Forming Seat Or Component Thereof Patents (Class 224/155)
  • Patent number: 6402231
    Abstract: A multi-function, transportable, recreation folding chair, includes a plurality of storage compartments therein. In a preferred form, the chair is a lightweight chaise-lounge arranged in a backpack for ready transport of both the chair and paraphernalia stored therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: G. Daniel Pedemonte
  • Patent number: 6390345
    Abstract: A multi-purpose travel bag may be used as a shoulder bag, a child booster seat or a backpack. The travel bag has a strap that may be configured in three different ways to accommodate each of the uses for the travel bag. The travel bag has multiple mounting positions to provide the various configurations of the strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan M. Brown, John S. Canna, Jeanette Numbers, Mark H. Weppner
  • Patent number: 6375258
    Abstract: A portable workstool suitable for carrying or use by a human subject is provided. The workstool includes a stoolmember having a frame and a pad. A detachable pouch having two handles for portability is connected to the stoolmember. The stool is placed in a functional mode for sitting and working in the conventional fashion. The pouch is configured to provide ergonomic storage and access to tools and the like while providing space-efficient storage of such because the pockets are immediately beneath the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Olympia Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Liping Fang
  • Publication number: 20020023937
    Abstract: An improved backpack includes two capacious storage pockets secured to a flexible envelope for retaining a frame. A seat pad is adjustable between three positions for carrying, to provide seated cushioning and to provide recline support. Side pockets on the pack open upwardly and forwardly with respect to a user for carry, seated and recline positions of the backpack, in whichever orientation it is placed. A plurality of support straps carry partial weight of stored items to the top area and shoulder straps of the pack. A roll down, hunter orange panel is selectively concealed or unfurled for safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel P. O'Hare
  • Patent number: 6347406
    Abstract: A wearable seating system that is suitable for a sportsman's use. A body garment is provided that includes an attached, integrated seat, with support base, that may be easily deployed in the field with minimal manipulation by the user. The integrated seat, when deployed, may be easily stowed upon garment for transport, with minimal manipulation by the user, and causing minimal obstruction to the user while so stowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Innovative Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Jones, Keith Littlefield
  • Patent number: 6264078
    Abstract: A combination sports bag and chair assembly including a seat portion comprised of a frame. The frame includes a plurality of seat straps extending thereover. The seat portion is contained within a bag portion. The bag portion includes a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge has a zippered opening. A seat back portion is foldably coupled with respect to the seat portion. The seat back portion is comprised of a frame. The frame includes a plurality of straps extending thereover. The frame of the seat back portion is foldably coupled with the frame of the seat portion. The seat back portion is contained within a bag portion. The bag portion has a top edge and a bottom edge. The top edge has a zippered opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventor: Armando Bilang
  • Patent number: 6256791
    Abstract: A photographer's vest with built-in seating and weight bearing structures includes a vest body having front and back panels. The front panel supports a plurality of pockets, including a cargo pocket, utility pocket, lens pocket and side pocket. Adjustable side connectors allow for adjustment of the space between the front and back panels, allowing for use by photographers of different sizes. A shoulder weight-supporting assembly includes neoprene padding under an elastic strap, both of which tend to absorb the shock resulting from movement of the weight carried in the pockets of the vest. A seat is movable between a storage position and an in-use position. In the storage position, the seat is carried against the back panel of the body. In the in-use position, the seat support assembly maintains a connection between the front edge of the seat and the upper portion of the back panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Loren A Callahan
  • Patent number: 6244481
    Abstract: A seat cushion comprising a large pad with a plurality of pocketed flaps attached thereto and foldable on the pad perimeter over the pad for carrying or away from the pad availing the pad as an unobstructed seat cushion. The flap pockets are directed inward toward the pad such that when the pad is in use as a cushion on a hard chair, such as a student's desk, the pockets are directed upward toward the user for convenient access. The most outside flap shares a zipper with the pad and when closed defines a cavity within in which the other flaps are secured, folded alternately over the pad. The cushion is transported on the user's back in the normal manner of a backpack by two arm loops through which the user may place his arm and shoulders, respectively, thus bringing the pad against the user's back as a cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Brougher
  • Patent number: 6217113
