Convertible Backpack And Cot Apparatus

Abstract

A convertible backpack and cot apparatus includes an extensible unitary frame which in its contracted condition is of a convenient size to carry on the back of a user and in its extended condition forms the peripheral framework of a cot and includes legs for retaining the peripheral framework elevated from the ground. The frame is composed of telescoping side and end portions so that the frame can be extended both in a lateral and longitudinal direction. Each end portion carries a supporting leg that is rotatable between fixed positions so that the leg can also serve as a support for a bedroll or the like or as an attachment bar for shoulder straps when the apparatus is used as a backpack. A center leg interconnects the side portions of the frame and is extensible laterally of the apparatus to provide an intermediate support when the apparatus is used as a cot. The frame is adapted to carry a conventional knapsack, and a cot sheet is connected along its periphery to the frame so as to be stretched taught when the frame is extended.

Description

The present invention generally relates to camping equipment and more particularly to a backpack having a unitary frame that can be extended to convert the backpack into a cot.

Back-packing has been increasing in popularity and, while it is conventional to carry a bedroll on the backpack which can be rolled out onto the ground at night for sleeping, it is highly desirable, particularly in cold and damp environments, to sleep elevated from the ground. To this end, several backpacks have been designed so as to be convertible into cot frames by disassembling the backpack frame then reassembling the frame with or without the addition of other frame members to convert the frame into an enlarged cot frame upon which the backpacker can rest in an elevated prone position.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a new and improved backpack and cot apparatus which utilizes a unitary frame of a convenient size to carry on the back when the apparatus is used as a backpack and which can be quickly and easily converted into a larger supporting frame for a comfortable cot.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a convertible backpack and cot apparatus having a unitary frame which includes telescoping ends and sides whereby the frame is readily extensible in both longitudinal and lateral directions for easy conversion between use as a backpack frame and as a cot frame.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a convertible backpack and cot apparatus having an extensible frame with pivotal legs at opposite ends of the frame which are movable between fixed positions to provide rigid leg supports for the apparatus when used as a cot and provide desirable supports for bedrolls, shoulder straps and the like when used as a backpack.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a convertible backpack and cot apparatus which is extensible from a size convenient to carry on the back to a size adequate to support its user in a prone position and which avoids the use of cross frame members which would cause discomfort to the user when the apparatus is extended and used as a cot.

The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of the present invention accomplishes the foregoing and other objects through utilization of an extensible unitary frame that is quickly and easily converted between contracted and expanded conditions for use as a backpack and cot respectively. As will become clear with the detailed description hereinafter, it is not necessary to disassemble and assemble the frame when converting it for its several uses, but merely to slide the frame portions axially of each other in changing the length and width of the frame. The frame includes telescoping side and end portions so that the frame is extensible in both a transverse and longitudinal direction. In the preferred embodiment, side frame members and end frame members are interconnected by corner frame members which are telescopically received in the side and end frame members. Supporting legs are connected to each of the end frame members and the end frame members whereby the end legs are movable relative to the corner frame members between a plurality of fixed positions to prevent relative rotation between the associated members. In this manner the supporting legs are also useful when the apparatus is used as a backpack to support bedrolls, shoulder straps, and the like as will become more apparent with the detailed description hereinafter. A center U-shaped leg interconnects the side frame members while protruding normally away from a plane containing each side member and has a transversely extending intermediate portion which is extensible so that the center leg can be elongated transversely of the frame.

A cot sheet is connected along its periphery to the frame so that it is automatically drawn taught when the frame is extended and a knapsack is conveniently releasably connected to the frame for use when the apparatus is used as a backpack for carrying camping equipment and the like. Shoulder straps are also releasably connected between the frame and one of the supporting legs whereby the apparatus can be comfortably carried on the back of a user when in its collapsed condition.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent as the description proceeds taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the backpack and cot apparatus of the present invention in its contracted condition;

FIG. 1a is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a side frame member showing the attachment of a knapsack to the side frame member;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the backpack and cot apparatus in its expanded condition;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view with parts broken away showing the interconnection of an end frame member with an elbow member; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line 8--8 of FIG. 7.

A preferred embodiment of the backpack and cot apparatus 10 of the present invention is seen in FIGS. 1 through 3 to include an extensible framework 12 adapted to support a cot sheet 14 and a conventional knapsack 16 as well as camping accessories such as a bedroll 18 or the like.

The frame for the backpack and cot apparatus 10 is seen to be rectangular and includes a pair of identical parallel side frame members 20, identical parallel head and foot end frame members 22a and 22b respectively extending in a direction normal to the side frame members, and two pair of identical L-shaped corner or elbow members 24 interconnecting the side and end frame members and defining the corners of the frame. The side frame members 20 are several times as long as the end frame members 22a and 22b and both the side and end frame members are hollow cylindrical tubes of the same diameter with the side frame members having a slight bend at their longitudinal center so that when the apparatus 10 is used as a packpack, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, it can be carried comfortably on the back of its user, FIG. 3. The elbow members 24 are also hollow cylindrical tubes but have an outer diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the side and end frame members. Each elbow member 24 has an end leg 26 approximately half the length of an end frame member 22a or 22b and a side leg 28 approximately half the length of a side frame member 20 with the end leg 26 being slidably received within an associated end frame member and the side leg 28 being slidably received within an associated side frame member. It can, therefore, be seen that the side, end and elbow frame members cooperate in establishing an expansible telescopic rectangular framework which is expansible both longitudinally and transversely.

The head and foot end frame members 22a and 22b respectively each include an integral U-shaped leg 30 which extends laterally or radially away from one side of the end frame member. The U-shaped leg 30 has a pair of side bars 32 each having one end connected to the end frame member adjacent the ends of the end frame member and a cross bar 34 interconnecting the opposite ends of the side bars 32. Preferably, the U-shaped leg 30 is formed from a fixed length of hollow tubing which is appropriately bent to form the side and cross bars 32 and 34 respectively.

The end frame members 22a and 22b, in addition to being slidably movable axially of the end leg portions 26 of the associated elbow members 24, are rotatable about the end leg portion and may be fixed in any one of a plurality of angularly related positions by a conventional finger-actuated snap lock mechanism 36 carried within the end leg of the elbow member 24 and adapted to cooperate with circular openings 38 in the end frame members 22a and 22b. The snap lock mechanism 36 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 to include a depressable lock pin 40 having a length slightly shorter than the internal diameter of the elbow member 24 and which is guided for axial sliding movement within a cylindrical guide bushing 42 extending diametrically across the interior of the elbow member and being immovably anchored to the elbow member as by soldering. The guide bushing 42 has an inturned flange 42a at one end and is axially aligned with a smaller diameter circular opening 44 in the elbow member which is slightly larger than the diameter of the lock pin 40 so that the lock pin is slidable therethrough. The lock pin has as integral annular shoulder 46, spaced inwardly from the outer end 48 of the pin, which has a diameter slightly greater than the opening in the end of the bushing defined by the flange 42a so that only the portion of the lock pin outwardly of the shoulder is allowed to pass through the opening 44 in the elbow member. A compression spring 50 within the guide bushing 42 circumscribes the lock pin along a portion of its length so as to abut against the inner surface of the annular shoulder 46 and the inner surface of the elbow member at the opposite end of the guide bushing. In this manner, the lock pin is biased in a radial direction urging the outer end 48 of the pin outwardly through the circular opening 44 in the elbow member and through one of the circular openings 38 in the associated end frame member 22a or 22b.

It will be appreciated that when the lock pin 40 extends into an opening 38 in an associated end frame member 22a or 22b, the end frame member is prevented from rotating about the elbow member 24. However, by depressing the lock pin so that its outer end 48 is within the inner diameter of the associated end frame member, the end frame member can be rotated relative to the end leg portion 26 of the elbow member. For purposes of the present disclosure, three aligned angularly spaced openings 38 are provided adjacent each end of the end frame members 22a and 22b and at two spaced locations near the center of the end members and are situated so that the U-shaped leg 30 on the end frame member can be advantageously locked in any one of three distinct angularly related positions regardless of whether the frame is extended or contracted to serve various useful purposes. For example, the end frame members 22a and 22b can be locked as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, so that the associated leg 30 extends substantially normally away from the plane of the framework 12 of the apparatus and thereby serves as a support leg for the framework when the apparatus 10 is used as a cot. The end frame members 22a and 22b can also be locked in a position, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, so that the associated U-shaped leg 30 extends at approximately a 45.degree. angle to the plane of the framework 12 of the apparatus so as to retain the bedroll 18 or other like article between the leg 30 and the framework. In the third available setting, the U-shaped leg 30 would be locked into the plane of the framework of the apparatus, extending inwardly thereof for a purpose to be explained later.

It is to be understood that the end leg 26 of each elbow member 24 is identical and includes an identical snap lock mechanism 36 so that the U-shaped leg on each of the end frame members is movable between the three fixed positions. It should also be pointed out that the snap lock mechanism is disposed so as to be slightly spaced from the end of the end leg 26 so that the frame is extensible to a maximum extent without sacrificing strength when the frame is extended. Since there are two sets of openings 38 on each end member 22a and 22b which are adapted to cooperate with the snap lock mechanism on the end leg 26 of each elbow member, it can be appreciated that the end leg of the elbow member can be prevented from longitudinal sliding movement within the end frame members 22a and 22b in either one of two positions. Similarly, each side frame member has an opening 39 adjacent each end and two openings 39 near its center, one on either side of the bend, which cooperate with a snap lock mechanism 36 near the end of the side leg 28 of each elbow member. The snap lock mechanism 36 on the side leg of each elbow member is identical to the snap lock on the end leg; however, since the side frame members do not rotate relative to the side leg of the associated elbow member, only two openings, as opposed to two sets of openings, are needed in the side frame members to cooperate with each side leg of an elbow member in preventing relative longitudinal sliding movement between the side legs of the elbow members and the side frame members. Accordingly, the elbow members in one position are substantially retained within the side and end frame members, such as when the frame is contracted, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, and in another position only the terminal ends of the elbow member are retained in the side and end frame members as when the frame is extended, as shown in FIGS. 4 through 6.

A center U-shaped leg 52 interconnects the side frame members 20 at the longitudinal centers thereof and includes two L-shaped hollow tubular elements 54 and 56 having shorter legs 58 and 60 respectively anchored to an associated side frame member and extending normally away from the plane of the framework of the apparatus 10 and longer legs 62 and 64 respectively extending transversely of the apparatus along a line spaced from the plane of the framework of the apparatus. The longer legs of the L-shaped elements are telescopically received in a tubular sleeve 65 of slightly larger internal diameter than the outer diameter of the longer legs 62 and 64. Snap lock mechanisms, now shown, identical to the snap lock mechanisms 36 are incorporated into the ends of the longer legs 62 and 64 to cooperate with openings 66 in the sleeve 65 to positively position the elements 54 and 56 when the frame is in its contracted and expanded positions. It can, therefore, be appreciated that when the apparatus framework 12 is expanded or contracted, the center leg 52 can selectively expand or contract accordingly to conform with the width of the framework.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 3, the knapsack or bag 16 is of the type conventionally used on backpacks and is releasably connected in a conventional manner to the side frame members 20 of the framework by a pull-rod 68 on each side frame member. The pull-rod 68 is adapted to pass through a plurality of pins 70, FIGS. 1 and 1a, having radial passages therethrough which are welded or otherwise anchored to the outer side of each side frame member 20. The pull-rod is not inserted through the pins 70, however, until the pins have been inserted through corresponding eyelets 72 in side flaps 74 along the sides of the knapsack. Accordingly, the knapsack 16 is easily attached to the framework by insertion of the pins 70 through the eyelets in the associated side flaps of the knapsack and inserting the pull-rod through the pins longitudinally of each frame member to retain the eyelets on the pins. The knapsack is just as easily removed from the framework by removing the pull-rod which releases the knapsack from the framework.

A pair of shoulder straps 76 for comfortably suspending the apparatus 10 from the shoulders of a user when in the contracted condition are passed from the cross bar portion 34 of the U-shaped leg 30 on the head end frame member 22a of the apparatus to the end of the adjacent side frame member 20 at the opposite end of the framework. Of course, each end of both shoulder straps 76 is suitably anchored in any conventional manner at the aforementioned locations on the apparatus so as to support the weight of the apparatus and any articles carried thereon. Since the U-shaped leg 30 to which the shoulder straps are attached at the head end of the framework is somewhat narrower than the width of the framework in its contracted condition, the upper end of the shoulder straps are closer together than the lower ends as desired for positive but comfortable cooperation with the shoulders of a user.

The cot sheet 14 is composed of a light weight flexible material, such as nylon, having the necessary strength to support the weight of a user. It consists of a rectangular body 78 having dimensions approximating that of the framework when the framework is in its extended condition. The body 78 has a plurality of attached loops 80 along its perimeter which are large enough to pass around either the side frame members 20 or end frame members 22a and 22b so that when the framework is contracted and used as a backpack, the loops 80 will fit easily around the side and end frame members with the body 78 retained in a loose condition within the framework. When the framework is extended, some of the loops 80 can be slid onto the elbow members 24 of the framework, as clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, so that the body of the cot sheet is stretched between the frame members so as to be suitable for comfortably supporting its user. It is important to note that when the apparatus is extended and used as a cot, there are no cross bars of the framework which would be discomforting to a user. The only cross bar that is located between the ends of the cot is the center leg 52 which extends downwardly and away from the cot sheet and would accordingly not be felt by a user.

To make the apparatus 10 more comfortable to carry when used as a backpack, a cushioning strap 84 is releasably connected to the side frame members 20 so as to interconnect the side frame members and be stretched tightly therebetween. The cushioning strap is conventionally used on backpacks to direct a portion of the weight of the backpack into the user's lower back immediately above the pelvic region. Accordingly, the cushioning strap is selectively positioned along the length of the side frame members at a location which is best suited for the individual carrying the apparatus.

It can be appreciated from the foregoing description that a backpack and cot apparatus 10 has been described which is of convenient and comfortable size to carry on the back when in its contracted condition and which can be expanded to nearly twice its length and width to support its user in a prone position elevated from the ground. It can also be appreciated that when the framework is made of a light material, such as aluminum or light weight steel, and with the cot sheet 14 and knapsack 16 made of a light weight material, such as nylon, that the entire apparatus can be light enough to comfortably carry on the back of a user and yet strong enough to support the weight of the user.

By way of illustration and not limitation, it is recommended that the framework be approximately 14 inches wide and 38 inches long in its contracted condition so as to fit comfortably on the back of its user when used as a backpack and so that when it is expanded to nearly twice its length and width, it will be large enough to comfortably support a relatively tall individual in a prone position.

Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that changes in details of structure may be made without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A convertible packpack and cot apparatus comprising:

a substantially rectangularly shaped frame having a pair of end members, a pair of side members, and first and second pairs of elbow members forming the corners of said frame, each of said elbow members being telescopically connected to one of said end members and one of said side members to define an adjustable extension of the associated end member and side member, at least one of the end frame members being rotatable relative to the associated elbow members telescopically connected therewith, and releasable lock means operably interconnecting said end frame member and the associated elbow members for securing the said end frame member relative to the associated elbow members in a selected angularly related position,

leg members connected to said end members and rotatable relative to said elbow members along with the end members so that said leg members can be positioned to elevate said frame from a supporting surface, and

a cot sheet attached to said frame along the periphery of the frame.

2. The convertible packpack and cot apparatus of claim 2, wherein said leg members operably connected to said end members comprise rigid extensions away from said end members to provide rigid supports for said frame.

3. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 2, wherein said elbow members are slidably received within said end frame members and wherein each of said leg members associated with the end members comprises a U-shaped normal projections away from the associated end member.

4. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 2 further including a leg member operably connected to said side frame members which includes a pair of L-shaped elements, each L-shaped element having a first leg extending normally away from an associated side frame member and a second leg extending normally away from the first leg in a general direction toward the opposite side frame member, said second leg of one L-shaped element telescopically mating with the second leg of the other L-shaped element whereby the leg member associated with the side frame members is extensible transversely of the frame.

5. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 3 wherein said elbow members are slidably received within said side frame members.

6. The convertible packpack and cot apparatus of claim 5 further including releasable lock means interconnecting the side frame members and the associated elbow members to retain the respective members in a selected position.

7. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 6 wherein said one end frame member is rotatable about the associated elbow members between a plurality of fixed positions and wherein said releasable lock means are operative to prevent relative rotation between the said one end frame member and the associated elbow members when the said one end member is in one of the fixed positions.

8. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 1 further including support means operably connected to said frame and adapted to be passed over the shoulder of a user to support the apparatus on the user's back.

9. The convertible backpack and cot apparatus of claim 8 wherein said cot sheet includes a plurality of looped means on its periphery adapted to receive said frame whereby said cot sheet can be retained and supported in a taught condition by said frame.

10. A convertible backpack and cot apparatus comprising:

a substantially rectangularly shaped frame having a pair of hollow cylindrical end members, a pair of hollow cylindrical side members, said end members and side members having the same inner diameters, and first and second pairs of identical elbow members having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the end and side members, each elbow member having a short leg and a long leg, the short leg being received in an end member for relative axial and rotatable movement and the long leg being received in a side member for relative axial movement whereby said frame is expandable and contractible by relative sliding movement of the elbow members with the end and side members,

a U-shaped end leg member rigidly affixed to each end member so as to be rotatable with the end member about the short legs of the associated elbow members,

a U-shaped center leg interconnecting the side members, said center leg including a pair of L-shaped elements, each L-shaped element having a first leg extending normally away from an associated side member and a second leg extending normally away from the first leg in a general direction toward the opposite side member, said second leg of one L-shaped element telescopically mating with the second leg of the other L-shaped element whereby the leg member associated with the side members is extensible,

releasable lock means interconnecting the side members and the associated elbow members to retain the side members and elbow members in selected relative axially spaced positions,

releasable lock means interconnecting the end members and the associated elbow members to retain the side members and elbow members in selected relative axially spaced positions and angularly related positions,

a cot sheet operably attached to said side, end and elbow members by loop means around the periphery of the cot sheet,

a knapsack releasably connected to the side frame members, and

a pair of shoulder straps, each shoulder strap being connected at one end to a U-shaped end leg member and at its opposite end to a side member so as to provide a comfortable means for suspending the apparatus from the shoulders of a user.