GB2544551A - Ultra light weight MOLLE compatible attachment system constructed by folding standard textiles - Google Patents

Abstract

An attachment system compatible with Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE), having a platform 2 comprising a front and back layer and at least one reinforcing layer, with a plurality of dog-bone shaped slots 3, 5, arranged in vertically aligned rows. The slots are configured to receive a strap 4 of a holder or pouch 11 in a woven manner. The strap tab 6 is secured using a connecting means such as a hook and loop fastener 14, 22. The platform may be attached to or be part of a garment such as a vest or belt, or other apparel. The edges 7 of the slots may be reinforced or laser fused. The textile may be woven or non-woven, and there may be a padded layer of lining material. The slots are horizontal, with circular ends to relieve stress on the carrier fabric and allow the fabric to lie flat. Also claimed is a method for producing the attachment system.

Description

Ultra light weight MOLLE compatible attachment system constructed by folding standard textiles

Background art:

Modular pouch attachment systems and methods for carrier garments, hereinafter sometimes referred to by the term carrier or carriers, such as, but not limited to, vests, cummerbunds, belts, and the like, for carrying holders such as, but not limited to, pouches for holding items and accessories such as equipment pouches, ammo clips etc on a person's body, are well known in the Military. Currently, the most widely-used form of attachment involves stitching a plurality of woven webbing strips to the fabric of the apparel, generally in a horizontal configuration, the stitching being bar tacks in discrete vertical lines so as to form a number of loops in the strips. By providing engaging vertically-aligned coupling straps on the sundry equipment, the equipment can be connected to the loops, and hence to the apparel whilst allowing repositioning. Such attachment is widely known as the Molle system.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term "Molle" and "Molle-type" is used throughout this specification to refer to the well known tried and tested design of Molle fixings and pouches and other generally equivalent fixings having straps intended to be woven into straps on the complementary carrier.

Advantages of the system include an ability to attach pouches and accessories to a platform and easily remove them; rearrange or configure them; and exchange for other pouches or accessories.

Reference, U.S. Patent No. 5,724,707, issued on March 10, 1998; and, U.S. Patent No. 7,047,570, issued on May 23, 2006, which show representative commercially available pouch attachment systems and methods .

Fig. 1, 2 & 3, schematically shows a fragmentary view example of this system as in the US 5,724,707 patent, such known systems utilize one or more elongate woven webs or straps, sewn or otherwise affixed to at longitudinally spaced locations to a panel comprising fabric layers, forming a side by side pattern of loops. In FIG. 1, a section of generally planar fabric (A) is shown having, in this case, three Molle webbing straps (B) affixed onto the front face, i.e. the face which is worn externally in use.

Each Molle strap (B) is elongate, with the straps running substantially parallel, and generally horizontally in use. Each strap (B) is affixed to the fabric (A) at regions (C), delimited by lines of bar-tack stitching (D) , regularly spaced along the length of the strap. Between each region (C), the strap forms an attachment loop (E), which is able to receive complementary straps on the back of the pouches woven between the strap (B) and fabric (A), for affixing sundry pouches. Preferably, the items are attached by "basket-weaving" their complementary straps vertically through loops (E) in a number of adjacent straps (B) as shown in FIG.2, where strap (F) on the back of pouch (D) is woven through loops (C) on the carrier panel and loops (H) on the pouch. It should be noted that in Fig. 2, the looping strap has been lengthend for clarity. Further the single vertical line of stitching shown is in the majority of molle made uses bar-tack stitching (Bar-tacking is an automatic machine made zigzag multiple stitch line across the webbing). FIG. 3, shows the side view of the molle system with the 'basket woven' strap fixed at the bottom rear of the pouch using a press-stud (G) .

This form of attachment is successful in that virtually any item of equipment may be attached to the apparel, as long as it is fitted with complementary coupling straps. Furthermore, the attachment is relatively robust and yet the pouches may be released and repositioned or changed relatively quickly if required.

