The present disclosure relates to interconverting support frames that include pack-supporting and seat-supporting configurations.
Load-carrying devices, such as backpacks and luggage, often include a frame that is configured to distribute the weight of a carried load across the load-carrying device. In backpacks, the frame typically is configured to provide structure to the fabric of the backpack and distribute the carried load across a user's back, hips, and shoulders. Regardless of size, all load-carrying devices have some finite carrying capacity that may be limited by the space provided within the particular load-carrying device and/or the weight a user can transport under their own strength. Thus, whether traveling, day-tripping, hiking, or backpacking, a user often must be considerate of the weight, bulk, and number items they choose to pack in the load-carrying device. With this in mind, non-essential or luxury items often are the first to be omitted from the carried load when space or weight is limited.
Particularly in recent years, portable seats have become a popular luxury for use in a variety of activities including travel, hunting, camping, and backpacking. Despite the increasingly lightweight and compact design of these devices, portable seats add carried weight and occupy limited space when transported in a load-carrying device. To address this issue, a number of backpack and luggage designs have been offered in which a portable seat is integrated into or defines a portion of the load-carrying device. Many of these designs claim to offer space and weight savings by providing a hybridized load-carrying device that can be selectively reconfigured, or simply used, as a seat. However, in existing designs, the mechanism that allows the hybridized devices to convert between the seat and load-carrying functions most often is excessively articulated, bulky, or causes the hybridized device to perform poorly in either or both the seat and load-carrying functions. Thus, a need exists for improved support frames having pack-supporting and seat-supporting configurations.
Interconverting support frames, load-carrying devices including interconverting support frames, and seats including interconverting support frames are disclosed herein. The interconverting support frames include a plurality of interconnecting frame members that are configured to be selectively assembled in a plurality of assembled configurations, which includes a pack frame assembled configuration and a seat frame assembled configuration. The plurality of interconnecting frame members includes a central frame member, a plurality of longitudinal frame members, and a plurality of transitioning frame members. The plurality of longitudinal frame members are configured to engage and support a pack of the load-carrying device in the pack frame assembled configuration. The plurality of transitioning frame members are configured to selectively interconnect with and selectively disconnect from the central frame member to transition the interconverting support frame between the pack frame assembled configuration and the seat frame assembled configuration. In the seat frame assembled configuration, the plurality of longitudinal frame members and the plurality of transitioning frame members are operably interconnected with the central frame member, and the interconverting support frame is configured to support a seat fabric on a ground surface and suspend the seat fabric spaced above the ground surface.
The load-carrying device includes the interconverting support frame in the pack frame assembled configuration and may include a pack comprising a frame-receiving region configured to receive and operably couple to the interconverting support frame in the pack frame assembled configuration. The pack also may include a load compartment configured to carry a load, and interconverting support frame is configured to distribute a weight of the load across the pack.
The seat includes the interconverting support frame in the seat frame assembled configuration and a seat fabric. The seat fabric is configured to engage with and extend between seat-contacting ends of the interconverting support frame. The seat fabric may include receiving regions, each being configured to receive and engage with a respective seat-contacting end of the interconverting support frame.
Generally, in the figures, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in dashed lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Generally in the figures, dot-dash lines may be utilized to indicate defined features, such as dimensions and configurations. Additionally, dot-dot-dash lines may be utilized to indicate structure, components, and/or devices that may be utilized in conjunction with and/or that may include interconverting support frames according to the present disclosure.
For example, central frame member 120 may include a plurality of transitioning frame member receivers 122, each being configured to selectively receive and interconnect a respective transitioning frame member 114 to central frame member 120 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. Transitioning frame members 114 may be configured to selectively interconnect with and disconnect from transitioning frame member receivers 122 to transition interconverting support frame 100 between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. As discussed in more detail herein, transitioning frame member receivers 122 also may orient transitioning frame members 114 to extend from central frame member 120 in a plurality of predetermined orientations in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
In the seat frame assembled configuration 202, interconverting support frame 100 is configured to support a seat fabric 304 on a ground surface 300 and suspend the seat fabric 304 spaced apart from the ground surface 300. In particular, in the seat frame assembled configuration 202, longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 are operably interconnected with central frame member 120, and central frame member 120 may position and orient longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 to collectively support seat fabric 304 upon, and spaced apart from, ground surface 300. In some examples, transitioning frame members 114 and longitudinal frame members are operably interconnected with one another, and optionally with central frame member 120, in pack frame assembled configuration 200. Additionally or alternatively, one or more transitioning frame members 114 and/or one or more longitudinal frame members 112 may not be operably interconnected with central frame member 120 and/or may not be interconnected with one another in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
As referred to herein, a transitioning frame member 114 or a longitudinal frame member 112 may be described as being “operably interconnected” with the central frame member 120 when the transitioning frame member 114 or a longitudinal frame member 112 is directly engaged with and/or is directly oriented by connection to the central frame member 120. Interconverting support frame 100 may be configured to be transitioned between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202 any suitable number of times without damage or destruction to interconnecting frame members 110, load-carrying device 400, and/or seat fabric 304. Additionally, interconverting support frame 100 may be configured to be engaged with and disengaged from pack 402 and/or seat fabric 304 any suitable number of times without damage or destruction to interconverting support frame 100, pack 402, and/or seat fabric 304.
Pack 402 may include any suitable device that is configured to carry a load. In pack frame assembled configuration 200, interconverting support frame 100 may be configured to distribute the weight of the load across pack 402. For example, pack 402 may include at least one load compartment 404 configured to contain at least some of the load. Pack 402 may be configured to be carried or otherwise transported by a user. For example, pack 402 may include straps, handles, and the like that a user may utilize to carry pack 402. At least some of, and typically most of, pack 402 is formed of a fabric that surrounds and/or defines the one or more load compartments 404. Pack 402 also may include various mechanisms for selectively enclosing and providing selective access to each load compartment 404. Examples of such mechanisms include zippers, flaps, pull strings, buckles, buttons, latches, clips folds, rolls, and the like. More specific examples of suitable packs 402 that may include or be utilized with interconverting support frames 100 according to the present disclosure include backpacks, internal frame backpacks, external frame backpacks, and/or luggage.
As referred to herein, external frame backpacks may include backpacks in which interconverting support frame 100 is coupled to the exterior of the backpack. Internal frame backpacks may include backpacks in which interconverting support frame 100 is received within and engages the backpack from within an internal compartment thereof, and optionally from within one or more dedicated internal compartments thereof. Interconverting support frames 100 may be configured as an external frame and/or to operably couple to the exterior of an external frame backpack. Additionally or alternatively, interconverting support frames 100 may be configured as an internal frame and/or to be received within the backpack. When interconverting support frame 100 is configured to be utilized with a backpack, pack frame assembled configuration 200 additionally or alternatively may be referred to herein as backpack frame assembled configuration.
