WO2014174270A1

WO2014174270A1 - A storage module

Info

Publication number: WO2014174270A1
Application number: PCT/GB2014/051242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul Newman; Ben GARWOOD
Original assignee: Pivotal Defence Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2013-04-22
Filing date: 2014-04-22
Publication date: 2014-10-30
Also published as: GB2513321A; GB201307249D0

Abstract

A storage module (1) for use with a webbing system, the webbing system wearable by a user and including at least one strap (2), the storage module (1) comprising: a pouch (3); a sleeve (8) provided on the pouch (3); and a band (6) and a tongue (7) for removably mounting the pouch (3) to the strap (2) of the webbing system, wherein a respective first end of each of the band (6) and tongue (7) is pivotably secured to the pouch (3), wherein the tongue (7) is receivable in the sleeve (8) for capturing the strap (2) between the tongue (7) and the pouch (3), and wherein the band (6) is removably securable to the sleeve (8), to restrict removal of the tongue (7) from the sleeve (8).

Description

A storage module

The present invention relates to a storage module and a webbing system comprising a storage module.

A webbing system allows a user to conveniently and comfortably carry a plurality of items on their person. Webbing systems are commonly used by soldiers to carry items such as food, drink, cooking apparatus, clothing, weapons, ammunition, flares, medical supplies, torch etc.

A known webbing system comprises a padded waist strap (hip pad), to which may be attached an optional yoke (vest). Storage modules may be removably secured to the waist strap and/or yoke. Storage modules of varying sizes are available depending on the items to be stored.

A known method of attaching storage modules to webbing is to provide a plurality of attachment straps on the webbing. One such conventional arrangement is known as MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying

Equipment) and is used by at least the UK and US armed forces. The attachment straps are stitched, or otherwise secured, to the webbing at regular distances along the straps. This provides a plurality of predetermined attachment points on the straps, having a predetermined spacing pitch, to which modules may be secured.

A problem with this arrangement is that it limits the flexibility and

configurability of the storage system. If a first storage module attached to the webbing is wider than the pitch of the strap attachment points, it may prevent/disrupt the attachment of a second module to the adjacent attachment position. A user may instead have to attach the second module to the subsequent attachment point. This inevitably leaves a space between the two storage modules, which is an inefficient use of the webbing. If the first and second oversized modules are otherwise secured to neighbouring attachment points, this may adversely affect the flexibility of the webbing and/or be uncomfortable to the user. It may also prevent the modules expanding to their intended size and shape to store items. Still further, damage could be caused to the contents of the storage modules.

The waist strap of known webbing systems is padded, creating a hip pad, to ensure comfort of the user when the webbing system is fully loaded with a plurality of filled storage modules. When the webbing is not fully loaded with storage modules, the user is carrying unnecessary padding and bulk.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of these problems.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a storage module for use with a webbing system, the webbing system wearable by a user and including at least one strap, the storage module comprising: a pouch; a sleeve provided on the pouch; and a band and a tongue for removably mounting the pouch to the strap of the webbing system, wherein a respective first end of each of the band and tongue is pivotably secured to the pouch, wherein the tongue is receivable in the sleeve for capturing the strap between the tongue and the pouch, and wherein the band is removably securable to the sleeve, to restrict removal of the tongue from the sleeve.

Preferably, at least a portion of the band is padded such that, when the storage module is mounted to a strap worn by a user in use, the padding is positioned between the strap and the user.

Preferably, the sleeve has first and second opposing openings, the tongue being receivable into the first opening and through the sleeve so as to protrude at least partially from the second opening.

Preferably, the length of the tongue is substantially equal to or greater than the combination of the width of the strap and the distance between the first and second openings of the sleeve. Preferably, at least a part of the outer surface of the sleeve and at least a part of the inside surface of the band are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners, to enable the band to be removably securable to the sleeve.

Preferably, the band comprises first and second sections, pivotably connected to one another, the first section being removably securable to the sleeve.

Preferably, the band comprises first and second sections, pivotably connected to one another, and the second section is receivable in the second opening of the sleeve.

