Chair conversion device for a backpack

Abstract

A chair conversion kit for an H-frame backpack includes left and right chair leg members that connect to the H-frame at left and right hinges. A seat member connects to the leg members and also connects to the H-frame such that, when the leg members are pivoted to a seating position, the seat member extends between the leg member and the H-frame to provide a seating platform. In other embodiments, a shelter fabric and a shelter frame member interact with the backpack and chair conversion kit to provide a shelter.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in backpacks and camp chairs, and more particularly the invention relates to a device that permits conversion of a backpack frame to a chair. In another embodiment, this invention relates to improvements in shelter structures, and, in yet another embodiment, to shelter structures supported, in part, by a backpack frame converted to a chair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks of the type intended for use in hunting and backcountry travel and exploration are crafted to enable a individual to carry heavy loads for prolonged periods of time. The backpack frames are therefore fabricated from strong lightweight materials and are designed with backpack loading weight distribution considerations in mind. To this end, backpacks having external H-type frame configurations constructed of sturdy light weight materials, such as tubular aluminum members, have proved very popular. They are generally known as “external frame” packs.

When hunting or hiking with a backpack on, it is often necessary to take the backpack off from time to time to sit down and rest. And once a hunting spot or camping spot is chosen, the backpack is typically taken off and placed somewhere where it will be readily accessible for its contents. Presently, when resting or making camp or preparing a hunting spot, most hikers and hunters simply prop their backpack against a tree or other structure to keep it generally upright so that its various pockets might be accessed. When resting along a trail or at a campsite/hunting spot, hunters and hikers typically rest sitting on a log or suitable rock provided by mother nature or come prepared with a suitable, packable camp chair. To improve on this general practice, there have been attempts in the prior art to combine backpack technology and camp chair technology to provide backpacks that convert to camping chairs.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,300,707 (Kjaer) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,720,029 (Varanakis) are examples of one type of backpack/chair conversion. With these devices, the pack material must be removed from the backpack frame before the user may sit down into the converted chair.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,990 (Bolstad) the loaded pack material is left on the backpack frame during the chair conversion process. The Bolstad patent teaches to covert a backpack frame into a chair by partial disassembly, reorientation and reassembly of some of the component parts of the backpack frame. This approach adds undesirable complexity and weight to the backpack frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,068 (Blean), discloses a backpack chair wherein a single U-shaped frame member is pivotally attached to the upright side members of a backpack frame to cooperate with the adjustable shoulder straps of the backpack frame to form a seat when the U-shaped frame member is pivoted to a seating position. The bottom portion of the backpack frame forms the front leg support for the chair while rear leg support is provided by leaning the backpack against the nearest firm vertical surface, such as a tree or rock. Although this construct is simple and adds minimal extra weight, its utility as a convertible backpack chair is limited to specific site locations, i.e., limited only to those sites having a suitable vertical support surface close by. Additionally, the pack portions are placed facing the vertical support surface and are difficult to access. The stress on the pack frame is also likely excessive when one sits in the chair.

U.S. Pat No. 5,303,975 discloses a chair conversion device for a backpack wherein tubular side members are pivotally connected at approximately their midpoints to the main side frame members of an external frame pack. While the construction shown therein is suitable for providing a combination backpack and chair device, it suffers from providing a seating platform that is substantially off of horizontal and therefore likely to be slightly awkward and uncomfortable to many users. Additionally the adjustment of the chair configuration and particularly the size of the seat is achieved by using different configurations for a fabric seat member, thus requiring that different fabric seat members be provided for different people.

Various other ideas for providing a chair in combination with a backpack are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,389,866; 5,579,101; and 6,574,110; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2002/0113103; 2004/0108350; 2004/0189062; and 2005/0225126. The present invention provides a chair conversion device configuration that interacts with a backpack in a manner heretofore not shown in the prior art.

