Combination backpack and seating apparatus

A combination backpack and seating apparatus. The present invention comprises a seat member having a top wall, at least one side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall defining a seat volume. A back support is rotatably connected proximal to the rear wall of the member and is rotatable between an angled position that is inclined relative to the sitting surface and a horizontal position substantially adjacent to the sitting surface. The invention comprises a foldable support assembly that is configurable to a generally planar folded state and an expanded state, wherein in the folded state the support assembly is rotatable between a first position that is generally parallel to the sitting surface. The invention further comprises an enclosure detachably connected to the back support.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a combination backpack and seating apparatus. More specifically, the invention is an apparatus that is convertible into multiple configurations including a stool, a bleacher seat, a legless chair, and a backpack.

2. Description of the Related Art

Configurable seating apparatuses are well known, but are limited in utility. For example, such seating apparatuses may be configurable into a chair and a transportable bag, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,039,078. U.S. Pat. No. 1,452,869 describes a portable apparatus in which a portion can be folded underneath the seat portion of the chair to form a four-legged seat. U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,856 discloses a combination packboard and folding stool. U.S. Pat. No. 4,286,739 discloses a backpack that is convertible into a chair and/or cot.

The above-referenced inventions, however, do not disclose a seating apparatus capable of being configurable between a chair configuration, a stool configuration, a backpack (or carryon) configuration, a legless chair configuration, and a bleacher seat configuration. Accordingly, there is a need for such a device to increase a user's ability to address each of these needs with a single apparatus to obviate the need to travel with excessive equipment.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a combination backpack and seating apparatus. The present invention comprises a seat member having a top wall, at least one side wall, a front wall, and a rear wall defining a seat volume. A back support is rotatably connected proximal to the rear wall of the member and is rotatable between an angled position that is inclined relative to the sitting surface and a horizontal position substantially adjacent to the sitting surface. The invention comprises a foldable support assembly that is configurable to a generally planar folded state and an expanded state, wherein in the folded state the support assembly is rotatable to a first support position that is generally parallel to the sitting surface. The invention further comprises an enclosure detachably connected to the back support. The present invention may be used, inter alia, in amusement park settings, sporting events, outdoor excursions, and/or military and combat settings as part of a soldiers' equipment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is an isometric view of the various assemblies of one embodiment20of the present invention.FIG. 2andFIG. 3are an isometric view and side elevation, respectively, of the embodiment20in a chair configuration. The embodiment20comprises a seat member24having a generally square top wall26, side walls21, a rear wall23, and a front wall27. Two aligned block bearings28are positioned near the intersection of the top wall26and the rear wall23. The top wall26is generally planar, but has a portion32that is contoured to increase comfort to the user of the embodiment20. Rollers34are mounted adjacent to the block bearings28. The rear corners25of the top wall26are angled downwardly.

A back support36comprises a panel38of material (e.g., plastic, netting, fabric, or the like) attached to a frame40. When assembled, a bottom cross member42of the frame40is positioned within the block bearings28to establish a rotatable connection relative to the seat member24. A selectively openable enclosure44having an attachment surface47is detachably connectable to the back support36, as will be described in greater detail hereinafter. An extendable handle46is connectable to the interior of the enclosure44through slits45formed in the attachment surface47. The handle46is extendable between a first handle position where the handle46is substantially within the volume of the enclosure44, as shown inFIG. 2, and a second handle position where the handle46is extended from and substantially outside the volume of the enclosure.

The embodiment20further comprises a foldable support assembly48that includes an inner support member50and an outer support subassembly52. The inner support member50is generally U-shaped and has inwardly-turned opposing ends51rotationally connected to the seat member24. The outer support subassembly52includes two generally U-shaped outer support members53connected with Z-shaped fittings54. The outer support subassembly52is pivotally fastened to the inner support member50at the Z-shaped fittings54such that the support assembly48may be moved between an expanded state, as shown inFIGS. 1-3, and a folded state, as will subsequently be shown and described.

A rear cross member55is offset from the ends53eof side members53sof the inner support member50, such that the rear cross member55is elevated relative to the ground surface when the support assembly48is in the expanded state and supporting the remainder of the embodiment20in a chair configuration. The inner support member50and outer support members53are made of strong and lightweight material, such as aluminum, but alternatively may be made of steel or other material of sufficient strength to support the weight of the remainder of the embodiment20and user.

A stool seat56is connected to the front cross members61,59of the inner support member50and outer support subassembly52, respectively. The stool seat56is made out of a sturdy canvas to provide both strength and flexibility. A lower end of the stool seat56may be selectively unfastened (e.g., with buttons) from the front cross member61of the inner support member50for storage in other configurations of the embodiment20.

In the chair configuration shown inFIGS. 2-3, the back support36is shown in an angled first position that is approximately normal to the top wall26. The enclosure44is attached to the rear of the back support36. The support assembly48is in an expanded state such that the inner support member50and outer support subassembly52are angled at approximately a right angle Θ to one another, causing the stool seat56to stretch into a substantially planar, vertically-orientated surface. The front cross member59of the outer support subassembly52is positioned in a triangular groove57formed in the bottom of the seat member24between the sides21.

FIGS. 4A & 4Bdisclose the detachable connection of the enclosure44of the embodiment20to the back support36. As shown inFIG. 4A, a plurality of curved plates58protrude outwardly from the rear surface60of the back support36to form generally-triangularly-shaped, upwardly-opening clefts62. As shown inFIG. 4B, a corresponding number of rigid tabs64, each shaped and sized to fit snugly into one of the clefts62, are spaced away from the rear surface47of the enclosure44and orientated downwardly. The enclosure44may be attached to the back support36by positioning the tabs64over the corresponding clefts62and lowering the tabs64thereinto. Thereafter, gravitation force holds the tabs64within the clefts62, and the snug fit of the tabs64within the clefts64inhibit rotation and lateral shifting of the enclosure44relative to the back support36.

To detach the enclosure44, the enclosure44may be lifted relative to the back support36to remove the tabs64from the clefts62. The tabs64may be steel or plastic, or any other material sufficiently strong to support the weight of the enclosure44and its anticipated contents. Additional detachable fastening is provided by corresponding pieces of hook66and loop68adhered to the enclosure44and the back support36, respectively.

FIG. 5shows the embodiment20in a stool configuration with the back support36rotated to a second position adjacent to and in contact with the seat member24. Preferably the back support36is contoured to the shape of the top wall26to minimize, or altogether eliminate space therebetween, thus minimizing the volume of the embodiment20in this configuration. Relative to the chair configuration shown inFIGS. 2-3, the embodiment20is rotated backward ninety degrees such that the rollers34are in contact with the ground. The support assembly48remains in an expanded state, causing the stool seat56to be stretched into a surface for supporting a person. The front cross member59is positioned in the triangularly-profiled groove57extending across the width of the seat member24.

FIGS. 5A-5Bshow the embodiment20in a different stool configuration from that shown inFIG. 5, and with the seat member24orientated substantially parallel to the inner support member50and positioned below the stool seat. The embodiment20may be positioned in this configuration by removing the front cross member59from the groove57, moving the support assembly48to a generally planar folded state aligned with the seat member24, moving the back support36to the second back support position adjacent the top wall of the seat member24, and then expanding the support assembly48to a supporting position. In this configuration, the enclosure44is positioned below the stool seat with the back support36adjacent to the seat member24.

FIGS. 6-7show the embodiment20in a backpack configuration, which is attainable from the stool configuration shown inFIG. 5by folding the support assembly48to a folded state and rotating it to a first support position that is substantially parallel with the top wall26. To accomplish this, the front cross member59of the outer support subassembly52must be removed from the triangular groove57. The stool seat56is positioned against and fastened to the bottom of the seat member24using hook and loop. Two adjustable carrying straps70are fastened to the bottom of the seat member24.

FIG. 8is a bottom isometric view of the embodiment20in the backpack configuration shown inFIGS. 6-7. Load-bearing members73,74are positioned on the bottom surface76of the seat member24. The load-bearing members73,74help support and distribute the weight of the embodiment20and user when used on a flat surface such as a floor or sidewalk.

Opposing hook members72are moveably connected to two of the elongated load-bearing members73. The hook members72are rotated inward and upward to be adjacent to the bottom surface76of the seat member24. The support assembly48is in a folded state and rotated to a first position substantially parallel to the seat member24. The stool seat56is folded underneath the support assembly48and attached to the bottom surface of the seat member.

FIG. 9shows the embodiment depicted inFIGS. 6-8with the handle46in a second handle position extended from the enclosure in a towable configuration. The rollers34contact a ground surface so that the embodiment20may be towed behind the user for ease of transport.

