JP2009501849A - Clothes that store and / or carry items - Google Patents

Abstract

  A garment for storing and / or carrying one or more items, comprising a torso receiving portion to be worn on at least a part of a wearer's torso and one or more containers for receiving said items, the container or each container Is at least partially composed of a semi-rigid polymer material, and the container or each container is integrated with the torso receiving part.

Description

  The present invention relates to clothes for storing and carrying items on the wearer's body. The present invention particularly relates to clothes that store and carry items such as tools and equipment necessary to perform a specific task or activity, and the stored items need to be quickly and easily accessed and restored. is there.

  Certain tasks and activities require several portable items to perform the task or activity. It is convenient or even necessary for the user to be able to carry these items so that they can be easily used when needed. Examples of such operations are law enforcement, military, merchants, firefighters, ambulance crews, rescue crews, and the like. The following discussion focuses on the equipment used by police officers, but it is readily apparent that similar considerations apply to other tasks.

  In the case of law enforcement, police officers regularly perform handcuffs, pistols, expandable batons, non-military chemical sprays such as OC (capsicum oleoresin) or CS sprays, rubber gloves, masks and wireless handsets Some “business tools” are used. Traditionally, many or most of these items are carried on a police officer's waist belt. Such a configuration is disadvantageous in that it may be impractical to hang so many items from one belt. Each item is supported only in a limited area. That is, it becomes very unstable, each item moves, and the belt and the wearer's body may be loaded. Further, the means for fixing each item to the belt by a belt keeper or an appliance pouch provided with a cover flap held by a snap, for example, cannot be easily accessed and removed by the wearer. This can be especially problematic if, for example, a police officer is arresting and the other hand is holding the suspect, perhaps needing quick access to handcuffs with only one free hand .

  Other items regularly used by police officers can be carried in uniform pockets. However, the material and / or design of the pocket and / or the type of closure used to close the pocket (e.g., buttons, fasteners) can often prevent easy access to items in the pocket.

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  Accordingly, there is a need for a means to store and carry one or more items on the wearer's body, but without the disadvantages described above. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a garment for storing and / or carrying one or more items that overcomes or at least mitigates one or more disadvantages of the prior art.

  According to the present invention, a garment for storing and / or carrying one or more items is provided, which comprises a torso receiving portion for wearing on at least a portion of a wearer's torso and one or more for receiving said items. The container or each container is at least partially composed of a semi-rigid polymer material, and the container or each container is integrated into the barrel receiving portion.

  The following description is largely focused on the present invention as applied to storage and / or carrying of items used by law enforcement agencies. However, it is clearly understood that the present invention is not limited to that application.

  Usually, a container or each container is comprised from the laminated body in which at least one part is provided with the said semi-hard polymer material and a soft material at least.

  The trunk receiving portion may include a laminate of at least the semi-hard material and the soft material. The semi-rigid laminate may also include other materials or components that provide the desired properties. For example, the laminate may include armor material, such as a steel mesh or kevlar, to make the garment resistant to stabs or cuts. Moreover, the semi-rigid laminate may include a refractory material. Further, the semi-rigid laminate may include therein a cooling tube that assists the wearer in adjusting body temperature. The torso receiving portion typically comprises the main components of the garment covering a predetermined amount of the wearer's torso. This is usually shaped to approximately match at least a portion of the wearer's torso. The torso receiving portion may comprise a plurality of panels joined together, such as by sewing, welding, lamination or other bonding methods, or may comprise an integral piece. Individual panels may comprise the same material or different materials. Where the panels are of different materials, it is preferred to include one or more panels of material comprising a semi-rigid material and one or more panels of soft material. One or more panels comprising a semi-rigid material can comprise a laminate of semi-rigid and soft materials.

  The soft material is typically one or more synthetic fabrics having the desired properties commensurate with the intended end use of the garment. Such properties include light weight, water resistance, UV resistance, and good mechanical properties. While the soft material is preferably synthetic, in some embodiments natural materials such as cotton can be used. Suitable synthetic materials include nylon and polyester containing materials. Other soft materials include aramid as sold under the trademark NOMEX. The soft material advantageously comprises two or more layers of fabric, optionally laminated together. In one embodiment, the soft material is a laminate of nylon and polyester, such as a laminate of 200 denier nylon and 600 denier polyester fabric. In some embodiments, the soft material can have a network structure. Preferred soft materials are nylon or polyester, preferably woven or knitted nylon or polyester. More preferably, the soft material is a knitted nylon such as that sold by DuPont under the trademark CORDURA®.

  The torso receiving portion of the garment typically has a front region that at least partially covers the front of the wearer's torso, a back region that at least partially covers the back of the wearer's torso, two side regions, and the wearer's torso It includes at least one shoulder region extending over and supported by the shoulder. The torso receiving portion also includes an inner surface facing the wearer's body and an outer surface. The torso receiving portion typically also includes a fastenable opening that allows the garment to be removed. The fastenerable opening is preferably arranged in the front region of the garment for ease of operation. The opening can be fastened by a fastener, preferably a fastener (zipper). More preferably, the fastener is adjustable by varying the thickness of the underlying garment. An example of an adjustable fastener is a double fastener.

  The torso receiving portion preferably includes two lateral holes through which the wearer's arm can be passed. The armhole is preferably shaped and sized so that the wearer's arm can be moved almost unobstructed during walking and running. Furthermore, the length of the garment is such that when worn, the bottom edge of the garment does not fall below the wearer's waist, thereby facilitating movement without hindering the wearer's torso during use. It is preferable. The garment of the present invention also includes one or more containers that contain items to be stored and / or carried. Each container is at least partially constructed of a semi-rigid polymer material and is integral with the torso receiving portion of the garment.

