Hoist apparatus

Abstract

A hoist apparatus comprises a boom, a load lifting device, a retention structure attachment bracket, a stabilizing bracket and a retention structure. The load lifting device is attached to the boom. The retention structure attachment bracket includes two spaced-apart attachment features each configured for having a respective engagement member of an elongated retention structure engaged therewith. The stabilizing bracket is in spaced-apart relationship with the stabilizing bracket along a straight reference axis. An engagement face has a recessed profile such that an engaged portion of an elongated structural object is constrained therein. The retention structure includes two spaced-apart engagement members each releasably engagable with a respective one of the two spaced-apart attachment features of the retention structure attachment.

Description

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to hoist apparatuses and, more particularly, to mounting structures for hoist apparatuses.

BACKGROUND

Tree stands are a very common tool of modern hunters. These stands are small platforms mounting high on tree trunks. By mounting a tree stand sufficiently high on a tree trunk, a hunter is provided with an excellent aerial view of the area surrounding the tree.

For many reasons, conventional approaches for mounting a tree stand at a desired height on a tree trunk can be seen by a hunter as troublesome, dangerous and/or intimidating. A common conventional approach for mounting a tree stand is for a hunter to climb a tree while holding onto the tree stand until the desired height is reached. Once at that height, the hunter must then begin the precarious task of mounting the tree stand to the tree. This can be exceptionally difficult because the hunter must mount the tree stand while not losing his balance or footing and falling. Often, tree stands are mounted high enough to cause serious damage should the hunter fall while mounting the tree stand at a desired height. If the hunter is leery of climbing to such heights to mount the tree stand because he is concerned for his safety, he may only attain a height of his upward reach. This relatively low height is hardly advantageous compared to a potential height multiple times higher. Furthermore, it is common for a hunter to hunt in multiple different locations over the course of multiple days. To use the same tree stand in multiple locations, the hunter must go through the ordeal of uninstalling/reinstalling the tree stand multiple times, which increases the risk for injury and consumes valuable time.

Therefore, a hoisting mechanism that is readily mountable on a tree trunk, pole or post in a manner enabling a person to safely raise an apparatus such as, for example, a tree stand into a relatively high position on the tree trunk, pole or post would be useful and advantageous.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention enable individuals to hoist tree stands or other items to locations well above their physical reach in a straightforward, safe, and effective manner. More specifically, a hoisting device in accordance with the present invention when affixed to a tree trunk or similarly shaped elongated structural object allows an individual to easily and safely raise and lower objects such as, but not limited to, tree stands as opposed to the individual being required to climb the tree with the object on their person. Accordingly, the present invention advantageously overcomes one or more adverse aspects associated with conventional methods of installing tree stands and lifting objects onto trees or elevated locations.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a hoist apparatus comprises a boom, a means for enabling attachment of a load lifting device provided on the boom, an attachment means configured for having spaced apart engagement members of a retention structure engaged therewith, and a stabilizing means in spaced-apart relationship with the two spaced-apart attachment features along a straight reference axis. The stabilizing means is configured for constraining movement of the stabilizing means with respect to an engaged portion of an elongated structural object.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a hoist apparatus comprises an elongated main body, a boom, a means for enabling attachment of a load lifting device, a retention structure attachment bracket, and a stabilizing bracket. The elongated main body has a first end portion and a second end portion. The boom has a first end portion and a second end portion and is attached at a first end portion to the elongated main body adjacent the first end portion of the elongated main body. The means for enabling attachment of a load lifting device are provided on the boom adjacent the second end portion of the boom. The retention structure attachment bracket is attached to the elongated main body adjacent the first end portion of the elongated main body and includes two spaced-apart attachment features each configured for having a respective engagement member of a retention structure engaged. The stabilizing bracket is attached to the elongated main body adjacent the second end portion of the elongated main body and has an engagement face that has a recessed profile configured for constraining within an engaged portion of an elongated structural object.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a hoist apparatus comprises a boom, means for lifting a load attached to the boom, a retention structure attachment bracket, a stabilizing bracket, and a retention structure. The retention structure attachment bracket includes two spaced-apart attachment features each configured for having a respective engagement member of a retention structure engaged within it. The stabilizing bracket has a spaced-apart relationship with the stabilizing bracket along a straight reference axis and the engagement face has a recessed profile such that an engaged portion of an elongated structural object is constrained within it. The retention structure includes two spaced-apart engagement members each releasably engagable with a respective one of the two spaced-apart attachment features of the retention structure attachment.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, the attachment means includes spaced-apart attachment features.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing means includes a stabilizing bracket and an engagement face with a recessed profile to constrain the engaged portion of the elongated structural object.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a concave contour.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a V-shaped contour.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizing means for the hoist apparatus includes a stabilizing bracket.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a recessed profile that constrains the engaged portion of the elongated structural object.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the hoist apparatus comprises a brace attached between the elongated main body and the boom.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the retention structure for the hoist apparatus is a flexible strap and the distance between the spaced-apart engagement members is adjustable.

These and other objects, embodiments advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a hoist apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 depicts the hoist apparatus depicted in FIG. 1 2 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a hoist apparatus in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein, which is referred to as the hoist apparatus 2. The hoist apparatus 2 is a device to be used for lifting objects to a higher location. In use, an individual installs the hoist apparatus 2 onto an elongated structural object in order to facilitate lifting another, possibly heavier, object with the hoist apparatus 2. A typical use is for hunters to mount the hoist apparatus 2 onto the trunk of a tree in order to lift a tree stand to a desired high location. However, the hoist apparatus 2 has more far reaching capabilities. It does not necessarily have to mount to a tree trunk, but could be mounted to any elongated structural object such as, but not limited to, a pole or post. The hoist apparatus 2 can also lift a variety of items such as, but not limited to, supplies, ice chests, tools, and even people. The hoist apparatus 2 may be designed in an application-specific manner such that there is nearly no limit to the size or weight of an object the hoist apparatus 2 can be used to hoist. It can be manufactured to be very lightweight for ease of transport and installation or more robust for larger and heavier items. The hoist apparatus 2 is designed to be simply installed and uninstalled safely.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hoist apparatus 2 includes an elongated main body 4, a boom 6, a support brace 7, an attachment bracket 8, a retention structure 9, a stabilizing bracket 10, a load lifting device 11, and a load lifting device attachment structure 12. The main body 4, boom 6, brace 7, attachment bracket 8, and stabilizing bracket 10, are all interconnected. They may be affixed to one another in any of a variety of methods such as, but not limited to, welds, fasteners, interconnecting devices, or could be molded together. Based on the intended usage of the hoist apparatus 2, the various components of the hoist apparatus 2 may be made from any material suitable to an intended application such as, but not limited to, metal, alloy, plastic, or a composite.

The elongated main body 4 has a first end portion 13 and second end portion 15 and extends generally parallel with a straight reference axis A1. The boom 6 has a first end portion 17 and a second end portion 19. The first end portion 17 of the boom 6 is attached to the first end portion of the elongated main body 4. Adjacent the second end portion 19 of the boom 6 is a load lifting device attachment structure 12, which may be, but is not limited to, a hole with an inserted eyebolt or a welded bracket with a hole. Adding structural reinforcement to the hoist apparatus 2 is a brace 7, which is attached between the elongated main body 4 and the boom 6.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the attachment bracket 4 is provided at the first end 13 of the main body 4. The attachment bracket 8 has two spaced holes 14 that are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane P1. The distance by which the holes 14 are separated may be adjustable by a variety of means including, but not limited to, the attachment bracket 8 being adjustable. Optionally, a plurality of pairs of spaced apart holes may be provided in the attachment bracket 8. In addition, the holes 14 may be substitutes with another form of attachment feature such as, for example, tabs, cleats, eyelets, brackets, or any other suitable device.

The retention strap 9 is configured for being securely engaged with the holes 14 of the attachment bracket 8. As depicted, the retention structure 9 includes hooks 9a attached in a spaced apart relationship to an adjustable and flexible strap 9b (e.g., made from a high-strength woven polymeric fiber). The hooks 9a of the retention strap 9 and the holes 14 of the attachment bracket 8 are jointly configured for having each one of the hooks 9a engaged with a respective one of the holes 14. The retention structure 9 serves the purpose of being engaged around an elongated structural object for securing the hoist apparatus 2 to the elongated structural object. In one embodiment, the retention structure 9 includes the flexible strap 9b and hooks 9a. Optionally, the retention structure 9 may include a chain in place of the flexible strap 9b. The strap 9b is adjustable via an adjustment device such as, for example a buckle or ring through which the strap is threaded to allow proper and safe attachment of the hoist apparatus 2 to the elongated structural member. Furthermore, it is disclosed herein that a device such as, for example, a cam buckle or turn buckle may be incorporated into the retention structure 9 for enabling the retention structure to be relatively tightly engaged around an elongated structural object.

In one embodiment, a first one of the hooks 9a is permanently attached to the attachment bracket 8 to ease the installation process. Optionally, one of the hooks 9a may be omitted, with the corresponding end portion of the strap 9b being attached directly to the attachment bracket 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 3, the stabilizing bracket 10 is attached to the second end portion 15 of the main body 4. The stabilizing bracket 10 has a recessed engagement face 18 that is configured for engaging a respective portion of an elongated structural object for constraining movement of the stabilizing bracket 8 with respect to the engaged portion of the elongated structural object. In doing so, the stabilizing bracket constrains movement of the main body 4 relative to the elongated structural object. The shape of the engagement face 18 of the stabilizing bracket 10 may be concave, V-shaped, or of any other shape capable of constraining the stabilizing bracket 10 relative to the elongated structural object. The shape may also be adjustable or designed to conform to the shape of the elongated structural object (e.g., including a foam element or a plurality of interconnected and movable rigid segments). The stabilizing bracket 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3 is one embodiment of a stabilizing means in accordance with the present invention. Other embodiments of such a stabilizing means include, but are not limited to, discrete legs, discrete blade members, adjustable members or the like.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the load lifting device 10 is attached to the load lifting device attachment structure 12 at the second end portion 19 of the boom 6. Examples of the load lifting device 10 include, but is not limited to, a winch, a pulley system, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 4 depicts the hoist apparatus 2 of FIG. 1 mounted to a tree trunk 20 of a tree (i.e., an elongated structural object 20). The main body 4 extends generally parallel with a longitudinal axis of the tree trunk 20. The strap 9b of the retention structure 9 wraps around the tree trunk 20 with the hooks 9a of the retention structure 9 engaged with respective ones of the holes 14. Through tightening means such as, for example a cam buckle 9c of the retention structure 9 is securely tightened around the tree trunk 20. An adjustment buckle 9d or other suitable adjustment means is provided for adjusting an overall length of the strap 9b such as for accommodating different size elongated structural objects. The stabilizing bracket 10 is also adjacent to the elongated structural member 20 and it is designed to have an engagement face 18 for stabilizing the end portion of the main body 4 against the elongated structural member 20. In the depicted embodiment, the load lifting device 10 includes a pulley and a tensile member 24 such as a rope or cable 24, which enables a person to hoist an intended object to the desired height.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, one embodiment of an installation process for the hoist apparatus 2 disclosed herein is for an installer climb the tree trunk 20 while holding the hoist apparatus 2 until a desired height is attained. The installer then loosely wraps the strap 9b of the retention structure 9 around the elongated structural object 20 and attaches the loose hook(s) 9a to the respective hole(s) 14 in the attachment bracket 8. The installer then tightens the retention structure 9 around the elongated structural object 20 such as by the cam buckle 9c, which secures the hoist apparatus 2 in place.

