Hunting Blind Or Ice-fishing Shelter Patents (Class 135/901)
  • Patent number: 7594515
    Abstract: A surveillance shield comprising a rigid, substantially inflexible mirrored plastic panel, and at least one aperture defined by the panel, the aperture positioned in the panel such that a user may peer through the aperture while carrying the shield. The shield may also include a second mirrored plastic panel, each of the plastic panels having a frame member connected at an edge portion of the panels, the panels detachably connected to each other in a vertical attitude, each of the panels having a substantially optically correct outward facing surface to reflect accurately the surrounding environment and thereby substantially conceal the appearance of the shield. Preferably the aperture is positioned such that a user is substantially concealed by the shield while the user carries the shield and simultaneously peers through the shield to observe game, people or a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Inventor: Steven J. Prock
  • Publication number: 20090211617
    Abstract: A collapsible hunting blind is provided having a primary frame, a panel, an image of a game animal, and a secondary frame. The primary frame has a folded position and an unfolded position. The panel is supported by the primary frame and has a front surface, a rear surface, and an outer periphery. The panel is supported by the primary frame between the folded position and the unfolded position. The image of a game animal is provided on the front surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Tom Montecucco
  • Patent number: 7575241
    Abstract: An apparatus for assisting a person from a supine position to a seated position is disclosed, and comprises a base assembly for supporting a lower torso portion and legs of a user when the base assembly is rested on a ground surface, and a torso raising assembly for raising an upper torso portion of the user into a substantially upright position. The torso raising assembly is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. Optionally, the apparatus may include a decoy assembly for at least partially covering the user when lying supine on the torso raising assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Inventor: Louis Keller
  • Patent number: 7568492
    Abstract: A realistic appearing camouflage hunting blind that incorporates a photographic image of a hunting location. The visual appearance of the hunting blind mimics the actual environment so that from a distance, the hunting blind blends into the environment and is virtually undetectable. A photograph of an actual hunting location, like a Wisconsin forest, is taken and uploaded to a computer. The photograph is edited and printed onto substrate materials. The substrate materials are assembled to form a completed hunting blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Marc A. Helmer
  • Patent number: 7565909
    Abstract: A portable outdoor enclosure includes a support frame and a three dimensional camouflage cover having a bi-layer construction that provides a high degree of unidirectional visibility. The cover includes an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer comprising a plurality of partial cutouts, the cutouts formed with a curvilinear incision pattern which are partially separable from the inner layer, the outer layer is attached to the inner layer at a plurality of spaced locations, and wherein the exterior-facing surfaces of both the outer layer and the inner layer are printed in a camouflage pattern and coloration. The inner layer of the cover includes a mesh upper portion permitting a high degree of outward visibility therethrough over a 360 degree horizontal visual field, and an opaque lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Holding Company
    Inventors: Michael Reis, Scott D. Lee
  • Patent number: 7559334
    Abstract: A blind for concealing an individual includes an annular support, a curtain, a first securing means, and a second securing means. The curtain is suspended from the support for surrounding the individual. The first securing means secures a rear of the support to an upright object, and the second securing means secures a front of the support to the upright object at a height higher than the first securing means such that the support is suspended from the upright object in a generally horizontal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Earl Cooper
  • Patent number: 7556052
    Abstract: A tree mounted blind that includes a plurality of articulated arcuate arm members forming a suspension frame which is attached at each end to a mounting bracket, which in turn is affixed to a tree trunk without any cords, cables, or bands surrounding the tree. A fabric blind is hung from the framework to provide a hunting blind, a military blind for observers and the like, or a privacy blind for campers and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventors: Clifton P. Wright, Holly L. Huelskamp, William M. Reavis
  • Patent number: 7549434
    Abstract: The present invention is a portable hunting blind having a base frame, an upper frame pivotally connected to the base frame, a breakaway support operatively connected between the base frame and the upper frame for supporting the upper frame in a first position and allowing the upper frame to pivot to a second position when the breakaway support no longer supports the upper frame. A cover is attached to the blind to at least partially conceal a person in the blind when the upper frame is supported by the breakaway support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter's Specialties, Inc.
