Abstract:
A collapsible hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly comprising a seat structure; at least three legs associated with the seat structure, where the legs are comprised of respective upper and corresponding lower sections movable relative to each other between (a) a deployed position, in which the upper sections are substantially aligned with and supported by the corresponding lower sections to extend the legs away from the seat structure and provide part of a free-standing multi-pod base from which the seat structure is elevated above the ground, and (b) a collapsed position, in which the lower sections are folded back towards the upper leg sections so that the assembly is transportable; and a plurality of climbing aids connected to at least one leg, the climbing aids being relatively spaced (a) to provide the user with access to the seat structure when the legs are in the deployed position and (b) to provide a carrier base for holding game when the legs are in the collapsed position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a hunting apparatus, and more particularly to a combination hunting stand and game carrier which is readily convertible between those two separate functional utilities, and is easily portable. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     The use of an elevated hunting stand is commonly known to game hunters, particularly with respect to hunting deer. Often, hunters use portable hunting stands in locations which do not permit erection of permanent hunting stands (such as, for example, on public or federal land). 
     Portable deer stands which are known in the art are those which are carried to a hunting site, assembled, and attached to a tree. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,516 to Jamieson teaches such a deer stand. This stand comprises a seat and footrest, each of which are attached to a tree trunk for hunting in an elevated position. A drawback of the deer stand of the type shown by Jamieson is that the hunter must physically carry or otherwise haul the stand to and from the desired hunting location. In addition, the deer stand of Jamieson must be physically transported up a tree and attached to the tree in order to be used. Accordingly, this deer stand does not provide an easily portable, stable, reliable support for the hunter, and following a successful hunt the stand and the deer must be hauled from the hunting site. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,523 to Howard relates to a portable collapsible deer stand comprising a trailer, base, and stand structure. The portable deer stand of Howard is a complicated device which requires the use of another vehicle, such as a truck, in order to transport the stand to and from the hunting location. This requirement limits potential hunting spots to those which can be reached by truck, and prohibits the use of this stand in remote or heavily wooded areas. 
     Hunting stands are also known which operate as both stands and game carriers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,040 to Fails discloses a collapsible stand and game carrier where the game is chained to a ladder portion of the hunting stand and the entire assembly is attached to a backpack and dragged behind the hunter. This structure is cumbersome and does not allow the hunter the option of carrying equipment on the game carrier. Another drawback of this stand is that the hunter cannot visually monitor the game during transportation, since the game carrier is transported behind the hunter. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,030 to Lobozzo shows a ladder-type hunting stand which may be used as a game carrier. This stand has a roller assembly which allows the hunter to roll a game-laden carrier, but this approach is also pulled by the hunter and is thus behind him as he leaves the hunting site. Also, Lobozzo&#39;s stand must be attached to a tree in order for it to be used as a hunting stand, and it does not collapse to any form of a compact configuration. Also, because the Lobozzo stand is pulled behind the hunter it does not permit that hunter to monitor his cargo as he is traveling. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 to Mullin discloses a multi-purpose hunting apparatus that is convertible between a cart, a sled, a tree stand, and a free-standing deer stand. This apparatus requires a number of parts such as straps, guard rails, handles, and skis, depending upon how the apparatus will be used. As such, the apparatus is difficult to assemble and transport. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an assembly that is easily assembled into a free-standing hunting stand and can be converted by being partially collapsed into, and form a game carrier which can be push-rolled in front of the hunter. Also, the structure can be more fully collapsed into a storable condition. In accordance with the principles of this invention, this objective is attained by the provision of a collapsible hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly that can be easily pushed in front of the hunter. When erected the stand includes front and rear leg structures that, when arranged into a deployed position, collectively form a free-standing “multi-pod” structure with an elevated seat. The front leg structures have respective upper and corresponding lower sections that collapse, for example by pivoting about connecting articulating joints or hinges. In the deployed position, the various leg sections are substantially aligned so that the leg structures extend away from the seat, providing part of the free-standing multi-pod base. Movement of the legs into the collapsed position, causes the whole structure to be folded into a transport unit that is easily moved and can be used to haul game from the hunting site. A plurality of climbing aids, such as bars, rings, rungs or other like structures, can extend from or between either the front leg structures or the rear leg structures. Where rungs are used they should be spaced apart relative to each other to define a ladder structure for providing the user with access to the elevated seat when the hunting-stand and game-carrier is in the deployed position. The same would be true for climbing rings or bars on one or more of the legs. Also, the rungs or climbing bars provide a carrier base for holding game when the leg structures are in the collapsed position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly that can easily be assembled into a tree-stand. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, this and other objects are attained by the provision of a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly including at least two legs connected to a seat. Each leg has upper and lower sections that are collapsible, for example by pivoting relative to each other. The sections of the legs move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the various leg sections are substantially aligned so that the leg structures extend away from the seat, thereby enabling the seat structure to be elevated above the ground and supported against a stationary structure, such as a tree. Climbing aides such as bars, rings, rungs, or the like extend from or between the leg structures. The climbing aids are spaced relative to each other and constructed to provide the user with access to the elevated seat when the assembly is in the deployed position. In the collapsed position the lower sections are folded back towards the upper leg sections. A plurality of rungs extend between the legs. The climbing aids also provide a carrier base for holding game when the legs are in the collapsed position. Cross-supports are provided to maintain relative positioning of the legs when in the deployed position, where at least one of the cross-supports is rigid and constructed and arranged to be horizontally oriented and to rest against a stationary structure when the assembly is in the deployed position. 
