Abstract:
A hunter&#39;s backpack comprises a pack bag having a forward-facing side positioned to face an individual&#39;s back when said backpack is worn. A rigid frame extends substantially the full width and height of the pack bag. The rigid frame is removably fixed to the pack bag adjacent the forward-facing side so that it serves as a backpack support frame for maintaining the shape of the backpack and transferring the load of articles stored therein. The rigid frame includes axle attachment means for removable attachment of a pair of axles to the frame, the axles being stored in the backpack. A pair of wheels is also stored in the backpack. The wheels are removably attachable to the axles and rotatable thereon. Thus, the rigid frame, when removed from the pack bag, can be assembled with the axles and wheels, to form a game cart.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to hunting, and particularly to a backpack especially useful to hunters in that it can be used as a backpack for carrying hunting gear and supplies, but incorporates components of a two-wheeled cart that can be assembled by a hunter in a forest at a hunting site that is inaccessible to a motor vehicle, and used to transport the carcass of a deer or other game animal through the forest to the vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The average weight of an adult male deer exceeds 200 pounds (91 kg). Even when field dressed, the weight of the deer carcass can exceed 150 pounds (68 kg), making it very difficult for a hunter to carry. The site at which a deer is killed is more often than not at a location in a forest that is far from a road, and inaccessible to a truck or automobile. For these reasons, it is common for a hunter to utilize a cart to transport a deer carcass from a hunting site to a vehicle parked at a remote location. Various carts for this purpose are known. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,720, 5,620,193, 6,217,043, 6,805,269, 7,017,939, 7,172,207, and 8,366,125. 
         [0003]    Even when designed for compactness, or constructed so that they can be taken down or folded, game carts are generally cumbersome, and increase the burden on the hunter, who also needs to be equipped with a rifle, ammunition, and other hunting gear and supplies. 
         [0004]    A hunter will often carry hunting gear and supplies in a backpack. Most backpacks suitable for use by hunters are of the kind that utilize a backpack frame to maintain the shape of the backpack, and transfer the load of the articles stored in the backpack so that a large part of the load is concentrated on a waist belt attached to the backpack. Backpack frames are of two principal types, external and internal. An external backpack frame is typically a structure formed of metal tubing to which a waist belt, shoulder straps and a pack bag are fastened. An internal backpack frame is usually a metal tubing structure disposed inside a pack bag adjacent the forward-facing part of the pack bag, i.e., the part that faces the wearer&#39;s back. 
         [0005]    Backpack frames are particularly useful in backpacks designed for heavy loads because they transfer the majority of the weight to the wearer&#39;s waist, thereby relieving the wearer&#39;s shoulders and decreasing strain on the wearer&#39;s back. However the frames themselves add to the overall weight of the backpack. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    This invention utilizes a removable internal backpack frame that can be quickly and easily converted into a game transport cart. 
         [0007]    A hunter&#39;s backpack in accordance with the invention comprises a pack bag formed of fabric and having a forward facing side positioned to face an individual&#39;s back when said backpack is worn. A rigid frame is provided in the pack bag, extending substantially the full width and height of the pack bag. The rigid frame is removably fixed to the pack bag adjacent the forward facing side so that it serves as a backpack support frame for maintaining the shape of the backpack and transferring the load of articles stored therein. Axle attachment means, preferably sockets, are provided for removable attachment of a pair of axles to the frame, the axles being stored in the backpack. A pair of wheels is also stored in the backpack. The wheels are removably attachable to the axles and rotatable thereon. Thus, the rigid frame, when removed from the pack bag, can be assembled with the axles and wheels, to form a game cart. 
         [0008]    In a preferred embodiment of the backpack, the rigid frame comprises a plate, which can be composed of synthetic resin, extending substantially the full width and height of the pack bag. 
         [0009]    In addition, in the preferred embodiment of the backpack, metal reinforcing plates are fastened respectively to the forward-facing and rearward-facing sides of the synthetic resin plate, and extend from a location adjacent the right edge to a location adjacent the left edge of the synthetic resin plate. These metal reinforcing plates are secured to each other by fasteners extending through holes in the synthetic resin plate. The axle-attachment means are fixed directly to one of the reinforcing plates, preferably by welding. The axle attachment means can comprise a pair of sockets, each for removably receiving one of said axles. 
         [0010]    In the preferred embodiment, The pack bag includes two compartments, each having one of the wheels stored removably therein, and two compartments, each having one of the axles stored removably therein. 
         [0011]    In an alternative embodiment, the rigid frame can be an open frame comprising a pair of side members extending in spaced relationship to each other, a top member and a bottom member, each extending from one of the side members to the other, and a plurality of intermediate reinforcing struts extending from one of the side members to the other. A plate having opposite ends extends from one of the side members to the other, and the axle-attachment means comprises a first axle-receiving tube connected to the plate adjacent one of the opposite ends of the plate and a second axle-receiving tube connected to the plate adjacent the other end of the plate. 
         [0012]    In a preferred embodiment, an additional fabric layer overlying a panel on the forward-facing side of the pack bag and located either on the inner or outer side of the panel, forms a pocket having a height extending from a location adjacent the top of the backpack to a location adjacent the bottom of the backpack, and a width extending from a location adjacent the right side of the backpack to a location adjacent the left side. The pocket has an opening, extending along its top, its right side, its left side or its bottom, for removably receiving the rigid frame. 
         [0013]    In the case where an open frame is located outside the backpack, the pocket can be a shallow pocket located near the bottom of the forward facing side of the pack bag. The lower part of the frame can fit into the shallow pocket, and the upper part of the frame can be attached to the upper part of the pack bag by straps or other suitable fastening means. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a partially broken away perspective view of a hunter&#39;s backpack in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the backpack of  FIG. 1 , showing the top of the backpack in an open condition and showing the backpack frame, in the form of a plate, being inserted into a pocket of the backpack; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is an elevational view of a portion of the forward facing panel of the pack bag, showing a frame-receiving pocket; 
           [0017]      FIG. 3A  is an exploded perspective view of the frame in the form of a plate, showing the parts thereof, including the metal reinforcing plates and the axle-receiving means; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3B  is an assembled view of a cart including the frame of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is an elevational view showing a cart formed from the frame of  FIG. 3B , in use for transporting a deer; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of a backpack having a frame-receiving pocket in an alternative location; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6A  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the frame, showing the parts thereof, including an axle-receiving means an a metal plate for supporting the axle-receiving means; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6B  is an assembled view of the frame of  FIG. 6A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    The backpack  10 , shown in  FIG. 1A , comprises a pack bag  12 , preferably formed by sewing together waterproof panels composed of reinforced nylon or polyester fabric. The pack bag has a rearward-facing side  14  and an opposite forward-facing side  16 , which faces the back of the individual wearing the backpack. The pack bag has a top cover  18  connected to the lower part of the pack bag by a fabric hinge so that the top cover can be opened for insertion and removal of contents. Latches  20  are provided to secure the top cover in a closed condition. Two shoulder straps, one of which is visible in  FIG. 1A  as shoulder strap  22 , form loops through which the wearer&#39;s arms are extended when the backpack is put on, and which engage the wearer&#39;s shoulders while the backpack is worn. Chest straps, one of which is visible in  FIG. 1A  as strap  24 , are connected to a part of the pack bag near the top cover, and can be connected to each other in front of the wearer&#39;s chest. A waist belt is composed of two portions  26  that can be connected to each other in front of the wearer&#39;s waist. Two loops  28  are stitched to the waist belt components adjacent the locations at which they meet the pack bag. These loops can be used to secure lines for connecting the pack bag to the cart which will be described below. 
         [0024]    The top cover  18  can be proved with internal storage compartments closable respectively by zippers  30  and  32 . One of these two compartments can be used for storage of one of the two wheels of the cart. The other compartment can be used for the storage of other cart components such as washers, cotter pins, etc. or miscellaneous hunting gear. A flap  34 , near the bottom of the interior of the pack bag and shown in the broken-away part of  FIG. 1A , can be used to separate a second wheel  36 , stored in the bottom of the pack bag, from other materials carried inside the bag. Pockets with flaps are provided on the right and left sides of the pack bag for storage of axles for the cart, the pocket on the left side being visible as pocket  38  in  FIG. 1A . 
         [0025]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , an internal pocket  40  is formed by the forward facing panel of the pack bag and a fabric panel  42  sewn to the inside of the forward facing panel. A flap  44  is provided to close the opening at the upper end of the pocket  38 , and can be held in place by a hook and loop fastener one part  46  of which is provided near the upper end of the fabric panel  42  on the rearward-facing side thereof. Instead of hook and loop fasteners, various other suitable fastening means, such as snap fasteners, straps with buckles, ties, loops of cord and buttons, and the like, may be used to hold the flap  44  in a closed condition over the opening at the upper end of the pocket  38 . 
         [0026]    A frame  50  is shown being inserted into the pocket  40 . The principal part of the frame is a generally rectangular rigid plate  52 , preferably composed of a durable, impact resistant, synthetic resin such as a polycarbonate or another resin having similar properties. When inserted into the pocket  40 , the frame  50  serves as an internal backpack frame. The size and shape of the plate  52  should be such that, when the frame is fully inserted into the pocket  40  and the flap  44  is closed and secured to the fabric panel  42 , the upper edge  54  of the plate  52  engages the flap  44 . Then, a part of the weight of the contents of the pack bag can be transferred through the pack bag fabric to the upper edge  54  of the plate  52 , and through the plate  52  to the waist belt, thereby relieving the load imposed on the wearer&#39;s shoulders through the shoulder straps, and also relieving the load imposed on the upper part of the wearer&#39;s chest through the chest straps. 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  shows the pocket  40  sewn to a panel  55  that forms the forward-facing side of the pack bag. The pocket can be located on the inside of the pack bag as shown in  FIG. 1B , or alternatively on the forward-facing outside surface of the pack bag.  FIG. 2  shows both part  46  and the mating part  57  of a hook and loop fastener for securing the flap  44  in its closed condition. 
         [0028]    When the frame is removed from the backpack, axles and wheels can be attached to the frame by axle attachment means to form a hauling cart. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 3A , the frame  50  includes not only the synthetic resin plate  52 , but also a pair of rectangular metal reinforcing plates  56  and  58 , which extend across the plate  52  on opposite sides thereof, from a right edge  60  of plate  52  to a left edge  62 . The reinforcing plates are secured together by bolts, e.g., bolt  64 , that extend through holes in plate  52 . Metal tubes  66  and  68 , are welded respectively to plate  56 , serve as axle receivers. These metal tubes are aligned with each other and extend toward each other from locations adjacent the right and left edges  60  and  62  of plate  52 . Bolt holes  70  are provided in the tubes for bolts (not shown) used to secure rods  72  and  74  to the tubes. These rods serve as axles for wheels  76  and  78 , which are mounted rotatably on the axles using washers  80  and pins  82 . 
         [0030]    Preferably, each of the rods is provided with two or more transverse through holes, e.g. holes  84  and  86  in rod  72 , that allow for widthwise adjustment of the wheelbase of the cart. Unless a larger distance between the wheels is needed in order to accommodate a large animal, it is desirable for the distance between the wheels to be reduced in order to facilitate movement of the cart through brush and past other natural obstructions as it is pulled through a forest. 
         [0031]    When the cart is assembled, as shown in  FIG. 3B , it is preferably placed on the ground with the reinforcing plate  58  on the top side of plate  52 . Slots  85  may be provided adjacent one of the forward and rearward edges of the plate  52  for attachment of lines used to pull the cart. Additional slots  86  may be provided adjacent the longitudinal edges of the plate  52  for attachment of straps. As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , a deer  88  is secured to the top side of the cart by straps  90  and  92 , and a hunter  94  is shown pulling the cart by means of lines  96  connected from the slots at the forward edge of the plate to the loops  28  on the backpack. Straps  90  and  92  can be secured by hooks to holes  87  ( FIG. 3B ). Alternatively, rope can be used to secure the deer to the cart. The length of the plate  52  does not need to be as long as the deer or other game animal that it carries, as the carcass can overhang the cart both at the front and at the rear. Thus, the size of plate  52  can be such that it can fit a backpack of ordinary size. A typical plate  52  is 14 inches (36 cm) in width and 18 inches (46 cm) in length. The dimensions of the plate, of course, will vary depending on the size of the backpack. 
         [0032]    As mentioned above, the pocket for receiving the backpack frame can be either inside or outside the pack bag, and in either case the height of the pocket can correspond to the full length of the frame. However, in the case of an external frame, the height of the pocket can be relatively small compared to the length of the frame. For example, as shown in  FIG. 5 , a backpack  98  is provided with a pocket  100  having an opening  102  which receives only the bottom portion of a frame. The opposite end of the frame can be secured to the upper part of the pack bag by straps  104  or other suitable securing means. In this case, although a frame in the form of a panel as in  FIG. 3A  can be used, an open frame such as shown in  FIG. 6A  is preferable. 
         [0033]    The open frame  106 , shown in  FIG. 6A , can be composed of tubing of aluminum or other suitable metal. The frame includes an outer part  108  formed of tubing bent approximately in the shape of a rectangle, and plural struts  110 , also formed of tubing, extending across, and welded to, the outer part. In addition, a rectangular mounting plate  112  extends across the frame from one side to the other at an intermediate location between the top and the bottom of the frame, and is welded at its ends to the outer part of the frame. 
         [0034]    Axle receiver plates  114 , each having an axle-receiving tube  116 , can be bolted to the mounting plate  112 . Axles  118  can then be secured to the axle-receiving tubes, and wheels  120  can be mounted for rotation on the axles, in the same manner in which the axles and wheels are mounted in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. The assembled cart is illustrated in  FIG. 6B , and is used in the same manner as the cart shown in  FIG. 4 . Straps for pulling the cart, and straps for securing the carcass to the cart can be connected directly to the outer part  108  of the frame. 
         [0035]    Various modifications in the shape, size and configuration of the backpack frames can be made. For example, in some cases, the upper part of the frame can have a convex curvature to conform to the shape of a backpack having a rounded upper part. The frames preferably have a size and shape conforming to, and are nearly as large as, the forward-facing part of the pack bag. However, in some cases, the height or width of the frame can be smaller than the height and width of the forward-facing part. In the case of an external frame, the height of the frame can be greater than that of the pack bag, and the upper part of the back bag can be attached by straps or other suitable means to one of the cross-members of the frame instead of to the upper end of the outer part  108  of the frame. 
         [0036]    In the case of a frame comprising a plate, as in  FIG. 3A , the plate can be composed of any of various materials, including a synthetic resin such as polycarbonate or the like, a metal such as aluminum, or wood. The reinforcing plates can likewise be composed of materials other than metal. 
         [0037]    In the case of an open frame as in  FIG. 5A , elements other than tubing can be used. For example the outer part of the frame can be formed from a C-channel, or square tubing instead of round tubing. The cross struts can likewise be formed from square tubing, C-channels or the like. Although a metal such as aluminum is preferred as the material for the open frame, other materials such as durable synthetic resins or wood can be used. 
         [0038]    The locations for storage of wheels and other cart components can vary. For example, variations are possible in which both wheels are stored in the bottom of the pack bag, or in which the axles are store inside the pack bag instead of in separate elongated pockets on the sides of the bag. 
         [0039]    Each axle attachment means, preferably includes a tubular axle receiver, and in the case of the open frame embodiment, in which the axle attachment means is removable from the frame, the axle attachment means includes the tubular receiver and the plate  114  to which it is permanently attached. Thus, the axle attachment means can remain with the frame when the frame is stowed in or on the backpack as in the case of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1B . Alternatively, the axle attachment means can be removed from the frame when the frame is stowed, as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6A . Other equivalent attachment devices, such as clamps or U-bolts, for example, can be used instead of the tubes or tube and plate combinations. 
         [0040]    The above modifications and many other modifications can be made to the hunter&#39;s backpack as described without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.