Improved personal carrier

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

0001The present invention relates to personal systems for carrying loads.

BACKGROUND

0002Bullet resistant vests are an item of personal armor that helps absorb the impact created by projectiles shot from firearms and shrapnel created by explosive materials. Bulletproof vests are worn on a torso of an individual, thus assisting in the prevention of injuries to essential body parts, and have become essential gear for the everyday operation of security personnel such as combat soldiers, police tactical units, hostage rescue teams and the like.

0003The vests are typically made of many layers of woven or laminated fibers, and may be combined with the metal or ceramic plates for additional protection. Due to the layered structure of the vests, they are heavier and thicker than ordinary clothing items worn about the torso.

0004It is common for security personnel wearing a bullet-resistant vest to also have to carry gear on their backs. The gear may be stored in a backpack and harnessed on the person's back using straps, belts, or the like.

0005While there is a steady technological progression towards lighter and more compact personal equipment such as described above, there are also increasing demands upon the loads the personnel carry—heavier and more varied ammunition, protective gear, first aid, survival gear, mob dispersal means etc. Such loads may well exceed 18 kgs per person. The increased loads exacerbate problems typical in carrying the loads, such as stability, self-donning and doffing of the load carriers, the armor carriers etc., and requires technological advances in the carrying gear.

0006Furthermore, new concepts in warfare now include providing improved access to equipment, e.g. having more of the equipment in front, and allowing a person to more easily and quickly don and doff carrying gear without assistance.

0007Some solutions have only partially met such goals, yet are cumbersome, complex and/or heavy and require replacement or improvement, and will become less suitable the more the carrying requirements are upgraded.

0008The need remains therefore for improved simple and lightweight, carrying gear.

0009Embodiments described herein below address this need.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

0010According to one aspect, a load carrier is provided comprising: a first panel having at least one first panel flap; the first panel flaps each having a self-releasingly engagable patch; <ul id="ul0001" list-style="none"><li id="ul0001-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0002" list-style="none"><li id="ul0002-0001" num="0011">a second panel;</li><li id="ul0002-0002" num="0012">at least one rod, each having two ends fixed to the second panel, the rod and the second panel defining a gap therebetween sized to allow one of the first panel flaps to be threaded therethrough; <br /> the rods and flaps allowing a user to stably and tightly don the load carrier over user's hips by pulling the first panel flaps through the gaps and wrapping each pulled first panel flap over one of the rods to self-engage the patch of the first panel flap. </li></ul></li></ul>

0013The second panel may further comprise second panel flaps foldable over one of the first panel flaps and comprising patches releasingly engageable with the patch of the first panel flap.

0014According to another aspect, a carrying system is provided comprising: <ul id="ul0003" list-style="none"><li id="ul0003-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0004" list-style="none"><li id="ul0004-0001" num="0015">a belt and a spine perpendicularly attached thereto;</li><li id="ul0004-0002" num="0016">a load carrier;</li><li id="ul0004-0003" num="0017">the spine and the load carrier each comprising releasable engagement means, <br /> whereby: a user can assemble the carrying system by engaging the engagement means of the spine with the engagement means of the load carrier at a first position, and can adjust distance of the load carrier from the belt by engaging the engagement means of the spine with the engagement means of the load carrier at a second position, and the spine transfers a substantial portion of a load on the load carrier to hips of a user wearing the carrying system, and allows the user to perform unhindered duties thereof. </li></ul></li></ul>

0018In some embodiments the load carrier further comprises a sleeve; <ul id="ul0005" list-style="none"><li id="ul0005-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0006" list-style="none"><li id="ul0006-0001" num="0019">the spine fits into the sleeve, and</li><li id="ul0006-0002" num="0020">the sleeve comprises the engagement means of the load carrier.</li></ul></li></ul>

0021The sleeve may comprise two lapels sturdily stitched to the carrier, and spaced apart to allow access to the spine.

0022In some embodiments, lapels are held together with bands.

0023The lapels may comprise releasable engagement means capable of engaging the spine.

0024In some embodiments the spine comprises a sheet having the stiffness of a polypropylene sheet 2-3 mm thick. For example, the sheet is 2-3 mm thick and is made of polypropylene.

