Method and apparatus for display of animal skull

An illustrative embodiment of a skull stand may include a tab positioned proximate the mounting edge to secure the skull to the skull stand. An illustrative embodiment of the skull stand may be configured to provide the user with increased enjoyment and pleasure in displaying the animal skull and/or antlers collected during hunting via the animal skull stand selected to emulate or replicate the particular arrow used for hunting the animal to be displayed.

No federal funds were used to create or develop the invention herein.

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document may contain material that is subject to copyright and trademark protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.

Appendix A is included herein and includes an exemplary listing of various broadheads, field and game points which may be used in the implementation of the present disclosure and is fully incorporated by reference herein.

Appendix B provides additional views of the present disclosure without an animal skull mounted thereon and drawings useful as guides for fabrication to fully enable the present disclosure including dimensions of the representative broadhead30and the animal skull stand10and its components therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—ELEMENT LISTING

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before the present animal skull stand10is disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the skull stand10is not limited to specific methods, specific components, or to particular implementations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed skull stand10and method of displaying an animal skull1. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all skull stand10. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, components of a skull stand10. Thus, if there are a variety of additional components that can be added it is understood that each of these additional components can be added with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed skull stand10.

The present skull stand10may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description. In one embodiment, the skull stand10may be constructed of the same or similar material to that of the broadhead, field or game point (collectively referred to as “arrowheads” throughout the present disclosure) used to kill the animal from which the skull1was taken to be mounted which are typically constructed from high quality steel or composite materials. SeeFIG. 6and Appendix A for exemplary embodiments of arrowheads30which may be adapted for use as a skull stand10and method of displaying an animal skull1.

By way of background, an arrowhead is a tip, usually sharpened, added to an arrow to make it more deadly or to fulfill some special purpose. (not shown) The earliest arrowheads were made of stone and of organic materials; as human civilization progressed other materials were used. Arrowheads are important archaeological artifacts; they are a subclass of projectile points. Modern archery and hunting enthusiasts still “produce over one million brand-new spear and arrow points per year.”11Kelley, Kevin (2010).What Technology Wants. New York: Viking. p. 55. ISBN 978-0-670-02215-1.

Broadheads were used for war and are still used for hunting. Information on regional Arabic arrowheads found from the period100BC-150AD in the United Arab Emirates show the use of three-bladed broadheads, or trilobate arrowhead. “A trilobate arrowhead can be defined as an arrowhead that has three wings or blades that are usually placed at equal angles (i.e. c. 120°) around the imaginary longitudinal axis extending from the centre of the socket or tang. Since this type of arrowhead is rare in southeastern Arabia, we must investigate its origin and the reasons behind its presence at ed-Dur.”22Dehue, Parsival. 2007. “Trilobate Arrowheads at Ed-Dur (U.A.E. Emirate of Umm Al-Qaiwain)”. Arabian Archaeology and Epigraphy. 18, no. 2: 239-250.

Broadheads can be made from steel or other alloys, sometimes with hardened edges. Broadheads usually have two to four sharp blades that cause massive bleeding in the victim. Their function is to deliver a wide cutting edge so as to kill as quickly as possible.

They are expensive, damage most targets, and are usually not used for practice.33http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrowhead

There are two main types of broadheads used by hunters: The fixed-blade broadhead and the mechanical broadhead types. While the fixed-blade broadhead keeps its blades rigid and unmovable on the broadhead at ail times, the mechanical broadhead deploys its blades upon contact with the target, its blades swinging out to wound the target. A mechanical broadhead deploys its blades in-flight to increase lethality in hunting game. The mechanical head flies better because it is more streamlined, but has less penetration as it uses some of the kinetic energy in the arrow to deploy its blades.4Although not explicitly shown, it is contemplated that the disclosed skull stand10and method of displaying an animal skull1may be adapted for use with either a fixed-blade broadhead or a mechanical broadhead.4“Mechanical vs. Fixed Broadheads”. Huntingblades.com. Retrieved 2010-02-17.

