Patent ID: 6048023
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: A45C,A45F,A47C

Abstract:
Multi-function support apparatus selectively convertible between a first configuration wherein a backpack of the multi-function support apparatus is supportable on the back of an individual in a generally vertical orientation, a second configuration wherein the multi-function support apparatus is for use as a table with the backpack in a horizontal orientation, and a third configuration wherein the multi-function support apparatus is for use as a chair with the backpack disposed in a generally vertical orientation and functioning as a back of the chair, said multi-function support apparatus comprising, in combination:a support frame including a first chair frame member having a first pair of legs with ground engaging first leg ends and a first connector member connecting together the legs of said first pair of legs at locations thereon spaced from said first leg ends, a second chair frame member having a second pair of legs with ground engaging second leg ends and a second connector member connecting together the legs of said second pair of legs at locations thereon spaced from said second leg ends, pivots pivotally connecting said first and second chair frame members and said first and second chair frame members movable between a first condition wherein said pairs of legs are generally parallel and a second condition wherein said pairs of legs diverge;a backpack carrier frame pivotally connected to one of said chair frame members and selectively movable between a first location wherein said backpack carrier frame is generally vertically oriented and a second location wherein said backpack carrier frame is generally horizontally oriented;a backpack;means releasably connecting said backpack to said backpack carrier frame, said backpack movable with said backpack carrier frame between a generally vertical orientation and a generally horizontal orientation;a seat element extending between and attached to said first and second connector members providing support for said backpack with said backpack in a generally horizontal orientation when said pairs of legs are in said second condition and said backpack carrier frame is generally horizontally oriented, said seat element being formed from flexible sheet material and stretched taut between said first and second connector members by opposed forces exerted on said seat element by said first and second connector members when said pairs of legs are in said second condition, said backpack carrier frame having a generally U-shaped configuration and including two spaced carrier frame elements with distal carrier frame ends connected to said backpack, said backpack extending between said spaced distal carrier frame ends and functioning as a chair back when said backpack carrier frame and said backpack are generally vertically oriented, said means for releasably connecting said backpack carrier frame to said backpack comprising a pair of spaced pockets on said backpack receiving said distal carrier frame ends and retainers releasably retaining said distal carrier frame ends in said spaced pockets, said backpack carrier frame additionally including a cross member attached to, extending between and interconnecting said carrier frame elements at locations on said carrier frame elements spaced from said distal carrier frame ends, said carrier frame elements of said backpack carrier frame being pivotally attached to the pair of legs of one of said chair frame members at pivot locations and said cross member engageable with the pair of legs to which said carrier frame elements are pivotally attached to restrict pivotal movement of said backpack carrier frame about said pivot locations, said carrier frame elements each having a bend formed therein to maintain said pack in a generally vertical orientation, said backpack offset rearwardly of said pivot locations when the cross member engages the pair of legs to which the carrier frame elements are pivotally attached, and said cross member engaging the pair of legs to which the carrier frame elements are attached in front of said pivot locations; anda storage receptacle connected to said seat element and disposed below and covered by said seat element when said pairs of legs are in said second condition, said storage receptacle having an access opening formed in a side thereof, said access opening not being covered by said seat element.