Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Craig E Ernst, Jr

Martin J Nilsen

Christopher A J Iannello

Michael B Grimm

Jeffrey D Anderson

Timothy P Coffield

Scott D Kolasa

David A Shereyk

Brian M Parisi

A locking connector assembly includes a first connection member and a second connection member each having a channel. The first connection member has an upper retaining arm and a lower retaining arm. A longitudinal passage is defined between the upper and lower retaining arms, a tab includes a pull beam extending outwardly and linearly beyond the upper and lower retaining arms, and a gap is formed in an upper free end of the upper retaining arm and a lower free end of the lower retaining arm. The second connection member includes at least two insert members configured to be received within the longitudinal passage of the first connection member. The at least two insert members are configured to be engaged and moved to connect the first connection member to the second connection member in a connected state.

Locking connector assembly

A personal equipment suspension system with active support to the lumbar region includes a belt to surround the user's waist and a frame supported on the belt with a resilient membrane of synthetic elastomeric crystalline material in tension on the frame to be interposed between the belt and the user. The frame includes spaced ends and the membrane is a lattice in tension between the spaced ends. In one embodiment, the system is a support belt. In another, it is load bearing such as a backpack configuration. In another, it includes stanchions to support a body armor vest.

Personal equipment suspension system with active lumbar support

A locking connector assembly is configured to securely connect a first component to a second component. The locking connector assembly may include a female connector having first and second female ends and a longitudinal passage defined therebetween, and a male connector having first and second male ends. Either of the first or second male ends may be configured to mate with the female connector at either the first or second female ends in order to securely connect the male connector to the female connector.

A loop engaging G-hook with a metal interior having a polymer covering. The metal interior remains uncovered in selected regions which engage the connection strap and loops during use. One uncovered region may be a wave-form crossbar in a threading eyelet engaging the strap. Another uncovered portion may define an inwardly projecting ridge disposed along the inboard edge of the hooking arm adapted to extend through the loops. The selective combination of bare and covered metal provides a high level of strength in a low profile hook structure.

Over molded G-hook

An ammunition feed guide assembly for a connected band of ammunition cartridges includes a bracket with upstanding side plates each defining an ammunition discharge channel. The channel has a bottom wall, a pair of side walls spaced apart a distance greater than the length of a cartridge and may include at least one tension tab to resist movement of the ammunition band. An ammunition chute is connected to a discharge chute and comprises a plurality of hollow feed links connected for limited pivotal movement to guide the band of ammunition cartridges to the feed mechanism of an associated weapon. In one form, the chute includes a link at its free end to connect to a discharge chute of another feed guide assembly.

Ammunition feed guide assembly

A releasable buckle including a latch having locking arms adapted to lockingly engage a female component. A folding bridge structure extends between the locking arms. The bridge structure includes a pivot connection zone adapted to engage an elongate release member. Upon tensioning the elongate release member the locking arms are pulled inwardly to disengage from the female component.

Growing community of inventors

Marlboro, NY, United States of America

Craig E Ernst, Jr