US20090071990A1

US20090071990A1 - Apparatus and system for attaching a container to a harness

Info

Publication number: US20090071990A1
Application number: US12/234,492
Authority: US
Inventors: Kacey Jardine; Julian Martinez
Original assignee: MARSUPIUM VENTURES
Current assignee: MARSUPIUM VENTURES
Priority date: 2007-09-19
Filing date: 2008-09-19
Publication date: 2009-03-19

Abstract

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for attaching a container to a harness. The apparatus includes a harness having a mounting panel and at least one shoulder strap attached to the mounting panel. A substantially planar flange has a first end which is wider than a second end such that a first side and a second side of the flange taper as they approach the second end. A recess includes a pocket having an opening that receives the flange. The opening in the pocket is larger than the second end of the flange to facilitate receiving the flange within the pocket. The opening in the pocket and the first end of the flange are about the same size which restricts the lateral movement of the flange in the recess. First and second connecting member attach the mounting panel to the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/994,310 entitled “A harness/backpack system connected by a slide-in pouch device” and filed on Sep. 19, 2007 for Julian Martinez and Kacey Jardine.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to backpacks and more particularly relates to a backpack/harness system for quick removal of a pack from a harness.

BACKGROUND

Description of the Related Art

Backpacks generally consist of a pair of shoulder straps connected to a pack. The shoulder straps a permanently affixed to the container portion of the pack. As such the harness portion of the pack, including the shoulder straps is inaccessible once the user removes the backpack. When the backpack is removed and left behind, the user has no access to storage.
The harness portion of the backpack includes the shoulder straps. In fabricating the backpack additional materials and labor are needed to manufacture the shoulder straps. Often, users own several of backpacks, each backpack designed for a specific use. For instance, a user who is planning on hiking the Appalachian trail may need a pack designed to hold substantially more equipment than the same user who is planning on a single day out and back hike. Likewise, this same user may need a pack designed to only hold a hydration system, to conserve weight, when the user is bicycling or running. As such, this user would likely own several backpacks, each backpack designed for a specific use. Each backpack, in turn includes a pair of shoulder straps to position the backpack on the user's back.

