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.
Claims32
A fastener comprising:
- a first plate defining first and a second apertures positioned opposite each other relative to a cross-member;
- and
- 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.
An adjustable-length strap, comprising:
- a core having opposed first and second sides and defining an aperture extending from the first side to the second side;
- a fastener member defining first and second apertures and a cross-member positioned therebetween, wherein the fastener member further defines a flange extending outwardly of the first and second apertures and so urging against the first side of the core as to align the first and second apertures of the fastener member with the aperture extending through the core;
- a strap extending through the first aperture in the fastener member in a direction extending from the first side of the core to the second side of the core, over the cross-member and through the second aperture in the fastener member in a direction extending from the second side of the core to the first side of the core;
- and
- a cover plate positioned adjacent the second side of the core and matingly engaged with the fastener member through the aperture in the core.
A method of assembling a hidden adjustment mechanism for adjusting a strap, the method comprising:
- feeding a strap through a first aperture defined by a fastener member, over a cross-member of the fastener member, and through a second aperture defined by the fastener member and positioned opposite the first aperture relative to the cross-member;
- and
- matingly engaging a cover plate with the fastener member to obscure the strap from view.
A wearable pack, comprising:
- a body defining a volume for the containment of articles, the body generally having a height, width, and depth, and at least one body strap coupled to the body;
- an adjustable-length strap having an adjustable tensile member and an adjustment mechanism with a cover plate, wherein the cover plate obscures a segment of the adjustable tensile member from view.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.