Preferably, at least a part of the inside surface of the second section of the band and at least a part of the inside surface of a second end of the tongue are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners, to enable the second end of the band to be removably securable to the tongue, such that the strap is able to be captured between the tongue and the pouch.

Preferably, the length of the first section of the band is substantially equal to the length of the tongue.

Preferably, the second end of the band is provided with a pull tab, to aid detachment of the second end of the band from the sleeve and/or tongue.

Preferably, the fasteners comprise Velcro.

Preferably, the respective first ends of each of the band and the tongue are pivotably secured to the pouch at substantially the same point.

Preferably, the respective first ends of each of the band and the tongue are pivotably secured to the pouch at a predetermined distance from the sleeve, said distance being at least substantially equal to the width of the strap.

Preferably, there are no metal parts. The present invention further provides a webbing system wearable by a user and including at least one strap, the system comprising at least one storage module according to the present invention.

Preferably, the webbing system comprises a plurality of storage modules mounted to a single strap.

Preferably, the storage modules are configured to be freely translatable with respect to the strap.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non- limiting example only, with reference to the figures in which:

FIGURE 1 illustrates a storage module embodying the present invention, when mounted to a strap; and

FIGURES 2 to 7 illustrate the stages of mounting a storage module on a strap;

FIGURE 8 illustrates another storage module embodying the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates the front of a storage module 1 embodying the present invention, when mounted to a strap 2. The storage module 1 comprises a pouch 3 having a pivoting lid 4, of a conventional arrangement. A closure mechanism 5 is provided to releasably close the lid 4 when items are stored in the pouch 3. The pouch 3 may be of any suitable shape, size or configuration, depending on the nature of the item to be stored. In some embodiments, there may be no lid 4.

Figure 2 illustrates the rear side of a storage module 1 embodying the present invention. The embodiment shown comprises a band 6, a sleeve 7 and a tongue 8, the features and function of which will be described in turn. The band 6 is substantially elongate and has a first end 6A pivotably secured to the rear side of the pouch 3. In the embodiment shown, the rear of the pouch 3 defines a substantially planar face 9. The first end 6A of the band 6 is pivotably secured to the pouch 3 at the top (in use) of the rear face 9. In this embodiment, the width of the band 6 is less than the width of the pouch 3. This is so that the band 6 of one storage module 1 does not interfere with the band 6 of an adjacent storage module 1 when mounted to a strap 2.

The band 6 comprises a first 10A and second section 10B. The first section 10A is pivotably connected the second section 10B. The second end 6B of the band 6 (of the second section 10B) is removably securable to the pouch 3, at the bottom of the rear face 9 of the pouch 3. In the embodiment shown, the second end 6B of the band 6 is removably securable to the sleeve 8 attached to the rear face 9. A pull tab 1 1 is provided on the rear face of the second section 10B of the band 6, the purpose of which will be described later. The tab 1 1 is preferably longer than the second section 10B. At least a part of the band 6 is padded. In the embodiment shown, the rear surface of the first section 10A of the band 6 is padded.

The sleeve 8 extends across the width of the rear face 9 of the pouch 3, and presents a first opening 12A and an opposing second opening 12B.

Effectively, the sleeve creates a through-pocket. The sides of the sleeve 8 are preferably stitched or otherwise secured to the rear face 9 of the pouch 3. The width of the sleeve 8 is preferably substantially equal to the width of the band 6.

The tongue 7 is substantially elongate and has a first end 7A which is pivotably secured to the pouch 3. The width of the tongue 7 is preferably substantially equal to or less than the width of the first 12A and second 12B openings of the sleeve 8. The length of the first section 10A of the band 6 is substantially equal to the length of the tongue 7. The tongue 7 is receivable in the sleeve 8, as will be described later. The respective first ends 6A, 7A of each of the band 6 and the tongue 7 are pivotably secured to the pouch 3 at substantially the same point, towards the top of the rear face 9 of the pouch 3. All of the pouch 3, band 6, sleeve 8 and tongue 7 are preferably made from flexible fabric. Advantageously, at least the band 6, sleeve 8 and tongue 7 are stiffened by the insertion of a stiffening plastic member. Nevertheless, the stiffened components still afford some flexibility.

