Patent Publication Number: US-2015084381-A1

Title: Apparatus and system for transporting an item

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/882,557 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Sep. 25, 2013 for Greg G. Nelson and Application No. 62/033,681 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR” and filed on Aug. 6, 2014 for Greg G. Nelson, which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly relates to transportation of folding chairs. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Folding chairs are generally used for seating in areas where permanent seating is not possible or practical. This includes outdoor and indoor events such as college graduations, religious services, sporting events, concerts and competitions. Such events may be held in areas far from vehicle access. Thus, user&#39;s often carry the folding chairs great distances so that they can have comfortable seating when they arrive at their chosen event. 
     Attendees of these events often carry coolers or other items to these events. Carrying multiple items can become burdensome and the user may end up making several trips back and forth from their vehicle to the destination to deliver their items. To relieve some of this burden, chair manufacturers have developed chairs with shoulder harnesses to assist in carrying the chairs. 
     These harnesses have several shortcomings. First, the harnesses are irremovably coupled to the chair. In traversing a wooded area, the harnesses may snag on trees or branches making the walk or hike much more difficult. Additionally, once the user arrives at the chosen destination and set up the chair, the harnesses hang down from the chair in the dirt causing the harnesses to become unsanitary and unsightly. 
     Another shortcoming resulting from an irremovable shoulder harness is introduced when the user wishes to use a backpack to transport items once the user arrives at the chosen destination. For users with chairs having storage compartments and irremovable harnesses, to transport the item, the user must also transport the chair. The present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     SUMMARY 
     From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a need exists for an apparatus and system that avoids the problems associate with transporting a chair. Beneficially, such an apparatus and system would also avoid placing the support harness in unsanitary environments. 
     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available transport systems. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for transporting an item that overcome many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art. 
     The apparatus to transport an item on a user&#39;s back includes, in certain embodiments, a panel and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support. The panel includes a substantially flat material. The shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel. The shoulder support is pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the panel. 
     The panel, in one embodiment, is either a back panel on a folding chair or a folding chair seat panel. In another embodiment, the panel is a back panel on a backpack. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a substantially rigid frame. In such an embodiment, the shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the panel by the substantially rigid frame. 
     The frame, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a chair back frame and a chair seat frame. The chair back frame includes a top end and a bottom end. The chair seat frame includes a front end disposed opposite a rear end. In such an embodiment, shoulder support may be pivotably coupled to either top end of the chair back frame or the front end of the chair seat frame. 
     The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a cushion pivotably coupled to the chair back frame. The cushion is pivotably positionable in a head rest position and lumbar support position. 
     In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame. In such an embodiment a height of the footrest is adjustable. 
     In yet another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a front leg frame and a rear leg frame. In such an embodiment, a length of either the front leg frame, the rear leg frame, or both is adjustable to adjust a height of a chair seat panel. 
     The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes an arm rest and a drink holder. The arm rest is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame at a first end of the at arm rest, the drink holder is pivotably coupled to and extends from a second end of arm rest. The drink holder is pivotably positionable between a folded position and a drink holding position. 
     The shoulder support, in one embodiment, includes an extending portion and a hooking portion. The extending portion extends substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the shoulder support positioned in the transport position. The hooking portion extends from the extending portion. The hooking portion transitions to an angle substantially parallel to the panel. In such an embodiment, the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user&#39;s shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user. 
     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present subject matter should be or are in any single embodiment of the subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. 
     These features and advantages of the present subject matter will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a left side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair according to the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in a folded position according to the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a removable pack according to the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 5  is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportable backpack chair in a folded position according to the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 7  which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of  FIG. 6  in an open position according to the present subject matter; 
         FIG. 8A  depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of  FIG. 6  positioned on a user&#39;s shoulders; 
         FIG. 8B  depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of  FIG. 6  positioned on a user&#39;s shoulders; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus to transport an item on a user&#39;s back; and 
         FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair according to the present subject matter 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. 
     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter. 
       FIG. 1  depicts a side view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair  100  according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair includes a folding chair  102 , a pack  104  removably coupled to the folding chair  102  and a harness  106  coupled to the pack  104 . 
