SUSPENDED SITTING APPARATUS

Abstract

A suspended sitting system includes a sitting surface having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, one or more suspension points, a first suspension means for suspending the first end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points, and a second suspension means for suspending the second end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points. Furthermore, the suspended sitting system is capable of more than one suspension configurations, including a basic configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two generally horizontally-oriented suspension points, a single point configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly one suspension point, and a vertical configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two vertically oriented suspension points.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/509,939, filed Jul. 12, 2011, which provisional patent application is incorporated by reference herein. A copy of the disclosure of this provisional patent application is attached hereto as an appendix, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States and other countries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all other copyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a suspended sitting apparatus, specifically, a sitting apparatus adapted to be suspended from one or more trees in multiple configurations. More particularly, a suspended sitting apparatus for use while hunting.

Suspended sitting devices exist for use in the natural setting. However, such devices do not have the flexibility to allow for multiple configurations and orientations to more comfortably and efficiently fit into the natural environment.

A need exists for improvement in suspended sitting apparatuses. This, and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in, the context of a suspended sitting apparatus used in the natural environment, the present invention is not limited to use only in the natural environment, as will become apparent from the following summaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one or more embodiments of the present invention.

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention relates to a suspended sitting apparatus. An exemplary such suspended sitting apparatus includes a sitting surface adapted to be suspended in more than one configuration. These configurations include a basic configuration wherein the sitting apparatus is suspended from two horizontally separated overhead points, a single point configuration wherein the sitting apparatus is suspended from one overhead point, and a vertical configuration, wherein the sitting apparatus is suspended from two points located on a vertical surface.

In a feature of this aspect of the invention, the apparatus further comprises two or more suspension devices adapted to suspend the sitting surface.

In a variation of this feature, the two or more suspension devices include ropes.

In another variation, the two or more suspension devices include carabineers.

In another variation, the sitting surface includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and at least one suspension device of the two or more suspension devices attaches to each of the first end and the second end.

In another feature, in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes a spreader bar.

In yet another feature, in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes one or more rope stops.

In still another feature, in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes a pivot and a spreader bar; wherein the spreader bar is adapted to attach to the pivot and rotate about the pivot.

In a further feature, the two horizontally separated overhead points are located on one or more tree branches.

In another feature still, the one overhead point is located on a tree branch.

In yet another feature, the vertical surface is a tree trunk.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a suspended sitting system. An exemplary such system includes a sitting surface having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, one or more suspension points, a first suspension means for suspending the first end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points, and a second suspension means for suspending the second end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points. Furthermore, the suspended sitting system is capable of more than one suspension configurations, including a basic configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two generally horizontally-oriented suspension points, a single point configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly one suspension point, and a vertical configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two vertically oriented suspension points.

In a feature of this aspect, the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more ropes.

In another feature, the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more carabineers.

In yet another feature, the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more straps.

In still another feature, the system includes a spreader bar spanning between the first suspension means and second suspension means.

In another feature still, one of the one or more suspension points includes a pivot about which the sitting surface is capable of rotation.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of suspending a sitting surface. An exemplary such method includes providing a sitting surface with a first end and a second end, attaching a first suspension means to the first end, attaching a second suspension means to the second end, and attaching the first suspension means and second suspension means to one or more suspension points such that the sitting surface is suspended.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more suspension points is exactly one suspension point.

In another feature, the one or more suspension points is exactly two suspension points.

In a variation of this feature, the method includes spanning a spreader bar between the first suspension means and the second suspension means.

In addition to the aforementioned aspects and features of the present invention, it should be noted that the present invention further encompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations of such aspects and features. Thus, for example, any aspect may be combined with an aforementioned feature in accordance with the present invention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, and wherein,

FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of a sitting apparatus in a first configuration suspended from two points, in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in the first configuration;

FIG. 3 is a view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 1 in use in the first configuration;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views of the interface of the sitting surface, the carabineer, and the rope of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a second configuration suspended from a single overhead point;

FIG. 7 is a view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6 in the second configuration;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are views of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6 in use in the second configuration;

FIG. 10 is a view of the lower portion of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a view of the upper portion of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are views of the interface of the rope, the rope stop, and the spreader bar of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the spreader bar of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 6;

FIG. 15 is a front view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 1 in a third configuration suspended from two points along a vertical surface;

FIG. 16 is a view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15, detailing the spreader bar and pivot point;

FIGS. 18 and 19 are views of the pivot point of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 20 is a detailed illustration of the pivot;

FIG. 21 is a view of the top suspension point of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIG. 22 is a view of the bottom portion including the sitting surface of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are views of the suspended sitting apparatus in use in the second configuration; and

FIGS. 25-27 are views of the suspended sitting apparatus in use in the third configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the present invention has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, and is made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by the appended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan should prevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element is intended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unless the explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in such claim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to apply in the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having at least one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” In contrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes “a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket having crackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese and crackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnic basket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket having cheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well as describes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basket further has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention are next described. The following description of one or more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

Generally, a sitting apparatus in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention includes a sitting surface and one or more suspension devices, such as ropes, cords, or wires, for suspending the sitting surface above the ground. Furthermore, the sitting apparatus has multiple configurations allowing for use in a wider range of settings. In many preferred and contemplated embodiments, the sitting apparatus is adapted for use in a natural setting, specifically to suspend a user from various points of a tree or between multiple trees.

In particular, one or more preferred embodiments of a suspended sitting apparatus in accordance with aspects and features of the present invention are advantageous to those hunting animals in a natural setting. Specifically, the suspended sitting apparatus can be suspended from one or more trees by the trunk and/or branches. The apparatus may be placed near ground level or at a significant height. Furthermore, the apparatus is lightweight, easily assembled and disassembled, capable of multiple setup configurations, and easily changed from one configuration to another.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suspended sitting apparatus 10 in a first configuration in accordance with one or more aspects of the present invention. The sitting apparatus 10, when in the first configuration, is preferably adapted to suspend a user from two relatively separated points, giving the sitting apparatus 10 a hammock-like appearance. In one or more preferred embodiments, the two relatively separated points are located on branches of one or more trees.

In one or more aspects of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-21, the sitting apparatus 10 comprises a sitting surface 12 constructed from a mesh netting material. In at least one variation, the mesh netting is a ⅞-inch, #840 netting hemmed with cordage around the perimeter. The sitting surface 12 includes a first threaded end 14 and a second threaded end 16 opposite the first threaded end 14, each of the threaded ends 14,16 being adapted to receive a carabineer 18. A carabineer 18, such as a quick link locking carabineer, can be threaded through each of the threaded ends 14,16 of the mesh netting, and a rope 20,22 or a similar suspension device, such as a cord, twine or wire, can be attached to each of the carabineers 18 to securely attach the ropes 20,22, or other suspension devices, to the sitting surface 12.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are photographic views of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in use in the first configuration. In the first configuration, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 1-3, a first rope 20 is secured to a first suspension point 24 and a second rope 22 is secured to a second suspension point 26, such that the sitting apparatus 10 is suspended above the ground between the first suspension point 22 and the second suspension point 26 in a hammock-like manner. FIGS. 4 and 5 are photographic views of the sitting apparatus illustrating the connection point of the sitting surface 12 including a threaded end 14, the carabineer 18, and the rope 20.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in a second configuration. The sitting apparatus 10, in the second configuration, is adapted to suspend a user from a single point 38 located generally above the sitting surface 12. In one or more embodiments, the single point 38 is on or proximate a generally horizontally oriented tree branch.

FIG. 7 is a photographic view of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 6 in the second configuration. FIGS. 8 and 9 are photographic views of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 6 in use. FIGS. 10 and 11 are photographic views of the bottom portion and top portion, respectively, of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 6. FIGS. 12 and 13 are photographic views detailing the interface of the rope stop, rope and spreader bar of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 6.

In one or more embodiments, the sitting apparatus 10 in the second configuration, as perhaps best seen in FIG. 6, further comprises a spreader bar 28, a first rope stop 30, a second rope stop 32, a short rope 34, and a carabineer 36. In this configuration, the sitting apparatus 10 is suspended from one suspension point 38 located generally directly above the sitting surface 12, which may comprise raschel mesh netting 80, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The third rope 34 is secured around a generally horizontally oriented tree branch and attached at its ends using a carabineer 36. The ropes 20,22 are also attached to the carabineer 36, and extend between the carabineer 36 and the carabineers 18. In this way, the sitting apparatus 10 is suspended from a single suspension point 38. Furthermore, in this configuration, the spreader bar 28 and rope stops 30,32 are utilized to keep the ropes 20,22 separated from one another at a minimum distance to ensure comfort to a user of the sitting apparatus 10.

As seen in FIGS. 6 and 12-14, the spreader bar 28 includes a ring-like end portion 40 at each end thereof. Each ring-like end portion 40 includes an opening sized to allow the rope 20,22 to travel therethrough. The opening allows the spreader bar 28 to slide up and down along at least a portion of the ropes 20,22. Furthermore, each rope 20,22 includes a rope stop 30,32 located at some point long the length thereof. The rope stops 30,32 are adapted to support the spreader bar 28 and prevent the spreader bar 28 from sliding down the length of the rope 20,22 beyond the rope stop 30,32.

In at least one preferred embodiment, the spreader bar 28 is constructed from two interlocking aluminum tubes, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The first of the interlocking tubes, or the male tube, includes a ring-like end portion 40 at the outer end thereof and a swaged portion at the inner end thereof. The swaged portion has a reduced diameter adapted to penetrate an opening at the inner end of the second of the interlocking tubes. The swaged portion further includes two diametrically opposed pin holes. The second of the interlocking tubes, or the female tube, includes a ring-like end portion 40 at the outer end thereof and an opening at the inner end thereof, the opening being adapted to receive the swaged portion. Proximate the opening of the female tube are two diametrically opposed pin holes. The pin holes on the male tube and the female tube, once aligned, are capable of receiving a ¼-inch pin that secures the male tube to the female tube.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 in a third configuration. The sitting apparatus 10, in the third configuration, is adapted to support a user from a substantially vertical surface, and furthermore, allow the user to pivot about the vertical surface. In the third configuration, the sitting apparatus 10 is supported at a top suspension point 42 and a bottom suspension point 44. One end of the sitting surface 12 is suspended from the top suspension point 42, the opposite end of the sitting surface 12 is suspended from the bottom suspension point 44, and the spreader bar 28 is oriented to extend generally horizontally from, and pivot about, the bottom suspension point 44. In one or more preferred embodiments, the vertical surface is a tree trunk.

FIG. 16 is a photographic view of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 15, shown in the third configuration. FIG. 17 is a photographic view of a middle portion of the sitting apparatus 10 of FIG. 15, showing the spreader bar and pivot. FIGS. 18 and 19 are photographic views detailing the pivot. FIG. 20 is an illustration of the pivot. FIG. 21 is a photographic view of the top attachment point of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15. FIG. 22 is a photographic view of a bottom portion of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15.

As seen in FIG. 15, the sitting apparatus 10 in the third configuration includes the sitting surface 12 having first and second threaded ends 14,16, two carabineers 18, a rope 20, a support bar 28, a rope stop 30, a short rope 34, a carabineer 36, a top support attachment strap 46, a bottom support attachment strap 48, a pivot 50, and a pivot carabineer 52.

In the third configuration, one end of the sitting surface 12 is supported by a rope 20 extending from the carabineer 18, through the ring-like end portion 40 of the spreader bar 28, and terminating at a carabineer 36. The carabineer 36 connects the rope 20 to the top support attachment strap 46, defining a top suspension point 42. The opposite end of the sitting surface 12 is supported by a short rope 34 extending from the carabineer 18 to the pivot carabineer 52. The pivot carabineer 52 connects the short rope 34 to the pivot 50 located on the bottom support attachment strap 48 and defining a bottom suspension point 44. In one or more preferred embodiments, the top and bottom support attachment straps 46,48 are ratchet straps.

Furthermore, in the third configuration, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 15 and 18-19, a proximal end of the spreader bar 28 is secured to the pivot 50 via a locking pin 54. The locking pin 54 passes through the ring-like end portion 40 of the spreader bar 28. The spreader bar 28 is permitted to pivot parallel to the ground about the pivot 50. The distal end of the spreader bar 28 is held in place by the rope stop 30.

FIG. 20 is a detailed illustration of the pivot 50. The pivot 50 includes a base portion 51 including two strap openings 56 adapted to receive the bottom support attachment strap 48, two side portions 62 proximate the strap openings 56 and oriented at a negative 10-degree angle to the base portion 51, a bottom portion 64 oriented at a 15-degree angle to the base portions 51 and including a carabineer attachment opening 58 for the attachment of the pivot carabineer 52, and two locking pin attachment members 60 oriented at an approximately 90-degree angle to the base portion 51, each locking pin attachment member 60 including an opening therethrough for the receipt of the locking pin 54. The locking pin attachment members 60 are spaced apart from one another such that the ring-like end portion 40 of the spreader bar 28 can be placed therebetween and secured to the pivot 50 by the locking pin 54, as best shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. In at least one preferred embodiment, the locking pin attachment members 60 extend approximately 90-degrees from the pivot.

FIG. 21 is a photographic view of the top suspension point of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15. FIG. 22 is a photographic view of the bottom portion including the sitting surface of the sitting apparatus of FIG. 15.

FIG. 23 is a front photographic view of the suspended sitting apparatus in use in the second configuration. FIG. 24 is a rear photographic view of the suspended sitting apparatus in use in the second configuration.

FIGS. 25-27 are photographic views of the suspended sitting apparatus in use in the third configuration. In these figures, the user is sitting in the suspended sitting apparatus while bow hunting.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those specifically described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A suspended sitting apparatus, comprising:

(a) a sitting surface adapted to be suspended in more than one configuration;

(b) wherein the more than one configuration includes: (i) a basic configuration wherein the sitting apparatus is suspended from two horizontally separated overhead points; (ii) a single point configuration wherein sitting apparatus is suspended from one overhead point; and (iii) a vertical configuration, wherein the sitting apparatus is suspended from two points located on a vertical surface.

2. The suspending sitting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising two or more suspension devices adapted to suspend the sitting surface.

3. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the two or more suspension devices include ropes.

4. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the two or more suspension devices include carabineers.

5. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 2, wherein the sitting surface includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and wherein at least one suspension device of the two or more suspension devices attaches to each of the first end and the second end.

6. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes a spreader bar.

7. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes one or more rope stops.

8. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein in one or more configurations, the suspended sitting apparatus includes a pivot and a spreader bar; wherein the spreader bar is adapted to attach to the pivot and rotate about the pivot.

9. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the two horizontally separated overhead points are located on one or more tree branches.

10. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one overhead point is located on a tree branch.

11. The suspended sitting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vertical surface is a tree trunk.

12. A suspended sitting system, comprising:

(a) a sitting surface having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;

(b) one or more suspension points;

(c) a first suspension means for suspending the first end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points; and

(d) a second suspension means for suspending the second end of the sitting surface from the one or more suspension points;

(e) wherein the suspended sitting system is capable of more than one suspension configurations, including: (i) a basic configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two generally horizontally-oriented suspension points; (ii) a single point configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly one suspension point; and (iii) a vertical configuration, wherein the one or more suspension points is exactly two vertically oriented suspension points.

13. The suspended sitting system of claim 12, wherein the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more ropes;

14. The suspended sitting system of claim 12, wherein the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more carabineers.

15. The suspended sitting system of claim 12, wherein the first suspension means and second suspension means include one or more straps.

16. The suspended sitting system of claim 12, further including a spreader bar spanning between the first suspension means and second suspension means.

17. the suspended sitting system of claim 12, wherein one of the one or more suspension points includes a pivot about which the sitting surface is capable of rotation.

18. A method comprising:

(a) suspending a sitting surface of a suspended sitting apparatus in a first configuration by securing the suspended sitting apparatus at first and second suspension points, the first and second suspension points being generally horizontally spaced;

(b) suspending the sitting surface of the suspended sitting apparatus in a second configuration by securing the suspended sitting apparatus at a third suspension point;

(c) suspending the sitting surface of the suspended sitting apparatus in a third configuration by securing the suspended sitting apparatus at fourth and fifth suspension points, the fourth and fifth suspension points being generally vertically spaced.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method further comprises aiming a weapon while sitting on the sitting surface.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises, following said step of aiming a weapon, firing a projectile using the weapon while sitting on the sitting surface.