Protective mantel and accessory hub

Abstract

A protective mantel and accessory hub includes a primary yoke configured to be worn underneath an armor carrier. Sliding attachment points removably connect the armor carrier to the upper protector to allow for mobility and articulation. Accessories such as a throat guard and deltoid guards are removably attached to the mantel. Shoulder suspension members are inserted into the primary yoke to support and distribute the weight of the armor carrier. The armor carrier includes a magnetically attachable front accessory panel and zippered pouches on the front and back to receive and retain body armor plates.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A protective mantle and accessory hub, comprising:
 a primary yoke comprising a one-piece element configured to cover the thorax of the wearer and providing for a gap delimiting an opening delimited by respective front sides of the yoke; and   wherein the primary yoke retains one or more accessories.   
     
     
         2 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 1 , wherein the accessories include a throat guard, a deltoid guard, a collar, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 2 , wherein the deltoid guard removably attached to a shoulder area of the primary yoke. 
     
     
         4 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 3 , wherein the deltoid guard is removably attached to the shoulder area of the primary yoke by an expandable element. 
     
     
         5 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 4 , including a bicep guard attached to the deltoid guard such that the bicep guard can articulate with respect to the deltoid guard. 
     
     
         6 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 2 , wherein the throat guard is removably attached to the collar of the primary yoke. 
     
     
         7 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 2 , wherein the throat guard is removably received in one or more openings of the primary yoke. 
     
     
         8 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 7 , wherein at least one of the one or more openings is located on the collar of the primary yoke. 
     
     
         9 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 1 , wherein a shoulder suspension member is received by the primary yoke, wherein at least a portion of the shoulder suspension member is raised above the primary yoke and wherein the shoulder suspension member configured to distribute the weight of the armor carrier disposed over the primary yoke. 
     
     
         10 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 1 , wherein the upper protector includes a lateral expansion feature comprising a resilient elastic material. 
     
     
         11 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 1 , comprising a ballistic material. 
     
     
         12 . The protective mantle and accessory hub of  claim 1 , wherein the ballistic material comprises soft armor.