U.S. patent application number 11/251429 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for combination backpack and cushion device.
Invention is credited to Kevin R. Gillespie.
Application Number | 20070084891 11/251429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37947228 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070084891 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gillespie; Kevin R. |
April 19, 2007 |
Combination backpack and cushion device
Abstract
A combination backpack and seat cushion includes a cushion
operatively connected to a pair of functional backpack sections.
The cushion is sandwiched between the backpack sections at a first
configuration and further separates the backpack sections into a
more linear configuration at a second configuration. The backpack
sections include compartments for carrying books or other articles.
The invention may be carried as a traditional backpack at the first
configuration. At the second configuration, the cushion may be
placed on a chair seat and back rest while the connected backpack
sections may be strapped out of the way below and behind the
chair.
Inventors: |
Gillespie; Kevin R.; (Woods
Cross, UT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARSHAW RESEARCH INCORPORATED
P O BOX 418
OTTAWA
KS
66067
US
|
Family ID: |
37947228 |
Appl. No.: |
11/251429 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/155 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20130101; A47C
7/021 20130101; A47C 7/425 20130101; A47C 1/16 20130101; A47C
7/0213 20180801; A47C 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/155 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02 |
Claims
1. A combination backpack and cushion device, comprising: a
distinct first backpack section releasably attached to a distinct
second backpack section; and a cushion operatively connected to
said first and second backpack sections, respectively, for movement
between a first configuration in which said cushion is sandwiched
between said first and second backpack sections and a second
configuration in which said first and second backpack sections are
further separated by said cushion.
2. The device as in claim 1, wherein: said cushion presents opposed
first and second ends; said cushion first end is flexibly connected
to said first backpack section; and said cushion second end is
flexibly connected to said second backpack section.
3. The device as in claim 2, wherein: said first and second
backpack sections respectively include an inner surface, an outer
surface, a top end, and opposed sides; said cushion first end is
flexibly connected to said first backpack section adjacent said
first backpack section top end; and said cushion second end is
flexibly connected to said second backpack section adjacent said
second backpack section top end.
4. The device as in claim 3, wherein said first backpack section
sides are releasably attached to said second backpack section
sides.
5. The device as in claim 1, wherein said cushion is a plurality of
cushions arranged in an elongate row.
6. The device as in claim 5 for use with a chair having a seat and
a back, wherein: said elongate row of cushions defines a seat area
and a back area; said seat area has a length sufficient to extend
along the chair seat; and said back area has a length sufficient to
extend along the chair back.
7. The device as in claim 5, wherein: said elongate row of cushions
includes an initial cushion and an end cushion, each having opposed
first and second ends and opposed sides; said initial cushion is
flexibly connected to said first backpack section; and said end
cushion is flexibly connected to said second backpack section.
8. The device as in claim 7, wherein: said first and second
backpack sections respectively include an inner surface, an outer
surface, a top end, a bottom end, and opposed sides; said initial
cushion first end is flexibly connected to said first backpack
section adjacent said first backpack section top end; and said end
cushion second end is flexibly connected to said second backpack
section adjacent said second backpack section top end.
9. The device as in claim 8, wherein said first backpack section
sides are releasably attached to said second backpack section
sides.
10. The device as in claim 8 for use with a chair having a seat and
a back, wherein: said elongate row of cushions defines a seat area
and a back area; said seat area has a length sufficient to extend
along the chair seat; and said back area has a length sufficient to
extend along the chair back.
11. The device as in claim 10, wherein said first backpack section
bottom end is releasably attached to said second backpack section
bottom end so that said first backpack section may be positioned
against a rear surface of the chair back, said back area of said
row of cushions may be positioned against an inner surface of the
chair back, said seat area of said row of cushions may be
positioned against a top surface of the chair seat, said second
backpack section may be positioned against a bottom surface of the
chair seat, and said attachment between said bottom ends of said
first and second backpack sections may secure said second backpack
section to the bottom surface of the chair seat.