    Abstract: A multipurpose backpack 22 having a seat member 50. The device discloses a pair of upright standing frame members 20 having a cross member 26 further having a larger 22 and smaller 24 storage member disposed thereon. A pair of backstraps 14 are used to secure the backpack to a user 12. The frame members 20 are hollow and house an inner, extendable member 42 having a tapered end 36 for being positioned in soil. Pins 34 are used to lock the inner legs 42 into position. A pair of rotatable secondary legs 36 are provided which when rotated comprise a seat member 50 upon which the user 12 can sit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Kenneth Knatz
  • Patent number: 6145716
    Abstract: A generally U-shaped seat frame defines a crossmember and side portions terminating in a pair of ends. A seatback frame provides a second generally U-shaped member having a second crossmember and side portions which terminate in a pair of acutely angled support members. The ends of the seat frame are pivotally secured to the support members of the seatback frame. A fabric seat web is secured to the side portions of the seat frame while a backpack is secured to the seatback frame. The seat frame is pivotable with respect to the seatback frame between an open position forming a chair and a closed position in which the seatback frame and seat frame are locked together on the rear portions of the backpack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Gustavo Caicedo
  • Patent number: 6095599
    Abstract: A combination canoe carrier and camp chair. The carrier supports an inverted canoe on a person's back and is also capable of being converted to a folding camp chair. The chair includes two rectangular frames pivotally connected intermediate their ends. Webbing is secured to the frame to provide seat and back portions and the frames are interconnected by straps to provide a chair configuration. In the canoe carrier mode a web interconnects upper ends of the frames to support the thwart of the inverted canoe. Suitable shoulder straps and a hip belt are also attached to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Michael Lambert
  • Patent number: 6079599
    Abstract: The combination backpack and cushion device comprises a padded member which is placed on top of a stadium seat and a compartment member which extends horizontally below the seat. The device includes a sleeve member which is placed over a stadium seat and interconnects the padded member and compartment. The device is secured to the seat by an adjustable securing member which holds the sleeve member in a mating relationship with the seat. The device includes pockets for storage of articles and is carried to an event by adjustable backpack straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventors: Roger L. Nordstrom, Frances A. Nordstrom
  • Patent number: 6073820
    Abstract: A collapsible child carrier assembly having a support frame which comprises a pair of hinge members, each of which includes a bore extending therein. The support frame further includes front and back support structures, each of which are attached to the hinge members. Also included in the support frame is a top support bar having opposed ends and a pair of elongate slots extending longitudinally therein adjacent respective ones of the opposed ends thereof. The top support bar is pivotally connected to the hinge members via a pair of pivot pins which extend through and are movable within respective ones of the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Infantino, A Dorel Co.
    Inventor: Jerome J. Drobinski
  • Patent number: 6056172
    Abstract: A backpack unit comprising a frame of a material selected from a metal alloy, including, but not limited to, aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, and steel alloy or plastic. The frame includes a U-shaped seat frame pivotally coupled at its ends to ends of a U-shaped back frame through a cross-member, a U-shaped front leg frame pivotally coupled to the seat panel and pivotally coupled at its ends to ends of a U-shaped back leg frame. The frame is capable of being folded such that the back frame, the seat frame, the front leg frame, and the back leg frame folds substantially parallel and adjacent to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Kerry L. Welsh
  • 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: 5988465
    Abstract: A backpack assembly having a backpack, and a pad and a retaining strap, both connected to the backpack. The backpack has a front panel secured to a back panel, with a chamber defined between the panels, the front panel having a top, a bottom, and opposite sides. The backpack includes a pair of shoulder straps secured to the backpack such that, with the straps positioned over the shoulders of a person, the front panel faces and is generally parallel to the back of the person while the backpack is worn. The pad includes a first face and a second face, with the pad being connected to the backpack by at least one pad strap, such that the pad is movable between a first position, where the first face contacts the front panel, and a second position, where the first face is placed on a chair seat and the backpack rests upon a horizontal support surface. The retaining strap includes a fixed end connected to the backpack adjacent the top of the front panel, and a free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventors: Richard Vitale, Eugene Vitale
  • Patent number: 5975389
    Abstract: A backpack has a pair of vertical posts, a base connected to the posts, and an extension that is slidable within the base. Various accessories such as tree claws and clamps for holding guns and bows are attachable to the base and extension. By sliding the extension within the base, the distance between the tree claws or clamps can be adjusted. A seat having a concave undersurface is pivotally connected to the post. When in a folded mode, the seat nests between the posts, and the seat undersurface bears against the back of the person to thereby make the backpack comfortable to carry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Joel L. Braun, Kimberly F. Braun
