GB2626775A - Load carrying apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

A combined weapon and casualty carrier comprises a flexible body panel (4, fig.1) having first and second end edges (6, 8, fig. 1) and first and second side edges (10, 12, fig.1). A pair of shoulder straps 14 of fixed length are secured to the body panel proximate the first end edge. A pair of first securing straps (20, 22, fig. 1) extend from the side edges of the body panel. A pair of second securing straps (30, 32, fig.1) extend from the second end edge of the body panel and are releasably connectable to the first securing straps. First and second sets of retaining straps (62a, 62b, 64a, 64b, 66a, 66b, 68a, 68b) extend from the inner surface. Each set of retaining straps comprises two pairs of retaining straps, each pair being formable into a retaining loop 70, 72. A first and second weapon 100, 102 may be secured to the body panel using the retaining straps. A casualty may also be carried by placing the first securing straps over the shoulders of the casualty and releasably securing them to the second securing straps.

Description

Load Carrying Apparatus

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a load carrying apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus that allows a single person to carry a large load. In preferred embodiments it is envisaged that the load carrying apparatus may be used in combat situations, and may be used to carry weapons and a casualty.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

It is generally desirable to minimise the amount and weight of kit carried by personnel in military or conflict situations. Minimising the kit allows the person to move around more quickly and more easily, and potentially avoid a dangerous situation.

However, it is recognised that it is necessary for at least some military personnel to carry significant pieces of equipment, in particular weapons. These weapons may need to be carried to places that are inaccessible by vehicle, such as over difficult terrain or into buildings. While the equipment is being carried it is desirable if the person is still able to move relatively freely and preferably with hands free to allow evasive or other important actions to be carried out.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that it is preferable for military personnel to not 25 carry unnecessary or bulky pieces of equipment.

In conflict zones, personnel may also become wounded or incapacitated. These personnel may need to be carried to safety. In these situations it is desirable if a single person is able to carry the casualty and that the individual can do so with hands free to allow evasive or other important actions to be carried out.

Against this background it is desirable to provide an apparatus to allow a person to safely carry a large piece of equipment such as a weapon and which, additionally, is designed to permit ergonomic transportation of a casualty by a single person. The apparatus is preferably simple, lightweight and compact, and without separate parts which may become detached or lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a combined weapon and casualty carrier comprising: a flexible body panel having opposite inner and outer surfaces, opposite first and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges; a pair of shoulder straps having a fixed length, the shoulder straps being secured to the body panel proximate the first end edge; a pair of first securing straps, each of the first securing straps extending from a respective side edge of the body panel, and the first securing straps being secured to the body panel further from the first end edge than the shoulder straps; a pair of second securing straps extending from the second end edge of the body panel, each of the second securing straps being releasably connectable to one of the first securing straps; a first set of retaining straps extending from the inner surface, the first set of retaining straps comprising two pairs of retaining straps, each pair being disposed adjacent a respective side edge of the body panel and each pair being formable into a retaining loop; and a second set of retaining straps extending from the inner surface, the second set of retaining straps comprising two pairs of retaining straps, each pair being disposed adjacent a respective side edge of the body panel and each pair being formable into a retaining loop, the second set of retaining straps being disposed between the first set of retaining straps and the first end edge.

Each of the pairs of retaining straps preferably includes an upper retaining strap and a lower retaining strap. The upper and lower retaining straps may include -3 -complementary fasteners to allow the upper and lower retaining straps of each pair to be releasably fastened to each other to form the retaining loop. In some embodiments the complementary fasteners may comprise regions of hook and loop material. In other embodiments the complementary fasteners may comprise a buckle.

Each of the upper and lower retaining straps may be of equal length. Each of the retaining straps may have a length less than half the length of the body panel between its first and second end edges.

In preferred embodiments each of the second securing straps have a length longer than a length of the body panel between its first and second end edges.

In preferred embodiments all of the securing straps and retaining straps are made from bands of webbing. In some embodiments one of the shoulder straps and one of the second securing straps are preferably part of a first continuous band of webbing. The other one of the shoulder straps and the other one of the second securing straps are preferably part of a second continuous band of webbing. Each of the continuous bands of webbing may extend along a length of the body panel.

In some embodiments an end of each of the retaining straps is attached to a part of one of the continuous bands of webbing.

In some embodiments the combined weapon and casualty preferably further comprises a pair of carry handles disposed proximate the second end edge. A first one of the pair of carry handles may be disposed adjacent the first side edge and a second one of the pair of carry handles may be disposed adjacent the second side edge.

