Adjustable cummerbund

Abstract

An adjustable cummerbund includes two side panels, each comprising a bridge and a sleeve. Each bridge includes a plurality of spaced openings separated by posts. Each sleeve defines an internal pocket configured to slidably receive an end of the corresponding bridge. A closure mechanism of each sleeve is configured to releasably engage a selected opening in the corresponding bridge, thereby securing the sleeve in position. The adjustable cummerbund is configured for integration with protective apparel, such as plate carriers and tactical vests, to provide rapid girth adjustment for varying torso sizes.

1 . An adjustable cummerbund comprising:
 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.   
     
     
         2 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 1 , wherein the closure mechanism comprises a male portion and a female portion configured to releasably engage within a selected opening of the plurality of openings. 
     
     
         3 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 1 , wherein the bridge includes a vertically curved segment. 
     
     
         4 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 1 , wherein the sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned within the internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the sleeve. 
     
     
         5 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 4 , wherein the sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof. 
     
     
         6 . An adjustable cummerbund comprising:
 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.   
     
     
         7 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 6 , wherein the first bridge includes a vertically curved segment, and wherein the second bridge includes a vertically curved segment. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 6 , wherein the first sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the first internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the first sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the second internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the second sleeve. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 8 , wherein the first sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof, and wherein the second sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof. 
     
     
         10 . An adjustable cummerbund comprising:
 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.   
     
     
         11 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 10 , wherein the first bridge includes a vertically curved segment, and wherein the second bridge includes a vertically curved segment. 
     
     
         12 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 10 , wherein the first sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the first internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the first sleeve, and wherein the second sleeve includes a stiffening element positioned longitudinally within the second internal pocket, the stiffening element being configured to provide vertical rigidity and permit horizontal flexibility of the second sleeve. 
     
     
         13 . The adjustable cummerbund of  claim 12 , wherein the first sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof, and wherein the second sleeve includes a buckle portion located at one end thereof.