LOAD BEARING POCKET INSERT

Abstract

A load bearing apparatus has a substantially rigid insertion panel of a width and height to slip fit to internal dimensions of a pocket of a garment, a first portion of an attachment mechanism coupled to an upper edge of the insertion panel, and one or more flexible extensions joined proximate the upper edge of the insertion panel and having an attachment element at an opposite end of the one or more flexible extensions configured to attach to compatible elements on a front surface of the pocket.

Claims

1. A load bearing apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid insertion panel comprising a first portion adapted to be inserted into an inner volume of a pocket of a garment formed by a panel adhered to the garment at a bottom edge and two opposing side edges, the panel having an inside surface, an outside surface and a cover flap is enabled to extend over a top edge of the panel where the top edge of the panel forms an opening into the inner volume of the pocket; a second portion of the load bearing apparatus extends over the top edge of the panel and downward against the outer surface of the panel, thereby forming a first slot; a third portion extending upwardly from bottom edge of the second portion forming a second slot; and an attachment mechanism coupled to an outer surface of the third portion facing away from the pocket.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion extends into the inner volume adjacent to the bottom edge.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first slot is adapted to accommodate the panel of the pocket.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the second slot is adapted to accommodate the cover flap of the pocket.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may be formed as a single integral part.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may be formed as separate parts.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substantially rigid insertion panel comprises a first intermediate portion connecting the first portion with the second portion at the top edge and a second intermediate portion connecting the second portion with the third portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the attachment mechanism comprises any one of a list including a first bracket, a male portion of snap fit mechanism, a female portion of a snap fit mechanism, a Velcro strip and a hook.

9. A method of carrying equipment, comprising: inserting a first portion of a rigid insertion panel into an internal volume of a pocket of a garment, the first portion bending around a top edge of the pocket and extending down to a lower edge forming a second portion fitted against an outer surface of a front panel attached to the garment and forming the pocket, the first portion and the second portion forming a first slot enabled to accommodate the front panel of the pocket; inserting a cover flap of the pocket into a second slot formed by connecting a third portion extending upwards from the lower edge of the second portion; coupling pocket closure mounting points located on the pocket closure element to pocket mounting means located on the front surface of the pocket; joining an equipment element having first and second leg straps ending in compatible portions of a snap in buckle to the insertion panel by a second portion of an attachment mechanism compatible with a first portion of the attachment mechanism coupled to the exterior surface of the third portion of the insertion panel; and buckling the straps around a limb of a wearer.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the attachment mechanism comprises any one of a list including; an engaging element, a female portion of snap fit mechanism, a male portion of a snap fit mechanism, a counter Velcro strip and a hook slot.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.

[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevation view of an insertion panel according to an embodiment of the invention for an angled pocket.

[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates a front elevation view of an insertion panel according to an embodiment of the invention for a straight pocket.

[0020] FIG. 1C illustrates a front elevation view of an insertion panel with circuitry and

[0021] interfaces to enable performance as an electronic device as well as an insertion panel in an embodiment of the invention.

[0022] FIG. 2A illustrates the insertion panel of FIG. 1A with added straps according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] FIG. 2B illustrates the insertion panel of FIG. 1B with added straps according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates the insertion panel of FIG. 2A inserted into a thigh pocket on a pant in an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates the insertion panel of FIG. 3 inserted into the thigh pocket with an insertion panel mounting apparatus attached to pocket mounting points in an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates equipment configured with an equipment attachment mechanism in an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates the insertion panel inserted into to the thigh pocket, the equipment of FIG. 5 ready to be attached to the insertion panel of FIG. 4 with leg straps ready to be secured around the leg of a wearer in an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates the equipment of FIG. 6 attached to the insertion panel of FIG. 4, the leg straps of the equipment secured around the leg of the wearer in an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insertion panel inserted in the pocket of the garment according to another embodiment of the invention.

[0030] FIG. 9 illustrates a front elevation view of the insertional panel accommodated within a pocket of a garment according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies, and mechanisms for conducting the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0032] The terms including, comprises, comprising, comprising of or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by comprises . . . a does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus. In this specification the directional prepositions of up, upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower, left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the device necessarily has to be used or positioned in any particular orientation.

[0033] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 1A-FIG. 9. As summarized above, in one broad aspect, the present invention provides a load bearing apparatus.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 1A, there is a front elevation view of an insertion panel 100 configured to be used with an angled pocket attached to clothing. FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of an insertion panel 100 configured to be used with a straight pocket attached to clothing. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the difference in the insertion panel for a straight or an angled pocket is the angle of the top edge of the panel with the sides of the panel. In one embodiment the pocket may be a thigh pocket of work trousers or a military uniform. Insertion panel 100 is a rigid or semi-rigid resilient panel that can be formed from a variety of materials. Examples of such materials are metals, plastics, polymers, carbon-fiber, and wood. Insertion panel 100 is formed to fit closely within the interior dimensions of the pocket to which it applies. In another embodiment of the invention, insertion panel 100 may be enclosed in cushioning material, such as cotton batting, for additional comfort of the wearer.

[0035] In yet another embodiment of the invention, insertion panel 100 is further configured with a curvature to more closely fit a body part that rests against the pocket in which insertion panel 100 is inserted, which in some instances may be a wearer's thigh. In yet another embodiment, insertion panel 100 is configured internally with materials, and components, and interfaces to allow the panel to function as a battery as well as a pocket mounted load bearing system.

[0036] In yet another embodiment of the invention, insertion panel 100 is configured internally with materials, and components, and interfaces to allow it to function as a variety of devices such as radio transmitter/receivers, Wi-Fi transmitter/receivers, or GPS devices while still maintaining the function of a pocket mounted load bearing system.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1C, there is illustrated a front elevation view of an insertion panel with circuitry 101 and interfaces 102, including input and output mechanisms, to enable performance as an electronic device as well as an insertion panel in an embodiment of the invention. Additionally in FIG. 1C a portion of a cushioning material 103 is shown that may cover one side or both sides of the insertion panel.

[0038] Integrated into insertion panel 100 are insertion panel mounting points 110 which in the instant embodiment are rectangular eyelets cut into insertion panel 100. Also integrated into insertion panel 100 is insertion panel attachment point 200 which in the instant embodiment is the female end of a snap-in buckle. In another embodiment this might be the male end of the snap-in buckle.

[0039] Now referring to FIG. 2A, there is illustrated a front elevation view of insertion panel 100 for an angled pocket with insertion panel mounting elements 300 attached to insertion panel mounting points 110. FIG. 2B shows the mounting elements 300 attached for a straight pocket circumstance. In the instant embodiment, insertion panel mounting element 300 is a fabric strap with a first end, which is looped through the insertion panel mounting point 110 and sewn back on itself. A second end of the strap is configured with a buttonhole.

[0040] Further, FIG. 3 illustrates front elevation view of insertion panel 100 inserted into an angled thigh pocket. The pocket has, in this example, mounting points 400, which in the instant embodiment are buttons.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a front elevation view of insertion panel 100 inserted into an angled thigh pocket. In this example the buttonhole end of the straps 300 are engaged to the mounting points 400, which in the instant embodiment are buttons on the pocket. The skilled person will understand that the same may be done for the straight pocket circumstance.

[0042] Further, FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of an equipment element 500, which in the instant embodiment is a MOLLE panel. MOLLE stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. A MOLLE Panel is an organizational grid used on backpacks or vests and allows a wearer to attach and hold many different pieces of gear. MOLLE Panel 500 in this example is configured with equipment attachment means 600, in this example a male portion of a snap-in buckle, and two leg straps unnumbered, each of which have snap-in buckles for fastening around the wearer's thigh. Element 500 in other embodiments may be any one of a plurality of bags, pouches, kits, accessories, and accessory holders.

[0043] Furthermore, FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of equipment 500 ready to be attached to the insertion panel 100 by inserting the male buckle portion 600 into the female buckle portion 200 of the insertion panel.

[0044] Now referring to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a front elevation view of equipment 500 fully mounted onto insertion panel 100 and secured to the leg of the wearer. The leg straps are wrapped around the wearer's leg and the buckles on the leg straps of FIG. 6 are coupled behind the wearer's leg. Buckle portion 200 is snapped-into the female buckle portion of the insertion panel. Because of inherent limited movement of the thigh pocket, which is permanently sewn into the garment, and the attachment of straps 300 to button 400, the need to attach further support for equipment 500 to the belt of the wearer has been eliminated. The space on the wearer's belt, previously taken up by the primary support strap in the prior art can now be used for the attachment of other accessories. Additionally, because of the inherent limited movement of the thigh pocket, the 500 leg straps may not require excessive tightening to prevent unintended rotation of equipment when the wearer is performing physical activity.