Preferably, at least a part 13B of the outer surface of the sleeve 8 and at least a part 13A of the inside surface of the first section 10A of the band 6 are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners, to enable the band 6 to be removably securable to the pouch 3. In the embodiment shown, there is provided conventional hook-and-loop material (e.g. Velcro™). The inside surface of the first section 10A of the band 6 is provided with a patch 13A of 'hook' material, and the outer surface of the sleeve 8 is provided with a patch 13B of 'loop' material.

Similarly, at least a part 14A of the inside surface of the second section 10B of the band 6 and at least a part 14B of the inside surface of the second end 7B of the tongue 7 are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners. In this arrangement, the inside surface of the second section 10B of the band 6 is provided with a patch 14A of 'hook' material, and the inside surface of the second end 7B of the tongue 7 is provided with a patch 14B of 'loop' material.

The section 15 of the rear face 9 of the pouch 3, between the first end 7A of the tongue 7 and the first opening 12A of the sleeve 8, is provided with a gripping surface 16, to grip the strap 2, in use. In the embodiment shown, there is a provided a patch 16 of 'hook' material, which is sufficient to restrict relative planar movement of the strap 2 in use.

A method of mounting the storage module 1 to a strap 2 will now be described with reference to figures 3 to 7.

Figure 3 illustrates the positioning of a strap 2 against the rear face 9 of the pouch 3, between the first end 7A of the tongue 7 and the first opening 12A of the sleeve 8. Preferably, the distance between the first end 7A of the tongue 7 and the first opening 12A of the sleeve 8 is configured so as to substantially correspond to the width of the strap 2.

Next, with reference to Figure 4, the second end 7B of the tongue 7 is received into the first opening 12A of the sleeve 8. To do this, a user must bend the tongue 7, and feed the second end 7B into the first opening 12A. The second end 7B of the tongue 7 is then passed through the sleeve 8, until the tongue 7 is substantially planar once more, and parallel to the rear face 9 of the pouch 3. This is shown in Figure 5. The length of the tongue 7 is substantially equal to or greater than the combination of the width of the strap 2 and the distance between the first 12A and second 12B openings of the sleeve 8. The second end 7B of the tongue 7 preferably protrudes from the second opening 12B of the sleeve 8. If it does not protrude, the second end 7B of the tongue 7 is at least accessible through the second opening 12B of the sleeve 8. As a result of the arrangement shown in Figure 5, the strap 2 is captured between the tongue 7 and the rear surface 9 of the pouch 3. The stiffness of the tongue 7 serves to prevent inadvertent release of the strap 2.

Next, with reference to Figure 6, the band 6 is rotated to engage with, and be parallel to, the tongue 7 and sleeve 8. In doing so, the 'hook' patch 13A on the inside surface of the first section 10A of the band 6 engages with the 'loop' patch 13B on the outer surface of the sleeve 8.

Finally, with reference to figure 7, the second section 10B of the band 6 is inserted into the second opening 12B of the sleeve 8. The 'hook' patch 14A on the inside surface of the second section 10B of the band 6 engages with the 'loop' patch 14B on the inside surface of the second end 7B of the tongue 7. As a result, the strap 2 is then securely held against the pouch 3.

Further, the outside surface of the first section 10A of the band 6 is preferably provided with padding 17. With reference to figure 7, it will be appreciated that when the storage module 1 and strap 2 are worn by a user, the padding 17 will be positioned between the strap 2 and the user. The attachment of a plurality of the storage modules 1 to a strap 2 therefore effectively provides a padded strap. Conveniently, padding 17 is only provided where needed - between the pouch and the user.

The arrangement of the band 6, tongue 7, sleeve 8 and various fastening members 13A, 13B, 14A, 14B has a synergistic effect of conveniently preventing inadvertent detachment of the storage module 1 from the strap 2.

To release the pouch 3 from the strap 2, a user engages, and pulls, the pull- tab 1 1 at the end of the second section 10B of the band 6. This releases the second section 10B of the band 6 from the second opening 12B of the sleeve 8. The user then rotates the band 6 away from the sleeve 8, removes the tongue 7, and releases the strap 2.