However, this form of attachment system has several drawbacks, in that, since the Molle straps are attached to the external surface of the apparel fabric the overall strength of the system in use is mainly limited by the strength of the fabric the webbing is attached to, in most cases just the outer single layer of fabric, also, the straps are highly visible and as military apparel fabric is covered with a camouflage pattern (not shown in Figs.) the presence of the straps can disrupt the main fabric pattern even if camouflage straps are used, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the camouflage. This form of Molle fastening system is also heavy due to the large amount of webbing straps (B) used to create the platform. Hook and loop fasteners can be used in the place of the press-stud (G) but the shortcomings of hook and loop fasteners mentioned in U.S. Patent No. 5,724,707 include noisiness, low strength, and failure under dirty and dusty conditions. Although past known carriers utilizing hook and loop fasteners have suffered from these disadvantages, inherent advantages of hook and loop fasteners such as ease and familiarity of use, and nonmetallic construction, still make them attractive. The non-metallic attribute is particularly desirable for military applications wherein the carrier is subject to explosions which can cause metallic objects to fragment and possibly injure wearers. As a result, it is still sought to find a manner of use hook and loop type fasteners for attachment of holders and the like, particularly for military carrier applications.

Other forms of molle style attachment have also been proposed, for example WO 2005/018355 A 1 and EP-A-1772696 both describe systems that make use of fabric which includes a plurality of generally horizontal slots such that sundry equipment may be coupled thereto. GB 2491624 (B) relates to a molle system where the webbing strapping is hidden behind the outer fabric layer with laser cut slits in the fabric to allow the threading of the pouch straps around the concealed webbing and describes two variations of the concealed webbing layout. Whilst this gives a strong construction it is also a heavy system with no weight advantage over the standard molle design.

To the Applicant's knowledge, none these three systems has been successfully employed in practice.

Therefore, what is sought is an attachment system and method that both strong and ultra light weight in order to maximise the equipment carrying capability of the user that utilizes the advantageous light weight and easy use attributes of hook and loop fastening systems, but which overcomes one or more of the know disadvantages thereof, set forth above.

Patents US2012180184(Al)/ US9173436(B2)/ EP2476327(A3); EP 2476327(A2); AU 2012200057(Al); AU 2012200057(B2)/ relate to a molle system that uses a specially produced laminated fabric in order to give sufficient strength to the laser cut slots and holes . WO2013022976 (Al) describes a laser cut slotted molle system that also requires the use of a laminated material for the strength of the slots as well as an internal Velcro layer for the attachment.

Both of these systems have been put into production, but to Applicant's knowledge they have had a limited take up as serious military users distrust the new laminated fabrics durability and the standard webbing molle system is still extensively used by serving soldiers due to the higher cost of the new laminated fabric designs.

This lack of use by serving soldiers is despite the sort after weight saving given the by new laminated designs of kit and in the Applicant's opinion is due to the elevated price as much as the distrust of the new fabrics.

It is the aim of the present invention to overcome the problems associated with the prior designs. In addition, the present invention also provides a textile design which is as strong, if not stronger, than the standard molle webbing and maybe any of the known methods described above.

Summary of the Invention:

What is disclosed is an ultra light weight attachment system and method for carrier garments such as, but not limited to, vests, cummerbunds, belts, shirts, jackets, pants, and the like, that utilizes the advantageous attributes of standard fabrics that are widely used in current carriers, as well as those of hook and loop fastening systems, but which overcomes the majority of the known disadvantages thereof set forth above.

This aim is achieved by providing special 'dog-bone' shaped slots within the folded material of the textile for receiving Molle-type attachment straps, and providing a webbing style attachment grid on the surface of the carrier.

In accordance with this first aspect of the present invention there is provided a textile comprising a substantially planar sheet of material having foldable sections, the material including a plurality of special 'dog-bone' shaped slots provided therein, for receiving in use attachment means of a separate item, such that when attached, the separate item is held adjacent the first surface, the shaped apertures arranged such that the major axes, being those axes in the elongate direction, of said apertures are substantially parallel.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a folded textile, comprising the steps of: i) providing a substantially planar sheet of material having a multitude of layers of fabric, ii) laser cutting a plurality of elongate apertures into the material, the elongate apertures arranged such that the major axes, being those axes in the elongate direction, of said apertures are substantially parallel; and folded and arranged to lie substantially in line said apertures.

