Forming Tent Or Component Thereof Patents (Class 224/154)
  • Patent number: 11253049
    Abstract: A carrying device includes a retractable support system for equipment carried in the hand. In some embodiments, the carrying device comprises a frame assembly for transporting larger loads and optimizing the weight distribution thereof. In some embodiments, the carrying device includes a support shelf. In some embodiments, the carrying device includes an expandable volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John Barklow, Sky Sterry, Trisha Wookey, Zachary D. West, Eric Gilmore
  • Patent number: 10028571
    Abstract: A backpack structure is adapted to provide a storage space, and integrated with a tent structure. The backpack body has a right connection portion and a left connection portion to connect the left sidewall and the right sidewall, wherein the connections are pins, buttons, strips or velcros. The tent structure is stored in the compartment of the backpack body, or the left sidewall and the right sidewall. The tent structure includes a tent base, a left tent portion and a right tent portion. The compartment may has pads, made of cushioning materials, such as foam, to replace the camping mat, for rest. Therefore, the backpack structure of the invention is light for the users of outdoor activities. Moreover, the backpack structure may combine with a trolley structure for drawing easily, or the backpack structure may be designed as a luggage suitcase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Inventor: Ming-Yuan Wu
  • Patent number: 9428931
    Abstract: A multi-purpose mat comprises a circular flat body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface comprises a structural fold pattern. The outer surface comprises a plurality of wing pockets extending from a peripheral edge and spaced at ninety degree intervals that may be folded into a plurality of interior pockets between the outer surface and the inner surface, a drawstring interwoven through a plurality of eyelets along the perimeter, a pair of webbing straps positioned at right angles to each other, and a pair of pole pockets below the pair of webbing straps, a bag clip and a bag handle. A functional strap and a plurality of tent poles allow the multi-purpose mat to be configured into a beach mat, a backpack bag, a surfboard carrier sling and a shade shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Inventor: Jeff Samaripa
  • Patent number: 9185964
    Abstract: Support assemblies releasably extending between a ballistic vest and a waist encircling belt transfer the loads from the vest to the belt relieving the stress on the wearer's shoulders and spine. Each support assembly has a stiff carbon fiber bar enclosed within webbing which is attached to a side section of the vest such as by extending within a downwardly opening pocket, and is attached to the belt such as by an upwardly opening pocket. Alternatively, plastic shelves mounted to the belt can support the weight of the vest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: LineWeight, LLC
    Inventor: Caleb Clark Crye
  • Patent number: 9010349
    Abstract: A bouldering mat/tent combination includes a mat having a first mat member and a second mat member hingedly connected to the first mat member along a transverse seam so that the mat is convertible between an open mat position and a closed mat position. A first storage pouch is attached to or defined by the mat. A tent membrane member is disposable within the first storage pouch. The tent membrane can be releasably connected to the mat with one or more releasable fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Jason Heacock
  • Publication number: 20150104117
    Abstract: This is beach bag, which you can convert to beach blanket and the most important you can convert it to a changing cabin. When this beach bag is closed on both sides with zippers you can use it as comfortable beach bag to carry your things to the beach (towel, a book, an MP3 player, cell phone). After you open zippers on both sides of the bag and unclip magnetic clips inside of the bag, you can use it as beach blanket. And if you need to change from your underwear to a swimwear you can get inside of this bag and change with 100% privacy. This is the main purpose of this beach bag with unique design. Fold it again clip the clips, zip up the zippers and you have light weight, convertible beach bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Sergei Rachkovski
  • Patent number: 8991667
    Abstract: A combined backpack and tent, optionally including a ground mat for sleeping on. The ground mat connects at its corners to several lightweight spars which once assembled define an arcuate skeletal frame above the ground mat. A tent fabric may then be supported on the skeletal frame. The spars and optional tethers hold the skeletal frame in shape by tension. The spars are knock-down, comprising manually connectable and separable sections which when disassembled fit into the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Ed B. Perez
  • Patent number: 8960509
    Abstract: A combination backpack and clothing holder allows for the organized storage and drying of individual clothing articles. The clothing holder is configurable between a stored state in which it is folded compactly when not in use, and a use state in which the clothing holder portion is unfolded or opened or deployed to store articles of clothing and to promote drying and access to the clothing articles. Optionally, the clothing holder portion may be generally in the shape of a body, including hand/arm portions and leg/foot portions, which facilitate organizing of clothing articles into corresponding compartments of the clothing holder according to how the articles are normally worn. Optionally, the clothing holder may be configured in a stored-use or transport state in which the articles are securely stored in a folded configuration while a backpack portion of the combination backpack and clothing holder is being worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan M. Rathbun
