Abstract:
A container apparatus for removable attachment is disclosed. The container includes a reception portion having a base and one or more dividing walls configured to separate items within the reception portion, and one or more brackets longitudinally adjustable along the holder, the brackets comprising hooks for selectively clasping ends of the elongated sides. The reception portion comprises integrally formed elongated sides extending from the base and end sides extending between the elongated sides to form an open container. The apparatus is configured to receive items therein allowing efficient exchange of sportsman items when coupled to a tree, tree stand or interior of a boat.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/857,198 filed Jul. 22, 2013 which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, except that the present application supersedes any portion of the above referenced application which is inconsistent with the present application. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to containers and sportsman accessories and more particularly to containers attachable to a tree or a fishing boat. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art. 
     Tree stands are amongst the most essential equipment for hunters, photographers and observers of wildlife. Observation in the tree stand decreases the possibility of being noticed by the animals or to obtain a higher vantage point than the ground from which to view animals. A tree stand allows a person to maintain a proximate position relative to the animals while at the same time decreasing the possibility of frightening or scaring off the animals. Additionally, by elevating a person above the ground, the tree stand can enable a person to see over low vegetation or other obstacles giving the person a better line of sight to an animal. In particular, bow hunters prefer tree stands because they generally prefer to be much closer to the animal than a hunter with a firearm and the features previously mentioned tend to allow the hunter a much closer shot. 
     Conventional tree stands typically include a platform suitable for at least one person to sit or stand so that the person is several feet above the ground (commonly six feet or more). Because these elevated platforms are used to hunt or view wild animals, tree stands are typically placed in relatively remote areas, many of which are also relatively inaccessible. 
     Tree stands generally come in four varieties: tower stands, climbing stands, ladder stands, and hang on stands. Although not mounted to a tree, a tower stand can be used in areas where there are no trees or the trees in that area are not suitable to mount a tree stand. The tower stand typically includes a plurality of legs which meet at the top to support a seat. This gives the hunter an elevated viewpoint without having to climb a tree. 
     Climbing stands typically include a pair of platforms that allow the hunter to maneuver up a tree to a desired height. Climbing stands generally have a lower climbing platform upon which the hunter stands and an upper climbing platform upon which the hunter sits. Each of the upper and lower climbing platforms has a toothed edge or jaw member for biting the front side of the tree and a cable or blade device attached to the climbing platform which encircles the backside of the tree, thereby supporting the climbing platform in a cantilevered position. The jaws or blades bite into the tree, by pivotal action of the climbing platform, to hold each climbing platform in place after the tree stand is located in the desired position on the tree. Each climbing platform may be released or repositioned by simultaneously raising or lifting the climbing platform while releasing the cable or blade device encircled about the tree to disengage the climbing platform. 
     Hang on stands typically include a seat and a footrest that is attached to the tree. This type of tree stand is relatively lightweight and allows reasonable portability. However, the hunter is required to climb the tree by, for example, installing climbing steps, using a climbing stick, or climbing up limbs. 
     A ladder stand typically includes a ladder with a seat at the top. The entire assembly is then secured to the tree such that the hunter can climb the ladder to get into and out of the tree stand. 
     While using a tree stand, a user typically will have many items of gear. The hunter, for example, may have binoculars, range finder, and a weapon, food or mobile device. When an animal comes into view the hunter will need to switch items. Conventionally, a tree stand user will use clothing pockets or hope to hang items on a tree branch. Unsurprisingly, this is an undesirable solution. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a mountable container to hold and receive items enabling a user to efficiently and quietly switch and set items when in a sporting environment such as in a tree stand or fishing boat. 
     SUMMARY 
     A container apparatus for removable attachment is disclosed. The container includes a reception portion having a base and one or more dividing walls configured to separate items within the reception portion, and one or more brackets longitudinally adjustable along the holder, the brackets comprising hooks for selectively clasping ends of the elongated sides. The reception portion comprises integrally formed elongated sides extending from the base and end sides extending between the elongated sides to form an open container. The apparatus is configured to receive items therein allowing efficient exchange of sportsman items when coupled to a tree, tree stand or interior of a boat. 
     The apparatus may be mountable to a tree or tree stand in an elevated position in a hunting or other observation area. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a reception portion configured to receive items therein, and one or more brackets configured to enable selective coupling to a tree or a tree stand and one or more dividing walls configured to separate items within the reception portion. The brackets are preferably longitudinally adjustable along an exterior of the apparatus enabling a secure coupling to various side tree trunks. 
     Certain embodiments of the invention include a feature of a mesh base configured to enable weather elements to pass therethrough. 
     In some embodiments, a cup holder may be included or formed of the apparatus. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus may also include one or more hooks for hanging accessory equipment on. 
     In some embodiments, the apparatus is attachable to an interior of a boat. 
     This summary is provided merely to introduce certain concepts and not to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       One or more embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top perspective view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom perspective view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  shows a cross-sectional view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  shows an exploded view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows a top view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  shows a back view of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows a side view of the accessory holder as shown from a left side of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  shows a side view of the accessory holder as shown from a right side of  FIG. 7 , in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  shows a top perspective view of an embodiment of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows a top view of an embodiment of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 13 and 14  show exemplary applications of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 15  shows a tab integrally to a bracket of the accessory holder, in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. In the figures, certain components or features may be exaggerated for clarity, and broken lines may illustrate optional features or elements unless specified otherwise. In addition, the sequence of operations (or steps) is not limited to the order presented in the figures and/or claims unless specifically indicated otherwise. Features described with respect to one figure or embodiment can be associated with another embodiment of figure although not specifically described or shown as such. 
     It will be understood that when a feature or element is referred to as being “on” another feature or element, it can be directly on the other feature or element or intervening features and/or elements may also be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly on” another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. It will also be understood that, when a feature or element is referred to as being “connected”, “attached” or “coupled” to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to the other feature or element or intervening features or elements may be present. In contrast, when a feature or element is referred to as being “directly connected”, “directly attached” or “directly coupled” to another feature or element, there are no intervening features or elements present. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements so described or shown can apply to other embodiments. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, “top” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as “under” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “under” can encompass both an orientation of over and under. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms “forward” and the like are used herein for the purpose of explanation only unless specifically indicated otherwise. 
     It will be understood that although the terms first and second are used herein to describe various features or elements, these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. 
     Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity. 
     Embodiments of a container apparatus  10  for holding sportsman accessories  10  for a structure such as a tree, tree stand, or boat are disclosed herein. When utilized in a sportsman environment, the container apparatus  10  is intended be respectively secured in an elevated position to a corresponding plurality of trees or tree stand in a hunting area or other observation area. The container apparatus  10  can include a hollow or open reception portion  12  configured to receive items therein, and one or more brackets  14  configured to enable coupling to a tree or a tree stand. In various embodiments, the container apparatus  10  may be attached to any type of structure or apparatus including, e.g., a hunting stand, tree, or fishing boat. The disclosure herein is not intended to be limited to the particular items, apparatus, or structures described as examples for the container apparatus  10  to be attached. 
     As shown, the brackets  14  are configured to receive a ratchet strap or strap which may then be secured around the tree trunk or tree stand frame structure. To receive a strap, the brackets have, in one embodiment, vertically-aligned slender apertures  11 . 
     In one embodiment, the brackets  14  are longitudinally moveable along the exterior housing of the container apparatus  10 , e.g., axis A, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . In this way, a user may preferential place the brackets  14  for secure engagement to various structures including various diameter tree trunks and a frame of a tree stand. The brackets  14  may be configured to selectively fixably couple to the exterior housing of the container apparatus  10 . In one embodiment, the coupling means are simply bolts extending through corresponding holes or openings formed in the brackets and the housing. In one embodiment the coupling means may include adjustable screw mechanism such as a wing-bolt configured to engage an exterior of the housing securing the brackets  14  via frictional force. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the coupling means are a first and second hook  17  and  19 , respectively. The hooks  17  and  19  are configured to selectively clasp ends  25  and  27  of the elongated sides  21  and  23 , respectively. In one embodiment, the brackets  14  are integrally formed of the container apparatus  10 . 
     It is contemplated by the disclosure herein, that the container apparatus  10  may be formed of one or more suitable materials of sufficiently rigidity and durability. In one embodiment the container apparatus  10  may be manufactured from metal or plastic using any known process or material including plastic-based polymers from an injection molding manufacturing process, although other manufacturing processes are contemplated by this disclosure including blow molding and fabrication processes. The reception portion  12  is preferably integrally formed into a contiguous structure; however it is contemplated by the disclosure herein that portions of the apparatus may be separately coupled together such as the side portions  16  and  18  and a dividing portion  20  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an embodiment of the container apparatus  10 . As  FIG. 11  shows, the container apparatus  10  includes a bracket  14  having a tab  30  flush with a bracket side  15 , the tab having an aperture  32 . The tab  30  is preferably integrally formed of the bracket  14  and includes gussets  60  that connect to the hook portion  17 . The gussets  60  for provide support to the bracket  14 .  FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of the tab  30  having exemplary gussets  60 . 
     The container apparatus  10  may also include one or more hooks for hanging accessory equipment on. In one embodiment, the brackets  14  have a forward facing hook  34  for hanging accessories. In some embodiments of the container apparatus  10 , an indentation  36 . The indentation  36  is used to assist separation of the brackets  14  from the container apparatus  10 . The indentation  36  provides additional clearance for removal and engagement of the brackets  14  to the container apparatus  10 . An integrally connected dividing wall  40  is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 11 ; however, the dividing wall may be removable as described herein above. 
       FIG. 12  shows a further embodiment of the container apparatus  10 . As  FIG. 12  shows, the container apparatus  10  may include a cup holder  46  for securing a cup or can  48 . The cup holder  46  may be integrally formed of the container apparatus  10  or removably connected. In some embodiment, the base  13  is foraminous formed of a mesh structure  44  having a plurality of openings and/or one or more apertures  45 . Utilizing a mesh  44  and/or one or more apertures on the base  13 , the container apparatus  10  may be left outside enabling rain water or other elements to pass through uncollected. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  show exemplary applications of the accessory holder  10 . As  FIGS. 13 and 14  show, the container apparatus  10  may be attached to an tree. A strap  50  secured through the brackets  14 , holds the container apparatus  10  in an elevated position with respect to the ground. The hunter may then have ready access to his gear including, e.g., binoculars, range finder, and a weapon, food or mobile device. When an animal comes into view the hunter will be able to quickly and quietly switch items. 
       FIG. 14  shows the container apparatus  10  secured to a side of a boating vessel  2 . As  FIG. 14  shows, the container apparatus  10  may be secured to an interior ledge or rim of the boating vessel  2 . This will enable a sportsman, such as a fisherman, to have ready access to his gear. 
     The disclosure has described certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereto. Further modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading and understanding the specification. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.