U.S. patent application number 14/924107 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-28 for accessory mount for a hunting blind.
The applicant listed for this patent is PD2F, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jerrod R. Lile, Jason D. Schneider.
Application Number | 20160115707 14/924107 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55791558 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160115707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Jason D. ; et
al. |
April 28, 2016 |
ACCESSORY MOUNT FOR A HUNTING BLIND
Abstract
A tool-less hub is provided for hunting blinds and tent
structures. Poles with particularly-shaped protrusions are
insertable in and removable from the tool-less hub. The protrusions
allow the pole to enter the tool-less hub at a particular angle,
but once rotated to a different angle, the pole is secured with the
hub. And thus, no tools are required to change out a broken pole
from the hub. In addition, the tool-less hub may comprise a
location for an accessory mount, which may comprise a plurality of
bodies that articulate about each other. Accessories such as
cameras, lights, game calls, scent dispensers, firearms, shelves,
hooks, etc. may be interconnected to the accessory mount, and the
articulating bodies may position the accessory in any number of
locations and orientations.
Inventors: |
Schneider; Jason D.;
(Missoula, MT) ; Lile; Jerrod R.; (Plains,
MT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PD2F, Inc. |
Missoula |
MT |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55791558 |
Appl. No.: |
14/924107 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62069038 |
Oct 27, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
135/120.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 15/32 20130101;
E04H 15/48 20130101; E04H 15/001 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04H 15/32 20060101
E04H015/32; E04H 15/34 20060101 E04H015/34; E04H 15/00 20060101
E04H015/00 |
Claims
1. A system for articulating an adapter in three dimensions
relative to a hunting blind, comprising: a hub adapted for
interconnection to a hunting blind; a coupler selectively
interconnected to said hub; an articulating body having a first end
and a second end, said first end of said articulating body
interconnected to said coupler to form a first joint, wherein a
first adjuster is configured to selectively lock said first joint;
and an adapter interconnected to said second end of said
articulating body to form a second joint, wherein a second adjuster
is configured to selectively lock said second joint.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said coupler comprises a rod and
an end selectively interconnected to said rod.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said rod of said coupler
comprises a threaded outer surface, and said hub of said hunting
blind comprises a threaded recess, wherein said rod is operably
engaged to said recess to selectively interconnect said coupler to
said hub.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said first joint is a
ball-and-socket joint, and said first end of said articulating body
is a socket portion of said ball-and-socket joint of said first
joint, wherein said first end of said articulating body defines a
first partially enclosed volume.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said first adjuster is configured
to compress said first end of said articulating body to a second,
reduced partially enclosed volume to selectively lock said first
joint.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said second joint is a
ball-and-socket joint, and said second end of said articulating
body is a socket portion of said ball-and-socket joint of said
second joint, wherein said second end of said articulating body
defines a first partially enclosed volume.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said second adjuster is
configured to compress said second end of said articulating body to
a second, reduced partially enclosed volume to selectively lock
said second joint.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said first joint is a
ball-and-socket joint, and wherein said coupler further comprises
an extension body, and one end of said extension body is a ball
portion of said ball-and-socket joint of said first joint.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said second joint is a
ball-and-socket joint, and wherein said adapter comprises an
adapter head that is a ball portion of said ball-and-socket joint
of said second joint.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an accessory
selectively interconnected to said adapter, wherein said accessory
is one of a camera, a video recorder, a light, a portable
electronic device, a scent dispenser, a firearm, a tray, a bow
holder, a cross bow holder, a gun holder, and a game call.
11. An accessory mount adapted to support an accessory in a
predetermined orientation, comprising: an extension body having a
distal end and a proximal end, wherein said proximal end comprises
a substantially ball-shaped end; an articulating body having a
first end and a second end, wherein said first end is a
socket-shaped end, wherein said ball-shaped end of said extension
body and said socket-shaped first end of said articulating body
form a ball-and-socket joint, said articulating body also
comprising an adjuster aperture; an adjuster having a threaded
shaft that operatively engages said adjuster aperture, and said
operable engagement of said adjuster locks said ball-and-socket
joint of said extension body and said articulating body and fixes
said extension body and said articulating body relative to each
other to secure said ball and socket in a specific location; and
wherein said second end of said articulating body is configured to
selectively interconnect to an adapter, which is adapted to secure
an accessory.
12. The accessory mount of claim 11, wherein the extension body
comprises a coupler configured to selectively interconnect to a
hub.
13. The accessory mount of claim 12, wherein said coupler
comprises: a rod having a threaded outer surface; a first end
having a inner surface, wherein at least a portion of said inner
surface of said first end is threaded to match said threaded outer
surface of said rod; and wherein said rod is operably engaged with
a threaded recess of said hub to selectively interconnect said
coupler to said hub.
14. The accessory mount of claim 13, wherein the coupler further
comprises: a second end having an inner surface, wherein at least a
portion of said inner surface of said second end is threaded to
match said threaded outer surface of said rod.
15. The accessory mount of claim 11, further comprising: an adapter
having a ball-shaped adapter head, wherein said second end of said
articulating body is a socket-shaped end, and wherein said
ball-shaped adapter head and said socket-shaped second end of said
articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint.
16. The accessory mount of claim 15, further comprising: a second
adjuster having a threaded shaft that operably engages a second
adjuster aperture in said articulating body, and said operable
engagement of said second adjuster locks said ball-and-socket joint
of said adapter and said articulating body and fixes said adapter
and said articulating body relative to each other.
17. The accessory mount of claim 15, wherein said accessory is one
of a camera, a video recorder, a light, a portable electronic
device, a scent dispenser, a firearm, a tray, a bow holder, a cross
bow holder, a gun holder, and a game call.
18. The accessory mount of claim 11, wherein said articulating body
comprises a slit that extends to said socket-shaped first end of
said articulating body, wherein said operably engagement of said
adjuster compresses said slit and said socket-shaped first end of
said articulating body to lock said ball-and-socket joint of said
extension body and said articulating body and fix said extension
body and said articulating body relative to each other.
19. The accessory mount of claim 11, wherein the articulating body
forms an articulation angle between said first end and said second
end, wherein said articulation angle is between approximately 30
and 60 degrees.
