TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to backpacks, bags, totes and the like for carrying or porting items (e.g., for a trip to the beach), in particular, a (human-wearable) system of compartments and modular containers for and securable to a folding chair and the modular independently usable components thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
Individuals visit the beach for relaxation or recreational purposes, often bringing bulky items such as a beach chair, body board, blanket and cooler, and smaller items such as sunscreen, books, electronic devices, food, beverages, and the like. Individuals often store the smaller items in a duffle bag or backpack and carry bulkier items by hand.
One common way to transport a bulky item such as a body board is to carry the item under the arm while walking, skateboarding or riding a bike. This method of transportation presents a safety hazard because the bulky item may strike nearby persons or objects, and allows the use of only one free hand to perform functions such as steering a bike or breaking a fall if the person were to trip during transit. Carrying bulky item also allows only one free hand to carry other items or to care for small children or leashed pets where use of both hands are desired.
While a duffle bag may be a convenient way to store smaller items, carrying a heavily loaded bag on one side of the body may strain the trapezius and adjacent shoulder muscles because the bag is carried over only one shoulder. Using only a duffle bag or standard backpack to transport smaller items may also present problems due to their limited interior space. For example, a duffle bag or backpack is not likely to have the capacity to store small items and be large enough to also store a cooler to keep beverages or food cold.
Surfboard racks may be used to mount a surfboard or body board to a bicycle, but are problematic because once the individual reaches the sand or a heavily populated area of the beach, he or she must dismount the bicycle. Upon dismounting, a user may lead the bicycle to the water or secure the bicycle to a rack and carry the body board to the water, leaving at most one free hand to carry additional items or perform other tasks.
For these reasons, there remains a need for a device to enable users to carry bulky items such as a beach chair or body board, and smaller items such as sunscreen and coolers, all while being hands-free and distributing the weight evenly across the body to prevent muscle strain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In an example embodiment, a human-wearable system of compartments and modular containers for and securable to a folding chair includes: a backpack/body board carrier including a back portion of a generally/substantially rectangular shape defined at opposite top and bottom ends by an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion and at opposite left and right ends by a left edge portion and a right edge portion, the backpack/body board carrier including a pair of chair mounting straps at opposite ends of the upper edge portion, the chair mounting straps being of the same length and each of the chair mounting straps including manually engageable and releasable latch elements securable to a folding chair about exposed frame portions of a chair back portion of the folding chair at left and right opposite ends, respectively, of a top edge of the chair back portion; a modular insulated container in the form of a cooler having a pair of cooler mounting straps configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of an arm rest of the folding chair or of a handlebar of a bicycle; and an additional modular container in the form of a tote bag having a pair of tote bag mounting straps configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of the other arm rest of the folding chair or of the other handlebar of the bicycle.
In an example embodiment, a human-wearable system for and securable to a folding chair includes: a backpack/body board carrier including a back portion of a generally/substantially rectangular shape defined at opposite top and bottom ends by an upper edge portion and a lower edge portion and at opposite left and right ends by a left edge portion and a right edge portion, the backpack/body board carrier including a pair of chair mounting straps at opposite ends of the upper edge portion, the chair mounting straps being of the same length and each of the chair mounting straps including manually engageable and releasable latch elements securable to a folding chair about exposed frame portions of a chair back portion of the folding chair at left and right opposite ends, respectively, of a top edge of the chair back portion, the backpack/body board carrier including adjustable body board(s) mounting straps each secured at opposite ends thereof to the left edge portion and the right edge portion, respectively; wherein a width of the back portion is around 19 inches, and a ratio of the width of the back portion to a height of the back portion is at least 1.2 facilitating securing a body board to the backpack/body board carrier such that the body board is favorably located relatively high on the user's back for carrying while also maintaining a symmetrical left to right distribution of the weight of the body board being carried.
