Abstract:
A baggage restraint system for the containment of luggage and other personal or group articles, such as camping gear or sport equipment, to the confines of two or more successive seats in a commercial passenger vehicle, such as a school bus. The system comprises an enclosure, and the means by which it may be releasably secured to the vehicle cabin floor. The system&#39;s enclosure is constructed of tear-resistant fabric panels, as an essentially rectangular or forward-leaning, four-sided cuboid. The enclosure is shaped and dimensioned to envelope a predetermined number of seats in a target vehicle. The system&#39;s means of securement include: a plurality of depending loops, affixed along one or more of the enclosure&#39;s bottom and windows-side edges; a plurality of floor and sidewall anchor tabs; and a plurality of carabiners and adjustable straps, linking each anchor tab to one of the depending loops.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Not applicable. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     I. Field of the Invention 
       [0003]    The present invention relates generally to baggage containment enclosures, and particularly to systems designed to contain luggage and other personal or group articles to within the space occupied by a number of successive seats in a commercial passenger vehicle. 
       II. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
       [0004]    The need to securely carry luggage and other personal articles in a passenger vehicle arose as an immediate corollary to the advent of the motorcar, as the solution to the need for passenger transportation. Waterlogged luggage and trails of personal belongings littering long stretches of roads have quickly proved the inadequacy of lashing trunks externally onto vehicles, prompting vehicle designs to include a capacious, enclosed luggage compartment. This, of course, has become a standard feature of automobiles and of inter-city commercial passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles intended for local passenger transportation however, such as city busses and school busses, typically lack a dedicated luggage compartment, as there is no operational need, normally, for such functionality during their intended use. Nevertheless, school busses and other commercial passenger vehicles normally intended for local routes are, on occasion, used for longer trips, requiring the carriage of personal luggage and, often, personal and group sport equipment, camping gear, and the like (collectively termed “baggage”, hereafter and in the appended claims). 
         [0005]    Commonly, on such occasions, baggage is heaped upon and underneath vacant seats, and/or stowed in the centre aisle. Ordinarily, unless the vehicle balance is disrupted or the driver&#39;s view is obstructed, this practice poses no serious problem. But should a situation arise where the vehicle must be decelerated rapidly or brought to an abrupt stop, or is involved in an accident, unsecured baggage becomes a serious risk. Baggage objects may become displaced following such events, block the aisle and impede rapid egress and access to injured passengers by emergency response personnel, or be projected violently and strike passengers. 
         [0006]    It is always prudent—to reduce the possibility of injury, as described above—to secure or restrain baggage properly when stowed on a car seat or in the cargo area of a station wagon; indeed, several devices are found in the prior art designed for this purpose. In the case of a commercial passenger vehicle, proper baggage stowage is vitally important. 
         [0007]    Baggage restraint devices intended for cars appear in several forms in the prior art: containers for small items, which are secured to a car seat by various means (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,582; Alexander, 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,687,893; Jaocbsmeyer, 1997); enclosures of netting or other pliable material, which embrace, at least in part, the seat portion and the backrest of a car seat (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 8,408,642; Reidy, 2013 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,102; Davis, 2007); pet enclosures (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,474,329; Wade, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,287,813; Aliev 2007); restraining nets for reclining passengers (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,529,341; Hartigan, 1996 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,630,324; Fligsten, 1986); station wagon cargo area partitions (e.g. US2013221697; Steinbrecher, 2013 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,891,263; Orsulak, 1975). Although presumably effective in their intended use, none of these solutions is transferable to a multi-passenger commercial vehicle for the containment of a baggage volume that is beyond the capacity of a single seat or bench. 
         [0008]    In the commercial realm, baggage restraint devices appear as tonneau nets (e.g. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,328,310; Lockney, 1994 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,017,174; Ross, 2000), which are essentially rectangular enclosures designed to be fastened to the external cargo bed of a truck, and are not easily adaptable to encompass a plurality of seats in a passenger vehicle; barriers and partitions designed to separate the cargo area from the operator (e.g. US2001033084; Murray, 2001 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,970; Bateman, 2006), which are essentially planiform in shape and, again, are not adaptable to flexibly contain baggage to within any plurality of seats in a commercial passenger vehicle; sectioning devices (e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,427,486; Green, 1995 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,958; Goeden, 1992 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,498A; Cox, 1988), which are designed to adaptably contain partial loads, but being generally of a simple planiform design are not suitable to encompass a plurality of passenger seats. 
         [0010]    It appears that the challenge of transporting voluminous baggage safely within the passenger cabin of a commercial passenger vehicle has not hitherto been met. The present invention addresses this challenge with a simple, effective solution. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    It is the principal object of this invention to provide a restraint system for the containment of baggage to within the space occupied by a predetermined number of successive seats in the cabin of a commercial passenger vehicle. 
         [0012]    A second, more specific object of this invention is to provide a restraint system as described above, which is strong but light, and which can be manufactured cheaply. 
         [0013]    A third specific object of this invention is to provide a restraint system as described above, which may be easily installed when needed, and readily removed when not needed. 
         [0014]    A forth, further specific object of this invention is to provide a restraint system as described above, which requires minimal modification to the structure of the host vehicle. 
         [0015]    The foregoing objectives are achieved through corresponding aspects of the invention, as outlined below: 
         [0016]    A first aspect of the present invention is a four-sided enclosure, dimensioned and shaped to closely fit over a predetermined number of seats in a commercial passenger vehicle. 
         [0017]    A second aspect of the present invention is a pliable sewn construction formed of durable fabric or strap netting. 
         [0018]    A third aspect of the present invention is an adaptable means of securement of the enclosure to the cabin structure, comprising engagement loops or grommet eyes, conventional linking carabiners, floor-based anchor tabs, and adjustable straps. 
         [0019]    A forth aspect of the present invention is the coupling of the aforesaid anchor tabs to seat-mount fixtures, and the engagement of the aforesaid adjustable straps with seat frame members. 
         [0020]    These and other objects and features of the present invention are fully expounded hereinafter in the description of the preferred embodiments, in which references are made to accompanying drawings, described next. 
     
    
     
         [0021]    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  An isometric view of a first configuration of the baggage restraint system according to the present invention, in situ with the immediately adjacent seats, as seen from the centre aisle side. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  An isometric view of the baggage restraint system of  FIG. 1 , as seen from the windows side. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  A perspective aisle-side view of restraint system of  FIG. 1 , with the vehicle floor and adjacent seats hidden. 
           [0025]      FIG. 3A  A detail view of a zipper failure protection feature of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , corresponding to focus area  3 A. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3B  A detail view of a seat-mount anchoring feature of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , corresponding to focus area  3 B. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3C  A detail view of a floor tab anchoring feature of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , corresponding to focus area  3 C. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  An orthogonal top view of a hitch strap of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  A larger scale perspective view of the seat-mount anchoring seen in  FIG. 3B . 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  A larger scale perspective view of a first form of a floor anchor tab seen in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  A larger scale perspective view of a second form of a floor anchor tab seen  FIG. 3C . 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  An isometric view of a first form of a windows-side adjustable strap of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , in isolation. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  An isometric view of a second form of a windows-side adjustable strap of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , in isolation. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  A perspective, windows-side view of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 3 , fitted with the adjustable straps of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  A perspective, windows-side view of the restraint system of  FIG. 1  in isolation, fitted with the adjustable straps of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  An isometric view of a second embodiment of the baggage restraint system of  FIG. 1  in isolation, showing an alternative method of attachment of the adjustable straps of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 12A  A detail view of the alternative method of attachment of the adjustable straps seen in  FIG. 12 , corresponding to focus area  12 A. 
           [0038]      FIG. 13  An isometric view of a second form of an adjustable strap used with the alternative embodiment of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 12 , in isolation. 
