U.S. patent application number 10/185428 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for strap management system, packs and hydration systems incorporating the same.
Invention is credited to Forsman, Barley A..
Application Number | 20040000570 10/185428 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29779630 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040000570 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Forsman, Barley A. |
January 1, 2004 |
Strap management system, packs and hydration systems incorporating
the same
Abstract
A strap management system and wearable packs containing the
same. The pack includes a strap fastener configured to limit
dangling of a strap relative to the rest of the pack by securing
the terminal end region of the strap, such as to the strap itself
or to another portion of the pack. In some embodiments, the strap
fastener is connected to the terminal end, region of the strap and
is configured to loop around another portion of the strap. In some
embodiments, the strap is wound about the terminal end region of
the strap and the strap fastener is used to secure the wound strap,
such as in a spiral. In some embodiments, the strap management
system is used on the body-securing straps of a pack. In some
embodiments, the strap-management system is used on auxiliary
straps of a pack. In some embodiments, the pack includes a
hydration system.
Inventors: |
Forsman, Barley A.; (Cotati,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KOLISCH HARTWELL, P.C.
520 S.W. YAMHILL STREET
SUITE 200
PORTLAND
OR
97204
US
|
Family ID: |
29779630 |
Appl. No.: |
10/185428 |
Filed: |
June 27, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/579 ;
224/627 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/047 20130101;
A45F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/579 ;
224/627 |
International
Class: |
A45C 015/00; A45F
003/04 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A wearable pack, comprising: a pack body having a compartment
that is accessible via at least one opening; and an adjustable
harness assembly operatively connected to the pack body and
configured to support the pack body on a user's body, wherein the
adjustable harness assembly comprises: a looping strap connected to
the pack body; a sizing strap connected to the pack body and
extending a length to a terminal end; a sizing fastener connected
to the looping strap and adapted to adjustably secure the sizing
strap in one of a plurality of selectable positions along the
length of the sizing strap and thereby form a closed loop with the
looping strap, the sizing strap, and the pack body; wherein the
sizing strap is secured by the sizing fastener at a position other
than at the terminal end, the sizing strap includes a sized length
extending between the pack body and the sizing fastener and an
excess length extending from the sizing fastener to the terminal
end; and a strap management system adapted to retain the excess
length, wherein the strap management system includes a strap
fastener with first and second members extending from the excess
length of the sizing strap and including connectors complementarily
configured for releasable attachment to one another, and wherein
the first and second members are configured to collectively loop
around at least a portion of the sizing strap.
2. The pack of claim 1, wherein the excess length is adapted to be
folded upon itself to form a strap bundle and the first and second
members of the strap fastener are configured to collectively loop
around at least a portion of the strap bundle to retain the strap
bundle in a folded configuration.
3. The pack of claim 2, wherein the strap bundle is wound around
the terminal end of the excess length.
4. The pack of claim 2, wherein the strap fastener is adapted to
retain the strap bundle proximate the sizing fastener.
5. The pack of claim 2, wherein the strap bundle restricts relative
lengthening of the sized length of the sizing strap.
6. The pack of claim 1, wherein the first and second members of the
strap fastener are configured to collectively loop around a portion
of the sized length of the sizing strap to retain at least a
portion of the excess length proximate the sized length.
7. The pack of claim 1, wherein the looping strap, sizing strap,
sizing fastener, and strap fastener form at least a portion of a
shoulder strap assembly of the harness assembly, wherein the
shoulder strap assembly is adapted to support the pack body on a
user's back.
8. The pack of claim 1, wherein the looping strap, sizing strap,
sizing fastener, and strap fastener form at least a portion of a
hip belt of the harness assembly, wherein the hip belt is adapted
to extend around a user's waist to support the pack body proximate
the user's waist.
9. The pack of claim 1, wherein the pack further comprises a
hydration system including a fluid reservoir dimensioned for
transport in the compartment of the pack body, an elongate fluid
transport tube extending from the fluid reservoir, and a fluid
dispensing valve mounted on a distal end of the fluid transport
tube and adapted to be placed in a user's mouth so that the user
may draw drink fluid from the reservoir when the reservoir is
stowed in the compartment.
10. A hydration pack, comprising: a fluid reservoir configured to
hold a volume of drink fluid; a fluid transport tube extending from
and in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir; a fluid
dispensing valve operatively connected to the fluid transport tube
and configured to selectively allow fluid to be dispensed from the
fluid reservoir through the fluid transport tube; a pack body
having a compartment configured to hold the fluid reservoir; and an
adjustable harness assembly operatively connected to the pack body,
wherein the adjustable harness assembly comprises: left and right
sizing straps respectively connected to the pack body, wherein each
sizing strap includes a length with a terminal end, wherein each
sizing strap is adapted to be releasably engaged along its length
by a sizing fastener to form at least a portion of a loop that is
adapted to be received around a portion of a user's body to support
the pack thereupon; and left and right strap fasteners respectively
connected to the terminal ends of the left and right sizing straps,
each strap fastener configured to secure the terminal end of its
connected sizing strap relative to the rest of the pack.
11. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strap fastener is
configured to secure a portion of its sizing strap in a spiral
wound about the terminal end of its sizing strap.
12. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strap fastener is
configured to secure the terminal end of its sizing strap to
another portion of its sizing strap.
13. The hydration pack of claim 12, wherein each strap fastener is
configured to secure the terminal end of its sizing strap to a
portion of the sizing strap between the terminal end and the sizing
fastener.
14. The hydration pack of claim 12, wherein each strap fastener is
configured to secure the terminal end of its sizing strap to a
portion of the sizing strap between the sizing fastener and the
pack body.
15. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein each strap fastener
includes a member orientated perpendicular to its sizing strap, and
wherein the member is configured to form a releasable loop
dimensioned to wrap around a portion of sizing strap.
16. The hydration pack of claim 15, wherein the member
perpendicularly extends from one side of the sizing strap to form
an L configuration.
17. The hydration pack of claim 15, wherein the releasable loop is
dimensioned to wrap around a portion of the sizing strap that is
wound into a spiral about the terminal end of the sizing strap.
18. The hydration pack of claim 15, wherein the member includes at
least one connector complementarily configured to releasably retain
the member in a closed loop.
19. The hydration pack of claim 15, wherein the harness assembly
includes a connector and the member includes at least one
complementary connector that is adapted to releasably connect to
the connector on the harness assembly.
20. The hydration pack of claim 10, wherein the strap fastener
includes a pair of members extending from the sizing strap, and
wherein the members include connectors that are complementary
configured to form a releasable loop around a portion of the sizing
strap.
21. The hydration pack of claim 20, wherein each member
perpendicularly extends from opposing sides of the sizing strap to
form a T configuration.
22. A wearable pack, comprising: a pack body having a compartment
that is accessible via at least one opening; and an adjustable
strap assembly operatively connected to the pack body, wherein the
adjustable strap assembly comprises: a sizing strap connected to
the pack body and having a length extending to a terminal end
region with a terminal end; a sizing fastener adapted to releasably
engage the sizing strap in a selected one of a plurality of
user-selectable positions along the length of the sizing strap to
define a sized length of the sizing strap, which extends from the
sizing fastener to the pack body, and an excess length, which
extends from the sizing fastener distal the sized length and
includes the terminal end; and a strap fastener located at the
terminal end region of the sizing strap, wherein the strap fastener
is configured to limit dangling of the terminal end region of the
sizing strap relative to the rest of the pack by securing the
terminal end region of the sizing strap proximate at least one of
the strap fastener and a portion of the sizing strap extending
between the sizing strap and the pack body.
23. The pack of claim 22, wherein the excess length is adapted to
be folded upon itself to form a strap bundle and the strap fastener
is configured to collectively loop around at least a portion of the
strap bundle to retain the strap bundle in a folded
configuration.
24. The pack of claim 23, wherein the strap fastener includes at
least one member that is orientated generally perpendicular to the
sizing strap and configured to form a releasable loop dimensioned
to wrap around the strap bundle.
25. The pack of claim 24, wherein the strap bundle is wound around
the terminal end of the sizing strap.
26. The pack of claim 22, wherein the strap fastener includes first
and second members extending perpendicular to the sizing strap,
wherein the first and second members are complementarily configured
for releasable attachment to one another.
27. The pack of claim 26, wherein the first member includes a
plurality of hooks and the second member includes a plurality of
loops configured to releasably fasten to the hooks.
28. The pack of claim 22, wherein the sizing strap forms at least a
portion of a body-securing strap assembly that is adapted to secure
the pack on a user's body.
29. The pack of claim 22, wherein the sizing strap forms at least a
portion of an object-securing strap assembly that is adapted to
extend around an object to be transported to releasably secure the
object to the pack.
30. The pack of claim 22, wherein the pack further comprises a
hydration system including a fluid reservoir dimensioned for
transport in the compartment of the pack body, a fluid transport
tube extending from the fluid reservoir, and a fluid dispensing
valve mounted on a distal end of the fluid transport tube.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to wearable packs,
and more particularly to strap management systems for such
packs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Backpacks that include adjustable harnesses have previously
been developed and utilized. Adjustable harnesses allow a pack to
more closely fit a particular user without requiring the pack to be
specially sized for that user. They also make it easier for a user
to put a pack on and take a pack off. Adjustable harnesses
typically include at least one strap that is longer than necessary
to fit most users. Such straps are typically secured by a fastener
that leaves an excess length of the strap to dangle freely from the
fastener. Such a dangling strap may be undesirable to a user on
many levels. Dangling straps may detract from the aesthetic
appearance of a pack, get undesirably tangled, or strike against a
user during use of the pack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention provides a wearable pack with a strap
management system. A strap fastener is configured to limit dangling
of a strap relative to the rest of the pack by securing the
terminal end region of the strap, such as to the strap itself or to
another portion of the pack. In some embodiments, the strap
fastener is connected to the terminal end region of the strap and
is configured to loop around another portion of the strap. In some
embodiments, the strap is wound about the terminal end region of
the strap and the strap fastener is used to secure the wound strap,
such as in a spiral. In some embodiments, the strap management
system is used on the body-securing straps of a pack. In some
embodiments, the strap management system is used on auxiliary
straps of a pack. In some embodiments, the pack is a hydration pack
that includes a hydration system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a wearable pack with a strap
management system constructed according to the present
invention.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a fragmentary isometric view of a hydration pack
constructed according to the present invention.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a series of isometric views showing a strap
fastener being wound to secure the terminal end region of a
strap.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a hydration system suitable for
use with the present invention.
