US20070108248A1

US20070108248A1 - Recreational combination device and associated methods

Info

Publication number: US20070108248A1
Application number: US11/274,915
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Hoffmeier; Faun Hoffmeier
Original assignee: FATH LLC
Current assignee: FATH LLC
Priority date: 2005-11-15
Filing date: 2005-11-15
Publication date: 2007-05-17

Abstract

A recreational combination device includes a container member, opposing chair holding members detachably connected to the container member, a wheel member connected to a bottom of the chair holding members, and a handle member moveably connected to the container member. The container member includes a first compartment that is insulated, and a second compartment adjacent the first compartment. The first and second compartments are connected to and separated from one another by at least one common wall.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of recreational devices, and, more particularly, to chairs, insulated containers, and backpacks used for recreational activities, and related methods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When engaging in recreational activities, such as going to the beach, for example, it may be necessary to carry a plurality of different devices for use during the recreational activity. For example, when traveling to the beach, a user may require a plurality of folding chairs, a cooler, and a bag for carrying miscellaneous items. Of course, carrying these items individually may become cumbersome.
The prior art has attempted to address this issue. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,291 to Lamb et al. discloses a combination chair and backpack including a removable and reversible headrest and storage compartment. The combination chair and backpack includes sleeves positioned along various areas of the chair for holding an umbrella and a fishing rod. This combination chair and backpack, however, may require extensive time for a user to set up. Further, the combination chair and backpack of the Lamb et al. '291 patent may also be cumbersome for a user to carry.
A combination cooler, chair, and backpack is offered by Flowlab, and is sold under the tradename Pack-n-Chair. The Pack-n-Chair provides a folding chair and a backpack that may be connected to a folding chair. Again, a user may find it difficult, or cumbersome, to transport the Pack-n-Chair.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,429 to Kennedy discloses a cooler seat storage transporting device including backpack straps so that the cooler seat storage device may be carried on a user's back. The device also includes a removable seat back that engages a portion of the cooler. A user may find it cumbersome to transport the cooler seat storage device disclosed in the Kennedy '429 patent.
U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0140103 by Marchant et al. discloses a carrying bag for a folding chair. The carrying bag includes a telescoping handle positioned along a side portion thereof, a strap connected along a side portion thereof, and wheels positioned adjacent the bottom portion of the carrying bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a recreational combination device that is easily transportable by a user. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a recreational combination device that provides a user ample storage space for various items.
These and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a recreational combination device comprising a container member having a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a top overlying the sidewalls. The recreational combination device may also comprise chair holding members detachably connected to the container member. Each of chair holding member preferably has a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and an opened top.
The recreational combination device further preferably includes a wheel member connected to the bottom of each of the chair holding members, and a handle member moveably connected to the container member. The container member preferably includes a first compartment that is insulated, and a second compartment adjacent the first compartment. The first and second compartments are connected to and separated from one another by a common wall.
The chair holding members are preferably detachably connected to opposing sidewalls of the container member. Accordingly, a user may advantageously, and selectively, detach the chair holding members from the container member to enhance transportability of the recreational combination device. The chair holding members may be detachably connected to the container member using a hook and loop connector, a zipper connector, or a snap connector, for example.
The wheel member may advantageously be a caster that is rotatably connected to the bottom of each chair holding member. Such a wheel member advantageously provides the recreational combination device with multi-directional maneuverability.
In one embodiment of the recreational combination device, the chair holding members may be hard sided chair holding members. In this embodiment, the chair holding members are preferably collapsible to advantageously minimize the space necessary for storage of the chair holding members when not in use.
The handle member is preferably a telescoping handle member. Accordingly, the handle member may advantageously be moved to a hidden, or collapsed, position to enhance transportability of the recreational combination device.
The recreational combination device may also include a backpack strap connected to one of the sidewalls of the container member. The backpack strap advantageously provides a user another way to transport the recreational combination device. The recreational combination device may also advantageously include opposing fastening members connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom of the container member. The opposing fastening members may advantageously be used to fasten additional recreational items to the container member.
A method aspect of the present invention is for using a recreational combination device. The method may comprise connecting a chair holding member to a container member, inserting a chair into the chair holding member, and using a handle member moveably connected to the container member to roll the recreational combination device on a wheel member connected to the chair holding member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front prospective view of a recreational combination device according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front prospective view of the recreational combination device illustrated in FIG. 1 showing a handle in an extended position and being pulled by a user.
FIG. 3 is a rear prospective view of the recreational combination device illustrated in FIG. 1 positioned to receive a collapsible chair.
FIG. 4 is a front prospective view of a recreational combination device according to the present invention and showing a zipper connection between the container member and the chair holding member.
FIG. 5 is a partial prospective view of the recreational combination device according to the present invention and showing a hook and loop fastener connection between the container member and the chair holding member.
FIG. 6 is a partial prospective view of the recreational combination device according to the present invention and showing a snap connection between the container member and the chair holding member.
