U.S. patent application number 13/234735 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-12 for system for rapid concealment and shelter.
This patent application is currently assigned to Evrio, Inc.. Invention is credited to John Livacich, Kendyl A. Roman.
Application Number | 20120006371 13/234735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332034 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120006371 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Livacich; John ; et
al. |
January 12, 2012 |
SYSTEM FOR RAPID CONCEALMENT AND SHELTER
Abstract
A modular free-standing shelter including a frame and a cover.
The frame has an upper plate and a lower plate, and a number of
cover shafts are each pivotally connected at one end to the upper
plate. A number of stretcher shafts are each pivotally connected
between a respective one of the cover shafts and the lower plate. A
separation shaft is affixed to one of the plates for separating the
upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance. The cover is a
skin having a predetermined shape that is engaged by the cover
shafts.
Inventors: |
Livacich; John; (Sunnyvale,
CA) ; Roman; Kendyl A.; (Sunnyvale, CA) |
Assignee: |
Evrio, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
46332034 |
Appl. No.: |
13/234735 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12290213 |
Oct 27, 2008 |
8056572 |
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13234735 |
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11788495 |
Apr 20, 2007 |
7802582 |
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12290213 |
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10161986 |
Jun 4, 2002 |
7100626 |
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11788495 |
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60295596 |
Jun 5, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
135/123 ;
135/144; 29/448 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/16 20130101;
Y10S 135/901 20130101; A01M 31/025 20130101; Y10T 29/49867
20150115; E04H 15/44 20130101; E04H 15/54 20130101; E04H 15/64
20130101; E04H 15/48 20130101; E04H 15/322 20130101; E04H 15/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
135/123 ;
135/144; 29/448 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/48 20060101
E04H015/48; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A method of tightening the skin of a collapsible, lightweight,
portable shelter by a human operator, the human operator having a
body having hands and feet, wherein said shelter comprises: i) a
frame comprising: (1) three or more cover shafts foldably connected
to an upper plate which forms an apex of the shelter, the shelter
having an axis substantially perpendicular to the upper plate, (2)
three or more stretcher shafts pivotally connected to each
respective cover shaft and pivotally connected to a lower plate,
(3) a pull cord connected to one of the group of the upper plate
and the lower plate and passing through the other plate, and (4) a
separation shaft connected to one of the plates and designed to
engage the other plate, ii) a cover skin, the skin having a
predetermined shape having a number cover panels corresponding to
the number of cover shafts and being connected to the cover shafts
along cover seams between the cover panels, the method comprising
the steps of: a) pulling the pull cord with at least one hand or
foot from the group of the hands or the feet while pushing in the
opposite direction with one of the other of the group of the hands
or the feet, and b) applying a skin tightening force using a
plurality of large muscle groups of the full body of the operator
from the hands to the feet, whereby the shelter is rapidly set up,
whereby the frame stores and transfers the force to the cover
shafts, and whereby the cover shafts stretch the cover panels with
sufficient force that skin is held taut without substantial
movement or noise.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: a) before
the pulling step, placing the collapsed shelter horizontally on the
ground, the collapsed frame being folded at the apex, b) sitting
along the axis of the collapsed shelter nearest the apex, c)
placing one or more feet of the operator on the apex, d) lifting
and spreading two of the cover shafts, wherein the pulling step is
performed with at least one hand and the apex is lifted with one or
more of the feet, and wherein the applying step is performed with
the operator in a seated row position.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: a) before
the pulling step, placing the collapsed shelter vertically, the
collapsed frame being partially folded at the apex, b) standing
inside the partially collapsed shelter, parallel to the axis of the
shelter, wherein the pulling step is performed with at least one
foot attached to the pull cord, wherein the pushing is performed by
one or more hand and is applied directly or indirectly to the lower
plate, and wherein the applying step is performed with the operator
in a power jerk position.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the steps of the method are
completed in less than about seven seconds.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the blind further comprises a
safety means comprising one of a safety strap, a safety clip, or a
safety pin, the method further comprising a step of engaging the
safety means.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising a take down step,
wherein the operator, positioned outside the shelter, holds the
apex substantially horizontally and kicks a tip of the separation
shaft with the bottom of one foot to release the stored force,
whereby the hands and head of the operator are positioned safely
away from the area of potential injury.
7. A collapsible, free-standing shelter, comprising: a frame and a
cover; the frame comprising: an upper plate and a lower plate, the
upper plate forming an apex of the shelter, the shelter having a
vertical axis substantially perpendicular to the upper plate; three
or more cover shafts each pivotably connected to the upper plate;
three or more stretcher shafts each pivotably connected to
respective ones of the cover shafts and each pivotably connected to
the lower plate, and a separation shaft connected to one of the
plates, wherein the separation shaft includes a separation shaft
tip configured to pass through the other plate and a separation
shaft stop configured to engage the other plate, and a puller for
applying opposing forces to the upper plate and the lower plate to
cause the separation shaft to separate the plates at a
predetermined distance, the predetermined distance set by the
separation shaft stop, and the cover attaches to the frame,
comprising a skin having a predetermined shape.
8. A collapsible shelter, comprising: a frame and a cover; the
frame comprising: an upper plate; a plurality of cover shafts each
pivotally connected at one end to the upper plate; a lower plate; a
plurality of stretcher shafts each pivotally connected between a
respective one of the cover shafts and the lower plate; and a
separation shaft affixed to one of the upper or lower plates for
separating the upper and lower plates at a predetermined distance;
and the cover comprising a skin having a predetermined shape and
engaged by the cover shafts.
9. The shelter of claim 8, further comprising: a first central
aperture traversing the upper plate; a second central aperture
traversing the lower plate; and a rope connected to the lower plate
and extending through the first and second central apertures and
the skin for engagement by a user.
10. The shelter of claim 8, further comprising: at least one window
in the skin having a perimeter surrounding the window; a flap of
material affixed to the skin proximate to the window, the flap of
material having an edge substantially corresponding to the
perimeter of the window; and a connector detachably connecting the
edge of the flap to the perimeter of the window.
11. The shelter of claim 10, further comprising: a cord affixed to
the skin proximate to the window; a clip affixed to the flap and
detachably connectable to the cord to displace the flap from the
window.
12. The shelter of claim 10, further comprising: a webbing strap
affixed to the skin and traversing the flap; at least one buckle
slidably positioned along said webbing strap to displace the flap
from the window.
13. The shelter of claim 10, wherein the connector includes hook
and loop material affixed to the flap and the skin for a breakable
connection.
14. The shelter of claim 10, wherein the connector includes magnets
affixed to the flap and the skin for a breakable connection.
15. The shelter of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of
inner capture pockets positioned proximate to the skin edge, one
leg assembly engaging the pocket.
16. The shelter of claim 8, wherein each cover shaft comprises: an
upper leg pivotally connected to a lower leg; and a leg bracket
affixed to the upper leg, the leg bracket comprising a cylinder
having a predetermined length and a flange extending along the
length; wherein the pusher rod is pivotally connected to the
flange.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 12/290,213 entitled System for Rapid Concealment and Shelter
Including Angular Frames and Warfighter Covers, filed Oct. 27, 2008
("MOC6"), which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/788,495 entitled System for Concealment and Shelter with
Structure for Rapid Setup and Tight Skin, filed Apr. 20, 2007
("MOC5"), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,582, which was a continuation of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/161,986 entitled Lightweight Portable
Concealment Means and Methods, filed Jun. 4, 2002, ("MOC1"), now
U.S. Pat. No. 7,100,626, and U.S. Provisional Application No.
60/295,596 entitled Lightweight Portable Concealment Means and
Methods, filed Jun. 4, 2001 ("MOC-PPA"), each of which is expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This application is also related to and claims priority from
the following applications, each of which is expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
[0003] U.S. application Ser. No. 11/045,736, entitled Universal
Lightweight Portable Concealment Means and Methods, filed Jan. 28,
2005 ("MOC2"), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,038; U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/155,398, entitled Modular System for Concealment and
Shelter, filed Jun. 16, 2005 ("MOC3"); U.S. application Ser. No.
11/295,305, entitled Modular System for Concealment and Shelter,
filed Dec. 5, 2005 ("MOC4"), now U.S. Pat. No. 7,766,022; U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/459,934, entitled Hunting Blind for Rapid
Concealment, filed Jul. 8, 2009 ("MOC7"), now U.S. Pat. No.
7,789,098; U.S. application Ser. No. 12/610,887, entitled Blind
with Structure for Rapid Setup, filed Jan. 9, 2009 ("MOC8"); and
U.S. application Ser. No. 11/484,106, entitled Modular System
Including Shaft Segments having Configuration and Breakdown
Attachments, filed Jul. 10, 2006 ("POLE1"), now U.S. Pat. No.
7,841,355.
BACKGROUND
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] This invention relates to lightweight portable concealment
and shelter systems and methods.
[0006] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0007] There is often a need to conceal oneself when researching
wildlife, hunting, camping, working on construction projects, or
working in the outdoors. Wildlife researchers conceal themselves so
that they can film and study wildlife without disturbing the
behavior of the animals. Hunters often conceal themselves in
various hunting blinds to avoid being detected by their prey.
Campers often conceal themselves to bathe, change clothes, and
perform other personal or hygiene activities. Construction workers,
military, law enforcement, and others who work in the outdoors also
have similar needs for concealment. Various methods have been
employed to accomplish these tasks.
