U.S. patent application number 11/713309 was filed with the patent office on 2007-09-06 for backpack/seat combination.
Invention is credited to Marlin M. Lessmann.
Application Number | 20070205234 11/713309 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38470632 |
Filed Date | 2007-09-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070205234 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lessmann; Marlin M. |
September 6, 2007 |
Backpack/seat combination
Abstract
An improved backpack/seat combination includes a main container
having a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an
interior volume and a top lid enclosing the interior volume, the
main container constructed of a rigid material and at least one
backpack strap mounted on the main container. A seat back/lumbar
support structure includes a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted
on a seat back support bar, the seat back support bar at least one
of adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on the main container.
Finally, the seat back/lumbar support pad is movable between a
lower, rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned
adjacent the rear wall of the container box and towards the base
wall and an upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned
above the top lid of the container box by at least one of
adjusting, pivoting and moving the seat back support bar.
Inventors: |
Lessmann; Marlin M.; (Sioux
City, IA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LAW OFFICES OF ADAM H. JACOBS;PATENT ATTORNEY
SUITE 726, 1904 FARNAM STREET
OMAHA
NE
68102
US
|
Family ID: |
38470632 |
Appl. No.: |
11/713309 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60777898 |
Mar 1, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
224/155 ;
224/652 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 2004/026 20130101;
A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
224/155 ;
224/652 |
International
Class: |
A45F 4/02 20060101
A45F004/02; A45F 3/04 20060101 A45F003/04 |
Claims
1. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having
a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior
volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main
container constructed of a rigid material; at least one backpack
strap mounted on said main container; a seat back/lumbar support
structure including a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a
seat back support bar, said seat back support bar at least one of
adjustably, pivotably and movably mounted on said main container;
and said seat back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower,
rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent said
rear wall of said container box and towards said base wall and an
upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said
top lid of said container box by at least one of adjusting,
pivoting and moving said seat back support bar.
2. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising; a
pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear wall of said main
container; a pair of seat back mounting bars each slidably mounted
within one of said pair of upright tubes; a generally U-shaped seat
back support bar having a center base section and opposite top
ends, said seat back support bar pivotably mounted on and extending
between said seat back mounting bars intermediate said center base
section and said top ends generally adjacent the upper ends of said
seat back mounting bars to permit said seat back support bar to
pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars; and said seat
back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing
lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said
container box and towards said base wall and an upper,
forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid
of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted
within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted
to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower
position to said upper position, said seat back mounting bars being
lowered within said upright tubes such that said opposite top ends
of said seat back support bar are positioned below said top lid and
said seat back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from
rearward rotation due to engagement of said opposite top ends with
said rear wall of said container box.
3. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising a
backpack pad mounted on said rear wall of said main container which
extends rearwards and outwards therefrom.
4. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 wherein said top lid
and said main container form a generally fluid-tight seal whereby
incursion of external contaminants into said main container is
generally prevented.
5. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising at
least one external pocket mounted on one of said front and side
walls of said main container.
6. The backpack/seat combination of claim 1 further comprising two
adjustable-length backpack straps, each mounted on said rear wall
of said main container.
7. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having
a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior
volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main
container constructed of a rigid material; at least one backpack
strap mounted on said main container; a seat back/lumbar support
structure including; a pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear
wall of said main container; a pair of seat back mounting bars each
slidably mounted within one of said pair of upright tubes; a seat
back support bar pivotably mounted on and extending between said
seat back mounting bars generally adjacent the upper ends of said
seat back mounting bars to permit said seat back support bar to
pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars; a seat back/lumbar
support pad mounted on said seat back support bar; said seat
back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing
lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said
container box and towards said base wall and an upper,
forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid
of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted
within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted
to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower
position to said upper position and said seat back mounting bars
being lowered within said upright tubes whereby said seat
back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from rearward
rotation due to engagement of said seat back support bar with said
rear wall of said container box.
8. The backpack/seat combination of claim 7 further comprising a
backpack pad mounted on said rear wall of said main container which
extends rearwards and outwards therefrom.
