Towable pack carrier

Abstract

A versatile carrier is provided having the ability to switch from a configuration being towed behind a user to a configuration being carried on the user's back like a conventional backpack. The carrier is comprised of a frame having a front end and a rear end, a linkage member having a front end and a rear end, a harness, and at least one wheel coupled to the rear end of the frame. The front end of the linkage member is coupled to the harness while the rear end is couple to the frame. The coupling allows the front end of the frame to be supported by the linkage member. The coupling also allows the frame to transfer from the towed position to the user's back with ease and without removal of the carrier from the user.

1 . (canceled) 
   
   
       2 . A method for carrying a load, the method comprising:
 moving a frame of a carrier from one position to another position by rotating a linkage member of the carrier's linkage relative to a frame member of the carrier's frame, wherein in one of the positions a wheel of the carrier contacts ground, and in the other position the wheel is suspended above ground; and   with a strap, mounting the frame to an operator while the frame is in the position that includes the wheel suspended above ground.   
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein mounting the frame to an operator includes positioning the strap across the operator's shoulder. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein moving the frame from one position to another position includes moving the frame while the frame is mounted to the operator. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein moving the frame from one position to another position includes the operator moving the frame to the other position by himself/herself. 
   
   
       6 . A method for making a carrier, the method comprising:
 mounting a wheel to a frame member of a frame of the carrier;   pivotally attaching a linkage member of a linkage of the carrier to the frame member;   pivotally attaching a harness to the linkage member;   configuring the pivotal attachments such that while the carrier is mounted to an operator, the linkage member can rotate relative to the frame member and the harness to move the frame from one position to another position wherein in one of the positions the wheel of the carrier contacts ground, and in the other position the wheel is suspended above ground; and   attaching a strap to the frame such that the strap can hold the frame to an operator while the frame is in the position that includes the wheel suspended above ground.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein attaching the strap to the frame includes attaching the strap such that the strap can be positioned across an operator's shoulder while the frame is in the position that includes the wheel suspended above ground.