US20110240705A1

US20110240705A1 - Ergonomic rotatable apparatus and method for use thereof to carry and store equipment and accessories

Info

Publication number: US20110240705A1
Application number: US13/077,937
Authority: US
Inventors: Christopher Landano
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Landano Christopher
Priority date: 2010-03-31
Filing date: 2011-03-31
Publication date: 2011-10-06

Abstract

An ergonomic rotatable apparatus for carrying, storing and accessing accessories and field gear comprising a layered belt rail system and field gear pockets supported thereon.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of Provisional Application No. 61/319,584 filed Mar. 31, 2010.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention
This invention relates to an apparatus and method for use primarily by photographers in connection with carrying and quickly accessing equipment and accessories. More particularly, the present invention relates to a vest-like apparatus and method of use thereof for storage and transport of all types of different equipment and accessories, both in the front and in the back of the vest-like apparatus, while simultaneously providing for easy and speedy access to said equipment, even to equipment located in the back of the vest-like apparatus, at a moment's notice, without removal or donning off thereof.
2. Prior Art
Professional photographers work with an arsenal of photographic equipment. Such arsenal of photographic equipment can include multiple cameras, multiple lenses, lens cleaners, filters, flashes, diffusers, batteries and so on.
Most photographers carry their arsenal of photographic equipment in photography bags, carry-ons, and backpacks. However, as the photographers' arsenal of photographic equipment grows, so does the size and number of the photography bags, carry-ons and backpacks used by the photographers.
In an effort to keep their arsenal of photography equipment close at hand, photographers usually carry their photography bags and carry-ons by their straps, on their shoulder. Such carrying is bulky, heavy, shifts the load of the arsenal of photographic equipment onto one shoulder of the photographer, and very often results in injury to the photographers' neck, back and shoulders. In addition, such carrying and the structure of the bags and carry-ons prevents easy and quick access to important photographic equipment, as the need arises. Finally, such carrying and structure of the bags and carry ons, results in the loss of creative photographs due to the absence of a key piece of equipment necessary to capture the image for the creative photograph, for the simple reason that the bags are either so small or so bulky that the equipment was never packed, or even worse, was left behind.
Many devices have been developed in the past to help photographers carry their photographic equipment. They include bags, backpacks, and even vests. However none of these devices have been able to totally and completely solve the problems set forth herein above. Accordingly there is still a need for an apparatus and method that allows its user to carry a whole host of equipment, without physical stress, discomfort and injury to the user, while at the same time making such equipment accessible on short order.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for the carrying of equipment and accessories that prevents the overloading of pockets found on the front portion of devices, coats, and jackets.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for the carrying of equipment and accessories that prevents physical stress and injury to the users of said apparatus.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that provides for significantly quicker and easier access to equipment and accessories by its users.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that is basically donned on by the user of the apparatus and accessories, like an item of clothing such as a jacket or vest, but which allows for quick and easy access of the apparatus and accessories without having to take the inventive apparatus off.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that is basically donned on by the user, like an item of clothing such as a jacket or vest, but which allows for quick and easy access of the equipment and accessories stored in the inventive apparatus by rotating the apparatus around the user's body from the front to the back and from the back to the front, without the removal of said apparatus.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that allows for the full storage of equipment and accessories and prevents them from being left behind or getting misplaced.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method that contributes to the taking of better and more creative pictures by better storing and easily accessing the proper equipment and accessories without damage thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the numerals represent identical elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional perspective of vest-like apparatus of the present invention as worn by its user;

FIG. 2 is a three-dimensional, right-handed side view of one embodiment of the vest-like apparatus of the present invention as worn by its user;

FIG. 3 is another three-dimensional, right-handed side view of the embodiment of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 2, as worn by its user;

FIG. 4 is a three-dimensional, perspective of the embodiment of the vest-like apparatus of FIGS. 2 and 3 as spun by its user, around user's neck, to provide access to the equipment stored on the back panel of the vest-like apparatus;