     The folding chair  102 , in certain embodiments, includes a chair back frame  108 , a back support panel  202 , a chair seat frame  110 , a seat support panel  204 , a front leg frame  112 , a rear leg frame  114 , and a pair of armrests  116   a  and  116   b  (collectively  116 ). 
     Referring to both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  which depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible backpack chair  100  according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the chair back frame  108  has a top end  118  disposed opposite a bottom end  120 . As can be more clearly seen in  FIG. 2 , in certain embodiments, the chair back frame  108  is substantially U-shaped and supports the back support panel  202 . 
     The chair seat frame  110 , in one embodiment, includes a front end  122  disposed opposite a rear end  124 . In an exemplary embodiment, the chair seat frame  110  is also substantially U-shaped and supports the seat support panel  204 . In certain embodiments, the rear end  124  of the chair seat frame  110  is pivotably coupled to the bottom end  120  of the chair back frame  108 . Thus, the chair seat frame  110  and the chair back frame  108  can pivot towards and away from one another in the direction indicated by arrow  126 . The pivotability of the chair seat frame  110  with respect to the chair back frame  108  allows the back support panel  202  and the seat support panel  204  to be positioned adjacent one another to place the chair  102  in a folded position as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In certain embodiments, the folding chair  102  includes a front leg frame  112  and a rear leg frame  114 . The front leg frame  112  and the rear leg frame  114 , like the chair seat frame  110  and the chair back frame, are also substantially U-Shaped. The front leg frame  112  has a top ends  128   a  and  128   b  (collectively top end  128 ) disposed opposite a bottom end  130 . The front leg frame  112  is pivotably coupled to the chair seat frame  110  at a position between the front end  122  and the rear end  124  of the chair seat frame  110  and at a position between the top end  128  and the bottom end  130  of the front leg frame  112 . In certain embodiments, a pining member  132  extends through each side of the front leg frame  112  and through each side of the chair seat frame  110  to pivotably couple the front leg frame  112  to the chair seat frame  110 . 
     The rear leg frame  115  is also substantially U-Shaped. The rear leg frame includes top ends  136   a  and  136   b  (collectively top end  136 ) disposed opposite a bottom end  138 . The rear leg frame  115  pivotably coupled to the front leg frame  112  at the top ends  136   a  and  136   b  of the rear leg frame and the top ends  128   a  and  128   b  of the front leg frame  112  by pining members  140   a  and  140   b.    
     The armrests  116   a  and  116   b  are pivotably coupled to the chair back frame  108  at each side of the chair back frame  108  between the top end  118  and the bottom end  120  of the chair back frame  108 . Pinning members  144   a  and  144   b  extend through the armrests  116   a  and  116   b  and through each side of the chair back frame  108  to pivotably couple the armrests  116   a  and  116   b  to the chair back frame  108 . The armrests  116   a  and  116   b  are also pivotably coupled to the top ends  136   a  and  136   b  of the rear leg frame  115  and the top ends  128   a  and  128   b  of the front leg frame  112  to support a front end of the armrests  116   a  and  116   b.    
     In an exemplary embodiment, the armrests  116   a  and  116   b  are adjustably coupled to the top ends  136   a  and  136   b  of the rear leg frame  115  and the top ends  128   a  and  128   b  of the front leg frame  112  by pinning members  140   a  and  140   b  positioned through adjusting members  142   a  and  142   b . In certain embodiments, the pinning members  140   a  and  140   b  engage grooves in the adjusting members  142   a  and  142   b  to adjust an angle of the a chair back frame  108  for the comfort of the user. 
     The apparatus  100  also includes a pack  104  removably coupled to the folding chair  102 . In the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the pack  104  is depicted as being positioned adjacent the back support panel  202 . In other embodiments, the pack  104  may be positioned adjacent the seat support panel  204 . 
     The pack  104 , in certain embodiments, comprises a container for holding various items according to a user&#39;s desires. Thus, as is more clearly shown in  FIG. 4 , the pack  104  includes a top end panel  402 , a bottom end panel  404 , side panels  406  and  408 , front panel  410  and rear panel  412 . The top end  402 , the bottom end panel  404 , the side panels  406  and  408 , the front panel  410  and the rear panel  412  define a receiving space for receiving the user&#39;s various items. 
