Patent Publication Number: US-2023139336-A1

Title: Adjustable carrier device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/519,155, titled “ADJUSTABLE CARRIER DEVICE,” filed on Nov. 4, 2021, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to devices for carrying articles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable carrier device for an ammunition magazine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Ammunition magazine carrying pouches are typically fabric walled and can thus be used to carry various types of articles by conforming somewhat to any inserted article. While such flexibility is useful, in order to secure a carried article, some sort of manually released closure means is needed. For example, a closure flap may overlay the opening of the pouch to secure an enclosed article, with the flap being secured in a closed configuration with a button or hook-and-loop fabric patches. An entirely soft-walled pouch surrounded by a cinching cord may collapse when emptied, and may gather at its opening. Thus typical ammunition carrying pouches may delay access to ammunition or other carried article at a critical moment. 
     Hard-shell carriers, on the other hand, are typically less flexible as to their use, and may be sized and shaped for a specific article type. While a hard-shell carrier having fixed dimensions such as a box may not collapse when empty, a manually released closure means may be needed as with a soft-walled pouch. Thus, again, access to a needed article such as an ammunition magazine may be delayed at a critical moment as the closure is manually released. 
     SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In at least one embodiment, a carrier device includes: a body member including a first section, a second section parallel to the first section, and a central section to which the first section and second section are attached, the first section and second section each having a terminal end, the terminal end of the first section and the terminal end of the second section extending away from the central section in a common direction. A bracket includes a central base plate, a first lateral side member attached to a first end of central base plate, and a second lateral side member attached to a second end of central base plate, the first lateral side member and second lateral side member each having a respective terminal end and a respective loop proximate the respective terminal end defining a respective hole, the terminal end of the first lateral side member and the terminal end of the second lateral side member extending away from the base plate in the common direction, wherein the bracket is nested with the body member with the base plate proximate the central section such that an interior of the carrier device is defined between the first section and second section of the body member and between the first lateral side member and second lateral side member. A binding member engages the first section and the second section, the binding member passing through each said respective hole defined by said respective loop of the first lateral side member and second lateral side member of the frame. A retention member, for retaining a magazine when inserted into the carrier device, has a respective portion passing through each said respective hole defined by said respective loop of the first lateral side member and second lateral side member of the frame. 
     The terminal ends of the lateral side members may extend in the common direction beyond the terminal ends of the first section and second section of the body member. 
     The terminal ends of the lateral side members and the terminal ends of the first section and second section of the body member may together define an opening into the interior of the carrier device. 
     The respective terminal end of each lateral side member may include a ramped inward contact surface such that the opening into the interior of the carrier device is tapered. 
     The respective terminal end of each of the first section and second section of the body member may include a ramped inward contact surface. 
     An upper tip of the loop of each lateral side member may define the terminal end thereof. 
     An interior face of the loop of each lateral side member may define the ramped inward contact surface thereof. 
     A laterally outward portion of the loop of each lateral side member may extend generally parallel to the side member thereby defining the hole as an elongate slot. 
     Each lateral side member, along an exterior side thereof, may include at least one pair of parallel spaced ribs. 
     A portion of the binding member may be held in a space between the ribs by at least on other portion of the binding member. 
     The ribs may have alternating high portions and low portions to guide the binding member. 
     Each lateral side member, along an exterior side thereof, may include multiple pairs of parallel spaced ribs, wherein each pairs is spaced from at least one other by a gap that receives a respective portion of the binder member. 
     The body member may be a unitary materially contiguous item of which the first section, second section and central section are materially contiguous portions. 
     The body member may include polymer. 
     The first section of the body member may include hooks for releasably engaging the binding member. 
     The second section of the body member may include hooks for releasably engaging the binding member. 
     The body member may include a flexible and foldable rectangular assembly comprising fabric. 
     The body member may include multiple band portions attached to the first section defining loops to engage respective portions of the binding member. 
     The body member may include bands attached to the second section to engage respective portions of the binding member. 
     The binding member may include a stretchable cord having an adjustable loop portion and an adjuster. 
     The above summary is to be understood as cumulative and inclusive. The above described embodiments and features are combined in various combinations in whole or in part in one or more other embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The previous summary and the following detailed descriptions are to be read in view of the drawings, which illustrate particular exemplary embodiments and features as briefly described below. The summary and detailed descriptions, however, are not limited to only those embodiments and features explicitly illustrated. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a front view of a carrier device, according to at least one embodiment, shown carrying a magazine, for example for a pistol. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of upper portions of the device and magazine of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  1 C  is a side view of the device and magazine of  FIG.  1    with a top retention member removed. 
         FIG.  2 A  shows the outward side of an unfolded body member of the device of  FIG.  1    in perspective view. 