FIG. 5 is another three-dimensional, right-handed side view of the embodiment of the vest-like apparatus of the present invention of FIGS. 2 and 3 as worn by its user and showing the releasable side seams;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the upper right side shoulder section of the embodiments of the vest like apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 displaying the webbing used for storage;

FIGS. 7-19 are three dimensional plan and perspective views showing all of the various storage capabilities on both the front and back panels, of the vest-like apparatus shown in FIGS. 2 and 3;

FIG. 20 is a three dimensional perspective of another embodiment of the vest-like apparatus of the present invention without storage compartments or pockets;

FIG. 21 is a three dimensional perspective of the shoulder section of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a three dimensional perspective of the rotating utility belt section of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 20;

FIGS. 23-26 are three dimensional exploded perspectives of the individual components of one embodiment of the rotating utility belt of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 20 and FIG. 27; and

FIG. 27 is a three dimensional perspective of the vest-like apparatus of FIG. 20, fully assembled and worn by its user.

LIST OF ELEMENTS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE

IDENTIFYING NUMERALS

NO	ELEMENT

10	The vest-like apparatus in accordance with the
	present invention
20	Front panel
22, 24	Front Hemi-panels
30	Back panel
32	Shoulder seams
34	Padding
40	Front Fastener
50	Side connectors
52	Side seams
60	Elastic straps
62	First end of elastic strap
64	Second end of elastic strap
70	Pockets for storage
80	Webbing
90	Pocket with hood on back panel
100	Shoulder straps
110	rotating utility belt
112	Webbing
112A	Outer surface of the webbing 112
112B	Inner surface of the webbing 112
114	track system
114A	track
114B	base for track system 114
116	Channel members
117	Saddle
117A	Outer side of the saddle
117B	Inner side of the saddle
118	Bracket
118A	Outer Surface of the Bracket
118B	Inner Surface of the Bracket
118C	Slide Channel on the Bracket
119	Male connection of a clip on pocket 70
120	quick release clips
122	Quick release buttons