In an example embodiment, a system of compartments and modular containers for and securable to a folding chair includes: a modular insulated container in the form of a cooler having a pair of cooler mounting straps configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of an arm rest of the folding chair or of a handlebar of a bicycle; and an additional modular container in the form of a tote bag having a pair of tote bag mounting straps configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of the other arm rest of the folding chair or of the other handlebar of the bicycle; wherein each of the containers has exterior dimensions of around 13″(W)×5″(D)×9″(H).
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front view of a multifunctional backpack;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the backpack with a top flap lifted upright and horizontal straps opened as to not obstruct the front of the backpack;
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the backpack;
FIG. 4 is side and rear view of the backpack;
FIG. 5 shows a user wearing the backpack with a body board attached to the backpack;
FIG. 6 shows a user wearing straps from a beach chair over the shoulders, the beach chair attached to the rear of the backpack, and body boards attached to the front of the backpack;
FIG. 7 is a top view of a first container to accompany the backpack;
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the first container to accompany the backpack;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a second container to accompany the backpack;
FIG. 10 is a rear view of the second container to accompany the backpack;
FIG. 11 shows the first container and second container attached to the arms of a beach chair; and
FIG. 12 shows the first container and second container positioned between the back and seat portion of a folded beach chair.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a multifunctional backpack (backpack) (or backpack/body board carrier) 10 used to store items and simultaneously carry one or more body boards 60 (FIG. 5-6) and beach chair 62 (FIG. 6). The backpack 10 is preferably made from a canvas material, although the backpack 10 may be made from other materials such as cloth, denim, or leather, for example. The backpack 10 has a top end 18 and bottom end 19, and includes a front panel 12, rear panel 14, side panels 16 therebetween, and a closure flap 20. Horizontal straps (or adjustable body board(s) mounting straps) 22 extend from the rear panel 14 (FIG. 3) and include a snap-fit buckle 24 to secure the horizontal straps 22 together. The snap-fit buckle 24 is preferably made from a plastic polymer although the snap-fit buckle 24 may also be made from a pliable metal or other flexible yet durable material. While snap-fit buckles 24 are preferred, other buckles may include but are not limited to screw closure, clamp closure, or clip-latch buckles. The snap-fit buckle 24 includes a male end 26 and a female end 28, both ends having a buckle opening 30 to adjust the length of the horizontal straps 22.
Still referring to FIG. 1, the front panel (or front portion) 12 of the backpack 10 includes a first compartment (or at least one additional compartment) 32 and a second compartment (or secondary compartment) 34. The side panels 16 of the backpack 10 include a side pocket 36 adjacent the bottom end 19 of the side panels 16 to store items such as a water bottle or sunscreen. The side pockets 36 are preferably mesh, although the side pockets 36 may be made from the same material as the backpack 10. The side panels 16 also include chair mount straps 38 including a snap-fit buckle 24. The rear panel (or back portion) 14 (FIG. 3) includes backpack straps (or adjustable shoulder straps) 48 and sternum straps 50 therebetween to provide lumbar support when the backpack 10 is worn.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the backpack 10 is shown with the closure flap 20 in an upright position in which a main compartment 21 of the backpack is accessible. The closure flap 20 includes closure flap fasteners 40 and the front panel 12 includes front panel fasteners 42 such that when the closure flap 20 overlaps the front panel 12, the closure flap fasteners 40 and front panel fasteners 42 interlock to effectively keep the backpack 10 in a closed position (FIG. 1). In a preferred embodiment, the closure flap fasteners system 40 and front panel fasteners 42 may be a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro®, but may also be a riveted snap fastener system or a zipper. In a preferred embodiment, the first compartment 32 is sized smaller than the second compartment 34 and includes a compartment flap 44 to overlap and close the first compartment 32, and the second compartment 34 includes a zipper 46. In this example implementation, the backpack/body board carrier has multiple compartments including a main compartment accessible via a hook and loop securable/detachable flap at a top side of the backpack/body board carrier, a secondary compartment posteriorly located in relation to the main compartment and accessible via a zippered opening, and at least one additional compartment adjacent to the secondary compartment and accessible via additional hook and loop securable/detachable flaps, the at least one additional compartment including a compartment sized for holding a smartphone. In another example embodiment, the backpack/body board carrier has multiple compartments including a main compartment accessible via a hook and loop securable/detachable flap at a top side of the backpack/body board carrier, a secondary compartment posteriorly located in relation to the main compartment and accessible via a zippered opening, and a pair of compartments adjacent to the secondary compartment and accessible via additional hook and loop securable/detachable flaps, the compartments of the pair being sized for holding keys and a smartphone, respectively. In an alternate embodiment, the second compartment 34 may be sized smaller than the first compartment 32. In yet another embodiment, the backpack 10 may have only a first compartment 32 or second compartment 34, or no compartments at all.
