Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Convertible
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-17
2001-02-13
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Convertible
C182S129000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186271
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a hunting apparatus, and more particularly to a combination hunting stand and game carrier which is readily convertible between those two separate functional utilities, and is easily portable.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of an elevated hunting stand is commonly known to game hunters, particularly with respect to hunting deer. Often, hunters use portable hunting stands in locations which do not permit erection of permanent hunting stands (such as, for example, on public or federal land).
Portable deer stands which are known in the art are those which are carried to a hunting site, assembled, and attached to a tree. U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,516 to Jamieson teaches such a deer stand. This stand comprises a seat and footrest, each of which are attached to a tree trunk for hunting in an elevated position. A drawback of the deer stand of the type shown by Jamieson is that the hunter must physically carry or otherwise haul the stand to and from the desired hunting location. In addition, the deer stand of Jamieson must be physically transported up a tree and attached to the tree in order to be used. Accordingly, this deer stand does not provide an easily portable, stable, reliable support for the hunter, and following a successful hunt the stand and the deer must be hauled from the hunting site.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,523 to Howard relates to a portable collapsible deer stand comprising a trailer, base, and stand structure. The portable deer stand of Howard is a complicated device which requires the use of another vehicle, such as a truck, in order to transport the stand to and from the hunting location. This requirement limits potential hunting spots to those which can be reached by truck, and prohibits the use of this stand in remote or heavily wooded areas.
Hunting stands are also known which operate as both stands and game carriers. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,040 to Fails discloses a collapsible stand and game carrier where the game is chained to a ladder portion of the hunting stand and the entire assembly is attached to a backpack and dragged behind the hunter. This structure is cumbersome and does not allow the hunter the option of carrying equipment on the game carrier. Another drawback of this stand is that the hunter cannot visually monitor the game during transportation, since the game carrier is transported behind the hunter.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,030 to Lobozzo shows a ladder-type hunting stand which may be used as a game carrier. This stand has a roller assembly which allows the hunter to roll a game-laden carrier, but this approach is also pulled by the hunter and is thus behind him as he leaves the hunting site. Also, Lobozzo's stand must be attached to a tree in order for it to be used as a hunting stand, and it does not collapse to any form of a compact configuration. Also, because the Lobozzo stand is pulled behind the hunter it does not permit that hunter to monitor his cargo as he is traveling.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 to Mullin discloses a multi-purpose hunting apparatus that is convertible between a cart, a sled, a tree stand, and a free-standing deer stand. This apparatus requires a number of parts such as straps, guard rails, handles, and skis, depending upon how the apparatus will be used. As such, the apparatus is difficult to assemble and transport.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide an assembly that is easily assembled into a free-standing hunting stand and can be converted by being partially collapsed into, and form a game carrier which can be push-rolled in front of the hunter. Also, the structure can be more fully collapsed into a storable condition. In accordance with the principles of this invention, this objective is attained by the provision of a collapsible hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly that can be easily pushed in front of the hunter. When erected the stand includes front and rear leg structures that, when arranged into a deployed position, collectively form a free-standing “multi-pod” structure with an elevated seat. The front leg structures have respective upper and corresponding lower sections that collapse, for example by pivoting about connecting articulating joints or hinges. In the deployed position, the various leg sections are substantially aligned so that the leg structures extend away from the seat, providing part of the free-standing multi-pod base. Movement of the legs into the collapsed position, causes the whole structure to be folded into a transport unit that is easily moved and can be used to haul game from the hunting site. A plurality of climbing aids, such as bars, rings, rungs or other like structures, can extend from or between either the front leg structures or the rear leg structures. Where rungs are used they should be spaced apart relative to each other to define a ladder structure for providing the user with access to the elevated seat when the hunting-stand and game-carrier is in the deployed position. The same would be true for climbing rings or bars on one or more of the legs. Also, the rungs or climbing bars provide a carrier base for holding game when the leg structures are in the collapsed position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly that can easily be assembled into a tree-stand. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, this and other objects are attained by the provision of a hunting-stand and game-carrier assembly including at least two legs connected to a seat. Each leg has upper and lower sections that are collapsible, for example by pivoting relative to each other. The sections of the legs move between a deployed position and a collapsed position. In the deployed position, the various leg sections are substantially aligned so that the leg structures extend away from the seat, thereby enabling the seat structure to be elevated above the ground and supported against a stationary structure, such as a tree. Climbing aides such as bars, rings, rungs, or the like extend from or between the leg structures. The climbing aids are spaced relative to each other and constructed to provide the user with access to the elevated seat when the assembly is in the deployed position. In the collapsed position the lower sections are folded back towards the upper leg sections. A plurality of rungs extend between the legs. The climbing aids also provide a carrier base for holding game when the legs are in the collapsed position. Cross-supports are provided to maintain relative positioning of the legs when in the deployed position, where at least one of the cross-supports is rigid and constructed and arranged to be horizontally oriented and to rest against a stationary structure when the assembly is in the deployed position.
These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of this invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3490558 (1970-01-01), Foley
patent: 4045040 (1977-08-01), Fails
patent: 4997152 (1991-03-01), Wagman
patent: 5009283 (1991-04-01), Prejean
patent: 5052516 (1991-10-01), Jamieson
patent: 5064020 (1991-11-01), Eagleson
patent: 5195611 (1993-03-01), Untz
patent: 5242030 (1993-09-01), Lobozzo
patent: 5295556 (1994-03-01), Mullin
patent: 5564523 (1996-10-01), Howard
patent: 5839538 (1998-11-01), Magyar
patent: 489147 (1928-05-01), None
patent: 1344461 (1963-12-01), None
patent: 2352494 (1978-01-01), None
“Ol'man Treestands and Accessories 1999”, L&L Enterprises, 32 Raspberry Lane, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
Ol'man Family for 1998; Treestands and Accessories, L&L Enterprises, 32 Raspberry Lane, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
API Steel Ladder Stands and Steel Stick brochure, “The Grand Slam™ P.A.L.S.”
Borries Samuel D.
Scarborough Michael G.
Chin-Shue Alvin
Pillsbury Madison & Sutro LLP
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