Abstract:
A mobile hunting blind includes a platform that may be raised and lowered to accommodate handicapped persons in a vehicle for transportation of the hunting blind and the person. The platform has a hunting blind wrapped around it and has a turntable that allows a person to spin within the hunting blind.

Description:
REFERENCE TO PENDING APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/648,180, filed on Jan. 28, 2005. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a mobile hunting blind. Specifically, the present invention relates to a combination mobile hunting blind and a motorized vehicle with a rotatable platform that may be raised and lifted and driven off road. 
     2. Prior Art 
     Hunting has long been a sport and tradition all across the world. Most hunting is done in fields, forests or other remote locations. To reach a suitable spot for hunting various prey, one must travel significant distances off road. To accomplish this, hunters have long utilized all terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s) to travel to a desired hunting spot. Such spots are typically not accessible by wheelchairs or automobiles. The result is that it is extremely difficult if not impossible for wheelchair bound and other handicapped persons to hunt. 
     It is therefore desirable to provide a means for transporting wheelchair bound and other handicapped persons to remote, off road locations. 
     It is also desirable to provide a mobile hunting blind that is easily moved and used by handicapped or other persons. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a means for handicapped persons to easily transport themselves to a remote location for hunting or other tasks. The invention is wheelchair accessible. The invention comprises a base or platform large enough to hold a wheelchair that is raised and lowered between two sets of wheels or tracks. The side door is lowered as a ramp. Once a person in a wheelchair rolls onto the platform, it is lifted and the device is powered by a hydraulic or other motor. The device is capable of driving anywhere a typical ATV can go. 
     Preferably, the platform of the invention includes a turntable that allows a person in a wheelchair sitting on the platform to rotate 360°. Optionally, the device can be covered in camouflage material. A roof may also be placed on it such that it forms a hunting blind. The device also includes a rear deck that allows a person to place prey or other items on for transport. Optionally, the rear deck can include a lift arm mechanism to assist a person situated in a wheel chair in lifting their prey or other items from the ground to the rear deck. 
     The present invention provides an all terrain vehicle that is wheelchair accessible. A small platform comprising a hunting blind is attached to two wheel axles or two tracks, a motor and a steering means. Preferably, the device is made from metal, such as aluminum. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the frame and body of the invention may be comprised of any material suitably strong. It is preferred to use a material as light as possible. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side diagrammatic view of the invention in the stationary position. 
         FIG. 2  is a side diagrammatic view of the invention in its mobile configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a side diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan diagrammatic view of the frame of an alternative embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  shows a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a stationary position. 
         FIG. 7  shows a rear view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a raised position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides for inventive concepts capable of being embodied in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific manners in which to make and use the invention and are not to be interpreted as limiting the scope of the instant invention. 
     While the invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be noted that many modifications may be made in the details of the invention&#39;s construction and the arrangement of its components without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein for purposes of exemplification, but is limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims, including the full range of equivalency to which each element thereof is entitled. 
     The present invention comprises a frame attached to two sets of wheels or tracks. The wheels or tracks may pivot upward and downward so that the frame either lays upon the ground or is elevated above it and supported by the sets of wheels or tracks. The invention includes a steering mechanism to allow a person sitting on the base to control the direction of movement of the device. The invention also comprises a motor attached to at least one set of wheels or both tracks. It provides a forward and backward motion for the invention. The motor may be of any type known in the art. Preferably, a hydraulic motor is used to facilitate easy operation of the device. Control means allow an operator of the device to control the direction and speed of the movement. 
       FIG. 1  shows a side diagrammatic view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. In  FIG. 1 , the base  12  is flush with the ground  44 . Attached to the base is a frame comprised of a rear plate  16 , a front plate  14  and a left panel  18 . Not shown is a door on the right side of the invention. Those skilled in the art may appreciate that the door may be attached to base  12  with hinges that would allow the door to be pivoted in a downward direction to open the body of the frame. In the open position, the door would act as a ramp to allow persons situated in a wheelchair access to the frame. The door  64  could be mechanically opened and closed with a hydraulic cylinder or other mechanism. 
     Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the open door could also be used parallel to the base with a lift mechanism to allow access to the vehicle. The door would go from a position flush and parallel with the ground to a position parallel with the base allowing even access to the vehicle. The door could be powered or moved by hydraulic or pneumatic electric motor or other drive mechanism. Attached to the base via a rotatable pivot  7  is turntable  32 . 
     Attached to the front plate  14  is a steering wheel  20  extending from a steering column. The steering wheel may be retracted during loading and unloading and extended during vehicle operation. On the front of the frame is a front assembly comprising a mount plate  28  attached to pivot arm  22  by means of pivot pin  26 . Piston  30  is attached to both front plate  14  and pivot arm  22 . At the end of pivot arm  22  is front wheel  24 . Front wheel  24  is rotatable perpendicular to pivot arm  22  and its own axis of rotation in order to allow the device to be turned left or right by actuating the steering wheel  20 . In a preferred embodiment, there is both a left and a right front wheel, pivot arm, mount plate and pivot pin. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be possible to have only one front wheel. Two front wheels are preferred to increase stability. 
     On the rear of the frame is a rear assembly consisting of rear plate  16  is mounting plate  29  attached to pivot arm  34  by means of pivot pin  31 . Pivot arm  34  is also attached to rear wheel  36 . Piston  38  is attached both to rear plate  16  and pivot arm  34 . Although not explicitly shown in this diagram, there is both a left and a right rear wheel. Both are attached to motor  40  by means of drive chain or belt  42 . Motor  40  allows actuation of rear wheel  36  such that the device may be moved in both forward and backward directions. Actuation of the motor is controlled by means of control panel  23  such that an operator of the device may both steer the invention to the left or the right using the steering wheel and backward and forward using control panel  23 . However, those skilled in the art may appreciate that the steering wheel and control panel may be replaced with a joystick control (not shown). A joystick would allow an operator of the invention to simultaneously steer in a left and right direction while controlling the backward and forward movement. Thus, the joystick would allow persons with minimal ability in dexterity movement to operate the invention. Turntable  32  is attached to base  12  by a rotatable pivot  7  that allows a person sitting in a wheelchair within the frame to easily rotate 360° with very little effort. This allows a person situated in a wheelchair in the invention to face any direction when desired. This is especially useful when a wheelchair bound person utilizes the invention for hunting, bird watching and other observational functions. Attached perpendicularly to the rear of rear plate  16  is rear deck frame  8 . The rear deck frame  8  is supported by a support beam  9  that runs parallel to rear plate  16  and perpendicular to base  12 . In addition, those skilled in the art may appreciate the addition of a crane lift arm  6  and winch mechanism  5  attached to the rear deck frame  8  to allow the operator of the invention to lift prey or other objects and set them on the rear deck  8  for transport. 
       FIG. 2  shows the device  10  of  FIG. 1  in its mobile state.  FIG. 1  illustrates the invention is a stationary immobile state ideal for loading and unloading a person in a wheelchair.  FIG. 2  shows the invention pre-configured to allow transportation of a person in a wheelchair to off road locations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that wheelchairs and many other devices designed to allow freedom of movement for handicapped persons are poorly suited for an off road environment. It is therefore difficult or impossible for handicapped persons to venture off the beaten path to ideal locations for hunting, fishing, bird and other animal observations. Various tasks associated with farming, camping and other recreation that takes place off of paved areas. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the base  12  is no longer flush with the ground  44 . This is because pistons  30  and  38  have been extended such that pivot arms  22  and  34  are now parallel to base  12 . Base  12  and the entire frame including back plate  16  and front plate  14  are substantially lifted above the ground. The entire device is now supported by front wheel  24  and rear wheel  36 . The device now operates in the same fashion as an all terrain vehicle. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the distance between the base  12  and the ground  44  depends upon the extent to which pivot arms  22  and  34  pivot, the size of the wheels  24  and  36 , and the extent to which pistons  30  and  38  may be extended and retracted. When the device  10  is in the confirmation shown in  FIG. 2 , it is substantially more difficult for a handicapped person to load a wheelchair into the device and onto turntable  32 . However, the configuration shown in  FIG. 2  allows the device to easily traverse uneven, rocky, muddy or other terrain otherwise inhospitable to a typical wheelchair. 
       FIG. 3  shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The device  60  is still raised and lowered from the ground by means of pistons  75  and  73  raising and lowering the positions of the wheels  70  and  72  respectively. The main difference between this embodiment and that of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is that this device is enclosed to form a mobile hunting blind. Frame  62  is fully enclosed and preferably covered in camouflage. Door  64  allows the device to be opened and closed so that a handicapped person may enter or exit the device when frame  62  has been lowered to ground level. Optionally, lock  65  holds the door  64  firmly in place. Window  66  on the right side of the device is shown. There are also windows on the left side, front and back not shown in this figure. These windows preferably have removable, camouflage screens, but this is not necessary. The device is still powered by a motor  74  attached to rear wheel  72  by drive chain or belt  76 . The frame  62  also has a roof  68  that is also preferably camouflaged. In this particular embodiment, roof  68  is somewhat elevated in the center and slopes downward towards its edges. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable roof design performs that same functions of protecting the operator from the elements and concealing his or her presence. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that this particular embodiment shows a parallelepiped shaped hunting blind as the frame  62  of the device. It may also be desirable to have a cylindrical or other shaped hunting blind to serve as the frame for the device. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the addition of a trailer  60  that has side ramp  61  that corresponds to the door on the vehicle itself. In tandem, the trailer ramp  61  and door ramp would allow a person situated in a wheelchair to gain access from the ground  59  to the vehicle located on the trailer  60  for transportation. The axles of the trailer may also retract similar in operation to the device. The trailer also may pivot with respect to the trailer hitch by means of a hydraulic cylinder. 
     An alternative embodiment of the present invention, not shown, involves vertical rails to guide the raising and lowering of the frame. The main difference between this embodiment and that of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is that this device uses vertical guide rails in lieu of pivot arms  22  and  34  in the raising and lowering of the frame. The frame is still raised and lowered from the ground  44  by means of the pistons  30  and  38  which raise and lower the positions of the wheels  24  and  36  respectively. The wheels are connected using an axle that is positioned between two vertical rails. The vertical rails are attached to the body of the frame to act as a guide or slide for the axle connecting the wheels. When the pistons are extended or retracted, the axles slide up and down the vertical rails causing the invention to transform from its stationary to mobile position. 
     The motor that powers the invention is preferably a hydraulic motor that allows for easy and simplified control of the backward and forward motion. A hydraulic system may also be used to provide power steering for the steering wheel. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steering wheel may be replaced by other steering methods. It is also desirable to incorporate a hydraulic system in the invention in order to power the pistons that allow raising and lowering of the frame. However, both hydraulic and pneumatic devices may be incorporated to actuate various features of the invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there is a variety of means and methods for powering the backward and forward motion of the invention, the turning of the front wheels and the raising and lowering of the vehicle. 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of another embodiment of the present invention. Device  100  has a frame  109  comprised of a left plate  102 , a right plate  103 , a front plate  104  and a back plate  106 . Attached to back plate  106  is motor frame  117  that is pivotally attached to back plate  106  a pivot points  119 . Frame  117  is attached to axis  116  about which rear wheels  110  rotate. This embodiment also comprises a rear bumper  118 . While this figure shows only the frame of the device  100 , those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a motor may be mounted on motor frame  117  and a drive chain or belt may be attached to axle  116 . 
     Front plate  104  is attached to front frame  111  that is pivotally attached to front plate  104  by means of pivot points  115 . Front frame  111  is also attached to axle  114  about which front wheels  112  rotate. Also included is a front bumper  120 . Frame  109  also comprises base  107  about which turntable  108  rotates. Pistons or similar devices rotate front frame  111  and motor frame  117  so as to raise and lower wheels  112  and  110  respectively. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional features may be added to the present invention. Storage compartments, time and temperature instruments, radio and other communication devices, climate control and sundry, other devices may be incorporated into the present invention.  FIGS. 5 through 7  show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Both this and the previous embodiment as shown all allow for off road transportation and provide a folding down access door. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7  illustrate other methods of accomplishing these features. 
       FIG. 5  shows device  150  comprising a body  151 . Body  151  has a back  154  from which ramp  152  pivots along pivot point  153 . Door  152  may be pivoted in the direction of arrow  156  to close the body  151  of device  150 . Caterpillar tracks  162  are powered by wheel  158 , wheel  160  or both. Rollers  164  allow tracks  162  to maintain adequate traction with the ground and tension about wheels  158  and  160 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some environments it may be preferable to use Caterpillar tracks rather than wheels. These Caterpillar tracks require that the loading ramp  152  be located in either the rear or the front of the frame. Although in this embodiment the ramp is located in the rear, those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may also be placed in the front. However, it is preferable to place the ramp in the rear so that the steering means and other control devices may be permanently attached to the inside of the front of the frame. 
       FIG. 6  shows a rearview of device  150  with ramp  152  in the up position. In this figure, the base  178  of frame  151  is flush with the ground  176 . Support arms  174  are attached to wheel axles  179  and to lift pistons  170 . Lift pistons  170  are attached to the top  175  of frame  151 . In  FIG. 6 , the lift pistons are in the retracted position such that the base  178  is flush with the ground  176 . 
       FIG. 7  shows device  150  in the mobile position, and which the frame  151  is raised above the ground  176 . Pistons  170  have been extended to lift the base  178  a sufficient distance above the ground  176 . 
     While this invention has been described to illustrative embodiments, this description is not be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon referencing this disclosure. It is therefore intended that this disclosure encompass any such modifications or embodiments.