Hunting pack stool and method of use thereof

Abstract

A packable seating apparatus having a single planar surface with a seat attached thereto, wherein the lower portion of the planar surface forms legs which raise the seat portion from the ground. The apparatus has storage compartments formed therein, support for a sleeping bag, and a color change device. The apparatus further utilizes any convenient surface, such as a tree or the like, as an additional support. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention includes a kickstand to allow free-standing support.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to hunting accessories, and more specifically to a hunting pack stool and method of use thereof, wherein the present invention provides a portable and convenient seating apparatus and packable unit adapted to carry an assortment of hunting and camping equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While harvesting game, hunters must often spend long periods of time in a stationary position, remaining nearly motionless to avoid making noise, so as to not frighten the animals being hunted. As such, hunters often experience discomfort and fatigue remaining standing for long periods of time, and it is desirable that hunters be able to sit comfortably during such periods. Consequently, hunters have often carried various types of seating apparatus into the field for for their comfort and convenience.

For instance, there are backpack devices that provide integral seats, but during use, such devices rest on the ground. With respect to a device, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2002/0113103 to O'Hare, the seat portion is in contact with the ground, requiring a hunter to sit in an uncomfortable cross-legged position. Such devices also are not desirable during cold weather due to the transfer of heat away from the hunter to the colder ground with which the seat is in contact.

Other devices comprise folding chairs and/or folding legs and, thus, require manipulation before they can be utilized, following removal from the back of a hunter. Examples of such folding chairs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,574 to Burgard, U.S. Pat. No. 6,347,406 to Jones et al., U.S. Design Pat. No. 284,910 to Handy, and U.S. Design Pat. No. 338,779 to Albert. Still other devices require fabrication from a plurality of components to provide a framework that can be carried upon a hunter's back and to support a seat component, such as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 4,602,698 to Grant. It is disadvantageous for a hunter in the field to have to assemble his seating device, thereby causing extensive motion and noise.

Other devices include storage areas, some located under a seat component, others located at the sides thereof, such as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,342 to Hale. Such devices lack a means for attaching a sleeping bag or other such devices carried externally.

Yet other devices must be secured either to a tree, such as shown by U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,364, supported from overhead, such as shown by U.S. Design Pat. No. 356,692 to Dawson, or attached to the ground, typically via a pole that is inserted into the ground such as is shown by U.S. Design Pat. No. 309,989 to Gotts. The attachment to a support requires motion and noise and is thus disadvantageous when a hunter is endeavoring to avoid frightening game.

Still other devices combine a spartan framework to form a portable seat and carrier such as shown by U.S. Design Pat. No. 306,379 to Kobasic. Such a device lacks the provision of a comfortable seating surface for a hunter.

All of the above devices fail to provide a comfortable seating surface, providing full support, off the ground, in a packable form that can both be leaned against a vertical surface, or that can stand independently. They further lack the ability to facilitate quick confinement of a sleeping bag or similar large equipment by the pack and stool combination in combination with additional storage areas, and particularly lack a kickstand support.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a hunting stool that can readily be carried into the field to permit a hunter to remain comfortable during long periods of relative motionlessness. There is a further need for such an apparatus that is light in weight, yet capable of carrying many of the items that a hunter might require during periods when the hunter is harvesting game. There is yet a further need for a device that can be readily set up and utilized without excessive motion or noise. There is an additional need for a device that can be utilized in a leaning position against an existing support, yet in the absence of such support, has a facility for independent support, such as a kickstand. There is still a further need for such an apparatus that can be used by a hunter during seasons for various different game, such as deer hunting season and turkey hunting season. As will be more fully detailed hereinbelow, it is to the provision of such an apparatus that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the recognized need for such a apparatus by providing embodiments directed to a packable camouflaged seating apparatus, wherein the apparatus comprises a single planar surface having a seat attached thereto, along with various storage compartments. A lower section of the planar surface forms legs to raise the seat area from the ground, and the apparatus can be leaned against a surface such as a tree, allowing a hunter to sit comfortably. The apparatus further includes straps to facilitate carrying upon the back of a hunter or other user for transporting to and from a hunting site.

