MODULAR CARRYING SYSTEMS

FIELD

This disclosure relates to modular carrying systems.

INTRODUCTION

Wearable bags such as backpacks, fanny packs, etc. give a user the ability to conveniently carry personal effects or other supplies on their person without the need to carry them in hand. It is often the case that users will use a single bag for multiple different activities such as school, sports, first-aid, work, traveling, etc., and as such must unpack and repack the same bag with different supplies for each activity which can take a large amount of their free time and energy. Alternatively, some users choose to have different bags for each different activity, however, this solution can be expensive and bulky as a user may need to purchase and carry around multiple bags. As such there is a need for a less time consuming and burdensome carrying system a user may use for multiple different activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representing modular carrying systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first illustrative modular carrying system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, depicted in a disassembled configuration.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 2, depicted in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 3, depicting at least a portion of a strap assembly of the modular carrying system placed in a stowed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a partial view of the strap system of FIG. 4, depicting a coupling between a loose end of a shoulder strap of the strap assembly and an engagement wing of the strap assembly.

FIG. 6 is a front view of a chassis of the modular carrying system of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second illustrative modular carrying system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, depicted in a disassembled configuration and showing an illustrative interaction between a pack and a chassis.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 7, depicted in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 8 along plane B illustrated in FIG. 8, depicting a first cantilever of a first member coupled to a second cantilever of a second member.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 8 along plane B illustrated in FIG. 8, depicting the first cantilever decoupled from the second cantilever.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the modular carrying system of FIG. 11, depicting the pack being removed from the chassis.

FIG. 13 is a left-side view of a third illustrative modular carrying system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, depicted in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 14 is a left-side view of a mounting system of the third illustrative modular carrying system of FIG. 13 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, depicted in a disassembled configuration.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the mounting system of FIG. 14, depicted in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of the mounting system of FIG. 15, depicted in an assembled configuration.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a second member of the mounting system of FIG. 15 along plane C illustrated in FIG. 16, depicting the mounting system with a first member of the mounting system removed.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the mounting system of FIG. 15 along plane C illustrated in FIG. 16, depicting a first cantilever of the first member coupled to a second cantilever of the second member.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the mounting system of FIG. 15 along plane C illustrated in FIG. 16, depicting the second cantilever pivoted into a deflected position such that the second cantilever is decoupled from the first cantilever.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the mounting system of FIG. 15, depicting the first member being removed from the second member.

FIG. 21 a side-view of an illustrative pack configuration in accordance with aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the illustrative pack configuration of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a side view of another illustrative pack configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a front view of the illustrative pack configuration of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view of yet another illustrative pack configuration in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a front view of the illustrative pack configuration of FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart depicting steps of an illustrative method for uncoupling a pack and a chassis of a modular carrying system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various aspects and examples of modular carrying systems, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, modular carrying systems in accordance with the present disclosure, and/or various components thereof, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein. Furthermore, unless specifically excluded, the process steps, structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connection with the present disclosure may be included in other similar devices and methods, including being interchangeable between disclosed embodiments.

The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and embodiments described below are illustrative in nature, and not all examples and embodiments provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

This Detailed Description includes the following sections, which follow immediately below: (1) Overview; (2) Examples, Components, and Alternatives; (3) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (4) Conclusion. The Examples, Components, and Alternatives section (2) is further divided into subsections, each of which is labeled accordingly.

Overview

In general, modular carrying systems in accordance with the present disclosure may include one or more chassis configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a plurality of packs by way of a mounting system. Each pack of the plurality of packs is configured to selectively retain one or more objects (e.g., gear, weights, articles of clothing, etc.). Accordingly, the modular carrying systems of the present disclosure allow the plurality of packs holding one or more objects to be easily attached to and removed from one or more chassis.

The one or more chassis are further configured to be selectively donned by a user and as such include a strap system configured to allow the user to attach a respective chassis to the user's body. For example, a respective chassis of the one or more chassis may include a pair of shoulder straps, a cross-chest strap, and/or a waist strap by which the user may attach the chassis to the user's body. The strap system may be attached to any suitable surface on the respective chassis that allows the respective chassis to be securely worn by a user. As such, a respective pack of the plurality of packs also may be worn by a user when the respective pack is selectively coupled to the respective chassis of the one or more chassis. One or more of the plurality of packs also may further include a secondary strap system configured to permit the user to attach a respective pack to the user's body without the use of the chassis.

To conveniently accommodate a variety of objects, the plurality of packs may include numerous distinct pack configurations that vary based on what one or more objects a respective pack of the plurality of packs is designed to selectively retain. As such, in distinct pack configurations, each pack of the plurality of packs may comprise one or more storage receptacles (e.g., volumes of space sized to hold one or more objects) and/or one or more specialized mounts (e.g., one or more hooks, snap-fits, strap assemblies, etc.). The storage receptacle(s) and the specialized mount(s) may be used together or separately in distinct pack configurations. In some examples, the specialized mount(s) may be configured to retain objects or items which do not conveniently fit within a storage receptacle and/or need to be easily accessible from the outside of the specialized mount(s) such as an axe, a shovel, a fire extinguisher, an oxygen tank, etc. Additionally, the modular carrying systems may further comprise one or more storage structures configured to alternatively couple with the plurality of packs. The one or more storage structures are further configured to be operatively mounted to a support structure (e.g., a building, a wall, a vehicle, a rack, furniture, a cabinet, a pole, a rod, a column, etc.) to provide a convenient storing location for the plurality of packs. As such, each pack of the plurality of packs may be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a storage structure for convenient storing.

Accordingly, the modular carrying system can be advantageous to users in situations that require an efficient use of their time and energy. For example, the modular carrying system can be used to facilitate a training regimen for a user preparing for an arduous backpacking journey. Backpack training regimens often suggest that the user prepare for the journey by participating in overloaded pack walking, which is a training regimen where the user walks up a moderately steep hill carrying a pack weighing 10-25% of the user's body weight. This is commonly accomplished by loading and unloading a single pack with various weights or weighted bean bags, which can be exhausting and time consuming as the user would need to take off the pack, open the pack, adjust the pack weight, close the pack, and put the pack back on the user's body. As such, in this example, the modular carrying system is advantageous as each of the one or more packs can comprise a different weight (e.g., 10% of body weight, 15% of body weight, 20% of body weight, etc.) which can be alternatively coupled to and uncoupled from the chassis donned by the user to reduce the effort and time needed to switch between weights.

Alternatively, in some examples, the modular carrying system can be used by first responders to facilitate decreasing response time to incidents. Once an emergency dispatch request has been received, first responders have approximately 1-2 minutes to prepare themselves for a multitude of various incidents before they must be on their way to the location of the incident. In this example, each first responder during a turnout time (i.e., period of time in which they prepare to leave) may don a respective chassis of the one or more chassis, uncouple a respective pack of the one or more packs from a plurality of storage structures, which are mounted to a wall within a turnout storage area (i.e., space in which first responders get ready), and couple the respective pack to their respective chassis, before heading to the location of the incident.

At the location of the incident, first responders will often reassess and deduce what response is necessary and what type of equipment is needed. Once finished accessing the incident, the first responders will drop any equipment deemed unnecessary and acquire other necessary equipment from the emergency vehicle (AKA, “rig”). As such, in this example, an additional plurality of storage structures may be mounted within the first responders' rig, and additional one or more packs coupled to the additional storage structures may comprise various pack configurations holding different equipment. For example, the one or more packs may comprise a pack that holds additional first-aid equipment, a pack with a mounted automated external defibrillator, a pack with an externally accessible rope and axe, etc. As such, the first responder may, according to the situation, select a second respective pack from the additional one or more packs mounted to the rig and quickly swap the second respective pack with the respective pack originally coupled to the chassis donned by the first responder before reassessing the incident.

Examples, Components, and Alternatives

The following subsections describe selected aspects of illustrative modular carrying systems as well as related systems and/or methods. The examples in these subsections are intended for illustration and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present disclosure solely to the depicted examples. Each subsection may include one or more distinct embodiments or examples and/or contextual or related information, function, and/or structure.

A. Illustrative Modular Carrying System

This subsection describes illustrative modular carrying systems 10, as shown in FIG. 1, which are examples of the modular carrying systems described above. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram representing modular carrying systems 10.

As schematically represented in FIG. 1, the modular carrying systems 10 include one or more chassis 12 and one or more packs 16. Each chassis 12 is configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the one or more packs 16 by way of a mounting system 42. Each pack 16 is configured to selectively retain one or more objects 17 (e.g., gear, weights, etc.). Each pack 16 is further configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the one or more chassis 12.

Each chassis 12 is further configured to be selectively donned by a user 14 and as such, includes a strap system 20 (AKA, a strap assembly 20) that is configured to allow user 14 to attach the chassis 12 to the user. For example, a respective chassis 12 may include a pair of shoulder straps, a cross-chest strap, a waist strap, and/or any other suitable strap system by which user 14 may attach the chassis 12 to the user's body. The strap system 20 may be attached to a main structural panel of the respective chassis 12 at any suitable surface that allows the main structural panel, and thus the respective chassis, to be securely worn by a user. As such, a respective pack 16 also may be worn by user 14 when the respective pack is selectively coupled to a respective chassis 12.

In some examples, one or more of the packs 16 further includes a secondary strap system 54 configured to allow user 14 to alternatively attach the pack 16 to the user's body without the use of the chassis 12.

In some examples, the one or more chassis 12 comprise a plurality of chassis 12 that are constructed identically. The plurality of chassis 12 further may comprise one or more sets 34, 38 of chassis, each set 34, 38 of the plurality of chassis 12 having different configurations. For example, the plurality of chassis 12 may comprise chassis of different sizes and/or chassis having different strap systems 20.

The one or more packs 16 may further comprise multiple sets 22, 26 of packs with distinct pack configurations 24, 28 that vary based on what one or more objects 17 of a respective pack of the one or more packs 16 is designed to selectively retain, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each of the one or more packs 16 may comprise one or more storage receptacles 30, one or more specialized mounts 32, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism or components configured to retain the one or more objects 17.

In some examples, one or more of the plurality of chassis 12 additionally includes one or more storage features 56 configured to selectively retain one or more objects 17 to chassis 12 and enable chassis 12 to carry the one or more object 17 without the use of the one or more packs 16. The one or more storage features 56 of the chassis 12 may comprise any storage component and/or mounting system (e.g., bungie cords, one or more hooks, snap-fits, strap assemblies, etc.) capable of retaining one or more objects to the chassis 12.

The one or more chassis 12 may additionally or alternatively include a luggage handle 58 protruding from a surface of the chassis 12 and configured to facilitate user transportation of the chassis 12 and/or the modular carrying system 10 without the use of the strap system 20.

As schematically represented in FIG. 1, the mounting system 42 of the modular carrying systems 10 may include a first member 44 and a second member 46 which are configured to interact with one another to removably couple a respective pack 16 to a respective chassis 12. In some examples, each pack 16 comprises the first member 44, and each chassis 12 comprises the second member 46. Alternatively, in some examples, each pack 16 comprises the second member 46, and each chassis 12 comprises the first member 44.

In some examples, the mounting system 42 is configured to couple the first member 44 to the second member 46 in such a manner that a pack 16 is easily removable from a chassis 12.

In some examples, the first member 44 and the second member 46 of the mounting system 42 collectively define a releasable securing mechanism 48, that is configured to restrict removal of the respective pack 16 from the respective chassis 12 when the first member and second member are coupled. The releasable securing mechanism 48 may comprise any mechanism or assembly that is configured to selectively restrict and permit removal of a pack 16 from a chassis 12.

The modular carrying systems 10 further may comprise one or more storage structures 49 that are configured to also couple with the one or more packs 16. Similar to the chassis 12, the storage structure(s) 49 also may comprise the first member 44 or the second member 46 of the mounting system 42, such that the packs 16 additionally may be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the storage structure(s) 49. The storage structure(s) 49 also may be configured to be operatively mounted to a support structure 50 (e.g., a building, a wall, a vehicle, a rack, furniture, a cabinet, a pole, a rod, a column, etc.) to provide a convenient storage location for the one or more packs 16. As such, the storage structure(s) 49 further may comprise a support structure interface 52 that is configured to facilitate mounting of the storage structure(s) 49 to the support structure 50. The support structure interface 52 may comprise any suitable structure configured to couple the storage structure(s) 49 to the support structure 50. In some examples, the secondary strap system 54 of the one or more packs 16 is further configured to permit mounting of the one or more packs 16 to the storage structure(s) 49 without needing to engage the releasable securing mechanism 48 of the mounting system 42.

FIGS. 2-26 depict illustrative modular backpack carrying systems, each of which is an example of a modular carrying system 10 or portion thereof. In particular, the example modular backpack carrying systems of FIGS. 2-26 are illustrated with a single chassis and a single pack; however, it is understood that modular backpack carrying systems may comprise a plurality of packs, a plurality of chassis, and/or one or more storage structure(s). That is, the examples of FIGS. 2-26 are non-exclusive and do not limit the modular carrying systems 10 to the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 2-26. In other words, the modular carrying systems 10 may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. of the modular carrying systems 10 that are illustrated in and discussed herein with reference to the schematic representation of FIG. 1 and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 2-26, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples of FIGS. 2-26; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples of FIGS. 2-26 and vice versa.

B. First Illustrative Modular Carrying System

FIGS. 2-6 depict various views of a modular backpack carrying system 200 and components thereof. The modular backpack carrying system 200 includes at least a chassis 202 and a pack 204. The chassis 202 is configured to be selectively donned by a user, while the pack 204 is configured to selectively couple to and uncouple from the chassis 202 by way of a mounting system 210. The mounting system 210 comprises at least a first member 212 and a second member 214 that are configured to interact with one another to removably couple the pack 204 to the chassis 202. FIG. 2 depicts the relative interaction by which the pack 204 is selectively coupled to the chassis 202. As shown, the pack 204 may comprise the first member 212 and the chassis 202 may comprise the second member 214. Alternatively, the pack 204 may comprise the second member 214 and the chassis 202 may comprise the first member 212.

Both chassis 202 and the pack 204 further comprise a respective main structural panel (226A, 226B respectively), that are configured to provide structural rigidity and form to the chassis 202 and the pack 204, and to which all other components of the chassis 202 and the pack 204 are attached and/or extend from. The main structural panel 226A, 226B may comprise durable material(s) such as aluminum, titanium, steel, reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable material(s).

Each respective main structural panel 226A, 226B has a front surface 228A, 228B, a rear surface 230A, 230B arranged opposite the front surface 228A, 228B and an outer perimeter 299A, 299B extending around a connecting periphery of the front surface 228A, 228B and the rear surface 230A, 230B of the respective main structural panels 226A, 226B. The outer perimeter 299A, 299B of each respective main structural panel 226A, 226B defines a parallel set of edges with a first set of edges formed adjacent a perimeter of the front surfaces 228A, 228B of the respective main structural panels 226A, 226B and a second set of edges formed adjacent a perimeter of the rear surfaces 230A, 230B of the respective main structural panels 226A, 226B. Accordingly, the outer perimeter 299A, 299B of each respective main structural panel 226A, 226B includes a top edge 262A, 262B, a bottom edge 264A, 264B arranged opposite the top edge 262A, 262B, and a pair of side edges 266A, 266B and 268A, 268B connecting the top edge 262A, 262B to the bottom edge 264A, 264B.

The main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 may be formed as a composite structure of layered foam and rigid structures, arranged in a manner to create a stowing compartment 260 (AKA, a stowing cavity 260) disposed within the main structural panel 226A, and a plurality of openings through which the stowing compartment 260 is selectively accessible. The main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 may include two or more layers of differing characteristics such as a main structural layer 234, a rigid layer 236, an outermost comfort layer 232, and/or a handle panel 238. In particular, the main structural layer 234 is configured to provide semi-rigid structure to the chassis 202 which facilitates alignment and engagement of the second member 214 and the first member 212 of the mounting system 210.

The chassis 202 further comprises a stowable strap system 206 (AKA, a strap system 206, a strap assembly 206, straps 206, etc.) configured to facilitate the user's donning of the chassis. The strap system 206 comprises one or more straps, which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations to allow the user to attach the chassis 202 to the user's body in a plurality of locations. In the example of FIGS. 2-6, the strap system 206 comprises a pair of primary shoulder straps 276 arranged such that the chassis 202 and the modular backpack carrying system 200 can be worn similar to a conventional backpack. The strap system 206 can be attached to the main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 at any suitable position that allows the main structural panel 226A, and thus the chassis 202, to be securely worn by a user. As such, the pack 204 can also be worn by a user when the pack 204 is selectively coupled to the chassis 202.

The stowable strap system 206 is arranged to be transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which components of the strap system 206 are disposed in the stowing compartment 260, and a usable configuration, in which the components of the strap system 206 are arranged exterior of the stowing compartment 260 and usable by the user.

As best depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the main structural layer 234 is the base structure of the main structural panel 226A, to which all other layers of the main structural panel 226A are at least partially attached and from which all other components of the chassis 202 are attached and/or extend from. Accordingly, a front surface 228A of the main structural layer 234 may include the front surface 228A of the main structural panel 226A, a rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 may include at least a portion of the rear surface 230A of the main structural panel 226A, and a perimeter 299A of the main structural layer 234 may include the perimeter 299A of the main structural panel 226A.

The outermost comfort layer 232 is partially peripherally coupled over the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 to form the stowing compartment 260. The stowing compartment 260 defines a partially enclosed space in the chassis 202 that is formed between the outermost comfort layer 232 and at least the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234. The main structural panel 226A of chassis 202 may further include one or more pairs of stowing cavity openings 272 through which the stowing compartment 260 may be accessed. The outermost comfort layer 232 is configured to at least partially contact the user's body when the chassis is donned by the user, and as such may be formed from one or more materials with cushioning and/or moisture wicking capabilities. The outermost comfort layer 232 may further be shaped to conform to a user's body to provide increased comfort and support. In some examples, the outermost comfort layer 232 is shaped to conform to a user's body and the chassis 202 may have a substantially S-shaped cross-section.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the outermost comfort layer 232 is substantially V-shaped or U-shaped and includes a base segment 242 and a pair of mesh extensions 244, each mesh extension 244 extending at an angle from different opposing corners of the base segment 242. The base segment 242 may include a lower edge fixedly secured to at least the bottom edge 264A of the main structural layer 234 of the chassis 202 and an upper edge arranged opposite the lower edge and from which the pair of mesh extensions 244 extend. Each mesh extension 244 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 may include a proximal end extending from the base segment 242, an angled distal end 250 disposed furthest from the base segment 242, an exterior-side edge 246 extending along a length of the mesh extensions 244 between the base segment 242 and the angled distal end 250, and an interior-side edge 248 arranged opposite the exterior-side edge 246 along the length of the mesh extension 244.

As shown, the exterior-side edges 246 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 may include an upper portion 256 extending from the angled distal end 250 and a lower portion 258 extending between the upper portion 256 and the base segment 242. The mesh extensions 244 may be shaped such that when aligned, the upper portion 256 of the exterior-side edges 246 extends in parallel with a section of a respective side edge 266A or 268A of the main structural layer 234, while the lower portion 258 of the exterior-side edges 246 diverts inwards to meet with a corner of the base segment 242. The upper portions 256 of the exterior-side edges 246 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 are fixedly secured to the sections of the respective side edges 266A or 268A of the main structural layer 234 to which the upper portions 256 are disposed adjacent and extend in parallel with along at least a portion of main structural layer 234 between the top edge 262A to the bottom edge 264A. The lower portions 258 of the exterior-side edges 246 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 are not fixedly secured to the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234, so as to form a pair of respective cavity openings 272 between a respective section of the outermost comfort layer 232 and the main structural layer 234, through which the stowing compartment 260 can be accessed. Each of the pair of cavity openings 272 is configured to permit selective user-access to the stowing compartment 260 formed in the main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202, and may be formed between the lower portions 258 of the exterior-side edges 246 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 and a portion of the rear surface 230A arranged opposite the lower portions 258 of the mesh extensions 244.

The main structural panel 226A may further include a releasable fastener disposed on opposing interior surfaces of each of the cavity openings 272 and configured to permit selective sealing and unsealing of each of the pair of cavity openings 272. Portions of the releasable fastener may be arranged on the lower portions 258 of the mesh extensions 244 and a portion of the rear surface 230A arranged opposite the lower portions 258 of the extensions 244 and/or on a portion of the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 disposed directly below the lower portions 258 of the mesh extensions 244, such that the portions of the releasable fastener are aligned. The releasable fastener may be any type of suitable fastener configured to permit selective coupling and uncoupling of the lower portions 258 of the outermost comfort layer 232 to the rear surface 230A of the main structural panel 226A, so as to transform the pair of cavity openings 272 into a pair of resealable cavity openings 272. Examples of suitable, releasable fasteners include hook-and-loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro®), hook-and-eye fasteners, snap fasteners, buttons, etc.

The interior-side edges 248 of the pair of mesh extensions 244 may be at least partially coupled to the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 and/or to one or more of the other layers of main structural panel 226A along at least a substantial length of the interior-side edges 248. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, at least a portion of the interior-side edge 248 that is adjacent respective angled distal ends 250 of each mesh extension 244 is secured to one or more of the layers of the main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 to partially form a pair of primary strap windows 270. The pair of primary strap windows 270 comprises openings formed between secured portions of the respective exterior-side edges 246 and the interior-side edges 248 and between respective angled distal ends 250 of the outermost comfort layer 232 and a portion of the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 directly opposite the respective angled distal ends 250. Each window of the pair of primary strap windows 270 may be sized to allow a respective shoulder strap 276 of the pair of primary shoulder straps 276 to be easily inserted into and pulled out of the stowing compartment 260.

The stowable strap system 206 may further comprise a pair of engagement wings 280 disposed adjacent the bottom edge 264A of the main structural panel 226A, and each primary shoulder straps 276 may be configured to selectively couple with a respective engagement wing 280 of the pair of engagement wings 280 to form arm holes, by which the chassis 202 and modular backpack carrying system 200 can be donned by the user.

Accordingly, each primary shoulder strap 276 comprises a first end 282 coupled to a respective portion of the top edge 262A of the main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 and a second end 284 extending away from the first end 282 and configured to removably couple with a respective engagement wing 280 of the pair of engagement wings 280. As shown in FIG. 2-5, each engagement wing 280 includes a distal locking loop 288 and each primary shoulder strap 276 further includes a locking fastener 286 disposed at the second end 284 and configured to releasably couple with the distal locking loop 288 of the engagement wing 280 to form the arm holes. Locking fastener 286 may be any fastener suitable for releasably coupling the second ends 284 of the primary shoulder straps 276 to the respective engagement wings 280 such as a hook, a frame buckle, a snap buckle, a carabiner, a wire gate buckle, etc.

The pair of primary shoulder straps 276 are further configured to be selectively stowable within the stowing compartment 260. As shown in FIG. 4, each primary shoulder strap 276 is configured to be individually transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which the primary shoulder strap 276 is disposed in the stowing compartment/cavity 260 and a usable configuration, in which the primary shoulder strap 276 is disposed outside of the stowing cavity 260 and releasably coupled to the respective engagement wing 280. To permit the pair of primary shoulder straps 276 to be transitionable between the usable configuration and the stowed configuration, the locking fasteners 286 must first be uncoupled from the distal locking loop 288 of the respective engagement wings 280, such that the primary shoulder straps 276 are only coupled to the top edge 262A of the main structural panel 226A.

Once the locking fasteners 286 of the primary shoulder straps 276 have been uncoupled from the distal locking loops 288 of the respective engagement wings 280, the primary shoulder straps 276 may be fed through the pair of primary strap windows 270 and into the stowing compartment 260. In the stowed configuration, portions of the primary shoulder straps 276 disposed in the stowing compartment 260 may be flattened against the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 to streamline appearance of the chassis 202 and increase user comfort.

Additionally or alternatively, the strap system 206 may include a cross-chest strap and/or a hip belt 278 by which the user can attach the chassis to the user's body. The hip belt 278 may be removably or fixedly coupled to the chassis 202. The hip belt 278 may be secured to the chassis 202 within the stowing compartment 260, such that the hip belt 278 is configured to be selectively stowable and retrievable by way of the pair of cavity openings 272 of the stowing compartment 260. The hip belt 278 may comprise a central belt portion fixedly coupled to the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 of the chassis 202 between the main structural layer 234 and the base segment 242 of the outermost comfort layer 232, and a pair of belt wings 277 extending out from opposite ends of the central belt portion, the pair of belt wings 277 each having a respective distal end. The hip belt 278 may further include a belt fastener disposed at the respective distal ends of each belt wing 277, the belt fastener configured to releasably couple the respective distal ends of the belt wings 277 to one another. As depicted in FIG. 2-4, the hip belt 278 is arranged within the stowing compartment 260 such that each belt wing 277 is made to extend out of the stowing compartment 260 through a respective one of the pair of cavity openings 272 to be accessible to the user.

Accordingly, the hip belt 278 and/or the pair of engagement wings 280 may also be configured to be selectively stowable within the stowing compartment 260. As shown in FIG. 4, the hip belt 278 and/or the pair of engagement wings 280 are also individually transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which the hip belt 278 and/or the pair of engagement wings 280 are disposed in the stowing compartment/cavity 260 and a usable configuration, in which the hip belt 278 and/or the pair of engagement wings 280 are disposed outside of the stowing cavity 260.

The main structural panel 226A may additionally or alternatively include a rigid layer 236 disposed between the main structural layer 234 and the outermost comfort layer 232. The rigid layer 236 may be centrally secured to the rear surface 230A of the main structural layer 234 along at least a substantial portion of the main structural layer 234 to provide additional strength to the main structural panel 226A and prevent the main structural layer 234 from sagging or collapsing under high loads. The rigid layer 236 may be formed from any suitable durable and lightweight material that can provide additional rigidity to the chassis 202, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

The main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202 may further include a handle panel 238 comprising a panel expanse 239 and a luggage handle 240 protruding from a central portion of the panel expanse 239. The handle panel 238 may be at least partially disposed between the outermost comfort layer 232 and the main structural layer 234 and/or the rigid layer 236 to form the main structural panel 226A of the chassis 202. The luggage handle 240 is configured to facilitate user transportation of the chassis 202 and/or the modular backpack carrying system 200 when components of the stowable strap system 206 are in the stowed configuration. The luggage handle 240 may be coupled to or formed in the handle panel expanse 239 at any location or position suitable for a user to access the luggage handle 240. For convenience, the luggage handle 240 may be configured to collapse into the panel expanse 239 of the handle panel 238 when not in use.

As depicted in FIGS. 2 and 4, the handle panel 238 may be layered in the main structural panel 226A such that at least a portion of the outermost comfort layer 232 is secured on the handle panel expanse 239, and the luggage handle 240 is centrally disposed in a recess 259 of the V-shaped outermost comfort layer 232, which is formed between the interior-sides edges 248 of the mesh extensions 244. An arrangement of the luggage handle 240 disposed in the recess 259 of the outermost comfort layer 232 is preferable, at least because it decreases the likelihood of the luggage handle 240 causing user discomfort when the chassis 202 is worn by the user.

As depicted in FIG. 6, the chassis 202 may further comprise one or more storage features 290 disposed on the front surface 228A of the main structural panel 226A. The one or more storage features 290 of the chassis 202 are configured to selectively retain one or more objects to the chassis 202 and can comprise any storage component and/or mounting system (e.g., bungie cords, one or more hooks, snap-fits, strap assemblies, etc.) capable of retaining one or more objects to the chassis. In the example of FIG. 6, the one or more storage features 290 of the chassis 202 include a mesh pocket 290A and a bungie system 290B. The mesh pocket 290A may be peripherally affixed to the front surface 228A of the chassis 202 along at least a substantial portion of the front surface to provide a pocket structure to the front of the chassis 202. The bungie system 290B includes at least a piece of bungie cord arranged over the front surface 228A of the chassis 202 and/or over mesh pocket 290A in one or more locations. The bungie cord of bungie system 290B may be coupled to the chassis in any suitable arrangement that allows bungie system 290B to hold one or more objects. As shown in FIG. 6, the bungie system 290B may comprises a plurality of bungie anchors fixed to the chassis 202 at a plurality of locations around at least a portion of the periphery of the front surface 228A and a piece of bungie cord threaded through the plurality of bungie anchors and sinched in the middle of the chassis 202 at a plurality of locations by one or more bungie hooks.

The chassis 202 may further comprise a hydration tube exit port 273 centrally disposed through the front surface 228A of the main structural panel 226A adjacent the top edge 262A of the chassis 202. The hydration tube exit port 273 is disposed in the front surface 228A of the main structural panel 226A such that the stowing compartment 260 is accessible through the hydration tube exit port 273. This arrangement can be advantageous when, for instance, a water bladder is attached to the chassis 202 by way of the one or more storage features 290. In an example in which a water bladder is attached to the chassis 202, a tube and a drinking nozzle of the water bladder may be fed through the hydration tube exit port 273, into and through the stowing compartment 260, and coupled along at least a portion of the primary shoulder straps 276 to facilitate hands-free drinking by the user.

The pack 204 is further configured to selectively retain one or more objects (e.g., a rope, medical supplies, weights, etc.). As such, the pack 204 further comprises a storage receptacle 208 configured to retain one or more objects. The storage receptacle 208 may comprise any receptacle capable of retaining one or more objects. The pack 204 may additionally or alternatively comprise one or more specialized mounts configured to permit selectively mounting of the one or more objects to the pack 204 and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism or components configured to retain the one or more objects to the pack 204.

Mounting system 210 is an example of the mounting system 42 and as such, may be used in combination with any suitable pack or chassis. In the example of FIGS. 2-3, the mounting system 210 is configured to couple the second member 214 to the first member 212 in such a manner that the pack 204 is easily removable from the chassis 202. Alternatively, the mounting system 210 may be configured to couple the second member 214 to the first member 212 in such a manner that the pack 204 is not easily removable from the chassis 202. As such, the second member 214 and the first member 212 collectively define a releasable securing mechanism 216 configured to restrict removal of the pack 204 from the chassis 202 when the second member 214 and the first member 212 are coupled. The releasable securing mechanism 216 may comprise any structure and/or assembly suitable for restricting removal of the pack 204 from the chassis 202. In the example of FIGS. 2-6, the releasable securing mechanism 216 comprises a circumferential zipper assembly 218 comprising at least a first zipper portion 220 and a second zipper portion 222, as best illustrated in FIG. 2.

As depicted in FIG. 2, the first member 212 of the mounting system 210 comprises the first zipper portion 220 of the releasable securing mechanism 216, and the second member 214 of the mounting system 210 comprises the second zipper portion 222 of the releasable securing mechanism 216. As such, the chassis 202 comprises main structural panel 226A, stowable strap system 206, arranged on the rear surface 230A of the main structural panel 226A, and the second zipper portion 222, arranged on or adjacent the front surface 228A of the main structural panel 226A.

The pack 204 comprises the main structural panel 226B, the storage receptacle 208, and the first zipper portion 220 of the mounting system 210. The pack 204 is arranged such that the main structural panel 226B is positioned between the storage receptacle 208 and the first member 212, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-3. As such, the storage receptacle 208 can be coupled to or formed together with a front surface 228B of the main structural panel 226B, while the first member 212 can be coupled to a rear surface 230B of the main structural panel 226B.

The first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 of the circumferential zipper assembly 218 are disposed along and fastened to the respective outer perimeters 299A, 299B of the respective main structural panels 226A, 226B of the chassis 202 and the pack 204. As shown in FIG. 2, the second zipper portion 222 is arranged along the outer perimeter 299A of the chassis 202 on or adjacent the front surface 228B of the main structural panel 226A while the first zipper portion 220 is arranged along the outer perimeter 299B of the pack 204 on or adjacent the rear surface 230B of the main structural panel 226B. The first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 are arranged along the outer perimeters 299A, 299B of the chassis 202 and the pack 204 to facilitate the engagement of the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 when the pack 204 is aligned with the chassis 202. The first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 each comprise a length of zipper tape and a plurality of zipper teeth arranged along one side of the length of zipper tape.

The circumferential zipper assembly 218 may further comprise one or more sliders 224 partially coupled on the length of zipper tape of the first zipper portion 220 and/or the second zipper portion 222 and configured to move along the length of zipper tape, to which the one or more slider(s) 224 is partially coupled. The one or more sliders 224 is configured to receive a portion of the length of zipper tape of the first zipper portion 220 and/or the second zipper portion 222 to which the one or more sliders 224 is not partially coupled, such that the one or more sliders 224 can move along both portions of each length of the zipper tape to facilitate the engagement between the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222. The engagement of the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 by way of the one or more sliders 224 around the outer perimeters 299A, 299B of the chassis 202 and the pack 204 collectively defines the circumferential zipper assembly 218 of the releasable securing mechanism 216.

In other words, the circumferential zipper assembly 218 is further configured to transition between an engaged position, in which the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 are coupled to one another, and a disengaged position, in which the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222 are not coupled to one another. In particular, the circumferential zipper assembly 218 is transitionable between the engaged position and the disengaged position by way of the one or more sliders 224 moving along the zipper tape of the first zipper portion 220 and the second zipper portion 222.

The circumferential zipper assembly 218 may further includes a slider lock configured to restrict movement of the one or more sliders 224 along a length of zipper tape when engaged. The slider lock may be disposed on the first zipper portion 220, the second zipper portion 222, or on an adjacent portion of the chassis 202 or the pack 204. The slider lock may be configured to secure the one or more sliders in place when the circumferential zipper assembly 218 is in the engaged position, so as to prevent unintentional decoupling of the pack 204 from the chassis 202. Alternatively, the slider lock may be configured to secure the one or more sliders 224 in place when the circumferential zipper assembly 218 is in the disengaged position.

The pack 104 may further comprise a secondary strap system 274 disposed on the rear surface 230B of the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204. The secondary strap system 274 may be configured to permit the pack 204 to be worn by the user without the use of the chassis 202. As shown in FIG. 2, the secondary strap system 274 includes at least a pair of secondary shoulder straps 291 and a pair of secondary engagement wings 281. Each shoulder strap 291 of the pair of secondary shoulder straps 291 is configured to selectively couple with a respective engagement wing 281 of the pair of secondary engagement wings 281 to form arm holes, by which the pack 204 can be worn by the user without the use of the chassis 202.

The pack 204 may further comprise a shelf 294 formed from a shelf material 295 that is at least partially peripherally coupled to the rear surface 230B of the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204 adjacent the top edge 262B of the main structural panel 226B. As shown in FIG. 2, the shelf material 295 may be coupled to portions of the side edges 266B, 268B and centrally coupled to a portion of the top edge 262B to form a pocket 296. The pocket 296 may be accessed through a pocket main opening 297 formed between an unsecured bottom edge of the shelf material 295 and the rear surface 230B of the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204. The pocket 296 may be sized to interact and couple with one or more components of a storage structure 49 of a support structure 50 to permit the pack 204 to be mounted to the support structure 50 without the use of components of the mounting system 210.

The shelf material 295 may be shaped such that when the shelf material 295 is partially peripherally coupled to the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204, the shelf material 295 forms the pocket main opening 297 through a bottom of the pocket 296 and a pair of secondary strap windows 298 through opposing top corners of the pocket 296. Each strap window of the pair of secondary strap windows 298 may be sized to allow a respective shoulder strap 291 of the pair of secondary shoulder straps 291 to be easily inserted into and pulled out of the pocket 296.

Similar to the stowable strap system 206 of the chassis 202, the secondary strap system 274 is configured to be transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which the secondary shoulder straps 291 are at least partially disposed in the pocket 296 behind shelf material 295, and a usable configuration, in which the secondary shoulder straps 291 are disposed out of the pocket 296 and in front of shelf material 295. In the usable configuration, the secondary shoulder straps 291 are releasably coupled to respective secondary engagement wings 281.

Accordingly, similar to each primary shoulder strap 276, each secondary shoulder strap 291 comprises a first end 282 coupled to a respective portion of the top edge 262B of the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204, and a second end 284 extending away from the first end 282 and configured to removably couple with a respective secondary engagement wing 281 of the pair of engagement wings 281. Similar to the engagement wings 280, each secondary engagement wing 281 includes a distal locking loop 288, and each secondary shoulder strap 291 further includes a locking fastener 286 disposed at the second end 284, configured to releasably couple with the distal locking loop 288 of the engagement wing 281 to form arm holes. The locking fastener 286 may be any fastener suitable for releasably coupling the second ends 284 of the secondary shoulder straps 291 to the respective engagement wings 281, such as a hook, a frame buckle, a snap buckle, a carabiner, a wire gate buckle, etc.

To permit the pair of secondary shoulder straps 291 to be transitionable between the usable configuration and the stowed configuration, the locking fasteners 286 must first be uncoupled from the distal locking loop 288 of the respective secondary engagement wings 281 such that the secondary shoulder straps 291 are only coupled to the top edge 262B of the main structural panel 226B. Once the locking fasteners 286 of the secondary shoulder straps 291 have been uncoupled from the distal locking loops 288 of the respective secondary engagement wings 281, the secondary shoulder straps 291 may be fed through the pair of secondary strap windows 298 and into the pocket 296 behind the shelf material 295.

The pack 204 further comprises one or more handles 225 configured to facilitate user-removal of the pack 204 from the chassis 202 and the transportation of the pack 204 and/or the coupled modular backpack carrying system 200. The one or more handles 225 can be arranged on and/or coupled to the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204, the storage receptacle 208, and/or at any other location or position suitable for a user to grab the handle. In the current example of FIGS. 2-6, the one or more handles 225 includes a first handle 225A centrally disposed adjacent the top edge 262B of the main structural panel 226B, and/or a second handle 225B centrally disposed adjacent the bottom edge 264B of the main structural panel 226B of the pack 204.

C. Second Illustrative Modular Carrying System

FIGS. 7-12 depict various views of a second modular backpack carrying system 100 and components thereof. The modular backpack carrying system 100 includes at least a chassis 102 and a pack 104. The chassis 102 is configured to be selectively donned by a user, while the pack 104 is configured to selectively couple to and uncouple from the chassis 102 by way of a mounting system 110. The mounting system 110 comprises at least a first member 112 and a second member 114 which are configured to interact with one another to removably couple the pack 104 to the chassis 102. FIG. 7 depicts the relative interaction by which the pack 104 is selectively coupled to the chassis 102. As shown in FIG. 7, the pack 104 comprises the first member 112, and the chassis 102 comprises the second member 114. Alternatively, the pack 104 may comprise the second member 114, and the chassis 102 may comprise the first member 112.

The pack 104 and the chassis 102 both further comprise a respective main structural panel (176A, 176B respectively), that are configured to provide structural rigidity and form to the chassis 102 and the pack 104, and to which all other components of the chassis 102 and the pack 104 are attached and/or extend from. The main structural panel 176A, 176B may be formed from any durable material(s) such as aluminum, titanium, steel, reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable material(s).

The chassis 102 further comprises a strap system 106 configured to facilitate the user's donning of the chassis. The strap system 106 comprises one or more straps, which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations to allow the user to attach the chassis 102 to their body in a plurality of locations. In the current example of FIGS. 7-12, the strap system 106 comprises a pair of shoulder straps arranged such that the chassis 102 and the modular backpack carrying system 100 can be worn similar to a conventional backpack. Additionally, or alternatively, a modular carrying system 10 can include a strap system comprising a pair of shoulder straps, a cross-chest strap, and/or a waist strap by which the user can attach the chassis to themselves. The strap system 106 can be attached to the main structural panel 176B of the chassis 102 at any suitable position that allows the main structural panel 176B, and thus the chassis 102, to be securely worn by a user. As such, the pack 104 can also be worn by a user when the pack 104 is selectively coupled to the chassis 102.

The pack 104 is further configured to selectively retain one or more objects (e.g., a rope, medical supplies, weights, etc.) As such, the pack 104 further comprises a storage receptacle 108 configured to retain the one or more objects. The storage receptacle 108 can comprise any receptacle capable of retaining the one or more objects within a compartment.

Mounting system 110 is an example of the mounting system 42 and as such may be used in combination with any suitable pack or chassis. In the example of FIGS. 7-12, the mounting system 110 is configured to couple the first member 112 to the second member 114 in such a manner that the pack 104 is not easily removable from the chassis 102. As such, the first member 112 and the second member 114 collectively define a releasable securing mechanism 116 configured to restrict removal of the pack 104 from the chassis 102 when the first member 112 and the second member 114 are coupled. The releasable securing mechanism 116 can comprise any structure and/or assembly suitable for restricting removal of the pack 104 from the chassis 102. In the example of FIGS. 7-12, the releasable securing mechanism 116 comprises a snap-fit assembly 118 comprising at least a first cantilever 124 and a second cantilever 126, as best illustrated in FIG. 10. The second member 114 further comprises a mounting channel 120 configured to receive a cantilever of the releasable securing mechanism 116 to couple the first member 112 to the second member 114.

Alternatively, the mounting system 110 is configured to couple the first member 112 to the second member 114 in such a manner that the pack 104 is easily removable from the chassis 102.

The pack 104 comprises the main structural panel 176A, the storage receptacle 108, and the first member 112 of the mounting system 110. The pack 104 is arranged such that main structural panel 176A is positioned between the storage receptacle 108 and the first member 112, as illustrated in FIG. 9. As such, the storage receptacle 108 can be coupled to or formed together with a front side of the main structural panel 176A, while the first member 112 can be coupled to a back side of the main structural panel 176A.

The first member 112 of the mounting system 110 comprises a first respective base portion 128 and the first cantilever 124 of the releasable securing mechanism 116. The first respective base portion 128 may be sized such that it is a same length as the main structural panel 176A. The first respective base portion 128 comprises a back surface configured to interact with one or more surfaces of the second member 114 and a front surface coupled to the back side of the main structural panel 176B.

The first cantilever 124 is a resilient member and comprises a first beam 136 and a first barbed catch 138 disposed at a distal end of the first beam 136. The first cantilever 124 may be shaped in any manner that allows for coupling with the second cantilever 126. The first beam 136 of the first cantilever 124 is coupled at a proximal end to a top edge of a first respective base portion 128 of the first member 112. Alternatively, the first cantilever may comprise only the first beam.

As shown, the first beam 136 may have an S-shaped cross-section, such that the first beam 136 extends upwards from the top edge of the first respective base portion 128 in a first direction and then curves downwards. Specifically, the first beam 136 extends upwards from the top edge of the first respective base portion 128 in a first direction, and then curves outwards away from the main structural panel 176A and downwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, such that at least a portion of the first beam 136 extends down a length of the first respective base portion 128. The portion of the first beam 136 that extends down a length of the first respective base portion 128 may be orientated substantially parallel to the first respective base portion. The first barbed catch 138 is disposed at the distal end of the first beam 136, which is included in the portion of the first beam 136 that is orientated substantially parallel to the first respective base portion 128. The first barbed catch 138 extends transversely from the distal end of the first beam 136 in a direction away from the first respective base portion 128, defining an upwards-facing engagement surface 150. The first barbed catch 138 may further comprise an insertion member 152 disposed below the upwards-facing engagement surface 150 and sized to facilitate the insertion of the first barbed catch 138 into the mounting channel 120.

The pack 104 further comprises a pocket 146 that open downwards through a bottom end of the first respective base portion 128, the main structural panel 176A, and/or the storage receptacle 108. The pocket 146 comprises an internal space for more depth extending between the bottom end of the first respective base portion 128, the main structural panel 176A, and/or the storage receptacle 108.

The pack 104 further comprises a first handle 162 configured to facilitate user removal of the pack 104 from the chassis 102. The first handle 162 may be arranged on and/or coupled to the first respective base portion 128, the main structural panel 176A, or the storage receptacle 108 at any location or position suitable for a user to grab the first handle. In the example of FIGS. 7-12, the first handle 162 is centrally disposed adjacent the top edge of the main structural panel 176A such that when coupled to the first member, the first handle 162 extends upwards from adjacent the top edge of the main structural panel and past the curved proximal end of the first cantilever 124. Alternatively, the first handle 162 may be centrally disposed adjacent the top edge of the first respective base portion 128, such that the first handle 162 extends upwards from adjacent the top edge of the first respective base portion and past the curved proximal end of the first cantilever.

The chassis 102 comprises the main structural panel 176B, the strap system 106, and the second member 114 of the mounting system 110. The second member 114 of the mounting system 110 is coupled to a front side of the main structural panel 176B, and the strap system 106 is coupled to a back side of the main structural panel 176B.

The second member 114 comprises the second cantilever 126 of the releasable securing mechanism 116, a second respective base portion 130, and/or a channel structure 122 in which the mounting channel 120 is defined. Specifically, the mounting channel 120 comprises an internal space defined between the channel structure 122 and a front surface of the main structural panel 176B. The mounting channel 120 is configured to receive the first cantilever 124 of the first member 112 to releasable couple the first member 112 to the second member 114.

In the example of FIGS. 7-12, the channel structure 122 comprises at least two peripheral walls 180, a bottom wall 182 arranged perpendicular to the peripheral walls, and an inner wall 184. The peripheral walls 180 are coupled to an upper face of the bottom wall 182 at respective ends. The inner wall 184 of the channel structure 122 is disposed above the bottom wall 182 and between the peripheral walls 180. Specifically, the inner wall 184 is disposed between and coupled to respective top ends of the peripheral walls 180 and extends downwards from the respective top ends in the direction of the bottom wall 182. Alternatively, the inner wall 184 may extends downwards a partial length of the peripheral walls 180.

The pack 104 further comprises a ramped protrusion 178 coupled to the front surface of the main structural panel 176B. In the current example of FIGS. 7-12, the ramped protrusion 178 is arranged on the front surface of the main structural panel 176B such that when the second member 114 is coupled to the main structural panel 176B, the ramped protrusion 178 is disposed behind the channel structure 122 facing the inner wall 184. The ramped protrusion 178 may include at least a first lateral face 185 and a second lateral face 186 that meet at an edge disposed closest to the inner wall 184 of the channel structure 122. As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the first lateral face 185 protrudes at an angle from the main structural panel 176B in the direction of the inner wall 184, while the second lateral face 186 protrudes perpendicular to the main structural panel 176B and joins the first lateral face 185 at the edge. As such, the ramped protrusion 178 forms a nook 188 disposed below the second lateral face 186. The ramped protrusion 178 may serve multiple purposes, as it both forms the nook 188 and a portion of the mounting channel 120 and facilitates the coupling of the first cantilever 124 and the second cantilever 126. The inner wall 184 of the channel structure 122 may further extend downwards, past the ramped protrusion 178, and down at least a portion of the nook 188.

As depicted in FIGS. 10-12, the second respective base portion 130 is centrally coupled to the upper face of the bottom wall 182 and disposed adjacent a lower portion of the main structural panel 176B. The second respective base portion 130 comprises a main body, a mating protrusion 148 extending forwards from the main body, and a coupling protrusion 149 extending backwards from the main body. The mating protrusion 148 is sized to extend into the pocket 146 to engage the first respective base portion 128 and/or the main structural panel 176A of the pack 104. Specifically, the mating protrusion 148 extends from the main body of the second respective base portion 130 at an angle, in a direction upwards and slightly away from the channel structure 122, while the coupling protrusion 149 extends upwards from the main body of the second respective base portion 130 at an angle towards the main structural panel 176B. As such, a distal end of the coupling protrusion 149 is disposed adjacent the front surface of the main structural panel 176B of the chassis 102.

The second cantilever 126 comprises one or more beams and one or more barbed catches disposed at distal ends of the one or more beams. In the example and as depicted in FIGS. 10-12, the second cantilever 126 comprises two identical second beams 140 having a V-shaped cross-section and a second barbed catch 142. The second beams 140 are disposed spaced apart and coupled on respective proximal ends to the distal end of the coupling protrusion 149 of the second respective base portion 130. From the second respective base portion 130, the second beams 140 extend upwards away from the second respective base portion 130 such that the second beams 140 are orientated substantially parallel to the main structural panel 176B of the chassis 102. The second barbed catch 142 is disposed at a respective distal end of both of the second beams 140 and extends in a direction perpendicular to the second beams 140 to form the second cantilever 126. The second barbed catch 142 further extends transversely from the second beams 140 in a direction away from the main structural panel 176B, defining a downwards-facing engagement surface 154. The second barbed catch 142 may further comprise a rounded head extending upwards from the downwards-facing engagement surface 154 and into the nook 188 formed by the ramped protrusion 178 and the main structural panel 176B. As depicted in FIGS. 10-12, the second barbed catch 142 is disposed at least partially within the nook 188 and arranged at a distance from the walls of the nook 188 such that the second barbed catch 142 of the second cantilever 126 has room to move within the nook.

As shown in FIGS. 10-12, the second cantilever 126 is a resilient member configured to transition between a relaxed position, in which the second barbed catch is partially disposed within the mounting channel 120 and a deflected position, in which the second barbed catch 142 is displaced from the mounting channel 120. FIG. 10 depicts the second cantilever 126 in the relaxed position, such that the second barbed catch 142 is disposed at least partially within the nook 188 and arranged such that a front surface of the second barbed catch's rounded head protrudes slightly past the edge of the ramped protrusion 178 and into the mounting channel 120. The inner wall 184 of the channel structure 122 may extend downwards past the ramped protrusion 178, terminating adjacent the downwards-facing engagement surface 154 of the second barbed catch 142. When in relaxed position, the front surface of the second barbed catch 142 together with a back surface of the inner wall 184 define a narrow portion 160 of the mounting channel 120. The narrow portion 160 of the mounting channel 120 is sized such that an insertion of the first barbed catch 138 into the narrow portion 160 displaces the second barbed catch 142 further into the nook 188. As such, the narrow portion 160 is configured to transition the second cantilever 126 from the relaxed position to a deflected position in response to the first barbed catch 138 of the first cantilever 124 being disposed within the narrow portion 160. When the second cantilever 126 is in the deflected position (see FIG. 11), the first barbed catch of the first cantilever 124 is free to move within the mounting channel 120 without obstruction, such that the first cantilever can be inserted and removed from the mounting channel 120 easily.

The first cantilever 124 is also a resilient feature configured to fit over the inner wall 184 when inserted in the mounting channel 120. As such, the first cantilever 124 is configured to bend and fit over the inner wall 184 of the channel structure 122 and follow the curvature of the inner wall 184, such that when the first member is coupled to the second member, the inner wall 184 is disposed between the first cantilever 124 and the first respective base portion 128.

As shown in FIG. 12, the mounting channel 120 may include three portions: an upper portion 156 comprising the channel space disposed above the narrow portion 160, the narrow portion 160, and a lower portion 158 comprising the channel space disposed below the narrow portion 160. As depicted in FIGS. 10-11, the second cantilever 126 is a resilient member configured to transition to the relaxed position from the deflected position in response to the first barbed catch 138 of the first cantilever 124 being fully disposed in either the upper portion 156 or the lower portion 158 of the mounting channel 120.

For example, when the first barbed catch 138 of the first cantilever 124 is inserted into the narrow portion 160 of the mounting channel 120, the second barbed catch 142 of the second cantilever 126 is displaced from the channel. However, when the first barbed catch 138 of the first cantilever 124 is fully inserted into the lower portion 158 of the mounting channel 120, such that no portion of the first barbed catch 138 remains in the narrow portion 160, the second cantilever 126 is configured to simultaneously spring back into the relaxed position, bringing the downwards-facing engagement surface 154 of the second barbed catch 142 into contact with the upwards-facing engagement surface 150 of the first barbed catch 138, thereby coupling the first member 112 to the second member 114.

The second member 114 further comprises a disengagement handle 164 and a pair of first apertures 170 disposed through the bottom wall 182 of the channel structure 122 and configured to receive a portion of the disengagement handle 164. (See FIGS. 10-12). The disengagement handle 164 is configured to interface with the second cantilever 126 to facilitate selective decoupling of the first member 112 from the second member 114. Specifically, the disengagement handle 164 is configured to selectively transition the second cantilever 126 from the relaxed position to the deflected position in response to a user pulling down on an exterior portion 166 of the disengagement handle 164. As illustrated in at least FIG. 9, the disengagement handle 164 may comprises the exterior portion 166 and a pair of interior attachment portions 168.

The exterior portion 166 of the disengagement handle 164 has two ends, at which respective interior attachment portions 168 are disposed at and coupled to. As shown in FIG. 9, the exterior portion 166 may be disposed below the bottom wall 182 of the channel structure 122 and extend between the pair of first apertures 170, such that the ends of the exterior portion 166 are disposed below the respective pair of first apertures 170. From the ends of the exterior portion 166, the interior attachment portions 168 extend upward, through the respective first apertures 170, along at least a partial length of the second respective base portion 130 and the second beams 140 of the second cantilever 126, to couple to a back surface of the second barbed catch 142. As such, to uncouple the first member 112 from the second member 114, a user pulls downwards on the exterior portion 166 of the disengagement handle 164, which in response pulls downwards on the second barbed catch 142 to transition the second cantilever 126 into the deflected position. Once the second cantilever 126 is in the deflected position, a user can pull upwards on the first handle 162 to separate the pack 104 from the chassis 102 and remove the first cantilever 124 from the mounting channel 120. These steps may be done one after another or simultaneously, such that a user may pull down on the disengagement handle in a first direction and pull up on the first handle in a second direction opposite the first direction at the same time to uncouple and remove the pack from the chassis.

The second member 114 and/or the main structural panel 176B of the chassis 102 may further include a locking mechanism 172 configured to secure the second cantilever 126 in the deflected position. The locking mechanism 172 further comprises a release component 174 configured to disengage the locking mechanism 172, which in response allows the second cantilever 126 to return to the relaxed position. The release component 174 of the locking mechanism 172 may be actuated by a user. The locking mechanism 172 can comprise any suitable lock-and-release system, such as a pin-and-socket lock, a spring-loaded button lock, etc.

D. Third Illustrative Modular Carrying System

FIGS. 13-20 depict various views of a third modular backpack carrying system 600 and components thereof. The modular backpack carrying system 600 includes at least a chassis 602 and a pack 604. The chassis 602 is configured to be selectively donned by a user, while the pack 604 is configured to selectively couple to and uncouple from the chassis 602 by way of a mounting system 610. The mounting system 610 comprises at least a first member 612 and a second member 614 which are configured to interact with one another to removably couple the pack 604 to the chassis 602. FIG. 13 depicts the modular backpack carrying system 600 in an assembled configuration with the pack 604 selectively coupled to the chassis 602 by way of the mounting system 610. In the current example, the pack 604 comprises the first member 612 and the chassis 602 comprises the second member 614. Alternatively, the pack 604 may comprise the second member 614 and the chassis 602 may comprise the first member 612.

Both pack 604 and the chassis 602 further comprise a respective main structural panel (676A, 676B respectively), which is configured to provide structural rigidity and form to the chassis 602 and the pack 604, and to which all other components of the chassis 602 and the pack 604 are attached and/or extend from. The main structural panel 676A, 676B may be formed of any durable materials such as aluminum, titanium, steel, reinforced nylon, polycarbonate, and/or any other suitable materials.

The chassis 602 further comprises a strap system 606 configured to facilitate the user's donning of the chassis. The strap system 606 comprises one or more straps, which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations to allow the user to attach the chassis 602 to the user's body in a plurality of locations. In the example of FIGS. 13-20, the strap system 606 comprises a pair of shoulder straps arranged such that the chassis 602 and the modular backpack carrying system 600 can be worn similar to a conventional backpack. Additionally or alternatively, a modular carrying system 10 may include a strap system comprising a pair of shoulder straps, a cross-chest strap, and/or a waist strap by which the user can attach the chassis to the user's body. The strap system 606 can be attached to the main structural panel 676B of the chassis 602 at any suitable position that allows the main structural panel 676B, and thus the chassis 602, to be securely worn by a user. As such, the pack 604 can also be worn by a user when the pack 604 is selectively coupled to the chassis 602.

As depicted in FIG. 13, the chassis 602 comprises the main structural panel 676B, the strap system 606, and the second member 614 of mounting system 610. The second member 614 of the mounting system 610 is coupled to a front side of the main structural panel 676B, and the strap system 606 is coupled to a back side of the main structural panel 676B.

The pack 604 is further configured to selectively retain one or more objects (e.g., a rope, medical supplies, weights, etc.). As such, the pack 604 further comprises a storage receptacle 608 configured to retain the one or more objects. The storage receptacle 608 can comprise any receptacle capable of retaining the one or more objects. FIG. 13 depicts a side view of the modular backpack carrying system 600. As shown, the pack 604 may comprise the main structural panel, the storage receptacle 608, and the first member 612 of the mounting system 610. The pack 604 is arranged such that the main structural panel 676A is positioned between the storage receptacle 608 and the first member 612, as illustrated in FIG. 13. As such, the storage receptacle 608 can be coupled to or formed together with a front side of the main structural panel 676B, while the first member 612 can be coupled to a back side of the main structural panel.

The pack 604 further comprises a first handle 662 configured to facilitate user-removal of the pack 604 from the chassis 602. The first handle 662 can be arranged on and/or coupled to the main structural panel 676A, the storage receptacle 608, or at any location or position suitable for a user to grab the first handle. In the example of FIG. 13, the first handle 662 is centrally disposed adjacent the top edge of the main structural panel 676A such that when coupled to the first member, the first handle 662 extends upwards past the top edge of the main structural panel from adjacent the top edge of the main structural panel. Alternatively, the first handle 662 may be centrally disposed adjacent the top edge of the pack, such that the first handle 662 extends upwards past a top edge of the first member from adjacent the top edge of the first member.

FIGS. 13-20 depict various views of the mounting system 610, which is an example of the mounting system 42. The mounting system 610 may be used in combination with any suitable pack or chassis. In the current example, as shown in FIG. 14, the mounting system 610 is configured to couple the first member 612 to the second member 614 in such a manner that the pack 604 is not easily removable from the chassis 602. As such, the first member 612 and the second member 614 collectively define a releasable securing mechanism 616 configured to restrict removal of the pack 604 from the chassis 602 when the first member 612 and the second member 614 are coupled, as seen in FIGS. 14-16 and 18. The releasable securing mechanism 616 can comprise any structure and/or assembly suitable for restricting removal of the pack 604 from the chassis 602.

For example, the releasable securing mechanism 616 comprises a snap-fit assembly 618 comprising at least a first cantilever 624 and a second cantilever 626, as best illustrated in FIGS. 13-20. The second member 614 further comprises a mounting channel 620 configured to receive a cantilever of the releasable securing mechanism 616 to couple the first member 612 to the second member 614. The releasable securing mechanism 616 may further comprise a secondary lock 686 configured to support the snap-fit assembly 618 to prevent accidental uncoupling of the first member 612 and the second member 614.

Alternatively, the mounting system 610 may be configured to couple the first member 612 to the second member 614 in such a manner that the pack 604 is easily removable from the chassis 602.

The first member 612 of the mounting system 610 comprises a first respective base portion 628, a pair of peripheral extensions 687, and the first cantilever 624 of the releasable securing mechanism 616. The first respective base portion 628 may be sized such that it is a same length as the main structural panel. The first respective base portion 628 comprises a back surface configured to interact with one or more surfaces of the second member 614 and a front surface coupled to the back side of the main structural panel 676A.

The peripheral extensions 687 are coupled to the left and right sides of the first respective base portion 628 along the length of the first respective base portion. From the first respective base portion 628, the peripheral extensions 687 first extend sideways and then curve forward in a direction away from the first respective base portion 628, as best shown in FIGS. 14-15. The peripheral extensions 687 may be any shape or size suitable for securely receiving and holding the pack 604.

The first member 612 may further include a pocket 646 comprising a pocket compartment 688 disposed on a back side of the first respective base portion 628 and a pocket opening 689 disposed through a bottom end of the first respective base portion 628. The pocket 646 comprises an internal space defined within the pocket compartment 688 and accessible through the pocket opening 689. As depicted in FIGS. 15 and 18, the pocket compartment 688 is arranged adjacent the bottom end of the first respective base portion 628 and comprises three or more pocket walls 665, which together with the back side of the first respective base portion 628 define an internal space configured to receive a mating protrusion of the second member 614. The pocket compartment 688 may further comprise two openings arranged opposite one another: a bottom opening 666 formed at a bottom of the pocket compartment 688, adjacent the bottom end of the first respective base portion 628, and a top opening 667 formed at a top of the pocket compartment 688 opposite the bottom opening. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the pocket opening 689 is disposed through a bottom end of the first respective base portion 628 to create an opening, through which the pocket compartment may be accessed from the front of the first member 612.

The first cantilever 624 is a resilient member and comprises a first beam 636 and a first barbed catch 638 disposed at a distal end of the first beam 636. The first cantilever 624 may be shaped in any manner that allows for coupling with the second cantilever 626. The first beam 636 of the first cantilever 624 is coupled to a proximal end on a top edge of a first respective base portion 628 of the first member 612. Alternatively, the first cantilever 624 may comprise only the first beam 636.

As shown in FIG. 14, the first beam 636 may have a J-shaped cross-section, such that the first beam 636 extends upwards from the top edge of the first respective base portion 628 in a first direction and then curves downwards. Specifically, the first beam 636 extends upwards from the top edge of the first respective base portion 628 in a first direction, and then curves outwards away from the main structural panel and downwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, such that at least a portion of the first beam 636 extends down a length of the first respective base portion 628. As depicted in FIG. 14, the portion of the first beam 636 that extends down a length of the first respective base portion 628 may be orientated substantially parallel to the first respective base portion. The first barbed catch 638 extends transversely from the distal end of the first beam 636 in a direction away from the first respective base portion 628, defining an upwards-facing engagement surface 650. The first barbed catch 638 may further comprise an insertion member 652 disposed below the upwards-facing engagement surface 650 and sized to facilitate the insertion of the first cantilever 624 into the mounting channel 620.

The chassis 602 comprises the main structural panel 676B, the strap system 606, and the second member 614 of the mounting system 610. The second member 614 of the mounting system 610 is coupled to a front side of the main structural panel 676B, and the strap system 606 is coupled to a back side of the main structural panel 676B.

The second member 614 comprises a second respective base portion 630, a channel structure 622 in which the mounting channel 620 is defined and the second cantilever 626 of the releasable securing mechanism 616, which is pivotably coupled to the channel structure 622. Specifically, the mounting channel 620 comprises an internal space defined between the channel structure 622, the second cantilever 626, and a front surface of the main structural panel 676B. The mounting channel 620 is configured to receive the first cantilever 624 of the first member 612 to releasable couple the first member 612 to the second member 614.

As shown in FIGS. 16-18, the channel structure 622 comprises at least two peripheral walls 680 coupled to respective sides of the second respective base portion and a bottom wall 682 arranged perpendicular to the peripheral walls. The peripheral walls 680 are coupled to the second respective base portion 630 along a length of the second respective base portion and extend away from the second respective base portion 630 in a direction towards the main structural panel 676B. The bottom wall 682 is disposed in the lower half of the channel structure 622 between the peripheral walls 680 and the second respective base portion 630. In the current example and as illustrated in FIGS. 16-18, the bottom wall 682 is arranged perpendicular to the peripheral walls 680 and to the second respective base portion 630 to define a bottom of the mounting channel 620.

As depicted in FIGS. 16-17, the second respective base portion 630 includes a mating protrusion 648. The mating protrusion 648 is disposed at a bottom end of the second respective base portion 630 and extends forwards from the second respective base portion. The mating protrusion 648 is sized to extend into the pocket 646 to engage the first respective base portion 628 of the first member 212. Specifically, the mating protrusion 648 extends at an angle from the second respective base portion 630 in a direction upwards and slightly away from the channel structure 622. The second respective base portion 630 further comprises an opening formed through the second respective base portion opposite the mating protrusion 648 and having the same shape as the mating protrusion.

The second member 614 is configured such that the second pivoting cantilever 626 comfortably fits between the peripheral walls 680 of the channel structure 622 and at least partially above the bottom wall 682. As shown in FIGS. 15-18, the peripheral walls 680 of the channel structure each include a pivot hole 671 configured to receive a respective end of a shaft 649 of the second pivoting cantilever 626. As depicted in FIG. 16, the pivot hole 671 may be identically disposed through opposite distal portions of the peripheral walls 680, above the junction of the bottom wall 682 and the peripheral walls 680, to allow for even rotation and/or pivoting of the second pivoting cantilever 626.

The second pivoting cantilever 626 comprises a cantilever main body 672, a shaft 649, one or more torsion springs 670, and a secondary lock 686. The cantilever main body 672 comprises a coupling portion 673, a base panel 674, and a pivoting portion 675. As depicted in FIGS. 17-18, the base panel 674 is disposed between the coupling portion 673 and the pivoting portion 675, such that the coupling portion 673 is coupled to a top face of the base panel 674 and the pivoting portion 675 is coupled to a bottom face of the base panel 674. The secondary lock 686 comprises a pair of compression springs 677, a crossbeam 678, a locking tab 668, and a disengagement handle 664.

The coupling portion 673 of the cantilever main body comprises a plurality (e.g., four) of vertical beams 690 and a second barbed catch 642 disposed at the distal ends of the plurality of vertical beams 690. As depicted in FIGS. 16-18, the plurality of vertical beams 690 extend between a bottom of the second barbed catch 642 and the top face of the base panel 674. The second barbed catch 642 further extends transversely from the plurality of vertical beams 690 in a direction towards the second respective base portion 630, defining a downward-facing engagement surface 654. The plurality of vertical beams may comprise any shape or size suitable to form the coupling portion 673 of the cantilever main body. Additionally or alternatively, the vertical beams 690 may comprise triangular prisms having two opposing triangular faces and three rectangular faces.

As shown in FIGS. 18-20, each beam of the plurality of vertical beams 690 further comprises a beam aperture 692 sized to receive a portion of the crossbeam 678 and to allow for vertical movement of the crossbeam 678 within the beam aperture. The beam apertures 692 may comprise any shape or size suitable for receiving the crossbeam 678. For example, the beam aperture 692 may have a shape of an oval, a stadium, a rectangle, etc.

The base panel 674 of the cantilever main body 672 may further comprise a pair of coupling nubs 693 configured to fit inside of and hold a compression spring 677 of the pair of compression springs 677. The coupling nubs 693 may be centrally disposed on a portion of the base panel 674 within each of the outer cavities 691 of the coupling portion 673. As depicted in FIGS. 16-17, each of the coupling nubs 693 are disposed in-line with the beam apertures 692 and protrude upward from the base panel 674 into the outer cavities 691, such that a compression spring 677 of the pair of compression springs 677 may be disposed within each of the outer cavities 691 and arranged in-line with the beam apertures 692. The crossbeam 678 runs horizontally though the coupling portion 673, passing through each of the outer cavities 691 and the vertical beam 690 by way of the beam apertures 692.

As shown in FIG. 16, the crossbeam 678 further comprises a centrally displaced handle aperture 694 and two coupling protrusions 695 evenly spaced from the handle aperture 694 and configured to fit into and interface with one compression spring 677 of the pair of compression springs. The two coupling protrusions 695 of the crossbeam 678 and the pair of coupling nubs 693 of the base panel 674 are together configured to hold or secure the compression springs 677 within outer cavities 691 of the coupling portion 673, and as such have mirrored placement on the crossbeam 678 and the base panel 674 when the crossbeam 678 is disposed within the coupling portion 673.

As shown in FIG. 18-19, the first barbed catch 638 may further include a centrally disposed secondary nook 685 configured to receive and interface with a portion of the locking tab 668 of the secondary lock 686. The secondary nook 685 may comprise any size or shape suitable for interfacing with the secondary lock 686.

The disengagement handle 664 is configured to interface with the secondary lock 686 and the second cantilever 626 to facilitate selective decoupling of the first member 612 from the second member 614. As depicted in FIGS. 16-20, the disengagement handle 664 is received by the handle aperture 694 and coupled to the crossbeam 678 of the secondary lock 686. By way of the disengagement handle 664, the locking tab 668 of the secondary lock is transitionable between a closed position, in which the locking tab 668 is disposed within the secondary nook 685 and an open position, in which the locking tab 668 is displaced from the secondary nook 685. Specifically, the disengagement handle 664 is configured to selectively transition the locking tab 668 to an open position, while simultaneously also pivoting the second cantilever 626 into a deflected position in response to a user pulling down on the disengagement handle 664.

The pivoting portion 675 of the second cantilever 626 may comprise one or more pivoting bodies 696. Each of the one or more pivoting bodies 696 may include a pivot hole 671 sized to receive a portion of shaft 649, such that each of the one or more pivoting bodies 696, and thus the second cantilever 626, are permitted to rotate around the shaft 649. Each pivoting body of pivoting portion 675 may further include a stopper 697 to limit a range of rotation the second pivoting cantilever may accomplish. As depicted in FIGS. 17-20, the stopper 697 protrudes from a portion of each pivoting body 696 and away from the pivot hole 671, forming a step in the outer surface of each pivoting body 696, configured to interact with the bottom wall 682 of the channel structure 622, to arrest movement and/or rotation of the second cantilever 626 in a first direction.

As depicted in FIG. 16-20, both the bottom wall 682 and the second cantilever 626 further includes one or more fastening clips 669 configured to securely couple an end of a torsion spring 670 of one or more torsion springs 670 to a respective portion of the bottom wall and/or the second cantilever 626. As shown in FIGS. 16-20, the one or more fastening clips 669 of the bottom wall 682 are configured to securely couple a first end of a torsion spring 670 of one or more torsion springs 670 to the bottom wall 682. Similarly, the one or more fastening clips 669 of the second cantilever 626 are coupled to a bottom face of the base panel 674 to securely couple a second end of the torsion spring 670 of the one or more torsion springs 670 to the second cantilever 626. As such, the torsion springs 670, which are coupled on a first end to the bottom wall 682 of the channel structure 622 and a second end to the second cantilever 626, produce an angular return force that is configured to return the second cantilever to its resting position when the second cantilever is pivoted out of resting position.

However as it stands, this arrangement would be disadvantageous as the second cantilever would continue rotating over its resting position unless stopped by an external force in an opposite direction. As such, the channel structure 622 further comprises a stepped protrusion, comprising a first step 698 and a second step 699, protruding from a back surface of the second respective base portion 630 and configured to arrest rotation of the second cantilever 626 in a second direction opposite the first direction by coming into contact with the bottom face of the base panel 674. As shown in FIG. 17, the distance between the first step 698 and the second step 699 is substantially equivalent to the thickness of the base panel 674, such that when the bottom face of the base panel 674 rests on a top face of the second step 699, the upper face of the base panel 674 is substantially flush with an upper face of the first step 698. As such, the second cantilever 626 is configured to be stopped from fully rotating around the shaft 649 in either directions by either the bottom wall 682 or the second step 699 of the channel structure 622.

As shown in FIGS. 17-20, the second cantilever 626 comprises one or more torsion springs 670 configured to resiliently transition the main body 672 of the second cantilever 626 between a relaxed position, in which the second barbed catch 642 is partially disposed within the mounting channel 620 and a deflected position, in which the second barbed catch 642 is displaced from the mounting channel 620. FIGS. 18 and 20 depict the second cantilever 626 in the relaxed position, such that the second barbed catch 642 is disposed at least partially within the mounting channel 620 and arranged such that the bottom face of the base panel 674 of the second cantilever main body 672 rests on a top face of the second step 699 of the channel structure 622.

When in a relaxed position, the front surface of the second barbed catch 642 and a portion of a back surface of the second respective base portion 630 define a narrow portion 660 of the mounting channel 620. The narrow portion 660 of the mounting channel 620 is sized such that an insertion of the first barbed catch 638 into the narrow portion 660 results in a pivoting of the second cantilever 626, which correspondingly displaces the second barbed catch 642 out of the mounting channel 620. As such, the narrow portion 660 is configured to transition the second cantilever 626 from a relaxed position to a deflected position in response to the first barbed catch 638 of the first cantilever 624 being disposed within the narrow portion 660. When the second cantilever 626 is in the deflected position (see FIG. 19), the first barbed catch of the first cantilever 624 is free to move within the mounting channel 620 without obstruction, such that the first cantilever can be inserted and removed from the mounting channel 620 easily.

The second cantilever 626 additionally comprises a pair of compression springs 677 configured to transition the locking tab 668 of the secondary lock 686 between a closed position, in which the locking tab 668 is disposed within the secondary nook 685 and an open position, in which the locking tab 668 is displaced from the secondary nook 685. FIGS. 18 and 20 depict the locking tab 668 in the closed position, in which a space between a top surface of the locking tab 668 and the downward-facing engagement surface 654 of the second barbed catch 642 is narrower than a portion of the first barbed catch 638 that is configured to be received in the space between the top surface of the locking tab 668 and the downward-facing engagement surface 654, preventing inadvertent decoupling of the first member 612 from the second member 614. FIG. 19 depicts the locking tab 668 in the open position, which is distanced far enough away from the downward-facing engagement surface 654 of the second barbed catch 642 to allow for decoupling of the first member 612 and the second member 614.

The first cantilever 624 is a resilient feature configured to fit over the second respective base portion 630 when inserted in the mounting channel 620. As such, the first cantilever 624 is configured to bend over the top of the second respective base portion 630 and follow the curvature of the second respective base portion 630 such that when the first member is coupled to the second member, the second respective base portion 630 is disposed between the first cantilever 624 and the first respective base portion 628.

As shown in FIG. 17, the mounting channel 620 includes three portions: an upper portion 656 comprising the channel space disposed above the narrow portion 660, a narrow portion 660, and a lower portion 658 comprising the channel space disposed below the narrow portion 660. As depicted in FIGS. 18-20, the second cantilever 626 is configured to pivotably transition to the relaxed position from the deflected position in response to the first barbed catch 638 of the first cantilever 624 being fully disposed in either the upper portion 656 or the lower portion 658 of the mounting channel 620.

For example, when the first barbed catch 638 of the first cantilever 624 is inserted into the narrow portion 660 of the mounting channel 620, the second barbed catch 642 of the second cantilever 626 is displaced from the mounting channel. However, when the first barbed catch 638 of the first cantilever 624 is fully inserted into the lower portion 658 of the mounting channel 620 such that no portion of the first barbed catch 638 remains in the narrow portion 660, the second cantilever 626 is configured to simultaneously spring back into the relaxed position, bringing the downwards-facing engagement surface 654 of the second barbed catch 642 into contact with the upwards-facing engagement surface 650 of the first barbed catch 638, thereby coupling the first member 612 to the second member 614. Additionally, or alternatively, the locking tab 668 may be configured to simultaneously move into the secondary nook 685 when the second cantilever 626 springs back into the relaxed position.

As such, to decouple the first member 612 from the second member 614, a user pulls downwards on the disengagement handle 664, which in response pulls downwards on the crossbeam 678 to transition the locking tab 668 into an open position, while simultaneously also pivoting the second cantilever 626 into the deflected position. When the second cantilever 626 is in the deflected position, a user may pull upwards on the first handle 662 to separate the pack 604 from the chassis 602 and remove the first cantilever 624 from the mounting channel 620. As such, to decouple the first member 612 from the second member 614, the user pulls with opposing forces on the first handle and the disengagement handle to vertically slide the first member out and away from the second member. Alternatively, a user may simultaneously pull downwards on the disengagement handle 664 while also pulling upwards on the first handle 662, to separate the pack 604 from the chassis 602 in one step.

The second member 614 and/or the main structural panel 676B of the chassis 602 may further includes a locking mechanism configured to secure the locking tab 668 in the open position and/or the second cantilever 626 in the deflected position. The locking mechanism may further comprise a release component configured to disengage the locking mechanism, which in response allows the locking tab to return to the closed position and/or allows the second cantilever 626 to return to the relaxed position. The release component of the locking mechanism may be user actuated. The locking mechanism may comprise any suitable lock-and-release system, such as a pin-and-socket lock, a spring-loaded button lock, etc.

E. Illustrative One or More Packs of Modular Carrying Systems

FIGS. 21-26 depict various illustrative pack configurations of the one or more packs 16 of modular carrying systems 10. As discussed above, modular carrying systems include one or more chassis and one or more packs, wherein each chassis may be configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the one or more packs by way of a mounting system. Each pack of the one or more packs is configured to selectively retain one or more objects (e.g., gear, weights, etc.) and may include unique features based on what the purpose of the pack is and/or what is being stored in the pack.

FIGS. 21-22 depict a first illustrative pack configuration 404A of the one or more packs of the modular carrying system. First illustrative pack configuration 404A may be fashioned to be used on a day-to-day basis, and as such includes features that facilitate quick and easy storage and retrieval of objects from the pack configuration.

FIGS. 23-24 depict a second illustrative pack configuration 404B of the one or more packs of the modular carrying system. Second illustrative pack configuration 404B is fashioned to accompany a user in more strenuous activities, and as such may include pockets specifically designed to hold a water bladder and/or particular gear for the activity.

FIGS. 25-26 depict a third illustrative pack configuration 404C of the one or more packs of the modular carrying system. Third illustrative pack configuration 404C is fashioned to be used for extended travel. As such, the third illustrative pack configuration 404C has an increased storage volume (compared to first illustrative pack configuration 404A or second illustrative pack configuration 404B) to accommodate for more and/or bulkier items, and may include one or more other features found in travel bags such as a shoe and/or toiletry compartment(s).

F. Illustrative Method for Uncoupling a Pack from a Chassis

This section describes steps of an illustrative method 500 for uncoupling a pack and a chassis of the modular carrying system; see FIG. 27. Aspects of modular carrying systems described herein may be utilized in the method steps described below. Where appropriate, reference may be made to components and systems that may be used in carrying out each step. These references are for illustration and are not intended to limit the possible ways of carrying out any particular step of the method.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating methods 500 performed and may not recite the complete process or all steps of the method. Although various steps of method 500 are described below and depicted in FIG. 27, the steps need not necessarily all be performed, and in some cases may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the order shown.

Step 502 of method 500 is optional and includes locating and gripping a first handle centrally disposed along a top of the pack of the modular carrying system. The first handle is configured to facilitate user-removal of the pack from the chassis of the modular carrying system. In some examples, the chassis includes a mounting channel configured to receive one or more components of the pack.

Step 504 of method 500 includes disengaging a releasable securing mechanism of the modular carrying system. The releasable securing mechanism is configured to restrict removal of the pack from the chassis in response to a first member of the chassis and a second member of the pack being coupled, or in response to a first member of the pack and a second member of the chassis being coupled. In some examples, the releasable securing mechanism comprises a circumferential zipper assembly comprising a first zipper portion, a second zipper portion, and one or more zipper slider(s) configured to move along the zipper portions and engage or disengage the first zipper portion with/from the second zipper portion to couple or uncouple the first member to the second member. As such, step 504 may include moving a zipper slider of the circumferential zipper assembly along the first zipper portion and the second zipper portion to disengage the first zipper portion from the second zipper portion and uncouple the first member from the second member. In some examples, the releasable securing mechanism comprises a snap-fit assembly comprising at least a first cantilever and a second cantilever configured to interact with one another to couple the first member to the second member. The first member of the pack may comprise the first cantilever, while the second member of the chassis comprises the second cantilever.

Steps 506 and 508 are optional sub-steps that in some examples, collectively comprise step 504. Step 506 of method 500 may include pulling down on an exterior portion of a disengagement handle of the second member to transition the second cantilever into a deflected position. The disengagement handle is configured to interface with the second cantilever to facilitate selective decoupling of the first member from the second member. Specifically, the disengagement handle is coupled to the second cantilever and configured to selectively transition the second cantilever from a relaxed position, in which the first cantilever and second cantilever are coupled, to the deflected position, in which the first cantilever and second cantilever are uncoupled, in response to a user pulling downwards on the exterior portion of the disengagement handle.

Step 508 of method 500 may include engaging a locking mechanism of the modular carrying system. The locking mechanism is configured to secure the second cantilever in the deflected position. With the second cantilever is in the deflected position, the first cantilever may be easily inserted or removed from the mounting channel of the chassis, allowing the pack to be easily coupled to or uncoupled from the chassis.

Step 510 of method 500 includes removing the pack from the chassis. In some examples, this step comprises pulling upwards on the disengagement handle, which in response lifts the pack from the chassis. Additionally, or alternatively, this step comprises grabbing onto the sides of the pack and lifting vertically to completely remove the first cantilever of the pack from the mounting channel of the chassis.

Step 512 of method 500 is optional and includes coupling the pack to a storage structure. The storage structure is operatively mounted to a support structure (e.g., a building, a wall, a vehicle, a rack, furniture, a cabinet, a pole, a rod, a column, etc.) and configured to receive the pack to provide a convenient storing location for the pack.

G. Selected Embodiments and Claim Concepts

This section describes additional aspects and features of the modular carrying system, presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and/or with disclosure from elsewhere in this application, including any attached Appendices and materials listed in the Cross-References, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below may expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing, without limitation, examples of some of the suitable combinations.

A0. A modular carrying system (10), comprising:

- one or more chassis (12), wherein each chassis (12) is configured to be selectively donned by a user (14); and
- one or more packs (16), wherein each pack (16) is configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from each chassis (12), and wherein each pack (16) is configured to selectively retain one or more objects (17).

A1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A0, wherein each chassis (12) comprises a strap system (20) configured facilitate the user donning the chassis (12).

A1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A1, wherein the strap system (20) comprises one or more of shoulder straps, waist straps, harnesses, and/or a hip belt.

A2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A1.1, wherein the one or more packs (16) comprise a plurality of packs (16).

A2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A2, wherein the plurality of packs (16) comprises at least two packs (16) having different configurations.

A2.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A2-A2.1, wherein the plurality of packs (16) comprises at least a first set (22) of packs (16), having a first pack configuration (24) and a second set (26) of packs (16), having a second pack configuration (28) that is different from the first pack configuration (24).

A2.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A2.2, wherein the first pack configuration (24) and/or the second pack configuration (28) comprises a storage receptacle (30).

A2.2.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A2.2-A2.2.1, wherein the first pack configuration (24) and/or the second pack configuration (28) comprises one or more specialized mounts (32).

A2.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A2-A2.2.2, wherein each pack (16) comprises a secondary strap system (54) configured facilitate the user donning the pack (16) without the use of the chassis (12).

A3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A2.3, wherein the one or more chassis (12) comprise a plurality of chassis (12).

A3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A3, wherein each chassis (12) of the plurality of chassis (12) are constructed identically.

A3.2. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A3, wherein the plurality of chassis (12) comprise a first set (34) of chassis (12), having a first chassis configuration (36) and a second set (38) of chassis (12), having a second chassis configuration (40) that is different from the first chassis configuration (36).

A3.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A3.2 when depending from paragraph A1, wherein the strap system (20) of the first set (34) of chassis (12) differs from the strap system (20) of the second set (38) of chassis (12).

A4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A3.2.1, wherein each pack (16) is configured to be selectively and releasably secured to each chassis (12) by way of a mounting system (42).

A4.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4, wherein the mounting system (42) comprises a first member (44) and a second member (46), wherein the second member (46) is configured to receive the first member (44).

A4.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.1, wherein each pack (16) comprises the first member (44) of the mounting system (42), and each chassis (12) comprises the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A4.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.1, wherein each chassis (12) comprises the first member (44) of the mounting system (42), and each pack (16) comprises the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A4.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4-A4.1.2, wherein each pack (16) or each chassis (12) and the first member (44) and the second member (46) of the mounting system (42) collectively define a releasable securing mechanism (48) configured to restrict removal of a respective pack (16) from a respective chassis (12).

A4.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.2, wherein the releasable securing mechanism (48) comprises a snap-fit assembly (118).

A4.2.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.2.1, wherein the snap-fit assembly (118) comprises at least a first cantilever (124) and a second cantilever (126).

A4.2.1.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.2.1.1, wherein the first cantilever (124) and the second cantilever (126) are resilient members.

A4.2.1.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.2.1.1-A4.2.1.1.1, wherein the first cantilever (124) and the second cantilever (126) each comprise one or more beams (136, 140) having a proximal end, a distal end and a barbed catch (138, 142) disposed at the distal ends of the one or more beams (136, 140).

A4.2.1.1.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.2.1.1-A4.2.1.1.2, wherein the first cantilever (124) comprises a first beam (136) having an S-shaped cross-section and a first barbed catch (138).

A4.2.1.1.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.2.1.1-A4.2.1.1.3, wherein the second cantilever (126) comprises a pair of beams (140) having a V-shaped cross-section and a second barbed catch (142).

A4.2.1.1.4.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.2.1.1.4, wherein the pair of beams (140) of the second cantilever (126) are spaced apart from one another and coupled by respective distal ends to the second barbed catch (142).

A4.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4-A4.2.1.1.4.1, wherein the mounting system (42) further comprises a mounting channel (120) and/or the releasable securing mechanism (48).

A4.3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.3, wherein the first member (44) comprises a/the first cantilever (124) of a/the snap-fit assembly (118) and a first respective base portion (128).

A4.3.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.3.1, wherein a/the first beam (136) of the first cantilever (124) is coupled by a/the proximal end to the first respective base portion (128).

A4.3.1.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.3.1.1, wherein the proximal end of the first cantilever (124) is coupled to the first respective base portion (128) along a top edge of the first respective base portion (128).

A4.3.1.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3.1.1-4.3.1.1.1, wherein the first cantilever (124) extends upwards from a/the top edge of the first respective base portion (128) in a first direction and then curves downwards in a second direction opposite the first direction, such that at least a portion of a/the first beam (136) and/or a/the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) extends down a length of the first respective base portion (128).

A4.3.1.1.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.3.1.1.2, wherein the portion of the first beam (136) and/or the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) that extends down the length of the first respective base portion (128) is orientated substantially parallel to the first respective base portion (128).

A4.3.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3-A4.3.1.1.2.1, wherein a/the second member (46) comprises a/the second cantilever (126) of a/the snap-fit assembly (118), a second respective base portion (130), and/or a channel structure (122) which defines at least a portion of the mounting channel (120).

A4.3.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.3.2, wherein a/the pair of beams (140) of the second cantilever (126) are spaced apart and coupled by respective proximal ends to the second respective base portion (130).

A4.3.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3-A4.3.2.1, wherein a/the channel structure (122) of a/the second member (46) and each pack (16) or each chassis (12) to which the second member (46) is a component of collectively define the mounting channel (120).

A4.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4-A4.3.3, wherein each pack (16) or each chassis (12), to which the second member (46) is coupled, further comprises a main structural panel (176A, 176B) having a front surface coupled to the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A4.4.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.4, wherein the mounting channel (120) comprises an internal space defined between inner surfaces of the channel structure (122) and at least the front surface of the main structural panel (176A, B) of the each pack (16) or each chassis (12) to which the second member (46) is coupled.

A4.5. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4-A4.4.1, wherein a/the channel structure (122) comprises at least two peripheral walls (180), a bottom wall (182) arranged perpendicular to the at least two peripheral walls (180), and an inner wall (184) disposed between the at least two peripheral walls (180).

A4.5.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph 4.5, wherein the at least two peripheral walls (180) each comprise a respective top end and a respective bottom end.

A4.5.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.5-A4.5.1, wherein the bottom wall (182) comprises an upper face and a lower face, and the at least two peripheral walls (180) are each coupled at respective bottom ends to the upper face of the bottom wall (182).

A4.5.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.5-A4.5.2, wherein the inner wall (184) is disposed between and coupled to the respective top ends of the at least two peripheral walls (180).

A4.5.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.5-A4.5.3, wherein the inner wall (184) extends from the respective top ends of the at least two peripheral walls (180) downwards a partial length of the at least two peripheral walls (180) towards the bottom wall (182).

A4.6. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4-A4.5.4, wherein each pack (16) or each chassis (12) comprising a/the second member (46), further comprises a ramped protrusion (178) coupled to a/the front surface of a/the main structural panel (176A, B) such that when coupled to the second member (46), the ramped protrusion (178) is disposed behind a/the channel structure (122) facing an/the inner wall (184).

A4.6.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A4.6, wherein at least a portion of the mounting channel (120) is defined between a surface of the ramped protrusion (178) facing the inner wall (184) and the inner surfaces of the inner wall (184) and the at least two peripheral walls (180).

A4.7. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3.1-A4.6.1, wherein a/the first respective base portion (128) is different from a/the second respective base portion (130).

A5. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A4.7, wherein the first member (44) further comprises a pocket (146) that opens downward, through a bottom edge of the first respective base portion (128).

A6. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A5, wherein the second respective base portion (130) further comprises a mating protrusion (148) that extends upward from the second respective base portion (130), wherein the mating protrusion (148) is sized to extend into a/the pocket (146) of the first member (44) and engages the first respective base portion (128) when the respective pack (16) is operatively coupled to the respective chassis (12).

A6.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A6, wherein the second respective base portion (130) comprises a front end and a back end.

A6.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A6-A6.1, wherein the mating protrusion (148) is disposed at a/the front end of the second respective base portion (130), and the second cantilever (126) is disposed at a/the back end of the second respective base portion (130).

A6.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A6-A6.2, wherein a/the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) is configured to interface with a/the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) in order to selectively couple and uncouple each pack (16) from each chassis (12).

A6.3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A6.3, wherein the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) protrudes transversely from the respective first beam (136) of the first cantilever (124) in a direction away from the first respective base portion (128), defining an upwards-facing engagement surface (150).

A6.3.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A6.3.1, wherein the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) also comprises an insertion member (152) disposed below the upwards-facing engagement surface (150), wherein the insertion member (152) is sized to facilitate insertion of the first beam (136) and the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) into the mounting channel (120).

A6.3.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A6.3-A6.3.1.1, wherein the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) protrudes transversely from the pair of beams (140) towards a/the front end of the second respective base portion (130), defining a downwards-facing engagement surface (154).

A7. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3.2-A6.3.2, wherein the second respective base portion (130) is disposed within the channel structure (122) such that the second respective base portion (130) is coupled to a/the upper face of a/the bottom wall (182) and extends between a/the at least two peripheral walls (180) of the channel structure (122).

A8. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.3-A7, wherein the mounting channel (120) is sized to receive at least a portion of a/the first beam (136) and/or a/the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) when a respective pack (16) is operatively coupled to a respective chassis (12).

A8.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A8, wherein the mounting channel (120) comprises a top portion, a narrow portion, and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion is disposed above the narrow portion, and wherein the narrow portion is disposed above the bottom portion.

A8.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A8-A8.1, wherein the second cantilever (126) extends upwards from the second respective base portion (130) such that the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) is disposed adjacent an/the inner wall (184) and below the ramped protrusion (178).

A8.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A8.2, wherein the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) and the inner wall (184) collectively define a/the narrow portion of the mounting channel (120).

A8.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A8-A8.2.1, wherein the second cantilever (126) is configured to transition between a relaxed position, in which the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) is disposed in the mounting channel (120), and a deflected position, in which the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) is displaced from the mounting channel (120).

A8.3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A8.3, wherein the second cantilever (126) is configured to transition from the relaxed position to the deflected position in response to the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) being disposed in a/the narrow portion of the mounting channel (120).

A8.3.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A8.3-A8.3.1, wherein the second cantilever (126) is configured to transition from the deflected position to the relaxed position in response to the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) being disposed above or below a/the narrow portion of the mounting channel (120).

A8.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A8-A8.3.2, wherein when the first cantilever (124) is fully received in the mounting channel (120) such that the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124) is disposed below a/the narrow portion of the mounting channel (120), the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126) springs back into a/the relaxed position, engaging with and coupling to the first barbed catch (138) of the first cantilever (124).

A8.4.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A8.4, wherein the second cantilever (126) springs back into the relaxed position to engage the first cantilever (124) such that a/the downwards-facing engagement surface (154) of the second cantilever (126) is disposed on top of and in contact with an/the upwards-facing engagement surface (150) of the first cantilever (124).

A9. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A8.4.1, wherein the first member (44) further comprises a first handle (162) configured to facilitate user-removal of the each pack (16).

A9.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A9, wherein the first handle (162) is centrally disposed adjacent a/the top edge of a/the first respective base portion (128), such that the first handle (162) extends upwards from the top edge, past a portion of the first cantilever (124).

A10. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A9.1, wherein the second member (46) further comprises a disengagement handle (164) configured to interface with the second cantilever (126) in order to facilitate selective decoupling of the first member (44) from the second member (46).

A10.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A10, wherein the second member (46) further includes a pair of first apertures (170) disposed through a/the bottom wall (182) of a/the channel structure (122), wherein the pair of first apertures (170) is configured to receive a portion of the disengagement handle (164).

A10.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A10-A10.1, wherein the disengagement handle (164) comprises an exterior portion (166) and a pair of interior attachment portions (168).

A10.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A10.2, wherein the exterior portion (166) of the disengagement handle (164) is disposed external to the second member (46), and wherein the exterior portion (166) comprises a first end and a second end.

A10.2.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A10.2-A10.2.1, wherein the exterior portion (166) is disposed below the bottom wall (182) of the channel structure (122) and extends between a/the pair of first apertures (170) such that a/the first end and a/the second end of the exterior portion (166) are disposed below respective first apertures (170) of the pair of first apertures (170).

A10.2.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A10.2-A10.2.2, wherein at least a section of each interior attachment portion (168) of the pair of interior attachment portions (168) are disposed within respective first apertures (170) of the pair of first apertures (170) and are respectively coupled to a/the first end and a/the second end of the exterior portion (166).

A10.2.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A10.2-A10.2.3, wherein the each interior attachment portion (168) extends from respective ends of the exterior portion (166) through a respective first aperture (170) of the pair of first apertures (170) and along a length of the second respective base portion (130) and second cantilever (126) in order to couple to an upper back surface of the second barbed catch (142) of the second cantilever (126).

A10.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A10-A10.2.4, wherein a/the disengagement handle (164) is configured to selectively transition the second cantilever (126) from a/the relaxed position to a/the deflected position in response to the user pulling downwards on the exterior portion (166) of the disengagement handle (164).

A11. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A4.1-A10.3, wherein the second member (46) further includes a locking mechanism (172) configured to secure the second cantilever (126) in a/the deflected position.

A11.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A11, wherein the locking mechanism (172) includes a release component (174) configured to disengage the locking mechanism (172), allowing the second cantilever (126) to return to a/the relaxed position.

A11.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A11.1, wherein the locking mechanism (172) is configured to transition the second cantilever (126) from the deflected position to the relaxed position in response to the user actuating the release component (174) of the locking mechanism (172).

A12. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A11.1.1, wherein each pack (16) is configured to be selectively and releasably secured to each chassis (12) by way of the mounting system (42).

A12.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A12, wherein the mounting system (42) comprises a/the first member (44) and a/the second member (46), wherein the second member (46) is configured to engage with the first member (44).

A12.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A12.1, wherein each pack (16) comprises the first member (44) of the mounting system (42), and each chassis (12) comprises the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A12.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A12.1, wherein each chassis (12) comprises the first member (44) of the mounting system (42), and each pack (16) comprises the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A12.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A12.1.2, wherein the first member (44) and the second member (46) of the mounting system (42) collectively define a/the releasable securing mechanism (48) configured to restrict removal of a respective pack (16) from a respective chassis (12).

A13. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A12.2, wherein the releasable securing mechanism (48) comprises a circumferential zipper assembly (218).

A13.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A13, wherein the circumferential zipper assembly (218) comprises a first zipper portion (220), a second zipper portion (222), and a slider (224), wherein the slider (224) is configured to facilitate engagement between the first zipper portion (220) and the second zipper portion (222).

A13.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A13.1, wherein the first zipper portion (220) and the second zipper portion (222) each comprise a length of zipper tape and a plurality of zipper teeth arranged along one side of the length of zipper tape.

A13.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1.1, wherein a/the slider (224) is configured to slide along a/the length of zipper tape of each zipper portion to selectively connect or separate a/the plurality of zipper teeth of a/the first zipper portion (220) and a/the plurality of zipper teeth of a/the second zipper portion (222).

A13.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1.2, wherein a/the first member (44) of the mounting system (42) comprises a/the first zipper portion (220) of the circumferential zipper assembly (218), and the second member (46) of the mounting system (42) comprises a/the second zipper portion (222) of the circumferential zipper assembly (218).

A13.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.2, wherein a/the first zipper portion (220) further comprises a/the slider (224) of the circumferential zipper assembly (218) partially mounted on a/the length of zipper tape over a/the plurality of zipper teeth, a/the slider (224) configured to selectively engage with the length of zipper tape of the second zipper portion (222) and move along the length of zipper tape of each zipper portion to removably couple the first zipper portion (220) to the second zipper portion (222).

A13.3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A13.3, wherein the second zipper portion (222) is configured to be selectively inserted through a portion of the slider (224) to mount the slider (224) onto the length of zipper tape of the second zipper portion (222) such that the slider (224) is mounted over the plurality of zipper teeth of the first zipper portion (220) and the plurality of zipper teeth of the second zipper portion (222).

A14. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A13.3.1, wherein each chassis (12) and each pack (16) comprise a/the main structural panel (226A, 226B) configured to provide structural rigidity and form to each chassis (12) and each pack (16), and to which all other components of each chassis (12) and each pack (16) are attached to or extend from.

A14.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14, wherein the main structural panel (226A, 226B) of each chassis (12) and each pack (16) has a front surface (228A, 228B), a rear surface (230A, 230B) arranged opposite the front surface (228A, 228B), and an outer perimeter (299A, 299B) extending around the main structural panel (226A, 226B).

A14.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.1, wherein the first member (44) of the mounting system (42) is at least partially coupled to or adjacent the rear surface (230A, 230B) of the main structural panel (226A, 226B) of each pack (16) or each chassis (12) of which the first member (44) is coupled to.

A14.1.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.1.1, wherein the length of zipper tape of the first zipper portion (220) is secured along the outer perimeter (299A, 299B) of the main structural panel (226A, 226B) of each pack (16) or each chassis (12) of which the first member (44) is a component of.

A14.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.1, wherein the second member (46) of the mounting system (42) is at least partially coupled to or adjacent the front surface (228A, 228B) of the main structural panel (226A, 226B) of each pack (16) or each chassis (12) of which the second member (46) is a component of.

A14.1.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.1.2, wherein the length of zipper tape of the second zipper portion (222) is secured along the outer perimeter (299A, 299B) of the main structural panel (226A, 226B) of each pack (16) or each chassis (12) of which the second member (46) is a component of.

A14.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14-A14.1.2.1, wherein the main structural panel (226A) of each chassis (12) is formed from a layered arrangement of foam and rigid structures.

A14.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.2, wherein the main structural panel (226A) of each chassis (12) comprises a main structural layer (234), a rigid layer (236) layered over the main structural layer (234), and a comfort layer (232) layered over the rigid layer (236) and the main structural layer (234), wherein the comfort layer (232) is configured to contact a user's body when the chassis (12) is worn by the user.

A14.2.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.2.1, wherein the main structural layer (234) is configured to provide a semi-rigid structure to the chassis (12) to facilitate alignment and engagement of the mounting system (42).

A14.2.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.2.1-A14.2.1.1, wherein the main structural layer (234) is disposed between the comfort layer (232) and the main structural layer (234) and is configured to hold a significant portion of the weight of each pack (16).

A14.2.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.2.1-A14.2.1.2, wherein the layered arrangement of the main structural panel (226A) further comprises a handle panel (238) disposed between the comfort layer (232) and remaining layers of the main structural panel (226A).

A14.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14-A14.2.2, wherein a front surface of the main structural layer (234) comprises the front surface (228A) of main structural panel (226A), and a rear surface of the main structural layer (234) comprises the rear surface (230A) of the main structural panel (226A).

A14.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14-A14.3, wherein the main structural layer (234) of each chassis (12) further includes a top edge (262A), a bottom edge (264A) arranged opposite the top edge (262A), and a pair of side edges (266A) connecting the top edge (262A) to the bottom edge (264A), and wherein the top edge (262A), the bottom edge (264A), and the pair of side edges (266A) define a/the perimeter (299A) of the main structural layer (234).

A14.4.1. The modular carrying system of paragraph A14.4, wherein the perimeter (299A) of the main structural layer (234) comprises the perimeter (299A) of the main structural panel (226A) of each chassis (12).

A14.5. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14-A14.4.1, wherein a/the comfort layer (232) is substantially V-shaped and includes a base segment (242) and a pair of mesh extensions (244) protruding at an angle from the base segment (242), each mesh extension (244) having an exterior-side edge (246), an interior-side edge (248) arranged opposite the exterior-side edge (246), and an angled distal end (250) disposed furthest from the base segment (242).

A14.5.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.5, wherein the base segment (242) of the comfort layer (232) is fixedly secured to the bottom edge (264A) of the main structural layer (234) of the main structural panel (226A).

A14.5.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.5-A14.5.1, wherein the angled distal end (250) of each mesh extension (244) has an outer corner (252) and an inner corner (254), wherein the inner corner (254) of the angled distal end (250) may be arranged closer to a centerline of the comfort layer (232) than the outer corner (252).

A14.5.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.5.2, wherein the inner corners (254) of the angled distal ends (250) of the mesh extensions (244) extend a distance past the outer corners (252) of the angled distal ends (250).

A14.6. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.5-A14.5.2.1, wherein a/the rigid layer (236) is sized such that a stowing cavity (260) is formed between a/the comfort layer (232) and a remaining portion of the main structural panel (226A).

A14.6.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.6, wherein the comfort layer (232) is fixedly secured to the main structural layer (234) or another layer of the main structural panel (226A) at one or more specified locations to form a plurality of openings configured to permit access to the stowing cavity (260).

A14.6.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.6-A14.6.1, wherein a/the outer corners (252) of a/the angled distal ends (250) of the comfort layer (232) are fixedly secured to respective side edges (266a) of the main structural layer (234), and a/the inner corners (254) of the angled distal ends (250) are fixedly secured to respective portions of a/the top edge (262A) of the main structural layer (234) to create a pair of primary strap windows (268).

A14.6.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.6-A14.6.1, wherein a/the handle panel (238) is fixedly attached to a/the top edge (262A) of the main structural layer (234), a/the outer corners (252) of the angled distal ends (250) of the comfort layer (232) are fixedly secured to respective side edges (266A) of the main structural layer (234), and a/the inner corners (254) of the angled distal ends (250) are fixedly secured to respective portions of the handle panel (238) such that the comfort layer (232), the handle panel (238), and the main structural layer (234) collectively define a/the pair of primary strap windows (268).

A14.6.1.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.6.1.1-A14.6.1.2, wherein the pair of primary strap windows (268) are spaced apart from one another and arranged adjacent respective corners of the top edge (262A) of the main structural layer (234).

A14.6.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.5-A14.6.1.3, wherein a/the exterior-side edge (246) of each mesh extension (244) is separated into an upper portion (256) that extends from a/the outer corner (252) of a/the angled distal end (250) and a lower portion (258) that extends from the upper portion (256) to a/the base segment (242) of a/the comfort layer (232).

A14.6.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.6.2, wherein the upper portion (256) of the exterior-side edge (246) is fixedly secured to respective side edges (266A, 268A) of the main structural layer (234), and the lower portion (258) of the exterior-side edge (246) is removably secured to a/the front surface (228A) of the main structural layer (234).

A14.6.2.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.6.2-A14.6.2.1, wherein the lower portions (258) of the exterior-side edges (246) of the mesh extensions (244) and a portion of a/the front surface (228A) of the main structural layer (234) form a pair of cavity openings (272) through which a/the stowing cavity (260) of the main structural panel (226A) is accessible.

A14.6.2.3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.6.2-A14.6.2.2, wherein the lower portions (258) of the exterior-side edges (246) of the pair of mesh extensions (244) are removably secured to the front surface (228A) of the main structural layer (234) using Velcro®.

A14.7. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14-A14.6.2.3, wherein a/the strap system (20) of each chassis (12) is a stowable strap system (206) that is transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which one or more components of the stowable strap system (206) are disposed in a/the stowing cavity (260) and a useable configuration, in which one or more components of the stowable strap system (206) are arranged to facilitate the user donning the chassis (12).

A14.7.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7, wherein the stowable strap system (206) comprises a pair of primary shoulder straps (276), a hip belt (278), and a pair of engagement wings (280).

A14.7.2. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7.1, wherein the pair of engagement wings (280) are disposed adjacent a/the bottom edge (264A) of the main structural layer (234), and extend outwards toward respective side edges (266A, 268A) of the main structural layer (234).

A14.7.3. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7.2, wherein the primary shoulder straps (276) each have a first end (282) coupled to a/the top edge (262A) of the main structural layer (234) and a second end (284) extending away from the first end (282) and configured to removably couple with a respective engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280).

A14.7.3.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7.3, wherein the primary shoulder straps (276) each further include a locking fastener (286) disposed at the second ends (284) of the primary shoulder straps (276) and configured to removably couple the second ends (284) of the primary shoulder straps (276) to the respective engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280) to form an arm hole.

A14.7.3.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7.3.1, wherein the locking fastener (286) comprises a gatekeeper sliplock.

A14.7.4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.7-A14.7.3.1.1, wherein each engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280) has a distal locking loop (288) configured to selectively receive a portion of a/the locking fastener (286) of the primary shoulder straps (276) to form arm holes, which permit the chassis (12) to be donned by the user.

A14.7.5. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.7-A14.7.4, wherein the hip belt (278) and the pair of engagement wings (280) are configured to be stowed in a lower portion of a/the stowing cavity (260), accessible through a/the pair of cavity openings (272).

A14.7.5.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A14.7.5, wherein in the stowed configuration, the hip belt (278) and the pair of engagement wings (280) are accessible through the pair of cavity openings (272).

A14.7.6. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A14.7-A14.7.5.1, wherein the primary shoulder straps (276) are configured to be stowed in an upper portion of a/the stowing cavity (260), and further wherein in the stowed configuration, the primary shoulder straps (276) are accessible through the pair of primary strap windows (270).

A15. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A14.7.6, wherein each chassis (12) further includes one or more storage features (290) disposed on a/the rear surface (230A) of a/the main structural layer (234) of a/the main structural panel (226A), and wherein the one or more storage features (290) are configured to hold one or more items.

A15.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A15, wherein the one or more storage features (290) includes a mesh pocket (290A) fixedly secured to the rear surface (230A) of the main structural layer (234).

A15.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A15-A15.1, wherein the one or more storage features (290) includes a bungie system (290B) arranged on the rear surface (230A) of the main structural layer (234) of the chassis (12).

A16. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A15.2, wherein a/the main structural panel (226B) of each pack (16) has a/the top edge (262B), a/the bottom edge (264B) arranged opposite the top edge (262B), and a/the pair of side edges (266B, 268B) connecting the top edge (262B) to the bottom edge (264B), and wherein the top edge (262B), the bottom edge (264B), and the pair of side edges (266B, 268B) define a/the perimeter (299B) of the main structural panel (226B) of each pack (16).

A17. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A16, wherein each pack (16) further comprises a secondary strap system (54) disposed on a/the front surface (228B) of a/the main structural panel (226B) of each pack (16).

A17.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A17, wherein the secondary strap system (54) includes at least a pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) attached to a/the top edge (262B) of the main structural panel (226B) and a pair of engagement wings (280) disposed adjacent a/the bottom edge (264B) of the main structural panel (226B) and extending toward a/the respective sides edges (266B, 268B) of the main structural panel (226B) of each pack (16).

A17.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A17.1, wherein the secondary shoulder straps (291) have a first end (292) coupled to the top edge (262B) of the main structural panel (226B) and a second end (293) extending away from the first end (292) and configured to removably couple with a respective engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280) of the secondary strap system (54).

A17.1.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A17.1.1, wherein the secondary shoulder straps (291) each further include a locking fastener (286) disposed at the second ends (293) and configured to removably couple the secondary shoulder straps (291) to the respective engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280).

A17.1.1.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A17.1.1.1, wherein the locking fastener (286) comprises a gatekeeper sliplock.

A17.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A17.1-A17.1.1.1.1, wherein each engagement wing (280) of the pair of engagement wings (280) has a/the distal locking loop (288) configured to selectively receive a portion of a/the locking fastener (286) of the pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) to form arm holes, which permit the pack (16) to be temporarily donned by the user without use of the chassis (12).

A18. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph of any of paragraphs A12-A17.1.2, wherein each pack (16) further includes a shelf (294) disposed on a/the front surface (228B) of the main structural panel (226B) adjacent a/the top edge (262B) and configured to facilitate mounting of the pack (16) onto a/the one or more storage structures (49).

A18.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A18, wherein the shelf (294) comprises a piece of shelf material (295) that is coupled to a portion of the top edge (262B) and portions of respective side edges (266B, 268B) of the main structural panel (226B) to form a pocket (296) between the shelf material (295) and the front surface (228B) of the main structural panel (226B) of the pack (16).

A18.1.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A18.1, wherein the shelf (294) is disposed in an upper half of the main structural panel (226B) of the pack (16).

A18.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A18.1-A18.1.1, wherein the pocket (296) has a pocket main opening (297) facing in a first direction towards a/the bottom edge (264B) of the main structural panel (226B), and a pair of spaced apart secondary strap windows (298).

A18.1.2.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A18.1.2, wherein the pair of spaced apart secondary strap windows (298) are disposed adjacent respective corners of the top edge (262B) of the main structural panel (226B) of each chassis (12).

A18.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A18-A18.1.2.1, wherein the pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) are transitionable between a stowed configuration, in which the pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) are disposed in a/the pocket (296) behind the shelf (294) and a usable configuration, in which the pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) are disposed in front of the shelf (294).

A19. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A18.2, wherein each pack (16) further comprises one or more pack handles (279) configured to facilitate user-removal of each pack (16) from the each chassis (12).

A20. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A12-A19, wherein each chassis (12) has a slight S-curve profile configured to match a shape of a user's back.

A21. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A20, wherein each pack (16) further is configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a/the one or more storage structures (49) distinct from the one or more chassis (12).

A21.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A21, wherein each pack (16) further is configured to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from the one or more storage structures (49) by way of a/the mounting system (42).

The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A21.1, A21.1.1, wherein each pack (16) comprises a/the first member (44) of a/the mounting system (42), and each storage structure (49) of the one or more storage structures (49) comprises a/the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A21.1.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A21.1, wherein each storage structure (49) of the one or more storage structures (49) comprises a/the first member (44) of a/the mounting system (42), and each pack (16) comprises a/the second member (46) of the mounting system (42).

A22. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A21-A21.1.2, wherein each storage structure (49) of the one or more storage structures (49) is configured to be operatively mounted to a support structure (50).

A22.1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph A22, wherein the support structure (50) comprises a building, a wall, a vehicle, a rack, furniture, a cabinet, a pole, a rod, or a column.

A22.2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A22-A22.1, wherein each storage structure (49) further comprises a support structure interface (52) configured to facilitate mounting of each storage structure (49) to the support structure (50).

A23. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs A0-A22.2, further comprising a/the storage structure (49).

B0. A method for using a modular carrying system (10) comprising:

- locating a downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) of a chassis (12) of the modular carrying system (10), wherein the chassis (12) is configured to be donned by a user;
- locating an upwards-extending handle (162, 662) of a pack (16) of the modular carrying system (10), wherein the pack (16) is configured to be selectively coupled to the chassis (12); and
- applying opposing pulling forces to the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) and the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) to uncouple the pack (16) from the chassis (12).

B1. The method of B0, wherein the applying opposing pulling forces on the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) and the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) is performed simultaneously.

B2. The method of B0, wherein the applying opposing pulling forces on the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) and the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) comprises first pulling downwards in a first direction on the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664), and then pulling upwards on the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

B3. The method of any of paragraphs B0-B2, further comprising:

- continuing to apply opposing pulling forces on the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) and the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) to fully remove the pack (16) from the chassis (12).

B4. The method of any of paragraphs B0-B3, further comprising:

- releasing the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) to prepare the chassis (12) to couple with a second pack (16), wherein the pack (16) is a first pack (16) and the second pack (16) is different from the first pack (16).

B5. The method of any of paragraphs B0-B4, further comprising:

- vertically sliding the second pack (16) relative to the chassis (12) to couple the second pack (16) to the chassis (12).

C0. A modular carrying system (10), comprising:

- a mounting system (42) comprising:
  - a first member (44) including a first cantilever (124, 624);
  - a second member (46) including a channel structure (122, 622), a second cantilever (126, 626), and a downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664), wherein the channel structure (122, 622) is configured to receive the first cantilever (124, 624) of the first member (44);
    - wherein the second cantilever (126, 626) is at least partially disposed within the channel structure (122, 622) and configured to couple with the first cantilever (124, 624) in response to the first cantilever (124, 624) being received in the channel structure (122, 622);
    - wherein the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) is operably coupled to the second cantilever (126, 626) and configured to decouple the second cantilever (126, 626) from the first cantilever (124, 624) in response to a user pulling downwards on the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) in a first direction;
- a chassis (12) configured to be selectively donned by the user and comprising the second member (114, 614) of the mounting system (42); and
- a pack (16) configured to retain an object and comprising the first member (44) of the mounting system (42) and an upwards-extending handle (162, 662);
- wherein uncoupling the pack (16) from the chassis (12) includes pulling downwards on the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) in a first direction and pulling upwards on the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

C1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph C0, wherein the coupling the pack (16) to the chassis (12) includes vertically sliding the pack (16) relative to the chassis (12) into the channel structure (122, 622) to couple the pack (16) to the chassis (12).

C2. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs C0-C1, further comprising a secondary lock (686) configured to support the coupling of the pack (16) to the chassis (12).

C3. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs C0-C2, wherein a/the secondary lock (686) is disposed in the second cantilever (126, 626).

C4. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs C0-C3, wherein the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) is coupled to a/the secondary lock (686) and configured to transition the secondary lock (686) between a closed position and an open position in response to the user pulling downwards on the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) in the first direction.

C5. The modular carrying system (10) of any of paragraphs C0-C4, wherein the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) is configured to simultaneously transition a/the secondary lock (686) from a/the closed position to a/the open position, and transition the second cantilever (126, 626) from a relaxed position to a deflected position in response to the user pulling downwards on the downward-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) in the first direction.

D0. A modular carrying system (10), comprising:

- a chassis (12) configured to be selectively donned by a user (14) and comprising a downward-extending disengagement handle (164); and
- a pack (16) configured to be selectively coupled to the chassis (12) in a coupled configuration and selectively uncoupled from the chassis (12) in an uncoupled configuration, wherein the pack (16) comprises an upward-extending handle (162), and wherein the pack (16) is configured to selectively retain one or more objects (17);
- wherein the chassis (12) and the pack (16) collectively define a mounting system (42), wherein the mounting system (42) is configured such that:
- in response to the pack (16) and the chassis (12) being in the coupled configuration, the downward-extending disengagement handle (164) and the upward-extending handle (162) are generally aligned; and
- wherein, opposing pulling forces applied to the downward-extending disengagement handle (164) and the upward-extending handle (162) cause the mounting system (41) to release the pack (16) from the chassis (12); and
- wherein continued opposing pulling forces applied to the downward-extending disengagement handle (164) and the upward-extending handle (162) cause the pack (16) and the chassis (12) to transition to the uncoupled configuration.

D1. The modular carrying system (10) of paragraph DO, wherein the modular carrying system (10) comprises the modular carrying system of any of paragraphs A0-A14 and C0-C5.

E0. A method (500) for using a modular carrying system (10) comprising:

- locating (502) a handle protruding from a pack (16) of the modular carrying system (10);
- disengaging (504) a releasable securing mechanism (48) to selectively uncouple the pack (16) of the modular carrying system (10) from a chassis (12) of the modular carrying system (10), wherein the chassis (12) is configured to be donned by a user, and the pack (16) is configured to be selectively coupled to the chassis (12); and
- removing (510) the pack (16) from the chassis (12).

E1. The method (500) of paragraph E0, wherein the releasable securing mechanism (48) comprises a circumferential zipper assembly (218) comprising a first zipper portion (220), a second zipper portion (222), and a slider (224) configured to selectively engage and/or disengage the first zipper portion (220) with/from the second zipper portion (222).

E1.1. The method (500) of paragraph E1, wherein the disengaging (504) the releasable securing mechanism (48) includes:

- locating the slider (224) of the circumferential zipper assembly (218) that is detachably coupling the chassis (12) of the modular carrying system (10) to the pack (16) of the modular carrying system; and
- moving the slider (224) along the first zipper portion (220) and the second zipper portion (222) to disengage the first zipper portion (220) from the second zipper portion (222) and uncouple the pack (16) from the chassis (12);
- wherein the first zipper portion (220) and the second zipper portion (222) are arranged around a perimeter of the pack (16) and the chassis (12).

E2. The method (500) of any of paragraphs E0-E1.1, further comprising:

- detachably coupling (512) a second pack (16) of the modular carrying system (10) to the chassis (12) of the modular carrying system (10), wherein the pack (16) is a first pack (16), and the second pack (16) is different from the first pack (16).

E2.1. The method (500) of paragraph E2, wherein the detachably coupling the second pack (16) to the chassis (12) includes:

engaging (508) the releasable securing mechanism (48) between the second pack (16) and the chassis (12) to couple the second pack (16) to the chassis (12).

E3. The method (500) of paragraph E0, wherein the releasable securing mechanism (48) comprises a snap-fit assembly (118).

E3.1. The method (500) of paragraph E3, wherein the disengaging the releasable securing mechanism (48) includes:

- locating a downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) of the chassis (12) of the modular carrying system (10);
- locating an upwards-extending handle (162, 662) of the pack (16) of the modular carrying system (10); and
- applying (506) opposing pulling forces to the downwards-extending disengagement handle (164, 664) and the upwards-extending handle (162, 662) to uncouple the pack (16) from the chassis (12).

E4. The method (500) of any of paragraphs E0-E3.1, further comprising:

- transitioning a secondary strap system (54) of the pack (16) from a stowed configuration to a usable configuration to permit the pack (16) to be worn by the user without use of the chassis (12), and wherein in the stowed configuration, the secondary strap system (54) is disposed in a pocket (296) of the pack (16).

E4.1. The method (500) of paragraph E4, wherein the secondary strap system (54) comprises a pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) and a pair of secondary engagement wings (281); wherein the pair of secondary shoulder straps (291) comprises a first end (282) coupled to a top edge (262B) of a front surface (228B) of the pack (16) and a second end (284) extending away from the first end (282) and configured to detachably couple to a respective engagement wing (281) of the pair of engagement wings (281) to form arm holes.

E4.1.1. The method (500) of paragraph E4.1, wherein the transitioning the secondary strap system (54) from the stowed configuration to the useable configuration includes:

- pulling an entirety of the secondary shoulder straps (291) through a respective secondary strap window (298) of a pair of secondary strap windows (298) formed through a top of the pocket (296), wherein a/the pair of secondary strap windows (298) are spaced apart and disposed adjacent respective corners of the top edge (262B) of the pack (16); and
- releasably coupling the first ends (282) of the secondary shoulder straps (291) to the respective secondary engagement wings (281) to form the arm holes by which the pack (16) can be worn by the user.

Advantages, Features, and Benefits

The different embodiments and examples of the modular carrying system described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for using a single storage pack for multiple activities. For example, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow a single wearable chassis to be selectively coupled to and uncoupled from a plurality of packs configured to retain one or more objects.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow a user to spend less of their time unpacking and repacking the same pack for different activities.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow a user to conveniently store their pack on a support structure for easy access and mounting.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein allow a user to quickly dismount a pack on the go.

Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative embodiments and examples described herein provides secure storing means by preventing inadvertent uncoupling of the pack from the chassis.

No known system or device can perform these functions. However, not all embodiments and examples described herein provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantage.

CONCLUSION

The disclosure set forth above may encompass multiple distinct examples with independent utility. Although each of these examples has been disclosed in its preferred form(s), the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed and illustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense, because numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the example(s) includes all novel and nonobvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions, and/or properties disclosed herein.

Certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and nonobvious are particularly pointed out throughout this disclosure. Other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements, and/or properties may be claimed, with or without variation in scope, in applications claiming priority from this or a related application.

Explicit reference is hereby made to all examples, embodiments, inventions, labels, terms, descriptions, and illustrative measurements shown in the drawings and/or in any included appendices, whether or not described further herein. To the extent that section headings are used within this disclosure, such headings are for organizational purposes only.

MODULAR CARRYING SYSTEMS

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