  • Publication number: 20140299638
    Abstract: The Trilitary Pac is a fold up Backpack with pockets, Hammock with bug netting, Hammock Tent and a two man Tent. It is sewn all together (except for the Tent poles and detachable Backpack straps, Vest and tent doors). My Invention is used for Camping. The main components are a Backpack, Hammock, Hammock Tent that can be flipped over to become a two man Tent and then can be folded back into a Backpack. When it is tied to two trees becomes a Hammock and when you pull the side two flaps up and tie them to the same two trees becomes a Hammock Tent. It has a zipper escape in the Hammock and when you want a two man Tent you untie the draw strings and push the shock poles down and flip it over then you snap the Tent floor together and hammer the Tent stakes in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Tamera Marie Hutchins
  • Patent number: 8727190
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a backpack hunting blind that may be used, for example, as a hunter blind and backpack frame or the like. In general, the device comprises a partially collapsible mainframe, a seat, a back angle support, and a camouflage cover. The device comprises a partially collapsible mainframe having a first pair of vertical supporting tubes, preferably constructed of aluminum tubing. The first pair of vertical supporting tubes may further contain a second pair of vertical tubes inside which can be pulled out for supporting the camouflage cover. The seat is rotatable and can be rotated from the originally vertical position to a horizontally operational position. Shoulder straps are provided for the hunter to carry the device. The device is lightweight, compact, easy to carry, assemble and disassemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: James Francis LeRoy Blair
  • Patent number: 8720751
    Abstract: The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user's back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Abdulreidha Abdulrasoul Alsaffar
  • Publication number: 20140124548
    Abstract: A combined backpack and tent, optionally including a ground mat for sleeping on. The ground mat connects at its corners to several lightweight spars which once assembled define an arcuate skeletal frame above the ground mat. A tent fabric may then be supported on the skeletal frame. The spars and optional tethers hold the skeletal frame in shape by tension. The spars are knock-down, comprising manually connectable and separable sections which when disassembled fit into the backpack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Ed B. Perez
  • Publication number: 20140103081
    Abstract: The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user's back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: ABDULREIDHA ABDULRASOUL ALSAFFAR
  • Patent number: 8695859
    Abstract: A frameless hunting blind and fanny pack (or back pack) are combined. The pack has a belt (or shoulder strap) extending between clips. The pack also has, a case defining a main compartment with a zippered opening. A veil of camouflage material serves as the blind. The veil extends from an upper vertex to hang up high, and from there to an outspread bottom for staking to the ground. The veil has a spreading shape to simulate a root flare of a tree. The vertex is attached to the case of the pack and inside the main compartment. For travel, the veil is stuffed inside the main compartment and shut therein. In the field, the pack is taken off, the veil pulled and spread out, and the belt (or shoulder straps) is (are) belted around a tree trunk to provide the vertex with its high suspension point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventors: Alan Stalker, Tim Pashia
  • Patent number: 8678019
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a backpack with an anchoring device. The anchoring device allows an umbrella to be attached to the backpack. The umbrella has a collapsible canopy and can be stored in a storage unit on the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph L. Christie
  • Patent number: 8434653
    Abstract: A portable bedding system including bedding attached to a bag having a carrying arrangement. The bedding includes a ground sheet attached to a weather proof top sheet that is folded over the ground sheet to form an enclosure for a user, and the bedding can be packed into the attached bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventors: Tony Leslie Clark, Lisa Maree Clark
  • Patent number: 8333309
    Abstract: A system of odor control comprising a combination pack which functions as a chamber for human odor adsorption wherein a connected or detachably securable flexible funnel may be stowed, stored, deployed and/or used independently further comprising a detachably securable odor adsorption means, a detachably securable odor filtering means, a pocket, a fastening means and a vent located about one or more portions of said pack and/or said flexible funnel wherein said product may be located about the user and/or used to surround a portion or substantially all of a user while hunting to reduce odor that would normally alert game. One or more vents may be adjustable and used to regulate airflow and/or allow the user to enter, exit, or expose a portion of the user or the user in entirety and/or an item from the flexible funnel at a desirable moment of activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth Todd Riddleberger
  • Patent number: 7717309
    Abstract: A tent and backpack combination apparatus includes a satchel has a front wall, a back wall, a first end wall and a second end wall. A pair of shoulder straps is attached to the back wall. The satchel has an elongated opening therein for accessing an interior thereof. A support is attached to and extends through the satchel. The support includes a lower portion extending away from the first end wall of the satchel that is configured to engage a ground surface. The support includes an upper portion extending away from the second end wall that is configured to support the satchel in a spaced relationship with the ground surface and to angle the satchel upwardly from the first end wall to the second end wall. A sleeve has an open end and the support is positionable in the open end and covered by the sleeve to define a tent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ned W. Lehmberg