FIG. 3 shows the rear of the backpack (or backpack/body board carrier) 10 including backpack straps 48 and sternum straps 50. The backpack straps 48 extend from the top end 18 of the rear panel 14 to the bottom end 19 of the rear panel 14, and preferably include padding 52 to provide cushion and help absorb the weight of the backpack 10 when worn. The backpack straps 48 include adjustment straps 54 that loop through an adjustment buckle 56. The sternum straps 50 are affixed to the backpack straps 48 adjacent the adjustment buckle 56 and preferably include a snap-fit buckle 24. In this example implementation, the backpack (or backpack/body board carrier) 10 includes a rear panel (or back portion) 14 of a generally/substantially rectangular shape defined at opposite top and bottom ends by an upper edge portion 302 and a lower edge portion 304 and at opposite left and right ends by a left edge portion 306 and a right edge portion 308. In this example implementation, and referring also to FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, the backpack/body board carrier 10 includes adjustable body board(s) mounting straps 22 each secured at opposite ends thereof to the left edge portion 306 and the right edge portion 308, respectively, the adjustable body board(s) mounting straps 22 being sized and configured for securing a single body board or two body boards one on top of the other against the front panel (or front portion) 12 of the backpack/body board carrier.
FIG. 4 shows the side panel 16 and rear panel 14 of the backpack 10. As shown, the side panel 16 includes a side pocket 36 adjacent the bottom end 19, and chair mount straps 38 adjacent the top end 18. The chair mount straps (or chair mounting straps) 38 preferably include a snap-fit buckle 24. In this example implementation, the backpack (or backpack/body board carrier) 10 includes a pair of chair mounting straps 38 at opposite ends of the upper edge portion 302, the chair mounting straps 38 are of the same length, and referring also to FIGS. 6 and 11, each of the chair mounting straps 38 includes manually engageable and releasable latch elements, such as for example the snap-fit buckle 24, securable to a folding chair about exposed frame portions of a chair back portion of the folding chair 62 at left and right opposite ends, respectively, of a top edge 63 of the chair back portion 65. In this example implementation, and referring also to FIGS. 1 and 3, the backpack/body board carrier 10 includes a pair of adjustable shoulder straps 48, each of the straps including an upper end 312 and a lower end 314 secured to the back portion at the upper edge portion 302 and the lower edge portion 304, respectively, the upper ends 312 being between the chair mounting straps 38, the lower ends of the left and right shoulder straps being secured to the lower edge portion 304 at opposite ends thereof adjacent to the left edge portion 306 and the right edge portion 308, respectively. In this example implementation, and referring to FIG. 3, each of the upper ends 312 has an outward facing side 311 and an inward facing side 313, the outward facing sides 311 of the left and right shoulder straps each being a distance D1 of around 3-4 inches from the left edge portion and the right edge portion, respectively, and the inward facing sides being separated by a distance D2 of around 6 inches. In example embodiments, the back portion 14 has a width that is greater than a height of the back portion. For example, the width (of the back portion 14) is around 19 inches and the height is around 15 inches. In other example implementations, the width of the back portion is around 19 inches, and a ratio of the width of the back portion to a height of the back portion is at least 1.2 (e.g., around 1.25) facilitating securing a body board to the backpack/body board carrier such that the body board is favorably located relatively high on the user's back for carrying while also maintaining a symmetrical left to right distribution of the weight of the body board being carried.
FIG. 5 shows a user 58 wearing the backpack 10 with the sternum straps 50 secured together and a body board 60 affixed to the front panel 12 (not shown).
Now referring to FIG. 6, a beach chair (or folding chair) 62 with shoulder straps 64 is shown attached to the backpack 10, with a user 58 wearing the shoulder straps 64 from the beach chair 62 instead of the backpack straps 48. Two body boards 60 are affixed to the front panel 12 of the backpack 10 and a water bottle 68 is placed in the side pocket 36 of the side panel 16.
FIGS. 7-8 shows a first container (or modular insulated container) 100, preferably a cooler. The first container 100 has a first container enclosure panel 110, first enclosure handle 112, first container shoulder strap (or adjustable cooler shoulder strap) 114 and first container rear straps (or cooler mounting straps) 116. The first container enclosure panel 110 is secured to the rear of the first container 100 and preferably includes a zipper 146 to engage the first container enclosure panel (or top portion) 110 with the body of the first container 100 to keep the first container 100 in a closed configuration. In this example implementation, the modular insulated container 100 has a zippered opening about a top portion 110 of the container, and the top portion includes a handle 112 centrally located at and secured to the top portion. In an example embodiment, the modular insulated container 100 has exterior dimensions of around 13″(W)×5″(D)×9″(H). The first container 100 includes a first container extension flap 118 through which a first container ring 120 is looped. In the preferred embodiment, each end of the first container shoulder strap 114 includes a first container swivel clip 122. The first container shoulder strap 114 also includes an adjustment buckle 56 (not shown) to adjust the length of the first container shoulder strap 114. In this example implementation, the adjustable cooler shoulder strap 114 is secured at opposite ends thereof to left and right end portions, respectively, of the modular insulated container 100. The first container rear straps 116 are preferably affixed to the rear of the first container 100 and include a first container swivel clip 122 on the end of the first container rear strap 116 opposite the first container 100. Each first container rear strap 116 includes a first container ring 120 adjacent the first container swivel clip 122 located on the end of the first container rear strap 116.
FIGS. 9-10 shows a second container (or additional modular container) 200, preferably a tote bag. The second container 200 has a second container enclosure panel 210, second container handle 212, second container shoulder strap (or adjustable tote bag shoulder strap) 214, second container rear straps (or tote bag mounting straps) 216, second container side pocket 224 and second container compartment 226. In a preferred embodiment, the second container enclosure panel 210 is secured to the rear of the second container 200 and includes a second container zipper 246 to engage the second container enclosure panel 210 with the body of the second container 200 to keep the second container 200 in a closed configuration. In an example embodiment, the additional modular container 200 has exterior dimensions of around 13″(W)×5″(D)×9″(H). In another example embodiment, each of the containers 100, 200 has exterior dimensions of around 13″(W)×5″(D)×9″(H). The preferred embodiment of the second container 200 also includes a second container extension flap 218 through which a second container ring 220 is looped through. In a preferred embodiment, each end of the second container shoulder strap 214 includes a second container swivel clip 222. The second container shoulder strap 214 also includes a second container adjustment buckle 228 to adjust the length of the second container shoulder strap 214. In this example implementation, the adjustable tote bag shoulder strap 214 is secured at opposite ends thereof to left and right end portions, respectively, of the additional modular container 200. Also in the preferred embodiment, the second container rear straps 216 are affixed to the rear of the second container 200 and includes a second container swivel clip 222 on the ends of the second container rear straps 216 opposite the rear of the second container 200. Each second container rear strap 216 also includes a second container ring 220 adjacent the second container swivel clip 222 located on the second container rear strap 216.
