Combination Backpack and Stool Device

Abstract

An apparatus is described for providing a stool or chair that a user may rest upon that may also be utilized by the user to carry a heavy load. The apparatus includes a backpack with an internalized support frame and a framework for a stool or chair seat. The internal frame supports a heavy load within the pack without pressing the internal framework against the users back.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the filing benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/701,919 filed Sep. 17, 2012, the contents which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP

Not Applicable

JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains generally to backpack and stool combinations, and more particularly, to a pack and stool combination that has a portion of the frame of the stool internalized within the pack.

BACKGROUND

Generally, outdoor enthusiasts and contractors alike often have a need for a pack to carry a variety of equipment. They may also find a need to carry other supplies including a stool or chair. Some will try to carry as many items as possible at a given time and may even tie on several loose items to a pack to free up use of their arms and hands. Over the years attempts have been made to effectively join a stool or chair with a backpack. Others have proposed various ways to tie a chair or stool onto a backpack.

In the past, various backpacks have been described that attach a separate folding chair or stool to an external side of a backpack or carrying bag. These combinations tend to be cumbersome and unstable, both while carrying the backpack and also when the chair or stool is unfolded. Further, the frame of the stool or chair loosely tied to a pack may interfere with the mobility of the user or even cause undesirable pressure on the user.

Also, the support structure of the pack itself can cause undesirable pressure on the user. Those familiar with backpacking understand the need for a rigid pack frame to support heavier loads within the pack, while providing a frame that does not cause discomfort to the user. Backpacks without stools or chairs have been constructed having either an internal and external frame. However, many internal framed packs are not suitable for supporting heavier loads. Other internal and external framed pack designs are uncomfortable for the user because a portion of the frame presses against the lumbar or spine of the user. The present invention provides a pack having a frame that is at least partially internalized within the pack, where the pack frame also acts as a support or frame for a stool.

SUMMARY

Embodiments according to aspects of the invention include a combination stool and pack device having a pack, a frame, and a stool seat, wherein the frame has vertical supports, horizontal seat supports and a base. The vertical supports are at least partially encompassed within the pack and the seat attaches to the horizontal seat supports. Shoulder straps are provided so that the pack may be carried on the back of a user. The frame provides a rigid support to the pack, however the frame configuration avoids direct or indirect pressure against a localized portion of the back or point on the user's spine. In this manner, the user is able to carry a load in the pack without having the frame pressing against the back of the user.

Also described herein is a pack and stool combination that has a frame internal to the pack wherein a horizontal structure of the frame is attached to a front of the pack rather than the back of the pack. In this manner the horizontal structure of the frame avoids direct or indirect pressure contact against the user's back.

Also described herein is a pack and stool combination that has a frame structure wherein shoulder straps are attached to the pack and the frame configuration allows the shoulder straps to be positioned on a back portion of the pack between the supporting framework of the frame. In this manner the rigid structure of the frame avoids direct or indirect pressure contact across the user's back.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a portion of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to further explain the invention. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred; however, it should be understood, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. For a fuller understanding of the nature and advantages of the invention, reference should be made to the detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the stool frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a back perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in FIG. 8, shown tipped on its side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Turning attention now to the Figures, embodiments of the combination backpack and stool will now be described in more detail. With Reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 a combination backpack and stool device 10 is shown that is particularly well suited for use by contractors in construction or other trades. The contractor pack 30 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and straps 18. The frame 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The pack 30 includes an open top and front portion 32 to allow quick access to a divided internal compartment 34 of the pack 30. The pack further includes a multitude of open side pockets that are well suited for tools and the like. A shoulder strap 38 is attached to sides of the pack 30 to provide an efficient carrying mechanism for the contractor's pack 30.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4 a combination backpack and stool 10 is shown that is particularly well suited for use by fisherman and the like. The Fishing pack 50 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. The frame 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The frame includes vertical supports 126 and 128 that extend through the vertical frame slots 20. The base includes supports or feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. The pack 50 includes padded shoulder straps 64 that are attached to a back portion of the pack 50 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. The cross member 122 separates the base supports 120 and 124 and provides stability to the base. The cross member 122 extends through horizontal frame slot 22 in a front portion of the pack and is separated a distance from the back portion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 50 includes zippered compartments 52 and 54 and zippered pocket 56 and 56 to allow secure storage of fishing tackle or other items within the pack. Tool pouch 60 is attached to a front of the pack and includes a strap to secure the tool within the pouch. A rod holder strap 62 is attached to a side the pack 50 and may be used to secure a rod or other objects to a side of the pack. The shoulder straps 64 include a chest strap 68 that allows the user to secure the shoulder straps across the chest to reduce slipping of the shoulder straps on the user's shoulders.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 a combination backpack and stool 10 is shown that is particularly well suited for use by outdoorsman, including hunters and the like. The hunting pack 70 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. The frame 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The frame includes vertical supports 126 and 128 that extend through the vertical frame slots 20. The base includes supports or feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. The pack 70 includes padded shoulder straps 84 that are attached to a back portion of the pack 70 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. The cross member 122 separates the base supports 120 and 124 and provides stability to the base. The cross member 122 extends through horizontal frame slot 22 in a front portion of the pack and is separated a distance from the back portion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 70 includes a zippered top compartment 72 and zippered pockets 82 to allow secure storage of gear or other items within the pack. Cinch straps 74 and 76 allow the user to cinch the pack into a tight bundle to reduce the amount that gear stored in the pack shifts around inside the pack. Loops 78 further provide a member extending from the pack to which other items may be tied or otherwise coupled. A vertical handle is attached to a side of the pack which provides an additional carrying option for the user. The shoulder straps 84 include a chest strap 88 that allows the user to secure the shoulder straps across the chest to reduce slipping of the shoulder straps on the user's shoulders. Padded hip straps 86 of suitable known construction extend from a lower portion of the pack 70 and allow the user to direct or distribute a portion of the weight of the pack onto the user's hips to thereby reduce strain against the shoulders.

