US20150366357A1 - Apparatus and system for transporting an item - Google Patents
Apparatus and system for transporting an item Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150366357A1 US20150366357A1 US14/842,168 US201514842168A US2015366357A1 US 20150366357 A1 US20150366357 A1 US 20150366357A1 US 201514842168 A US201514842168 A US 201514842168A US 2015366357 A1 US2015366357 A1 US 2015366357A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- chair
- substantially rigid
- shoulder support
- rigid shoulder
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C13/00—Convertible chairs, stools or benches
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F4/02—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/14—Beach chairs ; Chairs for outdoor use, e.g. chairs for relaxation or sun-tanning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C4/00—Foldable, collapsible or dismountable chairs
- A47C4/52—Trunk chairs, i.e. chairs collapsible to self contained carrying case, e.g. trunk shape
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C5/00—Chairs of special materials
- A47C5/04—Metal chairs, e.g. tubular
- A47C5/10—Tubular chairs of foldable, collapsible, or dismountable type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/50—Supports for the feet or the legs coupled to fixed parts of the chair
- A47C7/506—Supports for the feet or the legs coupled to fixed parts of the chair of adjustable type
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/50—Supports for the feet or the legs coupled to fixed parts of the chair
- A47C7/506—Supports for the feet or the legs coupled to fixed parts of the chair of adjustable type
- A47C7/5066—Supports for the feet or the legs coupled to fixed parts of the chair of adjustable type by rotation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F4/00—Travelling or camp articles which may be converted into other articles or into objects for other use; Sacks or packs carried on the body and convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F4/02—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use
- A45F2004/026—Sacks or packs convertible into other articles or into objects for other use into seats or sitting cushions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45F—TRAVELLING OR CAMP EQUIPMENT: SACKS OR PACKS CARRIED ON THE BODY
- A45F3/00—Travelling or camp articles; Sacks or packs carried on the body
- A45F3/10—Pack-frames carried on the body
Definitions
- This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly relates to transportation of folding chairs.
- 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's often carry the folding chairs great distances so that they can have comfortable seating when they arrive at their chosen event.
- harnesses have several shortcomings.
- 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.
- 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'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.
- the apparatus also includes a substantially rigid frame.
- 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.
- 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.
- the apparatus in another embodiment, includes a footrest removably coupled to the chair seat frame. In such an embodiment a height of the footrest is adjustable.
- the apparatus also includes a front leg frame and a rear leg frame.
- 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.
- the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
- 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's shoulders;
- FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders;
- FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus to transport an item on a user's back
- FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair according to the present subject matter
- FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director's chair according to the present subject matter.
- FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director's backpack chair of FIG. 11 in a closed position according to the present subject matter.
- FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure.
- 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 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 ).
- FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure.
- the chair back frame 108 has a top end 118 disposed opposite a bottom end 120 .
- 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 .
- the chair seat frame 110 is also substantially U-shaped and supports the seat support panel 204 .
- the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 is pivotably coupled to the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 comprises a container for holding various items according to a user's desires.
- 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's various items.
- the harness 106 is coupled to the pack 104 .
- the harness 106 includes at least one shoulder strap 148 .
- the at least one shoulder strap 148 comprises at least two shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the shoulder straps 148 a and 148 b are removably coupled to the chair 102 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the at least one shoulder strap 148 a and 148 b is removably coupled to the pack 104 .
- 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 .
- 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 .)
- 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 .
- the pack 104 is removably coupled to the folding chair 102 by at least one pack coupling element 146 .
- 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.)
- the pack coupling elements are a two piece buckle having a male component 146 a and a female component 146 b .
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- the coupling elements 146 may be integral with the strapping elements 302 and/or 304 .
- the hook and loop fasteners may comprise a strip of either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener.
- 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 .
- FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a convertible backpack chair 500 in accordance with the present subject matter.
- the convertible backpack chair 500 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the convertible backpack chair 100 of FIG. 1 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- another hook and loop coupling element 508 couples the harness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110 .
- 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 .
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- FIG. 7 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.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- each shoulder support 604 is pivotably coupled to the folding chair 102 .
- 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 .
- 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.
- the shoulder supports 604 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- springs 610 a and 610 b 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 .
- each shoulder support 604 extends away from the chair seat panel 204 .
- the shoulder supports 604 may be positioned over a user's shoulders to carry the backpack chair 600 .
- 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 .