SUMMARY

From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system for attaching a container to a harness so that a number of containers may be used with a single harness. Beneficially, such an apparatus, system, and method would allow a user to access storage and commonly used devices when the container is not attached to the harness.
The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available backpacks. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for attaching a container to a harness that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
The apparatus to attach a container to a harness is provided in which the apparatus includes a harness having a mounting panel with a top end and a bottom end. At least one shoulder strap is attached to the mounting panel. The shoulder strap positions the mounting panel on the users back with the shoulder strap positioned on the shoulder of the user. The apparatus includes a substantially planar flange. The flange has a first end disposed opposite a second end, with the second end wider than the first end such that a first side and a second side of the flange taper as they approach the second end. The apparatus also includes a recess for removably attaching a container to the mounting panel. The recess includes a pocket having an opening that receives the flange. The opening in the pocket is larger than the second end of the flange to facilitate receiving the flange within the pocket. The opening in the pocket is about the same size as the first end of the flange which restricts the lateral movement of the flange when the flange is received within the recess. A first connecting member attached to the mounting panel is detachably connected to a second connecting member on the container.
In certain embodiments the pocket includes a first end and a second end. The second end is narrower than the first end so that a first interior wall of the pocket and a second interior wall of the pocket taper as they approach the second end. In this manner the shape of the pocket is substantially similar to the shape of the flange so that lateral movement of the flange is restricted when the flange is received within the recess.
In one embodiment the first connecting member and the second connecting member restrict the extraction of the flange from the recess when the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member.
The apparatus may also include a waist belt which is attached to the bottom end of the mounting panel. In certain embodiments the first connecting member is attached to the waist belt so that the bottom of the mounting panel and the bottom of the container are held fast to a users waist.
In another embodiment either the pocket or the flange includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion on either the flange or the pocket. The notch and the protrusion resist extraction of the flange from within the recess when the protrusion is received within the notch.
In one embodiment at least a portion of the mounting panel is substantially planar and the pocket is attached to the mounting panel so that the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel makes up one side of the pocket.
In another embodiment the pocket is attached to the mounting panel, with the mounting panel having a substantially planar portion that makes up one side of the pocket. In one embodiment the flange is substantially planar and is mounted parallel to the mounting panel. In other embodiments the flange is substantially planar and is mounted on the container parallel to a substantially planar portion of the rear surface of the container.
In one embodiment the apparatus includes a seat and a front pouch. The seat alternates between an extended position and a storage position. The seat may be stored within the container when the seat is in the storage position. When the seat is in the extended position the seat may be removably attached to the bottom end of the container. The front pouch may be removably attached to a waist belt on the harness.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a backpack/harness system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view further illustrating a pocket on the harness of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view further illustrating the harness of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a top view illustrating the pocket of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating the pocket of FIG. 2 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a top view illustrating the flange of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view illustrating the flange of FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating one embodiment of a backpack/harness system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded cutaway view illustrating one embodiment of the flange and pocket in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8A-8C are cutaway perspective views illustration one embodiment of the flange and pocket including a protrusion and a notch in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a harness attached to a container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a front pouch attached to a harness in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of a seat attached to a container in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
FIG. 1 depicts a quick release backpack system 100 including a harness 102, a container 104, a flange 106, a recess 108, a mounting panel 110, connecting members 112, 114, 116 and 118, connecting member adjustment straps 120, a waist belt 122, waist belt connecting members 124 and 126, waist belt adjustment straps 128 and 130, shoulder straps 132 and 134, shoulder strap adjustment straps 136 and 138, and container handle 140.
Shoulder straps 132 and 134 are affixed to the mounting panel 110 of the harness 102 at a top end 142 and a bottom end 144. Thus, the shoulder straps 132 and 134 in combination with the mounting panel 110 make a loop for mounting the harness 102 to a user's back. In certain embodiments the shoulder straps 132 and 134 are padded for comfort. In one embodiment the shoulder straps include additional attachment straps 170 and 172 for attaching items which may be of use to the user. For example, in certain embodiments the additional attachment straps 170 and 172 may include attachment means for connecting a pair of binoculars to the harness 102. In other embodiments the additional attachment straps 170 and 172 may include attachment means for attaching a two way radio or GPS device. Additional attachments (not shown) may be connected to the shoulder straps 132 and 134 of the harness 102 to allow a user easy access to devices commonly used in the field. Thus, when the user is only wearing the harness 102 without the container 104 connected, the user still has access to those items attached to the harness 102.
In one embodiment the shoulder straps 132 and 134 are connected to shoulder strap adjustment straps 136 and 138 which allow for the adjustment of the length of each shoulder strap 132 and 134 to accommodate a user's anatomy. Shoulder strap adjustments 146 and 148 may be used to accomplish the adjustment of the length of the shoulder straps 132 and 134. One skilled in the art will recognize that other adjustment means may be used to adjust the length of the shoulder straps.
In certain embodiments a waist belt 122 may be attached to the bottom end 144 of the mounting panel 110 of the harness 102. In one embodiment the waist belt 122 is padded for comfort and is attached to waist belt adjustment straps 128 and 130. The waist belt adjustment straps 128 may be connected to one another by the waist belt connecting members 124 and 126 such that the waist belt 122 encircles a user's waist when the harness 102 is worn on the user's back. Waist belt connecting members 124 and 126 allow the waist belt adjustment straps 128 to be adjusted to accommodate the user's anatomy.
As further discussed below, the mounting panel includes a recess 108 formed from a pocket (element 202 of FIG. 2). In certain embodiments at least a portion of the mounting panel 110 is substantially planar such that the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel 110 provides one side of the pocket 202. In other embodiments the mounting panel 110 and the pocket 202 are a single component molded from the same mold. In one embodiment the entire mounting panel 110 is rigid and substantially planar to provide support to the harness 102 when positioned on a user's back.
In one embodiment the harness 102 is shaped to be received between a pair of cushions 150 and 152 on the container 104. The cushions 150 and 152 project away from the plane of rear surface 154 of the container 104 leaving a depression 156 between the cushions 150 and 152. In certain embodiments the shape of the harness 102 corresponds to the shape of the depression 156 so that lateral movement of the harness 102 is restricted when the harness is located between the cushions 150 and 152. The shape of the depression 156 and the shape of the harness 102 depicted in FIG. 1 is an hourglass shape. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that other shapes may be used to produce a mating fit between the depression 156 and the harness 102.
The container 104 may be a pack as found with conventional backpack systems. The container 104 may have various pockets for storing items. The container 104 may include a main compartment 158 used to store large items. Various other storage compartments (not shown) may be configured to store other items. For example, in certain embodiments the backpack system 100 may be uses for hunting. In such an embodiment, the container 104 may include a hydration system including a bladder for retaining water or other liquid, a compartment for storing ammunition or camera equipment, a knife compartment to store knives, saws or other sharp utensils, a bow or rifle storage pouch, and an easy access pouch for storing jackets, gloves or other items.
A handle 140 may be affixed to the top end 160 of the container 104. The handle 140 provides aids a user in lifting the container 104 when the container 104 is not attached to the harness 102.
As further discussed below, a substantially planar flange 106 is affixed to the rear surface 154 of the container 104. In certain embodiments at least a portion of the rear surface 154 is substantially planar and the flange 106 is attached parallel to the portion of the of the rear surface 154 that is substantially planar. The rear surface 154 may be rigid to provide support to the harness 102 when the harness 102 is not connected to the container 104.
The flange 106 on the container 104 is shaped to be received within the recess 108 on the harness 102. As discussed below, the top of the flange 106 is approximately the same size as the width of the opening in the recess 108 so that once the flange 106 is received within the recess 108 the lateral movement of the flange 106 is restricted by the recess 108. Once the harness 102 is positioned within the depression 156 on the container 104 and the flange 106 is received within recess 108 the lateral movement of the harness 102 with respect to the container 104 is limited by both the mating fit between the harness 102 and cushions 150 and 152 as well as the tight fit between flange 106 and the recess 108. In certain embodiments the lateral movement of the harness 102 with respect to the container 104 is limited only by the distance between the flange 106 and the recess 108. In one embodiment the rear surface 154 of the container may be entirely planar such that there is no depression 156. In such an embodiment the tolerance between the flange 106 and the recess 108 may limit the lateral movement of the flange 106 within the recess 108 which in turn may limit the lateral movement of the container 104 with respect to the harness.
Once the flange 106 is received within the recess 108 the top end 142 of the harness 102 is held close to the top end 160 of the container 104. As just discussed, the lateral movement of the top end 142 of the harness 102 is also restricted when the flange 106 is received within the recess 108. Connecting members 112 and 114 are connected to connecting members 116 and 118 respectively to hold the bottom end 144 of the harness 102 close to the bottom end 162 of the container 104. In certain embodiments connecting members 116 and 118 are attached to the waist belt 122 to distance the connecting members 116 and 118 from connecting members 112 and 114 from the container 104. Connecting member adjustment straps 120 can then be tightened to pull the bottom end 144 of the harness 102 tight to the bottom end 162 of the container 104. Once connecting members 112 and 114 are connected to connecting members 116 and 118 respectively withdrawal of the flange 106 from within the recess 108 is restricted.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 the connecting member adjustment straps 120 are attached to the container 104 at two points. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the connecting member adjustment straps 120 may be alternatively connected at one point without changing the function of the connecting member adjustment straps 120. Additional attachment configurations for the connecting member adjustment straps 120 may be envisioned which do not depart from the essence of the current invention.
FIG. 2 depicts the harness 102 showing the recess mounting surface 200 of mounting panel 110. The recess mounting surface 200 is the surface opposite the surface that the shoulder straps 132 and 134 are connected to. As can be seen in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the recess 108 creates a pocket 202 which receives the flange 106 on the container 104. As discussed above, the pocket 202 may be a separate molded piece of material which is attached to the mounting panel 110. In an alternate embodiment the mounting panel 110 and the pocket 202 may be a single piece of material molded from the same mold. In one embodiment the pocket 202 may comprise a pliable material such as a fabric material which may be sewn to the mounting panel to create the pocket 202. In other embodiments the pocket 202 may be formed from rigid material such as a plastic or metal.
FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the harness 102 showing the shape of the pocket 202 and the shape of the mounting panel 110. As discussed above, in certain embodiments the mounting panel 110 has an hourglass shape. In other embodiments the mounting panel 110 may have a rectangular shape or other geometric shape which will allow the mounting panel 110 to nest within the depression 156 on the container 104. One of skill in the art will recognize that the shape of the depression 156 may dictate the shape of the mounting panel 110 in certain embodiments. In other embodiments the shape of the mounting panel 110 may dictate the shape of the depression 156.
The pocket 202 has a first end 302 and a second end 304. The second end 304 is narrower than the first end 302. Because the second end 304 is narrower than the first end 302, a first side wall 306 and a second side wall 308 taper towards the second end 304. The pocket 202 has a first interior side wall (not shown) that corresponds to, and follows the shape of the first side wall 306. The pocket 202 also has a second interior side wall (not shown) that corresponds to, and follows the shape of the second side wall 308. Thus, the pocket has an inner void which is substantially similar to the shape illustrated in FIG. 3 with the first interior side wall of the pocket and the second interior side wall of the pocket tapering towards the second end 304. The first end 302 has an opening 310 which is wide enough to receive the flange 106 as discussed below. In certain embodiments the pocket 202 includes a shelf 312 disposed around three of its sides. The shelf 312 may be used to attach the pocket 202 to the mounting panel 110.
FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B depict an embodiment of the pocket 202 showing the interior portion of the pocket 202 including a notch 402, a sloped area 404 a first interior side wall 406 and a second interior side wall 408.
As discussed with reference to FIG. 3, the first interior side wall 406 and the second interior side wall 408 taper towards the narrower second end 304 of the pocket 202 such that the opening 310 of the pocket 202 is wider than the second end 304 to facilitate receiving the flange 106 within the pocket 202. A sloped area 404 also helps manipulate the flange 106 to guide the flange 106 into the pocket 202. A notch 402 is positioned in the pocket 202 and corresponds to a protrusion (discussed below) on the flange 106. When the flange 106 is inserted into the pocket 202 the protrusion is received within the notch 402 such that the flange 106 resists extraction from the recess 108.
FIG. 5A illustrates the underside of the flange 106 including a protrusion 502 corresponding to the notch 402 on the pocket 202. While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5A and 5B depict the pocket 202 having the notch 402 and the flange 106 having the protrusion 502, one of skill in the art will recognize that the position of the notch 402 and the protrusion 502 may be reversed such that the notch 402 is positioned on the flange 106 and the protrusion 502 is positioned on the pocket 202. In certain embodiments neither the pocket 202 nor the flange 106 have either a notch 402 or a protrusion 502. In such embodiments the flange 106 may be held within the pocket 202 by the pressure exerted on the harness 102 by the connecting members 112, 114, 116 and 118.
The flange 106 has a first end 506 and a second end 508. The second end 508 is narrower than the first end 506 such that a first side 510 and a second side 512 taper as they approach the narrower second 508 end. In this manner, shape of the pocket 202 is substantially similar to the shape of the flange 106 which restricts lateral movement of the flange 106 when the flange 106 is received within the pocket 202. In certain embodiments the opening 310 of the pocket 202 is about the same size as the first end 506 of the flange 106 while the remainder of the pocket 202 is a different shape than the flange 106. Because the opening 310 in the pocket 202 is about the same size as the first end 506 of the flange 106, lateral movement of the flange 106 is still restricted. However, because the second end 506 of the flange 106 is narrower than the opening 310 in the pocket 202, insertion of the flange 106 into the pocket 202 is facilitated.
FIG. 5B depicts a perspective view looking at the top of the flange 106. In this embodiment a shelf 504 may be used to attach the flange 106 to the container 104. The shelf 504 positions the flange 106 parallel to and away from the rear surface 156 of the container 104. While the embodiments discussed herein have described the flange 106 attached to the container 104 and the pocket 202 attached to the harness 102, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the flange 106 may be attached to the harness and the pocket 202 may be attached to the container 104. In such an embodiment the pocket 202 may be attached to the container 104 such that the opening 310 is positioned facing the top end 106 of the container 160. The flange 106, in such an embodiment, may be attached to the harness 102 with the second end 508 positioned facing the top end 142 of the mounting panel 110.
In certain embodiments second end 508 of the flange 106 may taper in the dimension indicated by arrows 516, 518, 520 and 522. Thus, in certain embodiments the distance between the arrows 520 and 522 is greater than the distance between arrows 516 and 518 such that the flange 106 tapers towards the narrower second end 508 in both width and depth. In another embodiment, the flange 106 may be substantially planar in the dimension indicated by arrows 516, 518, 520 and 522 while tapering towards the second end 508.
FIG. 6 depicts a side view of the container 104 attached to the flange 106 and the harness 102 attached to the pocket 202. As can be seen in this embodiment the flange faces downward and is positioned parallel to the rear surface 154 of the container 104. the flange 106 is slid into the pocket 202 and until the flange rests on the inside of the flange resting shelf 602. Connecting member 112 is connected to connecting member 116 to restrict the withdrawal of the flange 106 from within the pocket 202. The tension on the connecting members 112 and 116 may be adjusted by connecting member adjustment strap 120.
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of area 604 of FIG. 6 illustrating a cutaway of the flange 106 and the pocket 202. As can be seen in this embodiment, the flange 106 slides behind the pocket 202 and is sandwiched between the pocket 202 and the mounting panel 110. Thus, when the flange 106 is received within the pocket 202 the top end 160 of the container 104 is held tight to the top end 142 of the harness 102.
FIG. 8A depicts a cutaway view taken along line 514 of FIG. 5A. The illustration in FIG. 8A includes a protrusion 502, a shelf 504 and a flange resting shelf 602. The flange 106 is substantially planar and sized to be easily received within the pocket 202. The shelf 504 allows the flange 106 to be attached to the rear surface 156 of the container 104 (or attached to the mounting panel 110 of the harness 102 depending on the configuration as discussed above). The flange resting shelf 602 stops the insertion of the flange 106 when the flange resting shelf 602 contacts the pocket 202.
FIG. 8B depicts a cutaway view of the pocket 202 taken along line 410 of FIG. 4A. The illustration in FIG. 8B includes a notch 402, a shelf 312 as well as the mounting panel 110 of the harness 102 (or rear surface 156 of the container 104 depending on the configuration as discussed above). When the pocket 202 is attached to the mounting panel 110, the mounting panel 110 makes up one side of the pocket 202 to complete the enclosure. The opening 310 in the pocket 202 provides a recess 108 for receiving the flange 106.
FIG. 8C illustrates the flange 106 inserted into the pocket 202 until the flange resting shelf 602 rests on the pocket 202. The protrusion 502 is received within the notch 402 so that the extraction of the flange 106 from the pocket 202 is restricted.
FIG. 9 illustrates the harness 102 connected to the container 104 with the flange 106 received within the pocket 202 according to the current invention. Connecting members 112 and 114 are connected to connecting members 116 and 118 respectively and the connecting member adjustment straps 120 are tightened to restrict the withdrawal of the flange 106 from within the pocket 202.
FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of the current invention including a harness 102 and a front pouch 1002. In certain embodiments the harness 102 may be attached to a front pouch 1002 by connecting members 1004 and 1006 attached to connecting members 124 and 126. In this manner the front pouch 1002 may be removable in certain embodiments. In one embodiment the front pouch 1002 may be permanently affixed to one of the waist belt adjustment straps 128 or 130 such that the front pouch is not removable. By attaching the front pouch 1002 to the harness 102, a user may maintain limited storage when the container 104 is not attached to the harness 104.
FIG. 11 illustrates one embodiment of the container 104 detachably connected to a seat 1102 by seat connecting members 1104 and 1106. In certain embodiments the seat connecting members 1104 and 1106 are two connecting members attached to each other such as connecting members 112 and 116. The seat connecting members 1104 and 1106 may be attached at one end to the seat 1102 and at the other end to the container 104. In one embodiment the attachment of the seat connecting members 1104 and 1106 are adjustable to vary the length of the straps 1108, 1110, 1112 and 1114 such that the seat 1102 may be positioned under a user. The seat 1102 is detachable and may be stored in container 104 when the user does not need the seat 1102. By virtue of the seat 1102 being attached to the user, the seat 1102 will follow the user when the user stands up. Therefore, the seat 1102 will not be left behind when the user leaves in haste.
The system 100 of the current invention allows a user to affix different containers other than container 104 to a single harness. For instance, when a user wishes to only bring a hydration system, a hydration system may be attached to the harness 102 in the manner describe above. Thus, by having a universal harness 102 which will attach to a plurality of containers, users may save money associated with the additional labor and material costs needed to fabricate the harness portion of a backpack.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus for attaching a container to a harness, the apparatus comprising:

a harness comprising a mounting panel having a top end and a bottom end;

at least one shoulder strap attached to the mounting panel to position the mounting panel on a users back with the at least one shoulder strap positioned on a shoulder of the user;

a substantially planar flange comprising a first end disposed opposite a second end, wherein the second end is narrower than the first end such that a first side and a second side taper as they approach the narrower second end;

a recess for removably attaching a container to the mounting panel, the recess comprising a pocket having an opening that receives the substantially planar flange, wherein the opening in the pocket is larger than the second end of the substantially planar flange to facilitate receiving the substantially planar flange within the pocket, wherein the opening in the pocket is about the same size as the first end of the of the substantially planar flange such that lateral movement of the flange is restricted when the flange is received within the recess; and

at least one first connecting member attached to the mounting panel, the at least one connecting member detachably connected to a second connecting member on the container.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises a first end and a second end wherein the second end is narrower than the first end such that a first interior sidewall of the pocket and a second interior sidewall of the pocket taper as they approach the second end, wherein the shape of the pocket is substantially similar to the shape of the flange to restrict lateral movement of the flange when the flange is received within the recess.

3. The apparatus claim 1, wherein the at least one first connecting member and the at least one second connecting member restrict the extraction of the flange from the recess when the at least one first connecting member is connected to the at least one second connecting member.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a waist belt attached to the bottom end of the mounting panel, wherein the at least one first connecting member is attached to the waist belt.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pocket includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion on the flange such that the flange resists extraction from the recess when the protrusion is received within the notch.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flange includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion on the pocket such that the flange resists extraction from the recess when the protrusion in received within the notch.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mounting panel is substantially planar wherein the pocket is attached to the mounting panel such that the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel comprises one side of the pocket.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the mounting panel is substantially planar wherein the flange is disposed parallel to the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container having a rear surface wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is substantially planar, wherein the pocket is mounted to the rear surface of the container such that the substantially planar portion of the rear surface of the container comprises one side of the pocket.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a container having a rear surface wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is substantially planar, wherein the flange is disposed parallel to the substantially planar portion of the rear surface of the container.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a seat and a front pouch, wherein the seat alternates between an extended position and a storage position, the seat stored within the container when the seat is in the storage position, wherein the seat is removably attached to the bottom end of the container when the seat is in the extended position, wherein the front pouch is removably attached to a waist belt on the harness.

12. A system to attach a container to a harness, the system comprising:

a container having a rear surface wherein at least a portion of the rear surface is substantially planar;

a harness comprising a mounting panel having a top end and a bottom end;

at least one shoulder strap attached to the mounting panel to position the mounting panel on a users back with the at least one shoulder strap positioned on the users shoulder;

a substantially planar flange disposed on the container, the substantially planar flange comprising a first end disposed opposite a second end, wherein the second end is narrower than the first end such that a first side and a second side taper as they approach the narrower second end, wherein the flange is disposed parallel to the substantially planar portion of the rear surface of the container;

a recess for removably attaching a container to the mounting panel, the recess disposed on the mounting panel, the recess comprising a pocket having an opening that receives the substantially planar flange, wherein the opening in the pocket is larger than the second end of the substantially planar flange to facilitate receiving the substantially planar flange within the pocket, wherein at least a portion of the mounting panel is substantially planar such that the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel comprises one side of the pocket, wherein the opening in the pocket is about the same size as the first end of the of the substantially planar flange such that lateral movement of the flange is restricted when the flange is received within the recess; and

13. The system of claim 12, wherein one of the pocket and the flange includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion such that the flange resists extraction from the recess when the protrusion is received within the notch.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the pocket comprises a first end and a second end wherein the second end is narrower than the first end such that a first interior sidewall of the pocket and a second interior sidewall of the pocket taper as they approach the second end, wherein the shape of the pocket is substantially similar to the shape of the flange to restrict lateral movement of the flange when the flange is received within the recess.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the at least one first connecting member and the at least one second connecting member restrict the extraction of the flange from the recess when the at least one first connecting member is connected to the at least one second connecting member.

16. A apparatus for attach a container to a harness, the system comprising:

a harness comprising a mounting panel having a top end and a bottom end;

two shoulder straps attached to the mounting panel, each shoulder strap attached at the top end of the mounting panel and the bottom end of the mounting panel, each shoulder strap configured to position the mounting panel on a users back with each shoulder strap positioned on the users shoulders;

a recess for removably attaching a container to the mounting panel, the recess disposed on the mounting panel, the recess comprising a pocket having an opening that receives the substantially planar flange, wherein the opening in the pocket is larger than the second end of the substantially planar flange to facilitate receiving the substantially planar flange within the pocket, wherein at least a portion of the mounting panel is substantially planar such that the substantially planar portion of the mounting panel comprises one side of the pocket, wherein the pocket comprises a first end and a second end wherein the second end is narrower than the first end such that a first interior sidewall of the pocket and a second interior sidewall of the pocket taper as they approach the second end, wherein the shape of the pocket is substantially similar to the shape of the flange to restrict lateral movement of the flange when the flange is received within the recess; and

at least one first connecting member attached to the mounting panel, the at least one connecting member detachably connected to a second connecting member on the container, wherein the at least one first connecting member and the at least one second connecting member restrict the extraction of the flange from the recess when the at least one first connecting member is connected to the at least one second connecting member.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a waist belt attached to the bottom end of the mounting panel, wherein the at least one first connecting member is attached to the waist belt.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the pocket includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion on the flange such that the flange resists extraction from the recess when the protrusion is received within the notch.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the flange includes a notch that receives a corresponding protrusion on the pocket such that the flange resists extraction from the recess when the protrusion in received within the notch.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a seat and a front pouch, wherein the seat alternates between an extended position and a storage position, the seat stored within the container when the seat is in the storage position, wherein the seat is removably attached to the bottom end of the container when the seat is in the extended position, wherein the front pouch is removably attached to a waist belt on the harness.