U.S. patent application number 10/973197 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-27 for mobile hunting stand.
This patent application is currently assigned to JimmyDeer LLC. Invention is credited to Jimmy D. SR. Brown.
Application Number | 20060086569 10/973197 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36205176 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060086569 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brown; Jimmy D. SR. |
April 27, 2006 |
Mobile hunting stand
Abstract
A mobile hunting stand is provided that is suitable for use by
both able and disabled persons. The present invention comprises a
towed mobile base having a plurality of stabilizing leg members for
use during set-up of the hunting stand. Located on the base is the
actuation equipment, a hydraulic cylinder, pump and battery, for a
lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is connected to a platform which
may be raised above the mobile base for use in hunting, bird
watching or otherwise as an observation post.
Inventors: |
Brown; Jimmy D. SR.;
(Gloster, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LANIER FORD SHAVER & PAYNE
P O BOX 2087
HUNTSVILLE
AL
35804
US
|
Assignee: |
JimmyDeer LLC
Huntsville
AL
|
Family ID: |
36205176 |
Appl. No.: |
10/973197 |
Filed: |
October 26, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/63.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01M 31/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/063.1 |
International
Class: |
E04C 1/00 20060101
E04C001/00 |
Claims
1. A hunting stand comprising: a mobile base, said mobile base
having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of
stabilizing leg members; a hydraulically actuated lift mechanism
having a first end and a second end, said first end mounted to said
base; and a platform attached to said second end of said
hydraulically actuated lift mechanism.
2. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said lift mechanism, its
associated hydraulic actuation system, and said platform are housed
within said mobile base when said platform is in its stowed
position.
3. A hunting stand as in claim 2, wherein said hydraulic actuation
system comprises: a hydraulic cylinder having a first end and a
second end, wherein said first end is affixed to said mobile base
and said second end is affixed to said lift mechanism; a hydraulic
pump suitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic cylinder;
and a battery suited for providing power to operate said pump.
4. A hunting stand as in claim 3, wherein said battery has a solar
panel recharging system.
5. A hunting stand as in claim 2, wherein said lift mechanism
comprises a plurality of inter-related crossed structural members
rotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at
their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a
compressive force such that said members are rotated from the
horizontal toward the vertical.
6. A hunting stand as in claim 5, wherein said lift mechanism can
raise said platform at least twelve feet above said mobile
base.
7. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said mobile base is
suitable for towing behind a vehicle.
8. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said platform is provided
with a safety railing about its periphery and wherein at least one
portion of said safety railing serves as a ramp when said platform
is in its stowed position to allow for access to said platform by
disabled persons.
9. A hunting stand as in claim 8, wherein the width of said
platform and said ramp is sufficient to allow access by standard
sized manually-operated and motorized wheelchairs.
10. A hunting stand as in claim 1, wherein said stand is provided
with a plurality of manually adjustable straps for securing said
stand to a nearby tree for additional stabilization.
11. A hunting stand as in claim 10, wherein said platform is
provided with foot operated controls to raise and lower said
platform.
12. A hunting stand as in claim 11, wherein said platform is
provided with a safety ladder.
13. A hunting stand comprising: a mobile base, said mobile base
having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of
stabilizing leg members; a lift mechanism having a first end and a
second end, said first end mounted to said mobile base; a hydraulic
actuation system comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder having
a piston end and a cylinder end, wherein said cylinder end is
affixed to said mobile base and said piston end is affixed to said
lift mechanism, a hydraulic pump suitable for extending and
retracting said hydraulic cylinder, and a battery suited for
providing power to operate said pump; and a platform attached to
said second end of said lift mechanism.
14. A hunting stand as in claim 13, wherein said lift mechanism,
its associated hydraulic actuation system, and said platform are
housed within said mobile base when said platform is in its stowed
position.
15. A hunting stand as in claim 13, wherein said battery has a
solar panel recharging system.
16. A hunting stand as in claim 13, wherein said lift mechanism
comprises a plurality of inter-related crossed structural members
rotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at
their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a
compressive force such that said members are rotated from the
horizontal toward the vertical.
17. A hunting stand as in claim 16, wherein said lift mechanism can
raise said platform at least twelve feet above said mobile
base.
18. A hunting stand as in claim 13, wherein said mobile base is
suitable for towing behind a vehicle.
19. A hunting stand as in claim 18, wherein said platform is
provided with a safety railing about its periphery and wherein at
least one portion of said safety railing serves as a ramp when said
platform is in its stowed position to allow for access to said
platform by disabled persons and standard sized manually-operated
and motorized wheelchairs.