- the extending portions 612 a and 612 b of the shoulder supports 604 are approximately the same width as a width of a user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back.
- 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's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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).
- the cushion 706 is removable.
- 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.
- 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 .
- the footrest 710 like the cushion 706 , is removable.
- an angle of the footrest 710 is adjustable.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the drink holder 712 is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position of a user's drink.
- the height of the backpack chair 600 may be adjusted.
- a length of the front leg frame 112 is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated front leg frame 112 .
- 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'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's 802 shoulders.
- the shoulder supports 604 are sized to comfortably rest on the user's 802 shoulders.
- 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's shoulders.
- the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600 may be used with the backpack chair 100 discussed above with reference to FIG. 1 .
- backpack chair 100 FIG. 1
- backpack chair 100 may include shoulder supports (not shown) substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 of backpack chair 600 .
- shoulder supports 604 may be used to transport other items.
- 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'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 ).
- the substantially flat panel 902 is a back panel on a backpack 908 .
- the substantially flat panel may be a side or end of a cooler.
- 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'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 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.
- 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 .
- the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend away from the panel 902 .
- the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend substantially perpendicularly from the panel 902 .
- the extending portions 612 a and 612 b extend away from the panel 902 at an angle other than ninety degrees.
- 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'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 .
- 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.
- 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's shoulders.
- the extending portions 612 a and 612 b are sized to comfortable accommodate a user'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's shoulder from the chest of a user to the back of the user. In one embodiment, the average width of a user's shoulder is between about six inches and twelve inches.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 .
- 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 back frame 1004 includes at least one chair back frame cross member 1113 .
- 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 chair seat frame 1006 includes at least one chair seat cross member 1007 .
- 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's back when the user is seated in the backpack chair 1000 .
- 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's backside when the user is seated in the backpack chair 1000 .
- the back support panel 1002 a and the seat support panel 1002 b may be made of a rigid material.
- 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.
- the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the chair seat cross member 1007 at 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.
- fastening elements 914 a and 914 b i.e., screw, bolts, etc.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the chair back frame cross member 1113 at the top end 1112 of the chair back frame 1004 .
- the shoulder supports 1008 In the storage position, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 are positioned parallel to and adjacent the chair back frame cross member 1113 .
- In the transporting position at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the chair back frame cross member 1113 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- a pushpin (not shown) engages a hole 1048 to releaseably 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 .
- the footrest 1038 itself is rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow 1052 .
- 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 .
- the backpack chair 1000 also includes a beverage holder 1052 .
- 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 .
- 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 .
- FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director's chair 1102 according to the present subject matter.
- the director's chair 1102 includes a substantially rigid frame 1104 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 1106 a and 1106 b (collectively shoulder supports 1106 ).
- the frame 1104 in an exemplary embodiment, includes a folding chair seat frame 1107 , a folding chair back frame 1109 and at least one folding chair armrest frame 1112 a and 1112 b (collectively folding chair armrest frames 1112 ).
- the folding chair seat 1108 frame includes a pair of crisscrossing rigid supports 1108 a and 1108 b that extend between the folding chair armrest frames 1112 a and 1112 b .
- the crisscrossing rigid supports 1108 a and 1108 b support a seat panel 1114 .
- the folding chair back frame 1109 includes a pair of upright supports 1110 a and 1110 b that support a back panel 1116 .
- the folding chair seat frame 1107 and folding chair back frame 1109 along with the seat panel 1114 and the back panel 1116 support a user in an upright seated position when the director's chair 1102 is positioned in the seating position 1118 as depicted in FIG. 11 .
- the folding chair armrest frames 1112 a and 1112 b include vertical supports 1120 a , 1120 b and 1120 c , 1120 d respectively (collectively vertical supports 1120 ).
- the vertical supports 1120 support armrest frame cross members 1122 a and 1122 b (collectively armrest frame cross members 1122 ) which extend substantially horizontally between the vertical supports 1120 a , 1120 b and 1120 c , 1120 d respectively.
- the armrest frame cross members 1122 a and 1122 b provide a comfortable support for the user's arms.
- the shoulder supports 1106 are pivotably coupled to the frame 1104 by one or more, fastening elements 1124 a and 1142 b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1106 pivot.