  • Patent number: 5957349
    Abstract: A combination article of luggage seat unit is disclosed, in which the seat unit may be completely separated from the luggage when it is desired to use the seat and when in its storage condition is compactly contained within an auxiliary compartment of the article of luggage. The seat unit may also be used while it is connected to the luggage, with a portion of the luggage re-positioned to provide a cushion of for the seat, and is secured to a planar support member for the emplacement of the seat unit within the article of luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: United States Luggage, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard J. Krulik
  • Patent number: 5954248
    Abstract: A combination backpack and stool with a variable height seat and a grounding mechanism for limiting lateral movement of a sole central column. The lightweight structure has straps for carrying and an integral bag for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Inventor: Harold E. Jasper
  • Patent number: 5944241
    Abstract: The present invention provides a portable storage enclosure which can be used as a seat. The device includes a storage enclosure defining a storage cavity, and an access opening thereto. A door is mounted on the storage enclosure. The door is movable from a position at which it covers the access opening to a position at which it permits access to the storage cavity. A belt is attached to the storage enclosure. The belt is adjustable from a first position at which the belt can be secured about a wearer's waist to a second position at which the belt can be secured around a generally vertical support, such as a tree or utility pole. The apparatus of the present invention is designed so that the wearer can remove the storage enclosure from the wearer's waist, attach the storage enclosure to the generally vertical support by the belt, and use the storage enclosure as a seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventors: James E. Globig, Kenneth Neil Allen
  • Patent number: 5927575
    Abstract: The invention provides a cushion and backpack combination including a back support cushion and seat support cushion that are connected by a pair of shoulder straps. Both the back cushion and seat cushion include additional straps for securing the cushions to an object. The back cushion includes integrated pockets, and the seat cushion has detachably appended packs on each side. The appended packs are folded over onto the seat cushion and then tied onto the seat cushion using the securing straps to form a single backpack unit. By placing the carrying straps over each shoulder, the sportsman may carry both the cushions and the packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Inventor: William D. Gatling
  • Patent number: 5878928
    Abstract: A hard-shelled backpack that consists of opposing outer doors, removable interlocking compartments, detachable outer pockets, dual purpose shoulder straps, a multipurpose frame, and dual purpose cargo bags, as-well-as a unique hip suspension device that allows the wearer to adjust and alter the weight of the backpack in reference to the body. This device changes the position of the backpack in reference to the body through an articulating ratchet device that subsequently changes the physical work that a given muscle group performs on any given terrain. The device is controlled by a dial directly behind the waistline of the wearer and is adjustable to the desires of the individual. The outer doors open in an opposing manner in relation to each other. This function allows access to all equipment contained therein. The interlocking compartments are easily removed to allow access to less used equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: Don Seiber
  • Patent number: 5876091
    Abstract: A collapsible tripod stool (16) which comprises three legs (18) with a structure (20) for crisscrossing the legs (18) together. A flexible seat (22) is also provided. A facility (24) is for attaching the flexible seat (22) onto flattened curved top ends (26) of the legs (18). When the legs (18) with the flexible seat (22) are put in an open position and placed upon the ground (28), a person (30) can sit upon the flexible seat (22). When the legs (18) with the flexible seat (22) are put in a closed position, the person (30) can comfortably carry it anywhere for any kind of outdoor activity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Alan Chernomashentsev
  • Patent number: 5868462
    Abstract: A back pack support which doubles as a seat is provided including a rigid frame including a vertically oriented plate and a horizontally oriented plate. The horizontally oriented plate has an inboard edge integrally coupled to a bottom edge of the vertically oriented plate and extended therefrom in perpendicular relationship therewith. Mounted on a front face of the vertically oriented plate is a pair of shoulder straps for allowing the frame to be worn on a back of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Gary E. Truax
  • Patent number: 5868292