Longitudinal frame members 112 additionally or alternatively may be referred to as pack-engaging frame members 112, vertical load-distributing frame members 112, and/or elongate frame members 112. Longitudinal frame members 112 may extend at least substantially parallel to one another and/or along a common plane in pack frame assembled configuration 200 and/or in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In pack frame assembled configuration 200, longitudinal frame members 112 may extend longitudinally along and/or within pack 204. In particular, pack 402 may define a long axis 412 that extends along a length of the pack 402 and/or through top and bottom portions of the pack 402. When engaged with and supporting pack 402 in pack frame assembled configuration 200, longitudinal frame members 112 may extend at least substantially between the top and bottom portion of the pack 402 and/or at least a substantial portion of longitudinal frame member 112 may extend at least partially parallel to long axis 412. In some examples when engaged with and supporting pack 402 in pack frame assembled configuration 200, longitudinal frame members 112 extend at least substantially parallel to the long axis 412 of pack 402 and/or along at least a substantial portion of the length of pack 402. This way, longitudinal frame members 112 may engage and distribute the weight of a carried load along the length or long axis 412 of pack 402. Interconverting support frame 100 also may stiffen pack 402 along the length of pack 402 and/or restrict bending, folding, flexure, and/or deflection of pack 402 along long axis 412.
For examples in which pack 402 includes an internal frame backpack, pack 402 may include a frame-receiving region 406 that is configured to receive and engage interconverting support frame 100 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. Frame-receiving region 406 may extend along at least a substantial portion of the length of pack 402. In some such examples, longitudinal frame members 112 may be configured to extend between an upper portion 405 and a lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406 that are spaced apart along the length or long axis 412 of pack 402. In such examples, longitudinal frame members 112 may distribute a load carried by pack 402 between the upper portion 405 and lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406 and/or evenly along the length of pack 402. Frame-receiving region 406 may be configured to selectively receive and selectively release interconverting support frame 100 to permit transition of interconverting support frame 100 between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. In some examples, interconverting support frame 100 and/or longitudinal frame members 112 are configured to be resiliently flexed, and/or resiliently deflected to be received in and removed from frame-receiving region 406.
As more specific examples, frame-receiving region 406 may include a plurality of tension pockets 408 that are configured to selectively engage and selectively release interconverting support frame 100 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In particular, tension pockets 408 may include a pair of opposed tension pockets 408, one of which being positioned along or defining upper portion 405 of frame-receiving region 406 and the other of which being positioned along or defining lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406. In some examples, interconverting support frame 100 is configured to be flexed to be selectively moved into and removed from the pair of opposed tension pockets 408. When received in the pair of tension pockets 408, interconverting support frame 100 may apply an outward force between tension pockets 408 to apply tension across the length of the pack 402. In some examples, this tension applied to pack 402 by interconverting support frame may support pack 402 in a desired shape.
As shown in
The present discussion focuses on examples in which first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 are configured to engage upper portion 405 of frame-receiving region 406 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 are configured to engage a lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406. However, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that interconverting support frame 100 may be configured to be rotated, flipped, or otherwise reoriented such that second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 engage upper portion 405 of frame-receiving region 406 and first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 engage lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406.
As shown in
As a more specific example, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be operatively coupled to central frame member 120 in pack fame assembled configuration 200. Central frame member 120 may support longitudinal frame members 112 of first pair 124 and/or longitudinal frame members 112 of second pair 126 laterally spaced apart from one another along a width 136 of central frame member 120. Thus, in pack frame assembled configuration 200, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may engage and support laterally spaced apart portions of upper portion 405 of frame-receiving region 406, and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may engage and support laterally spaced apart portions of lower portion 407 of frame-receiving region 406. In this way, interconverting support frame 100 also may distribute loads laterally across pack 402, or in a direction transverse to long axis 412. Interconverting support frame 100 also may provide lateral stiffening to pack 402, and/or restrict flexure, deflection, and/or folding of pack 402 along its lateral dimension.
As shown in
Interconverting support frame 100 also may include a plurality of seat-contacting ends 140 that are positioned to engage and support seat fabric 304 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. As examples, interconverting support frame 100 may include at least three, four, at most four, and/or at most six seat-contacting ends 140. Seat-contacting ends 140 may be included in longitudinal frame members 112 and/or transitioning frame members 114. Each transitioning frame member 114 and each longitudinal frame member 112 may include a distal end region that is or that includes a ground-contacting end 138 or a seat-contacting end 140 and a proximal end region that is opposed thereto. The proximal end region of each transitioning frame member 114 and each longitudinal frame member 112 may be interconnected with central frame member 120 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
In some examples, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend upwardly from central frame member 120 to form a pair of seat-contacting ends 140 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In some examples, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend downwardly from central frame member 120 form a pair of ground-contacting ends 138 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In some such examples, each longitudinal frame member 112 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include a length that is greater than that of each longitudinal frame member 112 of the second pair 126. In this way, seat-contacting ends 140 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 are positioned further from central frame member 120 than ground-contacting ends 138 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. Each longitudinal frame member 112 of the first pair 124 also may include a length that is greater than that of each transitioning frame member 114.
The interconnecting frame members 110 that include a seat-contacting ends 140 may be of the same length such that interconverting support frame 100 may form a stool in seat frame assembled configuration. Alternatively, two of the interconnecting frame members 110 that include seat-contacting ends 140 may be longer than another two interconnecting frame members 110 that include seat-contacting ends 140 such that interconverting support frame 100 may be configured to form a chair in seat frame assembled configuration 202. Accordingly, seat fabric 304 may be dimensioned and shaped corresponding to interconverting support frame 100 in seat frame assembled configuration 202, such as to form the seat fabric of a chair or the seat fabric of a stool.
As also shown in
In seat frame assembled configuration 202, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 and/or second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may extend at least substantially parallel to one another and/or along a common plane. Central frame member 120 may support first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 and/or second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 laterally spaced apart from one another, such as along the width 136 of central frame member 120. In this way, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may contact and support receiving regions 306 disposed at laterally spaced apart upper portions of seat fabric 304, such as the upper corners thereof. Similarly, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may support seat 301 on laterally spaced apart regions of ground surface 300. Alternatively, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may support laterally spaced apart lower portions of seat fabric 304, such as the lower corners thereof. In such examples, central frame member 120 orients second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 transverse to first pair 124 of longitudinal frame member in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
Longitudinal frame members 112 may be coupled to central frame member 120 in any suitable manner. As shown in
Additionally or alternatively, central frame member 120 may include a pair of longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that are configured to selectively couple first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 to central frame member 120 and selectively release first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 from central frame member 120. As discussed in more detail herein, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be oriented, relative to the other interconnecting frame members 110, in a pack frame orientation in pack frame assembled configuration 200 and may be oriented in a seat frame orientation in seat frame assembled configuration 202. First pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be configured to rotate between the pack frame orientation and the seat frame orientation to transition interconverting support frame 100 between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. Longitudinal frame member receivers 150 may be configured to receive, orient, and optionally restrict rotation of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 in the pack frame orientation and the seat frame orientation. Longitudinal frame member receivers 150 also may be configured to selectively release first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 to permit rotation thereof between the pack frame orientation and the seat frame orientation.
Central frame member 120 also may include a pair of longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that are configured to selectively couple second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 to central frame member 120 and selectively release second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 from central frame member 120. As discussed in more detail herein, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be coupled to central frame member 120 by the respective pair of longitudinal frame member receivers 150 in pack frame assembled configuration 200, and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be coupled to central frame member 120 by a pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In such examples, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be described as forming a pair of transitioning frame members 114. Longitudinal frame member receivers 150 also may be configured to receive transitioning frame members 114 in seat frame assembled configuration 202, such discussed herein.
First pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be coupled to, or interconnected with, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In some examples, first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 collectively include a pair of telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 that are configured to selectively couple first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 to one another, at least in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In particular, telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 may be included in the proximal end regions of first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. Telescopic coupling mechanism 154 may include a telescopic insert portion 160 and a telescopic receiving portion 162. Telescopic insert portion 160 is configured to be selectively received in and selectively released from telescopic receiving portion 162. In such examples, telescopic insert portions 160 may be included in one of first pair 124 and second pair of longitudinal frame members 112 and telescopic receiving portions 162 may be included in the other of first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. As discussed in more detail herein, telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 also may be configured to selectively couple longitudinal frame members 112 to central frame member 120 and/or may be configured to couple with longitudinal frame member receivers 150 of central frame member 120.
Additionally or alternatively, longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 may be configured to be disconnected from central frame member 120 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In other words, longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 may be configured to form a support frame for pack 402 without being connected to central frame member 120. In such examples, longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 may only be interconnected with central frame member 120 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In some such examples, central frame member 120 may be stowed in pack 402 when interconverting support frame 100 is utilized in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
As shown in
Additionally or alternatively, one or more transitioning frame members 114 may extend between and interconnect two respective longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 202. In particular, the one or more transitioning frame members 114 may extend transverse to the one or more longitudinal frame members 112 and/or at least substantially parallel to central frame member 120 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In some such examples, transitioning frame member 114 may extend between and interconnect distal end regions of the two respective longitudinal frame members 112 of in pack frame assembled configuration 200. Alternatively, transitioning frame member 114 may extend between and interconnect the midsections of the two respective longitudinal frame members 112.
The two respective longitudinal frame members 112 may be first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 or second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. As discussed herein, the distal end, portion, or region of a longitudinal frame member 112 may refer to the end, portion, or region of longitudinal frame member 112 that is positioned furthest from central frame member 120. In some such examples, transitioning frame members 114 form a closed shape with the two respective longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200, which may enhance the strength of interconverting support frame 100 in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
In some examples, interconverting support frame 100 includes a plurality of transitioning frame member couplers 152, each being configured to interconnect an end region of a transitioning frame member 114 with a longitudinal frame member 112 in the pack frame assembled configuration 200 and selectively release the end region of the respective transitioning frame member 114 from the respective longitudinal frame member 112 to transition interconverting support frame 100 from pack frame assembled configuration 200 to seat frame assembled configuration 202. In particular, interconverting support frame 100 may include a pair of transitioning frame member couplers 152 for each transitioning frame member 114 and through which transitioning frame member 114 is coupled to two respective longitudinal frame members 112. As an example, each transitioning frame member coupler 152 may include a socket or a tubular socket that is coupled to a desired portion of longitudinal frame member 112 and configured to selectively receive and selectively release an end region of transitioning frame member 114.
Transitioning frame member couplers 152, the ends of transitioning frame members 114, and/or the ends of longitudinal frame members 112 each include a rotational retaining mechanism 125 that is configured to restrict transitioning frame members 114 and/or longitudinal frame members 112 from rotating within transitioning frame member couplers 152. Such a configuration may enhance the rigidity of interconverting support frame 20 by preventing torsional flexure of interconverting support frame 29. As examples, rotational retaining mechanism 125 may include a key, a recess, and/or a non-circular cross section formed in transitioning frame member 114, longitudinal frame member 112, and/or transitioning frame member coupler 152.
With continued reference to
As shown in
In pack frame assembled configuration 200, first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 may be directly interconnected with one another, coextensive with one another, coaxial with one another, and/or colinear with one another. In seat frame assembled configuration 202, first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 each may be directly or operatively interconnected with central frame member 120. As a more specific example, and as shown in
First transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 also may be configured to selectively interconnect with and selectively disconnect from central frame member 120 to transition interconverting support frame 100 between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. With this in mind, first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 also may be regarded as being transitioning frame members 114.
As a more specific example, segmented transitioning frame members 134 each may include a telescopic coupling mechanism 154 that is configured to selectively couple first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 to one another. In particular, telescopic coupling mechanism 154 may include a telescopic insert portion 160 that is included in one of first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 and a telescopic receiving portion 162 that is included in the other of first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132. Telescopic insert portion 160 is configured to be selectively received in and removed from telescopic receiving portion 162.
When telescopic insert portion 160 is received in telescopic receiving portion 162, telescopic coupling mechanism 154 interconnects first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 such as in the manner discussed herein. Telescopic coupling mechanism 154 also may support first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 to extend in a desired orientation relative to one another, such as a colinear orientation, end-to-end orientation, and/or a coextensive orientation.
As an example, telescopic receiving portion 162 may include a tubular socket with any suitable cross-sectional shape (e.g., circular, square, rectangular, octagonal, or ovular) normal to the direction in which telescopic insert portion 160 is interested therein. Telescopic insert portion 160 may include a protrusion having an exterior shape corresponding to the interior profile of the tubular socket of telescopic receiving portion 162. In such a configuration, an exterior surface of telescopic insert portion 160 may engage an interior surface of telescopic receiving portion 162 to selectively retain telescopic insert portion 160 within telescopic receiving portion 162. In some examples, telescopic insert portion 160 includes a collar, ledge, or stop that may support telescopic insert portion 160 at a desired depth or extent within telescopic receiving portion 162, such that the transitioning frame member 114 formed of first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 may have a desired length.
Telescopic coupling mechanism 154 also may be configured to selectively couple first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 to central frame member 120 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. For example, as mentioned, central frame member 120 may include a plurality of transitioning frame member receivers 122, each being configured to selectively receive and interconnect a respective transitioning frame member 114 to central frame member 120. As examples, transitioning frame member receiver 122 may include a socket that is dimensioned and shaped to receive, engage, orient, and/or support an end region of transitioning frame member 114 and/or a selected portion of telescopic coupling mechanism 154. Each transitioning frame member receiver 122 may extend within an interior volume of central frame member 120. Each transitioning frame member receiver 122 also may extend transverse to width 136 of central frame member 120. Two transitioning frame member receivers 122 may be coextensive, collinear, and/or coaxial with one another such as to support two transitioning frame members 114, or segments thereof, to extend in a collinear, coextensive, and/or coaxial manner from opposed sides of central frame member 120.
As more specific examples, transitioning frame member receiver 122 may include a bore that extends at least partially through central frame member 120 and/or a socket, or a tubular socket that is attached to and/or that extends at least partially through central frame member 120. For some examples in which transitioning frame member receiver 122 includes a socket, the socket may project from, and extend transverse to, central frame member 120 to support a portion of the fabric of pack 402 when interconverting support frame 100 is in the pack frame assembled configuration 200.
In some examples, transitioning frame member receiver 122 extends through central frame member 120, and telescopic insert portion 160 is configured to be received in and extend through the transitioning frame member receiver 122 and receive telescopic receiving portion 162 on the other side of central frame member 120 from which transitioning frame member receiver 122 is inserted into central frame member 120. In such examples, telescopic insert portion 160 and telescopic receiving portion 162 each may be described as being operatively connected with central frame member 120, as transitioning frame member receiver 122 may directly orient and support both telescopic insert portion 160 and telescopic receiving portion 162.
