U.S. patent application number 11/000113 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-01 for interlock attaching strap system.
Invention is credited to James Victor Cragg.
Application Number | 20060113344 11/000113 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36566445 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060113344 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cragg; James Victor |
June 1, 2006 |
Interlock attaching strap system
Abstract
The present invention discloses an interlock attaching strap
system, comprising a carrier having a plurality of first webbing
strips transversely, evenly and spacedly affixed thereon, a holder
having a plurality of second webbing strips transversely, evenly
and spacedly affixed thereon, wherein by overlapping the carrier
and holder, the first webbing strips and the second webbing strips
are capable forming an elongate interlocking channel; at least an
elongated interfering strap, which is longitudinally extended on
the holder, having an affixing end extended from a peripheral edge
of the holder and a free tab end, having a predetermined stiffness,
is arranged to slidably pass through the interlocking channel and
is overlappedly tucked back to the carrier to enclose the free tab
end of the interfering strap between the carrier and the holder so
as to securely reinforce the holder on the carrier via the
interfering strap.
Inventors: |
Cragg; James Victor; (Culver
City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RAYMOND Y. CHAN
108 N. YNEZ AVE., SUITE 128
MONTEREY PARK
CA
91754
US
|
Family ID: |
36566445 |
Appl. No.: |
11/000113 |
Filed: |
November 29, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/579 ;
224/250 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45C 13/40 20130101;
A45F 5/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/579 ;
224/250 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/14 20060101
A45F003/14; A45C 15/00 20060101 A45C015/00 |
Claims
1. An interlock attaching strap system, comprising: a carrier,
having a carrying side, adapted for being carried by a wearer, a
holder having a loading side and an opposed holding side
corresponding to said carrying side of said carrier; and an
interlocking arrangement, which comprises: a plurality of first
webbing strips transversely, evenly and spacedly affixed on said
carrying side of said carrier and defining a plurality of
transverse carrier slots between said first webbing strips and said
carrying side of said carrier, a plurality of second webbing strips
transversely, evenly and spacedly affixed on said holding side of
said holder and defining a plurality of transverse holder slots
between said holding side of said holder to align with said
transverse carrier slots respectively to form an elongated
interlocking channel when said holding side of said holder is
overlapped on said carrying side of said carrier to alternate said
first webbing strips with said second webbing strips; and at least
an elongated interfering strap, which is longitudinally extended on
said holder, having an affixing end extended from a peripheral edge
of said holder and a free tab end, having a predetermined
stiffness, which is arranged to slidably pass through said
interlocking channel to securely interlock said holder with said
carrier and is overlappedly tucked back to said carrying side of
said carrier within said transversely carrier slot at an opposed
peripheral edge of said holder, to enclose said tab end of said
interfering strap between said carrier and said holder so as to
securely reinforce said holder on said carrier via said interfering
strap.
2. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 1,
wherein said interfering strap has a free end potion overlapped to
form said free tab end to enhance said stiffness thereof so as to
retain said free tab end of said interfering strap within said
respective first webbing strip when said free tab end of said
interfering strap is overlappedly tucked back to said carrier.
3. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said free tap end of said interfering strap has a hook
structure arranged to slide along said interlocking channel towards
said opposed peripheral edge of said holder so as to prevent said
interfering strap from being pulled backward.
4. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 1,
wherein a width of said interfering strap is slightly smaller than
a width of each of said transverse holder slots and said transverse
carrier slots such that said interfering strap is slid through one
of said transverse holder slots and then one of said transverse
carrier slots in sequence.
5. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein a width of said interfering strap is slightly smaller than
a width of each of said transverse holder slots and said transverse
carrier slots such that said interfering strap is slid through one
of said transverse holder slots and then one of said transverse
carrier slots in sequence.
6. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 3,
wherein a width of said interfering strap is slightly smaller than
a width of each of said transverse holder slots and said transverse
carrier slots such that said interfering strap is slid through one
of said transverse holder slots and then one of said transverse
carrier slots in sequence.
7. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 1,
wherein a distance between each two adjacent first webbing strips
is at least larger than a width of said corresponding second
webbing strip to allow said first webbing strips positioning with
said second webbing strips in an alternating manner so as to
communicate said transverse carrier slots with said transverse
holder slots to form said interlocking channel.
8. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 3,
wherein a distance between each two adjacent first webbing strips
is at least larger than a width of said corresponding second
webbing strip to allow said first webbing strips positioning with
said second webbing strips in an alternating manner so as to
communicate said transverse carrier slots with said transverse
holder slots to form said interlocking channel.
9. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 6,
wherein a distance between each two adjacent first webbing strips
is at least larger than a width of said corresponding second
webbing strip to allow said first webbing strips positioning with
said second webbing strips in an alternating manner so as to
communicate said transverse carrier slots with said transverse
holder slots to form said interlocking channel.
10. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said carrier further comprises two length-adjustable thigh
belts sidewardly extended from two side edges of said carrier
respectively for detachably fastening said carrier on said wearer's
thigh.
11. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 9,
wherein said carrier further comprises two length-adjustable thigh
belts sidewardly extended from two side edges of said carrier
respectively for detachably fastening said carrier on said wearer's
thigh.
12. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 2,
wherein said carrier is a vest garment adapted for said wearer to
wear said carrier.
13. The interlock attaching strap system, as recited in claim 9,
wherein said carrier is a vest garment adapted for said wearer to
wear said carrier.
14. A method of interlocking a carrier with a holder, comprising
said steps of: (a) slidably passing a free tab end of an
interfering strap through one of first webbing strips transversely
extended on said carrier, wherein said interfering strap is
longitudinally extended on said holder and has an affixing end
extended from a peripheral edge of said holder; (b) slidably
passing said free tab end of said interfering strap through one of
second webbing strips transversely extended on said holder; (c)
slidably passing said free tab end of said interfering strap
through said succeeding first webbing strip on said carrier; (d)
slidably passing said free tab end of said interfering strap
through said succeeding second webbing strips on said holder to
interlock said first webbing strips with said second webbing strips
so as to securely mounting said holder on said carrier; and (e)
overlappedly tucking said free tab end of said interfering strap
back to said first webbing strip on said carrier to enclose said
free tab end of said interfering strap between said carrier and
said holder so as to securely reinforce said holder on said carrier
via said interfering strap.
15. The method, as recited in claim 14, wherein a plurality of
transverse carrier slots are formed at said first webbing strips
respectively and a plurality of transverse holder slots are formed
at said second webbing strips to align with said longitudinal
carrier slots respectively when said holder is overlapped on said
carrier to alternate said first webbing strips with said second
webbing strips, wherein said interfering strap is slidably passing
through said longitudinal carrier slots and said longitudinal
holder slots in sequence.
16. The method, as recited in claim 14, wherein said interfering
strap has a free end potion overlapped to form said free tab end to
enhance a stiffness thereof so as to retain said free tab end of
said interfering strap within said respective first webbing strip
when said free tab end of said interfering strap is overlappedly
tucked back to said carrier.
17. The method, as recited in claim 15, wherein said interfering
strap has a free end potion overlapped to form said free tab end to
enhance a stiffness thereof so as to retain said free tab end of
said interfering strap within said respective first webbing strip
when said free tab end of said interfering strap is overlappedly
tucked back to said carrier.
18. The method, as recited in claim 16, wherein said free tab end
of said interfering strap has a hook structure arranged to slide
through said first and second webbing strips so as to prevent said
interfering strap from being pulled backward.
19. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein said tap end of
said interfering strap has a hook structure arranged to slide
through said first and second webbing strips so as to prevent said
interfering strap from being pulled backward.
20. The method, as recited in claim 15, wherein a width of said
interfering strap is slightly smaller than a width of each of said
transverse holder slots and said transverse carrier slots such that
said interfering strap is slid through one of said transverse
holder slots and then one of said transverse carrier slots in
sequence.
21. The method, as recited in claim 17, wherein a width of said
interfering strap is slightly smaller than a width of each of said
transverse holder slots and said transverse carrier slots such that
said interfering strap is slid through one of said transverse
holder slots and then one of said transverse carrier slots in
sequence.
