Abstract:
A ground based portable seat which is capable of elevating the user up and off the ground and provides for a variable seating position independently or in combination with an object on terrain of varying slopes and undulating surfaces. A frame structure includes first and second generally U-shaped frame members pivotally attached to each other at their open ends and with a sling member suspended between the distal lateral closed ends. The sling member is shorter than a length that allows the pivotal connections to be opened to a pivot angle of 180 degrees magnitude. Placing the two pivotal connections on the ground for use of the seat, makes two point contact with the ground as a base. A third, stabilizing point of ground contact is provided by the user&#39;s foot.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/779,976, filed Mar. 7, 2006 by Gausman. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates generally to a ground based portable seat. In particular, the invention relates to a ground based portable seat that is adapted for use independently or in combination with an object. In particular, the invention relates to a ground based portable seat that is adapted for use independently or in combination with an object on terrain of varying profile and slope.  
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
       [0003]     In sporting activities such as hunting, bird watching, field studies or the like it is desirable for a person to find a location to sit and observe their surroundings. While observing the surroundings it is important to blend in with the surroundings and not stand out. In particular, the outline or silhouette of the body should be broken up or minimized. One way this is achieved is by standing or sitting in close proximal relation to an object such as a tree, rock, fence post, hay bale or the like. Specific to the activity of hunting, this close proximal relation to an object provides for the additional safety benefit of protecting the hunter from an errant shot or a shot at unidentified game from behind.  
         [0004]     Specific to the activity of hunting, there are essentially two main observation perspectives, namely elevated structures such as a tree stand or from the ground. In the past, a variety of types of tree stands have been available to and used by hunters. Hunters may choose not to utilize such tree stands for a number of reasons, including the hunter&#39;s physical condition, the cumbersome weight of tree stands, the hunter&#39;s fear of heights, the potential for accidental falls, or the hunter&#39;s age. Ground-based hunters are faced with problems such as finding a suitable place to sit and the weight of ground based seats. Although portable ground-based seats exist, none are capable of providing the hunter with the ability to sit comfortably in close proximal relationship to an object such as a tree, rock, fence post, wall or the like due to the fixed relationship between the seat surface and the ground. Further, in the past many portable ground-based seats have been unnecessarily heavy and/or otherwise difficult to carry and required separate support structures to maintain the hunter in a fixed seated position.  
         [0005]     In particular to the close proximal relationship to a tree the variability of the “root radius” has not been overcome. Root radius is defined as the geometry created by the relationship of ground and a tree that is adjacent and contiguous to where the two meet. This geometry contains the ground segment, the tree segment and the radius of the root there between. The combinations that result are numerous and range from acute to obtuse angles between the ground and tree segments with large and small root radius. Additionally, the ground located in the root radius region is capable of being undulated and not conducive to a line contact as required by prior seats for stability.  
         [0006]     Prior seats required a separate structural member attached to both the seat portion and back portion to prevent rotation of the back portion away from the seat portion. This structure limited the seat to a single angle between the seat portion and back portion and thus limited the ability of the user to adjust their position.  
         [0007]     Further to the activity of hunting is the transportation of gear into the field. In particular, on route to the final destination it is advantageous to carry gear such as additional clothing items that are to be worn once arriving at the final destination. This enables the hunter to maintain a lower body temperature and perspire less. Once at the final destination the gear that was carried is dry and free of perspiration.  
         [0008]     Further to the activity of hunting is the safe transportation of game out of the field. In particular, game can be a turkey, coyote, or similar sized harvested game animal.  
         [0009]     Separate to the act of hunting are activities where sitting on the ground or other surface with or without the aid of a support structure. In particular these activities can take place outdoors and include such spectator events as watching a concert, baseball game, soccer game, and the like. Additionally these activities can take place indoors as well and include such events as watching TV, playing board games, and the like.  
         [0010]     Accordingly, it is desirable and advantageous to provide a portable ground-based seat which is adapted for use in close proximal relation to an object. It also is desirable and advantageous to provide a portable ground-based seat which is lightweight and easily carried.  
         [0011]     An object of the present invention is to provide a portable ground-based seat which may be utilized in close proximal relation to an object which may itself be on terrain that is flat or steep sloped, as well as terrains having slopes there between.  
         [0012]     Another objective of the invention is to provide a portable ground-based seat which may be utilized independent of an object on substantially flat terrain.  
         [0013]     Another object of the present invention is to provide a portable ground-based seat which includes a sling structure and support means for enabling the user to adjust their position in the seat.  
         [0014]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable ground-based seat which is convenient to carry and can be set up in a short amount of time.  
         [0015]     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a portable ground-based seat which is convenient to carry and can be used to haul other items such as game or gear.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     The present invention contemplates an apparatus that provides for a comfortable ground based seat for use in close proximal relation to a stationary object, is light weight, sets up quickly and can be used as a means for hauling gear and game.  
         [0017]     The invention provides in one aspect a ground-based seat. The seat structure comprises a first and second rigid frame member, the first and second frame members being formed in generally a “U”-shaped configuration and joined in pivotal relationship near their two open ends. The first frame member is preferably greater in length than the second frame member. The frame members support a sling member.  
         [0018]     Another aspect of the invention provides means for hauling gear or game. The seat structure comprises a first and second rigid frame member, the first and second frame members being formed in generally a “U”-shaped configuration and joined in pivotal relationship near their two open ends. The first frame member is preferably greater in length than the second frame member. The frame members support a sling member. The sling member attaches to the lateral end regions of the frame members. The sling member includes a strap member for holding the game. A strap member connects and holds in position the two frame members while game or gear is supported by the sling member.  
         [0019]     The present invention contemplates an apparatus that provides for a comfortable ground based seat for use independently to a stationary object, is light weight, sets up quickly.  
         [0020]     The present invention contemplates an apparatus that provides for a comfortable ground based seat that is integral with a vest worn by the user. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1  is a view of a prior art portable seat.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2  is an environmental view depicting the “root radius” of a tree.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  an isometric view of an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  is a front view of an embodiment of the invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a view of an embodiment of the invention in a stored or carried condition.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a view of an embodiment of the invention in use in a first position.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a view of an embodiment of the invention in use in a second position.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a view of an embodiment of the invention hauling game or gear.  
         [0030]      FIG. 10A  is a view of a simple embodiment of a sling member of the invention.  
         [0031]      FIG. 10B  is a view of a vest embodiment of a sling member of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0032]     While the prior art has contemplated in some degree a ground based portable seat, said prior art known to the inventor has been limited in achieving the optimum seating position, contains additional and un-needed structure or is limited in where it can be used.  
         [0033]     For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,783 issued to Black, U.S. Pat. No. 1,625,106 issued to Sullivan, U.S. Pat. No. 1,963,708 issued to Marvin and U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,390 issued to Freeman all contemplate a portable ground based seat that places the occupant in a fixed relation to the ground, places the seat in line contact with the ground and includes additional structure not required in the present invention. The additional structure further limits the seating position of the user.  
         [0034]     Further, another example of the prior art, depicted in  FIG. 1 , is limited in where it can be used based upon suitability of the ground upon which it is placed. Prior art seat  10  is comprised of a lower seat portion  12  and an upper seat portion  14  connected in pivotal relation by hinge  16 . Lower and upper seat portions require seat support means  20 , which place the lower and upper seat portions in a fixed relationship. Seat  10  may optionally be held in constant contact to a stationary object  19  by either straps or hooks  18 .  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  depicts the “root radius” of a tree that may be part of the environment in which the invention is used. In the instance of utilizing a tree  50  as a stationary object to conceal an individual&#39;s silhouette it is advantageous to get within close proximal relation to the tree. Root radius  52  is defined as the region where the lower portion of the tree trunk  54  enters the ground  56 . Depending upon the angle of the ground  56  and the shape of the tree trunk  54  a variety of geometries can result.  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Seat  100  includes a long frame member  102  and a short frame member  104 . The long and short frame members  102  and  104  are formed in generally a “U”-shaped configuration. Whereas the long frame member  102  contains generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b , which are joined by a long frame lateral end region  102   c.  Short frame member  104  contains generally parallel sections  104   a  and  104   b , which are joined by a short frame lateral end region  104   c.  Long and short frame members  102  and  104  are joined in pivotal relationship near their open ends  102 ′ and  104 ′ by hinges  106 . Thus the long frame lateral end region  102   c  is distal to the short frame lateral end region  104   c.    
         [0037]     The long frame member  102  length is greater than or equal to the short frame member  104  length. In the instance the long frame member  102  is greater than the short frame member  104  the long frame member  102  is roughly the length of the torso on an average adult male while the short frame member  104  is roughly the length of thigh of an adult male. In the instance the long frame member  102  is equal in length to the short frame member  104  the long and short frame members  102  and  104  are roughly the length of thigh of an adult male. Long and short frame members  102  and  104  are preferably metallic with the metals of choice being aluminum for its lightweight or of galvanized steel such as electrical conduit for greater strength although heavier than the aluminum. As well, the preferred shape of first and second frame members is tubular, however, it can be appreciated that a variety of materials and shapes are possible in order to achieve the necessary support.  