Central frame member 120 may include transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are specifically configured to receive and engage telescopic insert portion 160 and/or telescopic receiving portion 162. In some examples, central frame member 120 includes transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are coextensive with one another with one being dimensioned and shaped to receive telescopic insert portion 160 and the other being dimensioned and shaped to receive telescopic receiving portion 162. In some such examples, telescopic insert portion 160 and telescopic receiving portion 162 may interconnect with one another within central frame member 120 while both being received in respective transitioning frame member receivers 122.
As shown in
As shown in
At least two transitioning frame members 114 or at least two transitioning frame member segments may define seat-contacting transitioning frame members 142 that extend upwardly relative to central frame member 120 to contact and support seat fabric 304 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. At least two other transitioning frame members 114, or at least two other transitioning frame member segments, may define ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144 that extend downwardly from central frame member 120 to contact ground surface 300 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. In some examples, ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144 and seat-contacting transitioning frame members 142 are coextensive with, interconnected, and/or extend parallel to one another in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
Interconverting support frame 100 may include any suitable number of longitudinal frame members 112, such as two, three, four, five, or six longitudinal frame members 112. Interconverting support frame also may include any suitable number of transitioning frame members 114, such as at least two, at least three, three, at least four, four, eight, at most two at most three, at most four, at most six, and/or at most eight transitioning frame members 114.
Longitudinal frame members 112 and/or transitioning frame members 114 may be elongated and may include any suitable cross-sectional shape normal to the elongated dimension. As a more specific example, longitudinal frame members 112 and/or transitioning frame members 114 may include an elongated tubular shape with any suitable cross-sectional shape normal to the elongated dimension. Examples of suitable cross-sectional shapes include circular, ovular, polygonal, square, triangular, and/or hexagonal shapes. For examples in which transitioning frame members 114 and/or longitudinal frame members 112 include telescoping coupling mechanism 154, one end of thereof may be tapered or narrowed such as to fit into the open end of another transitioning frame member 114, longitudinal frame members 112, transitioning frame member receiver 122 and/or longitudinal frame member receiver 150.
Central frame member 120 also may include any suitable shape. As examples, central frame member 120 may be hollow, tubular, and/or elongated along width 136 thereof. In some examples, central frame member 120 includes a diameter, as measured normal to width 136, that is greater than the diameter of transitioning frame member 114 and/or longitudinal frame member 112. In this way, central frame member 12 may be dimensioned to receive and support transitioning frame member 114 and/or longitudinal frame member 112.
Central frame member 120, transitioning frame members 114, and longitudinal frame members 112 may be formed from any suitable one or more materials. As examples, central frame member 120, transitioning frame members 114, and/or longitudinal frame members 112 may be formed of one or more metals, carbon fiber, fiber glass, fiber-reinforced composite materials, plastic, steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, and/or combinations thereof.
Interconverting support frame 100 may define a total length in pack frame assembled configuration 200 that may be measured parallel to long axis 412 and/or from the distal ends of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 to the distal ends of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members. As examples, the total length of interconverting support frame 100 in pack frame assembled configuration 200 may be at least 30 centimeters (cm), at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 45 cm, at least 50 cm, at least 52 cm, at least 54 cm, at least 56 cm, at least 58 cm, at least 60 cm, at most 35 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 45 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 52 cm, at most 54 cm, at most 56 cm, at most 58 cm, at most 60 cm, at most 65 cm, at most 70 cm and/or at most 80 cm.
Each longitudinal frame member 112 may define a length that is measured from the proximal end thereof to the distal end thereof. As examples, the length of each longitudinal frame member 112 of first pair 124 may be at least 25 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 45 cm, at least 50 cm, at least 55 cm, at least 60 cm, at most 35 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 45 cm, at most 50 cm, at most 55 cm, at most 60 cm, at most 70 cm, and/or at most 75 cm. As more examples, the length of each longitudinal frame member 112 of second pair 126 may be at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 25 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 35 cm, at least 40 cm, at least 45 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 25 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 35 cm, at most 40 cm, at most 45 cm, and/or at most 50 cm.
The width 136 of central frame member 120 may be at least 15 cm, at least 17 cm, at least 18 cm, at least 19 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 21 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 23 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 25 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 27 cm, at least 28 cm, at least 29 cm, at least 30 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 22 cm, at most 24 cm, at most 26 cm, at most 28 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 32 cm, at most 34 cm, at most 36 cm, and/or at most 38 cm, at most 40 cm. As discussed in more detail herein, central frame member 120 may be configured such that the width 136 thereof is adjustable to be greater in seat frame assembled configuration 202 than in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
Each transitioning frame member 114 may be configured to possess any suitable length, which is measured between the ends thereof. For example, when transitioning frame members 114 extend between longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200, transitioning frame members 114 may be configured with a length that is at least substantially the same as the width 136 central frame member 120 and/or the separation between longitudinal frame members 112 as measured parallel to the width 136 of central frame member 120.
As more specific examples, the length of ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144 may be at least 5 cm, at least 6 cm, at least 7 cm, at least 8 cm, at least 9 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 12 cm, at least 14 cm, at most 6 cm, at most 8 cm, at most 9 cm, at most 10 cm, at most 12 cm, at most 14 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 18 cm, and/or at most 20 cm. As yet more specific examples, the length of seat-contacting transitioning frame members 142 may be at least 14 cm, at least 15 cm, at least 16 cm, at least 17 cm, at least 18 cm, at least 19 cm, at least 20 cm, at least 22 cm, at least 24 cm, at least 26 cm, at least 28 cm at least 30 cm, at most 15 cm, at most 16 cm, at most 18 cm, at most 20 cm, at most 22 cm, at most 24 cm, at most 26 cm, at most 28 cm, at most 30 cm, at most 32 cm, and/or at most 34 cm.
Turning now to
Generally with reference
Interconverting support frame 20 also includes two transitioning frame members 114 and transitioning frame member couplers 152 that couple transitioning frame members 114 to longitudinal frame members 112. In particular, a first transitioning frame member 114 is operatively coupled to and extends between first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112, and a second transitioning frame member 114 is operatively coupled to and extends between second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. Either end each transitioning frame member 114 is interconnected with a distal end, or distal end region, of a longitudinal frame member 112 via a respective transitioning frame member coupler 152. In this way, the first transitioning frame member 114 forms a closed shape with first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112, and the second transitioning frame member 114 forms a closed shape with second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112.
In these examples, each transitioning frame member 114 is a segmented transitioning frame member 134 and includes first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 that are selectively coupled to one another via telescopic coupling mechanism 154. For reasons that are discussed in more detail herein, second transitioning frame member segment 132 may be longer than first transitioning frame member segment 130. The length 176 of first transitioning frame member segments may be at least substantially similar to, or the same as, the length 178 of longitudinal frame members 112 of the second pair 126.
Second transitioning frame member segment 132 also may be non-linear, kinked, or bent at an inflection point that may be beyond or otherwise not interfering with telescoping coupling mechanism 154. Telescopic coupling mechanism 154 optionally includes a telescopic retaining mechanism 174 that is configured to selectively interlock first transitioning frame member segment 130 with second transitioning frame member segment 132. As examples, telescopic retaining mechanism 174 may include a button latch, a push button lock, a friction fit, a gasket lock, a ring detent, a ball detent, a ball plunger, a cotter pin, and/or a threaded engagement.
