Abstract:
A hunting aid including a removably attachable bar having a securing device and a support for use in various hunting situations. The support semi-permanently attaches to a tree thereby allowing a hunter to removably attach the bar to the support via the securing device. A hunter may use the device as a confidence booster when using a conventional tree stand. Preferred supports include baseplates having engagement regions and slots that receive straps secured about a tree. Preferred bars include a circular hoop having a securing device formed of walls defining a slot. The securing device welds to the hoop. During use, the engagement region of the baseplate fits in the slot from above or below and fills the volume thereof. A fastener may optionally tighten against the engagement region. The hunting aid also includes an optional drape for providing concealment/camouflage to the hunter hunting with or without the tree stand.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/537,710, filed Jan. 20, 2004. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a hunting aid and, more specifically to a device that removably attaches to a tree for providing a hunter with confidence when using a conventional tree stand. In other aspects, the device also functions to provide a hunter concealment/camouflage in various hunting situations.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Hunting has always played an important role in civilization. As a necessity for collection of food or as a recreational activity, many individuals participate in hunting. Over time, many styles of hunting have developed. For instance, some hunters utilize a bow and arrow for catching game, while others use high-powered rifles with optical scopes. Regardless of the style of hunting, some of the most popular hunted game include whitetail deer and wild turkey.  
         [0004]     When hunting deer, hunters often find that they gain an advantage by positioning themselves in an elevated location. This position gives the hunter a better vantage point for observing the deer and it provides greater concealment from visual and scent recognition by the deer.  
         [0005]     To meet the demands of this style of hunting, manufacturers offer portable platforms, generally known as tree stands, that the hunter may attach in an elevated position on a tree. Generally, the hunter climbs up the tree and attaches the platform via various mechanisms well known in the art. Once attached, the hunter climbs atop the tree stand to wait for deer or other game to pass by.  
         [0006]     In addition to the platform, manufactures often supply leashes with the tree stand. The leash functions as a safety device should the hunter fall off the tree stand platform. One end of the leash attaches to the tree and the other end attaches directly or indirectly to the hunter. Therefore, the leash essentially secures the hunter to the tree.  
         [0007]     To facilitate portability and ease of installation of the tree stand, the platform is often very small. Hunters often find movement, such as when positioning for a shot, on the tree stand difficult and somewhat awkward. Therefore, many hunters desire an additional barrier or railing that would work in conjunction with the traditional tree stand and leash system, thereby providing additional support for the hunter. To meet this demand, some manufacturers have developed a hunting aid that boosts the hunters confidence when moving around the tree stand. The hunting aid often consists of a fixedly attached device. However, these devices are prevented from easy portability from one hunting site to another. Moreover, the fixed nature of the hunting aid makes it difficult for the hunter to climb onto and off of the tree stand. Also, due to the limited space on the platform, hunters often find it difficult to position the hunting aid.  
         [0008]     Additionally, when hunting on a tree stand or on the ground, many hunters extensively use camouflage material to help conceal their position from the hunted game. From camouflaged clothing to camouflaged rifles, the hunter desires concealment from the acute senses of their prey. To provide further camouflage coverage, some manufacturers offer portable shelters or blinds that a hunter may utilize for assisting in visual and scent containment. Unfortunately, many of these blinds require elaborate frames that are expensive to produce and cumbersome to transport. Moreover, many of these blinds are not designed to be used with conventional tree stands.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, the need exists for a hunting aid that provides a barrier or railing for use with a conventional tree stand that enables portability of the hunting aid from one site to another. Moreover, the need exists for a hunting aid that easily installs while a hunter positions themselves on the precarious tree stand. Furthermore, the need exists for a hunting aid that provides concealment features for use in various hunting situations.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention as described herein, a hunting aid for use with a tree is disclosed.  
         [0011]     In one embodiment, the hunting aid functions as a railing or barrier for providing confidence to a hunter using a conventional tree stand system. The hunting aid may comprise a bar, such as a hoop, and a support, such as a baseplate. The baseplate semi-permanently secures to a tree via fasteners or a strap. To use the hunting aid in this configuration, the hunter takes the hoop and climbs on top of a previously positioned tree stand. Next, the hunter attaches the hoop to the support via a securing device positioned on the hoop. The securing device may include at least one set screw or other fastener for removably attaching the hoop to the baseplate.  
         [0012]     The hoop may also include a padded region for providing cushioning to a hunter leaning or resting against the hoop. The hoop or padded region may also function as a gunrest when sighting or shooting prey. Additionally, the hoop may include a cover for protecting the padded region and adding concealment to the hunting aid. To provide additional concealment to the hunter, the hoop may include a drape attached to the hunting aid.  
         [0013]     The following drawings pertain to one possible embodiment of this invention, and are merely designed to illustrate one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]     The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0015]      FIG. 1   a  is a representative diagram showing use of a conventional tree stand hunting system as known in the art;  
         [0016]      FIG. 1   b  is a representative diagram showing a hunting aid in use with the conventional tree stand hunting system forming one possible embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 2   a  is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of attachment of a support of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 2   b  is an exploded view of one embodiment of the connection of the securing device to the support including a locking device;  
         [0019]      FIGS. 2   c - 2   f  are side views of the tree showing various embodiments of attachment of the support;  
         [0020]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  are detailed views of various embodiments of attachment of a strap to the tree;  
         [0021]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are detailed and sectional views of various embodiments of supports;  
         [0022]      FIG. 5   a  is a top view of the bar including a securing device forming one possible embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0023]      FIGS. 5   b - 5   d  are exploded views of various embodiments of the connection of the securing device to the support;  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a detailed cutaway of one embodiment of the bar of  FIG. 5   a  showing a padded region and cover; and  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a representative diagram of the hunting aid used on the ground without the tree stand forming one possible embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0026]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 1   a  showing a conventional tree stand hunting system  10  as previously known in the art. As shown, the system  10  comprises a platform  12  attached to a tree T and a leash  14  attached from the tree T to a hunter H.  FIG. 1   b  illustrates the hunting aid  16  forming one aspect of the present invention. As noted above, one of the features of the hunting aid  16  is its ability to function as a railing or barrier for providing a hunter H greater confidence when in an elevated position in a conventional tree stand. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by semi-permanently securing a support  18  to a tree T and removably attaching a bar  20  to the support  18 .  
         [0027]     In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   a,  the support  18  comprises a generally rectangular baseplate  22 . The baseplate  22  includes an engagement region  24  that engages a securing device  26  of the bar  20 , discussed later in further detail. As illustrated in  FIG. 2   a , the baseplate  22  includes a top region  22   a  and a bottom region  22   b . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   a , the bottom region  22   b  includes the engagement region  24 . Alternatively, the top region  22   a  may include the engagement region  24  (see  FIG. 2   d ). Thus, the baseplate  22  and engagement region  24  may have any orientation that permits attachment of the bar  20 . In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   a , a first and second ledge  24   a ,  24   b  define the engagement region  24 . As discussed later, this configuration of the engagement region  24  promotes easy attachment and removal of the bar  20 .  
         [0028]     The baseplate  22  also includes a plurality of apertures  28  and extending arms  30  for attaching the baseplate  22  to the tree T. In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   a , the extending arms  30  each comprise a first and second member  30   a ,  30   b  outwardly projecting from the base plate, essentially forming a “v” shape. In this configuration, the extending arms  30  may function as barbs for engaging the tree T. In order to avoid interfering with the attachment of the bar  20 , the extending arms  30  may have lengths running from the top region  22   a  to the first and second ledge  24   a ,  24   b  of the engagement region  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2   a , the evenly spaced apertures  28  may receive fasteners, such as screws  32 , for securing the baseplate  22 . In use, the hunter H locates the baseplate  22  in the desired position on the tree. Next, he inserts the screws  32  through the apertures  28  of the baseplate  22  and into the tree, thereby attaching the baseplate  22  to the tree T. As previously discussed, in addition to the screws  32 , the extending arms  30  engage the surface of the tree T and help prevent rotation of the attached baseplate  22 . Thus, the baseplate  22  remains semi-permanently attached to the tree T.  
         [0029]     In another embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   b , in addition to the plurality of apertures  28 , discussed above, the baseplate  22  may also include a first securing aperture  29   a  adapted to receive a locking device, such as a pin  31 , discussed later in further detail. Alternatively or in addition to the configuration discussed above, the extending arms  30  of the baseplate  22  may include a plurality of pegs  33  outwardly projecting from the baseplate  22  (see  FIGS. 2   b  and  2   f ). In one embodiment, the baseplate  22  includes four pegs evenly arranged. The pegs  33  assist in offsetting and securing the baseplate  22  to the tree T. The pegs  33  may comprise substantially cylindrical dowels that attach substantially perpendicular to a surface of the baseplate  22 . The pegs  33  may attach to the baseplate via welding, mechanical fasteners, or otherwise. In one embodiment, the pegs  33  insert through apertures  28  of the baseplate  22 , extend through the entire width of the baseplate W, and become welded in place. The pegs  33  may also include points or barbs (not shown) for assisting in attachment of the baseplate to the tree.  
         [0030]     In addition to attachment via fasteners or pegs, the baseplate  22  may attach to the tree via a strap  34 . As shown in  FIGS. 2   c  and  2   d , the strap  34  may engage a slot  36  located in the baseplate  22 . The slot may be positioned and sized on the baseplate to receive the strap  34 . The manufacturer may fabricate the baseplate  22  with the strap fixedly attached or the baseplate may include a removable strap such that the hunter may attach or remove the strap, as desired. The strap may attach to the tree via a hook  38  and loop  38   a  assembly (shown in  FIG. 3   a ), a ratchet assembly (shown in  FIG. 3   b ), or otherwise. In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 2   f , instead of or in addition to the strap  34  engaging a slot  36  located in the baseplate  22 , the hook  38  of the strap  34  may associate with an aperture  27  of the baseplate. In this configuration, the hunter H places the strap around the tree T and associates the hook  38  with one of the apertures  27  of the baseplate  22  for attachment of the baseplate to the tree T. Alternatively, the strap  34  may include a plurality of hooks  38 , such that the hunter H may attach one of the hooks to an aperture  27  of the baseplate  22 , place the strap around the tree T, and attach another hook to another aperture of the baseplate. In these configurations, the hunter H may make adjustments to the length of the strap  34  for use with various trees having differing dimensions. The strap  34  may comprise nylon or other material that provides secure attachment of the baseplate  22  to the tree T. Additionally, as representatively shown in  FIGS. 2   c - 2   f , a hunter may use any combination of mechanical fasteners and/or strap  34  for semi-permanently attaching the baseplate  22  to the tree T.  
         [0031]     In addition to the generally rectangular baseplate shown, the support  18  may take the form of a plate  23  having apertures  28  and a semi-circular engagement region  24  ( FIG. 4   a ). Similar to attachment of the base plate  22 , fasteners, such as screws  32  may engage the apertures  28  for attachment of the plate  23  to the tree. As shown in cross-section in  FIG. 4   a , the engagement region  24  lies in an offset plane parallel to the plate  23 . This arrangement facilitates easy attachment and removal of the bar  20  by minimizing interference of the bar  20  with the tree T. The support may also comprise a hook  25  ( FIG. 4   b ) having an aperture  28  for attachment to the tree T, as previously described. As shown in cross-section, the hook  25  may essentially form a “J” shape with an offset engagement region  24 . Therefore, the support  18  may take any form, shape, or configuration and attach to the tree T in any manner. The support  18  may also include a threaded region or integrated fasteners (not shown), thereby obviating the need for screws  32  or straps  34 . Thus, the support  18  may be adapted to work with many types/sizes of trees and various hunting situations.  
         [0032]     With reference to  FIG. 5   a , the bar  20  in the illustrated embodiment comprises a generally circular hoop  42 , which functions as a rail or barrier for boosting the confidence of a hunter positioned on a conventional tree stand. The hoop  42  may comprise one piece of material or multiple pieces joined together and may be formed of any material, but would preferably be metallic tubing, such as a ½″ diameter aluminum, steel or iron tube. The hoop  42  may be formed in any shape or size, however, in one embodiment, the hoop has a diameter D of approximately 2-3 feet.  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the hoop  42  may include a padded region  44   a  and a cover  44   b . The padded region  44   a  functions to provide cushioning for a hunter that may be leaning or resting against the hoop  42 . The hoop or padded region may also function as a gunrest when the hunter is sighting or shooting prey. The padded region  44   a  may comprise any material, but preferably a polymer material, such as a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam, that fits over the hoop  42 . The cover  44   b  may comprise a weather resistant fabric that fits over the padded region  44   a . As shown, the cover  44   b  may comprise an elongated tube that slides over the hoop  42  and/or the padded region  44   a  or it may affix to the padded region  44   a  via hook and loop fasteners, or otherwise. The cover  44   b  may include a camouflage pattern for assisting in concealing the hunting aid  16 . Alternatively, the padded region  44   a  may be printed or formed with a desired pattern, such as a camouflage pattern, thereby eliminating the need for the cover  44   b.    
         [0034]     In addition to the cover  44   b  for the padding  18   a , the hoop  42  may include a drape  47 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the drape  47  may attach to the hoop  42  to provide further concealment of the hunter. As discussed above regarding the cover  44   b , the drape  47  may also comprise a camouflage pattern that helps hide the hunter from detection by the hunted game. The drape may attach to the hoop  42  via hook and loop fasteners, stitching, adhesives, or otherwise. The configuration illustrated in  FIG. 7  shows the hunting aid  16  positioned in a ground hunting situation, such as used when hunting turkeys. However, the drape may also be used when hunting from the elevated tree stand, thereby providing greater scent and visual concealment of the hunter. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b  and  2   b , the hoop  42  also includes a securing device  26  for attachment of the hoop  42  to the support  18 . In one embodiment, the securing device  26  includes an elongated rectangular block  46  having a front wall  46   a , a back wall  46   b , and side walls  46   c ,  46   d . The configuration of walls shown defines an aperture or slot  49  having a volume for receiving a portion of the support  18 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 5   b , the slot  49  of the securing device  26  associates with the engagement region  24  of the support  18  such that the first ledge  24   a  contacts the side wall  46   c , the second ledge  24   b  contacts the side wall  46   d , and the engagement region  24  substantially fills the volume of the slot. Thus, the size and configuration of the slot  49  may correspond to the size and configuration of the engagement region  24  of the support  18 . Alternatively, the engagement region  24  of the support  18  may only partially fill the volume of the slot  49  or it may extend beyond the slot  49 , thereby exceeding the volume. In  FIG. 2   b , the engagement region  24  corresponds to the upper portion  37  of support  18  and has a size and shape slightly less in volume than the void  49 . During use, the engagement region  37  fills the entirety of the void  49  and upper surface  39  contacts the surface  51  of the rectangular block.  
         [0035]     The rectangular block  46  may act as an intervening joint disrupting the continuity of the hoop  42 . In one embodiment ( FIG. 5   b ), two terminal ends of the hoop  42   a ,  42   b  attach, via a mechanical fastener, welding, or otherwise, to the ends  71  of the rectangular block  46 . Therefore, the rectangular block may reside in substantially the same plane as the hoop  42 . Alternatively ( FIG. 2   b ), the securing device  26  may attach above, below, or anywhere on the hoop  42 . For instance, if the hoop  42  is configured as a continuous ring with its terminal ends welded together at weld  73 , the securing device  26  may attach to a top or bottom portion  75  of the ring, thus not interrupting the continuity of the ring.  
         [0036]     Preferably, the securing device  26  also includes at least one fastener such as a set screw  50 . Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 2   b , the securing device  26  may include a second securing aperture  29   b  which corresponds to the first securing aperture  29   a , discussed above. In one embodiment, the second securing aperture  29   b  extends through the width W′ of the securing device  26 . Thus, after aligning the first and second securing apertures  29   a ,  29   b , the hunter may insert a locking device, such as the pin  31 . The pin  31  may comprise a ball-lock style pin wherein the pin includes a outwardly spring biased ball  31  a that retracts when inserted and removed. Alternatively, in addition to the ball-lock style pin, the locking device may include a cotter pin, nut and bolt, or any other fastener for temporarily locking the securing device  26  to the support  18 .  
         [0037]     In use, the hunter H takes the hoop  42 , climbs up the tree, and positions himself on top of the previously positioned tree stand platform. After attaching the leash  14  to himself, he associates and aligns the aperture  49  of the of the rectangular block  46  with the engagement region  24  of the baseplate  22 . Next, the hunter engages the fastener such that the hoop  42  becomes attached to the baseplate  22 . If the securing device  26  (such as the rectangular block  46 ) and the baseplate  22  include first and second securing apertures  29   a ,  29   b , the hunter H may insert the locking device (such as the pin  31 ) through the apertures  29   a ,  29   b , thereby further locking the securing device  26  to the baseplate  22 . Once installed, the hunter confidently positions himself on the tree stand and begins the hunt.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5   b  shows the baseplate  22  in a generally vertical position such that the engagement region  24  is located at the bottom region  22   b  of the baseplate  22 . In this configuration, the set screws  50  are positioned on the securing device  26  located on the hoop  42 . However, one will appreciate that the hoop may attach to the baseplate in various methods. As shown in  FIG. 5   c  the set screws  50  or fastener  48  may become positioned on the support  18 . In this configuration, the securing device  26 , positioned on the hoop  42 , may include the engagement region  24  and the support  18  may include the slot  49 . Alternatively, the support  18  and securing device  26  may become positioned horizontally as shown in  FIG. 5   d.  Additionally, as a substitute for, or for use in conjunction with the set screw  50 , the securing device  26  may include a lever or clamp (not shown) for attaching the hoop  42  to the support. Thus, any configuration of support  18 , such as the baseplate  22 , and securing device  26  may be used for removably attaching the bar  20 , such as the hoop  42 .  
         [0039]     The invention presents a hunting aid that provides a barrier or railing for use with a conventional tree stand that enables portability and easy assembly when positioned on a tree stand. Additionally, the hunting aid provides concealment features for use in various hunting situations.  
         [0040]     The foregoing was chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.