FIG. 7 is a front prospective view of the recreational combination device illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing the handle in the extended position.
FIG. 8 is a front prospective view of another embodiment of the recreational combination device showing a soft sided container member and soft sided chair holding members.
FIG. 9 is a prospective view of the recreational combination device according to the present invention and showing collapsible chair holding members.
FIG. 10 is a prospective view of the recreational combination device according to the present invention and showing the chair holding members being connected to the container member to provide a table.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime and multiple prime notations are used to indicate similar elements in alternate embodiments.
Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a recreational combination device 10 in accordance with the present invention is now described in greater detail. The recreational combination device 10 illustratively includes a container member 20 and a pair of chair holding members 30 detachably connected to the container member.
More specifically, the container member 20 has a bottom 22, sidewalls 24 extending upwardly from the bottom, and a top 26 overlying the sidewalls. The container member 20 preferably has a polygonal shape, i.e., rectangular, for example. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that the container member 20 may have any other shape as well.
The chair holding members 30 preferably have a bottom 32, sidewalls 34 extending upwardly from the bottom, and an opened top. The chair holding members 30 preferably have a cylindrical shape suitable for receiving a collapsible chair 50, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,450 to Miyagi and U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,348 to Wu, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that the chair holding members 30 may have any other shape as well.
The recreational combination device 10 also illustratively includes a wheel member 40 connected to the bottom 32 of each of the chair holding members 30. The recreational combination device 10 further illustratively includes a handle member 42 moveably connected to the container member 20. The container member 20 preferably includes a handle member receiving passageway 27 formed therein. The sidewalls 24 of the container member 20 are preferably defined by a front sidewall 24 a, a rear sidewall 24 b, a left sidewall 24 c, and a right sidewall 24 d. The handle member receiving passageway 27 is preferably formed in the rear sidewall 24 b of the container member 20. Accordingly, the handle member 42 may be moved into and out of the handle member receiving passageway 27 so that the handle member may be moved between a retracted position and an extended position.
The container member 20 preferably includes a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14 adjacent the first compartment. The first compartment 12 may be an insulated compartment. Further, the first compartment 12 and the second compartment 14 are preferably connected to one another, but separated by at least one common wall 16. The container member 20 of the recreational combination device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 shows the first insulated compartment 12 positioned beneath the second compartment 14. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the insulated compartment may be positioned to overlie a compartment that is not insulated as illustrated, for example, in FIG. 7.
The container member 20 also illustratively includes an insulated compartment fastening member 21 positioned adjacent the common wall 16 separating the first insulated compartment 12 from the second compartment 14. The insulated compartment fastening member 21 advantageously allows the first insulated compartment 12 of the container member 20 to have an enhanced seal. More particularly, the insulated compartment fastening member 21 may be a buckle type fastener that allows for the top, or lid, of the first insulated compartment 12 to be locked, thereby advantageously preventing leaks from within the first insulated compartment.
Access to the second compartment 14 of the container member 20 is preferably provided along with front sidewall 24 a of the container member. The access may be in the form of a foldable, or moveable flap, for example. The container member 20 of the recreational combination device 10 also illustratively includes a zipper member 23 carried by the front sidewall 24 a for allowing the flap to be opened and closed. More specifically, the zipper member 23 is positioned adjacent the front sidewall 24 a of the second compartment 14 of the container member 20. Accordingly, access to an interior portion of the second compartment 14 of the container member 20 may advantageously be provided by opening the flap using the zipper member 23. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the second compartment 14 of the container member 20 is preferably used to store items that do not need to be positioned in the first insulated compartment 12. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that any type of passageway may be formed in any of the sidewalls 24 of the second compartment 14 to provide access to the second compartment, and that the passageway may be opened and closed using any type of fastening member.
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 4-6, additional aspects of the recreational combination device 10 are now described in greater detail. The chair holding members 30 are preferably detachably connected to the sidewalls 24 of the container member 20. More specifically, one chair holding member 30 is preferably detachably connected to a left sidewall 24 c of the container member 20, and another chair holding member is preferably detachably connected to the right sidewall 24 d of the container member.
As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 4, the connector 36 between the chair holding member 30 and the container member 20 is preferably a zipper connector. Referring now more specifically to FIG. 5, another embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′ is now described in greater detail. More particularly, in this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′, the connector 36′ between the chair holding member 30′ and the container member 20′ is illustratively a hook and loop connector. Accordingly, a user may readily detach the chair holding member 30′ from the container member 20′ by simply disengaging the straps having the hook and loop fasteners from one another. The other elements of this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′ are similar to those of the first embodiment of the recreational combination device 10, are labelled with prime notation, and require no further discussion herein.
Referring now additionally to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the recreational combination device 10″ is now described in greater detail. In this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10″, the connector 36″ between the chair holding member 30″ and the container member 20″ is preferably provided by a snap connector. Accordingly, a user may readily detach the chair holding members 30″ from the container member 20″ by simply releasing the snap members from one another. The other elements of the third embodiment of the recreational combination device 10″ are similar to those of the first embodiment of the recreational combination device 10, are labelled with double prime notation, and require no further discussion herein.
