Patent Publication Number: US-6336576-B1

Title: Front pack and belt support assembly

Description:
PRIOR ART 
     A patent search was not specifically conducted on this invention. The applicant&#39;s own United States patent is deemed the most pertinent. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Invention 
                 Inventor 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 5,603,441 
                 MULTI-PURPOSE FRONT/BACK 
                 Michael D. Easter 
               
               
                   
                 PACK APPARATUS 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The Easter patent discloses 1) a front pack assembly having an expandable main pack bag; and 2) a gun and cartridge carrier assembly. Numerous additions and improvements over the applicant&#39;s prior art are described and claimed herein 
     FEATURES OF THE INVENTION 
     At the present time, there are many people who like to observe, photograph, or hunt wild animals, birds, and other objects with a camera, binoculars, or a gun. 
     The present invention comprises a multi-function front pack assembly whereby the user can more easily and comfortably hunt, observe, or photograph wildlife and other objects. When compared to the prior art, this new front pack assembly provides significant improvement in several key features. It is more convenient and quiet to operate, while substantially reducing strain and fatigue on the user. 
     Some of the front pack assembly&#39;s weight is held by shoulder straps. A larger portion of the pack weight is placed on the user&#39;s waist belt and hips with a new and novel belt support assembly. This new belt support assembly attaches to and detaches from the user&#39;s belt without the user ever having to loosen or unbuckle his waist belt. 
     Another feature of this invention is an adjustable side pack and arm support assembly positioned laterally on either side of the front pack assembly and support frame assembly. When using binoculars, a camera, or a gun, the user can slide his elbow down into the adjustable side pack and arm support assembly for comfortable and effortless use of a camera or gun, even for prolonged periods. Also, these same support assemblies can be used to conveniently mount such instruments as radios, global positioning systems, game finders, flashlights, and such, for continuous viewing and operation by the user. Also, there are removable pockets attached to the adjustable support assemblies for carrying items such as gloves, a knife, or film canisters. 
     Still, another feature of this invention, that is significantly different from previous prior art packs, is a bag flap enclosure means that is essentially silent and operable with only one hand. A user can easily open or close a bag enclosure flap member without alerting or scaring a bird or animal. Traditional flap fastening methods such as Velcro, snaps, buckles, and zippers are noisy and can require both hands to operate. 
     An additional feature of this invention is a compass attachment point, on top of a main pack assembly, providing easy and continuous visual reference when the user is traveling in unfamiliar terrain. 
     Still, another feature of this invention is a support receiver assembly to hold a telescoping monopod for cameras and such. Having a camcorder, or other camera, attached to a vertically adjustable monopod, on the main front pack assembly, allows the user to steadily film for prolonged periods, without fatigue, or store the camera in a convenient position. 
     Finally, at the bottom of the main front pack assembly near the user&#39;s waist, is a U-shaped instrument support assembly. Items such as a long gun or fishing poll can be held and transported within the rack, yet still be readily available for quick use. On the outer side of the U-shaped instrument support assembly is means for storing gun cartridges. 
     PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION 
     In one preferred embodiment of this invention, a front pack and belt support assembly is provided to be utilized by a user having means thereon to attach to the user&#39;s waist; a monopod for support of a camera member; and further includes means for supporting an elbow area of the user for holding and directing the hunting rifle, the camera member, or binoculars for outdoor enjoyment. 
     The front pack and belt support assembly includes 1) a main front pack assembly; 2) a shoulder support strap assembly connected to the main front pack assembly and operable to be placed for support about the user&#39;s torso and shoulder areas; 3) a support frame assembly operable to receive and support the main front pack assembly; and 4) belt support assemblies to provide vertical support against a main belt member on the user; 5) an instrument support assembly connected to the support frame assembly operable to receive and support a rifle, fishing pole, or tripod thereon in a readily accessible position; 6) a side pack and arm support assembly pivotally connected to the support frame assembly and the main front pack assembly; and 7) an accessories support assembly having a support receiver assembly to receive and support a camera monopod or similar structure. 