0025According to another aspect, a carrying system is provided comprising: <ul id="ul0007" list-style="none"><li id="ul0007-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0008" list-style="none"><li id="ul0008-0001" num="0026">a vest comprising a vest-belt, and</li><li id="ul0008-0002" num="0027">a pack comprising a pack-belt;</li><li id="ul0008-0003" num="0028">wherein the vest-belt is at least 2 cm wider than the pack-belt, and the carrying system is configured to allow the pack-belt to be essentially over the vest-belt when the carrying system is donned.</li></ul></li></ul>

0029The vest-belt and the pack-belt may have essentially same shapes.

0030In some embodiments the shape is a flattened “W”.

0031In some embodiments the vest is any of the load carriers depicted above.

0032In some embodiments the pack is any of the load carriers depicted above.

0033According to another aspect, a carrying system is provided comprising: <ul id="ul0009" list-style="none"><li id="ul0009-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0010" list-style="none"><li id="ul0010-0001" num="0034">a vest having vest straps;</li><li id="ul0010-0002" num="0035">a pack donned over the vest, the pack comprising shoulder-straps;</li><li id="ul0010-0003" num="0036">a chest-strap having:</li><li id="ul0010-0004" num="0037">two ends, each end engaged with one of the shoulder straps; and</li><li id="ul0010-0005" num="0038">vest strap engagement means</li><li id="ul0010-0006" num="0039">the ends configured to allow moving the chest strap up and down the shoulder straps when the vest strap is not engaged with the vest straps and to not allow said movement of the chest strap when the vest strap is engaged with the shoulder straps.</li></ul></li></ul>

0040The vest may be any of the load carriers described above.

0041The vest may comprises a PALS grid, wherein the chest strap is engageable with the grid.

0042The chest strap may comprise a first strip and a second strip affixed and perpendicular to the first strip,

0000wherein the first strip is engaged with the shoulder straps and the second strip is engageable with at least one strap of the PALS grid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

0043For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

0044With specific reference now to the drawing in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention; the description taken with the drawing making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

0045In the accompanying drawings:

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1A</figref> is a view of a prior art vest;

0047<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> shows flaps on a prior art vest;

0048<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates the prior art vest poorly fitting;

0049<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts a vest with a bar for tightening thereof;

0050<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an expanded view of the vest part with the bar shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>;

0051<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a </i>shows a carrying system with a vest and a t-belt;

0052<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>b </i>shows the same carrying system where the belt's position relative to the vest is adjusted;

0053<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> depicts a t-belt;

0054<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> shows a belt of a pack over a vest belt;

0055<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> shows a carrier system wherein there is a chest strap embodiment;

0056<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> illustrates how the strap shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> cooperates with a vest and a pack in a carrier system;

0057<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows another carrier system having a chest strap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

0058Various embodiments of don/doff articles useful for improved comfort in carrying heavy loads and combat gear are disclosed hereinbelow.

0059The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description.

0060In the claims, the word “comprise”, and variations thereof such as “comprises”, “comprising” and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.

0061<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1 and 2</figref> show a prior art vest <b>10</b> having a (back) first panel <b>12</b> and a (front) second panel <b>14</b>. The vest further has a first panel flap <b>16</b>, essentially orthogonal to the shoulder straps <b>17</b>, on each of two opposite ends of the first panel <b>14</b>. The flaps <b>16</b> each have on the inner side a Velcro patch which can each engage with a similar-sized Velcro patch (not shown) on the second panel <b>12</b>. This engagement is shown in expanded view in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. Note that the flap <b>16</b> does not properly fit onto the Velcro patch <b>18</b>; the flap is too high and too forward. Therefore, the vest might get loose and the flap might even open, and it may interfere with operations of the user due to hindrance of movement. Furthermore, it is virtually impossible for a user to correctly wear the vest by himself and when the vest is not properly fitted, the ballistic cover <b>19</b> might get damaged and the vest doesn't properly fit properly on the body i.e., the weight distribution is uneven and the vest <b>10</b> will not stay fixed in place on the user's body, thus causing bruises and imbalance.

0000The misfit will reduce the range of motion and movement of the user. This problem is exacerbated when a lot of equipment is coupled to the vest, thus limiting freedom of movement.

0062One cause of the problems is that it is impossible to properly wear the vest by self donning because of limited range of motion. The standing instructions to combat personnel are thus to enlist a comrade to help put on the vest. However, a comrade free to help is not always available. Moreover, aligning the patches when acting under pressure, being tired, or inadequately trained is even more difficult, thereby the vest might not be well fitted. Therefore, is important that the engagement be reinforced, and guided by the hardware in the vest.