    Abstract: A frame carrier including a soft body portion and a frame formed of a resin material. The soft body portion includes a front portion, a back portion, side portions and a seat portion connected to the back portion. The seat portion includes a forward end with an adjustment strap attached to the frame wherein the adjustment of the length of the adjustment strap may be used to adjust the height of the seat portion. A pivoted leg stand is provided including a pivot connection which defines two predetermined positions for the leg stand. The pivot connection includes cooperating cam and detent members wherein the two positions for the leg stand are defined by movement of the cam relative to the detent. The carrier further includes an adjustable waist belt including a pair of clips engaged in vertically extending slots in the frame. A plurality of mounting points for the clips are defined along the slots to thereby define different height positions for the waist belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: Gerry Baby Products
    Inventors: William B. Stephens, Paul F. Fair, James S. Panzarella
  • Patent number: 5819999
    Abstract: A combination backpack and chair. It has a backpack with a chair back portion located on its rear face. Chair back wings extend from side regions of the chair back portion. A seat portion extends from a lower rear region of the chair back portion. Seat wings extend from side regions of the seat portion. The seat wings and chair back wings are foldable inwardly into contact with the seat and chair back portions when the device is not being used as a chair, and these wings are foldable outwardly when the device is used as a chair. Generally rigid stays are placed in the back wings and the seat wings to provide for greater stiffening. To better maintain the shape of the device, the chair back, seat, and wings are preferably padded with foam rubber type material. Straps are provided for connecting the chair back portion and the seat back portion to allow the chair back portion and the seat portion to be maintained at a desired degree of recline relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventor: Brian M. Tennant
  • Patent number: 5779248
    Abstract: The present invention provides a releasably mounted retrofit system that allows a standard back-mounted child carrier to also serve as a stroller. The retrofit system comprises an adjustable handlebar apparatus and a wheel unit. Both of these can be releasably mounted to the rear frame of an existing back-mounted child carrier thereby allowing existing carriers to also function as strollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Tough Traveler, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nancy Gold, Carl Legere, Christine Gauss, Charles Howarth
  • Patent number: 5779112
    Abstract: A backpack provided in combination with a seat unit in which the seat unit may be completely separated from the back pack when it is desired to use the seat unit and when in its storage condition is compactly contained within an auxiliary compartment of the back pack. The seat unit may also be used while it is connected to the back pack, with a portion of the back pack re-positioned to provide a cushion for the seat. The seat unit is formed of a pair of pivoted leg sections, which support a flexible seat, and is secured to a planar support member for the emplacement of the seat unit within the back pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: United States Luggage, L.P.
    Inventor: Richard J. Krulik
  • Patent number: 5695099
    Abstract: A combination back pack and seat combination including a molded one piece chair seat and backrest with one aspect (FIGS. 1-3) of the invention including foldable legs pivotally supported on the bottom of the chair seat and another aspect (FIGS. 4-6) of the invention including a single tubular chair support. In each aspect of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are secured to the backrest portion of the chair with each of the straps being constructed of a flexible cord material and provided with a protective cushioning covering to engage the shoulder of a person transporting the chair. In the single tubular chair support embodiment a foldable tree stand is also provided and includes a base platform supporting the chair seat and a first V-shaped segment to engage a tree trunk. A pair of pivotally connected arms extend from the base with a second V-shaped segment connected to the arms to also frictionally engage the opposite side of the tree trunk and provide support for the tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Inventor: Alton R. Strum
  • Patent number: 5676287
    Abstract: The folding collapsible frame assembly of a baby carrier which includes a U-shaped front tube, a U-shaped rear tube having two opposite ends respectively pivoted to two connecting frames at two opposite ends of the front tube, two side tubes pivoted to the two connecting frames, each side tube having a spring plate with a raised portion adapted for engaging a respective retaining hole on one connecting frame to hold the side tubes in the operative position, a U-shaped top tube, two holder frames fixedly connected to the two opposite ends of the U-shaped top tube and pivoted to the side tubes at one end remote from the connecting frames, two spring-supported sockets movably mounted around the side tubes and having a respective top flange adapted for engaging respective bottom notches on the holder frame to hold the top tube between the operative position and the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Mien Chen Huang
  • Patent number: 5641199