     The main front pack assembly includes 1) a collapsible and expandable main pack assembly; 2) a main bag enclosure flap member operable with the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly; 3) a front pocket assembly connected to the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly; 4) adjustable side pocket supports mounted on respective opposite side walls of the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly and operable with the side pack and arm support assembly as will be explained; and 5) a main bag enclosure flap member. 
     The shoulder support strap assembly has a shoulder strap assembly connected to a torso strap assembly operable to connect the main front pack assembly to the hunter user thereof in a front position. 
     The shoulder support strap assembly includes frame support straps connected to the support frame assembly and having shoulder pad members to be placed about shoulder areas of the user to provide comfort when carrying a substantial load within the main front pack assembly and/or a load in a large back pack. 
     The support frame assembly includes 1) a main support frame member; 2) a main frame cover assembly mounted about the main support frame member; 3) the main belt support assemblies connected to the main support frame member with portions slidably engageable with the main belt member worn by the user; and 4) an anchor and spacer assembly mounted between the main support frame member and the belt support assemblies to provide necessary rigidity and spacing. 
     The instrument support assembly includes an instrument contact member secured to the main support frame member and having an outer cartridge support assembly. The instrument contact member is preferably constructed of a soft leather or rubbery fabric material so as to 1) restrain lateral movement of the rifle or tripod carried thereon; and 2) prevents scratches or damage to the user&#39;s instruments. 
     The cartridge support assembly includes a cartridge pocket member having, a cartridge support member therein to receive various gun cartridges and being selectively enclosed by a cartridge enclosure member. 
     The side pack and arm support assembly includes 1) a side support assembly connected to outer respective side walls of the main front pack assembly; 2) an arm support assembly connected to respective ones of the side support assemblies and the main front pack assembly; and 3) pivot support assemblies connected to respective side pack assemblies and the support frame assembly by a frame connector assembly. 
     Each side pocket assembly includes a removable side pocket member usable with a pocket enclosure flap to carry various and removable selected items therein such as gloves or a knife. 
     Each arm support assembly includes a flexible fabric support member mounted between the pivot support assembly and an adjacent side wall of the main front pack assembly. 
     Each pivot support assembly includes an adjustable tube assembly having one end connected to a portion of the arm support assembly and a lower end pivotally connected to a lower portion of the main support frame member. 
     Each side pack and arm support assembly is operable to be selectively pivotal about the lower end of the adjustable tube assembly and providing means on the respective side arm support assemblies to receive an elbow portion of the user thereof for support steadying the hunting rifle or handgun during a gun firing operation or using the binoculars and/or steadying the camera member during a picture taking operation. The side arm support assemblies also provide means for carrying a radio, telephone, or GPS system in a readily operable or viewable position. 
     The accessories support assembly is provided with a support receiver assembly connected to a side wall portion of the main front pack assembly having a tube member therein operable to receive a camera monopod, or other similar structures. 
     OBJECTS OF THE MENTION 
     One object of this invention is to provide a front pack and belt support assembly having 1) a main front pack assembly with a collapsible and expandable main pack assembly; and 2) a belt support assembly positioned on the back of the front pack assembly and operable to be slidably inserted between the user&#39;s belt and body without loosening or unbuckling the belt and to resist upward or downward movement of the front pack during a packing operation. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a front pack and belt support assembly having 1) a main front pack assembly to receive and support numerous, items to be conveyed therein; and 2) a side pack and arm support assembly connected to each side of the main front pack assembly which is movable from a first position and pivotal outwardly having thereon an arm support assembly having means to receive and support an elbow portion of a user for 1) grasping a hunting gun and aiming and firing during a hunting operation; and 2) providing an arm rest for steadying a camera or a pair of binoculars during use thereof or, optionally, providing means for carrying a radio or GPS system in a readily viewable position. 