     In one embodiment, the harness  106  is coupled to the pack  104 . The harness  106  includes at least one shoulder strap  148 . In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap  148  comprises at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b . In such an embodiment, the at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  have an attached end  414  (see  FIG. 4 ) and an attachable end  416  (see  FIG. 4 .) The attached end  414  of each of the at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  is coupled to a first end (the bottom end  404 ) of the pack  104 . In other embodiments, the attached end  414  of each of the at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  may be coupled to the pack  104  at other positions on the pack  104 . 
     The harness  106  is positionable between a chair transporting position, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , and a pack transporting position, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the chair transporting position, the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  are removably coupled to the chair  102 . In  FIGS. 2 and 3  the attachable ends  416  of the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  are shown as being removably coupleable to a chair seat portion  206  of the folding chair  102 . In other embodiments, the attachable ends  416  of the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  are removably coupleable to a chair back portion  208  of the folding chair  102 . In the chair transporting position, the top end  402  of the folding chair  102  is removably coupleable to the chair seat portion  206  or the chair back portion  208  which depending upon which portion the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  are removably coupled to. As used herein the chair seat portion  206  includes either or both of the chair seat frame  110  and the seat support panel  204  and the chair back portion  208  includes either or both of chair back frame  108  and the back support panel  202 . One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the attachable ends  416  of the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  may be removably coupleable to the folding chair  102  on other components of the folding chair  102 . 
     In the pack transporting position, the at least one shoulder strap  148   a  and  148   b  is removably coupled to the pack  104 . Note that in  FIG. 4  the harness  106  has not been coupled to the pack  104 , in other embodiments, the harness  106  is removably coupled to the pack  104  by attaching the components of the coupling element  146 . Thus, in one embodiment, the attachable end  416  of the at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  are removably coupleable to a second end of the pack (the top end  402 .) In other embodiments, the attachable end  416  of each of the at least two shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  may be removably coupleable to the pack  104  at other positions on the pack  104 . 
     In certain embodiments, the pack  104  is removably coupled to the folding chair  102  by at least one pack coupling element  146 . In certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements  146  comprise any device configured to removably couple one item to another (i.e., a strap, hook and loop fastener, etc.) In other embodiments, as is more clearly depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements are a two piece buckle having a male component  146   a  and a female component  146   b . In such an embodiment, either the male components  146   a  or the female components  146   b  may be coupled to the pack  104  and the folding chair  102  in a complimentary fashion such that the harness  106  and the pack  104  can be coupled to one another in the chair transporting position and the attachable end  416  of the shoulder straps  148   a  and  148   b  can be coupled to the top end  402  of the pack  104  in the pack transporting position. 
     In certain embodiments, to removably couple the pack  104  to the folding chair  102 , at least one male component  146   a  or female component  146   b  of the coupling elements  146  is coupled to the chair seat frame  110  by a strapping element  302  that extends around the chair seat frame  110  to couple the male component(s)  146   a  or female component(s)  146   b  to the chair seat frame  110 . Similarly, in certain embodiments, at least one male component  146   a  or female component  146   b  of the coupling elements  146  is coupled to the chair back frame  108  by a strapping element  304  that extends around the chair seat frame  110  to couple the male component(s)  146   a  or female component(s)  146   b  to the chair back frame  108 . Thus, in at least one embodiment, the pack  104  is removably coupled to the folding chair  102  by strapping elements  302  and  304  that extend around the chair seat frame  110  and the chair back frame  108  respectively. 
     In other embodiments, the coupling elements  146  may be integral with the strapping elements  302  and/or  304 . For example, in embodiments wherein the coupling elements are hook and loop type fasteners, the hook and loop fasteners may comprise a strip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In such an embodiment the strip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener may be directly coupled to the chair seat frame  110  and the chair back frame  108 . 
     While the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3  depict the pack  104  as being removably coupleable to the folding chair  102  in only two positions (i.e., at the top end  118  of the chair back frame  108  and at the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110 ), one of skill in the art will recognize that the pack  104  may be removably coupleable to the folding chair  102  at other positions. For example,  FIG. 5  is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair  500  in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair  500  of  FIG. 5  is substantially similar to the convertible backpack chair  100  of  FIG. 1 . Thus, in one embodiment, the convertible backpack chair  500  includes a folding chair  102 , a pack  104  removably coupled to the folding chair  102  and a harness  106  coupled to the pack  104 . 
