Abstract:
A collapsible hunting blind for use with a vehicle such as a boat has a framework and a cover, where the framework has several parts, including tree-shaped frames with several arms and a vertical post, crossbars, and a lid frame. Each tree-shaped frame is mounted to a crossbar coupled to the vehicle. The cover is attached to the framework and extends over the lid frame to form a lid. Persons traveling in the vehicle are thus concealed when the lid is closed. When the blind is collapsed, each arm folds against the vertical post and the entire tree-shaped frame folds to a side of the vehicle.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
     This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 60/353,140 filed on Feb. 1, 2002, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in all its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to blinds used for hunting. Specifically, this invention relates to a boat supported blind for hunting waterfowl that can be easily folded down for transport to and from a hunting location and readily set up. 
     Hunters have been pursuing waterfowl, either for food or for sport, for a great many years. Often times, waterfowl are found at locations only accessible by boat. Boats, however do not readily blend into the environment. As such, hunters sitting in boats are easily recognized by waterfowl, and thus avoided by the potential game. Traditionally, successfully hunting waterfowl by boat has involved building hunting blinds at the location and then maneuvering the boat behind the blind. Such blind building is difficult and time consuming. Further, the blind must be rebuilt at every new hunting location. To solve these and other problems inherent in stationary blinds, portable hunting blinds have been developed. 
     During the past few years, portable hunting blinds have become increasingly popular to waterfowl hunters, especially duck hunters. Many hunters who typically use stationary blinds also own small, flat bottomed boats for transportation to and from hunting locations. Numerous attempts have been made to develop a portable duck blind that may be attached to a conventional boat owned by a hunter, or with which a hunter would likely be familiar. 
     Hunters typically desire a portable blind that can be easily set up, taken down, and transported to and from the hunting location. In addition, hunters require a full range in which to shoot at waterfowl. Further, hunters desire a relatively inexpensive, readily useable blind that is adaptable for use with a variety of boats. 
     Some available portable hunting blinds provide an unobstructed opportunity to shoot from horizon to horizon and in all directions. Others are easy to install, easy to collapse, and easy to set up again. Still others are adaptable to many different sized boats. However, no available blind satisfactory fulfills all these criteria. Accordingly, a need exists for an improved portable boat blind that solves these and other deficiencies in the prior art. Of course, the present invention may be used in a multitude of boat situations where similar performance capabilities are required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a blind that is cost-effective, easily and securely attached to a boat, provides functionality for the hunter, and which solves the problems raised or not solved by existing designs. 
     The blind has a framework and a cover. The framework has several parts, including tree-shaped frames having a plurality of arms, a series of crossbars, and a lid frame. Each tree-shaped frame is mounted to a different crossbar. Each crossbar is coupled to the vehicle. Support frames are attached to the arms. The lid frame may be pivotally attached to any of the support frames. The cover is attached to the framework and extends over the lid frame to form a lid. Persons traveling in the vehicle are concealed when the lid is closed. 
     In one embodiment, at least two of the tree-shaped frames have a vertical post. In another embodiment, the blind is collapsible. In one embodiment, each arm of the tree-shaped frames is pivotally mounted to the vertical posts and each tree-shaped frame is pivotally mounted to a different crossbar. When the blind is collapsed, each arm folds against the vertical post and the entire tree-shaped frame folds to a side of the vehicle. 
     While one possible application of the present invention is in connection with a boat, many other applications are possible and references to use in connection with a boat should not be deemed to limit the uses of the present invention. The terms “blind,” “cover,” “frame,” “lid,” “arm,” or “bracket” as used herein should not be interpreted as being limited to specific forms or shapes of a blind, cover, frame, lid, arm, or bracket. Rather, the blind, cover, frame, lid, arm, or bracket may have a wide variety of shapes. These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hunting blind in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown attached to a boat and without a cover; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1, shown with a cover; 
     FIG. 3 is an opposite side perspective view of the hunting blind of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective interior view of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the bracket attachment of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 2, shown with the cover partially removed; 
     FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 2, shown with the cover partially raised; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of the framework of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of the framework of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1, shown without the cover; 
     FIG. 11 s a partial top perspective view of a portion of the framework of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 12 is a partial top perspective view of a portion of the framework of the hunting blind shown in FIG. 1; and, 
     FIG. 13 is side view of the hunting blind shown in FIG.  1 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Illustrative embodiments of a boat blind (identified generally as  30 ) in accordance with the present invention are shown in FIGS. 1 through 13. While the invention may be susceptible to embodiment in different forms, there are shown in the drawings, and herein are described in detail, certain illustrative embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to those as illustrated and described herein. Additionally, features illustrated and described with respect to one embodiment could be used in connection with other embodiments. 
     The blind  30  is for use with a boat  32  of any typical construction. As those familiar with boat-supported duck blinds will recognize, the boat  32  is intended to depict a generic boat commonly used by duck hunters and does not actually depict any particular brand or style of boat. For purposes of this invention, the configuration of the boat  32  is largely irrelevant, as blind  30  is designed to fit on most conventional boats, as explained fully below. In FIGS. 1,  5 , and  8  through  13 , the blind  30  is shown without cover  34 , as can be seen in FIGS. 2 through 4 and  6  and  7 , for the sake of clarity. It will also be understood that cover  34  may be removed for purposes of storage, but for convenience will typically remain on the blind  30  throughout an entire hunting season. 
     The blind  30  includes a framework  36  and a cover  34 . The framework  36  is preferably formed of sections of lightweight tubing for reasons of cost and durability, square tubing being one shape found effective. The framework  36  may be formed of lightweight metal such as aluminum, fiberglass, plastic, other composite materials, or the like. 
     The framework  36  includes a plurality of tree-shaped frames  38 , a plurality of crossbars  40 , and a lid frame  42 . Each tree-shaped frame  38  is mounted on a separate crossbar  40 . These tree-shaped frames  38  need not be identical. In alternative embodiments, additional frames may be attached to either the crossbars  40 , the tree-shaped frames  38 , or to the boat itself  32 . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1,  10 , and  13 , two substantially identical tree-shaped frames  38  are used to support the cover  34 . Each tree-shaped frame  38  may be pivotally mounted to each crossbar  40 , or the tree-shaped frame  38  may be in a fixed position. Each tree shaped frame  38  may be mounted to the corresponding crossbar  40  by the use of a bracket  44 . Alternatively, each tree-shaped frame  38  and crossbar may be manufactured from a single piece of material by casting, blow molding, injection molding, roto molding or otherwise. Each crossbar  40  is coupled to the boat  32 , preferably to the first  46  and second  48  sidewalls. As shown in FIG. 5, such coupling may be accomplished using base plates  50 , screws  52 , and fasteners  54 . Alternatively, the crossbar  40  may be coupled using brackets, C-clamps or the like or the crossbar  40  may be welded, soldered, melted, or otherwise attached to each sidewall or other place on the boat  32 . It is to be understood that any form of anchoring each crossbar  40  to a suitably rigid surface of the boat  32  may be used with this invention. 
     Each tree-shaped frame  38  has a plurality of arms  56 . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1,  9 , and  10 , each tree-shaped frame  38  has a central vertical post  58 . The vertical post  58  may be pivotally attached, hingedly engaged, or permanently fixed to the bracket  44 . One manner of pivotally attaching the vertical post  58  is by the use of a first pin  60 . The vertical post  58  may then be locked into a vertical position by a second pin  62 . It is to be understood that the vertical post  58  maybe attached to the bracket  44  and locked into the vertical position using any conventional means. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  9 , and  10 , the arms  56  of the tree-shaped frames  38  may be hingedly connected or pivotally mounted to the vertical post  58 . The specific tree-shaped frames  38  employed in any given embodiment need not have the same number of arms  56 . As shown in FIGS. 1,  10 , and  13 , the arms  56  are angled upwardly when the blind  30  is set up. The arms  56  are folded against the vertical post  58  when the blind  30  is collapsed. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1,  9 , and  10 , one arm  56  is mounted on either side of the vertical post  58  of each tree-shaped frame  38 . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, each arm  56  pivotally engages a bracket  57  attached to the vertical post  58 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  10 , and  13 , the framework  36  also includes a plurality of support frames  64 . The support frames  64  may have a variety of forms, including without limitation U-shaped, tee-pee shaped, A-shaped, and dome shaped. A support frame  64  is coupled to the free ends of at least two arms  56  and the vertical posts  58  of at least two tree-shaped frames  38 , respectively. Depending on the embodiment, the support frames  64  may be coupled to every arm  56  of at least two of the tree-shaped frames  38 , or coupled to every arm  56  of every tree-shaped frame  38  employed. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1,  10 , and  13 , a support frame  64  is coupled to both arms  56  and the vertical posts  58  of both tree-shaped frames  38 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , the framework  36  also includes a lid frame  42 . The lid frame  42  may be a single piece, or it may be divided into any number of sections. As shown in FIGS. 1,  2 , and  3 , one of the sections of the lid frame  42  may be smaller to accommodate a single hunter. Such ability is useful to allow a person using a duck call to scan the hunting location, while the other hunters remain hidden under the balance of the lid  70 . As shown in FIG. 3, a drape  66 , preferably partially or wholly formed of netting, may depend from the lid frame  42  or cover  34  so as to screen hunters in the blind  30  from view when the lid frame  42  is open. The drape  66  may have a camouflage pattern. 