20. An accessory mount for articulating an adapter in three
distinct dimensions relative to a hunting blind, comprising: a
coupler configured to selectively interconnect to a hub of a
hunting blind, said coupler comprising: a rod having a threaded
outer surface; a first end having a inner surface, wherein at least
a portion of said inner surface is threaded to match said threaded
outer surface of said rod, wherein said rod is operably engaged to
a recess of said hub to selectively interconnect said coupler to
said hub; a second end having an inner surface, wherein at least a
portion of said inner surface is threaded to match said threaded
outer surface of said rod; an extension body having a distal end
and a proximal end, wherein said distal end is interconnected to
said coupler, and wherein said proximal end is a ball-shaped end;
an articulating body having a first end and a second end, wherein
said first end is a socket-shaped end, wherein said ball-shaped
proximal end of said extension body and said socket-shaped first
end of said articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint, said
articulating body comprises a first adjuster aperture; a first
adjuster having a threaded shaft that operatively engages to said
first adjuster aperture, and said operable engagement of said first
adjuster locks said ball-and-socket joint of said extension body
and said articulating body and fixes said extension body and said
articulating body relative to each other; an adapter having a
ball-shaped adapter head, wherein said second end of said
articulating body is a socket-shaped end, and wherein said
ball-shaped adapter head and said socket-shaped second end of said
articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint, said articulating
body comprises a second adjuster aperture; a second adjuster having
a threaded shaft that operably engages said second adjuster
aperture in said articulating body, and said operable engagement of
said second adjuster locks said ball-and-socket joint of said
adapter and said articulating body and fixes said adapter and said
articulating body relative to each other; and wherein an accessory
is selectively interconnected to said adapter, wherein said
accessory is one of a camera, a video recorder, a light, a portable
electronic device, a scent dispenser, a firearm, a tray, a bow
holder, a cross bow holder, a gun holder, and a game call.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/069,038 filed Oct. 27, 2014, which is incorporated herein in its
entirety by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to hunting blinds
for use by hunters or outdoorsmen. More specifically, the present
invention relates to hunting blinds with tool-less hubs and
attachment mounts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Outdoorsmen such as hunters, nature observers, bird
watchers, photographers, etc. usually prefer to remain hidden from
the wildlife that they are hunting or studying. Hunting blinds are
devices that cover and conceal a hunter to reduce the likelihood of
detection. Early examples of hunting blinds include the
cocking-cloth, a canvas and stick device that allowed hunters to
approach pheasants. While early hunting blinds were relatively
simple in design, modern hunting blinds may be very complex and
approach the size of a small house. Larger hunting blinds may be
ground level or elevated, but larger blinds tend to be permanent in
their location.
[0004] Some modern hunting blinds are mobile in nature and
collapsible to a smaller size for easy transport. This allows a
hunter to set up the hunting blind in an unlimited number of
locations in contrast to the single location of the larger blinds.
These hunting blinds typically consist of a camouflage cover and a
support structure that is designed for rapid deployment and take
down. Some mobile hunting blinds utilize a hub system that allows a
hunter to easily collapse and open the hunting blind. Examples of
these hub systems may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,628,338;
6,296,415; 7,594,514; 8,578,956; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos.
2013/0174826 and 2013/0180559; which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety. Once the hunting blind is erected, the
outdoorsman typically enters through a "door" that is defined in
the cover.
[0005] The hub system generally comprises a central hub with poles
extending outward from the hub. The ends of the poles are typically
fixed to the corners of the blind. In a collapsed state, the poles
are generally parallel to one another, and the fabric of the blind
is loose. In an opened state, the poles spread out from one another
until the poles and hub lie in a common plane. The hub continues to
extend outward and "pops" into place such that the fabric of the
blind is taught and extends outward and away from the center of the
hunting blind to provide the hunter with additional room.
[0006] One issue with hunting blinds is that tools are required
when there is a maintenance issue with the hub system, and there
are a variety of possible maintenance issues. For example, the
joints between the hub and the poles may become dirty or defective,
and because most poles are fiberglass, the poles are prone to
breaking. Natural causes such as high winds, snow weight, falling
limbs, etc. can break poles, and unnatural causes such as human
error or accidents can break poles. Further, components of the
poles such as the ears or protrusions often break when the hub is
assembled and disassembled.
[0007] Opening the hub to remove a broken pole or otherwise repair
the system requires a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. The
tool requirement of prior art hub systems is a weight burden for
the hunter as hunters will hike considerable distance to set up a
hunting blind, and every pound of weight matters. The tool
requirement is also an easy oversight for the hunter during
preparation for the hunt. Further, when working on a hub during a
hunt or other activity, an outdoorsman may lose a component such as
a washer or nut, especially when working on the blind in the dark
(which is common when hunting), which can prevent the hunting blind
from working properly. Having a defective hunting blind and no tool
to repair the hub system can ruin a hunt.
[0008] A further issue with prior art hubs is that they lack
integrated feature for attaching accessories. Prior art devices may
be used to mount accessories. However, these devices require
additional time, hardware and space to get them set up inside the
blind. Further, these devices require the outdoorsman to remove
them each and every time the blind is taken down. Therefore there
is a need for an accessory mount that is capable of remaining
attached to the blind when the blind is collapsed and stored
away.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is thus an aspect of embodiments of the present invention
to provide a tool-less hub for a hunting blind where poles are
easily replaced without disassembly of the hub. It is a further
aspect of embodiments of the present invention to improve the
usability of a hunting blind with the addition of an accessory
mount that may be integrated with the hub of the blind.
[0010] It is one aspect of embodiments of the present invention to
provide a tool-less hub that does not require any tools to change
poles out of the hub. Some embodiments of the present invention
accomplish the tool-less design by defining a pair of protrusions
on the end of a pole. The protrusions have a generally circular
profile, but the circular shape is truncated such that the
protrusions have a flat top side and a flat bottom side. The flat
sides must be aligned with pass-through channels in the hub for a
user to insert or remove the pole from the hub. When the
protrusions pass through the pass-through channels and into
rotation channels, the pole may freely rotate. Once the pole
rotates and the flat sides of the protrusions are no longer aligned
with the pass-through channels, the pole is effectively locked in
the hub.
