U.S. patent application number 14/842168 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for apparatus and system for transporting an item.
The applicant listed for this patent is Greg G. Nelson. Invention is credited to Greg G. Nelson.
Application Number | 20150366357 14/842168 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54868493 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150366357 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson; Greg G. |
December 24, 2015 |
APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM
Abstract
An apparatus and system are disclosed for transporting an item.
The apparatus includes a substantially rigid frame and at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support. The substantially rigid
shoulder support is pivotably coupled to the frame. The
substantially rigid shoulder support is pivotable from a storage
position to a transporting position. In the storage position, the
substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the
frame. In the transporting position, the shoulder support extends
from the frame.
Inventors: |
Nelson; Greg G.; (Salt Lake
City, UT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Nelson; Greg G. |
Salt Lake City |
UT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
54868493 |
Appl. No.: |
14/842168 |
Filed: |
September 1, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14497056 |
Sep 25, 2014 |
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14842168 |
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61882557 |
Sep 25, 2013 |
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62033681 |
Aug 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/35 ; 224/155;
297/129; 297/16.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 7/506 20130101;
A47C 7/5066 20180801; A45F 4/02 20130101; A45F 3/10 20130101; A45F
2004/026 20130101; A47C 4/00 20130101; A47C 5/10 20130101; A47C
1/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47C 13/00 20060101
A47C013/00; A45F 4/02 20060101 A45F004/02; A47C 4/00 20060101
A47C004/00 |
Claims
1. An apparatus to transport an item on a user's back, the
apparatus comprising: a substantially rigid frame; at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the
frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support
pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position,
wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and
wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support extends from the frame.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least
one of a folding chair back frame, a folding chair seat frame, and
a folding chair armrest frame.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a backpack
frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the storage position, at
least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder
support is positioned parallel with the substantially rigid
frame.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the transport position, at
least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder
support extends substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises at least
one of a chair back frame and a chair seat frame, the chair back
frame having a top end and a bottom end, the chair seat frame
having a front end disposed opposite a rear end.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support is pivotably coupled to at least one of the
top end of the chair back frame and the front end of the chair seat
frame.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the chair back frame comprises
a chair back frame cross member and the chair seat frame comprises
a chair seat cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at
least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder
support is positioned parallel to and adjacent at least one of the
chair back frame cross member and the chair seat cross member and
wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion of the at
least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned
substantially perpendicular to at least one of the chair back frame
cross member and the chair seat cross member.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame comprises a folding
chair armrest frame having at least one vertical support member,
the at least one vertical support member supporting at least one
armrest frame cross member, wherein, in the storage position, at
least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder
support is positioned parallel to at least one of the at least one
vertical support member and the at least one armrest frame cross
member and wherein, in the transporting position at least a portion
of the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support is
positioned substantially perpendicular to at least one of the at
least one vertical support member and the at least one armrest
frame cross member.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion
and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending
substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transport
position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion,
the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially
perpendicular to the extending portion.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extending portion is
approximately a same length as an average width of a user's
shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a biasing element
disposed between the substantially rigid frame and the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support, the biasing element biasing
the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support in at least
one of the storage position and the transporting position.
13. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising: a frame
comprising at least one of a chair back frame and a chair seat
frame; and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support
pivotably coupled to the frame, the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support pivotable from a storage position to a
transporting position, wherein, in the storage position, the at
least one substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned
adjacent the frame and wherein, in the transporting position, the
at least one substantially rigid shoulder support extends
substantially perpendicularly from the frame.
14. The backpack chair of claim 13, wherein the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion
and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending
substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transporting
position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion,
the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially
perpendicular to the extending portion.
15. The backpack chair of claim 14, wherein the extending portion
is approximately a same length as an average width of a user's
shoulder from a chest of the user to a back of the user.
16. The backpack chair of claim 13, further comprising a biasing
element configured to bias the at least one substantially rigid
shoulder support in at least one of the storage position and the
transporting position.
17. The backpack chair of claim 13, wherein the frame further
comprises a folding chair armrest frame having at least one
vertical support member, the at least one vertical support member
supporting at least one armrest frame cross member, wherein, in the
storage position, at least a portion of the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at
least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at
least one armrest frame cross member and wherein, in the
transporting position at least a portion of the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support is positioned substantially
perpendicular to at least one of the at least one vertical support
member and the at least one armrest frame cross member.
18. A backpack chair, the backpack chair comprising: a frame
comprising a folding chair armrest frame having at least one
vertical support member, the at least one vertical support member
supporting at least one armrest frame cross member; and at least
one substantially rigid shoulder support pivotably coupled to the
frame, the at least one substantially rigid shoulder support
pivotable from a storage position to a transporting position,
wherein, in the storage position, the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support is positioned adjacent the frame and
wherein, in the transporting position, the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support extends substantially
perpendicularly from the frame.
19. The backpack chair of claim 18, wherein, in the storage
position, at least a portion of the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support is positioned parallel to at least one of
the at least one vertical support member and the at least one
armrest frame cross member and wherein, in the transporting
position at least a portion of the at least one substantially rigid
shoulder support is positioned substantially perpendicular to at
least one of the at least one vertical support member and the at
least one armrest frame cross member.
20. The backpack chair of claim 18, wherein the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support comprises an extending portion
and a hooking portion, the extending portion extending
substantially perpendicularly from the frame with the at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support positioned in the transporting
position, the hooking portion extending from the extending portion,
the hooking portion transitioning to an angle substantially
perpendicular to the extending portion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of and claims
priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/497,056 entitled
"APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING AN ITEM" and filed
on Sep. 25, 2014 for Greg G. Nelson which claims the priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/882,557 entitled
"APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR"
and filed on Sep. 25, 2013 for Greg G. Nelson and to Application
No. 62/033,681 entitled "APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR A
CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK CHAIR" and filed on Aug. 6, 2014 for Greg G.
Nelson, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to folding chairs and more
particularly relates to transportation of folding chairs.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Folding chairs are generally used for seating in areas where
permanent seating is not possible or practical. This includes
outdoor and indoor events such as college graduations, religious
services, sporting events, concerts and competitions. Such events
may be held in areas far from vehicle access. Thus, user's often
carry the folding chairs great distances so that they can have
comfortable seating when they arrive at their chosen event.
[0004] Attendees of these events often carry coolers or other items
to these events. Carrying multiple items can become burdensome and
the user may end up making several trips back and forth from their
vehicle to the destination to deliver their items. To relieve some
of this burden, chair manufacturers have developed chairs with
shoulder harnesses to assist in carrying the chairs.
[0005] These harnesses have several shortcomings. First, the
harnesses are irremovably coupled to the chair. In traversing a
wooded area, the harnesses may snag on trees or branches making the
walk or hike much more difficult. Additionally, once the user
arrives at the chosen destination and set up the chair, the
harnesses hang down from the chair in the dirt causing the
harnesses to become unsanitary and unsightly.
[0006] Another shortcoming resulting from an irremovable shoulder
harness is introduced when the user wishes to use a backpack to
transport items once the user arrives at the chosen destination.
For users with chairs having storage compartments and irremovable
harnesses, to transport the item, the user must also transport the
chair. The present invention has been developed to provide an
apparatus that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed
shortcomings in the art.
SUMMARY
[0007] From the foregoing discussion, it should be apparent that a
need exists for an apparatus and system that avoids the problems
associate with transporting a chair. Beneficially, such an
apparatus and system would also avoid placing the support harness
in unsanitary environments.
[0008] The present invention has been developed in response to the
present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the
problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved
by currently available transport systems. Accordingly, the present
invention has been developed to provide an apparatus and system for
transporting an item that overcome many or all of the
above-discussed shortcomings in the art.
[0009] The apparatus to transport an item on a user's back
includes, in certain embodiments, a panel and at least one
substantially rigid shoulder support. The panel includes a
substantially flat material. The shoulder support is pivotably
coupled to the panel. The shoulder support is pivotable from a
storage position to a transporting position. In the storage
position, the shoulder support is positioned adjacent the panel. In
the transporting position, the shoulder support extends from the
panel.
[0010] The panel, in one embodiment, is either a back panel on a
folding chair or a folding chair seat panel. In another embodiment,
the panel is a back panel on a backpack.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the apparatus also includes a
substantially rigid frame. In such an embodiment, the shoulder
support is pivotably coupled to the panel by the substantially
rigid frame.
[0012] The frame, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a chair back
frame and a chair seat frame. The chair back frame includes a top
end and a bottom end. The chair seat frame includes a front end
disposed opposite a rear end. In such an embodiment, shoulder
support may be pivotably coupled to either top end of the chair
back frame or the front end of the chair seat frame.
[0013] The apparatus, in a further embodiment, includes a cushion
pivotably coupled to the chair back frame. The cushion is pivotably
positionable in a head rest position and lumbar support
position.
[0014] In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a footrest
removably coupled to the chair seat frame. In such an embodiment a
height of the footrest is adjustable.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the apparatus also includes a
front leg frame and a rear leg frame. In such an embodiment, a
length of either the front leg frame, the rear leg frame, or both
is adjustable to adjust a height of a chair seat panel.
[0016] The apparatus, in another embodiment, includes an arm rest
and a drink holder. The arm rest is pivotably coupled to the chair
back frame at a first end of the at arm rest, the drink holder is
pivotably coupled to and extends from a second end of arm rest. The
drink holder is pivotably positionable between a folded position
and a drink holding position.
[0017] The shoulder support, in one embodiment, includes an
extending portion and a hooking portion. The extending portion
extends substantially perpendicularly from the panel with the
shoulder support positioned in the transport position. The hooking
portion extends from the extending portion. The hooking portion
transitions to an angle substantially parallel to the panel. In
such an embodiment, the extending portion is approximately a same
length as an average width of a user's shoulder from a chest of the
user to a back of the user.
[0018] Reference throughout this specification to features,
advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the
features and advantages that may be realized with the present
subject matter should be or are in any single embodiment of the
subject matter. Rather, language referring to the features and
advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,
advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an
embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion
of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same
embodiment.
[0019] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and
characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable
manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art
will recognize that the subject matter may be practiced without one
or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular
embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages
may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in
all embodiments.
[0020] These features and advantages of the present subject matter
will become more fully apparent from the following description and
appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject
matter as set forth hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] In order that the advantages of the invention will be
readily understood, a more particular description of the invention
briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific
embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings.
Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments
of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be
limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and
explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a left side view illustrating one embodiment of a
convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject
matter;
[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
convertible backpack chair according to the present subject
matter;
[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
convertible backpack chair in a folded position according to the
present subject matter;
[0025] FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
removable pack according to the present subject matter;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one embodiment of a
convertible backpack chair in accordance with the present subject
matter;
[0027] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
transportable backpack chair in a folded position according to the
present subject matter;
[0028] FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one embodiment of the
transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 in an open position
according to the present subject matter;
[0029] FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the
transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's
shoulders;
[0030] FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the
transportable backpack chair of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's
shoulders;
[0031] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an
apparatus to transport an item on a user's back;
[0032] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
backpack chair according to the present subject matter;
[0033] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
director's chair according to the present subject matter; and
[0034] FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the
director's backpack chair of FIG. 11 in a closed position according
to the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment,"
"an embodiment," or similar language means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one
embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout
this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the
same embodiment.
[0036] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or
characteristics of the subject matter may be combined in any
suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following
description, numerous specific details are provided for a thorough
understanding of embodiments of the subject matter. One skilled in
the relevant art will recognize, however, that the subject matter
may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or
with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other
instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not
shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the
subject matter.
[0037] FIG. 1 depicts a side view of one embodiment of a
convertible backpack chair 100 according to the present disclosure.
In certain embodiments, the convertible backpack chair includes a
folding chair 102, a pack 104 removably coupled to the folding
chair 102 and a harness 106 coupled to the pack 104.
[0038] The folding chair 102, in certain embodiments, includes a
chair back frame 108, a back support panel 202, a chair seat frame
110, a seat support panel 204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg
frame 114, and a pair of armrests 116a and 116b (collectively
116).
[0039] Referring to both FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 which depicts a
perspective view of one embodiment of the convertible backpack
chair 100 according to the present disclosure. In certain
embodiments, the chair back frame 108 has a top end 118 disposed
opposite a bottom end 120. As can be more clearly seen in FIG. 2,
in certain embodiments, the chair back frame 108 is substantially
U-shaped and supports the back support panel 202.
[0040] The chair seat frame 110, in one embodiment, includes a
front end 122 disposed opposite a rear end 124. In an exemplary
embodiment, the chair seat frame 110 is also substantially U-shaped
and supports the seat support panel 204. In certain embodiments,
the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 is pivotably coupled
to the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108. Thus, the chair
seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108 can pivot towards and
away from one another in the direction indicated by arrow 126. The
pivotability of the chair seat frame 110 with respect to the chair
back frame 108 allows the back support panel 202 and the seat
support panel 204 to be positioned adjacent one another to place
the chair 102 in a folded position as shown in FIG. 3.
[0041] In certain embodiments, the folding chair 102 includes a
front leg frame 112 and a rear leg frame 114. The front leg frame
112 and the rear leg frame 114, like the chair seat frame 110 and
the chair back frame, are also substantially U-Shaped. The front
leg frame 112 has a top ends 128a and 128b (collectively top end
128) disposed opposite a bottom end 130. The front leg frame 112 is
pivotably coupled to the chair seat frame 110 at a position between
the front end 122 and the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110
and at a position between the top end 128 and the bottom end 130 of
the front leg frame 112. In certain embodiments, a pining member
132 extends through each side of the front leg frame 112 and
through each side of the chair seat frame 110 to pivotably couple
the front leg frame 112 to the chair seat frame 110.
[0042] The rear leg frame 115 is also substantially U-Shaped. The
rear leg frame includes top ends 136a and 136b (collectively top
end 136) disposed opposite a bottom end 138. The rear leg frame 115
pivotably coupled to the front leg frame 112 at the top ends 136a
and 136b of the rear leg frame and the top ends 128a and 128b of
the front leg frame 112 by pining members 140a and 140b.
[0043] The armrests 116a and 116b are pivotably coupled to the
chair back frame 108 at each side of the chair back frame 108
between the top end 118 and the bottom end 120 of the chair back
frame 108. Pinning members 144a and 144b extend through the
armrests 116a and 116b and through each side of the chair back
frame 108 to pivotably couple the armrests 116a and 116b to the
chair back frame 108. The armrests 116a and 116b are also pivotably
coupled to the top ends 136a and 136b of the rear leg frame 115 and
the top ends 128a and 128b of the front leg frame 112 to support a
front end of the armrests 116a and 116b.
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the armrests 116a and 116b are
adjustably coupled to the top ends 136a and 136b of the rear leg
frame 115 and the top ends 128a and 128b of the front leg frame 112
by pinning members 140a and 140b positioned through adjusting
members 142a and 142b. In certain embodiments, the pinning members
140a and 140b engage grooves in the adjusting members 142a and 142b
to adjust an angle of the a chair back frame 108 for the comfort of
the user.
[0045] The apparatus 100 also includes a pack 104 removably coupled
to the folding chair 102. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1
and 2, the pack 104 is depicted as being positioned adjacent the
back support panel 202. In other embodiments, the pack 104 may be
positioned adjacent the seat support panel 204.
[0046] The pack 104, in certain embodiments, comprises a container
for holding various items according to a user's desires. Thus, as
is more clearly shown in FIG. 4, the pack 104 includes a top end
panel 402, a bottom end panel 404, side panels 406 and 408, front
panel 410 and rear panel 412. The top end 402, the bottom end panel
404, the side panels 406 and 408, the front panel 410 and the rear
panel 412 define a receiving space for receiving the user's various
items.
[0047] In one embodiment, the harness 106 is coupled to the pack
104. The harness 106 includes at least one shoulder strap 148. In
an exemplary embodiment, the at least one shoulder strap 148
comprises at least two shoulder straps 148a and 148b. In such an
embodiment, the at least two shoulder straps 148a and 148b have an
attached end 414 (see FIG. 4) and an attachable end 416 (see FIG.
4.) The attached end 414 of each of the at least two shoulder
straps 148a and 148b is coupled to a first end (the bottom end 404)
of the pack 104. In other embodiments, the attached end 414 of each
of the at least two shoulder straps 148a and 148b may be coupled to
the pack 104 at other positions on the pack 104.
[0048] The harness 106 is positionable between a chair transporting
position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and a pack transporting
position, as shown in FIG. 4. In the chair transporting position,
the shoulder straps 148a and 148b are removably coupled to the
chair 102. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the attachable ends 416 of the shoulder
straps 148a and 148b are shown as being removably coupleable to a
chair seat portion 206 of the folding chair 102. In other
embodiments, the attachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148a
and 148b are removably coupleable to a chair back portion 208 of
the folding chair 102. In the chair transporting position, the top
end 402 of the folding chair 102 is removably coupleable to the
chair seat portion 206 or the chair back portion 208 which
depending upon which portion the shoulder straps 148a and 148b are
removably coupled to. As used herein the chair seat portion 206
includes either or both of the chair seat frame 110 and the seat
support panel 204 and the chair back portion 208 includes either or
both of chair back frame 108 and the back support panel 202. One of
skill in the art will recognize that in other embodiments, the
attachable ends 416 of the shoulder straps 148a and 148b may be
removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 on other components
of the folding chair 102.
[0049] In the pack transporting position, the at least one shoulder
strap 148a and 148b is removably coupled to the pack 104. Note that
in FIG. 4 the harness 106 has not been coupled to the pack 104, in
other embodiments, the harness 106 is removably coupled to the pack
104 by attaching the components of the coupling element 146. Thus,
in one embodiment, the attachable end 416 of the at least two
shoulder straps 148a and 148b are removably coupleable to a second
end of the pack (the top end 402.) In other embodiments, the
attachable end 416 of each of the at least two shoulder straps 148a
and 148b may be removably coupleable to the pack 104 at other
positions on the pack 104.
[0050] In certain embodiments, the pack 104 is removably coupled to
the folding chair 102 by at least one pack coupling element 146. In
certain embodiments, the pack coupling elements 146 comprise any
device configured to removably couple one item to another (i.e., a
strap, hook and loop fastener, etc.) In other embodiments, as is
more clearly depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, in certain embodiments, the
pack coupling elements are a two piece buckle having a male
component 146a and a female component 146b. In such an embodiment,
either the male components 146a or the female components 146b may
be coupled to the pack 104 and the folding chair 102 in a
complimentary fashion such that the harness 106 and the pack 104
can be coupled to one another in the chair transporting position
and the attachable end 416 of the shoulder straps 148a and 148b can
be coupled to the top end 402 of the pack 104 in the pack
transporting position.
[0051] In certain embodiments, to removably couple the pack 104 to
the folding chair 102, at least one male component 146a or female
component 146b of the coupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair
seat frame 110 by a strapping element 302 that extends around the
chair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146a or female
component(s) 146b to the chair seat frame 110. Similarly, in
certain embodiments, at least one male component 146a or female
component 146b of the coupling elements 146 is coupled to the chair
back frame 108 by a strapping element 304 that extends around the
chair seat frame 110 to couple the male component(s) 146a or female
component(s) 146b to the chair back frame 108. Thus, in at least
one embodiment, the pack 104 is removably coupled to the folding
chair 102 by strapping elements 302 and 304 that extend around the
chair seat frame 110 and the chair back frame 108 respectively.
[0052] In other embodiments, the coupling elements 146 may be
integral with the strapping elements 302 and/or 304. For example,
in embodiments wherein the coupling elements are hook and loop type
fasteners, the hook and loop fasteners may comprise a strip of
either the hook portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop
fastener. In such an embodiment the strip of either the hook
portion or the loop portion of the hook and loop fastener may be
directly coupled to the chair seat frame 110 and the chair back
frame 108.
[0053] While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 depict the
pack 104 as being removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 in
only two positions (i.e., at the top end 118 of the chair back
frame 108 and at the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110),
one of skill in the art will recognize that the pack 104 may be
removably coupleable to the folding chair 102 at other positions.
For example, FIG. 5 is a right side view illustrating one
embodiment of a convertible backpack chair 500 in accordance with
the present subject matter. In certain embodiments, the convertible
backpack chair 500 of FIG. 5 is substantially similar to the
convertible backpack chair 100 of FIG. 1. Thus, in one embodiment,
the convertible backpack chair 500 includes a folding chair 102, a
pack 104 removably coupled to the folding chair 102 and a harness
106 coupled to the pack 104.
[0054] In certain embodiments, in addition to being removably
coupled to the folding chair 102 near the top end 118 of the chair
back frame 108, the pack 104 and/or the harness 106 may also be
removably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the bottom end 120
of the chair back frame 108. For example, in one embodiment, the
pack 104 is coupled to the folding chair 102 near the top end 118
of the chair back frame 108 by a hook and loop coupling element
502. A bottom end 504 of the pack 104 is coupled to the folding
chair 102 near the bottom end 120 of the chair back frame 108 by
another hook and loop coupling element 506. In certain embodiments,
another hook and loop coupling element 508 couples the harness 106
to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110. In yet another
embodiment, where the harness 106 includes two straps 148a and 148b
two hook and loop coupling elements 508 couple the two straps 148a
and 148b of the harness 106 to the front end 122 of the chair seat
frame 110.
[0055] In other embodiments, the pack 104 and/or the harness 106
may also be removably coupled to the folding chair 102 near the
rear end 124 of the chair seat frame 110 by yet another hook and
loop coupling element (not shown). One of skill in the art will
recognize other positions in which to removably couple the pack 104
and/or the harness 106 to the folding chair 102.
[0056] FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
transportable backpack chair 600 in a folded position according to
the present subject matter. In certain embodiments the backpack
chair 600 includes a folding chair 602 and at least one
substantially rigid shoulder harness 604a and 604b (collectively
604).
[0057] The folding chair 602, in one embodiment, is substantially
similar to the folding chair 102 described above. Accordingly, in
certain embodiments, the folding chair 602 includes a chair back
frame 108, a back support panel 202, a chair seat frame 110, a seat
support panel 204, a front leg frame 112, a rear leg frame 114, and
a pair of armrests 116a and 116b.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 7 which depicts a side view of one
embodiment of the transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 in an
open position according to the present subject matter. In certain
embodiments, the chair back frame 108 has a top end 118 disposed
opposite a bottom end 120. The chair seat frame 110, in one
embodiment, includes a front end 122 disposed opposite a rear end
124.
[0059] Referring again to FIG. 6, in certain embodiments, backpack
chair 102 includes at least two substantially rigid shoulder
supports (i.e., shoulder support 604a and 604b). In other
embodiments, the backpack chair 102 may only include one shoulder
support 604. In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair 102 may
include more than two shoulder supports 604.
[0060] The shoulder supports 604, in an exemplary embodiment, are
pivotably coupled to the folding chair 102. For example, in one
embodiment, each shoulder support 604 is coupled to the front end
122 of the chair seat frame 110 by screws 606a and 606b
(collectively 606) positioned through each shoulder support 604 and
through the front end 122 of the chair seat frame 110. In certain
embodiments, each shoulder support 604 is pivotable about the
screws 606 to reposition the shoulder supports 604 as further
discussed below.
[0061] Each shoulder support 604 is pivotable from a storage
position 608, as shown in FIG. 6, to a transporting position 702,
as shown in FIG. 7. That is, in certain embodiment, each shoulder
support 604 is pivotable about the screws 606 in the directions
indicated by arrows 616a and 6a6b respectively. In the storage
position 608, the shoulder supports 604 are positioned adjacent to
the chair seat panel 204. In this position, the shoulder supports
604 are positioned inside the chair seat frame 110.
[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes
biasing element configured to bias the at least one substantially
rigid shoulder support 604 in either the storage position 608 or
the transport position 702. For example, in one embodiment, springs
610a and 610b (collectively 610) are positioned between the chair
seat frame 110 and the shoulder supports 604. The springs 610
provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 604 positioned in
either the storage position 608 or the transporting position
702.
[0063] In the transporting position 702, the shoulder supports 604
extend away from the chair seat panel 204. In the transporting
position 702, the shoulder supports 604 may be positioned over a
user's shoulders to carry the backpack chair 600. For example, in
one embodiment, each shoulder support 604 includes an extending
portion 612a and 612b respectively and a hooking portion 614a and
614b respectively.
[0064] The extending portions 612a and 612b of the shoulder
supports 604 extend substantially perpendicularly from chair seat
panel when the shoulder supports 604 are positioned in the
transport position 702. The hooking portions 614a and 614b of the
shoulder supports 604 extend from the extending portions 612a and
612b respectively at an angle substantially parallel to the chair
seat panel 204.
[0065] In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612a and 612b
of the shoulder supports 604 are approximately the same width as a
width of a user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's
back. For example, with reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the
distance 704 between the hooking portion 614a of shoulder support
604 and the chair seat panel 204 is sufficient to comfortably fit
an average user's shoulder from the user's chest to the user's
back.
[0066] While the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 depict
the shoulder supports 604 as being pivotably coupled to the front
end 122 of the chair seat frame 110, one of skill in the art will
recognize that in other embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may
be pivotably coupled to the rear end 124 of the chair seat frame
110. In yet another embodiment, the shoulder supports 604 may be
pivotably coupled to either the top end 118 or a bottom end 120 of
the chair back frame 108.
[0067] Referring again to FIG. 7, in certain embodiments, the
backpack chair 600 includes a cushion 706. The cushion, in one
embodiment, is coupled to the chair back frame 108 by a bar 708. In
certain embodiment, the bar 708 is pivotable to reposition the
cushion 706 in from a head rest position (as shown in phantom
lines) and lumbar support position (as shown in solid lines). In an
exemplary embodiment, the cushion 706 is removable.
[0068] In another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a
footrest 710. The footrest 710 in one embodiment, is supported by a
footrest frame 716. The footrest frame 716, in certain embodiments,
is adjustably coupled to the front end 122 of the chair seat frame
110 by means of an adjustable ratchet as is known in the art. Thus,
in certain embodiments a height of the footrest 710 may be adjusted
as is illustrated in FIG. 7 with the solid and phantom lines
depicting the footrest 710 and the footrest frame 716. In an
exemplary embodiment, the footrest 710, like the cushion 706, is
removable.