     These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of this invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings serve to further elucidate the principles of the present invention. In such drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a free-standing hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly in accordance with an embodiment of this invention, depicted in a fully deployed position; 
     FIG. 1A is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIG. 1, shown with alternative climbing aids; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIG. 1, shown in a collapsed, game-carrying position; 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2, shown in a storage position; 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a conventional hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly as supported by a stationary structure in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 4A is a schematic view of a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly having climbing bars. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIG. 4, shown in a further elevated position; 
     FIG. 6A is a schematic view of a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly having a plurality of platforms and a shooting rest, with the shooting rest depicted in an upper position; 
     FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIG. 6A depicting the shooting rest in a lower position; 
     FIG. 6C is a schematic view of the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly of FIGS. 6A and 6B depicting the shooting rest in position toward the user; and 
     FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly shown as a skinning post. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1 shows a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly  10  as a free-standing hunting stand in a fully deployed position whereby a user may be seated on a seat structure  11 . The hunting stand  10  has two front leg structures  15  associated with the seat structure  11 . In the illustrated embodiment, the front leg structures  15  each are connected directly to the seat structure  11 , and have respective upper front leg sections  14  and lower front leg sections  18 . Each upper front leg section  14  is pivotally associated with its corresponding lower front leg section  18  by a hinge  16 . Each front leg structure  15  has a pad  28  at the distal end thereof constructed and arranged to contact the ground between the leg structures  15  and the ground. A plurality of rungs  17  extend between the front leg structures  15  to define a ladder structure, which enables the user to access the seat structure  11 . Alternatively, short or stubby climbing bars  19  could be provided on one or more of the legs, as shown in FIG.  1 A. The bars  19  could extend from one side, as at  19 ′ or could extend through the leg as at  19 ″. Where the hunting-stand  10  contains climbing bars  19 , cross-leg supports  35  may extend between two leg structures  15  to provide support. 
     The hunting-stand  10  has at least one and preferably two rear leg structures  25  associated with the seat structure  11 . Each of the rear leg structures  25  has upper rear leg section  20  and lower rear leg section  26 , which are pivotally connected by a hinge  24 . Each rear leg structure  25  preferably has a pad  28  at the end of the leg structure constructed and arranged to contact the ground across a large area. The front leg structures  15  are connected to the rear leg structures  25  by a cross-support  22 . Where a single rear leg  25  is used, the cross-support would be turned, as shown in phantom in FIG.  1 . 
     Removable ground-engaging wheels  12  are connected to the front leg structures  15  in a position such that the wheels  12  are coaxially aligned with a cross rung  17 . The hunting-stand  10  also comprises a backrest  29  connected to the seat structure  11 . 
     FIG. 2 shows the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly in a partially collapsed position as a game carrier  30 . Lower front leg sections  18  connected to upper leg sections  14  by hinges  16 , are folded back towards the upper leg sections  14  thereby forming the game carrier  30 . A plurality of supports, such as rungs  17  or the climbing bars  19 , extend between the lower leg sections  18  to enable game to be sufficiently supported for transporting purposes. 
     FIG. 3 shows the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly  40  in a fully collapsed position where the device is ready for storage. The seat structure (not shown) is pivotal relative to the front leg structures  15  to enable the assembly  40  to collapse in a flat shape. Removable ground-engaging wheels  12  have been disconnected from the front leg structures  15  and are placed within open spaces of the collapsed hunting-stand  40  during storage. 
     The hunting-stand and game-carrier  10  of FIG. 1 may be modified and varied in a number of ways. One example of a modification to the hunting-stand and game-carrier  10  is that the ground engaging wheels  12  may be coaxially aligned with a rung  17 , or the wheels  12  may be associated with the front of the seat structure  11 . Another example of a modification where the rear leg structures  25  are detachable from the seat structure  11 . The rear leg structures  25  may also be directly attached to the seat structure  11 . Furthermore, the rear leg structures  25  may have a plurality of segments that are detachable or pivotal relative to each other. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, a conventional hunting stand and game-carrier assembly  100  is shown. The hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly  100  is shown supported by a tree  155 , having a seat structure  152  which enables a user to be seated in an elevated position. At least two leg structures  154  are associated with the seat structure  152 . The leg structures  154  each have an upper section  160 , a middle section  162 , and a lower section  164 . The upper section  160  is pivotally associated with the middle section  162  by a hinge  166 . The middle section is pivotally associated with the lower section  164  by a hinge  168 . A plurality of rungs  156  extend between the leg structures  154  to define a ladder structure, which enables a user to access the seat structure  152 . A cross-support  153  is associated with a rung  156  and engages the tree  155 . An angle brace  159  is connected at one end to the seat structure  152 . The angle brace  159  is associated with a rung  156  at another end. A footrest  158  is provided at a rung  156  and is associated with the angle brace  159 . Straps  151  are used to connect the hunting stand  100  to the tree  155  for added support. A shooting rest  169  is pivotally associated with the front of the seat structure  152  to enable the user to rest a weapon, camera, or his arms thereon. 
     The hunting-stand of FIG. 4 may employ short or stubby climbing bars  119  as shown in FIG. 4A, rather than rungs  156 , on one or more of the leg structures  154 . The climbing bars  119  could extend from one side, as at  119 ′, or could extend through the leg as at  119 ″. Where the hunting-stand  100  contains climbing bars  119 , cross-leg supports  135  may extend between at least two leg structures  154  to provide support. 
     Ground-engaging wheels  112  are connected to the leg structures  154  in a position such that the wheels  112  are coaxially aligned with a cross rung  156 . 
     It can be appreciated that the hunting stand  100  of FIG. 4 may be constructed with fewer or more sections to alter the height of the depoloyed hunting stand. 
     The inventive hunting stand  200  depicted in FIG. 5 is similar to that of FIG. 4 insofar as FIG. 5 illustrates leg structures  290  having sections  274 ,  276 , and  278 . Unlike the assembly  100  of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 depicts an additional upper section  272  to further increase the height of the deployed hunting stand and increase visibility for a user perched on the seat structure  286 . The upper section  272  is connected to section  274  at hinge joint  280 . (Similarly, sections  274  and  276  are pivotally connected at hinge joint  282 , and sections  276  and  278  are pivotally connected at hinge joint  284 ). Although the combination of a rigid cross support  288  connecting between a rung  275  and the tree  277  and straps (unnumbered) provide adequate support for smaller structures such as shown in FIG. 4, additional stabilization and increased weight capacity are highly desirable for taller assemblies, such as the one illustrated in FIG.  5 . Accordingly, per another embodiment of this invention, an angular rigid brace  270  is provided. The brace  270  is constructed and arranged to permit one end to couple a portion of the cross support  288  located in proximity to the tree  277  and the other end to couple to one of the plurality of rungs  275  so that the brace  270  extends at an angle relative to the cross brace  270 . The cross-support  288  and the brace  270  collectively define a Y-shaped support structure. 
     FIG. 6A shows the hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly  300  in an arrangement whereby more than one user may occupy the hunting-stand  300 . The hunting-stand  300  has a seat structure  310  with a mesh web  315  to enable one user to sit in an elevated position. Two front leg structures  340  are associated with the seat structure  310 . Two rear leg structures  395  are associated with the seat structure  310 . A plurality of rungs  380  extend between the front leg structures  340  to define a ladder structure. An angle brace  360  is associated with the seat structure  310  and to the front leg structures  340 . A middle platform  365  is associated with the angle brace  360  by a hinge  375 , and is supported by a rung  380 . This middle platform  365  may be used as a footrest by the user seated on the seat structure  310  or may be used as a seat for a second user. A lower platform  370  is associated with the angle brace  360  by a hinge  385 , and is supported by a rung  380 . The lower platform  370  may be used as a footrest for a user sitting on the middle platform  365 . 
     The hunting-stand  300  includes an adjustable shooting rest  330  which is associated with the seat structure  310  to permit the rest  330  to be moved into several functional positions. The shooting rest  330  has longitudinally slidable bars  332  capable of sliding toward and away from the seat structure  310  and telescopically received in the seat structure  310 . Extending bars  333  are pivotally connected to the slidable bars  332  by hinge joints  334 . A resting bar  335  extends perpendicularly between the extending bars  333 . As shown in FIG. 6A the adjustable shooting rest is positioned in an upper position for use by a person seated in the seat structure  310 . FIG. 6B shows the adjustable shooting rest  330  positioned downward position for use by a person seated on the middle platform  365 . FIG. 6C shows the hunting stand  300  of FIGS. 6A and 6B wherein the adjustable shooting rest  330  moved toward the seat structure  310 , so that portion  332  is received with portion  310  to permit the shooting rest to be pivoted downward to  340  and serve as a rung. 
     FIG. 7 shows another variation hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly  400  depicting the free-standing hunting stand in a fully deployed position with a skinning post subassembly. A winch  410  is attached to a leg  425  by, for example, quick connect pins (not shown) inserted in aligned holes  430  and  435  of the leg  425  and the winch  410 , respectively. A pulley  450  is attached to the seat structure  460 . A rope  420  has one of its ends wrapped around and thereby connected to the barrel of the winch  410 . The rope  420  is fed over the pulley  450  and hangs downward, with a game hanger  490  attached at the other end of the rope  420 . Rotation of the winch  410  spools and unspools the rope  420  therearound to move the hanger  490  vertically. The hanger  490  is detachable from the end of the rope  420  to permit the rope  420  to be spooled about and stored around the winch  410 . 
     The foregoing detailed description of the embodiments of the invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise embodiments disclosed. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, this invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.