Modular utility latching system

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a high visibility safety apparel (HVSA) garment comprising a modular utility latching system that creates less stress points within specific areas of the garment that may cause premature garment failure (i.e., torn seams, broken stitching, etc.), as well as help alleviate worker fatigue by removing unnecessary pressure points created using unsupported garments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A high visibility vest comprising a modular utility latching system, the vest being formed of a sufficient amount of fluorescent background material and a sufficient amount of retroreflective material to comply with the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard for high visibility work apparel (HVSA), the vest further comprising:
 a first external webbing band affixed proximate a top portion of an external surface of the vest, the first external webbing band comprising at least a first strapping stitching segment to provide a first equipment attachment point along the first external webbing band;   a second external webbing band affixed proximate a middle portion of the external surface of the vest, the second external webbing band comprising at least a second strapping stitching segment to provide a second equipment attachment point along the second external webbing band;   a third external webbing band affixed proximate a bottom portion of the external surface of the vest, the third external webbing band comprising at least a third strapping stitching segment to provide a third equipment attachment point along the third external webbing band;   the third external webbing band also being affixed to a first internal webbing support material affixed proximate a left internal surface of the vest; and   the third external webbing band also being affixed to a second internal webbing support material affixed proximate a right internal surface of the vest.   
     
     
         2 . The vest of  claim 1 , further comprising internal webbing support material positioned proximate the first or second external webbing bands. 
     
     
         3 . The vest of  claim 2  wherein the first external webbing band is also affixed to internal webbing support material. 
     
     
         4 . The vest of  claim 3  wherein the second external webbing band is also affixed to internal webbing support material. 
     
     
         5 . The vest of  claim 1 , wherein the strapping stitching segments are designed and positioned to hold equipment to ensure proper weight distribution across the vest.