[0069] In one embodiment, an angle of the footrest 710 is
adjustable. In such an embodiment, the footrest 710 is coupled to
the footrest frame 716 by a bar 718 that extends through the
footrest 710 and the footrest frame 716. The footrest 710 is
pivotable about the bar 718 to adjust the angle of the footrest
710.
[0070] In yet another embodiment, the backpack chair 600 includes a
drink holder 712. The drink holder 712, in certain embodiments, is
pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of the arm rest 116a
opposite wherein the arm rest 116a is coupled to the chair back
frame 108. In such an embodiment, the drink holder 712 is pivotably
adjustable to adjust a position of a user's drink.
[0071] In certain embodiment, the height of the backpack chair 600
may be adjusted. For example, in one embodiment, a length of the
front leg frame 112 is adjustable as depicted by the phantom lines
showing an elongated front leg frame 112. Similarly, in certain
embodiments, the length of the rear leg frame 114 may also be
adjusted as depicted by the phantom lines showing an elongated rear
leg frame 114. Either or both of the front leg frame 112 and the
rear leg frame 114 may be adjustable to adjust a height of the
front of the chair seat panel 204, a rear of the chair seat panel
204 or both.
[0072] FIG. 8A depicts a front view of one embodiment of the
transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's
802 shoulders. FIG. 8B depicts a side view of one embodiment of the
transportable backpack chair 600 of FIG. 6 positioned on a user's
802 shoulders.
[0073] As discussed above, in certain embodiments, the shoulder
supports 604 are sized to comfortably rest on the user's 802
shoulders. In one embodiment, the shoulder supports 604 are made of
a material having a sufficient structural rigidity to support the
backpack chair when the shoulder supports 604 are positioned over
the user's shoulders.
[0074] In certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 of
backpack chair 600 may be used with the backpack chair 100
discussed above with reference to FIG. 1. For example, in certain
embodiments, backpack chair 100 (FIG. 1) may include shoulder
supports (not shown) substantially similar to the shoulder supports
604 of backpack chair 600. Once the pack 104 has been removed from
the backpack chair 100 in a manner discussed above, the user may
use the shoulder supports 604 to transport the backpack chair 100.
This allows the user more freedom in their chair transporting
choices.
[0075] While the embodiments described above discuss a
transportable backpack chair 600 or 100, one of skill in the art
will recognize that in certain embodiments the shoulder supports
604 may be used to transport other items. For example, in certain
embodiments, the shoulder supports 604 may be pivotably coupled to
a backpack, a cooler, or any other object that a user may wish to
carry on his or her back.
[0076] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of an
apparatus 900 to transport an item on a user's back. The apparatus
900, in certain embodiments, includes a substantially flat panel
902 and at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 904a and
904b (collectively shoulder supports 904).
[0077] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, the substantially
flat panel 902 is a back panel on a backpack 908. In other
embodiments, the substantially flat panel may be a side or end of a
cooler. One of skill in the art will recognize that in other
embodiments, the apparatus 900 may include any other flat panel to
which the shoulder supports 904 may be pivotably coupled to
transport an item on a user's back.
[0078] The flat panel 902, in one embodiment, is a piece of
material or fabric supported by a backpack frame 906. That is, in
certain embodiments, the backpack 908 includes a frame 906 to which
the flat panel 902 is coupled. The backpack frame 902 includes at
least three sides to support the flat panel 902. In other
embodiments, the flat panel may comprise a substantially rigid
material that holds its own form without the backpack frame
906.
[0079] The shoulder supports 904, in certain embodiments, are
substantially similar to the shoulder supports 604 discussed above
with reference to FIG. 6 the transportable backpack chair 600 of
FIG. 6. That is, in certain embodiments, the shoulder supports 904
are pivotably coupled to the panel 902 and include an extending
portion 612a and 612b respectively and a hooking portion 614a and
614b respectively.
[0080] In one embodiment, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotable
from a storage position 606 (See, FIG. 6) to a transporting
position 702 (See, FIG. 7). In the storage position 606, the
shoulder supports are positioned adjacent the panel 902. In the
transporting position 702, the shoulder supports extend from the
panel 902.
[0081] In the transport position 702, the extending portions 612a
and 612b extend away from the panel 902. In one embodiment, in the
transport position 702, the extending portions 612a and 612b extend
substantially perpendicularly from the panel 902. In other
embodiments, the extending portions 612a and 612b extend away from
the panel 902 at an angle other than ninety degrees. Of course, one
of skill in the art will recognize that in certain embodiments, the
user may adjust the angle at which the extending portions 612a and
612b extend from the panel 902 to accommodate a user's shoulders
and comfort.
[0082] The hooking portions 614a and 614b extend from the extending
portions 612a and 612b and transition from the extending portions
612a and 612b to an angle substantially parallel to the panel 902.
In one embodiment, the transition between the angle of the
extending portions 612a and 612b and the angle of the hooking
portions 614a and 614b is ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the
transition between the angle of the extending portions 612a and
612b and the angle of the hooking portions 614a and 614b is gradual
such that the shoulder supports 904 include curved portions 910a
and 910b respectively to accommodate a user's shoulders.
[0083] In certain embodiments, the extending portions 612a and 612b
are sized to comfortable accommodate a user's shoulders. That is,
in one embodiment, the extending portions 612a and 612b are
approximately the same length as an average width of a user's
shoulder from the chest of a user to the back of the user. In one
embodiment, the average width of a user's shoulder is between about
six inches and twelve inches.
[0084] In embodiments where the panel 902 is supported by the frame
906, the shoulder supports 904 are pivotably coupled to the panel
902 by fastening elements 914a and 914b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.)
about which the shoulder supports 904 pivot.
[0085] In certain embodiments, the apparatus 600 includes biasing
elements (i.e., springs 610a and 610b) to keep the shoulder
supports 904 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the
transporting position 702. The springs 610a and 610b are positioned
between the frame 906 and the shoulder supports 904. The springs
610 provide tension to keep the shoulder supports 604 positioned in
either the storage position 608 or the transporting position
702.
[0086] FIG. 10 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
backpack chair 1000 according to the present subject matter. In
certain embodiments, the backpack chair 1000 includes at least one
panel 1002a and 1002b, a chair back frame 1004, a chair seat frame
1006, at least one substantially rigid shoulder support 1008a and
1008b (collectively shoulder supports 1008), and a cushion 1010a
and 1010b (collectively 1010).
[0087] The chair back frame 1004 supports the back support panel
1002a. In certain embodiment, the chair back frame 1004 includes a
tubular frame that extends about at least three sides of the back
support panel 1002a. The chair back frame 1004 includes a top end
1112 and a bottom end 1114. The chair back frame 1004 includes at
least one chair back frame cross member 1113.
[0088] The chair seat frame 1006 supports the seat support panel
1002b. The chair seat frame 1006, like the chair back frame 1004,
includes a tubular frame that extends around at least three sides
of the seat support panel 1002b. The chair seat frame 1006 has a
front end 1116 positioned opposite a rear end 1118. The chair seat
frame 1006 includes at least one chair seat cross member 1007. The
bottom end 1114 of the chair back frame 1004 is pivotably coupled
to the rear end 1118 of the chair seat frame 1006.
[0089] The back support panel 1002a is made of a fabric or other
semi-pliable material that is stretched about the chair back frame
1004 to provide support for a user's back when the user is seated
in the backpack chair 1000. Similarly, the seat support panel 1002b
is made of a fabric or other semi-pliable material that is
stretched about the chair seat frame 1006 to provide support for a
user's backside when the user is seated in the backpack chair 1000.
In other embodiments, the back support panel 1002a and the seat
support panel 1002b may be made of a rigid material.
[0090] As can be seen in the exploded popout of the coupling area
1120 of the shoulder supports 1008, the shoulder supports 1008 are
substantially similar to and operate in a manner substantially
similar to the shoulders supports 604 and 904 described above with
reference to apparatus 600 and apparatus 900 respectively. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the shoulder supports 1008 are
pivotably coupled to the chair seat cross member 1007 at the front
end 1116 of the chair seat frame 1006 by fastening elements 914a
and 914b (i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder
supports 1008 pivot. In the storage position, at least a portion of
the shoulder supports 1008 are positioned parallel to and adjacent
the chair seat cross member 1007. In the transporting position at
least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 is positioned
substantially perpendicular to the chair seat cross member
1007.
[0091] Springs 610a and 610b are positioned between the front end
1116 of the chair seat frame 1006 and the shoulder supports 1008.
The springs 610a and 610b provide tension to keep the shoulder
supports 1008 positioned in either the storage position 608 or the
transporting position 702. In certain embodiments, the shoulder
supports 1008a and 1008b are wrapped in cushioning material 1122a
and 1122b respectively to provide comfort to the user when
transporting the backpack chair 1000.
[0092] In other embodiments, the shoulder supports 1008 are
pivotably coupled to the chair back frame cross member 1113 at the
top end 1112 of the chair back frame 1004. In the storage position,
at least a portion of the shoulder supports 1008 are positioned
parallel to and adjacent the chair back frame cross member 1113. In
the transporting position at least a portion of the shoulder
supports 1008 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the
chair back frame cross member 1113. Of course one of skill in the
art will recognize that the shoulder supports 1008 could be coupled
to either the rear end 1118 of the chair seat frame 1006 or the
bottom end 1114 of the chair back frame 1004.
[0093] The cushion 1010 is pivotably coupled to the chair back
frame 1004 by a pair of supporting rods 1024a and 1024b. This
allows the cushion 1010 to be pivoted in the direction of arrow
1026 from a head rest position as illustrated by the broken line
depiction of the head rest 1010a to a lumbar support position as
illustrated by the solid line depiction of the head rest 1010b.
When the backpack chair 1000 is folded, the head rest 1010 can be
positioned in the lumbar support position to keep the headrest
positioned between the back support panel 1002a and the seat
support panel 1002b. This keeps the backpack chair 1000 compact
when a user wishes to transport the backpack chair 1000.
[0094] In certain embodiments, a height of the backpack chair 1000
can be adjusted by adjusting a height of either the front leg frame
1028 or a height of the rear leg frame 1030. As can be seen in the
exploded pop out of the front leg extension area 1032, in certain
embodiments either the front leg frame 1028, the rear leg frame
1030 or both include a series of holes 1034. A pinning element (not
shown) engages one of the holes to position either the front leg
frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 at a desired height.
Disengaging the pinning element from the hole 1034 allows the
height of either the front leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame
1130 to be adjusted to a position where the pinning element can
engage another hole 1034 to adjust the height of either the front
leg frame 1028 or the rear leg frame 1130 in the direction of arrow
1036.
[0095] In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 includes a
removable footrest 1038a and 1038b (collectively footrest 1038).