     In certain embodiments, in addition to being removably coupled to the folding chair  102  near the top end  118  of the chair back frame  108 , the pack  104  and/or the harness  106  may also be removably coupled to the folding chair  102  near the bottom end  120  of the chair back frame  108 . For example, in one embodiment, the pack  104  is coupled to the folding chair  102  near the top end  118  of the chair back frame  108  by a hook and loop coupling element  502 . A bottom end  504  of the pack  104  is coupled to the folding chair  102  near the bottom end  120  of the chair back frame  108  by another hook and loop coupling element  506 . In certain embodiments, another hook and loop coupling element  508  couples the harness  106  to the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110 . In yet another embodiment, where the harness  106  includes two straps  148   a  and  148   b  two hook and loop coupling elements  508  couple the two straps  148   a  and  148   b  of the harness  106  to the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110 . 
     In other embodiments, the pack  104  and/or the harness  106  may also be removably coupled to the folding chair  102  near the rear end  124  of the chair seat frame  110  by yet another hook and loop coupling element (not shown). One of skill in the art will recognize other positions in which to removably couple the pack  104  and/or the harness  106  to the folding chair  102 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a transportable backpack chair  600  in a folded position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments the backpack chair  600  includes a folding chair  602  and at least one substantially rigid shoulder harness  604   a  and  604   b  (collectively  604 ). 
     The folding chair  602 , in one embodiment, is substantially similar to the folding chair  102  described above. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, the folding chair  602  includes a chair back frame  108 , a back support panel  202 , a chair seat frame  110 , a seat support panel  204 , a front leg frame  112 , a rear leg frame  114 , and a pair of armrests  116   a  and  116   b.    
     Referring to  FIG. 7  which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair  600  of  FIG. 6  in an open position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the chair back frame  108  has a top end  118  disposed opposite a bottom end  120 . The chair seat frame  110 , in one embodiment, includes a front end  122  disposed opposite a rear end  124 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 6 , in certain embodiments, backpack chair  102  includes at least two substantially rigid shoulder supports (i.e., shoulder support  604   a  and  604   b ). In other embodiments, the backpack chair  102  may only include one shoulder support  604 . In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair  102  may include more than two shoulder supports  604 . 
     The shoulder supports  604 , in an exemplary embodiment, are pivotably coupled to the folding chair  102 . For example, in one embodiment, each shoulder support  604  is coupled to the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110  by screws  606   a  and  606   b  (collectively  606 ) positioned through each shoulder support  604  and through the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110 . In certain embodiments, each shoulder support  604  is pivotable about the screws  606  to reposition the shoulder supports  604  as further discussed below. 
     Each shoulder support  604  is pivotable from a storage position  608 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , to a transporting position  702 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . That is, in certain embodiment, each shoulder support  604  is pivotable about the screws  606  in the directions indicated by arrows  616   a  and  6   a   6   b  respectively. In the storage position  608 , the shoulder supports  604  are positioned adjacent to the chair seat panel  204 . In this position, the shoulder supports  604  are positioned inside the chair seat frame  110 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the backpack chair  600  includes biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support  604  in either the storage position  608  or the transport position  702 . For example, in one embodiment, springs  610   a  and  610   b  (collectively  610 ) are positioned between the chair seat frame  110  and the shoulder supports  604 . The springs  610  provide tension to keep the shoulder supports  604  positioned in either the storage position  608  or the transporting position  702 . 
     In the transporting position  702 , the shoulder supports  604  extend away from the chair seat panel  204 . In the transporting position  702 , the shoulder supports  604  may be positioned over a user&#39;s shoulders to carry the backpack chair  600 . For example, in one embodiment, each shoulder support  604  includes an extending portion  612   a  and  612   b  respectively and a hooking portion  614   a  and  614   b  respectively. 
     The extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  of the shoulder supports  604  extend substantially perpendicularly from chair seat panel when the shoulder supports  604  are positioned in the transport position  702 . The hooking portions  614   a  and  614   b  of the shoulder supports  604  extend from the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  respectively at an angle substantially parallel to the chair seat panel  204 . 
