Abstract:
A kit for use by a person in an elevated position above ground level for retrieving an object positioned below the person is provided. The kit comprises a cable, and at least two different retrieval components disposed within the kit, wherein each retrieval component may be selectively coupled to the cable and lowered to retrieve the object positioned below the person.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/749,528 filed Dec. 12, 2005. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to outdoor tools, and more specifically to a retrieval system for retrieving equipment and accessories.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In a typical tree stand hunting scenario, the hunter travels to the hunting location carrying a tree stand, a rifle or bow, and a backpack containing food, beverages and other accessories. Known to those skilled in the art of hunting, many conventional tree stands are also referred to as “self-climbing” tree stands. A self-climbing tree stand generally comprises a portable platform and a separate portable seating device.  
         [0004]     Tree stands have grown in popularity over the years in large part because of the advantages offered over conventional hunting techniques. By positioning oneself in a tree at a lofty elevation, the hunter is above the normal line of sight of most prey, and his or her scent is distant from the forest floor. Moreover, at a high elevation, the hunter&#39;s scent is dispersed more quickly into the wind and away from the prey.  
         [0005]     Prior to ascending the tree and installing the tree stand, the hunter must complete several laborious and time consuming tasks in preparation for the climb. The hunter first assembles the tree stand on the ground. The hunter then prepares a rope to pull up his or her backpack and weapon to the tree stand, because a hunter typically does not climb the tree holding the weapon (for safety reasons) or the heavy backpack. In the interest of safety, the hunter prepares and attaches a safety harness to himself or herself and the tree. The hunter then climbs the tree to an elevation of ten to twenty feet. Upon climbing the tree, the hunter grasps the seat portion with one hand, while the platform is suspended from the hunter&#39;s legs (via a foot stirrup, or other device). Once the hunter reaches the desired elevation, the hunter attaches the portable platform, seating device, and tree stand safety devices to the tree trunk. The hunter may then sit on the platform portion of the tree stand, and retrieve the backpack and weapon using the pull rope. The hunter then organizes the equipment and prepares the weapon (i.e., load the rifle) and relevant equipment (bow release/knock arrow) in preparation for the hunt.  
         [0006]     Upon climbing the tree, settling into the tree stand, and organizing the equipment, it is uncommon for an object, such as the weapon, ammunition, clothing (such as a hat or glove), or any other article, to have fallen onto the ground. In such an event, the hunter must begrudgingly lower all of the equipment to the ground and climb down the tree to retrieve the fallen item, which consumes time and energy. The process of climbing down the tree also creates noise, movement and scent laydown, which may undesirably scare away prey. The present invention provides a solution to this common problem experienced by tree stand hunters.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The present invention relates to a retrieval system for retrieving hunting, fishing or camping equipment, accessories and sundries. The retrieval system is particularly useful for a hunter perched in a tree who is attempting to retrieve an object that has fallen to the ground. A preferred embodiment of the invention includes a cable and a combination of retrieval components that are packaged into a case. The retrieval components include a barbed hook, a noose, an adhesive component, and a magnet. The retrieval components may be packaged and stored within a case or container having multiple compartments, wherein each retrieval component is stored in a respective compartment. According to another aspect of the invention, the case comprises a plurality of stackable compartments, wherein each retrieval component is stored in a respective compartments, and the compartments are threadedly connected, snap-fit, or buckled together.  
         [0008]     According to one aspect of the invention, a kit for use by a person in an elevated position above ground level for retrieving an object positioned below the person is provided. The kit comprises a retrieval cable, and at least two different retrieval components disposed within the kit, wherein each retrieval component may be selectively coupled to the cord and lowered to retrieve the object positioned below the person. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawing. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawing may not be to scale. Included in the drawing are the following figures:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an equipment and accessory retrieval kit comprising a carrying case having multiple internal compartments, wherein a retrieval cable, a hook, a weighted adhesive, a noose, and a magnet are organized in the respective compartments of the case;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a detailed perspective view of the retrieval cable, hook, weighted adhesive, noose, and the magnet of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another exemplary retrieval kit organized in a carrying case comprising stackable compartments; and  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a partial cut-away view of a compartment of the carrying case of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The invention will next be illustrated with reference to the Figures. Such figures are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting and are included herewith to facilitate explanation of the present invention. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and are not intended to serve as engineering drawings.  
         [0015]     The invention disclosed herein comprises an equipment and accessory retrieval kit including a master retrieval cable, multiple retrieval components that are each mountable to the retrieval cable, and a case for storing those items. The invention can be used by outdoor enthusiasts such as hunters, fishermen, hikers, boaters, campers, etc., to retrieve dropped equipment or accessories. The invention has particular application to a hunter perched in a tree.  
         [0016]     Referring now to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the retrieval kit  10  includes a case  6  comprising separate compartments. According to this exemplary embodiment, the following components are contained in the separate compartments of case  6 : master retrieval cable  8 , hook component  20 , magnet component  24 , noose  28 , and weighted adhesive component  30 . The hook attachment  20 , magnet attachment  24 , noose attachment  26 , and weighted adhesive attachment  30  are referred to herein as ‘retrieval components’ or ‘slave components.’ Exemplary embodiments of each slave component are described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 2 .  
         [0017]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the slave components of the retrieval kit  10  shown in  FIG. 1  are illustrated (case  6  is omitted). The master retrieval cable  8  comprises a cord  12 , one end of which is tied, or otherwise attached, to a spool  14 , and the other end of cord  12  is tied to a clip  18 . The cord  12  is optionally formed from a strong compact nylon line (such as a bow string serving). According to one embodiment, the length of cord  12  is approximately 15 to 30 feet, however other cord lengths are envisioned. The slave components, which are included with the retrieval kit  10 , are configured to be releasably mounted to clip  18 . The clip  18  may be any common clip or attachment device known in the art. The spool  14  is a conventional thread spool that is provided for neatly winding and unwinding cord  12 . In a stored configuration of retrieval cable  8 , as shown in  FIG. 1 , the cord  12  is wound around spool  14 . In use, the cord  12  is unwound from spool  14 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . A weight  16 , such as a ¼ oz barrel weight, is tied, fastened, or otherwise coupled to a central section of cord  12 , to assist with guiding the cord  12  to its target in a windy weather condition.  
         [0018]     Referring now to the four slave components shown in  FIG. 2 , the slave components are configured to be coupled to clip  18  of master retrieval cable  8 . Each slave component is adapted to serve a specific retrieval purpose, as described in greater detail with reference to each slave component.  
         [0019]     The hook component  20  comprises a hook  22  and an independent cord  23  (such as a nylon bow string serving) that is tied, or otherwise fastened, through a hole provided at the top end of hook  22 . The hook  22  is useful when for retrieving a cloth item or any item having a rope attachment, or uneven surfaces. According to one embodiment, hook  22  is a sharp thresher-type hook having a plurality of barbs (e.g., a fish hook). The independent cord  23  is an optional component, as the length of cable  12  may be sufficient. The independent cord  23  includes a loop on the opposite end of cord  23  for connection to clip  18  of master retrieval cable  8 . If independent cord  23  is omitted, the clip  18  may be coupled to hook  22  through the hole provided at the top end of hook  22 .  
         [0020]     The magnet component  25  comprises a compact magnet  24 , and an independent cord  26  that is tied, or otherwise fastened, through a hole provided in the body of magnet  24 . The magnet is useful for retrieving fallen objects composed of metal, such as a hunting knife. The magnet may be of any shape or size, and according to one exemplary embodiment, the magnet may be able to hold metallic objects having a weight of up to four pounds. The independent cord  26  includes a loop for connection to clip  18  of master retrieval cable  8 . The independent cord  26  is an optional component of magnet  25 . If independent cord  26  is omitted, the clip  18  may be coupled to magnet  24  through the hole provided in the body of magnet  24 .  
         [0021]     The weighted adhesive component  30  comprises a metal slug  31 , an adhesive tab  33  releasably mounted to the bottom surface of metal slug  31 , and an independent cord  32  that is tied, or otherwise fastened, through a hole provided in the body of metal slug  31 . The adhesive tab  33  may be a double sided adhesive tape (or glue, spray adhesive). The metal slug  31  is composed of a heavy metal, such as lead, so that the adhesive can be controllably and accurately deployed to retrieve the fallen object below. The metal slug  31  has a smooth lower surface for easy attachment of adhesive tab  33 . The independent cord  32  includes a loop for connection to clip  18  of master retrieval cable  8 . The independent cord  32  is an optional component of weighted adhesive component  30 . If independent cord  32  is omitted, the clip  18  may be coupled to metal slug  31  through the hole provided in the body of metal slug  31 .  
         [0022]     In use, prior to dropping the weighted adhesive component  30  onto the targeted object (i.e., fallen object) the functional side of the adhesive tab  33  is exposed by peeling-away a release layer. The adhesive component  30  is lowered onto a surface of the targeted object. The exposed side of adhesive tab  33  sticks to the targeted object. Once sufficient contact has been made, master retrieval cable  8  is retracted and the targeted object is retrieved.  
         [0023]     The noose  28  is provided to grasp items that are either (1) too heavy for weighted adhesive component  30 ; (2) do not include any soft material, openings or uneven surfaces desirable for hook component  20 ; or (3) do not include metallic surfaces desirable for magnet component  25 . For example, the noose  28  may be used to retrieve a large cylindrically-shaped plastic thermos, that is too heavy for adhesive component  30 , and does not have any openings or uneven surfaces for hook component  20 . The noose  28  is optionally constructed of a 1/32 gauge nylon cord, or any other appropriate material. The tensile strength of the nylon cord is equal to or greater than the tensile strength of the retrieval cable  8 . End  29  of noose  28  is tied into a “simple noose knot” for grasping the fallen object. The opposite end  27  of noose  28  is looped to allow for connection to the clip  18 . It should be understood that noose  28  maybe used without retrievable cable  8 , if so desired.  
         [0024]     Examples of hunting equipment and accessories capable of being retrieved by one or more slave components  20 ,  25 ,  28  and  30  are illustrated below:  
                                                   Hunting Item or Accessory   Slave Component(s)                           Hunting Knife   Magnet/Lasso           Pocket Knife   Magnet/Lasso           Thermos   Lasso           Thermos Cup   Adhesive Weight           Release   Hook/Magnet/Lasso           Archery Arm Guard   Lasso/Hook           Hat   Hook           Gloves   Lasso/Hook           Scarf   Hook           Jacket   Lasso/Hook           Neck Warmer   Hook           Dear Grunt   Lasso/Hook           Doe Bleat in a Can (any size can)   Adhesive           Rattling Horns   Hook           Binoculars   Hook           Arrows   Hook/Magnet           Cross Bow Bolts   Hook/Magnet           Bullets   Adhesive           Bullet Clips for Rifles   Magnet/Hook           Eyeglasses/SunGlasses   Magnet/Hook           Lunch (Sandwich Bags)   Hook           Water Bottle   Lasso           Candy Bars   Adhesive/Hook           Flashlights   Magnet/Lasso           Hand Warmers   Adhesive/Hook           Boots   Hook           Socks   Hook           Safety Belt   Hook           Scent Bottles   Lasso/Adhesive           Soda Can or Bottle   Lasso/Adhesive           Bullets   Adhesive           Scope Covers   Hook           Hand Warmer Muff   Hook           Stand Blinds   Hook           Arrow Quiver   Hook/Lasso/Magnet           Hot Seat   Hook/Lasso           Foam Cushion Seat   Hook/Lasso           Global Positioning   Hook/Lasso           Walkie Talkie   Lasso/Hook           Ear Muffs   Hook           Balaclavas   Hook           Cell Phone   Hook/Lasso           Trash/Paper Wrappers/Tissues   Adhesive           Cover Sent Wafers   Adhesive/Hook           Cameras   Lasso/Hook           Archery Finger Tab   Adhesive/Hook           Range Finder   Hook/Lasso           Stabilizers   Lasso/Magnet           Bow Holder   Lasso           Hang On Belt for Accessories   Hook/Lasso           Hearing Protection   Adhesive/Lasso/Hook           Bow Sling   Hook           Bow Hook   Hook/Lasso           Bladder Bags   Lasso           Camo Make-up (Tubes or Cases)   Adhesive/Lasso           Camouflage Face Mask   Hook           Wind Tracking Devices   Adhesive/Hook           Back Packs   Lasso/Hook           Fanny Pack   Lasso/Hook           Boot Booties/Foot Warmers   Lasso/Hook/Adhesive           Poncho   Hook           Portable Roof/Umbrella   Lasso/Hook           Electronic Calls   Lasso/Hook           Electronic Call Remote Controls   Lasso/Hook           Cross Bow Cocking Aid   Lasso/Hook           Archers Wrench/Tools   Magnet/Hook           Watch   Hook/Adhesive           Compass   Hook/Adhesive           Cartridge Carrier   Lasso/Hook           Rattling Bag   Lasso/Hook           Lighters   Magnet/Lasso/Adhesive           Wallets   Lasso/Hook           Cloth or Plastic Accessory Case   Lasso/Hook           First Aid Kit   Lasso/Hook/Adhesive                      
 
         [0025]     In addition, small personal accessories (bandages, aspirin packs, medicine boxes, contact lens case eye drops, etc.) can be retrieved with the adhesive component  30 .  
         [0026]     Referring back to  FIG. 1 , retrieval kit  10  comprises a case  6  having separate compartments, whereby the slave components  20 ,  25 ,  28  and  30  are neatly organized into the separate compartments of the case. The independent cords of each slave component may be wrapped around the slave component, or, alternatively, the independent cords may be secured to the slave components with a tie or rubber band (not shown). The kit  10  is especially handy for transportation and storage, and is small enough to fit into a pants or jacket pocket, such that the hunter may climb a tree with the retrieval kit in his or her pocket.  
         [0027]     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another exemplary embodiment of a equipment and accessory retrieval kit  110  is illustrated. The retrieval kit  110  is similar to kit  10 , with the exception of case  106 . The case  106  comprises a plurality of stackable compartments  107  (five shown). Each compartment  107  embodies a hollow cylinder, including one open end, and is sized to contain a slave component  20 ,  25 ,  28  or  30  or master retrieval cable  8 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the noose  28  is stored in the ‘top’ compartment, and the magnet component  25  is stored in the ‘bottom’ compartment. A cap  109  is threaded (or snapped) onto the top compartment  107  to enclose the contents therein. The material of each compartment  107  is optionally translucent and/or transparent, such that a user may readily discern the components within each compartment  107 . The compartments  107  are threadedly coupled together, as explained in greater detail with reference to  FIG. 4 .  
         [0028]     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , each compartment  107  is a hollow unitary body including an external threaded region  112  disposed at the top end of compartment  107 , and an internal threaded region  113  (shown in the cut-away view of  FIG. 4 ) disposed at the bottom end of compartment  107 . The external threaded region  112  is configured to be threadedly engaged with threaded region  113  of a compartment  107  directly thereabove. However, if the compartment  107  is the ‘top’ compartment, cap  109  may be threaded onto the threaded region  112  of compartment  107  to enclose the contents therein, as shown in  FIG. 3 . Each compartment  107  includes a surface  114  (shown in the cut-away view of  FIG. 4 ), upon which the slave components or master retrieval cable rest. The surface  114  also serves as a cap for the compartment  107  directly therebeneath, with the exception of the ‘bottom’ compartment. Although the compartments are threadedly coupled together, the compartments may also be snap fit or buckled together, or the stackable compartments  107  employ any other releasable connection means known in the art.  
         [0029]     As noted, although the present invention is particularly well suited to hunting applications, and in particular portable tree stand hunting applications, the invention is not limited to any specific application or activity. The retrieval kit may be utilized for retrieving any object from an elevated position when the user does not want to move his body to the object. For example, the present invention could also be used by a painter or construction worker on a ladder, roof, scaffolding, or any other elevated platform to retrieve an object, such as a tool or piece of clothing, that has dropped onto the ground. The invention may also be beneficial to boaters and fisherman for retrieving objects that have fallen into the water. Moreover, the retrieval kit is useful for fly-fishermen and other stream fishermen (or any fisherman who wades) because the fly-fishermen carry all of their tackle and equipment on their person, and it is not uncommon for equipment to fall into the water. The present invention allows for the retrieval of fly-fishing related equipment, such as a fly box, a lure, flashlight, sunglasses, etc. Similarly, the present invention can be useful for a hiker who seeks to retrieve a piece of equipment that has fallen down a steep hill or into a river.  
         [0030]     While exemplary embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.