  • Publication number: 20100032459
    Abstract: A portable bedding system including bedding attached to a bag having a carrying arrangement. The bedding includes a ground sheet attached to a weather proof top sheet that is folded over the ground sheet to form an enclosure for a user, and the bedding can be packed into the attached bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventors: Tony Leslie Clark, Lisa Maree Clark
  • Publication number: 20080237281
    Abstract: Provided herein is a device which can be worn about the back of a person, as a backpack, to carry various and sundry items associated with outdoor recreation, to a location at which persons desire to travel. A device according to the invention simultaneously provides a floor that can be spread across the ground, and a canopy support and canopy that shelters the floor. In a preferred embodiment, the floor and canopy are integral with the backpack itself, and a sheltered environment can be setup in a very short time, that shields its users from the effects of sun, rain, and other environmental elements. The floor portion may also include a seating means integrated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Paul L. Robinson
  • Patent number: 6805269
    Abstract: A packable cart includes a pair of telescopic side rails with cross members removably positioned therebetween. A pair of wheels are received by the side rails for transportation. A pole handle extends from the ends of the side rails opposite the end near which the wheels are positioned. The packable cart is made of lightweight material and readily assembled and disassembled. A backpack is provided for receiving the cart in its disassembled state. The backpack also serves as a sling between the side rails which, when provided with an inflatable mattress, provides a bed rest. The pole handles are selectively rotatable to serve as support legs when it is desired that the cart be immobile and serve as a bed. The quick assembly of the cart is achieved, in part, by the provision of pin assemblies fixedly received by and operative in association with the cross members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Lockard
  • Publication number: 20030127476
    Abstract: A packable cart includes a pair of telescopic side rails with cross members removably positioned therebetween. A pair of wheels are received by the side rails for transportation. A pole handle extends from the ends of the side rails opposite the end near which the wheels are positioned. The packable cart is made of lightweight material and readily assembled and disassembled. A backpack is provided for receiving the cart in its disassembled state. The backpack also serves as a sling between the side rails which, when provided with an inflatable mattress, provides a bed rest. The pole handles are selectively rotatable to serve as support legs when it is desired that the cart be immobile and serve as a bed. The quick assembly of the cart is achieved, in part, by the provision of pin assemblies fixedly received by and operative in association with the cross members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Lockard
  • Patent number: 6543658
    Abstract: A protective cover adaptable to serve as a luggage accessory or be incorporated in a piece of luggage and designed to protect such luggage items, particularly net-type, weather sensitive, and degradable baggage, together with contents of the baggage from weather exposure. When the weather becomes unfavorable or when the situation to protect a luggage item arises, the protective cover is extended from the item and placed over the same. After the cover is positioned over such an item, the user may tighten the perimeter of the cover by pulling on strings that are incorporated within the cover. When the need for the protective cover is no longer needed, the user is able to fold the cover and insert the cover back into the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Jose Trevino
  • Patent number: 6192909
    Abstract: A lightweight base frame including connectable frame members. The members are advantageously extensible. A thicker central portion of each member advantageously provides sturdiness and stability to the base frame. A cloth is suspended taunt across the frame. Once assembled, the base frame and cloth form the floor of the shelter as well as a cot. Attachable adjustable-height legs with high-traction feet further enable the user to lie comfortably and level above grade on a wide range of ground surfaces, even on rugged or sloping terrain. In a preferred embodiment, built-in leveling bubbles in the end and side frame components help adjust the base frame to level. A shelter primarily in the nature of a tent is then erected up from the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Matthew Strausser
  • Patent number: 6085767
    Abstract: A tent structure convertible from a hanging tent to a ground-based tent is herein described. The tent structure includes a top portion having slots, T-shaped connectors stitched into the base portion and resilient rods having ends arranged to be inserted into either the slots or the T-shaped members. For use as a hanging tent, the ends of the resilient rods are inserted into connectors on opposite sides of the tent such that the resilient rods extend across the base portion of the tent and the tent is then hung from support structure(s). As a result of this arrangement, the base of the tent is firmly supported by the resilient rods and the tent is supported above the ground. For use as a ground-based tent, the connectors are pivoted such that the connectors are adjacent to the sides of the tent and the resilient rods are inserted one end into a connector and a second end into a slot such that the resilient rods extend along the sides of the tent and support the top portion of the tent above the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Brent Maslow
