U.S. patent application number 09/918904 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for reversible tree stand cover.
Invention is credited to Fields, Denver A..
Application Number | 20030024559 09/918904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25441151 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030024559 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fields, Denver A. |
February 6, 2003 |
Reversible tree stand cover
Abstract
A tree stand cover includes a center fabric sheet with first and
second side fabric sheets attached to opposite side edges of the
center sheet. Inner surfaces of each sheet includes a blaze orange
coloration for hunter safety and an outer surface having a
camouflage coloration for hiding a mounted tree stand. Straps with
buckles extend from free side edges of respective side fabric
sheets for releasably coupling the tree stand cover to a tree or
other upstanding support. The sheets may be positioned to surround
and hide a tree stand already coupled to the tree. Drawstring
assemblies connected to the side fabric sheets enable those sheets
to be collapsed against the center fabric sheet for transport.
Another drawstring assembly is connected to the center fabric sheet
such that the tree stand cover may be tightened about the tree
stand itself for simultaneous transport of the tree stand and
cover.
Inventors: |
Fields, Denver A.;
(Charleston, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARSHAW RESEARCH INCORPORATED
P O BOX 418
OTTAWA
KS
66067
US
|
Family ID: |
25441151 |
Appl. No.: |
09/918904 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/90 ; 135/901;
135/96; 182/187; 43/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/025
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/90 ; 135/96;
135/901; 43/1; 182/187 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/04 |
Claims
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and
desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:
1. A tree stand cover for use with a hunting tree stand of the type
that is adapted for releasable attachment to an upstanding support,
said tree stand cover comprising: a center wall component having a
top edge and a bottom edge with first and second side edges
extending therebetween; a first side wall component having a top
edge and a bottom edge with first and second side edges extending
therebetween, said first side edge of said first side wall
component being fixedly attached to said first side edge of said
center wall component; a second side wall component having a top
edge and a bottom edge with first and second side edges extending
therebetween, said first side edge of said second side wall
component being fixedly attached to said second side edge of said
center wall component; and means for releasably connecting said
first and second side wall components to an upstanding support to
which a hunting tree stand is already attached such that said
center wall component and said first and second side wall
components surround said tree stand.
2. The tree stand cover as in claim 1 wherein said connecting means
comprises: a first strap having one end connected to said first
side wall component and an opposed end; a first buckle member
connected to said opposed end of said first strap; a second strap
having one end connected to said second side wall component and an
opposed end; and a second buckle member connected to said opposed
end of said second strap for releasably securing said second strap
to said first strap.
3. The tree stand cover as in claim 1 wherein: said first and
second side wall components are constructed of a flexible canvas
material; said tree stand cover further comprising: a first
drawstring assembly connected to said first side wall component and
adapted to selectively collapse said first side wall component
against said first side edge of said center wall component; and a
second drawstring assembly connected to said second side wall
component and adapted to selectively collapse said second side wall
component against said second side edge of said center wall
component.
4. The tree stand cover as in claim 3 wherein said first and second
side wall components include a respective inner layer of neoprene
material.
5. The tree stand cover as in claim 3 further comprising a third
drawstring assembly having a drawstring extending through a seam
along said top, bottom, first and second side edges of said center
wall component, said drawstring adapted to selectively tighten said
edges about said tree stand in a transport configuration upon a
pulling of said drawstring.
6. The tree stand cover as in claim 5 further comprising a pair of
shoulder straps adapted to be attached to said tree stand for
transporting said tree stand and said center, first, and second
side wall components upon the shoulders of a user in said transport
configuration.
7. The tree stand cover as in claim 1 wherein said center wall
component is constructed of a double-ply canvas material.
8. The tree stand cover as in claim 7 wherein said center wall
component includes an inner layer of neoprene material.
9. The tree stand cover as in claim 1 wherein said center wall
component, said first side wall component, and said second side
wall component each include respective inner and outer planar
surfaces, each inner planar surface having a blaze orange
coloration and each outer planar surface having a camouflage
coloration.
10. The tree stand cover as in claim 1 further comprising a pocket
member fixedly attached to an inner planar surface of said center
wall component, said pocket having one edge adapted to be
selectively opened for receiving selected items into said pocket
member.
11. A tree stand cover for hiding and transporting a tree stand of
the type that is releasably attachable to a tree trunk, said tree
stand cover comprising: a first fabric sheet having a top edge and
a bottom edge with first and second side edges extending
therebetween, said first fabric sheet including an inner surface
having a blaze orange coloration and an outer surface having a
camouflage coloration; a second fabric sheet having a top edge and
a bottom edge with first and second side edges extending
therebetween, said first side edge of said second fabric sheet
being fixedly attached to said first side edge of said first fabric
sheet, said second fabric sheet including an inner surface having a
blaze orange coloration and an outer surface having a camouflage
coloration; a third fabric sheet having a top edge and a bottom
edge with first and second side edges extending therebetween, said
first side edge of said third fabric sheet being fixedly attached
to said second side edge of said first fabric sheet, said third
fabric sheet including an inner surface having a blaze orange
coloration and an outer surface having a camouflage coloration; and
means for connecting first, second, and third fabric sheets to a
tree trunk for hiding a front end and sides of a tree stand,
respectively, when said tree stand is attached to said tree
trunk.
12. The tree stand cover as in claim 11 wherein said connecting
means comprises: a first strap having one end connected to said
second fabric sheet and an opposed end; a first buckle member
connected to said opposed end of said first strap; a second strap
having one end connected to said third fabric sheet and an opposed
end; and a second buckle member connected to said opposed end of
said second strap for releasably securing said second strap to said
first strap, whereby said straps may be extended about said tree
trunk and said first and second buckles selectively engaged.
13. The tree stand cover as in claim 11 wherein said first, second,
and third fabric sheets are constructed of a flexible canvas
material.
14. The tree stand cover as in claim 13 further comprising means
for moving said second and third fabric sheets between an extended
configuration and a transport configuration, said moving means
comprising: a first drawstring assembly coupled to said second
fabric sheet and having a first drawstring extending along said top
edge thereof, an operation of said first drawstring adapted to move
said second side edge of said second fabric sheet between an
extended configuration displaced from said first side edge of said
first fabric sheet and a transport configuration in which said
second side edge of said second fabric sheet is adjacent said first
side edge of said first fabric sheet; and a second drawstring
assembly coupled to said third fabric sheet and having a second
drawstring extending along said top edge thereof, an operation of
said second drawstring adapted to move said second side edge of
said third fabric sheet between an extended configuration displaced
from said second side edge of said first fabric sheet and a
transport configuration in which said second side edge of said
third fabric sheet is adjacent said second side edge of said first
fabric sheet.
15. The tree stand cover as in claim 14 further comprising a third
drawstring assembly attached to said first fabric sheet, said third
drawstring assembly including a third drawstring extending through
a seam along said top, bottom, first, and second side edges of said
first fabric sheet, said third drawstring adapted to tighten said
top, bottom, first and second side edges of said first fabric sheet
around said tree stand upon a pulling of said third drawstring by a
user, whereby said tree stand and said first, second, and third
fabric sheets may be simultaneously transported.
16. The tree stand cover as in claim 15 further comprising a pair
of shoulder straps adapted to be attached to said tree stand for
simultaneously transporting said tree stand and said first, second,
and third fabric sheets when said second and third fabric sheets
are in said transport configuration and said first fabric sheet is
tightened around said tree stand.
17. The tree stand cover as in claim 11 wherein said first fabric
sheet is constructed of a double-ply canvas material having an
inner layer of sponge material whereby to absorb impact forces.
18. The tree stand cover as in claim 11 wherein said first fabric
sheet is constructed of a double-ply canvas material having an
inner layer of neoprene material whereby to absorb sounds caused by
impact forces.
19. The tree stand cover as in claim 11 further comprising a pocket
member fixedly attached to said inner surface of said first fabric
sheet, said pocket having one edge adapted to be selectively opened
for receiving selected items into said pocket member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to hunting blinds and, more
particularly, to a reversible cover for safely, quietly, and
visibly transporting a hunter's tree stand through the woods and
for camouflaging the tree stand when mounted to a tree.
[0002] Tree stands are utilized frequently by hunters as well as by
nature enthusiasts for watching wildlife from a heightened vantage
point. Tree stands are often mounted to a tree trunk or other
upstanding support post such as a light pole or the like. However,
carrying a tree stand through trees and underbrush to the desired
tree is often a noisy event that scares away the wildlife desired
to be watched or hunted. Further, most tree stands leave the hunter
exposed to the view of the wildlife, which can be a hindrance to a
successful hunting experience.
[0003] Various devices have been proposed for shielding a hunter
from weather events while standing near a tree or while sitting in
a tree stand. Although assumably effective for their intended
purposes, the existing devices do not provide a tree stand cover
useful for conveniently, safely, and quietly carrying a tree stand
to a desired location as well as for camouflaging a tree stand once
mounted to a tree.
[0004] Therefore, it is desirable to have a tree stand cover which
may be configured for attachment to a tree stand for simultaneous
transport of the stand and cover to a desired location. Further, it
is desirable to have a cover which may be configured to be
extremely visible and which minimizes sound creation during
transport through thick underbrush. In addition, it is desirable to
have a cover which may be configured to substantially hide a tree
stand when mounted to a tree trunk.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A reversible tree stand cover according to the present
invention includes three sheets of flexible fabric material
attached to one another and configured as a center sheet and a pair
of side sheets. The side sheets may be extended for use as side
wall components that substantially hide a tree stand when properly
positioned and attached to a tree trunk or may be collapsed against
the center sheet for convenient transport. Drawstring assemblies
attached to the side sheets facilitate movement between extended
use configurations and transport configurations. Straps with
buckles extend from free edges of the side sheets for attaching the
tree stand cover to a tree trunk and for tightening the cover
around a tree stand mounted to the same tree trunk. When the cover
and a tree stand are detached from the tree trunk, a drawstring
assembly connected to the center sheet allows the center sheet to
be tightened about the tree stand itself for simultaneous transport
of both the tree stand and cover. Inner surfaces of the tree stand
cover include a blaze orange coloration that is visible during
transport while outer surfaces include a camouflage coloration for
effectively hiding a tree stand when mounted in a tree. The sheets
may also include inner layers of sponge or neoprene material for
absorbing impact forces and dampening the sounds thereof caused by
contact with underbrush during transport.
[0006] Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide
a tree stand cover that is reversible for selectably displaying a
blaze orange or camouflage coloration.
[0007] Another object of this invention is to provide a tree stand
cover, as aforesaid, which absorbs the impact of contact with tree
branches and the like during transport.
[0008] Still another object of this invention is to provide a tree
stand cover, as aforesaid, which may be selectively configured for
simultaneous transport with a tree stand or for substantially
hiding the tree stand when the tree stand and cover are mounted to
a tree.
[0009] Yet another object of this invention is to provide a tree
stand cover, as aforesaid, having a pocket with a silent zipper for
stowing selected items therein.
[0010] A further object of this invention is to provide a tree
stand cover, as aforesaid, having drawstrings for moving side
sheets between extended and collapsed configurations.
[0011] Other objects and advantages of this invention will become
apparent from the following description taken in connection with
the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of
illustration and example, an embodiment of this invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tree stand cover according
to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 2a is a plan view showing the inner surfaces of the
tree stand cover as in FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 2b is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a first
strap with a male buckle end as in FIG. 2a;
[0015] FIG. 2c is an isolated view on an enlarged scale of a second
strap with a female buckle end as in FIG. 2a;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the outer surfaces of the tree
stand cover as in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tree stand cover as in
FIG. 1 in a transport configuration and partially attached to a
tree stand; and
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tree stand cover as in
FIG. 4 completely attached to a tree stand for transport.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0019] A reversible tree stand cover 10 according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail
with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the accompanying drawings.
The tree stand cover 10 includes a center wall component 20 having
top 22 and bottom 24 edges with opposed first 26 and second 28 side
edges extending therebetween (FIGS. 2a and 3). The center wall
component 20 is constructed of a flexible double-ply canvas
material and therefore is also referred to herein as a first fabric
sheet.
[0020] The tree stand cover 10 further includes a first side wall
component 40 having top 42 and bottom 44 edges with first 46 and
second 48 side edges extending therebetween (FIGS. 2a and 3). The
first side wall component 40 is preferably constructed of a
flexible double-ply canvas material and therefore is also referred
to herein as the second fabric sheet. The first side edge 46 of the
first side wall component 40 is fixedly attached to the first side
edge 26 of the center wall component 20.
[0021] The tree stand cover 10 further includes a second side wall
component 70 having top 72 and bottom 74 edges with first 76 and
second 78 side edges extending therebetween (FIGS. 2a and 3). The
first side edge 76 of the second side wall component 70 is fixedly
attached to the second side edge 28 of the center wall component
20. The second side wall component 70 includes a construction
substantially similar to that of the first side wall component 40.
As the second side wall component 70 is also preferably constructed
of a flexible double-ply canvas material, it is also referred to
herein as a third fabric sheet.
[0022] The wall components are sewn together along respective seams
such that the side wall components are flexibly movable between
selected configurations relative to the center wall component, as
to be described in further detail below. Further, the double-ply
canvas construction of each wall component enables each sheet to
include an inner layer. Preferably, each sheet includes an inner
layer of a sponge material for absorbing the impact forces caused
by contact the wall components and tree branches or underbrush. The
sponge material also serves to dampen sounds caused by such impact
forces. Other materials such as neoprene would also be suitable for
the inner layer construction.
[0023] Each wall component includes a generally rectangular
configuration having planar inner and outer surfaces. Each inner
surface includes a blaze orange coloration 12 (FIG. 2a) of the type
and color directed by the regulations of most states to be worn by
hunters. Each outer surface includes a camouflage pattern
coloration 14 (FIG. 3) that substantially hides a tree stand 6 and
hunter when properly mounted and positioned on a tree trunk or
support post 8 (FIG. 1), as to be further described later.
[0024] A pocket member 30 is fixedly attached to the inner surface
of the center wall component 20. The pocket member 30 includes an
open upper edge having a zipper 31 or other suitable fastener such
that the upper edge may be selectively opened or closed.
Preferably, the zipper 31 is constructed of plastic in the form of
a so-called "silent-zipper" as is known in the art.
[0025] The tree stand cover 10 may be releasably coupled to a tree
trunk 8 or similar upstanding support with straps. One end of a
first strap 50 is fixedly attached to the second edge 48 of the
first side wall component 40 at a position adjacent the top edge 42
of the first side wall component 40 (FIG. 2c). A female buckle end
52 is connected to the other end of the first strap 50. Another
strap 54 having a construction substantially similar to that of the
first strap 50 may be connected to the first side wall component 40
adjacent the bottom edge 44 thereof. One end of a second strap 80
is fixedly attached to the second edge 78 of the second side wall
component 70 at a position adjacent the top edge 72 thereof (FIG.
2b). A male buckle end 82 is connected to the other end of the
second strap 80. Another strap 84 having a construction
substantially similar to the second strap 80 may also be attached
to the second edge 78 of the second side wall component 70 adjacent
the bottom edge 74 thereof. Therefore, the tree stand cover 10 may
be positioned so as to surround a tree stand 6 that is already
mounted to a tree trunk and then the cover 10 may be securely
fastened thereto by engaging the buckles of the first 50 and second
80 straps (FIG. 1). Of course, the tree stand cover 10 is
positioned with the camouflage coloration 14 facing outward so as
to substantially hide the tree stand 6.
[0026] The tree stand cover 10 includes a plurality of drawstring
assemblies that enable the components to be configured for use or
transport and to enable the cover 10 to be connected to a tree
stand itself. A first drawstring assembly 56 is attached along the
top edge 42 of the first side wall component 40 and includes a
first drawstring 58 (FIG. 3). Manipulation of the first drawstring
58 by a user selectively moves the second side edge 48 of the first
side wall component 40 between an extended/use configuration
displaced from the first side edge 26 of the center wall component
20 and a transport configuration adjacent the first side edge 26 of
the center wall component 20. Another drawstring assembly 60 having
a construction substantially similar to the first drawstring
assembly 56 may be attached along the bottom edge 44 of the first
side wall component 40. The first drawstring assembly 56 may be of
the type in which one end of the first drawstring 58 is attached to
the first side edge 46 of the first side wall component 40 such
that a free end of the first drawstring 58 must be pulled toward
that first side edge 46 in order to collapse the first side wall
component 40. Alternatively, the first drawstring 58 may operate
"pulley-style" in which an outward pulling of the free end thereof
may collapse the side wall.
[0027] A second drawstring assembly 86 is attached along the top
edge 72 of the second side wall component 70 and includes a second
drawstring 88 (FIG. 3). The second drawstring assembly 86 includes
a construction substantially similar to that of the previously
described first drawstring assembly 56. Another drawstring assembly
90 having a construction substantially similar to that of the
second drawstring assembly 86 may also be connected along the
bottom edge 74 of the second side wall component 70. Therefore, the
first 56 and second 86 drawstring assemblies enable a user to
extend the side wall components to substantially surround a tree
stand or to collapse them for transport purposes.
[0028] The center wall component 20 also includes a drawstring
assembly 32. A seam 36 defining a channel extends about the
peripheral edges of the center wall component 20 through which a
drawstring 34 extends (FIG. 2a). The seam 36 defines an opening 38
through which the drawstring 34 extends and into which excess
lengths of the drawstring 34 may be tucked. Pulling on the
drawstring 34 causes the peripheral edges of the center wall
component 20 to be drawn inwardly toward one another and,
therefore, to tighten around any object placed against the center
wall component 20. As particularly shown in FIG. 4, the peripheral
edges of the center fabric sheet 20 tighten around a tree stand 6
when the drawstring 34 is pulled. With the side wall components
moved to their collapsed/transport configurations, the center wall
component 20 may be completely tightened and releasably coupled to
the tree stand 6 for simultaneous transport (FIG. 5). Excess length
of the drawstring 34 may be tucked into the seam channel through
the opening 38. If not already provided with a selected tree stand
6, shoulder straps 16 may be provided with the tree stand cover 10.
These shoulder straps 16 may be attached to the tree stand 6 such
that the cover 10 and tree stand 6 may be simultaneous carried by a
user in the manner of a backpack.
[0029] In use, the tree stand cover 10 is carried, with or without
a tree stand 6, to a location where it is desired to be used. When
transporting the cover 10, the fabric side wall components 40, 70
are moved to their collapsed configurations using the first 56 and
second 86 drawstring assemblies. If a tree stand 6 is to be
simultaneously transported, then the center wall component
drawstring 34 is extended such that the peripheral edges of the
center wall component 20 tighten about the tree stand 6. It is
important that the inner surface of the center wall component 20 be
exposed such that the blaze orange coloration 12 makes the user's
presence and location visible to other hunters. The inner layers of
the wall components are effective to dampen the effects of contact
with tree branches or underbrush. Once the desired location is
reached, the steps described above may be reversed to detach the
cover 10 from the tree stand 6. Once the tree stand 6 is mounted to
a tree trunk 8 or the like, the cover 10 may be positioned so as to
substantially surround the tree stand 6, making certain that the
camouflage colored outer surfaces are outwardly positioned. The
buckles 52, 82 of the straps 50, 80 may be engaged to secure the
cover 10 to the tree trunk 8.
[0030] It is understood that while certain forms of this invention
have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto
except insofar as such limitations are included in the following
claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.
* * * * *