GB2128471A - Rucksack seat - Google Patents

Abstract

A rucksack/seat combination is formed by a substantially conventional rucksack frame (1) and a second frame assembly (2) which is connected to the rucksack frame (1). The two frames (1 and 2) are movable relative to each other between a first position in which the frames are substantially flush with each other and a second position in which the frames form a seat having a sitting surface (9), and a backrest, formed by the upper portion of the rucksack frame (1) the lower portions of the frames forming the legs of the seat. The invention extends to a kit for transforming a conventional frame into a rucksack/seat combination. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Rucksack seat This invention relates to a portable seat and more particularly to a framed rucksack which may be utilized as a seat when positioned on the ground or like surface.

It is frequently desirable when hiking or engaging in like activities that during resting periods the hiker is able to find a comfortable seat.

It is not always convenient to carry a seat and for this reason a hiker must frequently make do with sitting on the ground, his pack or some other suitable place. Applicant is aware of the following U.S.A. Patents which disclose various designs of rucksack or other portable containers which may be converted into seats: 3,912,138 3,250,449 2,922,465 2,031,119 1,615,159 These patents disclose various seats but it is considered important that an effective seat must have both backrest and a seat portion. Preferably the seat should also be of a reclining or "deck chair" type which will add to the comfort of the user.

It is an object of this invention to provide a seat which can conveniently be carried, which is light and unobtrusive, and which is comfortable for sitting.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is provided a rucksack seat combination comprising a rucksack frame assembly adapted to support a container and having a pair of shoulder straps secured thereto for carrying the rucksack and a second frame assembly movable between a first position in which the two frame assemblies lie substantially flush with each other, and a second position in which the operatively lower ends of the two frame assemblies form legs of a seat, and the operatively upper end of the first frame assembly forms a backrest, and the operatively upper end of the second frame assembly forms seat support of a seat.

Further there is provided for the first frame assembly to comprise a generally "H" shaped rucksack frame, and for the second frame assembly to comprise a generally rectangular frame, two parallel members of which comprise the legs and the other parallel members comprising a seat support and bracing member.

Further there is provided for a length of suitable fabric to span between the seat support and a frame member fixed to the first frame assembly, to thereby form a sitting surface when the frame assemblies are in the second position.

Still further there is provided for the length of fabric to comprise a stop member for limiting the extent by which the two frame assemblies can move relative to each other in use.

Optionally the second frame assembly can comprise a single leg pivotable about a suitable pivot point on the first frame assembly to thereby form a leg and seat support.

Further the invention provides a second frame assembly for affixing a first frame to provide a seat as described.

Still further there is provided a kit for transforming a standard rucksack frame into a seat as described.

Brief Description of the Drawings These and further features of the invention will be made more apparent from the description of an embodiment thereof given below by way of example. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a rucksack seat in its sitting position; and, Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of a rucksack seat in its folded position.

Detailed Description of the Drawings Referring initially to Figure 1 a rucksack seat is shown comprising a rucksack frame assembly 1 and a second frame assembly 2. The rucksack frame assembly is an "H" shaped rucksack frame which has a pair of shoulder straps 3 secured to an upper cross-inember 4 and to the lower ends of legs 5. The rucksack frame assembly is adapted to support a fabric container which is diagrammatically illustrated by dotted lines 6.

The second frame assembly 2 fits loosely around the rucksack frame assembly 1 and is thus pivotable between a seating position as shown in Figure 1 and a folded or carrying position as shown in Figure 2. The second frame assembly is generally rectangular and comprises a pair of legs 7 and two cross-members 8.

Three strips of fabric 9 are connected between the upper cross-member 8 and a first crossmember 10 fixed to the rucksack frame assembly 1. The strips of fabric 9 provide a seating surface when the seat is pivoted to a sitting position. The shoulder straps 3 are adapted to fit between the strips of fabric 9 such that when the seat is in a sitting position the shoulder straps do not obstruct the user.

In order to provide stability to the seat when the seat is in a sitting position. The legs 7 of the second frame assembly have lugs or projections 11 which extend upwardly from the sides thereof.

The lugs 11 are adapted to engage the ends of a second cross-member 1 2 fixed to the rucksack frame assembly to thereby prevent the legs 7 sliding past the rucksack frame assembly.

