Convertible backpack and cot construction

A backpack including a tubular frame whose ends are extensible to elongate the frame to form a cot. A canvas cover on the backpack frame is also extended to serve as a support for the body of the user on the frame and is attached to the extended frame portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention generally relates to camping equipment, and more 
particularly to a backpack having a frame that can be extended to convert 
the backpack into a cot. 
Camping has been increasing in popularity and, while it is conventional to 
carry a bedroll or sleeping bag on a backpack which can be rolled out onto 
the ground at night for sleeping, it is highly desirable, particularly in 
cold and damp environments, to sleep elevated from the ground. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Accordingly, this invention provides a backpack comprised of a tubular 
frame whose ends are extensible to elongate the frame into a cot. A canvas 
cover for the backpack is positioned on the backpack frame when extended 
to serve as a support the the body in a prone position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
Referring now to the drawing in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like 
elements throughout the several views, the backpack frame 10 is made from 
aluminum and comprises a first horizontal U-shaped tubular frame member 12 
having an extensible bight portion 14. Bight portion 14 is connected to a 
first pair of telescoping leg assemblies which include legs 16 and 18 
telescopically received within opposed outer legs 20 and 22, respectively 
of frame member 12. 
Opposed outer legs 20 and 22 of tubular frame member 12 are connected by a 
plurality of bands or straps 24 to a second horizontal substantially 
U-shaped tubular frame member 26 having an extensible bight portion 28. 
Bight portion 28 is connected to a second pair of telescoping leg 
assemblies which include legs 30 and 32 telescopically received within 
opposed outer legs 34 and 36, respectively, of frame 26. 
Connected to and depending from the opposed outer legs 34 and 36 of frame 
26 is a first vertical substantially U-shaped tubular frame member 38 
whose legs 40 and 42 are integrally connected to legs 34 and 36 of frame 
26, respectively, and whose bight portion 44 serves to support horizontal 
frame members 12 and 26 above a supporting surface. Similarly, connected 
to and depending from the end of the opposed outer legs 34 and 36 of frame 
26 is a second vertical substantially U-shaped tubular frame member 46 
whose legs 48 and 50 extend downwardly from and are integral extension of 
legs 34 and 36 of frame 26 respectively. The bight portion 52 of frame 
member 46 serves to support horizontal frame members 12 and 26 above a 
supporting surface along with the bight portion 44 of frame member 38. 
Intermediate legs 34 and 36 of horizontal tubular frame 26 are a pair of 
tubular braces 54 and 56. Braces 54 and 56 are concave for a purpose to be 
discussed hereinafter. 
Attached to each strap 24 and extending laterally therefrom is an eyebolt 
58. Each eyebolt 58 is received through a slit 60 in a canvas cover 62, 
having lateral flaps 64 and 66 connected to a main body portion 68. 
Longitudinal flaps 70 and 72 are also connected to main body portion 68. 
After slits 60 are positioned over eyebolts 58, lateral flaps 64 and 66 of 
canvas cover 62 are folded about lines 74 and 76 respectively, and wrapped 
about the abutting legpairs 20, 34 and 22, 36 of the first and second 
horizontal tubular frames 12 and 26. Laces (not shown) are strung between 
and through holes 78 in lateral flaps 64 and 66 to secure cover 62 to the 
frame members 12 and 26. The main body portion 68 of cover 62 seats 
between the bights 14 and 28 and the aforementioned leg pairs 20, 34 and 
22, 36. 
With bights 14 and 28 extended to the phantom line position illustrated in 
FIG. 1, and the horizontal frames 12 and 26 supported by bights 44 and 52, 
backpack frame 10 can be used as a cot. Longitudinal flap 70 is positioned 
over bight 28, and extended legs 30, 32 while longitudinal flap 72 is 
positioned over bight 14 and extended legs 16, 18. Laces 80 are strung 
between adjacent holes 82 in each longitudinal flap and over the 
corresponding extended bight and legs to provide a head and foot support 
for the body of the user, while main body portion 68 of cover 62 supports 
in conjunction with concave braces 54 and 56 the body of the user. The 
curvature of braces 54 and 56 more comfortably support the body by 
conforming to the body. 
In order to use backpack frame 10 as a backpack, flaps 70 and 72 are 
removed from the extended bight 28, legs 30, 32 and bight 14, legs 16, 18, 
respectively, and the legs telescoped back into legs 34, 36 and legs 20, 
22 respectively. Flaps 70 and 72 are folded about lines 86 and 84 
respectively, to encircle retracted bights 28 and 14, respectively, and 
the entire first and second vertical frame members 38 and 46. Material to 
be carried within the backpack is enclosed between the rear surface of 
main body 68 of cover 62 and the rear surface of the folded over flaps 70 
and 72. Laces 80 are extended between holes 82 in the bottom row of the 
flaps 70 and 72 to secure the material in the backpack. An eyelet rod (not 
shown) provided with straps is inserted through each row of eyebolts 58 so 
the backpack frame 10 can be carried on the back of the user in a vertical 
position with frames 38 and 46 substantially horizontal. Once more, 
concave braces 54 and 56 conform to the curvature of the user's back for 
increased comfort.