- the shoulder supports 1106 are pivotable from a storage position 1202 as illustrated in FIG. 12 to a transporting position 1126 as illustrated in FIG. 11 . While the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11 depicts the director's chair 1102 positioned in the seating position 1118 with the shoulder supports 1106 positioned in the transporting position 1126 , one of skill in the art will recognize that the director's chair 1102 will typically be transported when the director's chair 1102 is positioned in the folded position 1204 (see, FIG. 12 ). However, with the present disclosure, the director's chair 1102 can be transported in either the seating position 1118 or the in the folded position 1204 .
- the shoulder supports 1106 are positioned adjacent the frame 1104 (i.e., adjacent armrest frame cross member 1122 a ). That is, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1106 (i.e., either the extending portion 1128 a , 1128 b or the hooking portion 1130 a , 1130 b ) is positioned parallel with the frame 1104 . In the transporting position 1126 , the shoulder supports 1106 extend from the frame 1104 .
- FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director's backpack chair 1100 of FIG. 11 in a closed position 1204 according to the present subject matter.
- the shoulder supports 1106 are depicted in the storage position 1202 .
- the extending portions 1128 a and 1128 b of the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are positioned adjacent to and parallel the armrest frame cross member 1122 a .
- the hooking portions 1130 a and 1130 b of the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are positioned adjacent to and parallel vertical supports 1120 a and 1120 b of the folding chair armrest frame 1112 a .
- the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are tucked away to avoid interference with the use of the director's backpack chair 1100 .
Abstract
An apparatus and system are disclosed for transporting an item. The apparatus includes a substantially rigid frame and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support. The substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the frame. The substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the frame.
Description
- This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,056 entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM” and filed on Sep. 25, 2014 for Greg G. Nelson which claims the priority to 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 to 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, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- This invention relates to folding chairs and more particularly relates to transportation of folding chairs.
- 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'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.
- 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'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'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.
- 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:
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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 ofFIG. 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 ofFIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders; -
FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the transportable backpack chair ofFIG. 6 positioned on a user's shoulders; -
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus to transport an item on a user's back; -
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a backpack chair according to the present subject matter; -
FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director's chair according to the present subject matter; and -
FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director's backpack chair ofFIG. 11 in a closed position according to the present subject matter. - 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.
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FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of aconvertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair includes afolding chair 102, apack 104 removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 and aharness 106 coupled to thepack 104. - The
folding chair 102, in certain embodiments, includes a chair backframe 108, aback support panel 202, achair seat frame 110, aseat support panel 204, afront leg frame 112, arear leg frame 114, and a pair ofarmrests - Referring to both
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 which depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of theconvertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, the chair backframe 108 has atop end 118 disposed opposite abottom end 120. As can be more clearly seen inFIG. 2 , in certain embodiments, the chair backframe 108 is substantially U-shaped and supports theback support panel 202. - The
chair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes afront end 122 disposed opposite arear end 124. In an exemplary embodiment, thechair seat frame 110 is also substantially U-shaped and supports theseat support panel 204. In certain embodiments, therear end 124 of thechair seat frame 110 is pivotably coupled to thebottom end 120 of the chair backframe 108. Thus, thechair seat frame 110 and the chair backframe 108 can pivot towards and away from one another in the direction indicated byarrow 126. The pivotability of thechair seat frame 110 with respect to the chair backframe 108 allows theback support panel 202 and theseat support panel 204 to be positioned adjacent one another to place thechair 102 in a folded position as shown inFIG. 3 . - In certain embodiments, the
folding chair 102 includes afront leg frame 112 and arear leg frame 114. Thefront leg frame 112 and therear leg frame 114, like thechair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame, are also substantially U-Shaped. Thefront leg frame 112 has a top ends 128 a and 128 b (collectively top end 128) disposed opposite abottom end 130. Thefront leg frame 112 is pivotably coupled to thechair seat frame 110 at a position between thefront end 122 and therear end 124 of thechair seat frame 110 and at a position between the top end 128 and thebottom end 130 of thefront leg frame 112. In certain embodiments, a piningmember 132 extends through each side of thefront leg frame 112 and through each side of thechair seat frame 110 to pivotably couple thefront leg frame 112 to thechair 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 thefront 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 thefront leg frame 112 by piningmembers - The
