US20180344014A1

US20180344014A1 - Article with Reconfigurable Straps

Info

Publication number: US20180344014A1
Application number: US16/001,094
Authority: US
Inventors: Angelica Grant; Sholeh Mirzai
Original assignee: Under Armour Inc
Current assignee: Under Armour Inc
Priority date: 2017-06-06
Filing date: 2018-06-06
Publication date: 2018-12-06

Abstract

An article adapted to be positioned on a user's body includes a compartment, a female connector, and a strap. The compartment includes a top, bottom, front, and rear. The female connector is coupled to the top of the compartment and includes a first receptacle opening toward the front of the compartment, and a second receptacle opening toward the rear of the compartment. The strap includes a first end with a male connector and a second end coupled to the bottom of the compartment. The male connector is removably coupleable to the first receptacle, where the strap is oriented on the front of the compartment so that, when worn, the front faces the body of the user. The male connector is also removably coupleable to the second receptacle, where the strap is oriented on the rear of the compartment so that, when worn, the rear faces the body of the user.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/515,596, entitled “Article with Reconfigurable Straps”, filed Jun. 6, 2017, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a reconfigurable accessory article and, in particular, a sport accessory with straps that are repositionable to enable the accessory to be worn in different manners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional bags, especially backpacks, often include straps that enable the backpacks to be worn over the shoulder of a user. The straps are permanently coupled to the compartment of the backpack such that, when worn, only the back of the compartment is disposed against the user's back. Thus, these conventional backpacks display the same side when worn by a user.
It would be desirable to provide a set of straps that are removably coupleable to the compartment of a backpack in multiple configurations, creating a reversible backpack where the front and rear sides of the backpack could be displayed. It would be further desirable to enable a user to select which side of the backpack to be displayed when the backpack is worn by the user. It would also be desirable to provide a backpack with straps that are removably coupleable to the compartment, where the straps can be interchanged or replaced. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a female buckle that is capable of being disposed on a surface of an article such that the buckle can extend over a seam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an article adapted to be positioned on a user's back that includes a compartment, at least one female connector, and at least one strap. The compartment includes a top, a bottom, a front, and a rear. The female connector is coupled to the top of the compartment and includes a first receptacle opening facing toward the front of the compartment, and a second receptacle opening facing toward the rear of the compartment. The strap includes a first end with a male connector and a second end coupled to the bottom of the compartment. The male connector is removably coupleable to the first receptacle, where the strap is oriented to be proximate to the front of the compartment such that the front faces the body of the user when the article is worn. The male connector is also removably coupleable to the second receptacle, where the strap is oriented to be proximate to the rear of the compartment such that the rear faces the body of the user when the article is worn.
The present invention is also directed toward an article adapted to be positioned on a user's body that includes a compartment, at least one female connector, and at least one fastener. The compartment includes a first material and a second material coupled together via a seam and collectively forming a top side of the compartment. The connector is coupled to the top side such that the connector is disposed over the seam. The connector includes first and second protrusions extending from the bottom side of the connector, where the first protrusion extends through the first material panel and the second protrusion extends through the second material panel. The fastener is coupled to at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that the first and second materials are disposed between the bottom side of connector and the fastener. The connector is configured to receive a male connector of a strap in a first configuration and a second configuration. This enables the article to be worn in a first configuration and a second configuration.
The present invention is further directed toward a connector for an article adapted to be worn by a user that includes a first receptacle, a second receptacle, a top side, and a bottom side. The first receptacle is disposed on a first side. The second receptacle is disposed on a second side opposite the first side. The bottom side comprises a first protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the first side, and a second protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the second side. When coupled to the article, the first protrusion is disposed on a first side of a seam and the second protrusion is disposed on a second side of the seam. Furthermore, the first and second protrusions are configured to be coupled to at least one fastener.
The above and still further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevational view of an embodiment of a bag according to the present invention.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear elevational view of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a side elevational view of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D illustrates a top view of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates a strap of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3A illustrates a top view of a first embodiment of a buckle of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 3B illustrates a bottom view of the first embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 3A without the fasteners coupled to the buckle.

FIG. 3C illustrates a bottom view of the first embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 3A with the fasteners coupled to the buckle.

FIG. 3D illustrates a side elevational view of the first embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view a female portion of a buckle coupled to the top side of the bag, as illustrated in FIG. 1D, where the female portion of the buckle is disposed over a seam on the top side of the bag.

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a female portion of a second embodiment of a buckle of the embodiment of the bag illustrated in FIG. 1D.

FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom view of the female portion of the second embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5C illustrates a side elevational view of the female portion of the second embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the attachment plate for the female portion of the second embodiment of the buckle illustrated in FIG. 5A.

Like reference numerals have been used to identify like elements throughout this disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article adapted to be worn on the back of a user, where the article includes at least one strap that is removably coupled to the article to enable the article to be worn on the back of a user in multiple configurations. The present invention also relates to a female buckle or female connector that is configured to be disposed on a surface of a wearable article (e.g., apparel, footwear, accessory, etc.) such that the female connector is at least partially disposed over a seam in the surface of the article. The female connector is further configured to receive a male connector in at least two orientations.
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures which form a part hereof wherein like numerals designate like parts throughout, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, embodiments that may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of embodiments is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the description herein. Alternate embodiments of the present disclosure and their equivalents may be devised without parting from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any discussion herein regarding “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an exemplary embodiment”, and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, and that such particular feature, structure, or characteristic may not necessarily be included in every embodiment. In addition, references to the foregoing do not necessarily comprise a reference to the same embodiment. Finally, irrespective of whether it is explicitly described, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate that each of the particular features, structures, or characteristics of the given embodiments may be utilized in connection or combination with those of any other embodiment discussed herein.
Various operations may be described as multiple discrete actions or operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the claimed subject matter. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations may not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments.
For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A and/or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and/or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B and C).
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments of the present disclosure, are synonymous.
With general reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, an article or bag assembly 10 to be worn or carried by a user is shown. The term bag assembly may refer to any type of bag, including, but not limited to, backpack, duffle bag, luggage, purse, gym bag, etc. The embodiment of the bag assembly 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D is meant to be worn on a user's back. The bag assembly 10 includes a main pack compartment 100 and a pair of straps 150 coupled to the main pack compartment 100. The main pack compartment 100 includes a front side 102, a rear side 104 opposite the front side 102, a first side 106, and a second side 108 opposite the first side 106. The main pack compartment 100 further includes a top side 110 and an opposite bottom side 130. The main pack compartment 100 is configured to retain the user's belongings (i.e., items may be placed within the main pack compartment 100).
As best illustrated in FIG. 1D, the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 includes a central seam 120. The central seam 120 may be disposed equidistant from the front side 102 and the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. The central seam 120 may span at least across the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 from the first side 106 to the second side 108. Furthermore, disposed on the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 at the central seam 120 is a handle 112. In the embodiment illustrated, the handle 112 is in the form of a fabric strap with a first end 114 and a second end 116, where the first and second ends 114, 116 are coupled to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 at the central seam 120. Additionally, a pair of female buckles or female connectors 170 are coupled to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100, where the female buckles 170 are disposed on either side of the handle 112. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the female buckles 170 are disposed on the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 such that the female buckles 170 are disposed over the central seam 120.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, the bottom side 130 of the main pack compartment 100 includes first and second tethers 132, 140. The first tether 132 is disposed on the bottom side 130 of the main pack compartment 100 proximate to the first side 106 of the main pack compartment 100, while the second tether 140 is disposed on the bottom side 130 of the main pack compartment 100 proximate to the second side 108 of the main pack compartment 100. The first tether 132 includes a first end 134 and an opposite second end 136, where the first end 134 is coupled to the bottom side 130 of the main pack compartment 100 and the second end 136 is uncoupled from the main pack compartment 100. Disposed on the first tether 132 is a male buckle or male connector 138. The male buckle 138 is disposed on the first tether 132 such that it is capable of being repositioned along the first tether 132 between the first end 134 and the second end 136. Similar to the first tether 132, the second tether 140 includes a first end 142 and an opposite second end 144, where the first end 142 is coupled to the bottom side 130 of the main pack compartment 100 and the second end 144 is uncoupled from the main pack compartment 100. Disposed on the second tether 140 is a male buckle or male connector 146 that it is capable of being repositioned along the second tether 140 between the first end 142 and the second end 144.
As best illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the straps 150 are elongated with a first end 152 and a second end 156. Disposed on the first end 152 of the strap 150 is a male buckle or male connector 154, where the male buckle 154 is configured to be inserted into, and engaged with, one of the female buckles 170 disposed on the top surface 110 of the main pack compartment 100. Conversely, disposed on the second end 156 of the strap 150 is a female buckle or female connector 158, where the female buckle 158 is configured to receive one of the male buckles 138, 146 of the first and second tethers 132, 140, respectively. Furthermore, disposed between the first and second ends 152, 156 of the straps 150 is a central portion 160. The central portion 160 may be filled with a cushioning member, such as a foam material. The pair of straps 150, when connected to the main pack compartment 100, are designed and dimensioned to extend over the user's shoulders and chest with the main pack compartment sitting against the user's back while the bag assembly 10 is in use.