[0008] FIGS. 5-10 are isometric views of other configurations and
structures for strap fasteners that may be used with strap
management systems constructed in accordance with the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a hip pack constructed
according to the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a messenger pack constructed
according to the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of showing another example of a
pack with a strap management system constructed in accordance with
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a back-mounted hydration
pack with strap management systems constructed according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A wearable pack is shown generally at 10 in FIG. 1. Pack 10
includes a pack body 12 having a storage compartment 14 that is
accessible via at least one opening 16. The pack body may be
configured for carrying loads of various types. For example the
pack body may be adapted to carry books, papers, clothing, camping
supplies, and/or other personal effects.
[0014] The particular dimensions of the pack body may be selected
to properly fit users having a range of sizes and/or to accommodate
various types of loads. For example, the pack body may be
dimensioned to have a relatively tall length in order to
accommodate taller users or a relatively short length to
accommodate shorter users, and of course, the spectrum of lengths
in between. Similarly, the volume of compartment 14 and/or other
compartments may be dimensioned in order to accommodate relatively
small or large loads. Compartment 14 may be specifically sized to
receive a predetermined load, such as a hydration system, a water
bottle, a sleeping bag, or one or more particular items of camping,
sporting, audiovisual, or computing equipment, etc. Alternatively,
the compartment may simply define an open volume into which a
variety of user-selected objects may be loaded. As still another
example, the pack body may include more than one compartment. For
example, pack 10 is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 including
additional compartments 14' and 14". In embodiments of pack 10 that
include more than one compartment, the pack may (but does not
necessarily) include one or more application-specific compartments,
which are specifically sized to conform to and receive a particular
object or objects, and one or more general-purpose compartments,
which are not specifically sized to conform to a particular object
or objects. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, pack 10 may include
a rigid frame that extends internal or external body 12 to provide
support to and/or define the shape of the compartment.
Alternatively, the pack may be constructed without a rigid
frame.
[0015] Pack 10 also includes an adjustable harness assembly 20,
which is operatively connected to pack body 12 and configured to
support the pack on a user's body. More particularly, the harness
assembly includes one or more strap assemblies 22 that are adapted
to extend around a portion of a user's body to support the pack
body thereupon. As such, the strap assemblies may be referred to as
body-securing strap assemblies. By "extend around," it is meant
that the strap assemblies are configured to define a closed loop
around a portion of a user's body, with the closed loop defined
either entirely by the strap assembly, or by the strap assembly in
combination with other elements of the pack. For example, in FIG.
1, harness assembly 20 includes a pair of strap assemblies 22 in
the form of shoulder strap assemblies 24 and 26. Each shoulder
strap assembly defines a closed loop through which a user's arm and
shoulder may be inserted so that the shoulder strap assemblies
secure and retain the pack on the user's back.
[0016] Each strap assembly, such as shoulder strap assemblies 24
and 26, includes ends, or end regions, 28 and 30 that are either
fixedly connected or releasably connected to the pack. As used
herein, the term "connected" includes either direct uninterrupted
attachment or connection via an intermediate structure. For
example, an end region of a strap assembly may be connected to the
pack via a hip belt, D-ring, strap loop, clip, fastener, pack
extender, or other intermediate structure. Similarly, as used
herein, "fixedly connected" refers to mechanisms of securing an end
region of a strap assembly to the pack in a manner that the end
region may not be released or otherwise removed from its connection
with the pack without destroying at least a portion of the strap
assembly, pack, or intermediate structure that fixedly connects the
two. In contrast, "releasably connected" refers to mechanisms for
interconnecting an end region of a strap assembly with the pack so
that the end region is adapted to be repeatedly disconnected from
and reconnected to the pack.
[0017] Examples of mechanisms for fixedly connecting an end region
of a strap assembly include sewing the end region to, or around,
the pack or to a fixedly connected intermediate structure. Another
example is to form the strap assembly from the same continuous
length of material as the portion of the pack to which it is
fixedly connected. Examples of mechanisms for releasably connecting
an end region to the pack include buckles, clips, knots, snaps,
locks, and other releasable fasteners. In some embodiments, strap
assemblies may include a first end that is fixedly connected to the
pack and a second end that is releasably connected to the pack. To
graphically illustrate these exemplary constructions, strap
assembly 24 is shown with ends, or end regions, 28 and 30 that are
fixedly connected to pack body 12, and strap assembly 26 includes
an end region 28 that is fixedly connected to the pack body and an
end region 30 that is releasably connected to the pack body by a
releasable fastener 32, such as a clip or ladder lock.
