Abstract: A buckle has two identical components relatively shiftable along a central axis into and out of an assembled state, with an interlocking mechanism for releasably coupling the components in their assembled state. The interlocking mechanism includes a wing on each of the components. The wings have opposed mutually spaced resilient panels defining passages therebetween leading to aligned locking surfaces. Each component also has a prong with oppositely protruding posts and first and second cam surfaces. The first cam surfaces are configured and arranged to urge the panels apart and thereby accommodate insertion of the prongs into the passages to locked positions at which the posts are in snap engagement with the locking surfaces. The second cam surfaces are configured and arranged to act in response to flexure of the prongs towards the central axis to urge the panels apart and to thereby accommodate withdrawal of the prong from the passages.

Abstract: A buckle comprises two components relatively shiftable along a central axis into and out of an assembled state, with an interlocking mechanism for releasably coupling the components in their assembled state. The interlocking mechanism comprises at least one wing on one of the components. The wing has opposed mutually spaced resilient panels defining a passage therebetween leading to aligned locking surfaces. At least one resilient prong on the other component has oppositely protruding posts and first and second cam surfaces. The first cam surfaces are configured and arranged to urge the panels apart and thereby accommodate insertion of the prong into the passage to a locked position at which the posts are in snap engagement with the locking surfaces. The second cam surfaces are configured and arranged to act in response to flexure of the prong towards the central axis to urge the panels apart and to thereby accommodate withdrawal of the prong from the passage.

Abstract: A quick release device for preventing unintended withdrawal of a handgun from a holster comprises a generally U-shaped hood with mutually spaced legs spanned by a bridge. The legs are arranged to straddle the holster, with the hood being rotatable about a fixed first axis between a rearward position at which the bridge overlies the holster opening, and a forward position at which the bridge is removed from the holster opening. At least one interior side plate is fixed with respect to the holster at a location adjacent to one of the hood legs. The interior side plate defines a guide path bordered by and extending forwardly from a locking notch. A trigger plate is connected to the hood leg for rotation about a second axis parallel to the first axis. The trigger plate is rotatable about the second axis to disengage the boss from the locking notch, thereby freeing the boss for movement along the guide path as the hood is rotated about the first axis from its rearward position to its forward position.

Abstract: A modular articulated guide assembly comprises a series of guide lugs disposed transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of flexure of the chute. The guide lugs have generally U-shaped bodies with laterally spaced side walls joined by bottom walls to define guide channels. Centerline tabs project forwardly from the bottom walls, with each centerline tab being slidably received in a central recess in the bottom wall of an adjacent guide lug. The centerline tabs are in an abutting relationship when the guide assembly is retracted on its axis of flexure, and are adapted to slide in their respective central recesses and to move apart when the guide assembly is extended along or flexed from its axis of flexure. The guide lugs are interlocked in a manner permitting their limited movement to accommodate extension and flexture of the guide assembly.

Abstract: A quick release device for preventing unwarranted withdrawal of a hand gun from a holster, comprising a thumb actuated hood translatably fixed with respect to and rotatable about a fixed axis between a rearward position overlying the holster opening and a forward position removed therefrom.

Abstract: A backpack from has a forwardly facing side and a back side. The frame comprises a base having a generally flat midsection with forwardly curved end sections. A pair of mutually spaced arms project from the end sections of the base. The arms have a degree of twist that gradually diminishes from the end sections of the base to the upper distal ends of the arms.

Abstract: A backpack comprises a load carrying section with a forwardly facing front panel. A pair of mutually spaced sleeves are joined to and border the sides of the front panel. An injection molded generally U-shaped partial perimeter frame has a base bordering a bottom of the front panel, with arms projecting from the base and into the sleeves on the sides of the panel. The load carrying section of the backpack is comprised principally of fabric. The front panel is flexible and has a stiffness greater than the stiffness of the fabric forming other portions of the backpack. In one embodiment, the front panel is integrally stiffened. In another embodiment, the front panel forms a pocket configured and dimensioned to accept a flexible stiffening plate.