    Abstract: A combination backpack and chair cover, comprising first and second broad panels arranged in generally upright aligned, spaced apart relationship to form the front and rear portions, respectively, of the backpack, a shorter third panel hingedly attached along its opposed marginal edges to the respective lower edges of the first and second panels to form the bottom of the backpack, opposed fourth and fifth side panels co-extensive with and hingedly attached to the first panel along the mutual side marginal edges thereof, a sixth panel hingedly attached to the first panel to form the top of the backpack, strap apparatus attached to the first panel to support the backpack in carrying position and inter-engaging fastening device attached to the non-hingedly connected edges of the panels, and shiftable between a first position, wherein all panels are interconnected along their marginal edges to form an enclosed backpack, and a second position, wherein the panels are opened to allow the first, second and third pane
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: Winnie Bond-Madsen
  • Patent number: 5628544
    Abstract: Twin, thermal-insulated containers held side-by-side for transportation separate to expose deployable pairs of forward projecting and rearward projecting arms that mount a body-supporting web, thus forming a lounge chair whose thermal-insulated containers constitute the sides and arm rests. The arms are connected to toroidal bearings nested in semi-circular cavities in the walls of the containers. Detent nibs projecting from the periphery of the toroidal bearings engage corresponding notches in the bearing cavities when in their deployed lounge chair positions. The body-supporting web and the cross-bar joining the arms can be conveniently stored under the thermal-insulated containers when they are joined together in the transport mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Riptide Productions, Inc.
    Inventors: Rome A. Goodman, Michael S. Mundy
  • Patent number: 5628437
    Abstract: A combination backpack and seat device is constructed of first and second U-shaped frame members, each having a transverse portion intended to be horizontally disposed during use and parallel side portions intended to be vertically disposed during use. The frame members are pivotably interconnected at a site within their side portions. A fabric panel extends between the transverse portions of the frame members and serves as a seat when the frame members are pivoted to maximum separation, representing the seat mode of use of the device. In the seat mode of use, the lower extremities of the side portions of the second frame member contact the ground, and a strap of adjustable length secured to the side portions of the second frame member is caused to tautly embrace a tree adjacent the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Edward F. Kober
  • Patent number: 5609279
    Abstract: A child carrier for supporting a child adjacent the back of a hiker's torso comprising a forward portion, a rearward portion, a seat portion, and a hood. The forward portion has straps engageable with the hiker's torso for enabling the hiker to tote the child carrier in a hands-free manner. The rearward portion is generally rearward of and spaced from the forward portion. The seat portion is generally between the forward and rearward portions and operatively connected thereto for supporting a child. A child compartment is between the forward and rearward portions and is defined at least in part by the seat portion. The hood is of flexible sheet material and is moveable between a covering position in which the hood extends generally from the rearward portion to the forward portion to cover the child compartment and an uncovering position in which the child compartment is exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: American Recreation Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy O'Shea
  • Patent number: 5607089
    Abstract: A combination back pack and seat combination including a molded one piece chair seat and backrest with one aspect (FIGS. 1-3) of the invention including foldable legs pivotally supported on the bottom of the chair seat and another aspect (FIGS. 4-6) of the invention including a single tubular chair support. In each aspect of the invention a pair of shoulder straps are secured to the backrest portion of the chair with each of the straps being constructed of a flexible cord material and provided with a protective cushioning covering to engage the shoulder of a person transporting the chair. In the single tubular chair support embodiment a foldable tree stand is also provided and includes a base platform supporting the chair seat and a first V-shaped segment to engage a tree trunk. A pair of pivotally connected arms extend from the base with a second V-shaped segment connected to the arms to also frictionally engage the opposite side of the tree trunk and provide support for the tree stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Alton R. Strum
  • Patent number: 5597101
    Abstract: A device which may be used as a backpack frame in a first functional position and as a chair with backrest in a second functional position, while still providing ready access to the backpack, supported by the frame. The device is comprised of a generally rectangular outer leg frame, and an inner leg assembly, whose over-all width is marginally narrower than the horizontal inside dimensions of the outer leg frame side members, allowing pivotal connection of the respective frames, and having a seat frame member, pivotally supported by the upper end portions of the inner leg assembly, and guidably contained within the upper portions of the outer leg U channels, which form the outer leg frame side members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignees: Gary D. Avery, Ted Barber
    Inventors: Ted Barber, Gary D. Avery
  • Patent number: 5588570