    Inventor: Ron M. Bean
  • Patent number: 7493910
    Abstract: The invention is a scent containment system for hunting blinds. A hunting blind is provided with scent impervious walls and removable light transmissive scent impervious windows. The scent impervious windows are remarkable in that they are designed to be readily penetrable by a projectile such as an arrow or a bullet, and are of low cost and disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert M. Ransom
  • Patent number: 7475699
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible blind including a flexible cover mounted on a support structure having a plurality of side walls and a top; wherein at least one side wall includes first and second opposite edges, and the opposite edges cooperatively defining a window; an elongated member extending across the opposite edges; and a selective fastener joined to one edge and adjustably joined to the strap, the fastener selectively being fixedly joinable to the elongated member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Primos, Inc.
    Inventors: Brooks Johnson, Keith Beam
  • Patent number: 7431041
    Abstract: An improved hunting umbrella is disclosed. The improved hunting umbrella of the present invention includes a main body. The main body includes a plurality of ribs, an upper retaining element, a lower retaining element, a piece of fabric and a central pole. A zipper is disposed on the piece of fabric. When the zipper is unzipped, a gap is formed on the piece of fabric. A bendable portion is provided on the central pole so that the central pole may be bent by a certain angle. The improved hunting umbrella of the present invention may be used as an ordinary umbrella as well as a hunting umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Inventor: Hsien-Sao Wu
  • Patent number: 7371442
    Abstract: An artificial foliage structure with wire cores embedded in its leafy parts causing these parts to “spring back” upon removal of compressive loading acting thereupon. These wire cores may be made of hard, springy steel such as piano wire or small diameter spring wire. Thicker, woody limbs and branches have embedded therein heavier wire cores that are sufficiently soft to be given a set solely by manually applied bending force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: David B. Pitman
  • Publication number: 20080023055
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wildlife viewing blind is described. The blind is configured to resemble a large tree trunk and may be adapted to blend into the natural surroundings of any wooded environment. The blind includes a covering that closely resembles the bark of a tree, and includes a plurality of apertures for viewing wildlife. At least one of the apertures may include an extension adapted to resemble a broken tree limb. The covering also includes an opening into a partial enclosure that is sized to receive a human.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Mark W. Krampitz
  • Patent number: 7320332
    Abstract: A portable ice fishing enclosure includes a flexible covering cooperatively engaged with a frame, and secured to an ice surface using a plurality of threaded anchor stakes. The frame may include a plurality of sub-frames, each of which includes a central hub and a plurality of semi-rigid poles extending radially outwardly from the central hub. The lower edge of the covering includes a skirt portion having reinforced through holes at outer edges thereof, which receive the anchor stakes therein. Ends of the skirt portions extend beyond the edges of side walls of the covering, so that the skirt portion ends may be placed in an aligned overlapping configuration. A kit is described for providing components of the enclosure, and a method of assembling the enclosure is described. The portable ice fishing enclosure is lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled, and constructed to withstand, and provide protection from, the harsh winter environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Holding Company
    Inventor: Mike Reis
  • Patent number: 7264011
    Abstract: An assembly having an umbrella and a mounting bracket for mounting the umbrella to a vertical object. The mounting bracket engages the top of the umbrella, thereby suspending the umbrella from a position above the umbrella. The umbrella has a finial cap at the top of the umbrella. Part of the finial cap extends out above the canopy of the umbrella. This portion of the finial cap is selectively received by the shaped head of the mounting bracket. The finial cap is annular and defines a central opening through which the support post of the umbrella can pass. When the umbrella is opened, the support post extends out through the finial cap above the canopy. The result is a mounting umbrella with nothing protruding below the umbrella.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Inventor: Warren Cohen
  • Publication number: 20070193612
    Abstract: A portable reconfigurable hunting blind assembly is disclosed comprising six rectangular frames joined together side edge to side edge along five hinge lines for accordion folding, and a camouflage covering mounted to each of the frames to define six panel-shaped wall units, the camouflage covering defining a window in at least some of the wall units.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: August 23, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry Micah Slaughter
  • Patent number: 7255526
    Abstract: A rapid assembly game blind transport trailer that breaks at pivot points in folding fashion and stands upright along with the attached game blind as a driver moves in reverse, and which allows rapid standing and easy separation or attachment of the blind and trailer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Lawrence Friesenhahn, Sr., Lawrence Friesenhahn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7246630
    Abstract: A preassembled, collapsible tree stand hunting blind which folds into a compact package, utilizing coilable steel frame members which may be collapsed. The enclosure is adapted to be attached to the trunk of the tree and to an associated platform, such as a hunter's tree stand. The enclosure is provided with camouflage elements to render the user relatively invisible to game in the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventors: Robert M. Ransom, Scott D. Wehner, Ryan L. Kubica
  • Patent number: 7237283
    Abstract: A frameless, portable, layout hunting blind for use by a sitting or reclining hunter has a frameless floor, an enclosed foot and leg sack for the hunter's legs, a movable flap to cover the hunter's upper body, a collapsible foot sack support to keep the foot sack clear of the hunter's legs, and an air-inflatable head and shoulder rest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventor: John A. Devries
  • Patent number: 7225823
    Abstract: The invention is a collapsible portable enclosure which is provided with 3-dimensional elements around portions of its perimeter. Various patterns, including but not limited to, pattern simulating leaves of various types of foliage are cut into a strip of fabric which is secured to the perimeter of the structure. The 3-dimensional elements protrude from the perimeter of the enclosure, move with the prevailing winds, and simulate the appearance and movement of leaves or foliage in the same environment. The enclosure further includes elastic strips to facilitate attachment of actual foliage to the exterior of the enclosure to improve its camouflage characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventors: Robert M. Ransom, Scott D. Wehner, Ryan L. Kubica
  • Patent number: 7222634
    Abstract: A hunting blind, a blind support, and a filtration unit for use on a tree with or without a tree stand. The blind support preferably includes a bracket for mounting to the tree and a foldable frame for mounting to the bracket. The blind preferably sealingly mounts to the blind support and the tree in a position around the tree stand, and preferably includes a sheet of material segmented into panels for providing access to the tree stand and a good seal around the ladder of ladder tree stands. The filtration unit preferably includes a carbon-activated filter and a fan for drawing air from a top opening of the blind, downward around a hunter in the tree stand, through the filter, and out of the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: Daniel G. Hess, Brad Heath
  • Patent number: 7219680
    Abstract: A backpackable, collapsible blind designed to be mounted against a tree for use by hunters and others. The blind has a backpack-capable frame with canopy support arms that are collapsible against the frame for use as a backpack, a removable canopy, and a seat on a lower part of the frame that can be used to support a backpack load. The support arms define a unique upper/lower support structure for the canopy relative to the seat, with the canopy having a generally triangular opening located above the seat and a lower end or hem that hangs below the seat and the lower end of the frame for a baseless, open-bottomed blind that is useful for nearly any hunting situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Alex S. Gresock
  • Patent number: 7188635
    Abstract: A portable pre-fabricated sports and hunting shed includes a substantially solid rectangular structure having an integral projecting element attachable to any standard trailer hitch and, at an opposite longitudinal end thereof, a pair of wheels, an adjoining axle, and means for journaling the axle, which means is attached to a base of the shed to thereby provide a rear wheel means by which the sports shed may be towed by a vehicle to which the trailer hitch is attached. Alternatively, the portable, prefabricated hunter's blind may be placed within a pickup truck to be hauled thereby. A four-wheel, off-road vehicle is placed within the portable shooting shed and over four disassembled legs of the assembly and other elements associated with the shed. By positioning the four-wheel off-road vehicle on top of all elements of the shed, the undesirable movement of the parts of the pre-fabricated structure during hauling is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: David Johnson