A second aspect of the present invention provides an assembly comprising the combined weapon and casualty carrier according to the first aspect of the invention and a weapon secured to the body panel. The upper and lower retaining straps of at least one of the sets of retaining straps are fastened to each other to form -4 -retaining loops around a part of the weapon to secure the weapon to the body panel.

In preferred embodiments the upper and lower retaining straps of the first set of retaining straps are fastened to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around a part of a first weapon, and the upper and lower retaining straps of the second set of retaining straps are fastened to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around a part of a second weapon, such that the second weapon is secured to the body panel adjacent the first weapon.

Each of the first and second weapons may be missiles.

The assembly according to the second aspect of the invention may further comprise a casualty supported by the body panel. In these embodiments each of the first securing straps is preferably secured to one of the second securing straps around 15 the casualty to secure the casualty to the body panel.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of transporting weapons using a combined weapon and casualty carrier according to the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising: securing a weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the weapon; inserting a person's arms through the shoulder straps of the carrier; extending the pair of first securing straps around sides of the person; extending the pair of second securing straps over the shoulders of the person; and securing each of the first securing straps to one of the second securing straps.

In some embodiments the pair of first securing straps extends from a first section of the body panel and the pair of second securing straps extends from a second section of the body panel. In these embodiments the method preferably comprises -5 -disposing the first section of the body panel between the weapon and the person's back and folding the body panel so that the second section of the body panel partially covers the weapon. The method may further comprise supporting a casualty using the flexible body panel by extending the body panel between the legs of the casualty so that the first section of the body panel is disposed between the casualty and the person and the second section of the body panel is disposed adjacent a back of the casualty, and passing the pair of second securing straps over the shoulders of the casualty.

The method according to the third aspect of the invention may further comprise securing a second weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of the other one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the second weapon.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of transporting weapons using a combined weapon and casualty carrier according to the first aspect of the invention. The combined weapon and casualty carrier preferably comprises a pair of carry handles disposed proximate the second end edge, and the method preferably comprises: securing a weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the weapon; lifting the body panel by grasping each one of the pair of shoulder straps and each one of the pair of carry handles.

In preferred embodiments the method further comprises securing a second weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of the other one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the second weapon.

In some embodiments the method may further comprise: lying a casualty on the inner surface of the body panel; -6 -placing the pair of first securing straps over shoulders of the casualty; inserting each one of the pair of second securing straps through a retaining loop on the outer surface of the body panel so that the second securing straps cross each other over the outer surface of the body panel; and releasably securing each of the second securing straps to one of the first securing straps to secure the casualty to the body panel.

Preferred and/or optional features of each aspect and embodiment described above may also be used, alone or in appropriate combination, in the other aspects and embodiments also.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be further described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs are used for like features, and in which: Figure 1 shows a combined weapon and casualty carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, and shows in particular an outer surface of a body panel of the carrier; Figure 2 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1, and shows in particular an opposite, inner surface of the body panel; Figure 3 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 in a backpack configuration; Figure 4 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 with two weapons secured to the body panel by retaining straps of the carrier; Figure 5 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry two weapons; Figure 6 is a further view of the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry two weapons; Figure 7 shows a casualty in a lying or supine position on the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1; Figure 8 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to carry a casualty; Figure 9 is a further view of the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 being used by an individual in the backpack configuration to a casualty; and Figure 10 shows the combined weapon and casualty carrier of Figure 1 being used by two people in a stretcher configuration to carry a casualty.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 3.

The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 comprises a flexible elongate body panel 4 having a first end edge 6, a second end edge 8, a first side edge 10 and a second side edge 12. The body panel 4 is preferably formed from a suitable flexible structural material that is able to support the weight of a weapon and a person in use. The structural material may be a suitable woven fabric or canvas fabric. The fabric may include a suitable coating. The coating may provide water resistance and/or UV light resistance. In this example the flexible structural material is 500 denier textured nylon coated with polyurethane. This material provides good strength and abrasion resistance, and water resistance.

A length of the body panel 4, i.e. a distance between first and second end edges 6, 8, is preferably between 1 m and 1.5 m. More preferably the length is between 1.2 m and 1.3 m. Most preferably the length is about 1.25 m. A width of the body panel 4, i.e. a distance between the first and second side edges 10, 12, is preferably between 0.1 m and 0.5 m. More preferably the width is between 0.2 m and 0.4 m. In some embodiments the body panel 4 is substantially rectangular. In preferred embodiments the width of the body panel 4 varies along the length of the body panel 4. Preferably the width of the body panel 4 is smallest at the first and second end edges 6, 8 and the width of the body panel 4 is greatest substantially midway between the first and second end edges 6, 8. In a particularly preferred embodiment the width of the body panel 4 at the first end edge 6 is about 0.22 m, the width of the body panel 4 at the second end edge 8 is about 0.20 m, and the maximum width of the body panel 4 midway between the first and second end edges 6, 8 is about 0.37 m. In this embodiment the first and second side edges 10, 12 are curved. In other embodiments the first and second side edges may each comprise two or more straight sections.

