Backpack

Abstract

An article of manufacture comprises a container portion, a seat portion, and a frame portion. The seat portion is coupled to the container portion and is movable between a first stowed configuration and a first deployed configuration. The frame portion is coupled to the container portion and is movable between a second stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration.

Claims

1. An article of manufacture comprising: a container portion; a seat portion coupled to the container portion, wherein the seat portion is movable between a first stowed configuration and a first deployed configuration; and a frame portion coupled to the container portion, wherein the frame portion is movable between a second stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration.

2. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the frame portion comprises: a first support portion; a second support portion; and one or more brackets, wherein the first support portion is coupled to the second support portion via the one or more brackets.

3. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the first support portion comprises a first leg and a second leg.

4. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the second support portion comprises: a first leg having a proximal end and a distal end; a second leg having a proximal end and a distal end; and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar spans between the distal end of the first leg and the distal end of the second leg.

5. The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein a first bracket of the one or more brackets comprises a sleeve portion and a clip portion.

6. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the sleeve portion is configured to receive a leg of the second support portion.

7. The article of manufacture of claim 6, wherein the first bracket further comprises a retention mechanism, wherein the leg of the second support portion is secured in the sleeve portion by the retention mechanism.

8. The article of manufacture of claim 5, wherein the clip portion comprises a hinge, wherein a leg of the first support portion is secured to one end of the clip portion by the hinge and wherein the first bracket is configured to rotate about the hinge between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

9. The article of manufacture of claim 8, wherein the clip portion is configured to partially fit around the leg of the first support portion.

10. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the clip portion being configured to partially fit around the leg of the first support portion comprises the clip portion being semicylindrical.

11. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the first bracket being in the engaged position comprises the leg of the first support portion being positioned lengthwise in the clip portion.

12. The article of manufacture of claim 9, wherein the clip portion further comprises a retention mechanism, wherein the retention mechanism releasably holds the leg of the first support portion lengthwise in the clip portion when the first bracket is in the engaged position.

13. The article of manufacture of claim 8, wherein moving the frame portion from the second stowed configuration to the second deployed configuration comprises rotating the leg of the first support portion about the hinge from the disengaged position to the engaged position.

14. The article of manufacture of claim 3, further comprising one or more retaining mechanisms coupled to the container portion, wherein the one or more retaining mechanisms couples the frame portion to the container portion.

15. The article of manufacture of claim 14, wherein a first retaining mechanism of the one or more retaining mechanisms comprises a first sleeve, a second sleeve, and a retaining member, wherein the first leg is inserted through the second sleeve and into the first sleeve and wherein the retaining member maintains a position of the first leg within the first sleeve and second sleeve.

16. The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the seat portion comprises a proximal edge, a distal edge, and a first set of one or more fasteners, wherein the seat portion is coupled to the container portion at the proximal edge via a hinge mechanism.

17. The article of manufacture of claim 16, wherein the seat portion being movable between the first deployed configuration and the first stowed configuration comprises the seat portion being configured to rotate via the hinge mechanism from a position approximately perpendicular to a back side of the container portion to a position approximately parallel to the back side.

18. The article of manufacture of claim 17, wherein the back side comprises a second set of one or more fasteners, wherein the first set of one or more fasteners mate with the second set of one or more fasteners when the seat portion is in the first stowed configuration, and wherein the first set of one or more fasteners and the second set of one or more fasteners are configured to maintain the seat portion in the first stowed configuration.

19. A backpack comprising: a container portion comprising a back side having a first set of one or more fasteners; a seat portion coupled to the back side via a hinge mechanism, the seat portion having a second set of one or more fasteners, wherein the seat portion is rotatable about the hinge mechanism from a first stowed configuration to a first deployed configuration; and a frame portion removably coupled to the container portion via a retaining mechanism, the frame portion having a first support portion and a second support portion coupled to the first support portion via one or more brackets, wherein the frame portion is movable from a second stowed configuration to a second deployed configuration via the one or more brackets.