armrests frame 108 at each side of the chair backframe 108 between thetop end 118 and thebottom end 120 of the chair backframe 108. Pinningmembers armrests frame 108 to pivotably couple thearmrests frame 108. Thearmrests front leg frame 112 to support a front end of thearmrests - In an exemplary embodiment, the
armrests front leg frame 112 by pinningmembers members members members frame 108 for the comfort of the user. - The
apparatus 100 also includes apack 104 removably coupled to thefolding chair 102. In the embodiments illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , thepack 104 is depicted as being positioned adjacent theback support panel 202. In other embodiments, thepack 104 may be positioned adjacent theseat support panel 204. - The
pack 104, in certain embodiments, comprises a container for holding various items according to a user's desires. Thus, as is more clearly shown inFIG. 4 , thepack 104 includes atop end panel 402, abottom end panel 404,side panels front panel 410 andrear panel 412. Thetop end 402, thebottom end panel 404, theside panels front panel 410 and therear panel 412 define a receiving space for receiving the user's various items. - In one embodiment, the
harness 106 is coupled to thepack 104. Theharness 106 includes at least one shoulder strap 148. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap 148 comprises at least twoshoulder straps shoulder straps FIG. 4 ) and an attachable end 416 (seeFIG. 4 .) Theattached end 414 of each of the at least twoshoulder straps pack 104. In other embodiments, theattached end 414 of each of the at least twoshoulder straps pack 104 at other positions on thepack 104. - The
harness 106 is positionable between a chair transporting position, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , and a pack transporting position, as shown inFIG. 4 . In the chair transporting position, theshoulder straps chair 102. InFIGS. 2 and 3 the attachable ends 416 of theshoulder straps chair seat portion 206 of thefolding chair 102. In other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of theshoulder straps portion 208 of thefolding chair 102. In the chair transporting position, thetop end 402 of thefolding chair 102 is removably coupleable to thechair seat portion 206 or the chair backportion 208 which depending upon which portion theshoulder straps chair seat portion 206 includes either or both of thechair seat frame 110 and theseat support panel 204 and the chair backportion 208 includes either or both of chair backframe 108 and theback support panel 202. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of theshoulder straps folding chair 102 on other components of thefolding chair 102. - In the pack transporting position, the at least one
shoulder strap pack 104. Note that inFIG. 4 theharness 106 has not been coupled to thepack 104, in other embodiments, theharness 106 is removably coupled to thepack 104 by attaching the components of thecoupling element 146. Thus, in one embodiment, theattachable end 416 of the at least twoshoulder straps top end 402.) In other embodiments, theattachable end 416 of each of the at least twoshoulder straps pack 104 at other positions on thepack 104. - In certain embodiments, the
pack 104 is removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 by at least onepack coupling element 146. In certain embodiments, thepack 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 inFIGS. 3 and 4 , in certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements are a two piece buckle having amale component 146 a and afemale component 146 b. In such an embodiment, either themale components 146 a or thefemale components 146 b may be coupled to thepack 104 and thefolding chair 102 in a complimentary fashion such that theharness 106 and thepack 104 can be coupled to one another in the chair transporting position and theattachable end 416 of theshoulder straps top end 402 of thepack 104 in the pack transporting position. - In certain embodiments, to removably couple the
pack 104 to thefolding chair 102, at least onemale component 146 a orfemale component 146 b of thecoupling elements 146 is coupled to thechair seat frame 110 by a strappingelement 302 that extends around thechair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to thechair seat frame 110. Similarly, in certain embodiments, at least onemale component 146 a orfemale component 146 b of thecoupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair backframe 108 by a strappingelement 304 that extends around thechair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146 a or female component(s) 146 b to the chair backframe 108. Thus, in at least one embodiment, thepack 104 is removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 by strappingelements chair seat frame 110 and the chair backframe 108 respectively. - In other embodiments, the
coupling elements 146 may be integral with the strappingelements 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 thechair seat frame 110 and the chair backframe 108. - While the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3 depict thepack 104 as being removably coupleable to thefolding chair 102 in only two positions (i.e., at thetop end 118 of the chair backframe 108 and at thefront end 122 of the chair seat frame 110), one of skill in the art will recognize that thepack 104 may be removably coupleable to thefolding chair 102 at other positions. For example,FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of aconvertible backpack chair 500 in accordance with the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, theconvertible backpack chair 500 ofFIG. 5 is substantially similar to theconvertible backpack chair 100 ofFIG. 1 . Thus, in one embodiment, theconvertible backpack chair 500 includes afolding chair 102, apack 104 removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 and aharness 106 coupled to thepack 104. - In certain embodiments, in addition to being removably coupled to the
folding chair 102 near thetop end 118 of the chair backframe 108, thepack 104 and/or theharness 106 may also be removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 near thebottom end 120 of the chair backframe 108. For example, in one embodiment, thepack 104 is coupled to thefolding chair 102 near thetop end 118 of the chair backframe 108 by a hook andloop coupling element 502. Abottom end 504 of thepack 104 is coupled to thefolding chair 102 near thebottom end 120 of the chair backframe 108 by another hook andloop coupling element 506. In certain embodiments, another hook andloop coupling element 508 couples theharness 106 to thefront end 122 of thechair seat frame 110. In yet another embodiment, where theharness 106 includes twostraps loop coupling elements 508 couple the twostraps harness 106 to thefront end 122 of thechair seat frame 110. - In other embodiments, the
