GB2213051A - Bag convertible into a ground backrest - Google Patents

1 BAG CONVERTIBLE INTO A GROUND BACKREST This invention relates to a

portable bag and backrest combination. More specifically, this invention relates to a folding bag that can be quickly unfolded and turned into 2 handy, comfortable ground backrest provided with a piece of cloth for sitting down.

This light and small sized item proves to be especially suitable for use on the beach, in camping sites and in any other badly equipped area. On such occasions as those mentioned above, one usually provides oneself with separate bags and small seats which are often foldable but consist always Of independent elements generally too clumsy to be easily transported.

Seats, above all, cannot be easily transported, for example by placing them in sport bags, both because of their size and the presence of a carrying structure USU211Y consisting Of 2 metallic frame.

According to the present invention, there is provided a bag and back rest combination comprising a foldable backrest and a carrying bag therefor.

According to one embodiment of the present inven tion, the bag and backrest form a single structure which, in an unfolded condition constitutes a backrest, and in its folded condition constitutes a bag; according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the bag and backrest are two separate structures comprising a foldable backrest and a separate bag into which the backrest may be inserted when in its folded condition; the backrest comprising a foldable framework having a first frame assembly constituting a backrest and comprising a rigid sub-framework of structural members having a piece of flexible sheet material stretched therebetween and against which a person seated on the ground may rest his or her back when said backrest is erected and placed on the ground behind them, and a second frame assembly, hinged to said first frame and which acts as 2 strut member to support the backrest in an inclined position ready for use by the user.

The conversion from bag to backrest in both embodiments of the pre sent invention is very simple to carry out, does not require the employment of any particular devices or tools, and does not adversely affect the utilization of the item itself as a bag.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

2 Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the portable bag and backrest combination in semi-unfolded position; Figures 3 and 4 show the bag and backrest combination of the previous Figures in the unfolded position at two different inclinations; Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention of a bag in combination with a backrest; Figures 6 and 7 are a perspective and a side view, respectively, of the folded up backrest structure according to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 5; Figures 8 and 9 are views of the backrest, according to Figures 6 and 7, in the unfolded position, at two different inclinations; Figures 10 and 11 shown another embodiment of the bag in combina tion with a backrest according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in the unfolded and folded position respectively; Figure 12 shows the backrest structure as it is being extracted from the bag; Figure 13 is a view of the unfolded backrest; and Figure 14 is a side view of the unfolded backrest showing the two possible inclinations.

A portable bag and backrest combination according to one embodi ment of the present invention comprises two shells 1, 2 hinged together forming the actual bag, designed so as to serve as a backrest when the structure is unfolded, see Figures 1 and 2. Inside said shells there is hinged a support structure that remains held inside the bag when the same is closed, however leaving a great deal of room for holding other objects.

The bag is made of a sufficiently stiff material, e.g. plastic.

To one of the shells 1, is also hinged the support structure 6, whilst the other shell 2 comprises a flap 3 which, once folded up, functions as a closure for the bag.

The longer walls 4, 5 of the shells 1, 2 are shaped so as to function as a comfortable backrest when the bag is spread entirely open, that is when the walls 4, 5 are in line with each other as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

To shell 1 is hinged, as previously said, the support structure 6 comprising a pair of hinged arms 6a, 6b, joined by the hinge 7 and linked to each other by a crosspiece B. Crosspiece 8 is connected to a belt 10 whose opposite end is secured Z1 11 3 to wall 5.

A pair of locking sleeves 20, or the like, are provided slidable along the arms 6a, 6b over the hinge 7 and are thus operable to lock the arms 6a, 6b in their unfolded condition as shown in Figure 3. In this position, the locking sleeves can be held by a snap system of known type.

When converting the bag into the backrest, it is sufficient to open the bag until walls 4, 5 are in line with one another, and then to unfold the support structure that rests on the ground, at the same time keeping the backrest in an inclined position.

According to the degree of unfolding of the arms 6, the frame may be set in the two different positions shown in Figures 3 and 4, respectively.

I The adjustable belt 10 prevents the structure from stretching apart undesirably by effect of the sitter's weight. Flap 3 rests on the ground and functions as a seat. To the thus obtained backrest can then be applied a headrest made of soft material and/or a sun-screening element. These will be described hereinafter, with reference to the other preferred embodi ments of the invention.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, the backrest structure consists of a tubular telescopic frame 11 (see Figure 6), openable by 2 hinge 17, to which is fastened 2 piece of cloth 12.

The structure is held inside a S2ck-like bag 13 whose upper flaps 14, preferably having elasticized edges 15, are folded inwards so as to fit around frame 11 when the same is inserted in the bag (Figure 5).

The backrest structure comprises substantially two pairs of side telescopic arms 16, hinged at 17 so as to open in a COMp2ss-like fashion, and linked to one another by crosspieces 18.

The piece of cloth 12 is mounted on one of the arms 16 and on the two connecting cross-pieces 18. At the side secured to the crosspiece intended to rest on the ground (see Figure 8), the piece of material 12 has an opening 19 through which one can insert ones hand for unfolding the backrest more easily.

An adjustable belt 20 joins one crosspiece resting on the ground to the other 18, and prevents the structure from stretching apart undesirably because of the sitter's weight.

To the piece of cloth 12 is connected, in the proximity to the cross piece 18 that rests on the ground, another piece of cloth 21, fitted with a 4 pouch where there can be inserted either a cushion 22 or a similar stuffing element.

The support structure has a means for the attachment of a metallic support 23 on which there can be inserted a padded headrest 24, which may be secured in its place by a pair of pull-off self-sticking strips 35. The headrest 24 can alternatively be inserted in the upper part of frame 11 as a permanent feature of the backrest.

To the backrest there can be added 2 sun-screening element 25, mounted on a shaft 26 that can be locked onto the structure by means of a clamp 27.

To set up the backrest it is sufficient to pull the frame out of the bag, to unfold the compass-like structure and to stretch out the telesocpic elements 16. The structure is thus positioned as illustrated by Figure 8, the piece of cloth 12 which acts as the backrest being kept taut.

In case the backrest should be given a more marked inclination, it is possible to shorten the rear tubular elements, shortening belt 20 if neces sary, in order that the structure maintains the position shown in Figure 9.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, frame 11 consists of a jointed structure wherein arms 16 (see Figure 13) instead of being telescopic, consist of two parts hinged at a U-like connecting element 28.

In such an embodiment, the structure is thicker when it is in the folded position, and it can be introduced into a substantially parallelepiped2l.

bag as shown in Figures 10 and 11, in the unfolded and folded positions respectively.

In this case, the shorter sides 29 will be bent inward so as to fit the upper edge of the folded structure.

In the Figures relating to this further embodiment of the invention, the same reference numbers have been used for indicating the same corres ponding parts.

Also according to this embodiment, it is possible to set a backrest 12 in differently inclined positions, shown by a continuous and a broken line, respectively, in Figure 14.

Of course many changes and variations can be provided by the ex perts in the art, without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

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