20. A system comprising: a container portion; a seat portion; a frame portion; a means for coupling the seat portion to the container portion and allowing the seat portion to move between a first stowed configuration and a first deployed configuration; a means for maintaining the seat portion in the first stowed configuration; a means for removably coupling the frame portion to the container portion; and a means for allowing the frame portion to move between a second stowed configuration and a second deployed configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 depicts a backpack with a stowable seat and a stowable frame, according to some implementations.

[0004] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0005] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0006] FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0007] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0008] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0009] FIG. 7 depicts a right side view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0010] FIG. 8 depicts a left side view of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0011] FIG. 9 depicts a seat portion of a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0012] FIG. 10 depicts a backpack with a stowable seat in a stowed configuration, according to some implementations.

[0013] FIG. 11 depicts a detail view of a frame for a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0014] FIG. 12 depicts a detailed view of a bracket and frame for a backpack, according to some implementations.

[0015] FIG. 13 depicts a backpack frame in a stowed configuration, according to some implementations.

[0016] FIG. 14 depicts a backpack frame in a deployed configuration, according to some implementations.

[0017] FIG. 15 depicts a retaining mechanism for attaching a backpack frame to a backpack, according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The description that follows includes one or more example embodiments of backpacks that embody the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments are examples and that specific implementations may vary while still embodying the inventive subject matter described herein.

[0019] A backpack or other container-like apparatus may include a seat portion configured to offer horizontal support and protection for the user while still maintaining the portability of a backpack. In particular, the seat portion may be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the seat portion may lie flat against the backpack, maintaining the portability of the backpack and allowing it to be easily carried by the user. When in the deployed configuration, the seat portion may extend out from the backpack in such a way that a user can sit on the seat portion. The seat portion may be filled with soft material (e.g., foam) or may be rigid (e.g., molded plastic).

[0020] The backpack may further include a stowable frame structure that allows the backpack to provide vertical support and protection for the user when the user is seated and while maintaining the portability of a backpack. The frame structure may be movable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the frame structure may be compact, maintaining the portability of the backpack and allowing it to be easily carried by the user. When in the deployed configuration, the frame structure may allow the backpack to remain vertical, near vertical, or upright on the ground. Further, the frame structure may provide sufficient support for the user to lean back into the backpack, transferring the weight of the user to the ground and allowing the user to use the backpack as a support while seated.

[0021] The frame structure may be attached to the backpack via a retaining mechanism that allows the frame structure to be removed, saving weight and increasing compactness when the frame structure is not needed.

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a backpack with a stowable seat and a stowable frame, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a backpack 100 comprising a container portion 102, a seat portion 104, and a frame 106. The seat portion 104 is depicted in a deployed configuration whereby the seat portion 104 is configured to allow a user to sit on the seat portion 104. The frame 106 is depicted in a deployed configuration whereby the frame 106 is configured to support the backpack 100 and/or a user in a vertical, near vertical, or upright position. The container portion 102 includes an interior (not depicted) that is configured to carry one or more items.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 2 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102, the seat portion 104, and the frame 106. The container portion 102 is defined by a front side 202, a back side 302, a top side 402, a bottom side 502, a right side 602, and a left side 702.

[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 3 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102 and the front side 202. The front side 202 includes an exterior face 204, a top edge 208, a bottom edge 210, a right edge 212, and a left edge 214. The front side 202 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior of the container portion 102. The exterior face 204 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 208, 210, 212, and 214 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 208, 210, 212, and 214 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 204 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 204). The exterior face 204, interior face, and the edges 208, 210, 212, and 214 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 204 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a back view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 4 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102 and the back side 302. The back side 302 includes an exterior face 304, a top edge 308, a bottom edge 310, a right edge 312, and a left edge 314. The back side 302 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior portion of the container portion 102. The exterior face 304 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 308, 310, 312, and 314 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 308, 310, 312, and 314 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 304 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 304). The exterior face 304, interior face, and the edges 308, 310, 312, and 314 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 304 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0026] FIG. 5 depicts a top view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 5 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102 and the top side 402. The top side 402 includes an exterior face 404, a back edge 408, a front edge 410, a right edge 412, and a left edge 414. The top side 402 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior portion of the container portion 102. The exterior face 404 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 408, 410, 412, and 414 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 408, 410, 412, and 414 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 404 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 404). The exterior face 404, interior face, and the edges 408, 410, 412, and 414 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 404 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0027] FIG. 6 depicts a bottom view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 6 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102, the seat portion 104, the frame 106, and the bottom side 502. The bottom side 502 includes an exterior face 504, a front edge 508, a bottom edge 510, a right edge 512, and a left edge 514. The bottom side 502 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior portion of the container portion 102. The exterior face 504 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 508, 510, 512, and 514 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 508, 510, 512, and 514 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 504 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 504). The exterior face 504, interior face, and the edges 508, 510, 512, and 514 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 504 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0028] FIG. 7 depicts a right side view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 7 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102 and the right side 602. The right side 602 includes an exterior face 604, a top edge 608, a bottom edge 610, a front edge 612, and a back edge 614. The right side 602 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior portion of the container portion 102. The exterior face 604 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 608, 610, 612, and 614 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 608, 610, 612, and 614 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 604 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 604). The exterior face 604, interior face, and the edges 608, 610, 612, and 614 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 604 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0029] FIG. 8 depicts a left side view of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 8 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102 and the left side 702. The left side 702 includes an exterior face 704, a top edge 708, a bottom edge 710, a front edge 712, and a back edge 714. The left side 702 also includes an interior face (not depicted) facing the interior portion of the container portion 102. The exterior face 704 and the interior face may come together to form one or more of the edges 708, 710, 712, and 714 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 708, 710, 712, and 714 may be formed by material extending between the interior face and the exterior face 704 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the interior face and the exterior face 704). The exterior face 704, interior face, and the edges 708, 710, 712, and 714 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with insulative and/or protective material such as foam. The exterior face 704 may be constructed with nylon, cotton, etc.

[0030] FIG. 9 depicts a seat portion of a backpack, according to some implementations. FIG. 9 depicts the backpack 100 including the back side 302 and the seat portion 104. The seat portion 104 is defined by a bottom face 802, a top face 804, a proximal edge 806, a distal edge 808, a right side edge 810, and a left side edge 812. The bottom face 802 and the top face 804 may come together to form one or more of the edges 806, 808, 810, and 812 via, for example, a seam. One or more of the edges 806, 808, 810, and 812 may be formed by material extending between the top face 804 and the bottom face 802 (i.e., forming one or more additional faces between the top face 804 and the bottom face 802). The bottom face 802, top face 804, and edges 806, 808, 810, and 812 form an enclosed volume that may be filled with padding or other material. FIG. 9 also depicts a first set of one or more fasteners 316A, 316B (first set of fasteners 316), discussed in further detail below.

[0031] The seat portion 104 is depicted in a deployed configuration whereby the seat portion 104 extends outward from the back side 302 in a configuration that allows a user to sit on the seat portion 104. The bottom face 802 of the seat portion 104 may be resting on a surface suitable for sitting, such as the ground. The angle between the seat portion 104 and the back side 302 may vary according to the contours of the surface that the seat portion 104 rests on, but the seat portion 104 may be approximately perpendicular to the back side 302.

[0032] The seat portion 104 is coupled to the container portion 102 via a hinge mechanism 814 that allows the seat portion 104 to rotate from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration. The particular mechanism used to couple the seat portion 104 to the container portion 102 may vary between implementations. For example, in some implementations, the proximal edge 806 of the seat portion 104 may be sewn to the back side 302 of the container portion 102, creating a seam about which the seat portion 104 can be rotated. As another example, in some implementations, the back side 302 of the container portion 102 and the seat portion 104 may be a single unit with a seam stitched in the location about which the seat portion 104 should rotate. As another example, in some implementations, the proximal edge 806 of the seat portion 104 may be coupled with the back side 302 of the container portion 102 via a zipper, hook-and-loop fastener, or other mechanism that allows the seat portion 104 to be separated from the container portion 102. As another example, in some implementations, a hinged body made from metal, plastic, etc. may be separately attached to the seat portion 104 and the container portion 102.

[0033] The seat portion 104 and/or the container portion 102 may contain one or more mechanisms for maintaining the seat portion 104 in the stowed configuration, the deployed configuration, or any position in between. In this example, the back side 302 of the container portion 102 includes the first set of fasteners 316 and the seat portion 103 includes a second set of one or more fasteners 818A, 818B (second set of fasteners 818) configured to mate to the first set of fasteners 316. In particular, the second set of fasteners 818 are positioned such that they mate with the first set of fasteners 316 when the seat portion 104 is in the stowed configuration. The first set of fasteners 316 and the second set of fasteners 818 may be any combination of magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, buckles, or any other type of fastener usable to secure the seat portion 104 in the stowed configuration.

[0034] In this example, the first set of fasteners 316 and the second set of fasteners 818 each include two magnets that are sewn into the back side 302 of the container portion 102 and the top face 804 of the seat portion 104, respectively. When the seat portion 104 is placed into the stowed configuration, the magnets of the first set of fasteners 316 and the magnets of the second set of fasteners 818 engage with each other and maintain the seat portion 104 in the stowed configuration. The particular mechanism(s) used to attach the first set of fasteners 316 and the second set of fasteners 818 may vary between implementations. For example, the fasteners may be fixed into place using glue, stitching, welding, etc.

[0035] In some implementations, a spring or other elastic device may be used in conjunction with the hinge mechanism 814. For example, one or more coil springs may be embedded along the axis of rotation of the hinge mechanism 814 with a first leg of the coil spring(s) integrated into the seat portion 104 and a second leg of the coil spring(s) integrated into the container portion 102. The coil spring(s) may be biased such that when the seat is moved into the deployed configuration, the coil spring(s) build up tension which, when the seat is no longer in use by the user, causes the seat to rotate into the stowed configuration. In some implementations the coil spring(s) may be biased in the opposite direction such that the seat portion 104 rotates into the deployed configuration unless held in the stowed configuration by one or more fasteners. Similarly, one or more elastic bands may be attached to the seat portion 104 and the container portion 102 such that the elastic bands cause the seat portion 104 to remain in the stowed configuration when the seat portion 104 is not in use.

[0036] FIG. 10 depicts a backpack with a stowable seat in a stowed configuration, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 10 depicts the backpack 100 including the seat portion 104. In this example, the seat is in a stowed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the seat portion 104 is rotated about the hinge mechanism 814 until the seat is vertically oriented or otherwise lies in a plane approximately parallel to the back side 302. The seat portion 104 may be secured in the stowed configuration by the first set of fasteners 316 and the second set of fasteners 818.

[0037] FIG. 11 depicts a detail view of a frame for a backpack, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 11 depicts the frame 106, which comprises a first support portion 902 and a second support portion 908. The first support portion 902 comprises a first leg 904 and a second leg 906. The second support portion 908 comprising a third leg 910, a fourth leg 912, and a crossbar 914. The first support portion 902 is coupled to the second support portion 908 via a set of one or more brackets 916A, 916B (set of brackets 916). The first support portion 902 has a proximal end 918 and a distal end 920. The second support portion 908 has a proximal end 922 and a distal end 924.

[0038] FIG. 12 depicts a detailed view of a bracket and frame for a backpack, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 12 depicts the frame 106 (including the first support portion 902 and the second support portion 908) and a bracket 916A of the set of brackets 916. The bracket 916A comprises a sleeve portion 926, a clip portion 928, a retention mechanism 930, and a hinge 932. The sleeve portion 926 is configured to accept a leg of the second support portion 908, which may be secured via the retention mechanism 930. The retention mechanism 930 may be a bolt, rivet, weld, or other mechanism capable of preventing the leg of the second support portion 908 from sliding out of the sleeve portion 926. In some implementations, the retention mechanism 930 may be replaced by other techniques for retaining a leg of the second support portion 908. For example, in some implementations the leg of the second support portion 908 may be press fit into the sleeve portion 926. The frame 106 may be constructed of any suitable material or combination of materials, including metal, plastic, composite materials, wood, etc.

