Abstract:
A wheeled carrier for hunting is provided which provides a cart for transporting a bag full of decoys and can be converted into a bench seat or a reclined seat for the hunter after reaching his hunting blind. The carrier has three planar frame structures connected to each other. The frame structures are adjustable relative to each other to a first angular position in which the carrier has a generally L-shaped transport configuration, a second angular position in which the carrier has a generally inverted U-shaped bench seat configuration, a third angular position in which the carrier has a reclined seat configuration, and a fourth angular position in which the carrier has a compact storage configuration. A pair of removable wheel assemblies are connected to the middle frame structure for supporting the carrier in its L-shaped transport configuration. A plurality of straps and buckles are connected to the frame structures and the decoy bag for attaching the decoy bag to the carrier. The straps and buckles are also used to stabilize the frame structures when the carrier is in its bench seat configuration. The frame structures are formed of tubular frames covered by a fabric material stretched over the frames. The fabric material provides support surfaces for the decoy bag when the carrier is in its L-shaped transport configuration, and a comfortable seating surface for the hunter when the carrier is in its seat configurations. The fabric material can be interchanged with another fabric material having a different camouflage pattern.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to devices for carrying sporting equipment and devices that can be used for seating. In particular, the present invention relates to a wheeled carrier, which is particularly suitable for carrying a bag of hunting decoys, and which can be converted into a bench seat or a reclined seat configuration. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Duck and goose hunting typically involves the use of numerous decoys that are spread out in a field or on open water by the hunter to attract the overflying ducks and geese. The decoys are often carried to the hunting site in large nylon mesh bags equipped with a drawstring for closing the bag and shoulder straps to facilitate carrying the bag. When these conventional decoy bags are fully loaded, they become quite heavy and difficult for a hunter to carry to the hunting site, particularly when a remote area is to be hunted that requires a substantial travel distance from the hunter&#39;s vehicle. 
     Game carrying carts for transporting either the game or the equipment, such as decoys, are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,997 issued to James Jacob, discloses a hunting decoy blind and cart assembly that provides both a goose blind structure and a cart for carrying the hunter&#39;s decoys. However, the cart in the &#39;997 patent is not equipped to carry a large bag of decoys and cannot be converted into a bench seat configuration to support one or two hunters while hunting. Moreover, the frame of the cart in the &#39;997 patent cannot be folded into a compact configuration for storage. 
     Another wheeled carrier for duck and goose decoys and the like is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,212 issued to Gardner. The carrier of the &#39;212 patent is designed to carry individual decoys and the like, but is not particularly suitable for carrying a conventional decoy bag full of decoys. The frame of the carrier disclosed in the &#39;212 patent is collapsible to allow the carrier to be camouflaged in the field. The carrier disclosed in the &#39;212 patent cannot be converted into a seat for the hunter, and therefore, is more of a nuisance than a benefit to the hunter after reaching his hunting blind. 
     Thus, there is a need in the hunting and sporting equipment industries for an improved decoy carrier and seat assembly that can be converted from a transport configuration for carrying a bag full of decoys to a seat configuration for use by the hunter to sit on in his hunting blind. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved wheeled carrier and seat assembly for hunting that solves the problems with the conventional wheeled carriers described above. 
     More specifically, the principal objects of the present invention are to provide a wheeled carrier having an adjustable frame structure that can be converted between a transport configuration, a seating configuration, and a compact storage configuration; to provide a device for carrying a bag of decoys that can be easily and quickly converted into a bench seat or a reclined seat at a hunting location; to provide a comfortable seat assembly for hunters; to provide an adjustable frame structure with adjustable hinge assemblies that can be locked in selected angular positions; and to provide a wheeled carrier equipped with a plurality of fastening straps for securing a decoy bag and an accessory bag to the carrier and for stabilizing the carrier in its bench seat configuration. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a combined wheeled vehicle and carrier assembly that is lightweight, economical to manufacture, efficient in use, capable of a long operating life, and particularly well suited for carrying hunting decoys and hunting accessories and for use as a seat while hunting. 
     In order to realize the objects and advantages set forth above, the Applicant has developed an improved carrier assembly for transporting a bag full of decoys that can be converted into a bench seat or a reclined seat for the hunter after reaching his hunting blind. The carrier has three planar frame structures connected to each other by hinge assemblies that can be locked in selected angular positions. The frame structures are adjustable relative to each other to a first angular position in which the carrier has a generally L-shaped transport configuration, a second angular position in which the carrier has a generally inverted U-shaped bench seat configuration, a third angular position in which the carrier has a reclined seat configuration, and a fourth angular position in which the carrier has a compact storage configuration. A pair of wheel assemblies are connected to one of the frame structures for supporting the carrier in its L-shaped transport configuration. A plurality of straps and mating couplers are connected to the frame structures and the decoy bag for attaching the decoy bag to the carrier. The straps and couplers are also used to stabilize the frame structures when the carrier is in its bench seat configuration. 
     The frame structures of the carrier are formed of tubular frames covered by a fabric material stretched over the frames. The fabric material provides support surfaces for the decoy bag when the carrier is in its L-shaped transport configuration, and a comfortable seating surface for the hunter when the carrier is in its seat configurations. 
     According to a broad aspect of the present invention, a combination wheeled carrier and seat assembly is provided, comprising: a first frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced sides and a supporting structure connected between the sides; a second frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced sides and being pivotally connected to a first end of the first frame structure by a first positioning means that allows selective positioning of the second frame structure between at least a folded storage position, an extended carrier position, and a seat-supporting position; a third frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced sides and being pivotally connected to a second end of the first frame structure opposite the first end thereof by a second positioning means; and a pair of wheel assemblies connected to the first frame structure adjacent to the second end thereof for supporting the frame structures for use as a wheeled carrier. 
     According to another broad aspect of the present invention, an improved wheeled carrier assembly is provided for transporting sporting equipment, comprising: a carrier having a plurality of generally planar frame structures connected to each other, the frame structures being adjustable relative to each other to a first angular position in which the carrier has a generally L-shaped transport configuration and a second angular position in which the carrier has a generally inverted U-shaped bench seat configuration; a pair of wheel assemblies connected to at least one of the frame structures for supporting the carrier in the L-shaped transport configuration; a first carrying bag adapted to be supported on the carrier; and a means for attaching the first carrying bag to at least one of the frame structures when the carrier is in the L-shaped transport configuration. 
     Numerous other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, simply by way of illustration of one of the modes best suited to carry out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modification in various obvious aspects without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will become more clearly appreciated as the disclosure of the invention is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a wheeled carrier and seat assembly according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective rear view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a perspective front view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly of the present invention with a large decoy bag and a small accessory bag secured thereto; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective side view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly of the present invention with the decoy bag and the accessory bag secured in place; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly in a reclined seat configuration according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly in a bench seat configuration according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wheeled carrier and seat assembly in a folded storage configuration according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a side view in partial section of an adjustable hinge assembly used with the carrier of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a front view in partial section of the adjustable hinge assembly shown in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded sectional view of the adjustable hinge assembly shown in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a side view of the hinge assembly of the present invention, as viewed along line  11 — 11  in FIG. 10; and 
     FIG. 12 is a side view of the hinge assembly of the present invention, as viewed along line  12 — 12  in FIG.  10 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A wheeled carrier and seat assembly  15  for hunting according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail by reference to FIGS. 1 to  12  of the accompanying drawings. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1 to  7 , a combination wheeled carrier and seat assembly  15  is provided, which has a first frame structure  16 , a second frame structure  17 , and a third frame structure  18 . The first frame structure  16  has a pair of laterally spaced tubular side members  19 ,  20  and a crisscrossed supporting structure  21  connected between the side members  19 ,  20 . A fabric material  22 , such as canvas with a camouflaged pattern printed thereon, is secured to the side members  19 ,  20  using suitable fasteners  23 , such as snap fasteners, pop rivets, screws, and the like. The fabric material  22  is thereby stretched between the side members  19 ,  20  to form a planar support surface  24 . 
     The second frame structure  17  has a tubular frame member  25  formed in a U-shape with laterally spaced sides  26 ,  27  and a connecting portion  28  extending between the sides  26 ,  27 . The fabric material  22  is secured to the tubular frame member  25  using suitable fasteners  29 , in the same manner that the fabric material  22  is secured to the side members  19 ,  20  of the first frame structure  16 . The fabric material  22  is thereby stretched between the laterally spaced sides  26 ,  27  of the second frame structure  17  to form a planar support surface  20 . An opening  31  is provided in the fabric material  22  to allow the user to grip the connecting portion  28  of the tubular frame member  25  for use as a handle for pushing and pulling the carrier assembly  15 . 
     The second frame structure  17  is pivotally connected to a first end  32  of the first frame structure  16  by a first pair of locking hinge assemblies  33  secured to opposing ends  34 ,  35  of the tubular side members  19 ,  20  and the tubular frame member  25 . The locking hinge assemblies  33  allow selective positioning of the second frame structure  17  relative to the first frame structure  16  to a plurality of selected angular positions. The structural details of the locking hinge assemblies  33  will be explained in detail below. 
     The third frame structure  18  has a tubular frame member  36  formed in a U-shape with laterally spaced sides  37 ,  38  and a connecting portion  39  extending between the sides  37 ,  38 . The fabric material  22  is secured to the tubular frame member  36  using suitable fasteners, in the same manner that the fabric material  22  is secured to the first and second frame structures  16 ,  17 . The fabric material  22  is thereby stretched between the laterally spaced sides  37 ,  38  of the third frame structure  18  to form a planar support surface  41 . 
     The third frame structure  18  is pivotally connected to a second end  42  of the first frame structure  16  by a second pair of locking hinge assemblies  43  secured to opposing ends  44 ,  45  of the tubular side members  19 ,  20  and the tubular frame member  36 . The locking hinge assemblies  43  allow selective positioning of the third frame structure  18  relative to the first frame structure  16  to a plurality of selected angular positions. The structural details of the locking hinge assemblies  43  will be explained in detail below. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners  23  for securing the fabric material  22  to the tubular frame members are snap fasteners that allow the fabric material  22  to be easily removed and replaced. Two or more interchangeable fabric materials  22  having different camouflage patterns are provided to allow the hunter to change the appearance of the carrier  15  to match the hunting terrain. For example, the fabric material  22  can be easily removed from the carrier  15  and replaced with a material having a different camouflage pattern when moving from a cattail-covered terrain to a forest and leaf-covered terrain. 
     A pair of wheel assemblies  46 ,  47  are connected to the first frame structure  16  adjacent to the second end  42  thereof for supporting the carrier  15  so that it can be pulled or pushed easily to a hunting location. The wheel assemblies  46 ,  47  are secured to respective ends of an axle  48 , which provides added stability and durability in rough operating conditions. The wheel assemblies  46 ,  47  can be removed from the axle  48  for storage by simply removing pins from the ends of the axle  48  and sliding the wheels off of the axle. The axle  48  is secured to the first frame structure  16  by suitable supports  49  that extend in a generally V-shaped configuration from the side members  19 ,  20  of the first frame structure  16 . 
     As explained above, the first, second and third frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  are pivotally connected to each other to allow selective positioning of the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  relative to each other. For example, the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  can be positioned in: a generally L-shaped transport configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 ; a reclined seat configuration, as shown in FIG. 5; an inverted U-shaped bench seat configuration, as shown in FIG. 6; and a folded storage configuration, as shown in FIG.  7 . The locking hinge assemblies  33 ,  34  are such that the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  can be moved to a selected angular position and then locked in place at the selected position. 
     In the L-shaped transport configuration shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 , the first and second frame structures  16 ,  17  are positioned end-to-end in generally the same plane to form one side of the L-shape, and the third frame structure  18  extends at approximately a 90-degree angle to the first frame structure  16  to form the other side of the L-shape. Thus, the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  form a transport carrier  15  having a configuration similar to a conventional hand truck or wheeled dolly. 
     In the reclined seat configuration shown in FIG. 5, the second frame structure  17  is positioned at an angle of approximately 120 to 160 degrees relative to the first frame structure  16  such that both the second frame structure  17  and the first end  32  of the first frame structure  16  rests on the ground surface. The second end  42  of the first frame structure  16  is supported above the ground surface by the wheel assemblies  46 ,  47 . The third frame structure  18  is pivoted to an angular position relative to the first frame structure  16  which is approximately 180 degrees from its position in the L-shaped transport configuration. The third frame structure  18  is thus moved to a lowered position to help camouflage the carrier  15  in the reclined seat configuration. In this reclined seat configuration, the hunter can sit on the planar surface  30  of the second frame structure  17  and then recline backwardly to rest on the inclined planar surface  24  of the first frame structure  16 . This reclined position is particularly suitable for goose hunting and open fields, for example, where a hunting blind is not used. 
     In the inverted U-shaped seat configuration shown in FIG. 6, the second and third frame structures  17 ,  18  are moved to positions in which they extend at approximately 90 degree angles relative to the first frame structure  16 . The first frame structure  16  is thus supported in this configuration to form a bench seat on which the hunter can sit during hunting, for example, in a duck blind. The bench seat in the preferred embodiment is large enough that two hunters can sit comfortably on the seat. This is particularly useful, for example, where the ducks or other game being hunted might fly toward the hunter&#39;s blind from more than one direction, and two hunters can position themselves back-to-back on the bench seat to monitor incoming ducks or other game from all directions. 
     In the folded storage configuration shown in FIG. 7, the second and third frame structures  17 ,  18  are moved to folded storage positions against the first frame structure  16 . The second and third frame structures  17 ,  18  are generally parallel to and folded against the first frame structure  16  in this configuration. To move the second frame structure  17  to its folded storage position, it is pivoted relative to the first frame structure  16  about the respective locking hinge assemblies  33  approximately 180 degrees from its L-shaped transport position shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 . To move the third frame structure  18  to its folded storage position, it is pivoted relative to the first frame structure  16  about the respective locking hinge assemblies  33  approximately 90 degrees from its L-shaped transport position shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 . The total range of movement of the second and third frame structures  17 ,  18  relative to the first frame structure  16  is approximately 270 degrees. This range of movement is illustrated by comparing the angular positions of the second and third frame structures  17 ,  18  in FIGS. 6 and 7. 
     A plurality of fastening straps are provided to secure carrying bags  50 ,  51  to the carrier  15  and to stabilize the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  when they are positioned in the bench seat configuration. First and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53  are secured at spaced locations on the first frame structure  16  using suitable fasteners  54 , such as screws, rivets, and the like. The first pair of fastening straps  52  are positioned at a distance from the first end  32  of the first frame structure  16  of approximately one-fourth of the overall length of the first frame structure  16 . Similarly, the second pair of fastening straps  53  are positioned at a distance from the second end  42  of the first frame structure  16  of approximately one-fourth of the overall length of the first frame structure  16 . The first and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53  have female end couplers  55 ,  56  secured to their respective ends. 
     A third pair of fastening straps  57  are secured to respective sides  26 ,  27  of the second frame structure  17  using suitable fasteners  58 , such as screws, rivets, and the like. The third pair of fastening straps  57  are positioned approximately at a mid point of the length of the second frame structure  17 . The third pair of fastening straps  57  have male end couplers  59  secured to their respective ends. 
     A fourth pair of fastening straps  60  are secured to respective sides  37 ,  38  of the third frame structure  18  using suitable fasteners  61 , such as screws, rivets, and the like. The fourth pair of fastening straps  60  are positioned approximately at a mid point of the length of the third frame structure  18 . The fourth pair of fastening straps  60  have male end couplers  62  secured to their respective ends. 
     A large bag  50  for carrying decoys and the like is provided for being transported on the carrier  15 . The decoy bag  50  has a plurality of straps  63 ,  64  fastened thereto, for example, by stitching, gluing, or the like. The straps  63 ,  64  preferably extend around the decoy bag  50  in the manner shown in FIG. 3 to surround the front side of the decoy bag  50 . The straps  63 ,  64  each have male end couplers  65 ,  66  secured to their respective ends for mating with the female end couplers  55 ,  56  of the first and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53  on the first frame structure  16 . When the male end couplers  65 ,  66  of the straps  63 ,  64  on the decoy bag  50  are mated with the female end couplers  55 ,  56  of the first and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53 , the decoy bag  50  is held securely to the carrier  15  and can be transported over rough terrain and for great distances to remote hunting locations by the hunter. The male end couplers  65 ,  66  are provided with conventional flexible engaging portions  67 ,  68  that can be disengaged from the female end couplers  55 ,  56  by merely squeezing the coupler assembly. Thus, the decoy bag  50  can be secured to and removed from the carrier  15  easily. The decoy bag  50  has an open end  69  that can be selectively opened and closed using a conventional drawstring  70  or the like. 
     By securing the decoy bag  50  to the carrier  15 , the decoys within the bag  50  will provide buoyancy to keep the carrier  15  afloat, for example, when the carrier  15  is transported across a body of water. The carrier  15  has a buoyant cushion material provided between layers of the fabric material  22  on the first frame structure  16  to provide buoyancy for the carrier  15  and added comfort for the hunter seated on the seat configurations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. 
     A small bag  51  for carrying hunting accessories, food, and so forth, can also be secured to and transported on the carrier  15 . The accessory bag  51  has a pair of straps  71  fastened thereto, for example, by stitching, gluing, or the like. The straps  71  each have female end couplers  72  secured to their respective ends for mating with the respective male end couplers  59  of the third pair of fastening straps  57  on the second frame structure  17 . When the female end couplers  72  of the straps  71  on the accessory bag  51  are mated with the male end couplers  59  of the first and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53 , the accessory bag  51  is held securely to the carrier  15  and can be transported along with the decoy bag  50  to remote hunting locations by the hunter. The male end couplers  59  are provided with conventional flexible engaging members  73 ,  74  that can be disengaged by merely squeezing the coupler assembly. Thus, the accessory bag  51  can be secured to and removed from the carrier  15  easily. 
     The first and second pairs of fastening straps  52 ,  53  and the third and fourth pairs of fastening straps  57 ,  60  can be connected to each other in the manner shown in FIG. 6 to provide stabilizing braces between the first and second frame structures  16 ,  17  and between the first and third frame structures  16 ,  18 . The stabilizing braces function to relieve a portion of the stress on the locking hinge assemblies  33 ,  43  to increase the strength and durability of the bench seat configuration. 
     The structural details of the locking hinge assemblies  33 ,  43  will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to  12  of the drawings. 
     The locking hinge assemblies  33 ,  43  each have a first hinge member  80  connected to one of the tubular frame members, and a second hinge member  81  connected to another one of the tubular frame members. The first and second hinge members  80 ,  81  each have a cylindrical-shaped connecting portion  82  received within the respective tubular frame members. A suitable fastener  83 , such as a machine bolt, a threaded screw or a roll pin, is used to secure the connecting portions  82  within the tubular frame members. A flange portion  84  is provided at the proximal end of the cylindrical-shaped connecting portion  82  and functions as a stop to prevent over insertion into the tubular frame members during assembly. An angled portion  85  extends from the flange portion  84  and has a circular interlocking structure  86 ,  86 ′ at its free end. 
     The circular interlocking structure  86  on the first hinge member  80  has a central opening  87 , a circular recess  88  surrounding the central opening  87 , and a plurality of projections  89  disposed about the circular recess  88 . The projections  89  are spaced uniformly about the circular recess  88  and extend radially therefrom. The circular interlocking structure  86 ′ on the second hinge member  81  has a central opening  90 , a circular recess  91  surrounding the central opening  90 , a hexagonal-shaped recess  92  surrounding the central opening  90  on an opposite side of the hinge member  81  from the circular recess  91 , and a plurality of projections  93  disposed about the circular recess  91 . The projections  93  are spaced uniformly about the circular recess  91  and are arranged to interlock with the projections  89  on the first hinge member  80  at selected angular positions. For example, the illustrated embodiment has eight projections  89 ,  93  on each hinge member  80 ,  81  that allow adjustment to selected angular positions spaced every 45 degrees. 
     When the circular interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′ are aligned and interlocked with each other, the circular recesses  88 ,  91  are also aligned with each other. A compression spring  94  is placed within the circular recesses  88 ,  91  to bias the interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′ apart. A threaded bolt  95  extends through the central openings  87 ,  90  in the interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′ and has its hexagonal-shaped head  96  received in the hexagonal-shaped recess  92 . A hand knob  97  having a central opening  98  with female threads is secured to the threaded end of the bolt  95 . The hand knob  97  can be operated easily by the hunter to tighten and loosen the interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′. When the hand knob  97  is loosened sufficiently, the projections  89 ,  93  of the interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′ are disengaged from one another and allow the hinge assemblies  33 ,  43  to be pivoted to other angular positions. When the hand knob  97  is tightened, the projections  89 ,  93  of the interlocking structures  86 ,  86 ′ are engaged together and function to lock the hinge assemblies  33 ,  43  securely in a selected angular position. 
     Although the preferred embodiment described above and shown in the drawings has a fabric material  22  stretched between the tubular frame members  19 ,  20 ,  25 ,  36 , the frame structures  16 ,  17 ,  18  can also be made of other materials that provide a lightweight and high strength frame, such as molded plastic or expanded metal mesh. Also, other types of couplers can be used to secure the various fastening straps together, such as hook and pile fasteners commonly referred to as VELCRO™. 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the exact constructions that have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited only by the appended claims.