The wheel member 40 is preferably provided by a multi-directional wheel, such as a caster, for example. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the wheel member 40 may be provided by any other multi-directional wheel. The wheel member 40 is preferably rotatably connected to the bottom of each chair holding member 30. Although the illustrations of the recreational combination device 10 show one wheel member 40 being connected to the bottom 32 of the chair holding members 30, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any number of wheel members may be connected to the bottom of the chair holding members.
The handle member 42 of the recreational combination device 10 is preferably a telescoping handle member. More specifically, and as briefly discussed above, the handle member 42 may be moved between an extended and a retracted position. When in the extended position, the handle member 42 may be grasped by a user so that the user may readily pull the recreational combination device 10. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the handle member 42 may include a plurality of locks to lock the position of the handle member at various places when being moved between the extended and retracted positions. Accordingly, the height of the handle member 42 may be readily adjusted to accommodate different users.
As also discussed above, the handle member 42 may be retracted into the handle member receiving passageway 27 formed in the container member 20. When in the retracted position, a top portion of the handle member 42 is preferably flush with the top 26 of the container member 20.
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 7 and 8, additional features of the recreational combination device 10 are now discussed. More particularly, the recreational combination device 10 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a hard sided container member 20, and hard sided chair holding members 30. Further, each chair holding member 30 of the recreational combination device 10 may illustratively include a top 38 to be positioned over the sidewalls 34 of the chair holding members. A recreational combination device 10 having a hard sided container member 20 and hard sided chair holding members 30 advantageously enhances the strength and durability of the recreational combination device.
Another embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′″ is illustrated in FIG. 8. In this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′″, the container member 20′″ and the chair holding members 30′″ are preferably soft sided. Accordingly, a recreational combination device 10′″ having a soft sided container member 20′″ and soft sided chair holding members 30′″ is advantageously lighter in weight. The chair holding members 30′″ of this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′″ includes a drawstring closure adjacent the open top of the chair holding members. Further, the insulated first compartment 12′″ of the container member 20′″ may be sealed using a zipper fastener, or any other fastener as understood by those skilled in the art. The other elements of this embodiment of the recreational combination device 10′″ are similar to those of the first embodiment of the recreational combination device 10, are labelled with triple prime notation and require no further discussion herein.
The recreational combination device 10 also illustratively comprises backpack straps 44 connected to one of the sidewalls 24 of the container member 20. More particularly, the backpack straps 44 are preferably connected to the rear sidewall 24 b of the container member 20. The backpack straps 44 are preferably padded backpack straps to advantageously enhance comfort when carrying the recreational combination device 10. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although a pair of backpack straps 44 are illustrated, any number of backpack straps may be used to accomplish the goals of the present invention.
The recreational combination device 10 further illustratively comprises fastening members 46 connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom 22 of the container member 20. The fastening members 46 are preferably straps that may be used to fasten an additional recreational device, e.g., a beach blanket, a beach towel, or a sleeping bag. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the fastening members 46 may be tied around the recreational device to be secured to the bottom 22 of the container member 20. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the fastening members 46 may be manipulated in any number of ways to secure the additional recreational device to the bottom 22 of the container member 20. Those skilled in the art will further appreciate that additional recreational devices may be fastened to the bottom 22 of the container member 20 using any other type of fastening member 46, such as netting, for example, or another similar fastening member suitable for securing additional recreational devices to the container member. Of course, fastening members 46 may be used to fasten additional recreational devices anywhere on the container member 20, i.e., not restricted to fastening additional recreational devices along the bottom 22 of the container member.
Referring now additionally to FIGS. 9 and 10, still another aspect of the recreational combination device 10 is now described in greater detail. More specifically, the chair holding members 30 are preferably collapsible. Further, the sidewalls 34 of the chair holding members 30 are preferably nesting sidewalls so that when detached from the container member 20, they may be easily compacted for more simplified storage.
After the chair holding members 30 of the recreational combination device 10 are detached from the container member 20, they may be rotated 90 degrees and reconnected to the sidewalls 24 of the container member, as perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 10. This advantageously allows for the recreational combination device 10 to be used as a table. More particularly, upon detachment from the container member 20, portions of the chair holding members 30 may be separated from one another to thereby provide four legs, as is necessary to form a table when reconnected to the sidewalls 24 of the container member.
A methods aspect of the present invention is for using a recreational combination device 10. The method may include connecting the chair holding member 30 to the container member 20. The method may also include inserting a chair 50 into the chair holding member 30. The chair 50 is preferably a collapsible chair similar to those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,450 to Miyagi and U.S. Pat. No. 6,454,348 to Wu, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The method may also include using a handle member 42 that is moveably connected to the container member 20 to roll the recreational combination device 10 on at least one wheel member 40 connected to the chair holding member 30.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A recreational combination device comprising:

a container member having a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a top overlying the sidewalls;

a pair of opposing chair holding members detachably connected to said container member, each of said chair holding members having a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and an open top;

at least one wheel member connected to the bottom of each of said chair holding members; and

a handle member moveably connected to said container member;

said container member including a first compartment that is insulated, and a second compartment adjacent said first compartment, said first and second compartments being connected to and separated from one another by at least one common wall.

2. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 wherein said pair of chair holding members are detachably connected to opposing sidewalls of said container member.

3. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 wherein said pair of chair holding members are detachably connected to said container member using at least one of a hook and loop connector, a zipper connector, and a snap connector.

4. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 wherein said at least one wheel member is a caster rotatably connected to the bottom of each chair holding member.

5. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 wherein said chair holding members are hard sided chair holding member; and wherein said chair holding members are collapsible.

6. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 wherein said handle member is a telescoping handle member.

7. A recreational combination device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one backpack strap connected to one of the sidewalls of said container member, and at least one member connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom of said container member.

8. A recreational combination device comprising:

at least one chair holding member detachably connected to said container member, said at least one chair holding member having a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and an open top;

at least one wheel member connected to the bottom of said at least one chair holding member;

a telescoping handle connected to said container member; and

at least one backpack strap connected to one of the sidewalls of said container member.

9. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 wherein said container member includes a first compartment that is insulated, and a second compartment adjacent said first compartment, said first and second compartments being connected to and separated from one another by at least one common wall.

10. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 wherein said at least one chair holding member is detachably connected to one of the sidewalls of said container member.

11. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 wherein said at least one chair holding member is detachably connected to said container member using at least one of a hook and loop connector, a zipper connector, and a snap connector.

12. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 wherein said at least one wheel member is a caster rotatably connected to the bottom of said at least one chair holding member.

13. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 wherein said at least one chair holding member is a hard sided chair holding member; and wherein said at least one chair holding member is collapsible.

14. A recreational combination device according to claim 8 further comprising at least one fastening member connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom of said container member.

15. A method of using a recreational combination device, the method comprising:

connecting at least one chair holding member to a container member, the container member having a bottom, sidewalls extending upwardly from the bottom, and a top overlying the sidewalls;

inserting at least one collapsible chair into the at least one chair holding member; and

using a handle member movably connected to the container member to roll the recreational combination device on at least one wheel member connected to the at least one chair holding member.

16. A method according to claim 15 wherein the container member includes a first compartment that is insulated, and a second compartment adjacent the first compartment, the first and second compartments being connected to and separated from one another by at least one common wall.

17. A method according to claim 15 further comprising detaching the at least one chair holding member from the container member.

18. A method according to claim 15 wherein the at least one chair holding member is a hard sided chair holding member; and further comprising collapsing the at least one chair holding member.

19. A method according to claim 15 wherein the handle is a telescoping handle, and wherein using the handle comprises moving the handle between extended and retracted positions.

20. A method according to claim 15 further comprising using at least one backpack strap connected to the container member to carry the recreational combination device.