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1-6, 20 and 27, they generally depict the vest-like apparatus in accordance with the present invention at 10. The vest-like apparatus 10 is shown, as worn and used by its user to store equipment and accessories. It comprises front and back panels. Both the front panels and the back panels support a plurality of pockets and sealable compartments for the storing and transport of all types of equipment and accessories. If the vest-like apparatus is worn by a photographer, the pockets and sealable compartments include lens pockets, battery pockets, camera pockets and so on. If the vest-like apparatus is worn by a professional other than a photographer, then the pockets will be used to carry whatever equipment and accessories are relevant and material to that professional's duties and responsibilities.
In one embodiment, adjustable side connectors can allow for adjustment of the space between the front and back panels so that the overall size of the vest can be altered in a one-size-fits-all manner, to accommodate wearers of all sizes. Further, the adjustable side connectors either disconnect, or are attached in such a manner to the front and back panels, so as to allow for the rotation of the vest-like apparatus in such a manner which permits for the pockets and sealable compartments in the front to move to the back, and the pockets and sealable compartments on the back to move to the front, without removal of the vest-like apparatus 10.
The vest like apparatus can take the form of one of two embodiments, i.e., either that of a vest as shown in FIGS. 1-19, or that of a harness vest as shown in FIGS. 20-27.
The vest style of the inventive apparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1-19, is donned by the user in the same way a safety vest is donned, i.e., by simply slipping it over the head of the user. It consists of a front panel 20 and a back panel 30. The front panel 20 overlays and optionally covers the front of the user's torso, and the back panel 30 overlays and optionally covers the back of the user's torso. The vest could be constructed as a single unitary piece having front and back panels 20 and 30 respectively, or it could be constructed by separately making each of the front and back panels and thereafter connecting the two panels with shoulder seams 32 that overlay across the top of and are supported by the user's shoulders. Both panels may optionally be provided with padding 34 to provide comfort to the user's torso and shoulders when the vest-like apparatus is in use. Further, the front panel 20, may be optionally divided to include left and right front hemi-panels 22 and 24. In turn, the left and right hemi-panels 22 and 24 may be releasably connected by a front fastener 40, such a zipper, or alternatively snaps, buttons, hoop and loop fasteners such as for example VELCRO®, or other fasteners. A front V-neck and rear crew neck are preferred.
Side connectors 50 connect the front panel 20 to the back panel 30, to create faux side seams 52. Optionally, they releasably connect the two panels. The side connectors 50 may consist of snaps, or buckles, or hook and loop fasteners, or any other fastening means that could hold the front and back panels together at the sides of the user and optionally form the releasably connected side seams 52. For example as can be seen from FIGS. 1-19, the vest's side seams 52 are formed by a pair of elastic straps 60. Each of the straps has a first end 62 and a second end 64. The first end 62 of the each of the straps is permanently and fixedly attached, and anchored to the front panel 20. The second end 64 of each of the straps 60 is provided with the hook or the loop portion, of a hook and loop fastener such as Velcro®. The second end 64's corresponding loop or hook portion of the hook and loop fastener is fixedly attached, and anchored to the back panel 30. Each of the straps is of such length, that it is able to extend and wrap around the user's waist, to the rear torso panel, where its second end 62, with the first hook or loop portion, connects to and becomes attached to its corresponding second loop or hook portion of the Velcro fastener, anchored to the back torso panel, thereby forming releasable side seams 52, which hold the the front and back torso panels together, but which disengage the front and back torso panels at any time and as needed.
Both the front torso panel 20 and the back torso panel 30 are equipped with multiple storage pockets 70 for specific photography equipment. Each pocket is permanently secured to each of the torso panels.
For access to the equipment located in the pockets 70 on the back panel 30 of the inventive vest 10, the user releases the side seams 52, connecting the front and back torso panels, by either disengaging the VELCRO@ equipped straps, or disconnecting the buckles, and rotating the vest 10 either clockwise or counterclockwise around the neck of the user. This rotation brings the back torso panel 30 to the front, and the front torso panel 20 to the back, thereby providing access by the user to the equipment in the rear pockets of the inventive vest.
Optionally, the front and back torso panels can also have webbing 80 for the attachment thereto of multiple accessories; quick release buckles in various locations, waterproof covers for cameras and accessories that need to be kept dry, pockets as needed, but preferable three to six medium to large sized pockets, special battery compartments, a monopod holder, and a memory card holder. The rear torso panel 30 can also be equipped on its upper part, at the perimeter of the user's neck with a pocket 90 holding a hood for the protection of the user in the event it becomes necessary for such protection.
The harness-like vest 10 of the inventive apparatus as shown in FIGS. 20 through 27, is not donned by the user in the same way a safety vest is donned, i.e., by simply slipping it over the head of the user. Rather it is put on just like a regular jacket or a regular vest. It too consists of a front panel 20 and a back panel 30. The front panel 20 overlays and optionally covers the front of the user's torso, and the back panel 30 overlays and optionally covers the back of the user's torso. Each of the front and back torso panels is formed by at least one pair of shoulder straps 100, which overlay across the top of and are supported by the user's shoulders, and at least one rotating utility belt 110 fixedly attached to said shoulder straps. As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, both straps 100 may optionally be provided with padding 34 to provide comfort to the user's torso and shoulders when the harness-like vest is worn by its user.
