U.S. patent application number 14/167333 was filed with the patent office on 2014-05-29 for seat apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is Donald J. Ross, John P. Ross. Invention is credited to Donald J. Ross, John P. Ross.
Application Number | 20140145475 14/167333 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45095650 |
Filed Date | 2014-05-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140145475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ross; John P. ; et
al. |
May 29, 2014 |
SEAT APPARATUS
Abstract
A seating apparatus that is capable of both sliding and pivoting
thereby lending to advantageously positioning a hunter in relation
to their prey. By enabling a seat portion to horizontally slide
along a plane, the hunter can reposition away from an object, e.g.,
a tree. Additionally, the seat portion of the apparatus is capable
of pivoting in either direction thereby enhancing line of sight to
hunting game.
Inventors: |
Ross; John P.; (Chardon,
OH) ; Ross; Donald J.; (Chardon, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ross; John P.
Ross; Donald J. |
Chardon
Chardon |
OH
OH |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
45095650 |
Appl. No.: |
14/167333 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13156732 |
Jun 9, 2011 |
8672406 |
|
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14167333 |
|
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|
61353454 |
Jun 10, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
297/4 ; 297/325;
297/344.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/04 20130101; A47C
3/20 20130101; A45F 2004/026 20130101; A47C 7/008 20130101; A47C
3/18 20130101; A47C 1/14 20130101; A47C 1/03294 20130101; A01M
31/02 20130101; A47C 1/023 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/4 ;
297/344.24; 297/325 |
International
Class: |
A47C 1/14 20060101
A47C001/14; A47C 3/18 20060101 A47C003/18; A47C 1/032 20060101
A47C001/032; A47C 3/20 20060101 A47C003/20 |
Claims
1. A seat apparatus comprising: a pair of inclinable adjustable
rails in contact with a ground surface; a slider mechanism slidably
attached to the pair of inclinable adjustable rails; a swivel
mechanism attached to the slider mechanism and adapted to rotate
about a pivot point; and a seat bottom attached to the swivel
mechanism.
2. The seat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first pair of
height adjustable supports attached to a front of the pair of
inclinable adjustable rails and a second pair of height adjustable
supports attached to a rear of the pair of inclinable adjustable
rails.
3. The seat apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first pair of height
adjustable supports and the second pair of height adjustable
supports include that rotate inward or outward to facilitate
storage and/or transport.
4. The seat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a seat backrest
removably attached to the seat bottom.
5. The seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the swivel mechanism
rotates 360.degree. in either direction.
6. The seat apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slider mechanism
includes a self-lubricating means that lubricates for traversal
along the pair of rails.
7. The seat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one
strap that facilitates backpack-like transport of the seat
apparatus.
8. The seat apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a vest-like
apparel attached to the seat apparatus such that the vest-like
apparel facilitates transport or access to equipment.
9. A hunting seat assembly comprising: a pair of inclinable
adjustable rails indirectly in contact with a ground surface; a
slider mechanism slidably attached to the pair of inclinable
adjustable rails; a swivel mechanism attached to the slider
mechanism and adapted to rotate about a pivot point; and a seat
bottom attached to the swivel mechanism.
10. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9 further comprising a first
pair of height adjustable supports attached to a front of the pair
of inclinable adjustable rails and a second pair of height
adjustable supports attached to a rear of the pair of inclinable
adjustable rails.
11. The hunting seat assembly 10, wherein the first pair of height
adjustable supports and the second pair of height adjustable
supports include that rotate inward or outward to facilitate
storage and/or transport.
12. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9 further comprising a seat
backrest removably attached to the seat bottom.
13. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the swivel
mechanism rotates 360.degree. in either direction.
14. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9, wherein the slider
mechanism includes a self-lubricating means that lubricates for
traversal along the pair of rails.
15. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9 further comprising at
least one strap that facilitates backpack-like transport of the
seat apparatus.
