U.S. patent application number 09/954101 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-28 for portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus.
Invention is credited to Sellers, Bartley J..
Application Number | 20020036007 09/954101 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26926739 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020036007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sellers, Bartley J. |
March 28, 2002 |
Portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
Abstract
A portable blind apparatus is provided for mounting on a tree
and includes an umbrella mounting assembly for mounting on the
tree. A collapsible umbrella is supported by the umbrella mounting
assembly. The umbrella includes a collapsible umbrella canopy and a
canopy support member connected to the umbrella canopy. A flexible
net is draped over and supported by the umbrella. The flexible net
can be fixed to the canopy support member with a quantity of
adhesive material. Net straps are connected to the net for
stabilizing the net with respect to the tree. A person who is
inside the internal region defined by the hanging net and the
umbrella is concealed from view and is protected from becoming wet
by rain or snow. The flexible net can include windows or
portholes.
Inventors: |
Sellers, Bartley J.;
(Clayton, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S. Michael Bender
P.O. Box 530399
St. Petersburg
FL
33747
US
|
Family ID: |
26926739 |
Appl. No.: |
09/954101 |
Filed: |
September 17, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60233241 |
Sep 18, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/90 ; 135/16;
135/21; 135/901; 135/96; 135/98; 43/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/04 20130101;
E04H 15/001 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/90 ; 135/98;
135/16; 135/21; 135/901; 135/96; 43/1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/04 |
Claims
What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent of the United States is as follows:
1. A portable blind apparatus for mounting on cylindrical support,
comprising: an umbrella mounting assembly for mounting on the
cylindrical support, a collapsible umbrella supported by said
umbrella mounting assembly, wherein said umbrella includes a
collapsible umbrella canopy and a canopy support member connected
to said umbrella canopy, and a flexible net draped over and
supported by said umbrella.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible net is fixed to
said canopy support member with a quantity of adhesive
material.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: net straps
connected to said net for stabilizing said net with respect to the
cylindrical support.
4. The apparatus of claim I wherein the cylindrical support is a
tree.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said umbrella mounting assembly
includes: a block member, a pair of block-mounting straps connected
to said block member, a transverse strut connected to said block
member, and an umbrella-reception member supported by said
transverse strut, wherein said canopy support member is supported
by said umbrella-reception member.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the width of the block member
and the length of the transverse strut are selected such that when
said canopy support member is supported by said umbrella-reception
member and when said umbrella canopy is in a open condition, said
canopy support member is sufficiently far from the tree so that
said umbrella canopy can be in a fully opened condition without
being obstructed by the tree.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein: said block member includes a
strut reception channel, said umbrella-reception member includes a
strut receiving channel, and said umbrella-reception member
includes a canopy-support-member-reception channel.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said strut receiving channel
and said canopy-support-member-reception channel are perpendicular
to each other.
9. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said block-mounting straps
include strap-to-strap connectors.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said strap-to-strap connectors
include complimentary hook or loop material.
11. The apparatus of claim 5, further including: a strut end
protector mounted on said transverse strut.
12. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said block member includes a
concave block side.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, further including: a locking assembly
for locking said canopy support member into said umbrella-reception
member.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said locking assembly
includes: a pin-reception channel in said umbrella-reception
member, a pin tether connected to said umbrella-reception member,
and a lock pin connected to said pin tether.
15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said flexible net includes
windows.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority based upon my copending
Provisional Application Serial No. 60/233,241, filed Sept. 18,
2001.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to hunters blinds,
and, more particularly, to hunters blinds especially adapted for
mounting in a tree.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Hunters blinds are small shelters occupied by hunters to
conceal the hunters from the view of game while permitting the
hunters to view their surroundings. Some types of small shelters
that may be used by hunters are constructed based upon umbrella
structures and fabric-type material that hangs down from the
umbrella structures. In this respect, the following U.S. patents
disclose small shelters that employ umbrella structures: U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,086,931, 4,364,193, 4,449,542, and 5,214,872. A common
characteristic of these umbrella-structure-based shelters is that
they are supported by the ground, independent from a tree. Compared
to a strong tree, a support for an umbrella-structure-base- d
shelter that is independent of a strong tree is a relatively weak
support structure. In this respect, it would be desirable if an
umbrella-structure-based shelter were provided that is mounted on a
tree.
[0006] As a matter of interest, U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,439 discloses a
portable hut that is at ground level and that is located next to a
tree for stabilization. However, the shelter in this patent is not
mounted on the tree.
[0007] Still other features would be desirable in a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus. For example, rather than needing a
specially designed and manufactured umbrella for supporting a small
shelter, it would be desirable if a small shelter can be supported
from a tree by a conventional umbrella.
[0008] Various trees have various size circumferences. In this
respect, it would be desirable if a tree-mounted portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus were provided that can be mounted on
various size trees.
[0009] Tree trunks are generally cylindrically shaped. In this
respect, it would be desirable if a tree-mounted portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus were provided which has mounting
structures which are especially adapted for mounting on a
cylindrically shaped tree trunk.
[0010] It would also be desirable if a tree-mounted portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus had means for adjusting the lateral
distance the main portion of the shelter is displaced from the tree
trunk.
[0011] When a person is inside a blind, it is desirable for the
person to see out from the blind with as little as possible of the
person being visible from outside the blind. In this respect, it
would be desirable if a tree-mounted portable, tree-mounted blind
apparatus were provided which has a plurality of small windows
which allow the person to see outside the blind but expose only a
small portion of the person to visibility from outside the
blind.
[0012] Thus, while the foregoing body of prior art indicates it to
be well known to use umbrella-structure-based shelters, the prior
art described above does not teach or suggest a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus which has the following combination of
desirable features: (1) provides an umbrella-structure-based
shelter that is mounted on a tree; (2) can be supported from a tree
by a conventional umbrella; (3) can be mounted on various size
trees; (4) has mounting structures which are especially adapted for
mounting on a cylindrically-shaped tree trunk; (5) has means for
adjusting the lateral displacement of the main portion of the
shelter from the tree trunk; and (6) has a plurality of small
windows which allow a person inside the blind to see outside the
blind with exposure of only a small portion of the person to
visibility from outside the blind. The foregoing desired
characteristics are provided by the unique portable, tree-mounted
blind apparatus of the present invention as will be made apparent
from the following description thereof. Other advantages of the
present invention over the prior art also will be rendered
evident.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] To achieve the foregoing and other advantages, the present
invention, briefly described, provides a portable blind apparatus
for mounting on a cylindrical support and includes an umbrella
mounting assembly for mounting on the cylindrical support. A
collapsible umbrella is supported by the umbrella mounting
assembly. The umbrella includes a collapsible umbrella canopy and a
canopy support member connected to the umbrella canopy. A flexible
net is draped over and supported by the umbrella. The flexible net
can be fixed to the canopy support member with a quantity of
adhesive material. Net straps are connected to the net for
stabilizing the net with respect to the cylindrical support.
Commonly, the cylindrical support is a tree, but can also be posts,
columns, or other vertically standing cylindrical supports. A
person who is inside the internal region defined by the hanging net
and the umbrella is concealed from view and is protected from
becoming wet by rain or snow.
[0014] The umbrella mounting assembly includes a block member. A
pair of block-mounting straps are connected to the block member. A
transverse strut is connected to the block member. An
umbrella-reception member is supported by the transverse strut. The
canopy support member is supported by the umbrella-reception
member. The width of the block member and the length of the
transverse strut are selected such that when the canopy support
member is supported by the umbrella-reception member and when the
umbrella canopy is in a open condition, the canopy support member
is sufficiently far from the tree so that the umbrella canopy can
be in a fully opened condition without being obstructed by the
tree.
[0015] The block member includes a strut reception channel. The
umbrella-reception member includes a strut receiving channel, and
the umbrella-reception member includes a
canopy-support-member-reception channel. The strut receiving
channel and the canopy-support-member-recept- ion channel are
perpendicular to each other.
[0016] A locking assembly can be provided for locking the canopy
support member into the umbrella-reception member. The locking
assembly includes a pin-reception channel in the umbrella-reception
member. A pin tether is connected to the umbrella-reception member,
and a lock pin is connected to the pin tether.
[0017] The block-mounting straps include strap-to-strap connectors.
The strap-to-strap connectors includes complimentary hook or loop
material. a strut end protector mounted on the transverse strut.
The block member includes a concave block side that is placed next
to the tree.
[0018] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the
flexible net can include windows or portholes.
[0019] The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the
more important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood,
and in order that the present contributions to the art may be
better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of
the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will be
for the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.
[0020] In this respect, before explaining at least two preferred
embodiment of the invention in detail, it is understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of the
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood, that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0021] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which disclosure is based, may readily be utilized
as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for
carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is
important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such
equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the
spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0022] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
which has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the
disadvantages.
[0023] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus which may
be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.
[0024] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus which is of
durable and reliable construction.
[0025] An even further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to
both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible
of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such
portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus available to the buying
public.
[0026] Still yet a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
which provides an umbrella-structure-based shelter that is mounted
on a tree.
[0027] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus that can
be supported from a tree by a conventional umbrella.
[0028] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus which can
be mounted on various size trees.
[0029] Even another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus that has
mounting structures which are especially adapted for mounting on a
cylindrically-shaped tree trunk.
[0030] Still a further object of the present invention is to
provide a new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
which has means for adjusting the lateral displacement of the main
portion of the shelter from the tree trunk.
[0031] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
new and improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus that has a
plurality of small windows which allow a person inside the blind to
see outside the blind with exposure of only a small portion of the
person to visibility from outside the blind.
[0032] These together with still other objects of the invention,
along with the various features of novelty which characterize the
invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed
to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the
specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention will be better understood and the above
objects as well as objects other than those set forth above will
become more apparent after a study of the following detailed
description thereof. Such description makes reference to the
annexed drawing wherein:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a first embodiment of the
portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus of the invention mounted on
a tree.
[0035] FIG. 2 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the
embodiment of the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus shown in
FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a side view of the umbrella and umbrella mounting
assembly of the embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 and
2.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a partial top view of the embodiment of the
portion of the invention shown in FIG. 3 taken along line 4-4
thereof.
[0038] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the umbrella and
umbrella mounting assembly shown in FIGS. 3 to 5.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a side view showing a second embodiment of the
portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus of the invention mounted on
a tree, wherein the second embodiment includes windows in the
flexible net.
[0040] FIG. 7 is an enlarged rear view of a portion of the
embodiment of the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus shown in
FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0041] With reference to the drawings, a new and improved portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus embodying the principles and concepts
of the present invention will be described.
[0042] Turning to FIGS. 1-5, there is shown a first embodiment of
the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus of the invention
generally designated by reference numeral 10. In the first
embodiment, the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus 10 is
provided for mounting on a cylindrical support and includes an
umbrella mounting assembly 12 for mounting on the cylindrical
support. A collapsible umbrella 14 is supported by the umbrella
mounting assembly 12. The umbrella 14 includes a collapsible
umbrella canopy 13 and a canopy support member 15 connected to the
umbrella canopy 13. A flexible net 16 is draped over and supported
by the umbrella 14. The flexible net 16 can be fixed to the canopy
support member 15 with a quantity of adhesive material. Net straps
18 are connected to the net 16 for stabilizing the net 16 with
respect to the cylindrical support. Commonly, the cylindrical
support is a tree 11, but can also be posts, columns, or other
vertically standing cylindrical supports.
[0043] The umbrella mounting assembly 12 includes a block member
20. A pair of block-mounting straps 22 are connected to the block
member 20. A transverse strut 26 is connected to the block member
20. An umbrella-reception member 28 is supported by the transverse
strut 26. The canopy support member 15 is supported by the
umbrella-reception member 28. The width of the block member 20 and
the length of the transverse strut 26 are selected such that when
the canopy support member 15 is supported by the umbrella-reception
member 28 and when the umbrella canopy 13 is in a open condition,
the canopy support member 15 is sufficiently far from the tree 11
so that the umbrella canopy 13 can be in a fully opened condition
without being obstructed by the tree 11. The transverse strut 26
can be telescopically adjustable to provide a wide range of
adjustment for adjusting the lateral displacement of the main
portion of the shelter from the tree trunk.
[0044] The block member 20 includes a strut reception channel 32.
The umbrella-reception member 28 includes a strut receiving channel
36, and the umbrella-reception member 28 includes a
canopy-support-member-recepti- on channel 38. The strut receiving
channel 36 and the canopy-support-member-reception channel 38 are
perpendicular to each other.
[0045] A locking assembly can be provided for locking the canopy
support member 15 into the umbrella-reception member 28. The
locking assembly includes a pin-reception channel 40 in the
umbrella-reception member 28. A pin tether 42 is connected to the
umbrella-reception member 28, and a lock pin 44 is connected to the
pin tether 42.
[0046] The block-mounting straps 22 include strap-to-strap
connectors. The strap-to-strap connectors include complimentary
hook or loop material 34. The complimentary hook or loop material
34 can be well known VELCRO(.TM.) material. Strut end protector 30
is mounted on the transverse strut 26. The block member 20 includes
a concave block side 24 which is adapted to fit against a
cylindrical tree trunk.
[0047] To use the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus 10 on a
tree 11, the apparatus is first obtained in a folded up and
collapsed condition which is the condition used for storage. In the
collapsed condition, the canopy support member 15 is collapsed, and
the flexible net 16 is folded up. Also, in the collapsed condition,
the umbrella canopy 13, the umbrella-reception member 28, the
transverse strut 26, and the concave block side 24 are disassembled
from one another. The net straps 18 can be used to bind the
apparatus in the collapsed condition into a compact portable
package.
[0048] The compact package of the collapsed condition is open for
mounting the apparatus onto a cylindrical support, such as the tree
11 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. To mount the blind apparatus 10 onto the
tree 11, the concave block side 24 of the block member 20 is placed
against the outer circumference of the tree 11. The block-mounting
straps 22 are wrapped around the circumference of the tree 11, and
the complimentary hook or loop materials 34 on the respective
straps are connected together so securely mount the block member 20
to the tree 11. Then, an end cap of the strut end protector 30 is
removed from a sharp end of the transverse strut 26, and the sharp
end of the transverse strut 26 is pushed into a strut reception
channel 32 in the block member 20. Then, the umbrella-reception
member 28 is obtained, and a strut receiving channel 36 in the
umbrella-reception member 28 is forced onto the distal end of the
transverse strut 26. Then, the umbrella canopy 13 is oriented in an
open canopy condition, and the canopy support member 15 is pushed
into a canopy-support-member-reception channel 38 in the
umbrella-reception member 28. The lock pin 44 is then used to
secure the canopy support member 15 in the umbrella-reception
member 28. The flexible net 16 is draped over the opened umbrella
canopy 13, and the flexible net 16 down from the umbrella canopy 13
to the ground level. Also, if desired, the flexible net 16 can be
fixed to the umbrella canopy 13 using a quantity of adhesive
material. Once the flexible net 16 is draped over the umbrella
canopy 13 and hangs down therefrom, the net straps 18 can be tied
around the tree 11 to stabilize the flexible net 16 and the
umbrella mounting assembly 12.
[0049] To use the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus 10 of the
invention. A person, such as a hunter, lifts an end of the flexible
net 16 and moves under the umbrella canopy 13. Then, the person
drops the flexible net 16 so that the flexible net 16 hides the
person. The flexible net 16 is selected to that the person easily
sees out from inside the internal concealed region defined by the
hanging net. The flexible net 16 can be made from camouflage
netting material. The umbrella canopy 13 serves to protect the
person inside the internal concealed region defined by the hanging
net and the umbrella canopy 13 dry is protected from becoming wet
by rain and snow.
[0050] When the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus 10 of the
invention is no longer needed, the assembly process is reversed,
and the apparatus can be placed in a compact collapsed condition
for transport and storage.
[0051] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of the
invention is shown. Reference numerals are shown that correspond to
like reference numerals that designate like elements shown in the
other figures. In addition, the flexible net 16 can include windows
or portholes 46. There can be five windows 46 or portholes located
in the flexible net 16.
[0052] The components of the portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus
of the invention can be made from inexpensive and durable metal,
plastic, and fabric materials.
[0053] As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant
invention, the same is apparent from the above disclosure, and
accordingly, no further discussion relative to the manner of usage
and operation need be provided.
[0054] It is apparent from the above that the present invention
accomplishes all of the objects set forth by providing a new and
improved portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus that is low in
cost, relatively simple in design and operation, and which may
advantageously be used to provide an umbrella-structure-based
shelter that is mounted on a tree. With the invention, a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus is provided which can be supported
from a tree by a conventional umbrella. With the invention, a
portable, tree-mounted blind apparatus is provided which can be
mounted on various size trees. With the invention, a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus is provided which has mounting
structures which are especially adapted for mounting on a
cylindrically-shaped tree trunk. With the invention, a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus is provided which has means for
adjusting the lateral displacement of the main portion of the
shelter from the tree trunk. With the invention, a portable,
tree-mounted blind apparatus is provided which has a plurality of
small windows which allow a person inside the blind to see outside
the blind with exposure of only a small portion of the person to
visibility from outside the blind.
[0055] Thus, while the present invention has been shown in the
drawings and fully described above with particularity and detail in
connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical
and preferred embodiment(s) of the invention, it will be apparent
to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications
thereof may be made without departing from the principles and
concepts set forth herein, including, but not limited to,
variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of
operation, assembly and use.
[0056] Hence, the proper scope of the present invention should be
determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended
claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all
relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and
described in the specification.
[0057] Finally, it will be appreciated that the purpose of the
annexed Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers
and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or
legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. Accordingly, the Abstract is neither intended to
define the invention or the application, which only is measured by
the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of
the invention in any way.
* * * * *