pack 104 and/or theharness 106 may also be removably coupled to thefolding chair 102 near therear end 124 of thechair 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 thepack 104 and/or theharness 106 to thefolding chair 102. -
FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of atransportable backpack chair 600 in a folded position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments thebackpack chair 600 includes afolding chair 602 and at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder harness - The
folding chair 602, in one embodiment, is substantially similar to thefolding chair 102 described above. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, thefolding chair 602 includes a chair backframe 108, aback support panel 202, achair seat frame 110, aseat support panel 204, afront leg frame 112, arear leg frame 114, and a pair ofarmrests - Referring to
FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of thetransportable backpack chair 600 ofFIG. 6 in an open position according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the chair backframe 108 has atop end 118 disposed opposite abottom end 120. Thechair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes afront end 122 disposed opposite arear 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 backpack chair 102 may only include one shoulder support 604. In yet another embodiment, thebackpack 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 thefront end 122 of thechair seat frame 110 byscrews front end 122 of thechair seat frame 110. In certain embodiments, each shoulder support 604 is pivotable about thescrews 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 transportingposition 702, as shown inFIG. 7 . That is, in certain embodiment, each shoulder support 604 is pivotable about thescrews 606 in the directions indicated byarrows 616 a and 6 a 6 b respectively. In the storage position 608, the shoulder supports 604 are positioned adjacent to thechair seat panel 204. In this position, the shoulder supports 604 are positioned inside thechair 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 thetransport position 702. For example, in one embodiment, springs 610 a and 610 b (collectively 610) are positioned between thechair 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 transportingposition 702. - In the transporting
position 702, the shoulder supports 604 extend away from thechair seat panel 204. In the transportingposition 702, the shoulder supports 604 may be positioned over a user's shoulders to carry thebackpack chair 600. For example, in one embodiment, each shoulder support 604 includes an extendingportion portion - The extending
portions transport position 702. The hookingportions portions chair seat panel 204. - In certain embodiments, the extending
portions FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, thedistance 704 between the hookingportion 614 a of shoulder support 604 and thechair seat panel 204 is sufficient to comfortably fit an average user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's back. - While the embodiments illustrated in
FIGS. 6 and 7 depict the shoulder supports 604 as being pivotably coupled to thefront end 122 of thechair seat frame 110, one of skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to therear end 124 of thechair seat frame 110. In yet another embodiment, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to either thetop end 118 or abottom end 120 of the chair backframe 108. - Referring again to
FIG. 7 , in certain embodiments, thebackpack chair 600 includes acushion 706. The cushion, in one embodiment, is coupled to the chair backframe 108 by abar 708. In certain embodiment, thebar 708 is pivotable to reposition thecushion 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, thecushion 706 is removable. - In another embodiment, the
backpack chair 600 includes afootrest 710. Thefootrest 710 in one embodiment, is supported by afootrest frame 716. Thefootrest frame 716, in certain embodiments, is adjustably coupled to thefront end 122 of thechair seat frame 110 by means of an adjustable ratchet as is known in the art. Thus, in certain embodiments a height of thefootrest 710 may be adjusted as is illustrated inFIG. 7 with the solid and phantom lines depicting thefootrest 710 and thefootrest frame 716. In an exemplary embodiment, thefootrest 710, like thecushion 706, is removable. - In one embodiment, an angle of the
footrest 710 is adjustable. In such an embodiment, thefootrest 710 is coupled to thefootrest frame 716 by abar 718 that extends through thefootrest 710 and thefootrest frame 716. Thefootrest 710 is pivotable about thebar 718 to adjust the angle of thefootrest 710. - In yet another embodiment, the
backpack chair 600 includes adrink holder 712. Thedrink holder 712, in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of thearm rest 116 a opposite wherein thearm rest 116 a is coupled to the chair backframe 108. In such an embodiment, thedrink holder 712 is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position of a user's drink. - In certain embodiment, the height of the
backpack chair 600 may be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment, a length of thefront leg frame 112 is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongatedfront leg frame 112. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the length of therear leg frame 114 may also be adjusted as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongatedrear leg frame 114. Either or both of thefront leg frame 112 and therear leg frame 114 may be adjustable to adjust a height of the front of thechair seat panel 204, a rear of thechair seat panel 204 or both. -
FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of thetransportable backpack chair 600 ofFIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders.FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of thetransportable backpack chair 600 ofFIG. 6 positioned on a user's 802 shoulders. - As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 are sized to comfortably rest on the user'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's shoulders.