  • Patent number: 7182091
    Abstract: A hunting blind and method of use thereof, comprising a cylindrical mount having a tube disposed therethrough. The cylindrical mount attaches to a tree or other suitable object via straps, bungee cords and/or a hook. The tube comprises angled holes into which support tubes supporting screen panels are inserted. The support tubes are sectioned so as to enable disassembly for packing into a compact arrangement by rolling up same within the screen panels. The screen panels have extensions that can be secured together via cords. Alternate embodiments are directed to the addition of a mesh panel above the screen panels and extensions; a ground-based stand, wherein the screen panels and extension are secured to the ground via tent stakes; and a wheelchair stand, wherein a framework on the wheelchair carries the support tubes, panels and extensions of the preferred embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Clarence Lee Maddox
  • Patent number: 7178538
    Abstract: The specification describes a selectively reversible, portable enclosure comprising a collapsible framework having a flexible covering associated therewith, the flexible covering having opposite first and second surfaces each bearing a distinct color, pattern, or other indicia. Without disassociating the flexible covering from the collapsible framework, the enclosure is selectively transitionable between a first condition, wherein the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure, and a second condition, wherein the second surface of the flexible covering is disposed outside of the enclosure and the first surface of the flexible covering is disposed inside of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert M. Ransom
  • Patent number: 7168522
    Abstract: A crane mechanism for raising a hunting blind or similar large object up along the side of a tree trunk, the crane using the vertical tree trunk as its support tower. The crane is generally L-shaped in use, having a vertical trunk-securing arm adapted to be temporarily secured directly against the side of the tree trunk above the installation height of the object to be raised, a perpendicular boom extending away from the tree trunk, and a hoist mechanism on the boom spaced from the tree trunk. A separable hoist drive can be used, for example mounted to the base of the tree trunk in the same manner as the vertical trunk-securing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: High House Blinds, LLC
    Inventor: Terry L. Price
  • Patent number: 7137398
    Abstract: The present invention is a device formed of waterproof or water-resistant fabric having a central section comprising a top, front and bottom, to which is joined side portions, thereby providing coverage for slipping over a tree-mounted hunting stand, including preferably both standing and seating portions thereof. The cover is pulled proximate the surface of the tree to which the stand is mounted, and extensions at the top and bottom of the cover provide an interface that prevents the incursion of water. The cover is then held in place via suitable attachment means, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bungee cords, wherein the hook ends of the bungee cords connect with apertures in the top and bottom extensions of the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: Frady George
  • Patent number: 7121290
    Abstract: A portable hunting blind or enclosure, to provide cover to a hunter or naturalist in the field, is provided with a scent-dampening liner. An enclosure according to one embodiment includes at least one wall, and a lining material disposed on a surface thereof. In the described embodiment, the lining material includes a binder and a multiplicity of carbon particles interspersed in the binder. The liner may be directly affixed to an inner wall surface. Alternatively, the lining material may be affixed to a separate fabric surface, which is attached to the inner wall. In another aspect, the enclosure includes screen panel sections pivotally connected in a sequence. In still another aspect, a tent-like structure is formed of flexible fabric and includes a roof section and a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Eastman, II
  • Patent number: 7100626
    Abstract: An easy to use, simple, lightweight, compact, portable system of concealment and methods for its construction and use. The concealment system comprises a support and a curtain. The support attaches to a structure and pivots on the attachment. Various embodiments include multiple supports and multiple curtains. A method of hiding in front of a similar pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Evrio, Inc.
    Inventor: John Livacich
  • Patent number: 7063035
    Abstract: A portable, boat-supported duck blind that is collapsible and adjustable to fit most conventional boats. The boat mounted blind of the present invention includes two substantially identical elongated members, said members are positioned parallel to each other along both sides of the boat, front and rear cross-posts are connected to the elongated members, and first and second upper rails are connected to the cross-posts. Each elongated member is attached to a side of the boat with a pair of bendable posts, and a pair of cylinders is attached to the boat and the elongated members to assist the user in raising or collapsing the blind with minimal effort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Larry J. Belcher
  • Patent number: 7047992
    Abstract: The lawn chair screen and cover is an enclosure system for lawn or folding chairs to protect the occupant from flying insects. The lawn chair screen and cover is made of fabric mesh and supported by a frame structure that may connect to the chair by rope, hook and loop fasteners or clamps. The fabric mesh extends around the chair, thus allowing the user full visibility and air flow through the lawn chair screen and cover. The sloped front of the invention provides a door closed by a zipper. An opening is ideal for allowing a fishing rod to extend through, thus allowing the user to comfortably fish while being shielded from flying insects such as mosquitoes, flies, gnats and the like. The use of the lawn chair screen and cover allows outdoor enthusiasts the ability to sit and relax in a chair without being annoyed or bitten by flying insects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Rudy Fluellen
  • Patent number: 7040333
    Abstract: The invention is a portable, collapsible enclosure for protection from the elements in an outdoor environment. The tent-like enclosure is provided with one or more fabric coverings each bearing at least one color or camouflage pattern. The coverings are easily removable from the enclosure, and may be reversible, bearing one color or camouflage pattern on one side, and a different color or camouflage pattern on the reverse side. In this fashion, the same portable enclosure can be made to present a variety of appearances, depending on which covering is attached to the enclosure, and which side of the attached covering is exposed or outermost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Robert M. Ransom, Todd P. Weston, Ryan L. Kubica, Scott D. Wehner
  • Patent number: 7040335
    Abstract: The invention is a scent containment system for hunting blinds. A hunting blind is provided with scent impervious walls and removable light transmissive scent impervious windows. The scent impervious windows are remarkable in that they are designed to be readily penetrable by a projectile such as an arrow or a bullet, and are of low cost and disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Ameristep, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Ransom
  • Patent number: 6942065
    Abstract: An enclosed tree-mounted hunting blind supported in cantilever fashion off the side of a tree. The blind is a rigid, walled structure that is easily put up and taken down from the tree using its own cantilever support, and is light enough to transport to and from the tree at the beginning and end of hunting season with minimal effort. The assembled, tree-mounted blind, however, is as stable as a permanently mounted structure and offers the protection and comfort of a ground blind in a tree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: High House Blinds, LLC
    Inventor: Terry L. Price
  • Patent number: 6941961
    Abstract: A portable hunting blind or enclosure, to provide cover to a hunter or naturalist in the field, is provided with a scent-dampening liner. An enclosure includes at least one wall, and a lining material disposed on a surface thereof. In a first illustrative embodiment, the lining material includes a binder and a multiplicity of carbon particles interspersed in the binder. The liner may be directly affixed to an inner wall surface. Alternatively, the lining material may be affixed to a separate fabric surface, which is attached to the inner wall. The enclosure may include screen panel sections pivotally connected in a sequence. Alternatively, the enclosure may be a tent-like structure which is formed of flexible fabric and includes a roof section and a support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Robert Eastman, II
  • Patent number: 6938632
    Abstract: A hunter concealment system for effectively concealing a hunter without physically interfering with the hunter. The hunter concealment system includes a frame structure having a plurality of openings, a first rail and a second rail on opposing sides of each opening, a recoil unit attached to an end of each opening, a camouflage sheet retained within the recoil unit, a first connector attached to a handle member of the camouflage sheet, and a second connector attached to the frame for catchably receiving the first connector. The hunter concealment system is positioned over a goose pit or other location for the purpose of selectively concealing the hunter. When the hunter desires, they simply engage the handle member thereby releasing the first connector which allows the recoil unit to automatically draw the camouflage sheet into the recoil unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Inventor: Bradley W. Coursey
  • Patent number: 6925745
    Abstract: A blind or device for concealing the presence of a person, which include a flexible sheet of material, the sheet of material having a first side having an image of an animal such as a domesticated animal. The flexible sheet of material further having a perimeter, at least most of the perimeter being supported by a frame. The frame will be made from resilient sections that connect to one another and pull most of the flexible sheet of material taut. The blind may further include a handle mounted within the perimeter of the flexible sheet. The handle will cooperate with the frame to allow a user to support the entire weight of the blind while supporting the blind in front of the user's body and concealing the user's body behind the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Kim Alessi
  • Patent number: 6892744
    Abstract: A quickly erectable structure includes expandable/collapsible top and bottom assemblies that are interconnected to facilitate forming an enclosure and to facilitate taking down the enclosure. Specifically, the bottom assembly includes a plurality of interconnected X-shaped subframes that combine to form a telescoping scissor frame. The top assembly includes a plurality of inverted foldable Y-shaped subframes attached together and to a top of the telescoping scissor frame in a manner that combines the two to form a stable umbrella-like overcenter top frame attached atop the telescoping scissor frame. A drawstring mechanism is attached to a peak of the structure to hold the top frame in an expanded position. Flexible covers are attached to the two frames, and a drawstring arrangement on the top cover allows flaps to be lifted to form 360 degrees of windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas G. Feldpausch, Michael J. Feldpausch, Stephen J. Feldpausch, James E. Trist
  • Patent number: 6802327
    Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable portable shelter apparatus with an attachment apparatus for vehicles. The shelter apparatus includes a stationary frame, a plurality of pivotably rotatable frames, a collapsible canopy stretched over the rotatable frames, and an attachment member for attaching the apparatus to the vehicle. The vehicle attachment apparatus can be moved between at least two positions, the deployed, substantially enclosed housing position, and the substantially closed or collapsed position. The shelter apparatus may be used as an ice fishing shelter, a duck hunting blind, a tent, a camping shelter, a portable shower facility, a storage tent, a sun shade, a hunting rack for carrying hunted animals, a medical emergency shelter, or a tool carrier. In one embodiment the shelter apparatus includes a platform for supporting a user, and further includes a floor and wheels supporting the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis R. Koss
  • Patent number: 6779537
    Abstract: A hunting blind includes a housing unit having a flexible sheet of camouflage material stored therein on a shaft that is rotatably mounted on the housing unit. The shaft can be locked against rotation or permitted to rotate as desired to permit deployment of the camouflage material. Straps are attached to the housing unit. The straps are connectable to supports, such as trees or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Vincent E. Miller
  • Patent number: 6769442
    Abstract: An apparatus, useful as a hunting blind, includes a base, a seat operably mounted on the base, and a spring-biased camouflaged hood movably supported over the seat. A latch holds the hood down until a hunter sits on the seat, releasing the latch, but the hunter's weight then holds the hood down against the spring. The spring automatically moves the hood from a closed hiding position toward an open position when a hunter stands up, as the hunter removes his weight from the seat. The base is adapted with radially-extending feet for stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Robert E. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040084076
    Abstract: A hunter concealment system for effectively concealing a hunter without physically interfering with the hunter. The hunter concealment system includes a frame structure having a plurality of openings, a first rail and a second rail on opposing sides of each opening, a recoil unit attached to an end of each opening, a camouflage sheet retained within the recoil unit, a first connector attached to a handle member of the camouflage sheet, and a second connector attached to the frame for catchably receiving the first connector. The hunter concealment system is positioned over a goose pit or other location for the purpose of selectively concealing the hunter. When the hunter desires, they simply engage the handle member thereby releasing the first connector which allows the recoil unit to automatically draw the camouflage sheet into the recoil unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley W. Coursey
  • Publication number: 20040083660
    Abstract: A mobile elevating hut product, which has a trailer, a platform, legs connecting the platform and the trailer, and a lifter for sequentially and repeatably moving the platform to and from a raised position. The trailer enables the product to be moved to different locations and set up with the platform in the raised position. The platform in the raised position is freestanding and fully supported by the legs. The freestanding, fully supported platform is resistant to accidental and unexpected lowering caused by transient events. The platform in the raised position provides an elevated lookout perch for work, recreation, and other purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Charlie Atkins
  • Publication number: 20040055630
    Abstract: A self-propelled ice shelter includes a frame, a housing and a drive device attached to the frame, and a power source attached to the frame to the drive device. The power source propels the self-propelled ice shelter. A weather stripping skirt substantially seals the space between the housing and the surface on which the self-propelled ice shelter is positioned when the self-propelled ice shelter is stationary. In some embodiments, the self-propelled ice shelter includes a leveler attached to the frame for leveling the self-propelled ice shelter when stationary. The ice shelter includes a template attached to the frame, that is used to mark the position of openings with respect to the footprint of the housing that correspond with openings in the of the housing of the self-propelled ice shelter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: William A. Olson
  • Patent number: 6694995
    Abstract: The specification discloses a rapidly-opening hunting blind comprising a fabric enclosure including an opening and moveable side panels at least partially defined by a resilient framework. The moveable side panels at least partially define a closure for the opening. The hunting blind has a closed condition, wherein free ends of the side panels are releasably connected to at least partially define a tent-like closure for the opening, and an opened condition, wherein the side panels extend radially outwardly and expose the opening. The resilient framework is biased towards the opened condition of the hunting blind such that when, in the closed condition of the hunting blind, the connected free ends of the side panels are released, the side panels tend spontaneously away from each other towards their radially extending configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Mark Ransom
  • Patent number: 6668749
    Abstract: A hunting accessory comprises a pair of essentially identical shells which are removably attachable to one another by hinges. At least one shell comprises an unbroken, continuous, waterproof hull useful as the lower portion of a blind in water or marshy areas. A second shell may include a separate openable portion with viewing openings disposed over the hunter's head and upper body when the assembly is used as a blind with a supine hunter concealed therein. The smaller portion is opened when the hunter has a shot at game in the vicinity. The device may also be used for the carriage of hunting equipment, and/or is useful as a closed container for containing and hauling loose materials (leaves, etc.) in an open vehicle. The two shells may be separated from one another, with one of the shells being useful as a game drag or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Fargason
  • Publication number: 20030230454
    Abstract: Provided herein is a stand useful by hunters to observe or hunt game in remote locations. A hunting stand according to the invention is readily assembled and disassembled by virtue of connective means disclosed. A hunting stand according to the invention is readily portable to locations inaccessible to hunting stands of the prior art, and has greater structural stability over prior hunting stands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: George Morgan
  • Publication number: 20030140956
    Abstract: A hunting accessory comprises a pair of essentially identical shells which are removably attachable to one another by hinges. At least one shell comprises an unbroken, continuous, waterproof hull useful as the lower portion of a blind in water or marshy areas. A second shell may include a separate openable portion with viewing openings disposed over the hunter's head and upper body when the assembly is used as a blind with a supine hunter concealed therein. The smaller portion is opened when the hunter has a shot at game in the vicinity. The device may also be used for the carriage of hunting equipment, and/or is useful as a closed container for containing and hauling loose materials (leaves, etc.) in an open vehicle. The two shells may be separated from one another, with one of the shells being useful as a game drag or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Fargason
  • Patent number: 6588440
    Abstract: A portable vertically mounted hunting blind which has two plates and straps forming a fastener which is attached to a tree trunk at any desired height by wrapping the straps around the tree trunk and connecting the straps under tension with a connecting means which maintains the tension. The plates have receptacles for the insertion of a holder, with the holder extending away from the tree trunk. A blind cover is attached to the holder and provides a user with complete camouflage as the user sits within the blind cover. The hunting blind is inexpensive, easy to manufacture, light weight, and easily transportable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Reuben L. Varnado
  • Patent number: RE38231
    Abstract: The invention is a scent-free wildlife blind. The blind has a room-like shelter having a door, a plurality of windows, a small vent near ground level, and a flexible tube extending from the top of the shelter to a height of approximately 30 feet from the ground. When the wind hits the shelter, the windspeed will be higher at the top of the tube than at the bottom vent. The pressure exerted by the wind on the air inside the shelter is inversely proportional to the wind speed. Therefore, the pressure difference will force air in through the bottom vent and out through the top of the tube, carrying the scent of the occupants out of the blind high enough so that nearby animals will not smell the occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: William H. Fargason