Adjustable Cummerbund

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/660,062, filed on Jun. 14, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This disclosure relates generally to load-bearing garment accessories, and more particularly to implementations of an adjustable cummerbund for use with plate carriers and tactical vests.

Protective apparel, such as plate carriers and tactical vests, are commonly worn by military, law enforcement, and security personnel to provide protection and facilitate the carrying of ammunition magazines, medical supplies, and other mission- or task-specific tools and supplies. Such protective apparel typically includes a cummerbund that wraps around the torso of the wearer to securely connect front and back panels, ensuring a stable and comfortable fit. Existing cummerbund designs often include cumbersome adjustment mechanisms and may not readily accommodate different body sizes.

Adjustability is essential for the proper function and comfort of protective apparel, such as plate carriers and tactical vests. Users frequently need to adapt their protective apparel due to changes in clothing layers. Prior art cummerbunds often employ complex or cumbersome adjustment mechanisms, requiring time-consuming disassembly or tools. Additionally, conventional cummerbunds may lack sufficient rigidity to support attached equipment, such as side plate bags and pouches for ammunition magazines, leading to discomfort and instability.

Accordingly, there exists a need for the adjustable cummerbund disclosed herein. The present invention is directed to providing an adjustable cummerbund configured to address these and other needs.

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.

An adjustable cummerbund is disclosed. The adjustable cummerbund can be used to secure the front panel and back panel of a plate carrier in position on the torso of a wearer. The adjustable cummerbund is configured to wrap around both sides of the torso and has an adjustable girth to accommodate a range of torso sizes. Although the example adjustable cummerbund is configured for use with a plate carrier, it should be understood that it could also be configured for use with a tactical vest that includes a cummerbund.

An example adjustable cummerbund includes a side panel comprising: a bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a sleeve defining an internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the bridge, the sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the bridge.

Another example adjustable cummerbund includes a first side panel comprising: a first bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a first sleeve defining a first internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the first bridge, the first sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the first internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the first sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the first bridge; and a second side panel comprising: a second bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a second sleeve defining a second internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the second bridge, the second sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the second internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the second sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the second bridge.

Yet another example adjustable cummerbund includes a first side panel comprising: a first bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a first sleeve defining a first internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the first bridge, the first sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the first internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the first sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the first bridge, the closure mechanism comprising a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings; and a second side panel comprising: a second bridge comprising a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of openings separated by posts and arranged between the first end and the second end; and a second sleeve defining a second internal pocket configured to slidably receive the first end of the second bridge, the second sleeve including an opening at a first end thereof that provides access to the second internal pocket, wherein the opening includes a closure mechanism configured to selectively secure the second sleeve in position relative to one of the plurality of openings in the second bridge, the closure mechanism comprising a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

illustrate an adjustable beltaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The adjustable beltis configured to be worn around the waist of a user and to have an adjustable girth to accommodate a range of waist sizes. The adjustable beltis worn over an inner belt (not shown) and secured to the inner belt by hook-and-loop fasteners.

As shown in, the adjustable beltcomprises a bridge, a first sleeve, and a second sleeve.

As shown in, the bridgehas a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front face, and an opposite back face. The bridgeincludes a single row of openings, or cutouts, separated by solid segmentsor posts. The openingsare arranged along the bridgebetween the first endand the second end. The back faceof the bridgeincludes hook fasteners used to removably secure the exposed portion of the bridgeto an inner belt. However, in some implementations, the back faceof the bridgemay include loop fasteners instead.

The bridgeis a single piece of thermoplastic composite material overlaid with a nylon laminate material, making it rigid in the vertical plane but flexible in the horizontal plane. The bridgeis preferably made of a Tegris® brand thermoplastic composite material, but could also be made of a CURV® brand thermoplastic composite material. A layer of hook fasteners (e.g., Velcro® brand) is secured to the back faceof the bridge.

As shown in, the first sleeveand the second sleeveeach have a first endwith a buckle portionand a second endwith an opening that provides access to an internal pocket. The buckle portionon the first endof each sleeve,may be a G-hook buckle. The opening of each sleeve,provides access to the internal pocketand includes a closure mechanism, such as a pull-the-dot snap. The internal pocketof each sleeve,is sized to receive either the first endor the second endof the bridge. The front face, or outer side, of each sleeve,may include an array of MOLLE-compatible slits, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The back face, or inner side, of each sleeve,includes hook fasteners used to removably secure the sleeve,to an inner belt. However, in some implementations, the inner sideof each sleeve,may include loop fasteners instead.

