Abstract:
A simple collapsible lightweight single-wheeled game transporting cart which may be carried as a backpack in its collapsed state, the cart being easily expanded and deployed in the dark and in adverse outdoor weather conditions, the cart further including a stable and rugged design and having integral means for securing game, enabling one person to remove a killed game carcass from a remote hunting location by dragging and maneuvering the loaded deployed cart across rough and wooded terrain.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to wheeled devices for use by hunters in transporting heavy game from remote areas with rough and wooded terrain where there is no motor vehicle access. More specifically, the present invention relates to a simple, collapsible, lightweight, single-wheeled game transporting device easily carried into a remote area by one person when empty and facilitating removal of a killed game carcass out of a remote area by one person when deployed.  
           [0002]    The use of a game transporting device is known in the prior art. While many prior configurations have been devised for the purpose of transporting game carcasses, each possesses disadvantages that are overcome in the present invention. Some of the earlier devices that are described below are generically referred to as carts, while others are combinations of devices useful to a hunter, such as a combined tree stand and cart, or a combined ladder and cart. Common disadvantages of these devices include the use of a large wheel creating a high center of gravity, and thus instability in the fully loaded game transporting cart; bulky construction making the cart heavy and large in size, and thus not easily transportable into a remote area; the use of two wheels making it more difficult to navigate and turn the cart across uneven terrain and between obstacles; complexity of assembly making the cart more difficult to deploy in the dark or in adverse outdoor weather conditions; and, the lack of integral means for securing game to the cart.  
           [0003]    One of these earlier devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,907,323 [Knapp et al.] teaches a single-wheeled game cart with a large centrally located wheel. This game cart is not collapsible for carrying by one person, and is preferably designed for two person operation when deployed to carry game. Further, this cart does not include integral means for securing the killed game to the cart.  
           [0004]    Another device described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,063,744 [Fraser] discloses a single-wheeled symmetric collapsible game cart with a large centrally located wheel. While this cart is designed to be collapsed for transporting in a motor vehicle, it is not designed for carrying by a person, as it weighs a relatively heavy 45 pounds. Further, it is designed for two person operation when deployed to carry game.  
           [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,193 [Dschaak] describes a single-wheeled game cart, also with a large centrally located wheel. While designed for one person operation, this cart is of relatively heavy construction and is not collapsible for ease of transporting when not in use.  
           [0006]    Another patent, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,141 [Wilkerson et al.], discloses a game cart utilizing a single centrally located cylindrical inflatable roller. While this cart may be disassembled into a multitude of pieces for transporting in a conventional backpack, assembly of the pieces and inflation of the roller introduces complexity and renders this cart more difficult to use than the present invention. Additionally, the inflatable roller may be susceptible to puncture and the width of the roller makes this device more akin to a two-wheeled cart than a single-wheeled cart as far as maneuverability over and through rough, wooded terrain.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,720 [Stringer] also describes a two-wheeled game cart. While this cart is lightweight and collapsible, it requires a separate harness, included as part of the invention, to be attached to the cart for purposes of carrying the cart as one would a backpack. Further, this device lacks integral means for securing game to the cart.  
           [0008]    Other two-wheeled game carts exist in earlier patents that are designed to be collapsed or disassembled to facilitate transport of the empty cart. These include U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,928 [Jury], U.S. Pat. No. 6,218,043 [Chumley], and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,142,491, 6,164,671, and 6,270,092 [Darling III]. In addition to the disadvantages presented by the two-wheeled design, each of the described devices is more cumbersome, more complex to operate, and heavier than the present invention.  
           [0009]    A number of other devices have been described in earlier patents that combine the functionality of a tree stand, or tree climbing ladder with that of a game cart. These include U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,982 [Strickland], U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,737 [Cory et al.], U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,908 [Freund], U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,030 [Lobozzo], U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 [Mullin], U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,196 [Michno], and U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,291 [Shoestock, Sr.]. Each of these incorporates either two wheels or a roller and is more cumbersome, more complex to operate, and heavier than the present invention.  
           [0010]    Accordingly, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a game transporting apparatus that has a low center of gravity and thus is stable when loaded with game. It is also an aspect of the present invention to provide a game transporting apparatus that is easily navigated over rough and wooded terrain. It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide integral means for securing a game carcass to the game transporting apparatus.  
           [0011]    It is also a further aspect of the present invention to provide a game transporting apparatus that is small in size and light in weight so that it is easily carried as a backpack when collapsed. It is still a further aspect of the present invention to provide a game transporting apparatus that is of a simple collapsible design that may easily be assembled in the dark or in adverse outdoor weather conditions.  
           [0012]    Other aspects of the invention will appear hereinafter.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    The present invention overcomes the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of game carts existing in the prior art. The present invention provides a maneuverable and rugged game cart that is light in weight and collapsible and can be carried as a backpack. Further, the present invention is a simple and easily assembled game cart that provides integral means for securing game and is stable when fully loaded. These aspects, and others expressed or implied in this document, are accomplished by the present invention.  
           [0014]    The present invention is designed particularly for use in the transport of deer or other like-sized game out of a remote hunting area, but its use need not be restricted to that application. The present invention essentially comprises a collapsible and portable hand cart which includes a three-section hinged foldable frame, a small single wheel disposed at one end and a pair of handles disposed at the other end.  
           [0015]    In the fully extended and deployed state, the deer drag game cart has a ladder-like frame on which game can be loaded and supported. The extended frame is essentially trapezoidal in shape, with the side rails being spaced closer together at the distal end where the wheel is attached and tapering to a wider spacing at the proximal end where the handles are connected. When the frame is extended and game is mounted on the frame, the hinges are rigidly locked into position by the weight of the game and the frame acts as one unit to provide support for the game. A removable support strap in the middle frame section provides added support for the game and can be removed to improve the collapsibility of the frame. The frame includes a plurality of integral straps for securing the game. A retractable bottom support plate is provided to prevent game from sliding down off the distal end of the cart. The dual position handles can be rotated to clear the hips of a person pulling the cart from the front. The curvature of the handles provides for a good gripping position to control the movement of the cart. With the wheel disposed at the distal end of the cart, the handles can be held at any height, and thus the cart is automatically adaptable to a person of any height. The handles perform equally well for a person restraining the cart from behind as it is lowered down a slope.  
           [0016]    In the fully collapsed state, the deer drag game cart is reduced to approximately one-third of its extended length and the frame resembles that of a backpack frame. The retractable bottom support plate is folded in against the lower frame section. The lower frame section is folded backwards over the middle frame section and the removable support strap in the middle frame section is removed to allow the wheel to tuck neatly inside and away from the back of the person carrying the collapsed cart. The upper frame section is folded backwards over the middle frame section. The game securing straps are used to secure the cart in the fully collapsed position. The dual position handles are rotated by 180 degrees so that the spacing is narrow enough to fit the shoulders of a person and the curvature of the handles provides a shoulder harness to enable the cart to be carried as a backpack. The removable support strap is used to secure the cart around the chest of a person while it is being carried. Weighing less than 12 pounds, the cart is easily transportable in the collapsed configuration. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings forms which are presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of the deer drag of the present invention extended for use in transporting a game carcass.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a side view of the deer drag of the present invention showing the movement capabilities of various components of the deer drag.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a top view of the deer drag of the present invention showing the various positions of the handles for use in transporting a game carcass or in carrying the collapsed deer drag.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a side view of the deer drag of the present invention showing the deer drag collapsed for carrying. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]    The following detailed description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out the invention. The description is not intended in a limiting sense, and is made solely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
         [0023]    Referring now to the drawings in detail, where like numerals refer to like parts or elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and  4  the one-wheeled collapsible deer drag apparatus  10  of the present invention. In the deployed state illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, the deer drag  10  is fully extended for transporting game, and in the collapsed state illustrated in FIG. 4, the deer drag  10  is reduced to a configuration which makes it easily carried as a backpack.  
         [0024]    With reference to FIG. 3, the deer drag  10  is comprised of a frame portion generally shown as  12  and a wheel portion generally shown as  14 . Frame portion  12 , which is symmetrical about its right and left sides, is constructed of rigid tubing, solid members, and hinges Which are interconnected by welding, brazing, riveting, or the like. Frame portion  12  is connected to wheel portion  14  at its distal end. The frame portion  12  is roughly trapezoidal in shape such that frame right side  26  and frame left side  28  are closer together at the distal end (nearer the wheel portion  14 ) and expand apart at the proximal end. As shown in FIG. 1, when apparatus  10  is deployed, frame portion  12  has a front side  22  which faces upward for receiving a game carcass and a rear side  24 , which faces downward towards the ground.  
         [0025]    Functionally, frame portion  12  is divided into an upper frame section  16  located at the proximal end thereof, a middle frame section  18 , and a lower frame section  20  located at the distal end thereof. The upper frame section  16  is connected to the middle frame section  18  by a pair of unidirectional hinges  104  which provide for an extended position whereby upper frame section  16  and middle frame section  18  are essentially coplanar, and a collapsed position whereby upper frame section  16  and middle frame section  18  are doubled over each other in a nearly parallel position with rear sides facing inwards and front sides facing outwards. Similarly, the lower frame section  20  is connected to the middle frame section  18  by a pair of unidirectional hinges  106  which provide for an extended position whereby lower frame section  20  and middle frame section  18  are essentially coplanar, and a collapsed position whereby lower frame section  20  and middle frame section  18  are doubled over each other in a nearly parallel position with rear sides facing inwards and front sides facing outwards. Referring to the fully collapsed state of deer drag apparatus  10 , as shown in FIG. 4, lower frame section  20  is first doubled over about hinges  106  with wheel portion  14  tucked inside middle frame section  18  and then upper frame section  20  is doubled over about hinges  104  resulting in the overall collapsed length of the deer drag apparatus  10  being approximately no longer than the length of the middle frame section  18 .  
         [0026]    The detailed construction of each frame section is best viewed in FIG. 3 with references made to other illustrations where appropriate. Wheel portion  14  is comprised of wheel  34  mounted on axle  36  that is supported on each end by one of a pair of vertical uprights  32 . Since such wheel and axle assemblies are common, it is believed unnecessary to show the details of this assembly. The top end of each of the vertical uprights  32  is connected to rigid plate  30  with sufficient structural integrity to support the weight of the deer drag apparatus  10  on wheel  34  when the apparatus  10  is fully loaded with a game carcass. Rigid plate  30  forms the bottom cross support member of the lower frame section  20 .  
         [0027]    The lower frame section  20  is comprised of lower right rail  40  and lower left rail  42 , connected at the bottom ends thereof by rigid plate  30  and near the top ends thereof by cross member  44 . Rigid members  40 ,  42 ,  30 ,  44 , form a rigid structure capable of supporting the weight of a game carcass and also capable of transmitting force from the middle frame section  18  to the wheel portion  14 . Further comprising lower frame section  20  is game support plate  46  connected by hinge  48  to the top side of rigid plate  30 . As shown in FIG. 2, game support plate  46  has a stowed position wherein it rests against lower rails  40 ,  42 , and a deployed position wherein it extends outward perpendicular to the front side of lower frame section  20  so as to prevent a game carcass from sliding off the distal end of the deer drag apparatus  10 . Additionally, connected to the rear side of lower frame section  20  is wheel kick plate  38  extending down behind wheel portion  14  so as to protect wheel  34  from becoming damaged or entangled when apparatus  10  is being dragged across rough and wooded terrain.  
         [0028]    The middle frame section  18  is comprised of middle right rail  50  and middle left rail  52 , connected near the bottom ends thereof by cross member  54  and near the top ends thereof by cross member  56 . Rigid members  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56 , form a rigid structure capable of supporting the weight of a game carcass and also capable of transmitting force from the upper frame section  16  to the lower frame section  20 . Supporting straps  58 ,  60  attached to the middle portion of rails  50 ,  52  respectively connect together to form a cross member capable of bearing a portion of the load of a game carcass. Straps  58 ,  60  are also used to form a securing means across the chest of a person carrying the collapsed deer drag apparatus  10  as a backpack. Three sets of straps are provided to secure a game carcass to the deployed apparatus  10 . Lower securing straps  62 ,  64  attached to the lower portion of rails  50 ,  52  respectively connect together around the lower body and hind legs of the game carcass. Middle securing straps  66 ,  68  attached to the middle portion of rails  50 ,  52  respectively connect together around the upper body and front legs of the game carcass. Upper securing straps  70 ,  72  attached to the upper portion of rails  50 ,  52  respectively connect together around the neck of the game carcass. In the preferred embodiment, straps  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  are matched pairs of hook and loop type fasteners although other equivalent well-known fasteners, for example clip type lo fasteners with adjustable straps as commonly used on backpacks, may be used. Straps  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  may be attached to rails  50 ,  52  by various means, separately or in combination, including self-stitched loops, self-riveted loops, adhesive, mechanical anchoring, or any equivalent.  
         [0029]    As shown in FIG. 2, the middle frame section  18  and the lower frame section  20  are movably connected with one rotational degree of freedom by hinge pair  106 . In the extended position about hinge pair  106 , the top ends of lower rails  40 ,  42  and the bottom ends of middle rails  50 ,  52  butt together respectively in compression such that lower right rail  40  and middle right rail  50  are essentially collinear and lower left rail  42  and middle left rail  52  are also essentially collinear. The rigidity and structural integrity of the extended position about hinge pair  106  enables the middle frame section  18  and the lower frame section  20  to work together as a single unit to support a load strapped to the front side thereof. In the collapsed position about hinge pair  106 , the lower frame section  20  is rotated with respect to the middle frame section  18  by approximately 180 degrees with wheel  34  protruding through the open space in the middle frame section  18  from the rear side thereof to the front side thereof such that wheel  34  will not impinge upon the back of a person carrying collapsed apparatus  10  as a backpack, as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0030]    The upper frame section  16  is comprised of upper right rail  80  and upper left rail  82 , connected near the bottom ends thereof by cross member  84  and near the top ends thereof by cross member  86 . The rigid members  80 ,  82 ,  84 ,  86 , form a rigid structure capable of supporting the weight of a game carcass and also capable of transmitting force from handles  88 ,  94  to the middle frame section  18 . Right handle  88  inserts telescopically into the proximal end of upper right rail  80  and is secured through positioning hole  90  using positioning pin  92 . Likewise, left handle  94  inserts telescopically into the proximal end of upper left rail  82  and is secured through positioning hole  96  using positioning pin  98 .  
         [0031]    The handles  88 ,  94  are shaped in the transverse direction, as shown in FIG. 3, to provide for the dual functionality of collapsed and deployed positions. For transporting a game carcass, handles  88 ,  94  are secured in the deployed position, shown by solid lines in FIG. 3, which position spreads handles  88 ,  94  wide enough apart to clear the hips of a person dragging the deployed deer drag apparatus  10  from the front with hands and arms extended rearward or lowering deployed apparatus  10  down a slope from behind with hands and arms extended frontward. For carrying the empty apparatus  10 , handles  88 ,  94  are rotated by 180 degrees and secured in the collapsed position, shown by phantom lines in FIG. 3, which position spaces handles  88 ,  94  close enough together to allow for convenient carrying of the collapsed apparatus  10  over the shoulders of a person in a manner similar to a backpack, as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0032]    Handles  88 ,  94  are shaped in the lengthwise direction, as shown in FIG. 1, providing a suitable gripping location for a person using deployed apparatus  10  to transport a game carcass and a suitable shape for carrying the empty apparatus  10  on the shoulders of a person. End caps  100 ,  102  cover the end of handles  88 ,  94  to prevent injury to a person operating apparatus  10 .  
         [0033]    As shown in FIG. 2, the upper frame section  16  and the middle frame section  18  are movably connected with one rotational degree of freedom by hinge pair  104 . In the extended position about hinge pair  104 , the top ends of middle rails  50 ,  52  and the bottom end of upper rails  80 ,  82  butt together respectively in compression such that middle right rail  50  and upper right rail  80  are essentially collinear and middle left rail  52  and upper left rail  82  are also essentially collinear. The rigidity and structural integrity of the extended position about hinge pair  104  enables upper frame section  16  and middle frame section  18  to work together as a single unit to support a load strapped to the front side thereof. In the collapsed position about hinge pair  104 , upper frame section  16  is rotated with respect to middle frame section  18  by approximately 180 degrees whereby handles  88 ,  94  in the collapsed positions thereof are suitable for the carrying of the collapsed deer drag apparatus  10  as a backpack, as shown in FIG. 4.  
         [0034]    When the apparatus  10  is collapsed for carrying as a backpack, handles  88 ,  94  are turned inward in the collapsed positions thereof, game support plate  46  is rotated about hinge  48  into the stowed position thereof, lower frame section  20  is rotated about hinge pair  106  into the collapsed position thereof, upper frame section  16  is rotated about hinge pair  104  into the collapsed position thereof. The straps  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 ,  70 ,  72  secure the upper frame section, the middle frame section, and the lower frame section to each other in the collapsed position, handles  88 ,  94  rest on the shoulders of a person carrying apparatus  10 , and straps  58 ,  60  are secured about the chest of that same person.  
         [0035]    When the apparatus  10  is deployed for transporting game out of a remote location, handles  88 ,  94  are turned outward in the deployed positions thereof, lower frame section  20  is rotated about hinge pair  106  in the extended position thereof, upper frame section  16  is rotated about hinge pair  104  in the extended position thereof, game support plate  46  is rotated about hinge  48  in deployed position thereof. The support straps  58 ,  60  are secured to each other across middle frame section  18 , and apparatus  10  is positioned on the ground with the front side  22  of frame portion  12  facing upwards to receive game. When a game carcass is loaded onto the deployed apparatus  10 , straps  62 ,  64  secure the lower end and hind legs of the carcass to frame portion  12 , straps  66 ,  68  secure the upper body and front legs of the carcass to frame portion  12 , straps  70 ,  72  secure the neck of the carcass to frame portion  12 , game support plate  46  prevents the carcass from sliding off the distal end of apparatus  10 , and the weight of the game carcass maintains the cooperation of frame sections  16 ,  18 , and  20  as a single rigid extended frame portion  12 .  
         [0036]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof and, accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being illustrative and not restrictive, with the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing detailed description, as indicating the scope of the invention as well as all modifications which may fall within a range of equivalency which are also intended to be embraced therein.