Patent Abstract:
Foldable frame devices designed to transport fishing equipment and assorted items while functioning as a table and which are capable of being stored in confined spaces are disclosed. In an aspect, a foldable frame device may be carried by a user. The foldable frame device includes a rotating flat surface area which may be moved between a folded position and a usable position. In the folded position, the foldable frame device has a compact profile, thereby occupying a small amount of space for transportation or storage when not in use. In the usable position, the flat surface area extends away from the frame and may support items, such as fishing equipment.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/897,972, filed Oct. 31, 2013, and entitled “Foldable Frame for Transporting Fishing Equipment,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to foldable frame devices and more particularly foldable frame devices for transporting fishing equipment and assorted items. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
         [0004]    Many people of all ages enjoy the activity of fishing. Fishing can take place in various locations such as the beach, lake, river, wharf, dock, jetty, bridge, land outcropping, or the like. In order to participate in the activity of fishing, one must transport the necessary fishing equipment such as buckets, bait, hooks, lines, nets, rods, reels, tackle boxes and the like, to the fishing site. Fishing equipment may be carried by hand or transported by a fishing back pack. 
         [0005]    An existing fishing back pack discloses a carrier, rod holders and sand spikes. The carrier may have one or more pockets and one or more removable bags. The pockets and removable bags may be used to carry fishing equipment, a built in cutting board and the like. The carrier may be transported by way of a harness. The carrier may be placed in a stationary position by way of the sand spikes. Rod holders may be configured on either side of the carrier. 
         [0006]    The fishing back pack described above allows for transportation of only two fishing rods and reels. The many pockets and removable bags make it difficult to locate items, as well as hampering the size of gear which can be transported. It is also difficult to clean. One may also inadvertently leave behind necessary fishing tackle following the removal of one of the bags. The current fishing back pack cannot be modified to form a flat surface area to hold items such as a fishing bucket. To further complicate matters, the current fishing backpack is bulky and cannot be folded for storage in compact spaces. 
         [0007]    Given the foregoing, what is needed is a foldable frame device capable of transporting fishing tackle by an individual. Additionally, foldable frame devices are desired which may be used as multifunctional tables and which are capable of being folded during transportation or storage in small spaces. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the subject matter. 
         [0009]    This disclosure addresses the above-described needs by providing folding frame devices configured to transport assorted items. Assorted items include, but are not limited to, fishing tackle. 
         [0010]    Aspects of the present disclosure provide a device configured to facilitate the transportation of assorted items such as fishing tackle and provide for a multifunctional surface area, without taking up significant storage space. Devices configured in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure are foldable, compact frames that can be carried on the back of a user or can be removably placed on a surface, such as a jetty, a beach, or a bank. Such foldable frame devices can also be folded into compact form during transportation and storage. Products according to the present disclosure are ideal for users who desire to carry fishing tackle to engage in fishing. They may also eliminate the need to transport a separate flat surface area such as a table, thereby decreasing the load that must be carried by the user. 
         [0011]    In an aspect, a foldable frame device is configured to increase the amount of items that can be transported by a user during fishing and to conserve space when being stored. Such a foldable frame also renders transporting items easier, especially over difficult terrain such as a trail, sand dunes, or a jetty. Two straps are secured over the shoulders of a user to support the weight of the foldable frame and any objects placed on the foldable frame. The straps are secured at the top of the foldable frame and a rotatable leg is moveably attached to the bottom of the foldable frame. When in use, the leg is placed in an extended position by rotating the leg into a position approximately perpendicular to the body of the frame. Objects to be transported during fishing are placed on the extended leg for transportation. Such configuration allows for transportation of larger items such as buckets. Additionally, such configuration may also function as a large surface area similar to a table for cutting fish, holding fish, baiting hooks and the like. In some aspects, when the device is in use, it is configured to be folded for transportation of slim items such as rods and reels. This configuration may also allow for the foldable frame to be placed onto a surface such as sands, rocks, grass or the like. In an aspect, the foldable frame may further comprise deployable support poles. The deployable support poles may be extended from the foldable frame and support the foldable frame when placed on the ground. When the device is not in use, it is configured to be folded for storage in compact spaces. 