12. The device as in claim 7 for use with a bench having top and
bottom surfaces, wherein: one said initial cushion side is flexibly
connected to said first backpack section and the other said initial
cushion side is releasably connected to said first backpack section
to selectively secure said first backpack section to the bottom
bench surface when said initial cushion rests upon the top bench
surface; and one said end cushion side is flexibly connected to
said second backpack section and the other said end cushion side is
releasably connected to said second backpack section to selectively
secure said second backpack section to the bottom bench surface
when said end cushion rests upon the top bench surface.
13. The device as in claim 1, further comprising: a rigid lower
frame attached to said cushion; a rigid upper frame attached to
said cushion; means for adjusting the positions of the upper and
lower frames relative to one another to move said cushion between
said first and second configurations.
14. The device as in claim 13, further comprising a plurality of
legs attached to said lower frame for movement between a retracted
configuration and an extended configuration.
15. The device as in claim 1, wherein said first backpack section
defines a first storage area and said second backpack section
defines a second storage area.
16. The device as in claim 1, further comprising means for holding
said second backpack section.
17. A combination backpack and cushion device, comprising: a first
backpack section defining a first storage area; a second backpack
section defining a second storage area; means for releasably
attaching said first and second backpack sections; and an elongate
cushion row having at least one cushion, said cushion row being
flexibly connected to said first and second backpack sections,
respectively, for movement between a first configuration in which
said cushion row is sandwiched between said first and second
backpack sections and a second configuration in which said first
and second backpack sections are further separated by said cushion
row.
18. The device as in claim 17 for use with a chair having a seat
and a back, wherein: said elongate cushion row defines a seat area
and a back area; said seat area has a length sufficient to extend
along the chair seat; said back area has a length sufficient to
extend along the chair back; and a bottom end of said first
backpack section is releasably attachable to a bottom end of said
second backpack section so that said first backpack section may be
positioned against a rear surface of the chair back, said back area
of said cushion row may be positioned against an inner surface of
the chair back, said seat area of said cushion row may be
positioned against a top surface of the chair seat, said second
backpack section may be positioned against a bottom surface of the
chair seat, and said attachment between said bottom ends of said
first and second backpack sections may secure said second backpack
section to the bottom surface of the chair seat.
19. The device as in claim 17 for use with a bench having top and
bottom surfaces, wherein: said cushion row includes an initial
cushion and an end cushion, each having opposed first and second
ends and opposed sides; one said initial cushion side is flexibly
connected to said first backpack section and the other said initial
cushion side is releasably connected to said first backpack section
to selectively secure said first backpack section to the bottom
bench surface when said initial cushion rests upon the top bench
surface; and one said end cushion side is flexibly connected to
said second backpack section and the other said end cushion side is
releasably connected to said second backpack section to selectively
secure said second backpack section to the bottom bench surface
when said end cushion rests upon the top bench surface.
20. The device as in claim 17, further comprising: a rigid lower
frame attached to said cushion row; a rigid upper frame attached to
said cushion row; means for adjusting the positions of the upper
and lower frames relative to one another to move said cushion row
between said first and second configurations; and a plurality of
telescoping legs attached to said lower frame for movement between
a retracted configuration and an extended configuration.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to carrying cases and, more
particularly, to a backpack having an integrated seat cushion.
[0002] Many people find themselves in situations where they must
sit for long periods of time on uncomfortable seating. Common
situations in this regard include students studying for long
periods of time in a library or spectators at sporting events. In
both situations, the person typically desires to carry several
items with them, such as books, food, or the like, and also desires
to be comfortable while sitting.
[0003] Various proposals for carrying portable seating, chairs, or
cushions, have been made in the prior art. While assumably
effective for their intended purpose of providing portable seating,
the existing devices lack all of the utilitarian aspects of a
backpack. More particularly, the existing devices are merely
collapsible seats that would need to be transported in addition to
a backpack or other case for books and supplies. Further, the
existing cushion devices do not meet the specific needs of a
student, including the ability to carry multiple books and to
provide a comfortable cushion device while studying in a
library.
[0004] Therefore, it would be desirable to have a backpack that
includes a portable seat cushion for providing comfortable seating
and carrying books or supplies. Further, it would be desirable to
have fully functional seating comfort while maintaining a fully
functional backpack.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A combination backpack and cushion device according to the
present invention includes distinct first and second backpack
sections that are attached together. In addition, a cushion member
is connected to the first and second backpack sections and is
movable between a first configuration sandwiched between the first
and second backpack sections and a second configuration in which
the first and second backpack sections are further separated by the
cushion in an elongate configuration.