     In certain embodiments, the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  of the shoulder supports  604  are approximately the same width as a width of a user&#39;s shoulder from the user&#39;s chest to the user&#39;s back. For example, with reference to  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the distance  704  between the hooking portion  614   a  of shoulder support  604  and the chair seat panel  204  is sufficient to comfortably fit an average user&#39;s shoulder from the user&#39;s chest to the user&#39;s back. 
     While the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  depict the shoulder supports  604  as being pivotably coupled to the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110 , one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the shoulder supports  604  may be pivotably coupled to the rear end  124  of the chair seat frame  110 . In yet another embodiment, the shoulder supports  604  may be pivotably coupled to either the top end  118  or a bottom end  120  of the chair back frame  108 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , in certain embodiments, the backpack chair  600  includes a cushion  706 . The cushion, in one embodiment, is coupled to the chair back frame  108  by a bar  708 . In certain embodiment, the bar  708  is pivotable to reposition the cushion  706  in from a head rest position (as shown in phantom lines) and lumbar support position (as shown in solid lines). In an exemplary embodiment, the cushion  706  is removable. 
     In another embodiment, the backpack chair  600  includes a footrest  710 . The footrest  710  in one embodiment, is supported by a footrest frame  716 . The footrest frame  716 , in certain embodiments, is adjustably coupled to the front end  122  of the chair seat frame  110  by means of an adjustable ratchet as is known in the art. Thus, in certain embodiments a height of the footrest  710  may be adjusted as is illustrated in  FIG. 7  with the solid and phantom lines depicting the footrest  710  and the footrest frame  716 . In an exemplary embodiment, the footrest  710 , like the cushion  706 , is removable. 
     In one embodiment, an angle of the footrest  710  is adjustable. In such an embodiment, the footrest  710  is coupled to the footrest frame  716  by a bar  718  that extends through the footrest  710  and the footrest frame  716 . The footrest  710  is pivotable about the bar  718  to adjust the angle of the footrest  710 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair  600  includes a drink holder  712 . The drink holder  712 , in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of the arm rest  116   a  opposite wherein the arm rest  116   a  is coupled to the chair back frame  108 . In such an embodiment, the drink holder  712  is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position of a user&#39;s drink. 
     In certain embodiment, the height of the backpack chair  600  may be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment, a length of the front leg frame  112  is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated front leg frame  112 . Similarly, in certain embodiments, the length of the rear leg frame  114  may also be adjusted as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated rear leg frame  114 . Either or both of the front leg frame  112  and the rear leg frame  114  may be adjustable to adjust a height of the front of the chair seat panel  204 , a rear of the chair seat panel  204  or both. 
       FIG. 8A  depicts a front view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair  600  of  FIG. 6  positioned on a user&#39;s  802  shoulders.  FIG. 8B  depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair  600  of  FIG. 6  positioned on a user&#39;s  802  shoulders. 
     As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports  604  are sized to comfortably rest on the user&#39;s  802  shoulders. In one embodiment, the shoulder supports  604  are made of a material having a sufficient structural rigidity to support the backpack chair when the shoulder supports  604  are positioned over the user&#39;s shoulders. 
     In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports  604  of backpack chair  600  may be used with the backpack chair  100  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 1 . For example, in certain embodiments, backpack chair  100  ( FIG. 1 ) may include shoulder supports (not shown) substantially similar to the shoulder supports  604  of backpack chair  600 . Once the pack  104  has been removed from the backpack chair  100  in a manner discussed above, the user may use the shoulder supports  604  to transport the backpack chair  100 . This allows the user more freedom in their chair transporting choices. 
     While the embodiments described above discuss a transportable backpack chair  600  or  100 , one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments the shoulder supports  604  may be used to transport other items. For example, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports  604  may be pivotably coupled to a backpack, a cooler, or any other object that a user may wish to carry on his or her back. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus  900  to transport an item on a user&#39;s back. The apparatus  900 , in certain embodiments, includes a substantially flat panel  902  and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support  904   a  and  904   b  (collectively shoulder supports  904 ). 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the substantially flat panel  902  is a back panel on a backpack  908 . In other embodiments, the substantially flat panel may be a side or end of a cooler. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the apparatus  900  may include any other flat panel to which the shoulder supports  904  may be pivotably coupled to transport an item on a user&#39;s back. 
     The flat panel  902 , in one embodiment, is a piece of material or fabric supported by a backpack frame  906 . That is, in certain embodiments, the backpack  908  includes a frame  906  to which the flat panel  902  is coupled. The backpack frame  902  includes at least three sides to support the flat panel  902 . In other embodiments, the flat panel may comprise a substantially rigid material that holds its own form without the backpack frame  906 . 
     The shoulder supports  904 , in certain embodiments, are substantially similar to the shoulder supports  604  discussed above with reference to  FIG. 6  the transportable backpack chair  600  of  FIG. 6 . That is, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports  904  are pivotably coupled to the panel  902  and include an extending portion  612   a  and  612   b  respectively and a hooking portion  614   a  and  614   b  respectively. 
     In one embodiment, the shoulder supports  904  are pivotable from a storage position  606  (See,  FIG. 6 ) to a transporting position  702  (See,  FIG. 7 ). In the storage position  606 , the shoulder supports are positioned adjacent the panel  902 . In the transporting position  702 , the shoulder supports extend from the panel  902 . 
     In the transport position  702 , the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  extend away from the panel  902 . In one embodiment, in the transport position  702 , the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  extend substantially perpendicularly from the panel  902 . In other embodiments, the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  extend away from the panel  902  at an angle other than ninety degrees. Of course, one of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments, the user may adjust the angle at which the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  extend from the panel  902  to accommodate a user&#39;s shoulders and comfort. 
     The hooking portions  614   a  and  614   b  extend from the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  and transition from the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  to an angle substantially parallel to the panel  902 . In one embodiment, the transition between the angle of the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  and the angle of the hooking portions  614   a  and  614   b  is ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the transition between the angle of the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  and the angle of the hooking portions  614   a  and  614   b  is gradual such that the shoulder supports  904  include curved portions  910   a  and  910   b  respectively to accommodate a user&#39;s shoulders. 
     In certain embodiments, the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  are sized to comfortable accommodate a user&#39;s shoulders. That is, in one embodiment, the extending portions  612   a  and  612   b  are approximately the same length as an average width of a user&#39;s shoulder from the chest of a user to the back of the user. In one embodiment, the average width of a user&#39;s shoulder is between about six inches and twelve inches. 
     In embodiments where the panel  902  is supported by the frame  906 , the shoulder supports  904  are pivotably coupled to the panel  902  by fastening elements  914   a  and  914   b  (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports  904  pivot. 
     In certain embodiments, the apparatus  600  includes biasing elements (i.e., springs  610   a  and  610   b ) to keep the shoulder supports  904  positioned in either the storage position  608  or the transporting position  702 . The springs  610   a  and  610   b  are positioned between the frame  906  and the shoulder supports  904 . The springs  610  provide tension to keep the shoulder supports  604  positioned in either the storage position  608  or the transporting position  702 . 
       FIG. 10  depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair  1000  according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the backpack chair  1000  includes at least one panel  1002   a  and  1002   b , a chair back frame  1004 , a chair seat frame  1006 , at least one substantially rigid shoulder support  1008   a  and  1008   b  (collectively shoulder supports  1008 ), and a cushion  1010   a  and  1010   b  (collectively  1010 ). 
     The chair back frame  1004  supports the back support panel  1002   a . In certain embodiment, the chair back frame  1004  includes a tubular frame that extends about at least three sides of the back support panel  1002   a . The chair back frame  1004  includes a top end  1112  and a bottom end  1114 . 
     The chair seat frame  1006  supports the seat support panel  1002   b . The chair seat frame  1006 , like the chair back frame  1004 , includes a tubular frame that extends around at least three sides of the seat support panel  1002   b . The chair seat frame  1006  has a front end  1116  positioned opposite a rear end  1118 . The bottom end  1114  of the chair back frame  1004  is pivotably coupled to the rear end  1118  of the chair seat frame  1006 . 
     The back support panel  1002   a  is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair back frame  1004  to provide support for a user&#39;s back when the user is seated in the backpack chair  1000 . Similarly, the seat support panel  1002   b  is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair seat frame  1006  to provide support for a user&#39;s backside when the user is seated in the backpack chair  1000 . In other embodiments, the back support panel  1002   a  and the seat support panel  1002   b  may be made of a rigid material. 
