Apparel – Guard or protector – Penetration resistant
Reexamination Certificate
2006-06-06
2008-09-16
Welch, Gary L. (Department: 3765)
Apparel
Guard or protector
Penetration resistant
C002S102000, C089S036050, C428S911000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07424748
ABSTRACT:
A quick release system for releasing armor plates from a vest or other garment including a pocket associated with the front torso portion of the vest for selectively receiving a first armor plate, a pocket associated with the rear torso portion of the vest for selectively receiving a second armor plate, and a flexible retainer element in conjunction with at least one connector element associated with each of the front and rear pockets for selectively retaining the first and second armor plates therewithin, pulling the flexible retainer element releasing the armor plates from their respective pockets. A release handle is located on the front of the vest and is attached to the retainer element for facilitating pulling of the retainer element to release the front and rear armor plates in one easy motion.
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Figures A1-A6 illustrate the DAP vest discussed in the background of the subject application. The vest shown has an ID tag claiming a manufacture date of 1990 and denotes the vest as Model A1-IIIA and named A1-TAC-DPSO. Figures A1-A6 show the vest from the front side. Figure A1 shows the cable in the retaining loops closing the armor pocket. Figure A2 shows the cable removed and the loops out of their grommets. Figure A3 shows the cable removed and the loops out of their grommets. Figure A4 shows the vest with the cable installed and the closure flap.
Point Blank Body Armor, Inc., Nato QR Full Spectrum Battle Equipment, Digital Photographs (B1-B8) with details of cable release system using multiple cables taken Jul. 2004.
Digital Photographs C1, C2 and C3 for a Cut Away Vest. Digital Photographs are of a prior art vest. It includes a four cable release system to effect cut away of the vest C1. The shoulder straps each have a cable connection C3 and the sides each have a cable connection C2. The four cable connections are similar in construction. The vest has been referred to as a FSBE I vest.
Digital Photographs D1-D7 for a Cut Away Vest. Digital Photographs show a TAC-VDG vest that went through several design changes, six versions were believed to have been designed. It is not clear which version the illustrated vest is. One version (unknown) which was sold on or about Jun. 18, 2002. Fourteen units of version four were sold on Oct. 20, 2002. The specific design of what was sold is currently unknown. The shoulders were each joined by a respective cable. D2 and the belt or sides and cummerbund were connected by a third cable D3.
Attachments E1-E11 show what is believed to be an M1 flak jacket used in the latter part of World War II by American flyers. This flak jacket utilized a pull cord as seen in Attachment E3 that when pulled separates snaps as seen in Attachments E1 and E2 allowing the flak jacket to fall downwardly off the wearer in the event the wearer needs to ditch the flak jacket in an emergency situation. The flak jacket included armor plates to protect the wearer. Apparently, the armor stayed with the various portions of the flak jacket when the vest was released from the wearer.
Attachments F1-F4 show World War II flak jackets including the M1 flak jacket and the M12. It is not clear from the photos what the construction of the M12 jacket includes. The Attachment F3 appears to show the M1 flak jacket as it would be released from the wearer.
Attachment G1-G10 illustrates a releasable vest apparently produced by Point Blank Body Armor, Inc. Attachment G3 describes the vest as being designed for quick release. Structural details of the vest are not disclosed in the article. There is a reference in Attachment G3 about the vest having a quick ejection hard armor plate pocket.
Attachment H—U.S. Army Natick Soldier Center, USMC Full Spectrum Battle Equipment, website printout (several views of the vest are included). This body armor/vest is believed to be the vest produced by Point Blank Body Armor, Inc. which was referred to in the original Information Disclosure Statement.
Attachment I—Point Blank Body Armor, Inc., Nato QR Full Spectrum Battle Equipment, website printout dated Nov. 5, 2003.
McDunn Todd Robert
Woods Shane Dwight
Eagle Industries Unlimited, Inc.
Husch Blackwell Sanders LLP
Muromoto, Jr. Bobby H
Welch Gary L.
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