The stability of the chair will thus be ensured by the co-operant effect of two separate elements.

The three strips of fabric 9 will provide an upward force to the second frame assembly, and the lugs will prevent the second frame assembly sliding backwards beyond the point where the lugs are mounted. Thus when the chair is in a sitting position it will operate substantially as a deck chair with the rucksack frame assembly being inclined backwardly as a backrest and the strips of fabric 9 acting as a sitting surface.

The rucksack frame has upper and lower padding strips 1 3 mounted thereto which prevents the frame members rubbing on the back of a user. The upper padding strip will act as a padding strip for the backrest when the chair is in the sitting position.

Elastic straps 14 mounted to the operatively lower ends of the legs 7 of the second frame assembly bias the second frame assembly into engagement with the ends of the second crossmember 12. Whilst not essential, the elastic strips prevent at least to some extent, the two frame members from becoming invadvertently separated.

The width of the container 6 will preferably be limited to the width of the rucksack frame assembly in order that the second frame assembly may pivot past the container without interference.

If necessary the upper portion of the container can be wider than the rucksack frame assembly as this will not interfere with the operation of the second frame assembly.

Referring to Figure 2, the two frame assemblies are shown folded together to a position where they are substantially flush with each other. If necessary a suitable clip member or other retaining means can be provided which will hold the two assemblies together. In the folded condition as shown, the seat will be suitable for use a conventional framed rucksack and the second frame assembly will in no way interfere with the operation of the rucksack.

Preferably the second frame assembly will be manufactured from tubular aluminium or other light rigid material in order that it will not significantly add to the weight of the rucksack.

It is envisaged that the second frame assembly can be fitted to a standard rucksack frame with only minor alterations to such a frame. The only alteration which a standard "H" frame rucksack frame will require will be for the first and second cross-members to be affixed thereto. It is thus envisaged that the second frame assembly, crossmembers and various fittings and fabric strip can be sold in kit form which an owner of a suitable rucksack will be able to purchase in order to convert his rucksack to a rucksack seat combination.

There may be many variations to the abovedescribed embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention. Particular variations envisaged related to the general shape and configuration of the second frame assembly which can be shaped in various different ways.

The various relative positions of the crossmembers, lugs and fabric can be varied to suit the user and the type of frame with which the invention will be utilized. Also, the means by which the two frame members are held together can be varied to suit the particular rucksack frame with which the invention is to be used. For example, it will be possible to simply tie the second frame to the rucksack frame in a suitable manner which will allow the two frame members to pivot relative to each other. The two frame members may simply be pivoted to each other through a pin or the like.

Claims (6)

1. A rucksack seat combination comprising a first frame assembly adapted to support a container and having a pair of shoulder straps secured thereto for carrying the rucksack and a second frame assembly movable between a first position in which the two frame assemblies lie substantially flush with each other, and a second position in which the operatively lower ends of the two frame assemblies form legs of a seat, and the operatively upper end of the first frame assembly forms a backrest, and the operatively upper end of the second frame assembly forms a seat support of a seat.

2. A rucksack as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first frame assembly comprises a generally "H" shaped rucksack frame, the upper portions of which form a backrest when the second frame is in the second position.

3. A rucksack as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the second frame assembly comprises a generally rectangular frame, defined by two pairs of parallel frame members, two parallel frame members comprising the legs, and the other parallel frame members comprising a seat support and a bracing member.

4. A rucksack as claimed in Claim 3 wherein a length of suitable fabric spans between the seat support and a frame member fixed to the rucksack frame assembly, to thereby form a sitting surface when the frame assemblies are in the second position.

5. A kit for transforming a standard rucksack frame into a rucksack frame and seat combination, comprising a rectangular frame assembly, fabric strips adapted to span between the rectangular frame assembly and the rucksack frame to define a seat, and connecting means adapted to connect the rectangular frame assembly to the rucksack frame assembly such that the rectangular frame assembly is movable between a first position in which the two frame assemblies lie substantially flush with each other, and a second position in which the operatively lower ends of the two frame assemblies form legs of a seat and the operatively upper end of the rucksack frame assembly forms a backrest, and the operatively upper end of the rectangular frame assembly forms a seat support of a seat.

6. A rucksack substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.