
(29) In addition to the plurality of connectors 23, the attachment assembly 22 also comprises a release assembly generally indicated as 30 in FIGS. 8 and 10. As represented, the release assembly 30 includes at least one but preferably a plurality of cables, cords or the like 32, which operatively interconnect each or a predetermined number of the plurality of connectors 23 to a common release mechanism 34, as is present in the holder assembly 110 but represented in greater detail in FIG. 4. While at least a portion of the common release mechanism 34 is disposed on or in combination with the outer surface 122, it also includes a handle or like gripping structure 36 (see FIG. 7) extending outwardly from both the intermediate structure 120 and the base 12 similar and functionally equivalent to the embodiment represented FIG. 2. As such, the gripping structure 36 is exteriorly accessible preferably, but not exclusively, as represented in FIG. 2, which extends adjacent the outer periphery of the base 12 and outer portion 16, when the armor holder assembly 110 is fully assembled in the manner represented in FIG. 2. Further, the gripping structure 36 is disposed in a location which is easily and quickly accessible by the user on which the armor holder assembly 110 is operatively mounted. Accordingly, operative interconnection between the common release mechanism 34 and the plurality of cables 32 will result in a substantially concurrent release of the connectors or there concurrent disposition into a release orientation. When so released, the plurality of connectors 23 will be substantially immediately disconnected from corresponding ones of the connector or buckles 25.
(30) Moreover, by virtue of the release assembly 30 and accompanying common release mechanism 34, the base 12, including the intermediate structure 120, the armor structure 20 and the cover member 19, can be quickly, easily and reliably removed from its operative mounting on the body of the user, such as in emergency or other appropriate situations. It is further noted that the gripping structure 36 may be in the form of a flexible strap or like handle, as clearly represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 or may assume a variety of other structural and operative features. In use, a pulling force or other appropriate directional force may be exerted on the gripping structure 36 associated with the common release mechanism 34 thereby serving to concurrently release each of the connectors 23 from corresponding ones of the connectors or buckles 25. Further, while the specific structural and operative features of each of the plurality of connectors 23 may vary, it is noted that an operative distal end as at 32′ of the cables, cords, etc. 32 may extend outwardly from interior portions of the base 12. Also, the plurality of interconnecting, operative cables 32 may be disposed between the inner portion 18 and/or cavity 24 and the outer face 122 of the intermediate structure 120 in sandwiched but movable disposition between the outer surface 122 of the intermediate portion 120 and the interior surface of the cavity 24 and or inner portion 18.
(31) Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
(32) Now that the invention has been described,
