Load bearing pocket insert

Abstract

A load bearing apparatus has a substantially rigid insertion panel of a width and height to slip fit to internal dimensions of a pocket of a garment, a first portion of an attachment mechanism coupled to an upper edge of the insertion panel, and one or more flexible extensions joined proximate the upper edge of the insertion panel and having an attachment element at an opposite end of the one or more flexible extensions configured to attach to compatible elements on a front surface of the pocket.

1 . A load bearing apparatus comprising:
 a substantially rigid insertion panel comprising a first portion adapted to be inserted into an inner volume of a pocket of a garment formed by a panel adhered to the garment at a bottom edge and two opposing side edges, the panel having an inside surface, an outside surface and a cover flap is enabled to extend over a top edge of the panel where the top edge of the panel forms an opening into the inner volume of the pocket;   a second portion of the load bearing apparatus extends over the top edge of the panel and downward against the outer surface of the panel, thereby forming a first slot;   a third portion extending upwardly from bottom edge of the second portion forming a second slot; and   an attachment mechanism coupled to an outer surface of the third portion facing away from the pocket.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion extends into the inner volume adjacent to the bottom edge. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first slot is adapted to accommodate the panel of the pocket. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the second slot is adapted to accommodate the cover flap of the pocket. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may be formed as a single integral part. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion, the second portion and the third portion may be formed as separate parts. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the substantially rigid insertion panel comprises a first intermediate portion connecting the first portion with the second portion at the top edge and a second intermediate portion connecting the second portion with the third portion. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the attachment mechanism comprises any one of a list including a first bracket, a male portion of snap fit mechanism, a female portion of a snap fit mechanism, a Velcro strip and a hook. 
     
     
         9 . A method of carrying equipment, comprising:
 inserting a first portion of a rigid insertion panel into an internal volume of a pocket of a garment, the first portion bending around a top edge of the pocket and extending down to a lower edge forming a second portion fitted against an outer surface of a front panel attached to the garment and forming the pocket, the first portion and the second portion forming a first slot enabled to accommodate the front panel of the pocket;   inserting a cover flap of the pocket into a second slot formed by connecting a third portion extending upwards from the lower edge of the second portion;   coupling pocket closure mounting points located on the pocket closure element to pocket mounting means located on the front surface of the pocket;   joining an equipment element having first and second leg straps ending in compatible portions of a snap in buckle to the insertion panel by a second portion of an attachment mechanism compatible with a first portion of the attachment mechanism coupled to the exterior surface of the third portion of the insertion panel; and   buckling the straps around a limb of a wearer.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the second portion of the attachment mechanism comprises any one of a list including; an engaging element, a female portion of snap fit mechanism, a male portion of a snap fit mechanism, a counter Velcro strip and a hook slot.