Hardshell modular lightweight load-carrying equipment system and method of making thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an improved Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) system that employs hard-shells and a method of making thereof. The disclosed hard-shell MOLLE system not only provides better durability for the MOLLE system, but also allows the MOLLE system to apply on hard objects such as thermoformed/molded backpacks, bags, vehicle panels and containers etc.

1 . An apparatus for securing one or more items to a pack adapted for being carried by a user, comprising:
 an elongated cross member including a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings including at least one intermediate opening; and   fasteners for removably securing the cross member to the pack;   wherein the cross member comprises an intermediate portion offset from a surface of the pack when the cross member is secured thereto, the intermediate portion including the at least one intermediate opening.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cross member comprises a plurality of intermediate openings. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cross member includes at least two end openings, each for receiving one of the fasteners for removably securing the cross member to the pack. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the cross member includes a middle opening for receiving another fastener for securing a middle portion of the cross member to the pack. 
     
     
         5 . A pack including the apparatus of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         6 . An apparatus adapted for being carried by a user, comprising:
 a pack including a first side having at least one strap for carrying the pack and a second side opposite the first side including a plurality of cross members removably attached to the pack and not connected to each other;   at least one cross member of the plurality of cross members includes a portion spaced from an adjacent surface of the pack so that a connector may be inserted in a space between the at least one cross member and the surface to connect one or more items to the at least one cross member.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the at least one cross member includes a plurality of openings for receiving fasteners for fastening to the pack. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein end portions of the at least one cross member contact a first surface of the pack and an intermediate portion of the at least one cross member is elevated above a second surface of the pack so as to form the space. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the second side of the pack is rigid. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the second side of the pack includes a plurality of canals recessed from the adjacent surface and forming the space. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of canals extend transverse to the plurality of cross members. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , comprising four cross members and four canals. 
     
     
         13 . An apparatus adapted for being carried by a user, comprising:
 a pack including a first side associated with at least one strap for being worn by the user and a second side including at least one cross member having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion between the first and second end portions, the first and second end portions connected to the pack and the intermediate portion offset from an adjacent surface of the pack when the cross member is secured thereto.   
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the intermediate portion includes an intermediate opening. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the adjacent surface is in a canal formed in the second side of the pack. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , further including a plurality of fasteners for connecting the first and second end portions to the pack. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the second side of the pack is rigid. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the second side of the pack includes a plurality of canals recessed from the adjacent surface and forming the space. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of the canals extend transverse to the plurality of cross members. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 13 , comprising four cross members and four canals.