         FIG.  2 B  shows the outward side of the body member of  FIG.  2 A  in plan view. 
         FIG.  2 C  shows the inward side of the body member of  FIG.  2 A  in perspective view. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front view of a bracket for the carrier device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the bracket of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  3 C  is a bottom view of the bracket of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  3 D  is a perspective view of the bracket of  FIG.  3 A . 
         FIG.  4    is a cross-sectional view of the body member taken along the line  4 - 4  in  FIG.  3 C . 
         FIG.  5    shows a binding member and adjuster thereof separated from the device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a bracket, according to another embodiment, for example for use in a carrier device for a rifle magazine. 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of the outward side of an unfolded body member, according to at least one embodiment, for example for use in a carrier device with the bracket of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of the inward side of the body member of  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a bracket, according to another embodiment, for example for use in a carrier device for a rifle magazine. 
         FIG.  9    is a plan view of an unfolded body member, according to at least one other embodiment, for example for use in a carrier device with the bracket of  FIG.  8   . 
         FIG.  10 A  is a front of a carrier device, according to at least one embodiment, incorporating the bracket of  FIG.  8    and the body member of  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  10 B  is a back view of the carrier device and magazine of  FIG.  10 A . 
         FIG.  10 C  is a side view of the carrier device and magazine of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a bracket, according to another embodiment with similarities to that of  FIG.  8   , for example for use in a carrier device for a pistol magazine. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a bracket, according to another embodiment with similarities to that of  FIG.  11   , for example for use in a carrier device for a pistol magazine with extended capacity. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS 
     These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although steps may be expressly described or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated. 
     Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing. 
     Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments. 
     A carrier device  100  according to at least one embodiment is shown in  FIG.  1 A  with an ammunition magazine  50  inserted and retained by the device. Magazines are available in a variety of sizes and configurations for many types of ammunition and firearms. The carrier device  100  accordingly can vary in particular dimensions. The magazine  50  particularly shown in  FIG.  1 A  is for ammunition typically used in a semiautomatic handgun, and thus the carrier device  100  of  FIG.  1 A  can be described as suited for use with a pistol without limitation as to other uses. 
     In use as shown in  FIG.  1 A , a magazine  50  is inserted into an open first end  102  of the device  100 . The open first end  102  may be for example oriented as upward in use. However, due to the magazine retention capability of the device, users may prefer various carrying strategies in which other orientations are utilized. A second end  104  of the device, opposite the first end, is generally closed with regard to insertion or passage of the magazine  50  or other carried articles, such that full insertion of a magazine is registered when the ammunition-feed end of the magazine reaches the of the second end  104  of the device  100 . At full insertion, the floor plate end  52  of the magazine extends outward from the first end  102  as available to be grasped and pulled from the carrier device  100 . Advantageously ramped inward contact surfaces  106  and  108  define a tapered opening  110  into the interior of the carrier device  100 , to receive the magazine  50  or other article, and that narrows to guide the magazine or article to proper alignment and insertion. 
     A first exterior surface  112  ( FIG.  1 A ) of the carrier device  100  may be generally directed outward when the carrier device is mounted on a host such as a belt, strap, vest, harness, or pack, such as a MOLLE-equipped host item or apparel, referring to Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) having spaced mounting straps. In such use, a second exterior surface  114  ( FIG.  1 C ), opposite the first exterior surface  112 , would be generally directed toward such a host. A mounting strap  56 , for example attached to the second exterior surface  114 , may be provided as an accessory for attaching the carrier device  100  to a host. 
     Retention of the magazine  50  by the carrier device  100  against unintended removal, for example as a user or gear on which the device is mounted moves about, is assured by the elastically self-adjusting performance of the carrier device. A binding member  120  is stretched among front, side, and back panels of the device  100  thereby adjustably circumferentially tightening the device around the magazine to maintain frictional engagement of an inserted magazine with interior contact points of the carrier device. This frictionally secures an inserted magazine while permitting sliding entry and removal of the magazine by force applied by hand at the outward extending end of the magazine, such as the floor plate end  52  of the magazine. 
     The first exterior surface  112  and opposite second exterior surface  114  of the carrier device  100  in the illustrated embodiment are defined by the outer surfaces of corresponding sections of a unitary materially contiguous body member  130  ( FIGS.  2 A- 2 C ) when folded as in the assembled device  100  ( FIG.  1 A ). A first section of the body member  130  defines a front or first panel  132  of the assembled carrier device  100 , and a second section of the body member  130  defines a back or second panel  134  of the assembled carrier device  100 . Front and back are nominal terms referring to some expected uses of the carrier device  100  without limiting the carrier device  100  in its construction or use. 