- In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 of
backpack chair 600 may be used with thebackpack chair 100 discussed above with reference toFIG. 1 . For example, in certain embodiments, backpack chair 100 (FIG. 1 ) may include shoulder supports (not shown) substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 ofbackpack chair 600. Once thepack 104 has been removed from thebackpack chair 100 in a manner discussed above, the user may use the shoulder supports 604 to transport thebackpack chair 100. This allows the user more freedom in their chair transporting choices. - While the embodiments described above discuss a
transportable backpack chair -
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of anapparatus 900 to transport an item on a user's back. Theapparatus 900, in certain embodiments, includes a substantiallyflat panel 902 and at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder support - In the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 9 , the substantiallyflat panel 902 is a back panel on abackpack 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, theapparatus 900 may include any other flat panel to which the shoulder supports 904 may be pivotably coupled to transport an item on a user's back. - The
flat panel 902, in one embodiment, is a piece of material or fabric supported by abackpack frame 906. That is, in certain embodiments, thebackpack 908 includes aframe 906 to which theflat panel 902 is coupled. Thebackpack frame 902 includes at least three sides to support theflat panel 902. In other embodiments, the flat panel may comprise a substantially rigid material that holds its own form without thebackpack frame 906. - The shoulder supports 904, in certain embodiments, are substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 discussed above with reference to
FIG. 6 thetransportable backpack chair 600 ofFIG. 6 . That is, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to thepanel 902 and include an extendingportion portion - 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 thestorage position 606, the shoulder supports are positioned adjacent thepanel 902. In the transportingposition 702, the shoulder supports extend from thepanel 902. - In the
transport position 702, the extendingportions panel 902. In one embodiment, in thetransport position 702, the extendingportions panel 902. In other embodiments, the extendingportions 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 extendingportions panel 902 to accommodate a user's shoulders and comfort. - The hooking
portions portions portions panel 902. In one embodiment, the transition between the angle of the extendingportions portions portions portions - In certain embodiments, the extending
portions portions - In embodiments where the
panel 902 is supported by theframe 906, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to thepanel 902 by fasteningelements - 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 transportingposition 702. Thesprings 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 transportingposition 702. -
FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of abackpack chair 1000 according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, thebackpack chair 1000 includes at least onepanel frame 1004, achair seat frame 1006, at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder support cushion - The chair back
frame 1004 supports theback support panel 1002 a. In certain embodiment, the chair backframe 1004 includes a tubular frame that extends about at least three sides of theback support panel 1002 a. The chair backframe 1004 includes atop end 1112 and abottom end 1114. The chair backframe 1004 includes at least one chair backframe cross member 1113. - The
chair seat frame 1006 supports theseat support panel 1002 b. Thechair seat frame 1006, like the chair backframe 1004, includes a tubular frame that extends around at least three sides of theseat support panel 1002 b. Thechair seat frame 1006 has afront end 1116 positioned opposite arear end 1118. Thechair seat frame 1006 includes at least one chairseat cross member 1007. Thebottom end 1114 of the chair backframe 1004 is pivotably coupled to therear end 1118 of thechair 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 backframe 1004 to provide support for a user's back when the user is seated in thebackpack chair 1000. Similarly, theseat support panel 1002 b is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is stretched about thechair seat frame 1006 to provide support for a user's backside when the user is seated in thebackpack chair 1000. In other embodiments, theback support panel 1002 a and theseat 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 toapparatus 600 andapparatus 900 respectively. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 10 , the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the chairseat cross member 1007 at thefront end 1116 of thechair seat frame 1006 by fasteningelements seat cross member 1007. In the transporting position at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the chairseat cross member 1007. -
Springs front end 1116 of thechair seat frame 1006 and the shoulder supports 1008. Thesprings position 702. In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 a and 1008 b are wrapped incushioning material backpack chair 1000. - In other embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 are pivotably coupled to the chair back
frame cross member 1113 at thetop end 1112 of the chair backframe 1004. In the storage position, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 are positioned parallel to and adjacent the chair backframe cross member 1113. In the transporting position at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the chair backframe cross member 1113. Of course one of skill in the art will recognize that the shoulder supports 1008 could be coupled to either therear end 1118 of thechair seat frame 1006 or thebottom end 1114 of the chair backframe 1004. - The cushion 1010 is pivotably coupled to the chair back