FIG. 11 shows the first container 100 and second container 200 strapped to the arms 70 of a beach chair 62. As shown in FIG. 12, the first container 100 and second container 200 are strapped onto the arms 70 of the beach chair 62 and situated between the back 72 and seat 74 of the beach chair 62 when the beach chair 62 is in a closed position. The beach chair 62 preferably includes a closure strap 76 with a snap-fit buckle 24 to keep the beach chair 62 in the closed position.
The backpack 10 may be used in a variety of ways. First, the backpack 10 may be worn by itself using backpack straps 48 to place the backpack 10 onto the body, and using the adjustment buckles 56 to adjust the length of the adjustment straps 54 and overall fit of the backpack 10 on the body. The sternum straps 50 may be secured together using a snap-fit buckle 24 (see FIG. 5), the sternum straps 50 providing lumbar support and promoting even distribution of the weight of the backpack 10. The horizontal straps 22 may be secured together using snap-fit buckles 24, with the horizontal straps 22 positioned adjacent the front panel 12 (FIG. 1) or rear panel 14.
Another way to use the backpack 10 is to affix a body board 60 to the front panel 12 (FIG. 5) by positioning the horizontal straps 22 around the body board 60, and adjusting the length of the horizontal straps 22 such that the body board 60 is secured tightly between the front panel 12 and horizontal straps 22. Depending on the width of the body board 60, more than one body board 60 may be secured to the backpack 10. Alternatively, another object such as a skim board or a skateboard may be affixed to the front panel 12 of the backpack 10.
The backpack 10 may also be used to carry a beach chair 62 (FIG. 6). In this configuration, a user may attached the beach chair 62 to the side panel 16 of the backpack 10 by releasing the snap-fit buckle 24 of the chair mount straps 38, placing the frame (or exposed frame portions) 66 of the beach chair 62 between the chair mount straps 38, and closing the snap-fit buckle 24 such that the chair mount straps 38 are looped around the frame 66 of the beach chair 62. Thusly, the chair mounting straps 38 are adjustable in length. The user may also secure the first container 100 and second container 200 between the back 72 and seat 74 of the beach chair 62 by securing the first container rear straps 116 and second container rear straps 216 to the arms 70 of the beach chair 62 (see FIG. 11). In this configuration, the first container rear straps 116 are looped around the arm 70 and the first container swivel clips 122 are secured to the first container rings 120 located on the first container rear straps 116. In example implementations, a modular insulated container is provided in the form of a cooler having a pair of cooler mounting straps 116 configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of an arm rest of the folding chair or of a handlebar of a bicycle. In example implementations, the additional modular container is provided in the form of a tote bag having a pair of tote bag mounting straps 216 configured with a ring and spring-biased clip or the like for attaching around front and rear portions, respectively, of the other arm rest of the folding chair or of the other handlebar of the bicycle. Similarly, the second container rear straps 216 are looped around the arm 70 and the second container swivel clips 222 are secured to the second container rings 220 located on the first container rear straps 216. The beach chair 62 may then be placed in a closed position (see FIG. 12), secured by closure straps 76. The configuration will enable a user to carry a backpack 10, body board 60, beach chair 62, first container 100, and second container 200 all while being hands-free.
In example embodiments, the cooler mounting straps 116 are approximately equal in length and sufficiently long to allow the cooler mounting straps to remain attached to the arm rest while the cooler is either placed next to the folding chair on the surface upon which the folding chair is standing or placed on a seat portion of the folding chair and secured between the seat portion and the back portion when the chair is folded to a closed configuration. In example embodiments, the tote bag mounting straps 216 are approximately equal in length and sufficiently long to allow the tote bag mounting straps to remain attached to the other arm rest while the tote bag is either placed next to the folding chair on the surface upon which the folding chair is standing or placed on a seat portion of the folding chair and secured between the seat portion and the back portion when the chair is folded to a closed configuration.
While particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited except by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20200268131
