U.S. patent application number 10/637471 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-10 for field assembleable wildlife observation shelter.
Invention is credited to Erickson, Stewart E., Fagerlie-Madsen, Thekla K., Wanner, William A..
Application Number | 20050028854 10/637471 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34116639 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050028854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Erickson, Stewart E. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2005 |
Field assembleable wildlife observation shelter
Abstract
A field assembleable wildlife observation shelter having an
assembled configuration as that of a naturally occurring
environmental element is provided. The shelter, which is modular in
design, includes a plurality of rigid wall forming panels. Each of
the rigid wall forming panels of the plurality of rigid wall
forming panels has perimeter edges, and an arcuate cross section.
Opposing side perimeter edges of each of the rigid wall forming
panels are adapted such that adjacently paired rigid wall forming
panels are reversibly securable in furtherance of forming a wall
for substantially surrounding a wildlife observer. The plurality of
rigid wall forming wall panels are configurable so as to form a
transportable stack, more particularly, to define a secured
bundle.
Inventors: |
Erickson, Stewart E.;
(Hudson, WI) ; Fagerlie-Madsen, Thekla K.; (River
Falls, WI) ; Wanner, William A.; (Hudson,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NAWROCKI, ROONEY & SIVERTSON
SUITE 401, BROADWAY PLACE EAST
3433 BROADWAY STREET NORTHEAST
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
554133009
|
Family ID: |
34116639 |
Appl. No.: |
10/637471 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/97 ;
135/901 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/097 ;
135/901 |
International
Class: |
E04H 015/18; E04H
015/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A field assembleable wildlife observation shelter having an
assembled configuration as that of a naturally occurring
environmental element, said field assembleable wildlife observation
shelter comprising a plurality of rigid wall forming panels, each
of the rigid wall forming panels of said plurality of rigid wall
forming panels having perimeter edges and an arcuate cross section,
opposing side perimeter edges of said each of the rigid wall
forming panels being adapted such that adjacently paired rigid wall
forming panels are reversibly securable in furtherance of forming a
wall for substantially surrounding a wildlife observer.
2. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 1
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels includes plural
spaced apart tabs laterally extending from a first side perimeter
edge of said opposing side perimeter edges.
3. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 2
wherein a second side perimeter edge of said opposing side
perimeter edges of said each of the rigid wall forming panels
includes plural spaced apart tab receiving elements.
4. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 3
wherein at least a single binding element extends from one of said
opposing side perimeter edges of said each of the rigid wall
forming panels so as to secure same to an adjacently aligned rigid
wall panel of said plurality of rigid wall forming panels.
5. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 4
wherein at least a single binding element extends from said first
side perimeter edge of said opposing side perimeter edges of said
each of the rigid wall forming panels so as to reversibly secure
said adjacently aligned rigid wall panel of said plurality of rigid
wall forming panels thereto.
6. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 5
wherein said at least a single binding element extending from said
first side perimeter edge of said opposing side perimeter edges of
said each of the rigid wall forming panels reversibly secures said
adjacently aligned rigid wall panel of said plurality of rigid wall
forming panels at said second side perimeter edge thereof.
7. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 6
wherein said at least a single binding element extending from said
first side perimeter edge of said opposing side perimeter edges of
said each of the rigid wall forming panels extends from an interior
surface thereof.
8. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 1
wherein said plurality of rigid wall forming panels are
configurable so as to form a transportable stack.
9. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels are adapted such
that said transportable stack defines a secured bundle.
10. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 9
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels includes at
least a single aperture, a binding element being receivable through
aligned apertures of said transportable stack in furtherance of
forming said secured bundle.
11. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein said transportable stack of rigid wall forming panels is
adapted so as to operatively receive a ground engaging wheel
assembly in furtherance of field transport.
12. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 11
wherein said transportable stack of rigid wall forming panels is
further adapted so as to operatively receive a hitch assembly in
furtherance of field transport.
13. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels of said
plurality of rigid wall panels includes a viewing port in an upper
portion thereof.
14. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 13
wherein said viewing port is adapted to receive a covering, said
covering having an exterior finish consistent with an exterior
finish of said each of the rigid wall forming panels of said
plurality of rigid wall panels.
15. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 14
wherein at least one of said each of the rigid wall forming panels
of said plurality of rigid wall panels is further adapted to
receive shelving on an interior surface thereof.
16. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels of said
plurality of rigid wall panels is adapted to be selectively
anchorable at a wildlife observation site.
17. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 16
wherein said each of the rigid wall forming panels of said
plurality of rigid wall panels includes an anchor receiving element
depending there from.
18. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 16
further comprising a lid for covering at least a portion of an
opening defined by an upper extent of a rigid wall formed by said
plurality of rigid wall forming panels.
19. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 18
wherein said lid is selective positionable over said opening.
20. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 19
wherein said lid includes a viewing port.
21. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
further comprising a ballast element operatively receivable by at
least a portion of a rigid wall formed by said plurality of rigid
wall forming panels.
22. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 21
wherein said ballast element permits controlled ingress of water
into a compartment thereof so as to stabilize said field
assembleable wildlife observation shelter.
23. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 22
further comprising an anchoring system for maintaining the
stabilized wildlife observation shelter in a generally fixed
position at a wildlife observation site.
24. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein said naturally occurring wildlife element is selected from
the group consisting of tree stump, rock pile, boulder, hay bale,
muskrat house, and beaver lodge.
25. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein the naturally occurring environmental element is
conspicuously colored.
26. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein an owner of said blind has registered same with a
government entity.
27. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
wherein a user of said blind has secured a permit for use
thereof.
28. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
further comprising a base panel, said base panel defining a base
for said transportable stack.
29. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
further comprising hardware for anchoring said transportable stack
to a vehicle.
30. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
further comprising a plurality of fixtures for fastening said
transportable stack to a vehicle structure.
31. The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of claim 8
further comprising a supplemental panel for selectively expanding a
perimeter of said wall.
32. A readily assembleable wildlife observation shelter comprising
a plurality of rigid arcuate panels, each rigid arcuate panel of
said plurality of rigid arcuate panels being reversibly joinable so
as to form a substantially continuous wall, said plurality of rigid
arcuate panels being configurable so as to form a transportable,
secured stack in furtherance of facilitating field deployment.
33. In a method of observing wildlife from a field assembleable
shelter, the steps comprising: a. permitting said field
assembleable shelter with a permit issuing entity; and, b.
transporting said field assembleable shelter to a site for
observing wildlife as a secured transportable stack.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to structures from
which to observe wildlife and the like, more particularly, to a
field assembleable, modular wildlife observation shelter which is
readily stowable and transportable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Whether it be for hunting or otherwise, concealment is a
critical, essential component to up close viewing of wildlife in
their habitat. Tactics in furtherance of up close viewing of
wildlife are known to include the use of personal camouflage,
whether it be the person per se (i.e., vis-a-vis clothing, face
paint, etc.) or items of the person such as binoculars, packs, or
weapons; concealment structures, whether natural or artificial,
such as hunting blinds or the like; and/or the use of decoys to
attract or induce wildlife to a given location.
[0003] Natural blinds, for example those established in marsh and
field areas (e.g., reeds, stalks, etc.), when available, are easily
broken and/or trampled from use, becoming ineffective cover for
concealment. Furthermore, such "cover" provides minimal or no
shelter, a wildlife observer being substantially subject to the
wind, rain, snow, etc.
[0004] Many hunters make their own blinds or shelters using heavy,
rigid framing elements surrounded by, or overlain with, for
example, willow sticks, hay or straw so as to simulate a naturally
occurring environmental element. In addition to not effectively
breaking the wind, natural materials used to construct such
structures are not always available, are difficult to reliably
piece together once collected, and in the case where the items are
to be transported to an observation position, are especially
cumbersome and difficult to mobilize.
[0005] A variety of hunting blinds are known, and known to be
commercially available. Blinds or shelters can range from fixed,
permanent or semi-permanent field outposts for up to several
hunters, to assembleable tent like structures for a single
user.
