Abstract:
A backpack which includes a main bag, suspension system, frame, and additional miscellaneous parts. It combines the superior comfort of external frame backpacks, with the elegant style of internal frame backpacks. The frame is strapped within the main bag to create a semi-rigid surface against the back. The suspension system&#39;s shoulder harness is removable, and adjustably connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The shoulder harness is vertically adjustable and swivels to accommodate different shoulder widths. The suspension system&#39;s waist harness is removable, and rigidly connected through the semi-rigid surface by screws. The waist harness provides optimum weight transfer onto the hips and creates an air gap, providing ventilation to the back. By removing the frame and placing a cover on it, a seat is formed. By aligning the seat linearly with additional feet, and inserting elongated rails between them, a frame for a cot is formed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a backpack having a semi-rigid panel for attachment and positioning of the suspension system when in trail configuration, that converts into a seat and a cot when in camp configuration. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 41,418, issued on Feb. 2, 1864 to Granville Abbott, U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,071, issued on Apr. 16, 1985 to Richard Curran, and U.S. at. No. 4,538,750, issued on Sep. 3, 1985 to Kenneth Hanna, teach backpacks that convert into a litter or cots. However, none of these backpacks teach a suspension or includes a frame that can be converted into a seat. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 2,316,456, issued on Apr. 13, 1943 to E. C. Robes, Jr., 2,964,222, issued on Dec. 13, 1960 to Ormon Rainwater, U.S. Pat. No. 2,973,888, issued on Mar. 7, 1961 to Harold Beardsley, U.S. Pat. No. 3,158,299, issued on Nov. 24, 1964 to D. G. Weir et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,428issued on Nov. 16, 1971 to John D. Silverthorne, U.S. Pat. No. 3,730,407, issued on May 1, 1973 to Winfield Russell, U.S. Pat. No. 3,828,992, issued on Aug. 13, 1974 to Joseph Cerchione, U.S. Pat. No. 4,056,857, issued on Nov. 8, 1977 to Reginald Quantz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,694,979, issued on Sep. 22, 1987 to Lee Ables, U.S. Pat. No. 4,883,206, issued on Nov. 28, 1989 to Irvin Miller, U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,812, issued on Dec. 12, 1989 to Charles Lindner, U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,498, issued on Aug. 14, 1990 to Leonardus Van Boxtel, U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,517, issued on Sep. 11, 1990 to Carlo Maresca and U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,381, issued on May 11, 1993 to John Jay, teach backpacks that convert into seats or cots. However, none of these backpacks create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, or has an adjustable suspension system, and all of them differ significantly in geometry from the present invention. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,464,607, issued on Sep. 2, 1969 to Ernest Grace, teaches a backpack frame and suspension. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and does not convert to a cot on its own (without the use of a second frame). 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,885,722, issued on May 27, 1975 to Jerry Robertson and U.S. Pat. No. 3,347,429, issued on Oct. 17, 1967 to H. S. Ruth, Jr., teaches a backpack frame and suspension. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and it does not convert to a seat or cot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,912,138, issued on Oct. 14, 1975 to Norman Pava, teaches a backpack frame, suspension and plurality of storage bags or compartments, and it can be converted into a litter. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, it does not convert to a seat, it differs significantly from the present invention in its geometry and is designed for evacuating injured climbers and hikers, not for sleeping in comfort. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,733,017, issued on May 15, 1973 to Murray Pletz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,157, issued on Jan. 14, 1975 to Peter Richards, U.S. Pat. No. 4,169,550, issued on Oct. 2, 1979 to Paul Williams teach backpack frames, suspensions and plurality of storage bags or compartments. However, none of these designs create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, and none can be converted to a seat or cot. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,202,907, issued on Mar. 20, 2001 to Richard Higgins, teaches a backpack frame, suspension and plurality of storage bags or compartments, and it can be converted into a cot. However, it does not create a semi-rigid surface on which to mount the suspension system, it does not suggest the use of the frame as a seat, and the geometry of the present invention is significantly different, reducing the number of parts, the weight and cost. 
     None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The instant invention relates to a backpack which includes a main bag, a suspension system, a frame and additional parts. The frame is enclosed within the main bag to which the suspension system (comprising shoulder and waist harnesses) is attached. The frame is secured in place within the main bag by means of two straps that are fastened in place with side release buckles. The frame when secured provides a semi-rigid surface on which to secure the shoulder and waist harnesses. The frame can be removed from the main bag and can be used as a camp seat. 
     The camp seat, when used in conjunction with other parts stowed in the backpack, can be configured into a cot. When the camp seat is aligned with two additional secondary feet, and tubes are inserted between them, a frame for a cot is formed. Extenders are added to create additional length. The orientation of the frame is such that when a mattress is placed on the frame and weight is put on the mattress, the forces are directed inwardly, resulting in great stability. 
     Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are: 
     (a) to provide a backpack with a suspension system that combines the best features of external frame backpacks (comfort, provided by good weight transfer onto the hips and air flow to the back) and internal frame backpacks (style); 
     (b) to provide a backpack with a suspension system that is adjustable to fit a wide range of torsos; 
     (c) to provide a backpack with a removable suspension system that makes it neater for easy transport or storage; 
     (d) to provide a backpack having a frame which can be converted into a camp seat; 
     (e) to provide a backpack having a frame which can be converted into a sleeping cot; 
     (f) to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes. 
     These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in one embodiment of the invention which includes a main bag, a suspension system, a frame and additional parts. The frame is held in place in the main bag by means of two strips of webbing with side release buckles attached to each end that are connected to the main bag. This forms a semi-rigid surface to attach the suspension system, comprised of shoulder and waist harnesses. In another embodiment, the backpack frame, when removed from the main bag, can have a cover added to form a seat and further configured with the additional parts to form a cot. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the assembled backpack as seen from the front. 
     FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the assembled backpack as seen from the back showing the harnesses. 
     FIG. 2A is a perspective cut-away view of the frame showing the means of placement and attachment to the main bag. 
     FIG. 2B is a side view of the main bag showing the placement and means of attachment of the suspension to the main bag. (For clarity, the side bag and side portion of the main bag are removed and material thicknesses are exaggerated). 
     FIG. 2C is a sectional view (taken on line  2 -C of FIG. 2B) of the connection of the shoulder harness to the main bag. 
     FIG. 2D is a sectional view (taken on line  2 -D of FIG. 2B) of the connection of the waist harness to the main bag. 
     FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the frame removed from the main bag. 
     FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the frame with the seat cover installed. 
     FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the frame assembled with additional parts when it is to be used as a cot. 
     FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cot with the cloth mattress installed. 
     FIG. 5A is a perspective vies of a side bag removed and a strap added, as viewed from the front. 
     FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a side bag removed and a strap added, as viewed from the back. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Table Of Reference Numerals In Drawings: 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 # 
                 ITEM 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                  1 
                 Main bag 
               
