Cinch sack

Described are improvements related to a pack, backpack or sports sack for carrying items. In one implementation, a pack assembly includes a cinch sack, draw cords and a sternum or breast buckle for encouraging the pack assembly to remain in place on one's torso when in use. Improved shape, pockets and configuration of elements facilitate improved user experience and utility of the pack assembly.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a system and device for carrying equipment such as sports equipment and other items, and more particularly to a sports sack, bag or pack with an improved strap system and other improved features for carrying items.

2. Related Art

Carrying sacks, bags and packs come in a wide variety of forms and styles. A backpack style carrying pack may be useful for specific applications because it allows a user to quickly and conveniently throw a few items into it and allows the user to transport these items to and from a destination such as a play field, arena, gymnasium and the like.

Carrying packs for everyday training and participation in sports differ from general purpose backpacks, hiking packs, running harnesses and the like. For example, hiking packs often include heavy-duty features for securing and distributing loads evenly, pockets for water pouches, and other specialized compartments. School bags are made in generic shapes for carrying books, pencils, lunch and other supplies.

In contrast, cinch sacks are often designed for carrying lightweight and bulky single-purpose items such as athletic apparel, towels, cleated shoes, basketball shoes, and goggles, and small personal items like wallet, mobile phone and car keys. Often, sports packs are made with little attention to detail. They are made according to some rough dimensions and with generic, off-the-shelf components. Sometimes the components are forced to serve multiple purposes such as the straps in a drawstring backpack. In these types of packs, the carrying straps must double as drawstrings to control the principal opening at the top of the bag. Such design causes undue wear and breakdown of the fabric and stitching of the pack in certain areas. Such designs frequently neglect consideration of comfort, convenience and durability. While these packs may be designed to minimize manufacturing costs, the usability of these packs suffers. For example, the pack straps may have a tendency to slide off a user's shoulders, the cinching of the principal opening may be hard to accomplish and maintain, items may easily spill out and get lost, and the fit of the pack is ignored.

In view of the foregoing, it would be advantageous to provide a pack—a device and system—which improves upon known designs and known utility of sports packs.

SUMMARY

Systems and devices are described in relation to embodiments shown in the figures. Herein is provided a pack assembly configured to be worn on a wearer's back and over one or two shoulders. Straps or cords are coupled to the pack and are configured to extend over one or two of the wearer's shoulders. The straps may be formed of a pair of cords that run from the top of the pack to the respective bottom corners of the pack. The pack assembly also includes a sternum buckle or chest buckle to encourage continued and proper placement of the pack on the wearer's body. The sternum buckle includes a gripping or fastener to releasably engage with one or more of the cords or straps so as to retain a memory of its placement between wearings.

According to one embodiment, the straps or cords are arranged as a carrying feature and as drawstrings for the principal opening for the pack. A female portion and a male portion of a sternum buckle are releasably attached to respective straps or cords. The sternum buckle is intended for convenient and one-handed operation for fastening and unfastening, and for placement along the length of the straps or cords. The release mechanism to separate the male and female portions of the sternum buckle may also serve as the mechanism to release the engagement mechanism that releasably locks the female portion or the male portion to its respective strap or cord.

The described features and advantages will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following Detailed Description and accompanying drawings. The teachings disclosed herein extend to embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the described or inherent advantages.

This Summary introduces a non-exclusive selection of aspects or concepts about the present invention in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, and is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

There has been a need for improved systems and devices for carrying sports and other types of equipment and personal items.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a pack according to a first illustrative implementation of the invention. With reference toFIG. 1, the pack or sack portion of the pack assembly is generally referred to as element10. The pack10may include one or more seams such as vertical seams11that extend upwardly from bottom corners toward one or more cinches12that at least partially encircle a principal opening14. The seams are generally where adjacent fabric pieces or material is sewn together to form portions of the pack. The pack10includes a front or anterior portion16and a back or posterior portion18. The anterior portion16may or may not be made of the same material as that of the back or posterior portion18. In one implementation, an anterior cinch portion12A is shorter or allows one or more cords20to exit closer to the top opening14as compared to a posterior cinch portion12B. This arrangement allows for improved, more ergonomic positioning of the cords20relative to a wearer's shoulders and neck, and thus provides for an improved fit, durability and useability of the cinch sack when in service.

The pack10has an inner surface15and an outer surface17. The outer surface17of the anterior portion16generally lies against the back or shoulder of a wearer (not shown). At or near the openings of the cinch12is a gusset19; there are two gussets19shown inFIG. 1, one adjacent each cinch12. Each gusset19may be made of a same or a different fabric or material than that of the pack10. In one implementation, the gusset19may be made of a mesh material so as to facilitate airflow through the pack10. Logos, stitching, one or more textures and designs may adorn the anterior portion16and/or posterior portion18of the pack10.

The pack assembly includes one, two or more straps or cords20. Preferably, two cords20are used, each one forming part of the cinch12at the top of the pack10. As shown inFIG. 1, each cord20is threaded through a grommet13, up and through one or more passes of a cinch12or portion thereof, back down along its own length and through the same grommet13. Preferably, a first cord is fed through the two passes of the cinch12in a first orientation, and the second cord is threaded through the two passes of the cinch12in an opposite or second orientation such that when the two or more cords20are pulled tight, the cinch12is drawn substantially closed and the principal opening14of the pack10is reduced. Preferably, the cords20are sufficiently thick in diameter so as to be comfortable on a wearer's shoulders. In a preferred implementation, each cord20is at least ⅜ inches (9.5 mm) in diameter. In some implementations, at least one of the cords is made of braided or woven strands of material. The ends22of the cord20are tied into a knot24, stitched into the corner of the pack10, or otherwise secured to the bottom portion52of the pack10or along a bottom width51of the pack10. The lower portion of the pack10that includes the grommet13may include a reinforced portion23or may include a fabric or receive a chemical or coating treatment that strengths that particular portion of the pack to increase its durability and resist wear caused by use of the pack assembly.

In one implementation, on each cord20, a female portion30and a male portion32of a chest buckle or sternum buckle are releaseably installed on respective straps or cords20. The male portion32includes a locking portion34that releaseably engages with the female30. Once installed, both the female portion30and the male portion32are independently moveable or slidable along the length33of the respective cords20.

For most implementations, the bottom portion52of the pack10is preferably wider or larger than the middle portion53and the top portion54. In other implementations, the middle portion53may be larger than the other two portions52,54, and the top portion54may be larger than the bottom portion52and middle portion53.

FIG. 2is a perspective view of the pack shown inFIG. 1in a different configuration and with additional detail. With reference toFIG. 2, the portions of the sternum buckle30,32have been mated together, and thereby the two straps or cords20are shown drawn closer together. The sternum buckle or chest buckle30,32may or may not be slidable along a generally vertical axis33, depending on the elements of the female portion30and the male portion32of the chest buckle, as explained further hereinbelow. The cords20are passed through the respective gussets13, and the ends22of the cords20are tied into a knot24. The top opening14has been drawn smaller by the closing or drawing of the cinch12. A posterior cinch portion12B extends farther away from opening14and cinch closure than an anterior cinch portion12A to allow for the cords to more easily align together before passing together and toward the sternum buckle30,32. The gussets19are drawn farther up the pack10when the cinch12is in a more closed configuration.

A pocket40is shown hidden inside of the anterior side16of the pack10. The pocket40is generally positioned medially in a vertical direction, and at least outside of the cinching portion of the pack10, so as to avoid gathering or puckering the pocket40or moving the pocket40outside of a substantially vertical orientation when the pack is cinched and in service. Shown inside the pocket40are two personal items42. Along the top of the pocket40is a zipper44that is representative of an optional closing element that may or may not be installed with use of the pocket40. Other possible closing elements include hook and loop fasteners, snaps, and a fold-over flap. InFIG. 2, the pocket40is shown as a single pocket but may take the form of multiple pockets installed on or as part of pack10such as on the anterior portion16or posterior portion18of the pack10. Each pocket40may be contiguous or separate from an adjacent pocket. Each pocket40may be divided into two or more sub-pockets.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of one implementation of a chest buckle according to a first illustrative implementation of the invention. With reference toFIG. 3, a female portion30and a male portion32of a chest buckle are shown. Two strands of the cords20pass through a portion of the female portion30and the male portion32of a chest buckle, respectively. InFIG. 3, the female portion30and male portion32are formed with individualized passages to allow for a single strand of the cord20to pass therethrough. An engaging or locking portion34of the male portion32of the buckle is insertable and matable with a recess35of the female portion30of the buckle. One or more of the engaging or locking portions34may engage in a respective aperture38formed in the female portion30. A locking mechanism36is shown on the top surface79of the female portion30and the male portion32. The locking mechanism36is shown as a rolling or sliding mechanism, and this locking mechanism36releaseably affixes the buckle portions30,32to one or more passes of each respective cord20. The locking mechanisms36prevent the buckle portions30,32from moving along a length or vertical stretch33of the cords.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of interior pockets of a pack according to a first illustrative implementation of the interior pockets. There has been a need for improved features of a pack, and features of interior pockets are one of many areas in which this need is evident. With reference toFIG. 4, a pocket40has been divided by a dividing seam43into a first sub-pocket40A and a second sub-pocket40B. The second sub-pocket40B is shown shorter vertically than the first sub-pocket40A. This is by design to provide sub-pockets of various shapes and design to accommodate various items in the pack10. Alternatively, the sub-pockets40A,40B may be of generally the same size, height and width. The first sub-pocket40A includes a top edge41and forms an opening47near the top edge41. The first sub-pocket40A is shown with a mobile phone42A disposed therein. In one implementation, the material of the pocket40is made of an elastic or stretchy material that may be substantively different than the material of the pack10. For example, the material may be a material similar to a Lycra® or Neoprene® material. Such material, besides being elastic also provides an increased ability to cushion shocks to the contents of the pocket40and subpockets40A,40B. The elastic material provides a gripping surface (and a higher degree of friction when in contact with the items) that more readily maintains the items in the sub-pockets40A,40B. Further, the elastic material provides a retaining force to effectively pinch items between the sub-pocket40A and pack10. Alternatively, while not shown inFIG. 4, a pocket40may be made from two overlapping layers of an elastic material—one layer as the outer layer and one layer as an inner layer that lays flush against and is continuous with the material of the pack10. Also according to another variation, the pocket40may be lined with a cushioning material in addition to a fabric to further provide cushioning and gripping of items. Often, a user of a pack assembly carries high value items in the pocket40and these items need increased protection against the contents of the main compartment of the pack assembly, and against drops and rough handling that sometimes accompanies trips to sporting activities and the like.

The second sub-pocket40B is shown with a zippered closing mechanism44. In this way, a pack assembly user has the option of placing items such as coins42B, car keys42C and a wallet42D into an enclosed sub-pocket40B for additional security that these items will not escape the pack assembly. In an alternative embodiment, another type of closing mechanism may be used such as a hook-and-loop closure, or a snap closure. In yet another alternatively embodiment, the closure mechanism44may extend across the entire pocket40.

The shape of the pocket40may take any one of various shapes and dimensions to accommodate certain frequently carried items and provide other benefits. The pocket40inFIG. 4is shown as a substantially hourglass shape. The pocket40has two lateral sides45and a bottom side46. For the hourglass shape, a bottom pocket region62is wider than a middle pocket region63, and a top pocket region64is wider than the middle pocket region63. Other configurations and embodiments may be possible. For example, the top pocket region64may be wider than both the middle pocket region63and the bottom pocket region62. The orientation of the pocket40may not be justified or aligned vertically or horizontally in the pack10. Instead, the pocket40may by affixed to the inner surface15in one or more various pocket regions61. Each pocket40may be formed into two or more sub-pockets; only two sub-pockets40A,40B are shown inFIG. 4. In an alternative implementation, the pocket40may be formed or affixed to a bottom region51(as shown inFIG. 1).

FIG. 5is a perspective view of a female portion of the chest buckle according to a first illustrative implementation. With reference toFIG. 5, a female portion30A is formed or assembled to include a recess35and an aperture38for receiving a portion and engaging element of a male buckle portion (not shown). The female portion30A also includes a sliding element71and a cord engaging element72. The sliding element71is designed to be handled and operated with a single hand of a user, and preferably, a single motion. The sliding element moves laterally along a range of motion73. Although not shown inFIG. 5, there may also be included one or more integral or separate biasing elements that provide a biasing force to restrict an aperture75for one or more passes of a cord (not shown inFIG. 5). In operation, the cord engaging element72contacts with and provides a restrictive and releaseably engaging force to one or more passes of the cords of the pack. In this way, the female portion30A releaseably maintains its position long the length of the cord or cords. The pack assembly thus has a memory for its configuration for a user. For sake of simplicity, the female portion30A is shown with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured with a same or different material, or the same material of the bottom surface78may be so contoured, shapped or textured. Further, the sliding element71is shown as a simple block shape, but preferably is ergonomically shaped so as to provide a comfortable scalloped recess for a finger to easily and conveniently find, engage and operate the sliding element71.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of a female portion of the chest buckle according to a second illustrative implementation. With reference toFIG. 6, the sliding element71is formed or located on a side opposite that of the recess35. An aperture38for an engaging element of a male buckle portion is shown on a first side; it is to be understood that a matching aperture is located on the non-displayed side ofFIG. 6. While a single aperture38is shown, other numbers, configurations and arrangement of apertures38may be used to secure the two portions of a chest buckle together when the two portions are engaged. The sliding element71of the female portion30B is operated by pressing it inward along its range of motion73that is parallel with or along the principal axis of the female portion30B. The sliding element71may be the same or different from the cord engaging element72. Two cord engaging elements72are shown inFIG. 6. The cord engaging elements72restrict the aperture for the one or more passes of the cord (not shown inFIG. 6). While not shown, the female portion30B includes one or more biasing elements that provide a closing force along the range of motion74of the cord engaging elements72. By moving the sliding element71inward, the cord engaging elements72move outwardly thereby providing freedom for the cords (not shown) and allowing the female buckle portion30B to move along the length of one or cords that pass through the aperture. The aperture is divided or shaped into a first aperture region75and a second aperture region76by a raised contour77. The raised contour77preferably extends through the width80of the female buckle portion30B. The contour77provides a mechanical separation and alignment of two or more cords in the aperture of the female portion30B. In this way, the cords of a pack assembly are kept from twisting and becoming uncomfortably positioned on a user during use. For sake of simplicity, the female portion30B is shown inFIG. 6with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation or embodiment, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of a male portion of a chest buckle according to a third illustrative implementation. With reference toFIG. 7, a male portion32A includes a sliding element71that is formed, installed or located through or in association with a top surface79. The male buckle portion32A includes one or more male engaging portions; two male engaging or locking portions34are shown inFIG. 7. These engaging or locking portions34releaseably engage into the recess and apertures of a female buckle portion (not shown inFIG. 7). The sliding element71of the male buckle portion32A is operated by pressing it downward along its range of motion73that is shown perpendicular to the principal axis of the male buckle portion32A. The sliding element71may be the same or part of the cord engaging element72, or may be a separate, different element from the cord engaging element72. Two cord engaging elements72are shown inFIG. 7for illustrative purposes only. One or more cord engaging elements72may be present in the third illustrative implementation. The cord engaging elements72restrict the aperture for the one or more passes of the cord (not shown inFIG. 7). While not shown, the male portion32A includes one or more biasing elements that provide a closing force along the range of motion81of the cord engaging elements72. By moving the sliding element71inward or downward, the cord engaging elements72move outwardly thereby providing freedom for the cords (not shown) and allowing the male buckle portion32A to move along the length of one or cords that pass through the aperture. The aperture is divided or shaped into a first aperture region75and a second aperture region76by a raised contour77. The raised contour77preferably extends through the width80of the male buckle portion32A. The contour77provides a mechanical separation and alignment of two or more cords in the aperture of the male portion32A; only two aperture regions75,76are shown but multiple aperture regions may be provided depending on the number of passes of the cords that are desired to be passed through the male buckle portion32A—in such case, multiple contours77may be needed and formed in the male buckle portion32A. In this way, the cords of a pack assembly are kept from twisting and becoming uncomfortably positioned on a user during use. For sake of simplicity, the male portion32A is shown inFIG. 7with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation or embodiment, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured.

FIG. 8is a perspective view of a male portion of a chest buckle according to a fourth illustrative implementation. With reference toFIG. 8, a male portion32B includes a rolling element82that rolls back and forth in circular or rocking motion or direction83. As shown inFIG. 8, the rolling element82protrudes above a top surface79. The male buckle portion32B includes one or more male engaging portions; two male engaging portions34are shown inFIG. 8along with a stabilizing center post88. These engaging portions34releaseably engage into the recess and apertures of a female buckle portion (not shown inFIG. 8). The rolling element82of the male buckle portion32B is operated by engaging it with a thumb or finger and providing a rolling or sliding motion. The rolling element82engages one or more cord engaging elements72. One cord engaging element72is shown inFIG. 8. The rolling element82may be the same or part of the cord engaging element72, or may be a separate, different element from the cord engaging element72. The cord engaging element72restricts the aperture for the one or more passes of the cord (not shown inFIG. 8). While not visible or shown inFIG. 8, the male buckle portion32B includes one or more biasing elements that provide a closing force along the range of motion81of the cord engaging element72. By moving the rolling element82, the cord engaging element72moves upwardly thereby providing freedom for the one or more cords (not shown for sake of simplicity) and allowing the male buckle portion32B to move along the length of one or cords that pass through the aperture. The aperture is divided or shaped into a first aperture region75and a second aperture region76by a raised contour77. The raised contour77preferably extends through the width80of the male buckle portion32B. The contour77provides a mechanical separation and alignment of two or more cords in the aperture of the male portion32B; only two aperture regions75,76are shown but multiple aperture regions may be provided depending on the number of passes of the cords. For sake of simplicity, the male portion32B is shown inFIG. 8with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation or embodiment, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured.

FIG. 9is an exploded view of the female portion of the chest buckle shown inFIG. 6. With reference toFIG. 9, and according to one of many possible embodiments of the female buckle portion30B, the sliding element71includes one or more extended tabs82that are designed to engage a cord engaging element72. InFIG. 9, only one cord engaging element72is shown for simplicity. The sliding element71is designed to be securely and moveably inserted into an aperture86in the side opposite the principal buckle recess35. The sliding element71protrudes a small distance through its aperture86. In operation, the movement of the sliding element or detent71is generally along a horizontal, sliding axis or range of motion74. The cord engaging element72is placed adjacent to the extended tabs82and is held in place by a spring or other biasing element83. A spring83is shown, but other types, varieties and methods may be implemented to bias the cord engaging element72inside the female buckle portion30B. The spring83engages and is mated with a recess or designated place or feature84on an insert85. The insert85is maintained in place by one or more ridges87. When the detent71, cord engagement element72, and spring83are inserted, the insert85is placed inside the buckle portion30B with the intent that the buckle portion30B is assembled and is not designed to be disassembled when placed into service as part of the pack assembly. As also shown inFIG. 6, an aperture38is formed in the female buckle portion30B for receiving an engaging element of a male buckle portion (not shown inFIG. 9). When assembled, the sliding element71is operated by pressing it inward along its range of motion73that is parallel with or along the principal axis of the female portion30B. The detent range of motion73may or may not be the same as the range of motion of the cord engaging element72based on the particular implementation of components used in practice. However, for sake of simplicity of illustration inFIG. 9, these ranges are the same because the motion of the detent71is based on the same mechanical motion as that of the cord engaging element72because they both are based on the biasing of the same spring element83. In alternative implementations, the sliding element71is connected to and forms the same part as the cord engaging element72. By moving the sliding element or detent71inward, the cord engaging element72moves or slides to the right thereby freeing itself from pressing on one or more cords, and thereby providing freedom for the cords (not shown). In this way, in operation, the female buckle portion30B is free to move along the length of one or cords that pass through the aperture. While shown as straight arms, the extended tabs82may be or are required to be contoured to fit the shape of the first aperture75and second aperture76. For sake of simplicity, the female portion30B is shown inFIG. 9with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation or embodiment, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured.

FIG. 10is an exploded view of the male portion of the chest buckle shown inFIG. 8. With reference toFIG. 10, and according to one of many possible embodiments of the male buckle portion32B, the rolling element82is formed so as to snap over and onto an axle83B or other axis-forming element. On either side of the axle83B are two recesses96for receiving portions82A,82B of the rolling element82that protrude into the inner, hollow portion of the male buckle portion32B. A single cord engaging element72is shown. A first protruding part82A is designed to engage a mating portion91of the cord engaging element72. When assembled and in operation, by rolling or moving the rolling element82, the rolling element82moves according to a range of motion83, and the first protruding part82A pushes downward onto the mating portion91of the cord engaging element72. The cord engaging element72presses downward against a biasing spring panel92. The biasing spring panel92provides a closing or clamping (upward) force against one or more cords (not shown) that pass through the first aperture75and second aperture76. InFIG. 10, only one cord engaging element72is shown for simplicity, but other numbers and types of cord engaging elements72are possible when used in conjunction with a rolling element82. A single biasing spring panel92is shown, but other types, varieties and methods may be implemented to bias the cord engaging element72inside the male buckle portion32B. The male buckle portion32B is assembled by inserting the cord engaging element72and biasing spring panel92into the inner recess94of the male buckle portion32B. The inner recess94is closed from further access by placing a panel93into the end portion of the male buckle portion32B. The various components (e.g., cord engaging element72, biasing spring panel92and panel93) may be held in place or within a range of motion by one or more ridges, lips, or rails (not shown for sake of simplicity) formed in the male buckle portion32B. The panel32is meant to snap into place and the male buckle portion32B is not meant to be re-opened again after being placed into service. That is, after being assembled, the male buckle portion32B is not designed to be disassembled when placed into service as part of the pack assembly. When assembled, the rolling element82is operated by placing a finger or thumb on it, and rolling the rolling element82toward the engaging elements34. The cord engaging element72moves along its range of motion81when the rolling element82is operated. The range of motion81is perpendicular to the principal axis of the male buckle portion32B. The rolling range of motion83may or may not be the same as the range of motion of the cord engaging element72based on the particular implementation of components used in practice. However, for sake of simplicity of illustration inFIG. 10, these ranges are approximately the same because the motion of the rolling element82is based on the same mechanical motion as that of the cord engaging element72because they are both based on the biasing of the same biasing spring panel92. By moving the rolling element82, the cord engaging element72moves or slides downward thereby freeing itself from pressing on one or more cords, and thereby providing freedom for the cords (not shown). In this way, in operation, the male buckle portion32B is free to move along the length of one or cords that pass through the aperture. As shown, the cord engaging element72is formed so as to match the shape of the first aperture portion75and second aperture portion76including having a raised contour77B. In one implementation, the cord engaging element72is made from a friction-inducing material or substance such that the cords (not shown) and the cord engaging element72aggressively grip each other when a biasing force is applied to the cord engaging element. For example, the buckle portion32B may be made of a polyvinyl material, the cords may be made of a Nylon® or natural or synthetic fiber, and the cord engaging component72may be made of a rubber or rubber-like component. The inner surface97of the cord engaging element72may be textured or shaped so as to provide a desired amount of gripping of the cord when the cord engaging element72is biased against the cords (not shown inFIG. 10). As noted elsewhere herein, for sake of simplicity, the male portion32B is shown inFIG. 10with a flat bottom surface78and a flat top surface79. However, depending on the particular implementation or embodiment, the bottom surface78and top surface79may be contoured, shaped or textured.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of an assembled chest buckle according to another illustrative implementation showing both a female buckle portion and a male buckle portion. With reference toFIG. 11, a male buckle portion32C has been engaged into a female buckle portion30C. an engaging or locking portion34is visible protruding through an aperture of the female buckle portion30C. A release element106may be actuated along a range of motion107which frees the locking portions34, and the male buckle portion32C may be disengaged and released from the female buckle portion30C. Actuating a sliding element71moves the cord engaging element72of the female buckle portion30C. Actuating a rolling element82moves the cord engaging element72of the male buckle portion32C. The first apertures75and second apertures76are visible in both the male buckle portion32C and the female buckle portion30C. The distal portions109are larger than the proximal portions108of each of the male buckle portion32C and the female buckle portion30C—as is evident when considering the buckle portions from a top view and from a front view. As visible from a front perspective, the proximal portions108are smaller in dimension103than the distal dimension104of the distal portions109. That is, according to the embodiment shown, the chest buckle or sternum buckle forms a rounded, contoured dog bone-shaped assembly. This assembly is designed to be manipulated with a single hand and each function or mechanism is designed to be actuated with a simple movement or action—such as to the sliding element71, rolling element82and release element106.

While the invention is described with respect to one or more illustrative or preferred implementations, other implementations are possible. The concepts disclosed herein apply equally to other systems, devices and methods for packs, sacks, carrying devices and the like. The invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings where it is noted that characteristics and features shown in the drawings are not drawn to scale.

Not all structures require all components. For example, one or more interior pockets may or may not vary in shape along their length or breadth. The sack portion of the pack may or may not vary in width along its length from top to bottom. In the figures, cords are shown passed through respective grommets at the bottom corners of the sacks, the ends of the cords being knotted. Such is not required. Other fasteners, connections and arrangements are possible. Further, other shapes and arrangements besides those shown in the figures are possible, such as triangular or trapezoidal shaped sacks, etc.

Further, certain terms used herein, including in the claims, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” and the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least.”) It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present.

For example, as an aid to understanding, the following claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. The use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”). The same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C,” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).

It will be further understood by those within the art that any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” Moreover, “can” and “optionally” and other permissive terms are used herein for describing optional features of various embodiments. These terms likewise describe selectable or configurable features generally, unless the context dictates otherwise.

The described aspects of the invention depict different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely illustrative, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Various features from one implementation can be combined with other features from other implementations. The description is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variation and modification commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention. The implementations described herein and above are also intended to explain the best mode presently known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to use the invention, or in other implementations, and with the various modifications required by their particular application or uses of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternate implementations to the extent permitted. Thus, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all variations and modifications as are within the spirit and scope of this subject matter described herein.