Patent Abstract:
A convertible game cart including a first wheel rotatable about a first axis, a second wheel rotatable about a second axis, and a pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism couples the first wheel and the second wheel. The pivoting mechanism is configured to pivot the first wheel relative to the second wheel from a first orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally parallel to a second orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally perpendicular.

Full Description:
[0001]    This is a non-provisional application based upon U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/868,647 entitled “GAME CART DEVICE”, filed Aug. 22, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to carts, and, more particularly, to a dual use game cart. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Hunting wild game involves skill and a great deal of time in the outdoors. Part of the process requires the transportation of hunting and support gear to the hunting area, and ensuring that there is a comfortable place to sit. Once the prey, in the form of a large game animal is killed, after field dressing, the hunter must transport the animal back to a vehicle or preferably retrieval of a game cart to transport the animal. The first option may be accomplished by dragging or carrying the animal, which requires a great deal of effort while the second may require twice the travel distance if the cart is with the vehicle. Also, reacquiring the location of the carcass, left while retrieving a cart, can result in reduced carcass value. 
         [0006]    The game carts commercially available today, are generally single purpose devices normally left in with the hunter&#39;s vehicle until needed. Over the years various carts have been developed in order to assist the successful hunter in transporting his take through various types of wilderness. One of the more successful solutions to this problem has been the use of carts specifically designed to carry a large animal carcass. 
         [0007]    A problem with prior art carts is that they perform a single purpose and are just used at the end of the hunt for the transport of the game. 
         [0008]    What is needed in the art is a multipurpose game cart. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to a game cart in the form of a dual purpose game cart convertible to a pivoting seat. 
         [0010]    The present invention consists in one form thereof of a convertible game cart including a first wheel rotatable about a first axis, a second wheel rotatable about a second axis, and a pivoting mechanism. The pivoting mechanism couples the first wheel and the second wheel. The pivoting mechanism is configured to pivot the first wheel relative to the second wheel from a first orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally parallel to a second orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally perpendicular. 
         [0011]    The present invention consists in another form thereof of a combination cart and hunting seat, including a first wheel rotatable about a first axis, a second wheel rotatable about a second axis, and a pivoting seat supporting mechanism. The pivoting seat supporting mechanism coupling the first wheel with the second wheel. The pivoting seat supporting mechanism is configured to pivot the first wheel relative to the second wheel from a first orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally parallel to a second orientation with the first axis and the second axis being generally perpendicular. 
         [0012]    An advantage of the present invention is that it provides another function for the cart mechanism. 
         [0013]    Another advantage of the present invention is that the seat is rotatable. 
         [0014]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that one wheel is supported by the other to give a smooth quiet movement. 
         [0015]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the platform of the cart can be folded to provide a seat for the hunter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a game cart of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a partially exploded perspective view showing the removal of the cart platform of the game cart of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the game cart of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating a pivoting axel mechanism; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the game cart of  FIGS. 1-3  with the axel pivoting; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is another perspective view of the game cart of  FIGS. 1-4  pivoting to a further extent; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the game cart of  FIGS. 1-5  in the process of being configured as a hunting seat; and 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the game cart of  FIGS. 1-6 , now fully configured as a pivoting hunting seat. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates an embodiment, in one form, of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIGS. 1-7 , there is shown a game cart and hunting seat combination, referred to as a game cart device  10 . Game cart device  10  includes a wheel  12 , a wheel  14 , a handle  16 , a bed/seat  18 , a frame  20 , an axle system  22 , an axle member  24 , axle member  26 , a pivot point  28  and a shooting rest  30 . 
         [0026]    Game cart device  10  can be moved as a cart when configured as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . This configuration allows hunting gear to be transported to a hunting site and can be used to transport game out of the woods or rough terrain. While at the hunting site, combination device  10  is converted into a hunting seat  10 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates the removal of the cart bed/hunting seat  18  from frame  20 . Bed/seat  18  may be folded as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  to reduce the size of the cart bed to a more convenient seat size.  FIG. 3  shows device  10  without bed/seat  18 . Bed/seat  18  is a support mechanism  18 , for supporting game and equipment when convertible device  10  is in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 1 , and for supporting the hunter when in the orientation as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0028]    When viewed in sequence,  FIGS. 3-6  illustrate the transformation of cart  10  into seat  10 . In  FIG. 4  a latch device (not shown) proximate to a portion of handle  16  is released allowing axle member  24  to pivot about pivot point  28  relative to axle member  26 .  FIG. 5  further illustrates the approach of wheel  12  toward wheel  14 . In  FIGS. 6 and 7 , wheel  14  is shown on the ground with wheel  12  now able to move on top of the side of wheel  14  as frame  20 , and wheel  12  turn about the axis of axle member  26 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates the placement of seat  18  onto a portion of axle member  24 . It is also contemplated that a framework portion can stay with axle portion  24  for the supporting of seat  18 . Shooting rest  30  is placed into a portion of frame  20 , which may be of a square tubular form, thereby providing an adjustable height rest for a camera, a firearm, a crossbow or other hunting device. 
         [0030]    As briefly mentioned, in the cart form the cart  10  can be pulled around with the load of equipment and/or game being balanced over axle system  22  to reduce the amount of effort to move the load. Pulling cart  10  is made easy with the use of large wheels, which by way of example, may be approximately 26″ dia. to allow for high ground clearance and reduce the negative effect of uneven terrain. Other diameters are also contemplated, as well as various wheel profiles. Cart  10  can be pulled to the hunt site while hauling all of your hunting gear. After you are at the hunt site the cart can be converted into the rotating and stable hunting seat/system of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0031]    To transform cart  10  you first remove the “seat”  18  or the bed  18  of cart  10 , by unfastening and lifting up and out of the “mounting sleeve”. Roll cart  10  onto its side with the base wheel  14  lying flat on the ground. Unfasten one side of the cart frame allowing you to fold the cart in two, pivoting at mid axle  28 . Open all the way until wheel  12  is now in contact with the side of the base wheel  14 . Wheel  12  can now roll around the perimeter of the base wheel  14  on a smooth and flat surface. Place the seat  18  on top of the folded axle on the “mounting post”. Fold the pull handle  16  toward the seat position. The part of the frame that is proximate to wheel  12  is now vertical and pointing into the sky is adjustable and telescoping to allow for use of a hunting blind. The shooting rest  30  has a “V” shape and is adjustable and telescoping to allow for a rest for hunting or picture taking. When sitting on seat  18  the hunter can position his/her legs on each side of pull handle  16  with the “V” in front for shooting support. 
         [0032]    You can now rotate to any angle quietly and smoothly. You also will always have a shooting rest at any angle you rotate to. You can also hang a hunting pack on the pull handle to allow for easy access to all your hunting gear while hunting. Although not shown, it is also contemplated that wheel  12  may traverse the ground rather than the side of wheel  14  when in the seating orientation, but the present invention contributes to a lower noise level hunt with wheel  12  traveling on the side of wheel  14 . 
         [0033]    After the hunt reverse the steps to convert seat  10  back into cart  10  and haul your game and equipment back to your vehicle or to home. 
         [0034]    While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1