More specifically, the present invention is a camouflaged pack stool for a hunter, wherein the pack stool has a backplane portion comprising legs and back, a seating area and storage compartments. The present invention is particularly advantageous in use and application due to its ability to permit a hunter to carry a seating apparatus to a remote area while retaining a camouflaged appearance. While being transported by a hunter, the apparatus can be held on a hunter's back in the same fashion as a backpack and further has a cover sheet of material that can be unrolled to cover the exposed rear surface with a color other than that of the overall camouflage. Such a color change is desirable during big game hunting season when hunters wear orange clothing or the like in order to be readily identifiable.

Upon reaching the hunting site, the apparatus is placed on the ground and leaned against a tree or other such support, wherein the base of the planar surface rests against the ground and the top of the planar surface rests against the tree to prevent the apparatus from falling. The camouflage appearance of the apparatus allows it and its seated occupant to blend into the surrounding foliage.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a kickstand device is attached, wherein the pack stool can be positioned without need of an additional surface to lean against. In such fashion, a hunter can utilize the pack stool apparatus of the present invention in areas lacking a suitable leaning surface. The kickstand can further be utilized to stand the pack stool upright while not being utilized.

Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a hunter with a comfortable seating surface during periods of immobility.

Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to be carried as a backpack by a hunter.

Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to carry a large quantity and variety of objects typically required by a hunter during the harvesting of game.

Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its incorporation of a kickstand to permit unassisted retention in an upright position.

Yet still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a warning coloration to identify the hunter to others in the field.

A further feature and advantage of the present invention is its low material cost and ease of manufacture.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a hunting pack stool apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a front view of a hunting pack stool apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a detail view of the hunting pack stool apparatus of FIG. 2A after unrolling of a cover sheet;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a hunting pack stool apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a detail view of the hunting pack stool apparatus of FIG. 1 according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In describing the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention in a preferred embodiment is a packable hunting stool apparatus 10, comprising, in general, backplane 20, seat 60, and backrest 70. Backplane 20 preferably has upper section 30, lower section 40 and leg section 50, wherein leg section 50 preferably forms a lower termination of backplane 20 and wherein leg section 50 comprises right leg 45a and left leg 45b. Frame pad 170 is preferably carried by backplane 20, wherein frame pad 170 is preferably constructed from a dense foam material suitable for providing a comfortable surface for a hunter to lean against, such as, for exemplary purposes only, foam rubber.

Seat 60 preferably has cover 80 thereon, wherein cover 80 has seat pad 85 thereunder, and wherein seat pad 85 is affixed to seat platform 87. Seat 60 is preferably constructed from a dense foam material suitable for providing a comfortable seating surface for a hunter to sit upon, such as, for exemplary purposes only, foam rubber. Right support 88a and left support 88b extend from front edge 89 of seat platform 87 to leg section 50. Right support 88a is attached to front edge 89 of seat platform 87 and attached to right leg 45a. Left support 88b is attached to front edge 89 of seat platform 87 and attached to left leg 45b.

Equipment is preferably stored in side storage compartments 210a and 210b, and/or lower storage compartment 90. Accordingly, preferably located at sides 213a and 213b of backplane 20 are side storage compartments 210a and 210b, wherein side storage compartments 210a and 210b are cylindrical in shape, similar to duffel bags. Side storage compartments 210a and 210b have each one end 211a and 211b open, respectively, which ends 211a and 211b, respectively, are secured via drawstrings 212a and 212b, respectively.

