Fastener systems
AssigneeThe North Face Apparel Corp.
InventorsAndrew Coutant, Matthew Edward Paduano, Christopher Tagumi, Gregory Dailey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims18
A fastener comprising:
- a first plate defining first and second apertures positioned opposite each other relative to a cross-member;
- a second plate configured to matingly engage with the first plate, wherein, when the first and the second plates are matingly engaged with each other, the second plate extends over the first and the second apertures and the cross-member is spaced from the second plate, wherein the first plate defines opposed first and second sides, and the second plate overlies the second side when the first and the second plates are matingly engaged with each other;
- and
- a tensioner extending through the first aperture from the first side to the second side, over the cross-member, and through the second aperture from the second side to the first side and a third plate configured to matingly engage with the first plate from a side opposite the second plate.
A wearable pack, comprising:
- a body defining a volume for containing articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth;
- at least one body strap coupled to the body;
- a first plate defining first and second apertures positioned opposite each other relative to a cross-member;
- a second plate configured to matingly engage with the first plate, wherein, when the first and the second plates are matingly engaged with each other, a portion of the at least one body strap is positioned between a respective portion of the first plate and a respective portion of the second plate to retain the first and the second plate relative to the at least one body strap, the second plate extends over the first and the second apertures of the first plate, and the cross-member is spaced from the second plate;
- and
- a tensioner extending through the first aperture, over the cross-member, and through the second aperture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.