The harness-like vest 10 is closed and secured by quick release clips 120, preferably heavy duty, located at the ends of the rotating utility belt 110 and optionally in the front of the user's torso as shown in FIG. 22. The harness-like apparatus must be closed to activate the rotations or spinning of the rotating utility belt 110 around the user's torso. It is the rotating utility belt in turn, which is provided with the equipment storing apparatus for the storage of and accessibility to equipment and accessories on the harness-like vest 10.
In the preferred embodiment of the harness-style vest 10 shown in FIG. 20, there are at least two rotating utility belts 110 connected to the shoulder straps 100. This provides for two levels of rotation and storage. On each level there is a quick release clip 120 located at the center of the front panel 20. One on each level, to comfortably secure and connect the entire system and make it ready for rotation. As can be seen from FIG. 22, the quick release clips can be disengaged with a quick release button 122 located on the top of the quick release clip 120.
As shown in FIG. 23, the rotating utility belt 110 comprises a webbing 112, a track system 114, and channel members 116, mounted and engaged on said track system 114. The webbing 112 has an inner surface 112B that abuts the user's torso and an outer surface 112A that faces away from the user's torso. The outer surface 112A of the webbing 112 acts as the support base upon which the track system 114 is permanently attached and supported by. When the quick release clips 120 are secured, the track system 114 completely encircles and encloses the user's torso.
The track system 114 functions similarly to railroad tracks. It provides the base upon which the channel members 116 are mounted, which in turn allow for the attachment and mounting of the storage compartments or pouches or pockets 70. It is made up of individual track sections that are mounted on the webbing 112 and interconnected to form a continuous track around the user's torso. As a result, the channel members 116, mounted on the track system 114, can move both clockwise and counterclockwise.
In one embodiment of the track system shown in FIG. 23, a single thin plate track 114A is constructed from either metal or plastic by either fixedly mounting it on, or by unitarily molding it with, a relatively thicker, smaller dimensioned base 114B. The base 114B is then permanently mounted on the webbing 112 of the rotating utility belt 110 thereby causing the thin plate 114A to face away from the torso of the user. Alternatively, the track 114A could be tubular and mounted on the center of a plate-like base 114B, which in turn is mounted on the webbing 112 of the rotating utility belt 110.
As was set forth herein above, the rotating utility belt 110, further comprises channel members 116. FIG. 24 displays one embodiment of a channel member 116, for use with the thin plate track disclosed herein above and shown in FIG. 23. It is adapted to engage and move relative to the flat plate track along the entire length of the track. It comprises a saddle 117 and a bracket 118.
The saddle 117 has an inner side 117B and an outer side 117A. The inner side 117B is arc or u-shaped, imparting to the channel member 116 a receiving end, which encases and is in sliding engagement with the thin plate track 114A along the entire length of the track. Alternatively, the sliding channel member may include square, rectangular, etc., dimensioned receiving ends where alternative dimensioned and shaped tracks 114A are utilized. The diameter, thickness and length of the receiving ends of the channel members 116 allow for their secure engagement of the track within their receiving ends, to form and provide the stable support structure for the storage and easy access of the equipment mounted thereon, whether the channel members are located on the front panel 20 or the back panel 30.
The bracket 118 is fixedly attached, mounted on, or unitarily molded with the outer surface 117A of the saddle 117, of the channel member 116. The bracket 118 also has an outer surface 118A, which in turn is provided with a slide channel 118C having inner dimensions that are wider than its outer dimensions. The slide channel 118C receives a male connection 119 of a clip attached to equipment-holding pockets or pouches 70, and supports all camera equipment mounted on the outer surface of the channel member. As shown in FIG. 26, once the channel member 116 is slidably mounted on the track, the pocket/storage pouch 70 designed for specific equipment and having the male counterpart 119 is inserted and slid into the slide channel 118C of the outer surface of the bracket 118 supported by the saddle 117 of the channel member 116 and locks securely thereto, in a lock-and-key mechanism. FIG. 26 shows a storage pouch pocket complete with the male counterpart 119 of the channel member 116 attached to one side of such storage pocket.
Alternatively, instead of a saddle and a bracket, the channel member 116 may be equipped with heavy duty magnets, buttons, or snaps that could be used to secure the storage pouches or pockets 70 thereto. The storage pouches or pockets will be made of tough waterproof material and all will be padded for the added protection of the equipment.
In practice, the channel members 116 are mounted on a single continuous track encircling the torso of the user. The user is able to load equipment on both the front and the back portion of the harness-like vest. Once the equipment is mounted and locked on the track, it can be easily and quickly accessed by the user at the front of user's torso by simply moving and spinning the channel members and the pouches supported thereon, around the track. FIG. 27 shows a fully loaded harness like vest in use and capable of revolving around the user's torso to provide access to all equipment without the removal of the harness like vest.
While particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail herein, they are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the invention. Since certain changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a literal sense. Practitioners of the art will realize that the sequence of steps and the embodiments depicted in the figures can be altered without departing from the scope of the present invention and that the illustrations contained herein are singular examples of a multitude of possible depictions of the present invention.