A pair of shoulder straps 14 is provided at or adjacent the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. Each of the shoulder straps 14 comprises an elongate strip or band of material 16 attached to the body panel 4 so as to form a loop 18. The loop 18 is preferably of a fixed length or size. A first end of each of the shoulder straps 14 is preferably secured to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. A second end of each shoulder strap 14 is preferably secured to the body panel 4 at a distance from the first end edge 6 along a respective one of the side edges 10, 12 of the body panel 4. In particular, a first shoulder strap 14a extends from a region of the first end edge 6 proximate the first side edge 10 to a region of the first side edge 10 at a distance from the first end edge 6. Similarly, a second shoulder strap 14b extends from a region of the first end edge 6 proximate the second side edge 12 to a region of the second side edge 12 at a distance from the first end edge 6.

In this embodiment each of the shoulder straps 14 is formed by an elongate band of webbing. Each band of webbing is preferably formed from a suitable tensile -9 -material, such as 50 mm nylon webbing.

Towards the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4, a pair of upper securing straps 20, 22 is provided, and towards or at the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4 a pair of lower securing straps 30, 32 is provided. Each upper securing strap 20, 22 is releasably connectable to a corresponding lower securing strap 30, 32 in use.

In this embodiment, the pair of upper securing straps 20, 22 extend from the body panel 4 proximate or adjacent the shoulder straps 14. A first upper securing strap 20 is connected to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the first side edge 10, and a second upper securing strap 22 is connected to the body panel 4 at or adjacent the second side edge 12. Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is connected to and extends from the body panel 4 adjacent a respective one of the second ends of the shoulder straps 14. The upper securing straps 20, 22 are preferably further from the first end edge 6 than the shoulder straps 14. Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is elongate.

Each of the shoulder straps 14 and upper securing straps 20, 22 extend from a first, upper section 5 of the body panel 4.

Each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 includes a fastener or securing member 26. The fastener 26 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 4 and may be provided at a distal end of the upper securing strap 20, 22.

The pair of lower securing straps 30, 32 extend from the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4. A first lower securing strap 30 extends from the second end edge 8 proximate the second side edge 12. A second lower securing strap 32 extends from the second end edge 8 proximate the first side edge 10. Each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 is elongate. Each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 includes a fastener or securing member 36. The fastener 36 is disposed at a distance from the body panel 4 and may be provided at a distal end of the lower securing strap 30, 32.

-10 -The lower securing straps 30, 32 are preferably longer than the upper securing straps 20, 22. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 has a length which is greater than the length of the body panel 4.

In use, the fasteners 26 of the upper securing straps 20, 22 may be releasably secured or connected to the fasteners 36 of the lower securing straps 30, 32 so as to releasably secure the upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 together. The fasteners 26, 36 may therefore be male and female parts of a buckle, such as a side release buckle or front release buckle.

A pair of carry handles 44 (shown in Figure 1) is provided adjacent the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4. The carry handles 44 are disposed in a second, lower section 7 of the body panel 4. In this example the carry handles 44 are provided on a first, outer surface 46 of the body panel 4, opposite to a second, inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 to which the shoulder straps 14 and upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 are preferably secured.

A first carry handle 44a is disposed adjacent the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4 and a second carry handle 44b is disposed adjacent the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. As illustrated in Figure 2, a first end of the first carry handle 44a is disposed at the second end edge 8 and the first carry handle 44a extends substantially parallel to the first side edge 10. Similarly, a first end of the second carry handle 44b is disposed at the second end edge 8 and the second carry handle 44b extends substantially parallel to the second side edge 12.

In this embodiment, the first lower securing strap 30 and the second shoulder strap 14b are part of a first continuous length or band of webbing 40, and the second lower securing strap 32 and the first shoulder strap 142 are part of a second continuous length or band of webbing 42. Each of the bands of webbing 40, 42 is secured to the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4. The bands of webbing 40, 42 preferably cross over each other both in the upper section 5 of the body panel 4 and in the lower section 7 of the body panel 4. This helps to provide additional strength to the body panel 4 in the upper and lower sections 5, 7.