Hunting blinds and other shelter structures such as tents are also widely used by hunters and backpackers. These items are separate and distinct from the backpacks that hunters and backpackers often use, and are usually carried within the backpack. The art would thus be advanced if hunting blind and tent structures could be incorporated into the structure of a backpack. The chair conversion device of this invention can be adapted to perform such a function. Thus, it is one aspect of the invention to provide a device for converting a backpack to a chair. It is another aspect of this invention to provide hunting blind and tent structures, more broadly, “shelter(s)” that are supported, in part, by a backpack converted to chair. It has also been found that shelters can be improved by incorporating them into the structure of a chair, whether or not that chair is formed from a backpack.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, this invention provides a chair conversion device for a backpack of the type having an H-frame with left and right pack frame members, a shoulder strap crossbar, and left and right shoulder straps, the H-frame defining a strap side and a pack side, with the shoulder straps extending on the strap side. The chair conversion device includes a left chair leg member pivotally connected to the left pack frame member at a left hinge. This left chair leg member has a left seat extension portion extending above the left hinge and a left leg extension member extending below the left hinge. The device further includes a right chair leg member pivotally connected to the right pack frame member at a right hinge, the right chair leg member having a right seat extension portion extending above the right hinge and a right leg extension member extending below the right hinge. A seat member is connected at a front edge thereof to the left and right seat extension members and is secured at a rear edge thereof to the H-frame. The left and right chair leg members can pivot to a mobile position, whereat the seat member and the left and right chair leg members are folded against the H-frame so that the pack may be carried by the shoulder straps. The left and right chair leg members can also pivot to a seat position, whereat the left and right seat extension members are moved away from the strap side of the backpack to create a seating platform from the seat member, and the left and right leg extension members are moved away from the pack side of the backpack to create rear legs for the seat member, front legs being provided by the H-frame.

In accordance with another embodiment of this invention, a backpack including the chair conversion device as disclosed above further includes elements for creating a shelter using the backpack as part of the support structure. Particularly, in accordance with this embodiment, this invention provides a shelter comprising a backpack converted to a chair, said backpack including an H-frame providing left and right frame members; a shoulder strap cross bar; left and right shoulder straps, said H-frame defining a strap side and a pack side, said shoulder straps extending on the strap side; a left chair leg member pivotally connected to the left frame member at a left hinge, said left chair leg member having a left seat extension portion extending above said left hinge and a left leg extension member extending below said left hinge; a right chair leg member pivotally connected to the right frame member at a right hinge, said right chair leg member having a right seat extension portion extending above said right hinge and a right leg extension member extending below said right hinge; and a seat member connected at a front edge thereof to said left and right seat extension members and secured at a rear edge thereof to said H-frame, wherein said left and right chair leg members are in a seat position, whereat said left and right seat extension members are moved away from said strap side of said backpack to create a seating platform from said seat member, and said left and right leg extension members are moved away from said pack side of said backpack to create rear legs for said seat member; a left roof support extending from a connection to said left frame member; a right roof support extending from a connection to said right frame member, said left and right roof supports extending over said seat member; and a shelter fabric supported by said left and right roof support members and extending downwardly therefrom to enclose said chair.

Realizing that the concepts for creating a shelter in accordance with this invention might be employed with other chair structures not necessarily provided by backpacks, in yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a shelter comprising a chair having a seat member and a backrest, said backrest having left and right frame members; a left roof support extending from a connection to said left frame member; a right roof support extending from a connection to said right frame member, said left and right roof supports extending to a height above said seat member; and a shelter fabric supported by said left and right roof support members and extending downwardly therefrom to a shelter support surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the chair conversion device for a backpack, as secured to a backpack and worn by a hunter;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the chair conversion device as used on a backpack;

FIG. 3 is a front view taken from the strap side of the backpack;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the backpack frame and chair conversion device, shown in a first seating configuration;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the backpack frame and chair conversion device, shown in a second, seating configuration providing a larger seat area;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the first configuration of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the second configuration of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of the chair conversion device apart from a backpack;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a concept of a clevis pin that could be used in the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shelter frame member adapted to be employed with a backpack such as that shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1-9, although the shelter frame member may be employed with other chair configurations that are not necessarily provided by a backpack converted to a chair;

