Abstract
A multi-functional backpack frame system that has a backpack frame configuration and a portable chair configuration. The backpack frame system includes: a first U-shaped subframe with an open end constructed by a pair of upright members connected to a cross member, a second tubular generally U-shaped subframe with an open end constructed by a pair of upright members connected to a cross member, a pair of subframes that can be mechanically fastened such that both are nested to be coplanar in a fixed relation as the backpack configuration, a pair of subframes that can be mechanically fastened such that the planes of each subframe are generally normal with a flexible seat cover as the chair configuration. The conversion into the chair configuration relies on a minimalist, self-intersecting tubular joint method, referred to as a thru joint that does not require additional parts, fasteners, or tools necessary for its use.
Claims
1. A configurable frame system having a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising: a first U-shaped subframe with a first open end having a first pair of upright members connected to a first cross member to form a first closed section of the first U-shaped subframe; a second U-shaped subframe with a second open end having a second pair of upright members connected to a second cross member to form a second closed section of the second U-shaped subframe, wherein the second pair of upright members have a pair of connection holes through an entire width of each second pair of upright member such that a centerline of each connection hole intersects the centerline of the second pair of upright members; wherein the first and second pair of subframes are fully detachable and attachable from each other; wherein the first configuration is a backpack configuration when the first U-shaped subframe and the second U-shaped subframe are mechanically fastened such that both U-shaped subframes are connected coplanar in a fixed relation to one another; and wherein the second configuration is a chair configuration when the first U-shaped subframe and the second U-shaped subframe are mechanically fastened at a self-intersecting tubular joint, wherein distal ends of the first U-shaped subframe are inserted through the connection holes in the second U-shaped subframe.
2. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein a pair of tubular subframes a first distal end of the first U-shaped subframe are releasably engageable to be telescopically inserted into a second distal end of the second U-shaped subframe along a same plane forming a backpack frame configuration.
3. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein said pair of connection holes provides a pathway for the self-interesting tubular joint, enabling the distal ends of the first U-shaped subframe to pass entirely though the second pair of upright members of the second U-shaped subframe.
4. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are removably fastened to a backpack to provide a rigid structure when worn by a user.
5. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are removably fastened to a backpack to provide a rigid structure when placed on the ground.
6. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein a frame height of the configurable frame system is adjustable when the first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are connected.
7. The configurable frame system of claim 6, wherein a frame width of the configurable frame system is adjustable when the first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are connected.
8. The configurable frame system of claim 7, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are equipped with a latching mechanism to set the frame height and frame width.
9. The configurable frame system of claim 8, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are equipped with a retractable pin in the form of a spring button clip type latching mechanism to set the frame height and frame width.
10. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and/or second U-shaped subframe are equipped with an offset cross member so that the configurable frame system does not interfere with a user when worn.
11. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein a flexible seat cover is attached to a first distal end of first U-shaped subframe and a second distal end of the second U-shaped subframe.
12. The configurable frame system of claim 1, wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe each have an adjustable width cross members.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The advantages of the disclosed exemplary embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanied drawings.
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a configurable frame system in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system in a chair configuration with attached seat cover in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts an exploded view of the configurable frame system in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system in a backpack frame configuration in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system configuring from the backpack frame configuration to the chair configuration in accordance with the embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system in the chair configuration without the seat cover present in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 depicts a side view of the configurable frame system in the chair configuration in accordance with the exemplary embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 depicts a perspective view of a connection hub in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system in the chair configuration with connection hubs in accordance with another exemplary embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of connection a swivel hub in accordance with yet another embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the configurable frame system in the chair configuration with connection swivel hubs in accordance with yet another embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 depicts a section view of a latching mechanism used in accordance with yet another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The disclosed invention may exhibit several forms and should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described hereinafter. The details of the exemplary embodiments are described with the aid of the accompanying drawings to convey further embodiments within the scope.
[0023] Broadly, the present disclosure is a lightweight and multi-functional configurable frame system that can be configured as an external backpack frame and/or portable chair configuration. In one embodiment, all members of the frame system may be constructed of lightweight tubular members. As used herein, lightweight shall refer to an assembled frame system that weighs less than three pounds constructed from a plurality of materials such as, but not, but not limited to metal (i.e., aluminum), composite, plastic, or wood. As used herein, and multi-functional shall refer to the ability of a backpack frame system capable of providing multiple tasks, including but not limited to, a backpack support frame and a seating device such as a chair. As used herein, tubular is defined as a frame member that consists of a hollow tube that may exhibit a plurality of cross section geometries for example, but not limited to circular, elliptical, and rectangular. The term, telescopic as used herein is defined as relating to a connection method of a pair of extendable concentric tubular members where a first member is inserted into the bore of a second member. All telescopic connections discussed herein may utilize a plurality of latching mechanisms to maintain a selectable fixed distance using an alignment hole on a first telescoping member and a series of alignment holes on a second telescoping member in any conventional manner. Latching mechanisms may include but are not limited to spring button clips, retractable pins, clevis pins and cotter pins, nut and bolts, or other commonly used fastening method known to those skilled in the art.
[0024] The accompanying FIGS. 1-12 demonstrate a configurable frame system 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] In reference to FIG. 1, the configurable frame system 100 is shown in a first configuration or a backpack configuration 101. In an embodiment, the configurable frame system 100 is configurable to provide multi-functional usage in the form of a first configuration of an external backpack frame device attached to a backpack 200. The configurable frame system 100 may be adjusted in a plurality of ways to adapt to any style of the backpack 200 so that the backpack frame system 100 provides rigidity and support to the backpack 200. The configurable frame system 100 can be detachably affixed in any conventional manner such as, but not limited to: carabiners, hooks, rope, strap and clasp, hook and loop strap, etc., The configurable frame system 100 is adaptable such that it can be used in conjunction with many styles of commercially available backpacks. In one embodiment, the backpack 200 includes shoulder straps and a hip belt so that the configurable frame system 100 can provide the backpack 200 a rigid structure and transfer load of the backpack from the top of the user's shoulder to the user's hips in an effective and comfortable manner without impeding the user's physical movement. The embodiment of the configurable frame system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is for illustration only. FIG. 1 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation.
[0026] In reference to FIG. 2, the configurable frame system 100 (FIG. 1) is shown in a second configuration of a chair configuration 300. In an embodiment, the chair configuration 300 of the configurable frame system 100 (FIG. 1) may be used as a comfortable, portable seating device with a flexible seat cover to support a user. Thus, the configurable frame system 100 can be configured as a seating device in the chair configuration 300 and configured into the backpack configuration shown in FIG. 1, proving to be a multi-functional, thus very practical, piece of equipment that serves multiple tasks while keeping carried materials and weight at a minimum. The embodiment of the chair configuration 300 illustrated in FIG. 2 is for illustration only. FIG. 2 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation.
[0027] In reference to FIG. 3, configurable frame system 100 is generally composed of a first subframe 10 and a second subframe 20. In an embodiment, the subframes 10, 20 may be tubular and can be constructed out of any material such as, but not limited to metal (i.e., aluminum), composite, plastic, or wood. Moreover, the embodiment of the configurable frame system 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 is for illustration only. FIG. 3 does not limit the scope of this disclosure to any particular implementation.
[0028] In another embodiment, the first subframe 10 may include a generally U-shaped structure composed of first upright members 11 that are coplanar and connected to a first cross member 12 to form the closed end of the subframe. The first cross member 12 may be coplanar with the first upright members 11. In some embodiments, the first cross member 12 may not be coplanar with the first upright members 11. The first cross member 12 may be adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the first cross member 12 may be fixed length. In another embodiment, the first cross member 12 may not be coplanar with the first upright members 11 which is achieved by affixing offset members 11a to the proximal ends of the first upright members 11. The offset members 11a may be necessary to limit contact of the users back and spinal areas from interfering with the configurable frame system 100.
[0029] In one embodiment, the second subframe 20 generally consists of a U-shaped structure composed of second upright members 21 that are coplanar and connected to a second cross member 22 to form the closed end of the subframe. The second cross member 22 may not be coplanar with the second upright members 21. In some embodiments, the second cross member 22 may be coplanar with the second upright members 21. The second cross member 22 may be adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the second cross member 22 may be fixed length. In some embodiments, cross member 12 may not be coplanar with the second upright members 21 by affixing offset members (not shown) to the proximal ends of the second upright members 21.
[0030] In one embodiment, the second upright members 21 of second subframe 20 may contain connection holes 27 which the bore size is approximately the outer dimension of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10. The connection holes 27 may be of any angle to the upright member centerline, practically between 45 and 135 degrees. The primary function of the connection holes 27 are for the minimalist, self-intersecting joint mechanism to form the chair configuration in combination with the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10, such will be explained in subsequent detail. In some embodiments, the first upright members 111 may contain a plurality of dedicated frame attachment points 18 to use in conjunction with the backpack 200 (FIG. 1) to aid in attaching the backpack 200 to the configurable frame system 100.
[0031] In reference to FIGS. 3-12, the two subframes 10, 20 of configurable frame system 100 are assembled into the first configuration (backpack configuration 101) of the frame position (FIGS. 1 and 4) and then assembled from the first configuration 101 into the second configuration (chair configuration 300 in FIGS. 2, 6, and 7). In reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate connection method of an alternate embodiment of the backpack configuration 101 (FIG. 1) to the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7) is disclosed. In reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, another alternate connection method of yet another alternate embodiment of backpack configuration 101 (FIG. 1) to the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7) is disclosed. In reference to FIG. 12, an example of a latching mechanism in an exemplary embodiment is disclosed.
[0032] In reference to FIG. 3, one embodiment may include the first subframe 10 and second subframe 20 such that the subframes 10, 20 can be nested to form the backpack configuration 101 of the configurable frame system 100. In one embodiment, the upright members 11, 21 may be of different lengths or equal lengths. In another embodiment, the subframes 10, 20 are constructed from hollow tubular members with a circular cross section geometry. In yet another embodiment, the outer dimension of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are less than or greater than the bore size of the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20.
[0033] In still yet another embodiment, the first subframe 10 and second subframe 20 are axially oriented such that the distal ends of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are telescopically inserted into the distal ends of the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20 such that, the upright members 11, 21 of the subframes 10, 20 exist in the same plane. The distal end of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 can be fully or partially telescopically nested into the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20.
[0034] The height of the overall configurable frame system 100 may be set by the depth of telescopic insertion of the first subframe 10 into the second subframe 20. The first upright members 11 may have alignment holes 13a, 13b which may align with a series of alignment holes 24a, 24b in the second upright members 21 such as the first alignment holes 24a or the second alignment holes 24b. The latching mechanism may consist of retractable pins which may be installed using alignment holes 13a, 13b of the first upright members 11 can be retracted from the first alignment holes 24a to allow the first upright members 11 to slide within the second upright members 12 and align to the second alignment holes 24b.
[0035] In another embodiment, the first subframe 10 may be telescopically nested into the second subframe 20 and together the distance between upright members 11, 12 may be adjustable when the cross members 12, 22 are adjustable in length. In yet another embodiment, cross members 12, 22 may be adjusted from a minimum distance between uprights 11, 21 in a first width and a maximum distance between uprights 11, 21 to form a second width. The overall width of the cross members 12, 22 may be adjustable using a latching mechanism. In some embodiments, the distance between upright members 11, 12 may be fixed (not shown).
[0036] The widths of the backpack configuration 101 (see FIGS. 1 and 4) and chair configuration 300 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) may be adjustable. In another embodiment, the cross members 12, 21 of the closed ends of the subframes 10, 20 may be adjustable in width to decrease or increase the distance between the upright members 11, 21, such that the backpack configuration 101 may be adjustable in width and chair configuration 300 may be adjustable in width. The cross members 12, 22 may have of a pair of intermediate members 12a, 12b and 22a, 22b, to control the overall width of the cross members 12, 22. Moreover, cross member 12 may have the first pair of intermediate cross members 12a, 12b and cross member 21 may have the second pair of intermediate cross members 22a, 22b. In one embodiment, the intermediate cross member pairs 12a, 12b and 22a, 22b may be telescopically arranged to adjust the overall length of the cross members 12, 22. The proximal ends of the pair of first intermediate cross members 12a, 12b may be fixed to the distal end of the offset members 11a which are subsequently fixed to the proximal end of the first upright members 11. In some embodiments, (not shown) the proximal ends of the pair of first intermediate cross members 12a, 12b may be fixed to the proximal ends of the first upright members 11. The proximal ends of the pair of second intermediate cross members 22a, 22b may be fixed to the proximal ends of the second upright members 21. In some embodiments, (not shown) the proximal ends of the pair of second intermediate cross members 22a, 22b may be fixed to the distal end of an offset members which are subsequently fixed to the proximal end of the second upright members 21.