[0011] It is another aspect of embodiments of the present invention
to provide a tool-less hub that comprises an additional locking
mechanism. In the above embodiment, it is possible that the pole
may rotate to a specific angle where the flat sides of the
protrusions align with the pass-through channels, and the pole may
accidentally fall out of the hub. Thus, some embodiments of the
present invention may comprise a deflectable protrusion positioned
on the hub where a user must overcome a predetermined force to
press the deflectable protrusion into the body of the hub and align
the flat sides of the pole protrusions with the pass-through
channels. The additional force makes accidental pole removals much
less likely. In various embodiments, the hub may not have a
pass-through channel. Rather, the pole protrusions may deflect into
the body of the pole itself. A user may toggle a button or simply
press the protrusions into the hub to deflect the pole protrusions.
Once the pole protrusions reach the rotation channels, they extend
outward, and the pole may freely rotate without risk of accidental
pole removal.
[0012] It is a further aspect of embodiments of the present
invention to provide an accessory mount to attach a variety of
accessories to a hub or other similar device. In some embodiments,
the accessory mount may comprise an extension body and an
articulating body that are joined together with a ball-and-socket
joint. This joint may be locked when an adjuster is screwed into
the articulating body and the socket portion of the joint closes in
on the ball portion of the joint, and the positions of the
extension body and the articulating body are locked relative to
each other. The extension body may be selectively interconnected to
a hub or other object, and the articulating body may be
interconnected to an accessory. Thus, the position and/or
orientation of the accessory may be manipulated then locked into
place. In other embodiments, the position and orientation of the
accessory cannot necessarily be manipulated once the accessory and
accessory mount are attached to the hub. One skilled in the art
will appreciate a variety of combinations of couplers, extension
bodies, articulating bodies, adapters, and other components as
discussed elsewhere herein.
[0013] One particular embodiment of the present invention is a
tool-less hub for a tent structure that utilizes a plurality of
poles, comprising a hub having at least one pole dock which at
least partially defines a partially enclosed volume, the at least
one pole dock comprising at least one rotation channel; at least
one pole having at least one protrusion disposed on one end of the
at least one pole, wherein the at least one protrusion is disposed
in the at least one rotation channel when the one end of the at
least one pole is disposed in the partially enclosed volume, and
wherein the at least one pole is rotatable relative to the hub.
[0014] Another particular embodiment of the present invention is an
accessory mount comprising an extension body having a first end and
a second end, wherein the second end is a ball-shaped end; an
articulating body having a third end and a fourth end, wherein the
third end is a socket-shaped end, wherein the ball-shaped end is
insertable into the socket-shaped end to form a ball-and-socket
joint, the articulating body also comprising an adjuster aperture;
an adjuster having a threaded shaft that operatively interconnects
to the adjuster aperture, and engagement of the adjuster locks the
ball-and-socket joint and fixes the extension body and the
articulating body relative to each other; wherein the first end is
configured to selectively interconnect to a hub, and the fourth end
is configured to selectively interconnect to an accessory.
[0015] Yet another particular embodiment of the present invention
is a coupler for a hub, comprising a rod having a threaded outer
surface; a first end having a inner surface, wherein at least a
portion of the inner surface is threaded to match the threaded
outer surface of the rod; wherein the rod is threaded into an axial
thread of a hub to secure at least two components of the hub.
[0016] One embodiment of the present invention is a system for
articulating an adapter in three dimensions relative to a hunting
blind, comprising a hub adapted for interconnection to hunting
blind; a coupler selectively interconnected to the hub; an
articulating body having a first end and a second end, the first
end of the articulating body interconnected to the coupler to form
a first joint, wherein a first adjuster is configured to
selectively lock the first joint; and an adapter interconnected to
the second end of the articulating body to form a second joint,
wherein a second adjuster is configured to selectively lock the
second joint.
[0017] The coupler may also comprise several components. For
example, the coupler may comprise a rod and an end selectively
interconnected to the rod. The rod of the coupler may comprise a
threaded outer surface, and the hub of the hunting blind comprises
a threaded recess, wherein the rod is operably engaged to the
recess to selectively interconnect the coupler to the hub.
[0018] The articulating body may form joints with other components
that allow articulating in one or more dimensions. For example, the
first joint may be a ball-and-socket joint, and the first end of
the articulating body is a socket portion of the ball-and-socket
joint of the first joint, wherein the first end of the articulating
body defines a first partially enclosed volume. The first adjuster
may be configured to compress the first end of the articulating
body to a second reduced partially enclosed volume to selectively
lock the first joint. The second joint may be a ball-and-socket
joint, and the second end of the articulating body is a socket
portion of the ball-and-socket joint of the second joint, wherein
the second end of the articulating body defines a first partially
enclosed volume. The second adjuster may be configured to compress
the second end of the articulating body to a second reduced
partially enclosed volume to selectively lock the second joint. The
first joint may be a ball-and-socket joint, and wherein the coupler
further comprises an extension body, and one end of the extension
body is a ball portion of the ball-and-socket joint of the first
joint. The second joint may be a ball-and-socket joint, and wherein
the adapter comprises an adapter head that is a ball portion of the
ball-and-socket joint of the second joint.
[0019] The adapter may be associated with different accessories.
For example, an accessory may be selectively interconnected to the
adapter, wherein the accessory is one of a camera, a video
recorder, a light, a portable electronic device, a scent dispenser,
a firearm, a tray, a bow holder, a cross bow holder, a gun holder,
and a game call.
[0020] Another embodiment of the present invention is an accessory
mount adapted to secure an accessory in a predetermined location,
comprising an extension body having a distal end and a proximal
end, wherein the proximal end comprises a substantially ball-shaped
end; an articulating body having a first end and a second end,
wherein the first end is a socket-shaped end, wherein the
ball-shaped end of the extension body and the socket-shaped first
end of the articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint, the
articulating body also comprising an adjuster aperture; an adjuster
having a threaded shaft that operatively engages the adjuster
aperture, and the operable engagement of the adjuster locks the
ball-and-socket joint of the extension body and the articulating
body and fixes the extension body and the articulating body
relative to each other to secure said ball and socket in a specific
location; and wherein the second end of the articulating body is
configured to selectively interconnect to an adapter, which is
adapted to secure an accessory.