[0008] In the past, quite complex, heavy structures have been built
or constructed for concealment. Hunters have built permanent
hunting blinds. Portable huts, shower stalls, dressing shelters,
tents, canopies, and complex tree blind structures have been
carried into the great outdoors.
[0009] The related applications provided lists of patents and
products relating to this field of invention. The discussion of
these prior art references is included by reference.
[0010] The use of such devices has several disadvantages such as
being heavy, bulky, noisy, expensive, and complicated to assemble
or use. Most of these devices have only a single use with poor
performance. There is a need for a simple, lightweight, compact,
portable, multi-use means of concealment.
[0011] To avoid being detected by their scent, hunters and other
wildlife observers climb trees using tree steps and then remain for
hours in a tree stand watching and waiting for animals to pass by.
However, a person in a tree stand makes a silhouette against the
sky or background and is exposed to a 360-degree view. Animals can
easily detect the human silhouette or movement. Further, if the
person or equipment makes a noise the animal will know where to
look. There is a need for a device that eliminates the
silhouette.
[0012] Complicated equipment or procedures create a situation where
a person may drop equipment or, even worse, fall from the tree
stand. Most of the existing devices block the view or mobility of
the person.
[0013] Metal objects screwed into trees are sometimes forgotten and
become over grown by the tree. Later when the lumber is harvested
and cut, the saw strikes the metal object and can cause severe
damage. Some states have banned the use of metal tree screws or
spikes. Any device used for attaching to trees in the forest needs
an embodiment that attaches to the outside of the tree and can be
easily removed.
[0014] The following ground blinds or tents are known in the art:
[0015] Hunter's Specialties' "Lightweight Portable Ground Blind"
[0016] Avery' "Avery Quick Carry Ground Blind" [0017] U.S. Pat. No.
5,062,234, entitled "Portable Blind" [0018] Double Bull "Matrix"
[0019] Cabela's "Lightning Set" and "Lightning Set 4-Season" [0020]
Black Stump's "Instant Tent"
[0021] There are a number of very old patents relating to curtain
support brackets. These are associated with hanging curtains inside
a building on a wall and fail to anticipate many novel features of
the present invention.
[0022] There are also a number of very old patents relating to
tents with hinged shafts, such as U.S. Pat. No. 1,502,898, Berg,
filed Jan. 12, 1924, or umbrella tents, such as U.S. Pat. No.
1,649,219, Goldberg, filed Mar. 23, 1927. U.S. Pat. No. 74,933,
Palmer, issued Feb. 25, 1868, disclosed an inverse umbrella-type
frame deployed by a rope external to the enclosure. U.S. Pat. No.
3,794,054, Watts, issued Feb. 26, 1974, disclosed an inverse
umbrella tent.
[0023] However, these are limited in various ways.
[0024] Human Body Strength and Skin Tighting
[0025] In the field of lightweight, portable outdoor blinds, there
is a long felt need to have skins extremely tight to avoid
detectable movement and noise. Numerous blind designs have
attempted to provide the desired skin tightness but have failed
without using complex, heavy frames that require significant time
and athleticism to set up. Those that are lightweight and fast,
such as conventional umbrella designs, fail to put enough force
into the frame to provide the desired result. Further, because many
blind products have promised, but have failed to deliver, cover
skins that remain substantially motionless in windy conditions
encountered while hunting, consumers are skeptical. To be
successful a product must also stay taut when shaken by potential
buyers on the trade show floor or in dealers' show rooms.
[0026] The arm muscles (biceps and triceps) of the human body are
relatively weak compared to other muscle groups such as the legs,
abdomen, back, and shoulders. This is especially true when arms are
extended away from the body above the shoulders as is required to
deploy conventional umbrella type blinds. Such blinds are set up
with the frame expanded in an upright position and the operator
either a) pushing up from inside with one hand while pulling a pull
cord or shaft down with the other hand, or b) pushing down from
outside with one hand while pulling a pull cord up with the other
hand while standing beside the structure. For example, see the art
cited in U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,316, Chen. Neither of these
conventional methods take advantage of the strongest muscles groups
in the body to provide the skin tightening force.
[0027] In the power jerk position, the full human body can apply
hundreds of pounds of force between the hands and the feet. In 1970
for example, Olympic lifters were able to clean and jerk over 500
lbs. A typical outdoorsman can apply up to about 75 pounds of
continual force in the power jerk position. A six-foot human body
has about 33 inches up to about 40 inches of range of motion in the
power jerk.
[0028] In a horizontal, seated row position, for example as used in
Olympic rowing, all of the large muscle groups of the body,
including legs, abdomen, back, shoulder, and arms, are used to
apply the force through the body between the feet and the hands. A
typical outdoorsman can apply up to about 75 pounds of force in the
seated row position, with an average of about 40 pounds over the
full stroke. A six-foot human body has up to about 45 inches of
range of motion in the seated row position (and about up to 65
inches if the arms are extended beyond the head).
[0029] Work or energy is measured in foot-pounds. When an operator
applies an average of 45 pounds of force over a distance of 3.5
feet (i.e. 42 inches) about 157 foot-pounds of energy is applied.
About the same amount of energy could also be stored by applying 57
pounds of force over a distance of 2.75 feet (i.e. 33 inches).
[0030] What is needed is a method of setting up a blind where the
full muscle strength of the human body from hands to feet can be
used to quickly provide the skin tightening force to a lightweight,
portable blind.
[0031] Although arch shaped quickset blinds have been used with
some success, the arch shape does not provide maximum headroom
close to the walls, and a larger amount of energy must be stored in
the arches to achieve skin tightness.
[0032] What is needed is a structure where headroom is maximized
near the walls of a blind or tent and where skin tightening forces
are provided by relatively small mechanical movement.
[0033] People spending time in the outdoors, especially
warfighters, often have a need to quickly set up shelter for them
and their equipment.
[0034] What is needed is a tent that can be quickly deployed to
provide protection from rain, snow, heat, and insects and
reptiles.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0035] Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to
provide an easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact,
portable, quiet, multi-use modular system for concealment and
shelter, which can additionally be rapidly set up using the large
muscle groups of the full human body resulting in tight cover skin.
The system includes novel angular frames and covers, and novel
covers designed specially for wildlife observation and hunting, and
for warfighters.
Objects and Advantages
[0036] Accordingly, beside the objects and advantages described
above, and in the parent applications, some additional objects and
advantages of the present invention are: [0037] 1. To provide a
modular system of components that can be used to construct a
variety of outdoor blinds and shelters. [0038] 2. To provide a
modular system that can be used on steep terrain. [0039] 3. To
provide methods of tightening a skin of a blind or tent to reduce
undesired motion. [0040] 4. To provide a blind with upper opening,
in addition to other horizontal openings, whereby the operator's
line of sight is not obstructed vertically. [0041] 5. To provide a
cover modules that can be used alone or as part of a more complex
combination of components. [0042] 6. To provide shoot-through (or
blackout sections) that can be moved to cover openings in a blind
or shelter structure. [0043] 7. To provide shoot-through (or
blackout sections) that can be moved to cover openings in a blind
or shelter structure while maintaining skin tightness. [0044] 8. To
provide a fully enclosed blind that allows unobstructed line of
sight in 360 degrees of a substantially horizontal plane. [0045] 9.
To provide a fully enclosed blind that allows unobstructed line of
sight in 180 degrees in a substantially vertical plane on steep
terrain. [0046] 10. To provide an improved wildlife research blind.
[0047] 11. To provide an improved hunting blind. [0048] 12. To
provide an improved military tent. [0049] 13. To provide
unobstructed vision or shooting lanes. [0050] 14. To provide
improved components and means of construction with lower cost and
longer reliability. [0051] 15. To provide methods and means of
tightening the skin on the sides of a cover to reduce movement and
flutter. [0052] 16. To provide a blind window with four or more
sections such that any section or groups of sections can be
independently opened while maintaining taut cover panels. [0053]
17. To provide a low profile, quiet blind with optimum headroom.
[0054] 18. To provide an arch flattening means for an arched
structure where usable headroom under the arch is increased. [0055]
19. To provide an angular frame structure with improved headroom
near the walls. [0056] 20. To provide an angular frame which
provides significant skin tightening force with a relatively small
mechanical change relative the distant between an upper plate and a
lower plate. [0057] 21. To provide a dockless plate system. [0058]
22. To provide a quick setup frame that is strong enough to deploy
without requiring spreading straps. [0059] 23. To provide a self
locking safety means to protect an operator from unplanned release
of force stored in a setup frame. [0060] 24. To provide shaft
plates that provide structure strength and stability during initial
spreading and during final stasis, resulting in smooth set up and
improved durability. [0061] 25. To provide hand and foot attaching
means to facilitate the set up of a blind using the power jerk
position. These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following
specification, claims, and drawings.
DRAWING FIGURES
[0062] In the drawings, closely related figures have the same
number but different alphabetic suffixes.
[0063] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B show an attaching pivoting support and
its use.
[0064] FIG. 1C shows ground blind configuration.
[0065] FIG. 1D shows pivoting arches.
[0066] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show a low profile blind with cover with
quiet windows.
[0067] FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C show a fast setup frame.
[0068] FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E show features of docking assemblies
and safety clips
[0069] FIG. 5A through FIG. 5E show various embodiments of covers
with adjustable blackout, shoot-through, and star windows.
[0070] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B summarize novel set up and take down of
an embodiment of a fast setup frame.
[0071] FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D show features of a fast setup frame,
including an automatic safety clip.
[0072] FIG. 8A through FIG. 8C show various embodiments and
operation of covers with guylines and windows.
[0073] FIG. 9A and FIG. 9E illustrate features of a novel angular
frame which is improved frame with fast set up.
[0074] FIG. 10A through FIG. 10C show various embodiments and
operation of an angular frame with angular cover.
[0075] FIG. 11A through FIG. 11E show alternative embodiments and
operation of an angular frame blind.
[0076] FIG. 12A through FIG. 12I show various details of
embodiments of frames.
[0077] FIG. 13A through FIG. 13D show various configurations with
inverted-T windows and guylines window, including use with the
angular frame.
[0078] FIG. 14A through FIG. 14H illustrate novel set up and take
down of the angular frame.
[0079] FIG. 15A through 15C show aspects and operation of an
alternate method of using the full human body to set up an angular
frame.
[0080] FIG. 16A through 16D show various details of embodiments of
improved docking mechanisms.
[0081] FIG. 17 shows various features of a currently preferred
embodiment of the blind of the present invention.
[0082] FIG. 18A through FIG. 18F illustrate various embodiments,
aspects and configurations of skins for the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS 100 attaching
pivoting support 106 shaft 126 elastic cord 130 attaching structure
140 bend 150 first leg 160 second leg 300 curtain 307 (a-b)
alternate curtain 400 operator 410 path 686 (a-d) corner section
715 safety pin 727 self locking assembly 927 plate conduit 941
angular blind cover 942 angular cover 943 separation shaft 944
separation shaft tip 945 upper plate 946 lower plate 947 separation
shaft stop 948 (a-d) plate anchor 950 angular frame 952 (a-d)
angular cover shaft 953 lower shaft 954 (a-d) stretcher shaft 956
(a-d) angular hinge 958 shaft plate 1140 three-legged angular frame
1142 three cornered angular cover 1210 top window fastener 1212a
left window fastener 1212b right window fastener 1212 side window
fastener 1220 triangle section 1230b right section 1230a left
section 1262 upper handle 1263 pull rod 1264 handle strap 1266
lower handle 1268 handle bracket 1269 fastener 1511 cover shaft
intersection 1512(a-d) half arch cover shaft 1514(a-d) arch
flattening shaft 1516(a-d) arch flattening hinge 1518(a-b) hinge
wall 1533 pull cord extension 1534 fast setup frame 1535 pull
handle 1536 pull cord 1537 handle snap 1538 handle snap receiver
1539 handle standoff 1540 cover 1550 rain fly 1602(a-b) opening
1612(a-b) cover window 1621 pyramid cap 1622(a-d) corner loop 1630
alternate cover 1631 cover cap 1632 overhead window 1634 door 1636
door fastener 1642 shoot-through panel 1646 quiet cover 1672 window
roll 1686(a-d) skirt strap 1704(a-d) receiving clip 1705 safety
strap 1706(a-d) inserting clip 1714 safety clip cord 1715 safety
clip 1716 safety clip edge 1717 round wire clip 1718 rectangular
wire clip 1721 alternate dock 1722 intersection dock 1723 dock 1724
dock plate 1725 dock curved surface 1727 dock conduit 1728 washer
nut 1742 docking assembly 1743 docking shaft 1744 docking tip 1745
safety groove 1746 docking plate 1763(a-d) threaded axles 1776 hand
grip 1778 hand guard 1790 foot attaching means 1792 foot plate 1794
gripping texture 1799 stirrup 1870 vertical hem 1880 simple cover
1882 cover with porch 1884 tent floor 1886 netting door 1888
netting 1910 guyline module 1912(a-d) guyline 1920(a-b) blackout
panel 1922 see-through panel 1937 closable clip 2010 skirt 2050
skirt door 2160(a-b) spreading strap 2162 wishbone strap 3094
locking channel 3102 sleeved support 3104 sleeve 3197(a-d)
half-length shaft segment 3199(a-l) channeled shaft segment 3456
stake with cord clips and leg 3500 pivoting intersection connector
3700 pivoting arches 4400(a-d) end piece with hook 4700(a-b) magnet
4701 magnetic piece
SPECIAL DEFINITIONS
[0083] cord--a flexible, and possibly elastic, filament including
but not limited to a fiber, thread, string, rope, twine, wire,
cable, yarn, thong, tendon, or line.
[0084] curtain--a concealing or protecting sheet (or strips) of
material.
[0085] grommet--a flexible loop that serves as a fastening,
support, or reinforcement or an eyelet of firm material to
strengthen or protect an opening or to insulate or protect
something passed through it.
[0086] eyelet--a typically metal or plastic reinforcement for a
hole.
[0087] shaft--a supporting member in construction including but not
limited to any solid or hollow, round or rectangular bar, beam,
pole, rod, spar, or tube composed of wood, plastic, metal, or
composite material.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0088] The present invention comprises an easy to use, simple,
lightweight, compact, portable modular system for concealment and
shelter and methods for its construction and use. The main
components of a basic module are various novel supports and a
curtain. The support attaches to a structure and pivots at the
attachment. Other modules include novel covers with cover shafts, a
removable floor, a rain fly, and various novel flies and shields.
The modules can be combined to form various tree blinds, ground
blinds, waterfowl blinds, blinds attached to vessels or vehicles,
and various shelters. The system uses novel shaft segments that can
be attached in various configurations and then broken down without
detaching the attachments. The present invention encompasses
various embodiments of the attaching pivoting support as well as
various embodiments of curtains with various features. A method of
the present invention allows for 360-degree concealment. In
addition to a method of being fully enclosed, a method of the
present invention is based on the concept of "hiding in front" of a
similar pattern.
[0089] The present invention is also directed to various structures
and methods for skin tightening for a shelter or blind, especially
hunting blinds. Novel frame structures are used to stretch and
thereby tighten the skin of a hunting blind. The present invention
includes the discovery that when a cover is stretched over an
arched dome, the lower portion of each cover wall is relatively
loose. Various solutions to this problem are provided. Various
prior attempts to provide lightweight portable blinds with cover
skins that remain tight in blustery, hunting conditions have failed
because the structure is too weak and/or the set up method does not
allow a human operator to apply a sufficient force to the skin
tightening mechanism. The present invention includes novel
structures and methods that allow the large muscle groups of the
full human body to apply a skin stretching force to set up a blind
with previously unrealized results.
FIG. 1A through FIG. 1C
[0090] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an attaching
pivoting support 100. The support 100 is bent at an angle. The bend
140 results in two legs: a first leg 150 and a second leg 160. The
first leg 150 has a threaded portion for threaded attachment to an
attaching structure 130 (FIG. 1B), such as a tree, pole, rock,
wall, or attaching fastener 230 (not shown--see parent
applications). The bend 140 allows a user to exert a force on the
second leg 160 that acts as a lever to screw the first leg 150 into
the attaching structure 130.
[0091] The angle of the bend 140 is shown as a 90-degree angle;
however, good results have also been obtained by using an obtuse
angle. An obtuse angle still provides a leveraged force but is less
likely to cause the second leg 160 to be blocked by tree branches
or other obstructions.
[0092] The attaching pivoting support 100 can be constructed of a
single shaft. However, depending on construction materials, a
lighter embodiment can be constructed by combining various
components. This invention anticipates that any combination of
parts can be used to make the attaching pivoting support 100 with
equivalent structural features and functions. The embodiment shown
in FIG. 1A is merely on example of those disclosed in the parent
applications.
[0093] FIG. 1A shows a currently preferred embodiment the attaching
pivoting support 100 comprised of the sleeved support 3102 and the
second leg 160 comprised of a plurality of channeled shaft segments
3199. Additional details and alternatives of construction and
advantages regarding FIG. 1A are provided in the POLE1 application
included herein by reference.
FIG. 1B
[0094] FIG. 1B shows an operator 400 concealed by a support 100 and
a curtain 300. The operator 400 may be washing or taking care of
other personal hygiene.
[0095] The means of concealment quickly and quietly can be lowered
as shown by an angular path 410. This allows the operator 400 to
look over the curtain 300 or to shoot an arrow or fire a gun behind
them without being obstructed by the means of concealment. After
firing, the user can quickly and quietly return the curtain 300 to
its normal position as shown.
[0096] The curtain may contain one more slits (not shown) through
which the operator may look or shoot.
[0097] One objective and advantage of the present invention is
maintaining the frictional force of the first leg 150 with the
attaching structure 130. This frictional force holds the attaching
pivoting support 100 in place when not being moved by the operator
400. The operator 400 can also angularly raise the support 100 so
that the operator's head is also concealed by curtain 300.
FIG. 1C
[0098] FIG. 1C shows the use of three stakes (e.g. stake with cord
clips and leg 3456) and two curtains 300 to form a ground blind. In
this example, the stakes (3456) are inserted into the ground. Each
stake (3456) is connected to a shaft 106 (not visible). Curtains
300a and 300b are supported by the shafts 106. The stakes 3456 can
be placed in a line to form a wall, or diagonally to form a
V-shaped blind.
[0099] Three or more curtains 300 could be used to form a fully
enclosed ground blind.
FIG. 1D
[0100] FIG. 1D illustrates a pair of pivoting arches 3700. The pair
of pivoting arches 3700 comprises an embodiment of pivoting
intersection connector 3500 (or 3500b) and a plurality of
full-length channeled shaft segments 3199 or half-length shaft
segments 3197. In one embodiment, the pair of pivoting arches 3700
comprises three full-length channeled shaft segments 3199 and one
half-length shaft segment 3197 on each side of each arch (as
shown).
FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B
[0101] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B show the low profile blind with cover
with quiet windows.
[0102] FIG. 2A shows a quiet cover 1646 that embodies a novel
three-tiered cover. The top tier comprises a cover cap 1631. The
middle tier comprises a ring of windows 1612 that are held open or
closed with novel magnetic connections. The bottom tier is a skirt
2010 (which is proportionally smaller than the skirt 2010 disclosed
for example in FIG. 17 and in the related applications, i.e. the
MOC3 application).
[0103] The magnetic connections, between magnets 4700 and magnetic
pieces 4701, are a novel means for maintaining tight cover skin on
the walls of a blind, while allowing quiet operation of the
windows. In this regard magnets are preferred over zippers 1633 and
hook and loop fasteners 530 (shown in the related applications).
Each window 1612 has a magnetic piece 4701 attached to the lower
edge of the window 1612, or sewn in the hem.
[0104] FIG. 2A shows the windows being held closed and taut using
the magnetic connection between the lower magnet 4700b and the
magnetic piece 4701 in the edge of the corresponding window
1612.
[0105] FIG. 2B shows the left front window 1612a being held open
using the magnetic connection between the upper magnet 4700a and
the magnetic piece 4701. The right front window 1612d is held
partially closed by its respective magnetic connection. The
operator 400 is also shown positioned within smaller, lightweight,
portable, quick popup, quiet cover 1646 embodiment. All of the
components are attached together (for example via cover loops
1622--not shown) so there are no parts to lose. This embodiment is
simpler, smaller, lighter, and lower cost than the other full size,
fuller function blind embodiments.
FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C
[0106] As discussed above, there is a need for embodiments of
blinds and tents that can be set up rapidly and standalone in a
variety of configurations. FIG. 3A through FIG. 3C show various
aspects and configurations of an embodiment of a fast setup frame
1534.
[0107] FIG. 3A shows a novel fast setup frame 1534. The fast setup
frame 1534 comprises a cover shaft intersection 1511 comprising a
novel intersection dock 1722, an arch flattening means comprising a
novel docking assembly 1742, and a pull cord 1536 for operating the
arch flattening means.
[0108] A plurality of hinged cover shafts 1512 attach by hinges to
the cover shaft intersection 1511, so that each hinged cover shaft
1512 comprise half an arch. Thus, the hinged cover shafts 1512 are
also referred to as half arch cover shafts 1512. FIG. 3A shows
embodiments with four half arch cover shafts identified as 1512a
through 1512d. Similar fast setup frames 1534 could be comprised of
three or more half arch cover shafts (see, for example, FIG. 11C
showing three shafts)
[0109] This embodiment of the arch flattening means comprising a
docking assembly 1742 and a plurality of arch flattening shafts
1514(a-d) each connected to the respective half arch cover shafts
1512(a-d) with a respective, novel arch flattening hinge 1516(a-d).
Each arch flattening shaft 1514(a-d) is also connected to the
docking assembly 1742, in this embodiment, with a hinge.
[0110] The pull cord 1536 preferably is attached at one end to a
pull handle 1535.
[0111] The free ends of the half arch cover shafts 1512 each have
an end piece means for attaching the fast setup frame 1534 to a
cover 1540 (not shown). The end piece means are shown as end pieces
with hook 4400(a-d), respectively.
[0112] FIG. 3B shows that, when the arch flattening means, shown
comprising the novel docking assembly 1742, is pulled toward and
engaged with the cover shaft intersection 1511, shown comprising
the novel intersection dock 1722, using the pull cord 1536, the
arch is flattened. This arch flattening results on a outward and
upward skin tightening force being applied through the half arch
cover shafts 1512 along the cover corners, as presented by the
force arrows. With the novel features and methods of the present
invention as described below, the human operator is able to apply a
stronger skin tightening force over a longer working distance than
is possible with convention means and methods.
[0113] FIG. 3C shows an embodiment of the fast setup frame 1534
with four half arch cover shafts identified as 1512a through 1512d.
This embodiment shows another embodiment of the safety means
comprising a safety strap 1705 having receiving clip 1704 and an
inserting clip 1706. When fully docked, the operator applies the
safety strap.
FIG. 4A through FIG. 4E
[0114] FIG. 4A shows various novel details of embodiments of the
novel docking assembly 1742, the novel intersection dock 1722, the
novel arch flattening hinge 1516, and a novel pull handle 1535.
[0115] The novel docking assembly 1742 comprises a docking plate
1746 and a docking shaft 1743 integrally attached to the docking
plate 1746. The docking shaft 1743 has a rounded docking tip 1744
and an optional safety groove 1745. In this novel embodiment the
docking plate 1746 is preferably about 3 to 4 inches or more in
diameter and is sufficiently thick enough to provide substantial
wall mechanical force against the sides of the respective arch
flattening shafts 1514(a-d). In this embodiment, the pull cord 1536
passes through the center of the docking assembly.
[0116] The novel intersection dock 1722 comprises a novel dock
plate 1724 and a dock 1723 integrally attached to the dock plate
1724. The dock plate 1724 features a plate hole 1769 extended to
form a dock conduit 1727. The dock 1723 is shown with a novel
outward curved surface 1725 for engaging the docking tip 1744 of
the docking shaft 1743 when it is out of alignment. The dock curved
surface 1725 gradually flattens to guide the docking shaft 1743
into the dock conduit 1727. In this novel embodiment dock plate
1724 is preferably about 4 inches or more in diameter and is
sufficiently thick enough to provide substantial wall mechanical
force against the sides of half arch cover shafts 1512(a-d). In
this embodiment, the pull cord 1536 passes through the center of
the dock 1723 and dock conduit 1727.
[0117] The dock conduit 1727 is at least partially threaded on the
exterior of its extension so that it can receive a washer nut 1728.
The washer nut 1728 is used to hold the cover 1540 (not shown)
material out of the dock conduit 1727 so material does not
interfere with the operation of the docking shaft 1743 (see FIG.
20A). Optionally, the washer nut 1728 also holds an embodiment of a
foot attaching means 1790, such as foot plate 1792 with gripping
texture 1794 as shown.
[0118] The arch flattening hinge 1516 is integrally part of the
hinged cover shaft 1512(a-d) and has hinge walls 1518(a-b). The
arch flattening shaft 1514 is connected to the arch flattening
hinge 1516.
[0119] The novel pull handle 1535 retains the pull cord 1536,
preventing the pull cord 1536 from passing through the intersection
dock 1722 and providing tension when the operator 400 (not shown)
wants to assert a force through the pull cord. The pull handle 1535
preferably comprises integral hand grips 1776 for operator comfort
and more secure grasp. The pull handle 1535 also preferably
comprises a handle standoff 1539 which holds the handle in a known
position that is easy to grasp while setting up the blind using the
novel method shown for example in FIG. 6A, or the sequence from 14A
to 14H, in particular at the transition from FIG. 14D to FIG.
14E.
[0120] The pull handle 1535 also preferably comprises a handle snap
receiver 1538 that allows the pull handle 1535 to be temporarily
locked onto a corresponding handle snap 1537 on the dock conduit
1727. The handle snap 1537 and a handle snap receiver 1538 could be
molded as a groove and ring as shown; however, the handle snap
means preferably is manufactured as a groove in each part with an
O-ring providing the snap. The handle snap means is advantageous to
avoid damage or injury or to provide a secure starting point when
pulling the pull cord 1536 from the other end as shown, for
example, in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15C.
[0121] As exemplary shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the dock conduit
1727 is only partially threaded allowing the handle standoff 1539
to fit over the dock conduit 1727 above the washer nut 1728, and
allowing room for the handle snap 1537 (or other embodiment of the
handle snap means).
[0122] FIG. 4B is a cross sectional view of the intersection dock
1722 and the docking assembly 1742 having the same referenced items
as FIG. 4A. It further shows the position of an optional hand grip
1776 and hand guard 1778 that would be used with an alternate
embodiment as discussed in reference to FIG. 15A and FIG. 15C. The
hand guard 1778 is of sufficient shape to engage the dock plate
1724 or half arch cover shaft 1512 before the operator's hand or
fingers would be squeezed between the approaching parts.
[0123] As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the half arch cover shafts
1512(a-d) hinge on the dock plate 1724 and the arch flattening
shafts 1514(a-d) hinge on the docking plate 1746. Like the arch
flattening hinge 1516(a-d), the hinge positions in the pates (1724
and 1746) are thick enough to form flat walls on either side of the
shaft ends 1513(a-d). The optional safety groove 1745 shown, for
example, in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B provides an embodiment of a safety
means in combination with a safety clip 1715 (FIG. 4C).
[0124] FIG. 4C shows a preferred embodiment of the safety clip 1715
which may be attached to the blind with safety clip cord 1714. This
embodiment is made from a flat piece of metal or plastic with a
central hole that provides a safety clip edge 1716 which mates
securely with the safety groove 1745 (FIG. 4B). When fully docked,
the operator applies the safety clip 1715. The safety means
prevents the unplanned release of the energy stored in the fast
setup frame 1534. The safety means is removed before collapsing the
blind (e.g. before FIG. 14H).
[0125] FIG. 4D shows a round wire clip 1717 embodiment of the
safety clip 1715 (FIG. 4C) made with round spring wire as is
commonly known.
[0126] FIG. 4E shows a rectangular wire clip 1718 embodiment of the
safety clip 1715 made with rectangular spring wire, which has a
more securely mating safety clip edge 1716, than the round wire
clip 1717.
[0127] However the embodiment of a safety clip 1715 shown in FIG.
4C is currently preferred because it a larger flat surface area
making it more visible to the operator and easier to grasp.
Further, this embodiment could be colored orange or red such that
the operator would be less likely to forget to apply the safety
means. An alternative safety means, namely a safety strap 1705 is
discussed below in relation to FIG. 12D through FIG. 12F.
FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B
[0128] FIG. 5A shows a covered blind 1540 (1621 or 1631) with
vertical guyline modules (1910, as previously disclosed in the
related applications, e.g. the MOC3 application). The panels 1920
and 1922 can slide past each other because each is attached on each
side by a different guyline 1912 (FIG. 5B). The operator can
position the panels to cover the opening 1602 as shown on the right
(with blackout panel 1920) or with a portion of the opening 1602
covered by one panel (e.g. the blackout panel 1920 on the left) and
with another portion covered by the other panel (e.g. the
see-through panel 1922 on the left). Note that the panels can slide
behind the cover 1540 (or 942) above or the curtain 300 (or skirt
2010, not shown) below because of the novel features of the modular
systems. Horizontally guylines were previous disclosed as well.
[0129] FIG. 5B shows embodiments of guylines 1912 attached to the
walls of the cover skin 1540. Guylines in the walls help maintain
the wall tension that helps keep the walls taut and reduce motion
or noise that may be detectable by wildlife. FIG. 5B illustrates
two exemplary openings 1602a and 1602b, respectively in a cover
1540. A blackout panel 1920a slides vertically up and down over
opening 1602a along guylines 1912a and 1912b and is held tightly in
place by the novel use of a row of magnets 4700 at the edge of the
opening 1602a. When in this closed position the wall tension is
maintained through the blackout panel 1920a via the magnetic
connection with the magnets 4700 as well as by the guylines 1912a
and 1912b. A blackout panel 1920b also slides vertically up and
down over opening 1602b along guylines 1912c and 1912d and is
exemplary shown in the open position, revealing the see-through
panel 1922 (or shoot-through panel 1642) which likewise is held
tightly in place by the novel use of a row of magnets 4700 at the
edge of the opening 1602b. A row of magnetic pieces 4701 is
attached to, or in the hem of, the sliding panels (1920 or 1922) or
the fixed shoot-through panel 1642. In the example on the right
(i.e. over opening 1602b) the wall tension is always maintained via
the magnetic connection with the row of magnets 4700 and
corresponding rows of magnetic pieces 4701 as well as by the
guylines 1912c and 1912d. Maintaining tension on the shoot-through
panel 1642 also reduces the interference with the flight of an
arrow, for example.
[0130] The magnetic connections, between magnets 4700 and magnetic
pieces 4701, provide a novel method of maintaining tight cover skin
on the walls of a blind, while allowing quiet operation of the
windows. In this regard magnets are preferred over zippers 1633 and
hook and loop fasteners 530 (shown in the related
applications).
FIG. 5C through FIG. 5D
[0131] FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D show operation of covers with guylines
and windows.
[0132] FIG. 5C shows a quiet cover 1646 that embodies a novel
three-tiered cover. The top tier comprises a cover cap 1631. The
middle tier comprises a ring of windows 1612 that are optionally
held open or closed with novel magnetic connections between magnets
4700 and magnetic pieces 4701 (not shown--discussed above). The
bottom tier is a skirt 2010.
[0133] The cover cap 1631 is connected to the skirt 2010 along the
corners with skirt strap 1686(a-d). This is illustrated with skirt
straps 1686a and 1686d.
[0134] This embodiment also shows the novel use vertical guylines
1912. In this embodiment the window 1612 material is sandwiched and
held up between two sections of guylines 1912. A plurality of
guylines are shown across the middle of each cover panel wall. Like
the skirt strap 1686 in the corners, the guylines 1912 connect the
material of the cover cap 1631 to the material skirt 2010, and thus
help to maintain the skin tightening wall tension, even when one or
more of the windows 1612 are open. The guylines 1912 also sandwich
the material of the windows 1612 so that it does not flutter in the
wind.
[0135] The bottom corners of the middle tier windows 1612 of the
quiet cover 1646 are shown preferably, removably clipped to the
skirt 2010 with clips, identified in each respective corner as
receiving clips 1704(a-d) and inserting clips 1706(a-d). These
clips help maintain the wall tension which keeps the blind cover
skin taut.
[0136] FIG. 5D shows the embodiment of FIG. 5C with each of the
visible windows pulled down and each of the corner clips
connected.
[0137] Alternatively, the windows 1612 or panels (1910 or 1920,
such as in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B) can be attached to straps with
adjustable buckles that hold the window or panel material in
place.
FIG. 5E
[0138] FIG. 5E shows an embodiment of the cover 1540 having a star
window with a door 1634. Five window fasteners comprise a star-like
layout 1590 with each window fastener being one of the five parts
of the star. A top window fastener 1210 extends upward from the
center. The star window layout 1590 comprises multiple sections
between the fasteners, including a triangle section 1220, with a
left section 1230a and a right section 1230b on either side. A
simpler window 1612 is also shown.
FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B
[0139] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show parts of a novel set up method of
the fast setup frame 1534. This sequence is shown using the
alternate spreading strap means comprising two spreading straps
2160(a-b). The currently preferred wishbone strap 2162 (not shown
here) could also be used substantially as described below.
[0140] As disclosed in more detail in the parent application, the
operator 400 carries the blind using the spreading strap means,
shown as the two spreading straps 2160, over a shoulder. Next the
operator 400 places the collapsed blind on the ground.
[0141] The operator aligns his body along the axis of the blind and
placing his feet against the apex of the blind preferably using a
foot attaching means 1790. The operator applies an initial
spreading force by lifting and spreading the spreading strap means
until the blind begins to open. The operator 400 leans back as the
fast setup frame 1534 begins to open. FIG. 6A shows the operator
400 holding the spreading strap means with one hand (either with
both spreading straps 2160 in one hand, or preferably, with the one
hand sliding down the wishbone strap 2162 (not shown) along the
long strap). While the operator 400 continues to lean back, the
other hand makes a smooth transition to the pull handle 1535. By
leaning back, the blind continues to open and the operator 400
lifts the apex of the blind off the ground using the foot attaching
means 1790.
[0142] FIG. 6B shows the operator 400 at the end of the seated row
stroke. The pull cord 1536 has been moved the full range of motion
necessary to engage the docking mechanism of the arch flattening
means. The operator has released the spreading strap means (e.g.
2160, shown hanging free). The operator has grasped the pull handle
1535 during the stroke with both hands while continuing to lift the
apex of the blind with the foot attaching means 1790. Using this
method the operator has been able to apply a cover skin tightening
force using a plurality of large muscle groups of the full body
from the hands to the feet, whereby the blind is rapidly set up (in
only a few seconds). The arch flattening means stores and transfers
the force to the arch cover shafts 1512 (not shown). In turn, the
arch cover shafts 1512 stretch the cover panels 1542 (not shown)
with sufficient force that cover skin is held taut without
substantial movement or noise detectable by wildlife. The force
applied by the human body over the range of movement is greater
than a force possible with just the arms and shoulders of the
conventional methods.
[0143] It is during this transition from FIG. 21D to FIG. 21E that
the second advantage of the flat walls in the various hinges is
used. This transition puts a large stress on the frame as it
tightens the skin. The mechanical stability provided by the tight
hinges help align the docking mechanism.
FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D
[0144] FIG. 7A through FIG. 7D show various features of an
embodiment of a fast setup frame 1534 (FIG. 3B) shown exemplarily
with the quiet cover 1646 and a novel self locking assembly 727 as
a safety means.
[0145] FIG. 7A shows the collapsed fast setup frame 1534 where the
pull handle 1535 is necessarily close to the top of the blind.
However when the fast setup frame 1534 is deployed the pull handle
1535 is used to pull the docking tip 1744 through the self locking
assembly 727 via the pull cord 1536 (FIG. 7B). The self locking
assembly 727 comprises a safety pin 715 which is spring loaded
inside the horizontal housing (see magnified portion in FIG. 7D).
The safety pin 715 is a safety means with similar function to those
shown in FIG. 4C through FIG. 4E. When the safety groove 1745
slides through the dock conduit 1727 the safety pin 715
automatically engages the safety groove 1745 and locks the docking
shaft 1743 in place, until the operator 400 (shown in FIG. 7S)
comes outside the fast setup frame 1534 to pull the safety pin 715
prior to collapsing the frame. Thus, the safety pin 715 retains the
docking shaft 1743 to prevent unplanned passage back through dock
conduit 1727, which would result in an unplanned release of energy
in the fast setup frame 1534.
[0146] The advantages of the self locking assembly 727 are that the
operator 400 does not risk forgetting to attach the safety means
and that the operator must physically be outside the blind (i.e.
away from the possible head injury hazard) when the frame is
collapsed (similar to the position shown in FIG. 14H).
FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B
[0147] FIG. 8A shows a quiet cover 1646 that embodies a novel
three-tiered cover (previously shown with fewer features in the
embodiment of FIG. 2A). The top tier comprises a cover cap 1631.
The middle tier comprises a ring of windows 1612. The bottom tier
is a skirt 2010.
[0148] The cover cap 1631 is connected to the skirt 2010 along the
corners with corner sections 686(a-d). Similar to the structure
shown in FIG. 5B, the corner sections provide for taut skin.
[0149] This embodiment also shows the novel use vertical guylines
1912. Unlike FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, where the sliding panels 1920 or
1922 are attached to the guylines 1912, in this embodiment the
window 1612 material is sandwiched and held up between two sections
of guylines 1912. A plurality of guylines are shown across the
middle of each cover panel wall. Like the corner section 686 in the
corners, the guylines 1912 connect the material of the cover cap
1631 to the material of skirt 2010, and thus help to maintain the
skin tightening wall tension, even when one or more of the windows
1612 are open. The guylines 1912 also sandwich the material of the
windows 1612 so that it does not flutter in the wind.
[0150] FIG. 8B shows the embodiment of FIG. 8A with each of the
visible windows pulled down.
[0151] FIG. 8C shows the embodiment of FIG. 8A further showing
see-through panels 1922, similar to the see through panels 1992
shown and explained with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 5A.
Improved Designs
[0152] Although the enclosed blinds and tents with frames
comprising arches shown earlier have had good results there are
some problems with these structures. While the arch is high in the
middle, as the user moves toward the walls, there is reduced
headroom. In many situations, the user does not want their head in
the middle, rather they want their head closer to the walls. For
example a pair of hunters will sit near the back wall in respective
corners so that they each have room to move their equipment (e.g.
rifle, bow, or camera) and to avoid direct sunlight reflecting off
their faces. If more than one person is in a blind or tent they
both can't be in the middle. For example, two warfighters will want
to be able to stand up, kneel, or sit on their respective sides of
a tent, rather than moving to the middle to get more headroom.
[0153] While the arch structure previously disclosed for tightening
skin on a blind has had great success, there is concern about the
amount of energy stored in the structure and force the would be
exerted by the lower hub should the energy be unexpectedly be
released while a person was inside. FIGS. 9A through 16D relate to
improvements over our previous embodiments, including embodiments
with an angular frame which provide improved headroom and reduce
the range of motion required to release the skin tightening stored
energy.
FIG. 9A through FIG. 9E
[0154] FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a fully deployed and
erected angular frame 950 covered by an angular cover 942. In this
embodiment as shown, the collapsible, quick popup angular frame
results in a structure that has improved headroom near the walls of
the blind or tent.
[0155] The advantage of the angular frame 950 over the fast setup
frame 1534 is that fiberglass rods bent under tension over time
eventually break especially if heated and cooled by changes in
sunlight and outside temperature. The novel angular frame 950 does
not require the fiberglass to be under as much tension therefore
prolonging the life of the frame.
[0156] FIG. 9B through FIG. 9E show various aspects of the
operation of an angular frame 950 used by the angular shelter shown
in FIG. 9A.
[0157] FIG. 9B show a novel angular frame 950 comprising angular
cover shafts 952(a-d) and lower shafts 953(a-d) connected together
by angular hinges 956(a-d). A novel upper plate 945 connects the
angular cover shafts 952(a-d). Exemplary details of the upper plate
945 and lower plate 946 interconnections are detailed for various
embodiments explained in reference to FIG. 12A, FIGS. 16B and 16D.
Each angular cover shaft 952(a-d) is shown connected to respective
stretcher shafts 954(a-d) at shaft plates 958(a-d) (see FIGS. 12G,
12H and 12I for exemplary details). Stretcher shafts 954(a-d) also
connect to a novel lower plate 946.
[0158] FIG. 9C illustrates that the angular frame can be folded to
about half the length of the angular cover shafts 952 to collapse
into a narrow bundle. When deployed the plates (945 and 946) are
brought together, opening the angular frame 950. The angular hinge
956 allows the connecting lower shaft 953 to rotate from parallel
to a predetermined angle.
[0159] FIG. 9D illustrates the lower shafts 953 rotated downward to
a the predetermined angle. FIG. 9D also illustrates a novel method
of deploying the angular frame 950 using the full body strength of
the operator 400. A pull cord 1536 preferably is attached at one
end to a pull handle 1535. In this method the pull cord 1536 is
pulled through the lower plate 946 and attached to a foot attaching
means 1790. The operator 400 presses up on the lower plate 946
while using the large muscles of the back and legs through a foot
to apply a skin tightening force. The force of the body is
transferred via the pull cord 1536 to the upper plate 945.
[0160] FIG. 9E illustrates a fully deployed and erected angular
frame 950.
[0161] In FIG. 9B through 9E the angular cover 942 was not shown so
that the operation of the angular frame 950 could be
illustrated.
FIG. 10A through FIG. 10C
[0162] FIG. 10A illustrates the angular frame 950 in an upright
position just before the plates (945 and 1946) are engaged. The
angular cover 942 is loose over the angular frame 950. FIG. 10B
illustrates a fully deployed angular frame 950. A small mechanical
movement within the novel angular frame results in a significant
outward and upward skin tightening force being applied throughout
the angular cover 942 by the lower shafts 953 when deflected into
the position as illustrated in FIG. 10C.
[0163] In contrast to the arched, fast setup frame 1534 (as shown
in FIG. 3B) where the skin tightening force (as shown in FIG. 6B)
is supplied by the bow of the half arch cover shafts 1512, the
angular frame 950 provides a significant outward force on the lower
shafts 953 by a mechanical rotation actuated by a relatively small
shift in relative position of the lower plate 946 toward the upper
plate 945.
FIG. 11A through FIG. 11E
[0164] FIG. 11A shows a low profile embodiment of the angular frame
950 design for a single operator 400. The shafts 952 and 953 are
both designed to be preferably about two feet long. This allows the
collapsed blind to easily be carried on a backpack or waist pack.
When deployed the blind provides about three feet of useful
headroom. This allows a single operator to sit comfortable within
the concealment and protection from sun, rain, snow, and wind
provided by the blind. Note that for the single operator version
the angle of the angular hinge 956 is more obtuse than for a more
typical larger structure, e.g. as shown in FIG. 10C. The separation
shaft 943 is longer in length to facilitate the shape of this
single operator frame than would be needed for larger structures
with flatter roofs, for example, such as shown in FIG. 10C.
[0165] FIG. 11B shows an embodiment of an angular cover 942 having
overhead window 1632 and cover window 1612 with guylines 1912.
[0166] FIG. 11C shows an embodiment of the angular frame 950
comprising a three-legged angular frame 1140. Corresponding parts
have been previously described. The shape of the plates and the
location of the plate anchors 948 are modified accordingly.
[0167] FIG. 11D shows an embodiment of the angular frame 950 of
FIG. 11C with three cornered angular cover 1142.
[0168] FIG. 11E shows a single operator angular frame 950
configured for use on a hillside. The uphill lower shaft(s) 953 are
folded up at angular hinge 956, and the angular cover 942 is rolled
up on the uphill side.
FIG. 12A through FIG. 12F
[0169] FIG. 12A is a cross sectional view of an improved docking
mechanism. Stretcher shafts 954(a-d) respectively connect to plate
anchors 948(a-d) on a novel lower plate 946. The separation shaft
943 is connected to the lower plate 946. Angular cover shafts
952(a-d) connect to plate anchors 948(a-d) respectively on a novel
upper plate 945. The upper handle 1262 is threaded by the handle
strap 1264. The handle strap 1264, which is suspened below the
upper plate 945, is attached to the top of the upper plate 945 by
two fasteners 1269. The threaded upper handle 1262, after
fastening, is allowed to dangle beneath the upper plate 945. The
lower handle 1266 is attached to the lower plate 946 by a rigid
handle bracket 1268. This handle bracket 1268 is attached to the
bottom of the lower plate 946 by two fasteners 1269. The dashed
lines shown for handle strap 1264 are at an angle to the
cross-section as more clearly shown in FIG. 12D.
[0170] By pushing up on lower handle 1266 while simultaneously
pulling down on the upper handle 1262, the separation shaft top 944
is guided through the plate conduit 927 on the upper plate 945 and
the separation shaft 943 is inserted up to the separation shaft
stop 947.
[0171] FIG. 12B illustrates a novel method of deploying the angular
frame 950 using only the upper body strength of the operator 400.
The operator 400 pushes up on lower handle 1266 while
simultaneously pulling down on the upper handle 1262 to apply a
skin tightening force to the angular frame 950. This requires the
use of upper body strength only and provides a significant
advantage of deployment of the angular frame 950 over the arched
frame which requires the use of the full body including the legs
(FIG. 6B and FIG. 9D).
[0172] FIG. 12C shows a single operator profile embodiment of the
angular frame 950 design for a single operator 400. The operator
400 uses the lower handle 1266 and upper handle 1262 to apply a
skin tightening force to the angular cover 942 of the angular frame
950.
[0173] FIG. 12D through FIG. 12F show perspective views of
embodiments of alternate improved docking mechanisms.
[0174] FIG. 12D is a perspective view of FIG. 12A with added safety
straps 1705 and clips comprising inserting clip 1706 and receiving
clip 1704. Mounting the safety strap 1705 on the handle strap 1264
keeps the receiving clip 1704 out of the area between the plate
conduit 927 and separation shaft tip 944 where it may otherwise be
damaged.
[0175] FIG. 12E is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
FIG. 12D which uses pull rod 1263 instead of upper handle 1262.