  The container or each container typically takes the form of a pocket or holder. Each container extends from the outer surface of the torso receiving portion. The container includes at least one outer wall and can also include an inner wall. Each container has an opening for receiving an item. At least a portion of the material of each container is a semi-rigid polymer material. Typically, at least a portion of the outer wall of each container includes a semi-rigid polymer material. The semi-rigid material is preferably molded or formed into a three-dimensional shape. The use of semi-rigid materials provides the outer wall of each container with sufficient rigidity to define and maintain the shape of the container, but is appropriate when the corresponding item in the container is removed or replaced. Sufficient flexibility to be deformable.

  The container may also include an opening closure. The closure also preferably includes a formed semi-rigid material.

  If the container includes an inner wall, this may simply comprise a portion of the underlying garment portion of the garment. However, in other embodiments, the inner wall may be separate from the torso receiving portion. The inner wall may simply comprise a soft material. However, it is advantageous that some containers also at least partially comprise a semi-rigid material.

  In some embodiments, the inner wall comprises a breathable material, such as a mesh, at least partially to improve air circulation between the garment and the wearer's body.

  The inner wall is advantageously of a contrasting color so that it is very obvious to the wearer when the container is opened.

  It is preferable that the shape of each container complements the shape of the article to be retained in design. This, along with the semi-rigid nature of at least a portion of the outer wall, can prevent or minimize excessive movement of items in the container.

  The container or each container is integrated with the torso receiving part. This may mean attaching the material of the container to or within the material of the torso receiving part. Such attachment may be by sewing, adhesive bonding, or lamination. Alternatively or additionally, the integration of the container or each container and the barrel receiving part is by integral formation or integral molding. In this way, at least a portion of the container is formed or molded with at least a portion of the torso receiving portion into one or more integral pieces.

  The semi-rigid material is preferably based on a synthetic polymer. More preferably, the semi-rigid material is based on a foamed (expanded) plastic material due to the typical low density and light weight of the material. More preferably, the semi-rigid material is based on a polyolefin foam, such as a polyethylene foam, or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. Particularly preferred semi-rigid materials include EVA foam. EVA foam exhibits many desirable properties suitable for the present invention, which are good weather and chemical resistance, low water absorption, good mechanical properties, excellent heat and press formability, flexibility, elasticity And strong post-compression strong shape recovery. More preferably, the EVA foam is a compressed EVA foam, which is usually formed by applying pressure to the foam during heating. During the compression process, the EVA foam can be formed or molded into the desired shape. By varying the thickness, temperature and / or pressure of the foam, the density and mechanical properties of the resulting molded EVA foam can be controlled.

  The semi-rigid material may comprise a laminate. Where EVA is included, the semi-rigid laminate preferably includes at least a first layer of fabric bonded to the first side of the EVA layer. The semi-rigid laminate of the container preferably includes an outer layer of soft material. When the torso portion of the garment includes one or more panels of a soft material or soft material laminate, the outer layer of the semi-rigid laminate is a soft material, to give the garment an overall consistent appearance. Or it is preferable to respond | correspond to the outer layer of a soft material laminated body. The outer layer of the woven fabric preferably has an inherent protection quality. An example of a suitable material for the first layer is woven or knitted nylon, preferably knitted nylon such as that sold by DuPont under the trademark CORDURA®.

  More preferably, the semi-rigid laminate further comprises a second (woven) layer bonded to the second side of the EVA layer, thereby producing a three-layer structure with an EVA core. The second fabric layer preferably comprises a liner for the container. Examples of suitable materials for the second fabric layer include polyester, cotton, nylon, polyester cotton and wool. The second fabric layer is advantageously provided with a mesh, such as a nylon mesh, that assists in strengthening and maintaining the shape of the semi-rigid material.

  As previously mentioned, many desirable properties of EVA foam include excellent heat and press formability. This allows the walls of the container formed from EVA foam to be molded and formed into a three-dimensional integral piece, which matches the shape of the item held in the container as desired. This feature is advantageous as it ensures that each item is securely stored in the desired orientation and can be easily accessed and removed for immediate use. This also reduces or eliminates undesirable movement of the items in the container, thus minimizing wear and tear of the items and clothes. Furthermore, it helps the wearer's comfort.

  Reducing or eliminating undesirable movement of items stored in the container as described above potentially has the additional advantage that the opening of the container does not require a closure. It is sufficient that the outer wall of the container and, if present, the inner wall securely holds the item in place. However, the wall of the container is still flexible enough due to their semi-rigid nature, such as when the wearer's hand is inserted into the container and the item is recovered as required. Deform to the required degree.

  In spite of the above, it may still be appropriate to provide a closure at the opening of the container. The closure may have one or more flaps. The closure may be fastened using conventional fasteners, preferably hook and loop materials or fasteners such as those sold under the trademark VELCRO. The closure generally includes a semi-rigid material. The closure preferably comprises the same material as that of the outer wall of the container. Accordingly, the preferred material for the closure is EVA foam or EVA foam laminate.

  The container is typically arranged in the front region and may extend into the shoulder region of the garment. All openings in the container are arranged and configured for easy access by the wearer's hand. Usually this means that the opening of the container located in the upper front area or shoulder area has an opening towards the bottom and the container located in the lower front area has an opening towards the top.