Preferably, when mounted on a strap 2, the modules 1 are translatable along the strap 2. Even if a gripping surface 16 is provided on the rear 9 of the pouch 3, a user may still translate the strap 2 relative to the pouch 3 with some manual force. Conveniently, when a plurality of storage modules 1 are provided on a strap 2, they may be distributed along the strap 2, or arranged adjacent one another, according to the user's preference. Unlike with the prior art systems described above, there is no requirement for the storage module 1 to be provided at a predetermined position.

Although the embodiments illustrated in figures 2 to 7 comprise a tongue receivable in a sleeve, this is not essential.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment, in which the sleeve comprises an integral tongue 70. The integral tongue 70 extends towards the base of the first end of the band 6. In use, the tongue 70 is deflected away slightly to receive the strap 2 between the tongue 70 and the pouch 3. The band 6 is then secured to the sleeve 80 in the manner described above. In the arrangement where the band 6 comprises first 10A and second 10B sections, the second section 10B may engage with a fastening member provided on the inside surface of the second opening of the sleeve (rather than the tongue receivable in the sleeve). The top surface of the integral tongue 70 may further be provided with a fastening member.

Preferably, there are no metal parts in a storage module embodying the present invention. Should a user of the webbing be subjected to a blast force from an explosive device, the lack of metal parts conveniently avoids any secondary blast fragmentation injuries being caused by the storage module.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1 . A storage module for use with a webbing system, the webbing system wearable by a user and including at least one strap, the storage module comprising:

a pouch;

a sleeve provided on the pouch; and

a band and a tongue for removably mounting the pouch to the strap of the webbing system,

wherein a respective first end of each of the band and tongue is pivotably secured to the pouch,

wherein the tongue is receivable in the sleeve for capturing the strap between the tongue and the pouch, and

wherein the band is removably securable to the sleeve, to restrict removal of the tongue from the sleeve.

2. A storage module according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the band is padded such that, when the storage module is mounted to a strap worn by a user in use, the padding is positioned between the strap and the user.

3. A storage module according to any preceding claim, wherein the sleeve has first and second opposing openings, the tongue being receivable into the first opening and through the sleeve so as to protrude at least partially from the second opening.

4. A storage module according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of the tongue is substantially equal to or greater than the combination of the width of the strap and the distance between the first and second openings of the sleeve.

5. A storage module according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a part of the outer surface of the sleeve and at least a part of the inside surface of the band are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners, to enable the band to be removably securable to the sleeve.

6. A storage module according to any preceding claim, wherein the band comprises first and second sections, pivotably connected to one another, the first section being removably securable to the sleeve.

7. A storage module according to claim 3, wherein the band comprises first and second sections, pivotably connected to one another, and the second section is receivable in the second opening of the sleeve.

8. A storage module according to claim 7, wherein at least a part of the inside surface of the second section of the band and at least a part of the inside surface of a second end of the tongue are each provided with one of a co-operating pair of fasteners, to enable the second end of the band to be removably securable to the tongue, such that the strap is able to be captured between the tongue and the pouch.

9. A storage module according to any of claims 7 and 8, wherein the length of the first section of the band is substantially equal to the length of the tongue.

10. A storage module according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second end of the band is provided with a pull tab, to aid detachment of the second end of the band from the sleeve and/or tongue.

1 1 . A storage module according to either of claims 5 and 8, wherein the fasteners comprise Velcro.

12. A storage module according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective first ends of each of the band and the tongue are pivotably secured to the pouch at substantially the same point.

13. A storage module according to claim 12, wherein the respective first ends of each of the band and the tongue are pivotably secured to the pouch at a predetermined distance from the sleeve, said distance being at least substantially equal to the width of the strap.

14. A storage module according to any preceding claim, in which there are no metal parts.

15. A webbing system wearable by a user and including at least one strap, the system comprising at least one storage module according to any preceding claim.

16. A webbing system according to claim 15, comprising a plurality of storage modules mounted to a single strap.

17. A webbing system according to claim 16, wherein the storage modules are configured to be freely translatable with respect to the strap.