22. The method, as recited in claim 19, wherein a width of said
interfering strap is slightly smaller than a width of each of said
transverse holder slots and said transverse carrier slots such that
said interfering strap is slid through one of said transverse
holder slots and then one of said transverse carrier slots in
sequence.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a strap attaching system
for attaching objects, and more particularly, relates a flexi-tab
interlock attaching strap system for detachably attaching one
object, such as an article holder, to a carrier, such as a
supporting pad, a utility vest, a garment, a pouch, a bag, and so
on, in a secure, durable, reliable, effective, and convenient
manner.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Arts
[0004] Commonly, many professionals or technicians employ article
holders to facilitate their job duties, for example, militant
personnel or police officials need article holders to carry varying
weapons, ammos, holsters, communicating means, pouches, water
bottles, etc., correspondents and photographers need article
holders to carry camera cases, optical peripherals, and related
equipments, and maintenance workers need article holders to carry
utility apparatus and so on.
[0005] An easy way to attach such article holders to the supports
is to permanently sewing the article holders onto the support, for
example sewing a pouch onto a vest. However, the article holders
sewn on the support could not be repositioned or removed from the
supports. Apparently, this kind of permanently attaching method is
not welcomed by those personnel, such commando soldiers who eagerly
need a versatile load-bearing vest for carrying different
apparatuses. Instead, a releasable article holder enables the
soldier to design his own vest or supporting pad, to change items
from time to time under different circumstances.
[0006] As a result, the article holders are frequently fastened to
a support such as a user's modular load-bearing vest, supporting
pad, or a utility strap provided on a back pack, in a releasable
way. There are a variety of methods existed for detachably
attaching article holders to the supports. The most common method
is to use fastening means directly attaching the article holders to
the supports. Such fastening means include hook and loop fasteners,
Velcro fasteners, snap fasteners, buckle fasteners, and so on.
[0007] However, all above mentioned fastening means had been proved
inefficient, unrealistic, expensive or unreliable in practical
applications. And more importantly, these fastening means are
bulky, uncomfortable and user unfriendly. First of all, these
fasteners are made of metal or plastic materials with certain
extents of rigidity. So that such metal and plastic fastener would
more or less rely on mechanisms to be functioned or purposed, and
unquestionably, cause discomfort and uneasiness to the user when
positioned close the body.
[0008] For instance, the buckle fasteners are not easy to be
fastened when the article holder, such as a pouch is heavily
stuffed or plumped. And more importantly, such fasteners need
releasing mechanism to facilitate the disengagement. In a long run,
such releasing mechanisms will more or less be degraded thus
resulting malfunctions, or unwanted disengagements. Even though the
Velcro fasteners are not relied on the metal or plastic mechanism,
but its noise and unreliability are unacceptable to most users.
[0009] So, a new type of light weight, low bulky, user-friendly,
reliable strap fastening means had been introduced into market to
replace traditional fasteners for detachably attaching the article
holders to the vests or supporting pads. This kind of user friendly
strap attaching fasteners occupies less space and is relative
overlapped flatly with respect to the user.
[0010] As disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,093 to Annunzio, the
strap fastener is made of fabric sewn to the back of the support to
form fabric loops provided on the back of the supports through
which a belt or a strap is engaged with such fabric loops for
suspendedly attaching an article holder to the supporting pad.
[0011] Or otherwise, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,7204,707 to
John Kirk, such improved strap fastening means comprises at least a
mounting panel provided on a first object, such as load-bearing
vest or a supporting pad, with a plurality of strip webbings evenly
spaced and sewn across the surface of the mounting panel. So that
there is a plurality of spacing between strip webbings with a
predetermined width formed on the mounting panel. On the other
hand, there is a plurality of strip fabrics sewn on the second
object, such as an object holder. According to the Kirk's
invention, the spacing width between strips webbings on the
mounting panel are sufficient to allow a plurality of the strip
fabrics on the second object to fit there between.