[0021] The extension body may also comprise a coupler with several
components. For example, the extension body may comprise a coupler
configured to selectively interconnect to a hub. The coupler may
comprise a rod having a threaded outer surface; a first end having
a inner surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of
the first end is threaded to match the threaded outer surface of
the rod; and wherein the rod is operably engaged with a threaded
recess of the hub to selectively interconnect the coupler to the
hub. The coupler may further comprise a second end having an inner
surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the
second end is threaded to match the threaded outer surface of the
rod.
[0022] The accessory mount may also comprise an adapter. For
example, an adapter may have a ball-shaped adapter head, wherein
the second end of the articulating body is a socket-shaped end, and
wherein the ball-shaped adapter head and the socket-shaped second
end of the articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint. In
addition, a second adjuster may have a threaded shaft that operably
engages a second adjuster aperture in the articulating body, and
the operable engagement of the second adjuster locks the
ball-and-socket joint of the adapter and the articulating body and
fixes the adapter and the articulating body relative to each other.
An accessory may be selectively interconnected to the adapter,
wherein the accessory is one of a camera, a video recorder, a
light, a portable electronic device, a scent dispenser, a firearm,
a tray, a bow holder, a cross bow holder, a gun holder, and a game
call. The articulating body may comprise a slit that extends to the
socket-shaped first end of the articulating body, wherein the
operably engagement of the adjuster compresses the slit and the
socket-shaped first end of the articulating body to lock the
ball-and-socket joint of the extension body and the articulating
body and fix the extension body and the articulating body relative
to each other. The articulating body may form an articulation angle
between the first end and the second end, wherein the articulation
angle is between approximately 30 and 60 degrees.
[0023] One embodiment of the present invention is an accessory
mount for articulating an adapter in three distinct dimensions
relative to a hunting blind, comprising a coupler configured to
selectively interconnect to a hub of a hunting blind, the coupler
comprising: (a) a rod having a threaded outer surface; (b) a first
end having a inner surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner
surface is threaded to match the threaded outer surface of the rod,
wherein the rod is operably engaged to a recess of the hub to
selectively interconnect the coupler to the hub; (c) a second end
having an inner surface, wherein at least a portion of the inner
surface is threaded to match the threaded outer surface of the rod;
an extension body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein
the distal end is interconnected to the coupler, and wherein the
proximal end is a ball-shaped end; an articulating body having a
first end and a second end, wherein the first end is a
socket-shaped end, wherein the ball-shaped proximal end of the
extension body and the socket-shaped first end of the articulating
body form a ball-and-socket joint, the articulating body comprises
a first adjuster aperture; a first adjuster having a threaded shaft
that operatively engages to the first adjuster aperture, and the
operable engagement of the first adjuster locks the ball-and-socket
joint of the extension body and the articulating body and fixes the
extension body and the articulating body relative to each other; an
adapter having a ball-shaped adapter head, wherein the second end
of the articulating body is a socket-shaped end, and wherein the
ball-shaped adapter head and the socket-shaped second end of the
articulating body form a ball-and-socket joint, the articulating
body comprises a second adjuster aperture; a second adjuster having
a threaded shaft that operably engages the second adjuster aperture
in the articulating body, and the operable engagement of the second
adjuster locks the ball-and-socket joint of the adapter and the
articulating body and fixes the adapter and the articulating body
relative to each other; and wherein an accessory is selectively
interconnected to the adapter, wherein the accessory is one of a
camera, a video recorder, a light, a portable electronic device, a
scent dispenser, a firearm, a tray, a bow holder, a cross bow
holder, a gun holder, and a game call.
[0024] These and other advantages will be apparent from the
disclosure of the invention(s) contained herein. The
above-described embodiments, objectives, and configurations are
neither complete nor exhaustive. The Summary of the Invention is
neither intended nor should it be construed as being representative
of the full extent and scope of the present invention. Moreover,
references made herein to "the present invention" or aspects
thereof should be understood to mean certain embodiments of the
present invention and should not necessarily be construed as
limiting all embodiments to a particular description. The present
invention is set forth in various levels of detail in the Summary
of the Invention as well as in the attached drawings and Detailed
Description and no limitation as to the scope of the present
invention is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of
elements, components, etc. in this Summary of the Invention.
Additional aspects of the present invention will become more
readily apparent from the Detailed Description particularly when
taken together with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and together with the general description of the
disclosure given above and the detailed description of the drawings
given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosures.
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a prior art hub having an
eyelet;
[0027] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a tool-less hub according to
one embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a pole comprising a
protrusion according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0029] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a tool-less hub comprising
four poles according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0030] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the tool-less hub and four
poles of the embodiment in FIG. 4;
[0031] FIG. 6 is a right elevation view of the tool-less hub and
four poles of the embodiment in FIG. 4;
[0032] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a top side of an accessory
mount according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a bottom side of the
accessory mount of FIG. 7;
[0034] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a coupler of an accessory
mount according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of an extension body of an
accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an articulating body of an
accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the articulating body of FIG.