     One other object of this invention is to provide a front pack and belt support assembly having 1) a main front pack assembly secured by a shoulder support strap assembly to a hunter user thereof so as to be conveyed against a front chest of the hunter user; 2) a support frame assembly to receive and support the main front pack assembly and secure an instrument support assembly to receive and hold a hunting rifle in a horizontal lateral position; 3) a side pack and arm support assembly connected to the support frame assembly and the main front pack assembly and having arm support assemblies which can be movable pivotally to a usage position to readily receive a radio or GPS system for continued operation and viewing, or to support an elbow portion of the user during a hunting rifle firing operation, a camera holding operation, or a binocular holding operation; 4) an accessories support assembly having a support receiver assembly connected to the main front pack assembly and having a tube member to receive and support a camera monopod or used to hold and steady a camera member during a picture taking operation. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a front pack and belt support assembly which includes a main front pack assembly to be worn on a front portion of a user that 1) does not have to be removed during seating of the user; 2) provides ready access to the front pack assembly; and 3) includes a collapsible and expandable main pack assembly. 
     Still, one other object of this invention is to provide a front pack and belt support assembly that has multiple uses such as easily conveyed on a front chest area of a hunter user thereof; providing an instrument support assembly to receive and support a hunter&#39;s rifle in a readily accessible position during a hunting operation without strain of the hunter user thereof; economical to manufacture; simple to use; and substantially maintenance free. 
    
    
     Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following discussion, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIGURES OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the front pack and belt support assembly of this invention shown as supported on waist and shoulder portions of a user holding a hunting rifle and having a large back pack mounted and supported on a back area of the user; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front pack and belt support assembly of this invention similar to FIG. 1 with elements of the large back pack removed illustrating the user holding a hunting rifle in an active aiming and firing position; 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the front pack and firearm holding assembly similar to FIG. 1 with elements of the large back pack removed showing the user utilizing a monopod member to hold and steady a camera member thereon; 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view thereof and fragmentary view of portions of the belt support assembly engaged with the user&#39;s belt; 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a belt support assembly; 
     FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof with a side pack and arm assembly shown in an expanded arm support usage condition; 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line A—A in FIG. 5 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the side pack and arm support assembly; and 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the front pack and belt support assembly of this invention; 
    
    
     The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the front pack and belt support assembly of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/or structure. It is to be understood that such discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     On referring to the drawings in detail, and in particular to FIG. 1, a front pack and belt support assembly of this invention, indicated generally at  12 , is shown as mounted on a user  14  shown holding a hunting rifle  16  and carrying a large back. pack  21 . 
     The user  14  is illustrated herein as utilizing a tripod  20 , a camera member  18 , a compass member  22 , and/or a satellite GPS locator  25  as will be explained in detail. 
     As noted in FIG. 2, the user  14  is wearing a main belt member  23  to which the front pack and belt support assembly  12  is supported thereon and having elbow areas  17  of the user  14  to be readily supported on arm support assemblies during various usage operations as will be explained. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the user  14  is utilizing the camera member  18  being supported on the camera support monopod  20  for steady use in taking pictures utilizing the novel features of the front pack and belt support assembly  12  of this invention. 
     The front pack and belt support assembly  12  includes 1) a main front pack assembly  26 ; 2) a shoulder support strap assembly  28  connected to the main front pack assembly  26  and releasably connectable to the shoulder and torso area on the user  14 ; 3) a support frame assembly  30  connected to the main front pack assembly  26 ; 4) an instrument support assembly  32  connected to a portion of the support frame assembly  30  and operable to receive, support, and convey a hunting rifle  16  thereon in a horizontal position; 5) a side pack and arm support assembly  34  connected to respective opposed side walls of the main front pack assembly  26 ; and 6) an accessories support assembly  36  connected to the main front pack assembly  26  and operable to receive and support the monopod  20  therein for usage as will be explained. 
     The main front pack assembly  26  includes 1) a collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38 ; 2) a main bag enclosure flap member  40  connected to the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38 , 3) a front pack assembly  42  secured to a front area of the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38 ,; and 4) an adjustable side pack support  44  connected to respective outer side walls of the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38 . 
     The collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38  includes a main pack assembly  46  having a back wall  50 ; a front wall  52 ; opposed sidewalls  54 ; an expandable section  56 ; an entrance opening into the main pack assembly  46 ; and an expandable bag flap member  48 , held in an enclosed position by a Velcro closure assembly  60 . The Velcro closure assembly  60  includes a loop section  62  that engages a hook section  64 . 
     The main bag enclosure flap member  40  has 1) an anchor section  66 ; 2) an enclosure section  68 ; 3) a reinforcing rod member  70  to be sewn within a portion of the enclosure section  68 ; and 4) a compass connector and pull tab strap  74 . 
     The reinforcing rod member  70  provides a stiffness to the enclosure section  68 . 
     The compass connector and pull tab strap  74  is a loop operable to receive and support the compass member  22  thereon as noted conjointly in FIGS. 4 and 5. The strap  74  also serves as a pull tab for opening and closing the flap member  40 . 
     The front pack assembly  42  provides an auxiliary storage area having 1) a font pack member  82 , and 2) a front enclosure member  84  secured to the front pack member  82  to enclose an entrance opening thereto. 
     The front pack member  82  has a support receiver area therewith to carry various camping supplies and maps as so desired. 
     Each adjustable side pack support  44  is connected to a respective outer, upper surface of the sidewalls  54  of the main pack assembly  46 . Each adjustable side pack support  44  has spaced horizontally extended loop sections  86  which are selectively utilized for connection of a portion of each side pack and arm support assembly  34  thereto so as to be adjustable in height as will be explained. 
     The shoulder support strap assembly  28  is generally of a conventional nature having 1) a shoulder strap assembly  88  to be placed about the outer shoulder areas of the hunter user  14 ; 2) frame support straps  90  to clamp the main front pack assembly  26  to a horizontal support strap as noted in FIG. 1; 3) a torso strap assembly  92  mounted about a torso area of the user  14  and connected to portions of the shoulder strap assembly  88 ; and 4) a pair of shoulder pad members  94  operable to be placed about the shoulder areas of the user  14  to provide cushioning thereto and especially beneficial when carrying the large back pack  21  as noted in FIG.  1 . 
     The shoulder strap assembly  88  includes a pair of spaced shoulder strap members interconnected with an intermediate strap member  98  as noted in FIG.  1 . The shoulder strap members are interconnected to the intermediate strap member  98 . 
     Each frame support strap  90  is interconnected to itself by respective buckle members  110 . 
     The torso strap assembly  92  is provided with a strap member  112  having opposite ends thereof interconnected in a conventional manner by an anchor buckle assembly (not shown). 
     Each shoulder pad member  94  is of a conventional nature having a cushioned main body and connector strap rings  118  to receive the respective shoulder strap members  96  therethrough. 
     As best shown in FIG. 8, the support frame assembly  30  includes 1) a main support frame member  120  constructed of a metal tubular material; 2) a main frame cover assembly  122  to be placed over and enclose the main support frame member  120 ; 3) belt support assemblies  124  operable to be connected to the main support frame member  120 ; and 4) a plurality of anchor and spacer assemblies  126  mounted between the belt support assemblies  124  and the main support frame member  120 . 
     The main support frame member  120  is provided with an arcuate top section  128  integral at opposite ends thereof with a parallel side sections  130  which, in turn, are integral at outer ends with instrument support sections  132  of a generally U-shape. Each instrument support section  132  is provided with an outer end wall  134 . 
     The main frame cover assembly  122  is preferably constructed of a heavy nylon fabric material having a cover member  136  similar to a pillow case and having an outer end which is sewn to enclose a stiffener rod member  138 . 
     The cover member  136  has 1) an enclosure end section  140 ; and 2) an open end section  142  with an entrance opening  148  which is enclosed by a sewing seam or anchor seam  152  after mounted about and enclosing the main support frame member  120  as will be noted. 
     Further, the cover member  136  has a front wall  144  and a back wall  146  having aligned connector holes  150  therethrough for use in anchoring about the main support frame member  120  and to the belt support assemblies  124  as will be explained. 
     As noted in FIG. 8, the belt support assemblies  124  each include plate support members  154  having outer arcuate end section  156 . Each plate support member  154  has a main body  158  with spaced anchor holes  159  therein. 
     The arcuate end section  156  is operable in conjunction with the main support frame member  120  to form a belt receiver slot or area  160  therebetween to receive the main belt member  23  therebetween as best shown in FIG.  4 . 
     Each anchor and spacer assembly  126  includes a bolt receiver member  162  a spacer member  164 , and a bolt member  166 . The bolt receiver member  162  is provided with a head section and a support section  170  with internal threads therein to receive the bolt member  166  therein. 
     The spacer member  164  has a central hole therein to receive the bolt member  166  therethrough. 
     Each bolt member  166  has a head section and exterior threads  178  to be threaded within the inner threads of the support section  170  of the bolt receiver member  162 . 
     As noted in FIG. 8, a plurality of the bolt receiver members  162  and bolt members  166  are used for interconnection purposes with the enlarged head sections desirable to provide a firm clamping against outer surfaces of the numerous nylon fabric being assembled as noted in FIG.  8 . 
     The instrument support assembly  32  includes 1) an instrument contact member  180  preferably constructed of a rubbery fabric or soft leather material; and 2) a cartridge support assembly  182  to receive and support gun cartridges  19  therein. 
     The instrument contact member  180  includes a main body  181  having an outer enclosure section  183  acting as a cover flap into access to the cartridge support assembly  182 . 
     The cartridge support assembly  182  includes a cartridge pack member  184  having a cartridge support member  188  therein provided with a plurality of cartridge loop members  190 , each to receive and support a respective gun cartridge  19  therein. 
     The side pack and arm support assembly  34  includes 1) an arm support assembly  194  interconnecting the respective pivot support assemblies  196  with the main front pack assembly  26 ; and 2) a frame connector assembly  198  to pivotally connect a lower portion of the respective pivot support assemblies  196  to the support frame assembly  30 . 
     As noted in FIG. 7, each side pocket assembly  192  includes a side pocket member  200  having an enclosure flap  202  connected thereto and operable to reveal and enclose an opening into the side pocket member  200 . Each side pocket member  200  is provided with a support pocket section  201  to receive a portion of the pivot support assembly  196  therein as will be explained. 
     The pocket enclosure flap  202  has an anchor flap member  204  with a rod connector loop section  206  to receive a stiffener rod  207  therein to hold the pocket enclosure flap  202  in the enclosed condition. 
     As further noted in FIG. 7, the arm support assembly  194  includes a fabric support member  208  interconnected by a connector pin member  210  to the respective adjustable side pack supports  44  on the sidewalls  54  of the main pack assembly  46 . 
     Each fabric support member  208  is provided with an anchor loop section  212  and a pocket connector loop or section  214  as noted in FIG.  7 . The first tube or pocket connector section  214  is connected to a portion of the pivot support assembly  196  as will be explained. 
     The pivot support assembly  196  includes an adjustable tube assembly  218  connected by a pocket connector pin  220  to a connector strap  240  on an inner surface of the respective side pocket members  200 . The pocket connector pin  220  has an outer pin closure hook  221  to achieve a locked condition with another portion of the pocket connector pin  220  in a conventional manner. 
     The adjustable tube assembly  218  includes a first tube member  224  being telescopingly interconnected to a second tube member  226 . The first tube member  224  is provided with 1) a mid section  228 ; 2) an adjustable section  230 ; and 3) a pocket support section  232  of a oval shape. 
     The adjustable section  230  is provided with a hole therein for adjustment of an overall length of the adjustable tube assembly  218  as will be explained. 
     The second tube member  226  has a receiver section  236  to receive the first tube member  224  and provided with a plurality of adjustment holes  238  and a pivot anchor hole  241  at a lower end thereof. The adjustable holes  238  are operable to receive the pocket connector pin  220  therethrough and connected to the connector strap  240  as noted in FIG.  7 . 
     An accessories connector strap  222  is provided being an elastic strap so as, to anchor a wireless telephone or the satellite GPS locator  25  as noted in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     An elastic bias strap  223 , as shown in FIG. 5, is operable to provide a bias force to hold the side pocket assemblies  192  in a vertical position as noted by one of the side pocket assemblies  192  in FIG.  1 . The elastic bias strap  223  provides a bias force when one of the side pocket assemblies  192  is being utilized as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5. 
     As shown in FIG. 6, the frame connector assembly  198  includes a frame connector strap  242  secured to a lower portion of the support frame assembly  30  and the belt support assemblies  124 . The frame connector strap  242  includes a clamp section  246  and a tube connector section  248  having a connector hole  250  there in (FIG. 8) for connection by a bolt receiver member  162  and a bolt member  166  to a lower end of the second tube member  226  through the pivot anchor hole  241 . 
     As shown in FIG. 6, the tube connector section  248  is adapted to be clamped about the respective parallel side sections  130  of the U-shaped main support frame member  120 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8, the accessories support assembly  36  includes a support receiver assembly  254  having a tube member  256  secured as by anchor members  258  to the main front pack assembly  26  and a portion of the support frame assembly  30  to add sufficient rigidity thereto. 
     The anchor members  258  include the bolt receiver  162  and the bolt member  166  which are mounted through respective holes  268  in the tube member  256 . 
     The tube member  256  includes an anchor section  260  having a top portion  262 , a mid portion  264 , and a lower portion  266 , all having the holes  268  therein to receive the respective anchor members  258  therethrough. 
     The tube member  256  is operable to readily receive the monopod  20  therein for conveyance and support as will be explained. 
     USE AND OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the use and operation of the front pack and belt support assembly  12  of this invention, refer to FIG. 1 whereupon the main front pack assembly  26  by use, of the frame support straps  90  to the shoulder strap assembly  88  is shown as mounted and supported on the shoulder area on the user  14  and placed against a chest area of the user  14  and the belt support assembly  124  is engaged with the user&#39;s back pack belt. 
     In FIG. 1, the user  14  is shown as grasping a hunting rifle  16  which has been placed on and supported by the instrument support assembly  32  in a forward, readily accessible position. The weight of the hunting rifle  16  rests against the instrument contact member  180  and the leather main body  181  so as to provide a soft leather surface for supporting a hunting rifle  16  and prevent damage thereto. Other instruments, such as a camera tripod or fishing pole, are easily supported in the instrument support assembly  32 . 
     In FIG. 1, the user  14  is shown as having a large back pack  21  attached to the front pack and belt support assembly  12  through use of the shoulder support strap assembly  28  and belt support assemblies  124  (FIG.  4 ). 
     Further, as noted in FIG. 1, the side pocket assembly  192  and the aide pack and arm support assembly  34  are moved outwardly and having a satellite GPS locator  25  mounted thereon and held in a secure condition by use of the accessory connector strap  222 . 
     As noted in FIG. 2, the other one of the side pocket assemblies  192  of the side pack and arm support assembly  34  has been pivoted outwardly and having an elbow area  17  of the user  14  resting thereon while the hunting rifle  16  has been brought up to eye level of the user  14  during a shooting operation. 
     The side pocket members  200  can be selectively removed using only the arm support assembly  194  connected to the pivot support assembly  196  and the adjustable side pack support  44 . 
     The elastic bias strap  223  operates to bias both of the side pocket assemblies  192  inwardly and operable to bias and hold in the folded vertical compact position. 
     As noted in FIG. 3, the monopod  20  is mounted within the tube member  256  of the accessories support assembly  36 . In a conventional manner, the camera member  18  has been connected to an upper end of the monopod  20  so that the user  14  can hold steady for a prolonged period of time the camera member  18  thereon while taking desired photographs. The monopod  20  can also be collapsed downwardly to hold the camera member  18  in an out of the way position until the user  14  is ready to take pictures. 
     It is obvious that the binoculars or the camera member  18  can be readily conveyed within the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38 . On usage, the capacity of the collapsible and expandable main pack assembly  38  can be doubled from that shown in FIG. 4 on movement of the expandable section  56  downwardly. Further, a map or other accessories can be readily conveyed within the front pack assembly  42  in a conventional manner. 
     It is obvious that the instrument support assembly  32  includes the cartridge support assembly  182  to receive and enclose a plurality of gun cartridges  19  therein for ease of conveyance and being readily available by the hunter user  14  during a shooting or hunting operation. 
     It is noted that the arm support assembly  194  of the side pack and arm support assembly  34  has means thereon to telescopingly adjust the first tube member  224  relative to the second tube member  226  on the adjustable tube assembly  218  to adjust the effective height and position of the side pocket assemblies  192 . More importantly, this allows proper positioning of the fabric support member  208  on the respective arm support assemblies  194 . This is important to achieve a proper height for resting of the elbow area  17  of the user  14  depending on the size and height of the user  14  utilizing same. 
     This adjustment feature is further provided by use of the adjustable side pack supports  44  having a plurality of the spaced loop sections  86  to receive the respective connector pin members  210  therein. 
     The adjustable height of the adjustable tube assembly  228  is locked into position by use of the pocket connector pin  220  as noted in FIG.  7 . 
     The front pack and belt support assembly  12  of this invention provides a main pack assembly  46  that is expandable to hold a large quantity of photography or camping supplies; provided with an instrument support assembly  32  to readily receive, protect, and support a tripod, fishing pole, or rifle thereon; provided with side pocket assemblies  192  which can be pivoted outwardly and utilized to support an elbow area of a user thereon; provided with an accessories support assembly  36  to receive and support a tubular monopod thereon to hold a pair of binoculars or a camera member; and provided with an adjustable means thereon to receive and support the elbow area of a user  14  at a proper height and further provides a slidably attached belt support assembly  124 . 
     FIG. 5 shows the main bag enclosure flap member or closure means  40  in the closed and secured position having engulfed the uppermost arcuate portion of the main support frame member  120 . The user  14  has only to grasp with thumb and forefinger the lip portion of the enclosure section  68  containing the reinforcing rod member  70  and lift the section up and over the arcuate frame for surprisingly easy, quiet, and one-handed opening and closing. This new pack bag closure means is made possible by combining the elements of a flexible fabric bag, a hood shaped flap containing a rigid cross member, a rigid arched frame, and gravity. FIG. 7 shows this new closure means in an open position. 
     In FIG. 4, it can be seen that the user&#39;s main belt member  23  is securely engaged with the belt support assemblies  124 . By tipping the top of the main front pack assembly  26  slightly forward, the arcuate end section  156  of the plate support member  154  is easily slid down between the user&#39;s main belt member  23  and his body. Then, the top of the front pack and belt support assembly  12  is pulled back to the chest of the user  14 , followed by attachment of the shoulder support strap assembly  28  about the shoulders of the user  14 , thereby positioning the pack in a vertical position and rotating the outer arcuate end section  156  down and under the belt member  23  of the user  14  to prevent undue upward movement of the pack. Spacer members  164  prevent downward movement of the pack as it rests on top of the belt member  23  of the user  14 . 
     The front pack and belt support assembly provides a structure that is economical to manufacture; sturdy in construction; easy to use; and substantially maintenance free. 
     While the invention has been described in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims: