MOLLE adapter

An adapter assembly comprising:

• an adapter plate comprising:
• a substantially planar adapter body, wherein the adapter body comprises a rear surface, a front surface, an upper portion, and a lower portion;
• a spaced pair of generally parallel upper arms integral with and extending downwardly from the upper portion of the adapter body in substantially the same plane as the adapter body for removably securing said adapter assembly to equipment, wherein the upper arms each comprise an upper arm portion and a lower arm portion;
• wherein the upper arm portions are generally parallel with one another, and wherein the lower arm portions each have a narrowed portion and a hook portion, wherein each hook portion comprises a first portion extending frontward from a distal end of the narrowed portion and a second portion extending upwardly from the first portion;
• and
• a spaced pair of lower legs integral with and extending downwardly from the lower portion of the adapter body in substantially the same plane as the adapter body, the spaced pair of lower legs each comprising,
• an upper portion, and
• a lower portion comprising a spaced pair of generally parallel lower tines extending generally downwardly from the upper portions of the lower legs, the spaced pair of lower tines configured to have a gap there between, wherein the lower tines each comprise a ratchet tooth structure on an exterior surface thereof;
• and
• a retainer configured for slideable attachment to the lower tines and for spanning the gap between the lower tines, the retainer comprising a corresponding ratchet tooth on an interior surface thereof configured to engage with the ratchet tooth structure for a one-way slideable locking engagement of the retainer on the lower tines, wherein the retainer comprises an elongated clam shell body having a downwardly facing opening, wherein the retainer further comprises a through hole extending between front and rear surfaces thereof, and wherein the through hole is configured for receiving a locking screw.