It is contemplated that in the illustrative embodiment shown in the enclosed figures may be constructed of, but not limited to, any metal or combination of metals including bronze, steel and aluminum; plastics or carbon fiber including Kevlar®, foam-blown polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, ethylene vinyl acetate, other polymers, other thermoplastics, carbon rubber, blown rubber polymers, composite materials, natural materials (e.g., rubber, leather, etc.), elastomers, combinations thereof, and/or any other material with suitable characteristics (e.g., compressive strength, stability, elasticity, density).

FIG. 1provides a front view of one illustrative embodiment of an animal skull stand10wherein the animal skull1is that of an elk. As shown, the animal skull stand10is similar in design and style to an arrowhead30, increased in size by 4-6 times.

FIG. 2provides a side view of the illustrative embodiment of an animal skull stand10. As shown, the animal skull stand10allows for dramatic display of the animal skull1, including full unobstructed exposure of the face3, jawline4and antlers2. As shown, the lower jaw of the animal skull1has been fully removed allowing engagement between the interior of the upper jaw line4via the portion of the skull1wherein the roof of the mouth5resided and the lower side of the skull with the upper surface of the mounting edge15. This allows for display of the antlers2, the face3, the jawline4and the teeth6. Although not shown, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that the animal skull stand10may be placed on any surface40suitable for supporting the animal skull stand10including without limitation the ground (shown), a counter, a table or a wall. (not shown) Further, the animal skull stand10may be positioned on a turntable (aka Lazy Susan) allowing further display and inspection, without departure from the present disclosure. (not shown)

FIG. 3provides a rear view of an illustrative embodiment of the animal skull stand10disclosed herein. As shown, the stand10has a triangular shape similar to an arrowhead with three edges—a mounting edge15and a pair of support edges20which are in contact with the ground or other surface upon which the animal skull stand10rest. The generally angled nature of the mounting edge15allows for a unique and unobstructed display of the animal skull1as well as the animal skull stand10itself. The edges (15,20) are positioned to encompass and are connected to a center body18which extends out past the back edges17of the animal skull stand10. As called out inFIG. 2, the support edges20and the mounting edge15intersect and terminate at point A at their respective first ends. (SeeFIGS. 2 and 5) The mounting edge15second end terminates at point B. (SeeFIGS. 2 and 5) The first (right) support edge20terminates at a second end at point C. The second (left) support edge20ends at a second end at point D. (SeeFIGS. 2 and 5) Center body18extends out from the common point A is surrounded by mounting edge15and support edges20. The back edges17extend at an angle from the center body18to attach to the second end of each of the mounting edge15and support edges20as shown inFIG. 5B. Voids22are formed between along the interior side of the mounting edge15and the support edges20, in relation to the center body18. See Appendix B herein for further disclosure and discussion on the fabrication of the various support and mounting edges to emulate an arrowhead.

As shown, the increase in size of the animal skull stand10in comparison to the actual arrowhead30(FIG. 6) used to bring down the animal from which the skull is procured provides for a dramatic view of the actual animal skull1mounted therein. Further, the creation of the skull stand10may allow immediate communication to the viewer of the arrowhead30used for the final hunt or kill, if the animal skull stand10is modeled after the arrowhead30used for the hunt or kill, therein communicating valuable and important information about the hunter and the hunt to the viewer. It is applicant's position that many hunters will see this as a valuable option for display and presentation of their trophy skull. SeeFIG. 8for illustration of an embodiment of this disclosure for a personalized and customized skull stand120. Further, as presented, the animal skull with antlers is shown in the European style vs. the traditional shoulder mount style as displayed inFIG. 9. Accordingly, the specific design, pattern, dimensions, and/or configuration of the stand10, animal skull, with antlers or without, European or shoulder style mount, in no way limit the scope of the skull stand10for display of an animal skull unless so indicated in the following claims.