[0012] In the meanwhile, the strip webbings are further attached on
the mounting panel by perpendicular stitching such as to create
longitudinal channels therein which are utilized for the insertion
of a strap therein, the strap has an affixing end being attached at
one end to the second object, and a free end which is adapted to be
passing through the webbings and fabrics respectively defined on
the mounting panel and the second object in an alternating manner
so as to detachably attach the second object to the mounting panel
of the first object.
[0013] In short, the above mentioned strap attaching system utilize
a flexible strap for detachably coupling two objects in an
attaching manner by interweaving such flexible strap between two
objects. So that two separated objects could be attached together
in a secure manner. In other words, the second object and first
object will not disengage until user intentionally and physically
separated the first and second object by pulling back the engaging
strap.
[0014] However, one disadvantage of using flexible straps is that
it is usually difficult to deal with the free end of the strap. For
example, in Annunzio' case, the free end has to be tucked behind a
belt or a pack strap that is tightly pressed against a body or
backpack. However, when the second object is not positioned
adjacent to a belt or a pack strap, the free end of the flexible
strap has to be tucked back to the fabric loops. Or otherwise,
there is a receiving cavity defined on the second object for
tucking back the free end of the strap. However, since the two ends
of such flexible strap are both positioned on the second object,
the attaching efficacy of such strap fastening means could not be
effectively guaranteed. For example, a bulged second object will
loosen the fastening effect after a prolonged service.
[0015] To solve this dilemma, Kirk's invention introduced a
fastening element formed on the free end of the flexible strap to
detachably attach such flexible strap to the first object.
According to Kirk's invention, the fastening element could be
embodied as conventional means, such snaps, buckles, hook-and-loop
fasteners. This enables a user to push the free ends interweave
between webbings and fabrics defined on the mounting panel of the
first object and the second object. This fastening element design
is more convenient for securing the free end of the flexible strap
in comparison with Annunzio's invention.
[0016] However, there is a hardware associated with this attaching
strap, such as a snap button, or a clip, being provided on the free
end of the flexible strap. By reutilizing the clips and snaps, the
life span of the strap attaching system are once again subject to
the vulnerable mechanism of such fasteners. Or otherwise, the snap
buttons will rust or become unserviceable when applied in the most
extreme operating conditions.
[0017] What is more, to ensure the second object is permanently
affixed to the first object so it cannot be lost or otherwise
separated from the first object, the free end of the strap, having
one end affixed to the second object, is preferably, affixed to the
first object for providing a firmed attaching effect. Otherwise,
the second object is just looks like an object hanging on the first
object rather than attaching on the first object.
[0018] So it is desirable to develop an interlock strap attaching
system which not only maintains the advantages of above mentioned
Annunzio's and Kirk's inventions, such as simplicity, interweaving
function, modular applications, but also provides an efficient and
securable fastening arrangement to the free end of such strap.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0019] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a
flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system for overcoming the
aforementioned drawbacks of attaching strap system, while maintain
the good features of those interlock attaching strap system, such
as removable fashion, convenient operation, flat engagement, and so
on.
[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system, wherein no hardware
elements are involved so as to ensure such strap system being
inexpensive and reliable after a prolonged application.
[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system, wherein the strap
having an affixed end provided on a second object, such as a
holder, while the other free end is arranged to be tucked back in
the first object, such as a carrier, as a result, the interlock
attaching strap system could guarantee the loader and the carrier
detachably attached in a stable manner.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system, wherein the free end of
the strap is embodied as a stiffened member by using flexi-tab, so
that the maneuverability of such strap could be easier while
interweaving between the holder and the carrier.
[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system, wherein the plastic
reinforcement length of the strap is avoided, instead, the
flexi-tab is utilized for facilitating the adjustable and flexible
insertion.
[0024] Accordingly, to achieve the above mentioned objects, the
present invention provides a flexi-tab interlock attaching strap
system, comprising:
[0025] a carrier, having a carrying side, adapted for being carried
by a wearer, a holder having a loading side and an opposed holding
side corresponding to the carrying side of the carrier; and
[0026] an interlocking arrangement, which comprises:
[0027] a plurality of first webbing strips transversely, evenly and
spacedly affixed on the carrying side of the carrier and defining a
plurality of transverse carrier slots between the first webbing
strips and the carrying side of the carrier,
[0028] a plurality of second webbing strips transversely, evenly
and spacedly affixed on the holding side of the holder and defining
a plurality of transverse holder slots between the holding side of
the holder to align with the transverse carrier slots respectively
to form an elongated interlocking channel when the holding side of
the holder is overlapped on the carrying side of the carrier to
alternate the first webbing strips with the second webbing strips;
and
[0029] at least an elongated interfering strap, which is
longitudinally extended on the holder, having an affixing end
extended from a peripheral edge of the holder and a free tab end,
having a predetermined stiffness, which is arranged to slidably
pass through the interlocking channel to securely interlock the
holder with the carrier and is overlappedly tucked back to the
carrying side of the carrier within the transverse carrier slot at
an opposed peripheral edge of the holder, to enclose the free tab
end of the interfering strap between the carrier and the holder so
as to securely reinforce the holder on the carrier via the
interfering strap.
[0030] These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an interlock strap
attaching system according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the above interlock strap
attaching system according to the preferred embodiment of the
present invention showing the stiffened free tab end of the
interfering strap being tucked back into the strip webbing defined
on the first object.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a side view of above interlock strap attaching
system according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention illustrating the interfering strap sequentially and
slidably passing the first webbing strip and the second webbing
strip and the free tab end is tucked back to the carrier.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0034] Referring to FIG. 1 to FIG. 3, the interlock strap attaching
system 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention is illustrated. In order to overcome aforementioned
drawbacks of conventional attaching strap system, the present
invention provides a flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system 1,
which comprises a carrier 10, having a carrying side 11, adapted
for being carried by a wearer, and a holder 20 having a loading
side 21 and an opposed holding side 22 corresponding to the
carrying side 11 of the carrier 10.
[0035] Furthermore, the flexi-tab interlock attaching strap system
comprises an interlocking arrangement 30, which comprises a
plurality of first webbing strips 31 transversely, evenly and
spacedly affixed on the carrying side 11 of the carrier 10 and
defining a plurality of transverse carrier slots 311 between the
first webbing strips 31 and the carrying side 11 of the carrier 10;
furthermore, the interlocking arrangement 30 comprises a plurality
of second webbing strips 32 transversely, evenly and spacedly
affixed on the holding side 22 of the holder 20 and defining a
plurality of transverse holder slots 321 between the holding side
22 of the holder 20 to align with the transverse carrier slots 311
respectively to form an elongated interlocking channel 33 when the
holding side 22 of the holder 20 is overlapped on the carrying side
11 of the carrier 10 to alternate the first webbing strips 31 with
the second webbing strips 32.
[0036] What is more, the interlocking arrangement 30 comprises at
least an elongated interfering strap 34, which is longitudinally
extended from the holder 20, having an affixing end 341 extended
from a peripheral edge 23 of the holder 20 and a free tab end 342,
having a predetermined stiffness, which is arranged to slidably
pass through the interlocking channel 33 to securely interlock the
holder 20 with the carrier 10 and is overlappedly tucked back to
the carrying side 11 of the carrier 10 within the transverse
carrier slot 311 at an opposed peripheral edge 24 of the holder 20,
to enclose the free tab end 342 of the interfering strap 34 between
the carrier 10 and the holder 20 so as to securely reinforce the
holder 20 on the carrier 10 via the interfering strap 34.
[0037] In other words, the carrying side 11 of the carrier 10 is
functioned as a mounting surface for detachably attaching the
holder 20 in a secure and detachable manner. The first webbing
strips 31 and the second webbing strips 32 are respectively defined
on the carrier 10 and the holder 20 to form transverse carrier
slots 311 and transverse loader slots 321. Meanwhile, the carrier
10 and the holder 20 could be overlappedly disposed so that the
carrier slots 311 and the loader slots 321 are aligned in an
alternate way forming an extended interlocking channel 33. The
interlocking channel 33 is an extending passageway defined
longitudinally from an upper portion to a lower portion of the
mounting surface of the carrier 10. Therefore, by sequentially
passing the free tab end 342 of the interfering strap 34 through
the interlocking channel 33, the holder is capable of being
attached onto the carrier 10.
