Abstract: An adjustable-length tensile member, for example, a strap for a wearable pack, can include a fastener member defining first and second apertures and a cross-member positioned therebetween. A strap can extend through the first aperture in a first direction, over the cross-member and through the second aperture in a direction opposite to the first direction. A cover plate can matingly engage with the fastener member to obscure a segment of the strap from view. Wearable packs can incorporate such adjustable-length tensile members. Methods for assembling such adjustable-length tensile members are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a pack with an automatically opening compartment. The pack has a body that defines a volume for the containment of articles, and a strap system for supporting the pack in a user's body. A section of the pack is hingeably coupled to another body portion of the pack. The hingeable section has a first condition, providing an opening to a compartment in the pack, and a second condition, closing the opening to the compartment. The hingeable section is coupled to a spring system that is (1) unloaded when the hingeable section is in the first condition and (2) relatively loaded when in the second condition, so that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. The pack may include a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed condition.

Abstract: A pack having a body defining a volume for the containment of items. The body has a height, width, and depth, and, optionally, at least one body strap coupled to the pack body. An elevator system is associated with a compartment of the pack. The elevator system includes: (i) a cradle that is movable upwardly and downwardly in the compartment and which is configured with a support portion to receive an item storable in the compartment; and (ii) a coupling system that couples the cradle to a user grasp element disposed on the pack. The pulling of the grasp element lifts the cradle from a lower position in the compartment to a raised position. The raising of the cradle is sufficient to allow a stored item that is enclosable in the compartment to protrude from the compartment.

Abstract: An adjustable-length tensile member, for example, a strap for a wearable pack, can include a fastener member defining first and second apertures and a cross-member positioned therebetween. A strap can extend through the first aperture in a first direction, over the cross-member and through the second aperture in a direction opposite to the first direction. A cover plate can matingly engage with the fastener member to obscure a segment of the strap from view. Wearable packs can incorporate such adjustable-length tensile members. Methods for assembling such adjustable-length tensile members are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a pack with an automatically opening compartment. The pack has a body that defines a volume for the containment of articles, and a strap system for supporting the pack in a user's body. A section of the pack is hingeably coupled to another body portion of the pack. The hingeable section has a first condition, providing an opening to a compartment in the pack, and a second condition, closing the opening to the compartment. The hingeable section is coupled to a spring system that is (1) unloaded when the hingeable section is in the first condition and (2) relatively loaded when in the second condition, so that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. The pack may include a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed condition.

Abstract: An adjustable-length tensile member, for example, a strap for a wearable pack, can include a fastener member defining first and second apertures and a cross-member positioned therebetween. A strap can extend through the first aperture in a first direction, over the cross-member and through the second aperture in a direction opposite to the first direction. A cover plate can matingly engage with the fastener member to obscure a segment of the strap from view. Wearable packs can incorporate such adjustable-length tensile members. Methods for assembling such adjustable-length tensile members are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to a pack with an automatically opening compartment. The pack has a body that defines a volume for the containment of articles, and a strap system for supporting the pack in a user's body. A section of the pack is hingeably coupled to another body portion of the pack. The hingeable section has a first condition, providing an opening to a compartment in the pack, and a second condition, closing the opening to the compartment. The hingeable section is coupled to a spring system that is (1) unloaded when the hingeable section is in the first condition and (2) relatively loaded when in the second condition, so that the compartment automatically opens when the closure system is released. The pack may include a closure system for locking the hingeable section in the closed condition.

Abstract: An adjustable-length tensile member, for example, a strap for a wearable pack, can include a fastener member defining first and second apertures and a cross-member positioned therebetween. A strap can extend through the first aperture in a first direction, over the cross-member and through the second aperture in a direction opposite to the first direction. A cover plate can matingly engage with the fastener member to obscure a segment of the strap from view. Wearable packs can incorporate such adjustable-length tensile members. Methods for assembling such adjustable-length tensile members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pack having a body defining a volume for the containment of items. The body has a height, width, and depth, and, optionally, at least one body strap coupled to the pack body. An elevator system is associated with a compartment of the pack. The elevator system includes: (i) a cradle that is movable upwardly and downwardly in the compartment and which is configured with a support portion to receive an item storable in the compartment; and (ii) a coupling system that couples the cradle to a user grasp element disposed on the pack. The pulling of the grasp element lifts the cradle from a lower position in the compartment to a raised position. The raising of the cradle is sufficient to allow a stored item that is enclosable in the compartment to protrude from the compartment.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable hip-belt set may include a backpanel, which may further include a panel sheet, a set of metal stays, and a thoracic carriage. The metal stays may be supported by a frame. Certain embodiments also include an adjustment mechanism, which may have hip-belt straps marked with indicia of measurement. A user may adjust the size of the hip-belt set by moving the straps horizontally in and out of cam buckles and by fastening the straps once a desired length is achieved.

Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.

Abstract: A modular airbag system may include at least one inflatable airbag configured to deploy outward on a side(s) of the airbag system, for example, in two opposite substantially horizontal directions, at least one airbag compartment, and one or more straps configured to strap the modular airbag system securely to one of a user's body and/or an object, and configured to release the modular airbag system from one of the user's body and/or the object.

Abstract: A backpack with an adjustable hip-belt set may include a backpanel, which may further include a panel sheet, a set of metal stays, and a thoracic carriage. The metal stays may be supported by a frame. Certain embodiments also include an adjustment mechanism, which may have hip-belt straps marked with indicia of measurement. A user may adjust the size of the hip-belt set by moving the straps horizontally in and out of cam buckles and by fastening the straps once a desired length is achieved.