FIG. 11 is a side plan view showing how the shelter frame member of FIG. 10 is secured to a backpack frame to support a shelter fabric;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a shelter or hunting blind made in accordance with the preferred invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shelter sleeve secured to a shelter frame member;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of telescoping and pivoting elements of the shelter frame member; and

FIG. 15 shows the addition of a shelter extension to the shelter fabric of the embodiment of FIG. 11.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the present invention, a chair conversion device is placed on a common backpack so that the backpack may be converted to a chair, when removed off of one's shoulders. Thus, it is first helpful to disclose some of the general elements of a backpack before disclosing the elements of the chair conversion device that interact with the backpack. Herein, elements of the backpack are disclosed and referred to in the figures with numerals under 100, while elements of the chair conversion device are disclosed and referred to in the figures with numerals of 100 and greater.

Thus, backpack 10 includes H-frame 12 having left pack frame member 14 and right pack frame member 16. Shoulder straps 18 extend from H-frame 12 on strap side 20, while pack fabric 22 is secured to H-frame 12 on pack side 24. Notably, the designations “left” and “right” herein designate those sides of the backpack that are placed proximate the “left” and “right” shoulder/arms of the user, when the backpack is worn. Thus, in FIG. 3, the “left” pack frame member 12 appears at the right of the figure because, when worn, that frame member would be proximate the user's left side. Shoulder straps 18 typically connect either directly to a shoulder strap crossbar 26 or to a suspension system 28 secured thereto.

The chair conversion device that is secured to a backpack such as backpack 10 is shown and designated in the figures by the numeral 100. Chair conversion device 100 includes left chair leg member 102 pivotally connected to left pack frame member 14 at left hinge 104. The portion of left chair leg member 102 that extends above left hinge 104 is herein termed a “left seat extension member” and receives the numeral 106, while that portion extending below left hinge 104 is herein termed a “left leg extension member” and receives the numeral 108. Right chair leg member 110 connects to right pack frame member 16 at right hinge 112, with right seat extension member 114 extending above right hinge 112 and right leg extension member 116 extending below right hinge 112.

Although any suitable hinges may be employed, as can be seen in FIG. 3, left hinge 104 and right hinge 112 are preferably clevis pin-type fasteners, such as at clevis pins 118. These pins are popular in the backpack arts. As seen in FIG. 9, clevis pin 118 includes head portion 120, shank portion 122, and cotter pin 124. In the figure, a clevis pin 118 is shown as it is employed on the left pack frame member 14 and left chair leg member 102, and it will be appreciated that another clevis pin is similarly employed to connect right chair leg member 110 to right pack frame member 16. As seen, shank portion 122 is inserted through frame aperture 126, in left pack frame member 114, and leg aperture 128, in left chair leg member 102. Head portion 120 cannot fit through these apertures. A hole 130 in the end of shank portion 122 opposite head portion 120 receives cotter pin 124 to complete the connection. If desired, a spring member 132 can be placed between head portion 120 and left chair leg member 102 to force head portion 120 away from it and pull cotter pin 124 forcefully against frame aperture 126. This will prevent the cotter pin from bouncing around and causing unwanted noise when hiking. This can be particularly advantageous with hunters.

Seat member 140 connects at its front edge 142 to left seat extension member 106 and right seat extension member 114, and connects at its rear edge 144 to H-frame 12. Although other means might be used to connect seat member 140 between left and right chair leg members 102, 116 and H-frame 12, in the preferred embodiment of this invention, crossbar 146 connects between left seat extension member 106 and right seat extension member 114, is preferably generally U-shaped, as shown, and is preferably integral with those leg members, although it may optionally telescope within the leg members, as indicated at the letter T in FIG. 3, where at a line has been added to indicate the possibility of having crossbar 146 as a separate element. Seat member 140, at front edge 142, folds over crossbar 146 and is secured back onto itself so that crossbar 146 extends through a sleeve 148 at front edge 142. Rear edge 144 is removably secured to shoulder strap crossbar 26 of H-frame 12 through an adjustable seat strap 150 extending from a sewn or other connection at rear edge 144. In the embodiment shown, adjustable seat strap 150 creates a loop at buckle 151, which is also secured to rear edge, and loops over shoulder strap crossbar 26. Buckle 151 allows for the size of this loop to be adjusted by pulling on a length of adjustable seat strap 150 extending through buckle 151 (herein below referred to as “storage strap 160”). Rear edge 144 is also secured to H-frame 12 by left seat adjustment strap 152 and right seat adjustment strap 154, connecting to respective left and right sides of seat member 140 at rear edge 144 and extending respectively around left and right pack frame members 14, 16 to adjustably connect one another at pack side 24 of H-frame 12. More particularly, left seat adjustment strap 152 holds a female buckle portion 156, and right seat adjustment strap 154 holds a male buckle portion 158 that mates with female buckle portion 156. Male buckle portion 158 may be moved along the length of right seat adjustment strap 154, such that the size of the loop created by mating female buckle portion 156 and male buckle portion 158 can be altered. With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, it will be appreciated that by adjusting the size of the loops formed by the mating of left and right seat adjustment straps 152, 154 and the loop formed by adjustable seat strap 150 and buckle 151, one can adjust the size of the seating platform created by forcing rear edge 144 to remain in close proximity to H-frame 12 (by shortening the loops created by left and right seat adjustment straps 152, 154 and adjustable seat strap 150) or by permitting rear edge 144 to be distanced from H-fame 12 (by extending those same loops). Left and right seat adjustment straps 152 and 154 preferably pass through the loop made by adjustable seat strap 150, so that the loop made by seat adjustment straps 152, 154 cannot fall downward beyond the loop made by adjustable seat strap 150.

More particularly, left and right chair leg members 102, 110 can pivot to a mobile position, as shown in FIG. 3, whereat seat member 140 and the left and right chair leg members 102, 110 are folded against H-frame 12 so that the pack may be carried by shoulder straps 18. At this mobile position, a storage strap 160 can be employed to wrap around seat member 140 and crossbar 146. Storage strap 160, in the embodiment shown, is provided as an extension of adjustable seat strap 150 although it could be provided as a separate strap. Male storage buckle portion 162 can move along the length of storage strap 160, and wraps around shoulder strap crossbar 26 from the pack side 24 of H-frame 12 to secure, at strap side 20, to female storage buckle portion 164 sewn onto the bottom surface of seat member 140, near rear edge 144 thereof. By removing male storage buckle portion 162 from female storage buckle portion 164 left and right chair legs members 102, 110 are permitted to pivot about their respective hinges 104, 112 to a seat position, as shown in FIGS. 4-7, wherein left and right seat extension members 106, 114 are moved away from strap side 20 of H-frame 12 to create seating platform 166 out of seat member 140, and left and right leg extension members 108, 116 are moved away from pack side 24 of H-frame 12 to create rear legs for seating platform 166, the front legs being provided by H-frame 12. Although auxiliary straps 168 (phantom, FIG. 4) may be employed between these leg members to dictate how far apart they may pivot, the pivoting of left and right chair leg members 102, 110 to the seat position will generally be stopped by the securing of seat member 140 to H-frame 12. As already disclosed, in the embodiment shown, this is achieved through adjustable loops formed by mating straps, and it can be appreciated from viewing FIGS. 4-7 that larger loops permit a greater degree of pivoting and a larger seating platform, while smaller loops permit less pivoting and provide a smaller seating platform.