  • Patent number: 6062446
    Abstract: This invention is a simplified combination backpack, cot and tent formed and integrated around a lightweight hinged metal frame which unfolds at hinge to form cot and internal tent frame structure. The tent, with draft skirt stored within the two halves of the folded frame, is then erected for shelter protection. After the frame is unfolded, the backpack will be suspended from the underside of the cot, off the ground and accessible from inside the tent through the cot fabric by means of a zipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignees: Academy of Applied Science, Robert Dishman
    Inventor: George Daneau
  • Patent number: 6021794
    Abstract: A portable shelter is provided including a frame having a base and a collapsible upper portion. A cover is removably mounted on the upper portion of the frame. A pair of shoulder straps are each coupled to the base of the frame for allowing the same to be worn on a back of a user. Next provided is a bag mounted on the base for receiving the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Inventor: Jose Inez Guerra
  • Patent number: 5562236
    Abstract: A modular backpack which may be reconfigured into luggage or carrying articles. The assembly includes first and second backpacks each of which may be separated into upper and lower compartments. The lower compartments may then be coupled together to form a transportable piece of luggage, and the upper compartments are similarly couplable to form a further piece of luggage. The assembly also includes a tent extendable from the backpack, as well as an extensible elastic pack cover for protecting the backpack from rain or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Damon P. Monzingo
  • Patent number: 5489052
    Abstract: A backpack frame convertible to a mattress supporting cot with a tent supporting structure includes first and second generally U-shaped tubular frame sections hinged to each other and foldable between a compact position defining a backpack frame configuration and an extended position defining a normally substantially horizontally disposed cot configuration having opposing hollow side members. Each hollow side member has an open end, and the respective open ends are positioned diagonally opposite each other. When disposed in a cot configuration, the cot is supported by a plurality of support members mounted on each side member. A tent support assembly is storable in each hollow side member and extendible from the respective side member open ends to define an obliquely disposed strut and substantially horizontally disposed ridge member superposing the cot. The ridge members are releasably connectible to each other at one end and pivoted at the other end to the respective struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventor: Talmon C. Blood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5277349
    Abstract: A combination backpack and tent system utilizes the backpack frame as the support for one end of a tent. This frame has a pair of tent leg holding members attached to the upper end of the frame on each side. The tent is secured to the lower end of the backpack frame; so that it can be rolled up and stored on the frame, covered by a short flap constituting an extension of the floor. This flap is rolled over the tent and secured to the frame. When the tent is erected, the short flap is pulled to the opposite side of the backpack frame and the tent is unrolled. The tent extends up over a pack on the backpack at one end, and telescoping legs or flexible tent pole extensions are attached to the leg holding members on each side of the backpack. The tent is extended; and when it is erected, the pack portion of the backpack faces the interior of the tent. A pair of flaps extend from the sides of the tent over the opposite side of the backpack, and are secured together to form a substantially weather-tight system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1994
    Inventor: Ken Rowe
  • Patent number: 4885812
    Abstract: A combination cot and backpack having first and second equal sized rigid frame sections which are hinged together at one end and pivot between a closed position to form a backpack and an open position to form an elevated cot. First and second sheets of flexible material are laced tautly between side portions of the first and second frame sections. A third frame section telescopes out from the second frame section to provide additional length for the cot. The third frame section is covered by a third sheet which unfolds from the second sheet and is held tautly by connectors underneath. The frame sections are made of tubular aluminum and have rigid downwardly extending u-shaped cross portions which provide legs for the elevated cot. Removable elongated storage pouches fit between the hinged frame sections in the closed position. A detachable carrying harness extends from a closure strap with a buckle which extends around the pack to hold it in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: Ron Carriere
    Inventor: Charles E. Lindner
  • Patent number: 4883206
    Abstract: A backpack/cot/tent structure usable in a first mode as a backpack and convertible to a cot when the framework is separated into upper and lower sections with an integral tent member that can be set up to surround the cot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Inventor: Irvin W. Miller
  • Patent number: 4526307