     The first panel  132  and second panel  134  are each attached to a central base section  136  ( FIG.  2 B ) of the body member  130 . The first panel  132  extends from a flexible first strip portion  140  of the base section  136  to a first terminal end  142  of the body member  130 . The second panel  134  extends from a flexible second strip portion  140  of the base section  136  to a second terminal end  144  of the body member  130 . The terminal ends  142 , 144  ( FIG.  2 B ) extend in opposite directions from the base section  136  in the unfolded condition. When the first panel  132  and second panel  134  are folded into approximately parallel condition as in the assembled carrier device  100  ( FIG.  1 A ), the terminal ends  142 , 144  extend in a common longitudinal direction and define, in cooperation with the bracket  200  as described below, the first end  102  of the device. The folding of the body member  130  is effected as flexure, at least or particularly, of the flexible strip portions  140 , which are connected by a rigidified base plate  146  ( FIG.  2 B ) that defines the second end  104  of the assembled carrier device  100  ( FIG.  1 A ). 
     Contours and operative features of the body member  130  rigidify the first panel  132 , second panel  134 , and base plate  146 . For example, with reference to rigidifying contours of the body member  130 , the inward side  133  of the first panel  132  has an inside channel  150  ( FIG.  2 C ), extending longitudinally from the first terminal end  142  to the first strip portion  140  of the base section  136 , defined between lateral edges  152  of the first panel  132 . Longitudinal ridges  154  extend inward in laterally spaced pairs from the inward side  133  of the first panel  132  further add rigidity and provide frictional engagement with a magazine  50  or other article within the carrier as represented in  FIG.  4   . 
     The inward side  135  ( FIG.  2 C ) of the second panel  134 , which faces the inward side  133  of the first panel  132  in the assembled carrier device, has an inside recess  156  defined between its lateral edges  153 , and several inward extending bosses  160  to provide further frictional engagement with a magazine or other article on an opposite side of the article relative to the ridges of the first panel  132 . Multiple holes  162  ( FIG.  2 A ) for passage and retention of the binding member  120  are defined through the second panel  134  along the periphery of the recess  156 . Mounting holes  164  for receiving fasteners such as screws are defined through outwardly planar portions of the second panel  134  opposite the recess  156 . The arrangement pattern of the holes  164  matches hole patterns in accessories such as the mounting strap  56  attached to the second panel  134  in  FIG.  1 C  by fasteners  58 . 
     Along each lateral edge  152 , the first panel  132  has laterally inwardly directed hooks  170  defined by slots  180  formed through the first panel. Each hook  170 , at an end  176  thereof, has an inwardly extending tooth  172  ( FIG.  4   ) that retains a portion of the binding member  120  in the assembled carrier device  100 . An angled face  174  of the hook  170 , at the end  176  and opposite the tooth  172 , is angled inward away from the first exterior surface  112 . The end  176  of the hook  170  is thereby sunken relative to the first exterior surface  112  to protect the end of the hook from snagging on other objects. The angled face  174  is particularly advantageous in that, even if tension in the binding member  120  flexes the hook somewhat, the angled face  174  assures the end  176  of the hook remains sunken, approaches a flush disposition with the first exterior surface  112 , or is minimally exposed to any likelihood of snagging other objects. Each slot  180  is approximately U-shaped, having a longitudinally extending linear central slot portion  182  ( FIG.  2 B ), and a respective angled slot portion  184  at each end of the central slot portion, thereby defining an approximately trapezoidal hook  170  that has a base  178  ( FIG.  4   ) connected to a corresponding lateral edge  152  and tapers therefrom to the end  176  of the hook. The hook  170 , from the base  178  to the verge of the angled face  174  is flush with the contours of the first exterior surface  112 . 
     Along each lateral edge  153  thereof, the second panel  134  has a respective laterally inwardly directed hook  170  defined by slots  180  similarly as for the hooks  170  of the first panel  132 . Each hook  170  of the second panel  134 , however, in the illustrated embodiment does not have a tooth. The hook  170  retains a portion of the binding member  120  in the assembled carrier device  100 , and an angled face  174  of the hook opposite the tooth by which the end  176  of the hook is thereby sunken relative to the second exterior surface  114 . Each hook  170  is approximately trapezoidal, having a base  178  connected to a corresponding lateral edge  153  and tapering trapezoidally therefrom to the end  176  of the hook  170 . 
     A laterally spaced pair of tabs  190  ( FIG.  2 B ) extend outward from the outward side of the base section  136  of the body member  130 . Each tab  190  has a laterally extending hole  192  for passage and retention of the binding member  120 . In the binding arrangement of the drawings, the adjuster  126  is nestled between the tabs when the binding member  120  is drawn taut. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the first panel  132  has an opposing first pair  194  of hooks proximal the first end  102  ( FIG.  1 A ,  FIG.  2 A ) and an opposing second pair  196  of hooks  170  proximal the second end  104  longitudinally spaced from the first pair  194 . The second panel  134  has an opposing pair of hooks  170 , referenced as the third pair  198  ( FIG.  2 A ) rearwardly offset from, and longitudinally positioned between, the first pair  194  and second pair  196  in the assembled carrier device  100 . By such placement of the pairs, the binding member  120  can be engaged in ordered succession such as the first pair  194 , the third pair  198 , and the second pair  196  along each lateral side of the carrier device  100  as in the illustrated binding arrangement. 
