Accessory system

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 or mechanically attachable front accessory panel and zippered pouches on the front and back to receive and retain body armor plates.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An accessory panel configured for removable attachment to an armor carrier, the accessory panel comprising one or more attachment members configured to engage the armor carrier to removably retain the accessory panel on the armor carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The accessory panel of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more attachment members are positioned along an upper portion of the accessory panel to cooperate with corresponding structures on the armor carrier. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory panel of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more attachment members comprise at least one rigid attachment member disposed on the accessory panel and dimensioned to be received within a corresponding opening on the armor carrier to resist movement of the accessory panel relative to the armor carrier. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory panel of  claim 3 , wherein the rigid attachment member comprises a buckle, clasp, wedge, or prong. 
     
     
         5 . The accessory panel of  claim 3 , wherein the corresponding openings on the armor carrier comprise laser-cut slots or modular webbing-compatible openings. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory panel of  claim 3 , wherein the one or more rigid attachment members comprise a wedge and a corresponding opening on the armor carrier to provide alignment and retention. 
     
     
         7 . The accessory panel of  claim 1 , wherein one or more attachment members are configured to engage openings on the armor carrier that are sized and spaced according to a modular webbing pattern. 
     
     
         8 . The accessory panel of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more attachment members comprise magnets configured to cooperate with corresponding magnets on the armor carrier. 
     
     
         9 . A modular armor system comprising: an armor carrier; and an accessory panel removably attachable to the armor carrier, the accessory panel having one or more attachment members configured to removable engage the armor carrier to retain the accessory panel thereon. 
     
     
         10 . The modular armor system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more attachment members are positioned along an upper portion of the accessory panel to cooperate with corresponding structure on the armor carrier. 
     
     
         11 . The modular armor system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more attachment members comprises at least one rigid attachment member disposed on the accessory panel and dimensioned to be received within a corresponding opening on the armor carrier to resist movement of the accessory panel relative to the armor carrier. 
     
     
         12 . The modular armor system of  claim 11 , wherein the rigid attachment member comprises a buckle, clasp, wedge, or prong. 
     
     
         13 . The modular armor system of  claim 11 , wherein the corresponding openings on the armor carrier comprise laser-cut slots or modular webbing-compatible openings. 
     
     
         14 . The modular armor system of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more rigid attachment members comprises a wedge and a corresponding opening on the armor carrier to provide alignment and retention. 
     
     
         15 . The modular armor system of  claim 9 , wherein one or more attachment members are configured to engage openings on the armor carrier that are sized and spaced according to a modular webbing pattern. 
     
     
         16 . The modular armor system of  claim 9 , wherein the one or more attachment members comprise magnets configured to cooperate with corresponding magnets on the armor carrier.