An advantage of the system is the reduction in weight compared to a webbing molle system and by using a well tried and tested standard fabric the invention can give a strength tested design at a lower cost, the carriers and holders made using this system are more likely to be accepted by users.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the attachment system utilizes a platform made from a folded textile having a front side, an opposite back side, at least one reinforcing layer and a plurality of slits through the platform arranged in a predetermined pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, configured for receiving elements for attaching at least one similarly constructed holder to the platform. As a non-limiting example, adjacent ones of the slits can be spaced vertically apart to correspond to the vertical spacing of loops of currently used MOLLE systems. The platform is supported by and comprises an element of, an attachment or accessory to, a carrier configured to be worn on a user's body, for carrying at least one holder at a desired location on the user's body, e.g., front, back, or side. The platform can be permanently affixed, e.g., by stitching, or incorporated into the carrier, or removably attached, e.g., via hook and loop fasteners, belts, snaps, zippers, or the like, in covering relation to an outwardly facing surface of the carrier or a backing element such as, but not limited to, a fabric layer or sheet.

According to another aspect of the invention, a back side of the holder faces and covers the outer surface of the carrier and includes a first fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system thereon adjacent to, e.g., around or beside, the slots, and disposed in opposing relation to the holder backing element surface. A user can push his or her fingers into the lower holder 'dog-bone' slot for attaching and detaching the strap to/from the fastening component, and/or weaving straps through the other 'dog-bone' slots. This is advantageous as the holder backing element protects the component of the hook and loop fastener, and with the fastener component located on the back side and in the pocket or cavity, noise generated when detaching from the fastener is contained and muted or muffled so as to be suitable for applications where silence when configuring the system, e.g., adding, removing, moving holders, is required.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the first fastening component located on the back side of the holder comprises a loop pile fabric layer, which can be of commercially available composition and construction such as available under the trademark "Velcro". The front side can comprise a woven fabric such as a nylon Cordura or the like, which is preferably nonstretch, and the fabric layers are joined together by sewing.

As another preferred aspect, the fabric layers comprising the edges bounding the slits are fused together, e.g., using a laser cutting process for forming the slits, such that the edges will not fray or wear significantly under expected use but be flexible to allow insertion of flat straps through the slits, and. Also preferably, the edges will have sufficient resilient flexibility so as to be capable of conforming about anticipated items to extend through the slits such as straps or flat straps that may be attached to the fastening system holder.

According to another preferred aspect of the invention, the system includes at least one holder including at least one strap or tab having a second component of the hook and loop fastening system thereon, e.g., hooks for use with the pile loop fabric, such as commercially available under the trade name "Velcro". The straps are substantially flat, so as to be easily insertable through the 'dog-bone' slots in both carrier and holder, and a user can position and attach the straps to the platform using fingers by "basket weaving" the straps to both the platform and holder. Similarly, the user can use fingers to detach the straps to allow removal or repositioning of the holder. The straps attached to the holders are preferably straight and sized for passage through the slits. In this regard, the straps are constructed of the same textile as the holder and carrier, and this provides substantially reduced weight compared to the conventional heavy nylon fabric MOLLE straps. For strength, when inserted through the 'dog-bone' slots, the straps end tuck tab is bent over for attachment to the back side of the lower 'dog-bone' slot on the holder, so that the hook and loop fasteners are loaded in shear, and are not subject to direct pulling away from the back side of the holder platform. The straps are provided in a length comparable to that of a conventional MOLLE strap, and the back side of a holder can include 'dog-bone' slots also, to allow weaving and interlocking the holder to the platform using the straps, which will have the second component of the hook and loop fastening system only at an appropriate location on the ends of the tuck tab can be provided on the end of the strap, and the tuck tab inserted into the adjacent lower 'dog-bone' slot on the holder, to secure the holder in place. In this embodiment, another advantage achieved is that this attachment system can be backwards compatible with existing MOLLE platforms, enabling using the holders with both the platform of the invention and MOLLE platforms. Also, because webbing loops on the back of holders are eliminated, additional weight advantage is achieved.

As another preferred aspect of the invention, the edges bounding the 'dog-bone' slot of the platform are sufficiently resiliently flexible to allow passage of the straps therethrough, respectively, for "basket weaving" the straps with the end tuck tab forming at least a partial barrier to passage of particulates thereabout, to prevent degradation of the hook and loop fastening system. In this regard, the strength of the 'dog-bone' slot and lack of stretch in the material and manner of attachment of the platform allows it to support a relatively large number of holders without pulling away from the supporting carrier, while being sufficiently flexible to accommodate normal body movements such as twisting and bending of the wearer.

As another advantage of the attachment system of the invention, the tightness of attachment of a holder to the platform is a function of the location of attachment of the straps. The straps can be attached to the platform tightly with little slack, in a manner so as to limit or prevent relative movements of the holder relative to the platform.

As another preferred aspect of the invention, representative holders for use with the invention includes pouches for carrying magazines for ammunition and weapons, electronic equipment, radio, medical, clothing, food, and the like and the pouch portion of the holder can be of the same fabric construction as the rest of the system or another type of material. Because weaving of straps through webbing loops on the holder is not necessary, loops on the back of the holder can be eliminated and replaced with the 'dog-bone shaped' slots as on the carrier, resulting in significant weight saving without loss of carrying capability or other performance. The back side of the holders have a mating pattern of slots to allow interweaving of the straps between the platform and holder, or the use of separate 'conventional' MOLLE style straps for attachment of holders or pouches, if desired.

Description of the diagrams FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a prior art attachment system carrier platform; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an attachment system of the invention showing a representative holder of the system which is a pouch 'basket woven' to the carrier platform of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a side view of a standard MOLLE style pouch attached by 'basket weaving' to the carrier platform the system as in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a front view of a section of the carrier platform of the system of the invention, showing a typical layout of the Molle grid including stitch lines between the 'dog-bone' slots; FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the carrier fabric of the system of the invention before folding and sewing the resulting layers together; FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of the folded carrier platform of the system of the invention in FIG. 5 on an embodiment of the carrier showing buckles attached along the top held by loops of the main fabric in FIG. 5; FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of the 'Dog-bone' shaped slots cut in the fabric in FIG. 4, 5 & 6; FIG. 8 is a back view of an embodiment of the pouch mounting system; FIG. 9 is a view of the pouch back fabric shown in FIG. 8 before folding and sewing the resulting layers together; FIG. 10 shows an enlargement of a front view of the end of the strap tab of the pouch in FIG. 8, showing tab inserted through the lower 'dog-bone' slot 13 of the pouch with the end of the tab 6 protruding from down 'dog-bone' slot 13; FIG. 11 shows an enlargement of a rear view of the end of the strap tab of the pouch in FIG. 10, showing tab inserted through the lower 'dog-bone' slot 13 of the pouch with the hooks of the tab attached to loop pile sewn on the back side of the slotted pouch fabric above lower 'dog-bone' slot 13; FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of a platform of the system of the invention on a representative carrier, showing representative holder attached thereto by passage of straps on the backs of the holder through slots of the platform of the system, showing a pouch having straps such as illustrated in FIG. 9, woven through the 'dog-bone' slots on platform and pouch and attached to the pouch by the hook and loop fasteners on the end of the strap's tap tucked into the lowermost 'dog-bone' slot on the rear of the pouch; FIG. 13 is a front view of the platform and attached pouch of FIG. 12; FIG.14 is a rear view of the back panel of a holder of the system and showing the weaving and attachment of the straps of FIG. 12 inserted through 'dog-bone' slots of the platform and pouch without the 'dog-bone' slots shown on the carrier 2 for clarity;

Detailed description of the Invention

Referring to the diagrams, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, elements of a conventional prior art MOLLE style attachment system are illustrated. Essentially, the system includes a panel A on which straps B are sewn or otherwise affixed at longitudinally spaced locations forming a side by side pattern of vertically aligned loops C. Elongate straps F attached to a holder D, which here is illustrated as a pouch, are interlocked or woven through vertically aligned ones of loops C on panel A, and straps H on the back side of holder D to attach the holder to panel A. A fastener, e.g., a snap or button, is often provided on the end of the elongate strap F for attachment to an associated fastener on the holder. As discussed above, straps B and F are relatively heavy. For this and other reasons, an alternative to the widely used MOLLE system is desired.

Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 through 14, an improved attachment system Al, constructed and operable according to the teachings of the present invention, which can be constructed in a more light weight manner and has other advantages compared to known MOLLE systems, is shown.

Referring to FIGS.4, 5 and 6, a first embodiment of system Al of the invention is shown, including a platform 2 which eliminates webbing straps and their associated weight. The platform 2 accomplishes this by comprising a pattern of 'dog-bone' slots 3 therethrough arranged in a vertically spaced pattern, at locations generally corresponding to be locations and spacings of the loops of a conventional prior art MOLLE style attachment system as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. As will be discussed, this provides the advantage of enabling use with various holders, e.g., pouch or accessory, of those prior art systems which are in wide spread use .

