Abstract:
A hunting equipment rest for use in a tree stand allows the hunter quick access to a weapon, thereby avoiding excess movement. A rigid member is affixed to the tree by a cinch strap. The apparatus is initially positioned such that a first trunk rest, fixed to the rigid member, sits against the tree horizontally, and a second pivoting trunk rest sits against the tree vertically. The second pivoting trunk rest is fixed to a pivot arm. The combination is attached to the rigid member by a pivot pin. The apparatus is locked into place by lowering the pivot arm, which levers the second pivoting trunk rest toward the tree to create tension in the strap. Attached to the pivot arm is a weapon hook, which swivels horizontally. The rest is suitable for a variety of weapons, and is easily installed or removed. The apparatus does not harm the tree.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/456,875 filed on Nov. 15, 2010 by Kyle Marc Wilson, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT 
       [0003]    Not Applicable 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING 
       [0004]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The invention relates generally to hunting equipment, and specifically to supports for holding a hunting weapon for quick access while hunting from a tree stand. Hunting weapons, such as bows and rifles, are often heavy, and thus it is fatiguing for the hunter to hold a weapon for long periods of time while lying in wait, for example, in a tree stand. It is preferable, however, for a hunter to avoid large movements associated with readying a weapon when a prey animal comes into view because such large movements can spook the animal. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, it is advantageous for a hunter to have a sturdy surface from which to hang or support the weapon. Ideally, a weapon support is adjustable to an optimal position for hanging the weapon in a desired position from which the hunter may easily ready the weapon without causing excess movement. Such a device would be useful not just in the context of tree stand hunting, but in any context where a hanging support from a tree is required, such as hanging a lantern. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Accordingly, the following discloses a weapon hook or support for use in a tree stand. By hanging the weapon within easy reach, the hunter avoids the risk of spooking the game through excess movement caused by the hunter readying the weapon with the game in view. In furtherance of the purpose of assisting in hunting, the invention is designed to be lightweight and easily installed on or removed from a tree. 
         [0008]    In the apparatus, a rigid member is affixed to the tree trunk initially by a hand-tightened cinch strap wrapped around the tree trunk to a strap mount, fixedly attached to the rigid member. The apparatus is initially positioned such that a first trunk rest, fixedly attached to the rigid frame, sits against the tree trunk essentially horizontal, and a second pivoting trunk rest sits against the tree essentially vertical. The second pivoting trunk rest is fixedly attached to a pivot arm, and both are together attached to the rigid member by a pivot pin. 
         [0009]    The apparatus is locked into place by lowering the pivot arm, which acts as a lever by which the second pivoting trunk rest, in a cam-like motion, is turned to an essentially horizontal position, thereby creating tension in the strap and securing the rigid member to the tree. Attached to the extended end of the pivot arm via a pivot bolt is a weapon support, which swivels in a horizontal plane, and is adjustable to an optimal position for aiming. 
         [0010]    The weapon hook is suitable for use with various weapons, including a standard compound bow, rifle, or crossbow, as well as with non-weapon equipment, such as a lantern. In general, what is provided is a tree-mounted support for a hanging or leaned article. 
         [0011]    The apparatus, when removed from a tree, is lightweight and may easily be collapsed to fit into a hunter&#39;s pack. 
         [0012]    It is an object of the invention to provide a stable hook or hanging support for a hunting weapon for use with a hunter&#39;s tree stand. The weapon support is used to hold a weapon within easy reach so as to avoid excess movement caused by the hunter readying the weapon. 
         [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that can be used as a hanging or leaning support for any article for which support from a tree is helpful or advantageous. 
         [0014]    It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that can be quickly installed on and removed from a tree trunk. 
         [0015]    It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that is lightweight and easy to carry in a hunter&#39;s pack. 
         [0016]    It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus that does not harm the tree on which it is installed. In addition to the general value of protecting the environment, this feature may be necessary in certain areas to comply with local laws and regulations that prohibit screwing or drilling into trees. 
         [0017]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. They illustrate only one exemplary embodiment of the invention, and those skilled in the art may be able to devise alternative equivalent embodiments of the invention. The drawings, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0019]    In the drawings: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates the invention in its deployed position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates the invention in its collapsed storage position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  illustrates the motion of the invention as it is deployed on the trunk of a tree. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  illustrates the invention deployed on the trunk of a tree. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    Referring now to the invention in more detail,  FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention in its unfolded or deployed state, and  FIG. 2  shows the same exemplary embodiment of the invention is its folded or collapsed state. In  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the apparatus embodying the invention is to be mounted vertically against a tree trunk or other mounting surface. In the apparatus, a rigid member  10  to which is rigidly attached, near the vertical top and extending away in the direction of the mounting surface (in  FIG. 1 , to the left), is a first trunk rest  11 , and to which is rigidly attached near the vertical center, a strap mount  15  and cinch strap  20 , and also to which is rigidly attached, at the vertical bottom, is a pivot housing  18 . Attached to the rigid member  10  via the pivot housing  18  and a pivot pin  19 , is a pivot arm  30 , to which is rigidly attached, at its first end (in  FIG. 1 , the left end of  30 , and in  FIG. 2  the end of  30  at the vertical bottom), is a second pivoting trunk rest  31 . At the second end of the pivot arm  30  (in  FIG. 1 , the right end of  30 ) is a vertically oriented pivot bolt  35  that attaches a weapon support assembly  40 . The weapon support assembly  40  features a hook  50  fixedly attached at a joint  41 . 
         [0025]    Referring still to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , and particularly to the rigid member  10 , the rigid member  10  is presently envisioned as a square or oblong tube made of steel. Alternatively, other materials and shapes may be used to form the rigid member  10 . 
         [0026]    At the vertical top of the rigid member  10  is attached the first trunk rest  11 , which is shown as comprising a first cylindrical member  12  and a second cylindrical member  13 , which are attached at approximately 90° with respect to each other, 90° with respect to the vertical axial line of the rigid member  10 , and plus and minus 45° with respect to a line perpendicular to the vertical axial line of the rigid member  10  and passing through the center of the tree trunk. The cylindrical members  12  and  13  are presently envisioned as being circular and solid in cross section and made of steel, however other shapes and materials may be used equivalently. The rigid member  10 , first cylindrical member  12 , and second cylindrical member  13  meet at a connection point  14 , which is presently envisioned as a weld, however equivalent fasteners may be employed to produce a rigid joint. 
         [0027]    At the vertical middle of the rigid member  10  is a strap mount  15 , which is generally oblong in shape and features a pair of holes  16  through which the ends of the cinch strap  20  are attached. The strap mount is presently envisioned as being made of steel and attached to the rigid member  10  by a weld. Alternative equivalent shapes, materials, and means of attachment of the strap mount  15  may be used. The cinch strap  20  comprises a first piece  21  and a second piece  24 . The first piece  21  features at its first end a loop  22  that passes through one of the holes  16  in the strap mount  15 , and at its second end a cinch buckle  23 . The first piece  21  is presently envisioned as being made of a flexible fabric material; the loop  22  is presently envisioned as being made of a similar fabric material and attached to the strap mount  15  and first piece  21  by sewn stitches; the cinch buckle  23  is presently envisioned as made of a metal or plastic material and attached to the first piece  21  by sewn stitches. The second piece  24  features at its first end a loop  25  that passes through one of the holes  16  in the strap mount  15 , and at its second end a reinforced end stitch  26 . The second piece  24  is presently envisioned as being made of a flexible fabric material; the loop  25  is presently envisioned as being made of a similar fabric material and attached to the strap mount  15  and second piece  24  by sewn stitches; the reinforced end  26  is presently envisioned as a region of the second piece  24  that is folded over and sewn to itself so as not to degrade when being threaded through the cinch buckle  23 . 
         [0028]    The cinch strap is used by running the second piece  22  through the buckle  23  and pulling tight, the buckle being constructed such that the second piece  22  will not slip through it. This cinch strap design is well known in the prior art, and is but one example of the many available strap and buckle combinations that may be adapted to the invention. 
         [0029]    Attached at the vertical bottom of the rigid member  10  is a pivot housing  18  comprising a pair of thin plate members  17 , each attached to one side of the rigid member  10 , the particular side being one of the two sides perpendicular to the line of the pivot arm  30 . The plate members extend beyond the lower end of the rigid member  10  by at least the width of the pivot arm  30 ; the plates also extend out from the rigid member  10  in the direction of the line of the pivot arm  30  in part to align the pivot arm  30  in its vertical collapsed position, and in part to allow the pivot pin  19  to be located away from the longitudinal axis of the rigid member  10 . The plate members  17  are presently envisioned as being made of steel and attached to the rigid member  10  by a weld, however alternative shapes, materials, and attachment means may be used. Each of the plate members is pierced by a hole through which the pivot pin  19  is passed. The pivot pin  19  attaches the pivot arm  30  by penetrating both of the plate members  17  and the pivot arm  30 , which is sandwiched by the plate members  17 . The pivot pin  19  may be fixed or loose relative to the rigid member  10 ; the pivot pin may be removable or non-removable, and is presently envisioned as made of steel, though other materials may be used. 
         [0030]    Referring still to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , and particularly to the pivot arm  30 , the pivot arm  30  is shown as a square or oblong tube and is presently envisioned as being made of steel. Alternatively, other materials and shapes may be used to form the pivot arm  30 . 
         [0031]    At the first end of the pivot arm  30  (in  FIG. 1 , the left end; in  FIG. 2 , the vertical bottom end) is attached the second pivoting trunk rest  31 , which is shown as comprising a first cylindrical member  32  and a second cylindrical member  33  attached at approximately 90° with respect to each other, and at plus and minus 45° with respect to the axial line of the pivot arm  30 . The cylindrical members  32  and  33  are presently envisioned as being circular and solid in cross section and made of steel, however other shapes and materials may be used equivalently. The pivot arm  30 , first cylindrical member  32 , and second cylindrical member  33  meet at a connection point  34 , which is presently envisioned as a weld, however equivalent fasteners may be employed to produce a rigid joint. 
         [0032]    At the second end (in  FIG. 1 , the right end; in  FIG. 2 , the top end) of the pivot arm  30  is a vertical pivot bolt  35 , which passes through holes in the pivot arm  30 , and then through holes in the weapon support assembly  40  to create a swivel connection between the pivot arm  30  and the weapon support assembly  40 . On the created joint, the weapon support assembly  40  may be swung out in a horizontal plane to any desired position. The vertical pivot bolt  35  is envisioned as being made of steel and may be removable or non-removable from its mounting. Alternative materials and fastening means may be used. 
         [0033]    Referring still to the embodiment of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , and particularly to the weapon support assembly  40 , the weapon support assembly  40  is shown as a square or oblong tube and is presently envisioned as being made of steel, however other shapes and materials may be used. The weapon support assembly  40  is connected at its extended end to a weapon hook  50 . The weapon hook  50  is presently envisioned as made of cylindrical steel bent 90°, and is attached at a connection point  41 , which is presently envisioned as a weld. Alternative shapes, materials, and attachment means for the weapon hook  50  may be used. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , which describes the manner in which the apparatus moves during installation as part of its function, in  FIG. 3 , the apparatus is attached to a tree trunk  100  initially by the user buckling and hand-tightening the cinch strap  150 . In this configuration, the apparatus is in its collapsed state with only the first trunk rest  110  against the trunk  100 . The second trunk rest  300  is oriented downward, and the pivot arm  200  is oriented vertically. 
         [0035]    To lock the apparatus, the user pulls down on the pivot arm  200  in motion M 1 , causing the pivot arm  200  to rotate about the pivot point  250  and the second trunk rest to move toward a horizontal position in motion M 2 . As the second trunk rest is pressed against the tree trunk, the rotational motion of the pivot arm is converted, in a cam-like fashion, into linear motion. This linear motion is expressed at the pivot point, which moves out from the tree trunk in motion M 3 . This linear motion in turn causes motion M 4  in the cinch strap  150 , thereby creating tension beyond what the user can provide by hand-tightening, and it is the added tension that secures the apparatus to the tree to provide a stable weapon support. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows the resulting configuration in which both the first trunk rest  110  and the second trunk rest  300  are horizontal against the tree trunk  100 . The apparatus is held securely in place by the taught cinch strap  150 , and the pivot arm  200  is approximately horizontal. 
         [0037]    To use the invention in its deployed state, the user rotates the weapon support assembly (now in a horizontal plane with the pivot arm) and hangs the weapon from the weapon hook or leans it against the weapon support assembly. In other contexts, the apparatus may be deployed without a tree stand in order to provide a hanging or leaning support for other articles. For example, the apparatus may be deployed at a camp site without a tree stand in order to provide an overhead hanging support for a lantern. Depending on the context of use, and on the intended weapon or article, the total size of the apparatus and relative size of the components may be adjusted, as needed, to fit different types and sizes of trees and different types, sizes, and weights of hunting weapons. 
         [0038]    While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use what is presently considered to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should, therefore, not be limited by the above described embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.