[0039] The clip portion 928 is shaped such that the clip portion 928 can partially fit around a leg of the first support portion 902. For example, the clip portion 928 may be semicylindrical, allowing a leg of the first support portion to sit lengthwise within the clip portion 928. The leg of the first support portion 902 is secured to one end of the clip portion 928 via the hinge 932. The hinge 932, which may be a bolt, rivet, or other mechanism, allows the bracket 916A to rotate about the hinge 932 between an engaged position, where the leg of the first support portion 902 is positioned lengthwise in the clip portion 928, and a disengaged position, where the leg of the first support portion 902 is not fully positioned lengthwise in the clip portion 928.

[0040] The clip portion 928 may be configured such that the leg of the first support portion 902 may snap into the clip portion 928 when sufficient force is applied to the leg and/or the clip portion 928. Correspondingly, the clip portion 928 may be configured such that the clip portion 928 may resist removal of the leg of the first support portion 902 from the clip portion 928 unless a sufficient amount of force is applied. For example, the clip portion 928 may have protrusions along the interior or may be shaped such that the clip portion 928 partially wraps around the leg when engaged.

[0041] In this example, the clip portion 928 has one or more protrusions near the end opposite of the hinge 932. The clip portion 928 (or the hinge 932) is constructed such that contact between a leg of the first support portion 902 and the protrusion causes the clip portion 928 to deform such that clip portion 928 widens. When sufficient force is applied, the clip portion 928 widens to a degree sufficient to allow the leg of the first support portion 902 to fully enter the clip portion 928 lengthwise. The protrusions retain the leg of the first support portion 902 lengthwise along the clip portion 928 until sufficient force is applied to force the leg of the first support portion 902 to disengage from the clip portion 928.

[0042] Each bracket of the set of brackets 916 may be configured similarly.

[0043] FIG. 13 depicts a backpack frame in a stowed configuration, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 13 depicts the frame 106, including the first support portion 902, the second support portion 908, and the bracket 916A. In this example, the frame 106 is in a stowed configuration. When in the stowed configuration, the first support portion 902 is disengaged from each bracket of the set of brackets 916 and the second support portion 908 lies generally parallel to the first support portion 902.

[0044] FIG. 14 depicts a backpack frame in a deployed configuration, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 14 depicts the frame 106, including the first support portion 902, the second support portion 908, and the bracket 916A. In this example the frame 106 is in a deployed configuration. When in the deployed configuration, the first support portion 902 is engaged with each bracket of the set of brackets 916 and the second support portion 908 lies at an angle relative to the first support portion 902. Thus, when in the deployed configuration, the distal end 924 of the second support portion 908 is spaced apart from the distal end 920 of the first support portion 902.

[0045] When in the deployed configuration, the frame 106 may provide support sufficient to keep the backpack vertical, nearly vertical, or upright. Further, weight placed on the back side 302 of the container portion 102 is transmitted to the surface that the backpack 100 is resting on via the frame 106. Thus, the second support portion 908 may prevent the backpack 100 from falling over when a user rests or reclines against the back side 302 of the container portion 102, thereby supporting the user in an upright or slightly reclined position.

[0046] The specific angle 946 between the first support portion 902 and the second support portion 908 when the frame 106 is in the deployed configuration can vary between implementations. For example, in implementations designed to maintain a more upright posture, the angle 946 may be smaller, resulting in the backpack 100 maintaining a more vertical orientation. In implementations designed to maintain a more reclined posture, the angle 946 may be larger, resulting in the backpack 100 maintaining a less vertical orientation.