Its 'dog-bone' slots 3 shape is shown in Fig 7, said shape is critical to the strength of the design, the slot width allowing the complementary strap to pass through yet allow the carrier fabric to lie flat. The circular ends of the slots are necessary to relive the stress on the carrier fabric that would occur with a plain or square ends to the slots, also a number of lines of stitching 20, as shown in FIG. 6, which extend substantially throughout the folded fabric when folded which includes the 'dog-bone' slots, the stitching lines 20 run substantially parallel to the major axes of the slots 3, with each line positioned above or below its nearest row which helps to prevent uncontrolled ripping of the slots during use.

In FIG. 5 slotted strap attachments 9 and associated slots 10 are also shown and the straps 9 produce loops that can be folded through the slots 10 and sewn into the structure.

Essentially, according to steps of a method of the invention, straps 4 of a MOLLE style holder, shown in Fig.8, would be interlocked and woven through the slits 3 of the platform 2 of present system Al, by being inserted through the upper 'dog-bone' slot 3 of the platform 2 to the back side of the platform, then inserted through the next lower 'dog-bone' slot 3 of the platform to the front side thereof, then through 'dog-bone' slots 5 on the back side of the pouch or accessory. The strap 4 can then be inserted through still lower 'dog-bone' slots 3 of the platform to the back side, then through still lower 'dog-bone' slots 3 to the front side, and through 'dog-bone' slots 4 on the back side of the pouch or accessory, for further attachment, one or more additional times, depending on the length of the strap and platform, and available number of 'dog-bone' slots. The tab 6 on free end of the strap 4 can them be attached to the back side of the pouch or accessory, using hook and loop fasteners, 14 and 22 respectivly, or other means provided.

As a preferred aspect of the system of the invention of FIGS. 4, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the platform 2 can comprise one or more layers of a fabric material, such as, but not limited to, a 1000 denier nylon, and/or a sheet or film of other material such as, but not limited to, a plastics film or sheet, of sufficient overall strength to hold one or more holders such as pouches thereto, while being sufficiently flexible to move with the body of a wearer, such as to accommodate bending and twisting of the torso of the body. For this purpose, at least layer 2 is of a strong material which does not stretch significantly under anticipated loads exerted thereagainst. Other exemplary materials that can be used providing the desired properties can include, but are not limited to, a woven or knitted nylon fabric; woven or knitted loop fabric; woven or knitted polyester fabric; woven or knitted pararamid synthetic fibre fabric, e.g., such as commercially available under the trade name Kevlar; woven or knitted ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene, e.g., such as commercially available under the trade names Dyneema and Spectra; and non-woven pararamid nylon, a non-woven polyethylene, or other nonwoven composition fabric.

The 'dog-bone' slots 3, shown in detail in FIG. 7, and used on the carrier platform 2 and the pouch back panel 15 , shown as 3 and 5 respectively, are a key feature of the invention and are shaped so as to reduce the stress and therefore increase the strength of the slotted design of the attachment system, the 'dog-bone' slots can be formed in any manner suitable for the anticipated application, as a nonlimiting example, by knife or die cutting, using a button hole machine, or more preferably, by laser cutting. In regard to laser cutting, an advantage achieved is that the edges 7 (FIG. 7) of the fabric edges fibres of the preferred nylon Cordura fabric bounding and defining the 'dog-bone' slot 3 are fused together to increase stiffness and reduce sagging, reduce or eliminate fraying, and increase wear and abrasion resistance at that location, while still being sufficiently pliable or bendable to facilitate opening and insertion of a strap, or a tab of the invention to be discussed, therethrough. As an additional advantage, edges 7 can be cut so as to be very accurately spaced and sized, to serve as a barrier to entry or passage of particulate contaminants such as dust and dirt through the slots, to reduce accumulation of the contaminants behind the attachment slots of the holder, so as to maintain the barrier against penetration of particulates to the hook and loop fasteners when in use .

Additional advantages of the attachment system of the invention include a need for less material, and thus less weight, a reduced side profile, ability to provide a smoother face on the profile of platform 2, and the illustrated ability to use prior art holders such as MOLLE style pouches.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 5 and 6, platform 2 of the attachment system 3 comprises a single layer 2 of the fabric used, preferably for example, but not limited to, a proofed lOOOd nylon Cordura that is laser cut to the desired shape including marks 8 for the fold lines, loops 9 for buckle 21 attachment and complementary 'Dog-bone' slots 10 for the loops to be formed through on folding the fabric. Additionally, one or more intermediate layers can be provided in addition to the folded layers, such as a non-woven layer of a non-stretchable material to provide added strength and shape retention, if desired.

As another aspect of the invention, the system A1 of the invention can include holders, in the form of pouches such as 11 shown in Fig. 8, appliances and the like, which are also of a light weight construction, to further reduce the weight of the attachment system compared to known MOLLE systems. This will preferably include another component of the fastening system used, here, one or more straps 4 with tabs 6 having hooks 22 of a hook and loop fastening system, releasably attachable to the loop pile fabric 14 on the back side 16 of holder 11. The straps 4 and tabs 6 are configured to be inserted through the 'dog-bone' slots 3 of the platform and the 'dog-bone' slots 5 of the holder can have any of a variety of shapes, such as, but not limited to, an elongate strap shape (FIGS. 8, 9, through 14).

In use, the tabs 6 are inserted into the lower 'dog-bone' slot 13 on the holder, and the hooks 22 on tab 6 thereof attached to loop pile fabric 14 on the upper back side of the holder slot 13 on the pouch back 16. For strength, when inserted through slot 13, the tab 6 is bent over for attachment to the back side of the slot, so that the hook and loop fasteners are loaded in shear, and are not subject to direct pulling away from the back side of the holder.

As examples, FIG. 10 & 11 illustrates strap tab 6 locating and in position from front and rear of back 15. FIG. 8 illustrates the holder as a pouch 11 from the rear showing the back panel 'dog-bone' slots and the strap 4 for the fastening system. FIG. 9 illustrates material for the back panel of a single strap holder; the flat material as laser cut, the back material 15 has 'dog-bone' slots 5 to accept weaving of the strap 4. The strap's 4 wide end with 'dog-bone' slot 17 is to be attached between the layers of the panel when folded at the marks 19. FIG. 12 shows a schematic side view of the carrier 2 and the pouch 11 of a representative platform 3 of the invention, with strap 4 woven through the platform and pouch 'dog-bone' slots with tab 6 of strap 4 through the 'dog-bone' slot 13 of the pouch and fastened to the second component of the hook and loop fastener 14 with the first component of the hook and loop fastener 22 (as in FIGS. 10, 11, and 14).

As another advantage of the attachment system of the invention, the tightness of attachment of a holder or holders 11 to platform 2 is a function of the location of attachment of tabs 6 to back side 15. As illustrated in FIG. 14, tabs 6 can be attached to the back side of the platform tightly with little slack, in a manner so as to limit or prevent relative movements of the holder relative to the platform.

Referring to FIG. 4 & 6, in use a carrier platform 2 to be a part of, but is not limited to, a vest, cummerbund, backpack, shirt, pants, belt, etc., platform grid 3 is preferably attached, connected, or incorporated into the carrier in a manner such that the platform grid 3, holder or holders 11, and items carried in the holders, e.g., ammunition magazines, batteries, radios, medical supplies, tools, etc., are supported in the desired manner on the wearing person's body.

As noted above, an advantage of the system of the invention is backward compatibility with existing MOLLE and similar systems to enable use of MOLLE style holders D having long straps F, where straps F are woven through 'dog-bone' slots 3 on platform 2 and interlocked with strap fasteners(if provided) on the back of holder D. In this regard, it should be noted and understood that as an option, any holder for use with the system can include slots through the back side thereof for weaving of straps therethrough for attachment.

The system of the invention also requires less material, is of less weight, and has a reduced profile when viewed from the side, than that of a conventional Molle design. This also allows the face of the platform to be smoother and the camouflage pattern on the surface is substantially undisrupted. The 'dog-bone' slots can be arranged into distinct regions on the carrier, and a padded surface can be provided provided on the inner surface of the carrier for the comfort of the user, but it is not necessary for the system to work. This is exemplary only, and padding or regions of slots may be provided wherever required on the item that is made .

In light of all the foregoing, it should thus be apparent to those skilled in the art that there has been shown and described a novel modular pouch attachment system for carriers such as vests, belts, and the like. It should also be apparent that the edges of the fabric and apertures need to be sealed by the laser cutting to help prevent fraying and tearing of the fabric in order for the design to perform successfully. However, within the principles and scope of the invention, many changes are possible and contemplated, including in the details, materials, and arrangements of parts which have been described and illustrated to explain the nature of the invention. Thus, while the foregoing description and discussion addresses preferred embodiments or elements of the invention, it should further be understood that concepts of the invention, as based upon the foregoing description and discussion, may be readily incorporated into or employed in other embodiments and constructions without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to protect the invention broadly as well as in the specific form shown, and all changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims (31)

1. Claims 1) An attachment system, comprising a platform having a front side, an opposite back side and at least one reinforcing layer constructed from a folded textile comprising a substantially planar sheet of material having multiply folded areas, and a plurality of 'Dog-bone' shaped slots through the platform arranged in a predetermined 'Molle' pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, configured for receiving elements for attaching at least one holder to the platform, wherein the platform is supported by and comprises an element of a carrier configured to be worn on a user's body for carrying the at least one holder at a desired location on the user's body; characterized by the carrier platform including a fastening component of the slots and being disposed in opposing relation to a slotted surface on the backing element of the holder or pouch forming a generally tight connection therebetween, the carrier platform and the backing element of the holder or pouch by means of weaving a strap through corresponding slots, such that when attached, the separate item is held adjacent the first surface, the 'dog-bone' shape apertures arranged such that the major axes, being those axes in the elongate direction, of said apertures are substantially parallel, and the slots being defined and bound by opposing edges, respectively, disposed sufficiently close together, providing a barrier to passage of particulates therebetween.
2. 2) A folded textile according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are arranged in a plurality of groups, each group including a plurality of said 'dog-bone' shape apertures, such that the major axes of the apertures of each group and layer are substantially coincident.
3. 3) A folded textile according to claim 2, wherein multiple layers are arranged to lie between the front and back layer of fabric such that none of the apertures block any other aperture of the sheet.
4. 4) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of textile layers between front and rear surface, said layers being arranged to substantially reinforce the said apertures in specific areas .
5. 5) A folded textile according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the reinforcement layers are arranged to lie between two surfaces within a carrier, such that the reinforcement layers and the apertures in them do not overlap of the other apertures in the material.
6. 6) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, wherein the 'dog-bone' apertures are dimensioned to allow a Molle-type strap to pass therethrough.
7. 7) The attachment system of claim 5, wherein the edges are laser fused.
8. 8) The attachment system of claim 5, further comprising a holder including at least one strap having hook components of the hook and loop fastening system thereon, and wherein the edges bounding the slits are sufficiently resiliently flexible to allow passage of the straps therethrough, respectively, for fastening to the loop pile fabric above the inner side of the lowest 'Dog-bone' slot on said holder also forming a barrier to passage of particulates thereabout.
9. 9) The attachment system of claim 5, wherein the fastening component of the hook and loop fastening system comprises a loop pile fabric. The attachment system of claim 5, comprising a holder including at least one strap extending therefrom having a free end portion including a fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system thereon attachable to the fastening component of the hook and loop fastening system on the back side of the holder platform, at least one tab on the end of the strap being sized for insertion through any of the lower slot to lock the strap, such that edges of the platform bounding the slit will contact the tab forming a barrier to passage of particulates thereabout.
10. 10) The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the holder comprises a pouch.
11. 11) The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the carrier comprises a vest, a belt, a cummerbund, or a component of a cummerbund, belt or vest.
12. 12) The attachment system of claim 9, wherein the strap has a tab at end with a fastening component of the hook and loop fastening.
13. 13) The attachment system of claim 1, wherein adjacent ones of the rows of 'dog-bone' shaped slots are spaced a predetermined distance apart, and the at least one strap has a length equal to at least twice the predetermined distance.
14. 14) An attachment system for removably attaching at least one holder to a carrier configured for wear on a human body, the carrier having at least one outer surface oriented to face away from a body on which the carrier is worn, the attachment system comprising: a platform supported in an upstanding orientation on the carrier in covering relation to at least a portion of the outer surface of the carrier to bound and enclose a generally flat cavity therebetween, the platform having a front side facing outwardly, an opposite back side facing the cavity, and a plurality of slots through the platform arranged in a predetermined pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, the back side including a fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system thereon adjacent to the slits; at least one holder configured for holding an article or object, having at least one flat, flexible tab extending therefrom including a fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system thereon attachable to the fastening component of the back side of the platform, the at least one tab being configured for passage through any of the slots, respectively, into the flat cavity, for attaching the fastening component thereof to the fastening component on the back side, for releasably securing the holder adjacent to the front side of the platform.
15. 15) The attachment system of claim 14, wherein the fastening component on the back side of the holder platform comprises a loop pile fabric.
16. 16) The attachment system of claim 1, wherein the front side of the platform comprises a woven or non-woven fabric.
17. 17) An attachment system for supporting holders on a carrier, including a generally vertical platform including a front side having a plurality of 'dog-bone' shaped slots arranged in a predetermined pattern of vertically aligned and spaced apart rows, configured for receiving one or more elongate straps in a vertical interlocking manner for supporting a holder against the front side, characterized by the front side being substantially smooth, the holder platform having a back side opposite the front side and opposing a surface of the carrier and aligning generally coextensive with the carrier platform, The strap taps part of the hook and loop fastening mating with the opposite member along the upper inner edge of the lower 'dog-bone' slot on the holder platform for preventing movement of the strap therethrough for interlockingly securing a holder against the front side of the carrier. The tight fit maintaining the barrier to passage of particulates through the slits about the straps, and the back side of the platform at least partially comprising a first fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system.
18. 18) The attachment system of claim 17, further characterized by at least one holder supported adjacent to the front side of the platform by at least one substantially flat, flexible strap with a fastening tab extending through the 'Dog-bone' slots in a 'basket weave' style with the edges defining the slot maintaining the barrier about the strap, and the tab having a fastening component of a hook and loop fastening system for attaching to the second fastening component in the lower slot of the holder thereby securing the holder to the platform.
19. 19) The attachment system of claim 18, wherein the second fastening component is detachable from the first component by using fingers for grasping and detaching the fastening components.
20. 20) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, wherein the first surface is provided with an unbroken camouflage pattern.
21. 21) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, comprising a padded layer of lining material adjacent to the rear load surface.
22. 22) A folded textile according to claim 1, wherein the apertures are arranged in a plurality of groups, each group including a plurality of said 'dog-bone' shape apertures, such that the major axes of the apertures of each group and layer are substantially coincident.
23. 23) A folded textile according to claim 2, wherein multiple layers are arranged to lie between the front and back layer of fabric such that none of the apertures block any other aperture of the sheet.
24. 24) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of textile layers between front and rear surface, said layers being arranged to substantially reinforce the said apertures in specific areas .
25. 25) A folded textile according to claim 4 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the reinforcement layers are arranged to lie between two surfaces within a carrier, pouch or holder, such that the reinforcement layers and the apertures in them do not overlap of the other apertures in the material.
26. 26) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, wherein the 'dog-bone' apertures are dimensioned to allow a Molle-type strap to pass therethrough.
27. 27) A folded textile according to any preceding claim, comprising a padded layer of lining material adjacent to the rear load surface.
28. 28) An article comprising a folded textile in accordance with any preceding claim, having the first surface arranged on the outside of the article in use.
29. 29) An article according to claim 9, wherein the major axes of the elongate apertures are substantially horizontal during use.
30. 30) An article according to either of claims 9 and 10, wherein the article comprises apparel.
31. 31) A method of producing a folded textile, comprising the steps of: i) providing a substantially planar sheet of material having folded sections, ii) cutting a plurality of 'dog-bone' shaped apertures into the material, the apertures arranged such that the major axes, being those axes in the elongate direction, of said apertures are substantially parallel; and iii) folding or affixing a plurality reinforcing layers between the front and rear load surface, the layers being arranged their apertures to lie across any other of said apertures; 32) A method according to claim 12, wherein a camouflage pattern is provided on the first surface. 33) A folded textile molle system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures 2 to 6 . 34) An article substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures 2 to 6. 35) A method substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures 2 to 6 having a first component of a suitable fastening system thereon, such as, but not limited to, a loop pile fabric 48 of a hook and loop fastening system such as available under the trademark Velcro.