Virtually any strong, lightweight material can be employed for the leg members and crossbar of the chair conversion kit. Aluminum is currently a popular external frame material. The frames are generally hollow tubes, with packs and other extensions held in place by clevis pins or similar devices. Many tube members of the frame telescope relative to one another to take different positions and permit some adjustment of the frame. The seat member is preferably made from a sturdy fabric. In a particularly preferred embodiment, left chair member 102, at left leg extension member 108 is curved to extend further away from pack side 24 than it would if it were not curved. This is shown at curve 170. As seen in FIG. 1, right chair leg member 110 has a similar curve 172 (FIG. 1). These curves, as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, make the footprint of the chair larger than it would be without the curves, and this places the base of the rear legs further behind the center of gravity of one sitting on the seating platform. In yet another embodiment, crossbar 146 resides above shoulder straps 18 when the backpack is worn. This is generally shown in FIG. 1, and ensures that the backpack remains comfortable to wear even with the chair conversion device placed thereon. In yet another embodiment, seat member 140 may include a permanent or selectively opened seat hole 174, which could permit the converted backpack to be used as a support for going to the bathroom. Removable waste bags (not shown, could be caused to mate with this seat hole 174 to receive waste and protect the remainder of the backpack.

While developing the above-disclosed chair conversion device for a backpack, it was determined that further improvements could be made by providing such a chair with other beneficial features, namely the ability to create a hunting blind or shelter. Thus, referring to FIGS. 10-15, a shelter is disclosed, wherein the chair created in accordance with the above-referenced chair conversion device for a backpack forms part of the shelter support. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 10, it can be seen that a shelter frame member is designated by the numeral 200. Shelter frame member 200 is provided for engaging the left and right pack frame members 14 and 16 of backpack 10. More particularly, with reference to FIG. 3, and as generally known in the art, top cross bar 13 of backpack 10 is removed from its telescoping connection to left and right pack frame members 14, 16 so that left and right pack frame members 14, 16 can respectively receive left extension member 202 and right extension member 204 of shelter frame member 200. As is generally known, backpack frames are typically hollow such that left and right extension members 202, 204 can simply slide into left and right pack frame members 14, 16 to be held by clevis pins or the like, as known. Means will be provided for permitting the telescoping of left and right extension members 202, 204 relative to left and right pack frame members 14, 16, again as generally known. The telescoping means will be disclosed more fully below.

As perhaps best seen in FIG. 11, left and right extension members 202,204 (only 202 is shown) may be made in multiple sections with telescoping portions, as shown at 203 and 205. In FIG. 10, left and right extension members 202, 204 are shown as simply one piece, which is an acceptable, but less preferred embodiment. Left roof support 206 extends from left extension member 202, and right roof support 208 extends from right frame member 204. In order to allow portions of shelter frame member 200 to pivot out of the way when not in use, left roof support 206 and right roof support 208 are both preferably pivotally connected to their respective left and right extension members 202, 204 by a pivot bracket 210. But in more rudimentary configurations, they might simply extend somewhat perpendicular or acute or even obtuse thereto or may be permitted to take up various positions with respect to left and right extension members 202, 204. Left and right roof supports 206, 208 are also preferably hollow to telescopingly receive top cross bar 13 of the 15 backpack 10. Thus, cross bar 13 is removed from backpack 10, left and right extension members 202, 204, whether of one piece or of two or more telescoping pieces, are inserted into left and right pack frame members 14, 16, and the cross bar is then inserted into left and right roof supports 206, 208. As seen in FIG. 11, pivot brackets 210 allow left and right roof supports 206, 208 and cross bar 13 to be pivoted to extend at a slightly acute angle to left and right extension members 202, 204. By extending at a slightly acute angle, left and right roof supports 206, 208 can extend substantially parallel to a ground surface when left and right extension members 202, 204 are inserted into left and right pack frame members 14, 16, which as best seen in FIG. 11, extend at an angle relative to a support surface S. It will be appreciated that other relative angles could be practiced without departing from the concepts of this invention.

