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 
       [0001]    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 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0004]    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 
       [0005]    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. 
         [0006]    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. 
         [0007]    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 
       [0008]    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&#39;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. 
         [0009]    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&#39;s back. 
         [0010]    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&#39;s back. 
         [0011]    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 
         [0012]    In the various figures, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components. 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a back perspective view of the combination pack and stool of the type shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a combination pack and stool device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of the stool frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a back perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in  FIG. 8 ; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the stool frame of the type shown in  FIG. 8 , shown tipped on its side. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    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. 
         [0025]    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&#39;s pack  30 . 
         [0026]    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&#39;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&#39;s shoulders. 
         [0027]    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&#39;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&#39;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&#39;s hips to thereby reduce strain against the shoulders. 
         [0028]    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&#39;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&#39;s hips to thereby reduce strain against the shoulders. 
         [0029]    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. 
         [0030]    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.