Patent Publication Number: US-10767387-B2

Title: Foldable ground blind

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/730,354 filed Sep. 12, 2018 for “FOLDABLE GROUND BLIND” by Jason Bird, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     This application is related to U.S. Ser. No. 16/567,196, filed on Sep. 11, 2019, entitled “FOLDABLE GROUND BLIND,”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a ground blind, and more particularly, to a foldable ground blind configured for hunting birds. 
     Ground blinds are commonly used by hunters or other outdoorsman to conceal themselves and their movements from the observation of wild animals. Specifically, ground blinds are used by hunters and other outdoorsman to avoid scaring away wild animals. Typically, a hunter or other outdoorsman sits within or behind a ground blind that is camouflaged on its outer surface to blend in with the surrounding environment. Ground blinds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as hunting wild animals, viewing wild animals, and photography of wildlife. No matter the use, it is desirable that the ground blind be lightweight, portable, and easy to assemble/disassemble. 
     There are many different styles of ground blinds that have been made that are lightweight, portable, and easy to assemble/dissemble. One such ground blind is a hub style ground blind, which typically consists of a canvas cover and a hub assembly making up each wall of the ground blind. Each hub assembly includes flexible rods extending from a center hub to the corners of the canvas cover. When the ground blind is in an open position the hub assembly is inverted into a concave orientation, creating tension in the canvas cover and holding each wall in place. Hub style ground blinds are typically made from 2 or more hub assemblies attached to one another, with each hub assembly constituting a single wall of the ground blind. 
     Typical hub style ground blinds are not configured to allow a hunter to effectively and safely hunt birds. Therefore, there is a need for improvement in the art of ground blinds such that the ground blind is configured to be suitable for safely and effectively hunting birds. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the disclosure, a foldable blind includes a front wall, a first side wall having a triangular shape coupled to the front wall, a second side wall having a triangular shape coupled to the front wall, and a single hub assembly. The first side wall includes a first side support and the second side wall includes a second side support. The hub assembly includes a hub attached to an inner surface of the front wall and a plurality of rods extending from the hub to each corner of the front wall. 
     According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of assembling a foldable blind includes standing the foldable blind on a plurality of corners of a front wall; applying pressure to an inner surface of a single hub assembly to invert the hub assembly into a tensioned concave position from an inside of the front wall, wherein the hub assembly includes a hub attached to an inner surface of the front wall and a plurality of rods extending from the hub to each corner of the front wall; rotating a triangular first side wall and a triangular second side wall away from the inner surface of the front wall, wherein the first side wall includes an aperture and a first side support, and the second side wall includes an aperture and a second side support; standing the foldable blind on a bottom edge of the front wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall; loosening a first clamp positioned on the first side support and a second clamp positioned on the second side support; extending the first side support and the second side support from a shortened position to an extended position; and tightening the first clamp positioned on the first side support and the second clamp positioned on the second side support. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective front view of a foldable blind in a setup configuration. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the foldable blind of  FIG. 1  in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG. 2A  is a rear view of the foldable blind of  FIG. 1  in a setup configuration. 
         FIG. 2B  is a rear view of the foldable blind of  FIG. 2A  emphasizing the rods of the assembly. 
         FIG. 2C  is a front view of the foldable blind of  FIG. 1  in a setup configuration. 
         FIG. 2D  is a side view of the foldable blind of  FIG. 1  in a setup configuration. 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a hub assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a perspective front view of foldable blind  10  in a setup configuration.  FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of foldable blind  10  in a collapsed configuration.  FIGS. 1A-1B  will be discussed together. Foldable blind  10  includes fabric body  12 , hub assembly  14 , and anchors  16 A- 16 E. Fabric body  12  includes front wall  18 , first side wall  20 , and second side wall  22 . Front wall  18  is connected to first side wall  20  at first edge  24 , located at the intersection of the two walls. Front wall  18  is also connected to second side wall  22  at second edge  26 , located at the intersection of the two walls and opposite first edge  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , hub assembly  14  is coupled to front wall  18 . Anchors  16 A- 16 E are attached to the bottom corners of front wall  18 , first side wall  20 , and second side wall  22 , and also at a bottom center location of front wall  18 . 
     Foldable blind  10  is a hunting blind that is configured to fold into a collapsed configuration, allowing the user to easily transport foldable blind  10  to a desired location with minimal difficulty. As shown in  FIG. 2B , when foldable blind  10  is in the collapsed configuration fabric body  12  and hub assembly  14  are parallel to each other. Foldable blind  10  utilizes hub assembly  14  to quickly and easily expand fabric body  12  into its setup configuration. Fabric body  12  provides resistance to hub assembly  14 , allowing expanded hub assembly  14  to remain in tension and keeping foldable blind  10  stable in the setup configuration. Fabric body  12  is a fabric material that is pliable, water resistant, and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions. Anchors  16 A- 16 E are used to secure foldable blind  10  to the ground to prevent foldable blind  10  from blowing away in the wind. Anchors  16 A- 16 E are typical anchors used for tents or hunting blinds and will not be discussed in detail. 
       FIG. 2A  is a rear view of foldable blind  10  in a setup configuration.  FIG. 2B  is a rear view of foldable blind  10  in a setup configuration, emphasizing the rods of foldable blind  10 .  FIG. 2C  is a front view of foldable blind  10  in a setup configuration.  FIG. 2D  is a side view of foldable blind  10  in a setup configuration.  FIGS. 2A-2D  will be discussed together. Foldable blind  10  includes fabric body  12 , hub assembly  14 , and anchors  16 A- 16 E (not shown). Hub assembly  14  includes hub  28 , rods  30 A- 30 D, and loop  32 . Fabric body  12  includes front wall  18 , first side wall  20 , and second side wall  22 . Front wall  18  includes inner surface  18 A, outer surface  18 B, bottom edge  18 C, aperture  18 D, door  34 , rod pockets  36 A- 36 D, and stubble straps  38 . First side wall  20  includes inner surface  20 A, outer surface  20 B, bottom edge  20 C, aperture  20 D, first side sleeve  40 , first side support  42 , first base sleeve  44 , first base support  46 , first clamp  48 , and stubble straps  38 . Second side wall  22  includes inner surface  22 A, outer surface  22 B, bottom edge  22 C, aperture  22 D, second side sleeve  50 , second side support  52 , second base sleeve  54 , second base support  56 , second clamp  58 , and stubble straps  38 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , front wall  18  includes inner surface  18 A, outer surface  18 B, bottom edge  18 C, aperture  18 D, door  34 , rod pockets  36 A- 36 D, and stubble straps  38 . Inner surface  18 A is the inside surface of front wall  18  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Outer surface  18 B is the outer surface of front wall  18  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Bottom edge  18 C is the bottom most edge of front wall  18 , and bottom edge  18 C extends across the entire width of front wall  18 . Aperture  18 D extends through front wall  18 , is positioned above hub  28  of hub assembly  14 , and approximately in the center of front wall  18  widthwise. In the embodiment shown, aperture  18 D is described in a specific location, but in other embodiments aperture  18 D can be positioned anywhere on front wall  18 . 
     Door  34 , which includes door opening  34 A and door cover  34 B, is positioned below hub  28  of hub assembly  14  and near bottom edge  18 C of front wall  18 . Door  34  is also positioned in the center of front wall  18  widthwise and door opening  34 A extends through front wall  18 . In the embodiment shown, door cover  34 B can be rolled up in an open position or door cover  34 B can be unrolled in a closed position. In another embodiment, door  34  can use any suitable means to hold door  34  in the open and closed positions. Door  34  is configured to be a dog door, in which a dog can enter and exit foldable blind  10  by passing through door  34 . Door  34  allows a dog to quickly and easily enter or exit foldable blind  10  when retrieving birds. Further, door  34  allows foldable blind  10  to be placed close to or within natural vegetation, in which entering or exiting foldable blind  10  from the open side is difficult, to better conceal the user while still allowing a dog to easily enter and exit foldable blind  10 . Rod pockets  36 A- 36 D are attached to inner surface  18 A of front wall  18  and adjacent to each corner of front wall  18 . Each rod pocket  36 A- 36 D is configured to encompass an end of one of the rods  30 A- 30 D, securely holding each rod  30 A- 30 D when in both the setup and collapsed configurations of foldable blind  10 . In the embodiment shown, there are four rod pockets  36 A- 36 D but in other embodiments there can be as many rod pockets as there are corners to front wall  18 . Shown in  FIG. 2C , stubble straps  38  are attached to outer surface  18 B of front wall  18 . Stubble straps  38  are discussed further below. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , first side wall  20  is a triangular shaped wall extending from first edge  24  of front wall  18 . First side wall  20  includes inner surface  20 A, outer surface  20 B, bottom edge  20 C, aperture  20 D, first side sleeve  40 , first side support  42 , first base sleeve  44 , first base support  46 , first clamp  48 , and stubble straps  38 . Inner surface  20 A is the inside surface of first side wall  20  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Outer surface  20 B is the outer surface of first side wall  20  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Bottom edge  20 C is the bottom most edge of first side wall  20  and bottom edge  20 C extends the entire length of first side wall  20 . When foldable blind  10  is in the setup configuration, bottom edge  20 C is adjacent to the ground surface. Aperture  20 D extends through first side wall  20  and is positioned near the top corner of first side wall  20 . In the embodiment shown, aperture  20 D is described in a specific location, but in other embodiments aperture  20 D can be positioned anywhere on first side wall  20 . Shown in  FIGS. 2C-2D , stubble straps  38  are attached to outer surface  20 B of first side wall  20 . 
     First side sleeve  40  is positioned along and extends the entire length of the outside edge of first side wall  20 . First side support  42  is a telescoping rod that is positioned within and fixedly attached to first side sleeve  40  at one end of the rod and securely held in place by first side sleeve  40  at the other end of the rod. In the embodiment shown, first side support  42  is fixedly attached to first side sleeve  40  using a screw or bolt. In another embodiment, first side support  42  can be fixedly attached to first side sleeve  40  using any other suitable means, such as (but not limited to) a clamp, a clip, or a strap. First side support  42  is configured to telescope between a shortened position and an extended position. With first side support  42  in the shortened position first side wall  20  is able to fold in against inner surface  18 A of front wall  18 , between rods  30 A and  30 B. This allows foldable blind  10  to fold into the collapsed configuration in which rods  30 A- 30 D and first side support  42  are parallel to each other. When first side support  42  is in the extended position, foldable blind  10  can stand in its upright setup configuration. First side support  42  provides stability and support to foldable blind  10 . 
     In the embodiment shown, first side support  42  is fixedly attached to first side sleeve  40  of first side wall  20  and configured to telescope between a shortened position and an extended position. In another embodiment, first side support  42  can be an extendable or fixed-length rod that is removable from first side sleeve  40  of first side wall  20 . Removing the rod allows first side wall  20  to fold in against inner surface  18 A of front wall  18  and also allows foldable blind  10  to fold into its collapsed configuration. When first side support  42  is fixedly attached to first side wall  20 , first side support  42  must be an extendable/retractable rod to allow foldable blind  10  to collapse into the configuration in which all rods and poles are parallel to each other. When first side support  42  is removable from first side wall  20 , first side support  42  can be extendable or fixed-length. With the extendable or fixed-length rod removed, foldable blind  10  is able to fold into the collapsed configuration in which all rods and poles are parallel to each other. A fully collapsed foldable blind  10  is essential for easy and efficient transport of foldable blind  10 . 
     First base sleeve  44  is positioned along and extends the entire length of bottom edge  20 C of first side wall  20 . First base support  46  is a fixed-length rod positioned within and fixedly attached to first base sleeve  44  at one end of the rod and securely held in place by first base sleeve  44  at the other end of the rod. In the embodiment shown, first base support  46  is fixedly attached to first base sleeve  44  using a screw or bolt. In another embodiment, first base support  46  can be fixedly attached to first base sleeve  44  using any other suitable means, such as (but not limited to) a clamp, a clip, or a strap. First base support  46  provides extra support and stability to foldable blind  10  when in the setup configuration. In the embodiment shown, first base support  46  is included in foldable blind  10 . In another embodiment, first base support  46  does not need to be included in foldable blind  10 . 
     First clamp  48  is positioned within a notch in first side sleeve  40  and located on first side support  42 . First clamp  48  securely holds first side support  42  in both the shortened position and the extended position. In the embodiment shown, first clamp  48  is a thumb screw that is turned by hand to tighten or loosen first clamp  48 . In another embodiment, first clamp  48  could be a set screw, a collet, or other locking or clamping device that could secure first side support  42  in both the shortened position and the extended position. 
     Shown in  FIGS. 2A-2D , second side wall  22  is a triangular shaped wall extending from second edge  26  of front wall  18 . Second side wall  22  includes inner surface  22 A, outer surface  22 B, bottom edge  22 C, aperture  22 D, second side sleeve  50 , second side support  52 , second base sleeve  54 , second base support  56 , second clamp  58 , and stubble straps  38 . Inner surface  22 A is the inside surface of second side wall  22  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Outer surface  22 B is the outer surface of second side wall  22  based on the location of the user during use of foldable blind  10 . Bottom edge  22 C is the bottom most edge of second side wall  22  and bottom edge  22 C extends the entire length of second side wall  22 . When foldable blind  10  is in the setup configuration, bottom edge  22 C is adjacent to the ground surface. Aperture  22 D extends through second side wall  22  and is positioned near the top corner of second side wall  22 . In the embodiment shown, aperture  22 D is described in a specific location, but in other embodiments aperture  22 D can be positioned anywhere on second side wall  22 . Shown in  FIG. 2C , stubble straps  38  are attached to outer surface  22 B of second side wall  22 . 
     Second side sleeve  50  is positioned along and extends the entire length of the outside edge of second side wall  22 . Second side support  52  is a telescoping rod that is positioned within and fixedly attached to second side sleeve  50  at one end of the rod and securely held in place by second side sleeve  50  at the other end of the rod. In the embodiment shown, second side support  52  is fixedly attached to second side sleeve  50  using a screw or bolt. In another embodiment, second side support  52  can be fixedly attached to second side sleeve  50  using any other suitable means, such as (but not limited to) a clamp, a clip, or a strap. Second side support  52  is configured to telescope between a shortened position and an extended position. With second side support  52  in the shortened position second side wall  22  is able to fold in against inner surface  18 A of front wall  18 , between rods  30 C and  30 D. This allows foldable blind  10  to fold into the collapsed configuration in which rods  30 A- 30 D and second side support  52  are parallel to each other. When second side support  52  is in the extended position, foldable blind  10  can stand in its upright setup configuration. Second side support  52  provides stability and support to foldable blind  10 . 
     In the embodiment shown, second side support  52  is fixedly attached to second side sleeve  50  of second side wall  22  and configured to telescope between a shortened position and an extended position. In another embodiment, second side support  52  can be an extendable or fixed-length rod that is removable from second side sleeve  50  of second side wall  22 . Removing the rod allows second side wall  22  to fold in against inner surface  18 A of front wall  18  and also allows foldable blind  10  to fold into its collapsed configuration. When second side support  52  is fixedly attached to second side wall  22 , second side support  52  must be an extendable/retractable rod to allow foldable blind  10  to collapse into the configuration in which all rods and poles are parallel to each other. When second side support  52  is removable from second side wall  22 , second side support  52  can be extendable or fixed-length. With the extendable or fixed-length rod removed, foldable blind  10  is able to fold into the collapsed configuration in which all rods and poles are parallel to each other. A fully collapsed foldable blind  10  is essential for easy and efficient transport of foldable blind  10 . 
     Second base sleeve  54  is positioned along and extends the entire length of bottom edge  22 C of second side wall  22 . Second base support  56  is a fixed-length rod positioned within and fixedly attached to second base sleeve  54  at one end of the rod and securely held in place by second base sleeve  54  at the other end of the rod. In the embodiment shown, second base support  56  is fixedly attached to second base sleeve  54  using a screw or bolt. In another embodiment, second base support  56  can be fixedly attached to second base sleeve  54  using any other suitable means, such as (but not limited to) a clamp, a clip, or a strap. Second base support  56  provides extra support and stability to foldable blind  10  when in the setup configuration. In the embodiment shown, second base support  56  is included in foldable blind  10 . In another embodiment, second base support  56  does not need to be included in foldable blind  10 . 
     Second clamp  58  is positioned within a notch in second side sleeve  50  and located on second side support  52 . Second clamp  58  securely holds second side support  52  in both the shortened position and the extended position. In the embodiment shown, second clamp  58  is a thumb screw that is turned by hand to tighten or loosen second clamp  58 . In another embodiment, second clamp  58  could be a set screw, a collet, or other locking or clamping device that could secure second side support  52  in both the shortened position and the extended position. 
     Stubble straps  38  are located on each of front wall  18 , first side wall  20 , and second side wall  22 . Stubble straps  38  are connected to each wall every few inches to create a plurality of small pockets running across outer surface  18 B of front wall  18 , outer surface  20 B of first side wall  20 , and outer surface  22 B of second side wall  22 . Further, stubble straps  38  are parallel to each of bottom edge  18 C of front wall  18 , bottom edge  20 C of first side wall  20 , and bottom edge  22 C of second side wall  22 . Stubble straps  38  are used to hold natural vegetation to foldable blind  10  to camouflage better with the surrounding environment. Stubble straps are known and will not be discussed further. 
     Aperture  18 D of front wall  18 , aperture  20 D of first side wall  20 , and aperture  22 D of second side wall  22  are used as gun rests. The user inserts the barrel of a gun through one of apertures  18 D,  20 D, or  22 D and places the butt of the gun on the ground. Apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D allow a user to store the gun in a safe location and point the muzzle in a safe direction while the gun is not being used. Other ground blinds do not include an aperture specifically for the purpose of safely storing a gun, resulting in the gun being placed on the ground or lap of the user and potentially pointing the muzzle of the gun in a dangerous direction. Apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D allow the user to safely store the gun when not in use and also allows the user to quickly access the gun when it is desired to use the gun. Apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D help a user to safely and effectively hunt birds from foldable blind  10 . 