     As can be seen in the exploded popout of the coupling area  1120  of the shoulder supports  1008 , the shoulder supports  1008  are substantially similar to and operate in a manner substantially similar to the shoulders supports  604  and  904  described above with reference to apparatus  600  and apparatus  900  respectively. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the shoulder supports  1008  are pivotably coupled to the front end  1116  of the chair seat frame  1006  by fastening elements  914   a  and  914   b  (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports  1008  pivot. Springs  610   a  and  610   b  are positioned between the front end  1116  of the chair seat frame  1006  and the shoulder supports  1008 . The springs  610   a  and  610   b  provide tension to keep the shoulder supports  1008  positioned in either the storage position  608  or the transporting position  702 . In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports  1008   a  and  1008   b  are wrapped in cushioning material  1122   a  and  1122   b  respectively to provide comfort to the user when transporting the backpack chair  1000 . 
     In other embodiments, the shoulder supports  1008  are pivotably coupled to the top end  1112  of the chair back frame  1004 . Of course one of skill in the art will recognize that the shoulder supports  1008  could be coupled to either the rear end  1118  of the chair seat frame  1006  or the bottom end  1114  of the chair back frame  1004 . 
     The cushion  1010  is pivotably coupled to the chair back frame  1004  by a pair of supporting rods  1024   a  and  1024   b . This allows the cushion  1010  to be pivoted in the direction of arrow  1026  from a head rest position as illustrated by the broken line depiction of the head rest  1010   a  to a lumbar support position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of the head rest  1010   b . When the backpack chair  1000  is folded, the head rest  1010  can be positioned in the lumbar support position to keep the headrest positioned between the back support panel  1002   a  and the seat support panel  1002   b . This keeps the backpack chair  1000  compact when a user wishes to transport the backpack chair  1000 . 
     In certain embodiments, a height of the backpack chair  1000  can be adjusted by adjusting a height of either the front leg frame  1028  or a height of the rear leg frame  1030 . As can be seen in the exploded pop out of the front leg extension area  1032 , in certain embodiments either the front leg frame  1028 , the rear leg frame  1030  or both include a series of holes  1034 . A pinning element (not shown) engages one of the holes to position either the front leg frame  1028  or the rear leg frame  1130  at a desired height. Disengaging the pinning element from the hole  1034  allows the height of either the front leg frame  1028  or the rear leg frame  1130  to be adjusted to a position where the pinning element can engage another hole  1034  to adjust the height of either the front leg frame  1028  or the rear leg frame  1130  in the direction of arrow  1036 . 
     In one embodiment, the backpack chair  1000  includes a removable footrest  1038   a  and  1038   b  (collectively footrest  1038 ). The footrest  1038  is repositionable in the direction of arrow  1040 . In certain embodiments, the footrest  1038  may be positioned in a packable position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of the footrest  1038   a  wherein the footrest  1038  is positioned adjacent the seat panel  1002   b . In an extended position, as depicted by the broken line illustration of the footrest  1038   b , a footrest frame  1042  is removable coupled to and extends from the front end  1116  of the chair seat frame  1006 . 
     The popout illustration of the footrest frame coupling area  1044  depicts one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the footrest  1038 . In such an embodiment, a ratchet  1046  is interposed between the footrest frame  1042  and the chair seat frame  1006 . The ratchet  1046  allows the height of the footrest  1038  to be adjusted in the direction of arrow  1040 . In certain embodiments, a pushpin (not shown) engages a hole  1048  to releasably couple the footrest frame  1042  to the chair seat frame  1006 . This allows a user to remove the footrest  1038  when the user does not desire the footrest  1038 . 
     In certain embodiments, the footrest  1038  itself is rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow  1052 . In such an embodiment, the footrest  1038  is coupled to the footrest frame  1042  by a pin  1050  that extends through the footrest  1038  and the foot rest frame  1042 . 
     In one embodiment, the backpack chair  1000  also includes a beverage holder  1052 . As is shown in the popout of the beverage holder coupling area  1054 , the beverage holder  1052 , in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of an arm rest  1056  opposite wherein the arm rest  1056  is coupled to the chair back frame  1004 . In such an embodiment, the beverage holder  1052  is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position beverage holder  1052  when the backpack chair  1000  is positioned in the transport position  606 . 
     The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.