Abstract: A crossbow having a bowstring cocking winch apparatus, a cocking winch apparatus usable with a crossbow, and a method of operating the apparatus are described. The cocking winch apparatus includes a projecting alignment member having a non-round cross-sectional shape, where the alignment member is removably securable to a butt portion of a crossbow stock by inserting the alignment member into a correspondingly-shaped hole formed in the stock. The cocking winch apparatus provides a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring, enabling a user to easily cock the bowstring by rotating a handle to draw the bowstring back, and to place it in cocked position in the crossbow trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A crossbow having a bowstring cocking winch apparatus, a cocking winch apparatus usable with a crossbow, and a method of operating the apparatus are described. The cocking winch apparatus includes a projecting alignment member having a non-round cross-sectional shape, where the alignment member is removably securable to a butt portion of a crossbow stock by inserting the alignment member into a correspondingly-shaped hole formed in the stock. The cocking winch apparatus provides a straight and balanced draw to the crossbow bowstring, enabling a user to easily cock the bowstring by rotating a handle to draw the bowstring back, and to place it in cocked position in the crossbow trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A concealment system includes one or more independently positionable masking panels. Each of the panels is independently supported by a hub and strut frame, and employs various interchangeable camouflage sheet materials. A polygonal perimeter strip has strut-engaging pockets thereon with a pocket located at each corner of the panel, and structure for mounting a masking panel thereon. Dual ball mount are attached to a platform and to a base portion of the frame hub, respectively. A positioning arm, having independently adjustable socket clamps, extends between the two ball mount to support the panel frame. An improved hub design eliminates guide channels therein, and employs cabling to attach the struts. The positioning arm has a single span with socket clamps permanently attached to each end so that each clamp can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: A climbing tree stand according to the invention comprises a seat support assembly and a standing platform assembly. Each of the respective support assemblies has a pair of arms which are attached to a standing frame member and a main frame member. The arms are pivotally movable relative to the foot and main frame member, respectively. A flexible attachment is used to affix the arms to the platforms allowing the climbing tree stand to more easily climb trees that may not have ideal surface features or relatively consistent diameters. This allows the user of the climbing tree stand to have more options with respect to the type and size of tree used to climb and secure the tree stand. The flexible arms permit the tree stand to adjust slightly around obstacles on the trunk of the tree, such as limb stumps while alternately moving each assembly up the tree.

Abstract: A stretchable protective cover for footwear, formed from a natural rubber or elastomeric material. Small particles of activated carbon are interspersed in the material making up the cover, in order to suppress the scent of a wearer. The footwear cover may have a textured bottom surface to resist slippage. The cover is configured to completely cover and surround at least a portion of the footwear below the ankle area thereof.

Abstract: A concealment system includes one or more independently positionable masking panels. Each of the panels is independently supported by a hub and strut frame, and employs various interchangeable camouflage sheet materials. A polygonal perimeter strip has strut-engaging pockets thereon with a pocket located at each corner of the panel, and structure for mounting a masking panel thereon. Dual ball mount are attached to a platform and to a base portion of the frame hub, respectively. A positioning arm, having independently adjustable socket clamps, extends between the two ball mount to support the panel frame. An improved hub design eliminates guide channels therein, and employs cabling to attach the struts. The positioning arm has a single span with socket clamps permanently attached to each end so that each clamp can be independently adjusted.

Abstract: A gas grilling apparatus includes a cart, a grill housing attached to the cart, and a grill and a main grill burner contained in the grill housing. An auxiliary burner unit is also attached to the cart, and the auxiliary burner unit is located, or is placeable at a level below the main grill burner. The auxiliary burner unit may be made height-adjustable, and enhances the ability of the user to view or remove the contents of a pot or pan having high side walls.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus, for use with a tree stand, allows a user to angularly adjust a position of the tree stand on an inclined tree, to bring platforms of the tree stand into a horizontal orientation. The apparatus includes a fork member having a shaft portion with a threaded bore formed therein and a working end opposite the shaft portion. The working end of the fork member has a toothed structure for contacting a tree trunk. The apparatus also includes a mounting member including a sleeve having an open end which slidably receives the shaft portion of the fork member therein. The apparatus also includes a mechanism for moving the fork member in relation to the sleeve member, to facilitate leveling of a tree stand attached to the mounting member. A tree stand incorporating the leveling apparatus, and a method of using the apparatus are also described.

Abstract: A stove for outdoor use includes a hollow shell formed from heat-tolerant material, and a substructure for supporting the shell. The stove also includes a burner assembly, operatively attached to the shell or to the substructure, and a vessel support rack for placement on the shell. The support rack is formed from multiple interconnected segments. A first vessel-supporting surface is defined on a first side of the support rack, for supporting a cooking vessel having a substantially flat lower surface. A second vessel-supporting surface is defined on a second side of the support rack, for supporting a cooking vessel having a substantially non-flat lower surface. The second vessel-supporting surface may be configured to support a concave cooking implement, such as a wok thereon. The support rack is configured to fit into the shell with either the first vessel-supporting surface or the second vessel-supporting surface facing upwardly.

Abstract: A stove for outdoor use includes a hollow shell formed from heat-tolerant material, and a substructure for supporting the shell. The stove also includes a burner assembly, operatively attached to the shell or to the substructure, and a vessel support rack for placement on the shell. The support rack is formed from multiple interconnected segments. A first vessel-supporting surface is defined on a first side of the support rack, for supporting a cooking vessel having a substantially flat lower surface. A second vessel-supporting surface is defined on a second side of the support rack, for supporting a cooking vessel having a substantially non-flat lower surface. The second vessel-supporting surface may be configured to support a concave cooking implement, such as a wok thereon. The support rack is configured to fit into the shell with either the first vessel-supporting surface or the second vessel-supporting surface facing upwardly.

Abstract: A deflection-resistant arrowhead includes a support body with a fixed spear-point blade attached to the tip thereof, and a plurality of pivotally attached, mechanically expandable blades. The expandable blades include integrally formed spurs at end portions thereof, which are provided to extend outwardly from the front of the support body, adjacent the base of the fixed blade, when the expandable blades are closed. The support body has slots formed in the sides thereof, to receive the pivotally attached expandable blades. The support body is also slotted at the front central portion thereof to receive the base portion of the fixed blade. The expandable blades normally remain in a closed configuration thereof, by means of an elastic retaining ring located behind the spurs. Upon contact with a target, the outstanding spurs force the expandable blades to open, simultaneously moving the retaining ring rearwardly on the support body.

Abstract: A gas grilling apparatus includes a cart, a grill housing attached to the cart, and a grill and a main grill burner contained in the grill housing. An auxiliary burner unit is also attached to the cart, and the auxiliary burner unit is located, or is placable at a level below the main grill burner. The auxiliary burner unit may be made height-adjustable, and enhances the ability of the user to view or remove the contents of a pot or pan having high side walls.