Storage section 90 is preferably located below seat 60, wherein storage section 90 has storage cover 100 having zipper 92 therein, whereby storage section 90 is accessible via zipper 92. Storage cover 100 of storage section 90 covers right support 88a and left support 88b and storage section 90 is fixably attached to seat 60 and to top 52 of leg section 50, thereby fully enclosing storage section 90. Bottom 94 of storage section 90 has first eye 120a and second eye 120b positioned thereon, wherein first eye 120a and second eye 120b provide attachment points for securing devices, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bungee straps 110 and 112, as set forth more fully below. Third eye 120c and fourth eye 120d are positioned on right leg 45a and left leg 45b, respectively and provide additional attachment points for bungee straps 110 and 112. First eye 120a, second eye 120b, third eye 120c and fourth eye 120d form a rectangular pattern covering bottom 94 of storage section 90.

Storage section 90 may be further utilized to carry sleeping bag S or similar roll-shaped object, wherein sleeping bag S is restrained via elastic members, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bungee straps 110 and 112.

First bungee strap 110 preferably has first end 132a and second end 132b, wherein first hook 130a is attached to first end 132a and second hook 130b is attached to second end 132b. Second bungee strap 112 has first end 142a and second end 142b, wherein first hook 140a is attached to first end 142a and second hook 140b is attached to second end 142b.

In order to store sleeping bag S under storage area 90, first hook 130a is preferably inserted into first eye 120a and first bungee strap 110 extends across bottom 94 of storage section 90 over sleeping bag S, wherein second hook 130b is preferably inserted into fourth eye 120d. First hook 140a is inserted into second eye 120b and second bungee strap 112 extends across bottom 94 of storage section 90 over sleeping bag S, wherein second hook 140b is inserted into third eye 120c. It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that other configurations may be desirable, depending upon application and articles to be carried.

In use, apparatus 10 is preferably transported to a desired location by a user via straps 180a and 180b passing over the user's shoulders, wherein pads 195a and 195b are placed on user's shoulders, and wherein belt 202 is passed around user's chest. For added comfort, the user may hold tabs 200a and 200b. Straps 180a and 180b are secured to right upper mounting point 230a and left upper mounting point 230b, respectively, wherein straps 180a and 180b are further attached to right lower mounting point 190a and left lower mounting point 190b, respectively. As described above, the user's sleeping bag may be transported coincidentally with apparatus 10 via confinement by bungee straps 110 and 112 against lower storage section 90.

During transport, and particularly in certain game seasons, it is desirable to utilize a brightly discernible color to identify a hunter, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bright orange during big game hunting season. For use during such times, a means is required for changing the from a camouflage color to such a brightly discernible color.

Accordingly, roll cover sheet 150 is preferably carried by top section 30 of backplane 20, wherein roll cover sheet 150 comprises a sheet of material having camouflage coloring on the obverse thereof, and a distinguishable color, such as, for exemplary purposes only, bright orange, blue, green or red on the reverse thereof. Roll cover sheet 150 is secured via first tie 155a and second tie 155b, wherein first tie 155a secures first end 160a of roll cover sheet 150 and second tie 155b secures second end 160b of roll cover sheet 150. First tie 155a and second tie 155b may comprise, for exemplary purposes only, string ties, hook-and-loop fasteners, bungee straps, elastic bands, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2B, roll cover sheet 150 is preferably deployed by loosening ties 155a and 155b, whereby roll cover 150 falls forward over backrest 70 and seat 60, thereby providing a large expanse of color for immediate recognition when viewing a hunter from the rear.

Once a hunter reaches a selected site, apparatus 10 is preferably removed and placed on ground surface G, wherein legs 45a and 45b are preferably proximal to, and in contact with, ground surface G. Upper section 30 of apparatus 10 may then be leaned against tree T, thereby providing support via ground surface G and tree T. A hunter then may sit on seat 60 of apparatus 10, leaning back against section 70 to assume a comfortable position. Upon arrival of game in the vicinity, the hunter can selectively observe or harvest the game. If the hunter wishes to remain quiet and motionless to observe game, the hunter will remain comfortably seated on apparatus 10. Alternately, should the hunter desire to take the game, the hunter can shoot a weapon from the seated position, or can stand and shoot.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is a detail view of an alternate embodiment of device 10, wherein the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is substantially equivalent in form and function to that of the preferred embodiment detailed and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 except as hereinafter specifically referenced. Specifically, the alternate embodiment of FIG. 4 comprises a packable hunting stool apparatus 10 having kickstand 400, wherein kickstand 400 can be moved from position A to position B, and wherein kickstand 400 permits packable hunting stool apparatus 10 to stand freely, without the need to lean against tree T. When a hunter wishes to utilize apparatus 10 in a clear area away from trees or other support surface, the hunter can extend kickstand 400, thereby providing a third leg for support of apparatus 10 in an upright aspect. When a tree is available to lean apparatus 10, or when a hunter wishes to transport apparatus 10, kickstand 400 can be retracted.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, seat 60 is configured and adapted to fold upward against upper section 30 of backplane 20.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, legs 45a and 45b can be extended to provide height adjustment for the hunter's comfort.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments of the present invention. Having thus described preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A seating apparatus comprising:

a backplane;

a seat carried by said backplane; and

at least two straps for transporting said apparatus upon a person, wherein said at least two straps are carried by said backplane.

2. The seating apparatus of claim 1, wherein said backplane comprises first end, middle section and second end, and wherein said second end comprises at least two legs.

3. The seating apparatus of claim 1 having a side storage compartment.

4. The seating apparatus of claim 3, wherein said a side storage compartment is closed via a drawstring.

5. The seating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lower storage compartment.

6. The seating apparatus of claim 5, wherein said lower storage compartment further comprises means for entry.

7. The seating apparatus of claim 6, wherein said means for entry comprises a zipper.

8. The seating apparatus of claim 7, wherein said lower storage compartment is closably secured via said zipper.

9. The seating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for carrying a sleeping bag.

10. The seating apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for carrying a sleeping bag comprises bungee cords.

11. The seating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a movable support kickstand.

12. The seating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising camouflage covering thereon.

13. The seating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a colored cover sheet.

14. The seating apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cover sheet comprises a distinguishable bright color on a first side thereof.

15. The seating apparatus of claim 14, wherein said bright color is selected from the group consisting of orange, blue, green and red.

16. The seating apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cover sheet further comprises a camouflage pattern on a second side thereof.

17. The seating apparatus of claim 3, wherein said side storage compartment comprises a plurality of side storage compartments.

18. The seating apparatus of claim 3, wherein said at least one side storage compartment comprises a generally cylindrical shape.

19. The seating apparatus of claim 13, wherein said cover sheet is carried by top portion of said backplane and wherein said sheet can be deployed to cover said upper and middle portions of said backplane and said seat.

20. A method of hunting, wherein said method comprises the steps of:

a. obtaining a packable hunting seat having a backplane, wherein said backplane comprises first end, middle section and second end, and wherein said second end comprises at least two legs, said hunting seat further comprising a seating platform carried by said backplane and a strap for transporting said hunting seat, wherein said strap is carried by said backplane;

b. placing said hunting seat in contact with a ground surface, wherein said at least two legs are in contact with said ground surface;

c. sitting on said hunting seat; and

d. waiting for game to arrive, whereby the game may be harvested or observed.

21. An apparatus for providing support to a seated person, said apparatus comprising:

a seating apparatus comprising:

a backplane, wherein said backplane comprises first end, middle section and second end, and wherein said second end comprises at least two legs;

a seat carried by said backplane;

a storage compartment;

a lower storage compartment;

a deployable color change cover sheet having camouflage coloring on a first side thereof and a distinguishable bright color on a second side thereof; and

at least two straps for supporting said apparatus on a user, wherein said at least two straps are carried by said backplane.