0063In other prior art vests the user wearing the vest tightens the vest by pulling strings etc. at the back side of the vest, however this operation is difficult to perform, especially with the interference of the pouches in the vest—and when he needs to do the adjustments thereof while wearing the pack

0064Accordingly, an improved vest is provided.

0065According to one aspect, a load carrier is provided, comprising:

0066a first panel having at least one first panel flap; the first panel flaps each having a self-releasingly engagable patch;

0067at least one rod, each having two ends fixed to the second panel, the rod and the second panel defining a gap therebetween sized to allow one of the first panel flaps to be threaded therethrough;

0068the rods and first panel flaps allowing a user to stably and tightly donning the carrier system over the user's hips by pulling the first panel flaps through the gaps and wrapping each pulled first panel flap over one of the rods to self-engage the patch of the first panel flap.

0069The vest may have one or more protective layer therein and/or thereon, such as ceramic plates. An improved vest <b>100</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The vest <b>100</b>, as the prior art vest <b>10</b>, has a first (back) panel <b>112</b> and a second (front) panel <b>114</b>. The exterior sides (facing away from a user when donned) of the parts are shown. Each flap <b>116</b> is inserted into a space between a sturdy rod <b>120</b> and the exterior side of the second panel, that allows the user to pull the flap <b>116</b> through (on front of the user) and then, keeping the flap <b>116</b> tense, to pull in the opposite direction, so that the vest <b>100</b> is made tight and snug with the user's torso. When the vest <b>100</b> is sufficiently tight the velcro patch <b>117</b> is self attached as shown in the figure, to keep the desired tension.

0070<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> shows an expanded view of the region of the vest <b>100</b> comprising one of the rods <b>120</b>. The rod <b>120</b> helps provide a fulcrum for effective tension and also guide the first panel <b>112</b> and the second panel <b>114</b> to be properly aligned with each other. The velcro patch may be made of a self-adhering material or hook and loop fasteners for example. The rod is held by two patch sleeves <b>122</b>, which are in turn sturdily fixed to the first panel <b>112</b>, as shown in the figure. Note that the patch sleeves <b>122</b> are each extensively and strongly affixed to the exterior cover material of the front part <b>112</b>.

0071Each rod <b>120</b> is connected to the second panel in such a way that the tension is well spread over the second panel <b>114</b> rather than on only two points, that might have created pressure points and failure. Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, securing vertical flaps <b>130</b> are provided to the front part <b>112</b>, each one configured to fold over a first panel flap <b>116</b>. The vertical flaps secure the horizontal flaps. The vertical flap reinforces the stable engagement of the front part <b>112</b> to the back part <b>114</b>. In some embodiments pouches or pouch attachments are provided, for example the PALS (Pouch Attachment Ladder System) grid, on an exterior side of the vertical flap.

0072Other engagement means may be used in addition to or instead of some of the velcro patches or flaps, such as ribbons having mating snap buckles to further stabilize the connection between the front part <b>112</b> and the back part <b>114</b>. In some embodiments the front part has the horizontal flaps and the back part has the rods, etc., although this arrangement is considered to be less useful than the embodiments described above.

0073In some embodiments the front part and back part are connected by other means than the patches and the rod, and the user dons both parts together and then closes one side by tightening a patch with a rod as described above.

0074Another reason for poor fits of vests is improper position of the vest on the user. T-belt embodiments are provided that allow proper positioning.

0075Thus according to another aspect, a carrying system is provided, comprising: <ul id="ul0011" list-style="none"><li id="ul0011-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0012" list-style="none"><li id="ul0012-0001" num="0076">a belt and a spine perpendicularly attached thereto;</li><li id="ul0012-0002" num="0077">a load carrier;</li><li id="ul0012-0003" num="0078">the spine and the load carrier each comprising releasable engagement means, <br /> wherein: a user can assemble the carrying system by engaging the engagement means of the spine with the engagement means of the load carrier at a first position, and can adjust distance of the load carrier from the belt by reengaging the engagement means of the spine with the engagement means of the load carrier at a second position. </li></ul></li></ul>

0079Further shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is part of an adjustable T-belt <b>200</b> embodiment. The T-belt <b>200</b> allows to adjust the position (higher or lower) of the vest <b>100</b> on a user as will be shown in the following figures. The T-belt comprises two major components: a belt <b>240</b> and a spine <b>250</b>.

0080<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref><i>a </i>shows a carrying system <b>1000</b>, including a vest <b>100</b> and a T-belt <b>200</b>. The spine <b>250</b> is adjusted and secured by the flap <b>160</b> on the side of the vest meant to face the user. The spine <b>250</b> is moved so that the vest <b>100</b> is at a selected position relative to the belt <b>240</b>, and the spine <b>250</b> is then engaged with the sleeve <b>160</b>. The spine <b>250</b> may be released from the engagement to define a different position on the vest <b>100</b>. The sleeve <b>160</b> is made of the following parts: 1) Two lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b</i>, which are sturdily stitched to the left side <b>119</b><i>a </i>and the right side <b>119</b><i>b</i>, respectively, of the backing of the vest <b>100</b> (backing being the side of the vest <b>100</b> facing the user's back): The lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b </i>comprise one side of the sleeve <b>160</b>; 2) A velcro strip <b>166</b> that is configured to engage the spine <b>250</b> (that has a matching velcro strip on the side facing the vest, not shown); 3) bands <b>168</b> for holding lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b </i>together, thereby helping to firmly hold the spine <b>250</b> in place inside the sleeve <b>160</b>. The lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b </i>preferably extend almost from the bottom of the vest <b>100</b> to almost the top, thereby allowing maximum engagement of the spine <b>250</b> within the sleeve <b>160</b> and maximum adjustment of height of the vest <b>100</b> relative to the T-belt <b>200</b> on the user.

0081However, the lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b </i>are spaced apart (bridged by bands <b>168</b>) such that a user may both see the level the spine <b>250</b> is at, and can easily pry the lapels <b>162</b><i>a</i>, <b>162</b><i>b </i>off the spine <b>250</b> in order to readjust the height of the vest <b>100</b> relative to the belt <b>240</b>, to better fit the vest thereto.

0082The lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b </i>may comprise velcro strips (not shown) on the side facing the spine <b>250</b>, and the spine <b>250</b> may comprise velcro strips <b>254</b><i>a </i>and <b>254</b><i>b </i>that are configured to engage with the respective velcro strips of the lapels <b>162</b><i>a </i>and <b>162</b><i>b</i>. The additional engagements further strengthen and stabilize the coupling of the spine <b>250</b> to the vest <b>100</b>.

0083In other embodiments the spine and the sleeve each have engagement means on only one side; in other embodiments the lapels are not spaced apart. In some embodiments the band <b>168</b> are themselves made of strips with velcro or other engagement means, that can be opened to allow better access to the spine when it is desired to move it up or down in the sleeve.

0084The spine may have on the side facing the user and/or the side facing away from the user gradations that help the user select the appropriate position of the spine <b>250</b> in the sleeve <b>160</b>, for example the gradations may be marked “XXL”, XL″, “L”, “M” etc., or with persons' heights.

0085The belt <b>240</b> has, on the side facing the user's back, a central part <b>242</b> that comprises a pad, on the side of the belt facing the user, for extra padding to reduce abrasion in the area of a user's spinal column. In some embodiments the spine <b>250</b> is coupled to the central part <b>242</b>, for example by strudy stitching of the spine <b>250</b> to the central part <b>242</b>. In other embodiments the spine <b>250</b> is removably coupled thereto, for example by attaching the bottom part of velcro strips <b>254</b><i>a </i>and <b>254</b><i>b </i>to matching velcro strips on the side facing away from the user on central part <b>242</b>. In preferred embodiments the portion of the spine <b>250</b> that is coupled to the belt <b>240</b> is 5-15 cm along the length of the spine, most preferably 10±2 cm (this also means that the belt itself is at least 5-15 cm wide). In preferred embodiments the length of the spine is 25-35 cm, in preferred embodiments 30±2 cm. However, other embodiments include shorter or longer spines to accommodate users of unusual sizes. Further provided are replacement spines 250 sized for users of unusual sizes: the user may receive a complete T-belt, or just the belt, and may select a spine according to his size. The spines may be marked such as “XL”, “L” etc. Likewise, the belts may be separately provided in various waist sizes and/or widths and may be appropriately marked by the local waist size system.

0086The belt <b>240</b> has at its ends <b>244</b><i>a </i>and <b>244</b><i>b </i>velcro patches, on the side facing away from the user (not shown). The ends are configured to engage each other to position the T-belt over the user's hips and allow the user to bear on the hips a substantial portion of the weight of the heavy vest.

0087Some or all of the velcro patches may be substituted or supplemented with other engagement means, such as snap buckles.

0088The outer layer of the sides of the vest <b>100</b> and the T-belt <b>200</b> facing the user may have a mesh structure to help wick away sweat. The vest <b>100</b> and the T-belt <b>200</b> may further comprise at least one more layer that absorbs and/or wicks away sweat. However, other embodiments do not have such layers, as some users may prefer different or less layers.

0089<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> shows that the belt has a preferable shape, in particular the belt <b>240</b> has a particular shape, a somewhat flattened W shape, which is considered to have an ergonomic benefit to the user. In preferred embodiments the spines comprise a stiff layer. Following experimentation with various materials at various thicknesses, it has been concluded that the stiff layer is preferably a board of polylpropylene, having a thickness of 2-3 mm, most preferably 2.5±0.2 mm. Such a layer has the right flexibility between allowing it to be comfortably worn at the user's back and freely perform all required activities, while stably supporting the weight of the vest. The board may be made of different material (not necessarily the same thickness range) having similar properties. Users have reported that they feel the T-belt supports their back and helps them maintain an upright posture, rather than unhealthily bend their backs under the load. The spine <b>250</b> may be ergonomically contoured to fit a user's back, however in preferred embodiments the layer is completely straight, as it is deemed sufficiently flexible to align with the user's back.

0090Note that the vests <b>100</b> and other vests, likewise improved to couple with the T-belt, do not have to be used with the T-belt; one of the advantages of the T-belt is that it is fully detachable, whereby the user can use the vest like any other vest, with the load being fully borne by straps laid on the shoulders—some users may find it more comfortable to wear the vest as they are accustomed to.

0091The T-belt may be also be used for carrying packs, in addition to or instead of the vests. In general the T-belt is used with load-carriers.

0092The spine transfers a substantial portion of a load on the load carrier to hips of a user wearing the carrying system—The T-belt has been found to transfer about 60-70% of the load from the shoulders to the hips. More importantly, though, is the stabilization of the vest on the user: Without the T-belt the vest dances around on the user and causes imbalance, impediment to movement, friction and bruises in the torso circumference. In commercially available vests the stabilization has been improved by either excessively tightening the vest on the user, or using a pack belt that is tightened around the midrif, both which are very uncomfortable (including hindrance to breathing, pain and no transfer of the load to the hips). The T-belt retains the vest in its proper place and essentially allows unhidered operational activity.

0093Many current vests have all or most of their pouches at the front to allow better access to the equipment therein, as well as to free up the back side of the vest for loads such as packs. However, the weight of the equipment in the pouches tends to make the front part of the vest slide forward and the vest becomes lopsided. Thus another advantage of the T-belt is in helping to keep the vest from becoming lopsided.

0094Another study was conducted of various supports for both vests and packs worn above the vests. Many combat personnel have to wear packs over a vest during their missions. Ideally the vests and the packs each have their own support, such as a belt, to help distribute the load and remove some of the stress on the shoulders and spinal column. However, various options are theoretically feasible. One problem to overcome is the possible confusion and tangling between the various supports. One option that was tested was placing a belt coupled to a vest at the abdomen height, placing a belt coupled to a pack over the hips. However, again, placing the vest's belt over the midriff creates an uneasy breathing and does not properly distrubute the weight over the hips, and the pack belt cannot be properly secured. However, users in the experiment found the arrangement uncomfortable and the position was also not considered good in respect to the distribution of the loadplacing the vest support in one position when wearing only a vest, and in another position when wearing a pack over the vest. However, this arrangement was found to lead to confusion and tangling.

0095According to yet another aspect,

0096a carrying system is provided comprising: <ul id="ul0013" list-style="none"><li id="ul0013-0001" num="0000"><ul id="ul0014" list-style="none"><li id="ul0014-0001" num="0097">a vest comprising a vest-belt, and</li><li id="ul0014-0002" num="0098">a pack comprising a pack-belt; <br /> the vest-belt is at least 2 cm wider than the pack-belt, and the carrying system is configured to allow the pack-belt to be essentially over the vest-belt when the carrying system is donned, wherein the belt of the pack is placed essentially over the belt of the vest. </li></ul></li></ul>

0099Although some available carrying systems may have multiple belts above hips to support various loads, without careful matching of the belts they tend to stray away from their allotted location and to pinch the user. Again, it was realized that the belts thus must sit over hips and not on the midriff, since any belt located on the midriff will cause incorrect weight distribution and stress to breathing.