[0037] In reference to FIG. 3, yet another embodiment my use retractable pins as the latching mechanism to adjust the cross members 12, 22 widths using the first alignment holes 14 within the first pair of intermediate cross members 12a, 12b and the second pair of intermediate cross members 22a, 22b and may align with a series of cross member alignment holes 15a, 15b such as first cross member alignment holes 15a or as second cross member alignment holes 15b. The latching mechanism may consist of retractable pins which may be installed using the first cross member alignment holes 15a in the first pair of intermediate telescopic cross members 12a, 12b and the second pair of intermediate cross members 12a, 12b which can be retracted from the first cross member alignment holes 15a to allow the first pair of intermediate telescopic cross members 12a, 12b and the second pair of intermediate cross members 22a, 22b to move and align to another set of second cross member alignment holes 15b.
[0038] In reference to FIGS. 12, a section view of a spring button clip with a retractable pin mechanism is disclosed as a possible latching mechanism. This type of latching mechanism enables the adjustable length of the frame height and frame width. An embodiment of a latching mechanism generally consists of a telescopic outer member 61 and inner member 62 and spring button clip with a retractable pin 60.
[0039] In reference to FIG. 3, the spring button clip with a retractable pin latching mechanism as disclosed in FIG. 12 may be installed to be releasably engaged in a set of alignment holes such as first alignment holes 14 which may align with a series of cross member alignment holes 15a, 15b and alignment holes 13a, 13b which may align with a series of alignment holes 24a, 24b.
[0040] In reference to FIGS. 4-7, another embodiment is disclosed to assemble the two subframes 10, 20 of configurable frame system 100 into the first configuration of the frame position (FIGS. 1 and 4) and then assembled from the first configuration into the second configuration into of the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2, 6, and 7).
[0041] In reference to FIG. 5, the first subframe 10 is disengaged from any present latching mechanisms with the second subframe 20 such that the subframes 10, 20 are not coplanar and are isolated.
[0042] In reference to FIG. 5, the subframes 10, 20 are orientated such that the distal ends of the upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are axially aligned with the bore of the connection holes 27 within the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20. Generally, the connection holes 27 are constructed through the side walls of second upright members 21 such that the first subframe 10 is intersecting the second subframe 20 during insertion for the chair configuration 300. The angle of connection holes 27 on the second upright members 21 may be of any angle to the centerline, practically between 45 and 135 degrees. Once the distal ends of the subframes 10, 20 are such that the centerline of the first upright members 11 are aligned axially with the centerline of the connection holes 27, the distal ends of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are inserted into the connection holes 27 of the second subframe 20. Subsequently, the second subframe 20 is axially slid along the first upright members 11 until the second upright members 21 contact subframe stops of the first upright members 11. In some embodiments, the subframe stops may be a plurality of stopping mechanisms of the conventional manner, for example, but not limited: change in outer dimension size, retractable pin, clevis pin and cotter pin, nut and bolt, etc. In some embodiments, the latching mechanism in alignment holes 13a, 13b may also serve an additional function as subframe stops.
[0043] A novel element of the frame construction is that it enables the assembly of two configurations without additional parts, fasteners, or tools when converting between the backpack configuration and chair configuration. In reference to FIG. 5, the chair configuration utilizes a self-intersecting joint among the first upright members 11 and second upright members 21. The self-intersecting joint that is formed by the insertion of first upright members 11 through connection holes 27 on the surface of second upright members 21 enables a minimalist assembly method further reducing the bulk and complexity of additional pieces, fasteners, and tools. The minimalist nature of this embodiment provides the advantage of no bulk connection hubs, offering a sleek and efficient joining method to form the chair configuration 300 (FIG. 6).
