Abstract:
A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning cradle that enables the user to remain in position and simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel, depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the frame structure of the apparatus is adapted to be adjusted and leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected to hide the hunter while in position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/857,632, filed Nov. 8, 2006, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to a rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus that is portable, erectable on the ground, or as part of a ladder or tree stand, and enables a shooter to remain seated on the apparatus and simultaneously rotate with the rifle while maintaining the rifle in a desired shooting position, and more particularly, to such apparatus that enables each of the height, distance and angular orientation of a rifle positioning cradle to be rapidly adjusted depending on the shooting environment presented. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   Aiming apparatus to assist a shooter in aiming a long rifle is known. Such aiming apparatus includes many features, which, in and of themselves, provide aid and assistance to a hunter or sharpshooter in shooting at a target, such as a deer. For example, illustrative are cradles for supporting and positioning the shooting end of a rifle (or shotgun) barrel, seats and benches to position the shooter with respect to a rifle cradle, and vertical (height) and/or horizontal adjustment arrangements. 
   Many of these arrangements, while useful, have not been integrated together to provide an aiming apparatus that is easy to use, is transportable, and once assembled in the field, enables the sharpshooter to make minor adjustments in the orientation of the rifle barrel relative to the physical frame of the shooter. 
   Generally, there remains a need for a wider choice of rifle aiming apparatus that enables a shooter, whether novice or experienced, and with different physical frames, both lean and portly, to rapidly transport and erect a rifle aiming apparatus on the ground, or on a tree stand, and thereafter make minor adjustments in the height, distance and angle of the end of the rifle barrel relative to a seat of the apparatus. Positioning the shooting end of the barrel is important to enable use of the apparatus by both right and left-handed shooters. 
   As used herein, the term rifle and rifle barrel is intended to encompass a wide variety of shooting arms, such as a shotgun, for example. 
   To maintain repeatability, should the hunter need to rotate and follow the target, the aiming structure would desirably integrate the aiming structure with the user and enable the hunter, rifle and aiming frame to rotate as a unit, thereby enabling rapid continuous tracking of the target without loss of height and range adjustments. 
   Briefly, and in general terms, an object of this invention is the provision of rifle aiming apparatus that enables rifle aiming components to be set relative to a seat element and the shooter and aiming components to be rotated simultaneously relative to a support frame wherein to maintain a preset arrangement between the hunter, the rifle, and a rifle barrel positioning cradle. 
   Another object of this invention is the provision of an aiming support, which is transportable, as a kit, and easily erected for use in the field. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In one embodiment according to this invention, there is provided a rifle aiming seat apparatus adapted to be assembled and supported on the ground for use and disassembled and transported when not in use, said support apparatus comprising:
         a seat having an upper seat surface and a lower undersurface,   an elongated seat brace, said brace extending between proximal and distal end portions and including a medial portion, the proximal end portion of said seat brace being connected to the undersurface of said seat,   a horizontal main support frame including a seat support for supporting the proximal end portion of said seat brace and a guide rail for supporting the medial portion of said seat brace, said seat support and guide rail forming a plane disposed generally horizontally,   means for rotatably connecting the proximal end portion of said seat brace to said seat support, the connection forming a pivot and an axis of rotation about which the seat brace rotates, and the medial portion of said seat brace being adapted to rotate approximately 180° relative to said axis and in supported relation atop the guide rail,   an L-shaped rifle aiming bracket, said aiming bracket including first and second legs disposed at right angles to one another, and rifle cradle assembly and rifle cradle thereof,   first means for adjustably connecting and changing the position of the first leg of said aiming bracket relative to the distal end portion of said seat brace, said first means connecting the first leg in different positions along the seat brace, orienting the second leg generally perpendicularly to the horizontal plane, and changing the separation of the second leg from the axis of rotation, and   second means for adjustably connecting and changing the position of the rifle cradle relative to the distal end portion of the second leg of said aiming bracket, said second means connecting the rifle cradle in different positions along the second leg and moving the cradle up or down relative to the horizontal plane.       

   According to this embodiment, the aiming bracket also comprises third means for rotatably connecting the rifle cradle to the cradle assembly wherein the rifle cradle may be oriented at different angles relative to a central axis through said second leg. In this aspect, the third means for rotatably connecting includes an elongated tubular cradle sleeve having upper and lower end portions and a releasable locking pin. The lower end portion of the cradle sleeve is adjustably connected to the distal end portion of the second leg with the locking pin pinning and releasably locking the rifle cradle to the upper end portion of the cradle sleeve for pivoting rotation relative thereto, whereby the rifle cradle may be fixed at a desired angle relative to an axis through the cradle sleeve and the second leg to which connected. 
   The means for rotatably connecting the seat brace to the seat support comprises one and the other of the proximal end of said seat brace and seat support including a pivot pin and a socket adapted to receive the pivot pin. 
   According to this embodiment, the seat includes a seat back hingedly connected to the seat and for movement between a folded down storage position and an upright in use position. 
   The first means for adjustably connecting comprises a releasable locking pin and the distal end portions of the first leg of said aiming bracket and the seat brace being provided, respectively, with first and second arrays of registrable openings. The distal end portions are adapted to telescopically interfit with one another and register at least one opening of the first array with at least one opening of the second array. The locking pin is received in the registered of said one openings to connect and hold the aiming bracket in different positions relative to and spaced radially outwardly from the axis of rotation. 
   The second means for adjustably connecting comprises a releasable locking pin and the distal end portion of the second leg of the aiming bracket and the lower end portion of the rifle cradle sleeve including, respectively, first and second arrays of registrable openings. Similarly, the distal end portions are adapted to telescopically interfit with one another and register at least one opening of the first array with at least one opening of the second array, and the locking pin received in the one openings to connect and hold the rifle cradle assembly in different vertical positions relative to and upwardly from the horizontal plane of the seat brace. 
   The horizontal main support frame includes elongated rearward and forward support bars each terminating in a downwardly turned support leg for supporting the support frame on the ground. The seat support is centered between the opposite end portions of the rearward support bar. The guide rail includes opposite end portions atop and fixed to a respective opposite end portion of the rearward support bar and a medial portion atop and fixed to the medial portion of the forward support bar. 
   The horizontal main support frame is generally symmetrical to a centerline drawn through the seat support and the medial portion of the guide rail. The seat brace is adapted to rotate approximately 180° including 90° in each direction away from said centerline. 
   The rifle aiming seat apparatus further comprises means for releasably locking the seat brace to the main support frame. In one preferred locking arrangement, a line through the seat brace is align centered with the center line of the support frame and the seat brace is prevented from rotating away therefrom. Although a single lock point is provided, a plurality of angularly spaced points may be provided to orient the seat brace as desired. 
   In another embodiment according to this invention, there is provided a rifle aiming support assembly, said aiming support assembly comprising:
         a horizontal main support frame, said frame including forward and rearward support bars and a guide bar, each bar including medial and opposite end portions and disposed symmetrically about a center line,   a seat brace removably rotatably mounted to said frame, said brace including a proximal end portion mounted to said rearward support bar, seat structure, a medial portion, and a distal end portion, said seat structure including a seat fixedly mounted to said proximal end portion and a seat back hingedly mounted to said seat for movement between stored and in used positions, and the medial portion of said seat brace supported for movement atop said guide bar,   an L-shaped rifle positioning bracket, said bracket including a first leg removably connected and positionable to and along the distal end portion of said seat brace and a second leg having a connectible upper end portion,   a rifle cradle assembly, said assembly including a cradle sleeve removably connected and positionable to and along the upper end portion of said positioning bracket and a generally U-shaped upwardly open cradle pivotally connected to the upper end portion of the cradle sleeve and positionable at a selected angle relative to an imaginary line drawn through the geometric center of the cradle assembly.       

   The rifle aiming support assembly further comprises means for releasably locking the seat brace to the support frame and preventing the seat brace from moving away from a fixed position relative to the seat frame. 
   According to yet another embodiment of this invention, there is provided a kit of components for providing a transportable rifle aiming seat assembly, the kit comprising
         a horizontal support frame having a socket for receiving a pivot pin,   an elongated seat brace having at a proximal end thereof a seat fixedly secured thereto and a pivot pin projecting therefrom for receipt in said socket whereby to mount the seat brace to the support frame for rotation relative thereto, said seat brace including a distal end portion provided with an array of registrable openings, and said seat including a seat back hingedly connected to said seat wherein to fold downwardly into a stored or transportation position when not in use and project upwardly when in an in use position,   an L-shaped rifle positioning bracket having first and second legs each provided with a respective array of registrable openings, the first leg being connectible with the distal end portion of the seat brace for relative axial positioning movement therealong wherein to register a respective pair of openings therealong for receipt of a releasable locking pin,   a rifle cradle assembly having a cradle sleeve provided with an array of registrable openings and an upwardly open rifle cradle for cradling a rifle pivotably connected to the cradle sleeve, the cradle sleeve and second leg being interconnectible with one another for relative axial positioning movement therebetween wherein to register a respective pair of openings therealong for receipt of a locking pin, and   a plurality of quick release locking pins for receipt in respective of registered pairs of openings wherein to rapidly lock, and release, the rifle positioning bracket in a desired axial position along the seat brace and to lock, and release, the rifle cradle assembly in a desired vertical position at the end of the rifle cradle assembly.       