0100According to preferred embodiments, the belt of the vest is at least 2 cm wider than the belt of the pack. Preferably, the system is configured so that the heights of the belts is the same, such that there is at least a margin of 1 cm on any side of the pack belt. This can be arranged by for example adjusting the height of the vest belt in the T-belt described above. Preferably, the two belts also have the same shape, however it is stressed that some embodiments they do not have the same and relative sizes.

0101Preferably, vest belt is at least 5 cm wide, more preferably at least 10 cm wide.

0102<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> illustrates a pack belt <b>300</b> placed on top of a vest belt <b>240</b>′. Preferably, the middle of the width of the belts corresponds to the middle of the hip bone.

0103The pack belt <b>300</b> may also comprise velcro patches (not shown) or other engagement means that are configured to allow snugly and securely closing the belt <b>300</b> over the vest belt <b>240</b>′. Means of engagement such as snaps, clasps, buckles etc may be used. However, to avoid confusion, in preferred embodiments the engagement means of the pack belt <b>300</b> are different from the engagement means of the vest belt <b>240</b>′, for example the pack belt engagement means are snap-buckles <b>302</b>′ and the vest engagement means are velcro patches <b>242</b><i>a</i>′, <b>242</b><i>b</i>′. The belt <b>300</b> is somewhat longer than the vest belt <b>240</b>′, since the belt <b>300</b> is not directly secured to the user's waist but rather to the wider circumference of the vest belt <b>240</b>′. The belts <b>300</b> may also be available in various sizes, and may be interchangeable by quick release from the packs, similar to the connection between the T-belts <b>200</b> and the vests <b>100</b> in some embodiments.

0104According to another aspect, a chest-strap is provided. Such chest-strap may be used to stabilize a pack donned over a vest, by connecting the straps of the pack to the vest and place the shoulder straps of a pack at a healthier location on a user's shoulder, as the shoulder straps otherwise might impinge upon major veins in the shoulder and armpit area. Such a strap <b>470</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 9 and 10</figref>.

0105The position of the chest-strap is important. Too high interferes with breathing of the user, and might expose the user to harm at the clavicle area if he is bothered by the strap and pulls down the vest to remove the irritation. Too low interferes with access to compartments and pouches on the vest, particularly in vests used in communication applications that require many such compartments and pouches in the front.

0106The optimal location for the chest-strap is thus at the user's sternum area.

0107<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> depicts one embodiment. The vest <b>100</b> has a PALS grid <b>170</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>. The grid <b>170</b> includes grid straps <b>172</b> that are attached to the backing of the vest <b>100</b> at regular intervals. The chest strap <b>470</b> includes a first strip <b>472</b> that connects to two shoulder straps <b>520</b> of pack <b>500</b>, and a second strip <b>474</b> perpendicular to first strip <b>472</b>, is engaged with straps <b>172</b>.

0108To accommodate users of various physiques, the chest-strap <b>470</b> is configured to allow its movement up and down along the shoulder straps <b>520</b> and to be locked at the optimal location. This may simply be done by disengaging the second strip <b>474</b> from the grid strips <b>172</b> situated at one height, moving the strap <b>470</b> up or down, and reengaging the second strip with the grid strips <b>172</b> at another height.

0109Although chest straps that connect shoulder straps of packs to vests are commercially available, these straps do not connect the pack shoulder straps to each other except via a vest, whereas the strap <b>470</b> may be used to connect the shoulder straps even without a vest and is thus more versatile and useful, Moreover, adjustment and engagement are easier, and the strap <b>470</b> makes use of and is more compatible with, the PALS grid.

0110<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> shows another chest strap embodiment, wherein there is no second strip, and the first strip is engaging the grid strips <b>172</b>. The chest strap <b>470</b>′ itself comprises a PALS grid <b>476</b>. Some preferred embodiments combine two or more features: the first panel flaps, the T-belt, the two overlapping belts and the chest strap.

0111Such systems have been found to be intuitive and users have thus easily donned and doffed the vests and the packs thereon in the correct way.