[0018] As presented in the above discussion, the strap assemblies
are referred to as including ends, or end regions. In the following
discussion, the term "end region" will be used, and is meant to
include the terminal end of a strap assembly, the region adjacent
the terminal end of a strap assembly, or both. For example, an end
region of a strap assembly may be inserted into an aperture in the
pack before being sewn to the pack body. Similarly, the end region
may be sewn or otherwise joined to itself to form a loop, such as
which may extend around a D-ring or other clip or fastener.
[0019] In FIG. 1, it can be seen that each of the shoulder strap
assemblies 24 and 26 includes a sizing strap 34 and a sizing
fastener 36. Sizing strap 34 includes a first end region, such as
regions 30 in FIG. 1, which is connected to the pack, such as by
being fixedly or releasably connected to the pack body or other
portion of the pack. Sizing strap 34 further includes an
intermediate region 38 that extends from the first end region and
is adapted to be engaged by sizing fastener 36 to form at least a
portion of an adjustable loop 40. As discussed, in the context of a
body-securing strap assembly, such as shoulder straps 24 and 26,
the closed loop facilitates supporting the pack body on a user's
body. The sizing strap further includes an excess length 42 that
extends from the sizing fastener and terminates at a terminal end
44.
[0020] Sizing fastener 36 releasably engages intermediate region 38
of the sizing strap to define the length of the sizing strap that
extends between the first end region and the sizing fastener. This
length may be referred to as the sized length 46 of the sizing
strap. It should be understood that this adjustable sizing of this
length of the strap correspondingly affects the size of loop 40 and
the length of excess length 42. Sizing fastener 36 may include any
suitable structure for releasably engaging the sizing strap to
define the sized and excess lengths thereof. Illustrative examples
of suitable structure include a ladder lock, double bar buckle,
loop lock, cam buckle, or similar fastener that is configured to
adjustably secure the sizing strap in a plurality of
user-selectable positions. The sizing fastener may be configured to
secure the sizing strap at a finite number of discrete positions,
or alternatively at any of a continuous spectrum of positions along
the sizing strap.
[0021] Strap assemblies 22 according to the present invention will
often, but are not required to, include a looping strap 48, which
interconnects the pack and the sizing fastener. As with the sizing
strap, looping strap 48 may be either fixedly or releasably
connected to the body. For example, the shoulder strap assemblies
shown in FIG. 1 each include looping straps 48, which in the
illustrated embodiment include padded regions 50 to cushion the
engagement of a user's body by the straps. As shown, the looping
straps do not include excess lengths like the sizing straps. In
strap assemblies that do not include a looping strap, the sizing
fastener is fixedly or releasably connected to the pack without
being interconnected thereto by a looping strap. For example, the
sizing fastener may be directly connected to the pack. As another
example, the strap assembly may include a pair of sizing straps,
with each sizing strap including a first end region that is
connected to the pack and an intermediate region that is engaged by
one or more sizing fasteners.
[0022] Being able to adjust the location at which the sizing strap
is secured affects the overall disposition of the harness assembly,
providing the pack with favorable versatility and customizable
attributes. For example, in the context of a body-securing strap
assembly, adjusting the sizing length affects the position and/or
fit of the pack on a user's body. Therefore, adjusting the length
of shoulder strap assemblies will affect the relative position of
the pack body on a user's back. In the context of a body-securing
strap assembly that extends around a user's waist, adjusting the
sizing length affects the tightness of the loop around the user's
waist and whether the loop will even fit around the user's waist.
In the context of a strap assembly that is used to secure objects
to the pack or to compress the pack, adjusting the sizing length
affects the tightness of the loop around the object compressed pack
region and/or whether the loop will fit around the object or the
pack region.
[0023] As discussed above, in conventional, adjustable strap
assemblies, the sizing strap includes an excess length that is
untensioned or restrained and free to dangle from the sizing
fastener. This conventional structure is shown in dashed lines on
shoulder strap assembly 26 for purposes of illustration. This
excess length is often many inches long, and as such may become
tangled with other portions of the pack or objects external the
pack. Similarly, during use, the strap may strike a user's body or
be snagged by structures or objects as they are passed by a user
wearing the pack.
[0024] In contrast to this conventional structure, strap assemblies
22 according to the present invention include a strap management
system 52, which is adapted to restrain, and in some embodiments,
bundle the excess length. Shoulder strap assembly 24 illustrates an
example of a sizing strap that includes a strap management system
52 according to the present invention. As shown, the sizing strap
includes a strap fastener 54, which is configured to limit the
dangling of at least a portion of excess length 42, such as
terminal end 44, relative to the rest of the pack. In other words,
strap fastener 54 is adapted to bind or restrict excess length 42
so that the length does not hang from sizing fastener 36 in a free,
or loose, manner. Accordingly, strap fastener 54 may include any
suitable structure for accomplishing this restricting of the excess
length.
[0025] An example of a suitable structure of strap fastener 54 is
shown in FIG. 1 extending from terminal end 44 of the excess length
of shoulder strap assembly 24. As shown, strap fastener 54 includes
a pair of members 56 and 58 that extend generally transverse from
the long axis of the strap and which include connectors 60 and 62,
which are adapted to releasably connect the members together. More
specifically, the connectors are adapted to secure the members to
each other as well as around another portion of the pack, such as
sized length 46 or looping strap 48, and/or to bundle the excess
length together to a compact, or wound, configuration. For example,
in FIG. 2, shoulder strap assembly 24 illustrates members 56 and 58
being secured around sized length 46. In this configuration, the
terminal end of excess length 42 is coupled to the sized length,
with the rest of the excess length being retained against or near
the sized length. In this configuration, the excess length may also
be described as being retained in an overlapping, or at least
substantially overlapping relationship with the sized strap. In
such a configuration, the strap management system may be slidable
along the length of the sized length or other portion of the pack
around which the members extend. Alternatively, the members may be
secured sufficiently tight around the sized length (or other pack
portion) so resist sliding thereupon. As another example, and as
shown with shoulder strap assembly 26 in FIG. 2, the excess length
may be wound around or otherwise folded against itself, with the
strap fastener releasably retaining the bundled portion of the
excess length in this compacted configuration. The compacted, or
bundled, portion of the excess length may be referred to as a strap
bundle 64.
[0026] FIG. 3 demonstrates an illustrative, non-exclusive, method
for forming strap bundle 64 and thereby utilizing strap management
system 52. FIG. 3 shows strap fastener 54 of strap management
system 52 connected to terminal end 44 of sizing strap 34. Similar
to the fastener shown in FIG. 1, strap fastener 54 includes members
56 and 58 with connectors 60 and 62. Members 56 and 58 may be
constituent portions of the same piece of material or alternatively
may be formed from separate pieces of material. Each member is
typically constructed from a flexible material, such as nylon
strapping, which may be freely folded. In some embodiments, one or
more of the members may be constructed with a stiff material and
linked to core sizing strap 34 at a flexible joint that allows the
stiff connector to be hinged relative to the core.
[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each member is orientated in
a generally perpendicular direction relative to the long axis, or
length, of the sizing strap. It should be understood that the
members do not have to be disposed at exactly a right angle
relative to the sizing strap, and it is within the scope of the
invention to differ the angle the members extend outwards in some
embodiments. The projecting configuration of strap fastener 54 may
act as a stop that prevents the sizing strap from being
unintentionally disengaged from sizing fastener 36, such as by
sliding completely through a ladder lock, thus preventing the need
to properly reengage the sizing strap with the sizing fastener if
the strap accidentally becomes disengaged.
[0028] As discussed, members 56 and 58 include connectors 60 and 62
that are complementarily configured for releasable attachment to
one another. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, one of the
connectors includes loops of uncut pile or similar material adapted
to releasably catch hooks of the other connector. It is within the
scope of the invention that connectors 60 and 62 may have other
structures. For example, the connectors may have complementary male
and female portions of a button, snap, or other suitable connecting
mechanism. The members are adapted to be folded in toward the
portion of sizing strap 34 from which they extend and fastened to
one another, thus forming a closed loop, which may be used to loop
around a portion of the sizing strap, including (but not limited
to) strap bundle 64, looping strap 48 (when present), or another
portion of pack 10.
[0029] As indicated at transition arrow 66, strap fastener 54 may
be folded toward sizing strap 34. As shown, the strap fastener is
folded relative to terminal end 44 of sizing strap 34, and as such
may be described as folding the strap fastener about an axis that
extends perpendicular to the long axis, or length, of excess length
42 of sizing strap 34. Each such fold effectively decreases the
length of the excess length of the sizing strap. As indicated at
transition arrow 68, the sizing strap may be continually wound,
which creates a spiral of concentric sizing strap layers wound
about the terminal end of the sizing strap and the strap fastener.
In such a configuration, members 56 and 58 project from a central
portion of the strap bundle. The excess length of the sizing strap
may be wound to any desired length, with the number of concentric
layers of sizing strap increasing as the excess length decreases.
In particular, the sizing strap may be wound up to the point where
the strap bundle abuts sizing fastener 36 or is sufficiently near
the sizing fastener that no further folds, or winds, may be formed
between the strap bundle and sizing fastener 36. When the sizing
strap is wound to the desired length, members 56 and 58 may be used
to secure the strap bundle and prevent the unintentional unwinding
thereof. More specifically, the members are folded toward each
other so that connectors 60 and 62 engage each other. For example,
and as indicated by transition arrow 70, one of the members, such
as member 56, is folded onto one side of the strap bundle. Next,
the other member, such as member 58, is folded onto the first
member so that the connectors engage and releasably secure the
members together, as indicated by transition arrow 72. As such, the
members collectively form a closed loop that extends from the
interior of the strap bundle, loops around the concentric layers of
wound sizing strap, and closes at the connection area of the
members on the outer perimeter of the strap bundle. Such an
arrangement secures the strap bundle, so that it will not unravel
until members 56 and 58 are disengaged from one another.
[0030] Unlike a conventional strap with an excess length that is
unsecured and thereby dangles or otherwise is free to flap or sway
relative to a sizing fastener, the strap bundle formed by strap
management system 52 retains the excess length in a compact,
restricted configuration. The wound and secured strap bundle may
additionally or alternatively be described as limiting the relative
amount of sizing strap that is available to form loop 40, and
therefore at least partially defines the size of loop 40. Because
the excess length of sizing strap 34 is wound in a spiral or other
bundled configuration and thereafter secured by the strap fastener,
it cannot be used to lengthen the effective length of the sized
length of the sizing strap. The spiral is typically too large to
pass through the sizing fastener. Therefore, bundle 64 reliably
sets the maximum amount of sizing strap that may be used in the
closed loop, and prevents extra sizing strap from being
incorporated into the closed loop, as may happen if sizing fastener
36 slips. Should a user desire to decrease the size of loop 40, the
user strap bundle provides a handle or grip that may be grasped and
urged away from the sizing fastener, thereby decreasing the sized
length of sizing strap 34.
[0031] It should be understood that strap management system 52 may
restrain the excess lengths of straps in configurations other than
shown in FIG. 3. For example, and as shown by referring back to
FIG. 2, the strap management system may be used to restrain
terminal end 44 of excess length 42 by forming a closed loop around
sized length 46 of the sizing strap. As shown, the members are
folded around sized length 46 and thereafter releasably secured
together by connectors 60 and 62. In this configuration, a strap
bundle 64 is not formed, but the excess length, and especially the
portion of this length from which members 56 and 58 extend, is
restrained against or near sized length 46.
[0032] FIG. 2 also demonstrates a pack 10 that contains a hydration
system 80 in a compartment of the pack. As such, pack 10 may be
referred to as a hydration pack, as indicated at 82 in FIG. 2. In
the illustrated embodiment, hydration system 80 is received within
compartment 14, which is preferably, but is not required to be,
specifically sized to receive the hydration system. Although pack
82 may be formed with only compartment 14, the illustrated
embodiment includes a second compartment 14', which may be a
general-purpose compartment or may be specifically sized to receive
another object. Hydration system 80 includes a fluid reservoir 88
that is configured to hold a volume of drink fluid. The reservoir
is received within a compartment of pack 82 and includes a fluid
transport tube 90 that extends from and is in fluid communication
with the fluid reservoir so that drink fluid within the reservoir
may be drawn from the reservoir. The transport tube, which is
typically an elongate, flexible tube, extends out of compartment 14
and terminates at a fluid dispensing valve, or mouthpiece, 92. Tube
90 should be sufficiently long that the mouthpiece may be
comfortably positioned in a user's mouth while pack 82 is supported
on the user's body by harness assembly 20. In such a configuration,
the user can selectively draw drink fluid from the reservoir that
is carried in pack 82 by drawing upon the mouthpiece. As such, the
user may be engaged in sporting activities, such as hiking, biking,
running, skiing, etc. and does not have to remove a water bottle or
other drink container from a carrier using the user's hands and
then further use the user's hands to drink from the container and
replace the container in the carrier.
[0033] An illustrative example of a hydration system 80 is shown in
FIG. 4. Fluid reservoir 88 defines an internal compartment or
chamber 108 into which drink fluid, such as water, juice, sports
drinks or the like may be stored. Reservoir 88 typically is
flexible so that the volume it occupies may decrease as the amount
of fluid it contains decreases. As shown, the reservoir includes an
input port 110, through which drink fluid may be poured into
chamber 108, and a closure 112 that selectively closes the input
port. As shown, an example of a closure in the form of a removable
cap 114 is illustrated, although any suitable structure for
selectively closing the input port may be used. As also shown, the
reservoir includes an exit port 116 that fluidly connects chamber
108 with an end region 118 of fluid transport tube 90. End region
118 may be fluidly coupled to the exit port via any suitable
configuration, such as by being releasably mounted on exit port
116, fixedly or even integrally mounted on the exit port, or
inserted through the exit port and into chamber 108. When a user
sucks upon the other end 120 of the drink tube, the user can draw
drink fluid from the reservoir.
[0034] Although end 120 of tube 90 may itself form the mouthpiece
92 for the hydration system, hydration systems typically include a
removable mouthpiece 122 that is secured to end 120. In the
illustrated embodiment, mouthpiece 122 takes the form of a
bite-actuated mouthpiece, which is formed from a resilient material
that is normally in a closed position, in which drink fluid cannot
be dispensed through the mouthpiece. However, when a user bites
upon, or otherwise exerts external forces to the mouthpiece
transverse to the direction of fluid flow, the mouthpiece is urged
to a dispensing position, in which drink fluid may be dispensed
through the mouthpiece. Typically, bite-actuated mouthpieces are
biased to automatically return to the closed position, such as
after a user stops biting upon the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece may
include a dispensing face with at least a pair of lips that define
a normally closed opening. However, when the user bites upon the
body, or bite region, of the mouthpiece the mouthpiece is urged to
its dispensing position, in which drink fluid may be drawn through
the opening.
[0035] An on/off valve 126 may, but is not required to, be included
in a hydration system to enable a user to selectively prevent drink
fluid from being able to be drawn through the reservoir regardless
of the configuration of, or the forces being applied to, the
mouthpiece. As shown, valve 126 interconnects end 120 of the
transport tube and mouthpiece 122. It is within the scope of the
invention that hydration systems that include a valve 126 may
integrate the valve with the mouthpiece or position the valve
in-line between adjacent lengths of tube 90.
[0036] Additional examples of suitable hydration systems and
components thereof are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,070,767 and
6,032,831, as well as in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
09/902,935 and 09/902,792, the complete disclosures of which are
hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.
[0037] Although illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 as extending from terminal
end 44 of sizing strap 34, it is within the scope of the invention
that the strap management system may extend from other portions of
the sizing strap. An example of such a configuration is shown in
FIG. 5, in which the strap fastener extends from excess length 42
but not from terminal end 44. In the illustrated configuration, the
strap fastener is still located proximate the terminal end of the
sizing strap and therefore may still be described as extending from
a terminal end region 130 of the sizing strap. It is within the
scope of the invention, however, that strap fastener 54 may be
located further away from terminal end 44.
[0038] As another variation within the scope of the present
invention, strap fastener 54 may have other configurations than the
two-member configuration shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 5. For example, it
is within the scope of the invention that a single member may be
used that includes a connector adapted to be releasably secured to
another connector on that member, on excess length 42 or another
portion of sizing strap 34, or on another portion of pack 10. An
example of such a configuration is shown in FIG. 6, in which strap
fastener 54 includes member 132 that extends from excess length 42
of sizing strap 34. Member 132 may include complementary connectors
60 and 62 that are configured to releasably engage each other to
secure the member in a closed loop, such as around a strap bundle
64 (as illustrated previously with respect to FIGS. 2 and 3),
around the sized length of sizing strap 34 (as illustrated
previously with respect to FIG. 2), or around another portion of
pack 10.
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the
connectors are located in spaced-apart locations on opposite sides
of member 132. It is within the scope of the invention, however,
that the connectors may also be located on the same side of the
connector, such as on laterally spaced locations on the member. As
another variation, the one or more members of strap fastener 54 may
include a connector, such as a connector that is adapted to engage
a complementary connector on sizing strap 34, such as on excess
length 42 or sized length 46, or on another portion of pack 10,
such as pack body 12 or looping strap 48. An example of such a
construction is shown in FIG. 7, in which member 132 includes a
connector 134 that is adapted to engage a complementary connector
136 on excess length 42 of sizing strap 34. It is also within the
scope of the invention that strap management system 52 may include
at least one redundant connector. More specifically, the strap
management system may include at least one connector that may be
releasably connected to a selected one of two or more complementary
connectors. For example, system 52 may include a first connector on
the same or a different member of strap fastener 54, and
complementary connectors on the sizing strap, on the looping strap
and/or on pack body 12 so that the first connector may be
releasably connected to any of these second connectors.
[0040] As discussed previously, strap management system 52 may
utilize a wide variety of connectors. Therefore, although the
previously illustrated connectors have all utilized hook-and-loop
mechanisms, it is within the scope of the invention that any of the
previously described and/or illustrated embodiments may include
other suitable connectors that are adapted to be selectively
connected together. Examples of other suitable connectors include,
but are not limited to, snaps, buttons, tab-and-slot mechanisms,
pin-and-loop mechanisms, etc. Several illustrative examples of
other suitable connectors that may be used with strap management
systems according to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 8-10.
Although illustrated in the context of a dual-member strap fastener
54, the illustrated connectors may be used with any of the strap
management systems described and/or illustrated herein. In FIG. 8,
the connectors form a snap, or snapping mechanism, 140. In FIG. 9,
the connectors form a button mechanism 142, with one member
including a button 144 and the other including a buttonhole 146. In
such an embodiment, more than one buttonhole may be present to
provide a mechanism for selectively sizing the loop formed by strap
fastener 54. This is graphically illustrated in dashed lines in
FIG. 9. FIG. 10 demonstrates a tab-and-slot mechanism, 148, in
which one member includes a projecting, typically rigid, tab 150
that is selectively passed through a slot 152 in the other member
or on another selected location on the pack. Similar to the
optional plurality of buttonholes discussed above, the tab-and-slot
mechanism may include more than one slot, as graphically
illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 10.
[0041] As discussed above, packs 10 according to the present
invention may be designed to be worn on various portions of a
user's body and may include a harness assembly 20 having a variety
of configurations. Illustrative examples of other wearable packs
that may be used with strap management systems constructed in
accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
FIG. 11 shows a pack 10 in the form of a hip pack 160 with a
harness assembly 20 that includes a strap assembly 22 in the form
of a hip belt 162 adapted to extend around a user's waist and
thereby support the hip pack. As shown, the hip belt includes a
releasable buckle, or clip, 164 that releasably secures the hip
belt around a user's waist. FIG. 12 shows a pack 10 in the form of
a messenger pack 166 with a harness assembly 20 with a strap
assembly 22 in the form of a shoulder strap assembly 168 that is
adapted to be worn diagonally across a user's torso. As shown, both
packs further include strap management systems 52 with strap
fasteners 54 constructed according to the present invention. As
discussed above, the strap management systems may include any of
the above-described and/or illustrated elements, subelements and
variations. As shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 11 and 12, the packs
may optionally include hydration systems 80, such as hydration
systems that include the structure described, illustrated and/or
incorporated herein.
[0042] The hip and messenger packs shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 also
demonstrate several variations that may be used with strap
assemblies according to the present invention, including strap
assemblies on packs other than those illustrated in FIGS. 11 and
12. For example, in FIG. 11, hip pack 160 demonstrates a strap
assembly that is releasably connected to the pack body by
releasable fasteners 170. In the illustrated embodiment, the
fasteners take the form of releasable clips, but any other suitable
fastener may be used. Pack 160 also provides a graphic
demonstration of the fact that packs according to the present
invention may include strap management systems that include more
than one strap fastener 54. Expressed in other words, packs
according to the present invention may include more than one strap
having an excess length that is selectively retained or bundled by
a strap fastener 54. In FIG. 11, the hip belt includes a pair of
sizing straps 34, each with strap fasteners 54 according to the
present invention. Similarly, in FIG. 12, the messenger pack
demonstrates a back-mounted pack that includes a strap assembly
that includes more than one sizing strap 34 and corresponding strap
fasteners 54.
[0043] It is also within the scope of the invention to secure a
load to the pack or within the pack body using an adjustable strap
assembly 22 in accordance with the present invention. For example,
the adjustable strap assembly may be configured to secure a load to
the pack, such as to the exterior of the pack or within compartment
14 of the pack body. Similar to the above discussion relating to
body-securing strap assemblies, these load- or object-securing
strap assemblies are adjustable and include a sizing strap that
when engaged by a sizing fastener includes an excess length.
Utilizing a strap management system according to the present
invention with these straps restrains these excess lengths, such as
to prevent the lengths from becoming tangled with themselves or
other structure, from being snagged by passing/passed objects
and/or from unintentionally contacting or flapping against a user's
body as the pack is used.
[0044] Illustrative examples of strap assemblies 22 in the form of
object-securing strap assemblies are shown in FIG. 13 and generally
indicated at 180 and 182. As shown, the strap assemblies include a
sizing strap 34, a sizing fastener 36, and a strap management
system 52 with a strap fastener 54 according to the present
invention. As discussed above, it is within the scope of the
invention that the strap assemblies and strap management systems
may incorporate any of the elements, subelements and variations
described above, such as optionally including any suitable sizing
fastener, strap fastener, looping strap, member or members,
connectors, etc. For the purpose of illustration, object-securing
strap assembly 180 includes a sizing strap that is releasably
connected to a sizing fastener 36 in the form of a ladder lock, and
which is fixedly connected to the pack either directly or by a
looping strap. Strap assembly 182 demonstrates an example of an
object-securing strap assembly in which the sizing strap is
adjustably connected to a portion of a clip, to which a
complementary portion is connected to a looping strap 48.
Illustrative, but by no means exclusive, examples of objects that
may be selectively carried by object-carrying strap assemblies 180
and 182 include sleeping bags, tents, sporting equipment, towels,
camping equipment, lanterns, inflatable mattresses, tools, etc.
[0045] Another illustrative example of a pack, which in the
illustrated embodiment is a backpack-style hydration pack, is shown
in FIG. 14 and generally indicated at 200. As shown, hydration pack
200 includes both body-securing and object-securing strap
assemblies. More specifically, pack 200 includes an adjustable
harness assembly 20 that includes adjustable shoulder strap
assemblies 24 and 26 as well as an adjustable hip belt 142. The
pack also demonstrates various another example of adjustable
object-securing strap assembly 180. As shown and generally
indicated at 202, the strap assembly is adapted to provide
compression to the pack's storage compartment 14. More
specifically, the strap assembly enables a user to compress the
pack's storage compartment, such as to make reduce the overall size
of the pack and/or to resist shifting of objects within the
compartment. Although illustrated in FIG. 14 as a hydration pack
that includes a hydration system 80, pack 200 may alternatively be
implemented without a hydration system. Similarly, and as discussed
above, pack 200 and its adjustable strap assemblies may include any
of the elements, subelements and variations discussed, illustrated
and/or incorporated herein.
[0046] It is believed that the disclosure set forth above
encompasses multiple distinct inventions with independent utility.
While each of these inventions hag been disclosed in its preferred
form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated
herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous
variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions
includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations
of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties
disclosed herein. Similarly, where the claims recite "a" or "a
first" element or the equivalent thereof, such claims should be
understood to include incorporation of one or more such elements,
neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements.
[0047] It is believed that the following claims particularly point
out certain combinations and subcombinations that are directed to
one of the disclosed inventions and are novel and non-obvious.
Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of
features, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed
through amendment of the present claims or presentation of new
claims in this or a related application. Such amended or new
claims, whether they are directed to a different invention or
directed to the same invention, whether different, broader,
narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are also
regarded as included within the subject matter of the inventions of
the present disclosure.
* * * * *