Hunting accessory holding devices

A device for holding archery bows and/or other hunting accessories is provided. The hunting accessory holding device includes a base member that attaches to a mounting substrate such as a tree, an arm assembly that is configured to hold the archery bow, and a lift mechanism that connects the arm assembly to the base member. The lift mechanism automatically retracts the arm assembly upwardly, from an extended position to a retracted position, when the bow is removed from the arm assembly, thereby removing the arm assembly from the hunter's view and way. The lift mechanism can include a spring that provides a retracting force for moving the arm assembly. As desired, the lift mechanism can also provide an adjustable or variable braking force that opposes the retracting force and enables the hunter to determine a rate of arm retraction, as desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to hunting accessories and, more particularly, to devices for temporarily holding bows, photography or video cameras, and/or other hunting accessories when hunting from a tree stand, other hunting stand, or on the ground.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Archery bow holders and other hunting accessory holders, conventionally referred to as, e.g., bow holders, bow holding devices, holders, holder devices, hangers, hooks, or hunting accessory holding devices, are rather commonplace in various hunting industries. The holders, holding devices, hanger, or hooks, are used to temporarily hold or suspend various hunting-related articles during hunting activities.

Typical bow holders are rigid structures for supporting the weight of a bow or other hunting accessories during extended periods of time while the hunter awaits the presence of game animals. In other words, during use, typical bow holders have fixed components and are fixed in position. With such devices, the bow or other hunting accessories cannot be easily disengaged or removed from the holder without sufficient movement and/or noise to alert the intended prey to the hunter's presence. With such a rigid or fixed device, it is possible and even likely that the hunter will make contact with the holder while aiming his bow thus inadvertently alerting the prey. Furthermore, if a bow or other hunting accessory is successfully removed from the holder without alerting the game animal, the holder can obscure the hunter's line of sight or freedom of movement in aiming at the intended target. Although various attempts have been made to resolve these issues with at least some success, such attempts can produce yet other issues.

For example, devices as shown in applicant's own U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,240 include certain features which automatic move a holding arm out of the hunter's way, once a bow is removed therefrom. In this regard, the holding arm is removed from the line of sight or bow maneuvering space of the hunter. In particular, the holding arm can be moved by way of, e.g., a hydraulic cylinder or a gas spring cylinder.

However, hydraulic cylinders and gas spring cylinders can be relatively expensive which increases the end cost to the consumer. Also, hydraulic cylinders and gas spring cylinders can be relatively heavy and thus add to the overall mass of the device, which can cause the device to be at times cumbersome or heavy which can fatigue the hunter when transporting to or installing in, e.g., a tree. The hydraulic cylinders disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,240 span between distal ends and/or medial portions of upright and horizontally extending components of the device, in a triangulated fashion, to function like a third class lever. Due to such triangulated configuration of the hydraulic cylinder and the upright and horizontally extending components, the outer perimeter of the device encloses a much larger area than if the device were devoid of the hydraulic cylinder, whereby the device can be relatively visually conspicuous. During use of hydraulic cylinders, the fluid flowing past the piston or through the valving, or the piston traversing the length of the cylinder, can at times produce a noise or sound, hence potentially “spooking” the animal being hunted. Also, various flow characteristics of fluid within the hydraulic cylinder will change as a function of temperature, whereby during cold operating conditions, it could take relatively more time for the hydraulic cylinder to lift the movable device components out of the hunter's way. It is noted that some game animals have rather acute hearing or seeing abilities, whereby any hydraulic or other noises or sounds, or visually noticeable movement of the device, can be detected by the game animals, alerting them of the presence of the hunter(s).

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide hunting accessory holding devices which automatically retract out of a hunter's line of sight or bow maneuvering space in a silent manner. It would further be desirable to provide such hunting accessory holding devices which have relatively fewer large or elongate components associated with the lifting or retracting mechanism(s), are relatively lightweight, easy to install, inexpensive, visually inconspicuous, and are unaffected by temperature and/or other dynamically changing climate or environment related influences. In addition, it would be desirable to provide hunting accessory holding devices with retracting arms that facilitate easy adjustment of a retraction preload setting or the rate of retraction of the retracting arms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a device for holding archery bows and/or other hunting accessories. The hunting accessory holding device includes a base member that attaches to a mounting substrate such as a tree, an arm assembly that is configured to hold the archery bow, and a lift mechanism that connects the arm assembly to the base member. The lift mechanism automatically retracts the arm assembly upwardly, from a loaded position to an unloaded position, i.e. an extended position to a retracted position. Accordingly, when the bow is removed from the arm assembly, the arm assembly moves or retracts from the hunter's view and way. The lift mechanism can include a spring that provides a retracting force for moving the arm assembly. As desired, the lift mechanism can also provide an adjustable or variable braking force that opposes the retracting force and enables the hunter to determine a rate of arm retraction, as desired. Preferably, the hunting accessory holding device is strong, durable, and lightweight, e.g., weighing about five pounds or less, and easily collapsible and transportable.

In yet other implementations, the base member includes a threaded member that interfaces with the mounting substrate. The threaded member can push against, optionally thread or screw into the mounting substrate.

In some implementations, the lift mechanism is pivotally attached to the base member, enabling the arm assembly to pivot with respect to the base member. The arm assembly can further laterally, horizontally, or otherwise, articulate by way of hinges or articulatable joints provided between adjacent arm segments.

In some implementations, a camera arm assembly is provided for supporting a still or video camera. The camera arm assembly can be used with the bow arm assembly or as a stand alone item also.

A method of using a hunting accessory holding device is disclosed. The method includes providing a hunting accessory holding device that has a base member attaching the device to a mounting substrate, an arm assembly extending outwardly from the base member, and a lift mechanism attaching the arm assembly to the base member. Then, an archery bow is suspended or hung from the arm assembly. When the bow is subsequently removed therefrom, the arm assembly automatically and substantially silently retracts from an extended position to a retracted position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the bow hunting accessory device of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout.

FIGS. 1-3show hunting accessory holding devices5of the present invention. Hunting accessory holding devices5are configured for use with an accompanying mounting substrate6which can be for example, a tree trunk or limb, a pole, and/or other upright support structure. Each hunting accessory holding device5is configured to temporarily hold an archery bow and/or other hunting accessory such as still cameras, video cameras, backpacks, deer grunt devices, rattling antlers, or others, as desired, while providing trouble-free access to the bow while mitigating any visual or physical obstruction to the user during hunting activities. In some implementations, the hunting accessory holding device5attaches to a tree or other mounting substrate6using hardware that penetrates into the mounting substrate6(FIG. 3), whilst in other embodiments it attaches without using such penetrating hardware (FIGS.1,2,4,9).

Still referring toFIGS. 1-3, mitigating visual or physical obstruction(s) during hunting activities is accomplished by way of, for example, various automatically and silently retracting features of the hunting accessory holding devices5. Namely, each hunting accessory holding device5can include a base member10A,10B,10C a lift mechanism50, a bow arm assembly100, and/or components such as a camera arm assembly200(FIGS. 1,8, and9).

The bow arm assembly100is configured to achieve an extended potion while holding an archery bow, e.g., the position seen inFIGS. 1 and 3, so that it can be easily grasped by a hunter as desired. As is explained in greater detail elsewhere herein, when the hunter removes the bow from the bow arm assembly100, bow arm assembly100automatically withdraws or retracts out of the hunter's line of sight and requisite bow maneuvering area. Stated another way, the lift mechanism50connects the bow arm assembly100to the respective base member10A,10B, whereby the lift mechanism50automatically withdraws or retracts at least a portion of the bow arm assembly100, enhancing the visual field and zone of maneuverability of the user. This retraction or withdrawal is represented by position of bow arm assembly100seen in dashed outline inFIGS. 1 and 3.

Referring now toFIGS. 1,2, and4, base members10A and10B are largely analogous to each other and both serve to support e.g., lift mechanism50and/or other components of hunting accessory holding device5. However, in some implementations, base member10B can be relatively smaller, lighter, and more compact, enhancing its portability. Each of base members10A and10B includes an elongate body12that is positioned upright, parallel to and adjacent the tree or other mounting substrate6. Body12includes an upper end14A, a lower end14B, and inwardly and outwardly facing surfaces15A,15B. A forked member16extends from the inwardly facing surface of body12, generally perpendicularly thereto, and toward the mounting substrate6. The ends of forked member16include first and second barbs or points18A,18B, respectively, which are configured to frictionally interface or grip the outer surface of the mounting substrate6. In some implementations, the forked member16has other suitable configurations such as, e.g., more or fewer than two distinct points, an elongate bar, tube, or other configurations suitable for interfacing the intended tree or other mounting substrate6.

Still referring toFIGS. 1,2, and4, a support bracket20extends from the outwardly facing surface of body12and thus away from the mounting substrate6. Support bracket20is positioned between the first and second ends14A,14B, of body12, optionally at one of the first and second ends14A,14B, depending on the particular desired configuration. Preferably, support bracket20has a T-shaped profile, whereby it has a first portion that extends parallel to the body12and a second portion that extends perpendicularly between and joins the first portion with the body12. Support bracket20can extend longitudinally with respect to body12(FIGS. 1 and 4), or transversely with respect to body12(FIG. 2). Regardless, the support bracket20is configured to cooperate with a strap21that secures the base member10A or10B to the mounting substrate6.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, strap21is any of a variety of suitable, flexible, elongate webs, ropes, or cables that can be drawn, tied, or otherwise tightly secured to the mounting substrate6. Strap21can include openings or loops22at its ends which slide over and hook onto the support bracket20from different opposing directions, when the strap extends around the mounting substrate6. As desired, hooks or other suitable hanging hardware can be attached to the strap21for hanging or otherwise holding, for example, backpacks, deer grunt devices, rattling antlers, and/or other hunting accessories.

Still referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, preferably the strap21includes an integrated tightening device23, such as a ratchet lock mechanism or cam lock mechanism, along its length, enabling the user to easily and securely attach the base member10A or10B to the mounting substrate6without requiring tools. In other words, when the strap21is tightened around the mounting substrate6, it provides a clamping force as it squeezes against the body12, holding it in place. As desired, the clamping force provided by strap21can be enhanced by using, for example, a threaded member that interfaces with the mounting substrate and cooperates with the strap21.

Referring again toFIGS. 1,2, and4, the lower end14B of body12can include a threaded throughbore that receives a threaded lag bolt25A. An end of threaded lag bolt25A that is further from the mounting substrate can have a bolt head or other tool receiving structure, or more preferably, a thumbscrew, thumbnut, knob, or other tool-less interface enabling the user to axially advance or regress the threaded lag bolt25A through the throughbore. The other end of threaded lag bolt25A can be pointed so as to penetrate the surface of the mounting substrate6. For embodiments in which the threaded lag bolt does not penetrate the surface of the mounting substrate6, the other end of threaded lag bolt25A is blunt, or includes a flange or planar foot, whereby the blunt, flanged, or footed end merely pushes against the outer surface of the mounting substrate6without breaking through. Such implementations can prove particularly useful for providing a force in opposition to the squeezing or clamping force of strap21, which increases the tautness of strap21and thus increases how tightly the base member10A or10B is held against the mounting substrate6.

Still referring toFIGS. 1,2, and4, in some implementations, the inwardly facing surface15A of body12is radially or laterally displaced from the outer surface of the tree or other mounting substrate6. Accordingly, the hunting accessory holding device5is attached to the mounting substrate6by way of three distinct points of contact, namely the two points18A,18B, at the ends of forked member16and the end of threaded lag bolt25A that pushes against the mounting substrate, at least when such three distinct points of contact are utilized cooperatively with strap21.

Referring now toFIG. 4, base member10A can include a first lobe26and a second lobe28extend perpendicularly from the outwardly facing surface15B of body12, adjacent upper end14A. First lobe26is a generally cylindrical structure with an axial throughbore. Second lobe28is longitudinally aligned with first lobe26and adapted and configured to receive and hold hardware, for example, to capture or hold a bolt head or a nut. First and second lobes26,28are longitudinally spaced from each other, and they are configured to accept and hold a portion of the lift mechanism50therebetween.

Referring now toFIG. 2, in lieu of the lobes26and28of base member10A (FIGS. 1 and 4), base member10B has a projection29for holding the lift mechanism50, camera arm assembly200, or other component. Projection29can extend perpendicularly from the outwardly facing surface15B. Projection29defines a shoulder30on an upper surface near an outer end thereof. A post35extends upwardly from the shoulder30, serving as mounting structure for holding the lift mechanism50, camera arm assembly200, or other component. For example, the hinge barrel52of lift mechanism50can insert over the post35, such that the shoulder30supports the lower surface of the hinge barrel52, and thus the entire weight of lift mechanism50. A collar38can also insert over the post35, above the hinge barrel52. A nut, thumbnut, or knob40is secured to the post35, preferably above the collar38. This secures the lift mechanism50to the base member10B while permitting it to pivot thereon. As with the versions incorporating base member10A ofFIG. 1or4, when lift mechanism50is used with base member10B, it preferably can pivot through a range of motion of at least about 270 degrees of travel.

Referring now toFIGS. 4-6, lift mechanism50serves as an articulating joint that connects an end of bow arm assembly100to a corresponding end of the base member10A, for example upper end14A. Optionally, lift mechanism50can connect the bow arm assembly100to other components of hunting accessory holding device5, based on the particular intended configuration. Lift mechanism50includes a hinge barrel52for attaching the lift mechanism50to the base member10A, a canister55, a cover70, and a helical torsion spring80.

Referring still toFIGS. 4-6, hinge barrel52is generally cylindrical and is mounted longitudinally between the first and second lobes26,28of body12. A throughbore extends axially though the hinge barrel52and is aligned or registered with the bores or openings that extend through the first and second lobes26,28. In the complete assemblage, a pin or bolt53extends through all of the bores of the first and second lobes26,28, and hinge barrel52, whereby they, in combination, define a hinged attachment between the base member10A and lift mechanism50. In this configuration, the bolt53defines a generally upright pivot axis which the lift mechanism50pivots about, whereby the lift mechanism50pivots laterally with respect the base member10A. Preferably, the lift mechanism50can pivot about bolt53through a range of motion of at least about 270 degrees.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, the hinge barrel52is attached to the canister55, which is a partial enclosure that houses the spring80. A first retaining mechanism57, provided within the canister55, receives a first end of the spring80. The canister55has a circumferential sidewall58that extends outwardly from a generally circular base plate60. The base plate60has a larger diameter than the canister sidewall58, so that the outer perimeter of the base plate60defines an annular ledge extending beyond the canister sidewall58. Such annular ledge defines an arm facing surface61. A thrust bearing62(FIG. 5), polymeric or otherwise, can be snugly installed concentrically around the canister sidewall58, so that it seats against the arm facing surface61.

Still referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, one or more projections63extend axially from the arm facing surface61of the base plate60. For embodiments including multiple projections63which are spaced circumferentially, the projections63can serve at least a partial locating function to help retain the cover70in proper concentric alignment and registration with respect to the canister55. Furthermore, the projections63can serve as mechanical stops that limit or set travel boundaries for, e.g., the rotation of the arm assembly100with respect to base member10A. At least one of the projections63has a pair of sides which extend perpendicularly from the arm facing surface61, namely sides65. At least one of the projections63includes both a perpendicularly extending side65and an angularly extending side, e.g., a ramped surface or ramp66.

Cover70is fixedly attached to, preferably integral with, the bow arm assembly100. Cover70has a circumferential sidewall72that extends from a generally circular base plate71. Cover sidewall72also has an inner diameter that is greater in magnitude that the outer diameter of canister sidewall58. This enables the cover sidewall72to overly and concentrically surround the container sidewall58. In the complete assemblage, an annular clearance is defined between the cover and canister sidewalls72,58, enabling the two components to freely rotate with respect to each other. As desired, a high viscosity grease-type or other lubricant can be applied into the clearance between the cover and canister sidewalls72,58, ensuring free and silent damped rotation therebetween. This promotes silent articulation in a variety of environments, climates, and temperatures, for example, a range of temperatures between −35 degrees F. and 95 degrees F.

Referring still toFIGS. 5 and 6, a second retaining mechanism74is provided within the cover70which cooperates with a second end of the spring80. Cover70also includes a retractable pin75adjacent the outside of the cover sidewall72. Preferably, the pin75is spring biased in an outwardly extended position. In other words, pin75can move axially but, absent forces that overcome the biasing force, it tends to remain in the outwardly extended position.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3,5, and6, as desired, a spring preload condition can be established in the lift mechanism50by, for example, turning the cover70upon canister55and mechanically holding it in position by way of the interfacing relationship between pin75and one of the projections63, thus preserving or storing energy within the spring80. Thus, rotation of cover70upon canister55and the position in which pin75fixes the cover70can influence a retraction force or rate of retraction of the lift mechanism, while it lifts or retracts the bow arm assembly100.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, pin75will encounter either a side65or a ramp66of projections63when the cover70rotates about its axis. As cover70rotates, sides65act as mechanical stops or interferences that prevent the pin75from passing beyond. In other words, when the pin75contacts the side65, extending perpendicularly from the base plate60, the cover70stops rotating. Conversely, when a user rotates the cover70and the pin75encounters a ramp66, the ramp66merely axially deflects and passes under the pin75, instead of stopping its traverse as the cover70continues to rotate. This action facilitates spring preloading of the positioning of arm100in the ready to use position.

Still referring toFIGS. 5 and 6the pin75slides up the ramp66and axially regresses, enabling the cover70to continue its rotation. As the pin75passes beyond the opposite side of ramp66, the pin75is driven forward again by the spring or other resilient member, to the outwardly extending position. The pin75can traverse the projection63in a first direction, namely over and across the ramp66, without the user manually retracting the pin75. However, for the pin75to traverse the projection in a second opposite direction, namely over and across side65, a user must manually retract the pin75to provide the needed clearance between the pin75and the projection63. Pulling the pin and allowing movement past the flat side of65allows intentional collapse of the device for storage and transport.

Besides being influenced by the retraction force defined by spring80and the damping resistance of the grease, the particular rate of arm retraction is influenced, in some implementations, by a braking force that can be established by the lift mechanism. Such braking force acts generally in opposition to the retracting force of spring80and, therefore, serves to slow or diminish the rate of arm retraction, thus providing non accelerating retracting motion.

Still referring toFIGS. 5 and 6a suitable method of establishing and controlling a braking force can be accomplished by way of the canister55and cover70, and the frictional interfacing relationship therebetween. Namely, the canister55and cover70can be held together by a bolt and thumb nut78that extends axially through the center of both of them. Accordingly, by tightening or loosening the thumb nut78, the canister55and cover70is held relatively more firmly or loosely against each other. Stated another way, tightening thumb nut78squeezes or clamps the canister55and cover70together, applying a greater compression force on the polymer bearing thus making it relatively more difficult for the cover70to rotate, while loosening the bolt relaxes the assemblage making it relatively easier for the cover70to rotate. Furthermore, if the user desires the bow arm assembly100to remain extended after the bow is removed therefrom, bolt78can be tightened to an extent that imposes a large enough braking force upon lift mechanism50to prevent the bow arm assembly100from retracting.

Referring still toFIGS. 5 and 6, it is further noted that the interfacing relationship between the canister55and cover70is primarily established between the thrust bearing62of the canister base plate60and the circular outer edge of the cover sidewall72. For embodiments in which the canister55and cover70are each made from metallic materials, the preferably polymeric, elastomeric, or other non-metallic, composition of thrust bearing62prevents metal-on-metal sliding. Doing so correspondingly mitigates the likelihood of squeaking or other sounds emanating from the lift mechanism, ensuring substantially silent operation of the device5. If the thrust bearing62wears due to the frictional and rotating engagement with cover70, or for other reasons, the user can merely replace it as desired.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3,6, and7, bow arm assembly100is attached to the lift mechanism50, extending away from it and thus also away from the base member10A. In typical implementations it is adapted and configured to hold, e.g., an archery bow, optionally other hunting accessories as desired. The bow arm assembly100extends a distance required to suspend the various accessories within easily accessible grasping range or zone of the user. The bow arm assembly100is attached to the cover70of lift mechanism50, whereby the bow arm assembly100and cover70move in unison with each other. The lift mechanisms50thus can retract or move the bow arm assembly100from an extended position to a retracted position.

In the extended position, the bow arm assembly100extends generally horizontally from the base member10A since the weight or mass of the bow overwhelms the retracting force of lift mechanism50. This pushes the bow arm assembly100downwardly until, e.g., the pin75mechanically engages one of the projections63, for example a perpendicularly extending side65, preventing its further decent. In the retracted position, the weight or mass of the bow does not act upon the lift mechanism50. Since the retracting force is greater than the gravitational force applied to the bow arm assembly100, the bow arm assembly100moves or retracts upwardly until, e.g., the pin mechanically engages the blunt face65of another one of the projections63. The bow arm assembly100can be resiliently held in this retracted, upright, position by the preloaded spring80.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-3, the bow arm assembly100can have first and second distinct segments110,120. The first segment is proximate the base member10A and attached, at a first end, to the cover70. The second segment120is attached to a second end of first segment110. Preferably, the first and second segments110,120, are joined by a hinge mechanism130. This enables them to pivot laterally or horizontally with respect to each other, when the axis of pivotation is generally upright. They may pivot in other, non-lateral or non-horizontal, directions as dictated by the orientation of the axis of pivotation. Preferably the hinge mechanism includes a bolt with a thumbscrew-type head, or other suitable hardware, that can temporarily fix the hinge mechanism and thus lock the first and second segments in position.

Still referring toFIGS. 1-3, a hook140can be provided at the distal end of the second segment120of bow arm assembly100. Hook140is configured to suspend an archery bow therefrom, preferably by its upper limb or adjacent the upper cam. Like the intersection of the first and second segments110,120, the hook140can attach to the second segment120by way of a hinge mechanism130that can be temporarily fixed in position, providing the user with numerous bow orientation options. The hook140generally has a soft elastomeric tubular sleeve over it to assure quiet bow removal and replacement.

Referring specifically toFIGS. 1,8, and9, camera arm assembly200is largely analogous to bow arm assembly100(FIGS. 1 and 2), having hinge-type mechanisms230between first and second segments210,220, and other features common to the bow arm100. However, in typical implementations, the camera arm200is of relatively smaller size. This is because it is typically desirable to mount a camera or video camera relatively near the mounting substrate6, since a user does not need as ready or quick access to the camera, as compared to the bow. Accordingly, the overall length and other dimensions of the camera arm200are much less than the length of the bow arm assembly100.

Still referring toFIGS. 1,2and9, the camera arm assembly200of some embodiments may be used without a lift mechanism50(FIGS. 1 and 2). Instead, it may be bolted to a screw boss or threaded bore within the base member10A, or directly upon a shoulder30provided on base member10B. Preferably, the outermost end of second segment220includes a lockable ball and socket joint240, with a threaded lag bolt to connect to the still camera or video camera, providing a wide range of articulation to facilitate positioning, aiming, and focusing, the camera or video camera. For example, socket joint240can allow 360 degrees of rotation about an upright central axis and 45 degrees of upward and downward pivoting adjustability.

Referring still toFIGS. 1,2, and9, each of the first and second segments110,120of bow arm assembly100, and first and second segments210,220, of camera arm assembly200are preferably made of a lightweight, durable, corrosion resistant material such as aluminum, any of various cast-alloys of aluminum, or other suitable materials. Furthermore, each can have multiple apertures or holes formed thereinto, creating void spaces along their respective lengths. The void spaces lighten the overall weight of the retracting and camera arm assemblies100,200, make them visually less conspicuous, and make them easier to see through, as compared to structures having continuously solid surfaces along their lengths.

Referring now toFIG. 3, in some other implementations, the hunting accessory holding devices5do not utilize the strap21implementing base member10A or10B, but rather utilize a different, simpler base member10C. Base member10C is generally T-shaped and can function as a support structure for other components of hunting accessory holding devices5, and as desired, can also be used on its own as a handle or stop to facilitate, e.g., a hunter's entry into or exit from a tree mounted hunting stand. Regardless, base member10C includes a threaded shaft25B, that is adapted and configured to penetrate the mounting substrate6, and correspondingly provides load bearing support for the hunting accessory holding device5. Body12of base member10C connects to and extends generally perpendicularly from the threaded member25B.

Still referring toFIG. 3, similar to projection29of base member10B (FIG. 2), the upper end of body12of base member10C defines an upper surface or shoulder30having a post35extending upwardly therefrom. The hinge barrel52of lift mechanism50inserts over the post35, such that the shoulder30supports the lower surface of the hinge barrel52or an end of camera arm assembly200, and thus the entire weight of lift mechanism50or camera arm assembly200. A collar38can also insert over the post35, above the hinge barrel or camera arm end. A nut, thumbnut, or knob40is secured to the post35, preferably above the collar38. This secures the lift mechanism50or camera arm assembly200to the base member10C while permitting it to pivot thereon. As with the versions incorporating base member10A or10B ofFIG. 1,2or4, when lift mechanism50is used with base member10C, it preferably can pivot through a range of motion of at least about 270 degrees of travel.

When it is desired to not use the lift mechanism50, the first, second, or both, arm segments110,120, can be attached directly to the base member10A,10B, or10C. Such implementations retain the lateral or horizontal pivoting functionality described elsewhere herein. For example, referring toFIG. 6, the second arm segment120can attach to the base member10B or10C, providing lateral pivoting travel and the functionality of hook140. Stated another way, as seen inFIGS. 1-3and8-9, various portions of the lift mechanism50, arm assembly100, and camera arm assembly200, can attach to any one of the base members10A,10B, or10C, as desired. Hence, the various components of the hunting accessory holding device5are preferably interchangeable with each other. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing hinge or other joint components of second arm segment120or camera arm assembly200or other components that are sized or otherwise configured analogously to hinge barrel52of the lift mechanism50. In this regard, some implementations of hunting accessory holding device5can be appreciated as a kit having interchangeable, at least partially modular, components, allowing a user to assemble a desired combination of ones of the base members10A,10B,10C, lift mechanism50, first and second arm segments110,120, first and second camera arm segments210,220, or others, based on the particular intended end use.

In light of the above, to use the hunting accessory holding device5, the user first selects the desire mounting substrate6, be it a tree or otherwise. If the hunting accessory holding device5includes base member10A or10B, and if it is in a collapsed or folded down state, the user unwraps the strap21from around the device if it is wrapped thereabout, and swings or pivots out the camera arm assembly200. Then, the user pivots the bow arm assembly100which correspondingly rotates the cover70over the canister55and preloads the spring80, establishing a retracting force within the lift mechanism50. In so doing, the ramped portions of projections63pass over and axially deflect the pin75, as they encounter the pin75. The bow arm assembly100is rotated in this manner until the desired amount of cover70rotation is achieved, whereby the user stops rotating and the pin is urged against a blunt side65of a projection63, maintaining the tension and preload within the spring80and defining the retracting force within the lift mechanism50.

The user then positions body12against the mounting substrate6at the desired height. One of the end loops22of strap21is slipped over the support bracket20. The strap21is swung around the mounting substrate, e.g., a tree trunk, and the other end loop22is slipped over the support bracket20from the other direction. As desired, one or more hooks24(FIG. 1) can slide over the strap21for hanging various hunting accessories. The strap21is tightened by way of the integrated ratchet or cam-lock mechanism such as tightening device23. The rate of arm retraction is then evaluated and adjusted, as desired, by tightening and/or loosening bolt78.

To use a hunting accessory holding device5that incorporates base member10C in lieu of base member10A or10B, the threaded member is screwed into the mounting substrate6at a desired height. Then, the hinge barrel52or camera arm assembly200(FIG. 9) is slid or inserted over the post35. Collar38is inserted or slid over the post35, and the thumbscrew, thumbnut, or knob40is tightened to secure the assembly.

Many changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof. The scope of some of these changes is discussed above. The scope of others will become apparent from the appended claims.