Multiple purpose strap-pack system

Abstract

Apparatus and methods are provided which can be adjustably configured to support and carry a variety of objects. The strap-pack system comprises a family of member elements, each having a variety of common fasteners attached thereto. A single member may be self-attached to form carrying apertures, or can be attached to other members for new configurations which can be further attached to outside objects. The basic members comprise a single layer strap connected to a multiple layered strap, each having a plurality of fasteners attached thereto. End fasteners include a releasable hook fastener at one end for attaching the system to outside objects, and hook and loop or snap-fit or side release buckles at the other ends. Interior fasteners are engaged to define holding apertures, while the space between layers is available for smaller articles. An elongated extension strap member is provided which can be used for belt, over-the shoulder holding, or for tethering movable objects.

1 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, comprising:
 a plurality of first strapping means for securing articles, each said first strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a flexible plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   means for adjusting the length of each said first strapping means;   a first releasable fastener means disposed at the first end of each said first strapping means for supporting attachment to external objects;   a second releasable fastener means disposed at the second end of each said first strapping means for attachment to any said first strapping means; and   a third releasable fastener means disposed along said first strapping means  15  so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said first strapping means define a first aperture for holding external objects.   
   
   
       2 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a plurality of second strapping means for securing articles, each said second strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a flexible plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   means for attachment of the first end of each said second strapping means to the first end of each said first strapping means; and   a fourth releasable fastener means disposed at the second end of said second strapping means for attachment to any said strapping means.   
   
   
       3 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising means for adjusting the length of each said second strapping means. 
   
   
       4 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 3 , further comprising mating fastening means for connection to said fourth quick release fastener means, said mating fastener means disposed along said first strapping means so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said second strapping means define a second aperture for holding external objects. 
   
   
       5 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 4 ; further comprising:
 a plurality of third elongated strapping means for securing articles, each said third elongated strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   a fifth releasable fastener means at the first end of each said third elongated strapping means for supporting attachment to external objects;   a sixth releasable fastener means disposed at the second end of each said third strapping means for attachment to any said first strapping means; and   a seventh releasable fastener means disposed along said third strapping means so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said third elongated strapping means define a third aperture for connecting the strapping system to a user's body or inanimate object.   
   
   
       6 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising means for adjusting the length of each said third elongated strapping means. 
   
   
       7 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 6 , wherein all said releasable fastener means comprise quick release fasteners. 
   
   
       8 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 7 , wherein all said strapping means comprise multiple layered strap members. 
   
   
       9 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 8 , wherein all said multiple layered straps further comprising means for supporting objects between adjacent multiple layered strap members. 
   
   
       10 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 9 , wherein all said multiple layered strap members are elastic. 
   
   
       11 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said first quick release fastener means comprises hook fastener means. 
   
   
       12 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 11 , wherein said second quick release fastener means comprises a hook and loop fastener. 
   
   
       13 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said third quick release fastener means comprises side release buckles. 
   
   
       14 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said fourth quick release fastener means comprises a back-to-back snap button pair. 
   
   
       15 . A multiple purpose strapping system having means for securing articles, as recited in  claim 14 , wherein said fifth quick release fastener means comprises optional D-ring connecting means. 
   
   
       16 . A method of securing articles, comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of first strapping means for securing articles, each said first strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a flexible plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   adjusting the length of each said first strapping means;   attaching first releasable fastener means to the first end of each said first strapping means for supporting external objects;   attaching second releasable fastener means to the second end of each said first strapping means for attachment to any said first strapping means; and   disposing third releasable fastener means along said first strapping means so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said first strapping means define a first aperture for holding external objects.   
   
   
       17 . A method of securing articles, as recited in  claim 16 , further comprising the steps of:
 providing a plurality of second strapping means for securing articles, each said second strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a flexible plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface  15  provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   adjusting the length of each said second strapping means;   attaching the first end of each said second strapping means to the first end of each said first strapping means; and   disposing fourth releasable fastener means at the second end of said second strapping means for attachment to any said strapping means.   
   
   
       18 . A method of securing articles, as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising the step of: providing mating fastening means for connection to said fourth quick release fastener means, said mating fastener means disposed along said first strapping means so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said second strapping means define a second aperture for holding external objects. 
   
   
       19 . A method of securing articles, as recited in  claim 18 , further comprising the steps or:
 providing a plurality of third elongated strapping means for securing articles, each said third elongated strapping means having side edges with first and second ends and a plane surface between said ends and said edges, said plane surface provided substantially along the length thereof with means for attaching fastener means;   adjusting the length of each said third strapping means;   attaching fifth releasable fastener means to the first end of each said third elongated strapping means for supporting attachment to external objects;   attaching sixth releasable fastener means to the second end of each said  10  third trapping means for attachment to any said first strapping means; and   disposing seventh releasable fastener means along said third strapping means so as to provide a mating connection by which portions of said third elongated strapping means define a third aperture for connecting the strapping system to a user's body.   
   
   
       20 . A method of securing articles, as recited in  claim 19 , wherein all said strapping means comprise multiple layered strap members for supporting objects between adjacent multiple layers.