           [0039]      FIG. 14  A perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 12 , fitted with the adjustable straps of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 15  A perspective view of a second configuration of the baggage restraint system according to the present invention, featuring an auxiliary top compartment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 16  An isometric, windows-side view of the restraint system seen in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0042]      FIG. 16A  A detail view of one of the adjustable straps linked to the auxiliary compartment seen in  FIG. 16 , corresponding to focus area  16 A. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the baggage restraint system set forth by the present invention is depicted in place in a typical school bus, shown with the immediately adjacent passenger seats (denoted  2 ) and a section of the cabin floor and sidewall (denoted  3 ). For clarity, other vehicle parts have been omitted in these figures. 
         [0044]    Broadly, the baggage restraint system proposed by the present invention comprises an enclosure (termed “base cell” hereafter, and denoted generally by reference numeral  1 ), and the means for its securement to the vehicle floor and sidewall. Base cell  1  is constructed as an essentially rectangular or forward-leaning, four-sided cuboid, that is dimensioned to closely envelope a predetermined number of passenger seats—three, in the depicted embodiment (the term “seat”, as used hereafter and in the appended claims, is intended to encompass both single-occupant seats and multi-occupant benches/row-seats). When deployed, base cell  1  thus fully contains baggage stowed upon or underneath the aforesaid encased seats. In this and other preferred embodiments, base cell  1  is essentially open on the vehicle&#39;s windows side, as seat and sidewall structure do not normally permit a full wall on this side. Lateral baggage displacement in that direction is inherently limited, of course, by the presence of the windows and sidewall. Base cell  1  may alternatively be constructed with a partial wall (which does not extend to the floor) on the vehicle&#39;s windows side, whereby somewhat greater structural integrity is achieved, as well as enhanced security, as stowed baggage is made obscured, by this wall, from prying eyes. 
         [0045]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , base cell  1  comprises four interconnected walls (denoted generally  1 . 1 ); edge members (denoted generally  1 . 2 ); reinforcing straps (denoted generally  1 . 5 ); and hitch straps (denoted generally  1 . 6 ). 
         [0046]    Walls  1 . 1  consist of an essentially vertical aisle-side wall (denoted  1 . 1 L), an essentially vertical or somewhat inclined front wall (denoted  1 . 1 F), an essentially vertical or somewhat inclined back wall (denoted  1 . 1 B; best seen in  FIG. 10 ), and an essentially horizontal top wall (denoted  1 . 1 T). Walls  1 . 1  are formed of durable synthetic fabric, such as (but not limited to) Cordura® or ballistic nylon, but as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a wide range of durable synthetic, natural, and mixed-fibre fabrics are commercially available from which walls  1 . 1  may be constructed. Furthermore, strap or cord netting may be employed alternatively in lieu of solid fabric. 
         [0047]    Edge members  1 . 2  and the corner sections therebetween (denoted generally  1 . 3 ) serve to join each pair of walls, thereby to form base cell  1  into the aforesaid rectangular or forward-leaning cuboid geometry, and lend durability and rigidity to its structure. Walls  1 . 1  are sewn onto edge members  1 . 2  in the preferred embodiments, but it will be apparent to the skilled technician that walls  1 . 1  may also be riveted to edge members  1 . 2  or connected detachably thereto by zippers. Edge members  1 . 2  are formed of durable synthetic strapping material similar or identical to that forming walls  1 . 1 , in thickness which yields the desired durability and rigidity. 
         [0048]    Although in the preferred embodiments a windows-side wall is absent, edge members are still provided on this side, as they help maintain the geometry of the structure. Alternative, simpler embodiments may forgo windows-side edge members. Other embodiments, simpler still, are also possible, wherein edge members are omitted altogether, interfacing walls  1 . 1  directly. 