  Containers for storing specific items can also be placed on the left or right side of the front region, depending on the wearer's dominant hand. For example, a right-handed police officer may detain a suspect with his right hand when arresting and needs to access his handcuffs with his left hand. Thus, for easy access, the handcuff container is conveniently located on the wearer's right side. The same ergonomic considerations apply to the location of containers on clothing used for non-law enforcement operations.

  In a preferred embodiment, the garment includes a container that is intended to store handcuffs. The handcuff container has inner and outer walls and an opening. The shape and size of the handcuff container preferably closely matches the shape and size of the folded handcuff, and the inner dimensions of the container are preferably slightly larger than the handcuffs to ensure a sliding fit. The container preferably also includes a generally central hub sized and shaped to receive within the central opening of the folded handcuff. The hub includes one or more hub elements that extend from either or both of the inner and outer walls. A single hub element preferably extends from the inner wall. The hub element or the surface of each hub element preferably comprises a soft material. The outer wall of the container is preferably at least partly composed of a semi-rigid material, preferably formed plastic, more preferably formed EVA foam. More preferably, it is composed of EVA foam and elastomer material. More preferably, the outer walls are each formed of at least one panel of semi-rigid material and elastomeric material. More preferably, the opening of the container is located in the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is preferably one of the types sold under the trademark LYCRA, ELASTANE or SPANDEX. Alternatively, the elastomeric material is of the type sold for example under the trademark NEOPRENE.

  The opening of the container is preferably slightly smaller than the maximum dimension of the folded handcuffs. However, thanks to the opening being made of an elastomeric material, the handcuff can be passed through and then stretched sufficiently to return to its original size. Thus, the handcuffs are retained within the container thanks to the combination of the semi-rigid nature of the hub and at least a portion of the outer wall and a smaller opening.

  The small opening of the handcuff container has the secondary function of ensuring low visibility of the handcuffs from a third party and thus reducing the possibility of unauthorized removal of handcuffs.

  If the hub comprises a single hub element that extends from either the inner wall or the outer wall, there is a small distance between the free end of the hub and the opposing wall. Similarly, if the hub comprises two or more hub elements extending from both the inner and outer walls, there is a small distance between the free ends of the hub elements. This distance is usually less than the thickness of the folded handcuffs. The interior of the hub element is preferably filled with an elastic material such as silicone gel. The silicone gel is preferably laminated on one side of the soft material on the hub surface and on the other side of the backing layer of semi-rigid material. Thus, the hub is deformable enough to force the thickness of the folded handcuffs through.

  In one form of the invention, the inner wall of the handcuff container comprises a laminate of a soft material such as nylon and a semi-rigid material such as EVA foam in the area surrounding the hub.

  The handcuff container can be placed in the lower front region of the garment with the opening of the handcuff container toward or at the top.

  A garment typically includes two or more containers. Other items that can be stored in the container include expandable batons, non-military chemical sprays, first aid (eg rubber gloves and masks), wireless handsets, diaries, cell phones, and various miscellaneous personal items. .

  Containers intended to store expandable batons and chemical sprays are also preferably shaped and sized to complement the shape and size of individual items and are therefore generally elongated in general. Furthermore, each container is preferably placed and oriented on the garment to maximize accessibility and ensure that the item is in a ready-to-use orientation when accessed. The outer wall of the container comprises a semi-rigid material, preferably EVA foam. The container is preferably arranged in the upper front section of the garment. The vertical axis of each container is preferably oriented at an angle inclined with respect to the midline of the trunk when worn. More preferably, the lower end of each container is disposed closer to the midline of the body than the upper end. More preferably, the opening of each container is arranged at or near its lower end. It has been found that such an arrangement and orientation can be removed and deployed smoothly and quickly by the action of pulling these items down and down without interfering with the walls of the container.

  In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the containers arranged in the upper front section of the garment comprises an outer wall comprising a formed EVA foam, the integral closure being arranged at or towards its lower end . It is preferably constructed from EVA foam in which the closure is also formed. The closure is preferably hinged for rotational movement outward from the closed position to the open position. It has been found that an outwardly opening closure allows the item to be removed from the container with minimal obstruction. The opening of the container extends a significant distance from the lower end to the upper end of the outer wall of the container, thereby allowing sufficient space for accessing and removing the item. In this case, the integral closure needs to be reasonably large enough to cover the opening. The closure can include a fastener. The fastener is preferably provided with a hook-like or loop-like fastener.

  Each closure preferably includes a release flap or tab that the wearer can grasp when opening the closure. The release tab preferably includes a relief symbol indicating the contents of the individual container. Thus, the wearer can receive tactile feedback from the release tab, which can help ensure correct item deployment in situations where visibility is reduced.

  The inner surface of the container can include gripping means to assist in holding the item within the container. The gripping means can comprise either a hook-like material or a loop-like material, the other material being attached to the item. If a hook-like material or a loop-like material is present, it is preferably laminated to the inner surface of the container.

  The garment preferably also includes a container for holding an emergency kit including, for example, rubber gloves and a mask. Such a container advantageously has a configuration, orientation and structure similar to that intended to hold a baton and OC spray.