[0047] The length 948 of the legs of the first support portion 902 may vary. For example, the legs of the first support portion 902 are typically sufficiently long that the extreme distal end 920 is below the bottom side 502 of the container portion 102 and can maintain contact with a surface that the backpack 100 is resting on.

[0048] Similarly, the length 950 of the legs of the second support portion 908 may vary. For example, the legs of the second support portion 908 can be lengthened to keep the backpack 100 at a more vertical orientation when the frame 106 is in a deployed configuration or shortened to keep the backpack 100 at a less vertical orientation when the frame 106 is in a deployed configuration.

[0049] Other considerations may apply when choosing the length of the legs of the first support portion 902 and the length of the legs of the second support portion 908. For example, if the distal end 924 of the second support portion 908 should be positioned to the front side 202 of the container portion 102 when in the deployed configuration, the length 950 of the legs of the second support portion 908 should be long enough that the crossbar 914 can clear the bottom side 502 of the container portion 102. Thus, the length 950 of the legs of the second support portion 908 may vary depending on the size of the container portion 102 and particularly the distance between front side 202 and the back side 302 (i.e., the depth of the bottom side 502).

[0050] In the examples depicted herein, the length 948 of each leg of the first support portion 902 is approximately fifteen inches long, the length 950 of each leg of the second support portion 908 is approximately thirteen and a half inches long, the container portion 102 is approximately seven and a half inches from the front side 202 to the back side 302 and the angle 946 is approximately thirty-four degrees.

[0051] FIG. 15 depicts a retaining mechanism for attaching a frame to a backpack, according to some implementations. In particular, FIG. 15 depicts the backpack 100, including the container portion 102, the frame 106, and a retaining mechanism comprising a first sleeve 1004, a second sleeve 1006, and a retaining member 1008. The first sleeve 1004 has a closed upper end 1010 and an open lower end 1012. The second sleeve 1006 has an open upper end 1014 and an open lower end 1016. The first sleeve 1004 and the second sleeve 1006 are sized such that a leg of the first support portion 902 can slide therein. Legs of the first support portion 902 may fit snugly into the first sleeve 1004 and/or the second sleeve 1006, thus allowing weight to be efficiently transferred from the container portion 102 to the frame 106 and allowing the backpack 100 to remain upright when the frame 106 is in the deployed configuration.

[0052] The first sleeve 1004 is attached along the back edge 714 of the left side 702 of the container portion 102 and is located towards the top of the container portion 102. The second sleeve 1006 is also attached along the back edge 714 of the left side 702 of the container portion 102 and is located below the first sleeve 1004. The first sleeve 1004 and the second sleeve 1006 are oriented such that a leg of the first support portion 902 can be secured in the first sleeve 1004 and the second sleeve 1006 at the same time. Thus, for example, the first sleeve 1004 and the second sleeve 1006 may be aligned along a vertical axis.

[0053] The retaining member 1008 is also attached along the back edge 714 of the left side 702 and has a first end 1018 and a second end 1020. The first end 1018 is attached at the bottom edge 710 of the left side 702 below the second sleeve 1006. The second end 1020 includes a first retention mechanism 1022. The second sleeve 1006 includes a second retention mechanism 1024 that is configured to mate with the first retention mechanism 1022. The first retention mechanism 1022 and the second retention mechanism 1024 may be hook and loop fasteners, buckles, or any suitable retention mechanisms.

[0054] To secure a leg of the first support portion 902 to the container portion 102, the distal end of the leg is inserted through the second sleeve 1006 via the open upper end 1014 until the proximal end of the leg can be inserted into the open lower end 1012 of the first sleeve 1004. The proximal end of the leg is then inserted into the open lower end 1012 until the leg is seated into the closed upper end 1010. The retaining member 1008 can then be engaged by mating the first retention mechanism 1022 to the second retention mechanism 1024. When the retaining member 1008 is engaged, the retaining member 1008 is attached to the second sleeve 1006 and wraps around the distal end of the leg, thereby preventing the leg from sliding downwards and out of the first sleeve 1004. In other words, the retaining member 1008 keeps the proximal end of the leg securely seated in the first sleeve.

[0055] A similar retention mechanism is located on the opposite side of the container portion 102 and is used to secure the other side of the frame 106.

[0056] The frame 106 can be attached to the container portion 102 by securing the first leg 904 and the second leg 906 as described above. The frame 106 can be detached from the container portion 102 by reversing the operations described above.

[0057] The first sleeve 1004, the second sleeve 1006, and the retaining member 1008 may be attached to the container portion 102 by any appropriate means, including, but not limited to, stitches, glue, welds, etc. The first sleeve 1004, the second sleeve 1006, and the retaining member 1008 may be constructed out of any suitable material, including nylon, cotton cloth, etc.

[0058] The examples described herein, and variations thereof, have numerous advantages. For example, the retaining mechanism 1002 allows the frame 106 to be removed from the backpack 100, reducing the weight of the backpack 100 when the frame 106 is not needed. As another example, the design of the frame 106 allows for the added support of the crossbar 914 while still allowing the crossbar 914 to clear the bottom of the container portion 102 such that the distal end of the second support portion 908 can be positioned to the front side of the container portion 102 instead of beneath the container portion 102.

[0059] As another example, the retaining mechanism 1002 can be constructed simply and using common, cheap materials while still allowing the frame 106 to be securely attached to the container portion 102. More particularly, the retaining mechanism 1002 can be constructed by sewing strips of nylon material directly to the container portion 102, thereby using common, cheap materials and simple construction.

[0060] As another example, the frame 106 does not require a rigid portion spanning the proximal end of the first support portion 902 to transfer the weight of a user directly to the frame. Instead, the weight of the user is transferred to the frame 106 via the container portion 102, reducing the weight and complexity of the frame 106.

[0061] As another example, when the frame 106 is in the stowed position, the frame 106 closely adheres to the dimensions of the container portion 102, thus allowing the frame 106 to be added to the backpack 100 while minimizing added volume. By minimizing added volume, the shipping, storage, and other costs tied to the packaging volume are also minimized.

[0062] As another example, instead of utilizing the hinge 932 (via one or more protrusions associated with the clip portion 928) to maintain the frame 106 in the deployed configuration, other mechanisms may be used. For example, one or more foldable latching mechanisms (e.g., a spreader) may span between the first leg 904 of the first support portion 902 and the first leg 910 of the second support portion 908 and between the second leg 906 of the first support portion 902 and the second leg 912 of the second support portion 908. Example implementations include a two piece latching mechanism that hinges in the middle and collapses when the frame 106 is in the stowed configuration, a one piece latching mechanism that hinges where attached to the frame 106 and locks into a receiving mechanism on an opposite leg, etc.

[0063] Although the examples herein describe a backpack with an approximately rectangular cuboid shape, the inventive subject matter herein can be used with a backpack of any shape. Further, although the examples describe a backpack, the inventive subject matter herein can apply to any type of container. For example, while a backpack is typically characterized by having shoulder straps, the inventive subject matter herein can apply to a container designed to be carried alongside a user via a strap or handle on top of the container.

[0064] Although the examples described herein refer to a backpack with a stowable seat and a stowable frame, it is understood that the inventive subject matter covers containers with only a stowable seat and no frame and containers with only a stowable frame and no seat.

[0065] It is understood that the inventive subject matter herein includes, but is not limited to, one or more apparatuses (e.g., a backpack and/or portions thereof), one or more systems (e.g., a backpack, seat, and frame and/or portions thereof), one or more processes, including the manufacturing and/or use of a backpack or portion thereof.

[0066] As used herein, the term or is inclusive unless otherwise explicitly noted. Thus, the phrase at least one of A, B, or C is satisfied by any element from the set {A, B, C} or any combination thereof, including multiples of any element.

[0067] While the aspects of the disclosure are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these aspects are illustrative and that the scope of the claims is not limited to them. In general, backpacks, techniques for manufacturing and using backpacks, etc. as described herein may be implemented with various means and techniques. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible.