Hunting Blind Or Ice-fishing Shelter Patents (Class 135/901)
  • Patent number: 5734495
    Abstract: A device and technique for the passive real-time control of effective emivity, color, and camouflage, the device utilizing surfaces which are interposed between a target and an observer at a viewing position with a predetermined angular resolution. Effective surfaces are utilized, including at least one set of movable surfaces, the effected surfaces having a predetermined surface characteristic, such as emissivity, color, or camouflage pattern. An assembly contains all surfaces relative to each other such that the front and back surfaces are seen by the viewing position as stationary. A drive assembly allows movable surfaces to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: Melvin H. Friedman
  • Patent number: 5720312
    Abstract: A collapsible and portable fishing shelter or survival unit for use in conjunction with a snowmobile. The snowmobile acts as the base for the unit, and adds stability to it. Structural members are releasably secured to the snowmobile, and a tarp covering is placed over the structural members to form the collapsible shelter. The seat or seats of the snowmobile form the seats of the collapsible shelter. The shelter may be erected at one location, and moved by the snowmobile to a new location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1998
    Assignee: Chris Scheuermann
    Inventor: Chris Scheuermann
  • Patent number: 5692534
    Abstract: Portable overhead sun screening structure and canopy are described for shading a surface. The canopy is comprised of at least one sheet spanning a matrix of reinforcing cords that extend to a marginal canopy edge, with beads affixed to the reinforcing cords adjacent the marginal edge. A plurality of elongated poles are spaced apart and set upright along the surface to be shaded. Collars are slidably mounted to the poles for elevational movement thereon. At least two elongated stay members are mounted to each collar, each stay being pivotable between an inoperative position substantially parallel to the associated pole, and an operative position substantially perpendicular to the pole. The stay members on each pole are angularly offset from one another about the associated pole to mount flexible guy cords. Opposed ends of the guy cords are releasable attached to selected stay members about the canopy perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Inventor: James W. Brumfield
  • Patent number: 5678346
    Abstract: A bird decoy having more than one use is disclosed. In a first embodiment the decoy provides conveyance means for user supplies and when the user is situated in it, becomes a decoy which operates as a blind. In a second embodiment the decoy is adaptable to present the image of any one of three different body positions found in a flock of game birds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Inventor: Keith Craige Kellett
  • Patent number: 5675926
    Abstract: An animal decoy apparatus includes a life size, simulated animal decoy unit, such as a life size bovine animal or cow. The cow includes a head portion, a body portion, and a tail portion. More specifically, the animal decoy apparatus includes a frame assembly and a pair of decoy units connected to the frame assembly. Each decoy unit includes a window. The pair of decoy units are spaced apart from one another by the frame assembly so that a person can position oneself between the pair of decoy units. One or more transverse struts are connected between the pair of decoy units at a position below the frame assembly. Seat units can be connected to the transverse struts. One or more gun racks may be connected to the frame assembly adjacent to the windows in the decoy units. Padded handle members are connected to the frame assembly to ease carrying of the apparatus from place to place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: William W. Manka
  • Patent number: 5669403
    Abstract: A hunting blind adapted to be mounted at an elevated position to a tree. The hunting blind is generally comprised of a framework defining a top, bottom, and continuous side of the blind, a ratchet assembly for securely supporting the blind with respect to the tree, and a pulley assembly for adjusting the elevation of the blind. The framework includes first and second sets of tubular members adapted to be mounted in first and second horizontal planes, respectively, and adapted to be held in spaced vertical relation by a plurality of rods adapted to be operatively connected to, and laterally spaced in vertically extending relation with respect to, the first and second series of tubular members. A plurality of fabric sheets are tautly stretched between and slidably attached to the first and second sets of horizontally extending members to enclose the side of the blind. The fabric panels are composed of a material having the physical characteristic of being able to see through only one side thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Michael M. Belcher, Patrick M. Saumier
  • Patent number: 5653456
    Abstract: A ski system for ice fishing shanties is composed of at least two ski members and a plurality of mounting brackets connected with the underside of the floor of the ice fishing shanty which engage the ski members in a selectively removable manner. Each ski member includes a substantially flat elongated ski body and a shovel connected thereto at an incline of approximately between fifty and fifty-five degrees with respect thereto. Each ski member further includes at least two legs projecting perpendicularly with respect to the top side of the elongated ski body. Each leg has a distal top end to which is attached a lip. The lip projects substantially parallel with the elongated ski body toward the tail end thereof. The mounting brackets are spaced and dimensioned to receive, respectively, each of the lips, thereby releasably securing the ski members to the ice fishing shanty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Bryan M. Mough
  • Patent number: 5647159
    Abstract: A portable disassemblable blind for water fowl hunting provides a peripherally defined side frame and a slidably openable top, both supporting peripheral covering. One or more head holes are defined in the inner end of the top to allow one or more hunters to project their heads therethrough for observation. The frame optionally may support one or more seats for support of hunters beneath the head holes. A transverse support maintains guns in a forwardly and upwardly angulated orientation for safety. The openable top is supported by rollers that guide the opening and closing motion of the top on the side frame to insure reliable operability. The first species of blind may be formed without seats and with a low profile for positioning over a pit defined in the earth to provide a concealing cover for hunters therein. A second species of blind provides a semi-rigid plastic covering that is integrally formed with the supporting frame elements to allow manufacture by molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald D. Latschaw
  • Patent number: 5630439
    Abstract: A portable hut having a collapsible supporting frame and an outer fabric covering. A strap uses a hook and loop fastener to hold it to a bracket that engages a frame connector. When engaged, the bracket and connector may vertically support the hut on a tree. If desired, the hut may be mounted on a hunter's deer stand to increase its above ground disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Eddy H. Hutto
  • Patent number: 5628338
    Abstract: A portable and collapsible blind or shelter which includes an integral fabric cover having four side walls and a top. Each side wall includes at least one window. One corner of the structure includes a vertical opening to permit ingress and egress from the structure. Each side wall, and the top, is supported in a taut condition by a support member having four resilient and flexible legs connected to a central hub. The perimeter of each side wall and the top is non-stretchable. The legs can pivot away from the hub to collapse the blind structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Steven W. Stumbo
  • Patent number: 5622198
    Abstract: A portable collapsible shelter comprises a floor, pairs of corner posts, a horizontal brace extending between and pivotally attached to the corner posts of each pair, and built-in seats. The floor, corner posts, braces, and seats are foldable between respective erected and collapsed modes. In the collapsed mode, each corner post is folded into a stack, with the stacks of each pair thereof being coplanar. The associated brace is initially at the top of the stacks of folded corner posts. The brace folds into a stack located coplanar with and between the stacks of the associated corner posts when the floor is folded to its collapsed mode. The seats fold with the corner posts and lie on the floor when the corner posts are folded to their collapsed mode. Locking devices selectively prevent and enable folding of the floor, corner posts, and braces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: Raymond A. Elsinger
  • Patent number: 5611178
    Abstract: An underground shelter for the protection of at least one person, comprising two substantially identical rigid panels which may be assembled together into a tunnel configuration and disassembled by distinct mechanical means arranged so as to permit a joined interfitting of both top parts of both panels, respectively, and a rigid connection between the bottom parts of the latter so that the buried panel may withstand side or transverse forces applied to the panel and resulting from the thrust exerted by the earth layer covering the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Constructions Industrielles de la Mediterranee - CNIM
    Inventor: Henri Aubert
  • Patent number: 5609176
    Abstract: A combination walking stick and blind which includes a bi-support blind characterized by a pair of longitudinally half-round, elongated supports pivotally joined at one end, with the flat sides of the supports positioned in facing relationship and the supports fitted with camouflage netting or fabric designed to deploy when the bottoms of the supports are extended in pivoted relationship, and wrapped around the supports when and the supports are aligned, to define a walking stick. In another embodiment three supports define a tri-support blind, which supports may be configured as one-third-round supports that nest when joined together to define a walking stick. Camouflage netting or fabric is attached to the supports by means of looped securing straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Casey M. Weeks
  • Patent number: 5595204
    Abstract: A multi-use collapsible sun-shade tent consists of a pair of lateral beams and two pairs of lengthwise beams, and four vertical posts and a sun-shade cloth, collapsibly combined together by means of connecters at four corners where the lateral beams and the lengthwise beams meet and at an intermediate portion where two half portions of each lateral beam are connected with each other. The four posts support the four corners where the lateral beams and the lengthwise beams meet and are structured able to be adjusted in height. The sun-shade cloth is held between the two lateral beams and possible to be wound around one collapsed half lateral beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Inventor: Chyi-Ming Hwang
  • Patent number: 5592961
    Abstract: A portable booth is provided which includes a plurality of vertical sides, a top panel, and a bottom panel attached together to form an enclosure which can be twisted into a compact assembly unit. A first stiffener and second stiffener can be added to the enclosure to provide additional stability to the portable booth. The first and second stiffeners can each be twisted into a compact stiffener unit. Since the side panels can be easily twisted to form a compact assembly unit and the first and second stiffeners can each be twisted to form a compact stiffener unit, the portable booth is easy to assemble and disassemble, and easy to transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Anna H. K. Chin
  • Patent number: 5592960
    Abstract: A hunting blind is constructed of a set of reflectively mirrored wall panels with a camouflaged top cover, to form a rectangular structure which reflects the surrounding environment to conceal the structure of the blind. The wall panels are each preferably formed of a rigid sheet of reinforced closed cell foam material, with a sheet of mirrored clear plastic material bonded to one surface of the foam sheet. The mirrored surface of the plastic sheet is preferably secured directly to the foam sheet, thereby sandwiching the mirrored surface between the overlying clear plastic material and the foam panel to protect the mirrored surface from damage. The wall panels are rigidly but removably connected together with corner channel members to form a rigid, inflexible structure. A top closure or roof may be formed of a flexible camouflage sheet, or alternatively of rigid foam sheet having a camouflage pattern thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Christopher R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5528849
    Abstract: A camouflage tube, a portable camouflage concealment structure for use by hunters and bird watchers and nature photographers is disclosed. The invention has a plurality of hoops in an axial spaced apart relationship that forms an upstanding open ended tube. A mesh panel is disposed between a topmost hoop and an intermediate hoop and is in stitched communication with the topmost hoop. A camouflage panel is disposed below the mesh panel and is in stitched communication therewith. A plurality of straps attached to the topmost hoop urge removable communication with a branch of a tree or the like. Finally, a plurality of arcuate loops are disposed on an inner side of the apparatus and are in stitched communication with the camouflage panel and friction communication with the intermediate hoop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Charles Plinta
  • Patent number: 5522168
    Abstract: A decoy having a collapsible molded head in place on a pliable backing sheet. The head and sheet components are shaped to simulate a game animal viewed in frontal elevation. A fabric cover encloses the backing member with an opening permitting the head to be attached in place on the backing member. The cover is shaped and colored to simulate an animal chest. An opening in the cover enables sighting through the decoy as well as arrow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: John W. Friddle
  • Patent number: 5487402
    Abstract: A portable shelter having a frame whose members freely move between a maximum and a minimum dimension to enable selectively applying various sized shelter skins to the frame and to tauntly stretch the shelter skin thereon. The skin also comprises slidable tensioning means that stretch the skin over a portion of the frame. The upper portion of the shelter is partially supported by a lifting force applied thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1996
    Assignees: Michael S. Clary, Cynthia G. Clary
    Inventor: Michael S. Clary
  • Patent number: 5479738
    Abstract: A blind used in hunting and observing wildlife and its method of construction employ a liquid storage tank of sufficient size to be occupied by one or more individuals in its interior, where the tank is modified with access openings and furbished with seating and storage enclosures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Michael L. Danna
  • Patent number: 5477875
    Abstract: A hunting blind and method of hunting which discloses a hunting blind construction which enables a hunter or other person who is seeking to obscure himself for whatever purpose, even for photographic reasons, and thus is desirably positioned so as to appear virtually flat on the ground and thus prevent waterfowl or the like from being suspicious so as to abort a landing, suitable camouflage decoration being applied to the article and even assembled from surrounding branches or other vegetation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Inventor: Tom E. Daly, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5458079
    Abstract: A collapsible duck blind for attachment to a boat, being fully adjustable for both width and length to accommodate most conventional boats. In a preferred embodiment, the blinds include four hinged support legs, each having a foot securable to a surface of the boat and an upper end attached to a frame having a pair of movable support structures on either side thereof. A cover is provided for concealing the duck blind and the hunter(s) positioned in the boat, a portion of the blind being movable with the support structures between call and shoot positions. With both support structures lowered to their shoot positions, the hunters' unobstructed range of shooting is a full 360.degree.. With both support structures raised, the hunter is adequately concealed but can still visibly track ducks or other water fowl through a central gap in the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Assignee: Avery Outdoors, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas B. J. Matthews, M. Tate Wood, Allen H. Hughes, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5414950
    Abstract: A portable, adjustable blind for hunters, which blind includes at least one panel characterized by a fixed frame and an adjustable frame telescoping into the fixed frame with camouflaged panels attached to the fixed frame and the adjustable frame for adjusting the height of the blind in the field. In a preferred embodiment the camouflaged panels are attached to the fixed frame and the adjustable frame by means of removable clips and multiple panels may be joined in hinged relationship by means of hinge clips to facilitate construction of a blind on substantially any terrain and in any desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Inventor: Billy J. Johnson, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5400541
    Abstract: A tepee tent for a tripod tree stand comprising of a tree stand having a post constituting a center platform support with a lower end and having an elevated upper end, an upper platform positionable in a horizontal orientation and secured adjacent to the upper end of the post, a chair formed of a backrest and seat mounted to the post above the upper surface of the platform, a tent in the form of a tepee formed with a plurality of side walls having lower large edges coupled together positioned on the ground and having upper edges coupled together beneath the upper platform and having a base coupled at its edges to the lower edges of the side walls, the side and base being coupled together at their adjacent edges to form a shelter, and a door formed into one of the side walls adjacent to the base for allowing an entrance and an egress to the space within the shelter space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventors: Anthony Ennamorato, Pamela Ennamorato
  • Patent number: 5377711
    Abstract: A blind apparatus to camouflage a person in a natural habitat particularly while hunting wild game such as turkey. A skeletal frame made up of tubular spacers joined with connectors to form top and bottom frame parts that are held apart by spacer poles. A light impervious casing is supported by the frame to form a top, back and opposed sides of the blind. A netting is supported along the entrance way of the blind by the frame and provided with open spaces sufficient to allow line of sight observations into the natural habitat outside of the blind and penetration of an arrow or ballistic of a fire arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Mark Mueller
  • Patent number: 5373863
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a portable mirrored camouflage blind that incorporates a plurality of two-way mirrored panels positioned relative to each other side by side along a longitudinal edge, and flexible hinge means for flexibly connecting each of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels with an adjacent two-way mirrored panel whereby the plurality of two-way mirrored panels with the flexible hinge means form an accordion-like structure. Each of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels is optically constructed to produce undistorted reflections of objects located at near and far distances on an outer side of the plurality of two-way mirrored panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Ricci Prizio
  • Patent number: 5371966
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical hunting blind that can be supported on the ground or on a tower is formed of elongate arcuate panels and a domed roof which, in a preferred embodiment, have surface corrugations simulating the bark of a tree. A ladder-stand connected to the tower can be easily disconnected from the tower to serve as a leaning tree stand. Lower windows provide a view of the surroundings from a seated position and smaller peep windows above the lower windows provide a view from a standing position. The lower windows slide to cover the window opening in a closed position and completely uncover the window opening in a fully open position, and can be maintained at selective positions between the fully closed and fully open positions. The domed roof has a rain channel formed therein to capture and direct rain water downwardly and outwardly between the windows. One or more swivel chairs movably mounted in the enclosure are capable of revolving 360.degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Rocky A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5368057
    Abstract: A thermoformed plastic base has a collapsible frame which supports a flexible fabric covering which defines an ice fishing enclosure. A first brace extends frontwardly from the base and surrounds an ice fishing hole and engages against the lower edge of the flexible covering. A second brace is engaged with the first brace and extend frontwardly and upwardly from the base to engage against the flexible covering above the first brace. The engaged segments of the first and second braces restrict portion of the flexible covering from deflection toward the base and thereby define a volume adjacent the enclosed space above the ice fishing hole which is protected from interference from the flexible covering. An angler may jig a fishing rod in the defined volume without the wind blowing the flexible covering into conflict with the rod. The base preferably has a hook and a pin mounted on opposite sides for connection of two like shelters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Inventors: Raymond F. Lubkeman, David R. Lubkeman
  • Patent number: 5341588
    Abstract: An ice fish house readily transportable comprising, in combination a housing base having a horizontal central platform, a pair of similarly shaped side platforms, parallel hinges coupling the central platform and the side platforms with the side platforms being positionable between a deployed orientation wherein the side platforms extend in a horizontal plane with the central plane and a collapsed orientation wherein the side platforms extend upwardly at about 90 degrees with respect to the central platform, walls extending vertically from the side platforms; a frame fabricated of vertical rods coupled at their lower edges to the walls, two parallel lengths of horizontal rods couplable to the vertical rods, a single horizontal length of rods centrally located between the lengths of horizontal rods but at an elevated location, a plurality of angled rods coupling the single length of rods and two parallel lengths of rods, and coupling elements separably joining the lengths of rods and the angled rods; sheet mat
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Inventor: Quentin Lizotte
  • Patent number: 5339852
    Abstract: A permanent weatherproof blind adapted for use in a variety of hunting or observing situations includes a generally cylindrical, substantially rigid shell sized to resemble a bale of hay. The shell consists of an upper section having a curved outer wall substantially conforming to a cylindrical shape and a lower section adapted to fit within and be supported by a bed of a standard pickup truck. The shell further consists of side walls on both of the upper and lower sections and front and rear walls on the lower section. Included in the curved outer wall of the upper section are one or more game sighting and shooting openings. These openings are covered by movably mounted covers which provide protection for the interior of the blind. Plastic or fiberglass may be used to form the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Danny C. Bull
  • Patent number: 5327993
    Abstract: A deer stand apparatus includes a plurality of spaced U-shaped frameworks arranged in a coextensive relationship relative to one another in a confronting relationship, having an elevated platform selectively securable thereon. The organization includes a shelter having a dome-shaped roof and a generally rectilinear body accessed through a gap within a plurality of adjacent mounting rods secured through the elevated platform. The organization is arranged for ease of disassembly for transport and storage thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Inventor: Craige A. Stark, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5271423
    Abstract: A collapsible fish house having a pair of hinged together base sections with a flexible protective covering supported by a plurality of collapsible bow units attached at their lower ends to the base sections with the entire cover and bow structure being completely enclosed within the folded base sections when in collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Assignee: Superior Products, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clifford W. Eychaner
  • Patent number: 5241772
    Abstract: A hollow cylindrical hunting blind that can be supported on the ground or on a tower is formed of elongate arcuate panels and a domed roof which, in a preferred embodiment, have surface corrugations simulating the bark of a tree. A ladder-stand connected to the tower can be easily disconnected from the tower to serve as a leaning tree stand. Lower windows provide a view of the surroundings from a seated position and smaller peep windows above the lower windows provide a view from a standing position. The lower windows slide to cover the window opening in a closed position and completely uncover the window opening in a fully open position, and can be maintained at selective positions between the fully closed and fully open positions. A flexible cable having a control knob located between the windows opens and closes the windows without noise or visible arm movement. The domed roof has a rain channel formed therein to capture and direct rain water downwardly and outwardly between the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1993
    Inventor: Rocky A. Hall
  • Patent number: 5235772
    Abstract: A camouflage shield for a bow which includes upper and lower curved wire frame members which are covered with camouflage fabric. Each frame member includes an inner end section, an outer arcuate convex end section and brackets for attaching the frame members to the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: James L. Mendick, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5214872
    Abstract: An adjustable blind for concealing a user comprises a concealing element having a surface defining a plane behind which the user is concealed, a shaft connected to and holding the concealing element, and a support stand positioned on a surface and connected to the shaft for supporting same. The shaft and support stand are interconnected by a bracket, the bracket being adjustable so that the orientation of the shaft relative to the support stand, and thus the orientation of the concealing element relative to the surface, can be varied. The support stand comprises a pair of telescopically mounted elements and a stop mechanism mounted on one of the elements, the positioning of the stop mechanism being adjustable so as to vary the length of the support stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Michael A. Buyalos, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5172525
    Abstract: A portable shelter which is very easily carried, unfolded, assembled, disassembled and folded, and which, in the unfolded configuration, forms a sled for transporting items. The shelter is composed of a lower wall component and an upper wall component, each of which being constructed of a light, rigid material such as corrugated plastic or paper. The lower wall component is nested within the upper wall component, and both wall components have a plurality of fold locations so that they are mutually foldable into a rectangular shape suitable for use as a sled. A lid component is also foldable so as to be placeable within the folds of the two wall components. In operation, a user simultaneously unfolds the upper and lower wall components so as to provide an area for occupation therewithin. Then the user grabs the upper wall component and raises it in relation to the lower wall component until tabs on the bottom edge of the upper wall component interlock onto the top edge of the lower wall component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1992
    Inventor: John S. Cook
  • Patent number: 5171059
    Abstract: An enclosure for use with an outdoor lounge chair includes a rigid base that defines a liquid containing cavity and integral front, back and side walls which, along with a top, define a rigid enclosure having a top opening through which a lounge chair may be placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Inventor: William D. Patrick
  • Patent number: 5133378
    Abstract: The frame of a portable shelter is disclosed, particularly for use in ice fishing, wherein two planar, usually rectangular, top and bottom frame sections (10, 33) are held apart by an over-the-center linkage mechanism assisted by cable retainer arrangement (51, 52) associated with a seat portion (40) of the collapsible frame of the shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Inventor: William Tanasychuk
  • Patent number: 5127180
    Abstract: A camouflage device for archery bows includes mounting blocks adapted to being affixed to the bow in spaced relationship. The mounting blocks define first and second sets of sockets adapted to receive a proximal end portion of a tubular support arm so as to establish an extended condition (wherein the arms are oriented generally transverse to the long axis of the bow), and a collapsed condition (wherein the arms are oriented in general alignment with the bow's long axis). A camouflage curtain is supported by and extends between the upper and lower ones of the support arms so as to provide a blind for the archer, but yet allow the archer to track game targets, for example. An elastic cord joins the pair of arms so as to bias the proximal ends thereof into positive seated relationship with a respective socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Brell Mar Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Don S. Norton, Donald K. Norton
  • Patent number: 5096214
    Abstract: A portable enclosure which is suitable for use as a portable bus stop or the like and includes a frame constructed of plastic pipe, a canopy covering the top and bottom portions of the frame and a clear plastic window area located in the center section of the frame between the canopy segments, for viewing purposes. The portable enclosure is fitted with a pair of wheels and a handle positioned above the wheels for transportation purposes and includes a door for ingress and egress and a seat for accommodating the occupant or occupants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Inventors: Lionel Walker, Horace D. Tilley
  • Patent number: 5085446
    Abstract: A portable sportsman seating apparatus has a seat frame mounted on at least one ski for movement between locations. The seat frame has a chamber with a seating surface on the top of the chamber. A flotation cushion is provided defining the seating surface and is supported by the seat frame. The chamber has a bottom with at least one aperture therethrough to allow air to flow into the chamber and thereby allow combustion in the lantern to be supported in the chamber. The seat frame also has a plurality of sides one of which sides is formed at least in part from a material that allows light to pass therethrough and another side which forms the top of the chamber. The top of the chamber has at least a portion thereof formed from material having aperture therethrough which allows the flow of heated air to flow from the chamber. The seating apparatus also includes a collapsible shelter frame having at least a pair of frame members of an inverted generally "U" shape when in the assembled position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Inventor: Larry D. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 5075999
    Abstract: An apparatus wherein a housing includes a right and left door overlying the housing, the housing configured to camouflage a hunter interiorly thereof positioned within an "L" shaped seat within the housing. The doors include cooperating mesh portions to permit a viewing of the hunter through the mesh portions of the mesh portion overlying the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: William M. Fredericks
  • Patent number: 5062234
    Abstract: A portable blind which is characterized in a preferred embodiment by a length of camouflage material provided with a desired camouflage pattern, which material is stretched between multiple supports embedded in the ground, to define discreet panels and conceal a hunter or observer. The camouflage material can be fitted with a drawstring around the top edge thereof and is characterized by cloth or netting. Different camouflage patterns may be provided on the front and back of the camouflage material, in order to facilitate reversing the camouflage panels to accord with the hunting or observation terrain. In a most preferred embodiment, the elongated supports include a bottom member, a receptacle fitted to the top end of the bottom member for receiving the bottom end of a corresponding top member and an elastic band connecting the bottom end of the top member to the top end of the bottom member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Richard T. Green
  • Patent number: 5033493
    Abstract: A collapsible shelter has a pair of floor panels hinged together edge-to-edge, and front and rear wall panels hinged along the outer edges of the floor panels such that when the floor panels are collapsed in a side-by-side relationship, the wall panels are disposed closely adjacent one another. When the floor panel is unfolded and the wall panels are disposed in an upright position, various forms of covers may be mounted on the edges of the wall panels to form a shelter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventor: Earl L. Senchuck
  • Patent number: 5010909
    Abstract: A knock-down three dimensional rectangular frame is provided as well as an upstanding flexible material sleeve downwardly telescopingly engagable over the frame. The lower end of the sleeve is peripherally openable and removably closable and the upper and lower ends of sleeve include inwardly directed marginal flaps extending fully peripherally thereabout disposable over and under, respectively, the upper and lower ends of the skeletal frame. The sleeve is constructed of a material which may have a camouflaged design on its outer surface and which is preferably substantially air impervious.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cleveland
  • Patent number: 4979242
    Abstract: A collapsible portable shelter or changing room comprising a body of circular bellows like configuration capable of manufacture on current plastic mold equipment with current plastic materials. The bellows like walls overlap vertically and integrally down the side around a large aperture in a spring-like manner from tension on the rib folds by manual downward pressure. The accordion-like wall, when fully collapsed, substantially fits within an optional carry case fastened to the shelter floor. The structure is raised for use from a collapsed into an extended form by manual release of fasteners, causing the bellows wall to spring upward, without assistance, providing a large interior volume sufficient to enclose a person for use as a toilet shelter or changing room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: John J. Maggio
  • Patent number: 4979456
    Abstract: A boat supported blind including first frame structure having a first frame member for being coupled to the first sidewall of the boat, a second frame member for being coupled to the second sidewall of the boat, and a third frame member for joining the upper ends of the first and second frame members; a second frame structure having a first frame member for being coupled to the first sidewall of the boat, a second frame member for being coupled to the second sidewall of the boat, and a third frame member for joining the upper ends of the first and second frame members; and cover structure for substantially covering the frame structures and the boat. The cover structure includes a first cover member for covering the first frame members of the first and second frame structures, and a second cover member for covering the second frame members and a portion of the third frame members of the first and second frame structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: Leon D. Steward
  • Patent number: 4974265
    Abstract: A multi-purpose shelter adapted for use as a toilet, shower or changing enclosure of such size as to accommodate a person, has in a sectional embodiment a floor with ventilation and drainage slots surrounded by a cylindrical truncated shell containing a plurality of pliable wall sections of progressively reduced diameters which may be raised in a telescopic manner, held freestanding in an extended position by friction, is quickly and easily set up on site without tools for special instruction and collapsible into a low profile form for quick and easy transportation, storage or shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: John J. Maggio
  • Patent number: 4974575
    Abstract: A blind to be attached to a compound bow by a support rod threaded into the standard, threaded hole provided in the front of the bow to receive a stabilizer rod. The blind includes a central block supported at the end of the rod and having a threaded opening in its front surface to receive a standard stabilizer rod. Ribs radiate outwardly from the block to support the perimeter portions of a camouflage cloth spaced a short distance ahead of the bow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Inventor: Frank E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 4951696
    Abstract: A hunting stand useful to provide an elevated hunting station for rifle and bow hunters has a basket shape and comprises a structure having a flat bottom member, a plurality of support members extending upwardly from the base to a top rail which encircles the space above the base member, and a seat supported by the upwardly extending members at a position between the base and top rim; spike means project from the rear of the base and top rim members for engaging the tree where the stand is mounted, and a pair of sleeves extend downwardly from the front of the base member for receiving the side pieces of a ladder extending from the ground to the stand. In a first embodiment of the invention, the several parts are welded together to form a rigid, permanently erected hunting stand; in a second embodiment of the invention, the several parts are rotatably and releasably connected to form a collapsible hunting stand capable of folding for easy storage and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventor: Gordon E. Jones, Sr.