         [0049]    Two edge members on the aisle side (denoted  1 . 2 A and  1 . 2 B) and the corner section therebetween (denoted  1 . 3 A) are adapted to accommodate a zipper (denoted  1 . 4 ) continuously therethrough, thereby allowing aisle-side access to stowed baggage. Zipper  1 . 4  may alternatively extend into the conterminous, third aisle-side edge member (denoted  1 . 2 C), through the corner section therebetween (denoted  1 . 3 B), to further facilitate access to baggage. In alternative embodiments, a top zipper may be provided along two or three edge members of wall  1 . 1 T, in place of or in addition to zipper  1 . 4 , in order to enable access to stowed baggage from the top side. In embodiments where edge members  1 . 2  are absent, an access zipper may be integrated directly into wall  1 . 1 L or  1 . 1 T (or into both walls), peripherally, along two or three sides thereof. 
         [0050]    Reinforcing straps  1 . 5  are sewn onto walls  1 . 1  and edge members  1 . 2  in a generally latticework pattern—representative straps  1 . 5 L,  1 . 5 F,  1 . 5 B, and  1 . 5 T are depicted attached to the correspondingly suffixed wall. Reinforcing straps  1 . 5  permits the use of thinner wall material than otherwise would be desired. In alternative embodiments, thicker wall material may be selected to obviate the need for reinforcing straps. Straps  1 . 5  are constructed of material identical or similar to that forming edge members  1 . 2 . 
         [0051]    Several of straps  1 . 5 L,  1 . 5 F, and  1 . 5 T terminate adjacent zipper  1 . 4 , as seen in area  3 A of  FIG. 3  and more clearly in  FIG. 3A . Each of these straps is adapted with a depending looped end, the end loops of each conterminous pair of straps are linked by a metal carabiner (denoted  4 ). This arrangement protects zipper  1 . 4  from failure in the event of compromising stress, and permits the use of a zipper of a conventional gauge. In alternative embodiments, where a specialty, heavy gauge zipper is used, zipper failure protection is optional. 
         [0052]    Affixed peripherally along the bottom edge of each wall  1 . 1 L,  1 . 1 F, and  1 . 1 B are hitch straps  1 . 6 L,  1 . 6 F, and  1 . 6 B, respectively, by which base cell  1  may be secured to cabin floor  3 . As seen in  FIG. 10 , a hitch strap (denoted  1 . 6 W) similar to  1 . 6 L is disposed along the bottom edge of the edge member on the vehicle&#39;s windows side (denoted  1 . 2 W), by which base cell  1  may be secured to the vehicle&#39;s windows side (as explained below). In embodiments where windows-side edge members are absent, hitch strap  1 . 6 W may be affixed onto wall  1 . 1 T, along and abutting or adjacent the window-side border thereof. 
         [0053]    Hitch straps  1 . 6 , in the preferred embodiments, are sewn onto the associated wall, but, as will be clear to the skilled technician, may alternatively be riveted thereto or connected by any other conventional means of fabric attachment which provides the desired reliability. 
         [0054]    As seen more clearly in  FIG. 4  (depicting strap  1 . 6 L as an example), each of straps  1 . 6  is affixed to its associated wall in such a manner that interstices are formed along its length at regular intervals. Each such opening (“hitch loop”, hereafter) being susceptible to linkage by some linking means—a metal carabiner, in the preferred embodiments. 
         [0055]    The preferred linking arrangement along wall  1 . 1 L is shown in area  3 B of  FIG. 3 , seen more clearly in  FIG. 3B  and  FIG. 5-6 . A seat-mount anchor tab (denoted  6 ) is provided for each seat mount fixture (denoted  7 ) of each seat to be encased. Each seat-mount anchor tab  6  is formed or adapted with registering holes at a base section thereof, as seen in  FIG. 6  (denoted  6 . 1 ), to permit the passage of the mounting bolts which secure seat mounts fixtures  7  to cabin floor  3 , and is disposed therebetween. Anchor tab  6  is also adapted with an opening (denoted  6 . 2 ) formed in an inclined flange extending therefrom, which is engaged by a metal carabiner (denoted  5 ) and linked to a conveniently located hitch loop of strap  1 . 5 L Although carabiners are used advantageously here and elsewhere in the preferred embodiments, in alternative embodiments other linking means may be used instead, such as (but not limited to) heavy-gauge twist ties, nylon ties, tied lengths of rope, hook-and-loop straps, or short buckle straps. 