  The garment can also optionally include containers for storing miscellaneous goods and / or personal items such as diaries, wallets, keys, and the like. Such a container is preferably arranged towards the center of the front region. However, since the items in the miscellaneous container may not need to be accessed quickly, the structure need not conform to the present invention and may be a conventional design. However, the outer wall of the miscellaneous container preferably has the same appearance as the rest of the garment. Thus, it may comprise a semi-rigid laminate or a panel of soft material similar to the material used in other parts of the garment. The miscellaneous container advantageously includes an upward opening so that the wearer can look down into the open container. The miscellaneous container preferably conceals the fastenerable opening in the front region of the garment.

  Garments typically also include a container that holds a wireless handset. The wireless container preferably includes a guide that can simply comprise an open end holder that receives and holds the wireless handset in the desired orientation. However, the radio container preferably also includes a pocket component depending from the open end of the guide. The guide is preferably made of a semi-rigid material. More preferably, it is made of the same semi-rigid material as the other containers described above. The pocket component may comprise the same material as the guide support. However, this preferably comprises a soft material such as a web with stretch properties. A suitable material is a three-dimensional network, preferably a padded network such as one that includes a foam component to protect the radio from damage. The pocket component may be continuous with the holder if both are the same material, or may be attached to the holder, such as by sewing or bonding. The pocket component is preferably suspended almost freely from the open end of the holder.

  The garment of the present invention advantageously includes several other features.

  The garment preferably includes illumination means. The illumination means preferably includes a flexible light attached to the clothes. The flexible light preferably includes a flexible arm having a light source at one end. The other end of the flexible arm is attached to clothes. The operation and intensity of the light source can be manually controlled by the wearer, preferably using one or more switches provided on the flexible light. Conveniently, one or more switches can be placed near the light source. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible arm is attached to the shoulder region and extends downward toward the upper front region of the garment. The arm can be fixed along its length by fixing means such as hook and loop fasteners. The arm is preferably extended from a reinforced gap in the garment to minimize damage to the garment due to the use of the flexible light. The light source is preferably rechargeable and integral with the garment. The power source may be a rechargeable battery such as a solar battery or a lithium battery.

  Advantageously, the garment also includes garment illumination means that improve the wearer's visibility at night or during periods of low visibility. The clothes illumination means preferably includes one or more light emitting members integrally formed with the clothes. More preferably, the light emitting member or each light emitting member comprises a transparent window or tube that transmits and emits light. The light emitting member may comprise a window including several light emitting diodes. The garment illumination means is preferably powered by a rechargeable power supply which is conveniently the same power supply used to power the lighting means discussed above. It is preferable that the operation of the clothing illumination means is also controlled by a switch disposed on the illumination means.

  The garment illumination means may alternatively or additionally include areas of reflective material. These preferably comprise strips of reflective material provided in the back area of the garment. The garment preferably includes means such as a flap covering the reflective area as desired.

  The garment of the present invention can include venting means that allow air to circulate between the garment and the wearer's body. The ventilation means usually comprises an opening in the trunk receiving part. The opening preferably includes a vent provided in the soft material of the trunk receiving portion. Advantageously, the vent can be formed separately in the soft material or provided with a separate panel of integral vents comprising a material such as a mesh. The ventilation means are advantageously provided in areas of the user's body that are heavily sweated, for example in the area of the clothes that coincides with the circumference of the neck and the back.

  In one form of the invention, the venting means further includes a microjet fan embedded in the garment to assist in air circulation between the garment and the wearer's body.

  The garment of the present invention preferably further comprises size adjusting means for adjusting the size of the garment to fit the size of the particular wearer's torso. Adjustment means are preferably provided on each side of the garment. Each adjustment means preferably comprises a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member, the first adjustment member being provided in the front region of the garment and the second adjustment member being provided in the back region. The first adjustment member and the second adjustment member of each adjustment means are removably removable and movable relative to each other to increase or decrease the lateral spacing between the front region and the back region.

  The first adjustment member and the second adjustment member of each adjustment means preferably comprise a mutually attachable flap, the first flap being provided below the front region, the second flap being in the corresponding back region. Provided on the bottom side. The first and second flaps are preferably attachable to each other by hook and loop fasteners, although other types of fasteners such as buckles or press studs can be used. More preferably, at least one of the first flap and the second flap includes a size indicator that indicates an appropriate relative position of the first flap and the second flap when installed to achieve a specific garment size. The size indicator can be printed or embossed on the first flap and / or the second flap. In a preferred embodiment, the size indicator is welded or hot stamped to the hooked or looped fastener area of each second flap.

  The garment of the present invention may further include anchoring means for securing the garment to the wearer's belt or similar garment. The anchoring means typically comprises one or more adjustable straps that extend from the lower end of the garment and are connectable to the wearer's belt. The adjustable strap is preferably extendable and retractable so that it can retract over the bottom edge of the garment when not in use. The adjustable strap preferably includes a stretchable web.

  The garment of the present invention optionally further includes a mechanism for connecting various devices to itself, such as a handgun case, taser, hydration pack, wireless pack, reflective strip, shoulder strap, GPS pack, and emergency beacon. be able to. The connection mechanism may comprise a flap with hook and loop fasteners, or an area of fabric that is compatible with hook and loop fasteners. The areas of the compatible fabric are preferably laminated to the garment material.

  The garment preferably also includes audio and / or visual recording devices. The recording device is preferably a digital camera. The digital camera is preferably receivable at a substantially central location on the front of the garment. A convenient location is on or in the miscellaneous container, such as in a recess in the container closure.