When received in left and right pack frame members 14, 16 and pivoted into a preferred position, as disclosed and shown in FIG. 11, shelter frame member 200 provides left and right roof supports 206, 208 extending over seat member 140. As seen in FIGS. 11, 12 and 15, shelter frame member 200 thus provides a support for shelter fabric 212. Shelter fabric 212 will preferably be designed to be form fitting to shelter frame member 20 at its top, and will be staked to the ground at the bottom, as shown at stakes 214, which extend through provided fabric loops 216, as generally known in the shelter arts. Shelter fabric 212 may or may not be designed to have a fabric bottom, as desired. Preferably a plurality of guy lines 218 are provided to permit one to stretch shelter fabric 212 to create a taut shelter, again as generally known in the shelter arts. As seen in FIG. 12, shelter fabric 212 preferably includes a zippered front portion 220, which faces the same direction as seat member 140 extends from the backpack frame. An individual sitting in the chair formed by the backpack would face zippered front 220. A hood opening 222 could also be provided to allow for the creation of a window in the shelter fabric. Hood opening 222 could be provided with a draw cord 224, for adjusting the size of the hood opening, as generally known. For reasons to be explained hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 15, zippered front portion 220 may include a vertical zipper 226 opening up zippered front portion 220 and, if a fabric bottom is provided, may also include a horizontal zipper 228 opening along the ground surface to allow the shelter fabric to open up at the zippered front portion 220. It should be appreciated that this shelter concept could also be practiced on the pack side of the backpack, with the chair formed by the backpack being outside of the shelter.

Referring now to FIG. 13, shelter fabric 212 is preferably stored within a special sleeve provided for shelter frame member 200. Shelter sleeve 230 is form fitted to the shape formed by left and right roof supports 206, 208 and cross bar 13 secured therebetween. It slides over these members to provide a opening 232 for the receipt of shelter fabric 212. A shade flap 234 may also be provided, and it should be appreciated that, if the shelter frame member 200 and shelter sleeve 230 were fitted to a backpack while an individual was wearing the backpack, it could serve as a sun shade, with shade flap 232 extending over the back of the individual's head and neck. Due to pivot brackets 210, this structure could also be pivoted out of the way to reside on the pack side of the backpack. Referring now to FIG. 14, the particular structure of the preferred embodiment of shelter frame member 200 is next disclosed, with the understanding that this structure is preferred only, and other structures, whether telescoping or nontelescoping, pivoting or nonpivoting, can be practiced in accordance with the broader concepts of this invention, as defined in the claims. As mentioned, left and right extension members 202, 204 can preferably telescope within left and right pack frame members 14, 16, and are preferably composed of multiple sections. Here, one well-known concept for telescoping is shown to help fully disclose a preferred embodiment, though other means might be practiced. It is only left extension member 202 and its associated elements of shelter frame member 200 that are seen in this side view, and left extension member 202 is made only from one piece (i.e., not multiple sections); however, it will be readily apparent how a multi-sectioned extension member would be structured with auxiliary telescoping members.

Left extension member 202 fits within the tube of left pack frame member 14, once top cross bar 13 is removed from its connection to left and right pack frame members 14, 16. Right extension member 204 likewise fits within right pack frame member 16. At least one hole 236 is typically provided in the hollow tubes forming left and right pack frame members 14, 16, and, if not so provided, could be created to practice this invention. A snap button 238, which is spring loaded to extend beyond the outside diameter of left extension member 202, snaps into hole 236 to hold left extension member 202 in place. Pushing against snap button 238 to push it back into the hollow of left pack frame member 14 will then allow for removal or repositioning of left extension member 202, with repositioning being accomplished by the provision of multiple holes 236 along left pack frame member 14. Additionally, the extension members will tend to hold their position within the pack frame members due to friction between snap bottoms and the inside surface of the frame members. Right extension member 204 and right pack frame member 16 are similarly telescopingly engaged, as is top cross bar 13 relative to left and right roof supports 206, 208, as shown at hole 240 on left roof supports 206 and snap buttons 242 on top cross bar 13. Clearly, multi-section roof supports and extension members would have complimentary holes and snap buttons. By permitting the telescoping of top cross bar 13, the ceiling of the shelter can be altered, as shown in phantom in FIG. 11. Similarly, it should be appreciated that the height could be adjusted with telescoping and multi-sectioned extension members 202, 204.