Central frame member 120 extends laterally between longitudinal frame members 112 of first pair 124 and longitudinal frame members 112 of second pair 126. Central frame member 120 also supports first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 aligned with one another. In some examples, first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 are fixedly and/or non-removably coupled to central frame member 120.
Central frame member 120 further includes transitioning frame member receivers 122 that extend through central frame member 120 transverse to, or at least substantially normal to, longitudinal frame members 112. In this example, each transitioning frame member receiver 122 is positioned adjacent to, and inside of, a respective longitudinal frame member 112. However, and in other examples, transitioning frame member receivers 122 may be positioned adjacent to and outside of longitudinal frame member 112. Central frame member 120 may be described as having a two pairs of transitioning frame member receiver 122, with each pair including two transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are aligned and/or coextensive with one another. In some examples, each pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 is configured to receive the telescopic coupling mechanism 154 of a segmented transitioning frame member 134.
Turning to
In some examples, tension pockets 408 include open ends that face one another and into which interconverting support frame 20 is selectively inserted and removed. In the examples of
Pack 402 is configured to permit interconverting support frame 20 to be selectively inserted into and removed from frame-receiving region 406. As an example, pack may include a port through which interconverting support frame 20 may be selectively inserted into and/or removed from frame-receiving region 406. The port may take the form of a slot or aperture that is dimensioned to permit interconverting support frame 20 to be inserted into and removed from frame-receiving region 406. The port may include a closing mechanism, such as a zipper, hook and loop strips, and/or buttons. The port may be disposed along lateral sides of pack 402 (i.e., sides that extend transverse to the back panel and generally along the long axis of pack 402) or the port may be disposed along the top or bottom of pack 402.
More specifically, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include a kink or a bend, such that a distal portion 129 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 extends at a deflection angle 127 relative to a proximal portion 131 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 that is coupled central frame member 120. Examples of suitable deflection angles 127 include at most 179°, at most 175°, at most 160°, at most 150°, at most 140°, at least 175°, at least 170°, at least 160°, at least 150°, at least 140°, at least 130°, and/or at least 120°. In some examples, the kink in first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 facilitates flexing of interconverting support frame into and out of tension pockets 408 of frame receiving region 406. Additionally or alternatively, central frame member 120 may support first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 with deflection angle 127 therebetween to configure interconverting support frame 20 with the longitudinal concave conformation relative to back panel 410. In such examples, first pair of longitudinal frame members 112 may not be kinked or bent.
As yet another example, transitioning frame member receivers 122 are unoccupied and may include tubular sockets that project from central frame member 120 transverse to central frame member 120 and transverse to longitudinal frame members 112. In some examples, the sockets of transitioning frame member receivers 122 are configured to support back panel 410 spaced apart from central frame member 120 such that back panel 410 may be tensioned or form a sling between transitioning frame member receivers 122. This feature also may enhance the comfort of carrying or wearing load-carrying device 400 when transitioning frame member receivers 122 are appropriately positioned.
As perhaps best seen in
First pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend upwardly from central frame member 120 to form a pair of seat-contacting ends 140 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend downwardly from central frame member 120 to form ground-contacting ends 138. In these examples, longitudinal frame members 112 may remain interconnected with central frame member 120 during the transition between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. Transitioning frame member receivers 122 orient first transitioning frame member segments 130 and second transitioning frame member segments 132 to extend transverse to longitudinal frame members 112. In this way, interconverting support frame 20 forms four ground-contacting ends 138 that are spaced apart from one another and positioned to simultaneously contact ground surface 300 and four seat-contacting ends 140 that are spaced apart from one another and positioned to collectively support a seat fabric.
As mentioned, first transitioning frame member segments 130 may be dimensioned to be the same length as longitudinal frame members 112 of second pair 126. In this way, first transitioning frame member segments 130 and second pair 126 may form a symmetrical ground support structure for supporting the seat on ground surface 300. The length of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 is greater than that of second transitioning frame member segments 132 such that second transitioning frame member segments 132 form a pair of lower seat-contacting ends 158, and first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend above second transitioning frame member segments 132 to form a pair of upper seat-contacting ends 156.
Transitioning frame member couplers 152 may remain interconnected with and/or disconnect from with longitudinal frame members 112 during the transition between pack frame assembled configuration 200 and seat frame assembled configuration 202. For examples in which transitioning frame member couplers 152 remain interconnected with second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112, transitioning frame member couplers 152 may form and/or be utilized as ground-contacting ends 138. Similarly, for examples in which transitioning frame member couplers 152 remain interconnected with first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112, transitioning frame member couplers 152 may form and/or be utilized as seat-contacting ends 140.
As mentioned, second transitioning frame member segments 132 may include a kink or bend. As shown in
As further shown in
Additionally or alternatively, as shown in
Seat fabric 304 may be incorporated into load-carrying device 400 in any suitable manner. As examples, seat fabric 304 may be stowed in load-carrying device 400 when interconverting support frame 20 forms a portion of load-carrying device 400. As a more specific example, pack 402 may include a dedicated compartment for stowing seat fabric 304. Additionally or alternatively, seat fabric 304 may be utilized as a portion of, utilized with, and/or form a portion of pack 402. As an example, seat fabric 304 may be configured to be utilized as a rain cover for pack 402, in which case seat fabric 304 may be dimensioned and shaped to fit over at least a portion of an exterior of pack 402. As yet another example, seat fabric 304 may define a portion of the fabric of pack 402, in which case, pack 402 may include a zipper that is configured to selectively connect seat fabric 304 to the remainder of pack 402 and selectively completely disconnect seat fabric 304 from the remainder of pack 402.
That said, in some examples, pack 402 is configured to be utilized as load-carrying device 400 with interconverting support frame 20 removed from frame-receiving region 406 and with seat fabric 304 dissociated from pack 402. In other words, load-carrying device 400 may be configured such that pack 402 and/or load compartment 404 are operable to carry a load with interconverting support frame 20 removed from frame-receiving region 406 and with seat fabric 304 dissociated from pack 402. In such a configuration, pack 402 may be described as and/or may be utilized as a frameless pack or frameless backpack. For examples in which pack 402 is utilized for backpacking, such a configuration may be useful for daytrips where a frame for pack 402 is not necessary.
Generally with reference to
As shown in
Interconverting support frame 50 also includes at least one, and optionally two segmented transitioning frame members 134 that extend between and interconnect the distal end regions of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 via transitioning frame member couplers 152. For examples in which interconverting support frame 50 includes two segmented transitioning frame members 134 that extend between and interconnect the distal ends of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112, transitioning frame member couplers 152 may arrange and support the two segmented transitioning frame members 134 to extend in a parallel and side-by-side relationship.
In some examples, interconverting support frame 50 includes a segmented transitioning frame member 134 that extends between and interconnect the distal ends of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112. Alternatively, interconverting support frame 50 may include a stationary frame member 113 that is configured to interconnect first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200 via transitioning frame member couplers 152. Stationary frame member 113 may be fixedly coupled to pack 402 and may be disconnected from transitioning frame member couplers 152 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
Pack 402 includes a first tension pocket 408 that receives distal end regions of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 and stationary frame member 113 or the segmented transitioning frame member 134 that extends therebetween. Pack 402 also includes a second tension pocket 408 that receives the distal end regions of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 and segmented transitioning frame member 134. Tension pockets 408 may be respectively dimensioned and shaped to receive the distal end regions of first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112.
Turning focus to
Second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 each include telescopic insert portion 160 that is configured to be selectively received in and removed from longitudinal frame member receiver 150 and transitioning frame member receiver 122. In pack frame assembled configuration 200, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 are interconnected with central frame member 120 via two, laterally spaced apart longitudinal frame member receivers 150. In seat frame assembled configuration 202, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 are interconnected with central frame member 120 via two, laterally spaced apart transitioning frame member receivers 122. The two transitioning frame member receivers 122 are circumferentially offset from the longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that receive second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In this way, longitudinal frame member receivers 150 orient second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 to extend in a first direction that is at least substantially transverse to a second direction along which transitioning frame member receivers 122 orient second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. In this way, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may extend generally aligned with first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200 and may extend transverse to first pair of longitudinal frame members 112 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
In seat frame assembled configuration 202, first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend upwardly from central frame member 120 and oblique to ground surface 300. Interconverting support frame 50 includes two upper seat-contacting ends 156 that are positioned to operatively contact and support upper corners 308 of seat fabric 304 and two lower seat-contacting ends 158 that are positioned to operatively contact lower corners 310 of seat fabric 304. Second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 form the lower seat-contacting ends 158, and first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 extend above second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 to form the upper seat-contacting ends 156.
In seat frame assembled configuration 202, each segmented transitioning frame member 134 is separated into first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132. First transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 each define ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144 and include ground-contacting ends 138. First transitioning frame member segment 130 includes telescopic receiving portion 162 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 includes telescopic insert portion 160. Telescopic insert portion 160 of second transitioning frame member segment 132 is inserted into and retained within longitudinal frame member receiver 150. Thus, second transitioning frame member segment 132 extends at least generally aligned with and/or parallel to first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
The longitudinal frame member receiver 150 that receives second transitioning frame member segment 132 may be aligned and coextensive with a longitudinal frame member receiver 150 that receives a longitudinal frame member 112 of the first pair 124. As such, second transitioning frame member segment 132 may engage a longitudinal frame member 112 of the first pair 124 via longitudinal frame member receivers 150 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. Likewise, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may engage first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 via longitudinal frame member receivers 150 in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
In seat frame assembled configuration 202, first transitioning frame member segment 130 is positioned and oriented about central frame member 120 opposed to second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. Telescopic receiving portion 162 of first transitioning frame member segment 130 receives and engages a telescopic insert portion 160 of a longitudinal frame member 112 of second pair 126 via central frame member 120. In this way, first transitioning frame member segment 130 extends aligned with second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 and transverse to first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112. Central frame member 120 further may include a transitioning frame member receiver 122 into which telescopic receiving portion 162 of first transitioning frame member segment 130 is inserted and retained in this orientation. Alternatively, first transitioning frame member segment 130 may abut central frame member 120 and be retained in this orientation by engagement with the telescopic insert portion 160 of a longitudinal frame member 112 of the second pair 126.
As shown in
First pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be described as having a seat frame orientation in seat frame assembled configuration 202 that is different from the pack frame orientation. More specifically, in the seat frame orientation, the distal portions of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may extend away from or parallel to one another. This may permit first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 to support seat fabric 304 with the upper corners 308 thereof spaced further apart than the spacing between the distal ends of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In this way, the distal ends of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be positioned inside of a user's shoulder blades in pack frame assembled configuration 200 and optionally outside of a user's shoulder blades in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
As perhaps best seen in
Likewise, second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include a pack frame orientation and a seat frame orientation and may be configured to rotate between the pack frame orientation and the seat frame orientation in a similar manner to that discussed herein for first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112. Thus, in seat frame assembled configuration 202, interconverting support frame 50 may support seat fabric 304 with an outermost lateral extent 312 that is greater than the width of central frame member 120. Second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112, the transitioning frame member receivers 122 that receive second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112, and/or the longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that receive second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include rotational retaining mechanisms 125 configured to selectively retain second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 in the seat frame orientation or the pack frame orientation.
Generally with reference to
Interconverting support frame 30 includes two segmented transitioning frame members 134, a first of which may extend between the distal ends of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 and a second of which may extend between the distal ends of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. The first segmented transitioning frame member 134 is interconnected with first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 by a pair of transitioning frame member couplers 152 and the second segmented transitioning frame member 134 is interconnected with second pair 126 of longitudinal frame member 112 by a pair of transitioning frame member couplers 152. The first segmented transitioning frame member 134 is dimensioned to span first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112, and the second segmented transitioning frame member 134 is dimensioned to span second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112. The telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 of segmented transitioning frame members 134 each may include telescopic retaining mechanism 174, as discussed herein.
Shifting focus to
Turning focus to
Central frame member 120 includes two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are disposed adjacent to longitudinal frame members 112 and configured to orient transitioning frame members 114 to extend transverse to longitudinal frame members 112. Transitioning frame member receivers 122 also orient transitioning frame members 114 to extend laterally outward and beyond the width of central frame member 120. One seat-contacting transitioning frame member 142 includes telescopic insert portion 160 and the other seat-contacting transitioning frame member 142 includes telescopic receiving portion 162. Likewise, one ground-contacting transitioning frame member 144 includes telescopic insert portion 160 and the ground-contacting transitioning frame member 144 includes telescopic receiving portion 162. Telescopic insert portions 160 are inserted into corresponding transitioning frame member receivers 122 and engaged with telescopic receiving portions 162 within central frame member 120 and/or on the other side of central frame member 120 from which telescopic insert portion 160 is inserted.
In seat frame assembled configuration 202, first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 form seat-contacting ends 140, while second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 form ground-contacting ends 138. Longitudinal frame members 112 may remain fixedly coupled to central frame member 120 between seat and pack frame assembled configurations.
Generally with reference to
Longitudinal frame members 112 of the first pair 124 and the second pair 126 are spaced apart from one another and are interconnected with central frame member 120 proximate the end regions 164 of central frame member 120. Longitudinal frame members 112 of first pair 124 extend laterally outward from central frame member 120 at corresponding angles relative to the width of central frame member 120, such that the distal ends thereof are spaced further apart than the width of central frame member 120. Likewise, longitudinal frame members 112 of second pair 126 extend laterally outward from central frame member 120, such that the distal ends thereof are spaced further apart than the width of central frame member 120. As discussed in more detail herein, the distal ends of first pair 124, and optionally second pair 126, of longitudinal frame members 112 include ground-contacting ends 138.
Each longitudinal frame member 112 includes first segment 116 that is directly connected with central frame member 120 in pack frame assembled configuration 200 and second segment 118 that defines the distal end of the longitudinal frame member 112. Each longitudinal frame member 112 also includes telescopic coupling mechanism 154 that interconnects first segment 116 and second segment 118 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. Second segments 118 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be provided with telescopic insert portions 160 and second segments 118 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be provided with telescopic receiving portions 162.
To transition interconverting support frame 40 from pack frame assembled configuration 200 to seat frame assembled configuration 202, second segments 118 are configured to disconnect from first segments 116 and interconnect with central frame member 120. As such, second segments 118 may be described as transitioning frame members 114.
Central frame member 120 further includes two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are spaced apart from one another along the width of central frame member 120 and positioned proximate to, and inside of, longitudinal frame members 112. In some examples, second segments 118 are engaged with central frame member 120 via the two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122. More specifically, second segments 118 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame member 112 may be configured, and oriented by central frame member 120, to form ground-contacting ends 138 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. Second segments 118 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be configured, and oriented by central frame member 120, to form seat-contacting ends 140 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. The telescopic insert portions 160 may be inserted into transitioning frame member receivers 122 and engaged with telescopic receiving portions 162 via, and/or within, transitioning frame member receivers 122, such as discussed herein.
In such examples, first segments 116 of first pair 124 and second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be fixedly coupled to central frame member 120. First segments 116 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 form upper seat-contacting ends 156, and first segments 116 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 form ground-contacting ends 138. As shown in
In other examples, central frame member 120 includes longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that receive first segments 116 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In particular, first segments 116 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include telescopic insert portions 160 that are received in longitudinal frame member receivers 150 in pack frame assembled configuration 200. In such examples, to transition interconverting support frame 40 from pack frame assembled configuration 200 to seat frame assembled configuration 202, first segments 116 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 are disconnected from longitudinal frame member receivers 150 and inserted into two, laterally spaced apart transitioning frame member receivers 122 that orient the first segments 116 to form seat-contacting ends 140. In other words, the two transitioning frame member receivers 122 may orient first segments 116 to extend in a direction transverse to the direction first segments 116 are oriented by longitudinal frame member receivers 150. In such examples, first segments 116 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be described as transitioning frame members 114.
Also in such examples, telescopic insert portions 160 of second segments 118 of first pair 124 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be inserted into longitudinal frame member receivers 150 to form ground-contacting ends 138 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. Telescopic receiving portions 162 of the second segments 118 of second pair 126 of longitudinal frame members 112 may be engaged with the other two transitioning frame member receivers 122 to form ground-contacting ends 138. In other words, first segment 116 and second segment 118 of each longitudinal frame member 112 of second pair 126 are received by a pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 and may be interconnected through telescopic coupling mechanism 154 within or via the pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122, such as discussed herein.
As shown in the examples of load-carrying device 400 of
Turning to
Generally with reference to
Interconverting support frame 60 includes a pair of longitudinal frame members 112 that may extend parallel to and spaced apart from one another in pack frame assembled configuration 200. Interconverting support frame 60 also includes a pair of transitioning frame members 114 that extend between and interconnect longitudinal frame members 112. More specifically, interconverting support frame 60 includes four transitioning frame member couplers 152 that are operably couple the ends of transitioning frame members 114 with the distal ends or distal end regions of longitudinal frame members 112. Transitioning frame members 114 support longitudinal frame members 112 spaced apart from one another such that such that interconverting support frame 60 forms a rectangular shape in pack frame assembled configuration 200.
Each transitioning frame member 114 is a segmented transitioning frame member 134 and includes first transitioning frame member segment 130, second transitioning frame member segment 132, and telescopic coupling mechanism 154 that directly interconnects the first and second transitioning frame member segments to one another. Each longitudinal frame member 112 includes first segment 116, second segment 118, and telescopic coupling mechanism 154 that directly interconnects first segment 116 and second segment 118 to one another. Telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 of segmented transitioning frame members 134 each may include telescopic retaining mechanism 174 configured to selectively retain first transitioning frame member segment 130 and second transitioning frame member segment 132 interconnected with one another. Likewise, telescopic coupling mechanisms 154 of longitudinal frame members 112 may include telescopic retaining mechanism 174 configured to selectively retain first segment 116 and second segment 118 interconnected with one another. Each transitioning frame member coupler 152 and/or the ends of each longitudinal frame member 112 and each transitioning frame member 114 may include rotational retaining mechanism 125 that is configured to restrict longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114 from rotating within transitioning frame member couplers 152.
Turning focus to
Turning to
Central frame member 120 includes four pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122, two of which being positioned adjacent to one end of central frame member 120 and the other two of which being positioned adjacent to the other end of central frame member 120. Each pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 extends through central frame member 120 transverse to the pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 positioned proximate thereto.
First segments 116 and second segments of longitudinal frame members 112 are configured to form seat-contacting transitioning frame members 142 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. First segments 116 may be configured to form upper seat-contacting ends 156 and second segments 118 may be configured to form lower seat-contacting ends 158. In other words, first segments 116 may be longer than second segments 118.
First transitioning frame member segments 130 and second transitioning frame member segments 132 are configured to form ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144. Thus, first transitioning frame member segments 130 may have at least substantially the same length as second transitioning frame member segments 132, not considering the length of telescopic insert portions 160.
First segments 116 include telescopic receiving portions 162 and second segments 118 include telescopic insert portions 160. First transitioning frame member segments 130 include telescopic receiving portions 162, and second transitioning frame member segments 132 include telescopic insert portions 160. Telescopic receiving portions 162 of first transitioning frame member segments 130 and telescopic insert portions 160 of second segment 118 are engaged with one another via two corresponding pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122, which orient first transitioning frame member segments 130 to extend downwardly from central frame member 120 and second segments 118 to extend upwardly from central frame member 120. Similarly, telescopic receiving portions 162 of first segments 116 are engaged with telescopic insert portions 160 of second transitioning frame member segments 132 via two corresponding pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122, which orient first segments 116 to extend upwardly from central frame member 120 and orient second transitioning frame member segments 132 extend downwardly from central frame member 120.
In the examples of
In
In these examples, central frame member 120 includes a hollow and elongated tubular shape and with a diameter that is greater than that of longitudinal frame members 112 and transitioning frame members 114. At least two transitioning frame members 114 and at least two longitudinal frame members 112 extend through an internal volume 199 of central frame member 120 such as to interconnect with the two other transitioning frame members 114 and the two other longitudinal frame members 112 within the internal volume 199 of central frame member 120 or on the other side of central frame member 120.
Central frame member 120 includes two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122, with one of the two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122 shown in the elevation view of
As discussed herein, for example in connection to interconverting support frame 40, interconverting support frame 50, and interconverting support frame 60, seat-contacting transitioning frame members 142 may be formed by longitudinal frame members 112 and/or a segment thereof. In such examples, central frame member 120 includes longitudinal frame member receivers 150 that are circumferentially opposed to and coaxial with, or aligned with, the longitudinal frame members 112 that extend upwardly towards seat fabric 304. In such examples, a ground-contacting transitioning frame member 144 is received in each longitudinal frame member receiver 150 and may be oriented at intersection angle 314 with the other two ground-contacting transitioning frame members 144.
Turning to
In some examples, second transitioning frame member receiver 123 includes a bore or a socket in central frame member 120 through which telescopic insert portion 160 extends and protrudes from central frame member 120. Telescopic receiving portion 162 of the other transitioning frame member 114 may receive the end region of telescopic insert portion 160 that extends from central frame member 120 via second transitioning frame member receiver 123. In other words, the two transitioning frame members 114 may be interconnected with one another via transitioning frame member receivers 122 and telescopic coupling mechanism 154. In such examples, an end, rim, or collar of telescopic receiving portion 162 may engage or rest upon the exterior surface of central frame member 120 about the second transitioning frame member receiver 123.