11;
[0038] FIG. 13 is a right elevation view of the articulating body
of FIG. 11;
[0039] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a top side of an adapter of
an accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0040] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a bottom side of an adapter
of an accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0041] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a top side of an adjuster of
an accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0042] FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a bottom side of an adjuster
of an accessory mount according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0043] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a tree screw according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0044] To assist in the understanding of the embodiments of the
present invention the following list of components and associated
numbering found in the drawings is provided herein:
TABLE-US-00001 Component No.Component 2 Hub 4 First Pole Dock 6
Second Pole Dock 8 Third Pole Dock 10 Fourth Pole Dock 12
Pass-Through Channel 14 Rotation Channel 16 Channel Height 18
Channel Width 20 Pole Indicator 22 Axial Thread 24 First Pole 26
Protrusion 28 Second Pole 30 Third Pole 32 Fourth Pole 34 Accessory
Mount 36 Coupler 38 Extension Body 40 Articulating Body 42 Adapter
44 First Adjuster 46 Second Adjuster 48 Rod 50 First End 52 Second
End 54 Interface End 56 Extension Shaft 58 Extension Head 60 First
Socket 62 Slit 64 Adjuster Aperture 66 Second Socket 68 Adapter
Head 70 Notch 72 Mount End 74 Adjuster Shaft 76 Adjuster Head 78
Tree Screw 80 First Section 82 Second Section 84 Handle
[0045] It should be understood that the drawings are not
necessarily to scale, and various dimensions may be altered. In
certain instances, details that are not necessary for an
understanding of the invention or that render other details
difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be
understood, of course, that the invention is not necessarily
limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] The present invention has significant benefits across a
broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this
specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth
in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being
disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed
by the requirements of referring to the specific examples
disclosed. To acquaint persons skilled in the pertinent arts most
closely related to the present invention, a preferred embodiment
that illustrates the best mode now contemplated for putting the
invention into practice is described herein by, and with reference
to, the annexed drawings that form a part of the specification. The
exemplary embodiment is described in detail without attempting to
describe all of the various forms and modifications in which the
invention might be embodied. As such, the embodiments described
herein are illustrative, and as will become apparent to those
skilled in the arts, may be modified in numerous ways within the
scope and spirit of the invention.
[0047] Although the following text sets forth a detailed
description of numerous different embodiments, it should be
understood that the detailed description is to be construed as
exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment
since describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if
not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be
implemented, using either current technology or technology
developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still
fall within the scope of the claims. To the extent that any term
recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in
this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is
done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and
it is not intended that such claim term by limited, by implication
or otherwise, to that single meaning.
[0048] Various embodiments of the present invention are described
herein and as depicted in the drawings. It is expressly understood
that although the figures depict hubs, poles, and accessory mount
components, the present invention is not limited to these
embodiments.
[0049] Now referring to FIG. 1, a prior art hub is shown. This hub
comprises four locations to dispose poles. Further, the hub
comprises a two-piece design that is held together with a bolt that
has an eyelet disposed on one end and a nut disposed on the reverse
side. If a pole breaks in this prior art design, a user must have a
tool to remove the bolt and disassemble the multi-part hub.
[0050] Now referring to FIG. 2, a tool-less hub 2 of the present
invention is provided. The tool-less hub 2 has a first pole dock 4,
a second pole dock 6, a third pole dock 8, and a fourth pole dock
10. The first pole dock 4 has an inner surface that defines a
partially enclosed volume. A first pole (shown in FIG. 2) is
insertable to and removable from the partially enclosed volume of
the first pole dock 4. A pass-through channel 12 is disposed on an
inner surface of the first pole dock 4. In this embodiment, the
pass-through channel 12 is a straight line oriented perpendicular
to the small dimension, or height dimension, of the hub 2. A first
end of the pass-through channel 12 is positioned at the outer
surface of the hub 2, and the pass-through channel 12 extends
toward the center of the hub 2 to a second end of the pass-through
channel 12. One skilled in the art will appreciate a pass-through
channel 12 that has shapes beyond a straight line. For example, the
pass-through channel 12 may comprise one or more radii between its
two ends. Further, the pass-through channel 12 may comprise an nth
order polynomial shape, a "V" shape, a "W" shape, or any other
shape commonly known in the art.
[0051] A rotation channel 14 is disposed at the second end of the
pass-through channel 12. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2,
the rotation channel 14 is a circular shape such that a protrusion
having a radius could freely rotate within the rotation channel 14.
The rotation channel 14 may have a conical profile wherein the
rotation channel 14 is circular at the inner surface of the first
pole dock 4 but tapers down further into the wall of the first pole
dock 4. The pass-through channel 12 may also have a similar
tapering profile. One skilled in the art will appreciate a variety
of channel profiles including, but not limited to, conical,
truncated conical, stepped, countersunk, and flat (which is
depicted in FIG. 2 with a channel height 16 and a channel width
18).
[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the first pole dock 4 is
bilaterally symmetric, meaning the pass-through channel 12 and the
rotation channel 14 are mirrored on the opposite side of the inner
surface of the first pole dock 4. One skilled in the art will
appreciate that the present invention is not limited to bilaterally
symmetric embodiments. For example, some embodiments may have a
shorter/longer pass-through channel 12, a smaller/larger rotation
channel 14, or the first pole dock 4 may only comprise one set of
pass-through and rotation channels 12, 14. Accordingly, embodiments
of the pole may only have one protrusion (shown in FIG. 3).
[0053] Located on the side of the first pole dock 4 is a pole
indicator 20, which is an aperture that extends through the first
pole dock's 4 wall so that a user may see the first pole dock's 4
partially enclosed volume from the outside of the hub 2. When a
user inserts a first pole (shown in FIG. 2) into the first pole
dock 4, the user can see the first pole through the pole indicator
20 to ensure the first pole is in the proper position. At this
point, the user may rotate the first pole to secure the first pole
in the rotation channel 14. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 has one
pole indicator 20 per pole dock. However, one skilled in the art
will appreciate embodiments with more than one pole indicator 20
per pole dock or no pole indicators 20 per pole dock. Further, pole
indicators 20 may be disposed on any surface of the pole dock.
[0054] Next, the hub 2 depicted in FIG. 2 has four pole docks 4, 6,
8, 10 arranged symmetrically about a longitudinal axis of the hub
2. The pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10 are offset to one side to create a
central portion of the hub 2 where an axial thread 22 is disposed,
where the axial thread 22 is oriented parallel with the
longitudinal axis of the hub 2. As will be discussed in further
detail below, the central portion of the hub 2 and/or the axial
thread 22 may provide a location to interconnect accessories and
other objects. The central portion of the hub 2 may optionally
include the axial thread 22. In other embodiments, the central
portion of the hub 2 may comprise a protruding male thread, snap
fastener half, zipper half, or any other means of interconnecting
two objects. The hub 2 may have a female connector on one side and
a male connector on the other side, two female connectors, two male
connectors, or no connectors.
[0055] The hub 2 may be made from a variety of materials including,
but not limited to, molded polymers, carbon fiber, die cast
aluminum, any alloys via a metal injection molding process, or any
other materials commonly known in the art.
[0056] In some embodiments, the pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10 may be even
further offset to completely eliminate the central portion of the
hub 2. In yet further embodiments, the pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10 may
be centered--i.e., not offset--which provides a larger central
portion of the hub 2 than depicted in FIG. 2. One skilled in the
art will appreciate that embodiments of the present invention may
comprise one, two, three, four, or more pole docks that may or may
not be evenly spaced about the longitudinal axis of the hub 2.
[0057] Now referring to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the first pole
24 and protrusion 26 is shown along with the pass-through channel
12 of the pole dock 4. The pass-through channel 12 is similar to
the pass-through channel 12 shown in FIG. 2 where the pass-through
channel 12 has a channel height 16 and a channel width 18. The
protrusion 26 extends laterally from the body of the first pole 24
to match the channel width 18 of the pass-through channel 12, and
the protrusion 26 end has a flat surface. When viewed from the
side, the protrusion 26 has a truncated shape, meaning the shape
has a radius but has been flattened on a top side and a bottom
side. The distance between these two flat sides matches the channel
height 16. The amount of the circle that has been truncated can be
expressed in terms of percentage of circle truncated. In one
embodiment, between approximately 50% and 80% of the circle shape
has been truncated. In another embodiment, between approximately
60% and 70% of the circle shape has been truncated. One skilled in
the art will appreciate that the top side and bottom side of the
protrusion are not necessarily flat, and the two truncated portions
(top side and bottom side) are not necessarily equal in area.
[0058] With the length of the first pole 24 oriented perpendicular
to the longitudinal axis of the hub 2, the shape of the protrusion
26 aligns with the pass-through channel 12, and the first pole 24
is insertable into the first pole dock 4. Once the protrusion 26
reaches the rotation channel 14, the first pole 24 may freely
rotate and is locked in the rotation channel 14.
[0059] Now referring to FIGS. 4-6, a hub 2 is shown with the first
pole 24, the second pole 28, the third pole 30, and the fourth pole
32 positioned proximate to their respective pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10.
The fourth pole 32 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the hub 2 so that the fourth pole 32 is insertable into the
fourth pole dock 10. The second pole 28 is also oriented
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub 2, but the
protrusions of the second pole 28 have passed through the
pass-through channel and into the rotation channel. The first pole
24 and the third pole 30 show that once the pole protrusions pass
through the pass-through channel and are disposed in the rotation
channel, the poles are free to rotate. The poles 24, 28, 30, 32 may
be made from a variety of materials including, but not limited to,
molded polymers, carbon fiber, die cast aluminum, any alloys via a
metal injection molding process, or any other materials commonly
known in the art. Further one skilled in the art will appreciate
other embodiments, where the poles 24, 28, 30, 32 are segmented
into multiple pieces such that a pole 24, 28, 30, 32 may be
threadably interconnected to a rotating portion that is already
interconnected to the pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10 on the hub 2. Poles
24, 28, 30, 32 may also comprise ball-and-socket joints or any
other joints at any position on the poles 24, 28, 30, 32.
[0060] In other embodiments of the present invention, the poles 24,
28, 30, 32 may not comprise fixed protrusions, and the pole docks
4, 6, 8, 10 may not comprise pass-through channels. In these
embodiments, the protrusions have the ability to retract into the
body of the pole. A button disposed on the pole may be operatively
interconnected to the retractable protrusions, and the button has a
first position and a second position. When the button is in a first
position, the protrusions are retracted into the body of the pole.
The user may directly insert the pole proximate to the rotation
channel. When the pole is in this position, the user may move the
button to a second position such that the protrusions extend from
the body of the pole. The protrusions match the rotation channel,
and the pole is free to rotate within the dock.
[0061] In yet further embodiments, the protrusions are simply
deflectable into the body of the pole. The protrusions may comprise
a flange and spring system such that the protrusions are biased
outward in a default state. A user may press the end of the pole
into the pole dock such that the protrusions overcome their bias
and deflect into the body of the pole. The pole dock may comprise
ramps or other similar shapes such that the deflection of the
protrusions is gradual. Once the end of the pole is positioned
proximate to the rotation channel, the protrusions are allowed to
extend outward again, and the pole is free to rotate within the
pole dock.
[0062] The pole docks 4, 6, 8, 10 may also comprise features that
aid a user in deploying the hub 2 without any tools. For example, a
deflectable protrusion may be positioned proximate to the first end
of the pass-through channel, which is the outer surface of the pole
docks 4, 6, 8, 10. As a user aligns the flat sides of the
protrusions with the pass-through channel and begins to insert the
pole into the pole dock. The deflectable protrusion deflects into
the body of the pole dock such that the pole may pass through the
pass-through channel. Once the pole protrusions reach the rotation
channel and the user rotates the pole, the deflectable protrusion
extends outward. With this feature, additional force is required to
deflect the deflectable protrusion and align the flat sides of the
pole protrusions with the pass-through channel before removing the
pole from the pole dock. This helps prevent accidental alignment of
the flat sides of the pole protrusions with the pass-through
channel and accidental removal of the pole from the pole dock. One
skilled in the art will appreciate that this deflectable protrusion
may be placed anywhere on the pole dock including, but not limited
to, the outer surface of the pole dock, the pass-through channel,
the rotation channel, and the inner surface of the pole dock.
[0063] Now referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, an accessory mount 34 is
shown, and the accessory mount 34 comprises a coupler 36, an
extension body 38, an articulating body 40, an adapter 42, a first
adjuster 44, and a second adjuster 46. The coupler 36 interconnects
the accessory mount 34 to an object or device. In some embodiments,
the coupler 36 interconnects the accessory mount 34 to the axial
thread 22 of the tool-less hub 2.
[0064] The extension body 38 adds longitudinal distance between the
coupler 36 and the remaining components. When the accessory mount
34 is interconnected to a wall or other similar surface, it is
beneficial to have an extension body 38 to increase the distance
between the remaining components and the wall so that the remaining
components may be freely articulated and positioned. In alternative
embodiments, a user may desire a shorter distance between the hub 2
and the remaining components. It will be appreciated from the
disclosure herein that the term "coupler" may refer to one or both
of the coupler 36 and the extension body 38. Similarly, the term
"extension body" may refer to one or both of the coupler 36 and the
extension body 38.
