U.S. patent application number 12/767790 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for portable backrest device.
Invention is credited to BRAD KELLY.
Application Number | 20100270831 12/767790 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42991462 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KELLY; BRAD |
October 28, 2010 |
PORTABLE BACKREST DEVICE
Abstract
A portable backrest device used by a hunter for outdoor
activities comprises a flat backing plate fabricated out of a rigid
material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped configuration
having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider than the
domed top edge and a pair of integrated flat short legs. Each
integrated flat short leg extends downwardly from a corner of the
straight bottom edge of the flat backing plate. A padded cushion is
secured to the flat backing plate. When the flat short legs make
contact with the ground, the flat short legs will stabilize the
flat backing plate with the padded cushion when placed against an
object on the ground, thereby allowing the hunter to sit
comfortably on the ground against the padded cushion. A cutout
handle is utilized for easy transportation.
Inventors: |
KELLY; BRAD; (Pearl,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thien Tran/ Access Patent Group, LLC
7706 Tanner Robert Court
Springfield
VA
22153
US
|
Family ID: |
42991462 |
Appl. No.: |
12/767790 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61172757 |
Apr 26, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/183.1 ;
297/452.48 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 16/005
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/183.1 ;
297/452.48 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/00 20060101
A47C001/00 |
Claims
1. A portable backrest device used by a hunter for outdoor
activities which comprises: a) a flat backing plate fabricated out
of a rigid material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped
configuration having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider
than said domed top edge and a pair of integrated flat short legs,
with each said flat short leg extending downwardly from a corner of
said straight bottom edge of said flat backing plate; and b) a
padded cushion secured to said flat backing plate, wherein when
said flat short legs make contact with the ground, said flat short
legs will stabilize said flat backing plate with said padded
cushion when placed against an object on the ground, thereby
allowing the hunter to sit comfortably on the ground against said
padded cushion.
2. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said rigid material of
said flat backing plate and said flat short legs is plastic.
3. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein said padded cushion
comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth
covering.
4. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising a cutout
handle extending through said padded cushion and said flat backing
plate for easy transportation thereof.
5. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional
pocket provided in said padded cushion, wherein said pocket will
hold various articles of the hunter therein.
6. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the object is selected
from the group consisting of a tree, a fence and a rock.
7. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional
inverted V-shaped stand to support said flat backing plate with
said padded cushion on the ground when there is no object in
sight.
8. The device as recited in claim 1, further comprising an optional
padded seat member hinged to said flat short legs of said flat
backing plate, whereby when said padded seat member is pivoted down
upon the ground the hunter can sit on said padded seat member and
rest against said padded cushion.
9. The device as recited in claim 8, wherein said padded seat
member comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant cloth
covering.
10. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein an outer surface can
be digitally imprinted in camouflaged fashion.
11. The device as recited in claim 1, wherein the portable backrest
device is weighted 4-7 lbs.
12. The device is recited in claim 1, wherein the distance between
two legs 120 is at least 1.5-2.5 feet.
13. The device is recited in claim 1, wherein the dome top edge has
curvature of radius around 1 feet.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/172,757, filed on Apr. 26, 2009, in the United
States Patent & Trademark Office, the disclosure of which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a back support, and more
particularly, a portable backrest device.
[0004] The portable backrest device provides hunters with
cushioning and support while leaning against an object when hunting
from the ground. The present invention can alleviate pain that a
hunter may feel when partially reclining against a tree, rock or
fence when hunting game. The portable backrest device is ideal for
any outdoorsmen that may be leaning against an object for an
extended period of time when stalking game.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] When hunting game, the hunter may lean on trees and other
items while waiting for prey from the ground. Some hunters may lean
or rest against an item for an extended period of time, which may
lead to pain in the back. The hunter when continuously moving
around to be comfortable or to stretch the body can easily startle
nearby animals. Having a simple way to remain content and pain free
while leaning against an object in the woods may assist hunters in
staying still for a more elongated period of time, while hunting
from the ground.
[0007] Numerous innovations for hunting equipment have been
provided in the prior art that will be described. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, however, they differ from the present
invention.
[0008] A FIRST EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 4,236,602, Issued on Dec. 2,
1980, to Leggett teaches an apparatus attachable to a vertically
extending object and having a stand and seat for providing support.
Means are provided for adjusting the pitch of the seat. Cables
connected to the frame and the stand support much of the weight on
the stand in order to provide stability. Both the seat and stand
pivot so as to form a compact package for storage and portage.
Means are provided for maintaining the apparatus noiseless both
when the apparatus is flexed and when the seat and stand are
pivoted. Other embodiments include only the seat and only the
stand.
[0009] A SECOND EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2006/0054397, Published on Mar. 16, 2006, to Pringnitz teaches a
tree stand for hunting that includes a frame constructed to stably
engage a tree trunk in an elevated position, a seat pivoted to the
frame, and a back support pivotally supported by a link mechanism
to a telescoping upright of the frame above the seat. Vertical and
angular adjustment of the back support allows the hunter to adjust
the back support for optimal ergonomic lumbar support and for user
preference. Further, the back support and seat can be pivotally
adjusted to provide a partial-standing perched position for the
hunter. Also, the tree stand can be folded flat for storage and
transport.
[0010] A THIRD EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,050, Issued on Aug. 15,
2006, to Hedgepeth teaches a mobile stand that can be suspended in
a tree from an overhead location and thereafter be safely, quietly,
and easily maneuvered by a seated occupant facing the tree into any
position about the tree's circumference. The occupant can shoot in
any direction without standing and also use the tree as a gun rest
for a shot in any direction. The mobile nature of the stand
provides hunters with the option of using a gun support lanyard
attached to the upper part of its closed tubular frame or
suspending cable which allows the lanyard to move with the hunter.
The stand can also be used for ground level hunting, as well as
indoor and outdoor recreational use by adults and children. One
embodiment includes a back support that reclines into various
postures, including a substantially horizontally-extending
position. As an option, it can be readily disassembled for compact
transport and storage.
[0011] A FOURTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2006/0261103, Published on Nov. 23, 2006, to Strange teaches a
combination folding chair and stool that folds down into a backpack
frame with attachable shoulder straps and tote bag. A rear
extension of the seat is braced against a tree and the backrest
leans against the tree in the chair configuration. The backrest
pivots down to form rear legs in a free-standing stool
configuration.
[0012] A FIFTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2007/0012734, Published on Jan. 18, 2007, to Lee et al. teaches a
foldable chair that includes shoulder straps for transporting the
chair, pockets of various sizes and shapes for storage of hunting
gear and a thick seat cushion for improved comfort. The seat
cushion is made of thick, dense foam for improved comfort and
includes a strap on the bottom edge to attach the seat cushion to
the backpack when the cushion is not being used as a seat. The
present invention further includes a pivotable frame capable of
forming an angled structure when self-support is desired and
capable of pivoting into a flat frame for resting against a tree or
other vertical support when desired. The invention also includes a
cover, mesh or otherwise, surrounding the frame that acts as a back
support, while the chair is in-use.
[0013] A SIXTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Pat. No. 7,246,683, Issued on Jul. 24,
2007, to Pringnitz teaches a tree stand for hunting which includes
a frame constructed to stably engage a tree trunk in an elevated
position, a seat pivoted to the frame, and a back support pivotally
supported by a link mechanism to a telescoping upright of the frame
above the seat. Vertical and angular adjustment of the back support
allows the hunter to adjust the back support for optimal ergonomic
lumbar support and for user preference. Further, the back support
and seat can be pivotally adjusted to provide a partial-standing
perched position for the hunter. Also, the tree stand can be folded
flat for storage and transport.
[0014] A SEVENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2008/0169156, Published on Jul. 17, 2008, to Leishman et al.
teaches a tree stand that attaches to a tree trunk for a hunter to
sit in. The tree stand includes a seat structure shaped to provide
support for a user. The seat structure has a frame. An attachment
device is configured to anchor to the tree trunk and to support the
weight of a user positioned in the tree stand. A first pivot
structure is attached between the seat structure and the attachment
device. The first pivot structure is connected to the frame and
cantilevered out from the first pivot structure. The first pivot
structure has a first axis about which the seat structure rotates
thru a first range of motion. The first range of motion is a side
to side movement around the tree trunk.
