Adjustable Carrier Device

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/466,273, titled “ADJUSTABLE CARRIER DEVICE,” filed on Sep. 13, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 18/146,129, titled “ADJUSTABLE CARRIER DEVICE,” filed on Dec. 23, 2022, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,835,327 issued on Dec. 5, 2023, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/519,155, titled “ADJUSTABLE CARRIER DEVICE,” filed on Nov. 4, 2021, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,536,550 issued on Dec. 27, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated in their entireties by this reference.

The present disclosure relates to devices for carrying articles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable carrier device for an ammunition magazine.

Ammunition magazine carrying pouches are typically fabric walled and can thus be used to carry various types of articles by conforming somewhat to any inserted article. While such flexibility is useful, in order to secure a carried article, some sort of manually released closure means is needed. For example, a closure flap may overlay the opening of the pouch to secure an enclosed article, with the flap being secured in a closed configuration with a button or hook-and-loop fabric patches. An entirely soft-walled pouch surrounded by a cinching cord may collapse when emptied, and may gather at its opening. Thus typical ammunition carrying pouches may delay access to ammunition or other carried article at a critical moment.

Hard-shell carriers, on the other hand, are typically less flexible as to their use, and may be sized and shaped for a specific article type. While a hard-shell carrier having fixed dimensions such as a box may not collapse when empty, a manually released closure means may be needed as with a soft-walled pouch. Thus, again, access to a needed article such as an ammunition magazine may be delayed at a critical moment as the closure is manually released.

This summary is provided to briefly introduce concepts that are further described in the following detailed descriptions. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In at least one embodiment, a carrier device includes: a body member including a first section, a second section parallel to the first section, and a central section to which the first section and second section are attached, the first section and second section each having a terminal end, the terminal end of the first section and the terminal end of the second section extending away from the central section in a common direction. A bracket includes a central base plate, a first lateral side member attached to a first end of central base plate, and a second lateral side member attached to a second end of central base plate, the first lateral side member and second lateral side member each having a respective terminal end and a respective loop proximate the respective terminal end defining a respective hole, the terminal end of the first lateral side member and the terminal end of the second lateral side member extending away from the base plate in the common direction, wherein the bracket is nested with the body member with the base plate proximate the central section such that an interior of the carrier device is defined between the first section and second section of the body member and between the first lateral side member and second lateral side member. A binding member engages the first section and the second section, the binding member passing through each said respective hole defined by said respective loop of the first lateral side member and second lateral side member of the frame. A retention member, for retaining a magazine when inserted into the carrier device, has a respective portion passing through each said respective hole defined by said respective loop of the first lateral side member and second lateral side member of the frame.

The terminal ends of the lateral side members may extend in the common direction beyond the terminal ends of the first section and second section of the body member.

The terminal ends of the lateral side members and the terminal ends of the first section and second section of the body member may together define an opening into the interior of the carrier device.

The respective terminal end of each lateral side member may include a ramped inward contact surface such that the opening into the interior of the carrier device is tapered.

The respective terminal end of each of the first section and second section of the body member may include a ramped inward contact surface.

An upper tip of the loop of each lateral side member may define the terminal end thereof.

An interior face of the loop of each lateral side member may define the ramped inward contact surface thereof.

A laterally outward portion of the loop of each lateral side member may extend generally parallel to the side member thereby defining the hole as an elongate slot.

Each lateral side member, along an exterior side thereof, may include at least one pair of parallel spaced ribs.

A portion of the binding member may be held in a space between the ribs by at least on other portion of the binding member.

The ribs may have alternating high portions and low portions to guide the binding member.

Each lateral side member, along an exterior side thereof, may include multiple pairs of parallel spaced ribs, wherein each pairs is spaced from at least one other by a gap that receives a respective portion of the binder member.

The body member may be a unitary materially contiguous item of which the first section, second section and central section are materially contiguous portions.

The body member may include polymer.

The first section of the body member may include hooks for releasably engaging the binding member.

The second section of the body member may include hooks for releasably engaging the binding member.

The body member may include a flexible and foldable rectangular assembly comprising fabric.

The body member may include multiple band portions attached to the first section defining loops to engage respective portions of the binding member.

The body member may include bands attached to the second section to engage respective portions of the binding member.

The binding member may include a stretchable cord having an adjustable loop portion and an adjuster.

The above summary is to be understood as cumulative and inclusive. The above described embodiments and features are combined in various combinations in whole or in part in one or more other embodiments.

These descriptions are presented with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. These descriptions expound upon and exemplify particular features of those particular embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the inventive subject matters. Although steps may be expressly described or implied relating to features of processes or methods, no implication is made of any particular order or sequence among such expressed or implied steps unless an order or sequence is explicitly stated.

Any dimensions expressed or implied in the drawings and these descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to such exemplary dimensions. The drawings are not made necessarily to scale. Thus, not all embodiments within the scope of the drawings and these descriptions are made according to the apparent scale of the drawings with regard to relative dimensions in the drawings. However, for each drawing, at least one embodiment is made according to the apparent relative scale of the drawing.

Like reference numbers used throughout the drawings depict like or similar elements. Unless described or implied as exclusive alternatives, features throughout the drawings and descriptions should be taken as cumulative, such that features expressly associated with some particular embodiments can be combined with other embodiments.

A carrier deviceaccording to at least one embodiment is shown inwith an ammunition magazineinserted and retained by the device. Magazines are available in a variety of sizes and configurations for many types of ammunition and firearms. The carrier deviceaccordingly can vary in particular dimensions. The magazineparticularly shown inis for ammunition typically used in a semiautomatic handgun, and thus the carrier deviceofcan be described as suited for use with a pistol without limitation as to other uses.

In use as shown in, a magazineis inserted into an open first endof the device. The open first endmay be for example oriented as upward in use. However, due to the magazine retention capability of the device, users may prefer various carrying strategies in which other orientations are utilized. A second endof the device, opposite the first end, is generally closed with regard to insertion or passage of the magazineor other carried articles, such that full insertion of a magazine is registered when the ammunition-feed end of the magazine reaches the of the second endof the device. At full insertion, the floor plate endof the magazine extends outward from the first endas available to be grasped and pulled from the carrier device. Advantageously ramped inward contact surfacesanddefine a tapered openinginto the interior of the carrier device, to receive the magazineor other article, and that narrows to guide the magazine or article to proper alignment and insertion.

A first exterior surface() of the carrier devicemay be generally directed outward when the carrier device is mounted on a host such as a belt, strap, vest, harness, or pack, such as a MOLLE-equipped host item or apparel, referring to Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) having spaced mounting straps. In such use, a second exterior surface(), opposite the first exterior surface, would be generally directed toward such a host. A mounting strap, for example attached to the second exterior surface, may be provided as an accessory for attaching the carrier deviceto a host.

Retention of the magazineby the carrier deviceagainst unintended removal, for example as a user or gear on which the device is mounted moves about, is assured by the elastically self-adjusting performance of the carrier device. A binding memberis stretched among front, side, and back panels of the devicethereby adjustably circumferentially tightening the device around the magazine to maintain frictional engagement of an inserted magazine with interior contact points of the carrier device. This frictionally secures an inserted magazine while permitting sliding entry and removal of the magazine by force applied by hand at the outward extending end of the magazine, such as the floor plate endof the magazine.

The first exterior surfaceand opposite second exterior surfaceof the carrier devicein the illustrated embodiment are defined by the outer surfaces of corresponding sections of a unitary materially contiguous body member() when folded as in the assembled device(). A first section of the body memberdefines a front or first panelof the assembled carrier device, and a second section of the body memberdefines a back or second panelof the assembled carrier device. Front and back are nominal terms referring to some expected uses of the carrier devicewithout limiting the carrier devicein its construction or use.

The first paneland second panelare each attached to a central base section() of the body member. The first panelextends from a flexible first strip portionof the base sectionto a first terminal endof the body member. The second panelextends from a flexible second strip portionof the base sectionto a second terminal endof the body member. The terminal ends,() extend in opposite directions from the base sectionin the unfolded condition. When the first paneland second panelare folded into approximately parallel condition as in the assembled carrier device(), the terminal ends,extend in a common longitudinal direction and define, in cooperation with the bracketas described below, the first endof the device. The folding of the body memberis effected as flexure, at least or particularly, of the flexible strip portions, which are connected by a rigidified base plate() that defines the second endof the assembled carrier device().

Contours and operative features of the body memberrigidify the first panel, second panel, and base plate. For example, with reference to rigidifying contours of the body member, the inward sideof the first panelhas an inside channel(), extending longitudinally from the first terminal endto the first strip portionof the base section, defined between lateral edgesof the first panel. Longitudinal ridgesextend inward in laterally spaced pairs from the inward sideof the first panelfurther add rigidity and provide frictional engagement with a magazineor other article within the carrier as represented in.

The inward side() of the second panel, which faces the inward sideof the first panelin the assembled carrier device, has an inside recessdefined between its lateral edges, and several inward extending bossesto provide further frictional engagement with a magazine or other article on an opposite side of the article relative to the ridges of the first panel. Multiple holes() for passage and retention of the binding memberare defined through the second panelalong the periphery of the recess. Mounting holesfor receiving fasteners such as screws are defined through outwardly planar portions of the second panelopposite the recess. The arrangement pattern of the holesmatches hole patterns in accessories such as the mounting strapattached to the second panelinby fasteners.

Along each lateral edge, the first panelhas laterally inwardly directed hooksdefined by slotsformed through the first panel. Each hook, at an endthereof, has an inwardly extending tooth() that retains a portion of the binding memberin the assembled carrier device. An angled faceof the hook, at the endand opposite the tooth, is angled inward away from the first exterior surface. The endof the hookis thereby sunken relative to the first exterior surfaceto protect the end of the hook from snagging on other objects. The angled faceis particularly advantageous in that, even if tension in the binding memberflexes the hook somewhat, the angled faceassures the endof the hook remains sunken, approaches a flush disposition with the first exterior surface, or is minimally exposed to any likelihood of snagging other objects. Each slotis approximately U-shaped, having a longitudinally extending linear central slot portion(), and a respective angled slot portionat each end of the central slot portion, thereby defining an approximately trapezoidal hookthat has a base() connected to a corresponding lateral edgeand tapers therefrom to the endof the hook. The hook, from the baseto the verge of the angled faceis flush with the contours of the first exterior surface.

Along each lateral edgethereof, the second panelhas a respective laterally inwardly directed hookdefined by slotssimilarly as for the hooksof the first panel. Each hookof the second panel, however, in the illustrated embodiment does not have a tooth. The hookretains a portion of the binding memberin the assembled carrier device, and an angled faceof the hook opposite the tooth by which the endof the hook is thereby sunken relative to the second exterior surface. Each hookis approximately trapezoidal, having a baseconnected to a corresponding lateral edgeand tapering trapezoidally therefrom to the endof the hook.

A laterally spaced pair of tabs() extend outward from the outward side of the base sectionof the body member. Each tabhas a laterally extending holefor passage and retention of the binding member. In the binding arrangement of the drawings, the adjusteris nestled between the tabs when the binding memberis drawn taut.

In the illustrated embodiments, the first panelhas an opposing first pairof hooks proximal the first end(,) and an opposing second pairof hooksproximal the second endlongitudinally spaced from the first pair. The second panelhas an opposing pair of hooks, referenced as the third pair() rearwardly offset from, and longitudinally positioned between, the first pairand second pairin the assembled carrier device. By such placement of the pairs, the binding membercan be engaged in ordered succession such as the first pair, the third pair, and the second pairalong each lateral side of the carrier deviceas in the illustrated binding arrangement.

The binding memberis illustrated () as a stretchable cordhaving one or more elastic strands forming a core covered in a woven fibrous sheath, for example made of polypropylene. Such binding members are known, for example, as shock cords and bungee cords. Opposite free endsof the binding member extend from an adjusterto define an adjustable loop portion() of the binding member. The adjusteris shown as a cord lock in the drawings. The adjustable loop portionof the binding memberurges the interior of carrier deviceupon a magazine or other carried article to maintain frictional engagement.

Opposite lateral side members of the assembled carrier device() are provided by the bracketshown in various views in. The bracketincludes a central base plateand, attached to opposite respective lateral ends of the base plate, a first lateral side memberand a second lateral side memberthat extend parallel to each other in a common longitudinal direction from the base plate. In the assembled carrier device, the bracketis nested within the body memberin the folded condition, with the exterior side of the base plateof the bracketabutting or proximate the interior side of the base plateof the body member.

Respective terminal endsof the side members, in cooperation with the terminal endsandof the body member, define the first endof the assembled carrier device. A respective ramped inward contact surfaceadjacent the terminal endof each side memberof the bracketcooperates with the contact surfacesto define the tapered openingof the assembled carrier device.

includes reference to each of a lateral width dimension W (side-to-side), a longitudinal length dimension L (top-to-bottom), and a depth dimension D (front-to-back). These relate to, the bracketthereof, and more generally to other drawings and structures thereof and their dimensions in respective relation to the W, L, and D dimensions ofby association in the assembled carrier devices illustrated or implied herein. To be clear, the base platehas a width in the width dimension W to accommodate a pistol magazine, whereas the base platehas a greater width in the width dimension to accommodate a rifle magazine. Thus, the dimensions referenced inshowing the bracketof the carrier devicerepresent a mutually orthogonal dimension set that is used herein to refer to other carrier devices and their components.

Each lateral side member, along an exterior side thereof, has a pair of parallel ribsextending longitudinally from proximal the base plate toward the terminal end thereof. The ribsare spaced from each other in the width dimension in that one ribextends along a front edge of the side memberand a second rib extends along a back edge of the side member. The ribsrigidify the side members and provide guiding and retention of the binding member. The ribshave alternating high portionsand low portionsto guide and stabilize the binding memberin a binding arrangement with portions of the binding member received in the low portions. Particularly in the binding arrangement of the drawings (), the free endsof the binding memberextending from the adjusterare conveniently held in a space(), which extends between the ribs, under crossed portions of the adjustable loop portion of the binding member.

Each lateral side memberhas a loopsurrounding and defining a through openingfor passage and retention of the binding member, for example as shown in. The upper tip of the loopdefines the above-described terminal endof the side member, and an interior face of the loop defines the ramped inward contact surface. The laterally outward portionof the loopextends, longitudinally in the length dimension, generally parallel to longitudinally extending side member, thereby defining the openingas an elongate slot having an internal length().

The loopand openingthereof are dimensioned to receive multiple binding lines, for example as shown in, in which the elongated openingat each lateral side of the carrier deviceadvantageously accommodates both the binding memberand the retention member. In use, the retention member is passed over the floor plate endof the magazine to further secure the inserted magazine in cooperation with the function of the binding member, which tightens the devicearound the magazine to apply frictional engagement as already described. Twistsmay be applied in the retention memberto further increase the force applied by the member, which pulls the magazine toward full insertion in the carrier device. A user can stretch and position the memberover the endto secure the inserted magazine or pull the retention memberaside when the magazine is wanted for use or other removal.

Outer edges of the loopand ribsare generally beveled to minimize snagging or catching when carried with other gear. For example, thicknessof the loop, measured in the depth dimension, at the terminal endis greater than the thicknessof lower portions of the side member, such that upper end of the side member overall tapers from the thicknessat the terminal endto a uniform lower thickness. The tapering transition occurs along the ramped inward contact surfacesuch that the ramped inward contact surfacehas the thicknessat the terminal endand the thicknessat its base. The laterally outward portionof the loopalso tapers from the thicknessat the terminal endto a lesser thickness as it extends downward from the end.

The retention memberis illustrated as a stretchable cord, for example having one or more elastic strands forming a core covered in a woven fibrous sheath, for example made of polypropylene. Such binding members are known, for example, as shock cords and bungee cords. The retention membermay be formed as a continuous loop by fusing terminal ends of a length of such cod material, or may be knotted form a loop.