[0065] Next, the extension body 38 is interconnected to an
articulating body 40, which in turn is interconnected to an adapter
42. Accessories such as cameras, trays, bow holders, lights, scent
dispensers, scent elimination systems, etc. may be mounted to the
adapter 42. The extension-articulating and articulating-coupler
interconnections are ball-and-socket type interconnections so that
the accessory or accessories mounted on the adapter 42 may be
positioned and/or oriented in a number of configurations. A first
adjuster 44 and a second adjuster 46 are interconnected to the
articulating body 40 wherein the first adjuster 44 corresponds to
the extension-articulating interconnection, and the second adjuster
46 corresponds to the articulating-coupler interconnection. A user
may engage the adjusters 44, 46 to prevent the
extension-articulating and articulating-coupler interconnections
from moving. In other words, the first adjuster 44 may fix the
positions of the extension body 38 and the articulating body 40
relative to each other. Likewise, the second adjuster 46 may fix
the positions of the articulating body 40 and the adapter 42
relative to each other.
[0066] Now referring to FIG. 9, an isometric view of the coupler 36
is provided. The coupler comprises a rod 48 disposed between a
first end 50 and a second end 52. The rod 48 has a threaded outer
surface, which matches threaded inner surfaces of the first end 50
and the second end 52. A user may remove the second end 52 and
thread the rod 48 into the axial thread 22 of the hub 2 or any
other threaded recess. One skilled in the art will appreciate other
means by which the coupler 36 interconnects to a hub 2, another
object, and/or the extension body 38 (shown in FIG. 10).
[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupler 36
replaces the eyebolt on existing hub designs such that the
accessory mount 34 may be used with existing hubs. The coupler 36
may also be used on both the inside and outside of the hub 2. For
example, this provides a user with the ability to attach a bow
holder on the inside of the hub 2 and a scent dispenser on the
outside of the hub 2, simultaneously. As mentioned above,
embodiments of the present invention contemplate an axial thread 22
disposed on a central portion of the hub 2 along with various other
connection means. In embodiments where the axial thread 22 extends
through the hub 2, the coupler 36 does not require a second end 52
as the rod 48 will simply thread into the axial thread 22.
[0068] The diameter of the rod 48 may be between approximately
1/32'' and 2''. In other embodiments, the rod 48 diameter may be
between approximately 1/8'' and 1/2''. In a preferred embodiment,
the rod 48 diameter is approximately 1/4''. The two ends 50, 52 may
have a diameter between approximately 1/8'' and 2''. In other
embodiments, the ends' 50, 52 diameters may be between
approximately 3/8'' and 1''. In a preferred embodiment, the ends'
50, 52 diameters are approximately 5/8''. The length of the ends
50, 52 may be between approximately 1/8'' and 6''. In other
embodiments, the ends' 50, 52 lengths are between approximately
1/2'' and 2''. In a preferred embodiment, the ends' 50, 52 lengths
are approximately 1''. One skilled in the art will appreciate that
these dimensions are only exemplary in nature, and it is not
intended that the invention be limited to the above ranges.
Further, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the ends 50,
52 may not be the same size, and in some embodiments, there may be
one end, more than two ends, or no ends. The material of the ends
50, 52 and the rod 48 is aluminum in some embodiments. One skilled
in the art will appreciate that the material of the ends 50, 52 and
the rod 48 may be any other material discussed herein or otherwise
commonly known in the art. Further still, various surfaces and
edges may be knurled, radiused, chamfered, etc.
[0069] Now referring to FIG. 10, an extension body 38 comprising an
extension end 54, an extension shaft 56, and an extension head 58
is shown. The extension body 38 provides additional longitudinal
distance between the coupler 36 and the remaining components of the
accessory mount 34. The extension end 54 interconnects to the first
end 50 or second end 52 of the coupler 36 or directly into the
tool-less hub 2 wherein a threaded outer surface of the extension
end 54 matches the threaded inner surface of the first end 50,
second end 52, or tool-less hub 2. The extension shaft 56 provides
the additional longitudinal length for the accessory mount 34 such
that articulating components may be positioned and oriented freely.
The extension head 58 is disposed on the opposite end of the
extension shaft 56 from the extension end 54. The extension head 58
is a ball-shaped end that interconnects to the articulating body 40
(shown in FIGS. 11-13) to form a ball-and-socket joint. One skilled
in the art will appreciate other connection types between the
extension body 38 and the coupler 36 and between the extension body
38 and the articulating body 40 as discussed elsewhere herein and
as commonly known in the art.
[0070] Now referring to FIGS. 11-13, an articulating body 40 is
provided. The articulating body 40 comprises a first socket 60, a
slit 62 that extends from the first socket toward the center of the
articulating body 40, and an adjuster aperture 64 that extends
through the articulating body 40 along a lateral axis and through
the slit 62. At least a portion of the first socket 60 defines at
least a portion of a spherical volume. The extension head 58 of the
extension body 38 may deflect into the spherical volume of the
first socket 60 in a ball-and-socket type interconnection. Once the
extension head 58 and the first socket 60 are interconnected, the
extension body 38 and the articulating body 40 may freely rotate
and pivot about each other. A first adjuster 44 may thread through
the adjuster aperture 64 on a flattened portion of the articulating
body 40 and deflect the slit 62 such that the first socket 60
closes on the extension head 58, and the extension body 38 and the
articulating body 40 are fixed relative to each other. As shown in
FIG. 12, the articulating body 40 is symmetric about a lateral
plane, and a second socket 66 operates in much the same way as the
first socket 60.
[0071] The articulating body 40 may have several forms. For
example, the articulating body 40 may comprise a crook or bend
between the first socket 60 and the second socket 66 that forms an
articulation angle. In some embodiments, the articulation angle
formed by the bend is between 30 and 60 degrees. The articulation
angle can be utilized to allow another component, such as the
extension body, to lie flat against the articulating body 40.
[0072] FIGS. 14 and 15 show an adapter 42 that comprises an adapter
head 68, a plurality of notches 70, and a mount end 72. The adapter
head 68 is a ball-shaped end that interconnects to the second
socket 66 in much the same way as the extension head 58
interconnects to the first socket 60. The adapter head 68 and the
second socket 66 form a ball-and-socket type interconnection.
Notches 70 disposes on the adapter 42 help a user manipulate the
position and orientation of the adapter 42. A second adjuster
(shown in FIGS. 16 and 17) extends through another adjuster
aperture, which may close another slit and fix the positions of the
articulating body 40 and the adapter 42 relative to each other.
[0073] The adapter 42 also comprises a mount end 72, which is the
portion of the accessory mount 34 that interconnects to the chosen
accessory or accessories. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and
15, the mount end 72 is a male portion of an interconnection and
may be threaded, unthreaded, or otherwise configured to be a
portion of an interconnection. In some embodiments, the mount end
72 may be a threaded or unthreaded recess in the adapter 42. In
various embodiments, the mount end 72 may be one portion of a quick
locking device. The adapter 42 may simulate any number of devices
including, but not limited to, a camera mount, a light mount, a
phone mount, a dispenser mount for attractant scents, a scent
elimination mount, a bow mount, and a gun mount.
[0074] Now referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a first adjuster 44 having
an adjuster shaft 74 and an adjuster head 76 is provided. The
adjuster shaft 74 comprises a threaded outer surface that matches a
threaded inner surface of the adjuster aperture 64 of the
articulating body 40. The adjuster head 76 comprises a shape that
is elongated in a lateral direction so that a user may generate
torque to screw the first adjuster 44 into the adjuster aperture
64. As noted above, the articulating body 40 is generally symmetric
about a lateral plane, and thus the second adjuster 46 is similar
to the first adjuster 44, and the second adjuster 46 threads into
an adjuster aperture disposed proximate to the second socket 66 of
the articulating body 40.
[0075] One skilled in the art will appreciate an accessory mount 34
made from any combination of connections and components may be
used. For example, in one embodiment, the extension end 54 of an
extension body 38 interconnects directly to a hub 2 or other
object, thereby eliminating the need for a coupler 36. An
articulating body 40 interconnects to the extension body 38 in a
ball-and-socket type interconnection, and a mount end is disposed
at the other end of the articulating body 40 instead of a second
socket 66. An accessory may be interconnected to this mount end
similar to the mount end 72 of the adapter 42 discussed elsewhere
herein. In further embodiments, especially ones where articulation
of the accessory is not needed, the accessory may attach directly
into a coupler 36 or the hub 2 itself. For example, a scent
dispenser does not need full articulation abilities and may attach
to a coupler 36 or directly to a hub 2.
[0076] In yet further embodiments, the coupler 36 may comprise more
than one first end 50 for more than one extension body 38. The
extension body 38 may comprise more than one extension head 58 for
more than one articulating body 40. The articulating body 40 may
comprise more than one second socket 66 for more than one adapter
42. The adapter 42 may comprise more than one mount end 72 for more
than one accessory. Etc.
[0077] Now referring to FIG. 18, a tree screw 78 having a first
section 80, a second section 82, and a handle 84 is provided. As
mentioned above, not only may the coupler 36--and more broadly the
accessory mount 34--attach to the hub 2, the coupler 36 may also
attach to other objects such as a tree screw 78. It will be
appreciated that the tree screw 78 replaces the coupler 36 in some
embodiments of the accessory mount. In the embodiment depicted in
FIG. 18, the tree screw's 78 first section 80 has a threaded outer
surface which tapers towards one end of the first section 80. This
configuration allows the first section 80 to penetrate and anchor
in a tree, stump, or other material. A hex nut shape is disposed on
another end of the first section 80 such that a user may "screw"
the first section 80 into a tree with a wrench.
[0078] Once the first section 80 is anchored, a second section 82
may screw into a threaded recess within the first section 80. A
handle 84 is positioned at one end of the section 82 such that a
user may stand on the handle 84 to scale a tree. A coupler 36 may
also be selectively interconnected to the first section 80 such
that an accessory mount 34 is selectively interconnected to a tree,
stump, or other material. This configuration allows a user to
secure a camera to a tree instead of carrying heavier equipment
such as a tripod. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
end of any component of the accessory mount 34 such as the rod 48
of the coupler 36 or the interface end 54 of the extension body 38
may be similarly configured as the first section 80 of the tree
screw 78. Thus, the coupler 36 or the extension body 38 may
directly screw into an axial thread 22 of the hub 2, a tree, a
stump, or other material, and the overall number of parts of the
accessory mount 34 is reduced. One skilled in the art will further
appreciate the variety of tree screw 78 configurations including
single section designs and designs were the first section 80 is
hingedly interconnected to the second section 82.
[0079] The present invention has significant benefits across a
broad spectrum of endeavors. It is the Applicant's intent that this
specification and the claims appended hereto be accorded a breadth
in keeping with the scope and spirit of the invention being
disclosed despite what might appear to be limiting language imposed
by the requirements of referring to the specific examples
disclosed.
[0080] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as
used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive
and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions
"at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one
or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C," and "A, B,
and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and
C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.
[0081] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing
quantities, dimensions, conditions, and so forth used in the
specification, drawings, and claims are to be understood as being
modified in all instances by the term "about."
[0082] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one
or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or
more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.
[0083] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having," and
variations thereof, is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
Accordingly, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and
variations thereof can be used interchangeably herein.
[0084] It shall be understood that the term "means" as used herein
shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance
with 35 U.S.C. .sctn.112(f). Accordingly, a claim incorporating the
term "means" shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set
forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the
structures, materials, or acts, and the equivalents thereof, shall
include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief
description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and
claims themselves.
[0085] The foregoing description of the present invention has been
presented for illustration and description purposes. However, the
description is not intended to limit the invention to only the
forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for
example, various features of the invention are grouped together in
one or more embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more
features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the
following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all
features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the
following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0086] Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with
the above teachings and skill and knowledge of the relevant art are
within the scope of the present invention. The embodiments
described herein above are further intended to explain best modes
of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art
to utilize the invention in such a manner, or include other
embodiments with various modifications as required by the
particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. Thus,
it is intended that the claims be construed to include alternative
embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.
* * * * *