[0006] In the second configuration, the cushion device includes an
elongate cushion element having one or more cushions. Preferably,
the cushion device includes an initial cushion and an end cushion,
the cushion element providing a cushion for placement on a chair
seat and another cushion for placement against a chair
backrest.
[0007] The initial cushion is flexibly attached to the first
backpack section and the end cushion is attached to the second
backpack section. In use, therefore, the first backpack section may
hang below a chair sear when the initial cushion is situated on the
seat and the second backpack section can be draped over a chair
back when the end cushion is used as a back rest. While in use, the
first and second backpack section may be releasably strapped
together behind or below the seat to keep the entire device in
place.
[0008] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a combination backpack and cushion device that enables a student to
carry books and to have a comfortable cushion for sitting on an
otherwise uncomfortable chair surface. Another object of this
invention is to provide a combination backpack and cushion device,
as aforesaid, that includes compartments for carrying books and
supplies.
[0009] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
combination backpack and cushion device, as aforesaid, in which the
cushion device includes one or more cushions.
[0010] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a
combination backpack and cushion device, as aforesaid, which is
movable between one configuration in which the cushion device is
sandwiched between backpack sections and another configuration in
which the backpack sections and cushion members are in an elongate
and spread out arrangement.
[0011] Other object and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination backpack and
cushion device according to the present invention in a first
configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the combination backpack and
cushion device as in FIG. 1 in a second configuration;
[0014] FIG. 3a is perspective view of the combination backpack and
cushion device as in FIG. 2 positioned on a chair;
[0015] FIG. 3b is a perspective view as in FIG. 3a from another
angle; FIG. 4 is an isolated perspective view on an enlarged scale
of the device as in FIG. 3a;
[0016] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a combination backpack and
cushion device according to another embodiment of the invention in
an expanded/first configuration;
[0017] FIG. 5b is a perspective view of the device as in FIG. 5a in
a collapsed/second configuration; and
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a combination backpack and
cushion device according to still another embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] A combination backpack and cushion device according to the
present invention will now be described in detail with reference to
FIGS. 1 through 6 of the accompanying drawings. More particularly,
a combination backpack and cushion device 100 according to the
present invention includes distinct first and second backpack
sections 110, 120 and an elongate cushion element 130.
[0020] The first and second backpack sections 110, 120 respectively
include an inner surface 112a, 122a, an outer surface 112b, 122b, a
top end 114a, 124a, a bottom end 114b, 124b, and opposed sides
116a, 116b, 126a, 126b. The first backpack section 110 defines a
first storage area 118, and the second backpack section 120 defines
a second storage area 128. Means 140 for releasably attaching the
first and second backpack sections 110, 120 are preferably
included, such as clips, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, a zipper,
and other fastening mechanisms. Means 125 for holding the second
backpack section 120 is preferably also included, such as a
carrying strap or a handle.
[0021] The elongate cushion element 130 includes one or more
cushions 132 arranged in an elongate row, and the cushion element
130 is flexibly connected to the first and second backpack sections
110, 120 for movement between a first configuration 130a and a
second configuration 130b. The cushion element 130 is sandwiched
between the first and second backpack sections 110, 120 at the
first configuration 130a, and the cushion element 130 further
separates the first and second backpack sections 110, 120 at the
second configuration 130b. More particularly, the backpack sections
110, 120 and cushion element 130 may be spread out into a more
elongate and linear type of arrangement in the second configuration
so as to laid flat or draped over a chair (FIGS. 2. 3a. and
3b).
[0022] The cushion element 130 includes an initial cushion 134 and
an end cushion 136, each having opposed first and second ends 134a,
134b, 136a, 136b and opposed sides 134c, 134d, 136c, 136d. The
initial cushion 134 is flexibly connected to the first backpack
section 110, and the end cushion 136 is flexibly connected to the
second backpack section 120. If there is only one cushion 132, that
cushion 132 is both the initial cushion 134 and the end cushion
136.