         [0012]    Further features and advantages of the systems and apparatus disclosed herein, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the Detailed Description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a foldable frame device being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are three quarter views of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a foldable frame device being worn by a user, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a rear view of a foldable frame device, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a three quarter view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a front view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a side perspective view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a rear perspective view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  is a rear view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  is a side view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  is a front view of a foldable frame device wherein the device leg is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  is a three quarter view of a foldable frame device being used atop a paddleboard, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  is a rear view of a foldable frame device being worn by a user, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    The present disclosure is directed to devices and attachments which allow for transporting assorted items. Assorted items include, but are not limited to, fishing equipment (e.g. fishing rods and reels, tackle boxes, buckets and the like). Such devices may enable easier transportation of fishing equipment, increased carrying capacity and provide for a flat surface and/or an elevated surface suitable for multifunction use. 
         [0033]    In an aspect, a foldable frame device comprises a body, a base and a leg. The foldable frame device is configured to hang from two straps removably wearable on the back of a user, similar to a harness. The body connects to the base. The base is rotatably connected to the leg. The leg rotates from a stored, vertical position to an in use, horizontal position which is perpendicular to the body. Assorted items may be placed on the extended leg to provide the user with a flat multifunctional surface. 
         [0034]    In some aspects, the foldable frame device is configured to be folded into condensed form for transportation. In condensed form, the leg is rotated vertically and significantly in parallel with the folding device body. In such aspects, the user may choose to carry or store slender items such as rods and reels. 
         [0035]    In some aspects, when the foldable frame is not in use, it is configured to be folded into condensed form for storage. The leg is rotated into the storage position significantly in parallel with the folding device body. 
         [0036]    Unless otherwise noted, for the purposes of the present disclosure, “user” and its plural forms refer to adults and children which may participate in fishing or otherwise utilize foldable frame devices of the present disclosure. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a side view of a foldable frame device  100  being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown. 
         [0038]    Foldable frame device  100  comprises a body  102 , a base  104  and a leg  106 . Body  102  is a rigid support structure configured to position foldable frame device  100  on the back of a user  120  as shown in  FIG. 7  and support the weight of assorted items placed thereon (e.g., during transportation). Body  102  may be constructed of one or more sturdy materials such as plastic, aluminum or the like. In some aspects, the material chosen for body  102  may be configured to be lightweight, enabling folding frame device  100  to be easily picked up and carried each time it is used to transport assorted items. 
         [0039]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of foldable frame device  100  wherein leg  106  is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown. 
         [0040]    In an aspect, body  102  comprises one or more cross members  108  (labeled, for clarity, only as cross members  108   a - b  in  FIG. 2 ) and one or more vertical members  110  (labeled, for clarity, only as vertical members  110   a - b  in  FIG. 2 ). The back of body  102  may be a flat surface as shown in  FIG. 6 , configured to contact the back of user  120  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Vertical member  110  defines the overall length of folding frame  100 . The length of vertical member  110  is chosen such that foldable frame device  100  may be placed on the back of user  120 . Vertical member  110  may be approximately two to three feet long. In an aspect, four vertical members  110  are horizontally positioned equal intervals apart and rigidly connected by four cross members spaced at equal intervals along the length of cross members  108 . 
         [0041]    In a second embodiment, two vertical members  110  are positioned approximately two feet apart and rigidly connected by four cross members spaced at equal intervals along the length of vertical members  110 , as shown in  FIGS. 9-18  and  FIG. 20 . 
         [0042]    In an aspect, cross members  108  are firmly connected to vertical members  110  at end portions of cross members  108 . Firm connection may be made by a bolt, screw, bonding agent or other connection means as will be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. The firm connection may be a permanent or removable connection. 
         [0043]    Cross members  108  and vertical members  110  may be constructed of two to three-inch bars. These bars may be made of metal, aluminum or some other suitable sturdy material. 
         [0044]    Base  104  comprises the bottom cross member  108  of body  102 , one or more cross members  108  and one or more vertical members  110 . Cross members  108  are firmly connected to vertical members  110  at end portions of cross members  108 . The length of base  104  is equal to the length of cross members  108 . The width of base  104  may be approximately one fourth the length of the vertical members  110  located on body  102 . Base  104  is configured to connect to leg  106  at rotatable connection  114 . Rotatable connection  114  (labeled as rotatable connection  114   a - b  in  FIG. 2 ) may be comprised of one or more hinges or other means as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein for suitable rotation. 
         [0045]    In an aspect, base  104  is configured to transport assorted items during fishing. In another aspect, base  104  is configured to make contact with a surface such as the ground, sand, rocks or the like. Leg  106  comprises a flat surface area  112  and one or more rotatable connectors  114 . In an aspect, leg  106  may be configured so that the length of leg  106  is approximately one-third the length of body  102  as shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  6 . Leg  106  may comprise two or more cross members and two or more vertical members of various arrangements as shown in  FIG. 2 . Flat surface area  112  is configured to support assorted items during fishing. In an aspect, flat surface area  112  may comprise a sturdy material such as plastic, mesh or the like, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Flat surface area  112  may be placed in two positions: a usable position wherein leg  106  is perpendicular to body  102  ( FIG. 2 ) and a folded position ( FIG. 4 ) wherein leg  106  is parallel to body  102 . 
         [0046]    Holder  116  (labeled, for clarity, only as holder  116   a - b  in  FIG. 2 ) is configured to attach to body  102  at cross member  108 . Holder  116  may be configured to support assorted items such as rods and reels during fishing. Holder  116  may be constructed of one or more sturdy materials such as plastic, metal or steel. Holder  116  may be shaped similar to that of a cylinder. Holder  116  may vary in length, width and height. Holder  116  may be connected to cross members  108  by bolts, screws or other adhesive, as may be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In an aspect, foldable fame device  100  comprises four holders  116 . In alternative aspects, foldable frame device may comprise more or less holders  116 . 
         [0047]    In an aspect, foldable frame device  100  may further comprise deployable support poles (not shown). The deployable support poles may be extended from foldable frame device  100 , elevating and supporting foldable frame device when placed on the ground. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , a three quarters view of a of a foldable frame device  100 , displaying strap  118  (labeled as straps  118   a - b  in  FIGS. 3A-B ), in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is shown. 
         [0049]    Strap  118  is removably attached to foldable frame  100  at, for example, the top cross member  108  of body  102 . Straps  118  may be placed equal distances apart on top cross member  108  so as to maintain the balance of foldable frame  100 . Straps  118  are adapted to removably connect foldable frame device  100  to a user  120 . Straps  118  may be curved extending over the shoulders of user  120  and underneath the armpits of user  120 , similar to a harness, backpack, or the like as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Straps  118  may be positioned evenly under the armpits to sustain the weight of the assorted items placed on foldable frame  100 . In some aspects, straps  118  may be designed with varying widths. Straps  118  may be adjustable for varying the positioning of foldable frame  100  on the back of user  120 . Straps  118  may be constructed of one or more soft materials such as nylon jersey or mesh. In alternative aspects, one or more handles (not shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) may be securely attached to top cross member  108  of body  102 , either removably or permanently, instead of or in addition to straps  118 , to facilitate the movement of device  100  via being gripped and carried by a hand of user  120 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a front view of a foldable frame device  100  wherein leg  106  is in the folded position, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure is shown. 
         [0051]      FIG. 4  depicts leg  106  and flat surface area  112  in its folded position. In some aspects, foldable frame device  100  may be folded at rotatable connector  114  (labeled as rotatable connection  114   a - b  in  FIG. 4 ) for transportation or storage of slim items such as rods and reels or the like. In other aspects, foldable frame device  100  may be folded at rotatable connector  114  for storage in compact spaces. As shown in  FIG. 5 , foldable frame device  100  occupies a volume with a similar height, width and approximately three quarters the thickness when folded. 
         [0052]    Foldable frame  100  may be used with a variety of lengths and widths of cross members  108  and vertical members  110 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a perspective view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device  100  being used, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown. 