[0045] Now coming to FIG. 8, illustrating the insertion panel according to another embodiment of the invention. According to this embodiment of the invention, the substantially rigid insertion panel 100 comprises a first portion 100A adapted to be slip fit into an internal volume of a pocket 802 of a garment pocket 800, a second portion 100B extending downwardly from top edge of the first portion 100A forming a first slot 700A and a third portion 100C extending upwardly from bottom edge of the second portion 100B forming a second slot 700B. The insertion panel may have a width considerably less than a width of the pocket, as seen in FIG. 9, or may be substantially wider to any width up to an inner width of the pocket.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion 100A, the second portion 100B and the third portion 100C may be made as a single integral part. Alternatively, the first portion 100A, the second portion 100B and the third portion 100C may be formed as an integral part.

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the substantially rigid insertion panel 100 comprises a first intermediate portion connecting the first portion 100A with the second portion 100B and a second intermediate portion connecting the second portion 100B with the third portion 100C.

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the intermediate portions are designed so as to provide structural support, ensuring proper alignment and stability between the various portions of the insertion panel 100. The first intermediate portion facilitates the connection between the first portion 100A and second portion 100B, while the second intermediate portion ensures the secure connection between the second portion 100B and third portion 100C, contributing to the overall strength and functionality of the insertion panel 100.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the first slot 700A is adapted to fit on to a front surface 804 of the pocket 802 and the second slot 700B is adapted to accommodate a pocket closure element 806 of the pocket 802. By way of non-limiting example of the invention, the first slot 700A makes surface contact with the front surface 804 of the pocket 802. Similarly, the second slot 700B makes surface contact with the pocket closure element 806 of the pocket 802.

[0050] Further, exterior surface of the third portion 100C of the insertion panel 100 is coupled with a first portion 200 of an attachment mechanism. In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion 200 of the attachment mechanism comprises at least one of: a first bracket; a male portion of snap fit mechanism; a female portion of a snap fit mechanism; and a Velcro strip; and a hook.

[0051] Now referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the first portion 100A of the substantially rigid insertion panel 100 is inserted to slip fit inside the internal dimensions of a pocket 802 of the garment 800 in such a manner that the front surface 804 of the pocket 802 is inserted into the first slot 700A located in between the first portion 100A and the second portion 100B extending downwardly from top edge of the first portion 100A of the substantially rigid insertion panel 100.

[0052] Further, the pocket closure element 806 of the pocket is accommodated within the second slot 700B located in between the second portion 100B and the third portion 100C extending downwardly from bottom edge of the second portion 100B of the substantially rigid insertion panel 100.

[0053] Now, pocket closure mounting points 808 located on the pocket closure element 806 is coupled to the pocket mounting means 810 located on the front surface 804 of the pocket 800. Afterwards, the equipment element 500 is attached to the insertion panel 100 by a second portion 600 of the attachment mechanism compatible with the first portion 200 of the attachment mechanism. In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion 600 of the attachment mechanism may be at least one of an engaging element; a female portion of snap fit mechanism; a male portion of a snap fit mechanism; a counter Velcro strip; and a hook slot.

[0054] After fully mounting the equipment element 500 to the insertion panel 100, the straps of the leg straps are wrapped around the wearer's leg and the buckles on the leg straps of coupled behind the wearer's leg as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Since, the first slot 700A makes surface contact with the front surface 804 of the pocket 802 and the second slot 700B makes surface contact with the pocket closure element 806, a significant amount of enhancement in stability as well as load bearing capacity is observed.

[0055] It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in a simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or somewhat modified when implementing the invention. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the descriptions and depictions set forth in this specification are merely meant to portray examples within the overall scope and intent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any manner.

[0056] While all the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0057] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0058] The foregoing description and accompanying figures illustrate the principles, embodiments and modes of operation of the invention. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments discussed above. Additional variations of the embodiments discussed above will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0059] Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that variations to those embodiments can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

[0060] The terms comprises, comprising, includes, including, having and their conjugates mean including but not limited to and indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components. Such terms encompass the terms consisting of and consisting essentially of.

[0061] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosure, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosure, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the disclosure. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

[0062] Although the disclosure has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the disclosure.