Preferably each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is secured to the body panel 4 such that an end of each of the upper securing straps 20, 22 is disposed between the body panel 4 and a part of the respective band of webbing 40, 42. In particular, the end of the first upper securing strap 20 is disposed between the body panel 4 and the first band of webbing 40, and the end of the second upper securing strap 22 is disposed between the body panel 4 and the second band of webbing 42.

Each band of webbing 40, 42 is preferably formed from a suitable tensile material, such as 50 mm nylon webbing.

The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 preferably comprises two chest strap members 50. Each chest strap member 50 is secured to one of the shoulder straps 14. Each chest strap member 50 is provided with a securing member for releasably securing the chest strap members 50 together. Any suitable strap material and releasable securing members may be used. In this embodiment the chest strap members 50 are made from 25 mm nylon webbing and the securing members are male and female ITW Nexus-RA side-release plastic buckles.

The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 further comprises two sets of retaining straps 60 which may be used to secure one or more weapons to the body panel 4 of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2.

A first set of retaining straps comprises a first pair of upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a disposed adjacent the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4 and a second pair of upper and lower retaining straps 62h, 64b disposed adjacent the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. In this embodiment each of the upper retaining straps 62a, 62b of the first set of retaining straps extends from the first end edge 6 of the body panel 4. Each of the lower retaining straps 64a, 64b of the first set of retaining straps extends from the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 in the upper section 5. In this embodiment, each of the lower retaining straps 64a, 64b extends from a -12 -region adjacent the second end of the respective shoulder strap 14.

A length of each of the upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b is such that the upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b of each pair may be connected together to form a retaining loop 70. In this way, a retaining loop 70 may be formed proximate each side edge 10, 12 of the body panel 4. The first set of retaining straps 60 may, therefore, be used to form a first pair of retaining loops 70.

The upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b include complementary fasteners to allow the upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b of each pair to be releasably fastened to each other to form the retaining loops 70. In preferred embodiments the complementary fasteners comprise regions of hook and loop material. In other embodiments the complementary fasteners may comprise parts of a buckle, snap fasteners or other releasable mechanical fasteners that are quick and easy to both fasten and release.

A second set of retaining straps comprises a first pair of upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a disposed adjacent the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4 and a second pair of upper and lower retaining straps 66b, 68b disposed adjacent the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. In this embodiment each of the upper retaining straps 66a, 66b of the second set of retaining straps extends from the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 in the upper section 5. In this embodiment, each of the upper retaining straps 66a, 66b extends from a region adjacent the upper securing straps 20, 22. Each of the lower retaining straps 68a, 68b of the second set of retaining straps extends from the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 in the upper section 5, closer to the second end edge 8 than the upper retaining straps 66a, 66b.

A length of each of the upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b is such 30 that the upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b of each pair may be connected together to form a retaining loop 72. In this way, a retaining loop 72 may be formed proximate each side edge 10, 12 of the body panel 4. The second set of -13 -retaining straps 60 may, therefore, be used to form a second pair of retaining loops 72.

The upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b include complementary fasteners to allow the upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b of each pair to be releasably fastened to each other to form the retaining loops 72. In preferred embodiments the complementary fasteners comprise regions of hook and loop material. In other embodiments the complementary fasteners may comprise parts of a buckle, snap fasteners or other releasable mechanical fasteners that are quick and easy to both fasten and release.

It will be appreciated that any and all straps and strap members of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 may be length-adjustable in a manner well known in the art, to allow for different body shapes and sizes.

The dimensions of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 are preferably such that it may be rolled up or folded up and carried by an individual in a storage configuration. The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 in its storage configuration may, for example, be carried within a rucksack or kit bag, or strapped to an external surface of a rucksack or kit bag. At least some of the securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 and the chest straps 50 may be used to retain the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 in the storage configuration.

The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 of the present invention may be used by an individual to carry one or more weapons, a casualty, or weapons and a casualty together in a hands free manner. To carry weapons and/or a casualty in this way, the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is used in a backpack configuration, shown in Figure 3, with the arms of the individual user inserted through the shoulder straps 14, the upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 connected together and extending over the shoulders and chest of the individual, and the body panel 4 forming a substantially U-shaped support in which the weapons are secured and/or the casualty is seated.

-14 -Referring to Figures 4 to 6, the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is shown being used to hold and transport weapons in the form of lightweight missiles. The missiles may be surface-to-surface or surface-to-air missiles. The missiles may be man-portable air-defence systems. The weight of each of the missiles may be between 10 kg and 20 kg. A length of each of the missiles may be between 1 m to 2 m. A diameter of each of the missiles may be between 50 mm and 100 mm. Although in this embodiment the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is shown being used to hold and transport lightweight missiles, it will be appreciated that the carrier 2 may be used to transport other weapons such as a mortar, a rifle, an assault weapon, a shotgun, a machine gun or an anti-tank weapon.

A first weapon (missile) 100 is shown held by the retaining loops 70 formed by the first set of retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b. A second weapon (missile) 102 is shown held by the retaining loops 72 formed by the second set of retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b. To secure the weapons 100, 102 to the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2, the first weapon 100 may be laid on the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 level with the shoulder straps 14 such that the upper retaining straps 62a, 62b are disposed on a first side of the first weapon 100 and the lower retaining straps 64a, 64b are disposed on a second side of the first weapon 100. The upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b can then be wrapped around the weapon 100 and fastened together using the fasteners provided. Preferably the upper and lower retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b are fastened tightly around the weapon 100. Similarly, the second weapon 102 may be laid on the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 level with the upper securing straps 20, 22 such that the upper retaining straps 66a, 66b are disposed on a first side of the second weapon 102 and the lower retaining straps 68a, 68b are disposed on a second side of the second weapon 102. The upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b can then be wrapped around the weapon 102 and fastened together using the fasteners provided. Preferably the upper and lower retaining straps 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b are fastened tightly around the weapon 102.

-15 -Although the carrier 2 has been described as having two weapons 100, 102 secured to the body panel 4, it will be appreciated that the carrier 2 may be used to carry only a single weapon, which may be secured to the body panel 4 by either the first or second loops 70, 72.

With the weapons 100, 102 secured to the body panel 4, a user may then insert their arms through the loops 18 of the shoulder straps 14. The upper section 5 of the body panel 4 lies against the user's back and at least a part of the upper section 5 is, preferably, disposed against the user's back in the region of their shoulder blades. It will be appreciated that, in the upper section 5, the outer surface 46 of the body panel 4 is in contact with the user's back and the inner surface 48 is in contact with the weapons 100, 102.

The body panel 104 is then folded or otherwise formed into a U-shape such that the lower section 7 of the body panel 4 extends up and over the weapons 100, 102 and extends in a direction towards the head of the user. With the body panel 4 folded in this way, the inner surface 48 of the lower section 7 is in contact with the weapons 100, 102 and the outer surface 46 of the lower section 7 faces in a direction away from the user's back.

The lower securing straps 30, 32 extend from the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4 up over the shoulders of the user. The first lower securing strap 30 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the second shoulder strap 14b and the second lower securing strap 32 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the first shoulder strap 14a.

The lower securing straps 30, 32 are then preferably crossed over each other in a chest region of the user. The fastener 36 of the first lower securing strap 30 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 26 of the first upper securing strap 20, and the fastener 36 of the second lower securing strap 32 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 26 of the second upper securing strap 22.

-16 -The U-shaped bend in the body panel 4 is disposed under the weapons 100, 102, and, preferably, the upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 are tightened so that some of the weight of at least the second weapon 102 is borne more directly by this part of the body panel 4. The lower section 7 of the body panel 4 holds the weapons 100, 102 securely against the back of the user. In this configuration the weapons 100, 102 are, therefore, retained between the upper and lower sections 5, 7 of the body panel 4.

It will be appreciated that the lower securing straps 130, 132 may be securable to the upper securing straps 120, 122 in front of the individual user because the lower securing straps 130, 132 are longer than the upper securing straps 120, 122.

The user may then additionally secure the two chest straps 150 together across his or her chest. The chest straps 150 preferably cross the lower securing straps 130, 132.

Referring now to Figures 7 to 9, the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 may also be used to support and carry a casualty on the back and shoulders of an individual user in the backpack configuration.

Firstly, the user's arms are inserted through the loops 18 of the shoulder straps 14 so that the upper section 5 of the body panel 4 lies against the user's back. The body panel 4 is formed into a U-shape with a part of the body panel 4 extending between the legs of the casualty being carried. The body panel 4 is folded such that the outer surface 46 of the upper section 5 of the body panel 4 is in contact with the user and the inner surface 48 of the body panel 4 is in contact with the casualty.

The upper section 5 of the body panel 4 is therefore disposed adjacent a front of the casualty, and is disposed between the casualty and the individual user or carrier of the casualty. The upper section 5 of the body panel 4 may be disposed adjacent a chest region or an abdominal region of the casualty depending on the size of the casualty and the user, and the position of the casualty relative to the body panel 4.