         [0054]    The second embodiment of device  100  is substantially similar to the above described version of device  100  and has many of the same parts and components, with a slightly different configuration. In an aspect, the second embodiment of foldable frame device  100  comprises two vertical members  110  (labeled as  110   c - d  in  FIG. 9 ) positioned approximately two feet apart and rigidly connected by four cross members  108  (labeled only as  108   a  in  FIG. 9 , for clarity) spaced at equal intervals along the length of vertical members  110 . In such an aspect, leg  106  may contain two cross members  108  (labeled only as  108   c  in  FIG. 9 , for clarity) and four vertical members  110  (labeled only as  110   e  in  FIG. 9 , for clarity), or alternative arrangements as may be appreciated by those having skill in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a three quarter view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device  100  wherein the device leg  106  is extended, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown. 
         [0056]    The second embodiment of device  100  includes additional items. Specifically, the second embodiment of device  100  may further include at least one flexible member  1002  (labeled only as  1002   a  in  FIG. 10 , for clarity); at least one belt component  1004  (labeled only as  1004   a  in  FIG. 10 , for clarity); at least one padding element  1006  (labeled on only as  1006   a  in  FIG. 10 , for clarity); female clasping mechanism  1008 ; and a male clasping mechanism  1010 . 
         [0057]    Flexible member  1002  may securely attach to a vertical member  110  or a cross member  108  of body  102  at one end and a vertical member  110  or a cross member  108  of leg  106  at the opposite end. Flexible member  1002  may comprise a cable, wire, rope, or similar element with an appropriate tensile strength as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as being capable of supporting the weight of leg  106  and any one or more of a variety of objects that may be placed thereon, including buckets, fishing gear, and the like. Furthermore, flexible member  1002  may function to prevent leg  106  from rotating more than approximately 90 degrees relative to body  102  when leg  106  is in the extended position, as shown in  FIG. 15 . In some aspects, a stopping and/or locking mechanism is integrated with rotatable connector  114  in order to prevent movement of leg  106  past the approximately 90 degree point relative to body  102 . In such aspects, flexible member  1002  may or may not be included with device  100 . In yet some further aspects, the length of flexible member  1002  and/or the configuration of a stopping and/or locking mechanism integrated with rotatable connector  114  may be such as to vary the angle at which leg  106  may be extended relative to body  102 , either less than or greater than 90 degrees. 
         [0058]    Belt component  1004  may be securely attached to vertical members  110  positioned at the outermost opposing sides of body  102 . Belt component  1004  may be integrated with one or more clasping mechanisms, such as, by way of example and not limitation, female clasping mechanism  1008  and male clasping mechanism  1010 . Belt component  1004  may comprise a webbed fabric, nylon jersey, mesh, or similar material as may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein as capable of restraining on object positioned on flat surface area  112 , such as bucket  902  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) and the like, when the clasping mechanisms  1008  and  1010  are secured within each other. Additionally, belt component  1004  may keep leg  106  in its upright folded position, as shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0059]    Padding element  1006  may comprise foam-like material, or any other similar material that is soft to the touch as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Padding element  1006  may provide a comforting barrier between vertical member  110  and/or cross member  108  and the back of user  120  when device  100  is worn thereon for transportation, as shown in  FIGS. 18 and 21 . 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 17 , a three quarter view of a second embodiment of a foldable frame device  100  being used atop a paddleboard  1804 , in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, is shown. 
         [0061]    In some aspects, device  100  may include an additional strap  1802 . Strap  1802  may comprise material similar to belt component  1004  and be used to removably secure device  100  to a variety of surfaces/objects, such as, by way of example and not limitation, paddleboard  1804 . In some aspects, one or more straps  118  and/or belt component  1004  may be removed from device  100  and reattached to different parts thereof in order to secure device  100  to surfaces/objects in conjunction with/instead of strap  1802 . 
         [0062]    In some aspects, device  100  may be configured as a tree stand. Device  100  may include one or more attachment devices suitable for securely, removably connecting device  100  to a tree at a desired height including a tree strap, pitons, and the like. Device  100  may further include a seat cushion and/or back supports for comfort. 
         [0063]    While various aspects of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary aspects. 
         [0064]    In addition, it should be understood that the figures in the attachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of the present disclosure, are presented for example purposes only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures. 
         [0065]    Further, the purposes of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0