[0006] Traditional fabric hunting blinds, as for example U.S. Pat.
No. 6,164,005, and less traditional fabric hunting blinds as
perhaps exemplified by U.S. Pat. No. 6,016,823, are perceived as
advantageous for their light weight and collapsiblility. Be that as
it may, such structures are know to become unstable, whipping about
in adverse weather conditions; known to be impractical for use with
hunting dogs; easily detected by big game animals like elk and
deer; and/or may involve complicated field assembly, requiring,
among other things, tools and helping hands.
[0007] Conventional rigid concealment structures for hunting are
almost always characterized by numerous pieces and parts which
necessitate a great deal of assembly, or more pointedly and
literally, construction time, see for example U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,017,194, 3,018,857, 5,036,643, and 5,647,159. Although some of
the cited rigid concealment structures contemplate field delivery
of all the pieces and parts in a transportable "package" (e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 3,017,194 (FIG. 1), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,018,857 (FIG.
20)), such packages are not well suited for navigating through a
variety of terrain and/or ground cover, readily snagging or
otherwise being hung up during what inevitably becomes a taxing
trek to the wildlife observation position.
[0008] It should be appreciated that it is not necessarily
advantageous, let alone possible, to have the gamut of useful
features heretofore known in a wildlife observation shelter.
However, it is highly desirable and advantageous to provide an
affordable, readily transportable and field assembleable modular
wildlife observation shelter which can accommodate one or more
wildlife observers, including a dog. Advantageously the components
of the shelter may be arranged to define a secured bundle within,
or upon which sundry items my be stowed, the secured bundle being
easily adapted for vehicle or user carriage. Furthermore, it is
beneficial to provide a shelter, which when assembled, simulates a
natural environmental element, e.g., tree stump, rock pile,
boulder, hay bale, muskrat house, rat lodge, beaver lodge, etc.
Further still, it is advantageous that such shelter have a
configuration which permits an agile sitting position for a
sheltered observer, is capable of physical expansion, and has an
ample ingress/egress for use by disabled or physically challenged
individuals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A field assembleable wildlife observation shelter having an
assembled configuration as that of a naturally occurring
environmental element is provided. The shelter, which is modular in
design, includes a plurality of rigid wall forming panels. Each of
the rigid wall forming panels of the plurality of rigid wall
forming panels has perimeter edges, and an arcuate cross section.
Opposing side perimeter edges of each of the rigid wall forming
panels are adapted such that adjacently paired rigid wall forming
panels are reversibly securable in furtherance of forming a wall
for substantially surrounding a wildlife observer. The plurality of
rigid wall forming wall panels are configurable so as to form a
transportable stack, more particularly, to define a secured
bundle.
[0010] More specific features and advantages obtained in view of
those features will become apparent with reference to the drawing
figures and DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates the field assembleable wildlife
observation shelter of the subject invention, configured as a tree
stump, in an assembled condition at a wildlife observation site,
the assembled shelter shown in a perspective view, slightly from
above;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a partial fragmentary side elevation view of the
shelter of FIG. 1 illustrating further features thereof;
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded, perspective view, slightly from
above, of the "front" wall forming panel of the shelter of FIG.
2;
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates an assembled and deployed wildlife
observation shelter of the subject invention configured as a rock
pile, shown in perspective view, slightly from above;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a partial fragmentary side elevation view of the
shelter of FIG. 4 illustrating a physically impaired hunter and his
dog therein;
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates an exterior elevation view of the
supplemental or extension panel of the subject invention,
configured for selective incorporation into the shelter of FIG.
4;
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates incorporation of the extension panel of
FIG. 6 into the shelter of FIG. 4, an oversized lid being
provided;
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates an assembled and deployed wildlife
observation shelter of the subject invention configured as a lodge,
shown in perspective view, slightly from above;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a partial fragmentary side elevation view of the
shelter of FIG. 8 illustrating ballast and anchoring elements
thereof;
[0020] FIG. 10, illustrates the shelter of FIG. 9, wherein decking
is further provided so as to define an observer platform;
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates the shelter of FIG. 9, wherein an
alternate anchoring element is provided, more particularly, a dry
well;
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a sectional perspective view of the
ballast element of FIG. 9, including the integration of shelter
stabilizers;
[0023] FIG. 13 illustrates adjacent rigid wall forming panels of
the subject invention in an intermediate state of engagement;
[0024] FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of
rigid wall forming panels of FIG. 13 configured so as to form a
transportable stack, more particularly, to define a secured
bundle;
[0025] FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the secured bundle of FIG.
14, taken about line 15-15;
[0026] FIG. 16 illustrates a base or skid panel for integration
with the secured bundle of FIG. 14;
[0027] FIG. 17 illustrates the functionality of the skid panel of
FIG. 16 in an assembled wildlife observation shelter, more
particularly as an interior wall section;
[0028] FIG. 18 illustrates the functionality of the skid panel of
FIG. 16 during mobilization of the field assembleable wildlife
observation shelter of the subject invention;
[0029] FIG. 19 illustrates a further mobilization methodology for
the secured bundle of the subject invention, namely floated towing
by canoe;
[0030] FIGS. 20, 20A & 20B illustrate yet a further
mobilization methodology of the secured bundle of the subject
invention via a roof rack or the like, more particularly, via use
of mounting hardware;
[0031] FIGS. 21 & 21A illustrate an alternate means by which
the secured bundle of the subject invention may be attached to a
vehicle in furtherance of field mobilization;
[0032] FIGS. 22 & 22A illustrate a ground engaging wheel
assembly for operative engagement with the secured bundle of the
subject invention in furtherance of field mobilization; and, FIGS.
23 & 23A illustrate a hitch assembly in combination with the
secured bundle of the subject invention so as to facilitate field
mobilization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] The field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of the
subject invention, in all of its embodiments, has an assembled
configuration as that of a naturally occurring environmental
element, for example, a tree stump (FIG. 1), a rock pile (FIG. 4),
or a lodge (FIG. 8). Such illustrations are exemplary, and not
intended to be necessarily limiting. Other naturally occurring
environmental elements, for example a boulder, hay stack or bale,
etc. are likewise contemplated. In as much as the assembled shelter
is intended to "blend" into the environment into which it is
deployed, i.e., it may be advantageous for the configuration to
have a camouflaged appearance, there being circumstances under
which a conspicuous appearance for the configuration is preferable,
e.g., a blaze or hunter's orange appearance in furtherance safety,
more particularly, selective detection by other hunters while
remaining "invisible" to game.
[0034] Referring now generally to FIGS. 1-3, the field assembleable
wildlife observation shelter 30 of the subject invention, shown in
an assembled tree stump configuration at a wildlife observation
site, generally includes a plurality of rigid wall forming panels
32, each of the rigid wall forming panels 34 of the plurality of
rigid wall forming panels 32 having perimeter edges 36, and an
arcuate cross section 38. Opposing side perimeter edges 40 of each
of the rigid wall forming panels 34 are adapted such that
adjacently paired rigid wall forming panels 34 are reversibly
securable in furtherance of forming a wall 42 for substantially
surrounding a wildlife observer 44. Unless otherwise and
specifically noted, the following discussion applies to the
rockpile shelter of FIGS. 4-7 and the lodge shelter of FIGS.
8-12.
[0035] All assembled shelter styles generally permit observation of
field activities in a 360.degree. range of motion. Viewing ports 46
are preferably included in each of the rigid wall forming panels 34
as shown, effectively establishing two sets of opposingly paired
ports for the wall 42. As is readily appreciated, the
configurations for, and/or position of the viewing or observation
ports are numerous and not intended to be limited to those
illustrated, functionality bearing greatly on port style and size.
For instance, a substantially continuous viewing "ring" may be
defined by two or more ring forming segments so as to provide an
observer with a less interrupted view than that illustrated.
Likewise, it may be advantageous to have a viewing port that is
vertically, as opposed to horizontally, oriented.
[0036] In furtherance of concealed wildlife observation, the
viewing ports 46 are adapted to preferably receive a covering 48
which provides a finished or continuous external appearance for the
wall forming panel 34, and thereby the assembled wall 42/shelter
30. As the apertures which define the viewing ports 46, the
coverings 48 are subject to design choice, to the extent that a
cohesive, external impression is maintained. A mesh or screen
covering is illustrated and exemplary.
[0037] Each of the wall forming panels of the plurality of wall
forming panels is preferably adapted to be selectively anchorable
at the wildlife observation site. An anchor receiving element 50,
for example a "skirt" or flap as shown with respect to FIGS. 1-7,
depends from a bottom, ground engaging perimeter of the panel 34.
More particularly, the flap 50 may outwardly extend from a lower
edge 52 of the panel 34, or a point adjacent thereto, either from
the interior surface 54 or exterior surface 56 thereof (FIG. 3). As
best seen in FIGS. 1, 4 & 7, the flap 50 may positioned beyond
the shelter foot print for anchoring by a spike, or rock,
advantageous when the ground is frozen, as shown in FIG. 1, or the
flap 50 may be positioned to be within the foot print of the
shelter, and similarly weighed down or otherwise held to the ground
surface as shown in FIG. 2. Alternate anchoring/stabilizing
mechanisms will be later discussed in the context of the lodge
shelter, FIGS. 8-12, that is to say, shelters intended for
water/marshland deployment.
[0038] Convenient ingress/egress to or from the shelter 30 is best
accomplished by a coverable opening or "man way" 58 in at least one
of the rigid wall forming panels 34. Ideally, the opening need only
be dimensioned to permit a shelter user to pass therethrough,
however larger openings are contemplated to facilitate passage of
larger items. During field assembly, items unable to pass through
the opening, may be "built around," that is to say, the shelter,
short of the "last" panel, may be assembled, with such items placed
therein so as to be enclosed subsequent to securing the last panel
so as to form the shelter wall. With such wildlife observation set
up, special needs persons, such as wheel chair bound individuals,
may be easily accommodated, and, the man way may even be omitted
without a loss of functionality of such feature. Advantageously, a
dog door 60 may also be incorporated or otherwise provided in at
least one of the rigid wall forming panels 34 of the shelter 30 as
is shown, for example, in FIG. 5.
[0039] As with the viewing port covers, it is especially important
that the covering of the man way be consistent with the exterior
appearance and general configuration of the shelter 30. A rigid
closure is shown, more particularly, a rigid closure 62 including a
viewing port 64. The closure or covering 62 may be of limitless
design, for instance be styled as a hatch cover, held in place by
easily manipulated latches or other reversible fasteners, or may be
a hinged door, having a left/right, or up/down swing.
[0040] As previously noted, the assembled panels 34 form a rigid
wall 42 for substantially surrounding a wildlife observer 44. The
upper extent of the shelter wall 42 defines an opening 66, more
particularly a top opening for the shelter 30. In as much as an
open top may be advantageous, as the case might be when hunting
ground traveling animals from the stump shelter of FIGS. 1 and 2,
it may also be desirable to have more comprehensive concealment
vis-a-vis the inclusion of a lid or topper 68, as when hunting
birds from the rock or lodge shelters of FIGS. 4-7 and 8-11
respectively.
[0041] Generally, the lid 68 for covering at least a portion of the
opening 66 defined by the upper extent of the rigid wall 42 formed
by the plurality of rigid wall forming panels 32 may have
attributes common with the man way or ingress/egress hatch 58. For
instance, the lid 68 preferably includes a viewing port 70, and
viewing port cover 72, and may be hingedly linked, as shown, to a
portion of the shelter wall 42, or more generally may be engaged by
at least a portion of the upper extent (e.g., the rim or mouth 74
of the shelter wall 42) for support thereupon. As with the viewing
port covers, it is important that all coverings for the shelter
openings have an exterior finish consistent with the shelter motif
so as to present a cohesive external configuration and appearance
for same.
[0042] Several auxiliary items are contemplated for the field
assembleable wildlife observation shelter of the subject invention.
Consistent with blending in with the surrounding environment,
portions of the shelter, e.g., rigid wall forming panels thereof,
are preferably adapted to receive or support items such as, but not
limited to, decoys 76 (e.g., hand operable as shown for example in
FIGS. 2, 5, and 9 or otherwise), vegetation 78 (FIGS. 4 and 8),
etc. With respect to enhancing the observation or hunting
experience, portions of the shelter 30, e.g., rigid wall forming
panels 34 thereof, are preferably adapted to receive or support
items such as, but not limited to, shelving 80 (see e.g., FIG. 2),
or holders, hangers, etc., flooring or decking 82 (see e.g., FIG.
10) ballasts or floatation element(s) 84 (see e.g., FIGS. 9-12 a
dry well 86 (see e.g., FIG. 11).
[0043] The rigid wall forming panels 34 of the subject invention
are preferably of arcuate cross-section, or more generally, are
non-planar elements. As will be latter discussed in detail with
reference to FIGS. 13-16, the panels 34 are preferably curved
throughout their width (i.e., between their opposing side perimeter
edges 40), and may also be advantageously curved throughout their
length (i.e., between their opposing end perimeter edges 41, or
more conventionally, their top and bottom edges).
[0044] With particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the field
assembleable wildlife observation shelter 30 of the subject
invention may further include one or more supplemental, extension
panels 88. As may readily be appreciated, such supplemental panels
88 add to the modularity of the shelters of the subject invention,
the supplemental panels being analogous to a table leaf: should
several wildlife observers want concealed shelter, e.g., a hunting
party of two or three persons, the assembled structure, more
particularly the rigid wall forming panels 34 thereof, can easily
include or incorporate a pair of extension panels 88. Although flat
panels are contemplated, they may suitably have an arcuate cross
section, preferable compatible with the cross section of the
adjacent wall forming panels of the assembly. Furthermore, the
inclusion or incorporation of such an extension panel 88 or panels
into the wall 42 of the shelter 30 necessitates, as the case may
be, that the lid or cover 68 be oversized. In the instant "hunting
party" scenario, field transport of the shelter, whether non,
partially or fully assembled, is most likely, and advantageously by
a motor driven vehicle whether in the bed of a pick-up or towed by
all terrain vehicle. This particular modular shelter design is
ideally suited to guides, outfitters, etc. who would make such
shelters available for use by hunters, perhaps tailoring the
configurations of the pre-deployed shelters to a particular user's
needs or expectations on a case by case basis.
[0045] When waterfowl or the like is contemplated for observation,
the shelter of FIGS. 8-11 is particularly well suited for such
activity. As previously noted, a ballast element 84 is operably
receivable by at least a portion of the rigid wall 42 formed by the
plurality of rigid wall forming panels 34. The ballast element 84
preferably, but not necessarily includes one or more ring forming
segments 90. Each segment 90 of the ballast element 84 preferably
includes two compartments or chambers, namely a sealed air
compartment 92, and a water receiving compartment 94. Each segment
90 is adapted to securingly and reversibly receive a lower end
portion (e.g., the bottom edge or lower rim 52) of the rigid wall
42 formed by the wall forming panels 34, more particularly, the
lower end portion of the rigid wall 52 is interposed between upper
portions of the compartments 92, 94 of the ballast element 84,
which are generally oriented in a spaced apart condition. The
ballast element 84 permits controlled ingress of water, preferably
from the wetland environment into which the shelter is deployed,
into water receiving compartment 94 so as to stabilize the
assembled observation shelter.
[0046] The water receiving compartment 94 of the ballast element 84
generally has a rectangular or box like cross section, the sealed
air compartment 92 outwardly extending from a lateral side wall 96
thereof, namely an exterior lateral sidewall. The bottom surface 98
of the water receiving compartment 94 includes apertures 100 to
permit ingress/egress of water into/from the chamber 94. The top or
upper surface 102 of the water receiving compartment 94 includes at
least a single capped vent 104 capable of regulating the ingress of
water into the compartment 94, and the buoyancy of the shelter
thereby. As illustrated, the upper surface 102 of the compartment
94 may include profiled portions 106 for receiving a variety of
holders for beverages, shells, etc., or the items directly.
[0047] In furtherance of shelter stability when deployed in a
wetland, an anchor, tether or equivalent mechanism 108 is
desirable. As shown in FIGS. 9, 10 and 12, the ballast element 84
is adapted to receive one or more telescoping legs 110 which may
downwardly and outwardly extend from the water receiving
compartment 94 for driven placement into the local "bottom" 112 of
the wetland. This approach is especially well suited where an
observer wishes to be elevated above the local water surface, for
instance, when flooring or decking 82 substantially traverses the
area bounded by the buoyancy element 84 as shown in FIG. 10, an
upper portion of the telescoping legs, or fixture for same, aiding
in the support of the decking. Alternately, a dry well 86 may
engage a lower portion of the rigid wall 42 of the shelter 30 so as
to downwardly extend to and/or into the local "bottom" 112 of the
wetland as shown in FIG. 11. Although not show, the stabilizing
mechanism may include a tether, more particularly, a chain, rope,
chord, etc. which attaches the shelter to a element driven into the
"bottom" of the wetland.
[0048] With reference now to FIGS. 13-16, further details of the
rigid wall forming panels of the subject field assembleable
wildlife observation shelter will be provided, and functionality
discussed. As previously noted, each of the panels 34 has an
arcuate cross section 38, preferably, each of the panels 34 is
curved or bowed across their width, i.e., from side to side. It is
intended to be within the spirit and scope of the subject invention
that the panels may further be curved, uniformly or otherwise,
across their length, i.e., from top to bottom.
[0049] Preferably, but not necessarily, each of the rigid wall
forming panels 34 includes plural spaced apart tabs 114 laterally
extending from a first side perimeter edge 116 of the opposing side
perimeter edges 36 thereof. A second side perimeter edge 118 of the
opposing side perimeter edges 36 of each of the rigid wall forming
panels 34 includes plural spaced apart tab receiving elements 120.
Adjacently paired wall forming panels are aligned by mating the
tabs 114/tab receivers 120 of the one panel, with the tab receivers
120/tabs 114 of the other panel.
[0050] At least a single binding element 122, e.g., a strap,
extends from one of the opposing side perimeter edges 36 of each of
the rigid wall forming panels 34 so as to secure same, directly or
indirectly, to an adjacently aligned rigid wall panel 34 of said
plurality of rigid wall forming panels 32. As shown in FIG. 13, a
pair of binding elements 122 extend from the first side perimeter
edge 116, in the present case, the side perimeter edge from which
the tabs 114 extend. The free end of the strap 122 is threaded
through a loop, or more generally keeper 124, affixed to the side
perimeter edge 36 opposite the side from which the strap 122
extends (i.e., the second perimeter edge 118) of the adjacent
panel. Subsequently, the free end of the strap 122 is effectively
returned to the point from which it extends, for reversible
affixation, as by cooperative engagement of hooks and loops of a
hook and loop fastening system carried by the mating surfaces
thereof. The means by which adjacent panels are reversibly secured
may be carried by either the exterior 56 or interior 54 panel
surface, and, as is readily appreciated, the manner of securing
adjacent panels need not be limited to the disclosed means, nor
need it be limited to the described arrangements for the disclosed
elements, as a matter of fact, a variety of other know reversible
fastening mechanism are contemplated.
[0051] Critical to the effectiveness of the subject field
assembleable wildlife observation shelter is its mobilization, that
is to say its ease of mobilization, to a wildlife observation site.
As previously discussed, uses for the subject shelter can be
variable, and so too the nature of the user or users. In
furtherance of mobilization, be it human power, animal power, or
motorized vehicle, the plurality of rigid wall forming panels are
configurable so as to form a transportable stack. The wall forming
panels 34 are adapted such that the transportable stack defines a
secured bundle 126 as shown for example in FIGS. 14-18. For
example, each of the rigid wall forming panels 34 includes at least
a single aperture 128, and a binding element 130 (e.g., a strap
(FIG. 14, compression fitting (FIG. 16), etc.) for receipt through
the aligned apertures of the transportable stack in furtherance of
forming the secured bundle 126. Use may also be made of the viewing
port 46, the binding elements 122 extending from one of the side
perimeter edges 34, and/or the keeper 124 extending from the other
of the side perimeter edges 34 of the panels 34 for forming the
secured bundle 126.
[0052] Referring now particularly to FIGS. 16-18, the shelter of
the subject invention may further and advantageously include a base
or skid panel 132. The base panel 132 may either preferably form
the outer most (i.e., bottom) panel of the transportable stack, or
may be an element facilitating the transformation of the
transportable stack into the secured bundle, the critical
consideration being that the base panel 132 defines a potential
contact or abrasion surface for the secured bundle 126 during
stowage and/or transport. The base panel 132 is preferably
integrated with the transportable stack via the use of select
hardware, namely compression fittings such as studs 134, passing
through the stacked panels 34, upon which wing nuts or the like 136
are received. In the context of the assembled shelter (FIG. 17),
the base panel 132 preferably attaches to reinforce a wall forming
panel 34, more particularly, to define an interior panel or wall
segment for the shelter 30.
[0053] Referring now particularly to FIG. 18-22A, the transportable
stack, or more particularly, the secured bundle 126, is further
adapted to be carried (i.e., hauled) by a variety of means. First,
in the most straight forward approach, a tow rope or the like 138
is forwardly extendable from the upper portion of the panels 34 in
their stacked condition, that is to say, from the forward end
portion of the transportable stack (i.e., viewing ports 46 to the
front) as is contemplated in FIGS. 18 & 19.
[0054] Second, the secured bundle of the subject invention may be
further readily adapted so as to be readily receivable upon, or
attached to, a vehicle roof as shown in FIGS. 20-21A. For support
by a roof rack or the like, FIGS. 20-20B, a mounting fixture 140 as
shown links the secured bundle 126 to the cross rails 142 of an
existing rack system 144. The hardware which unites or binds the
rigid wall forming panels of the transportable stack are selected,
or adapted as the case may be, so as to reversibly couple with the
mounting fixture 140. For direct vehicle top support, FIGS. 21
& 21A, it is contemplated that the transportable stack of
panels 34 be received indirectly upon a vehicle roof or the like,
as for example upon a foam block 146 which provides vehicle
protection and vibration dampening. Straps 148, more particularly
cinch straps having vinyl coated roof clips 150 and components of a
hook and loop fastening system, extend from a portion of the roof
so as to capture the transportable stack and thereby define secured
bundle 126.
[0055] Third, a ground engaging wheel assembly 152, FIGS. 22 &
22A, is provided for receipt by the rearward end portion of the
transportable stack. The wheel assembly 152 generally includes a
pair of wheels 154 operatively received upon an axle 156, the axle
156 being securable to the transportable stack via adaptation of
the compression fittings 134, 136 shown.
[0056] Fourth, a hitch assembly 158, FIGS. 22 & 22A, may be
utilized in combination with the wheel assembly 152, for towing as
by an all terrain vehicle 160 or the like. The assembly 158
generally includes a linkage 162, one end of which is operatively
incorporated or integrated with the transportable stack, the other
end of which is equipped with a hitch 164 for receipt upon a ball,
hook, etc. of a motorized vehicle
[0057] The subject invention disclosure is generally directed to a
field assembleable wildlife observation shelter of modular design.
Rigid wall forming panels are especially configured and adapted so
as to permit formation of a transportable stack, more particularly
a secured bundle. The secured bundle in turn is especially adapted,
though it need not be, to permit convenient field transport, more
particularly, to accommodate a variety of field transport options.
There are other variations of the subject invention, some of which
will become obvious to those skilled in the art. It will be
understood that this disclosure, in many respects, is only
illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in
matters of shape, size, material, and arrangement of parts, as the
case may be, without exceeding the scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the subject invention is as defined in
the language of the appended claims.
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