The footrest 1038 is repositionable in the direction of arrow 1040.
In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 may be positioned in a
packable position as illustrated by the solid line depiction of the
footrest 1038a wherein the footrest 1038 is positioned adjacent the
seat panel 1002b. In an extended position, as depicted by the
broken line illustration of the footrest 1038b, a footrest frame
1042 is removable coupled to and extends from the front end 1116 of
the chair seat frame 1006.
[0096] The popout illustration of the footrest frame coupling area
1044 depicts one embodiment of the adjustment mechanism for
adjusting the height of the footrest 1038. In such an embodiment, a
ratchet 1046 is interposed between the footrest frame 1042 and the
chair seat frame 1006. The ratchet 1046 allows the height of the
footrest 1038 to be adjusted in the direction of arrow 1040. In
certain embodiments, a pushpin (not shown) engages a hole 1048 to
releaseably couple the footrest frame 1042 to the chair seat frame
1006. This allows a user to remove the footrest 1038 when the user
does not desire the footrest 1038.
[0097] In certain embodiments, the footrest 1038 itself is
rotatable in the direction indicated by arrow 1052. In such an
embodiment, the footrest 1038 is coupled to the footrest frame 1042
by a pin 1050 that extends through the footrest 1038 and the foot
rest frame 1042.
[0098] In one embodiment, the backpack chair 1000 also includes a
beverage holder 1052. As is shown in the popout of the beverage
holder coupling area 1054, the beverage holder 1052, in certain
embodiments, is pivotably coupled to and extends from an end of an
arm rest 1056 opposite wherein the arm rest 1056 is coupled to the
chair back frame 1004. In such an embodiment, the beverage holder
1052 is pivotably adjustable to adjust a position beverage holder
1052 when the backpack chair 1000 is positioned in the transport
position 606.
[0099] FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a
director's chair 1102 according to the present subject matter. In
certain embodiments, the director's chair 1102 includes a
substantially rigid frame 1104 and at least one substantially rigid
shoulder support 1106a and 1106b (collectively shoulder supports
1106).
[0100] The frame 1104, in an exemplary embodiment, includes a
folding chair seat frame 1107, a folding chair back frame 1109 and
at least one folding chair armrest frame 1112a and 1112b
(collectively folding chair armrest frames 1112). The folding chair
seat 1108 frame includes a pair of crisscrossing rigid supports
1108a and 1108b that extend between the folding chair armrest
frames 1112a and 1112b. The crisscrossing rigid supports 1108a and
1108b support a seat panel 1114. The folding chair back frame 1109
includes a pair of upright supports 1110a and 1110b that support a
back panel 1116. Combined, the folding chair seat frame 1107 and
folding chair back frame 1109 along with the seat panel 1114 and
the back panel 1116 support a user in an upright seated position
when the director's chair 1102 is positioned in the seating
position 1118 as depicted in FIG. 11.
[0101] The folding chair armrest frames 1112a and 1112b, in one
embodiment, include vertical supports 1120a, 1120b and 1120c, 1120d
respectively (collectively vertical supports 1120). The vertical
supports 1120 support armrest frame cross members 1122a and 1122b
(collectively armrest frame cross members 1122) which extend
substantially horizontally between the vertical supports 1120a,
1120b and 1120c, 1120d respectively. When the director's chair 1102
is positioned in the seating position 1118, the armrest frame cross
members 1122a and 1122b provide a comfortable support for the
user's arms.
[0102] The shoulder supports 1106 are pivotably coupled to the
frame 1104 by one or more, fastening elements 1124a and 1142b
(i.e., screw, bolts, etc.) about which the shoulder supports 1106
pivot. The shoulder supports 1106 are pivotable from a storage
position 1202 as illustrated in FIG. 12 to a transporting position
1126 as illustrated in FIG. 11. While the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 11 depicts the director's chair 1102 positioned in the seating
position 1118 with the shoulder supports 1106 positioned in the
transporting position 1126, one of skill in the art will recognize
that the director's chair 1102 will typically be transported when
the director's chair 1102 is positioned in the folded position 1204
(see, FIG. 12). However, with the present disclosure, the
director's chair 1102 can be transported in either the seating
position 1118 or the in the folded position 1204.
[0103] In the storage position 1202, the shoulder supports 1106 are
positioned adjacent the frame 1104 (i.e., adjacent armrest frame
cross member 1122a). That is, at least a portion of the shoulder
supports 1106 (i.e., either the extending portion 1128a, 1128b or
the hooking portion 1130a, 1130b) is positioned parallel with the
frame 1104. In the transporting position 1126, the shoulder
supports 1106 extend from the frame 1104.
[0104] FIG. 12 depicts a side view of one embodiment of the
director's backpack chair 1100 of FIG. 11 in a closed position 1204
according to the present subject matter. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 12, the shoulder supports 1106 are depicted in
the storage position 1202.
[0105] In the storage position 1202, the extending portions 1128a
and 1128b of the shoulder supports 1106a and 1106b are positioned
adjacent to and parallel the armrest frame cross member 1122a. The
hooking portions 1130a and 1130b of the shoulder supports 1106a and
1106b are positioned adjacent to and parallel vertical supports
1120a and 1120b of the folding chair armrest frame 1112a. In this
position, the shoulder supports 1106a and 1106b are tucked away to
avoid interference with the use of the director's backpack chair
1100.
[0106] The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
* * * * *