[0015] AN EIGHTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2009/0015040, Published on Jan. 15, 2009, to Redmann teaches a
chair designed for outdoor use, in particular various hunting
applications. The chair is independently adjustable in the seat
platform, the legs and the seatback to meet the different
requirements for hunting various types of game, such as reclining
for fowl flying above, or upright for land animals. It is also
mounted on a swivel for quickly pivoting to follow the movement of
game. The invention can be used in conjunction with blinds, or can
include a pop up tarp for partially concealing the hunter. The seat
is not just useful for hunters, but other outdoor enthusiasts that
want to view wildlife easily and in comfort.
[0016] A NINTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2010/0019550, Published on Jan. 28, 2010, to Cook et al. teaches an
adjustable hunter seat which includes independently pivotal back
and seat frame members joined to a rotatable connecting member. The
rotatable connecting member is supported by a stabilizing truss
style base, the base being in contact with the ground when the seat
is in use. A unitary padded back and seat cushion is removably
disposed over the frame members. A headrest support member extends
from the back frame, a headrest being attached to an end of the
headrest support member. An adjustable shooting support arm extends
from the seat frame. A user can swivel 360 degrees in the seat,
while maintaining a substantially fixed posture. When not in use,
the entire assembly is foldable into a backpack configuration.
[0017] A TENTH EXAMPLE, U.S. Patent Office Publication No.
2010/0045078, Published on Feb. 25, 2010, to Lee et al. teaches a
portable seating device is disclosed that has a seat with one or
more internal storage compartments. The seat includes an upper seat
section that may be pivoted away from a platform to access one or
more storage compartments on a lower surface of the upper seat
section and to access one or more storage compartments on an upper
surface of the platform. The platform is rotatably interconnected
with a base. A backrest assembly is appropriately interconnected
with the seat, and a stand is detachably interconnected with the
base to accommodate multiple configurations for the portable
seating device. Preferably, the backrest assembly is movable
between stowed and deployed positions, and includes one or more
adjustment features when in its deployed position.
[0018] It is apparent now that numerous innovations for hunting
equipment have been provided in the prior art that are adequate for
various purposes. Furthermore, even though these innovations may be
suitable for the specific individual purposes to which they
address, accordingly, they would not be suitable for the purposes
of the present invention as heretofore described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] AN OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a portable
backrest device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.
[0020] ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide a
portable backrest device that is simple and inexpensive to
manufacture.
[0021] STILL ANOTHER OBJECT of the present invention is to provide
a portable backrest device that is simple to use.
[0022] BRIEFLY STATED, STILL YET ANOTHER OBJECT of the present
invention is to provide a portable backrest device used by a hunter
for outdoor activities, comprising a flat backing plate fabricated
out of a rigid material and being of a generally inverted U-shaped
configuration having a domed top edge, a straight bottom edge wider
than the domed top edge and a pair of flat short legs. Each flat
short leg extends downwardly from a corner of the straight bottom
edge of the flat backing plate. A padded cushion is secured to the
flat backing plate. When the flat short legs make contact with the
ground, the flat short legs will stabilize the flat backing plate
with the padded cushion when placed against an object on the
ground, thereby allowing the hunter to sit comfortably on the
ground against the padded cushion.
[0023] The novel features which are considered characteristic of
the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. The
invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its
method of operation, together with additional objects and
advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following
description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in
connection with the accompanying drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0024] The figures of the drawings are briefly described as
follows:
[0025] FIG. 1 is a side view of the present invention in use;
[0026] FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention
per se, taken in the direction of arrow 2 in FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, showing the present invention
being transported by a hunter;
[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of the inverted V-shaped stand in an
open position; and
[0029] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken along line 5-5 in
FIG. 2, showing the padded seat member pivoted down.
REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWING
[0030] 110 portable backrest device [0031] 112 hunter [0032] 114
flat backing plate of device 110 [0033] 115 rigid material of plate
114 [0034] 116 domed top edge of plate 114 [0035] 118 straight
bottom edge of plate 114 [0036] 120 integrated flat short leg of
plate 114 [0037] 122 padded cushion of device 110 [0038] 124 ground
[0039] 126 object [0040] 128 plastic for rigid material 115 [0041]
130 cloth covering of cushion 122 [0042] 132 cutout handle of
device 110 [0043] 134 optional pocket in cushion 122 [0044] 135
tree for object 126 [0045] 136 optional inverted V-shaped stand of
device 110 [0046] 138 padded seat member of device 110 [0047] 139
digital imprint camouflaged fashion on cloth 130 [0048] 140 cloth
covering of seat member 138
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0049] Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals
indicate like parts, and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, will be
discussed with reference thereto.
[0050] The present invention is a portable backrest device 110 used
by a hunter 112 for outdoor activities which comprises a flat
backing plate 114 fabricated out of a rigid material 115 and is of
a generally inverted U-shaped configuration having a domed top edge
116, a straight bottom edge 118 wider than the domed top edge 116
and a pair of integrated flat short legs 120. The dome top edge 116
has curvature of radius around 1 feet. The distance between two
legs 120 is at least 1.5-2.5 feet. Each integrated flat short leg
120 extends downwardly from a corner of the straight bottom edge
118 of the flat backing plate 114.
[0051] A padded cushion 122 is secured to the flat backing plate
114. When the integrated flat short is 120 make contact with the
ground 124, the integrated flat short legs 120 will stabilize the
flat backing plate 114 with the padded cushion 122 when placed
against an object 126 on the ground 124, thereby allowing the
hunter 112 to sit comfortably on the ground 124 against the padded
cushion 122.
[0052] The rigid material 115 of the flat backing plate 114 and the
integrated flat short legs 120 is plastic (or fiberglass) 128. The
padded cushion 122 is comprised of a camouflaged, waterproof,
scratch resistant cloth covering 130. A cutout handle 132 extends
through the padded cushion 122 and the flat backing plate 114 for
easy transportation thereof.
[0053] An optional pocket 134 is provided in the padded cushion
122, wherein the pocket 134 will hold various articles of the
hunter 112 therein. The object 126 is selected from the group
consisting of a tree 135, a fence or a rock. The device 110 further
comprises an optional inverted V-shaped stand 136 to support the
flat backing plate 114 with the padded cushion 122 on the ground
124 when there is no object 126 in sight.
[0054] The device 110 can further comprise an optional padded seat
member 138 hinged to the integrated flat short legs 120 of the flat
backing plate 114. When the padded seat member 138 is pivoted down
upon the ground 124 the hunter 112 can sit on the padded seat
member 138 and rest against the padded cushion 122. The padded seat
member 138 comprises a camouflaged, waterproof, scratch resistant
cloth covering 140. The outer surface of device 110 can be
digitally imprinted in camouflaged fashion 139.
[0055] The portable backrest device 110 is used outdoors to allow
the hunter 112 to comfortably lean against the object 126, such as
the tree 135. The padded cushion 122 of the device 110 is
camouflaged and the flat backing plate 114 is produced from the
plastic (or fiberglass) 128. It is thin having the domed top edge
116 and the wider bottom edge 118 with the two integrated flat
short legs 120 for stability. The portable backrest device 110 can
be produced in two sizes, one that weighs approximately four (04)
pounds and another that weighs six (06) pounds. For use, the device
110 is placed against the object 126, such as the tree 135, fence
or rock, with the integrated flat short legs 120 resting on the
ground 124. The hunter 112 then sits against it in a traditional
manner. The device 110 also has the cutout handle 132 that is
utilized for easy transportation. The device 110 can be padded with
cotton, or another soft material for cushioning. The present
invention can be produced in various colors and sizes to
accommodate the hunter's preferences. The portable backrest device
110 is weighted about 4-7 lbs. The exact dimensions and materials
used for construction, while method of operation of the portable
backrest device 110 may vary upon manufacturing.
[0056] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application
in other types of constructions differing from the types described
above.
[0057] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodiments of a portable backrest device, accordingly it is not
limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that
various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the
forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can
be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way
from the spirit of the present invention.
[0058] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention.
* * * * *