FIG. 10andFIG. 11are a rear isometric and front isometric view, respectively, showing the embodiment20in a bleacher seat configuration. The back support36is in substantially the same position as shown in FIG.1—that is, inclined relative to the top wall26of the seat member24. The support assembly48is in a generally-planar folded state and rotated to a second support position that is generally parallel to the back support36. The moveable hook members72extend downwardly from the bottom of the seat member24for securing to the front of a bleacher seat. As shown inFIG. 10, the enclosure44may optionally be suspended from the seat member24to increase foot and leg space behind the back support36. As shown inFIG. 11, when in the bleacher seat configuration, the rear cross member55of the support assembly48is positioned forward of the block bearings28, and the ends53eof the side members53sare proximal to the profiles25formed in the seat member24.

FIG. 12-14are front, rear, and bottom isometric views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment120of the present invention in a chair configuration. The embodiment120provides for detachment of the backpack from the seating apparatus so that the backpack and seating apparatus can be used independently.

This embodiment120comprises a seat member122with a generally-square top wall124, side walls126, a front wall128, and a rear wall130. The top wall124is generally planar, but has a concave portion132to increase comfort to the user when seated on the embodiment120. A handle134is extendable through the front wall128between a first handle position wherein the handle is substantially within the seat volume, as shown inFIG. 12, and a second handle position where the handle is extended from the seat volume131through the front wall128. Rollers136are located within channels138formed at opposing ends of the rear wall130. The top wall124, side walls126, front wall128, and rear wall130define an open seat volume131.

Two longitudinally-aligned outer block bearings140are fastened to the seat member122proximal to the intersection of the top wall124and the rear wall130. Two inner block bearings142are aligned with the outer block bearings138and fastened to the seat member124.

A back support144is rotatably attached to the seat member122. The back support144comprises a panel146of material (e.g., fabric, netting, plastic, or other suitable material) attached to a frame148. The frame148is positioned within the outer block bearings140and the ends of the frame148are positioned in the inner block bearings142, to establish the rotatable connection of the back support144relative to the seat member124. Screws150extend through the inner block bearings142to engage the ends of the frame148.

The seat member122is supported by a foldable support assembly152that includes an inner subassembly154rotatably connected to an outer subassembly156. The inner subassembly154has two generally U-shaped inner support members158,160connected at their ends with Z-shaped fittings162. The outer subassembly156has two generally U-shaped outer support members164,166connected at their ends with Z-shaped fittings168. The Z-shaped fittings162,168are identically shaped and connected to allow rotation of the inner subassembly154relative to the outer subassembly156, which allows the support assembly152to be moved between an expanded state, as shown inFIG. 12, and a folded state, as will be shown and described infra. The inner support members158,160and outer support members164,166are made of strong and lightweight material, such as aluminum, but alternatively may be made of steel or other material of sufficient strength to support the weight of the remainder of the embodiment120and user.

A canvas stool seat170is connected to a front cross member172of the inner support subassembly158and the front wall128of the seat member122. The stool seat170is made out of a sturdy material to provide both strength and flexibility.

In the chair configuration, the back support144is shown in a first position that is substantially normal to the sitting surface124. The support assembly152is in an expanded state such that the inner subassembly154and outer subassembly156are angled at approximately a right angle to one another, causing the stool seat170to stretch into a substantially planar, vertically-orientated surface.

As shown more specifically inFIG. 14, in the chair configuration, the seat member124is supported in a horizontal orientation by positioning a front cross member174of the outer subassembly156in two forward latches176fastened to the bottom of the seat member122near the front wall128. The forward latches176partially encircle a portion of the front cross member174so that the front cross member can be locked into and removed from the forward latches174as desired by the user. A rear cross member178of the inner support assembly154is fixed in bearings180fastened to a bottom section of the seat member124proximal to the rear wall130.

Two load-bearing members175each have a bottom surface177that is flush with the bottom plane of the seat volume.131. The load-bearing members175are attached to the bottom surface125of the top wall124. The rear wall130has a wide bottom portion179. The load-bearing members175in combination with the wide bottom portion179help support and distribute the weight of the embodiment120and user when the embodiment120is placed on a flat surface such as a floor or sidewalk.

FIG. 15shows the embodiment120in a stool configuration with the back support144rotated to a second position adjacent to the seat member122. The back support144may be contoured to the shape of the sitting surface124to minimize, or altogether eliminate, space therebetween, thus minimizing the volume occupied by the embodiment120in this configuration.

Relative to the orientation of the chair configuration shown inFIGS. 12-14, the embodiment120is rotated backward ninety degrees such that the rollers136are in contact with the ground surface. The support assembly152is in an expanded state, causing the stool seat170to be stretched into a sitting surface for supporting a person. The front cross member174is positioned in the front latches176. A rear cross member178of the inner support assembly154is fixed in bearings180fastened to a bottom section of the seat member124proximal to the rear wall130.

Still referring toFIG. 15, the connection between Z-shaped fittings162,168and inner support members158,160and outer support members164,166is shown in greater detail. Each of the Z-shaped fittings162,168has two tubular channel portions169into which ends of the respective support members can be slideably inserted. Pins engage the support members though the channel portions169and may be manipulated by the user to adjust the position of the inner support members158,160relative to the inner Z-shaped fittings162and the position of the outer support members164,166relative to the outer Z-shaped fittings168. The channel portions of each Z-shaped fitting are misaligned around a center portion171so that each support member is slideable with the channel portions169without obstruction by the other support members. The center portions171of each of the Z-shaped fittings162,168are rotatably fastened with a bolt173.

FIGS. 16-17show the embodiment120in a backpack configuration. An enclosure, such as a backpack182comprises two shoulder straps184detachably connectable to two waist straps186. The waist straps186are positioned through two rigid loops188positioned on the side surfaces126of the seat member122. A sleeve190extends across the upper end192of the backpack182and is positionable over the top end of the back support144. Two anchoring straps194with attached clips196extend from the sleeve190and are attachable to anchoring points198on the front surface128of the seat member122. The sleeve190and anchoring straps194help prevent the upper end192of the backpack182from rotating away from the back support144. When extended, the handle134is positioned between the two shoulder straps184. The rollers136may contact a ground surface so that the embodiment120can be towed behind the user for ease of transport.

The backpack configuration is attainable from the stool configuration shown inFIG. 15by folding the support assembly152to a folded state and rotating it to a position substantially parallel with the sitting surface124. To accomplish this, the front cross member174of the outer support subassembly156must be removed from the front latches176. The stool seat170is positioned against and fastened to the bottom of the seat member122. The inner support members158,160and outer support members164,166are slideably moved within the Z-shaped fittings162,168to fit within the seat volume131. The support assembly152is then rotated about the rear brackets180until completely within the volume131.

As shown inFIG. 18, two hook members200a,200bare contained within the volume131defined by the seat member122. Each hook member200has a hook portion202, and a shaft portion204. Each of the hook portions202include a cross member205connected to the shaft portion204. The hook members200are rotatable between a first position wherein the hook portions202are horizontally orientated and entirely within the volume131of the seat member122, which is the position of one hook member200b, and a second position wherein the hook portions202extend outside the volume of the seat member122, which is the position of the other hook member200a. The shaft portion204is positioned within a notched housing206having lateral notches208and bottom notches210, and connected to a coil spring212in an expanded state. The coil springs212exert a pulling force on the connected shafts204to hold the hook member200in either the lateral notch208or the bottom notch210formed in the front end of the housing. The user may pull the hook members200forward to overcome the contracting force of the spring212and rotate the hook member200to the second position. When released, the coil spring212will pull the hook member200against the notch to inhibit unintentional rotation of the hook member200to the other position.

As shown inFIG. 19, the embodiment120may thereafter be positioned on a bleacher seat214with hook portions202engaging with a front surface216. The vertically orientated cross members205prevent inadvertent backward movement of the embodiment relative to the bleacher seat200when, for example, the user sits down in the embodiment120and causes a rearward force. Similarly, the hook portions202prevent inadvertent upward movement of the embodiment120relative to the seat due to engagement of the hook members200with the bottom surface of the bleacher seat214. The support assembly152is in a folded state and rotated to a position substantially parallel to and wholly within the volume131defined by the seat member122. The stool seat170is folded and positioned below the seat member122. The back support144is in substantially the same position as shown in FIG.12—that is, substantially normal relative to the sitting surface124of the seat member122.

Still referring toFIG. 19, by moving the hook members200to the first hook position, the hook members200and foldable support assembly152are entirely positioned within the seat volume131. The embodiment120can then be positioned on any flat surface, such as a floor or sidewalk, to view a parade or other entertainment. When so positioned, the bottom surfaces177of the load-bearing members175and the wide bottom portion179(seeFIG. 14) of the rear wall help distribute the weight of the embodiment120and the user. In this configuration, the embodiment120provides both back support and seat cushioning, allowing the user comfortable seat at floor level without restricting visibility to other views. This may be particularly beneficial when in queue waiting for shows or rides, such as at a theme park.

The present invention is described above in terms of preferred illustrative embodiments of a specifically described combination backpack and seating apparatus. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative constructions and implementations of such an apparatus can be used in carrying out the present invention. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.