ADJUSTABLE CUMMERBUND

Abstract

An adjustable cummerbund includes two side panels, each comprising a bridge and a sleeve. Each bridge includes a plurality of spaced openings separated by posts. Each sleeve defines an internal pocket configured to slidably receive an end of the corresponding bridge. A closure mechanism of each sleeve is configured to releasably engage a selected opening in the corresponding bridge, thereby securing the sleeve in position. The adjustable cummerbund is configured for integration with protective apparel, such as plate carriers and tactical vests, to provide rapid girth adjustment for varying torso sizes.

Claims

1. An adjustable cummerbund comprising: a side panel comprising: a bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a sleeve defining an internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the bridge, the sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the bridge.

2. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism comprises a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

3. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 1, wherein the bridge includes a vertically curved segment.

4. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned within the internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the sleeve.

5. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 4, wherein the sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof.

6. An adjustable cummerbund comprising: a first side panel comprising: a first bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a first sleeve defining a first internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the first bridge, the first sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the first internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the first sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the first bridge; and a second side panel comprising: a second bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a second sleeve defining a second internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the second bridge, the second sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the second internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the second sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the second bridge.

7. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 6, wherein the first bridge includes a vertically curved segment, and wherein the second bridge includes a vertically curved segment.

8. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 6, wherein the first sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the first internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the first sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the second internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the second sleeve.

9. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 8, wherein the first sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof, and wherein the second sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof.

10. An adjustable cummerbund comprising: a first side panel comprising: a first bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a first sleeve defining a first internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the first bridge, the first sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the first internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the first sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the first bridge, the closure mechanism comprising a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings; and a second side panel comprising: a second bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a second sleeve defining a second internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the second bridge, the second sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the second internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the second sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the second bridge, the closure mechanism comprising a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

11. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 10, wherein the first bridge includes a vertically curved segment, and wherein the second bridge includes a vertically curved segment.

12. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 10, wherein the first sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the first internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the first sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the second internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the second sleeve.

13. The adjustable cummerbund of claim 12, wherein the first sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof, and wherein the second sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an adjustable belt according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates an example bridge of the adjustable belt shown in FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates an example sleeve of the adjustable belt shown in FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates a rear elevational view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 4, with a portion of the bridge shown positioned within the internal pocket.

[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates another example sleeve for use with the adjustable belt shown in FIG. 1.

[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a plate carrier equipped with an adjustable cummerbund according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 illustrates a side panel of the adjustable cummerbund shown in FIG. 7.

[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates the bridge of the side panel shown in FIG. 8.

[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates the sleeve of the side panel shown in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 11 illustrates another side panel of the adjustable cummerbund shown in FIG. 7.

[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates the bridge of the side panel shown in FIG. 11.

[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates the sleeve of the side panel shown in FIG. 11.

[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a rear elevational view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 13, with a portion of the bridge positioned within the internal pocket.

[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates another example sleeve for use with the adjustable cummerbund shown in FIG. 7.

[0025] Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an adjustable belt 100 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The adjustable belt 100 is configured to be worn around the waist of a user and to have an adjustable girth to accommodate a range of waist sizes. The adjustable belt 100 is worn over an inner belt (not shown) and secured to the inner belt by hook-and-loop fasteners.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the adjustable belt 100 comprises a bridge 110, a first sleeve 112, and a second sleeve 114.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the bridge 110 has a first end 116, a second end 118, a top edge 120, a bottom edge 122, a front face 124, and an opposite back face 126. The bridge 110 includes a single row of openings 128, or cutouts, separated by solid segments 130 or posts. The openings 128 are arranged along the bridge 110 between the first end 116 and the second end 118. The back face 126 of the bridge 110 includes hook fasteners used to removably secure the exposed portion of the bridge 110 to an inner belt. However, in some implementations, the back face 126 of the bridge 110 may include loop fasteners instead.

[0029] The bridge 110 is a single piece of thermoplastic composite material overlaid with a nylon laminate material, making it rigid in the vertical plane but flexible in the horizontal plane. The bridge 110 is preferably made of a Tegris brand thermoplastic composite material, but could also be made of a CURV brand thermoplastic composite material. A layer of hook fasteners (e.g., Velcro brand) is secured to the back face 126 of the bridge 110.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114 each have a first end 132 with a buckle portion 134 and a second end 136 with an opening that provides access to an internal pocket 138. The buckle portion 134 on the first end 132 of each sleeve 112, 114 may be a G-hook buckle. The opening of each sleeve 112, 114 provides access to the internal pocket 138 and includes a closure mechanism 140, such as a pull-the-dot snap. The internal pocket 138 of each sleeve 112, 114 is sized to receive either the first end 116 or the second end 118 of the bridge 110. The front face 142, or outer side, of each sleeve 112, 114 may include an array of MOLLE-compatible slits 144, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The back face 146, or inner side, of each sleeve 112, 114 includes hook fasteners used to removably secure the sleeve 112, 114 to an inner belt. However, in some implementations, the inner side 146 of each sleeve 112, 114 may include loop fasteners instead.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 5, each sleeve 112, 114 comprises a piece of nylon laminate material 150 folded onto itself to form the internal pocket 138, with the first end 132 sealed and the second end 136 forming the previously mentioned opening. A stiffening element 152 is positioned longitudinally within and secured to one side of the internal pocket 138. The stiffening element 152, which may comprise a single piece of thermoplastic composite material sold under the brand Tegris, is configured to impart vertical rigidity to the sleeve 112, 114 while permitting horizontal flexibility, thereby supporting items attached to the sleeve and allowing the sleeve to comfortably contour around the user. The male portion 154 of the closure mechanism 140 is secured to the stiffening element 152, and the female portion 156 is secured to a flap 158 of the nylon laminate material 150.

[0032] In the example embodiment, the male portion 154 of the closure mechanism 140 comprises a post 154A that extends through the nylon laminate material 150 and the stiffening element 152 to secure the stud 154B positioned on the stiffening element 152 within the opening of the internal pocket 138. The female portion 156 of the closure mechanism 140 comprises a cap 156A and a socket 156B. A portion of the cap 156A extends through the nylon laminate material 150 to secure the socket 156B on the interior side of the flap 158, so that it can be removably secured to the stud 154B.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates another example sleeve 614 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The sleeve 614 is similar to the sleeves 112, 114 discussed above but includes an angled array of MOLLE-compatible slits 644 near the first end 632. The sleeve 614 is configured to be used instead of the second sleeve 114 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but could also be configured to replace the first sleeve 112.

Use and Operation

[0034] The first sleeve 112 and the second sleeve 114 are adjustably and slidably secured to the first end 116 and the second end 118 of the bridge 110, respectively, allowing the user to adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable belt 100. The closure mechanism 140 of each sleeve 112, 114 cooperates with a selected opening 128 in the bridge 110 to secure each sleeve 112, 114 at a desired position on the bridge 110. Specifically, the male and female portions 154, 156 of the closure mechanism 140 are secured together in the space defined by the selected opening 128, with the posts 130 that define the width of the opening 128 preventing each sleeve 112, 114 from sliding inadvertently.

[0035] To adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable belt 100, the user simply unfastens the closure mechanism 140 and slides the selected sleeve 112, 114 to the desired position on the bridge 110. The user then resecures the male and female portions 154, 156 of the closure mechanism 140 together within the selected opening 128. The width of the posts 130 separating the openings 128 and the length of the internal pocket 138 in each sleeve 112, 114 determine the available range for sizing the adjustable belt 100.

[0036] While the adjustable belt 100 is described as being worn over an inner belt, it should be understood that, with a suitable buckle, the adjustable belt 100 could be adapted to be worn independently of an inner belt. In such an implementation, the hook fasteners on the back face 126 of the bridge 110 and/or the back face 146 of the sleeves 112, 114 may be omitted.

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates an adjustable cummerbund 200 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The adjustable cummerbund 200 can be used to secure the front panel 22 and back panel 24 of a plate carrier 20 in position on the torso of a wearer. The adjustable cummerbund 200 is configured to wrap around both sides of the torso and has an adjustable girth to accommodate a range of torso sizes. While the example adjustable cummerbund 200 is configured for use in conjunction with a plate carrier 20, it should be understood that it could also be configured for use with a tactical vest that includes a cummerbund.

[0038] The adjustable cummerbund 200 comprises two side panels 202 and 204 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 11). Each side panel 202 and 204 has a rear end 206 configured for attachment to the back panel 24 of the plate carrier 20 and a front end 208 configured for attachment to the front panel 22. Each side panel 202 and 204 comprises a bridge 210 or 211 and a sleeve 212 or 214.

[0039] The adjustable cummerbund 200 shares structural and functional features with the previously described adjustable belt 100. In particular, the bridges 210 and 211 and sleeves 212 and 214 correspond to the bridge 110 and sleeves 112 and 114 of the adjustable belt 100, respectively. Accordingly, aspects of the bridge-sleeve interaction, closure mechanism, and adjustability described in connection with the adjustable belt 100 may be applied equally to the adjustable cummerbund 200.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, each bridge 210 or 211 has a first end 216, a second end 218, a top edge 220, a bottom edge 222, a front face 224, and an opposite back face 226. Each bridge 210 or 211 includes a single row of openings 228, which are cutouts, separated by solid segments 230, which are posts. The openings 228 are arranged along each bridge 210 or 211 between the first end 216 and the second end 218. The second end 218 of each bridge 210 or 211 includes two bands 229 extending therefrom, configured to cooperate with additional fastening components to secure the corresponding side panel 202 or 204 to the rear panel 24 of the plate carrier 20. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 7, a length of elastic cord 231 (e.g., shock cord) is used to secure the opposing ends 206 of the side panels 202 and 204 to one another. While the bands 229 and the elastic cord 231 are used to secure the example side panels 202 and 204 to the rear panel 24 of the plate carrier 20, it should be understood that the side panels 202 and 204 may be configured for attachment to the rear panel 24 using other fastening components known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0041] In some implementations, the bridges 210 and 211 may be formed as a single piece, with the sleeves 212 and 214 secured to opposite ends of the single piece bridge.