     The lid frame  42  may be pivotally engaged to any support frame  64 . In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the lid frame  42  pivotally engages a support frame  64  via brackets  68 . Alternatively, the lid frame  42  may engage a support frame  64  via bearings, mounts, bolts, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 7,  11 , and  12 , the lid frame  42  may pivotally engage a support frame  64  so that the lid frame  42  may be stopped and secured at any number of positions, including without limitation fully open, halfway open, and full closed. 
     When the lid frame  42  pivotally engages a support frame  64  coupled to an arm  56 , the lid frame  42  may open up or down. When the lid frame  42  pivotally engages the support frame  64  coupled to the vertical post  58 , as shown in FIG. 1, the lid frame  42  opens up. As shown in FIGS. 2,  3 ,  6 , and  7 , the lid frame  42  may be covered with a portion of the cover  34  to form a lid  70 . The cover  34  may be draped over the lid  70 . Alternatively, the cover  34  may be securely attached to the lid frame  42  by channel stitching, ties, velcro, snaps, or the like. The lid  70  may be secured in the closed position by ties, velcro, snaps, or the like. The lid  70  or the lid frame  42  may have a handle  78 , rope, or other feature to facilitate opening and closing the lid  70  and/or the lid frame  42 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1,  8 ,  10 , and  13 , for use with different sized and styles of boats  32 , the tree-shaped frames  38 , vertical posts  58 , arms  56 , crossbars  40 , support frames  64 , and/or the lid frame  42  may be formed of telescoping sections. Suitable detents  72 , as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, may be provided for locking the various components of the framework at appropriate lengths. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the fact that the blind  30  is, by virtue of the above-described components, fully adjustable in both length and width to accommodate most common boats  32 . 
     The cover  34  has a rear wall  74  and a front wall  76 . The rear wall  74  is attached to the support frame  64  coupled to the vertical post  58  and at least one support frame  64  coupled to at least one arm  56 . A front wall  76  of the cover  34  is attached to at least one other support frame  64 . In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the cover  34  is attached to the support frame  64  opposite the support frame  64  attached to the rear wall  74 . The rear wall  74  and front wall  76  may be attached to each support frame  64  by channel stitching, ties, Velcro, snaps, or the like. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front  76  and rear  74  walls extend around the tree-shaped frames  36  with sufficient material to cover the ends of the boat  32 . The front  76  and rear  74  walls may be joined in any conventional way or overlapped. 
     The cover  34  may be formed of a cloth or canvas like material such as nylon, canvas, corduroy, burlap, or cloth. The cover  34  may also be formed from woven or nonwoven mesh material. This material may be flame and/or fire retardant, waterproof or water-resistant and may have insulating properties. A camouflage pattern may be provided on the cover  34 . The cover  34  may also provide for pockets or straps on the exterior surface. The pockets or straps are used to secure vegetation or synthetic camouflaging material or items to the blind  30 , thereby improving its ability to blend in with the background. The cover  34  may have doors that allow hunters, dogs, or other animals to easily enter and exit the boat  32  when the blind  30  is erected. The cover  34  may also have any number of pockets to store hunting, camping, and other outdoor equipment. The cover  34  may also be partially formed of mesh material or otherwise ventilated. Further, the cover  34  may be partially translucent or transparent, allowing hunters inside the blind  30  to scan their surrounding without opening the blind  30 . The cover  34  may have peepholes, mesh portions, or other features to accomplish the same. The cover  34  may also have any number of flapped openings or holes through which hunters may shoot at prey without having to fully open the blind  30 . 
     In addition, this invention also allows for a number of accessories to be attached either to the cover  34  or to the framework  36 . Such accessories include dog ramps, decoy retrieval devices, nets, and the like. 
     It will be recognized that the blind  30  can be assembled while at dockside or even when the boat  32  remains on a trailer prior to being launched. In use, the blind  30  is easily installed on the boat  32  and collapsed such that the boat  32  may be transported to a hunting location. Upon arriving at the location, the blind  32  may be easily set up by raising the vertical posts  58  and arms  56  of each of the tree-shaped frames  38 . At the beginning of a hunt the lid  70  is closed and the hunters are hidden within the blind  30 . When a shooting opportunity arises, a hunter stands up quickly. Depending on how the lid  70  is attached to the framework  36 , the hunter then flips the lid  70  open by either pushing the lid  70  up or down. The hunter then has the opportunity to shoot. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 13, the hunter has a full view and opportunity to shoot from horizon to horizon in any direction without interference by the blind  30 . 
     The blind  30  of the present invention may have other applications aside from use in connection with vehicles such as boats  32 . Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims.