If I read the original post right, this is a paper project, not one that will acutally be produced and sold.

That said, I think the students could have fun with this. Look at these designs: < http://www.csm.ornl.gov/~geist/Philmont/Chair-e-it.pdf >;< http://luxurylite.com/ >;< http://www.slinglight.com/ >.

The first URL explains how to use a Sling-Light chair as a pack frame/chair/cot. Luxurylite sells a carbon-fiber pack frame, hiking pole, and cot that uses the poles for side pieces. The last leads to the Sling-Light chair website.

If you choose to make the chair also function as a cot, I suggest that you design it to expand horizontally because the typical seat/packframe is far too narrow for comfort. It will be easier to just do something like the Chair-e-ot with just the chair/pack functions.

CM