[0044] In reference to FIG. 6, the chair configuration 300 (FIG. 2) is shown without the seat cover. The width used for backpack configuration 101 (FIG. 1) and the chair configuration 300 (FIG. 2) may be the same or varied as per the comfort of the user by configuring the cross members 12, 22 as previously disclosed above.
[0045] In reference to FIG. 7, the chair system 300 generally includes a flexible seat cover 30 that is attached to the distal ends of the first subframe 10 and the second subframe 20. In another embodiment, the flexible seat cover 30 is releasably engageable and has attachment points 31, 32 to receive the distal end of the upright members 11, 21. The first attachment points 32 may receive the distal end of the first upright members 11. The second attachment points 31 may receive the distal end of the second upright members 21. In another embodiment, the seat cover 30 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 7, is sized such that the distal ends of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 and the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20 are subjected to a slight tension force to maintain a comfortable seat under the load of the user. It is preferred that the seat cover is flexible and constructed of lightweight materials such as polyester and nylon fabric mesh. In some embodiments, commercially available seat covers can be utilized.
[0046] In some embodiments, the subframes 10, 20 may nest telescopically, yet are nested to be coplanar such that the first subframe 10 exists within the interior of the second subframe 20. Similarly, the first subframe 10 may exist within the exterior of the second subframe 20. As discussed later, an additional connection hub (see FIGS. 8 and 9) or swivel connection hub (see FIGS. 10 and 11) may be used as a mechanical fastener to form the chair configuration 300 (FIG. 2) when the subframes 10, 20 are not telescopically nested in the backpack configuration 101 of the configurable frame system 100 (FIG. 1).
[0047] In reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment is configured from the backpack configuration 101 (FIG. 1) to the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7).
[0048] In reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, an alternate embodiment may utilize connection hubs 40 to assemble both subframes 10, 20 into the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7). The connection hubs 40 generally may include a series of bores 41, 42 that may range in orientation such as perpendicular such that the bores do not intersect. The subframes 10, 20 are orientated such that the distal ends of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are axially aligned with the first bore 41 of the connection hubs 40 and distal ends of the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20 are axially aligned with the second bore 42 of the connection hubs 40. The subframes 10, 20 in the chair configuration 300 (FIG. 2) may have the first subframe 10 fixed within the interior of the second subframe 20 or exterior (not shown) of the second subframe 20. Once subframes 10, 20 are aligned axially in respect to the centerline of the bores 41, 42 then the distal ends of the upright members 11, 21 are inserted into the connection hub bores 41, 42.
[0049] In reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, yet another alternate embodiment is configured from the backpack configuration 101 (FIG. 1) to the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7).
[0050] In reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, yet another alternate embodiment may utilize swivel connection hubs 50 to assemble both subframes 10, 20 into the chair configuration 300 (FIGS. 2 and 7). The swivel connection hub 50 generally consists of a series of swivel bores 51, 52 that may swivel in orientation such that bores can rotate to any angular relation such as but not limited to coplanar and perpendicular. The subframes 10, 20 are orientated such that the distal ends of the first upright members 11 of the first subframe 10 are axially aligned with the first swivel bore 51 of the swivel connection hubs 50 and distal ends of the second upright members 21 of the second subframe 20 are axially aligned with the second swivel bore 52 of the swivel connection hubs 50. The subframes 10, 20 in chair configuration 300 (FIG. 2) may have the first subframe 10 fixed within the interior of subframe 20 or exterior (not shown) of the second subframe 20. Once subframes 10, 20 are aligned axially in respect to the centerline of the series of swivel bores 51, 52 then the distal ends of the upright members 11, 21 are inserted into the swivel bores 51, 52.
[0051] The present disclosure has been described, and its advantages have been articulated herein. It is understood that the detailed description and drawings provide a thorough and complete disclosure, and further embodiments of the present disclosure can be made without deviating from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