Mounting as short safety strap 1705 on the upper and lower plates
945 and 946 also keeps the receiving clip 1704 out of the area
between the plate conduit 927 and separation shaft tip 944 where it
may otherwise be damaged.
[0176] FIG. 12F is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of
FIG. 12D which uses hand grip 1776 and hand guard 1778 instead of
upper handle 1262.
FIG. 12G through FIG. 12I
[0177] FIG. 12G through 12I show details of the shaft plate 958
connection to the stretcher shaft 954. The end of stretcher shaft
954 that interfaces with the shaft plate 958 is preferably flat and
tight on either side of the shaft plate 958, such that the
stretcher shaft 954 applies an advantageous mechanical force
against the shaft plate 958. The stretcher shaft 954 could be
composed out of solid, machined or molded, metal or a fiberglass
shaft with a metal tip.
[0178] FIG. 12G shows the position of the shaft plate 958 and the
stretcher shaft 954 when the frame is fully collapsed, FIG. 12H
shows the position of the shaft plate 958 and the stretcher shaft
954 when the frame is being set up. FIG. 12I shows the position of
the shaft plate 958 and the stretcher shaft 954 when the frame is
fully set up.
[0179] When the blind is initially being spread the shaft plate 958
connection provides an advantageous lateral force to cause the
angular frame 950 to start to open. The tightness and mechanical
area of the connection is especially helpful when the frame is in
the horizontal position as required by the method shown in FIG. 14C
through FIG. 14E. It also increases the durability of the
frame.
[0180] The shaft plate 958 and the stretcher shaft 954 connection
provides a second advantageous force to the angular frame 950, at
point where the separation shaft tip 944 enters the plate conduit
927, to help ensure proper alignment. Further, when the frame is
fully set up, it continues to provide stabilizing forces and
strength within the angular frame 950 to limit motion and
breakage.
FIG. 13A through FIG. 13D
[0181] FIG. 13A shows a currently preferred embodiment of the blind
in a low profile, rifle hunting configuration. The blind is low to
the ground with the extensions 4410 removed or folded inside the
angular cover 942 (not visible). The middle tier windows 1612 are
closed because they are close to the ground. For situations where
it is desired to stay low to the ground and shoot towards the sky,
the operator 400 can lie inside the angular frame and rise up
through the overhead opening of the top window fastener 1210 when
desired.
[0182] FIG. 13B shows a currently preferred embodiment of the blind
in a dove blind configuration. On two of the four corners, the
extensions 4410 are removed or folded inside the angular cover 942
(not visible) moving the apex of the blind away from directly
overhead. The middle tier windows 1612 are closed. The operator 400
can sit on a chair inside the blind having good visibility through
the opening and stand up whenever desired.
[0183] FIG. 13C shows a currently preferred embodiment of the blind
in a waterfowl configuration. On two of the four corners, the
extensions 4410 removed or folded inside the angular cover 942 (not
visible) moving the apex of the blind away from directly overhead.
The middle tier windows 1612 are closed. The two, interconnect
inverted-T windows are completely opened allowing the top to be
completely open and rolled down.
[0184] FIG. 13D shows a currently preferred embodiment of the blind
in a hillside or rough terrain configuration. On two of the four
corners, the extensions 4410 are removed or folded inside the
angular cover 942 (not visible) allowing the blind to be level. The
middle tier cover windows 1612 are opened in part and are held
quietly in place by the guylines 1912. One side section of the
inverted-T windows is shown open (by opening fasteners 1210 and
1212a) allowing the operator to view up the hill.
FIG. 14A through FIG. 14H
[0185] FIG. 14A through FIG. 14G show novel set up and take down
methods of the angular frame 950. This sequence is shown using the
angular frame as a collapsed bundle having the angular cover shafts
952 unfolded to full length.
[0186] FIG. 14A shows the operator 400 carrying the collapsed blind
using his hands. Next the operator 400 places the collapsed blind
on the ground. At this point the angular frame 950 is folded to
about half the length of the angular cover shafts 952 to collapse
into a narrow bundle.
[0187] FIG. 14B and FIG. 14C show the operator opening the angular
frame by grasping the end piece with hook 4400 or the connecting
lower shaft 953 and rotating the shaft upward, outward and downward
on the angular hinge 956 (not shown) parallel with the angular
cover shaft 942 and the ground.
[0188] FIG. 14D shows the operator beginning to lean back while
holding the angular cover shafts 952 through the angular cover 942
as the angular frame 950 begins to open. It is during this
transition from FIG. 14C to FIG. 14D that the first advantages of
the flat walls in the various hinges are used. This transition puts
a large stress on the frame to force it to open. The friction
within the hinges and against the ground starts to hold the blind
open. In practice, opening the blind into a light wind makes this
step and process easier.
[0189] FIG. 14E shows the operator 400 at the end of the seated row
stroke. While the operator 400 continues to lean back, the other
hand makes a smooth transition to the pull handle 1535. By leaning
back, the blind continues to open and the operator 400 lifts the
apex of the blind off the ground using the foot attaching means
1790. The pull cord 1536 has been moved the full range of motion
necessary to engage the docking mechanism. The operator has
released the angular frame 950 and has grasped the pull handle 1535
during the stroke with both hands while continuing to lift the apex
of the blind with the foot attaching means 1790. Using this method
the operator has been able to apply a cover skin tightening force
using a plurality of large muscle groups of the full body from the
hands to the feet, whereby the blind is rapidly set up (in only a
few seconds). In turn, the angular cover 942 stretches over the
angular frame with sufficient force that angular cover 942 is held
taut without substantial movement or noise detectable by wildlife.
The force applied by the human body over the range of movement is
greater than a force possible with just the arms and shoulders of
the conventional methods.
[0190] FIG. 14F shows the operator 400 easily lifting the
standalone blind and lifting it overhead.
[0191] FIG. 14G shows the operator 400 inside the blind. The
operator can go from running through the outdoors to being fully
concealed (the sequence from FIG. 14A to FIG. 14G) in about seven
seconds.
[0192] FIG. 14H shows the novel take down method. "You just kick
it.".TM.
[0193] The operator 400 pulls most of the pull cord 1536 inside the
blind, and tips the blind horizontally to slightly below knee
level. The operator 400, for example, stands on a dominate right
foot, holds the angular cover 942 with the left hand, and kicks the
separation shaft tip 944 with the left foot. When the stored energy
is released, the blind will automatically jump forward under the
left arm of the operator 400 where the now collapsed blind also can
be grasped in front of the body with the right hand. The operator
400 can immediately move the blind to a new location. The blind can
be collapsed in a couple of seconds.
[0194] For long-term transportation, the angular frame can be
folded to about half the length of the angular cover shafts 952 to
collapse into a narrow bundle.
FIG. 15A through FIG. 15C
[0195] FIG. 15A through 15C show aspects and operation of an
alternate power jerk method of using the full human body to set up
an angular frame 950.
[0196] FIG. 15A shows the operator 400 positioned under the angular
frame 950 in the power jerk position. The blind is initially spread
while in a vertical position. FIG. 15A also illustrates a novel
method of deploying the angular frame 950 using the full body
strength of the operator 400. A pull cord 1536 preferably is
attached at one end to a pull handle 1535. In this method the pull
cord 1536 is pulled through the lower plate 946 and attached to a
foot attaching means 1790. The operator 400 presses up on the hand
grips 1776 (configured as shown in one of the embodiments of FIG.
15B or FIG. 15C) while using the large muscles of the back and legs
through a foot to apply a skin tightening force. To achieve the
full range of motion, the operator 400 likely will lift the blind
from the ground as some point during the power jerk. The hand grips
1776 provide a stable means of performing the power jerk and
automatically positions the operator's hands away from the parts
(e.g. stretcher shafts 954(a-d), half arch cover shaft 1512(a-d),
upper plate 945, or lower plate 946) that come together during the
docking process. The hand guards 1778 (see FIG. 15B for details)
help the operator to hold the collapsed frame when initially
opening the angular frame 950 and to protect the hands and
fingers.
[0197] In yet another embodiment (not shown), the pull cord 1536
does not pass thru the separation shaft 943, but is attached
directly to the upper plate 945. In this embodiment there is not
need for a pull handle 1535.
[0198] FIG. 15B shows a perspective view of the hand grips 1776 and
hand guards 1778 as an integral part of the lower plate 946. The
stretcher shafts 954(a-d) are connected to the lower plate 946 via
the anchor plates 948(a-d) respectively. The separation shaft 943
is attached perpendicular to the lower plate and provides a conduit
for the pull cord 1536. The pull cord extension 1533 is attached to
the pull cord 1536 by a closable clip 1937, in this embodiment.
[0199] FIG. 15C shows the hand grips 1776 and hand guards 1778
mounted on two opposite arch stretcher shafts 954. FIG. 15C also
shows the foot attaching means 1790 attached to the pull cord
extension 1533. The pull cord extension 1533 is attached to the
pull cord 1536 by a closable clip 1937, in this embodiment. The
separation shaft 943 is attached perpendicular to the lower plate
and provides a conduit for the pull cord 1536. The foot attaching
means 1790 could be implemented as a loop in the pull cord
extension 1533 optionally attached or threaded through a stirrup
1799. The stirrup 1799 could be made of rigid metal or plastic, or
preferably flexible plastic tubing.