Additionally or alternatively, each second transitioning frame member receiver 123 may include a socket that is configured to receive telescopic receiving portion 162, or and end region of transitioning frame member 114 that surrounds telescopic receiving portion 162. The socket of second transitioning frame member receiver 123 may be coaxial with the first transitioning frame member receiver 121. In such examples, telescopic insert portion 160 and telescopic receiving portion 162 each may be inserted into the respective transitioning frame member receivers 122 and engaged with one another within the pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122.
As further shown in
Central frame member 120 also may include central frame member telescoping mechanism 170 that divides central frame member 120 into two telescoping portions that are configured to telescope relative to one another to adjust the width 136 of central frame member 120. Central frame member telescoping mechanism 170 may include a plurality of telescopic retaining mechanisms 174 that are configured to selectively secure the two telescoping portions to one another at a desired width 136. More specifically, one telescopic retaining mechanism 174 may be configured to retain central frame member 120 in a width 136 that is desired for seat frame assembled configuration 202, and at least one other telescopic retaining mechanism 174 may be configured to retain central frame member 120 with a width 136 that is desired for pack frame assembled configuration 200.
While
Central frame member 120 includes two pairs of transitioning frame member receivers 122 that are positioned proximate, and inside of, longitudinal frame members 112. Each pair of transitioning frame member receivers 122 includes first transitioning frame member receiver 121 configured to receive telescopic insert portion 160 of a transitioning frame member 114, and a second transitioning frame member receiver 123 configured to receive telescopic receiving portion 162 of another transitioning frame member 114.
First transitioning frame member receiver 121 includes a socket that extends into central frame member 120 at a skewed angle 184 relative to the width 136 of central frame member 120. Examples of suitable skewed angles 184 include at least 30°, at least 40°, at least 45°, at least 50°, at least 60°, at most 40°, at most 45°, at most 50°, at most 50°, at most 55°, at most 60°, at most 65°, and/or at most 70°. As an example, first transitioning frame member receiver 121 may include a tubular member that is dimensioned and shaped corresponding to telescopic insert portion 160 and an end portion of transitioning frame member 114 that is adjacent to, and wider than, telescopic insert portion 160.
Second transitioning frame member receiver 123 includes a socket that extends into central frame member 120 transverse to, and optionally at least substantially normal to, first transitioning frame member receiver 121. Second transitioning frame member receiver 123 is configured to receive an end region of transitioning frame member 114 that surrounds telescopic receiving portion 162. As an example, second transitioning frame member receiver 123 may include a tubular member that is dimensioned and shaped to receive an end portion of transitioning frame member 114 that surrounds telescopic receiving portion 162. Second transitioning frame member receiver 123 also may include a shank 182 positioned at the distal end thereof that is configured to be inserted into and engage telescopic receiving portion 162. Shank 182 may be configured to retain transitioning frame member 114 within second transitioning frame member receiver 123 and/or strengthen interconverting support frame 100 in seat frame assembled configuration 202. The socket of second transitioning frame member receiver 123 may terminate at an inside wall of central frame member 120 and may be welded, bonded, otherwise affixed thereto, which also may strengthen interconverting support frame 100 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
The socket of first transitioning frame member receiver 121 intersects and may be bonded, welded, or otherwise affixed, to a midsection of the socket of second transitioning frame member receiver 123. Second transitioning frame member receiver 123 includes a bore 180 that extends through second transitioning frame member receiver 123 where first transitioning frame member receiver 121 intersects second transitioning frame member receiver 123. Bore 180 extends at skewed angle 184 relative to width 136 of central frame member 120 and is dimensioned to permit telescopic insert portion 160 to be inserted therethrough. Each transitioning frame member 114 that includes telescopic receiving portion 162 is provided with a receiving bore 186 that extends through transitioning frame member 114 transverse to the length thereof. Receiving bore 186 is configured to align with bore 180 of second transitioning frame member receiver 123 when telescopic receiving portion 162 of the transitioning frame member 114 is operably received in second transitioning frame member receiver 123.
To assemble interconverting support frame 100 in seat frame assembled configuration 202, telescopic receiving portion 162 is inserted into second transitioning frame member receiver 123 such that receiving bore 186 of the corresponding transitioning frame member 114 is aligned with bore 180 of second transitioning frame member receiver 123. Telescopic insert portion 160 then is inserted into first transitioning frame member receiver 121 such that telescopic insert portion 160 extends through, and optionally is engaged by, receiving bore 186 of the other transitioning frame member 114.
First transitioning frame member receiver 121 may include a mouth portion 190 that is configured to receive and engage the end portion of transitioning frame member 114 from which telescopic insert portion 160 extends and a throat portion 188 that is configured to receive an end region of telescopic insert portion 160 that may protrude from bore 180. Throat portion 188 of first transitioning frame member receiver 121 may be affixed to second transitioning frame member receiver 123 about bore 180 and may extend coaxially with bore 180. Optionally, throat portion 188 may extend to an inside wall of central frame member 120 and may be bonded, welded, or otherwise affixed thereto, which may increase the strength of interconverting support frame 100 in seat frame assembled configuration 202.
While
Also, while
Examples of interconverting support frames 100, load-carrying devices 400, and seats 301 according to the present disclosure are presented in the following enumerated paragraphs:
As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and a second entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity, and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one or more” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.
As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every entity specifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding any combinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows that entities may optionally be present other than the entities specifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entities specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including entities other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any of the above in combination with at least one other entity.
As used herein, “selective” and “selectively,” when modifying an action, movement, configuration, or other activity of one or more components or characteristics of a tent according to the present disclosure, means that the specified action, movement, configuration, or other activity is a direct or indirect result of user manipulation of an aspect of, or one or more components of, the tent.
As used herein, the phrase, “for example,” the phrase, “as an example,” and/or simply the term “example,” when used with reference to one or more components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure, are intended to convey that the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is an illustrative, non-exclusive example of components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods according to the present disclosure. Thus, the described component, feature, detail, structure, embodiment, and/or method is not intended to be limiting, required, or exclusive/exhaustive; and other components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, including structurally and/or functionally similar and/or equivalent components, features, details, structures, embodiments, and/or methods, are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that the element, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intended to perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and “configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element, component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing a given function but that the element, component, and/or other subject matter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function. It also is within the scope of the present disclosure that elements, components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as being adapted to perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being configured to perform that function, and vice versa.
As used herein, “at least substantially,” when modifying a degree or relationship, includes not only the recited “substantial” degree or relationship, but also the full extent of the recited degree or relationship. A substantial amount of a recited degree or relationship may include at least 75% of the recited degree or relationship. For example, an object that is at least substantially formed from a material includes an object for which at least 75% of the object is formed from the material and also includes an object that is completely formed from the material. As another example, a first direction that is at least substantially parallel to a second direction includes a first direction that forms an angle with respect to the second direction that is at most 22.5 degrees and also includes a first direction that is exactly parallel to the second direction. As another example, a first length that is substantially equal to a second length includes a first length that is at least 75% of the second length, a first length that is equal to the second length, and a first length that exceeds the second length such that the second length is at least 75% of the first length.
The interconverting support frames, load-carrying devices, and seats disclosed herein are applicable to the outdoor, travel, and leisure products and industries.
This application claims priority to similarly titled U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/226,392, which was filed on Jul. 28, 2021, and the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
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