         [0038]     Supported by the frame members is a sling member  108 . The sling member  108  is comprised of a sling lower region  110 , a sling upper region  112  and a sling central region  114 . The sling lower region  110  attaches to the short frame lateral end region  104   c.  The sling upper region  112  attaches to the long frame lateral end region  102   c.  The sling  108  is made of a flexible material such as fabric (e.g. canvas, cordura, cotton duck, nylon). The invention is functional and usable in this condition. The additional components now described enhance the practicality and durability of the invention.  
         [0039]     Attached to the sling upper region  112  is an optional upper support strap  116 . Optional upper support strap  116  attaches to the sling upper region  112  by sewing, gluing or the like. Optional upper support strap  116  is at its ends attached to the long frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b.  Optional upper support strap  116  provides for centering the sling upper region  112 , as well as supporting the long frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b  by preventing outward displacement (spreading apart) when the user is seated.  
         [0040]     Attached to the sling central region  114  is an optional central support strap  120 . Optional central support strap  120  attaches to the sling member central region  114  by sewing, gluing or the like. Optional central support strap  120  is at its ends attached to the long frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b.  Optional central support strap  120  provides for centering the sling central region  114 , as well as supporting the long frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b  by preventing outward displacement (spreading apart) when the user is seated.  
         [0041]     Attached to the sling lower region  110  is an optional lower support strap  118 . Optional lower support strap  118  attaches to the sling lower region  110  by sewing, gluing or the like. Optional lower support strap  118  is at its ends attached to the short frame member parallel sections  104   a  and  104   b.  Optional lower support strap  118  provides for centering the sling lower region  110 , as well as supporting short frame member parallel sections  104   a  and  104   b  preventing outward displacement (spreading apart) when the user is seated.  
         [0042]     It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the practical aspects of optional support straps  116 ,  118  and  120  are to keep the sling  108  centered on the long and short frame members  102  and  104 , as well as supporting frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b ,  104   a  and  104   b  by preventing outward displacement (spreading apart) when the user is seated. Of course, if a support strap  116 ,  118 ,  120  is rigid, then it would also prevent inward displacement of the frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b ,  104   a  and  104   b.  As a result of using one or more flexible or rigid support straps  116 ,  118 ,  120 , a heavier load can be supported by a light weight seat. As such, integrating these straps directly into the sling  108  is anticipated.  
         [0043]     Located between hinges  106  is an optional ground strap  122 . Optional ground strap  122  provides for the practical aspect of preventing the open ends  102 ′,  104 ′ at the pivotal connections  106  from being driven into soft ground under the weight of the user. All straps  116 ,  118 ,  120  and  122  are preferably made of a flexible material (e.g. nylon webbing, rope, canvas).  
         [0044]     Located and affixed to sling upper region  112  is a transport strap  124 . Transport strap  124  is attached at one end to the sling upper region  112  by sewing, gluing or the like. Transport strap  124  is attached at the opposite end to hinges  106 . The practical aspects of this transport strap are to carry the seat and game or gear as appropriate.  
         [0045]      FIGS. 4 and 5  depict a side and front elevation view respectively of the present invention. Specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates pivot angle α (alpha) resulting between the long and short frame members  102  and  104 . Angle α (alpha) is variable and can range from 0 (zero) to less than 180 degrees; preferable ranging from 60 to 120 degrees, most preferably ranging from 80 to 100 degrees. The practical aspects of this variability is allowing the user to change their body position all the while being supported by the sling  108  as the long and short frame members  102  and  104  pivot about hinges  106 . The length of sling  108  with respect to the lengths of the long and short frame members  102  and  104  controls the maximum angle α (alpha). In practice, the length of sling  108  is less than the distance between the lateral end regions  102   c  and  104   c  of the long and short frame members  102  and  104  when the pivotal connections at hinge  106  are opened to a pivot angle of 180 degrees.  
         [0046]      FIG. 6  is a view of the invention in the stored or carried condition. Of particular interest is the location of the stored position of short frame member  104 . In this view the short frame member  104  is stored between the transport strap  124  and the long frame member  102 . Such a position enables the user to quickly prepare the seat for use even while it is still being transported by the user. This is possible by rotating the short frame member  104  (as viewed) counterclockwise opening the sling for the user to sit. It can be appreciated that by changing the location of where the ends of optional central support strap  120  contact the long frame member generally parallel sections  102   a  and  102   b  the short frame member  104  can be rotated either counterclockwise (in this use) or clockwise (as used in  FIG. 9 ). Transport strap  124  is reversible enabling the seat  100  to be carried with the short frame section  104  either facing towards or away from the user.  
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a view of the invention in use in a first position. This position depicts the invention in close proximal relation to a stationary object, in this instance the stationary object is a tree  50 . As can be seen, the “root radius”  52  has been avoided and does not compromise the comfort of the user  80 . In this position the seat  100  is contacting the ground twice (at the pivotal connections  106 ) and once where the long frame lateral end region  102   c  contacts the stationary object (tree trunk  54 ). The resulting 3-point-contact is inherently stable. The user  80 , is elevated up and off the ground  56  and the degree to which the user  80  is up and off the ground depends upon the pivot angle α (alpha) (not shown) which is controlled by the user&#39;s body position. The further away the user&#39;s feet are from his/her body, the more the angle α (alpha) increases as his/her thigh tilts down toward the ground and thereby increases an angle measured between thigh and back. The closer the user&#39;s feet are to his/her body the more the angle α (alpha) decreases.  
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a view of the invention in use in the second position. This position depicts the invention independent of an object on substantially flat terrain. The ability for the user  80  to “lean backwards” is controlled by placement of the users foot on the ground and using their legs as a counterbalance. The users foot is the 3 rd  point of contact for stability. In this manner, it is possible to sit with minimal effort in a position where the short frame member  104  is either parallel with the ground or creates an angle with respect to the ground.  
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a view of the invention hauling game or gear. This depicts the present invention as a convenient means to carry or haul other items such as game or gear. In this view the user  80  is transporting the seat  100  via transport straps  124 . Contained on the seat  100  is a package  130  such as game (example is a harvested wild turkey or a coyote) or gear (example is a coat or ground blind material). The package  130  is supported by sling  108  and is prevented from falling out by a retaining strap  132 , which is attached to long and short frame members  102  and  104 . Retaining strap  132  can be made of more than one piece and secured by a variety of methods. In this instance, retaining strap  132  is made up of two pieces  132   a  and  132   b.  Retaining strap section  132   a  is attached to short frame member  104  and retaining strap section  132   b  is attached to long frame member  102 . Retaining strap section  132   a  and retaining strap section  132   b  are then joined by joint member  134 . Joint member  134  can be a knot, a clip, Velcro, etc. As such, once the package  130  is placed in the sling  108  the retaining strap sections  132   a  and  132   b  will draw and hold the long and short frame members  102  and  104  in position to retain the package  130 . It can be appreciated that a variety of anchor positions for the retaining strap  132  can be contemplated to serve the purpose of securing the package.  
         [0050]      FIGS. 10A  and B contemplate two different sling options for the seat  100 . In  FIG. 10A  the sling  108  shown is in the unassembled state that once assembled is depicted in  FIGS. 3 through 9 . In this configuration the sling  108  provides support for either the user  80  or a package  130 . Sling  108  optionally contains a storage compartment  109 . Storage compartment  109  is either permanently attached to sling  108  or is removable. In  FIG. 10B  a vest sling  208  is shown in the unassembled state that, once assembled similar to sling  108 , can similarly be depicted in FIGS.  3  thru  9  with the following additions. Vest sling  208  contains either integral or detachable panels  212 , and contained within panels  212  are arm holes  214 . Panels  212  may be of similar material to the rest of the sling  208  and serve to create the functionality of a vest. As such, when the vest sling  208  is assembled to the long and short frame members  102  and  104 , the vest panels  212  with arm holes  214  replace the transport strap(s)  124 . Contained on the vest sling  208  are storage compartments  216 . Storage compartments  216  are either permanently attached to vest sling  208  or are removable (e.g., a pocket removably affixed by snaps or hook and loop fabric). In the instance of hunting, storage compartments  109  and  216  function to carry game calls, food or ammo; and in the instance of a spectator sport it could be to carry binoculars, camera or food. Panels  212  can be either integral or detachable. To be detachable a zipper (for example) can be located along the lines  210 . As such, the vest sling  208  can be flexible and expandable. An example of flexible and expandable is the basic seat can be provided at a cost X and include a sling  108  with only half a zipper located at  210  and panels  212  can be sold separately. Alternatively, the seat can be provided at a cost X+Y and include a vest sling  208  with panels  212  attached at zippers  210  which can be removed when not needed.