-17 -The lower section 7 of the body panel 4 is disposed adjacent a back of the casualty. The lower region 7 of the body panel 4 may be disposed adjacent a lower back region of the casualty, or higher or lower depending on the size of the casualty and the user, and the position of the casualty relative to the body panel 4.

The lower securing straps 30, 32 extend from the second end edge 8 of the body panel 4 up over the shoulders of the casualty. The lower securing straps 30, 32 then extend forward over the shoulders of the user. The first lower securing strap 30 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the second shoulder strap 14b and the second lower securing strap 32 preferably extends over the same shoulder of the user as the first shoulder strap 14a, as shown in Figure 8.

The lower securing straps 30, 32 are then preferably crossed over each other in a chest region of the user. The fastener 36 of the first lower securing strap 30 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 26 of the first upper securing strap 20, and the fastener 36 of the second lower securing strap 32 is then engageable or engaged with the fastener 26 of the second upper securing strap 22. The casualty is then securely supported by the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 on the user's back in a piggyback arrangement.

The backpack configuration of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 therefore allows a user to carry weapons or a casualty in a hands free manner.

It will also be appreciated that, with the weapons 100, 102 secured to the inner surface 48 of the upper section 5 of the body panel 4 by the retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b, 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b, a casualty may still be carried within the space between the weapons 100, 102 and the inner surface 48 of the lower section 7 of the body panel 4 when the carrier 2 is in the backpack configuration. In this situation the casualty will be disposed in the carrier 2 such that the weapons 100, 102 are disposed between the casualty and the back of the user and the lower section 7 of the body panel 4 extends up and over the casualty's back as described above.

-18 -It will be understood that the design of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 permitting a user to carry both weapons and a casualty at the same time, and in a hands free manner, may be of significant importance in a live combat situation. While this may not be a routine occurrence due to the bulkiness and weight of the combined load, it may be necessary at a critical moment.

Furthermore, the design of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2, which only includes the flexible body panel and the plurality of straps, means that the carrier 2 is lightweight and can be stored and carried in a small volume when not in use.

The combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 of the present invention may additionally be used by two or more people to carry heavier weapons, a casualty in a lying (prone or supine) position, or a combination of weapons and a casualty. To carry a load in this way, the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is used in a stretcher configuration with the load secured to the body panel 4, and the shoulder straps 14 and carry handles 44 providing handles of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 to be gripped and held by the users, as illustrated in Figures 4, 7 and 10.

If the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is being used to only transport weapons in the stretcher configuration the carrier 2 is preferably firstly arranged on the ground (or another suitable surface) with the inner surface 48 facing upwardly, as illustrated in Figure 4.

The weapons are then secured to the body panel 4 using the retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b, 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b as described above. Optionally, each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 may be connected to a respective one of the upper securing straps 20, 22 by engaging the fasteners 36, 26. This is preferably done so that the securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 help to hold the weapons on the body panel 4, and so that they are not trailing on the ground as the carrier 2 is lifted and moved by the users.

-19 -Once the weapons have been secured, the weapons may then be carried on the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 as described below.

If the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is being used to only transport a casualty in the stretcher configuration the carrier 2 is preferably firstly arranged on the ground (or another suitable surface) with the outer surface 46 facing upwardly, as illustrated in Figure 7. A casualty may then be laid on the body panel 4 with his or her head, neck and shoulders in the upper region 5 of the body panel 4 and his or her buttocks or upper legs in the lower region 7 of the body panel 4.

In a first arrangement the first lower securing strap 30 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the first upper securing strap 20, and the second lower securing strap 32 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the second upper securing strap 22.

In an alternative, second arrangement, the lower securing straps 30, 32 are inserted under a central strap 80 secured to the outer surface 46 of the body panel 4. Referring briefly to Figure 1, the central strap 80 is secured to a central region of the body panel 4. The central strap 80 is elongate and extends in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body panel 4. First and second ends of the central strap 80 are secured to the body panel 4. A central region of the central strap 80 is not directly secured to body panel 4 and may be lifted in a direction away from the outer surface 46 of the body panel 4. In this way each of the lower securing straps 30, 32 may be inserted under the central region of the central strap 80, between the central strap 80 and the body panel 4. The central strap 80 therefore provides a central loop. In the second arrangement, the first lower securing strap 30 is inserted under the central strap 80 and pulled through such that the first lower securing strap 30 then extends from the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4. Similarly, the second lower securing strap 32 is inserted under the central strap 80 and pulled through such that the second lower securing strap 32 then extends from the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4. The first lower securing strap 30 may then be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the second upper -20 -securing strap 22, and the second lower securing strap 32 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the first upper securing strap 20. In this arrangement the securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 cross over in a chest region of the casualty, as shown in Figure 10.

