Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GARMENT FOR STORING AND/OR CARRYING ITEMS
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a garment for storing and carrying items on a
wearer's body. The invention particularly relates to a garment for storing and
carrying items, such as tools and equipment required to carry out a specific
occupation or activity, where the stored items need to be accessed and
replaced
quickly and easily.
Backciround of the Invention
In certain occupations and activities, a number of portable items are required
in
order to carry out the occupation or activity. It can be convenient or even
necessary to carry those items on or about the user's person, so that they are
readily available when required. Examples of such occupations are law
enforcement, the military, tradesmen, firemen, ambulance officers, emergency
rescue personnel, etc. While the following discussion will focus on the
equipment used by police officers, it will be readily apparent that similar
considerations apply to other occupations.
In the case of law enforcement, police officers regularly use a number of
"tools of
the trade", such as handcuffs, pistol, expandable baton, non-lethal chemical
sprays for crowd control such as OC (oleoresin capsicum) or CS spray, rubber
gloves, mask and radio handset. Traditionally, many or most of these items are
carried on a belt around the waist of the police officer. Such an arrangement
is
disadvantageous in that it can be impractical to have so many items depending
from a single belt: each item is supported only over a limited area, meaning
there
can be significant instability and movement of each item and a significant
strain
placed on the belt and on the body of the wearer. Moreover, the means of
securing each item to the belt, such as by a belt keeper or an accoutrement
pouch complete within press-stud retained covering flap, does not allow the
ready accessibility and removal of items by the wearer. This can be especially
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2
problematic where, for example, the police officer is in the process of making
an
arrest and needs to quickly access his or her handcuffs, possibly with only
one
free hand if the other hand is restraining the suspect.
Other items regularly used by a police officer may be carried in a pocket of
the
officer's uniform. However, the material and/or design of the pocket and/or
the
type of closure used to close the pocket (e.g. buttons, zips) again can often
prevent the ready accessibility of the items therein.
There is accordingly a need for a means to store and carry one or more items
on
the body of a wearer but which does not suffer from the above disadvantages.
It
is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a garment for
storing
and/or carrying one or more items which overcomes, or at least alleviates, one
or
more disadvantages of the.prior art.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention, there is provided:
a garment for storing and/or carrying one or more items, including
a torso receiving portion for wearing on at least part of a wearer's
torso; and
one or more receptacles for receiving said item/s, the or each
receptacle being at least partially comprised of a semi-rigid polymeric
material,
the or each receptacle being integrated with said torso receiving portion;
wherein the integration of the or each receptacle with the torso receiving
portion is by way of integral forming or moulding in which at least part of
the
receptacles are formed or moulded together with at least part of the torso
receiving portion into one or more integral pieces.
Amended Sheet
IPEA/AU
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2A
Detailed Description of the Invention
The following discussion will largely focus on the invention as applied to
storing
and/or carrying items used in law enforcement. However, it is to be clearly
understood that the invention is not limited to that application.
Typically the or each receptacle is constructed at least partially from a
laminate
comprising at least said semi-rigid polymeric material and a flexible
material.
Amended Sheet
IPEA/AU
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The torso receiving portion may also include a laminate of at least said semi-
rigid
material and a flexible material. The semi-rigid laminate may also include
other
materials or components imparting desirable properties. For example, the
laminate may include armouring materials such as steel mesh or Kevlar in order
to impart stab or slash resistance to the garment. Also, the semi-rigid
laminate
may include fire resistant materials. Further, the semi-rigid laminate may
include
cooling tubes therein to assist in regulating body temperature of the wearer.
The torso receiving portion typically comprises the major component of the
garment for covering a predetermined amount of the wearer's torso. It is
typically
shaped to substantially conform to at least part of the wearer's torso. It may
comprise a plurality of panels joined together, such as by stitching, welding,
lamination or other bonding methods, or it may comprise a unitary piece. The
respective panels may comprise the same or different materials. Where the
panels are of different materials, they preferably include a panel or panels
of
material including a semi-rigid material and panel or panels of a flexible
material.
The panel or panels including a semi-rigid material may comprise a laminate of
a
semi-rigid material and a flexible material.
The flexible material is typically one or more synthetic fabrics having the
desired
properties commensurate with the intended end use of the garment. Such
properties may include, light weight, water resistance, UV resistance, and
good
mechanical properties. Preferably the flexible material is synthetic, although
natural materials such as cotton can be used in some embodiments. Suitable
synthetic materials include nylon and polyester containing materials. Other
flexible materials include aramids, such as that sold under the trade name of
NOMEX. The flexible material may advantageously include two or more layers of
fabric, possibly laminated together. In one embodiment, the flexible material
is a
laminate of nylon and polyester, for example, a laminate of 200 denier nylon
and
600 denier polyester cloth. In some embodiments, the flexible material can
have
a mesh construction. A preferred flexible material is nylon or polyester,
preferably woven or knitted nylon or polyester. More preferably, the flexible
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material is a knitted nylon, such as that sold by DuPont under the trademark
CORDURA .
The torso receiving portion of the garment typically includes a front region,
for at
least partially covering the front of the wearer's torso, a back region, for
at least
partially covering the back of the wearer's torso, two lateral regions, and at
least
one shoulder region for extending over and being supported by the wearer's
shoulders. The torso receiving portion also includes an inner surface for
facing
the wearer's body and an outer surface. The torso receiving portion also
typically
includes a fastenable opening which allows the garment to be donned or
removed. Preferably the fastenable opening is located in the front region of
the
garment, for ease of operation. Preferably the opening is fastenable by means
of
a fastener preferably a zip. More preferably the fastener is adjustable to
allow for
different thicknesses of clothing underneath. An example of an adjustable
fastener is a double zip.
Preferably the torso receiving portion includes two lateral holes through
which the
wearer's arms may pass. The arm holes are preferably shaped and sized to
allow substantially unobstructed movement of the wearer's arms during walking
and running. Moreover, preferably the length of the garment is such that when
worn, the lower edge of the garment is no lower than the wearer's waist to
thereby facilitate unobstructed movement of the wearer's torso during use.
The garment of the invention also includes one or more receptacles for
receiving
the items for storage and/or carriage. Each receptacle is at least partially
constructed from a semi-rigid polymeric material, and is integrated with the
torso
receiving portion of the garment.
The or each receptacle typically takes the form of a pocket or holder. Each
receptacle extends from the outer surface of the torso receiving portion. The
receptacle includes at least one outer wall, and may also include an inner
wall.
Each receptacle has an opening for receiving the item. At least part of the
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material of each receptacle is a semi-rigid polymeric material. Typically, at
least
part of the outer wall of each receptacle comprises the semi-rigid polymeric
material. Preferably the semi-rigid material is moulded or formed into a three
dimensional shape. The use of a semi-rigid material gives the outer wall of
each
receptacle sufficient rigidity to define and maintain the shape of the
receptacle,
but sufficient flexibility to enable adequate deformation when removing or
replacing the corresponding item in the receptacle.
The receptacle may also include a closure for the opening. The closure also
preferably includes a formed semi-rigid material.
Where a receptacle includes an inner wall, it may simply comprise part of the
underlying torso receiving portion of the garment. However, in other
embodiments, the inner wall may be distinct from the torso receiving portion.
The inner wall may simply comprise a flexible material. However, some
receptacles may advantageously also comprise, at least partially, a semi-rigid
material.
In some embodiments, the inner wall at least partially comprises a vented
material, such as a mesh, in order to enhance air circulation between the
garment and the wearer's body.
The inner wall may advantageously be in a contrasting colour such that it is
clearly evident to the wearer when a receptacle is open.
Preferably, the shape of each receptacle complements the shape of the item
which it is designed to hold. This, together with the semi-rigid nature of at
least
part of the outer wall can prevent or minimise excess movement of the item in
its
receptacle.
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6
The or each receptacle is integrated with the torso receiving portion. This
means
the attachment of the material of the receptacle to or within the material of
the
torso receiving portion. The integration of the or each receptacle with the
torso
receiving portion is by way of integral forming or moulding. In this method,
at
least part of the receptacles are formed or moulded together with at least
part 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 such materials.
More
preferably, the semi-rigid material is based on a polyolefin foam, such as a
polyethylene foam, or an ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam. A particularly
preferred semi-rigid material includes EVA foam. EVA foam exhibits many
desirable properties suitable for the present invention, including good
weather
and chemical resistance, low water absorption, good mechanical properties,
excellent thermo and press forming characteristics, softness, resilience, and
importantly, strong shape recovery after compression. More preferably, the EVA
foam is compressed EVA foam, which is typically formed by applying pressure to
the foam during the application of heat. During the compression process, the
EVA foam can be formed or moulded into a desired shape. By varying the foam
thickness, temperatures and/or pressure, the density and mechanical properties
of the resulting moulded EVA foam can be controlled.
The semi-rigid material may comprise a laminate. Where it includes EVA, the
semi-rigid laminate preferably includes at least a first layer of fabric
bonded to a
first side of the EVA layer. Preferably, the semi-rigid laminate of the
receptacle
includes an outer layer of flexible material. Where the torso-receiving
portion of
the garment includes one or more panels of flexible material, or of a flexible
material laminate, the outer layer of the semi-rigid laminate preferably
corresponds to that flexible material, or to the outer layer of the flexible
material
laminate, in order to give an overall consistent, and unitary appearance to
the
Amended Sheet
IPEA/AU
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7
corresponds to that flexible material, or to the outer layer of the flexible
material
laminate, in order to give an overall consistent, and unitary appearance to
the
garment. Preferably the outer layer of fabric has inherent protective
qualities. 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 trade mark
CORDURA .
More preferably, the semi-rigid laminate further includes a second fabric
layer
bonded to the second side of the EVA layer, thereby producing a three layered
structure with a core of EVA. The second fabric layer preferably comprises a
liner of the receptacle. Examples of suitable materials for the second fabric
layer
include polyester, cotton, nylon, polyester cotton and wool. The second fabric
layer can advantageously comprise a mesh, such as a nylon mesh, which assists
in strengthening the semi-rigid laminate and maintaining its shape.
