Thru joint for configurable backpack frame chair

Abstract

A multi-functional backpack frame system that has a backpack frame configuration and a portable chair configuration. The backpack frame system includes: a first U-shaped subframe with an open end constructed by a pair of upright members connected to a cross member, a second tubular generally U-shaped subframe with an open end constructed by a pair of upright members connected to a cross member, a pair of subframes that can be mechanically fastened such that both are nested to be coplanar in a fixed relation as the backpack configuration, a pair of subframes that can be mechanically fastened such that the planes of each subframe are generally normal with a flexible seat cover as the chair configuration. The conversion into the chair configuration relies on a minimalist, self-intersecting tubular joint method, referred to as a “thru joint” that does not require additional parts, fasteners, or tools necessary for its use.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A configurable frame system having a first configuration and a second configuration, comprising:
 a first U-shaped subframe with a first open end having a first pair of upright members connected to a first cross member to form a first closed section of the first U-shaped subframe;   a second U-shaped subframe with a second open end having a second pair of upright members connected to a second cross member to form a second closed section of the second U-shaped subframe, wherein the second pair of upright members have a pair of connection holes through an entire width of each second pair of upright member such that a centerline of each connection hole intersects the centerline of the second pair of upright members;   wherein the first and second pair of subframes are fully detachable and attachable from each other;   wherein the first configuration is a backpack configuration when the first U-shaped subframe and the second U-shaped subframe are mechanically fastened such that both U-shaped subframes are connected coplanar in a fixed relation to one another; and   wherein the second configuration is a chair configuration when the first U-shaped subframe and the second U-shaped subframe are mechanically fastened at a self-intersecting tubular joint, wherein distal ends of the first U-shaped subframe are inserted through the connection holes in the second U-shaped subframe.   
     
     
         2 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein a pair of tubular subframes a first distal end of the first U-shaped subframe are releasably engageable to be telescopically inserted into a second distal end of the second U-shaped subframe along a same plane forming a backpack frame configuration. 
     
     
         3 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said pair of connection holes provides a pathway for the self-interesting tubular joint, enabling the distal ends of the first U-shaped subframe to pass entirely though the second pair of upright members of the second U-shaped subframe. 
     
     
         4 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are removably fastened to a backpack to provide a rigid structure when worn by a user. 
     
     
         5 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are removably fastened to a backpack to provide a rigid structure when placed on the ground. 
     
     
         6 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein a frame height of the configurable frame system is adjustable when the first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are connected. 
     
     
         7 . The configurable frame system of  claim 6 , wherein a frame width of the configurable frame system is adjustable when the first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are connected. 
     
     
         8 . The configurable frame system of  claim 7 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are equipped with a latching mechanism to set the frame height and frame width. 
     
     
         9 . The configurable frame system of  claim 8 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe are equipped with a retractable pin in the form of a spring button clip type latching mechanism to set the frame height and frame width. 
     
     
         10 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and/or second U-shaped subframe are equipped with an offset cross member so that the configurable frame system does not interfere with a user when worn. 
     
     
         11 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein a flexible seat cover is attached to a first distal end of first U-shaped subframe and a second distal end of the second U-shaped subframe. 
     
     
         12 . The configurable frame system of  claim 1 , wherein said first U-shaped subframe and second U-shaped subframe each have an adjustable width cross members.