Load Bearing Bracket for Adjustable Gear Bags
A load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags comprises a base bracket having a plurality of openings disposed therein. The openings are arranged in columns and rows. A top row consists of uniformly sized openings and alternates with another row of uniformly but different sized openings. This arrangement maximizes adjustability when attaching a variety of holding items such as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) bags or other equipment bags or holders. The base bracket is mounted using bolts, rivets or other fasteners to a vehicle. The equipment bags have an attached strap that fits within the openings to secure them therein. A plurality of large adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of the base bracket allowing a user to insert a hand to guide and secure the straps. A snap on the bottom of the strap secures the free end of the strap to the bag.
This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/958,699, filed Jul. 9, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSince the introduction of the Ford Model T, the history of the motorized vehicle includes many important improvements for safety and convenience. Almost as soon as the first drivers took to the roads, they started carrying things. Since the vehicles broke down often, most came with a basic tool kit. The problem of carrying things safely in a vehicle is a serious problem since when involved in an accident; anything not secured can become a deadly projectile.
The introduction of a trunk in an automobile was a reasonable solution to this problem, but Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and vans do not have this option. Additionally, these types of vehicles are even more likely to have a need to carry many items since these vehicles are often used in more extreme situations such as off-road activities. There is a need for an easy to use device to carry and secure items in a vehicle that allows easy access to the items while organizing and securing the items even in the case of an accident or extreme activity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags comprises a base bracket having a plurality of openings disposed therein. The openings are arranged in columns and rows. A top row consists of uniformly sized openings and alternates with another row of uniformly but different sized openings. This arrangement maximizes adjustability when attaching a variety of holding items such as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) bags or other equipment bags or holders. The base bracket is mounted using bolts, rivets or other fasteners to a vehicle. The equipment bags have an attached strap that fits within the openings to secure them therein. A plurality of large adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of the base bracket allowing a user to insert a hand to guide and secure the straps. A snap on the bottom of the strap secures the free end of the strap to the bag.
Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.
In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
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Additionally, the user can select how many openings to weave through depending on the level of attachment desired. For example, the user could simply insert the strap through the top and bottom openings only or through every opening depending on the specific use and conditions.
Base bracket 110 or 310 respectively is made of aluminum, but may also be made of any suitable material such as steel, plastic, composite materials like carbon fibers, fiberglass or other suitable materials. A finish powder coat may be applied as is known in the art to aesthetically enhance the base present invention.
Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear comprising:
- a base bracket;
- said base bracket having a plurality of openings;
- said plurality of openings being arranged in columns and rows;
- a row of adjusting openings having a size selected to allow a user to reach inside said adjusting opening wherein adjustments are made;
- at least one holding means;
- said holding means having at least one securing strap;
- said securing strap being fixedly attached at an end thereon; and
- said at least one securing strap being adapted to fit within said plurality of openings wherein said holding means is secured therein.
2. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings are arranged in alternating rows of at least two different sized openings.
3. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 2 wherein said holding means is an equipment bag.
4. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 2 wherein said holding means is a MOLLE bag.
5. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said holding means has a securing means disposed on a free end therein.
6. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 5 wherein said securing means is a snap.
7. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 5 wherein said securing means is a hook and loop fastener.
8. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 further comprising a mounting means for attaching said base bracket to a vehicle.
9. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 8 wherein said mounting means comprises bolts fixedly attached to said vehicle.
10. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings comprise alternating rows of at least two different size openings.
11. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said row of adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of said base bracket.
12. A method of securing items in a vehicle comprising the steps of:
- installing a base bracket in a vehicle;
- obtaining;
- inserting a strap disposed on an equipment bag into an opening disposed along a selected column in said base bracket;
- guiding said strap by inserting a hand in an adjustment opening disposed in said base bracket wherein said strap is removeably secured therein; and
- snapping said strap to a snap disposed on said equipment bag to removeably secure said equipment bag therein.
13. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear comprising:
- a base bracket fixedly attached to a vehicle having a plurality of securing openings arranged in a selected pattern;
- said selected pattern comprising a plurality of rows and columns with alternating rows being of at least two different size openings;
- at least one holder;
- said at least one holder having at least one strap disposed thereon;
- a row of adjustment openings disposed along a bottom portion of said base bracket wherein a user may fit a hand to adjust and guide said at least one strap through said openings; and
- securing said at least one strap with a securing means.
14. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is a snap disposed on a free end of said at least one strap.
15. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is a hook and loop fastener disposed on a free end of said at least one strap.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 2, 2008
Publication Date: Jan 15, 2009
Inventor: Andrew Meyer Frost (Oskaloosa, IA)
Application Number: 12/166,624
International Classification: B65B 67/04 (20060101);