As previously stated, the many desirable properties of EVA foam include
excellent thermo and press-forming characteristics. This enables receptacle
walls formed from the EVA foam to be moulded and shaped into three
dimensional unitary pieces, which, if desired, conform to the shape of the
item to
be held in the receptacle. This feature is advantageous because it ensures
that
each item is securely stored in a desired orientation and can be easily
accessed
and removed ready for use. It also reduces or eliminates unwanted movement of
the item in the receptacle, thus minimising wear and tear on the item and on
the
garment. Furthermore, it assists the comfort of the wearer.
The above described reduction or absence of unwanted movement of the item
stored in the receptacle has another advantage in that, potentially, the
receptacle
opening does not require a closure. It may be sufficient that the outer and,
if
present, inner walls of the receptacle hold the item securely in place.
However,
the receptacle walls by virtue of their semi-rigid nature still have
sufficient
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flexibility to deform to the requisite extent such as when the wearer's hand
is
inserted into the receptacle to retrieve the item when required.
Notwithstanding the above, it may still be appropriate to provide a closure on
the
receptacle opening. The closure may comprise one or more flaps. The closure
may be fastenable using conventional fasteners, preferably hook and loop
material such as that sold under the trademark VELCRO or a zip. The closure
also typically comprises a semi-rigid material. Preferably the closure
comprises
the same material as that of the outer wall of the receptacle. Accordingly, a
preferred material for the closure is EVA foam or an EVA foam laminate.
The receptacles are typically arranged on the front region and may extend to
the
shoulder region/s of the garment. All the openings of the receptacles are
arranged so as to be readily accessed by the wearer's hand/s. Typically, this
will
mean that the opening of a receptacle located on the upper front region, or on
the shoulder region, will have its opening towards its bottom and a receptacle
located on the lower front region will have its opening towards its top.
The receptacles for storing certain items may also be located on either the
left or
right side of the front region, depending on the handedness of the wearer. For
example, a right handed police officer when making an arrest is likely to be
restraining a suspect with his or her right hand and so would need to access
the
handcuffs with his/her left hand. Accordingly, it would be convenient to
locate the
handcuff receptacle on the wearer's right side for ease of access. The same
ergonomic considerations apply also to the location of receptacles on a
garment
to be used in occupations other than law enforcement.
In a preferred embodiment, the garment incudes a receptacle intended to store
a
set of handcuffs. The handcuff receptacle comprises inner and outer walls and
an opening. The shape and size of the handcuff receptacle conforms closely to
that of a folded pair of handcuffs with the interior dimensions of the
receptacle
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preferably being only slightly larger than the handcuffs to ensure a snug fit.
The
receptacle also preferably includes a generally central hub sized and shaped
to
be received in the central opening of the folded handcuffs. The hub comprises
one or more hub elements extending from either or both inner and outer walls.
Preferably, a single hub element extends from the inner wall. Preferably the
surface of the or each hub element includes a flexible material. The outer
wall of
the receptacle is preferably at least partially comprised of a semi-rigid
material,
preferably a formed plastic, more preferably a formed EVA foam. More
preferably it is comprised of EVA foam and an elastomeric material. More
preferably, the outer wall is formed of at least one panel each of the semi-
rigid
material and the elastomeric material. More preferably, the receptacle opening
is
located in the elastomeric material. The elastomeric material is preferably
one of
the type that is sold under the trade names LYCRA. ELASTANE or SPANDEX.
Alternatively, the elastomeric material is of the type sold, for example,
under the
trade name NEOPRENE.
The receptacle opening is preferably slightly smaller than the largest
dimension
of the folded handcuffs. However, by virtue of the opening being formed in the
elastomeric material, it is able to stretch sufficiently to allow the
handcuffs to
pass, then return to its original size. The handcuffs are therefore retained
in the
receptacle by virtue of the combination of the hub, the semi-rigid nature of
at
least part of the outer wall and the smaller opening.
The small opening to the handcuffs receptacle has a secondary function of
ensuring the low visibility of the handcuffs by third parties and therefore
reducing
the likelihood of unauthorised removal of the handcuffs.
Where the hub comprises a single hub element extending from either the inner
or
outer wall there is a small distance between the free end of the hub and the
opposing wall. Similarly, where the hub comprises two or more hub elements
extending from both the inner and outer walls, there is a small distance
between
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the free ends of the hub elements. The distance is typically less than the
thickness of the folded handcuffs. The interior of the hub element/s is
preferably
filled with a resilient material, such as a silicone gel. The silicone gel is
preferably laminated on one side to the flexible material of the hub surface
and
on the other side to a backing layer of semi-rigid material. The hub is
therefore
sufficiently resiliently deformable to allow the thickness of the folded
handcuffs to
be forced past it.
In one form of the invention, the inner wall of the handcuffs receptacle
comprises
a laminate of flexible material, such as nylon, and semi-rigid material, such
as
EVA foam in the area surrounding the hub.
The handcuffs receptacle may be located on the lower front region of the
garment, with the opening of the handcuffs receptacle located towards or at
its
top.
The garment typically includes more than one receptacle. Other items which
may be stored in the receptacles include an expandable baton, non lethal
chemical spray, first aid items (e.g. rubber gloves and masks), radio handset,
journal, mobile phone as well as miscellaneous personal items.
The receptacles intended for storing the expandable baton and chemical spray,
are also preferably shaped and sized to complement the shape and size of the
respective items, and are therefore typically generally elongate. Furthermore,
each receptacle is preferably located and orientated on the garment in such a
manner as to maximise accessibility and to ensure that, when accessed, the
item
is in a ready-to-use orientation. Preferably the outer wall of the receptacles
include a semi-rigid material, preferably including EVA foam. The receptacles
are preferably located on the upper front section of the garment. Preferably
the
longitudinal axis of each receptacle is orientated at an oblique angle to the
median line of the torso when worn. More preferably, the lower end of each
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receptacle is located closer to the median line of the torso than the upper
end.
More preferably, the opening of each receptacle is located at or towards the
lower end thereof. It has been found that such location and orientation
enables
smooth and rapid removal and deployment of these items in a downward, cross-
draw action without interference from the wall/s of the receptacle.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one of the receptacles
located on
the upper front section of the garment comprises an outer wall, including
formed
EVA foam, with integral closure located at or towards its lower end. The
closure
is preferably also constructed from formed EVA foam. The closure is preferably
hinged for outward rotational movement from a closed to an open position. It
has
been found that an outwardly opening closure allows removal of the item from
the receptacle with minimum obstruction. The opening of the receptacle may
extend from the lower end of the outer wall of the receptacle a substantial
distance towards the upper end, to thereby allow sufficient space to access
and
remove the item. In this case, the integral closure will need to be
correspondingly sufficiently large to cover the opening. The closure may
include
a fastener. Preferably the fastener comprises a hook and loop fastener.
Preferably each closure includes a release flap or tab which can be gripped by
the wearer when opening the closure. The release tabs preferably include
symbols in relief which indicate the contents of the respective receptacle.
Thus
the wearer can receive tactile feedback from the release tabs which can be of
assistance in ensuring deployment of the correct item in situations of reduced
visibility.
The inner surfaces of the receptacles may include gripping means to assist in
retaining the item therein. The gripping means may comprise one of a hook or
loop material with the other material adhered to the item. Preferably the hook
or
loop material, if present, is laminated to an inner surface of the receptacle.
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Preferably, the garment also includes a receptacle for holding a first aid
kit,
containing, for example, rubber gloves and a mask. Such a receptacle
advantageously has a similar configuration, orientation and construction as
those
intended to hold the baton and OC spray.
The garment may also optionally include a receptacle for storing various
miscellaneous and/or personal items such as journal, wallet, keys etc.
Preferably, such a receptacle is located towards the centre of the front
region.
However, because the items within the miscellaneous receptacle may not need
to be rapidly accessed, its construction need not be in accordance with the
invention and it may be of conventional design. Preferably, however, the outer
wall of the miscellaneous receptacle has an appearance similar to the rest of
the
garment. Accordingly it may comprise a panel of semi-rigid laminate or of
flexible
material similar to those materials used elsewhere on the garment. The
miscellaneous receptacle advantageously includes an upwardly facing opening
such that the wearer can look down into the open receptacle. Preferably the
miscellaneous receptacle conceals the fastenable opening in the front region
of
the garment.
The garment typically also includes a receptacle for holding a radio handset.
Preferably the radio receptacle includes a guide which may simply comprise an
open ended holder which receives and holds the radio handset in a desired
orientation. Preferably however, the radio receptacle also includes a pocket
component depending from the open end of the guide. Preferably the guide is
comprised of a semi-rigid material. More preferably it is comprised of the
same
semi-rigid material as the other above described receptacles. The pocket
component may comprise the same material as the guiding support. However,
preferably it comprises a flexible material, such as an elasticised webbing.
An
appropriate material is a 3 dimensional mesh preferably a padded mesh such as
one including a foam component so as to protect the radio from damage. The
pocket component may be contiguous with the holder, where both are of the
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same material, or may be attached thereto such as by stitching or bonding.
Preferably the pocket component is substantially freely suspended from the
open
end of the holder.
The garment of the present invention may advantageously include a number of
other features.
Preferably the garment includes a lighting means. The lighting means
preferably
includes a flexible light mounted to the garment. Preferably the flexible
light
comprises a flexible arm having a light source provided at one end thereof.
The
other end of the flexible arm is mounted to the garment. The operation and
intensity of the light source is manually controllable by the wearer
preferably
using one or more switches provided on the flexible light. The one or more
switches may be conveniently located near the light source. In a preferred
embodiment, the flexible arm is mounted on a shoulder region and extends down
towards the upper front region of the garment. The arm may be secured along
its length by securing means, such as hook and loop fasteners. Preferably the
arm extends from a reinforced aperture in the garment, in order to minimise
damage to the garment due to use of the flexible light. The power source for
the
light is preferably rechargeable and integral with the garment. The power
source
may be solar, or a rechargeable battery, such as a lithium battery.
The garment may also advantageously include garment illumination means to
improve the visibility of the wearer at night time or during periods of poor
visibility. Preferably the garment illumination means comprises one or more
light
emitting members integrally formed with the garment. More preferably, the or
each light emitting member comprises a transparent window or tube which
transmits and emits light. The light emitting member may comprise a window
containing a number of light emitting diodes. The garment illumination means
is
preferably powered by a rechargeable power source which can conveniently be
the same power source as that used to power the lighting means, discussed
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above. Operation of the garment illumination means is preferably also
controlled
by a switch located on the lighting means.
The garment illumination means may alternatively or additionally include areas
of
reflective material. Preferably these comprise strips of reflective material
provided on the back region of the garment. Preferably the garment includes
means for covering the reflective areas if desired, such as a flap.
The garment of the invention may include ventilation means to allow air to
circulate between the garment and the wearer's body. The ventilation means
typically comprises openings in the torso receiving portion. The openings
preferably comprise vents provided in the flexible material of the torso
receiving
portion. The vents may be independently formed in the flexible material, or
advantageously may comprise separate panels of integral vent containing
material, such as a mesh. The ventilation means are advantageously provided in
the areas of the garment which coincide with areas of a user's body subject to
high perspiration, for example, around the neck and on the back.
In one form of the invention, the ventilation means further includes micro jet
fans
embedded into the garment to assist in the circulation of air between the
garment
and the wearer's body.
The garment of the invention further preferably includes size adjustment means
for adjusting the size of the garment to fit the size of the particular
wearer's
torso. Preferably there are adjustment means provided on each lateral side of
the garment. Preferably each adjustment means comprises first and second
adjustment members, with the first adjustment member provided on the front
region and the second adjustment member provided on the back region of the
garment. The first and second adjustment members of each adjustment means
are releasably detachable and moveable relative to each other in order to
increase or decrease the lateral spacing of the front and back regions.
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Preferably the first and second adjustment members of each adjustment means
comprise mutually attachable flaps, with a first flap provided on the lower
lateral
front region and a second flap provided on a corresponding lower lateral back
region. The first and second flaps are mutually attachable, preferably by hook
and loop fasteners, although other types of fasteners such as buckles or press-
studs could also be used. More preferably, at least one of the first and
second
flaps includes size indicators which indicate the appropriate relative
position of
the first and second flaps when attached in order to achieve a particular
garment
size. The size indicators may be printed or embossed on the first and/or
second
flaps. In a preferred embodiment, the size indicators are welded or hot
stamped
into the hook or loop fastener region of each second flap.
The garment of the invention may further include anchoring means for securing
the garment to a wearer's belt or similar article of clothing. The anchoring
means
typically comprises one or more adjustable straps extending from the lower end
of the garment and connectable to the wearer's belt. The adjustable straps are
preferably extendible and retractable, such that when not in use they are
retracted above the lower end of the garment. The adjustable straps preferably
include an elasticised webbing.
The garment of the invention may optionally additionally include facilities
for
connecting thereto various devices, such as a pistol holster, taser, hydration
pack, radio pack, reflective strips, shoulder epaulettes, GPS pack and
emergency beacon. The connection facilities may comprise flaps with hook and
loop fasteners, or areas of fabric compatible with hook and loop fasteners.
Preferably said areas of compatible fabric are laminated onto the material of
the
garment.
The garment also preferably includes audio and/or visual recording device/s.
Preferably, the recording device is a digital camera. The digital camera is
preferably receivable in a front, substantially central location on the
garment. A
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convenient location is on or within the miscellaneous receptacle, such as
within a
recess in the receptacle closure.
The inner surface of the garment may be provided with raised areas which
distance the inner surface of the garment from the wearer's body, thereby
facilitating and enhancing air circulation therebetween. These areas may be
padded to enhance the wearer's comfort. Moreover, the raised areas may
include impact resistant material to enhance protection of the wearer. The
raised
areas are preferably located on the shoulder regions and the front region of
the
inner surface. The raised areas on the shoulder regions are preferably padded
and advantageously comprise integral pads containing a cushioning filling,
especially a gel, such as a silicone gel. The raised areas on the front region
preferably coincide with the breast and rib areas of the wearer's torso. The
raised areas are preferably segmented in order to minimise contact between the
garment and the wearer's body. The raised areas on the front region are also
preferably padded and advantageously include an impact resistant material to
provide the wearer with physical protection against injury or assault. An
example
of such a material is 3 dimensional impact mesh. (3D mesh is raised in profile
as
opposed to flat and fabric-like in profile.)
Description of the Drawings
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to an
embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows the front of a first embodiment of a garment in accordance with
the present invention.
Figure 2 shows the back of the garment in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle for holding a pair of
handcuffs
shown in Figure 1.
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Figure 4 is a detailed view of the receptacle for holding a baton shown in
Figure
1.
Figure 5 shows the back of the first embodiment of the garment including a
hydration pack.
Figure 6 shows the reverse side of front of the first embodiment of the
garment.
Figure 7a is a front view of a second embodiment of the garment of the
invention.
Figure 7b shows the directions of opening and closing the receptacles of the
second embodiment.
Figure 8 is a back view of the second embodiment of the invention.
Figures 9(a) and 9(b) show the unitary moulded pieces used to make the second
embodiment.
Figure 10 shows detail of the camera function in the second embodiment.
Turning now to Figures 1 and 2, a garment of the invention comprises a vest 10
which is shown being worn by a wearer 12. The vest 10 includes a torso
receiving portion 14 comprising both a semi-rigid material and a generally
flexible
material. The vest 10 also includes a number of receptacles 16, 18, 20, 22, 24
and 25 which are each at least partially constructed from a semi-rigid
material.
The semi rigid material includes a compressed EVA foam and is preferably a
laminate of compressed EVA foam at least with an outer layer of polyester
material. Each of the receptacles 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 25 is integrated with
the
torso receiving portion 14.
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The vest 10 includes a front region 26 (shown in Figure 1), for at least
partially
covering the front of the wearer's 12 torso, a back region 28 (Figure 2) for
at least
partially covering the back of the wearer's 12 torso, two lateral 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 allowing the vest 10 to be donned or
removed.
The receptacle 16 is located on the lower front region 26 of the vest 10 and
includes an opening 44 near its top. The receptacle 16 is intended to hold a
set
of handcuffs and accordingly has a shape and size to conform closely to that
of a
folded set of handcuffs. Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of the handcuffs
receptacle 16 taken along the line III-III of Figure 1. The handcuffs
receptacle 16
includes an outer wall 40, an inner wall 42 and an opening 44. The outer wall
40
includes a semirigid component 46, comprising a moulded laminate of at least
compressed EVA foam and a polyester outer layer, and an elastomeric
component 48 comprising an elastomeric material available under the trademark
LYCRA. The opening 44 is located is the elastomeric component 48 and is
slightly smaller than the largest dimension of the folded handcuffs 50.
The inner wall 42 also comprises a laminate of a layer of flexible material 43
with
an underlying layer 45 of EVA foam. The inner wall 42 includes a generally
central hub comprising a hub element 52 which is sized and shaped to be
received in the central opening of the folded handcuffs 50. The hub element 52
is
hollow and filled with silicone gel 54 which has been laminated to the
overlying
layer 43. The smallest distance between the hub element 52 and the inner
surface 56 of the outer wall 40 is less than the thickness of the folded
handcuffs
50. However, by virtue of the hub element 52 being filled with silicone gel,
the
hub element 52 is sufficiently resiliently deformable to allow the folded
handcuffs
50 to be forced past it.
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In use of the handcuffs receptacle 16, by virtue of the opening 44 being
provided
in the elastomeric component 48 of the outer wall 40, the opening 44 can be
stretched sufficiently to allow the folded handcuffs to pass and the handcuffs
are
then retained in the receptacle by virtue of the combination of the hub, the
semirigid component 46 of the outer wall 40 and the smaller opening 44.
The receptacles 18, 20 and 22 are for holding an expandable baton, OC spray
and first aid kit containing rubber gloves/mask, respectively. As the features
of
each of these receptacles are similar, the following discussion will focus on
the
baton receptacle 18 and it should be understood that similar features are
shared
by the receptacles 20 and 22.
As shown in Figure 1, the baton receptacle 18 is generally elongate and is
located on the upper front region 26 of the vest 10. The baton receptacle 18
is
shaped and sized to complement the shape and size of an expandable baton. It
is located and orientated on the vest 10 such that its longitudinal axis is
orientated at an oblique angle to the median line X-X of the wearer's torso.
The
baton receptacle 18 has an upper end 62 and a lower end 64 and the lower end
64 is located closer to the median line X-X than the upper end 62.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the baton receptacle 18 holding a baton
58,
of which only the handle is visible. It includes an outer wall 60 made from
formed
compressed EVA foam laminated on its outer surface with polyester. The baton
receptacle 18 is integrated with the torso receiving section 14 by being
integrally
formed therewith during the moulding process. An arched opening 66 extends
from the lower end 64 a substantial distance towards the upper end 62, to
thereby allow sufficient space to access and remove the baton. The baton
receptacle further includes a formed closure 68 which is shaped and sized to
cover the opening 66. The closure 68 is hinged to the lower end 64 for outward
rotational movement from a closed position (shown in Figure 1) to an open
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position (shown in Figure 4). The closure 68 further includes a hook and loop
fastener 70 for retaining the closure 68 in its closed position.
The vest 10 further includes a receptacle 24 for holding a radio handset 72.
The
radio receptacle 24 includes a guiding support comprising an open ended holder
74 made from moulded, compressed EVA foam laminated with polyester which is
integrated with the torso receiving section 14 by being integrally formed
therewith
during the moulding process. The receptacle 24 further includes a pocket
component 76 suspended from the lower end of the open ended holder 74. The
pocket component 76 comprises an elasticised mesh. The receptacle 24 further
includes a flap closure 78 which is fastenable by a hook and loop fastener
(not
shown).
The vest 10 also includes a lighting means including a flexible light 80
comprising
a flexible arm 82 mounted at one end thereof on a shoulder region 36 and
having
a light source 84 at the other end thereof extending down towards the upper
front
region 26 of the vest 10. The flexible light 80 includes a manual controller
(not
shown) to enable the wearer to control the operation and intensity of the
light
source 84. The flexible arm 82 is secured along its length by a securing means
comprising a flexible strap 86 secured to the torso receiving section 14 by a
hook
and loop fastener. The lighting means also includes a rechargeable power
source 86 which is integrally formed with the vest 10 and comprises a
rechargeable lithium battery.
A further feature of the vest 10 is a garment illumination means comprising a
light
emitting member 88 located on the back region 28. The light emitting member 88
is an integral transparent polymeric window having a flexible PCB therein with
a
bank of LED lights mounted on its surface. It is also powered by the
rechargeable power source 86, being connected thereto by an embedded flexible
printed circuit board 87 having strain relief means 89 therein to avoid strain
induced damage thereto.
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The vest 10 further includes ventilation means comprising panels of integral
vent
containing material, such as a mesh, 90a, 90b, 90c, 90d and 90e, provided in
the
torso receiving section 14. The panels of integral vent containing material
are
located in areas of the vest 10 which correspond to areas of the wearer's body
subject to high perspiration, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, panels
90a and b are located about the wearer's neck and panels 90c,d and e are
located on the wearer's back.
The vest 10 additionally includes size adjustment means 92 provided on each
lateral region 30, 32. Each size adjustment means comprises releasably
attachable first and second adjustment members comprising mutually attachable
flaps 94, 96. The flaps 94, 96 are attachable by hook and loop fasteners, with
the
hook component provided on flaps 94 and the loop component provided on the
flaps 96.The flaps 96 further include size indicators shown generally at
reference
numeral 98. The size indicators 98 comprise spaced size lines 100 and
associated wearer's chest dimensions embossed into the flaps 96 that outline
the
relative positions of the respective flap 94 required to achieve particular
sizes of
the vest 10. The size indicators are provided on the lowermost of the attached
flaps 94, 96 in such a location that the particular size line 100
corresponding to
the wearer's chest size is visible when the two flaps 94, 96 are attached.
A further feature of the vest 10 is anchoring means comprising two adjustable
straps 102, for securing the vest 10 to the wearer's belt 104. Figure 6 shows
the
adjustable straps 102 in greater detail. They each comprise a retractable
component 106 attached to the lower edge of the vest 10 and a connecting
component 108 for attachment to the wearer's belt 104. Each retractable
component 106 and its corresponding connecting component 108 are mutually
attachable by a hook and loop attachment means indicated by 110 a and b. Each
retractable component 106 includes an elasticised portion 112 which functions
to
retract the retractable component 106 above the lower edge of the vest 10 when
not in use.
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Figure 5 shows a modified version of the vest 10 which includes a hydration
pack
112 for attachment to the back region 28. The hydration pack 112 includes a
fluid
conduit 114 which extends over the shoulder region 34 for access by the
wearer's mouth. The hydration pack 112 is attached to the vest 10 by means of
hook and loop fasteners and to this end the vest 10 includes attachment tabs
116a, 116b and 116c having a hook component thereon for attachment to loop
material on the hydration pack 112.
Figure 6 shows the reverse side of the front of the vest 10. A number of
raised,
padded areas 120 a, b, c and d and 122a, b and c are provided on the inner
surface 118 of the vest 10 in order to distance the inner surface 118 from the
wearer's body, thereby facilitating and enhancing air circulation
therebetween.
The raised areas 122a, 122b and 122c on the shoulder regions 34, 36 comprise
integral pads containing a cushioning silicone gel filling which enhances the
wearer's comfort. The raised areas 120 a, b, c and d are set out in a
segmented
pattern coinciding with the breast and rib areas of the wearer's torso. These
are
also padded and further include an impact resistant material comprising 3
dimensional impact mesh, thereby enhancing both the comfort and physical
protection of the wearer.
A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 7a and b and 8.
In
these drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts of the first
embodiment, such that each reference numeral in Figures 7 and 8 is 200 higher
than its corresponding reference numeral in Figures 1 to 6. The following
discussion will largely focus on those aspects of the second embodiment which
differ from those of the first embodiment.
The vest 210 includes a torso receiving portion 214 and a number of
receptacles
216, 218, 220, 222 and 224. The torso receiving portion 214 includes moulded,
semi-rigid panels 215a, 215b and 215c, as well as flexible panels of mesh
material 290a, 290b, 290c, 290d and 290e. The semi-rigid panels 215a, 215b
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and 215c comprise a formed laminate of EVA foam and a nylon material
available under the trade mark of CORDURA . For ease of manufacture, the
semi-rigid panel 215a is moulded together with at least part of the
receptacles
216, 220 and 222 and the semi-rigid panel 215b is moulded together with at
least
part of the receptacles 218 and 224, such that each semi-rigid panel 215a and
215b and its respective receptacle parts form a unitary, moulded piece.
Figures
9a and 9b respectively show each of the unitary moulded pieces 230 and 232
which respectively make up the semi-rigid panels 215a and 215b together with
the corresponding receptacle parts.
In Figure 9a, the unitary moulded piece 230 includes the semi-rigid panel 215a
together with the outer walls of receptacles 216 and 220. In the case of the
outer
wall 240 of receptacle 216, the unitary moulded piece 230 also includes an
area
216(a) outlined in white which would be cut out and replaced by the
elastomeric
component 248 during the vest manufacturing process. Similarly, the outer wall
of receptacle 220 includes an area 220(a) outlined in white which would be cut
out and form part of the opening for the receptacle. The unitary moulded piece
230 also includes the inner wall 348 of central receptacle 225 and a portion
350
for extending over one of the wearer's shoulders.
In Figure 9b, the unitary moulded piece 232 includes the semi-rigid panel 215b
together with the outer wall 260 of receptacle 218 and the open ended holder
component 274 of the radio receptacle 224. The outer wall 260 of receptacle
218 also includes an area 260(a) outlined in white which would be cut out and
form part of the opening of the receptacle 218 during the vest manufacturing
process. The unitary moulded piece 232 also includes a portion 352 for
extending over the other of the wearer's shoulders. It includes an integral
moulded pouch 354 for receiving the rechargeable lithium battery case 286.
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During construction of the vest 210, the two semi-rigid shoulder portions 350,
352
are joined to a flexible back panel 356 and these, together with the mesh
panels
290c and 290d, make up the back region 228 of the vest 210.
Returning to Figures 7a and b, it can be seen that the relative locations of
the
receptacles 218, 220 and 222 in the second embodiment are reversed compared
with those of the first embodiment. Also, the position of the hinges
connecting
each of the formed closures 268, 221 and 223, respectively, thereto have moved
relative to the first embodiment as is evident from Figure 7b, in which the
direction of opening and closing of the various closures is indicated by the
arrows. In the case of the formed closures 268 and 221, (both shown in their
open positions in Figure 7a), they are each hinged along an outer, lateral
side of
the respective receptacles 218 and 220. In the case of the first aid
receptacle
222, its closure 223 (shown in its closed position in Figure 7a) is hinged to
an
upper side of the receptacle 222, in the region indicated generally by
reference
numeral 227. All formed closures are retained in their closed position by hook
and loop fasteners (not shown).
Each formed closure 268, 221 and 223 includes a release tab 268a, 221 a and
223a which can be gripped by the wearer in order to open the corresponding
closure. Each release tab includes an embossed symbol indicating the contents
of the particular receptacle, for example the release tab 223a includes an
embossed first aid cross to indicate that the contents of the receptacle 222
is a
first aid kit.
The radio receptacle 224 differs from the radio receptacle 24 in the
respective
means of closure. Unlike the radio receptacle 24 which includes a flap 78
fastened by hook and loop fasteners, the radio receptacle 224 is closed by
means of a zip 279.
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The flexible light 280 includes a manual controller comprising switches 285
which
control the operation of both the light source 284 and the light emitting
member
288 located on the back region 288 of the vest 210. The flexible arm 282
extends from moulded aperture 287, which assists in reducing wear and tear to
the arm 282.
The central receptacle 225, for holding general or personal items such as a
journal, wallet, keys, etc, also includes a formed closure 229 which is hinged
along the lower edge of the receptacle 225 in the general region indicated by
reference numeral 231. The outer face of the formed closure 229 is embossed
within a logo or insignia, in this case signifying a particular police force.
The central receptacle's formed closure 229 also includes means to internally
accommodate a digital camera as is illustrated in Figure 10. A camera 340 is
shown in dotted outline and is receivable in a complementary recess 342 (also
in
dotted outline) provided within the closure 229. When received in the recess
342, the camera's lens 344 coincides with an aperture 346 provided in the
closure 229. The centralised location of the camera enables adequate framing
and minimises instability of the image due to movement of the wearer. The
internal accommodation of the camera conceals it from view and assists in its
protection from damage. The camera is manually operable by the wearer to
record stills and video footage when required. The camera 340 can be removed
from the vest 210 when required and images recorded by it downloaded either
directly from the camera or from its memory card. A system may be established
at police headquarters whereby downloaded information is recorded against the
relevant police officer's name and date. The camera is then recharged and
returned to the vest 210.
Finally, it is to be understood that various other modifications and/or
alterations
may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention as
outlined herein.