A first embodiment of a female buckle or female connector 310 for the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. The female buckle 310 is substantially rectangular and is configured to receive a male buckle or male connector (i.e., the male buckle of the straps 150) in a first configuration or a second configuration. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, the female buckle 310 contains a top side 312, a bottom side 314 opposite the top side, a first side 316, and a second side 318 opposite the first side 316. The female buckle 310 may further include a third side 320 and an opposite fourth side 322. In the embodiment illustrated, the third and fourth sides 320, 322 are longer in length than the first and second sides 316, 318. The first side 316 of the female buckle 310 includes a first receptacle 340, and a platform 342 extending from the first side 316 of the female buckle 310. As illustrated, the platform 342 has a tapered or inclined surface 343 that inclines from the first side 316 to the first receptacle 340. Similarly, the second side 318 of the female buckle 310 includes a second receptacle 344, and a platform 346 extending from the second side 318 of the female buckle 310. Similar to the platform 342, the platform 346 also has a tapered or inclined surface 347 that inclines from the second side 318 to the second receptacle 344. The first receptacle 340 and the second receptacle 344 are each configured to receive at least a portion of a male buckle 370. The female buckle 310 is configured to receive a single male buckle 370 in one of the first and second receptacles 340, 344 (i.e., a first buckle 370 cannot be inserted into the first receptacle 340 while a second buckle 370 is simultaneously inserted into the second receptacle 344). The female buckle 310 receives the male buckle 370 in a first configuration when the male buckle 370 is inserted into the second receptacle 344 of the female buckle 310, and the female buckle 310 receives the male buckle 370 in a second configuration when the male buckle 370 is inserted into the first receptacle 340 of the female buckle 310. The inclined surface 343 of the first platform 340 helps to guide the male buckle 370 into the first receptacle 340 of the female buckle 310, while the inclined surface 347 of the second platform 346 helps to guide the male buckle 370 into the second receptacle 344 of the female buckle 310.
In addition, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the third side 320 of the female buckle 310 contains a first aperture 348, while the fourth side 322 of the female buckle 310 contains a second aperture 349. The first aperture 348 is disposed within the third side 320 equidistant from the first side 316 and the second side 318. Similarly, the second aperture 349 is disposed within the fourth side 322 equidistant from the first side 316 and the second side 318. The first receptacle 340, the second receptacle 344, the first aperture 348, and the second aperture 349 are all in fluid communication with one another.
As illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D a male buckle 370 is disposed within the second receptacle 344 of the female buckle 310 to lock or engage the male buckle 370 with the female buckle 310. The male buckle 370, which is compatible with the embodiment of the female buckle 310 illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D, includes at least a base portion 376, a first prong 380, and a second prong 384. Furthermore, the male buckle 370 includes a first side 372 and a second side 374. The base portion 376 includes a first edge 377 that spans from the first side 372 to the second side 374, and a second edge 378 that also spans from the first side 372 to the second side 374. The first prong 380 extends from the first edge 377 proximate to the first side 372, while the second prong 384 extends from the first edge 377 proximate to the second side 374. The first prong 380 and the second prong 384 include a catch portions 382, 386, respectively. The first and second prongs 380, 384 are resilient and configured to bend and flex with respect to the base portion 376. Additionally, the base portion 376 includes a slot 379 that extends across the base portion 376 from the first side 372 to the second side 374. The slot 379 is configured to receive a strap or tether (e.g., tether 132, tether 140, strap ends 152, etc.) such that the strap or tether may be threaded through to slot 379 to enable the male buckle 370 to be coupled to the strap or tether.
The flexible nature of the first and second prongs 380, 384 enable the male buckle 370 to be removably engaged or removably inserted into the female buckle 310. As the first and second prongs 380, 384 of the male buckle 370 are inserted into one of the first or second receptacles 340, 344, the first and second prongs 380, 384 flex towards one another until the catch portions 382, 386 align with the apertures 348, 349. Once aligned, the prongs 380, 384 snap or flex back to the unflexed position such that the catch portion 382, 386 are positioned within the apertures 348, 349, respectively. The catch portions 382, 386 being disposed within the apertures 348, 349, respectively, prevents the male buckle 370 from being pulled from the female buckle 310 (i.e., the catch portions 382, 386 engage the edge of the apertures 348, 349, respectively). To remove the male buckle 370 from the female buckle 310, a user must force the catch portions 382, 386 out of engagement with the apertures 348, 349 (i.e., the user must push or flex the prongs 380, 384 towards one another) while simultaneously pulling the male buckle 370 from the first or second receptacle 340, 344.
As illustrated, the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310 includes a first contact portion 330(1) and a second contact portion 330(2), where the first contact portion 330(1) is disposed proximate to the first end 316 of the female buckle 310 and the second contact portion 330(2) is disposed proximate to the second end 318 of the female buckle 310. As best illustrated in FIG. 3D, the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310 includes an arched portion 336 disposed between the first contact portion 330(1) and the second contact portion 330(2). Furthermore, as best illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the first contact portion 330(1) spans from the third side 320 to the fourth side 322 across the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310 proximate to the first side 316. The second contact portion 330(2) spans from the third side 320 to the fourth side 322 across the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310 proximate to the second side 318. Both the first and second contact portions 330(1), 330(2) include a pair of protrusions 332(1), 332(2), respectively. The pair of protrusions 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1) and the pair of protrusions 332(2) of the second contact portion 330(2) extend downwardly from contact portions 330(1), 330(2), respectively, where each of the protrusions 332(1), 332(2) contain a flange that forms a groove 334(1), 334(2) with contact portions 330(1), 330(2) (i.e., grooves 334(1) are formed between the flanges of the pair of protrusions 332(1) and the contact portion 330(1) of the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310, while grooves 334(2) are formed between the flanges of the pair of protrusions 332(2) and the contact portion 330(2) of the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310).
The female buckle 310 further includes a pair of attachment clips or fasteners 350(1), 350(2) that are configured to interact with the first and second contact portions 330(1), 330(2), respectively. As best illustrated in FIG. 3C, the first attachment clip 350(1) includes a first end 351(1) and an opposite second end 360(1). The first attachment clip 350(1) further includes a slot 352(1) disposed in the first end 351(1) and an opening 361(1) disposed proximate to the second end 360(1). As illustrated, the slot 351(1) extends partially along the first attachment clip 350(1) from the first end 351(1) toward the second end 360(1). The slot includes a first side 353(1) having a first flange 354(1) and a second side 355(1) having a second flange 356(1).
The opening 361(1) of the first attachment clip 350(1) includes a first end 362(1) and a second end 364(1), where the first end 362(1) is disposed more proximate to the first end 351(1) of the first attachment clip 350(1) than the second end 364(1) of the opening 361(1). Extending through the opening 361(1) from the first end 362(1) toward the second end 364(1) of the opening 361(1) is a resilient member 363(1). Furthermore, disposed proximate to the second end 364(1) of the opening 361(1) is a third flange 366(1) disposed on a first side 365(1) of the opening 361(1), and a fourth flange 368(1) disposed on a second side 367(1) of the opening 361(1).
The first attachment clip 350(1) is configured to be removably coupled to the first contact portion 330(1). To couple the first attachment clip 350(1) to the contact portion 330(1), the first attachment clip 350(1) is placed over the first contact portion 330(1) such that the slot 352(1) is aligned with the one of the protrusions 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1), while the resilient member 363(1) of the opening 361(1) is disposed over the other protrusion 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1). The first attachment clip 350(1) is pressed against the first contact portion 330(1) such that the protrusion 332(1) disposed under the resilient member 363(1) flexes the end of the resilient member 363(1) out of the opening 361(1) and out of the plane forming the first attachment clip 350(1). Once the protrusion 332(1) disposed under with the resilient member 363(1) is disposed within the opening 361(1) proximate to the first end 362(1) of the opening 361(1), the first attachment clip 350(1) can slide across the first contact portion 330(1) such that the flanges 354(1), 356(1) of the slot 352(1) slide along and within the grooves 334(1) of one of the protrusions 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1), while the flanges 366(1), 368(1) of the opening 361(1) slide along and within the grooves 334(1) of the other protrusion 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1). The first attachment clip 350(1) slides along the first contact portion 330(1) until one of the protrusions 332(1) is no longer disposed under the resilient member 363(1), which enables the resilient member 363(1) to flex back into the position where the resilient member 363(1) extends along the opening 361(1) and is in aligned within the plane of the first attachment clip 350(1). When in this position, the resilient member 363(1) prevents the first attachment clip 350(1) from sliding with respect to the pair of protrusions 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1). To remove the attachment clip 350(1) from the first contact portion 330(1) of the female buckle 310, the end of the resilient member 363(1) must be flexed out of the opening 361(1) and out of the plane forming the first attachment clip 350(1), enabling the attachment clip 350(1) to slide with respect to the contact portion 330(1) until the flanges 354(1), 356(1) of the slot 352(1) and the flanges 366(1), 368(1) of the opening 361(1) slide out of the grooves 334(1) of the protrusions 332(1).
The second attachment clip 350(2) is substantially similar to that of the first attachment clip 350(1). Thus, the description of the first attachment clip 350(1) applies to the second attachment clip 350(2). Furthermore, the second attachment clip 350(2) removably couples to the second contact portion 330(2) in substantially the same manner as the first attachment clip 350(1) to the first contact portion 330(1). Thus, the description of the process and manner in which the first attachment clip 350(1) is coupled to the first contact portion 330(1) applies to the coupling process and manner for coupling the second attachment clip 350(2) to the second contact portion 330(2).
The shape and formation of the bottom side 314 of the female buckle 310 illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, along with the two attachment clips 350(1), 350(2), enable the female buckle 310 to be coupled to two pieces of material where the female buckle 310 is disposed over a seam coupling the two pieces of material together. As best illustrated in FIG. 4, the female buckle 310 is coupled to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 of the bag assembly 10, where the first receptacle 340 opens toward the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 and the second receptacle 344 opens toward the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. The female buckle 310 is coupled to the top side 110 and over the central seam 120 such that the first contact portion 330(1) is disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120 and the second contact portion 330(2) is disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120. Furthermore, the arch portion 336 is disposed over the central seam 120. While not illustrated, the protrusions 332(1) of the first contact portion 330(1) extend through the exterior surface of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120, while the protrusions 332(2) of the second contact portion 330(2) extend through the exterior surface of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120. The first attachment clip 350(1) is coupled to the protrusions 332(1) in the manner described above and is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120. Similarly, the second attachment clip 350(2) is coupled to the protrusions 332(2) in the manner described above and is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120. Thus, the coupling of the attachment clips 350(1), 350(2) to the protrusions 332(1), 332(2) of the first and second contact portions 330(1), 330(2), respectively, secures the female buckle 310 to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 such that the female buckle 310 extends over the central seam 120. In other words, a portion of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120 is secured between the first contact surface 330(1) and the first attachment clip 350(1), while a portion of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120 is secured between the second contact surface 330(1) and the second attachment clip 350(1).
With the two way female buckle 310 disposed on the top surface 110 of the main pack compartment 100, a user is able to reconfigure the straps 150 between a first configuration and a second configuration to create a reversible backpack. For example, when in the first configuration, the male buckle 154 of the strap 150 is coupled to the female buckle 310 via insertion and placement within the second receptacle 344 of the female buckle 310, and the straps 150 are oriented along the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. In this first strap configuration, when the bag assembly 10 is worn such that the straps 150 extend over a user's shoulders and chest, the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100 is positioned against the user's back, and the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 faces away from the user. Conversely, when in the second configuration, the male buckle 154 of the straps 150 is coupled to the female buckle 310 via insertion and placement within the first receptacle 340 of the female buckle 310, and the straps 150 are oriented along the front side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. Thus, in this second strap configuration, when the bag assembly 10 is worn such that the straps 150 extend over a user's shoulders and chest, the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 is positioned against the user's back, and the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100 faces away from the user.
A second embodiment of a female buckle 510 for the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 of the bag assembly 10 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C. Similar to the first embodiment, the female buckle 510 is substantially rectangular and is configured to receive a male buckle (i.e., the male buckle 154 of the straps 150) in a first configuration or a second configuration. The second embodiment of the female buckle 510 is substantially similar to the first embodiment 310 in that the second embodiment of the female buckle 510 contains a top side 512, a bottom side 514, a first side 516, a second side 518, a third side 520, and a fourth side 522. Similar to the first embodiment of the female buckle 310, the first side 516 of the female buckle 510 contains a first receptacle 546, while the second side 518 of the female buckle 510 contains a second receptacle 548. Also similar to the first embodiment of the female buckle 310, the third side 520 of female buckle 510 includes a first aperture 550, and the fourth side 522 of female buckle 510 includes a second aperture 552. The first receptacle 546, the second receptacle 548, the first aperture 550, and the second aperture 552 are all in fluid communication with one another.
The bottom side 514 of the second embodiment of the female buckle 510 differs from the bottom side 314 of the first embodiment of the female buckle 310. Unlike the first embodiment of the female buckle 310, the bottom side 514 of female buckle 510 is substantially flat without an arched section. Furthermore, the bottom side 514 of female buckle 510 includes four outer protrusions 530(1)-530(4) and two central or inner protrusions 540(1)-540(2), where the outer protrusions 530 and the inner protrusions 540 extend downwardly from the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510. As illustrated, outer protrusions 530(1) is disposed on the bottom side 514 proximate to the first side 516 and the third side 520, while outer protrusions 530(2) is disposed on the bottom side 514 proximate to the first side 516 and the fourth side 522. As further illustrated, outer protrusion 530(3) is disposed on the bottom side 514 proximate to the second side 518 and the third side 520, while outer protrusions 530(4) is disposed on the bottom side 514 proximate to the second side 518 and the fourth side 522. Each of the outer protrusions 530(1)-530(4) may be L-shaped with a first portion 532(1)-532(4) and a second portion 534(1)-534(4). The first portions 532(1)-532(4) extend perpendicularly from the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 (i.e., the first portions 532(1)-532(4) are oriented in a plane that extends perpendicularly through the plane of the bottom surface 514 of the female buckle 510). The second portions 534(1)-534(4) extend from the ends of the first portions 532(1)-532(4), respectively, where the second portions 534(1)-534(4) are spaced from, but oriented parallel to, the bottom surface 514 of the female buckle 510. As best illustrated in FIG. 5B, the second portions 534(1), 534(3) of the outer protrusions 530(1), 530(3) extend from the first portions 532(1), 532(3), respectively, in a direction toward the third side 520 of the female buckle 510. Conversely, the second portions 534(2), 534(4) of the outer protrusions 530(2), 530(4) extend from the first portions 532(2), 532(4), respectively, in a direction toward the fourth side 522 of the female buckle 510.
The inner protrusions 540(1), 540(2) are spaced from one another, and are centrally disposed on the bottom side 514 between the first aperture 550 and the second aperture 552. The first inner protrusion 540(1) is disposed more proximate to the first side 516 of the female buckle 510 than the second side 518, while the second inner protrusions 540(2) is disposed more proximate to the second side 518 of the female buckle 510 than the first side 516. The inner protrusions 540(1), 540(2) may be T-shaped with a first portion 542(1), 542(2) and a second portion 544(1), 544(2). The first portions 542(1), 542(2) extend perpendicularly from the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 (i.e., the first portions 542(1), 542(2) are oriented in a plane that extends perpendicularly through the plane of the bottom surface 514 of the female buckle 510). The second portions 544(1), 544(2) extend across the ends of the first portions 542(1), 542(2), respectively, where the second portions 544(1), 544(2) are spaced from, but oriented parallel to, the bottom surface 514 of the female buckle 510.
The female buckle 510 further includes a pair of attachment clips or fasteners 600(1), 600(2) that are configured to interact with the protrusions 530(1)-530(4), 540(1)-540(2). As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second attachment clips 600(1), 600(2) are mirror images of one another, and thus, the discussion of the first attachment clip 600(1) also applies to the second attachment clip 600(2). The first attachment clip 600(1) contains a front side 602(1), an opposite rear side 604(1), a first side 606(1), and a second side 608(1) opposite the first side 606(1). The first attachment clip 600(1) further includes a top side 610(1) and a bottom side 612(1) opposite the top side 610(1). As illustrated, extending from the front side 602(1) of the first attachment clip 600(1) is a central receptacle 620(1), where the central receptacle 620(1) is spaced equidistant from the first and second sides 606(1), 608(1). The central receptacle 620(1) includes a slot 622(1) that extends into the central receptacle 620(1) from the front side 602(1). The central receptacle 620(1) further includes flanges 624(1) on the first and second sides 606(1), 608(1) of the slot 622(1).
The first attachment clip 600(1) also includes a first outer receptacle 630(1) disposed proximate to the rear side 604(1) and the first side 606(1), and a second outer receptacle 640(1) disposed proximate to the rear side 604(1) and the second side 608(1). The first outer receptacle 630(1) includes an opening 632(1) that extends through the first outer receptacle 630(1) from the top side 610(1) to the bottom side 612(1). Disposed within the opening 632(1) of the first outer receptacle 630(1), and proximate to the first side 606(1), is a flange 634(1). Similarly, the second outer receptacle 640(1) also includes an opening 642(1) that extends through the second outer receptacle 640(1) from the top side 610(1) to the bottom side 612(1). Disposed within the opening 642(1) of the second outer receptacle 640(1), and proximate to the second side 608(1), is a flange 644(1).
The first and second attachment clips 600(1), 600(2) are configured to be removably coupled to the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510. More specifically, the first attachment clip 600(1) removably couples to the first and second outer protrusions 530(1), 530(2) and the first inner protrusion 540(1), and the second attachment clip 600(2) removably couples to the third and fourth outer protrusions 530(3), 530(4) and the second inner protrusion 540(2). To couple the first attachment clip 600(1) to the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510, the bottom side 612(1) of the first attachment clip 600(1) is oriented to face the bottom side 514 of the female buckle while the slot 622(1) of the central receptacle 620(1) is aligned with the first portion 542(1) of the first inner protrusion 540(1), the first outer receptacle 630(1) is disposed proximate to the first outer protrusion 530(1), and the second outer receptacle 640(1) is disposed proximate to the second outer protrusions 530(2). The first attachment clip 600(1) is simultaneously slid toward the second side 518 and forced against the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 such that the first and second outer protrusions 530(1), 530(2) are inserted through the openings 632(1), 642(1) of the first and second outer receptacles 630(1), 640(1), respectively, and such that the slot 622(1) of the central receptacle 620(1) receives the first portion 542(1) of the first inner protrusion 540(1). The first portion 542(1) of the first inner protrusion 540(1) is slid into the slot 622(1) of the central receptacle 620(1) such that the flanges 624(1) are disposed between the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 and the second portion 544(1) of the first inner protrusion 540(1). The first outer protrusion 530(1) is inserted through the opening 632(1) of the first outer receptacle 630(1) such that the second portion 534(1) of the first outer protrusions 530(1) engages with the flange 634(1), while the second outer protrusion 530(2) is inserted through the opening 642(1) of the second outer receptacle 640(1) such that the second portion 534(2) of the second outer protrusions 530(2) engages with the flange 644(1). Thus, first and second outer protrusions 530(1), 530(2) and the first inner protrusion 540(1) secure the first attachment clip 600(1) to the female buckle 510 proximate to the first side 516 such that the bottom side 612(1) of the first attachment clip 600(1) faces, and may be disposed against, the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510.
As previously explained, the second attachment clip 600(2) is substantially similar to the first attachment clip 600(1). Thus, the second attachment clip 600(2) couples to the third and fourth outer protrusions 530(3), 530(4) and the second inner protrusion 540(2) in substantially the same manner that the first attachment clip 600(1) couples to the first and second outer protrusions 530(1), 530(2) and the first inner protrusion 540(1).
Similar to the first embodiment of the female buckle 310, the second embodiment of the female buckle 510 may be coupled to two pieces of material such that the female buckle 510 is disposed over a seam. The spacing between the first and second inner protrusions 540(1), 540(2), and the use of two attachment clips 600(1), 600(2), enable the female buckle 510 to be placed over a seam connecting two pieces of fabric material where the first and second inner protrusions 540(1), 540(2) are disposed on opposing sides of the seam. Thus, the first receptacle 546 of the female buckle 510 opens on one side of a seam, while the second receptacle 548 of the female buckle 510 opens on a second opposite side of the seam. This configuration of the second embodiment of the female buckle 510 enables the female buckle 510 to be coupled to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 of the bag assembly 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 1D and 4 to create a reversible backpack. When the female buckle 510 is coupled to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100, in a manner similar to that of the female buckles 170 illustrated in FIG. 1D and the female buckle 310 illustrated in FIG. 4, the central seam 120 is disposed between the first and second inner protrusions 540(1), 540(2) with the first receptacle 546 opening toward the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 and the second receptacle 548 opening toward the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. Furthermore, while not illustrated, the protrusions 530(1), 530(2), 540(1) extend through the exterior surface of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120, while the protrusions 530(3), 530(4), 540(2) extend through the exterior surface of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120. The first attachment clip 600(1) is coupled to the protrusions 530(1), 530(2), 540(1) in the manner described above and is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120. Similarly, the second attachment clip 600(2) is coupled to the protrusions 530(3), 530(4), 540(2) in the manner described above and is disposed adjacent to the interior surface of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120. Thus, the coupling of the attachment clips 600(1), 600(2) to the protrusions 530(1)-530(4), 540(1)-540(2) secure the female buckle 510 to the top side 110 of the main pack compartment 100 such that the female buckle 510 extends over the central seam 120. In other words, a portion of the fabric material disposed on the front side 102 of the central seam 120 is secured between the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 and the first attachment clip 600(1), while a portion of the fabric material disposed on the rear side 104 of the central seam 120 is secured between the bottom side 514 of the female buckle 510 and the second attachment clip 350(1).
Similar to the female buckle 310, the female buckle 510 is a two way buckle, where the female buckle 510 may receive a male buckle within the first receptacle 546 or the second receptacle 548. Like the first embodiment of the female buckle 310, when the female buckle 510 is disposed on the top surface 110 of the main pack compartment 100, a user is able to reconfigure the straps 150 between a first configuration and a second configuration to create a reversible backpack. For example, when in the first strap configuration, the male buckle 154 of the straps 150 is coupled to the female buckle 510 via insertion and placement within the second receptacle 548 of the female buckle 510, and the straps 150 are oriented along the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. Thus, in this first strap configuration, when the bag assembly 10 is worn such that the straps 150 extend over a user's shoulders and chest, the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100 is positioned against the user's back, and the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 faces away from the user. Conversely, when in the second strap configuration, the male buckle 154 of the straps 150 is coupled to the female buckle 510 via insertion and placement within the first receptacle 546 of the female buckle 510, and the straps 150 are oriented along the front side 104 of the main pack compartment 100. Thus, in this second strap configuration, when the bag assembly 10 is worn such that the straps 150 extend over a user's shoulders and chest, the front side 102 of the main pack compartment 100 is positioned against the user's back, and the rear side 104 of the main pack compartment 100 faces away from the user.
It is to be understood that, while the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 6 illustrate a female buckle coupled to a top surface of a bag assembly, the embodiments of depicted female buckle may be utilized on any article of accessory, article of apparel, article of footwear, where the female buckle coupled to any of those articles such that the female buckle is disposed over a seam and configured to receive a male buckle in first and second configurations.
Moreover, the bag assembly 10 enables a user to wear the bag assembly in a first configuration, where the front side 102 is visible (i.e., the rear side 104 is disposed against the user's back), and in a second configuration, where the rear side 104 is visible (i.e., the front side 104 is disposed against the user's back). As explained above, the bag assembly 10 may be easily reconfigured between the configurations by switching which receptacle of the female buckle disposed on the top side 110 of the bag assembly 10 in which the male connector 154 of the strap 150 is inserted. Thus, the reconfiguration of the straps 150 of the bag assembly 10 enables the bag assembly 10 to be more versatile. The front side 102 of the bag assembly 10 may contain different colors, logos, designs, etc. than the rear side 104 of the bag assembly 10. This enables the user to choose which side 102, 104 of the bag assembly 10 to display at any given time. For example, the front side 102 of the bag assembly 10 may include the logo of a user's favorite football team, while the rear side 104 of the bag assembly 10 may include the logo of the user's favorite baseball team. The user can quickly and easily reconfigure the straps 150 of the bag assembly 10 to display the team logo most applicable for the current season or situation. In another example, the front side 102 of the bag assembly 10 may include a first color combination, while the rear side 104 of the bag assembly 10 may include a second color combination. The user can quickly and easily reconfigure the straps 150 of the bag assembly 10 to display the color combination that goes best with the outfit the user is wearing that day. Thus, the placement of the female buckle 170, 310, 510 on the bag assembly 10, along with the ability of the female buckle 170, 310, 510 to receive a male buckle 154, 370 in different configurations, creates a more versatile and useful bag assembly 10.
It is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer” and the like as may be used herein, merely describe points or portions of reference and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Further, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary is not to be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.
Although the disclosed inventions are illustrated and described herein as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the inventions and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, various features from one of the embodiments may be incorporated into another of the embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An article adapted to be positioned on a back of a user, the article comprising:

a compartment including a top side having first material panel, a second material panel, and a seam coupling the first material panel to the second material panel;

at least one female connector coupled to the top side of the compartment over the seam, the at least one female connector comprising:

a front side having a first receptacle, the front side disposed over the first material panel,

a rear side having a second receptacle, the rear side disposed over the second material panel,

a first side,

a second side,

a top side,

a bottom side,

a first protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the front side, and

a second protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the rear side, wherein the front protrusion extends through the first material panel and the second protrusion extends through the second material panel; and

at least one fastener coupled to at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that the first material or the second material is disposed between the bottom side of the at least one female connector and the at least one fastener.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the at least one female connector is configured to receive a male connector in a first configuration, where the male connector is disposed within the second receptacle, and a second configuration, where the male connector is disposed within the first receptacle.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the male connector is disposed on an end of a strap.

4. The article of claim 3, wherein when the male connector is received in the first configuration, the strap is disposed proximate to a rear side of the compartment, and when the male connector is received in the second configuration, the strap is disposed proximate to a front side of the compartment.

5. The article of claim 1, wherein the bottom side of at least one female connector includes an arched portion disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the arched portion being sized and shaped to extend over the seam of the top side of the compartment.

6. The article of claim 5, wherein the at least one fastener is a first fastener coupled to the first protrusion on a first side of the arched portion, and further comprising:

a second fastener coupled to the second protrusion on a second side of the arched portion.

7. The article of claim 6, wherein the compartment contains an outer surface and an inner surface, the female connector being disposed on the outer surface of the compartment, and the first fastener and the second fastener are disposed on the inner surface of the compartment.

8. The article of claim 1, wherein the first receptacle and the second receptacle are in fluid communication with one another.

9. A connector for an article adapted to be worn by a user, the connector comprising:

a first receptacle disposed on a first side;

a second receptacle disposed on a second side opposite the first side;

a top side extending from the first side and the second side; and

a bottom side extending from the first side and the second side, the bottom side comprising:

a first protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the first side, and

a second protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the second side, wherein, when coupled to the article, the first protrusion is disposed on a first side of a seam and the second protrusion is disposed on a second side of the seam, and the first and second protrusions are configured to be coupled to at least one fastener.

10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the bottom side of the connector includes an arched portion disposed between the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the arched portion being sized and shaped to extend over the seam of the article.

11. The connector of claim 9, wherein the first protrusion is configured to be coupled to a first fastener, and the second protrusion is configured to be coupled to a second fastener.

12. The connector of claim 11, further comprising:

a third side extending from the first side to the second side;

a fourth side opposite the third side and extending from the first side to the second side;

a third protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the first side and the fourth side; and

a fourth protrusion extending from the bottom side proximate to the second side and the fourth side, wherein the first protrusion extends from the bottom side proximate to the first side and the third side, and the second protrusion extends from the bottom side proximate to the second side and the third side.

13. The connector of claim 12, wherein the first fastener is removably coupled to the first and third protrusions, and the second fastener is removably coupled to the second and fourth protrusions.

14. The connector of claim 12, further comprising:

a fifth protrusion centrally disposed and extending from the bottom side; and

a sixth protrusion centrally disposed and extending from the bottom side, wherein the fifth protrusion is spaced from the sixth protrusion such that the fifth protrusion is disposed more proximate to the first side than the sixth protrusion and the sixth protrusion is disposed more proximate to the second side than the fifth protrusion.

15. The connector of claim 14, wherein the first fastener is removably coupled to the first, third, and fifth protrusions, and the second fastener is removably coupled to the second, fourth, and sixth protrusions.

16. The connector of claim 9, wherein the connector is a female connector and is configured to receive a male connector in a first configuration, where the male connector is disposed within the second receptacle, and a second configuration, where the male connector is disposed within the first receptacle.

17. An article adapted to be positioned on a body of a user, the article comprising:

a compartment including a top side, a bottom side, a front side, and a rear side;

at least one female connector coupled to the top side of the compartment, the at least one female connector comprising:

a first side having a first receptacle opening towards the front side of the compartment, and

a second side having a second receptacle opening towards the rear side of the compartment; and

at least one strap having a first end with a male connector and an opposite second end coupled to the bottom side of the compartment, the male connector of the first end being removably coupleable to the first receptacle of the at least one female connector, where the at least one strap is oriented on the front side of the compartment such that the front side of the compartment faces the body of the user when the article is worn, and removably coupleable to the second receptacle of the at least one female connector, where the at least one strap is oriented on the rear side of the compartment such that the rear side of the compartment faces the body of the user when the article is worn.

18. The article of claim 17, wherein bottom side of the compartment further comprises:

a tether extending from the bottom side; and

a male connector coupled to the tether.

19. The article of claim 18, wherein the second end of the at least one strap includes a female connector that removably couples to the male connector of the tether of the bottom side of the compartment.

20. The article of claim 17, wherein the top side further comprises a seam extending across the top side, the seam being spaced equidistant from the front side and the rear side of the compartment, the at least one female connector disposed on the top side over the seam.