    Abstract: A combination tent and backpack. In the tent mode of operation, the tent is assembled with a floor framework having two or more framework pieces which are connected together. The floor framework is assembled within an envelope or other structure which surrounds and holds the floor framework together. The floor framework also acts as a supporting layer upon which the person and his gear rest. The floor framework is suspended from a tree or other supporting structure using a plurality of suspension lines which extend from a common connection point to points about the floor framework. A tent shroud can be installed over the suspension lines and tent floor to provide waterproof cover. In the backpack mode of operation the envelope is folded. Shoulder straps are drawn from the back of the backpack, up and over and through slip-fittings and then about the shoulders of the individual to be finally connected to the front of the backpack at a point near the wearer's waist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1985
    Inventor: Ronald J. Parker
  • Patent number: 4438876
    Abstract: A back pack frame is comprised of tubular frame members which upon separation permit extraction of pairs of tent frame components stowed therein. The frame members and tent frame components are thereafter rejoinable to provide a geodesic tent frame. The tent frame components, upon extraction from a stowed position within the back pack frame members, are positioned in a divergent manner as permitted by a wire hinge component interconnecting the paired tent frame components. The back pack frame members are slotted at their ends to permit such divergent positioning of the associated tent frame components and include limit stops to prevent complete separation of the tent frame components from their frame member. The back pack frame members themselves are coupled to one another by flexible wire inserts and, in a modified form, by molded socket members. A back pack bag may be supported either externally on the back pack frame or, alternatively, over frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Russell G. Ward
  • Patent number: 4418854
    Abstract: A backpack shelter apparatus which incorporates a backpack, frame means, shelter and shelter support means adjustably coupled to the frame means. The shelter support means can be extended from the frame means to provide support for the shelter, backpack, and frame means. The shelter unfolds from the frame means and is erected to provide an enclosure wherein the backpack is in an upright position and a person can be protected from the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: Joseph Genovese
  • Patent number: 4331272
    Abstract: A back pack formed from a folded sheet of fabric with the sheet constituting the floor of a tent with a tent canopy being attached to the sheet perimeter. Sleeves formed in the sheet of fabric slidably receive a length of webbing which functions as a pack harness and also to apply compression loads to the loaded pack. Zipper halves sewn to the fabric sheet retain the pack in the general configuration of a back pack and define the lateral limits of a pack stowage area which area is additional to a tent canopy stowage area. Corner located zippers permit the forming of sleeve-like passageways through which webbing segments pass, which passageways constitute still another stowage area of the pack. Additional pack compression is accomplished by a line extending through the above mentioned sleeves and through an additional pair of sleeves integral with the fabric sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Inventor: Russell G. Ward
  • Patent number: 4251015
    Abstract: There is disclosed herein an frame apparatus for use as a backpack frame in one configuration and as a tent frame in another configuration. The frame members are shaped and sized so as to nest within each other in the backpack configurations. In the tent configuration, six structural elements from the top of the backpack frame are disassembled and then reassembled in the tent frame configuration. Such an arrangement obviates the need for carrying separate frame components for the tent. It also simplifies the process of erecting the tent since one end of the tent is permanently attached to the portion of the backpack which is attached to the portion of the backpack frame which remains unchanged. The tent is simply rolled and the frame members comprising the tent frame are slipped through sleeves formed along the front edge of the tent. In the preferred embodiment the frame members are made of aluminum and slip together without means for fastening one member inside another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1981
    Inventor: Floyd C. Gale, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4239135
    Abstract: A multipurpose rucksack can be opened out into the shape of an elongate rectangle and has an inner lining from which a tent can be erected when the rucksack is opened out with the aid of spacer bars. Conveniently, the rucksack has a pocket to fit over a frame which can be strapped to a wearer and means for receiving the spacer bars whereby the spacer bars can be carried with the rucksack on the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Inventor: Francis T. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 4234005
    Abstract: A lightweight assembly weighing less than 10 pounds is provided for enabling a person who is living out of doors to sleep off the ground, and to have suitable shelter against the elements. The assembly is made up of two principal parts, the first being a pack frame which is to be secured to a person's back, and the second being the lightweight tubular folding structure which form the cot and the remainder of the tent support. The pack frame portion of the assembly is of generally A-frame configuration with a recessed frame to avoid contact with a person's back, and having two adjustable padded horizontal straps to engage the wearer's back. Additional frame members extend along the side and encompass the rear of the pack frame behind the actual pack per se, which may be of conventional configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1980
    Inventor: Edward L. Taylor, III