[0042] As shown best in FIGS. 8 and 11, in some implementations, each bridge 210 or 211 includes a vertically curved segment 260 near the second end 218. Specifically, the vertically curved segment 260 causes the top edge 220 and the bottom edge 222 of the bridge 210 or 211 to taper downward in the vertical plane along a portion of the length of the bridge 210 or 211. This vertically curved segment 260 allows the side panel 202 or 204 to better conform to the shape of the wearer's lower torso, thereby enhancing the fit of the adjustable cummerbund 200. Unlike horizontal curvature, which facilitates circumferential flexibility, the vertically curved segment 260 is configured to accommodate anatomical contours in the vertical dimension. In some implementations, the bridges 210 and 211 may omit the vertically curved segment 260.

[0043] Each bridge 210 or 211 is a single piece of thermoplastic composite material overlaid with a nylon laminate material, making it rigid in the vertical plane but flexible in the horizontal plane. Each bridge 210 or 211 is preferably made of a Tegris brand thermoplastic composite material, but may also be made of a CURV brand thermoplastic composite material.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 13, each sleeve 212 or 214 has a first end 232 with a buckle portion 234 and a second end 236 with an opening that provides access to an internal pocket 238. The buckle portion 234 on the first end 232 of each sleeve 212 or 214 may comprise the male connector portion of a fastening system, such as a slide-lock mechanism (e.g., the Tubes fastener sold by FirstSpear). The opening of each sleeve 212 or 214 includes a closure mechanism 240, such as a pull-the-dot snap, and provides access to the internal pocket 238. The internal pocket 238 of each sleeve 212 or 214 is sized to receive the first end 216 of a bridge 210 or 211. The front face 242, or outer side, of each sleeve 212 or 214 may include an array of MOLLE-compatible slits 244, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The back face 246, or inner side, of each sleeve 212 or 214 may include hook or loop fasteners used for the attachment of pads, plate bags, or other accessories.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 14, each sleeve 212 or 214 comprises a piece of nylon laminate material 250 folded onto itself to form the internal pocket 238, with the first end 232 sealed and the second end 236 forming the previously mentioned opening. A stiffening element 252 is positioned longitudinally within and secured to one side of the internal pocket 238. The stiffening element 252, which may comprise a single piece of thermoplastic composite material sold under the brand Tegris, is configured to impart vertical rigidity to the sleeve 212 or 214 while permitting horizontal flexibility, thereby supporting items attached to the sleeve and allowing the sleeve to comfortably contour around the user. The male portion 254 of the closure mechanism 240 is secured to the stiffening element 252, and the female portion 256 is secured to a flap 258 of the nylon laminate material 250.

[0046] In the example embodiment, the male portion 254 of the closure mechanism 240 comprises a post 254A that extends through the nylon laminate material 250 and the stiffening element 252 to secure a stud 254B positioned on the stiffening element 252 within the opening of the internal pocket 238. The female portion 256 of the closure mechanism 240 comprises a cap 256A and a socket 256B. A portion of the cap 256A extends through the nylon laminate material 250 to secure the socket 256B on the interior side of the flap 258, so that it can be removably secured to the stud 254B.

[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates another example sleeve 1514 according to the principles of the present disclosure. Instead of a buckle portion 234, a portion of the front face 1542 adjacent to the first end 1532 may include hook fasteners 1535 used to removably secure the sleeve 1514 to complementary loop fasteners found on the front panel 22 of the plate carrier 20. In other implementations, the outer side 1542 of the sleeve 1514 may include loop fasteners instead.

Use and Operation

[0048] The sleeve 212 or 214 of each side panel 202 or 204 is slidably and adjustably secured to the first end 216 of the corresponding bridge 210 or 211, allowing the user to adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable cummerbund 200. The closure mechanism 240 of each sleeve 212 or 214 cooperates with a selected opening 228 in the bridge 210 or 211 to secure each sleeve 212 or 214 at a desired position on the bridge. Specifically, the male and female portions 254, 256 of the closure mechanism 240 are secured together in the space defined by the selected opening 228, with the posts 230 that define the width of the opening 228 preventing the sleeve 212 or 214 from sliding inadvertently.

[0049] To adjust the length of each side panel 202 or 204, and thus the girth of the adjustable cummerbund 200, the user simply unfastens the closure mechanism 240 and slides the selected sleeve 212 or 214 to the desired position on the corresponding bridge 210 or 211. The user then resecures the male and female portions 254, 256 of the closure mechanism 240 together within the selected opening 228. The width of the posts 230 separating the openings 228 and the length of the internal pocket 238 in each sleeve 212 or 214 determine the available range for sizing each side panel 202 and 204 of the adjustable cummerbund 200.

[0050] The foregoing description of the invention is intended to be illustrative; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Those skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing description and associated drawings.

[0051] Reference throughout this specification to an embodiment or implementation or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase in some implementations or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0052] The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.