Power Jerk Method
[0200] In the power jerk method of setting up the blind, the
operator does not have to sit on the ground (or chair) and still is
able to use the large muscle groups of the human body from hands to
feet. While the range is typically less than the power row
position, most outdoorsmen can apply more force in the power jerk
position, resulting in the same amount of energy for necessary
improved skin tightening, which is substantially greater than can
be applied with just the arms and shoulders as in conventional
methods.
FIG. 16A through FIG. 16D
[0201] FIG. 16A is a perspective view of an improved docking
mechanism. The docking assembly 1742 comprising stretcher shafts
954(a-d) connected to plate anchors 948(a-d) by threaded axels
1763(a-d) respectively on a novel docking plate 1746. The docking
shaft 1743 is connected to the docking plate 1746. The intersection
dock 1722 comprises angular cover shafts 952(a-d) or half arch
cover shafts 1512(a-d) connected to plate anchors 948(a-d)
respectively on a novel dock plate 1724. The top portion of the
dock plate 1724 in the intersection dock 1722 also serves as the
foot attaching means 1790. The alternate dock 1721 is connected to
the bottom of the dock plate 1724. The inside of the alternate dock
1721 comprises the dock curved surface 1725. The pull cord 1536
runs completely through the docking plate 1746, the docking shaft
1743, the alternate dock 1721 and the dock conduit 1727.
[0202] By pushing the docking assembly 1742 into the intersection
dock 1722, the docking shaft 1743 is guided through the bottom of
the alternate dock 1721 and docking conduit 1727 and inserted up to
the point where the bottom of the alternate dock 1721 meets the top
of the docking plate 1746 and the bottom plane of the safety groove
is protruding above the top of the docking conduit 1727. At this
point a locking mechanism can be applied to secure the docking
shaft 1743 in place.
[0203] FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an improved dockless
mechanism enabled by the mechanical strength resulting from the
novel shaft plate 958 and novel plate anchor 948. FIG. 16B
eliminates the use of docking shaft 1743, safety groove 1745,
docking tip 1744, alternate dock 1721, and dock conduit 1727 and
replaces it with separation shaft 943, separation shaft stop 947,
separation shaft tip 944 and plate conduit 927.
[0204] The embodiment of the dockless mechanism in FIG. 16B is
equally as effective as that of FIG. 16A, but requires less
material and the use of an additional safety mechanism.
[0205] FIG. 16C is a cross sectional view of FIG. 16A.
[0206] FIG. 16D is a cross sectional view of FIG. 16B.
FIG. 17
[0207] FIG. 17 shows various features of a currently preferred
embodiment of the blind of the present invention. The blind
comprises the fast setup frame 1534 (FIG. 3A) or angular frame 950,
a three tiered, quiet cover embodiment of the cover 1540 (FIG. 5C),
a rain fly 1550, and a foot attaching means 1790 (not visible, FIG.
14D, FIG. 14E, and FIG. 15A).
[0208] The cover 1540 comprises: [0209] two inverted-T window,
formed by fasteners 1210 and 1212, [0210] windows 1612 sandwiched
between guylines 1912 (either FIG. 8A or FIG. 8B), with inserting
clips 1706(a-d) in each bottom corner (not shown), [0211] a door
fastener 1636, forming a skirt door 2050, [0212] skirt straps 686
in each corner, [0213] lower wall tightening, vertical hems 1870,
[0214] a skirt 2010
[0215] The fast setup frame 1534 further comprises: [0216] pull
cord 1536 and pull handle 1535, [0217] end pieces with hook 4400
[0218] corner loop 1622
[0219] The blind is shown with the inverted-T window half open with
the open section in a window 1672. The end piece with hook 4400
could alternatively be held by a pocket as shown in the parent
applications rather than a corner loop 1622.
FIG. 18A through FIG. 18F
[0220] FIG. 18A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
with the use of the simple cover 1880. The simple cover 1880
further comprises a set of doors 1634 and a door fastener 1636. Set
up can be accomplished using any of the methods shown in reference
to FIG. 6B, FIG. 9D, FIG. 12B.
[0221] FIG. 18B illustrates an embodiment of the present invention
with the use of the cover with porch 1882. The cover with porch
1882 comprises a set of doors 1634 and a door fastener 1636. The
cover with porch 1882 further comprises a removable rain cover
having a porch capable of being extended beyond the area enclosed
by the netting. This embodiment has many advantages including
providing a shelter under which items such as shoes, packs, etc.
may be protected when stored beyond the area enclosed by the
netting 1888 (FIG. 18C). The porch portion could be staked (not
shown).
[0222] FIG. 18C illustrates aspects of an embodiment of the present
invention with the use of either the simple cover 1880 or the cover
with porch 1882 and tent floor 1884. This cover comprises a fully
enclosing netting 1888 with a water resistant tent floor 1884. The
simple cover 1880 or the cover with porch 1882 further comprises a
set of doors 1634 and a door fastener 1636. Likewise, the netting
1888 comprised of a set of netting doors 1886.
[0223] FIG. 18D illustrates an alternate embodiment of FIG. 18C
that includes only the netting 1888 and the tent floor 1884. In
this embodiment the simple cover 1880 or the cover with porch 1882
has been removed.
[0224] FIG. 18E and FIG. 18F illustrate a novel set up and take
down of an embodiment of a fast setup frame 1534 or an angular
frame 950. FIG. 18E illustrates the concept with either the simple
cover 1880 or the cover with porch 1882. FIG. 18F illustrates the
same concept with a fully enclosing netting 1888 with a water
resistant tent floor 1884. Note that the floor can be folded inside
the frame and the shafts can be folded or collapsed to make the
structure more compact for portability.
Other Uses
[0225] While the descriptions of the various embodiments have been
made in reference to an undeveloped outdoor area, the modular
system of the present invention could also be used in urban areas.
For example, in colder winter climates, the system could be used to
form a green house over a garden using clear plastic sheeting and
then reassembled in the summer as a shelter for vehicles or
bicycles using an opaque tarp. In another example, the supports,
shafts, connectors, and curtains could be used to form a backyard
maze. In yet another example, the system could be used for
constructing outdoor structures for weddings, flea markets,
festivals, or even security checkpoints.
Advantages
Modular
[0226] The system of the present invention is modular. A user can
begin using smaller modules with minimal investment and add more
pieces or more complex modules later. A group of users can each own
separate modules, which are used independently, and then construct
more complex configurations when the group comes together in the
outdoors.
Separately Packable
[0227] Because the various components and modules can be separated,
different users in a group can carry a relatively lighter load, for
example, in their backpacks. Some modules such as the single
operator angular blind is easily carried using a backpack or waist
pack.
Star Window and Inverted-T Window
[0228] The novel star window configurations provide blind windows
with four or more sections such that any section or groups of
sections can be independently opened while maintaining taut cover
panels. The star windows, and inverted-T windows, also allow the
top of the blind to be fully opened. A novel window section
attachment allows non-adjacent window sections to be attached.
Skin Tightening
[0229] The novel means of tightening the skin of the present
invention provides methods and means for tightening the skin on the
sides of a blind cover to reduce movement and flutter in the wind.
The means of the present invention include cover shafts that are
stretched to cause a constant outward pressure on the sides of the
cover. This is done with lower cost, lighter weight, and easier to
use structures.
Simple
[0230] The present invention is simple to make and use. Each
component is easily made. The present invention requires little
time to attach and to set up.
[0231] The fast setup frame, angular frame, and other basic modules
can be quickly set up to provide initial concealment and shelter.
Other components can be added and configured as needed.
Easy to Use
[0232] The present invention is easy to use.
Lightweight
[0233] The present invention comprises a few simple parts that can
easily be constructed of lightweight materials. Being lightweight
is important for those who have to carry gear into the
outdoors.
Compact
[0234] The embodiments of the present invention are compact. Large
modules such as covers with cover shafts can be broken down and
rolled together in relatively small bundles. This is advantageous
for both storage and carrying.
Portable
[0235] The present invention is lightweight and compact allowing it
to be carried long distances into the outdoors and to be used in a
variety of locations.
Quiet
[0236] The skin tightening features reduce noise from wind movement
or flutter. The attaching pivot support with a curtain has no
moving parts that would make a noise or rattle together. In some
cases the screws turning against the attaching structure could make
a quiet sound. However the design is such that once screwed in all
the way the screw can be backed out a turn or two to reduce the
volume of noise made to a negligible level.
[0237] The novel use of guylines to secure and move windows and the
use of magnetic window fasteners eliminate the need for zippers or
hook and loop fasteners providing for quiet window or opening
operation during wildlife observation.
Universal
[0238] The modular system of the present invention uses the same
brackets and shafts to construct a variety of both tree blinds and
ground blinds. The same parts and equipment can be used to
construct configurations for different purposes and for different
environments. This maximizes the user's investment in the materials
and minimizes the number of items to be packed. The use of standard
shaft segments and half-length extension shafts provide for a large
number of configurations using the same basic components.
Lower Cost, Longer Reliability
[0239] The present invention provides a number of novel features
that reduce the complexity and cost of manufacture and that
increase the reliability of the parts.
Conclusion, Ramification, and Scope
[0240] Accordingly, the reader will see that the present invention
provides an easy to use, simple, lightweight, compact, portable,
quiet, multi-use modular system for concealment and shelter.
[0241] While the above descriptions contain several specifics these
should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the
invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred
embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. The
variations could be used without departing from the scope and
spirit of the novel features of the present invention.
[0242] Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined
not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and
their legal equivalents.
* * * * *