    Abstract: A combination backpack and seat device is provided which includes a frame separable into two members. The first member generally supports the backpack of the present invention and also provides a back rest for a seated user. The second member stores easily within the pouch of the backpack and can be attached to form an L-shaped structure. Once the second member of the frame is connected to the first member, a cushion can be lowered to form a low profile seat which can be used for sitting. The present invention allows for comfort and ease in assembly, as well as a lightweight unit which can be easily transported.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Kurt D. Zirbel
  • Patent number: 5588696
    Abstract: A convertible backpack assembly for carrying items therewithin, yet providing a readily adaptable assembly for conversion into a beach-type chair. The assembly includes a front panel which is disposed generally parallel to a back panel when the assembly is in a backpack configuration. The front panel is rigidly attached to a base. The back panel is pivotally mounted to the base. Armrests are provided which extend forwardly from the back panel when the assembly is converted from a backpack configuration to a chair configuration. When the assembly is in the chair configuration, the armrests are adjustable to move the back panel between reclined and an upright positions. Webbing material is disposed over the frame portions to define the front and the back of the backpack as well as the back and seat of the chair. A bag made of a material such as canvas is placed between the front and back panels when the assembly is in the backpack configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventors: John C. Jay, Clay A. Burns
  • Patent number: 5584422
    Abstract: A combination backpack and chair cover, comprising first and second broad panels arranged in generally upright aligned, spaced apart relationship to form the from and rear portions, respectively, of the backpack, a shorter third panel hingedly attached along its opposed marginal edges to the respective lower edges of the first and second panels to form the bottom of the backpack, opposed fourth and fifth side panels co-extensive with and hingedly attached to the first panel along the mutual side marginal edges thereof, a sixth panel hingedly attached to the first panel to form the top of the backpack, strap apparatus attached to the first panel to support the backpack in carrying position and inter-engaging fastening device attached to the non-hingedly connected edges of the panels, and shiftable between a first position, wherein all panels are interconnected along their marginal edges to form an enclosed backpack, and a second position, wherein the panels are opened to allow the first, second and third panel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: Winnie Bond-Madsen
  • Patent number: 5573155
    Abstract: An apparatus of the type adapted to be carried on the back of a person. The apparatus includes a pack having a front panel and a rear panel which define a chamber therebetween in which articles can be stored and carried. A pair of shoulder straps are secured to the pack such that, with the straps positioned over the shoulders of a person, the front panel faces and is generally parallel to the back of a person. The apparatus further includes a pad assembly having a first and second generally planar pads, each having a top, bottom and two sides. The bottoms of the pads are pivotally secured together between a first position in which the first pad overlies and is substantially parallel to the second pad, and a second position in which the plane of the first pad is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the second pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Stephen Sadler
  • Patent number: 5570829
    Abstract: A backpack which may be used to carry a folding chair including front and rear members, a connecting device for releasably connecting the front and rear members to one another thereby forming an internal cavity, and a fastening device, associated with the internal cavity, for releasably securing the foldable chair within the cavity. The backpack may also include a plurality of storage compartments, including an insulated storage compartment for food and beverages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Inventor: Rebecca Harrison
  • Patent number: 5560524
    Abstract: A combination gear pack and pivotable seat member is provided. The seat member is connected at the bottom of the gear pack and is pivotable between positions over a range in respect to the front and the rear of the pack. Straps support the seat member from the pack to create an effective chair, and the straps are adjustable so that the angular orientation of the seat member with respect to the pack can be adjusted for comfort to the user. The pack and the seat member are reinforced with rigid edges for seating comfort and structural support. The seat member, when not in use as a chair, can also be swung back to compressively secure a load against the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Inventor: Paul W. Brune
  • Patent number: 5547246
    Abstract: A combination canoe carrier and camp chair. The carrier supports an inverted canoe on a person's back and is also capable of being converted to a folding camp chair. The chair includes two rectangular frames pivotally connected intermediate their ends. Webbing is secured to the frame to provide seat and back portions and the frames are interconnected by straps to provide a chair configuration. In the canoe carrier mode a web interconnects upper ends of the frames to support the thwart of the inverted canoe. Suitable shoulder straps and a hip belt are also attached to the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Lambert
  • Patent number: 5544793
