Tension Memory System for Wearable Equipment

Abstract

A tension memory system that provides a mechanism allowing a user to set an appropriate amount of tension in wearable equipment on an initial wear cycle and then hold that setting through multiple wear cycles. The tension memory system allows for faster, more repeatable fit to enhance wearer safety and comfort. The tension memory system may also include additional functional features, such as storage or an integrated holster. The system is low-profile and may help to extend the life of wearable equipment such as armor carriers, ballistic vests, and other safety equipment.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A tension memory apparatus comprising:
 a first tension member comprising a first end and a second end;   a tension adjustment component; and   a release mechanism;   wherein said first end of said first tension member is in communication with said tension adjustment component, said second end of said first tension member is in communication with said release mechanism, and wherein said first tension member may flex between said tension adjustment component and said release mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said release mechanism comprises a zipper. 
     
     
         3 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tension adjustment component comprises a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         4 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said tension adjustment component comprises the hook portion of a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         5 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said release mechanism comprises:
 at least one hook; and   at least one ring;   wherein said hook may engage said ring to form a connection and may disengage said ring to sever said connection.   
     
     
         6 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said release mechanism comprises snap buckles. 
     
     
         7 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said tension adjustment component comprises a buckle. 
     
     
         8 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 a first surface of said tension adjustment component; and   a second surface of said tension adjustment component;   wherein said first surface of said tension adjustment component comprises a first part of a hook and loop fastener and said second surface of said tension adjustment component comprises a second part of a hook and loop fastener.   
     
     
         9 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a pocket in communication with said first tension member. 
     
     
         10 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first tension member comprises elastic webbing. 
     
     
         11 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said elastic webbing of said first tension member comprises an anisotropic material. 
     
     
         12 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second tension member comprising a first end and a second end;   wherein said first end of said second tension member is in communication with said tension adjustment component, said second end of said second tension member is in communication with said release mechanism, and wherein said second tension member may flex between said tension adjustment component and said release mechanism.   
     
     
         13 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said first tension member and said second tension member are angled between said tension adjustment component and said release mechanism to provide tension in two directions. 
     
     
         14 . The tension memory apparatus of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a holster aperture disposed between said first tension member and said second tension member;   a strap having a first end and a second end, said first end of said strap in communication with said first tension member;   a strap attachment in communication with said second end of said strap; and   an anchor in communication with said second tension member;   wherein said strap may pass over said holster aperture such that said second end of said strap and said strap attachment may engage said anchor.   
     
     
         15 . An armor carrier, said armor carrier comprising:
 a first tension memory apparatus comprising a first tension member with a first end and a second end, a first tension adjustment component in communication with said first end of said first tension member, and a first part of a first release mechanism in communication with said second end of said first tension member;   a second tension memory apparatus comprising a second tension member with a third end and a fourth end, a second tension adjustment component in communication with said third end of said second tension member, and a third part of a second release mechanism in communication with said fourth end of said second tension member;   a front panel in communication with an attachment point disposed across said front panel; and   a rear panel in communication with a second part of said first release mechanism and a fourth part of said second release mechanism;   wherein said first part of said first release mechanism may engage with said second part of said first release mechanism, said first tension adjustment component may engage with said attachment point of said front panel, said third part of said second release mechanism may engage with said fourth part of said second release mechanism, and said second tension adjustment component may engage with said attachment point of said front panel to provide tension between said front panel and said rear panel.   
     
     
         16 . The armor carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said first release mechanism comprises a first zipper and said second release mechanism comprises a second zipper. 
     
     
         17 . The armor carrier of  claim 16 , wherein said first zipper comprises a left-handed zipper and said second zipper comprises a right-handed zipper. 
     
     
         18 . The armor carrier of  claim 15 , wherein said attachment point comprises a loop portion of a hook and loop fastener, said first tension adjustment component comprises a first hook portion of a hook and loop fastener, and said second tension adjustment component comprises a second hook portion of a hook and loop fastener such that said first hook portion of said first tension adjustment component and said second hook portion of said second tension adjustment component may engage said loop portion of said attachment point. 
     
     
         19 . The armor carrier of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a first loop portion of a hook and loop fastener in communication with said first tension adjustment component and a second loop portion of a hook and loop fastener in communication with said second tension adjustment component;   wherein said first hook portion of said first tension adjustment component may engage with said second loop portion of said second tension adjustment component and said second hook portion of said second tension adjustment component may engage with said first loop portion of said first tension adjustment component.   
     
     
         20 . The armor carrier of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a third tension member comprising a fifth end and a sixth end, said fifth end of said third tension member in communication with said first tension adjustment component and said sixth end of said third tension member in communication with said first part of said first release mechanism;   a holster aperture disposed between said first tension member and said third tension member;   a strap having a seventh end and an eight end, said seventh end of said strap in communication with said first tension member;   a strap attachment in communication with said eighth end of said strap; and   an anchor in communication with said third tension member;   wherein said strap may pass over said holster aperture such that said eighth end of said strap and said strap attachment may engage said anchor.