     Shown in  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 , hub assembly  14  includes hub  28 , rods  30 A- 30 D, and loop  32 . Hub  28  is the center piece of hub assembly  14  and is coupled to rods  30 A- 30 D and loop  32 . Hub  28  is also fixedly attached to the center of inner surface  18 A of front wall  18  and therefore attaches hub assembly  14  to fabric body  12  of foldable blind  10 . One end of each rod  30 A- 30 D is rotatably attached to hub  28  and encompassed at the other end by one of rod pockets  36 A- 36 D. Rod pockets  36 A- 36 D securely hold rods  30 A- 30 D when in both the setup and collapsed configurations of foldable blind  10 . When transitioning from the collapsed configuration to the setup configuration, pressure is applied to hub  28  from the inside of foldable blind  10  causing rods  30 A- 30 D to rotate outward approximately ninety degrees with respect to hub  28 . Further, the rotation causes rods  30 A- 30 D to flex under pressure into a concave configuration when viewing from the inside of foldable blind  10 . With hub  28  and rod pockets  36 A- 36 D securely holding rods  30 A- 30 D, rods  30 A- 30 D will remain in the concave tensioned position and keep foldable blind  10  in the setup configuration. Rods  30 A- 30 D will remain in the concave position until a force overcomes the tension in rods  30 A- 30 D, causing foldable blind  10  to fold into the collapsed configuration. In the embodiment shown, there are four rods  30 A- 30 D but in other embodiments there can be as many rods as desired. Rods  30 A- 30 D provide support and structure to foldable blind  10  while also being flexible enough to bend under pressure. Loop  32  is attached to the center of hub  28  and is configured to aid in the disassembly of foldable blind  10  from the setup configuration to the collapsed configuration. Loop  32  is pulled toward the inside of foldable blind  10  and away from outer surface  18 B of front wall  18 , causing rods  30 A- 30 D to rotate and release tension in rods  30 A- 30 D. This allows foldable blind  10  to be further disassembled into its collapsed configuration. 
     Transitioning foldable blind  10  from the collapsed configuration to the setup configuration involves the following steps. (1) Stand foldable blind  10  on the corners of outside surface  18 B of front wall  18 . (2) Spread rods  30 A- 30 D out wide so foldable blind  10  is still standing on the corners of outside surface  18 B, but in an expanded configuration. (3) Apply pressure to hub  28  from the inside of foldable blind  10 , causing rods  30 A- 30 D to rotate into a tensioned concave position wherein hub  28  and rod pockets  36 A- 36 D securely hold rods  30 A- 30 D in the tensioned concave position. (4) Rotate first side wall  20  and second side wall  22  outward away from inner surface  18 A of front wall  18 . (5) Stand foldable blind on bottom edge  18 C of front wall  18 , bottom edge  20 C of first side wall  20 , and bottom edge  22 C of second side wall  22  so foldable blind  10  is standing in the upright position. (6) Loosen first clamp  48  of first side wall  20  and second clamp  58  of second side wall  22 . (7) Extend first side support  42  and second side support  52  from the shortened position to the extended position. (8) Tighten first clamp  48  of first side wall  20  and second clamp  58  of second side wall  22 . (9) Foldable blind  10  is now in the setup configuration, ready to be used by a hunter or other outdoorsman. 
     Foldable blind  10  provides many advantages for bird hunters over previous foldable blinds. Foldable blind  10  includes a single hub assembly  14  to provide structure and support to foldable blind  10 . Using a single hub assembly  14  reduces the weight of foldable blind  10 , making foldable blind  10  easier to transport than previous foldable blinds that use multiple hub assemblies. Further, using a single hub assembly  14  makes it faster to setup foldable blind  10  compared to previous foldable blinds that use multiple hub assemblies. Foldable blind  10  also includes apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D which are used as gun rests. Apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D allow a user to store the gun in a safe location and point the muzzle in a safe direction while the gun is not being used. Previous ground blinds do not include an aperture specifically for this purpose, resulting in the gun being placed on the ground or lap of the user and potentially pointing the muzzle of the gun in a dangerous direction. Apertures  18 D,  20 D, and  22 D allow the user to safely store the gun when not in use and also allows the user to quickly access the gun when it is desired to use the gun. Foldable blind  10  also includes door  34  which is configured to be a dog door. Door  34  allows a dog to quickly and easily enter or exit foldable blind  10  when retrieving birds. Further, door  34  allows foldable blind  10  to be placed close to or within natural vegetation, in which entering or exiting foldable blind  10  from the open side is difficult, to better conceal the user while still allowing a dog to easily enter and exit foldable blind  10 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.