Abstract:
A tree mounted blind that includes a plurality of articulated arcuate arm members forming a suspension frame which is attached at each end to a mounting bracket, which in turn is affixed to a tree trunk without any cords, cables, or bands surrounding the tree. A fabric blind is hung from the framework to provide a hunting blind, a military blind for observers and the like, or a privacy blind for campers and the like.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to hunting blinds, concealment curtains, and the like. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Over the years, various configurations of hunting blinds have developed. Such blinds are conventionally used either on the ground or with tree stands. Generally, these blinds are attached in some manner to a selected tree and provide some type of frame work to which a camouflage curtain is attached to prevent detection by the wildlife being hunted. 
   To date, such blinds still are not totally satisfactory. Some are difficult or noisy to install, particularly if used with an elevated tree stand where access from the ground is unavailable. Some are not easily foldable or compact, and are not easy to carry from place to place. Some are not sturdy. Typical examples are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,669,403; 6,243,979; and 6,434,877. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with the foregoing discussion, a portable tree-mounted blind that addresses shortcomings in previous configurations is disclosed. Toward this end, one aspect of the invention includes a pair of mounting brackets provided for attachment directly to the trunk of a selected tree by one or more securing members that extend through the brackets and into the tree. The bracket also includes a frame mounting member extending from the face thereof. A collapsible, arcuate shaped suspension frame includes an end member at each end that is releasably connectable to the frame mounting member of one of the brackets. The arcuate shaped frame further includes a plurality of arcuately shaped arms foldably connected together. 
   According to another aspect, when folded, the arms and end members of the frame collapse into a compact configuration with generally the dimensions of one of the arms. However, when unfolded and assembled to the brackets, the frame is sturdy and substantial. A camouflage curtain is suspended from the frame to conceal the user (hunter, camper, military person, and the like). 
   In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is a flat plate and includes a securing member extending through an opening in the upper portion. The securing member is threaded on one end and includes a bolt type head on the other. A crank with an extended crank handle is provided which engages the head for facilitating emplacement of the bracket. 
   In a further preferred embodiment, the frame mounting member is pivotally attached to the face of the mounting bracket by a connecting arm that allows the frame with the curtain attached, to be raised and lowered permitting easier access and egress. 
   Such a configuration is lightweight, easy and quick to install, and adjusts to substantially any size of tree. It is compact when folded, making it easy to transport. The blind can be used on the ground or with a tree stand (as illustrated), and does not require the user to reach around the tree to install. Assuming the owner has several sets of brackets, the brackets can be pre-installed at a variety of favorite hunting sites. Then the framework can be moved from site to site, while the brackets remain emplaced. 
   When certain embodiments are used, the frame can be installed onto the brackets quickly with no tools and very little noise. It can be reinforced by use of a cable extending through the arms. The blind can be used with many types of game (deer, turkey, duck, etc.) and has other end uses than hunting. For example, it can be used as the wall of a dressing room or bathroom for campers, or can be used by the military to conceal personnel for various reasons. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other features of the invention will be readily understood and fully appreciated by reading the following detailed description, along with accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1 . is a perspective view of the blind of the present invention mounted on a tree ready for use; 
       FIG. 2 . is a view similar to  FIG. 1 , except illustrating the frame without the curtain; 
       FIG. 3 . is a view similar to  FIG. 2 , except showing the frame lifted for access in accordance with one aspect of the invention; 
       FIG. 4 . is a perspective view of the frame alone in the unfolded, extended position, but not connected to the mounting brackets; 
       FIG. 5 . is a perspective view of the frame in the folded position; 
       FIG. 6 . is a perspective view of one joint of the frame showing the manner in which two of the arms are joined; 
       FIGS. 7 . and  7   a . are front and rear perspective views of one of the mounting brackets; and 
       FIG. 8 . is a schematic representation of the frame illustrating a reinforcing cable inserted therein. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   The following is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Turning now initially to  FIGS. 1-3  there is illustrated the portable tree mounted hunting blind  10  which generally includes an articulated, arcuate shaped frame  12  secured to an appropriate tree by a pair of mounting brackets  14 ,  16 . A fabric curtain  18  is suspended from the frame  12  in an appropriate manner. As illustrated, the fabric curtain  18  includes a hem at the upper end thereof, which is threaded onto the articulated frame  12  prior to its installation onto the brackets  14 ,  16 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the frame may be positioned in such a manner as to be generally horizontal, which is the operative or usable position. In order to enter or leave the blind, the frame may be lifted upwardly as illustrated in  FIG. 3  to facilitate access and egress to the hunter&#39;s position. As is well known, such blinds may be used with a tree stand as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , or they may be situated nearer to the ground, so that the hunter or person using the blind may stand or sit, as on a camp stool. 
   As illustrated best in  FIGS. 2-4 , the articulated frame  12  includes a pair of end members  20 ,  22 , and a plurality of arcuate shaped arm members (sometimes referred to as “arms”  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32 ). The arms  24 - 32  in the illustrated embodiment are generally rectangular and tubular, preferably formed of a lightweight steel or aluminum. The arms are connected by hinge members  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and  44 . A better showing of hinges  34 - 44  is made in  FIGS. 6 and 6   a , with an explanation to follow. 
   In the open position as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the frame circumscribes a relatively large area and is attached at two points to the tree. The feature of attaching a frame to the sides of the tree, rather than an attachment device that encircles the tree, as in most prior art frames, provides substantial benefit for the user, especially the user of a tree stand that may be several feet off the ground. It is very difficult for a person to stand on a tree stand and reach around the tree to secure the blind. Further, a user can acquire several sets of brackets  14 ,  16 , pre-mount them in his/her favorite hunting sites, then merely carry the frame and curtain from place to place. As will be seen by the ensuing description, once the brackets are in place, the remainder of the assembly is very easy. 
   Turning now to  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b , there is illustrated the manner in which the frame can be folded and collapsed. While the frame is sturdy when erected, it is fairly flexible as it is folded. Thus, the frame  12  can be folded into the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b . To facilitate this even further, as each of the hinges  34 - 44  are welded to its associated arm  24 - 32 , welding techniques can be employed which will provide a slight offset of the hinge with respect to the arm. This will facilitate and enable the folding as illustrated in  FIGS. 5   a ,  5   b . For example, first each hinge  34 - 44  is attached by a rivet  46  to its corresponding arm  24 - 32 . Then the frame pieces are laid out on a pattern in a configuration resembling  FIG. 4 . Each hinge is then welded on the topside to the appropriate arm. The frame  12  is then folded generally into the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B. Because of the welding on one side only, the frame tends to naturally assume this compact configuration upon folding. Then the hinges are welded to the corresponding arms on the opposite side of the frame  12 . Obviously, other techniques may be employed to provide for the compact folding of the frame into the collapsed configuration. It is possible there may be enough natural flexing due to the length and the tolerances in the connecting members. 
   In  FIG. 6 , there is illustrated an exemplary connection between adjacent arms. By way of illustration, in  FIG. 6  hinge  36  is utilized to connect arms  24 ,  26 . Arm  26  includes an opening  27  through opposed walls. The hinge also includes openings  37  in opposed walls. A pin  46  is then utilized to hingedly connect arm  26  to hinge  36  as illustrated in  FIG. 6   a . The hinge  36  is welded to one end of the other arcuate member  24 . 
   In  FIGS. 7-7   a  there is illustrated bracket  16 , it being understood that bracket  14  is the mirror image of bracket  16 , so that when the two brackets  16 ,  14  are emplaced as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 ,  3 , the bracket will allow the swiveling of frame  16  in the manner shown. Bracket  16  is formed basically of a mounting plate  50  which is fixed into the tree trunk and a swiveling frame mounting member  51  which receives the free end of end member  22 . 
   The mounting plate  50  includes a flat plate member having a pair cleats  52  extending rearwardly therefrom and a stop lug  53  welded to the lower rear edge of plate  50 . A securing member in the form of a wood screw or spike  64  or the like extends through an opening in the upper portion of plate  50  and is turned or screwed into the tree trunk by a crank handle or wrench  66 . In order that no separate tools be required, the crank arm or wrench may be in the form of an extension of  64 , i.e. the threads formed on the end of the wrench  66  and pivotally attached to the plate  50 , or the wrench  66  may be separate as shown. The cleats  52  stabilize the plate so that it does not swivel. 
   Plate  50  includes another opening in a lower portion through which bolt and nut assembly  58  extend to attach the connecting foot member  56  of the frame mounting member  51 . This connection utilizes washers in such a manner that the connecting foot  56  will swivel with respect to the plate for reasons to be explained hereinafter. A mounting tube  54  extends generally perpendicular from the opposite end of foot  56  and receives the free end of tube  22 . Mounting tube  54  includes holes  55  in the opposite walls thereof. Corresponding holes  23  in opposed walls of end member  22  are moved into alignment with holes  55 . Then a locking pin  62  extends through all the openings which holds the end member  22  securely in place within the mounting tube  54 . Strap  60  merely insures that the locking pin is always available and prevents loss. 
   As extra insurance, a steel or metal cable  70  may extend through the end members and all arcuate shaped members as illustrated in  FIG. 7  to further reinforce the frame. 
   In order to erect the hunting blind, the user first installs the brackets  14 ,  16  to generally opposed sides of a suitable tree. A deer stand or hunting stand may already be in place on the tree trunk, and therefore the bracket should be installed a suitable height above the hunting stand. Alternatively, the brackets may be attached several feet above the ground, so that the blind may be used by a hunter or person on the ground. Also, the blind may be used by campers or others than hunters as explained hereinabove. For example, the blind could surround a portable toilet. 
   In any event, once the brackets are installed, it is very simple to unfold the frame, place the end members  20 ,  22  in the corresponding brackets  14 ,  16 , and insert the locking pins  62 . Obviously, the curtain should have been installed onto the frame prior to this operation. 
   When it is desired to use the hunting blind in a different location, assuming brackets have been preinstalled, the procedure above is merely reversed, and the frame taken to another set of brackets and installed as simply as described above. 
   It should be realized that the embodiment described above is merely exemplary of one embodiment of the present invention. Obviously, some changes can be made and some of the aspects above are optional. For example, there are many ways in which the arms and end members may be hingedly connected together. There are other configurations for the mounting bracket which would appropriately mount the frame. The illustrated brackets enable the mounting frame to be swiveled up and out of the way to facilitate the moving into and out of position, however, this is an optional feature. Obviously, the mounting brackets could be simplified if this feature were not to be incorporated. Further, as stated above, the reinforcing cable is also optional. While the arm members are rectangular, tubular steel members, they could be of different shape and made out of different materials. 
   Other modifications may occur to those skilled in the art, and the invention should not be limited to the extent of the details herein, but should extend to the full scope and spirit as defined by the following claims.