20. A hunting stand comprising: a mobile base, said mobile base
having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of
stabilizing leg members; a lift mechanism comprising a plurality of
inter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to the
nearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow
them to is act upon each other with a compressive force such that
said members are rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical,
and wherein a first of said structural members has a first end and
a last of said members has a second end, wherein said first end is
mounted to said mobile base; a hydraulic actuation system
comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder having a piston end and
a cylinder end, wherein said cylinder end is affixed to said mobile
base and said piston end is affixed to said lift mechanism, a
hydraulic pump suitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic
cylinder, and a battery suited for providing power to operate said
pump; and a platform attached to said second end of said last
member fo said lift mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention generally relates to hunting equipment. In
particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the
temporary positioning of a site from which to hunt. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile hunting
stand suitable for use in generally clear or heavily wooded areas.
Most particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile
hunting stand capable of raising a user a limited distance above
the ground while eliminating the need for climbing and
simultaneously reducing the threat of falling.
[0002] Wild game hunters in North America, particularly those
hunting deer and turkey have found that stationary hunting
techniques are often the most effective. As a result, numerous
apparatus have been developed to aid in camouflaging both the
hunter and his/her position while awaiting the passage of their
quarry. Among the most common of these is the tree stand. Tree
stands provide a user a raised location from which to observe a
wide area. Unfortunately, however, tree stands are inherently
dangerous to use as they require the user to scale a large tree
while either tethered to their equipment on the ground (and then to
pull it up using ropes) or to scale the tree while hauling all of
the equipment with them. Numerous injuries occur each year from
hunters falling during ascent or descent from hunting stands and
still others are injured from falls out of the tree stands which
limit the safety gear associated therewith to reduce the weight of
the stand itself. Still further, many hunters are injured each year
from gunshot wounds due to dropped rifles and other accidents
related directly to the use of tree stands.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention recognizes and addresses various of
the foregoing limitations and drawbacks, and others, concerning
present hunting stands and the dangers associated therewith.
Therefore, the present invention is primarily directed to the
provision of a mobile hunting stand suitable for use in generally
clear or heavily wooded areas and on generally level or uneven
terrain. Additionally, the present invention is directed to such a
hunting stand that may be used by both able and disabled
persons.
[0004] It is, therefore, a principle object of the subject
invention to provide a mobile hunting stand. More particularly, it
is an object of the present invention to provide such a hunting
stand suitable for use by both able and disabled persons. In such
context, it is still a more particular object of the present
invention to provide a mobile hunting stand capable of eliminating
the need for climbing stairs, a ladder, or a tree to reach a raised
platform. Still further, in such context, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a mobile hunting stand capable of
being disengaged and reestablished in another location within
minutes and with a minimum of additional equipment.
[0005] Still further, it is a principle object of this invention to
provide a mobile hunting stand capable of being hydraulically
raised. It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a hunting stand comprising a platform that may be raised from
a generally stored position to an extended position at least twelve
feet above the ground. In such context, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a hydraulically raised hunting stand
utilizing a scissors-lift configuration for raising such stand.
[0006] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a mobile hunting stand suitable for conversion to a mobile hunting
blind through the attachment of various pieces of material to cover
corresponding pieces of the hunting stand. In such context, it is
the primary object of the present invention to provide a mobile
hunting stand comprising an interlocking frame for supporting the
various material pieces that camouflage the stand.
[0007] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide
a mobile hunting stand suitable for being towed by another vehicle,
including an ATV or other three- or four-wheeled motorcycle. In
such context, it is an object of the present invention to provide
leg extensions for providing stability to such hunting stand when
disconnected from such a towing vehicle.
[0008] Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set
forth in, or will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art
from, the detailed description as follows. Also, it should be
further appreciated that modifications and variations to the
specifically illustrated and discussed features and materials
hereof may be practiced in various embodiments and uses of this
invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by
virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include,
but are not limited to, substitutions of the equivalent means,
features, and materials for those shown or discussed, and the
functional or positional reversal of various parts, features, or
the like.
[0009] Still further, it is to be understood that different
embodiments, as well as different presently preferred embodiments,
of this invention, may include various combinations or
configurations of presently disclosed features, elements, or their
equivalents (including combinations of features or configurations
thereof not expressly shown in the figures or stated in the
detailed description).
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following descriptions and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and,
together with the descriptions, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, there may be provided a mobile
hunting stand for use by both able and disabled persons. Such stand
may be comprised of a scissor-lift type mechanism mounted on a
towed base having a plurality of four-wheeled axles and a plurality
of extendable leg members for providing static stability to such
base when not connected to a towing vehicle. Such base may also
house the necessary equipment for operation of such scissor-lift
type platform, including, but not limited to, a scissor-lift, a
hydraulic cylinder, a lift mechanism for operation of both the
scissor-lift and the hydraulic cylinder, a battery, and
alternatively a solar panel for recharging such battery.
[0012] The stand may further comprise a single flat-bottomed
platform that may be comprised of wood planking, metal or a grate
system. Preferably, such flooring should be non-slip or be provided
with a covering having a sufficient friction of coefficient to
reduce slippage of a user's feet during foul weather conditions.
Additionally, such platform may be provided with a safety railing
at least three feet in height. A gate in the safety railing may be
provided at the rear of the platform, which may also be formed of a
hinged ramp for use by those users requiring handicapped access to
the platform. The platform may be of any size sufficient to
accommodate standard manual or motorized wheelchairs but its width
is limited by the nature of its intended use and the need to be
able to operate in heavily wooded areas.
[0013] In operation, the mobile hunting stand would be towed to a
desired site and the plurality of extendable leg members would be
lowered to sufficiently balance and support the base. It would then
be removed from the towing vehicle. Depending on the intended
usage, the stand may be outfitted with its camouflage panels,
including a covering, from the ground, thus enhancing safety. The
user or users may then climb onto the platform and utilizing the
hydraulic actuators activate the scissor-lift mechanism to raise
the platform to a desired height. From this raised position, the
users may then hunt in relative safety and comfort. The hunting
stand may alternatively be used as a hunting blind while retained
in the lowered or a semi-raised position. While raised, the hunting
stand may additionally be tethered to a nearby tree to aid in
increasing the safety of the raised stand.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of one exemplary embodiment of
the present invention in a stowed position;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1
showing the present invention in a fully raised position;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1
showing the present invention in a stored position with the ramp
extended; and
[0018] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the
hunting platform of the present invention including waterproof
camouflage cloth coverings for conversion of the present invention
to a hunting/observation blind.
[0019] Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present
specification and appended drawings is intended to represent the
same or analogous features or elements of the various exemplary
embodiments of the present invention described and shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are fully
represented in the accompanying drawings. Such examples are
provided by way of an explanation of the invention, not limitation
thereof. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that various modifications and variations can be made in the
present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of
one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Still further, variations in selection of
materials and/or characteristics may be practiced, to satisfy
particular desired user criteria. Thus, it is intended that the
present invention cover such modifications and variations as come
within the scope of the present features and their equivalents.
[0021] As disclosed above, the present invention is particularly
concerned with a mobile hunting stand 10 comprising a mobile base
12, a lift mechanism 14 and a hunting platform 16. The mobile base
12 is designed to be towed by a plurality of vehicle types (but
primarily all-terrain vehicles or ATVs are envisioned) to its
location of intended use. The base 12 is provided with at least two
two-wheeled axels 18 sufficient to support the base 12 and
associated equipment 14, 16 and 19 during the transportation of the
stand 10.
[0022] As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mobile hunting stand 10
of the present invention is transported as a permanent fixture on a
mobile base unit 12. The mobile base 12 is both wider and longer
than the hunting platform 16. In the presently preferred embodiment
of the present invention, while stored, the hunting platform 16 is
generally centered on the mobile base 12 and is located such that
its rearward end corresponds to the rearward end of the mobile
platform 12. Such an arrangement allows for a space within the
mobile platform 12 forward of the stowed hunting platform 16 for
the inclusion of an electrical system 19 for operation of the
hydraulic motors that serve to raise and lower the hunting platform
16.
[0023] Further, the mobile base 12 maintains the hunting platform
16 in a somewhat elevated relationship so as to maintain a storage
compartment 20 underneath such stowed hunting platform 16 for
receipt of the lift mechanism 14. The mobile base 12 is provided
with a standardized towing ball/mount 22 for connection of the
mobile base 12 to a towing vehicle (not shown). In order to provide
stability to the mobile base 12 during use of the lift mechanism 14
and hunting platform 16, a plurality of extendable legs 24 is
provided. One of each of such extendable legs is located at each
corner of the mobile base 12. Such plurality of extendable legs 24
are lowered during setup of the hunting stand 10 and may be secured
using spikes or other methods to further anchor the mobile base 12
in place.
[0024] The electrical system 19 used to operate the hydraulic
motors responsible for raising and lowering the hunting platform 16
is comprised of a rechargeable battery 26 which may alternatively
be charged by the towing vehicle's battery or through the use of an
available solar panel 28 mounted directly on top of the battery 26
within the mobile base 12. The battery 26 provides power to the
hydraulic motors which drive the hydraulic pistons of the lift
mechanism 14.
[0025] The lift mechanism 14, preferably a scissor-lift mechanism,
comprises a series of inter-related crossed structural members 30
rotatably affixed to the nearest other member 30 substantially at
their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a
compressive force such that the members 30 are rotated from the
horizontal toward the vertical. The series of inter-related members
30 have a first end secured to the mobile base 12 and a second end
secured to the underside of the hunting platform 16. Hydraulic
cylinders and pistons 32 connected nearer the inter-related
member's 30 first end serve to initiate the compressive force
acting on the lift mechanism 14 to raise the hunting platform 16 to
a desired height above the ground for use during
hunting/observation. The hydraulic portion of the lift mechanism 14
is sized so as to allow for the provision of at least two generally
normal sized adult males to be located on said hunting platform 16
and still retain the capability to lift the hunting platform 16 to
its maximum height of at least twelve feet.
[0026] The hunting platform 16 may be formed using any known
structural material of sufficient strength and design to support
its occupants. One preferred embodiment of the present invention
includes the use of angle iron to form a basic structural outline
of the platform 16 and the further use of wooden or metal planking
or a grate system for the flooring of the platform 16. It is
preferred but not required that a non-slip coating or surface
treatment be included on the flooring material to enhance the
safety of the stand 10 for its users. Further, the platform 16 is
provided with a safety railing 34 to further enhance the safety of
the occupants of the platform 16, particularly while in a raised
position.
[0027] The hunting platform 16 is further provided with a series of
foot operated pedals 36 connected to the hydraulic motors for
operative control of the stand 10 while within the platform 16. In
the unlikely event that such controls fail, the platform 16 may be
outfitted with an emergency rope ladder 38 for use by the occupants
of a raised platform 16 for egress. Further, should the hydraulics
portion of the lift mechanism 14 fail, the inter-related crossed
structural members 30 would slowly lower the raised hunting
platform 16 due to their inability to maintain such platform 16 in
its raised position. Finally, to prevent the undesirable static
destabilization of the present invention 10 while the hunting
platform 16 is raised, the platform 16 maybe provided with a pair
of straps 40 for securement about a near-by tree. The straps 40 may
be designed so as to be functionally individual units for
securement about separate trees or to cooperate with each other for
securement of the raised platform 16 to an individual tree. Such
built-in safety enhancements further serve to protect the users
during operation of the present invention 10.
[0028] As it is a desired criteria of the present invention to be
useful to those who are disabled, as best seen in FIG. 3, the rear
portion of the safety railing 34 may be provided with a hinge and a
lock mechanism so as to allow for its use as a ramp 42 for ingress
and egress to the stowed platform 16. In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the ramp 42 is of sufficient length that it
may be lowered for admittance of wheelchair-bound or other disabled
users while the hunting platform 16 is in its stowed position
within the mobile base 12. The ramp 42 would be hinged along its
bottom to the base of the hunting platform 16.
[0029] Finally, the present invention is additionally envisioned as
a blind for both hunting and/or observation of wildlife. To aid in
achieving such activity, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the structural framework of the hunting platform 16 is
provided with a plurality of connecting members 44 for the addition
of a series of camouflage panels 46 designed to aid in reducing the
visibility of the stand 10. The connecting members 44 may be, by
way of example and not limitation, snaps, buttons, hook and loop
fastener, such as VECRO.TM., or hooks and grommets, or any other
known methodology for attaching a facing to a structure.
Additionally, the inclusion of a lightweight framework 48 (as used
in erecting a tent) may be provided to further raise the camouflage
covering 46 above the top of the safety railing of the raised
platform 16 and/or to provide a cover over such platform 16. Still
further, the camouflage panels 46 may be sufficient to cover the
lower portion of the stand 10 while the hunting platform 16 is in
its raised position. Finally, the camouflage panels 46 may be made
of any known material, but in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, such panels 46 are constructed of either a heavyweight
canvas-like material or an extremely lightweight fabric similar to
that used in the construction of commercially available tents. In
either event, it is preferred that the material used is
waterproof.
[0030] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has
been described using specific terms and devices, such description
is for illustrative purposes only. The words used are words of
description rather than of limitation. It is to be understood that
changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in
the art without departing from the spirit or the scope of the
present invention, which is set forth in the following claims. In
addition, it should be understood that aspects of various other
embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part.
Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not
be limited to the description of the preferred version contained
herein.
* * * * *