   In the kit of components, a lock socket operates between the seat brace and the frame, and a lock pin, or threaded fastener, is provided for locking entry into the lock socket and locking the seat brace from rotation. 
   Other features of the embodiments disclosed in this specification will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features of a rifle aiming support assembly and a kit for transporting and erecting the components of such assembly in the field. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  are front and rear perspective views looking down at a rifle aiming apparatus supported on the ground. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded assembly view of the aiming apparatus with portions of the elements thereof partially removed to show features of the apparatus. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a rifle aiming support positioned for assembly atop a frame of the aiming apparatus and rotation relative to the frame. 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation view of a rifle aiming adjustment bracket mounted for horizontal movement to the forward end portion of the rifle aiming support. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an upper end portion of the aiming adjustment bracket, a rifle cradle mounted thereto, and an arrangement for changing the height and angular relation of the cradle relative to the adjustment bracket. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are perspective views looking down at a rifle aiming seat apparatus to which a hunting blind is being assembled and a side elevation view of the hunting blind assembled to the seat. 
       FIGS. 8   a  AND  8   b  are partial perspective views of the seat brace and including a leveling bubble associated therewith for ensuring that the support frame is horizontal. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate various embodiments of a rifle aiming seat apparatus, generally indicated by the reference number  10 , adapted to be to be provided as components and in kit form to be assembled and supported on the ground for use and disassembled and transported when not in use. The discussion which follows describes a use wherein the aiming seat apparatus is supported on the ground, but the apparatus could be used on a ladder or tree stand, as are conventional and known to shooters. 
   The support apparatus  10  includes a horizontal main support frame  12 , a seat brace  14  rotatably mountable to the frame, an L-shaped rifle aiming bracket  16  adjustably positionable to the brace, and a rifle cradle assembly  18  adjustably mounted to the aiming bracket. Although not shown, in some applications, an armrest may be detachably associated with the seat brace  14 . 
   The horizontal main support frame  12  is adapted to be supported on the ground and includes axially elongated rearward and forward support bars  20  and  22  and a center strut  24 . The support bars  20  and  22  terminate in downwardly turned support leg  20   a  and  20   b , and  22   a  and  22   b , respectively, for supporting the frame on the ground. The connecting strut  24  has opposite end portions  24   a  and  24   b  fixedly connected, respectively, to the midpoint or center  20   c  and  22   c  of the support bars  20  and  22 , respectively. An imaginary line “C” through the center of the strut  24  passes through the centers  20   c  and  22   c  and symmetrically divides the support frame  12  into two like shaped halves. 
   A pad or seat support  26  projects upwardly from a fixed attachment to the midpoint  20   c  of the rearward support bar  20  and terminates in a generally flat support or mating face  26   a . A cylindrical recess, socket or receptacle  28  projects downwardly from the mating face  26   a.    
   A guide rail  30  of generally squared C-shape is atop the support frame  12 . The guide rail  30  has opposite end portions  30   a  and  30   b , respectively, fixedly attached atop the rearward support bar  20  and proximate the opposite end portions  20   a  and  20   b  thereof. Further, the guide rail has a medial portion  30   c  fixedly attached atop the forward support bar  22  and the medial portion  22   c  thereof. The top surface  30   d  of the guide rail  30  and the top surface  26   a  of the seat support  26  cooperate to form a generally horizontal plane. Further, the top surface  30   d  of the guide rail  30  forms a surface for supporting a medial portion  14   c  of the seat brace  14 . 
   In some applications the support apparatus  10  will be used on an angled surface or irregular terrain, and the hunter will desire that the support frame  12 , seat brace  14  and guide rail  30  be generally horizontally disposed for stability. The rearward support legs  20   a  and  20   b  and forward support legs  22   a  and  22   b  are provided with extender sleeves, each sleeve disposed for telescopic movement within the end portion of a respective support leg, and terminating in and enlarged foot or support pad that is seated on the ground. Each extender sleeve is adapted to move axially, towards or away from the associated support leg, by an amount desired, and then locked in place, whereby to form a horizontal surface for supporting the seat brace  14  for rotation. This arrangement is illustrated in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , and shown by the legs  120   a ,  120   b ,  122   a , and  122   b  and associated support pads  121 . 
   The seat brace  14  is axially elongated and extends between proximal and distal end portions  14   a  and  14   b  and includes a medial portion  14   c . Preferably, for strength and resistance to bending and torsion effects the seat brace is hollow tubing of square cross-section. As will be described below, an array of registrable openings  32  is provided in the distal end portion  14   b  for use in adjustably connecting the seat brace  14  to the rifle-aiming bracket  16 . 
   A seat  34  is fixedly secured to the proximal end portion  14   a  of the seat brace  14 . Specifically, the seat  34  has an under surface  34   a  fixedly secured atop and to the seat brace  14 , and an upper surface  34   b . Further, a seat back  36  is hingedly connected to the seat, such as by piano hinge structure  37 , and for movement about a horizontal axis “A” and between a folded down storage position (i.e., in horizontal juxtaposed relation with the upper surface  34   b ) and an upright or vertical in use position. 
   The seat brace  14  is connected to the support frame  12  for rotation thereto and about a vertical axis “B”. As shown, an elongated pivot pin  38  of cylindrical cross-section projects downwardly from the proximal end portion  14   a  for receipt in the socket  28 . The pin-socket connection centers on the axis “B” and forms a pivot about which distal end portion  14   b  of the seat brace  14  rotates. 
   The medial portion  14   c  of the seat brace  14  is supported for rotation atop the guide rail  30  and the top surface  30   d  thereof. The seat brace is adapted to rotate approximately 180° relative to the centerline “C” and about 90° to each side of the centerline. 
   The rotatable connection may be reversed, in that the pivot pin  38  projects upwardly from the seat support  26  and the socket or recess  28  is formed in the proximal end portion  14   a  of the seat brace. 
   Preferably, the aiming apparatus is provided with arrangements to provide a quiet operation and silence possible sounds arising from the rotation of the seat brace  14  relative to the support frame  12 . Noise arising from repositioning of the seat brace  14  relative to the support frame  12  may generate a noise that frightens or alerts potential targets. 
   In one arrangement, according to this invention, one or both of the lower surface  14   c  of the seat brace  14  and the upper surface  30   d  of the guide rail  30  which supports the brace portion  14   c  for rotation are coated with a sound deadening material, such as Teflon®, or provided with separate guides of such material. Additionally, the interior wall of the socket  28  and exterior surface of the pivot pin  38  may be provided with such material to deaden possible sounds arising from rotation of the seat brace relative to the support frame. 
   Preferably, to maintain the seat brace  14  orientation relative to the support frame  12 , the lower surface of the brace portion  14   c  may be provided with a semi-cylindrical cut-out, or guide (not shown). The cutout is complementary to and adapted to fit about the upper half of the guide rail  30  and constrain and guide rotation of the seat brace  14  atop the guide rail and relative to the pin  38 . 
   In another arrangement, a roller mechanism may operate between the guide rail  30  and the seat brace  14 . 
   In some applications, such as in target shooting, the shooter may desire that the seat brace  14  be lockable in a desired position. In the embodiment illustrated, a lock plate  40  is fixed to and projects from the center  30   c  of the guide rail, registrable openings  44  and  46  are provided, respectively, in the lock plate  40  and the medial portion  14   c  of the seat brace, and a releasable locking pin (or threaded fastener)  48  is positioned in the openings  44  and  46 . The lock pin  48  prevents the seat brace  14  from rotating relative to the support frame  12 , and away from aligned relation with the centerline “C” of the support frame  12 . 
   In some applications, relative rotation is prevented by the use of a clamp (not shown). 
   In some applications, and depending on the aiming situation, the shooter may desire that the seat brace  14  be locked at different angles relative to the centerline “C” of the support frame  12 . In such case several registrable openings  44  are provided about the guide rail  30 , each opening  44  being registrable with the opening  46  in the seat brace  14 . In such arrangement, the seat brace  14  may rotate 90°, in opposite directions, away from centered relation with the centerline “C” of the support frame  12 , and then locked in place. 
   The aiming bracket  16  is generally L-shaped and includes first and second legs  50  and  52  that are at right angles to one another and extend from a corner junction to respective distal end portions  50   a  and  52   a . For strength, a support strut  53  angles between the legs  50  and  52 . 
   Additionally, for strength and resistance to bending and torsion effects, the legs  50  and  52  are preferably of hollow tubing of square cross-section. The distal end portion  50   a  of the leg  50  and the distal end portion  14   b  of the seat brace  14  have mating cross-sections in that the end portions telescopically interfit within one another and the aiming bracket  16  is axially movable relative to the fitment. 
   Further, the distal end portions  50   a  and  52   a  of the legs  50  and  52  are provided, respectively, with an array of registrable openings  54  and  56 . The openings  54  in the leg  50  are adapted to register with the openings  32  provided in the distal end portion  14   b  of the seat brace  14  when the leg  50  and seat brace  14  are telescopically interfitted with one another. A releasable locking pin  46  is inserted into a respective pair of registered openings  32  and  54  to lock and prevent the aiming bracket  16  from axial movement relative to the seat brace  14 . 
   Preferably, the aiming bracket  16  is capable of being assembled, for use, and torn down, for transport. In this regard, the opposite end portions  50   b  and  52   b  of the legs  50  and  52  are connected by a removable pin  46  to form a corner joint. Further, the opposite end portions  53   a  and  53   b  of the support strut  53  are connected by a removable pin  46  to the opposite end portions  50   a  and  52   a , respectively, of the legs  50  and  52 . 
   The rifle cradle assembly  18  includes a cradle sleeve  58  provided with an array of registrable openings  60  and an upwardly open rifle cradle  62  pivotably connected to the cradle sleeve. Preferably, for strength and resistance to bending and torsion effects the cradle sleeve  58  is hollow tubing of square cross-section and adapted to interfit in telescopic relation with the second leg  52 . The cradle sleeve  58  is axially movable relative to the fitment and adapted to bring respective of the openings  56  of the second leg  52  into register with the openings  60  of the cradle sleeve. A releasable locking pin  46  is inserted into a respective pair of registered openings  56  and  60  to lock and prevent the cradle sleeve  58  from axial movement relative to the second leg  52 . 
   The rifle cradle  62  is generally U-shaped and upwardly open to receive and snugly position the forward end portion of the barrel of a long rifle. The rifle cradle  62  is pivotally connected to an upper end portion of the cradle sleeve and positionable at a selected angle relative to an imaginary line “D” drawn through the geometric center of the cradle assembly  18 . The cradle may pivot in a first direction, towards and away from the seat  34 . To accommodate right and left hand shooters, the cradle may also pivot in a second direction, sideways, relative to the seat  34 . 
   As explained herein, the seat brace  14  simultaneously rotates the aiming bracket  16  relative to the support frame  12 , with the shooter disposed on the seat  34  and in positioning relation with the rifle cradle  62 . The aiming cradle assembly  18  is connectible in different positions along the seat brace  14 , changing the axial separation between the vertical axis of rotation “A” and the vertical line “D” through the cradle assembly  18 . The cradle assembly is oriented on an axis generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The height or vertical separation of the rifle cradle  62  relative to the horizontal plane is adjustable and movable into different positions along the second leg. That is, the cradle is movable vertically up or down relative to horizontal plane. 
   According to this invention, there is provided a kit of components for providing a transportable rifle aiming seat assembly. The kit comprises (1) the horizontal support frame  12  having the socket  28  for receiving the pivot pin  38 , (2) the elongated seat brace  14  mountable to the support frame  12 , the seat brace having the seat  34 , the seat back  36  hingedly mounted to the seat, and the pivot pin  38  receivable in the socket  28  whereby to mount the seat brace to the support frame for rotation relative thereto, (3) the L-shaped rifle positioning bracket  16  adjustably connectible to the distal end  14   b  of the seat brace  14  for relative axial positioning movement therebetween, the bracket constructed by the assembly of legs  50  and  52  and strut  53 , (4) the rifle cradle assembly  18  having the cradle sleeve  58  provided with an array of registrable openings, and the upwardly open rifle cradle  62  for cradling the barrel of a long rifle and pivotably connected to the cradle sleeve, the cradle sleeve being interconnectible with the rifle positioning bracket for relative vertical axial positioning movement therebetween, and (5) the plurality of quick release locking pins for receipt in respective of registered pairs of openings in the seat brace, the cradle sleeve and the rifle positioning bracket wherein to rapidly lock, and release, the rifle positioning bracket in a desired horizontal position along the seat brace and lock, and release, the rifle cradle assembly in a desired vertical position at the end of the rifle cradle assembly. 
   Further, the seat brace includes a lock plate and the kit comprises a lock socket, which operates between the lock plate and the seat brace for locking the seat brace from rotation. 
   In some embodiments, the kit may include an arm rest, connectible to the seat brace, for aiding the shooter in positioning the rifle relative to the cradle sleeve. 
   In some hunting applications, the hunter should be hidden from view. As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , an alternate embodiment of a rifle seat aiming apparatus, generally indicated by the reference number  110 , is provided with structure to erect a hunting blind  70  for hiding or otherwise shielding the hunter from view. The seat aiming apparatus  110  is similar to the seat aiming apparatus  10  and includes a horizontal main support frame  112 , a seat brace  114  rotatably mounted to the frame  112 , an L-shaped rifle aiming bracket  116  adjustably positionable to the brace, and a rifle cradle assembly  118  adjustably positioned to the aiming bracket. The elements  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  operate in the manner described above regarding the corresponding elements  12 ,  14 ,  16 , and  18  in the seat aiming apparatus  10 . 
   The frame  112  includes a rearward support bar  120  having support legs  120   a  and  120   b  at opposite ends of the bar, a semicircular support bar  122  extending forwardly of the support bar, and a pair of support legs  122   a  and  122   b  at intermediate ends of the support bar  122 . The support legs  120   a  and  120   b  and  122   a  and  122   b  are adjustable. The legs  120   a  and  120   b  are adapted to extend vertically and terminate in enlarged feet or support pads  121  that are adapted to be seated on the ground. The legs  122   a  and  122   b  include leg portions  123 , the leg portions being adapted to extend axially and terminate in enlarged feet or support pads  125  adapted to be seated on the ground. In use, the support legs and feet cooperate to form a horizontal surface for supporting the seat brace  114  for rotation. 
   The hunting blind  70  includes a pair of first supports  72  disposed vertically, a pair of second supports  74 , a support ring  76 , and a closure blind or tarp  78 . The first supports  72  have lower ends  72   a  removably pinned to respective ends of the support bar  120  and upper ends  72   b . The second supports  74  are generally Y-shaped and include a pair of arms  80  and  82  disposed at an acute angle to one another and a strut  84 . The arm  80  terminates in an upper end portion  80   a  that is removably pinned to the semicircular support bar  122 . The arm  82  terminates in an upper end in the form of a receiving ring  82   a  for receiving the support ring  76 . The strut  84  extends downwardly and away from the semicircular support bar and terminates in a free end  84   a  adapted to engage the ground. 
   The support ring  76  is of resilient bendable material, flexible and generally semicircular. The ring  76  has opposite ends removably attached to the upper ends  72   b  and intermediate portions fitted into the receiving rings  82   a  of the support arms  82 . The upper ends  72   b  of the first supports  72  and rings  82   a  of the support arms  82  generally define a common horizontally disposed plane. 
   The closure tarp  78  is preferably comprised of weather resistant material and preferably provided with camouflage. The tarp  78  is adapted, much like a shower curtain, to be attached to the support ring  76  in a manner to hang downwardly and form a semicircular enclosure about the hunter when seated on the aiming apparatus. In this regard, an upper end portion  79  of the tarp  78 , extending across the top and between the opposite lateral ends of the blind, is provided with a succession of complementary mateably engageable strips  86  of Velcro®. The upper end portion  79  is folded about the support ring  76  and the Velcro engaged, thus removably securing the tarp  78  to the support ring. 
     FIG. 7B  illustrates the relationship of a hunter to the hunting blind  70  when seated in the aiming apparatus  110 . 
   In some applications, the extensible legs and swivelable support pads of the support frame  12  may not make the seat frame horizontal in making the support frame  12  horizontal. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , as an aid, a support level  150  is mounted to the seat brace  14  proximate to the seat  34   a . in  FIG. 8A , the “level” bubble  152  is not at the center, indicating the support frame  12  is not horizontal. The user would then adjust the legs, resulting in the bubble  152  being at the center of the support level  150 , indicating that the support frame  12  is substantially horizontal. 
   The various, embodiments described above are by way of illustration only and not construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.