FIG. 3Aprovides a detailed view ofFIG. 3illustrating one illustrative embodiment of a tab10positioned at the end of an one mounting edge portion of the stand10which may be used with various embodiments of the animal skull stand disclosed herein. As shown, the tab11has been attached at the back edge17of the mounting edge15. In this embodiment, the tab11was welded to the back edge17. As shown, the tab11is approximately 2.5 inches tall and 1.5 inches wide at its widest portion and 0.75 inches wide at its narrowest portion. The tab11has a tear drop type shape with a smaller dimension at the attachment point of the mounting edge15, having a dimension slightly wider than the dimension of the mounting edge15and back edge17, then expanding in size at the point of attachment to the rear of the animal skull. As shown, the tab11has two apertures positioned in the upper wider portion allowing insertion of fasteners12, in this case self-tapping screws, to be inserted therein through the tab11for direct attachment to the animal skull displayed. In the embodiment of the animal skull stand shown atFIGS. 1-5, the fastener has a generally tear drop shape wherein the lower portion is attached to the animal skull stand10at a point (B) proximate wherein the back edge17meets mounting edge15. In one illustrative embodiment, the tab11is narrower at the tab attachment point (21a) than at the skull attachment point (21b) so as to not impede the view of animal skull1and improves the stability of the mount.

One of ordinary skill will appreciate that without limitation, other types of fasteners may be used, with the present disclosure including nails, doles, glues, adhesives, clips, wires and combinations/therein. Further, although not shown, the present disclosure may be enabled with a tab11that attaches to the support edges20and/or center body18, without attachment to the back side or edge17of the support edge20as shown, without departure from the present disclosure. The specific pattern, dimensions, configuration, etc. of the features of the tab11may vary from one embodiment of the animal skull stand10to the next and are therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the skull stand10unless so indicated in the following claims.

FIG. 4provides a perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of an animal skull stand10wherein the animal skull1is that of a elk instead of an deer as shown inFIGS. 1-3. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the selection of the animal to be displayed in no way limits the scope of the skull stand10, unless so indicated in the following claims, as any animal may be displayed using the animal skull stand10. Further, the animal skull1selected for display may have horns or antlers, or may not have horns or antlers, and therefore inclusion of antlers2in the preceding figures in no way limit the scope of the skull stand10unless so indicated in the following claims.

FIG. 5is a side view, rear perspective of the animal skull stand10of the present disclosure shown herein prior to installation of the mounting tab11. The animal skull stand10has a total length of 50 inches. Approximately 12 inches of that length extend beyond the rear portion of the mounting edge15and the support edges20. The portion of the center body18extending beyond the terminus of the mounting edge(s)15and the support edges20at back edges17is defined as the ornamental tail19. As shown inFIG. 5B, this portion may be threaded or non-threaded as shown inFIG. 1-5A.

As shown, the mounting and support edges (15,20) are symmetrical and equal in all other dimensions. The mounting edge15is positioned as shown and is approximately 36 inches in length. It is defined as the edge selected to engage and position the animal skull1. Support edge(s)20are defined as the edge(s) selected to engage with and support the stand10against a surface40. As shown, the mounting and support edges (15,20) are attached to and positioned around a center body18which is positioned interior of the length of the edges (15,20). An ornamental tail19extends away from the center body18and is generally shaped like the tail of an arrowhead30. It should be understood that the animal skull stand10may be manufactured as one integral component such that the mounting edge15, support edges20, center body18, and ornamental tail19may be engaged with one another during the manufacturing process and/or such that the demarcation between the various components is not easily detected. Exemplary methods of production/fabrication could include casting and welding.

Accordingly, the specific pattern, dimensions, and/or configuration of the stand10, tab11, fastener(s)12, mounting edge15, back edge17, center body18, ornamental tail19and support edge20in no way limit the scope of the animal skull stand10and method of display unless so indicated in the following claims.

The various elements of the skull stand10may be separately formed and later engaged with one another (e.g., via mechanical fasteners, material fusing, chemical adhesives, etc.) or integrally formed with one another. The materials used to construct the skull stand10and various elements thereof will vary depending on the specific application of the skull stand10, but it is contemplated that steel, aluminium, polymers, other synthetic materials, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof will be especially useful for some applications. Accordingly, the above-referenced elements may be constructed of any material known to those skilled in the art or later developed, which material is appropriate for the specific application of the skull stand10, without departing from the spirit and scope of the skull stand10as disclosed and claimed herein.

FIG. 6provides a side view of an illustrative arrowhead (illustrated as a broadhead) for attachment to an arrow for use in hunting. As shown, the animal skull stand10was constructed to emulate the particular broadhead point used to hunt the animal represented by the skull1to be mounted thereon. As shown, the arrowhead (also known as broadhead, field or game point, without limitation)30is comprised of three (3) angled blades31intersecting to terminate at a anterior tip32and having sharp exterior edges, positioned around and supported by a center33having a tail34extending in-line and away from tip32terminating at a connection point35. A back edge36is formed on the posterior of the angled blades31for intersection and attachment to the center33. The present disclosure mounting stand10as modeled based on the arrowhead30as illustrated atFIG. 6. As shown, the arrowhead30is 2.25 inches long having an angled bladed31with a length of 1.5 inches with a tail portion34having a length of 0.5 inches and connection portion35measuring 0.313 inches in length. Accordingly, the specific dimensions, configuration, and/or other features of the arrowhead30may vary from one embodiment to the next, and are therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7is a side view of an embodiment of the present disclosure wherein the upper portion of the mouth5of the animal's skull1is positioned on the mounting edge15with tab11. As shown in detail inFIG. 7A, the tab11in this embodiment is positioned on the mounting edge15for engagement with underside of the animal skull1.

FIG. 8is an exemplary embodiment of how an internet website could function based on user preferences and selections to produce a personalized and customized animal skull stand120incorporating input from the user and various embodiments represented by Appendix A. As shown inFIG. 8, a customized animal stand120may be accessed by consumers by a system for collecting user input and requests for producing a customized animal skull stand120for consumers via a network system, such as an internet webpage. (Not shown) The system as disclosed allows a user to select from a multitude of inputs (arrowhead type, animal, mounting style, etc.) allowing selection and production of a personalized and customized animal skull stand120.

FIG. 8provides an exemplary illustration of how one embodiment of the present disclosure may be enabled. A animal skull stand10customization system110allows a consumer to access an internet webpage102(not shown), with a user device117, including a computer or smart phone, to provide consumer input (information)101and answer questions related to the stand10desired including for example but without limitation, the broadhead30used and the animal hunted116(See Appendix A) and type of mounting they would like115(European, traditional, antlers, no antlers), and receive system suggestions (111a,111b, etc.) on the type of stand and its properties. Additionally, the consumer can select various finishes or materials (111d) and aesthetics appearances—rough, smooth, cast, welded. The consumer input101is collected and converted to data103. Additionally, the stand customization system110may provide suggestions as to a finish type (111c) for the stand product or prompt the consumer to supply additional information about the hunt including the name of the product used, the name of the hunter, the date of the hunt (111c) for the customized stand product120.

This data103is collected and arranged in a database104and may reside on a computer or specialized, dedicated server105(not shown). An evaluator/predictor module118may also reside also on server105or may reside on a 2ndserver105aor combination of a network of dedicated servers (not shown). The evaluator/predictor model118processes the consumer input101and is converted to data103for a particular consumer, makes calculations and then produces calculated results107which may be then be used in an iterative process for additional calculations useful in predicting a particular animal skull mounting stand10the consumer may enjoy based on the evaluation of the converted data103and based on consumer input101collected. The consumer input101(collectively, individually101a,101b,101c, etc.) may include any one or more of the following, or as found in Appendix A, all incorporated by reference herein, without limitation, as is useful in evaluating/predicting mounting stands10desirable to a consumer.

Having described the preferred embodiments, other features of the animal skull stand10will undoubtedly occur to those versed in the art, as will numerous modifications and alterations in the embodiments as illustrated herein, all of which may be achieved without departing from the spirit and scope of the animal skull stand10disclosed herein. Accordingly, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present disclosure extends to all method and/or structures for providing increased functionality, comfort, longevity, enjoyment and aesthetics in the display of animal skulls and/or antlers. Furthermore, the methods and embodiments pictured and described herein are no way limiting to the scope of the skull stand10and method unless so stated in the following claims.

It should be noted that the skull stand10is not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but is intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods for providing the various benefits and/or features of a skull stand10. Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the skull stand10. It is understood that the skull stand10as disclosed herein extends to all alternative combinations of one or more of the individual features mentioned, evident from the text and/or drawings, and/or inherently disclosed. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the skull stand10and/or components thereof. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the skull stand10and/or components thereof and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.