Claims

1. An ergonomic rotatable apparatus for carrying, storing and accessing accessories and field gear comprising a layered belt rail system having outer, inner and intermediate layers for slidably securing at least one field gear container, and having

at least one outer layer securing rail, said at least one securing rail comprising an elongated flexible semirigid rail strip; said at least one semirigid rail strip having attachment means for attaching to and removing said system from a portion of the user's body in a belt-like manner; wherein

said at least one semirigid rail strip further comprising o a thin, elongated strip of flexible semirigid material having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, having a width of from about 3 mm to about 6 mm (preferably about 4 mm) and a thickness of from about 0.05 mm to about 0.40 mm (preferably about 0.15 mm); wherein further,

said at least one semirigid rail strip has a top edge and a corresponding opposite bottom edge, said edges being coextensive with said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said at least one semirigid rail strip has a tongue end and an opposite clasp end, said clasp end having a clasp for grasping said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail strip, said clasp comprising a plate having an insertion slot for accepting insertion of said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail strip; wherein said clasp plate comprises a width about the same as that of said at least one semirigid rail strip and a thickness of from about 1.01 to about 1.15 times the thickness of said at least one semirigid rail strip and wherein said plate and extends longitudinally from said clasp end of said at least one semirigid rail strip;

said clasp further having user-operable quick release means for releasably securing said semirigid rail strip within said clasp to form a circumferential belt about a selected portion of a user's body for securing accessories and field gear; and wherein

said system having a second intermediate layer comprising a padded elongated spacer layer comprised of a suitable resilient material, said second resilient padded spacer layer having, respectively, opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a thickness, said outer surface of said second spacer layer being in contact with and substantially coextensive with and in center-alignment with said inner surface of said at least one semirigid rail strip outer layer, and wherein

said thickness of said second resilient padded spacer layer being from about 3 times to about 10 times the thickness of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said width of said second resilient padded spacer layer being from about 0.5 times to about 0.9 times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said system having a third intermediate layer comprising a flexible elongated belt layer comprised of a suitable strong and flexible belting material, said third belt layer having, respectively, opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a thickness, said outer surface of said third belt layer being in contact with and substantially coextensive with and in center-alignment with said inner surface of said second resilient padded spacer layer, and wherein

said thickness of said third belt layer is suitable to impart sufficient tensile strength integrity to said system to securely grasp a selected body part of a user; and wherein

said third intermediate belt layer comprises a respective pair of opposite ends, said ends having quick release fastening means for fastening said ends together to form a belt; and wherein

said width of said third intermediate layer belt layer is from 1.0 times to about 1.5 times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said system having a fourth elongated inner padding layer comprised of a suitable resilient padding material, said fourth inner padding layer having, respectively, opposite outer and inner surfaces, a width and a thickness, said outer surface of said fourth inner padding layer being in contact with and substantially coextensive with and in center-alignment with said inner surface of said third intermediate layer belt layer, and wherein said inner surface of said fourth elongated inner padding layer is for contact with the body of a user upon deployment of said system claimed herein; and wherein

said thickness of said fourth inner padding layer being sufficient to pad the system in contact with the body of a user and to vector distribute about the user's body the downward force of the weight of field gear containers that are secured to said system, and wherein

said width of said fourth inner padding layer being from about 1.5 times to about 3.0 times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said outer, intermediate and inner layers are fastened together by a plurality of fastening means affixed spaced-apart upon said system, said fastening means disposed substantially at or near the centerline of said system, said fastening means extending laterally through suitably aligned apertures in all layers to comprise a means for fastening together and fixing in place said layers of said system; and wherein

said system has at least one quick release slidable rigid securing cleat having an outer side and an inner side, said inner side having a central groove for engaging said respective upper and lower edges of said at least one semirigid rail strip,

said at least one quick release cleat further having locking means, said locking means being user-movable between an open un-locked position and a closed, locked position, said locking means comprising a convenient user-openable and user-closable means for attaching and alternately detaching said cleat from said at least one semirigid rail strip, said groove on said inner surface of said at least one cleat for slidably grasping said at least one semirigid rail strip; said groove securely but slidably fixing said cleat to said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

said outer surface of said cleat has means for releasably securing a field gear pocket thereto.