    Abstract: A device for attachment to a standard folding lawn chair for subsequent transportation on an individual's back. The device utilizes a padded sleeve which slips over the back of the chair, and within which are a pair of fasteners which are secured to the seatback upper-crossmember. A pair of shoulder straps, integral with the fasteners, extend from the padded sleeve and, after passing over the individual's shoulders, are attached to the chair central-crossmember. The seat is held in the folded position by means of a cord extending from the sleeve which is tied around the seat front-crossmember.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Kathy L. Harrop
  • Patent number: 5538318
    Abstract: A pack frame that is convertible to a chair, having a generally rectangular shaped back section which has fittings that allow a back pack to be attached to it, and a generally rectangular shaped seat section pivotally connected to the back section. The seat section has a rigid frame at the sides and back but not at the front. The back and seat sections have fabric or plastic panels attached to each respectively that form the back and seat of the chair. A front leg section and a rear leg section are each pivotally connected to the seat section. Two adjustable shoulder straps are each attached at one end to a cross member connecting the left front leg and the right front leg at a point below the front of the chair seat and the shoulder straps are connected at the other end to the lower portion of the rear leg member of the chair. When the invention is folded into position for use as a pack frame, retaining clips hold the front and rear legs together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Shian MacLean
  • Patent number: 5536064
    Abstract: A pack frame that is convertible to a chair, having a generally rectangular shaped back section which has fittings that allow a back pack to be attached to it, and a generally rectangular shaped seat section pivotally connected to the back section. The back and seat sections have fabric or plastic panels attached to each respectively that form the back and seat of the chair. Two adjustable shoulder straps are each attached at one end to the front of the chair seat and at the other end to the lower portion of the rear leg member of the chair. A padded hip belt is attached to the front leg member. Back pads are attached to the bottom of the seat section and to the front leg section, and the back pads extend approximately one inch or more from the bottom of the seat section and the front of the front leg section, respectively, whereby the folding chair is held away from the user's body so that only the padded shoulder straps, the back pads, and a padded hip belt come in contact with the user's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Shian MacLean
  • Patent number: 5533654
    Abstract: A support apparatus having a support member; and an assembly for mounting the support member on a first work object for movement between a first attitude, in which the support member is disposed in a stored condition, and a second attitude, in which the support member is disposed in a condition for use in supporting a second work object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventors: Anton G. Holty, Frederick J. Wilson, Edward D. Sozinho
  • Patent number: 5527089
    Abstract: The convertible chair and load carrier device comprises a dorsal member, a harness for attaching the dorsal member to the user's back, a load support member and a peg-and-groove system for removably mounting the load support member on the dorsal member in either a first position to form a load carrier device or a second position to form a chair. In the first position, the load support member can be turned upside down to form a chair carrier device usable to transport a child. The peg-and-groove system comprises, on each side, first and second pegs formed on the load support member and first, second and third grooves formed on the dorsal member. The first and second grooves each have a bottom face provided with a generally rectangular protuberance situated centrally of the groove while the first peg is formed of two spaced apart peg elements generally half-moon shaped in cross section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Emilien Charest
  • Patent number: 5527088
    Abstract: A pack frame that is convertible to a chair, having a generally rectangular shaped back section which has fittings that allow a back pack to be attached to it, and a generally rectangular shaped seat section pivotally connected to the back section. The back and seat sections have fabric or plastic panels attached to each respectively that form the back and seat of the chair. Two adjustable shoulder straps are each attached at one end to the front of the chair seat and at the other end to the lower portion of the rear leg member of the chair. When the invention is folded into position for use as a pack frame, the member that forms the front of the chair seat pivots and hooks or latches into the back of the chair, locking the device into a rigid pack frame, and retaining clips hold the front and rear legs together. All horizontal cross members are shaped to curve away from the user's body when the invention is used as a pack frame, for the comfort of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Shian MacLean
  • Patent number: 5501505
    Abstract: A pair of straps that can be attached to a variety of beach chairs and are designed so that the straps need no adjusting buckles to fit people of different sizes without sliding off their shoulders. The straps are attached, and will hang, behind the chair when the chair is used for sitting. The straps cross over each other in a V-shape or an X-shape and will enable a person to carry the chair on his back, therefore leaving his hands free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: David Jablonski