9. A backpack/seat combination comprising: a main container having
a front wall, rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior
volume and a top lid enclosing said interior volume, said main
container constructed of a rigid material; a backpack pad mounted
on said rear wall of said main container which extends rearwards
and outwards therefrom; at least one backpack strap mounted on said
main container; a seat back/lumbar support structure including; a
pair of upright tubes mounted on said rear wall of said main
container on opposite sides of said backpack pad; a pair of seat
back mounting bars each slidably mounted within one of said pair of
upright tubes; a generally U-shaped seat back support bar having a
center base section and opposite top ends, said seat back support
bar pivotably mounted on and extending between said seat back
mounting bars intermediate said center base section and said top
ends generally adjacent the upper ends of said seat back mounting
bars to permit said seat back support bar to pivot relative to the
seat back mounting bars; a seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on
said center base section of said seat back support bar; said seat
back/lumbar support pad movable between a lower, rearwardly-facing
lumbar support position positioned adjacent said rear wall of said
container box and towards said base wall and an upper,
forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above said top lid
of said container box by said seat back mounting bars being lifted
within said upright tubes, said seat back support bar being pivoted
to rotate said seat back/lumbar support pad from said lower
position to said upper position, said seat back mounting bars being
lowered within said upright tubes such that said opposite top ends
of said seat back support bar are positioned below said top lid and
said seat back/lumbar support pad is generally prevented from
rearward rotation due to engagement of said opposite top ends with
said rear wall of said container box.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS
[0001] This application claims priority based on a provisional
patent, specifically on the Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
60/777,898 filed Mar. 1, 2006.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates to storage device/seat
combinations and, more particularly, to a hard sided backpack which
includes a container with a top lid which pivots to provide access
to the interior of the container, a seat cushion mounted on top of
the lid such that the container may be used as a seat, and a seat
back/lumbar support structure mounted on the inner side of the
container which is pivotable between a lumbar support position when
the backpack is being worn and a seat back position when the
container is being used as a seat.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Hunting and fishing are pastimes and hobbies enjoyed by
millions of people in the United States, by people of all ages and
from all walks of life. One of the problems encountered by many
hunters and fishers, however, is that it is becoming more and more
difficult to find uncrowded locations to pursue their hobby, as
many popular locations have now been over-hunted or over-fished.
This results in many hunters and fishers having to go deeper into
the wilderness to find desirable locations, and therefore it
becomes vital to transport all necessary equipment with them to
such a remote location. To this end, numerous types of backpacks
and carrying bags have been proposed in the prior art which attempt
to address and solve this problem.
[0006] Another problem encountered by both hunters and fishers is
that both pursuits require their practitioners to undergo long
periods of inactivity while waiting for an animal to pass by or a
fish to strike. While younger hunters and fishers can endure these
periods without substantial discomfort, older persons, or those
having injuries or disabilities, cannot remain standing for such an
extended period of time without encountering some degree of
discomfort. Ideally, these persons would be able to sit down during
these periods of inactivity and, to this end, numerous types of
portable chairs and seats have been disclosed in the prior art
which are designed to be carried by a person to the location where
the hunting or fishing activity will take place and, upon arriving
at the location, can be used as a seat for the hunter or fisher.
However, when the hunter or fisher has to carry not only his or her
equipment bag or backpack but also carry a portable seat or chair,
it becomes more and more difficult to enjoy the hunting or fishing
expedition when one is burdened by all of those items to be
carried.
[0007] One other problem encountered with these portable chairs and
seats is that many of them do not include a seat back, which
substantially detracts from the comfort level available during use
of the chair or seat. There is therefore a need for a portable
chair or seat which includes a seat back and further includes a
storage and carrying section which can be used to transport
necessary equipment for the hunter or fisher.
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
an improved backpack/seat combination for outdoorsmen.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved backpack/seat combination which may be quickly and easily
converted from a backpack configuration for carrying objects to a
seat configuration capable of supporting a person thereon in a
seated position.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved backpack/seat combination which includes a seat
back/lumbar support pad movable between a rearwardly-facing
position which is generally adjacent the lumbar area of the
wearer's back when the backpack is being worn for additional lumbar
support and a forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above
the top of the backpack for supporting the back of the user when
the device is being used as a seat.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved backpack/seat combination in which the backpack includes a
container box constructed of a rigid material such as PVC molded
plastic or the like so that the container box provides a sturdy and
secure storage and support structure.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved backpack/seat combination which is generally fluid- or
liquid-tight with the top lid closed and sealed to protect the
contents of the container box from external contaminants.