frame 1004 by a pair of supportingrods arrow 1026 from a head rest position as illustrated by the broken line depiction of thehead rest 1010 a to a lumbar support position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of thehead rest 1010 b. When thebackpack chair 1000 is folded, the head rest 1010 can be positioned in the lumbar support position to keep the headrest positioned between theback support panel 1002 a and theseat support panel 1002 b. This keeps thebackpack chair 1000 compact when a user wishes to transport thebackpack chair 1000. - In certain embodiments, a height of the
backpack chair 1000 can be adjusted by adjusting a height of either thefront leg frame 1028 or a height of therear leg frame 1030. As can be seen in the exploded pop out of the frontleg extension area 1032, in certain embodiments either thefront leg frame 1028, therear leg frame 1030 or both include a series ofholes 1034. A pinning element (not shown) engages one of the holes to position either thefront leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 at a desired height. Disengaging the pinning element from thehole 1034 allows the height of either thefront leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 to be adjusted to a position where the pinning element can engage anotherhole 1034 to adjust the height of either thefront leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 in the direction ofarrow 1036. - In one embodiment, the
backpack chair 1000 includes aremovable footrest arrow 1040. In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 may be positioned in a packable position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of thefootrest 1038 a wherein the footrest 1038 is positioned adjacent theseat panel 1002 b. In an extended position, as depicted by the broken line illustration of thefootrest 1038 b, afootrest frame 1042 is removable coupled to and extends from thefront end 1116 of thechair 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, aratchet 1046 is interposed between thefootrest frame 1042 and thechair seat frame 1006. Theratchet 1046 allows the height of the footrest 1038 to be adjusted in the direction ofarrow 1040. In certain embodiments, a pushpin (not shown) engages ahole 1048 to releaseably couple thefootrest frame 1042 to thechair 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 thefootrest frame 1042 by apin 1050 that extends through the footrest 1038 and thefoot rest frame 1042. - In one embodiment, the
backpack chair 1000 also includes abeverage holder 1052. As is shown in the popout of the beverageholder coupling area 1054, thebeverage holder 1052, in certain embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of anarm rest 1056 opposite wherein thearm rest 1056 is coupled to the chair backframe 1004. In such an embodiment, thebeverage holder 1052 is pivotably adjustable to adjust aposition beverage holder 1052 when thebackpack chair 1000 is positioned in thetransport position 606. -
FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a director'schair 1102 according to the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the director'schair 1102 includes a substantiallyrigid frame 1104 and at least one substantiallyrigid shoulder support - The
frame 1104, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a foldingchair seat frame 1107, a folding chair backframe 1109 and at least one foldingchair armrest frame rigid supports rigid supports seat panel 1114. The folding chair backframe 1109 includes a pair ofupright supports back panel 1116. Combined, the foldingchair seat frame 1107 and folding chair backframe 1109 along with theseat panel 1114 and theback panel 1116 support a user in an upright seated position when the director'schair 1102 is positioned in theseating position 1118 as depicted inFIG. 11 . - The folding chair armrest frames 1112 a and 1112 b, in one embodiment, include
vertical supports vertical supports 1120 support armrestframe cross members vertical supports chair 1102 is positioned in theseating position 1118, the armrestframe cross members - The shoulder supports 1106 are pivotably coupled to the
frame 1104 by one or more,fastening elements 1124 a and 1142 b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1106 pivot. The shoulder supports 1106 are pivotable from astorage position 1202 as illustrated inFIG. 12 to a transportingposition 1126 as illustrated inFIG. 11 . While the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 11 depicts the director'schair 1102 positioned in theseating position 1118 with the shoulder supports 1106 positioned in the transportingposition 1126, one of skill in the art will recognize that the director'schair 1102 will typically be transported when the director'schair 1102 is positioned in the folded position 1204 (see,FIG. 12 ). However, with the present disclosure, the director'schair 1102 can be transported in either theseating position 1118 or the in the foldedposition 1204. - In the
storage position 1202, the shoulder supports 1106 are positioned adjacent the frame 1104 (i.e., adjacent armrestframe cross member 1122 a). That is, at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1106 (i.e., either the extendingportion portion frame 1104. In the transportingposition 1126, the shoulder supports 1106 extend from theframe 1104. -
FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the director'sbackpack chair 1100 ofFIG. 11 in aclosed position 1204 according to the present subject matter. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 12 , the shoulder supports 1106 are depicted in thestorage position 1202. - In the
storage position 1202, the extendingportions frame cross member 1122 a. The hookingportions vertical supports chair armrest frame 1112 a. In this position, the shoulder supports 1106 a and 1106 b are tucked away to avoid interference with the use of the director'sbackpack chair 1100. - 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.
Claims (20)
1. An apparatus to transport an item on a user's back, the apparatus comprising:
a substantially rigid frame;
at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends from the frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises at least one of a folding chair back frame, a folding chair seat frame, and a folding chair armrest frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a backpack frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein, in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel with the substantially rigid frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein, in the transport position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises at least one of a chair back frame and a chair seat frame, the chair back frame having a top end and a bottom end, the chair seat frame having a front end disposed opposite a rear end.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotably coupled to at least one of the top end of the chair back frame and the front end of the chair seat frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the chair back frame comprises a chair back frame cross member and the chair seat frame comprises a chair seat cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to and adjacent at least one of the chair back frame cross member and the chair seat cross member and wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the chair back frame cross member and the chair seat cross member.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the frame comprises a folding chair armrest frame having at least one vertical support member, the at least one vertical support member supporting at least one armrest frame cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transport position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially perpendicular to the extending portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a biasing element disposed between the substantially rigid frame and the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support, the biasing element biasing the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support in at least one of the storage position and the transporting position.
13. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising:
a frame comprising at least one of a chair back frame and a chair seat frame; and
at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
14. The backpack chair of claim 13 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transporting position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially perpendicular to the extending portion.
15. The backpack chair of claim 14 , wherein the extending portion is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
16. The backpack chair of claim 13 , further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support in at least one of the storage position and the transporting position.
17. The backpack chair of claim 13 , wherein the frame further comprises a folding chair armrest frame having at least one vertical support member, the at least one vertical support member supporting at least one armrest frame cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
18. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising:
a frame comprising a folding chair armrest frame having at least one vertical support member, the at least one vertical support member supporting at least one armrest frame cross member; and
at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
19. The backpack chair of claim 18 , wherein, in the storage position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
20. The backpack chair of claim 18 , wherein the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transporting position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion, the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially perpendicular to the extending portion.
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US10321750B2 (en) * | 2017-05-17 | 2019-06-18 | Lido Holdings, Inc. | Combined foldable chair and storage backpack |
US20180332953A1 (en) * | 2017-05-17 | 2018-11-22 | Lido Holdings, Inc. | Combined foldable chair and storage backpack |
US10905224B2 (en) | 2017-05-17 | 2021-02-02 | Lido Holdings, Inc. | Combined foldable chair and storage backpack |
US20190045908A1 (en) * | 2017-08-09 | 2019-02-14 | Zhejiang Sunshine Leisure Products Co., Ltd. | Strap-type folding chair |
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US11426002B2 (en) * | 2019-01-09 | 2022-08-30 | Shelterlogic Corp. | Combination chair and backpack arrangement |
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US11147255B1 (en) * | 2020-10-28 | 2021-10-19 | Jeffery Snyder | Backpack chair assembly |
US11707134B2 (en) * | 2020-12-08 | 2023-07-25 | Fiiya Llc | Packable chair for transporting containers |
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US11330907B1 (en) * | 2021-12-30 | 2022-05-17 | Thomas Frisch | Chair with armrest connectors |
US11766125B1 (en) | 2022-03-22 | 2023-09-26 | Thomas Mario Frisch | Stackable, connectable folding chair |
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