It will be appreciated that if the casualty is to be secured to the body panel 4 in this second arrangement, the lower securing straps 30, 32 may be inserted through or under the central strap 80 before the casualty is laid on the body panel 4.

The second arrangement is preferred because it provides a more secure support for the casualty on the body panel 4. However, the first arrangement may be quicker to achieve and therefore may be applied in combat situations in which it is necessary to evacuate a casualty quickly.

To transport the weapons or the casualty, the two shoulder straps 14 function as handles for lifting, as do the two carry handles 44. The load (weapons or casualty) may be carried on the carrier 2 in the stretcher configuration by two or four people. When carried by two people (as shown in Figure 10), each person stands on a respective side of the body panel 4 and grasps a shoulder strap 14 in one hand and a carry handle 44 in the other hand. When being carried by four people, two people will stand on a first side of the body panel 4 and two people will stand on a second side of the body panel 4. A first person on each side will grasp a shoulder strap 14, and a second person on each side will grasp a carry handle 44.

It will be noted that the shoulder straps 14 of the carrier 2 are of a fixed length and cannot be adjusted. This is beneficial when the carrier 2 is being used in the stretcher configuration as there is no chance that the shoulder straps 14 will increase in length under the weight of the load being carried.

It will be appreciated that, with the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 in the stretcher configuration, the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 may be used to carry both weapons and a casualty at the same time. With one or two weapons 100, 102 secured to the inner surface 48 of the upper section 5 of the body panel 4 by the retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b, 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b, a casualty may still be carried on the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 by lying the casualty on the inner surface 48 (with a part of the casualty possibly overlying the weapon or 5 weapons). As the upper and lower securing straps 20, 22, 30, 32 are free and extend from the side edges 10, 12 of the body panel 4, they may be used secure the casualty to the body panel 4. In particular, the first lower securing strap 30 may be crossed over the top of the casualty and secured to the first upper securing strap 20, and the second lower securing strap 32 may be crossed over the top of the 10 casualty and secured to the second upper securing strap 22.

Furthermore, it is still possible for two or four people to lift the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 in the stretcher configuration as the shoulder straps 14 and carry handles 44 are accessible. Although the carry handles 44 are on the outer surface of the body panel 4 in this embodiment, they are disposed adjacent the side edges 10, 12 and so can still be reached by users of the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2.

In the above embodiment the retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b, 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b were all of substantially the same length. However, in other embodiments the retaining straps 62a, 64a, 62b, 64b, 66a, 68a, 66b, 68b may have different lengths. For example, the upper retaining straps 62a, 62b, 66a, 66b of the two sets of retaining straps may be shorter than the lower retaining straps 64a, 64b, 68a, 68b of the two sets of retaining straps, or vice versa.

In other embodiments the lengths of the upper retaining straps 62a, 62b of the first set of retaining straps and the lower retaining straps 68a, 68b of the second set of retaining straps may be such that they can be secured together. This may allow a larger weapon to be secured to the body panel 4 by a single pair of larger loops, a first larger loop being adjacent the first side edge 10 of the body panel 4 and formed by a first upper retaining strap 62a and a first lower retaining strap 68a, and a second larger loop being adjacent the second side edge 12 of the body panel 4 and formed -22 -by a second upper retaining strap 62b and a second lower retaining strap 68b.

The present invention therefore provides a combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 that allows a person to safely carry a large piece of equipment such as a weapon and which, additionally, is designed to permit ergonomic transportation of a casualty by a single person. When the combined weapon and casualty carrier 2 is used in the backpack configuration a user may carry the weapon and/or casualty in a hands free manner. Furthermore, the apparatus is simple, lightweight and compact, and without separate parts which may become detached or lost.

Other modifications and variations not explicitly disclosed above may also be contemplated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. -23 -CLAIMS1. A combined weapon and casualty carrier comprising: a flexible body panel having opposite inner and outer surfaces, opposite first 5 and second end edges and opposite first and second side edges; a pair of shoulder straps having a fixed length, the shoulder straps being secured to the body panel proximate the first end edge; a pair of first securing straps, each of the first securing straps extending from a respective side edge of the body panel, and the first securing straps being secured to the body panel further from the first end edge than the shoulder straps; a pair of second securing straps extending from the second end edge of the body panel, each of the second securing straps being releasably connectable to one of the first securing straps; a first set of retaining straps extending from the inner surface, the first set of retaining straps comprising two pairs of retaining straps, each pair being disposed adjacent a respective side edge of the body panel and each pair being formable into a retaining loop; and a second set of retaining straps extending from the inner surface, the second set of retaining straps comprising two pairs of retaining straps, each pair being disposed adjacent a respective side edge of the body panel and each pair being formable into a retaining loop, the second set of retaining straps being disposed between the first set of retaining straps and the first end edge.
2. 2. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to Claim 1, in which each of the pairs of retaining straps includes an upper retaining strap and a lower retaining strap, and the upper and lower retaining straps include complementary fasteners to allow the upper and lower retaining straps of each pair to be releasably fastened to each other to form the retaining loop.
3. 3. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to Claim 2, in which the complementary fasteners comprise regions of hook and loop material.
4. 4. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to Claim 2, in which the complementary fasteners comprise a buckle.
5. 5. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which each of the second securing straps have a length longer than a length of the body panel between its first and second end edges.
6. 6. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which each of the retaining straps has a length less than half the length of 10 the body panel between its first and second end edges.
7. 7. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, in which all of the securing straps and retaining straps are made from bands of webbing.
8. 8. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to Claim 7, in which one of the shoulder straps and one of the second securing straps are part of a first continuous band of webbing, the other one of the shoulder straps and the other one of the second securing straps are pad of a second continuous band of webbing, each of the continuous bands of webbing extend along a length of the body panel, and an end of each of the retaining straps is attached to a part of one of the continuous bands of webbing.
9. 9. A combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising a pair of carry handles disposed proximate the second end edge, a first one of the pair of carry handles disposed adjacent the first side edge and a second one of the pair of carry handles disposed adjacent the second side edge.
10. 10. An assembly comprising the combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 and a weapon secured to the body panel, the upper and lower retaining straps of at least one of the sets of retaining straps being -25 -fastened to each other to form retaining loops around a part of the weapon to secure the weapon to the body panel.
11. 11. An assembly according to Claim 10, in which the upper and lower retaining straps of the first set of retaining straps are fastened to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around a part of a first weapon, and the upper and lower retaining straps of the second set of retaining straps are fastened to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around a part of a second weapon, such that the second weapon is secured to the body panel adjacent the first weapon.
12. 12. An assembly according to Claim 10 or Claim 11, in which each of the first and second weapons are missiles.
13. 13. An assembly according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, further comprising a casualty supported by the body panel.
14. 14. An assembly according to Claim 13, in which each of the first securing straps is secured to one of the second securing straps around the casualty to secure the casualty to the body panel.
15. 15. A method of transporting weapons using a combined weapon and casualty carrier according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: securing a weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the weapon; inserting a person's arms through the shoulder straps of the carrier; extending the pair of first securing straps around sides of the person; extending the pair of second securing straps over the shoulders of the person; and securing each of the first securing straps to one of the second securing straps.
16. 16. A method according to Claim 15, in which the pair of first securing straps extend from a first section of the body panel and the pair of second securing straps extend from a second section of the body panel, and the method comprises disposing the first section of the body panel between the weapon and the person's back and folding the body panel so that the second section of the body panel partially covers the weapon
17. 17. A method according to Claim 16, further comprising supporting a casualty using the flexible body panel by extending the body panel between the legs of the casualty so that the first section of the body panel is disposed between the casualty and the person and the second section of the body panel is disposed adjacent a back of the casualty, and passing the pair of second securing straps over the shoulders of the casualty.
18. 18. A method according to any one of Claims 15 to 17, further comprising securing a second weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of the other one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the second weapon
19. 19. A method of transporting weapons using a combined weapon and casualty carrier according to Claim 9, the method comprising: securing a weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the weapon; lifting the body panel by grasping each one of the pair of shoulder straps and each one of the pair of carry handles.
20. 20. A method according to Claim 19, further comprising securing a second weapon to the body panel of the carrier by fastening upper and lower retaining straps of the other one of the sets of retaining straps to each other to form a pair of retaining loops around the second weapon.
21. 21. A method according to Claim 19 or Claim 20, further comprising: lying a casualty on the inner surface of the body panel; placing the pair of first securing straps over shoulders of the casualty; inserting each one of the pair of second securing straps through a retaining loop on the outer surface of the body panel so that the second securing straps cross each other over the outer surface of the body panel; and releasably securing each of the second securing straps to one of the first securing straps to secure the casualty to the body panel.