Abstract:
An improved float tube arrangement for outdoor water-related activities, particularly hunting and fishing. The float can be deployed as a blind for partially concealing and camouflaging a user, who sits in the circular middle of the float upon an adjustable seat supported by suitable straps. When used as a blind a canopy and net are selectively deployed. The stable base is formed by a pair of coaxially stacked inner tubes that are tightly bound by a covering fabric. Mechanical integrity is enhanced by frame loops encircling the inner tubes, and an encircling belt that concentrically tensions the float within a depressed region formed at the juncture of the stacked inner tubes. A canopy mounted to the frame loops and an optional net can be deployed as desired.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to floats for supporting outdoorsman in the water. More particularly, the present invention relates to a floating support ideally used for hunting or fishing.  
         [0003]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0004]     Numerous recreational flotation devices used for water sports are disclosed in the prior art. Many use a circular or toroidal float, such as an automotive inner tube, for buoyancy. There are numerous recreational users of such floats, including hunters and fisherman, divers, and others interested in water sports. There are many different arrangements of harnesses, straps, and chair arrangements for seating the user in the middle of the float tube.  
         [0005]     A typical user such as a fishermen, for example, might wear waterproof waders and, while seated within the tube, “float” a certain area or region that he or she is interested in fishing. The float tube is quite similar to an inflated rubber inner tube, but has a seat positioned in the open center of the tube in which the fisherman sits. The users legs and feet are suspended in the water beneath the float tube. A user might wear flippers on his or her feet for enhanced propulsion. Some of these devices include propulsion motors, although many users prefer to move themselves with their feet.  
         [0006]     One common problem associated with normal inner tube floats relates to their height. Conventional floats with only one inner tube allow the seat to assume a fixed height above the water. This means that the user&#39;s lower body and a portion of the upper body will be submerged, limiting upper body movements. This can limit flexibility, interfering with casting or proper shooting. Additionally, by continually exposing much of the user&#39;s body to water, operator discomfort results, particularly with frigid conditions. It is thus desirable to provide a system where the seat can optionally be vertically raised. Achieving more height above the water is also desirable for equipment and equipment storage. Prior floats are impractical for using a gun because of the limited amount of supporting surface area and their limited height above the water. They offer limited or no dry storage due to this inadequacy.  
         [0007]     Known inner-tube floats are typically uncomfortable and often lack adequate balance, and are therefore best used during extremely stable water conditions. In any event the user is often forced to grasp the frame of the float during difficult conditions for personal safety, making it difficult to control a rod or gun during fishing or hunting. Thus, most float designs are inadequate for safe, stable use during hunting or fishing, or for general use over fast-moving streams or rivers.  
         [0008]     Besides the fact that typical inner-tube floats are structurally inadequate, particularly since they are not high enough, they are seldom rugged enough to withstand collisions with submerged objects. The structural weight and bulk of the protective materials necessary to “ruggedize” a float aggravates the instability of known designs. This flaw is partly caused by the inadequate frame arrangement in prior art designs that mounts the seat or harness to the circular inner tube. Moreover, some designs add structural protuberances to the radial periphery of the float, aggravating instability. Without an adequate frame or float design, for example, structural accessories such as rigid head or foot rests, or motor mounts tend to decrease stability.  
         [0009]     Another problem with known prior art floats is that none appear optimized for hunting or fishing. Duck hunting conditions, for example, are often challenging. The hunter may find himself in shallow swampy, regions that adjoin unpredictable drop-offs. Sometimes rapid water flow is quite close to the hunting zone. The water may be cold and the weather may be harsh and difficult. During the hunt it is desirable to be protected from the elements. Also, there must be adequate space for the users guns or fishing rods to maneuver. Dry storage space must be provided for accessories and the usual equipment. Also important is the users comfort; during the long hours spent hunting for example, a significant advantage is realized by designs that afford the user adequate comfort.  
         [0010]     There are several prior art floats using toroidal inner tubes, and many provide a seat from structure disposed over or about their middle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,958,876 shows an inner tube with a seat harness disposed at its middle. A user may sit in the seat while floating. Similar variations of floats using inner tubes are seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,075,374, 2,246,108, 2,529,961, and 3,324,488.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,795,387 discloses a collapsible inner tube seat insert.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,046,978 issued Jul. 27, 1993 discloses a float tube with an adjustable sling seat.  
         [0013]     U.S. Design Pat. No. 363,753 issued Oct. 31, 1995 discloses a fishing harness for an inner tube.  
         [0014]     U.S. Design Pat. No. D367,910 issued Mar. 12, 1996 discloses a flotation device for handicapped persons.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,722 issued Jul. 3, 1990 discloses a float system for fisherman that uses an inner tube. A battery operated trolling motor secured to the user&#39;s leg propels the float.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,646 issued Jul. 27, 1993 discloses a fisherman&#39;s float tube formed from a pneumatic inner tube. The tube has a seat at its center for supporting a person when floating.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,404 issued Dec. 19, 1995 discloses an inflatable recreational inner tube toy with a seat for the user. A plurality of structural straps extend across the interior and are coupled to the inner periphery. A back rest is formed from a smaller diameter secondary tube.  
         [0018]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,031 issued Jul. 1, 1997 discloses a floating aquatic vehicle that seats a user while floating. The vehicle has a cover for encasing a buoyant float and a central opening for seating the user. A frame is coupled to the cover.  
         [0019]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,512 issued Jul. 14, 1998 shows a safety floatation device that is mounted to the neck of the user. A small buoyant tube is concentrically joined to a larger buoyant tube. By comfortably and safely supporting the neck region above the surface of the water, the float inhibits movement of the spinal cord and reduces pressure thereto for relaxation and/or therapeutic purposes.  
         [0020]     Of course a variety of hunting blinds, some of which are floating and mobile, exist. However, no known hunting blind combines the support and convenience of a suitable camouflaged blind, with the mobility and speed of a float tube. Notwithstanding the substantial diversity in the prior art, no float system known to me provides adequate stability for the serious hunter or fishermen. Besides offering stability, a useful and viable float system must be rugged and durable, and its weight and bulk must not detract from performance. For serious users, adequate float systems must offer an acceptable degree of comfort and personal safety. Finally, it is important that modern float designs aid the user in handling his gun or fishing rod and reel, and provide means for storing needed accessories and supplies while in use.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     This invention provides a stable and efficient floating hunting and fishing blind characterized by numerous advantages of value to the sportsman and/or outdoorsman.  
         [0022]     My new improved float can be used for a variety of outdoor water-related activities, but it is primarily aimed at sportsman such as fisherman and hunters. In the best mode my new float is deployed as a blind for partially concealing and camouflaging the user. When used as a blind, optional canopy and net arrangement can be deployed as desired by the user.  
         [0023]     Stability of the float is insured by the stacked or nested design of the various components. Preferably a pair of coaxial, stacked inner tubes that are tightly bound by a covering fabric form the base of the apparatus. Air bladders may be substituted for the inner tubes. The generally open circular center has a seat for the user, suspended between adjustable straps whose ends are permanently sewn to the fabric covering of the float. Mechanical integrity is enhanced by the combination of one or more frame loops that encircle the inner tubes, and a tight belt that concentrically encircles the periphery of the float.  
         [0024]     The belt is seated over the fabric proximate a depressed region that is formed between the adjacent inner tubes. Both the encircling belt and the frame loops tension the covering fabric that enshrouds the float, increasing the mechanical strength of the float.  
         [0025]     The canopy, deployed for shrouding and completing the blind, is preferably mounted over the body by attachment to the frame loops with suitable hardware. The attaching hardware, which can be wing nuts, knurled knobs or the like, threadably anchors a canopy support hoop over the float. An optional, see-through mesh net can be supported by the canopy hoop over the front of the float as well to aid in camouflaging the user, and to protect against insects.  
         [0026]     Thus a basic object is to provide a highly durable and stable floating blind for hunting or fishing.  
         [0027]     Another basic object is to provide an inflatable, recreational inner tube float that is highly stable and durable, and particularly adapted for use as a hunting or fishing blind.  
         [0028]     A related object is to provide a float of the character described that can be controlled by the user with a minimum of effort.  
         [0029]     A further object is to provide a float of the character described that is portable, and easily transported by the user.  
         [0030]     Another simple object of the present invention is to buoyantly support a water-sports enthusiast.  
         [0031]     Another object is to provide a float that it is stable and offers a wide range of height and size adjustments. It is a feature of the invention that the deployed size of the float can be adjusted by varying the amount of inflation. Further the seat is adjustable.  
         [0032]     Yet another object is to provide a blind of the character described that resists snags by briars.  
         [0033]     Another object of my invention is to offer a dry surface area for elbows, hands and equipment that is an adequate height above the water.  
         [0034]     Yet another object is to provide a float of the character described that resists impact with submerged objects such as branches, rocks, debris and the like.  
         [0035]     A basic object is to provide a float that can safely and reliably used while fishing, hunting, diving or engaging in other diverse water-sports or recreational activities.  
         [0036]     It is another object of my invention to enhance operator comfort. It is a feature of my invention that creature comforts such as an adjustable headrest and gun support have been provided.  
         [0037]     Yet another object of my invention is to provide a float of the character described that can shelter the user from wind, rain, snow, or other elements. Is an important feature of my design that an auxiliary, collapsible canopy may optionally be deployed.  
         [0038]     Another object is to provide a camouflaged version which is especially adapted for duck hunting.  
         [0039]     Yet another object is to provide a float design of the character described that can safely and reliably support and transport a variety of users of different sizes, ages, weights and heights.  
         [0040]     These and other objects and advantages of the present invention, along with features of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear or become apparent in the course of the following descriptive sections. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0041]     In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification and which are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which like reference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible to indicate like parts in the various views:  
         [0042]      FIG. 1  is a frontal isometric view of my Floating Sportsman&#39;s Blind, with the canopy installed but the netting omitted for clarity;  
         [0043]      FIG. 2  is a rear isometric view of my blind, with the canopy installed;  
         [0044]      FIG. 3  is a rear elevational view of my blind, with the optional canopy deployed as in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ;  
         [0045]      FIG. 4  is a frontal isometric view of my blind, with the canopy omitted for clarity;  
         [0046]      FIG. 5  is a rear isometric view of my blind with the canopy omitted;  
         [0047]      FIG. 6  is a vertical sectional view of my blind configured as in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , with portions thereof omitted for brevity and clarity  
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a rear elevational view, with the canopy omitted;  
         [0049]      FIG. 8  is a right side elevational view with the canopy omitted, the left side view thereof comprising a mirror image;  
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is a front elevational view with the canopy omitted;  
         [0051]      FIGS. 10 and 11  are enlarged, fragmentary sectional views;  
         [0052]      FIG. 12  is a frontal isometric view, with both the canopy and netting installed;  
         [0053]      FIG. 13  is an side elevational view of the blind configured as in  FIG. 12 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 14  is a frontal elevational view of the blind configured as illustrated in  FIGS. 12-13 ; and,  
         [0055]      FIG. 15  is a top plan view of the blind configured as in  FIGS. 12-14 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0056]     With initial reference directed initially to  FIGS. 1-3  of the appended drawings, my floating blind has been generally designated by the reference numeral  20 . The lower, circular or toroidal base  22  of the float  20  preferably comprises a lower inner tube  24  and an upper inner tube  25  that are covered by suitable fabric and maintained in stacked, coaxial relation. The open and circular center of the aligned tubes and the float, generally designated by the reference numeral  23 , is occupied by the user sitting on the seat  28  described below.  
         [0057]     In the best mode the float has a base  22  formed from a pair of stacked inner tubes  24 ,  25  for flotation. Although automotive inner tubes are preferred in the best mode, a variety of other inflatable floats such as air bladders may be used. As used herein, the term “inner tube” shall refer to toroidal automotive inner tubes such as those illustrated, and to inflatable air bladders. The preferred inner tubes are vertically stacked, and arranged concentrically. A fabric covering  21  ( FIGS. 10, 11 ) completely covers the inner tubes.  
         [0058]     One or more frame loops  26  encircle the tubes  24 ,  25 , to facilitate mounting of a collapsible canopy  30  with a canopy hoop  40 . The frame structure is further enhanced by a belt  27  that is concentric and coaxial relative to the inner tubes  24 ,  25 . The belt  27  is tightly seated within a depressed juncture region  29  formed between the stacked inner tubes, and it tensions the covering fabric  21  that completes the base and forms a frame. Belt  27  and frame loops  26  comprise suitable lengths of plastic or fabric materials, the ends of which are provided with conventional side release clamps for quick installation and removal. They are thus user installable, and they can be tensioned and quick-connected or disconnected as desired.  
         [0059]     The removable canopy  30  is held over the canopy hoop  40  that is removably mounted to the frame loops  26 . Canopy  30  is used when the float  20  is deployed as a blind, and it at least partially covers and shields the user. When desired, the canopy and its mounting hoop  40  can be removed, by either demounting the hoop  40  from the frame loops  26 , or by unsnapping the frame loops  26  and removing them from the assembly.  
         [0060]     The circular center  23  is to be occupied by a user such as a hunter or fisherman. A fabric seat  28  is disposed within inner region, and it is stretched between various spaced-apart internal rear straps  31  and front straps  33  (i.e.,  FIG. 6 ) that are rigidly sewn to the external fabric covering of the float  20 . The various spaced-apart internal straps  31 ,  33  provide flexibility and support. Straps  31  and  33  are preferably adjustable, so the user can effectively raise or lower the seat relative to the float. When the seat is lowered for hunting, the user gets deeper in the water, and he or she may be substantially immersed therein. Protective hunting gear such as waders would thus be recommended. When in shallow water a very stable position may thus be assumed, with the hunters feet touching bottom. When the straps are tightened, the height of the seat is raised, and less of the user&#39;s body will be submerged. In the latter mode, for example, a fisherman will have more upper clearance, and it will be easier to cast. He or she will also be warmer.  
         [0061]     In the best mode, there is a generally cylindrical muzzle support  32  disposed at the front of the float  20 . Support  32  is attached to the fabric  21  covering the inner tubes  24 ,  25  by a suitable flap  36  ( FIGS. 1, 5 ,  6 ), that is permanently sewn to the float fabric. Support  32  is preferably located in front of the float  20 , at a position about half way between the top of the upper inner tube  25  and the encircling belt  27  (i.e.,  FIG. 8 ). In such a position the top of the muzzle support  32  is approximately coplanar with the top of the upper float tube, thereby forming a surface extension that can support a long gun. Support  32  is covered by fabric  21 . Preferably a conventional air bladder  37  ( FIG. 11 ) of generally cylindrical dimensions (i.e., when inflated) is housed within support  32 .  
         [0062]     When support  32  assumes the stable, forwardly projecting gun supporting position illustrated in  FIG. 1 , it is conveniently accessible to the user, who can grasp and manipulate it with his or her hands. When desired, the support  32  can be swung into the interior of the float, simply by radially moving it into the float interior. As seen in  FIG. 8 , moved positions during said movement are shown in dashed lines. When the support  32  is radially moved into the interior, it cushions and brace the user against the front of the inner tubes. To “fit” the support  32  within the inner tubes, its air pressure can be dropped by bleeding the interior air bag.  
         [0063]     Similarly, in the best mode there is a headrest  34  at the rear of the float  20 . Headrest  34  is preferably cylindrical, and it is similar in design to support  32 . It is attached by a flap  39  ( FIGS. 1, 4 ), that is permanently sewn to the fabric  21  covering the inner tubes. It is disposed in the region beneath the optional canopy  30 . Headrest  34  also includes an inflatable air bladder  41  ( FIGS. 10, 11 ). Like the support  32 , headrest  34  can be moved into the interior, in the direction of movement generally indicated by the dashed lines in  FIG. 8 . By releasing some air from its bladder, the headrest can be nested against the users back, providing support against the inner periphery of the inner tubes of the float. In this manner it functions as a backrest.  
         [0064]     The encircling juncture region  29  is best seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . This depressed volume is formed at the juncture between the stacked inner tubes  24  and  25 . It will be appreciated by the viewer that these tubes are covered by canvas fabric  21 , as most evident in the isometric and elevational views. Structural integrity is enhanced by the combination of the belt  27 , that is anchored and seated within the depressed region  29  (i.e.,  FIG. 3 ) to tension fabric  21 , and the spaced apart frame loops  26  that bind the inner tubes together in coaxial, stacked relation.  
         [0065]     As best seen in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  5 , the collapsible canopy  30  is mounted and suspended above the float  20  by a semicircular hoop  40 , whose opposite lower ends are fastened to a frame loop  26  to form hinges. As viewed in  FIG. 5 , the lowermost slotted ends of the hoop  40  are penetrated by a suitable knurled knob  42  (or other fastener) from which a conventional threaded stem (not shown) projects. The stem threadably penetrates an adjacent frame loop  26  and is threadably anchored therewithin over the belt  27 . Canopy  30  is collapsed by loosening the knob  42  and rotating it about the hinge formed by the ends of hoop  40 .  
         [0066]     With reference now directed to  FIGS. 12-15 , the best mode of the float  20  includes a net  70  that covers the user and camouflages him or her. Also, it protects against insects such as mosquitoes, flies and other pests while allowing waterfowl viewing. It is suspended between the top of canopy loop  40  and the underside of the deployed canopy  30 , and drawn forwardly until it suitably covers the front of the float and rest  32 .  
         [0067]     From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, together with other advantages that are inherent to the structure.  
         [0068]     It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims.  
         [0069]     As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.