16. The hunting seat assembly of claim 9 further comprising a
vest-like apparel attached to the seat apparatus such that the
vest-like apparel facilitates transport or access to equipment.
17. A seat assembly comprising: a pair of rails in contact with a
ground surface; a slider mechanism slidably attached to the pair of
rails; a swivel mechanism attached to the slider mechanism and
adapted to rotate about a pivot point; and a seat bottom attached
to the swivel mechanism.
18. The seat assembly of claim 17 further comprising a first pair
of height adjustable supports attached to a front of the pair of
rails and a second pair of height adjustable supports attached to a
rear of the pair of rails.
19. The seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the first pair of height
adjustable supports and the second pair of height adjustable
supports include that rotate inward or outward to facilitate
storage and/or transport.
20. The seat assembly of claim 17, wherein the swivel mechanism
rotates 360.degree. in either direction.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation of pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/156,732 entitled "SEAT APPARATUS" filed on
Jun. 9, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
application Ser. No. 61/353,454 entitled "SEAT APPARATUS" and filed
Jun. 10, 2010. The entirety of the above-noted applications are
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Hunting is a practice of pursuing animals or wildlife with
the intention of capturing or killing the animal for sport or
trade. Today, hunting is regulated and, most often, licenses are
issued to approved hunters, as distinguished from poachers, who
attempt to killing, trapping or capturing the hunted species
contrary to applicable law. In the United States, the hunted
animals or "game" are usually mammals and birds, migratory and
non-migratory.
[0003] One particular type of hunting is that of wild turkey. Wild
turkeys are hunted in 49 States and three Canadian Provinces, among
others. Many of these places offer dual turkey hunting seasons,
spring and fall. Hunting wild turkey is somewhat challenging due to
the acute senses of wild turkeys. In particular, wild turkeys have
excellent visual acuity, as well as the ability to see color,
meaning that head-to-toe camouflage is essential. While in the
woods, hunters often position themselves behind trees or other
barriers that lend to further camouflage or concealment of the
hunter.
[0004] In addition to the hunter's weapon, turkey hunters often
equip themselves with a turkey vest to assist in organizing and
carrying calls, decoys, ammunition, etc. A turkey vest is a kind of
hunting clothing specially designed for turkey hunting. In order to
accommodate the specific needs in this outdoor activity, the vests
are often designed with an abundance of individually- and
assorted-sized pockets, both inside and outside the vest. These
pockets are used to accommodate from small items like turkey calls
or ammunition shells to larger gear like binoculars and such.
[0005] For comfort while seated against a tree or other structure,
many of the vests are designed with a built-in seat pad. Most
turkey hunters can appreciate the value of the seat pad since, more
often than not, it takes a long time for a wary gobbler to respond
to hunter's call and wander within the line of sight or shooting
distance. A seat pad has become an essential element of gear to
keep hunters off the hard, sometimes cold, ground. While
conventional seat pads are more comfortable than sitting directly
upon the ground, there exists a need in the art for more effective,
yet comfortable, seating options.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of the
innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some
aspects of the innovation. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the innovation. It is not intended to identify
key/critical elements of the innovation or to delineate the scope
of the innovation. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of
the innovation in a simplified form as a prelude to the more
detailed description that is presented later.
[0007] The innovation disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect
thereof, comprises a seating apparatus that is capable of both
sliding and pivoting thereby lending to advantageously positioning
a hunter in relation to their prey. By enabling a seat portion to
horizontally slide along a plane, the hunter can reposition away
from an object, e.g., a tree. Additionally, the seat portion of the
apparatus is capable of pivoting in either direction thereby
enhancing line of sight to hunting game.
[0008] In another aspect of the subject innovation a ring or set of
rings can be positioned around a tree having a seating portion
connected thereto. The seating portion can be of most any height so
as to accommodate sitting or straddling positions. The seating
portion is capable of rotation about the rings in either direction
and throughout the complete perimeter of the tree. It will be
appreciated that this apparatus can enhance a hunter's vantage
point to prey.
[0009] In yet other aspects, the legs or supports can be adjustable
or height or inclination. As well, the supports can pivot inward or
outward. Further, the apparatus can be incorporated into a backpack
or vest-like apparel which enables a hunter to efficiently
transport the apparatus to and from a hunt site.
[0010] To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends,
certain illustrative aspects of the innovation are described herein
in connection with the following description and the annexed
drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of
the various ways in which the principles of the innovation can be
employed and the subject innovation is intended to include all such
aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features
of the innovation will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the innovation when considered in conjunction with
the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a top down perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0015] FIG. 5 illustrates an overhead perspective view of an
example seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the
innovation.
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates a side perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a back perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an
example seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the
innovation.
[0021] FIG. 11 illustrates an example placement of a seating
apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0022] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of an example
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0023] FIG. 13A illustrates an example carry strap an embodiment in
accordance with aspects of the innovation.
[0024] FIG. 13B illustrates an example embodiment of a seat
apparatus including a backpack in accordance with aspects of the
innovation.
[0025] FIG. 14 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an
example seating apparatus in accordance with aspects of the
innovation.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a side view of an example seating apparatus
illustrating telescoping legs in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a side view of an example seating apparatus
illustrating pivoting legs in accordance with an aspect of the
innovation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] The innovation is now described with reference to the
drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like
elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may
be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without
these specific details.
[0029] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an
example seating apparatus 100 in accordance with aspects of the
innovation. As shown, the apparatus 100 can include a seat or
bottom portion 102 and an upper or backrest portion 104. The
backrest portion 104 is supported by frame member(s) 106 as shown.
While specific structural considerations are shown and described
herein, it is to be appreciated that alternatives may be employed
without departing from the spirit and/or scope of this
specification.
[0030] As will be described infra, the bottom portion 102 and
backrest portion 104 can swivel 360.degree. (or portions thereof)
in either direction so as to enhance position of an individual's
line of sight. While much of this disclosure is directed to
hunting, and specifically wild turkey hunting, it is to be
appreciated that the features, functions and benefits can be
realized and used in other scenarios, e.g., bird watching,
photography or the like.
[0031] As illustrated, the seat portion (102, 104, 106) can be
supported by two pairs of legs, front 108 and rear 110. As shown,
the front legs 108 can be longer so as to position the seating
apparatus 100 in a recline-like position. It is to be understood
that, although recline-like in some aspects, e.g., on level ground,
the front and rear legs (108, 110) can enable level (or near level)
seating on ground that is not level, which is most often the case
near tree trunks. It is to be understood that the components of the
seating apparatus 100 can be manufactured of most any suitably
rigid materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, alloys,
plastics, composites, carbon-fiber, wood or the like.
[0032] In addition to the 360.degree. swivel, the seating apparatus
100 can be equipped with a pair of rails 112 upon which a slide
mechanism 114 can travel. It will be understood that the slide
mechanism 114 can employ a self-lubricating material so as to
reduce maintenance while prolonging longevity of the slide. In
operation, the seating portion (102, 104, 106) can slide in a
planar (e.g., substantially horizontal) manner. This sliding
feature will be better understood upon a review of the figures that
follow. While a slide mechanism 114 is illustrated and described,
it is to be understood that alternative aspects can employ wheels
or other mechanisms that enable horizontal (or near horizontal)
motion. These alternatives are to be included within the scope of
this disclosure and claims appended hereto.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a seating
apparatus 200 in accordance with an aspect. It will be understood
that the front and rear supports or leg portions, 108, 110, can be
equipped with height adjusters. For example, the legs (108, 110)
can be equipped with a telescoping feature to as to adjust height,
and/or angle, of the apparatus 200. Still further, although not
shown, the legs, 108, 110, can be equipped with a hinging or other
folding feature so as to enable the legs 108, 110 to fold, e.g.,
inward or outward, e.g., for ease of storage and transport. The
frame member(s) 106 can also be equipped with a hinging or folding
feature (not shown) so as to accommodate storage and/or
transport.
[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of an example
seating apparatus 300 in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
As shown, the seating apparatus 300 can be equipped with a swivel
302 that enables the seating portion (102, 104, 106) to swivel
360.degree. (or other desired range) in either direction. In
examples, the swivel 302 can be a bearing, e.g., ball bearing
swivel device. Other swivel mechanisms can be employed in
alternative aspects.
[0035] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative aspect of an example
seating apparatus 400 in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
As shown by the arrows, the seating portion of the apparatus 400
can swivel and slide as shown. Those skilled in the art can
appreciate the value of these adjustment features.
[0036] FIG. 5 illustrates a top-down perspective view of an example
seating apparatus 500. As shown the bottom portion 102 and backrest
portion 104 can rotate in either direction. Additionally, these
components, 102, 104, can slide upon rails 112 in a linear
direction. While two rails are shown, it is to be understood that
more or less rails can be employed without departing from the
features, functions and benefits of the innovation.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate side perspective views of an
example seating apparatus 600 and 700. As shown, the slide
mechanism 114 can travel along the rail(s) 112 to adjust the
seating portion in a planar and substantially horizontal manner. It
will be understood that the horizontal sliding functionality can
enable a user to increase their distance from an object, e.g., tree
trunk. In other words, a hunter that is initially seated with their
back against a tree can slide horizontally away from the base of
the tree, and swivel 180.degree. thereby positioning their legs
facing the tree and increasing their line of sight.
[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of a seating
apparatus 800 in accordance with aspects of the innovation. Here,
the swivel mechanism 302 is shown to be positioned above the slider
mechanism 114. This placement will be better understood upon a
review of FIG. 9 that follows.
[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom-side perspective view of a
seating apparatus 900 in accordance with aspects of the innovation.
Here, as shown, the swivel mechanism 302 can be positioned in (or
near) the center of the slider mechanism 114. As previously
described, the slider mechanism 114 can travel along the pair of
rails 112 as indicated.
[0040] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another perspective view of an
example seating apparatus 1000 in accordance with aspects of the
innovation. It will be understood that, upon transport, the
apparatus 1000 can be equipped with a carry strap or straps (not
shown) such that, when carried, the bottom portion 102 and the
backrest portion 104 wrap around one's body thereby enhancing
portability.
[0041] FIG. 11 illustrates an example implementation 1100 of a
seating apparatus in accordance with aspects. As will be
understood, a hunter can position himself with his back against a
tree thereby hiding from approaching prey. If an animal approaches
from behind, the hunter can slide the seat portion forward as shown
and swivel to enhance or enable line of sight. From this vantage
point, the hunter can enhance visibility and increase probability
of success in shooting at the game, e.g., wild turkey.
[0042] FIG. 12 illustrates yet another example seating apparatus
1200 in accordance with aspects of the innovation. As discussed
supra, the legs can be adjustable as well as collapsible as
desired. Although not shown, it is to be understood that the
supports or legs can employ hinging means so as to enable height
adjustability and/or collapsibility. Similarly, the backrest can be
adjustable or collapsible as desired. Still further, it will be
appreciated that other aspects can be employed without a backrest
portion if desired. Similarly, the backrest portion can be
configured in a removable manner to enhance adaptability of the
apparatus 1200.
[0043] FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate still another aspect of a
seating apparatus 1300. As shown, the seating apparatus 1300 can be
equipped with a carry strap 1302 to enhance portability. While a
single strap 1302 is shown, it will be understood that,
alternatively, multiple straps can be employed in other aspects.
For example, the device can be equipped with two straps so as to
enable transport in a backpack-like manner. In this example, the
leg portions can be wrapped about (or collapsed) the wearer and
straps can be worn on the shoulders. Similarly, the backrest
portion can be collapsed or removed to enhance transport. These
alternative backpack-like straps are illustrated by dashed lines of
FIG. 13A. Additionally, if desired, a waist strap can also be
employed. It will be understood and appreciated that the apparatus
1300 can be configured into or with a backpack 1304 having pockets
and other storage compartments 1306 thereby enhancing utility and
functionality of the innovation, as shown in FIG. 13B.
[0044] Further, the apparatus (e.g., 1300) can be incorporated into
apparel such as a vest, jacket or the like. In one particular
aspect, the apparatus can be incorporated into a vest such as a
turkey hunting vest. It will be appreciated that a typical hunting
vest includes compartments and pockets, for example, to store
ammunition, animal calls, snacks, and other hunting-related
equipment. In operation, in aspects, the flaps of the vest can be
laid upon the ground on either side of the seating apparatus. It
will be understood that this positioning enables of the pockets and
compartments such that a user can easily and efficiently reach
equipment or other items as needed or desired.
[0045] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another configuration of a seating
apparatus 1400 in accordance with the innovation. Similar to the
guides (102 of FIG. 1), the apparatus 1400 can be equipped with
circular guides or rails 1402, 1404. While two rings 1402, 1404 are
shown, other aspects can employ more or fewer rings as appropriate
for design applications without departing from the features,
functions and benefits of the innovation. Similar to the guides or
rails described above (102 of FIG. 1), the circular guides (1402,
1404) can be tubular, square, notched or most any other suitable
configuration that enable a seating portion to traverse around the
guides or rails (1402, 1404).
[0046] As illustrated, the rings 1402, 1404 can be equipped with
attachment means 1406 that adjust to accommodate most any diameter
of tree. These attachment means 1406 can include a spike, pad, or
like. A seating arm 1408 can be slidably attached to either or both
of the rings 1402, 1404 such that the arm 1408 can travel
360.degree. around the ring (1402, 1404). A seat portion 1410 can
be affixed to the other end of the arm 1408 as shown. In this
example, a user can sit atop the seat portion 1410 or, in
alternative aspects, can straddle the seat portion 1410 in a
standing position. The seat portion 1410 (and arm 1408) can be
adjustable inward and outward in relation to the rings 1402, 1404
as appropriate or desired.
[0047] In addition to the functionality of the aspects described
herein, it is to be understood that both of the embodiments
described in detail can be equipped with a camera or gun (e.g.,
rifle) mount as desired. These mounts can, for example, be mounted
together with the seat thereby traversing along with the seat
portions. Still further, it is to be understood that the aspect
shown in FIG. 14 can be equipped with a camera mount in lieu of a
seat portion. This camera-only embodiment can be used to promote
camera use by a hunter, bird watcher, photographer, etc.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 15, as mentioned above, the seat apparatus
1500 can include telescoping front and/or rear legs 1510, 1520. The
front legs 1510 can include a movable part 1512 that telescopes
into and out of the leg 1510 as shown by the arrow A. Similarly,
the rear legs 1520 can include a movable part 1522 that telescopes
into and out of the leg 1520 as shown by the arrow B.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 16, as mentioned above, the seat apparatus
1600 can include front and/or rear legs 1610, 1620 that rotate or
fold inward or outward illustrated by the arrows A and B
respectively to facilitate storage and/or transport.
[0050] What has been described above includes examples of the
innovation. It is, of course, not possible to describe every
conceivable combination of components for purposes of describing
the subject innovation, but one of ordinary skill in the art may
recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the
innovation are possible. Accordingly, the innovation is intended to
embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that
fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Furthermore, to the extent that the term "includes" is used in
either the detailed description or the claims, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term
"comprising" as "comprising" is interpreted when employed as a
transitional word in a claim.
* * * * *