     The binding member  120  is illustrated ( FIG.  5   ) as a stretchable cord  122  having one or more elastic strands forming a core covered in a woven fibrous sheath, for example made of polypropylene. Such binding members are known, for example, as shock cords and bungee cords. Opposite free ends  124  of the binding member extend from an adjuster  126  to define an adjustable loop portion  128  ( FIG.  5   ) of the binding member. The adjuster  126  is shown as a cord lock in the drawings. The adjustable loop portion  128  of the binding member  120  urges the interior of carrier device  100  upon a magazine or other carried article to maintain frictional engagement. 
     Opposite lateral side members of the assembled carrier device  100  ( FIG.  1 A ) are provided by the bracket  200  shown in various views in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D . The bracket  200  includes a central base plate  202  and, attached to opposite respective lateral ends of the base plate, a first lateral side member  204  and a second lateral side member  204  that extend parallel to each other in a common longitudinal direction from the base plate. In the assembled carrier device  100 , the bracket  200  is nested within the body member  130  in the folded condition, with the exterior side of the base plate  202  of the bracket  200  abutting or proximate the interior side of the base plate  146  of the body member  130 . 
     Respective terminal ends  206  of the side members  204 , in cooperation with the terminal ends  142  and  144  of the body member  130 , define the first end  102  of the assembled carrier device  100 . A respective ramped inward contact surface  108  adjacent the terminal end  206  of each side member  204  of the bracket  200  cooperates with the contact surfaces  106  to define the tapered opening  110  of the assembled carrier device  100 . 
       FIG.  3 D  includes reference to each of a lateral width dimension W (side-to-side), a longitudinal length dimension L (top-to-bottom), and a depth dimension D (front-to-back). These relate to  FIG.  3 D , the bracket  200  thereof, and more generally to other drawings and structures thereof and their dimensions in respective relation to the W, L, and D dimensions of  FIG.  3 D  by association in the assembled carrier devices illustrated or implied herein. To be clear, the base plate  202  has a width in the width dimension W to accommodate a pistol magazine, whereas the base plate  402  has a greater width in the width dimension to accommodate a rifle magazine. Thus, the dimensions referenced in  FIG.  3 D  showing the bracket  200  of the carrier device  100  represent a mutually orthogonal dimension set that is used herein to refer to other carrier devices and their components. 
     Each lateral side member  204 , along an exterior side thereof, has a pair of parallel ribs  210  extending longitudinally from proximal the base plate toward the terminal end thereof. The ribs  210  are spaced from each other in the width dimension in that one rib  210  extends along a front edge of the side member  204  and a second rib extends along a back edge of the side member  204 . The ribs  210  rigidify the side members and provide guiding and retention of the binding member  120 . The ribs  210  have alternating high portions  212  and low portions  214  to guide and stabilize the binding member  120  in a binding arrangement with portions of the binding member received in the low portions. Particularly in the binding arrangement of the drawings ( FIG.  1 C ), the free ends  124  of the binding member  120  extending from the adjuster  126  are conveniently held in a space  218  ( FIG.  3 B ), which extends between the ribs  210 , under crossed portions of the adjustable loop portion of the binding member. 
     Each lateral side member  204  has a loop  230  surrounding and defining a through opening  232  for passage and retention of the binding member  120 , for example as shown in  FIG.  1   . The upper tip of the loop  230  defines the above-described terminal end  206  of the side member  204 , and an interior face of the loop defines the ramped inward contact surface  108 . The laterally outward portion  236  of the loop  230  extends, longitudinally in the length dimension, generally parallel to longitudinally extending side member  204 , thereby defining the opening  232  as an elongate slot having an internal length  238  ( FIG.  3 A ). 
     The loop  230  and opening  232  thereof are dimensioned to receive multiple binding lines, for example as shown in  FIG.  1 A , in which the elongated opening  232  at each lateral side of the carrier device  100  advantageously accommodates both the binding member  120  and the retention member  240 . In use, the retention member is passed over the floor plate end  52  of the magazine to further secure the inserted magazine in cooperation with the function of the binding member  120 , which tightens the device  100  around the magazine to apply frictional engagement as already described. Twists  242  may be applied in the retention member  240  to further increase the force applied by the member  240 , which pulls the magazine toward full insertion in the carrier device  100 . A user can stretch and position the member  240  over the end  52  to secure the inserted magazine or pull the retention member  240  aside when the magazine is wanted for use or other removal. 
     Outer edges of the loop  230  and ribs  210  are generally beveled to minimize snagging or catching when carried with other gear. For example, thickness  228  of the loop, measured in the depth dimension, at the terminal end  206  is greater than the thickness  208  of lower portions of the side member  204 , such that upper end of the side member overall tapers from the thickness  228  at the terminal end  206  to a uniform lower thickness  208 . The tapering transition occurs along the ramped inward contact surface  108  such that the ramped inward contact surface  108  has the thickness  208  at the terminal end  206  and the thickness  228  at its base  248 . The laterally outward portion  236  of the loop  230  also tapers from the thickness  208  at the terminal end  206  to a lesser thickness as it extends downward from the end  206 . 
     The retention member  240  is illustrated as a stretchable cord, for example having one or more elastic strands forming a core covered in a woven fibrous sheath, for example made of polypropylene. Such binding members are known, for example, as shock cords and bungee cords. The retention member  240  may be formed as a continuous loop by fusing terminal ends of a length of such cod material, or may be knotted form a loop. 
     Each lateral side member  204 , at its junction with the central base  202 , has an arcuate laterally outwardly extending shoulder  220  in which a notch  222  is defined. The shoulders  220 , in cooperation with proximal low portions of the ribs, guide and stabilize the binding member  120  in a binding arrangement, for example as shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 C . Either notch  222  can further guide and stabilize the binding member  120  by receiving portions of the free ends  124  proximate the adjuster  126  according to which side of bracket  200  the free ends are placed in the space  218  ( FIG.  3 B ) between ribs  210  and under crossed portions of the binder member  120  as exemplified in  FIG.  1 C . 
     In the binding arrangement of the drawings, the binding member  120  is retained by its passage through holes  162  in the second panel  134 , openings  192  at the base plate  146  of the body member  130 , and openings  232  of the loops  230  of the bracket  200 . The binder member  120  also engages the hooks in both the first panel  132  and second panel  134 . Advantageously, the engagement of the binding member  120  with the first panel  132  is by way of the first pair  194  and second pair  196  of hooks  170  without passing through any hole in the first panel  132 . By this advantageous feature, the first panel  132  can be disengaged from the binding member  120  without necessitating delacing of the carrier device overall. Such disengagement can, for example, permit opening of the carrier device by hinging the first panel  132  relative to the second panel  134  by flexure of the strip portions  140  of the base section  136  as a living hinge. By such disengagement, the carrier device  100  can be effectively opened for inspection, clearing, or cleaning. Re-engagement can be achieved by re-hooking the binding member  120  in any preferred binding arrangement. In the illustrated binding arrangement, a twist is introduced in the binding member  120  when engaging the third pair  198  of hooks  170  ( FIG.  2 A ) to effect the crossed portions  121  illustrated in  FIG.  1 A . Low portions of the ribs in each of side members are positioned longitudinally in alignment with the third hooks to receive such crossed portions  121  conveniently. 
     Even where adjustment of the carrier device  100  is wanted without opening, use of the hooks  170 , instead of holes, permit considerable convenience and ease in adjusting the binding member  120 , avoids kinks, and facilitates tension uniformity along the serpentine path of the loop portion of the binding member  120  in any binding arrangement that utilizes the hooks. The hooks further serve to avoid full winding of the binding member  120  around the first panel  132  and second panel  134 . The binding member  120  in the illustrated binding engagement with the hooks is sunken within the slots  180  and under the hooks  170  relative to the first exterior surface  112  and second exterior surface  114 . This protects the binding member  120  from snagging, direct collision, or crushing along the first exterior surface  112  and second exterior surface  114 , which are expected to be the front and back of the carrier device  100  in typical use and thus are expected to see the highest likelihood of contact and striking with other objects. The binding member  120 , when taut, urges the lateral edges  152  of the first panel  132  toward the lateral edges  153  of the second panel  134  to maintain frictional engagement of the inward sides  133  and  135  with an inserted magazine or other carried article. 
     Retention of an inserted magazine  50  or other article, such as a tactical light, a knife, or other gear item is assured against unintended removal by the frictional engagement provided to the interior of the carrier device  100  by the taut binding member  120  that urges the edges of the first panel  132  and second panel  134  together. The semirigid panels and side members  204  of the bracket  200 , cooperatively acting with the binding member  120  as a self-adjusting frame, prevent closure of the opening  110  to maintain access to the interior of the carrier device  100  and assure the carrier device, when empty, is ready to rapidly receive an article such as a magazine. This is beneficial over, for example, a soft-walled pouch surrounded by a cinching cord, which may collapse when emptied, and may gather at its opening to delay withdrawal of an enclosed magazine at a critical moment. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 C , the terminal end  206  of each side member  204  extends beyond the terminal ends  142  and  144  of the body member  130 , in the assembled carrier device, to better present the upper ends of the ramped inward contact surfaces  108  of the frame members and guide the magazine into the opening  110 . This is advantageous in that the corresponding greater dimension of a typical magazine having a rectangular cross section as represented in  FIG.  4    first engages the ramped inward contact surfaces  108  of the frame members  204  when entering the carrier device. 
     The magazine  50  particularly shown in  FIG.  1    is for ammunition typically used in a semiautomatic handgun, and thus the carrier device  100  and its components of  FIGS.  1 A- 5    can be described as suited for use with a pistol without limitation as to other uses. In other embodiments, a carrier device can be used for ammunition magazines typically used in a semiautomatic rifle. 
     The bracket  400  of  FIG.  6    can be used, for example, in a carrier device for a rifle magazine. Descriptions above of the bracket  200  of the carrier device  100  apply as well to the bracket  400 , as denoted by same reference numbers for same or similar features, differing by dimension or placement but providing same or similar function. The central base plate  402  of the bracket  400  is wider, as measured in the width dimension W (see  FIG.  3 D ) than the base plate  202  of the bracket  200  to accommodate the corresponding greater width of a magazine loaded with rifle ordinance relative to a pistol magazine. 
     A carrier device utilizing the bracket  400  is accordingly laterally wider, relative to the carrier device  100 . The wider second panel  334  in  FIG.  7 A , relative to the second panel  134  of the carrier device  100 , has more area and accordingly more mounting holes  164  through the outwardly planar portion of opposite its recess  356 . As in the carrier device  100 , the arrangement pattern of the holes  164  in the second panel  334  of the carrier device  300  matches hole patterns in accessories such as a mounting strap attached similarly as to the carrier device  100  in  FIG.  1 C . 
     The wider body member  330  of the carrier device, relative to the body member  130  of the carrier device  100 , accommodates additional rigidifying features. The first panel  332  is further contoured by longitudinally extending inward grooves  340  (two in the illustrated embodiment) along the exterior surface ( FIG.  7 A ), such that multiple (three in the illustrated embodiment) outward high portions are defined. A central high portion  364  has mounting holes  164  for attachment of or to other articles. 
     Longitudinal ridges  354  extend inward from the inward side  333  of the first panel  332  ( FIG.  7 B ) materially opposite and corresponding to the inward grooves  340  along the exterior surface. These further add rigidity and provide frictional engagement with a magazine or other article within the carrier functionally similar to the ridges of the carrier device  100 . The inward side  335  ( FIG.  7 B ) of the second panel  334  has an inside recess  356  defined between its lateral edges, and several inward extending contact bosses  360  to provide further frictional engagement with a magazine or other article on an opposite side of the article relative to the ridges  354  of the first panel  332 . 
     The first panel  332  has an opposing first pair  194  of hooks  170  proximal the first terminal end  302  and an opposing second pair  196  of hooks  170  proximal the second end  304  longitudinally spaced from the first pair. The second panel  334  has an opposing pair of hooks  170 , referenced in the drawings as the third pair  198  rearwardly offset from, and longitudinally positioned between, the first pair  194  and second pair  196  in the assembled carrier device  300 . The hooks  170  of the carrier device  300 , in cooperation with the binding member  120 , provide the same of similar function as those described above with reference to the carrier device  100  such the above descriptions apply as well to both carrier devices. 
     The above-described body members and brackets, and similar embodiments within the scope of these descriptions and referenced drawings, can be injection molded of thermoset plastic that, when set, is durable, semi-rigid, and resilient to flexures. The above expressly described embodiments, and others within the scope of these descriptions and drawings, are advantageous over hard-shell carriers having fixed dimensions. By use of the brackets as described above, nested with a folded hard-shell body member and assembled with a binding member, hard-shell benefits as to protection of a carried article and a persistently open entry are provided with a degree of size flexibility and article retention by internal friction. 
     In other embodiments, brackets are semi-rigid, and resilient, whereas the body members are made of, or include, fabric or other flexible or pliable material as in the carrier device  500  of  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C . By use of a semi-rigid and resilient bracket, pliable walls can be used while avoiding the shortcomings of prior-art soft-walled pouches that, for example, may collapse when emptied, and may gather where an opening is cinched by a shock cord. By use of the brackets as described below, a carrier device can offer the flexibility of a partially soft-walled pouch having an entry held open by the resilient spring-like function of an approximately U-shaped bracket as described below. The below expressly described embodiments, and others within the scope of these descriptions and drawings, further benefit from the ramped-contact surfaces at the terminal ends of the side members of the U-shaped brackets that guide the entry of a magazine or other inserted article. 
     The bracket  600  of  FIG.  8    can be used, for example, in a carrier device  500  for a rifle magazine  60  as shown in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C . Opposite lateral side members of the assembled carrier device  500  are provided by the bracket  600 . The bracket  600  includes a central base plate  602  and, attached to opposite respective lateral ends of the base plate, a first lateral side member  604  and a second lateral side member  604  that extend parallel to each other in a same direction from the base plate. In the assembled carrier device  500 , the bracket  600  is nested within the body member  530  in the folded condition, with the exterior side of the base plate  602  of the bracket  600  abutting or proximate the interior side of the body member  530  at a central portion. 
     Respective terminal ends  606  of the side members  604 , in cooperation with the terminal ends  542  and  544  of the body member  530 , define the first end  502  of the assembled carrier device  500 . A respective ramped inward contact surface  608  adjacent the terminal end  606  of each side member  604  of the bracket  600  defines a tapered opening  510  at the first end  502  of the assembled carrier device  500 . 
     Each lateral side member  604 , along its laterally outward face, has longitudinally spaced (in the length dimension) pairs of parallel ribs, referenced in  FIG.  8    as a first pair of ribs  610  proximal the terminal end  606 , a second pair of ribs  612  longitudinally spaced by a gap  611  from the first pair of ribs  610 , and a third pair of ribs  614  longitudinally spaced by a gap  613  from the second pair of ribs  612  and proximal to the base plate  602  end of the side member  604 . Each pair ribs of  610 ,  612 , and  614  consists of two ribs that are spaced from each other front-to-back, in the width dimension, in that one rib of the pair extends along a front edge of the side member  604  and another rib of the pair extends along a back edge of the side member  604 . Thus a central space  618  extends along the exterior of the side member  604  between the ribs, where, for example, free ends  124  ( FIG.  10 C ) of the binding member  120  extending from the adjuster  126  can be conveniently held as in  FIG.  10 C . 
     The ribs  610 ,  612  and  614  rigidify the side members  604  and provide guiding and retention of the binding member  120 . The ribs and gaps define alternating high portions (ribs) and low portions (gaps) to guide and stabilize the binding member  120  in a binding arrangement with portions of the binding member received in the gaps. 
     Each lateral side member  604  has a loop  630  surrounding and defining a hole  632  for passage and retention of the binding member  120 , for example as shown in  FIG.  10 C . The upper tip of the loop  630  defines the terminal end  606  of the side member  604 , and an interior face of the loop defines the ramped inward contact surface  608 . The laterally outward portion  636  of the loop  630  extends generally along the exterior of the side member  604 , thereby defining the hole  632  as an elongate slot. Outer edges of the loop  630  and ribs  610 ,  612 , and  614  are generally beveled to minimize snagging or catching when carried with other gear. 
     The loop  630  and hole  632  thereof are dimensioned to receive multiple binding lines, for example as shown in  FIG.  10 C , in which the enlarged hole  632  at each lateral side of the carrier device  500  advantageously accommodates both the binding member  120  and the retention member  240 . In use, the retention member  240  is passed over the floor plate end  62  of the magazine  60  to further secure the inserted magazine in cooperation with the function of the binding member  120 , which tightens the device  600  around the magazine to apply frictional engagement as already described. A gripping tab  244  for manipulating the retention member  240  is shown in the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C . A user can stretch and position the member  240  over the end  62  of the magazine, for example by use of the gripping tab  244 , to secure the inserted magazine or pull the retention member  240  aside when the magazine is wanted for use or other removal. 
       FIG.  9    shows an unfolded body member  530 , according to at least one other embodiment, for example for use in the carrier device  500  of  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  with the bracket  600 . In use as shown, a magazine  60  is inserted into an open first end  502  of the device  500 . The open first end  502  may be for example oriented as upward in use. A second end  504  of the device, opposite the first end, is generally closed. At full insertion, a portion of the magazine  60  and the floor plate end  62  of the magazine extends outward from the first end  502  as available to be grasped and pulled from the carrier device  100 . 
     An opening  510  ( FIGS.  10 A- 10 C ) into the interior of the carrier device  500  is defined between the terminal ends  542  ( FIG.  9   ,  FIG.  10 A ) and  544  ( FIG.  9   ,  FIG.  10 B ) of the body member  530 . Advantageously ramped inward contact surfaces  608  ( FIG.  8   ) guide the magazine  60  into the opening  510  and thus into the interior of the carrier device  500 . As shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , the terminal end  606  of each side member  604 , extends beyond the terminal ends  542  and  544  of the body member  530 , in the assembled carrier device, to better present the upper ends of the ramped inward contact surfaces  508  and guide the magazine into the opening  510 . 
     A first exterior side of the carrier device  500  may be generally directed outward when the carrier device is mounted on a host structure, and can thus be nominally termed the front side  512 . ( FIG.  10 A ). A second exterior side, opposite the front side  512 , would be generally directed toward such a host structure, and can thus be nominally termed the back side  514 . A mounting strap, for example attached to the back side  514 , may be provided as an accessory for attaching the carrier device  500  to a host structure. Front and back are nominal terms referring to some expected uses of the carrier device  500  without limiting the carrier device in its construction or use. 
     Retention of the magazine  60  by the carrier device  500  against unintended removal, for example as a user or gear on which the device is mounted moves about, is assured by the elastically self-adjusting performance of the carrier device. A binding member  120  is stretched between the front side  512 , and back side  514  of the device  500 , crossing and capturing the lateral sides of the device  500  defined by the lateral side members  604  of the bracket  600 . This adjustably circumferentially tightens the device around the magazine to maintain frictional engagement. This frictionally secures an inserted magazine while permitting sliding entry and removal of the magazine by force applied by hand at the outward extending end of the magazine. 
     The exterior front side  512  and opposite exterior back side  514  of the carrier device  500  in the illustrated embodiment are defined by the outer surfaces of corresponding sections of the single body member  530 , which in the illustrated embodiment, is a flexible and foldable rectangular assembly having pliable components constructed of flexible pliable materials such as durable fabric and pliable band portions. The body member  530  is folded in the assembled device  500  ( FIG.  10 A ). A first section  532  of the body member  530  defines the front side  512  of the assembled carrier device  500 , and a second section  534  of the body member defines a back side  514  of the assembled carrier device  500 . The sections  532  and  534  extend in opposite directions from a central section  546  of the body member  530  in the unfolded configuration of the body member  530  ( FIG.  9   ). In the assembled carrier device  500  ( FIG.  10 C ), the central section  546  is configured to form a one hundred and eighty degree turn as multiple bends, folds, or a U-turn or smooth arc as shown. This positions the sections  532  and  534  as generally parallel and extending in a same direction from the central section  546 . 
     A sectioned member  536  of pliable material is mounted to the outward side of the first section  532 , for example by stitching. The sectioned member  536  has multiple band portions  538  defined between slots  539 , such that the band portions  538  act as loops to receive and retain respective portions of the binding member  120 . Similarly, pliable bands  540  are mounted to the outward side of the second section  534 , for example by stitching, such that the pliable bands  540  act as loops to receive and retain respective other portions of the binding member  120 . Border strips  544  that strengthen outer lateral edges  542  of the body member  530  are attached to the main body section  532 , for example by stitching.  FIGS.  10 A- 10 C  show an exemplary binding arrangement for the binding member  120 . Each user may utilize the illustrated arrangement or others according to usage and preferences that may vary. 
     The bracket  700  of  FIG.  11    can be used, for example, in a carrier device for a pistol magazine. Descriptions above of the bracket  600  of the carrier device  500  apply as well to the bracket  700 , as denoted by same reference numbers for same or similar features, differing by dimension or placement but providing same or similar function. The central base plate  702  of the bracket  700  is not as wide (measured between the opposing side members  704  in the width dimension) as that of the bracket  600  (sized for a rifle magazine) to accommodate the corresponding lesser width of a magazine loaded with pistol ordinance. The lengths of the side members  704  (measured in the length dimension from the base plate  702  to the terminal ends  606 ) may vary from the lengths of the side members  604  according to magazine lengths and their bullet-count capacities. The bracket  700  can be assembled with a correspondingly dimensioned embodiment of the body member  530  to constitute, together with a binding member  120 , a carrier device for a pistol magazine. 
     Similarly, the bracket  800  of  FIG.  12    can be used, for example, in a carrier device for a pistol magazine with extended bullet-count capacity. Descriptions above of the bracket  600  of the carrier device  500  apply as well to the bracket  800 , as denoted by same reference numbers for same or similar features, differing by dimension or placement but providing same or similar function. The central base plate  802  of the bracket  800  is not wide as that of the bracket  600  ( FIG.  8   ) to accommodate the corresponding lesser width of a magazine loaded with pistol ordinance relative to a rifle magazine. The lengths of the side members  804  (measured in the length dimension from the base plate  802  to the terminal ends  606 ) are greater than those of the side members  704  ( FIG.  11   ) to accommodate higher bullet-count capacity magazines. The bracket  800  can be assembled with a correspondingly dimensioned embodiment of the body member  530  to constitute, together with a binding member  120 , a carrier device for a pistol magazine with extended bullet-count capacity. 
     Particular embodiments and features have been described with reference to the drawings. It is to be understood that these descriptions are not limited to any single embodiment or any particular set of features, and that similar embodiments and features may arise or modifications and additions may be made without departing from the scope of these descriptions and the spirit of the appended claims.