[0013] Finally, an object of the present invention is to provide an
improved backpack/seat combination which is relatively simple and
durable in construction and is safe, efficient and effective in
use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention provides an improved backpack/seat
combination which includes a main container having a front wall,
rear wall, side walls, a base wall, an interior volume and a top
lid enclosing the interior volume, the main container constructed
of a rigid material and at least one backpack strap mounted on the
main container. A seat back/lumbar support structure includes a
seat back/lumbar support pad mounted on a seat back support bar,
the seat back support bar at least one of adjustably, pivotably and
movably mounted on the main container. Finally, the seat
back/lumbar support pad is movable between a lower,
rearwardly-facing lumbar support position positioned adjacent the
rear wall of the container box and towards the base wall and an
upper, forwardly-facing seat back position positioned above the top
lid of the container box by at least one of adjusting, pivoting and
moving the seat back support bar.
[0015] The present invention as thus described provides substantial
advantages over those devices and backpacks found in the prior art.
For example, because the main container is rigid and generally
fluid-tight, objects being carried within the container receive
maximum protection against external contaminants and accidental
damage. Also, because the top lid is reinforced, the seat may be
used by many different sizes of people, and even may be used by
larger persons who may be most in need of the seat. Finally, and
perhaps most importantly, the seat back/lumbar support pad is a
single structural element in the present invention and is movable
from the lumbar support position which provides increased comfort
for the user of the present invention when the main container is
being carried as a backpack and through a relatively simple moving
and pivoting process converts into the seat back position
positioned above the top lid which provides back support for a
person seated on the main container. Such a single element
providing these two functions is not found in the prior art, and
therefore it is believed that these improvements are deserving of
protection. It is therefore seen that the present invention
provides a substantial improvement over those devices found in the
prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the backpack/seat
combination of the present invention being worn by a user;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the backpack/seat
combination of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the present
invention showing the elements thereof;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the backpack/seat
combination showing the seat back/lumbar support being raised to
the seat back position; and
[0020] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side elevational views of the present
invention showing the seat back/lumbar support being pivoted from
its lumbar support position to the raised seat back position and
the process by which that operation is performed.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0021] The backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention is
shown best in FIGS. 1-6 as including a main container 12 having a
front wall 14, rear wall 16, side walls 18a and 18b, base wall 20,
and a top lid 22, with the general shape of the main container 12
being a rectangular box having dimensions of approximately twelve
to thirty inches in height, ten to twenty inches in width, and ten
to twenty inches in depth, although these dimensions may be
modified or changed depending on the materials to be carried in the
main container 12 and the size of the hunter or fisher using the
device. In the preferred embodiment, the main container 12 would be
constructed of a sturdy plastic or metal material, although a
reinforced plastic material such as molded PVC is preferred due to
the savings in weight.
[0022] Lid 22 is preferably pivotally mounted on top of the main
container 12, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3, by a pair of lid
hinges 24a and 24b mounted on side wall 18a. Mounted on opposite
side wall 18b is a lid latch 26 which releasably secures lid 22 on
main container 12 to cover and enclose the interior of main
container 12, as shown best in FIG. 3. In the preferred embodiment,
lid 22, when closed on main container 12, would form a generally
liquid-tight seal to generally prevent incursion of liquids into
the interior of the main container 12, thus protecting the object
stored there within. It is further preferred that lid 22 include
internal structural reinforcements which will permit the lid 22 to
function as the base of a seat, as will be described later in this
disclosure. The lid 22 would preferably be able to support in
excess of two hundred fifty pounds (250 lbs.) such that a majority
of persons who own the device may use it for its intended purpose
as a seat. Of course, however, the specific design of the lid 22 is
not critical to the present invention so long as the functional
characteristic of permitting the lid 22 to function as a seat base
is fulfilled. Finally, for additional comfort, a seat pad 28 would
be releasably mounted on the top of lid 22, the seat pad 28
preferably being constructed of a sturdy water-resistant fabric
material such as nylon or polyester with the interior of the seat
pad 28 being stuffed with a cushioning material to enhance the
comfort of a person sitting on the seat pad 28, although the exact
size, shape and construction materials used in connection with the
seat pad 28 are not critical to the present invention.
[0023] Mounted on rear wall 16 of main container 12 is a backpack
pad 30 which extends rearwards and outwards from the rear wall 16
to permit the main container 12 to be carried as a backpack, the
backpack pad 30 consisting of a generally rectangular vinyl or
fabric-covered foam pad which extends forwards from the rear wall
16 approximately two to four inches, depending on the amount of
cushioning desired and the spacing needed for comfortable carrying
of the main container 12. A pair of backpack straps 32a and 32b
would extend forwards from the rear wall 16 of main container 12,
as shown best in FIGS. 1-3, the backpack straps 32a and 32b
preferably being adjustable fabric straps of the kind commonly used
for backpacks and carrying bags, and it should be further noted
that many different types of backpack straps may be used in
connection with the present invention so long as the intended
purpose of supporting the main container 12 on the person's back is
maintained. Also, it may be preferable to include a releasable
chest connector strap (not shown) which extends between and
connects the two backpack straps 32a and 32b in the front of the
straps across the wearer's chest. The chest connector strap is
operative to secure the backpack straps 32a and 32b on the wearer's
shoulders and further acts to help distribute the weight of the
main container 12 across the chest and shoulders instead of relying
on only the shoulders for support thereof. Of course, such chest
connector straps are not critical to the present invention, but it
has been found that they will improve the comfort level of the user
of the present invention, and therefore their inclusion is
desirable.
[0024] While the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present
invention as thus described includes many features currently found
in the prior art, the device includes another unique feature which
is not found in the prior art and which is integral to the
operation of the backpack/seat combination 10 of the present
invention. Specifically, the present invention further includes a
seat back/lumbar support structure 40 which includes a pair of
upright tubes 42a and 42b mounted on rear wall 16 of main container
12, as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 3. In the preferred embodiment,
upright tubes 42a and 42b would be constructed of a sturdy metal or
plastic material and would be either square or circular in
cross-sectional shape. Slidably mounted within each of the upright
tubes 42a and 42b are a pair of seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b
which fit within a respective one of the upright tubes 42a and 42b,
as shown best in FIGS. 2 and 4-6, with the external diameter of
each of the seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b being less than the
internal diameter of the upright tubes 42a and 42b to permit the
seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b to slide up and down within the
upright tubes 42a and 42b. In the preferred embodiment, upright
tubes 42a and 42b would have lengths of approximately eight to
fifteen inches and seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b would have
lengths of approximately seven to twelve inches, depending on the
size of the main container 12 and the height at which the seat back
is to be supported.
[0025] Pivotably mounted on and extending between the seat back
mounting bars 44a and 44b is a generally U-shaped seat back support
bar 46 having a base end 48 on which is mounted the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 and top ends 50a and 50b, as shown best
in FIG. 3. The seat back support bar 46 would be pivotably mounted
on the seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b by a pair of bolts 52a
and 52b which extend through the seat back support bar 46
intermediate the base end 48 and top ends 50a and 50b and through
the respective one of the seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b
adjacent the upper ends thereof to permit the seat back support bar
46 to pivot relative to the seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b, as
will be discussed herein.
[0026] Once each of the elements of the seat back/lumbar support
structure 40 of the present invention are assembled, the seat back
mounting bars 44a and 44b are slid into the upright tubes 42a and
42b with the seat back support bar 46 pivoted such that the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 is below the bolts 52a and 52b such that
the base end 48 of seat back support bar 46 is below the top ends
50a and 50b of seat back support bar 46, as shown best in FIG. 1
and FIG. 5. The seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b are prevented
from sliding downwards within upright tubes 42a and 42b due to the
presence of the bolts 52a and 52b connecting seat back support bar
46 to the seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b and the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 mounted on seat back support bar 46
rests against the upright tubes 42a and 42b as the seat back
support bar 46 rests against the rear wall 16 of main container 12,
as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2. As can be seen best in FIG. 1,
however, one of the significant features of the seat back/lumbar
support structure 40 of the present invention is that when the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 is in the lumbar support position shown
therein, it cooperates with backpack pad 30 to render carrying of
the main container 12 far more comfortable than it would be
possible if only the backpack pad 30 were being used for back
support of the main container 12. By modifying the size, shape, and
thickness of the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, the comfort level
may be increased or adjusted depending on the needs of the user of
the present invention. It is well-known that increased lumbar
support for heavy items being carried on one's back greatly
increase the comfort and wearability of such a backpack device, and
it can be seen that the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 of the
present invention, when in its lumbar support position, will
fulfill that purpose.
[0027] The truly unique design feature of the seat back/lumbar
support structure 40 only becomes apparent when the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 is to be moved from its lumbar support
position to its seat back position, which is shown best in FIG. 4.