As shown in, each sleeve,comprises a piece of nylon laminate materialfolded onto itself to form the internal pocket, with the first endsealed and the second endforming the previously mentioned opening. A stiffening elementis positioned longitudinally within and secured to one side of the internal pocket. The stiffening element, which may comprise a single piece of thermoplastic composite material sold under the brand Tegris®, is configured to impart vertical rigidity to the sleeve,while permitting horizontal flexibility, thereby supporting items attached to the sleeve and allowing the sleeve to comfortably contour around the user. The male portionof the closure mechanismis secured to the stiffening element, and the female portionis secured to a flapof the nylon laminate material.

In the example embodiment, the male portionof the closure mechanismcomprises a postA that extends through the nylon laminate materialand the stiffening elementto secure the studB positioned on the stiffening elementwithin the opening of the internal pocket. The female portionof the closure mechanismcomprises a capA and a socketB. A portion of the capA extends through the nylon laminate materialto secure the socketB on the interior side of the flap, so that it can be removably secured to the studB.

illustrates another example sleeveaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The sleeveis similar to the sleeves,discussed above but includes an angled array of MOLLE-compatible slitsnear the first end. The sleeveis configured to be used instead of the second sleeveshown in, but could also be configured to replace the first sleeve.

The first sleeveand the second sleeveare adjustably and slidably secured to the first endand the second endof the bridge, respectively, allowing the user to adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable belt. The closure mechanismof each sleeve,cooperates with a selected openingin the bridgeto secure each sleeve,at a desired position on the bridge. Specifically, the male and female portions,of the closure mechanismare secured together in the space defined by the selected opening, with the poststhat define the width of the openingpreventing each sleeve,from sliding inadvertently.

To adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable belt, the user simply unfastens the closure mechanismand slides the selected sleeve,to the desired position on the bridge. The user then resecures the male and female portions,of the closure mechanismtogether within the selected opening. The width of the postsseparating the openingsand the length of the internal pocketin each sleeve,determine the available range for sizing the adjustable belt.

While the adjustable beltis described as being worn over an inner belt, it should be understood that, with a suitable buckle, the adjustable beltcould be adapted to be worn independently of an inner belt. In such an implementation, the hook fasteners on the back faceof the bridgeand/or the back faceof the sleeves,may be omitted.

illustrates an adjustable cummerbundaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. The adjustable cummerbundcan be used to secure the front paneland back panelof a plate carrierin position on the torso of a wearer. The adjustable cummerbundis configured to wrap around both sides of the torso and has an adjustable girth to accommodate a range of torso sizes. While the example adjustable cummerbundis configured for use in conjunction with a plate carrier, it should be understood that it could also be configured for use with a tactical vest that includes a cummerbund.

The adjustable cummerbundcomprises two side panelsand(see, e.g.,). Each side panelandhas a rear endconfigured for attachment to the back panelof the plate carrierand a front endconfigured for attachment to the front panel. Each side panelandcomprises a bridgeorand a sleeveor.

The adjustable cummerbundshares structural and functional features with the previously described adjustable belt. In particular, the bridgesandand sleevesandcorrespond to the bridgeand sleevesandof the adjustable belt, respectively. Accordingly, aspects of the bridge-sleeve interaction, closure mechanism, and adjustability described in connection with the adjustable beltmay be applied equally to the adjustable cummerbund.

As shown in, each bridgeorhas a first end, a second end, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front face, and an opposite back face. Each bridgeorincludes a single row of openings, which are cutouts, separated by solid segments, which are posts. The openingsare arranged along each bridgeorbetween the first endand the second end. The second endof each bridgeorincludes two bandsextending therefrom, configured to cooperate with additional fastening components to secure the corresponding side panelorto the rear panelof the plate carrier. In some implementations, as shown in, a length of elastic cord(e.g., shock cord) is used to secure the opposing endsof the side panelsandto one another. While the bandsand the elastic cordare used to secure the example side panelsandto the rear panelof the plate carrier, it should be understood that the side panelsandmay be configured for attachment to the rear panelusing other fastening components known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In some implementations, the bridgesandmay be formed as a single piece, with the sleevesandsecured to opposite ends of the single piece bridge.

As shown best in, in some implementations, each bridgeorincludes a vertically curved segmentnear the second end. Specifically, the vertically curved segmentcauses the top edgeand the bottom edgeof the bridgeorto taper downward in the vertical plane along a portion of the length of the bridgeor. This vertically curved segmentallows the side panelorto better conform to the shape of the wearer's lower torso, thereby enhancing the fit of the adjustable cummerbund. Unlike horizontal curvature, which facilitates circumferential flexibility, the vertically curved segmentis configured to accommodate anatomical contours in the vertical dimension. In some implementations, the bridgesandmay omit the vertically curved segment.

Each bridgeoris a single piece of thermoplastic composite material overlaid with a nylon laminate material, making it rigid in the vertical plane but flexible in the horizontal plane. Each bridgeoris preferably made of a Tegris® brand thermoplastic composite material, but may also be made of a CURV® brand thermoplastic composite material.

As shown in, each sleeveorhas a first endwith a buckle portionand a second endwith an opening that provides access to an internal pocket. The buckle portionon the first endof each sleeveormay comprise the male connector portion of a fastening system, such as a slide-lock mechanism (e.g., the Tubes™ fastener sold by FirstSpear®). The opening of each sleeveorincludes a closure mechanism, such as a pull-the-dot snap, and provides access to the internal pocket. The internal pocketof each sleeveoris sized to receive the first endof a bridgeor. The front face, or outer side, of each sleeveormay include an array of MOLLE-compatible slits, well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The back face, or inner side, of each sleeveormay include hook or loop fasteners used for the attachment of pads, plate bags, or other accessories.

As shown in, each sleeveorcomprises a piece of nylon laminate materialfolded onto itself to form the internal pocket, with the first endsealed and the second endforming the previously mentioned opening. A stiffening elementis positioned longitudinally within and secured to one side of the internal pocket. The stiffening element, which may comprise a single piece of thermoplastic composite material sold under the brand Tegris®, is configured to impart vertical rigidity to the sleeveorwhile permitting horizontal flexibility, thereby supporting items attached to the sleeve and allowing the sleeve to comfortably contour around the user. The male portionof the closure mechanismis secured to the stiffening element, and the female portionis secured to a flapof the nylon laminate material.

In the example embodiment, the male portionof the closure mechanismcomprises a postA that extends through the nylon laminate materialand the stiffening elementto secure a studB positioned on the stiffening elementwithin the opening of the internal pocket. The female portionof the closure mechanismcomprises a capA and a socketB. A portion of the capA extends through the nylon laminate materialto secure the socketB on the interior side of the flap, so that it can be removably secured to the studB.

illustrates another example sleeveaccording to the principles of the present disclosure. Instead of a buckle portion, a portion of the front faceadjacent to the first endmay include hook fastenersused to removably secure the sleeveto complementary loop fasteners found on the front panelof the plate carrier. In other implementations, the outer sideof the sleevemay include loop fasteners instead.

The sleeveorof each side paneloris slidably and adjustably secured to the first endof the corresponding bridgeor, allowing the user to adjust the length, and thus the girth, of the adjustable cummerbund. The closure mechanismof each sleeveorcooperates with a selected openingin the bridgeorto secure each sleeveorat a desired position on the bridge. Specifically, the male and female portions,of the closure mechanismare secured together in the space defined by the selected opening, with the poststhat define the width of the openingpreventing the sleeveorfrom sliding inadvertently.

To adjust the length of each side panelor, and thus the girth of the adjustable cummerbund, the user simply unfastens the closure mechanismand slides the selected sleeveorto the desired position on the corresponding bridgeor. The user then resecures the male and female portions,of the closure mechanismtogether within the selected opening. The width of the postsseparating the openingsand the length of the internal pocketin each sleeveordetermine the available range for sizing each side panelandof the adjustable cummerbund.

The foregoing description of the invention is intended to be illustrative; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise forms disclosed. Those skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the foregoing description and associated drawings.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment” or “implementation” or words of similar import means that a particular described feature, structure, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the phrase “in some implementations” or a phrase of similar import in various places throughout this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the above description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that embodiments of the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail.