[0001] The present invention generally relates to portable packing systems and methods for transporting gear on a person.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of packing apparatuses and systems, such as backpacks and waistpacks, are commonly used in recreational and professional industries including the sporting and leisure industries. In order to accommodate the evolving demands of sophisticated users, such packs are often equipped with various objects, such as fluid containers, or harnesses for holding such objects that satisfy these demands. Conventional systems and methods for carrying objects or containers often involve complex or user unfriendly packing systems due to the configuration of elements on the packing apparatus and the container itself as well as the lack of mobility or adaptability of these features. Conventional systems, apparatuses and methods have been the subject of several patent applications, which generally describe means for carrying and releasably attaching containers or objects to packing systems in order to better accommodate the needs of users. [0003] For example, U. S . Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0011676 to Willows et al. describes a bottle and waistpack configuration. The bottle and waistpack configuration consists of a bottle carrier or pack with a sleeve for releasably retaining the bottle. The sleeve retains the bottle such that the bottle's central axis is held generally horizontal and the bottle is removable through the open area at a first end of the sleeve. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0080182 to Thatcher describes another bottle and waistpack configuration. The bottle and waistpack configuration consists of waistpack with a belt and a holster connected to the belt for releasably retaining a beverage container bottle. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0152007 to Kauss et al. describes a modular packing system. The modular packing system comprises a plurality of attachment structures for attaching various auxiliary elements, including a hydration system. [0004] Conventional pack and container configurations, however, lack ease of attachment and detachment and repositioning of the bottle to accommodate the needs of the user. For example, the current configurations normally attach bottle holsters directly to the pack body and use some type of wing panel or webbing for compression. The current configurations do not provide the requisite variability in the positioning of the bottle once attached to the pack. As a result, conventional configurations results in a static assembly with no bottle or bottle holster adjustment mechanism on the pack. These configurations do not allow a user to modify a position of the bottle according to their preferences or a manufacturer to efficiently design a system to accommodate a greater range of body types.

[0005] Therefore, despite the advancements in packing systems, there still exists a need for more versatile and efficient pack and bottle configurations without sacrificing quality or comfort of the user to meet the current and evolving demands of high performance packing systems in the sporting and leisure industries.

SUMMARY

[0006] The invention is directed to improvements in portable packing systems, and particularly improvements in the configuration and versatility of containers releasably attached to a packing apparatus.

[0007] In an embodiment of the invention, a portable gear management system is provided. The portable gear management system comprises a portable packing apparatus comprising a first tracking element and a second tracking element. The portable gear management system also comprises a container holster adapted to be slidably disposed on the first tracking element and second tracking element of the portable tracking apparatus.

[0008] In this embodiment, the container holster may have a variety of positions, in which the container holster slides along at least one of the first tracking element and the second tracking element to move from a first position to a second position. The second position may be set according to a user preference. [0009] In another embodiment, the portable packing apparatus may further comprise a first slider clip adapted to be disposed on the first tracking element, and a second slider clip adapted to be disposed on the second tracking element. The container holster may comprise a first webbing and a second webbing. The first webbing and second webbing are adapted to be routed through the first and second slider clips and attached to the first and second slider clips. In this embodiment, the first slider clip is adapted to adjustably slide on the first tracking element and the second slider clip is adapted to adjustably slide on the second tracking element. The first slider clip and second slider clip may be selected from a group consisting of 20mm and 25mm slider clips. The first webbing and second webbing may be selected from a group consisting of 20mm and 25mm webbings corresponding to a selection of the first and second slider clips.

[0010] In another embodiment, the portable gear management system may further comprise a fixing mechanism for releasably fixing the container holster to the packing apparatus. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism may comprise a holster adhesion element disposed on the packing apparatus and a packing apparatus fixing element mounted on the container holster. The packing apparatus fixing element is adapted to be releasably fixed on the holster adhesion element. The fixing mechanism may be a hook-and-loop type fastener. In this embodiment, the portable gear management system may further comprise a fixing mechanism support element disposed on the packing apparatus. The support element is adapted to releasably secure the container holster to the packing apparatus. The support element may be a support strap. Tthe container holster may comprise a support strap slotted element adapted to slide along the support strap. In one embodiment, the support element may be an adjustable strap.

[0011] In one embodiment, the container holster may be adapted to hold a water bottle. In another embodiment, the portable tracking apparatus is at least one of a backpack, waistpack, fannypack, travelpack and a utility belt. [0012] A further embodiment provides for a method of transporting portable gear comprising providing a portable packing apparatus comprising a first tracking element and a second tracking element. The method further comprises providing a container holster adapted to be slidably disposed on the first tracking element and second tracking element of the portable tracking apparatus. [0013] In another embodiment, the method further comprises adjusting a position of the container holster. In this embodiment, adjusting the position of the container may comprise sliding the container holster along at least one of the first tracking element and the second tracking element to move the container holster from a first position to a second position. The second position may be set according to a user preference. In this embodiment, adjusting the position of the container holster may comprise adjusting an attaching position to at least one of the first tracking element and the second tracking element on the packing apparatus.

[0014] In another embodiment, the method further comprises releasably fixing the container holster to the packing apparatus.

[0015] Depending on the embodiment, the invention can have advantages including greater versatility and functionality, simplicity of design, improved ease of development and/or improved overall performance. These and other features and advantages of the disclosed constructions and methods are described in, or apparent from, the following detailed description of various exemplary embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] Various embodiments will be more readily understood through the following detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable gear management system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portable packing apparatus of the portable gear management system illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0019] FIGS. 3 A, 3B and 3 C are front, rear and lateral perspective views, respectively, of a container of the portable gear management system illustrated in

FIG. 1; [0020] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the portable gear management system illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the container in a biased configuration; and [0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portable gear management system illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the container in another biased configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0022] For a general understanding of the features of the illustrated embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals have been used throughout to designate like elements. [0023] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a portable gear management system 10 according to a first embodiment includes a portable packing apparatus 15 and a container holster 110 adapted to be attached to the packing apparatus 15. In one embodiment, the portable packing apparatus 15 comprises a first tracking element 30 and a second tracking element 35. hi this embodiment, the container holster 110 is adapted to be slidably disposed on the first tracking element 30 and second tracking element 35 of the portable tracking apparatus 15. hi one embodiment, the container holster 110 may hold a liquid container 100 as shown in Fig. 1.

[0024] The composition and nature of the portable packing apparatus 15 is not particularly limited. In embodiments, the packing apparatus 15 is capable of transporting equipment or objects such as those used in, for example, the sporting industries. Non-limiting examples of suitable portable packing apparatuses are backpacks, waistpacks, fannypacks, travelpacks, utility belts, harnesses and luggage. For purposes of illustration only, embodiments described herein including the packing apparatus 15 will be described with respect to a waistpack. [0025] The waistpack 15 may comprise any one or more of a variety of accoutrements known in the art, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the waistpack 15 may comprise a fastener with a male end 75 and female end 70 for securing the waistpack 15 around the user's waist. The waistpack 15 may comprise adjustment buckles 80a, 80b for finely fitting the waistpack 15 around the user's waist. Additionally, the waistpack 15 may be constructed of any suitable material in a single layer or multiple layers such as, for example, webbing layers 90a, 90b and 90c. Various other accoutrements are possible and will be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to zippers, pouches, pockets and the like. [0026] Waistpack 15 may also comprise slider clips 40, 45, as shown in FIG.

2. In embodiments, the slider clips 40 and 45 fit into and slide along the tracking elements 30 and 35, respectively. In embodiments, the tracking assemblies formed by the combination of slider clip 40 and tracking element 30, and slider clip 45 and tracking element 35 are piping track assemblies. However, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other tracking assemblies are within the scope and spirit of this invention.

[0027] In one embodiment, the slider clips 40, 45 may be configured to be weaved into or otherwise disposed on the waistpack 15 by being releasably attached to the tracking elements 30 and 35. In another embodiment, the slider clips 40 and 45 may be fixedly attached to the tracking elements 30 and 35. hi one embodiment, the slider clips 40 and 45 may be disposed on the tracking elements 30 and 35. hi another embodiment, the slider clips 40 and 45 may be disposed in the tracking elements 30 and 35. For simplicity, this disclosure will refer to the disposition consistently as "on" the tracking elements 30 and 35 but this also comprises in certain embodiments the disposition may be"in" the tracking elements 30 and 35. The composition of the slider clips 40, 45 is not particularly limited. Any suitable plastic, polyester, polymer-based material or metal or metal alloy material is contemplated. In embodiments, the webbing slider clips 40, 45 are comprised of plastic.

[0028] The waistpack 15 may also comprise a support strap 50 disposed on and across the front portion of the waistpack 15. The support strap 50 includes an adjustment buckle 60 for fitting the strap 50 snuggly around the container holster 110 when the container holster 110 is secured to the waistpack 15. [0029] The waistpack 15 further includes a holster adhesion element 20 for securing the container holster 110 to the waistpack 15. The holster adhesion element 20 may comprise any suitable adhesion means known in the art. In embodiments, the adhesion element 20 is a hook-and-loop type fastener or fabric (e.g., Velcro®). [0030] The composition and nature of the container holster 110 is not particularly limited. In embodiments, the container holster 110 may be a holster for a fluid container or water bottle, as illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C. However, it will be recognized that any suitable holster is within the scope and spirit of this invention. For purposes of illustration only, embodiments described herein including the container holster 110 will be described with respect to a holster for a water bottle. [0031 J Other examples include any device useful to a user that may be attached to a packing apparatus. For example, in the sporting industries, the container holster 110 may be adapted to holster, food or energy packages, timing devices, refreshments, towels and the like. In the professional arena, the container holster 110 may be adapted to holster a flashlight, cutting devices, security devices such as a whistle and the like. Other non-limiting examples of suitable holsters include, but are not limited to, holsters for GPS systems, compasses, cell phones or the like.

[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3C, a liquid container 100 may be holstered by the container holster 110. The construction of the container holster 110 may comprise one or more layers of materials such as, for example, elastic, cotton, silk, nanoweb, polyester, polypropylene or other polymer-based materials. On the front portion of the container holster 110, the container holster 110 may comprise a slotted element 130 for receiving the support strap 50 of the waistpack 15, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. The slotted element 130 permits the container holster 110 to slide along the strap 50 to allow the user to adjust the position of the liquid container 100. On the back of the container holster 110, the container holster 110 may comprise a packing apparatus fixing element 120 for mounting on the holster adhesion element 20 of the waistpack 15, as shown in FIG. 3B. The packing apparatus fixing element 120 may comprise any suitable adhesion means known in the art. hi one embodiment, the packing apparatus fixing element 120 may be a hook-and-loop type fastener or fabric (i.e., Velcro®). The container holster 110 also comprises webbings 140a and 140b. The webbings 140a and 140b may be webbing mounting portions for mounting on or weaving through the respective slider clips 40, 45, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C. [0033 J Referring back to FIG. 1, the container holster 110 is mounted on the waistpack 15 via the slider clips 40, 45. The webbings 140a and 140b may be routed through the slider clips 40 and 45 and attached to the slider clips 40 and 45. Thus, the container holster 110 may be slidably disposed on the tracking elements 30, 35.

[0034] In one embodiment, the container holster 110 may be attached to the waistpack 15 by attaching webbings 140a and 140b to the slider clips 40, 45 and thus the container holster 110 is adapted to slide along the tracking elements 30, 35 attached to the waistpack 15. In one embodiment, the tracking elements 30 and 35 may be piping tracks. In embodiments, the tracking elements 30, 35 may be at least partially covered by fabric 90 of the waistpack 15 for aesthetic and/or protective purposes. The webbings 140 may be routed through and attached to the slider clips 40, 45. Any suitable webbings and slider clips may used. In embodiments, the slider clips 40, 45 are 20mm or 25mm. Similarly, the webbings 140a and 140b may also be 20mm or 25mm corresponding to the slider clips. However, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the are that various other dimensions and/or sizes of slider clips 40, 45 and webbings 140a and 140b are within the scope and spirit of the present invention.

[0035J The slider clips 40, 45 slide along the tracking elements 30, 35. In embodiments, two track assemblies may be used: the tracking element 30 and the slider clip 40; and the tracking element 35 and the slider clip 45. hi certain embodiments, one track assembly may be located near the top frontal portion of the waistpack 15 while the other is located near the bottom frontal portion of the waistpack 15. Although disclosed embodiments are described with respect to two track assemblies, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other track assemblies may be added and/or different configurations used. For example, the positioning of the track assemblies may be configured in lateral, side by side or slanted fashion, hi one embodiment, the tracking elements 30, 35 may be generally parallel to accommodate a generally fixed spacing between the mounting positions of the webbings 140a and 140b on the container holster 110. [0036] Although not depicted in the drawings, it is also contemplated that the webbings 140a and 140b may be movable on the surface of the container holster 110 such as through, for example, holster tracking systems of the container holster 110, such that another dimension of movement, in addition to the movement effectuated by tracks on the waistpack 15, is possible. In this embodiment, the tracks on the waistpack 15 need not be parallel.

[0037] The positioning of the holster adhesion element 20 on the waistpack

15 and the packing apparatus fixing element 120 mounted on the container holster 110 are not particularly limited. In embodiments, the holster adhesion element 20 is located between the tracking elements 30 and 35 to maximize the fixing capability of the adhesion element 20. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other configurations are possible. [0038] These features advantageously allow the position of the liquid container 100 to be repositioned as necessary thereby enhancing the usability and functionality of the waistpack 15 over a greater range of user body types and environmental requirements, hi this regard, in embodiments, the positioning or repositioning of the liquid container 100 may be effectuated according to any one or more of a user preference. Moreover, the configuration of the piping tracks may be effectuated according to functional demands of the packing apparatus 15 such as, for example, differing environmental demands associated with high elevation outdoor activities versus more everyday athletic demands.

[0039] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate the liquid container 100 in various positions on the waistpack 15 of the portable gear management system 10 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the liquid container 100 may be positioned into a configuration in which the slider clip 40 has been moved to the frontal right position along the tracking element 30 while the slider clip 45 remains in the central portion of the tracking element 35. Such configuration may be suitable for a user who prefers a backward or frontward facing water bottle depending on the positioning of the waistpack 15 on the user's body. FIG. 5 shows another configuration in which the slider clip 40 may be positioned at the frontal left position along the tracking element 30. Other positions and configurations will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure. [0040] In practice, a user secures the waistpack 15 around her waist using fasteners 70, 75 and adjusts the waistpack 15 for comfort by manipulating the adjustment buckles 80a, 80b to finely tighten the waistpack 15 around her waist and by rotating the waistpack 15 radially around her waist to achieve a desired location of the functional aspects of the waistpack 15. hi this regard, the user, if, for example, jogging, may want to have the liquid container 15 positioned ventrally for easy access or dorsally so as not to interfere with bodily movement. Various other preferences based on the personal preference and the type of activity conducted are within the scope and spirit of this invention.

[0041] In one embodiment, the container holster 110 may be fixedly attached to the waistpack 15 via the webbings 140a and 140b, slider clips 40 and 45, and tracking elements 30 and 35. To use this embodiment of the portable gear management system 10, the user may simply put the liquid container 100 into the container holster 110. In certain other embodiments, the container holster 110 may be releasably attached to the waistpack 15, either because the webbings 140a and 140b may be releasably attached to the slider clips 40 and 45, or the slider slider clips 40 and 45 may be releasably attached to the tracking elements 30 and 35. In those certain embodiments, a liquid container 100 may be put in the container holster 110 before the container holster 110 is attached to the waistpack 15.

[0042] After the liquid container 100 may be attached to the waistpack 15 via the container holster 110. The user may position the liquid container 100 into a desired position by sliding the container holster 110 along the first tracking element 30 and/or the second tracking element 35 to move the liquid container 100 into the desired position. Once the desire position has been achieved, the user may fix the liquid container 100 in that position by pressing the packing apparatus fixing element 120 mounted on the container holster 110 to the holster adhesion element 20 disposed on the waistpack 15. This secures the hook-and-loop fastening. The user may then further stabilize the liquid container 100 in the desired position by tightening the support strap 50 around the container holster 110, thus holding the liquid container 100 secure in position, hi certain embodiments, the fixing mechanism, alone, may be sufficient to secure the liquid container 100 to the waistpack 15 for the duration of the activity. Moreover, it will be recognized that the liquid container 100 maybe repositioned multiple times to accommodate multiple needs or changing environmental demands using in the manner described herein. [0043] Disclosed embodiments have been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. There are many modifications of the disclosed embodiments which will be apparent to those of skill in the art. It is understood that these modifications are within the teaching of the present invention which is to be limited only by the claims.