Referring now to FIG. 7 a combination backpack and stool 10 is shown that is particularly well suited for use by sportsman of all kinds. The sportsman pack 100 is coupled to frame 14 through vertical frame slots 20, horizontal frame slot 22, and strap 18. The frame 14 includes a seat 16 and a base 24. The frame includes vertical supports 126 and 128 that extend through the vertical frame slots 20. The base includes supports or feet 120 and 124 and cross member 122. The pack 100 includes padded shoulder straps 112 (not shown) that are attached to a back portion of the pack 100 between the vertical supports 126 and 128. The cross member 122 separates the base supports 120 and 124 and provides stability to the base. The cross member 122 extends through horizontal frame slot 22 in a front portion of the pack and is separated a distance from the back portion to avoid contact with the user's back. The pack 100 includes a zippered compartments 102, zippered pockets 104, and open end pockets 106 to provide a variety of storage options for the user. Cinch straps 108 allow the user to cinch the pack to reduce the amount of shifting of gear stored within the pack. Loops 114 further provide an attachment alternative extending from the pack to which other items may be tied or otherwise coupled. Padded hip straps 110 of suitable known construction extend from a lower portion of the pack 100 and allow the user to direct or distribute a portion of the weight of the pack onto the user's hips to thereby reduce strain against the shoulders.

With reference to FIGS. 8-11 the pack frame 14 will be described in greater detail. Without limitation intended, the frame is constructed of a lightweight, high strength tubular material, of suitable known materials, and may be sectioned for quick assembly and take down. Frame base 24 includes side members or feet 120 and 124 and a cross member 122. The sides and base together form a base of stability. Vertical supports 126 and 128 extend upward from the base from corresponding side members 120 and 124. All sections of the frame, including the vertical supports may be sectioned and held in place with quick release snap fitting 138 (shown in FIG. 7) of known suitable construction. Extending horizontally from the vertical supports are corresponding seat supports 132 and 134. The seat supports couple to seat 16. Reinforcement web 130 is formed in seat to allow for reduced weight and material of the seat while reinforcing the seat from collapse. The corners of the frame are radiused with at least a 3 inch radius so that the frame may support 400 pounds without collapsing.

These and various other aspects and features of the invention are described with the intent to be illustrative, and not restrictive. This invention has been described herein with detail in order to comply with the patent statutes and to provide those skilled in the art with information needed to apply the novel principles and to construct and use such specialized components as are required. It is to be understood, however, that the invention can be carried out by specifically different constructions, and that various modifications, both as to the construction and operating procedures, can be accomplished without departing from the scope of the invention. Further, in the appended claims, the transitional terms comprising and including are used in the open ended sense in that elements in addition to those enumerated may also be present. Other examples will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing this document.

Claims

1. A combination stool and pack device, comprising:

a pack;

a frame having vertical supports, horizontal seat supports and a base, said vertical supports being at least partially encompassed within the pack, wherein said base has only three sides; and

a seat attached to the horizontal seat supports.

2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein when the frame is in an upright position, the horizontal seat supports, vertical supports and base form a “c” configuration.

3. The device as recited in claim 2, wherein the three sides of said base includes two side members and a cross member that interconnects the two side members in a spaced relation.

4. The device as recited in claim 3, wherein said cross member is positioned adjacent a front portion of the pack and spaced away from a back portion of the pack.

5. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the vertical supports are coupled to the pack adjacent a back portion of the pack and spaced apart on sides of the pack.

6. The device as recited in claim 4, wherein the vertical supports are coupled to the pack adjacent a back portion of the pack and spaced apart on sides of the pack.

7. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said pack includes an open top portion.

8. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.

9. The device as recited in claim 6, wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.

10. The device as recited in claim 9, wherein said pack further includes shoulder straps attached to said pack and positioned on the back portion of said pack between said vertical supports.

11. A combination stool and pack device, comprising:

a pack;

a frame having vertical supports, horizontal seat supports and a base, said vertical supports being at least partially encompassed within the pack, wherein said base has only three sides, wherein the three sides of said base includes two side members and a cross member that interconnects the two side members in a spaced relation, and wherein said cross member is positioned adjacent a front portion of the pack and spaced away from a back portion of the pack; and

a seat attached to the horizontal seat supports, wherein when the frame is in an upright position, the horizontal seat supports, vertical supports and base form a “c” configuration.

12. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein the vertical supports are coupled to the pack adjacent a back portion of the pack and spaced apart on sides of the pack.

13. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein said pack includes an open top portion.

14. The device as recited in claim 11, wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.

15. The device as recited in claim 12, wherein a top portion of said pack is attached to said horizontal seat supports.

16. The device as recited in claim 15, wherein said pack further includes shoulder straps attached to said pack and positioned on the back portion of said pack between said vertical supports.