With respect to loads applied to the hoist apparatus 2, as an object is lifted with the load lifting device 11, respective loads are placed on the boom 6, the attachment bracket 8, the retention structure 9 and the stabilizing bracket 10. In general, the retention structure 9 exhibits tension loadings, but holds its position securely. The stabilizing bracket 10 bears against the tree trunk 20, which contributes to keeping the hoist apparatus 2 solidly located with respect to the tree trunk 20.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hoist apparatus, comprising:

a boom;

means for enabling attachment of a load lifting device provided on the boom;

attachment means configured for having spaced apart engagement members of an elongated retention structure engaged therewith; and

stabilizing means in spaced-apart relationship with the two spaced-apart attachment features along a straight reference axis, wherein the stabilizing means is configured for constraining movement of the stabilizing means with respect to an engaged portion of an elongated structural object.

2. The hoist apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment means includes spaced-apart attachment features.

3. The hoist apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the stabilizing means includes a stabilizing bracket; and

an engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a recessed profile such that the engaged portion of the elongated structural object is constrained therein

4. The hoist apparatus of claim 3 wherein the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a concave contour.

5. The hoist apparatus of claim 3 wherein the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a V-shaped contour.

6. The hoist apparatus of claim 3 wherein the attachment means includes spaced-apart attachment features.

7. The hoist apparatus of claim 6 wherein:

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

8. The hoist apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

the attachment means includes spaced-apart attachment features;

the stabilizing means includes a stabilizing bracket;

an engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a recessed profile such that the engaged portion of the elongated structural object is constrained therein; and

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

9. A hoist apparatus, comprising:

an elongated main body having a first end portion and a second end portion;

a boom having a first end portion and a second end portion, wherein the boom is attached at a first end portion thereof to the elongated main body adjacent a first end portion of the elongated main body;

means for enabling attachment of a load lifting device provided on the boom adjacent the second end portion of the boom;

a retention structure attachment bracket attached to the elongated main body adjacent the first end portion of the elongated main body, wherein the retention structure attachment bracket includes two spaced-apart attachment features each configured for having a respective engagement member of a retention structure engaged therewith; and

a stabilizing bracket attached to the elongated main body adjacent the second end portion of the elongated main body, wherein an engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a recessed profile configured for constraining therein an engaged portion of an elongated structural object.

10. The hoist apparatus of claim 9 wherein the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a concave contour.

11. The hoist apparatus of claim 9 wherein the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has a V-shaped contour.

12. The hoist apparatus of claim 9 wherein:

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

13. The hoist apparatus of claim 12 wherein:

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has at least one of a concave contour and a V-shaped contour;

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

14. The hoist apparatus of claim 9, further comprising

a brace attached between the elongated main body and the boom.

15. The hoist apparatus of claim 14 wherein:

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has at least one of a concave contour and a V-shaped contour;

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

16. A hoist apparatus, comprising:

a boom;

means for lifting a load attached to the boom;

a retention structure attachment bracket including two spaced-apart attachment features each configured for having a respective engagement member of an elongated retention structure engaged therewith;

a stabilizing bracket in spaced-apart relationship with the stabilizing bracket along a straight reference axis, wherein an engagement face has a recessed profile such that an engaged portion of an elongated structural object is constrained therein; and

a retention structure including two spaced-apart engagement members each releasably engagable with a respective one of the two spaced-apart attachment features of the retention structure attachment.

17. The hoist apparatus of claim 16 wherein:

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis; and

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane.

18. The hoist apparatus of claim 16 wherein the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket has at least one of a concave contour and a V-shaped contour.

19. The hoist apparatus of claim 16 wherein:

the retention structure is a flexible strap; and

a distance between the spaced-apart engagement members is adjustable.

20. The hoist apparatus of claim 16 wherein:

the two spaced-apart attachment features are positioned substantially equidistant from a reference plane extending through and parallel with the straight reference axis;

the engagement face of the stabilizing bracket is generally bisected by the reference plane;

the retention structure is a flexible strap; and

a distance between the spaced-apart engagement members is adjustable.