COVER FOR BALLISTIC CARRIER

Abstract

Provided is a cover for use with a ballistic panel carrier having front and rear carrier panels interconnected by shoulder straps. The cover includes front and rear outer cover shell components, together defining a neck opening between shoulder portions and having sides that, when sides of the ballistic panel carrier are secured together, define arm opening edges. A yoke lining component is attached to the outer cover shell components at the neck opening and separably attached to the outer cover shell components along at least portions of the arm opening edges.

Claims

1. A cover for use with a ballistic panel carrier having front and rear carrier panels interconnected by shoulder straps, wherein said cover comprises: front and rear outer cover shell components, together defining a neck opening between shoulder portions and having sides that, when sides of the ballistic panel carrier are secured together, define arm opening edges; and a yoke lining component attached to the outer cover shell components at the neck opening and separably attached to the outer cover shell components along at least portions of the arm opening edges.

2. The cover of claim 1, further comprising front and rear inner lining components.

3. The cover of claim 1, wherein the yoke lining component attaches to outer cover shell with separable zippers along arm opening edges.

4. The cover of claim 1, wherein the yoke lining component includes portions extending from the neck opening inside at least a portion of the front and rear outer cover shell components.

5. A method of assembling a cover onto a ballistic panel carrier having front and rear carrier panels interconnected by shoulder straps, comprising the steps of: providing a cover having front and rear outer cover shell components, together defining a neck opening between shoulder portions and having sides that, when sides of the ballistic panel carrier are secured together, define arm opening edges and a yoke lining component attached to the outer cover shell components at the neck opening and separably attached to the outer cover shell components along at least portions of the arm opening edges; separating and the yoke lining component from the outer cover shell components at the arm opening edges; passing the yoke lining component between the shoulder straps that connect the front and rear panels of the ballistic panel carrier; and extending the yoke lining component to cover the shoulder straps and attaching the yoke lining component to the outer cover shell components along at least portions of the arm opening edges.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Like reference numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various drawing figures, wherein:

[0011] FIG. 1 is an illustrative view of a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention installed over a ballistic carrier; and

[0012] FIG. 2 is an opened, inside view showing assembly of the cover to a carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] With reference to the drawing figures, this section describes particular embodiments and their detailed construction and operation. Throughout the specification, reference to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “some embodiments” means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the described features, structures, and characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In view of the disclosure herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods, components, materials, or the like. In some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or not described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, therein is shown a ballistic carrier cover 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. The ballistic carrier cover 10 is intended to cover a ballistic panel carrier, not to act as a ballistic carrier. The ballistic panel carrier includes a front panel 12 and rear panel 14, which are interconnected at the top by adjustable shoulder straps 16. The back panel 14 may include lateral extensions 18 that connect with sides of the front panel 12 in a well-known manner. The cover 10 does not interfere with the way in which the carrier adjusts or connects for wearing and proper fit. The shoulder straps 16 may adjust by any desired means, typically by separable hook and pile fastener material. Likewise, the lateral extensions 18 may adjustable connect to sides of the front panel 12 by any desired means, typically by separable hook and pile fastener material.

[0015] The cover includes an outer front shell 20 and an outer rear shell 22. Each of the outer front and rear shells 20, 22 may include a respective lining 24, 26 which define pockets for receiving the front and rear panels 12, 14 of the carrier. The front and rear outer shells 20, 22 are connected at shoulder portions and define a neck opening 28. When the carrier is joined at the sides, the outer front and rear shell portions 20, 22 define arm openings 30. A yoke-like lining 32 is attached around the neck opening 28, such as by sewing, and extends over the shoulders and partially down over upper portions of the carrier front and rear panels 12, 14.

[0016] One aspect of the present invention is the separable manner in which the yoke lining 32 detachably attaches to the outer front and rear shell portions 20, 22 around the perimeter of the arm openings 30. In one embodiment, the attachment is in the form of a separable zipper (opposite sides shown schematically at 34, 36). Other types of separable attachment may be used as well. In FIG. 2, one of the zippers 34, 36 is shown closed and the other is shown open and separated.

[0017] According to one aspect of the invention, to install the cover 10 on the carrier 12, 14, 16, the zippers parts 34, 36 are separated and the yoke lining 32 is passed between the shoulder straps 16 that connect the front and rear panels 12, 14. The front and rear panels 12, 14 are then inserted into the pockets formed between the outer front shell 20 and inner front lining 24, and the outer rear shell 22 and inner rear lining 26, respectively. The yoke lining 32 is spread into place over the shoulder straps 16 and upper portions of the front and rear panels 12, 14 of the carrier and the zipper parts 34, 36 are closed (i.e., zipped). This completely contains and encloses the shoulder straps 16 without them having to be separated and reattached/readjusted. Because the zipper 34, 36 is located at the edge of the arm opening 30, it does not interfere with the other functions of the carrier or cover 10, presents a neat appearance, and does not uncomfortably bear against the user's body. The covered carrier is then donned in the usual manner.

[0018] While one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing is intended only to be illustrative of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. Accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be included and considered to fall within the scope of the invention, defined by the following claim or claims.