2. An ergonomic rotatable apparatus for carrying, storing and accessing accessories and field gear comprising layered belt rail system having outer, inner and intermediate layers for slidably securing at least one field gear container, having:

said at least one semirigid rail strip being further comprised of a thin, elongated strip of flexible semirigid material having an outer surface and an opposite inner surface, having a width of about 4 mm and a thickness of about 0.15 mm; wherein further

said at least one semirigid rail strip has a tongue end and an opposite clasp end, said clasp end having a clasp for grasping said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail strip, said clasp comprising a plate having an insertion slot for accepting insertion of said tongue end of said at least one semirigid rail strip; wherein said clasp plate comprises a width about the same as that of said at least one semirigid rail strip and a thickness of about 1.15 times the thickness of said at least one semirigid rail strip and wherein said plate and extends longitudinally from said clasp end of said at least one semirigid rail strip;

said clasp further having user-operable quick release means for releasably securing said semirigid rail strip within said clasp to form a circumferential belt about a selected portion of a user's body for securing field gear; and wherein

said width of said fourth inner padding layer being about 2 times the width of said at least one semirigid rail strip; and wherein

3. The apparatus of claim 1 further having at least four spaced apart upwardly extending short suspension straps comprised of a suitably strong and flexible belting material, said at least four suspension straps being secured to said system between said third and said fourth layer by means of said layer fastening means, wherein further

said suspension straps respectively having an upper end having fastening means affixed thereto for receiving a complementary fastening means.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 further having at least four spaced apart upwardly extending short suspension straps comprised of a suitably strong and flexible belting material, said at least four suspension straps being secured to said system between said third and said fourth layer by means of said layer fastening means, wherein further

4. The apparatus of claim 3 further having a four-point suspension harness comprised of a pair of crossed suspension straps, comprising a pair of rear straps and a pair of front straps, said harness having a pair of respective shoulder pads disposed respectively on said pair of straps, said pair of straps having a total of four downwardly extending ends, said ends respectively having fastening means affixed thereto for receiving a complementary fastening means from said short suspension straps of said multilayered field gear securing system; said harness for distributively hanging a portion of the weight of said field gear securing system from the shoulders of a user, said suspension harness being configured in the manner of a pair of conventional apparel suspenders; and wherein said pair of front straps have user adjustment means for adjusting the length thereof for a comfortable and effective weight bearing fit.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said selected portion of a user's body is the waist.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said selected portion of a user's body is the chest.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said selected portion of a user's body is a combination of the waist and the chest.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said cleat means for releasably securing a field gear pocket thereto comprises a slot for accepting a belt therethrough, said belt having attachment means for attaching securely to a field gear container.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one semirigid rail strip is comprised of a suitable plastic material.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clasp disposed on said clasp end of said at least one semirigid rail strip is comprised of a suitable plastic material.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said clasp disposed on said clasp end of said at least one semirigid rail strip is comprised of a suitable metallic material.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said quick release fastening means of said third intermediate belt layer comprises a snap buckle.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fourth inner layer comprises a plurality of contiguous pad segments, said segments comprising a continuum that in turn comprises said fourth inner layer; wherein further

said segments respectively have a pari of opposite vertically extending sides, said vertical sides having fastening means thereon for fastening to the respective adjacent contiguous respective pad segment.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fastening means for fastening fourth inner layer pad segments to the respective adjacent contiguous respective pad segment comprises hook and loop fastener means.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for fastening said multiple layers together comprises a plurality of spaced apart rivets, said rivets respectively extending perpendicularly to the plane of said system from said outer surface of said first later through respective corresponding apertures in each layer to a termination upon the inner surface of said fourth layer, said rivets holding said layers securely together into a unified system.