The following procedure is followed to shift the seat back/lumbar
support pad 54 from the lumbar support position to the seat back
position, and would involve the seat back support bar 46 being
pivoted about the bolts 52a and 52b to swing the seat back/lumbar
support pad 54 outwards away from the rear wall 16, as shown best
in FIG. 5. The seat back support bar 46 is then moved upwards with
seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b sliding upwards within upright
tubes 42a and 42b, as shown in FIG. 6. When the seat back mounting
bars 44a and 44b have been slid upwards a sufficient height to
allow the top ends 50a and 50b of seat back support bar 46 to
freely pivot over and above lid 22 of main container 12, as shown
in FIG. 6, the seat back support bar 46 is pivoted about bolts 52a
and 52b into the upright position shown as the dotted lines in FIG.
6 such that the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is positioned above
the bolts 52a and 52b. The seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b are
then slid back down within upright tubes 42a and 42b with the seat
back support bar 46 extending upwards generally parallel with the
seat back mounting bars 44a and 44b and with seat back/lumbar
support pad 54 positioned above the bolts 52a and 52b, as shown
best in FIG. 4. The seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is now in
position to serve as a seat back for a person seated on the main
container 12, specifically on lid 22 sitting on seat pad 28. As a
person seated on the seat pad 28 leans back against the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54, the seat back support bar 46 attempts
to pivot about bolts 52a and 52b, but because the top ends 50a and
50b of the seat back support bar 46 extend below the bolts 52a and
52b when the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 is in its seat back
position, the top ends 50a and 50b contact the rear wall 16 of main
container 12 and therefore rearward pivoting of the seat
back/lumbar support pad 54 is restricted due to that
pivot-preventing contact. Finally, when the individual using the
backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention as a seat is
finished with such use, he or she merely reverses the pivoting
process described in connection with seat back/lumbar support
structure 40 to return the seat back/lumbar support pad 54 to its
lumbar support position. The backpack/seat combination 10 may then
be returned to its position supported on the wearer's back, as
shown in FIG. 1, for further transport thereof.
[0028] An additional feature of the present invention is that the
backpack/seat combination 10 may further include a plurality of
outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 which are mounted on front wall 14
and side walls 18a and 18b, as shown best in FIGS. 1-3. In the
preferred embodiment, the outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 would be
formed of a sturdy fabric material and include zippers, snaps or
the like to releasably close the pockets for securement of items
therewithin. Of course, the exact size, shape, and number of
outside pockets 60, 62, and 64 is not critical to the present
invention, but it has been found that providing easily accessible
external storage areas renders the backpack/seat combination 10 of
the present invention even more useful for hunters and fishers.
[0029] It is to be understood that numerous additions,
substitutions, and modifications may be made to the backpack/seat
combination 10 of the present invention which fall within the
intended broad scope of the above description. For example, the
size, shape, and construction materials used in connection with
each of the elements of the present invention may be modified or
changed so long as the functional characteristics of those
structures are neither degraded nor destroyed. Furthermore,
although the backpack straps 32a and 32b are shown as being mounted
on the upright tubes 42a and 42b mounted on rear wall 16, it should
be understood that the backpack straps 32a and 32b may be mounted
on any appropriate location on the main container 12 so long as the
functional characteristics of providing a safe, secure, and
comfortable support strap structure for carrying the main container
12 is provided. Also, it should be noted that the interior of main
container 12 may include numerous types of internal structures such
as drawers, pockets, sleeves, smaller containers, and many other
types of dividing and organizing structures, any of which would be
understood by one skilled in the art of storage containers,
particularly storage containers for use by hunters and fishers. It
should further be noted that use of the present invention is
certainly not limited to only hunting and fishing activities, but
is designed for use by any persons who would find useful the
backpack/seat combination 10 of the present invention, such as
campers, bird watchers, sporting event spectators and many other
persons engaged in many other activities. Finally, although the
seat back support bar 46 has been described as a generally U-shaped
bar, it could conceivably be replaced by two upright, generally
parallel bars which mount to the seat back/lumbar support pad 54,
and furthermore seat back/lumbar support pad 54 may also include a
rear backing plate 56 to provide additional structural stability
for the seat back/lumbar support pad 54, and such modifications and
substitutions should be understood to be a part of this
disclosure.
[0030] There has therefore been shown and described a backpack/seat
combination 10 which accomplishes at least all of its intended
purposes.
* * * * *