Pivot brackets 210 are pivotally secured to left and right extension members 202, 204, as at pivot pin 244. They are welded or bolted or clevis pinned or otherwise secured to left and right roof support members 206, 208. Pivot brackets 210 preferably permit left and right roof supports 206, 208 to clear the top of left and right extension members 202, 204 to pivot from one side of the pack to the other, with movement to the strap side being stopped by contact between roof supports 206, 208 and left and right extension members 202, 204 or left and right pack frame members 14, 16 (if telescoped down to a great extent).

With reference to FIG. 15, it can be seen that the general shelter structure or hunting blind structure of FIGS. 11 and 12 can be altered to provide a shelter extension fabric 240 that can be secured to vertical zipper 226 and horizontal zipper 228 of shelter fabric 212 to extend shelter fabric 212 to cover a greater amount of ground surface. In this manner, the general hunting blind-type shelter of FIGS. 11 and 12 can be adapted to more of a tent-like structure. Notably, zippers 226, 228 are opened to permit the front of the blind to be opened as in a double-door structure. The specially configured alternative shelter fabric 244 can then be zipped to zippers 226, 228, and a top portion 246 can be hooked to cross bar 13 to cover, at least partially, the aperture created at hood opening 222. Shelter extension fabric 240 would be staked down, as already disclosed with respect to shelter fabric 212.

While a full and complete description of the invention has been set forth in accordance with the dictates of the patent statutes, it should be understood that modifications can be resorted to without departing from the spirit hereof or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A chair conversion device for a backpack of the type having an H-frame with left and right pack frame members, a shoulder strap crossbar, and left and right shoulder straps, the H-frame defining a strap side and a pack side, said shoulder straps extending on the strap side, the chair conversion device comprising:

a left chair leg member pivotally connected to the left pack frame member at a left hinge, said left chair leg member having a left seat extension portion extending above said left hinge and a left leg extension member extending below said left hinge;

a right chair leg member pivotally connected to the right pack frame member at a right hinge, said right chair leg member having a right seat extension portion extending above said right hinge and a right leg extension member extending below said right hinge; and

a seat member connected at a front edge thereof to said left and right seat extension members and secured at a rear edge thereof to the H-frame, wherein said left and right chair leg members can pivot to a mobile position, whereat said seat member and said left and right chair leg members are folded against the H-frame so that the pack may be carried by the shoulder straps, and a seat position, whereat said left and right seat extension members are moved away from the strap side of the backpack to create a seating platform from said seat member, and said left and right leg extension members are moved away from the pack side of the backpack to create rear legs for said seat member.

2. The chair conversion device of claim 1, wherein the left and right pack frame members of the H-frame form front legs for said seat member.

3. The chair conversion device of claim 1, wherein said seat member is at least partially secured to the shoulder strap crossbar of the H-frame at said back edge of said seat member.

4. The chair conversion device of claim 3, wherein said seat member is secured to the shoulder strap crossbar through an adjustable seat strap extending transversely from said back edge to the shoulder strap crossbar.

5. The chair conversion device of claim 1, wherein said seat member is secured to the H-frame by left and right seat adjustment straps connecting to respective left and right sides of said seat member at said back edge thereof and extending respectively around the left and right pack frame members to adjustably connect to one another at the pack side of the H-frame.

6. The chair conversion device of claim 5, wherein said left and right seat adjustment straps connect to one another through a buckle having one connector thereof carried by said left seat adjustment strap and a mating connector thereof carried by said right seat adjustment strap.

7. The chair conversion device of claim 1, wherein said seat member is secured to the shoulder strap crossbar through an adjustable seat strap extending transversely from said back edge to the shoulder strap crossbar, and further secured to the H-frame by left and right seat adjustment straps connecting to respective left and right sides of said seat member at said back edge thereof and extending respectively around the left and right pack frame members to connect to one another at the pack side of the H-frame.

8. The chair conversion device of claim 1, further comprising:

a seat crossbar connecting said left and right seat extension portions of said left and right chair leg members.

9. The chair conversion device of claim 8, wherein said seat crossbar is a generally U-shaped bar and is integral with both said left and right chair leg members.

10. The chair conversion device of claim 9, wherein said seat member is connected at said front edge thereof to said left and right seat extension members by forming a sleeve about said U-shaped bar.

11. The chair conversion device of claim 1, wherein the degree to which said right and left chair leg members pivot from said mobile position to said seat position is dictated by the connection of said seat member at said front edge to said right and left chair leg members and at said back edge to the H-frame, the pivoting from said mobile position to said seat position being stopped when said seat member is pulled taut between said front edge and back edge.

12. A shelter comprising:

a chair having a seat member and a backrest, said backrest having left and right frame members;

a left roof support extending from a connection to said left frame member;

a right roof support extending from a connection to said right frame member, said left and right roof supports extending to a height above said seat member; and

a shelter fabric supported by said left and right roof support members and extending downwardly therefrom to a shelter support surface.

13. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said left and right roof supports extend over said seat member and said shelter fabric encloses said chair.

14. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said left and right roof support members are pivotally connected to respective said left and right frame members.

15. The shelter of claim 14, wherein said left roof support member is pivotally connected to a left telescoping extension that is secured to and telescopes relative to said left frame member, and said right roof support member is pivotally connected to a right telescoping extension that is secured to and telescopes relative to said right frame member.

16. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said chair rests on a surface and said shelter fabric extends downwardly to said surface and is staked thereto to enclose said chair.

17. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said shelter fabric has a zippered front portion facing the same direction as said seat member extends from said backrest, such that one sitting in said chair would face said zippered front.

18. The shelter of claim 17, wherein said shelter fabric has a hood opening above said zippered front portion, said hood opening including a draw cord for adjusting the size of said hood opening.

19. The shelter of claim 17, further comprising a shelter extension that secures to zipper members of said zippered front portion to enclose a greater volume.

20. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said left roof support telescopes and said right roof support telescopes such that the degree to which said left and right roof supports extend over said seat member is adjustable.

21. The shelter of claim 12, wherein said chair is a backpack converted to a chair.

22. The shelter of claim 19, wherein said backpack comprises:

an H-frame providing said left and right frame members;

a shoulder strap cross bar;

left and right shoulder straps, said H-frame defining a strap side and a pack side, said shoulder straps extending on the strap side;

a left chair leg member pivotally connected to the left frame member at a left hinge, said left chair leg member having a left seat extension portion extending above said left hinge and a left leg extension member extending below said left hinge;

a right chair leg member pivotally connected to the right frame member at a right hinge, said right chair leg member having a right seat extension portion extending above said right hinge and a right leg extension member extending below said right hinge; and

a seat member connected at a front edge thereof to said left and right seat extension members and secured at a rear edge thereof to the H-frame, wherein said left and right chair leg members are in a seat position, whereat said left and right seat extension members are moved away from the strap side of said backpack to create a seating platform from said seat member, and said left and right leg extension members are moved away from the pack side of said backpack to create rear legs for said seat member.

23. A shelter comprising:

a backpack converted to a chair, said backpack including: an H-frame providing left and right frame members; a shoulder strap cross bar; left and right shoulder straps, said H-frame defining a strap side and a pack side, said shoulder straps extending on the strap side; a left chair leg member pivotally connected to the left frame member at a left hinge, said left chair leg member having a left seat extension portion extending above said left hinge and a left leg extension member extending below said left hinge; a right chair leg member pivotally connected to the right frame member at a right hinge, said right chair leg member having a right seat extension portion extending above said right hinge and a right leg extension member extending below said right hinge; and a seat member connected at a front edge thereof to said left and right seat extension members and secured at a rear edge thereof to said H-frame, wherein said left and right chair leg members are in a seat position, whereat said left and right seat extension members are moved away from said strap side of said backpack to create a seating platform from said seat member, and said left and right leg extension members are moved away from said pack side of said backpack to create rear legs for said seat member;

a left roof support extending from a connection to said left frame member;

a right roof support extending from a connection to said right frame member, said left and right roof supports extending over said seat member; and

a shelter fabric supported by said left and right roof support members and extending downwardly therefrom to enclose said chair.