               
                   
                  1a 
                 Back Portion 
               
               
                   
                  1b 
                 Front Portion 
               
               
                   
                  2 
                 Zipper 
               
               
                   
                  3 
                 Side Bag 
               
               
                   
                  4 
                 Compression Strap 
               
               
                   
                  5 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                  6 
                 Tension Strap 
               
               
                   
                  7 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                  8 
                 Cloth Webbing 
               
               
                   
                  9 
                 Handle 
               
               
                   
                 10 
                 Snap 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 Compartment 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 Zipper 
               
               
                   
                 13 
                 Top Pocket 
               
               
                   
                 14 
                 Zipper 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 Mesh Pocket 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 Zipper 
               
               
                   
                 17 
                 Shoulder Harness 
               
               
                   
                 18 
                 Waist Harness 
               
               
                   
                 19 
                 Grommet 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 Load Adjuster 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 Adjustable Ladder Lock 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 Waist Bracket 
               
               
                   
                 22a 
                 Slot 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 Sternum Strap 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 Vertical Stave 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 Frame 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 Internal Suspension Strap 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 Sew Location 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 Internal Rail 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 Shoulder Harness Clip 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                 32a 
                 Hole 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 Washer 
               
               
                   
                 34 
                 Rivnut 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 Horizontal Stave 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 Retaining Ring 
               
               
                   
                 37 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                 37a 
                 Hole 
               
               
                   
                 38 
                 Washer 
               
               
                   
                 39 
                 Grommet 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 Rivnut 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 Retaining Ring 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 Screw 
               
               
                   
                 42a 
                 Hole 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 Washer 
               
               
                   
                 44 
                 Grommet 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 Rivnut 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 Retaining Ring 
               
               
                   
                 47 
                 Waist Harness Strap 
               
               
                   
                 48 
                 ‘D’ Ring 
               
               
                   
                 49 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 Fitting 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 Feet 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 Seat Cloth 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 Side Release Buckle 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 Spanner 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 Secondary Feet 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 Extender 
               
               
                   
                 57 
                 Cloth Mattress 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 Sleeve 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 Flap 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 Snap 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 Tab 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 Shoulder Strap 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 Side release buckle 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 Zipper 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Main Bag: 
     FIG. 1A shows a main bag  1  that provides front-loading access by means of a zipper  2  that runs up the sides and across the top. The main bag  1  has two primary sides, the back portion  1   a  and the front portion  1   b.    
     The main bag  1  has two side bags  3  removably attached to either side of the main bag by means of compression straps  4  and side release buckles  5 . The compression straps  4  are configured horizontally and are sewn to the main bag  1 . Top tension straps  6  and side release buckles  7  hold the side bags vertically and stop them from slipping out. (Similarly, there are bottom tension straps and side release buckles, which are not shown). 
     Four other cloth webbings  8 , configured vertically, are sewn to the main bag  1  on front portion  1   b  and back portion  1   a  and reinforce the main bag structure. The cloth webbings  8  form a handle  9  at the top that is secured in place by means of snaps  10 . The handle  9  is useful in the stowage and carrying of the backpack. 
     Two compartments  11  attached to the front portion  1   b  provide easy access to items that may be frequently used while backpacking. Zippers  12  are added to provide entry to the compartments. The top pocket  13  provides a flat compartment to stow small items such as a compass and map. A zipper  14  is added to provide entry into the top pocket  13 . A mesh pocket  15  is provided on either side of the main bag  1  and closed with a zipper  16  for wet items or used wrappers. 
     Suspension: 
     FIG. 1B shows the main bag  1  as viewed from the back to show the placement and attachment of the two shoulder harnesses  17  and waist harness  18  to the back portion  1   a . The upper ends of the shoulder harnesses are each attached individually by securing each shoulder harness to one of a pair of horizontally aligned sets of grommets  19 . This feature enables the shoulder straps to be adjustable for different length torsos. The shoulder harnesses  17 , by being independently attached through grommets  19 , enable the shoulder harnesses to rotate at the points of attachment. This action enables the wearer to have the shoulder harnesses automatically adjust to the wearer&#39;s neck dimensions. (See FIGS.  2 B and  2 C). 
     Load adjusters  20  are affixed between the shoulder harnesses  17  and main bag  1  and enable the wearer to adjust the center of gravity by means of adjustable ladder locks  21 . The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses  17  are each attached individually to a waist bracket  22 . (See FIG.  2 D). 
     A sternum strap  23 , affixed to the shoulder harnesses  17  and connected by side release buckle  24 , prevents the shoulder harnesses from slipping off the user&#39;s shoulders. 
     The waist harness  18  is attached to main bag by means of waist bracket  22 . The waist bracket  22  is secured to vertical staves  25  (see FIG.  2 B). The vertical staves  25  are enclosed in a sleeve provided by cloth webbing  8 , which prevents the waist bracket  22  from rotating under weight and causing the entire backpack to sag. 
     Both the shoulder harnesses and the waist harness may be removed from the main bag and stowed within the main bag. This is particularly helpful when traveling to prevent any part of the suspension from being caught in doors or conveyor belts at an airport. 
     FIG. 2A shows the frame  26  (see FIG. 3A) secured in place by two internal suspension straps  27  and side release buckles  28  (shown in phantom for clarity of orientation are main bag  1 , with compartments  11  and top pocket  13 ). Each suspension strap  27  is sewn in place at two sew locations  29  at the top and bottom of the back portion  1   a  and looped over the horizontal internal rails  30  (upper and lower) of the frame. The remaining ends are clipped together with side release buckles  28  and tightened to form a semi-rigid surface on which to attach the shoulder and waist harnesses on the opposite side. 
     FIG. 2B shows the configuration of the attachment points of the shoulder harnesses  17  and waist harness  18 . (The side panel of main bag  1  has been removed for clarity). 
     FIG. 2C shows the bolting arrangement for the shoulder harness clip  31  (refer to FIG.  2 B). A screw  32  with a hole  32   a  drilled in the end passes through washer  33 , shoulder harness clip  31  and grommet  19  that is connected to the main bag  1 , and is threaded into a rivnut  34 , which is secured to the horizontal stave  35 . A retaining ring  36  is installed in hole  32   a  to prevent the screw  32  from backing out. The resulting connection, being fixed in the horizontal stave  35 , prevents the shoulder harnesses  17  from creeping inward. (The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses  17  connect to waist bracket  22  as shown on FIG.  2 D). 
     FIG. 2D shows a sectional view of the bolting of the lower ends of shoulder harnesses  17 , waist bracket  22  and waist harness  18 . 
     The lower ends of the shoulder harnesses  17  are connected to the waist bracket  22  by inserting a screw  37  (with a hole  37   a  drilled in the end) through a washer  38  and a grommet  39  that is connected to each shoulder harness  17 . The screw  37  is then threaded into a rivnut  40  that is secured to the waist bracket  22 . Screw  37  is then prevented from unthreading by inserting a retaining ring  41  through the drilled hole  37   a.    
     The waist bracket  22  is attached to main bag  1  at two places. Screw  42  with a hole  42   a  drilled in the end is placed through a washer  43 , vertical staves  25 , and a grommet  44  which is connected to the main bag  1 , and is threaded into a rivnut  45  which is secured to the waist bracket  22 . Screw  42  is then prevented from unthreading by inserting a retaining ring  46  through the drilled hole  42   a.    
     The connection of the waist harness  18  to the waist bracket  22  is achieved with a waist harness strap  47  which has on one end ‘D’ rings  48  that pass through slots  22   a  in the sides of the waist bracket  22  and secure the ends of the waist harness strap  47  together. The waist harness  18  then passes around the wearer and clips together using a side release buckle  49  that can be adjusted to accommodate different waist sizes. 
     Seat: 
     FIG. 3A shows the frame  26  when it is removed from the main bag. Internal rails  30  are press-fitted into fittings  50  and secured into place by means of glue and rivets (not shown). Similarly, the feet  51  are secured to fittings  50 . The result is a very strong assembly. 
     FIG. 3B shows the seat cloth  52 . Each end of the seat cloth  52  is wrapped around and underneath internal rails  30 , and clipped together using a side release buckle  53 . 
     Cot: 
     FIG. 4A shows the frame  26  when arranged in a cot configuration. The frame  26  is placed in the middle of the structure. Using four spanners  54  (made of tubes), two secondary feet  55  (permanently attached to fitting  50 ) and four extenders  56  (made of tubes), the parts are assembled to form the cot frame. These additional parts are stowed in the main bag  1  (not shown). 
     FIG. 4B shows the cot frame with the cloth mattress  57  attached. The spanners  54  (hidden from view) and extenders  56  (hidden from view) are fed through sleeves  58  and inserted into the fittings  50 . The flaps  59  are wrapped over the internal rails  30  (hidden from view) and attached using snaps  60  in four places (two each side). Tabs  61  enable the snaps  60  to be easily released. 
     Side Bags: 
     FIG. 5A shows one of the side bags  3  that is removed from the main bag  1 . A shoulder strap  62  is attached to either side bag  3  at the top and bottom using side release buckle  63 , and is used to tote items independently of the main bag. (Side release buckle  7  is permanently attached to side bags  3 ). The shoulder strap  62  is long enough that it can be worn around the waist to form a pack secured at either the front or the back of the wearer. It may also be used to carry items over the shoulder or back. A zipper  64  provides access into the side bag  3 . 
     FIG. 5B shows the side bag as viewed from the back. 
     CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE 
     Accordingly, the reader will see that the backpack of this invention has many advantages: 
     It includes an inner frame that provides a semi-rigid surface on which to secure the outer shoulder and waist harnesses. Such a suspension system is comprised of components that are internal and external to the main bag. This means that the backpack can be styled to look like other popular internal frame backpacks on the market, yet it retains the benefits of external frame backpacks, which includes good weight transfer onto the hips for better comfort and fit, and a gap which provides ventilation to the back. 
     It provides a suspension system that can be made highly adjustable, for people of many different sizes and shapes. 
     It provides a suspension system that is removable, making it easier to transport and store. 
     It provides a front-loading design, making it easier to pack, organize and find things while trekking. 
     It can quickly provide a comfortable seat. 
     It can easily be converted into a comfortable and stable sleeping cot. 
     Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example: 
     The vertical stiffening means could be a different shape frame, such as a flat rectangle, which would also create a frame for a ladder. 
     The main bag could have pockets of different shapes or sizes sewn on the front or sides, and different types of straps added on the top, bottom or sides for securing additional or specialized gear. 
     The angles of the feet could be made bigger or smaller, changing the stability and weight. Different materials could be used for the feet and extension rails, including aluminum, carbon-reinforced plastic and plastic-injection moldings. 
     If the cot were strengthened, it could be used as an emergency stretcher for rescuing people (ie. using the backpack to carry medical supplies, and converting to a cot if needed to remove an injured person). 
     Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.