Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in U.S. Patent Provisional No. 61/601,260 filed on Feb. 21, 2012 the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a hunting support device that is adjustably and removably attached to a tree, further having a support for a firearm and means to suspend a hunting blind therefrom. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When engaging in the sport of hunting, or merely nature observing, versatility of the equipment of the hunter/observer is an important feature. Both activities require stealth and mobility. Typically, there is an inverse relationship associated with the ability to maintain stealth and the ability to maintain mobility. Without aids, a hunter/observer is generally forced to exercise prudence and discretion as to when to maintain stealth and when to become mobile. Therefore, a device to assist a hunter/observer in sustaining a stealthy composure without compromising mobility would provide a distinct advantage. An added benefit would be for the device to be equipped with features to further facilitate the hunter/observer in achieving the desired result of hunting/observing. A tenant of both stealth and mobility is transportability. Hunting/observing is mostly conducted on foot, so if the device itself is unwieldy it can become counter productive. Therefore, another benefit would be for the device to exhibit ease of transport and implementation. 
     Tree stands and blinds exist to assist a hunter/observer to overcome the problems associated with stealth and mobility. A tree stand provides a user with a vantage point by providing an observation post located at a higher elevation with respect to the prey/observed. A blind enables concealment by disguising the observation post as an object of the naturally, occurring, surrounding environment. Unfortunately, tree stands and blinds tend to be unwieldy. Furthermore, although blinds allow a hunter/observer to move about without detection, blinds tend to suppress functionality. A user can move about without detection but blinds force a user to direct his observations to designated viewing areas, resulting in a limited effective range of motion for the user, which translates into a user only being able to avail limited fields of fire/observation. Additionally, blinds pose an encumbrance to utilize the various hunter/observer aids and accessories that have been developed over the years. For instance, it is difficult to employ a spotting scope while attempting to conceal oneself within a blind. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a hunting blind to be used with virtually any tree stand or observation post that is less limiting regarding range of motion and fields of fire/observation. It is a further object of this invention to provide value added features such as a safety rail that also serves as both a rifle/scope/camera rest and a curtain hanger. It is a further object of this invention to provide a means to hang hunter/observer accessories in within the concealed position and in the immediate vicinity of the user. An added benefit provided by this invention is the ability to quickly assemble and disassemble the device while in the field, and to easily transport the device on foot. Another added benefit of this invention is the ability to secure the device to a tree without damaging the tree due to the use of impaling spikes. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a blind for a tree stand or observation post that enables concealment with greater range of motion and fields of fire/observation than that exhibited by prior art. The device comprises of a back rest, a securing mechanism, and a safety rail that also serves as a firing/observing support and a curtain hanger. 
     The back rest is cushioned for added comfort, and a rear portion thereof is contoured to substantially receive a trunk of a tree. It is also provided with a securing mechanism comprising of a pair of straps and a ratcheting mechanism. The back rest is easily secured to a trunk of a tree with the use of the straps and ratcheting mechanism, thus obviating the need to impale the tree with spikes. A detachable and collapsible tubular framework extends from the back rest and defines a perimeter around the hunter/observer. This framework becomes the safety rail, which prevents a user from falling while in an elevated position. The position of the safety rail also permits the hunter/observer to employ it as a rest for a rifle, a bow, a scope, or a camera. The tubular framework further acts as a curtain rod to support a curtain, which would serve as the blind once erected. Having the tubular framework act as a safety rail, a rest, and a curtain rod imparts vast versatility to the device. The unique configuration of the device provides a user with nearly a three-hundred sixty degree (360°) field of fire/observation, along with a support to rest a rifle, bow, scope, or camera within that field of fire/observation. A user can be seated or standing and can make observations from all angles without compromising stealth. 
     The device comes equipped with a plurality of hooks that have adjustable support members for hanging various articles. These articles are hung within the concealment of the blind. The articles are then out of the user&#39;s area of operation, which further enhances the mobility of the user. Yet, the articles are concurrently immediately accessible to the user, which further enhancing the functionality of the device. The device can be easily and quickly detached from the tree. After detachment, minimal effort is required to disassembled and stow the device for easy transport while on foot. The device itself being compact and simplistic adds to the mobility of the user. 
     Avid hunters and nature observers are continuously looking for devices to assist with both stealth and mobility. A great advantage is imparted on such enthusiasts if they can employ a device that does both and provides added versatility as well. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the firing support hunting blind  10 , in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental view of a firing support hunting blind  10 , shown in use over a tree stand, in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the firing support hunting blind  10 , in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a top view of the firing support hunting blind  10 , in accordance with the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 5  is a cross section view of a blind panel portion  50  of the firing support hunting blind  10 , in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  hunting blind 
               11  tree 
               12  tree stand 
               20  back rest 
               21  cushion 
               22  back plate 
               23  tree support member 
               24  tube attachment 
               30  securing mechanism for a tree stand 
               31  strap 
               32  ratchet mechanism 
               40  firing support 
               41  tube 
               42  end 
               43  covering 
               50  blind panel 
               52  sleeve 
               54  fastening mechanism 
               60  hook 
               80  fastener 
               82  spring pin 
               84  aperture 
               100  user 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     In accordance with the invention, the present disclosure will be made to certain embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Referring now to  FIGS. 1 through 5 , which depict a hunting blind (herein described as a “device”)  10 , where like reference numerals represent similar or like parts. All terminology is used for the sake of clarity and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terminology selected and it is to be understood that each described element or part includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
     As used herein, the term tree stand  12  refers to any type, design, or model of tree stand, including climbing stands, ladder stands, hanging stands, box stands, or any other similar open or enclosed platforms used by hunters  100 . These types of tree stands typically include a platform secured to a tree  11  in order to elevate the user/hunter  100  to provide a better vantage point. 
     The device  10  provides concealed observation and a firing supported rifle rest  40  for use with the tree stand  12  at an elevated position or for use upon a ground surface. The device  10  is coupled to a tree  11 , either at an upper position above the tree stand  12  or at a lower position above the ground surface to surround and conceal the user  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  comprises a back rest  20 , a securing mechanism  30 , and a firing support  40 . The device  10  includes a plurality of hooks  60  that are removably connected to the firing support  40 . The hooks  60  provide an adjustable support member for hanging various articles in order to keep them off of the floor of the tree stand  12  or the ground surface. 
     The back rest  20  includes a cushion  21  affixed to a rigid back plate  22  using adhesives or equivalent means. The back plate  22  is a generally rectangular member and is fabricated of a strong, lightweight material, such as fiberglass, plastic, or lightweight metal. The lower end of the back plate  22  includes an integral tree support member  23  which provides a rearwardly protruding and curved form-fitting surface which contacts the tree  11  in a stabilizing manner (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     The securing mechanism  30  includes a pair of straps  31  and a ratchet mechanism  32  for securely attaching the back rest  20  to the tree  11 . The straps  31  are fabricated from a durable material, such as nylon or similar natural or synthetic materials. Each strap  31  has a free end and a sewn looped end portion being insertingly attached to a tube attachment  24 . A pair of upright tube attachments  24  is rigidly affixed to opposing sides of the back plate  22  using fasteners  80  such as clips, screws, or the like. The ratcheting mechanism  32  is affixed to a free end of one (1) of the straps  31  and is adapted to receive the free end of the opposing strap  31  through a ratchet slot. Actuation of a handle portion of the ratchet mechanism  32  draws the free end of the opposing strap  31  inwardly, thus shortening its length and reducing the diameter of the securing mechanism  30  tightly around the tree  11 . 
     The firing support  40  comprises a tubular framework having a round or rectangular cross-sectional shape which surrounds the tree stand  12  and user/hunter  100  during use. The firing support  40  is rigidly attached to the back rest  20  and is oriented perpendicularly to the tree  11  when the device  10  is in use. The firing support  40  supports a firearm or bow during firing and provides a safety guardrail for the user/hunter  100  when at an elevated position. The firing support  40  is fabricated from a strong and lightweight material, such as plastic, polycarbonate, or aluminum. It can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other lightweight materials can be utilized without departing from the present invention. 
     In certain embodiments, the firing support  40  comprises a single circular section of frame tube  41  that attaches to the back plate  22 . The tube  41  end portions are to be insertingly attachable to the tube attachment  24  and selectively secured using spring pin  82  and aperture  84  portions to form the generally circular perimeter around the user/hunter  100 . 
     In certain embodiments, the firing support  40  includes a padded covering  43  wrapped around the exterior of the tube  41 . The covering  43  is fabricated from a water resistant and durable padded material, such as foam. In the various embodiments of the device  10 , the firing support  40  and the tube attachments  24  have a circular or a square cross-section. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an environmental view of the device  10 , shown in use over an existing tree stand, in accordance with the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  is illustrated in use upon a tree  11  and covering the tree stand  12 . The back rest  20  is removably secured around the tree  11  at the upper location via the securing mechanism  30 . The firing support  40  extends outwardly from the back rest  20  and defines a perimeter around the tree stand  12  and the user/hunter  100 . The blind panel  50  hangs downwardly from the firing support  40  to conceal the user/hunter  100 , whether in the tree stand  12  or upon the ground surface. 
     The device  10  may be utilized with or without the blind panel  50 . In such cases, the device  10  provides the support and stability of the firing support  40  alone. The blind panel  50  is fabricated from a lightweight material being slidingly attached to the firing support  40  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , partially exploded and rear views of the firing support hunting blind  10 , in accordance with the present invention, are disclosed. The lower end of the back plate  22  includes a tree support member  23  which provides an arcuate exterior surface for making stable contact with a portion of the circumference of the tree  11  when the device  10  is secured. The tube attachments  24  provide removable attachment of respective tube portions  41  of the firing support  40 . Each end portion of the tube  41  comprises an “L”-shape having an upwardly extending and perpendicularly bent end portion  42 . Each end  42  removably attaches to a respective tube attachment  24 . The ends  42  have a diameter suitable sized and shaped to be inserted into an open lower end of the tube attachment  24 . Each tube attachment  24  comprises a locking mechanism, preferably being a spring pin  82  or similar mechanism which provides selective and adjustable engagement into corresponding aperture portions  84  being arranged in a linear pattern and located along a bottom portion of the tube attachment  24 . 
     In other embodiments, the firing support  40  comprises a pair of generally semi-circular frame tubes  41 , being attached via a diametrically enlarged end of one (1) tube  41  and a normal end portion of the other tube  41 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a cross section view of a blind panel  50  portion of the device  10 , is disclosed. In another embodiment, the present invention  10  utilizes a removably attachable draped blind panel  50  further comprising a circularly-wrapped sleeve portion  52  disposed about the upper edge for receiving the firing support  40 . It is envisioned that an upper edge portion of the sleeve  52  is preferably wrapped around the firing support  40  and fastened back upon itself via a fastening mechanism  54 , preferably being a hook-and-loop-type fastener. The fastening mechanism  54  can comprise an equivalent means such as snap fasteners, or may be sewn together to form a tunnel feature. The position of the blind panel  50  is adjustable by sliding it along the firing support  40 . 
     The blind panel  50  is to be fabricated from a lightweight material, such as nylon, polyester, or similar durable natural or synthetic fabric. In certain embodiments the blind panel  50  is imprinted with a camouflage pattern for blending into the surrounding environment. The firing support  40  is envisioned to comprise a padded covering  43  which surrounds an exterior surface of the tube  41  to provide protection and comfort to the user  100 . The covering  43  is preferably fabricated from a water resistant and durable padded material such as plastic-coated urethane foam or equivalent material. 
     In other embodiments, the blind panel  50  is envisioned to comprise a plurality of apertures spaced apart along the upper edge for receiving the firing support  40  therethrough. The apertures can also include grommets for increased durability. In yet other embodiments the blind panel  50  may includes a plurality of individual sections. In certain other embodiments the blind panel  50  includes two (2) or more sections. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the device  10  having a desired color and pattern; mounting an existing tree stand  12  to the tree  11  at a desired height off the ground surface; mounting the device  10  to the tree  11  at a desired distance above the tree stand  12  by positioning the back rest  20  at a corresponding location upon the tree  11  with the back plate  22  and tree support member  23  in contact with the surface of the tree  11 ; wrapping the strap portions  31  around the tree  11 ; securing the straps  31  using the ratcheting mechanism  32 ; attaching the firing support  40  to the back rest  20  by inserting the end portions  42  of the tubes  41  into the respective tube attachment portions  24 ; securing the tube  41  and tube attachment  24  portions together at a desired relative position using the spring pin  82  and aperture  84  portions; wrapping an upper edge portion of the blind panel  50  around the firing support  40 ; attaching the blind panel  50  around said firing support  40  by pressing the portions of the fastening mechanism  54  together; and, utilizing the device  10  to hunt game, observe wildlife, or similar activities. The device  10  may be positioned at a lower position upon the tree and above the ground surface, as desired. 
     The straps  31  are wrapped around the tree  11  and the free end of one (1) strap  31  is inserted into the ratchet mechanism  32 . The ratchet mechanism  32  is actuated to draw in the inserted strap  31  to shorten its length and tighten the straps  31  around the tree  11 . 
     It is understood that the firing support  40  can be attached to the back rest  20  before or after mounting the device  10  to the tree  11 . In certain embodiments, the firing support  40  comprises a single circular section of frame tube  41 , said tubes  41  are joined via insertion of diametrically enlarged and normal end portions. In like manner, the tube  41  end portions  42  are to be insertingly attachable to the tube attachments  24  and selectively secured thereto using spring pin  82  and aperture  84  portions to form the generally circular perimeter around the user/hunter  100 . The firing support  40  can be easily and quickly detached from the back rest  20  for transportation to and from a hunting site. 
     The device  10  can be utilized with or without attachment of the blind panel  50 . With the blind panel  50  draped over the firing support  40 , the user/hunter  100  is concealed from the surrounding environment whether in the tree stand  12  or upon the ground surface. The user/hunter  100  can support and rest a rifle, bow, or other weapon upon the firing support  40  during firing for added stability. The firing support  40  also provides a safety guard to prevent the user/hunter  100  from falling from the tree stand  12  during firing. 
     A desired number of hooks  60  may be affixed to the firing support  40  to provide a means to temporarily suspend various hunting related articles, thus keeping them out of the way and easily accessible. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: 1