Patent ID: 8807411

Claim:
A backpack assembly comprising: a pack configured to be worn on a back of a wearer; straps coupled to said pack and configured to extend over a chest of the wearer, the straps including a first side strap and a second side strap; and a strap retainer including: a closed loop on a first side of the strap retainer, the closed loop forming a first passage along a first axis, wherein the first side strap extends through the first passage such that the closed loop is free to slide along the at least one first side strap in a direction of the first axis and allow a position of the strap retainer on the straps to be adjusted; and an open loop on a second side of the strap retainer, wherein the open loop is configured to slidably retain said at least one second side strap, said open loop including a side opening through which said at least one second side straps can be inserted and removed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis; and a central portion positioned between said closed loop and said open loop, wherein said closed loop and said open loop are flared relative to said central portion such that said strap retainer has a bow-tie shape.