         [0056]    As shown in area  3 C of  FIG. 3  and seen more clearly in  FIG. 3C  and  FIG. 7 , hitch strap  1 . 6 F is releasably linked to a plurality of floor anchor tabs (denoted  8 ) which are bolted to cabin floor  3 . Each anchor tab  8  is formed with a bolt hole (denoted  8 . 1 ) at a base section thereof, by which it is affixed to the vehicle floor, and an opening (denoted  8 . 2 ) in an inclined flange section thereof, which is engaged by a metal carabiner (denoted  9 ; identical to carabiner  5 ) and linked to a conveniently located hitch loop of strap  1 . 6 F. A similar arrangement is provided for hitch strap  1 . 6 B. 
         [0057]    In vehicles where no distinct seat-mounts exist, or where anchor tab  6  cannot be coupled to existing seat-mounts, a plurality of anchor tabs similar or identical to tab  8  may be affixed to the cabin floor along hitch strap  1 . 6 L by which to secure wall  1 . 1 L. 
         [0058]    In alternative embodiments, intended for use with relatively light-weight baggage, hitch straps  1 . 6 F and  1 . 6 B are optional. Embodiments are also contemplated where in place of hitch straps  1 . 6 , walls  1 . 1 L,  1 . 1 F, and  1 . 1 B, and edge member  1 . 2 W are fitted with a plurality of individual depending loops, or adapted with grommet eyes at regular intervals along and adjacent the bottom edge thereof, by which carabiner engagement is effected. (In embodiments foregoing windows-side edge members, a plurality of one of the aforesaid fittings may be incorporated directly into wall  1 . 1 T, along and adjacent the windows-side border thereof.) 
         [0059]    On the vehicle&#39;s windows side, hitch strap  1 . 6 W is attached by a plurality of adjustable straps, seen in  FIG. 10  (denoted generally  10 ) to any seat frame component susceptible to such engagement. In the embodiment presented, each adjustable strap  10  engages one of the sidewall mounting arms of the corresponding seat. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that vehicle seat designs vary widely, and although sidewall mounting arms may not always be present, some frame member is almost always available for strap engagement. Adjustable strap  10 , seen in isolation in  FIG. 8 , comprises an elongated body (denoted  11 ) that is coupled to an auxiliary strap (denoted  11 . 3 ) in such a manner that a plurality of interstices (“set loops”, hereafter) is formed therebetween. Body  11  is further adapted with end loops at either end—a proximal end loop (denoted  11 . 1 ), by which it is linked by a carabiner (denoted  12  and identical to carabiner  5 ) to hitch strap  1 . 6 W, and a distal end loop (denoted  11 . 2 ) which carries a second carabiner (denoted  13 ). Carabiner  13  allows end loop  11 . 2  to be connected to any one of the aforesaid set loops formed by auxiliary strap  11 . 3 , thus to set strap  10  at the proper length, while forming a bight (denoted generally  11 . 4 ) for embracing a suitable seat frame member. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a wide variety of adjustable strap designs exists, many of which could be employed alternatively with equal effectiveness. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 11 , in an alternative embodiment, where no suitable seat component is available for strap engagement on the vehicle&#39;s windows side, a plurality of sidewall anchor tabs (denoted  15 ; similar or identical to floor tab  8 ) is affixed to the vehicle sidewall, to which hitch strap  1 . 6 W is then linked. An adjustable strap of any conventional design may be employed for this connection, such as the double-buckle strap depicted in  FIG. 9  (denoted generally  14 ). Metal carabiners (denoted  16 ; similar or identical to carabiner  5 ) link strap  14  to hitch strap  1 . 6 W proximally, and to sidewall tabs  15  distally. This arrangement is shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         [0061]    Referring to  FIG. 12-14 , an alternative embodiment employs a second method of securing base cell  1  to the vehicle sidewall, whereby, in lieu of hitch strap  1 . 6 W, some or all reinforcement straps  1 . 5 T which terminate on the windows side, are extended with a depending looped end. A carabiner (denoted  17 ; similar or identical to carabiner  4 ) links each such end loop to an instance of the aforesaid adjustable strap  10 . 
         [0062]    In the foregoing embodiment, where no seat component is available for strap engagement on the windows side, a plurality of anchor tabs (denoted  19 ; identical to anchor tab  15 ) is affixed to the vehicle sidewall, each tab  19  linked by a carabiner (denoted  20 ; identical to carabiner  5 ) to an adjustable strap, such as (but not limited to) the one-buckle strap depicted in  FIG. 13  (generally denoted  18 ). Adjustable strap  18  in turn is linked by carabiner  17 , as before, to the end loop of the respective strap  1 . 5 T. 
         [0063]    Referring lastly to  FIG. 15  and  FIG. 16 , an auxiliary compartment (termed “top cell” hereafter, and denoted generally by the reference numeral  2 ) is optional with any of the foregoing embodiments. Top cell  2 , in the preferred embodiments, is formed of the same or similar material forming base cell  1 , and is constructed as a complete enclosure comprising a top/aisle-side wall (denoted  2 . 1 T), a bottom wall (not shown), a windows-side wall (denoted  2 . 1 W), a front wall (denoted  2 . 1 F), and a back wall (not shown). Walls  2 . 1 T and  2 . 1 W, and the bottom wall are formed continuously, in the embodiment presented, from a single panel, defining a flat-bottomed, tube-like structure to which walls  2 . 1 F and  2 . 1 B are attached by edge members (denoted  2 . 2 ). In alternative embodiments, walls  2 . 1 T and  2 . 1 W, and the bottom wall may be formed separately and connected directly or joined by edge members. 
         [0064]    Top cell  2  features similar components to those found on base cell  1 : edge members (as described above); zipper (denoted  2 . 3 ); zipper failure protection (denoted generally  2 . 4 ); reinforcement straps (denoted generally  2 . 5 ). 
         [0065]    Again, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that a range of alternatives exists respecting the particular cell geometry and, as with connection to base cell  1 , respecting the arrangement (or presence) of reinforcement straps  2 . 5 , and the exact routing of zipper  2 . 3 . 
         [0066]    Top cell  2 , in the embodiment presented, rests freely atop base cell  1 , and is secured to the vehicle sidewall as follows: a hitch strap (denoted  2 . 6 W), similar or identical to hitch strap  1 . 6 W of base cell  1 , is affixed along the top edge of wall  2 . 1 W; a plurality of adjustable straps is provided (denoted generally  21 ; similar or identical to strap  14 ), disposed at regular intervals along hitch strap  2 . 6 W, where each strap  21  is linked by a first carabiner (denoted  22 ; identical to carabiner  5 ) to hitch strap  2 . 6 W, and by a second, identical carabiner to an anchor tab (denoted  23 ; identical to anchor tab  15 ), which is affixed to the vehicle sidewall on the windows side. 
         [0067]    In another preferred embodiment, top cell  2  is releasably attached to base cell  1 , in which case securement of top cell  2  to the vehicle sidewall, though advantageous, is optional. Releasable attachment of cell  2  to cell  1  may be effected by various conventional methods well known in the art, such as (but not limited to): coupling depending straps connected to each cell—which coupling may be achieved by means of a buckle, hook-and-loop sections, hook-and-eye arrangement, or the like; carabiner-linking depending loops extending from each cell; using a continuous, at least partly peripheral split-flange zipper, wherein one flange is sewn along a top part of base cell  1  while the other is sewn along a bottom part of top cell  2 . 
         [0068]    It is to be understood that the forgoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings are intended to better elucidate the invention by way of examples, and not in any way to narrow its purview or the scope of the appended claims to the embodiments exemplified.