[0023] In a first embodiment, shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the
device 100 is for use with a chair 10 having a seat 12 and a back
14 (FIGS. 3a and 3b). The initial cushion first end 134a is
flexibly connected to the first backpack section 110 adjacent the
first backpack section top end 114a, and the end cushion second end
136b is flexibly connected to the second backpack section 120
adjacent the second backpack section top end 124a. The cushion
element 130 defines a seat area 138a and a back area 138b. The seat
area 138a has a length sufficient to extend along the chair seat
12, and the back area 138b has a length sufficient to extend along
the chair back 14, as shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The first backpack
section sides 116a, 116b are releasably attached to the second
backpack section sides 126a, 126b by the means 140 to selectively
maintain the cushion element 130 in the first configuration 130a.
The first backpack section bottom end 114b is preferably releasably
attached to the second backpack section bottom end 124b by clips
142, though hook and loop fasteners, snaps, a zipper, and other
fastening mechanisms would also be suitable. In use, the cushion
element 130 is initially at the first configuration 130a, and the
first backpack section 110 is attached to the second backpack
section 120 by the attaching means 140 (FIG. 1). A user may insert
and remove items from the first and second storage areas 118, 128.
The first and second backpack sections 110, 120 may be separated by
disconnecting the attaching means 140, and the cushion element 130
may be moved to the second configuration 130b (FIG. 2). The first
backpack section 110 may then be positioned against a rear surface
14b of the chair back 14, and the cushion element back area 138b
may be positioned against an inner surface 14a of the chair back
14. The cushion element seat area 138a may be positioned against a
top surface 12a of the chair seat 12, and the second backpack
section 120 may be positioned against a bottom surface 12b of the
chair seat 12. The clips 142 may then be fastened, connecting the
bottom ends 114b, 124b of the first and second backpack sections
110, 120. This attachment prevents the second backpack section 120
from reaching the ground, effectively securing the second backpack
section 120 to the chair seat bottom surface 12b.
[0024] In another embodiment 200, shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the
device 200 includes a construction substantially similar to that
described in the first embodiment 100 above, except as specifically
noted below. The device 200 includes a rigid lower frame 210
attached to the cushion element 130 and the second backpack section
120, a rigid upper frame 220 attached to the cushion element 130
and the first backpack section 110, and means 230 for adjusting the
positions of the upper and lower frames 220, 210 relative to one
another to move the cushion element 130 between the first and
second configurations 130a, 130b. A plurality of legs 240 may be
attached to the lower frame 210 for movement between a retracted
configuration 240a (FIG. 5b) and an extended configuration 240b
(FIG. 5a). The legs 240 are preferably pivotably attached as shown,
and each leg 240 may have a telescoping configuration 242 so that
the user may adjust the length of each leg 240. The means 230 is
preferably a hinge.
[0025] In use, the first and second backpack sections 110, 120 may
be separated by disconnecting the attaching means 140, and the
cushion element 130 may be moved to the second configuration 130b
(FIG. 2) by using the adjusting means 230. The legs 240 may be
moved to the extended configuration 240b, and the length of each
leg 240 may be set by adjusting each telescoping assembly 242.
[0026] In yet another embodiment 300, shown in FIG. 6, the device
300 includes a construction substantially similar to the
construction as described in the first embodiment 100 above, except
as specifically noted below. The device 300 is for use with a bench
16 having top and bottom surfaces 16a, 16b. One of the initial
cushion sides 134c is flexibly connected to the first backpack
section 110, and the other initial cushion side 134d is releasably
connected to the first backpack section 110. One of the end cushion
sides 136c is flexibly connected to the second backpack section
120, and the other end cushion side 136d is releasably connected to
the second backpack section 120.
[0027] In use, the initial cushion may rest upon the top bench
surface 16a, and the first backpack section 110 may be connected to
the initial cushion side 134d to secure the first backpack section
110 to the bottom bench surface 16b. The end cushion 136 may rest
upon the top bench surface 16a, and the second backpack section 120
may be connected to the end cushion side 136d to secure the second
backpack section 120 to the bottom bench surface 16b.
[0028] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention
have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following
claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
* * * * *