[0038] In short, the interlock attaching strap system 1 is adapted
for attaching a holder, such as an article holder to a carrier,
such as a load-bearing vest, a supporting pad, a utility garment,
each of which has a mounting surface defined thereon. As shown in
FIG. 1, each of first webbing strips 31 is stitched to the mounting
surface, for extending across the carrying side 11 of the carrier
10, the carrier slots 311 are defined between the carrying side 11
and the first webbing strips 31. It is worth to mention that the
plurality of the first webbing strips 31 are evenly and spacedly
defined across the mounting surface so as to create a plurality of
the elongated groove 12 on the carrying side 11 of the carrier 10
for allowing the second webbing strips 32 disposed thereon in an
alternating manner.
[0039] Accordingly, the second webbing strip 32 is stitched on the
holding side 21 of the holder 20. It is noted that the width of
each elongated groove 12 defined on the carrier 10, i.e. the width
between adjacent first webbing strips 31 are of sufficient
measurement, so that the second webbing strips 32 defined on the
holder 20 is capable of being placed into such elongated grooves 12
respectively.
[0040] In other words, the distance between each two adjacent first
webbing strips 31 is at least larger than a width of the
corresponding second webbing strip 32 to allow the first webbing
strips 31 positioning with the second webbing strips 32 in an
alternating manner so as to communicate the carrier slots 311 with
the holder slots 321 to form the elongated interlocking channel
33.
[0041] According to the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, there is a plurality of stitching 14 perpendicularly and
spacedly stitched on each of the first webbing strip 11 so as to
divide the carrier slot 311 into a plurality of engaging sub-slots
141 laterally adjoining with each other along the first webbing
strip 31. It is noted that such stitching 14 are alignedly stitched
on each of the first webbing strip 31 being hold in place on the
carrying side 11, so that the engaging sub-slots 141 defined on
such plurality of first webbing strips could form a plurality of
parallel extending passageway 142 longitudinally extended along the
carrying side 11 of the carrier 10.
[0042] Here, the free tab end 342 has a predetermined stiffness
adapted for facilitating such inserting maneuverability of the
interfering strap 34. It is noted that by tucking the stiffened
free tab end 342 back to the transverse carrier slot 311 defined on
the carrier 10, the interfering strap 34 is capable of coupling the
carrier 10 and the holder 20 with a stable and secure manner.
[0043] This is due to the fact that the engaging sub-slots 141 and
the extending passageways 142 are of substantial and corresponding
size for permitting the insertion of the interfering strap 34. As
shown in FIG. 2, the free tab end 342 is passed penetrating such
extending passageway 142 for detachably attaching the holder 20
onto the carrier 10. The width of such extending passageway 142
will further restrict the interfering strap 34 from laterally
shifting. In other words, the width of the interfering strap 34 is
slightly smaller than a width of each of the engaging sub-slots 141
and extending passageway 142 such that the interfering strap 34 is
slid through one of the holder slots 321 and then one of the
carrier slots 311 in sequence without substantial alignment.
[0044] As a result, the extending passageway 142 enable the free
tab end 342 of the interfering strap 34 alternatively pass the
carrier slot 311 and the loader slots 321 in sequence to interweave
the loader 20 and the carrier 10 together in a detachable
manner.
[0045] Here, the interfering strap 34 is made of a predetermined
length of flexible material, and preferably, the affixing end 341
is affixed to an upper edge of the holding side 21 of the holder
20, and the stiffened free tab end 342 is along the length of the
interfering strap 34.
[0046] According to the present invention, the free tab end 342 of
the interfering strap 34 is formed by folding a free end portion of
the interfering strap 34 over a piece of semi-rigid material (such
as a plastic tab) and fixing its location by sewing means. It is
noted that other suitable means such as by gluing or fusing well
known within the art could be used for forming such free tab end
342.
[0047] That is to say, the free end potion of the interfering strap
34 is overlapped to form the free tab end 342 to enhance the
stiffness thereof so as to retain the free tab end 342 of the
interfering strap 34 within the respective transverse carrier slot
311 when the free tab end 342 of the interfering strap 34 is
overlappedly tucked back to the carrier 10.
[0048] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4, an alternative mode of
such free tab end 342' is illustrated, the free tab end 342' of the
interfering strap 34 has a hook structure arranged to slide along
the interlocking channel 33 towards the opposed peripheral edge of
the holder 20 so as to prevent the interfering strap 34 from being
pulled backward. Preferably, the hook structure is tucked back and
extended upwardly passing at least one first webbing strip 31, so
that the hook structure is capable of blocking the interfering
strap 34 from being pulled back.
[0049] Furthermore, even the hook-structured free tab end 342' is
detached from the carrier 10, the hook structure defined on the
free tab end 342' is capable of hooking on the second webbing strip
32 so as to prevent the interfering strap 34 thoroughly loosen
up.
[0050] Additionally, the carrier 10 further comprises two
length-adjustable thigh belts 13 sidewardly extended from two side
edges of the carrier 10 respectively for detachably fastening the
carrier 10 on the wearer's thigh. Or otherwise, as shown in FIG. 4,
the carrier 10 is embodied as a mounting panel of a utility
vest.
[0051] Conclusively, after sequentially inserting the interfering
strap 34 through the first webbing strip 31 and the second webbing
strip 32, the stiffened free tab end 342 could be tucked back into
the carrier slot 311 as well as the extending passageways 142 for
securing the free tab end 342 of the interfering strap 34 in
position.
[0052] That is to say, the interfering engaging strap 34 has an
affixing end 341 provided on the holder 20, which has a loading
side 21 for carrying objects, and a free tab end 342 which is
capable of being detachably tucked back into the carrier 10, such
as a vest, or a mounting pad. In comparison with prior art, no
hardware is associated to fasten the free tab end 342, more
importantly, two ends of the interfering strap 34 are respectively
defined on the carrier and holder instead of the same object.
[0053] Unquestionably, the free tab end design of the present
invention poses a huge advantage over prior art. In case of the
holder 20 is bulky or heavily stuffed, the interfering strap 34
with two ends disposed on the holder 20 would be susceptible to
unwanted disengagement. However, according to the present
invention, the free tab end 342 is fittingly and tightly received
back into the engaging passageways 142 defined on the carrier 10,
so that a bulgy holder 20, such as a heavily stuffed pouch, will
increase the engaging pressure on the free tab end 342 of the
interfering strap 34 thus biasing the interfering strap 34 flatly
and tightly sandwiched between the carrier 10 and holder 20.
[0054] It is noted that the quantity of such interfering strap 34
is dependent on the size of the holder 20. In case of a
heavy-loaded holder is in application, a proportionally increased
number of such interfering strap 34 would be used for achieve a
securer engagement.
[0055] Furthermore, the present invention introduces a method for
interlocking a carrier with a holder, comprising the steps of:
[0056] (a) slidably passing a tab end of an interfering strap
through one of first webbing strips transversely extended on the
carrier, wherein the interfering strap is longitudinally extended
on the holder and has an affixing end extended from a peripheral
edge of the holder;
[0057] (b) slidably passing the tab end of the interfering strap
through one of second webbing strips transversely extended on the
holder;
[0058] (c) slidably passing the tab end of the interfering strap
through the succeeding first webbing strip on the carrier;
[0059] (d) slidably passing the tab end of the interfering strap
through the succeeding second webbing strips on the holder to
interlock the first webbing strips with the second webbing strips
so as to securely mounting the holder on the carrier; and
[0060] (e) overlappedly tucking the tab end of the interfering
strap back to the first webbing strip on the carrier to enclose the
tab end of the interfering strap between the carrier and the holder
so as to securely reinforce the holder on the carrier via the
interfering strap.
[0061] One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment
of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described
above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
[0062] It will thus be seen that the objects of the present
invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. Its
embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of
illustrating the functional and structural principles of the
present invention and is subject to change without departure from
such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all
modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the
following claims.
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