  The inner surface of the garment can be provided with a raised area that separates the inner surface of the garment from the wearer's body, thereby facilitating and improving air circulation therebetween. These areas may be padded to improve wearer comfort. In addition, the raised areas can include impact resistant materials to enhance wearer protection. The raised areas are preferably located in the inner shoulder region and the front region. The raised area of the shoulder region is preferably padded and advantageously comprises an integral pad comprising a cushioning filler, in particular a gel such as a silicone gel. The raised area of the front region preferably coincides with the chest and rib areas of the wearer's torso. The raised area is preferably divided into compartments to minimize contact between the garment and the wearer's body. The raised area in the front region is also preferably padded and advantageously includes an impact resistant material that provides the wearer with physical protection against injury or attack. An example of such a material is a three-dimensional impact network. (A three-dimensional mesh is a raised contour as opposed to a flat, fabric-like contour.)

  The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

  Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the garment of the present invention includes a vest 10 illustrated as worn by a wearer 12. The vest 10 includes a torso portion 14 comprising both a semi-rigid material and a generally soft material. The vest 10 also includes a number of containers 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25, each constructed at least in part from a semi-rigid material. The semi-rigid material comprises a compressed EVA foam laminate, preferably a compressed EVA foam laminate with at least an outer layer of polyester material. Each container 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 is integrated with the torso receiving part 14.

  The vest 10 includes a front region 26 (shown in FIG. 1) that at least partially covers the front of the torso of the wearer 12, a back region 28 (FIG. 2) that at least partially covers the back of the wearer 12's torso, It includes two side regions 30, 32 and two shoulder regions 34, 36. The front region 26 of the torso receiving portion 14 also includes a fastenable opening 38 that allows the vest 10 to be removed.

  The container 16 is disposed in the lower front region 26 of the vest 10 and includes an opening 44 near its top. The container 16 is intended to hold handcuffs and thus has a shape and size that closely matches the shape and size of the folded handcuffs. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handcuff container 16 taken along the line III-III in FIG. The handcuff container 16 includes an outer wall 40, an inner wall 42 and an opening 44. Outer wall 40 includes a semi-rigid component 46 comprising at least a molded laminate of compressed EVA foam and a polyester outer layer, and an elastomer component 48 comprising an elastomer material available under the LYCRA trademark. The opening 44 is disposed within the elastomer component 48 and is slightly smaller than the largest dimension of the folded handcuff 50.

  The inner wall 42 also includes a laminate of a layer of soft material 43 and a lower layer 45 of EVA foam. The inner wall 42 also includes a generally central hub with a hub element 52 that is sized and shaped to receive within the central opening of the folded handcuff 50. The hub element 52 is hollow and is filled with a silicone gel 54 laminated to an overlying layer 43. The minimum distance between the hub element 52 and the inner surface 56 of the outer wall 40 is less than the thickness of the folded handcuff 50. However, thanks to the hub element 52 being filled with silicone gel, the hub element 52 is deformable enough to force the handcuffs 50 to pass therethrough.

  In use of the handcuff container 16, the opening 44 can extend sufficiently to allow the folded handcuffs to pass through, thanks to the opening 44 provided in the elastomer component 48 of the outer wall 40, and the handcuff is then connected to the hub and the outer wall. Thanks to the combination of 40 semi-rigid components 46 and smaller openings 44, they are retained in the container.

  Containers 18, 20 and 22 are for holding first aid kits including expandable baton, OC spray and rubber gloves / mask, respectively. Since the characteristics of each of these containers are similar, the following discussion will focus on the baton container 18, but it should be understood that containers 20 and 22 require similar characteristics.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the baton container 18 is generally elongated and disposed in the upper front region 26 of the vest 10. The baton container 18 is shaped and sized to complement the shape and size of the expandable baton. It is arranged and oriented on the vest 10 so that the vertical axis is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the wearer's torso midline XX. The baton container 18 has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64, and the lower end 64 is disposed closer to the midline XX than the upper end 62.

  FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the baton container 18 holding the baton 58 that is only visible. This includes an outer wall 60 made of formed compressed EVA foam with polyester laminated on the outer surface. The baton container 18 is integral with the torso receiving section 14 by being integrally formed with the torso receiving section 14 during the molding process. The arcuate opening 66 extends a significant distance from the lower end 64 toward the upper end 62, thereby providing sufficient space to access and retrieve the batons. The baton container further includes a forming closure 68 that is shaped and sized to cover the opening 66. The closure 68 is hinged to the lower end 64 for rotational movement outward from a closed position (shown in FIG. 1) to an open position (shown in FIG. 4). The closure 68 further includes hook and loop fasteners 70 that hold the closure 68 in the closed position.

  The vest 10 further includes a container 24 that holds a wireless handset 72. The wireless container 24 is a guide support comprising an open end holder 74 made from molded compressed EVA foam laminated with polyester that is integral with the barrel receiver section 14 by being integrally formed with the barrel receiver section 14 during the molding process. Including the body. The container 24 further includes a pocket component 76 suspended from the lower end of the open end holder 74. The pocket component 76 includes a mesh having elasticity. The container 24 further includes a flap closure 78 that can be fastened by hook and loop fasteners (not shown).

  The vest 10 includes a flexible light 80 having a flexible arm 82 attached at one end to the shoulder region 36 and having a light source 84 at the other end and extending downwardly toward the upper front region 26 of the vest 10. Including illumination means. The flexible light 80 includes a manual control device (not shown) that allows the wearer to control the operation and intensity of the light source 84. The flexible arm 82 is fixed along its length by a fixing means including a soft strap 86 fixed to the trunk receiving section 14 by hook-shaped and loop-shaped fasteners. The illumination means also includes a rechargeable power source 86 that is integrally formed with the vest 10 and includes a rechargeable lithium battery.

  A further feature of the vest 10 is a garment illumination means comprising a light emitting member 88 disposed in the back region 28. The light emitting member 88 is an integral transparent polymer window with a soft PCB in it with a bank of LED lights mounted on the surface. This is also powered by a rechargeable power supply 86 connected to it by an embedded soft printed circuit board 87 having strain relief means 89 therein to avoid damage induced by the strain.

  The vest 10 further includes venting means comprising a panel of integral vents including materials such as meshes 90a, 90b, 90c, 90c, 90d and 90e provided in the barrel receiving section 14. An integral vent panel containing material is placed in the area of the vest 10 corresponding to the sweaty area of the wearer's body, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the panels 90a and b are Arranged around the neck, the panels 90c, d are located on the wearer's back.

  The vest 10 additionally includes size adjusting means 92 provided in each side region 30, 32. Each size adjustment means includes flaps 94 and 96 that can be attached to each other, and includes a first adjustment member and a second adjustment member that are releasably attachable. The flaps 94, 96 can be attached by hook-like and loop-like fasteners, with hook-like components provided on the flap 94 and loop-like components provided on the flap 96. The flap 96 further includes a size indicator generally indicated by reference numeral 98. The size markings 98 are embossed on the flap 96 and are spaced size lines 100 and associated wearers that outline the relative position of the individual flaps 94 necessary to achieve a particular size vest 10. With chest dimensions of A size indicator is provided at the bottom of the attached flaps 94, 96 in such a position that when the two flaps 94, 96 are attached, a specific size line 100 corresponding to the wearer's chest circumference size is visible.

  A further feature of the vest 10 is a mooring means comprising two adjustable straps 102 that secure the vest 10 to the wearer's belt 104. FIG. 6 shows the adjustable strap 102 in more detail. Each comprises a retractable component 106 attached to the lower edge of the vest 10 and a connecting component 108 attached to the wearer's belt 104. Each retractable component 106 and corresponding connecting element 108 can be attached to each other by hook-like and loop-like attachment means indicated by 110a and b. Each retractable component 106 includes a stretchable portion 112 that functions to retract the retractable component 106 above the lower edge of the vest 10 when not in use.

  FIG. 5 shows a modified version of the vest 10 that includes a hydration pack 112 that attaches to the back region 28. The hydration pack 112 includes a fluid conduit 114 that extends over the shoulder region 34 for access by the wearer's mouth. The hydration pack 112 is attached to the vest 10 by hook and loop fasteners, for which the vest 10 has mounting tabs 116a having hook-like components thereon for attaching to the looped material of the hydration pack 112. , 116b and 116c.

  FIG. 6 shows the back side of the front part of the vest 10. In order to space the inner surface 118 from the wearer's body, thereby facilitating and improving air circulation between them, several raised padded areas 120a, b, c and d on the inner surface 118 of the vest 10 are shown. And 122a, b and c are provided. The raised areas 122a, 122b and 122c of the shoulder regions 34, 36 comprise an integral pad containing a cushioning silicone gel filler that enhances wearer comfort. The raised areas 120a, b, c and d are arranged in a split pattern that matches the chest and rib areas of the wearer's torso. It is also padded and includes an impact resistant material with a three dimensional impact network, thereby improving both wearer comfort and physical protection.

  A second embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7a and b and FIG. In these figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts in the first embodiment, and therefore each reference numeral in FIGS. 7 and 8 has 200 added to the corresponding reference numeral in FIGS. . The following discussion generally focuses on aspects of the second embodiment that are different from the first embodiment.

  Vest 210 includes a torso receiving portion 214 and a number of containers 216, 218, 220, 222 and 224. The torso receiving portion 214 includes molded semi-rigid panels 215a, 215b and 215c, as well as flexible panels 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d and 290e of mesh material. Semi-rigid panels 215a, 215b and 215c comprise a molded laminate of nylon material available under the EVA foam and the CORDURA® trademark. For ease of manufacture, the semi-rigid panel 215a is molded with at least a portion of the containers 216, 220 and 222 and the semi-rigid panel 215b is molded with at least a portion of the containers 218 and 224. Thus, each semi-rigid panel 215a and 215b and its individual container portions form an integral molded piece. FIGS. 9a and 9b show each integrally molded piece 230 and 232, respectively, which constitute the semi-rigid panels 215a and 215b with corresponding container parts, respectively.

  In FIG. 9 a, the integrally molded piece 230 includes a semi-rigid panel 215 a along with the outer walls of the containers 216 and 220. In the case of the outer wall 240 of the container 216, the integrally formed piece 230 also includes a white outlined area 216 (a) that is cut during the vest manufacturing process and replaced with an elastomer component 248. Similarly, the outer wall of the container 220 includes an area 220 (a) outlined in white, which is cut out to form part of the container opening. The integrally molded piece 230 also includes an inner wall 348 of the central container 225 and a portion 350 that extends over one shoulder of the wearer.

  In FIG. 9 b, the integrally formed piece 232 includes a semi-rigid panel 215 b along with the outer wall 260 of the container 218 and the open end holder component 274 of the wireless container 224. The outer wall 260 of the container 218 also includes a white outlined area 260 (a) that is cut during the vest manufacturing process to form part of the opening of the container 218. The integrally formed piece 232 also includes a portion 352 that extends over the other shoulder of the wearer. This includes an integrally formed pouch 354 that receives the rechargeable lithium battery case 286.

  During construction of the vest 210, the two semi-rigid shoulder portions 350, 352 are joined to the soft back panel 356, which together with the mesh panels 290c and 290d constitute the back region 228 of the vest 210.

  Returning to FIGS. 7a and 7b, it can be seen that the relative positions of the containers 218, 220 and 222 of the second embodiment are reversed compared to the first embodiment. Also, the position of the hinge connecting each forming closure 268, 221 and 223 is relative to the first embodiment, as is apparent from FIG. 7b where the opening and closing directions of the various closures are indicated by arrows. Has moved. In the case of forming closures 268 and 221 (both shown in the open position in FIG. 7a), they are hinged along the outer lateral sides of the individual containers 218 and 220, respectively. In the case of the emergency container 222, the closing part 223 (shown in the closed position in FIG. 7 a) is hinged to the upper side of the container 222 in a region generally indicated by reference numeral 227. All formed closures are held in the closed position by hook and loop fasteners (not shown).

  Each forming closure 268, 221 and 223 includes a release tab 268a, 221a and 223a that can be grasped by the wearer to open the corresponding closure. Each release tab includes a relief symbol indicating the contents of a particular container. For example, release tab 223a includes a relief emergency cross indicating that the contents of container 222 are an emergency kit.

  The wireless container 224 is different from the wireless container 24 in individual closing means. Unlike the wireless container 24, which includes a flap 78 that is fastened by hook and loop fasteners, the wireless container 224 is closed by a fastener 279.

  The flexible light 280 includes a manual control device with a switch 285 that controls the operation of both the light source 284 and the light emitting member 288 disposed in the back region 288 of the vest 210. A flexible arm 282 extends from the molded gap 287, which helps reduce wear and tear of the arm 282.

  A central container 225 that holds common or personal items such as diaries, wallets, keys, etc. also has a forming closure 229 hinged along the lower edge of the container 225 within the general area indicated by reference numeral 231. Including. The outer surface of the forming closure 229 is embossed within a logo or insignia, in this case representing a particular police.

  The central container formation closure 229 also includes means for accommodating the digital camera therein as shown in FIG. The camera 340 is illustrated with a dotted outline and can be received within a complementary recess 342 (also a dotted outline) provided in the closure 229. When received by the depression 342, the camera lens 344 coincides with the gap 346 provided in the closing portion 229. When the camera is placed in the center, it can be properly framed and image instability due to wearer movements can be minimized. Housing the camera inside hides it from view and helps protect it from damage. The camera can be manually operated by the wearer to record regular photos and video scenes as needed. The camera 340 can be removed from the vest 210 as needed and the recorded images can be downloaded directly from the camera or from its memory card. The system can be established by the police and records the downloaded information against the name and date of the relevant police officer. The camera is then recharged and returned to the vest 210.

  Finally, it should be understood that various other variations and / or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as outlined herein.

It is a figure which shows the front part of 1st Embodiment of the clothes by this invention. It is a figure which shows the back part of the clothes of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the container holding the handcuff shown in FIG. It is detail drawing of the container holding the baton shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the back part of 1st Embodiment of clothes containing a hydration pack. It is a figure which shows the back side of the front part of 1st Embodiment of clothes. It is a front view of 2nd Embodiment of the clothes of this invention. It is a figure which shows the opening / closing direction of the container of 2nd Embodiment. It is a rear view of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the integrally molded part piece used for preparation of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the integrally molded part piece used for preparation of 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detail of the camera function of 2nd Embodiment.

Claims (48)

Clothing for storing and / or carrying one or more items,
A torso receiving part worn on at least a part of the wearer's torso;
One or more containers for receiving the goods;
With
The garment characterized in that the container or each container is at least partially composed of a semi-rigid polymer material, and the container or each container is integrated into the torso receiving part. The garment according to claim 1,
A garment wherein the container or each container is constructed at least in part from a laminate comprising at least the semi-rigid polymer material and a soft material.   2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the torso receiving portion also includes a laminate of at least the semi-hard material and the soft material.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the garment has a shape substantially matching at least a part of the wearer's torso. The garment according to claim 1,
The soft material is nylon or polyester, preferably woven or knitted nylon or polyester, more preferably knitted nylon as sold from DuPont under the trademark CORDURA®. And clothes. The garment according to claim 1,
A torso portion of the garment at least partially covering the front of the wearer's torso, a back region at least partially covering the back of the wearer's torso, two side regions; and A garment comprising at least one shoulder region extending over and supported by the shoulder of the wearer. The garment according to claim 1,
The torso receiving portion includes two lateral holes that are shaped and sized to allow the wearer's arm to pass through and to move the wearer's arm while walking and running substantially unobstructed. And clothes. The garment according to claim 1,
The length of the garment is such that when worn, the bottom edge of the garment is greater than or equal to the wearer's waist, thereby facilitating operation without hindering movement of the wearer's torso Clothing characterized by that. The garment according to claim 1,
A garment characterized in that the container or each container usually takes the form of a pocket or holder and extends from the outer surface of the torso receiving part.   2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein each container includes at least one outer wall and has an opening for receiving the item.   2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the outer wall of each container includes the semi-rigid polymer material molded or formed into a three-dimensional shape.   2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the container also includes a closure for the opening comprising a formed semi-rigid material.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the container includes an inner wall.   The garment according to claim 13, wherein the inner wall includes a breathable material.   14. The garment according to claim 13, wherein the inner wall is a contrasting color so that it is evident to the wearer when the container is opened.   2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the shape of each container complements the shape of the item intended to be held.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the container or each container and the torso receiving part are integrally formed or integrally formed with at least a part of the container together with at least a part of the torso receiving part. A garment that is performed by making it one or more integral pieces.   2. A garment according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid material is based on a foamed (expanded) plastic material.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid material is based on a polyolefin foam, such as a polyethylene foam, or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, preferably a layer of compressed EVA foam. Characteristic clothing.   20. A garment according to claim 19, wherein the semi-rigid material comprises a semi-rigid laminate of at least a first layer of fabric bonded to the first side of the EVA layer.   21. A garment according to claim 20, wherein the first layer of fabric is the same as the soft material. A garment according to claim 20,
The garment wherein the semi-rigid laminate includes a second layer of fabric adhered to the second side of the EVA layer, thereby forming a liner for the container.   23. The garment according to claim 22, wherein the second fabric layer includes a mesh that assists in strengthening the semi-rigid laminate.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the semi-rigid material of the container is sufficient to deform the container sufficiently to allow the wearer's hand to be inserted into the container to collect the item. A garment characterized by having high flexibility.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the container is arranged and configured to be easily accessed by the wearer's hand.   The garment of claim 1, wherein one of the containers has a shape and size that closely matches a folded handcuff, and is sized and received within an inner wall and an outer wall and a central opening of the folded handcuff. A garment characterized by being a handcuff container including a hub having a generally central shape.   27. A garment according to claim 26, wherein the hub comprises a hub element extending from the inner wall of the handcuff container, and the interior of the hub element is filled with silicone gel.   27. The garment according to claim 26, wherein the outer wall of the handcuff container is composed of EVA foam and an elastomer material, and the container opening is disposed in the elastomer material.   29. The garment according to claim 28, wherein the container opening is slightly smaller than the maximum dimension of the folded handcuffs, and the opening is extensible enough to allow the handcuffs to pass through. clothes. The garment according to claim 1,
One or more elongated containers for storing an expandable baton and / or chemical spray and / or first aid kit, wherein the one or more containers are disposed in the upper front section of the garment, wherein the longitudinal axis of each container is A garment characterized by being oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the midline of the torso when worn, and wherein the opening of each container is disposed at or near the lower end thereof. A garment according to claim 30, wherein
The elongate container or each elongate container is disposed on the outer wall containing the formed EVA foam and its lower end or near its lower end and hinged together for rotational movement outward from the closed position to the open position A garment comprising a closure. A garment according to claim 30, wherein
The closure or each closure includes a release flap or release tab that can be gripped by the wearer when the closure is opened, and the release tab includes a raised symbol indicating the contents of the individual containers. And clothes.   2. The garment according to claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the container includes gripping means for assisting the holding of the item in the container.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein one of the containers includes a guide constructed from the semi-rigid material and a soft pocket depending therefrom for receiving a wireless handset.   35. The garment according to claim 34, wherein the soft pocket is constructed from a three-dimensional mesh. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising a flexible light attached to the garment,
The flexible light includes a flexible arm having a light source provided at one end thereof, and the other end of the flexible arm is attached to a shoulder region of the garment and is directed downward toward the upper front region of the garment. Clothes characterized by extending.   37. The garment according to claim 36, wherein the light source is rechargeable and integral with the garment. The garment according to claim 1, comprising clothes illuminating means for improving visibility of the wearer at night or in a period when visibility is low.
The garment illumination means comprises one or more light emitting members formed integrally with the garment.   40. The garment according to claim 38, wherein the light emitting member comprises a window including a number of light emitting diodes.   40. The garment according to claim 38, wherein the garment illumination means is powered by a rechargeable power source. The garment according to claim 1, further comprising lateral size adjusting means for adjusting the size of the garment to fit the size of a specific wearer's torso,
Each adjusting means includes a first adjusting member and a second adjusting member, wherein the first adjusting member is provided in the front region of the garment, and the second adjusting member is provided in the back region. clothes.   42. The garment according to claim 41, wherein the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member of each adjustment means comprise a mutually attachable flap, the first flap being provided below the front region. A garment characterized in that a second flap is provided below the corresponding back region. A garment according to claim 42,
At least one of the first flap and the second flap includes a size indicator indicating an appropriate relative position of the first flap and the second flap when attached to achieve a specific garment size; Characteristic clothing. A garment according to claim 43,
The first flap and the second flap can be attached to each other by hook and loop fasteners, and the size indicator is welded to the hook or loop fastener region of each second flap or Clothes characterized by being hot stamped. The garment of claim 1, further comprising tethering means for securing the garment to a wearer's belt or similar garment,
The mooring means comprises one or more adjustable straps extending from the lower end of the garment and connectable to the wearer's belt, the adjustable straps being in use when not in use. A garment characterized in that it can be extended and retracted so as to be retracted above the lower end thereof.   The garment according to claim 1, wherein an inner surface of the garment may be provided with a raised area that separates the inner surface of the garment from the wearer's body, thereby facilitating air circulation therebetween. Clothing characterized by making or improving.   49. A garment according to claim 46, wherein the raised area is padded and / or comprises an impact resistant material.   A garment characterized by storing and / or carrying one or more items substantially as described herein with respect to any embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

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