US20060207831A1 - Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand - Google Patents
Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20060207831A1 US20060207831A1 US11/084,760 US8476005A US2006207831A1 US 20060207831 A1 US20060207831 A1 US 20060207831A1 US 8476005 A US8476005 A US 8476005A US 2006207831 A1 US2006207831 A1 US 2006207831A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cart
- deck
- tree
- handle
- configuration
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
- B60D1/14—Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type
- B60D1/145—Draw-gear or towing devices characterised by their type consisting of an elongated single bar or tube
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M31/00—Hunting appliances
- A01M31/006—Game carriers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
- A01M31/00—Hunting appliances
- A01M31/02—Shooting stands
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60D—VEHICLE CONNECTIONS
- B60D1/00—Traction couplings; Hitches; Draw-gear; Towing devices
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B1/00—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor
- B62B1/10—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor in which the load is intended to be transferred totally to the wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B1/00—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor
- B62B1/18—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor in which the load is disposed between the wheel axis and the handles, e.g. wheelbarrows
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D63/00—Motor vehicles or trailers not otherwise provided for
- B62D63/06—Trailers
- B62D63/061—Foldable, extensible or yielding trailers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K27/00—Sidecars; Forecars; Trailers or the like specially adapted to be attached to cycles
- B62K27/003—Trailers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B1/00—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor
- B62B1/008—Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheels; Equipment therefor having a prop or stand for maintaining position
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62B—HAND-PROPELLED VEHICLES, e.g. HAND CARTS OR PERAMBULATORS; SLEDGES
- B62B2202/00—Indexing codes relating to type or characteristics of transported articles
- B62B2202/42—Persons or animals, dead or alive
Definitions
- the present invention relates to multi-use devices for supporting and transporting loads and, in particular, a collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand.
- Variable uses of the multi-use cart include use as a hunting cart, a trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), a materials cart and a stretcher.
- Tree stands are used to permit a hunter to hunt from an elevated position. Hunting carts are used to transport game that has been hunted. Trailer carts are used to carry loads while hooked to a vehicle such as an All Terrain Vehicle (“ATV”) or a bicycle. Material carts, such as wheelbarrows, are often used to carry loose, forestry or landscaping materials such as soil, aggregate, logs or chopped wood, or forestry or landscaping supplies. Stretchers are used to carry injured persons. When not in use, it is often necessary to store tree stands, hunting carts, trailer carts (including bicycle led trailer carts), material carts and stretchers.
- ATV All Terrain Vehicle
- Material carts such as wheelbarrows
- Stretchers are used to carry injured persons. When not in use, it is often necessary to store tree stands, hunting carts, trailer carts (including bicycle led trailer carts), material carts and stretchers.
- Many devices have been developed to perform one or more of the functions of a tree stand, hunting cart, trailer cart, material cart and stretcher. Some of these devices can be folded or collapsed into a collapsed configuration for storage.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,196 (“'196”) issued to Michno discloses a portable deer cart and tree stand having a U-shaped handle and a securement hoop secured to a seat portion of the device.
- the device is mounted to the tree by coupling a securement hoop of the seat to a hook of a tree strap.
- the device of the '196 Patent cannot be collapsed into a collapsed configuration for convenient storage, cannot be used as a material cart nor a stretcher; the U-shaped handle impedes the cooperative efforts of multiple persons pulling the device; and the two pairs of support brackets provide a cumbersome construction that results in greater weight and complexity of manufacturing, a lower carrying capacity and impeded maneuverability of the deer cart.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,928 (“'928”) issued to Jury discloses a folding portable cart having a plurality of hinges and latches pivotally interconnecting an intermediate frame member to forward and rearward frame members; and axle assemblies employing primary and secondary struts for attaching a pair of wheels.
- '928 Patent When the cart of the '928 Patent is in its folded orientation, forward, rearward and intermediate frame members, two side axle assemblies and two wheels are placed parallel to each other.
- the cart of the '928 Patent cannot be used as a tree stand, material cart, trailer cart nor a stretcher; the plurality of hinges and latches lowers the carrying capacity of the cart; the parallel placement of the frame members, axle assemblies and wheels when the cart is in its folded orientation results in excessive thickness; and the struts of the axle assemblies provide a cumbersome construction resulting in greater weight and complexity of manufacturing.
- a collapsible multi-use cart which is operable in a cart configuration and in a collapsed configuration
- a collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand which is operable in a cart configuration and in a tree stand configuration
- the collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand is operable as a hunting cart, a trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), a materials cart, and a stretcher.
- the multi-use cart and tree stand includes a deck and at least two wheels which are dimensioned to permit two of the wheels to be stowed adjacent to the deck in substantially coplanar relation to each other when the multi-use cart and tree stand is in the collapsed configuration.
- the deck of the multi-use cart and tree stand in accordance with the second embodiment, includes a rear deck edge having an intermediate portion between left and right rear edge extremities.
- the left and right extremities are rearward of the intermediate portion.
- collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand be easy to manufacture.
- collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand be easy to assemble.
- collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand minimize the diversity of equipment needed for hunting, landscaping and carrying injured persons.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, shown in a cart configuration.
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , shown in a cart configuration.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , shown collapsed.
- FIG. 4 is a side view of a variation of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , showing a vehicle hitch component.
- FIG. 5 is a side view of a variation of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , showing a bicycle hitch component.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , showing a bin for containing materials.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart shown in FIG. 1 , showing a backrest and side rails.
- FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a deck of the multi-use cart suitable for use as a tree stand in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, showing in situ use of the multi-use cart configured as a tree stand.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 perspective and side views of the multi-use cart 10 , in accordance with a first and preferred embodiment of the invention, are respectively shown.
- the multi-use cart 10 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 assembled as a hunting cart 12 and includes a deck 14 , a pair of wheels 46 and a handle 52 .
- the deck 14 in accordance with the first embodiment is substantially planar so as to define a deck plane 16 and has a front deck edge 18 , a left deck side 20 , a right deck side 22 and a rear deck edge 24 opposite the front deck edge 18 .
- the deck 14 defines a longitudinal direction 26 within the deck plane 16 from the rear deck edge 24 to the front deck edge 18 that is indicated by the longitudinal direction 26 arrow shown in FIG. 1 .
- the deck 14 includes a frame 28 which is generally rectangular in the first embodiment and disposed at the front and rear deck edges 18 and 24 and at the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 .
- the frame 28 is preferably formed from hollow lengths of pipes or tubing that are joined, such as by welding, at their respective ends and at other reinforcement points.
- the tubing may be continuous tubing that is bent and welded at reinforcement points.
- the tubing need not necessarily be welded, but may be riveted or removably attached at intersections by fasteners such as pins, bolts or screws.
- the tubing preferably has a square cross-sectional shape, but may have any suitable shape, including round, elliptical and polygonal.
- the frame 28 is preferably made of a strong and lightweight material.
- the frame 28 may be made of aluminum having a structural grade of 6061 T6.
- the frame 28 may also be made of other suitable materials, including steel, wood, plastic and composite materials.
- a platform 30 is attached to the frame 28 at the front and rear edges 18 and 24 and at the left and right sides 20 and 22 and lies in the deck plane 16 of the deck 14 .
- the platform 30 has a top surface 32 upon which the platform 30 can carry cargo or other loads, including captured or hunted game animals, and has a bottom surface 34 to which the frame 28 attaches.
- the platform 30 is preferably made of a solid sheet of anodizing quality aluminium having a grade 5052 H32, but other qualities and grades may be used and the platform 30 may be grated or perforated.
- the hunting cart 12 weighs less than 18 kg (40 pounds) and has a tested carrying capacity of up to 227 kg (500 pounds).
- a wheel guard 36 is attached to the frame 28 at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 .
- the pair of wheel guards 36 may be integrally attached to or formed in the frame 28 , such as by welding, and made of a material similar to the frame 28 .
- a pair of cross braces 38 are attached to the wheel guards 36 , to the frame 28 , and to the bottom surface 34 of the platform 30 , and extend parallel to and spaced apart from each other between the left deck side 20 and the right deck side 22 .
- the cross braces 38 increase the carrying capacity of the multi-use cart 10 .
- the cross braces 38 are made of a material similar to the frame 28 and are integrally attached to or formed in the frame 28 , such as by welding.
- a wheel opening 40 is defined at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 by one wheel guard 36 and the frame 28 and cross braces 38 .
- Each wheel opening 40 is dimensioned to permit one wheel 46 to fully rotate when placed within the wheel opening 40 .
- Wheel brackets 42 are fixed to the frame 28 and to the wheel guards 36 at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 at or near mid-way between the front and rear deck edges 18 and 24 , thereby forming one pair of opposing wheel brackets 42 at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 .
- Each pair of opposing wheel brackets 42 permits one wheel 46 to be mounted to the deck 14 such that the wheel 46 is able to rotate and can be removed after having been mounted.
- Angled wheel guard members 44 are formed in the wheel guards 36 and connect outer ends of the cross braces 38 to the frame 28 at comers of the deck 14 .
- the angled wheel guard members 44 cooperate with the remainder of the wheel guards 36 to protect the wheels during use and provide contoured sides so as to improve maneuverability of the multi-use cart 10 .
- the multi-use cart 10 is less likely to become caught and come to an abrupt halt when pulling the multi-use cart 10 alongside the trunk of a tree.
- the angled wheel guard members 44 also serve as corner handles for grasping the deck 14 , such as when lifting or carrying the multi-use cart 10 , for example, and serve as attachment points for securing cargo or other loads to be transported using the multi-use cart 10 .
- the angled wheel guard members 44 are made of a material similar to the remainder of the wheel guards 36 .
- each wheel 46 has attachment components suitable for attaching the wheel 46 to corresponding wheel brackets 42 .
- each wheel 46 has a central hub 48 housing an axle about which the wheel 46 rotates, and has wheel nuts 50 for mounting the wheel 46 to the corresponding wheel brackets 42 .
- the preferred embodiment does not require customized wheels, which would increase costs, nor does the preferred embodiment require an axle to extend between the wheels 46 . Such an axle extending between the wheels 46 could impede the motion of the multi-use cart 10 by, for example, catching on underbrush or objects when the multi-use cart 10 is in motion.
- the handle 52 can be connected to the deck 14 at the front deck edge 18 , and can be removed after having been connected. When connected, the handle 52 extends in the longitudinal direction 26 from the front deck edge 18 , extends substantially within a plane perpendicular to the deck plane 16 at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction 26 , and extends in a transverse direction substantially parallel to the deck plane 16 . Thus, the handle 52 , when the multi-use cart 10 is in the cart configuration, extends in the longitudinal direction 26 and additionally is disposed in the transverse direction so as to form a T-shape.
- the angle at which the handle 52 extends substantially within the plane perpendicular to the deck plane 16 relative to the longitudinal direction 26 is optimally equal or near to forty-five (45) degrees, but can be any angle between zero (0) and ninety (90) degrees, and is preferably between 25 and 65 degrees.
- the handle 52 is made from aluminum, but may also be made of other suitable materials, including steel, wood, plastic and composite materials.
- the handle 52 preferably includes handle attachment points, such as the tie-down plate 54 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , for attaching cargo or other loads to the multi-use cart 10 .
- a front deck edge collar 56 is fixed, typically by welding, to the frame 28 at the front deck edge 18 so as to extend in the longitudinal direction 26 and may extend past the front deck edge 18 .
- the handle 52 is connected to the frame 28 and deck 14 by inserting the handle 52 partway into the front deck edge collar 56 and securing the handle 52 in place.
- the handle 52 is separable into a base section 58 , a supporting section 60 and a handle bar 62 .
- the base section 58 has a base longitudinal portion 64 that is removably connectable to the deck 14 by means of the front deck edge collar 56 .
- the base section 58 also has a base extension portion 66 extending from the base longitudinal portion 64 substantially within a plane perpendicular to the deck plane 16 at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction 26 .
- a joint 68 is operable to permit the base section 58 , at the base extension portion 66 , and the supporting section 60 , at a supporting extension portion 70 of the supporting section 60 , to connect.
- the base section 58 and the supporting section 60 can be removed after having been connected at the joint 68 .
- the supporting extension portion 70 and the base extension portion 66 extend in substantially the same direction of extension substantially within a plane perpendicular to the deck plane 16 at substantially the same angle relative to the longitudinal direction 26 .
- a supporting longitudinal portion 72 is formed in the supporting section 60 and extends from the supporting extension portion 70 at an angle relative thereto such that the supporting longitudinal portion 72 extends substantially in the longitudinal direction 26 .
- the angle formed between the base longitudinal portion 64 and the base extension portion 66 of the base section 58 is substantially equal in magnitude but opposing in direction to the angle formed between the supporting extension portion 70 and the supporting longitudinal portion 72 of the supporting section 60 , the angles having magnitudes of approximately one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees.
- Angled brace plates such as the preferable brace plate 74 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , may be formed in the handle 52 to support the base and supporting sections 58 and 60 at the angled connections between their respective longitudinal and extension portions.
- a support 76 suitable for supporting the handle bar 62 is formed in the supporting longitudinal portion 72 of the supporting section 60 .
- the support 76 is a collar fixed to the end opposite the joint 68 of the supporting section 60 .
- the handle bar 62 can be connected to the support 76 so as to extend in a transverse direction substantially parallel to the deck plane 16 , and can be removed after having been connected.
- the base and supporting sections 58 and 60 are dimensioned to locate the handle bar 62 from the deck 14 a distance in the longitudinal direction and a distance in the extension direction that facilitates human-powered transport.
- the supporting longitudinal portion 72 and the base longitudinal portion 64 extending from the front deck edge 18 when the multi-use cart 10 is in the cart configuration may be approximately equal in length, and each approximately one sixth the combined length of the base extension portion 66 and the supporting extension portion 70 .
- the angled T-shape of the handle 52 provides a place clear of obstructions on either side of the base and supporting sections 58 and 60 from which two people may push on the handle bar 62 so as to pull, or manually tow, the multi-use cart 10 .
- the dimensions of the angled T-shape of the handle 52 effect a weight distribution that provides a stable and balanced place from which only one person may effectively tow the multi-use cart 10 by pushing on only one side of the handle bar 62 .
- the angled T-shape of the handle 52 also permits manual towing of the multi-use cart 10 by one or two persons pulling on one or both sides of the handle bar 62 and permits the multi-use cart 10 to be pushed, rather than manually towed, by pushing on the handle bar 62 .
- connections between the base section 58 and the deck 14 at the front deck edge collar 56 , between the base section 58 and the supporting section 60 at the joint 68 , and between the supporting section 60 and the handle bar 62 at the support 76 may be secured with the use of any suitable fastener or combination of fasteners, including the use of a clip, a cotter pin, a set screw and a pin and groove arrangement, with or without spring biasing means.
- a hollow region within the handle bar 62 provides an enclosure 78 which is accessible to a user and can store items such as small tools and accessories, including items such as a wrench, tire repair kit, and the elastic cord 88 described below.
- the entire handle bar 62 is hollow and open at one end for access to the enclosure 78 formed by the entire hollow interior of the handle bar 62 .
- a plug such as the preferably water sealing plug 80 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , is provided to seal the accessible hollow region within the handle bar 62 such that the enclosure is water-resistant.
- a kickstand 82 is preferably included in the multi-use cart 10 .
- the kickstand 82 includes an attachment end attached to the base section 58 of the handle 52 and permitting the kickstand 82 to rotate about the attachment end.
- the kickstand 82 rotates about a sliding hinge 84 located at the attachment end between the extended position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a retracted position (not shown).
- the kickstand 82 has, at a free end opposite the attachment end, a foot 86 that, when the kickstand 82 is in its extended position, abuts the ground or other surface and thereby supports the multi-use cart 10 such that the deck plane 16 is generally parallel with the ground upon which the multi-use cart 10 rests and the handle bar 62 is conveniently located for grasping by a user.
- the kickstand 82 and the base extension portion 66 of the handle 52 are preferably parallel or nearly parallel to each other and the foot 86 is near to the base extension portion 66 .
- a resilient member such as the elastic cord 88 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , or other elasticized or coiled spring-like attachment, is attached at one of its ends to the kickstand 82 and at its opposite end to the handle 52 .
- the elastic cord 88 is shown attached to the handle 52 near the handle bar 62 , but other locations may be used. The elastic cord 88 urges the kickstand 82 toward the retracted position and retains the kickstand 82 , after having been moved into the retracted position, in the retracted position.
- moving the kickstand 82 from the retracted position to the extended position is accomplished by rotating the kickstand 82 towards the extended position and against the urging of the elastic cord 88 until the sliding hinge 84 has caused the attachment end of the kickstand 82 to slide toward the handle 52 and has locked the kickstand 82 in its extended position.
- Moving the kickstand 82 from the extended position to the retracted position is accomplished by first pulling the kickstand 82 away from the handle 52 , which moves the kickstand 82 toward the ground when the multi-use cart 10 is upright, until the kickstand 82 is released from its locked state. The kickstand 82 is then, accompanied by the urging of the elastic cord 88 , rotated toward the retracted position.
- FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the deck 14 of the multi-use cart 10 configured, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, in a collapsed configuration 90 .
- the base section 58 , the supporting section 60 and the handle bar 62 are separated from each other and are stowed adjacent to the deck 14 alongside the deck plane 16 .
- the parts of the handle 52 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are each connected by collars 92 , including the front deck edge collar 56 , to the deck 14 and can be removed from the collars 92 for assembling into the cart configuration.
- the collars 92 including the front deck edge collar 56 , are attached to the multi-use cart 10 at the frame 28 adjacent the bottom surface 34 of the platform 30 .
- the kickstand 82 is typically placed in its retracted position when the multi-use cart 10 is collapsed into the collapsed configuration.
- the pair of wheels 46 are removed from the wheel brackets 42 and can be stowed adjacent the deck 14 alongside the deck plane 16 next to each other in substantially coplanar relation to each other.
- the elastic cord 88 is removed from the kickstand 82 and from the handle 52 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and can be used to secure both wheels 46 to the deck 14 .
- the elastic cord 88 can be removed and the wheels 46 removed from their stowed position.
- the deck 14 and the wheels 46 are dimensioned to permit the generally coplanar relation of the wheels 46 in the collapsed configuration 90 to minimize the width or thickness of the multi-use cart 10 for improved convenience of storage.
- the multi-use cart 10 in the collapsed configuration 90 has a thickness of 20 cm ( 8 inches) or less.
- the user transports the multi-use cart 10 into a recreation area in the collapsed configuration, either by vehicle or carried.
- the multi-use cart 10 can be quickly and easily assembled at the recreation area, then pushed or pulled by at least one operator to a desired location.
- the elastic cord 88 is used to secure equipment to the deck 14 as is desired.
- the multi-use cart 10 is lightweight, and with a high ground clearance, and well balanced weight distribution, is easy to navigate over uneven ground and variable terrain. Game and other objects can be lifted, dragged or levered onto the deck and transported on the multi-use cart 10 .
- FIG. 4 shows a side view of a trailer cart 94 , which is a variation of the multi-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
- the trailer cart 94 has a trailer hitch component 96 .
- the trailer hitch component 96 With the handle 52 removed from the multi-use cart 10 , the trailer hitch component 96 is inserted at one of its ends into the front deck edge collar 56 and secured by any suitable fastening method, including the same fastening method used to connect the handle 52 to the deck 14 .
- a hitch member 98 of the trailer hitch component 96 is operable to permit hitching the multi-use cart 10 and a vehicle 100 such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), a tractor or other farm or landscaping vehicle, including a lawn tractor and a garden tractor, or other vehicle.
- ATV All Terrain Vehicle
- the hitch member 98 is hitched to a trailer tow hitch 102 of the vehicle 100 .
- Hitching the hitch member 98 and the trailer tow hitch 102 permits the multi-use cart 10 to be towed by the vehicle 100 .
- the trailer cart 94 is preferably towed at speeds below highway speed.
- the trailer hitch component 96 is removably connectable to the multi-use cart 10 and can be removed from the multi-use cart 10 by releasing the trailer hitch component 96 from the front deck edge collar 56 and separating the trailer hitch component 96 from the deck 14 .
- FIG. 5 shows a side view of a bicycle led trailer cart 104 , which is a variation of the multi-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
- the bicycle led trailer cart 104 has a bicycle attachment component 106 .
- the bicycle attachment component 106 permits the multi-use cart 10 to be towed by a bicycle 108 in a stable manner.
- the base section 58 of the handle 52 is connected to the front deck edge collar 56 ( FIG. 2 ) as previously described.
- the supporting section 60 is removed and replaced by the bicycle attachment component 106 , which is, in the bicycle towed configuration, connected to the base section 58 at the joint 68 .
- connection at the joint 68 can be secured by any suitable method, including using the same fasteners used to connect the base and supporting sections 58 and 60 of the handle 52 .
- a bicycle attachment end 110 of the bicycle attachment component 106 is operable to be removably connectable to the bicycle, and preferably to the seat post 112 of the bicycle 108 , to permit hitching the multi-use cart 10 and the bicycle 108 .
- the bicycle attachment component 106 is removably connectable to the multi-use cart 10 and can be removed by releasing and separating it from the base section 58 or by releasing and separating the base section 58 from the multi-use cart 10 .
- FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a materials cart 114 , which is a variation of the multi-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
- the materials cart 114 includes the entire hunting cart 12 and a bin 116 suitable for carrying within it a load such as materials or other cargo.
- the bin 116 is particularly suitable for carrying or containing loose, forestry or landscaping materials such as soil, aggregrate, logs or chopped wood, or forestry or landscaping supplies.
- the bin 116 is removably connectable to the deck 14 by operation of bin fasteners 118 .
- the deck 14 and bin 116 are of such dimensions to permit the materials cart 114 to have a volume carrying capacity that is significantly larger than the typical carrying capacity of a standard wheelbarrow.
- FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a stretcher 120 , which is a variation of the multi-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention.
- the stretcher 120 includes the entire hunting cart 12 , a backrest 122 , and a pair of side rails 124 .
- the backrest 122 provides support for a load between the deck 14 and an attachment point at an upper portion of the handle 52 , such as at the tie-down plate 54 of the supporting extension portion 70 .
- the backrest 122 cooperates with the pair of side rails 124 to facilitate using the stretcher 120 to transport a person, such as an injured or tired person.
- the backrest 122 is formed from a mesh or solid sheet made of a fabric or similar material.
- the backrest 122 can be connected to the multi-use cart 10 and can be removed from the multi-use cart 10 .
- the backrest 122 has a generally triangular shape forming three apexes 126 of the triangular backrest 122 .
- the backrest 122 attaches at the apexes 126 to the multi-use cart 10 at the tie-down plate 54 of the handle 52 , and at the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 near the front deck edge 18 , including near the cross brace 38 closest to the front deck edge 18 .
- the side rails 124 are removably connectable to the multi-use cart 10 at the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 , respectively.
- the side rails 124 attach to the multi-use cart 10 at the left and right sides of the platform 30 , thereby placing the side rails 124 adjacent to the wheels 46 when in the cart configuration, but inward of the wheels 46 to protect an injured person being transported by the stretcher 120 from the turning of the wheels 46 during transport.
- the backrest 122 and side rails 124 cooperate to enhance the comfort of any person resting on or being transported by the multi-use cart 10 .
- the side rails 124 can be used without the backrest 122 to protect any load, including hunted game animals, from the wheels 46 of the multi-use cart 10 .
- the stretcher 120 variation of the multi-use cart 10 can be stored in the collapsed configuration on, for instance, an emergency vehicle, and assembled when necessary to transport an injured person over rough terrain.
- the stretcher 120 attachment may be carried with the hunting cart 12 in case of emergency.
- FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of a tree deck 128 of the multi-use cart 10 , in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which the multi-use cart 10 is suitable for use as a tree stand 146 (described below and shown in FIG. 9 ).
- the tree deck 128 is substantially planar and has a front tree deck edge 130 , a left tree deck side 132 , a right tree deck side 134 and a rear tree deck edge 136 .
- the rear tree deck edge 136 includes a left rear edge extremity 138 adjacent the left tree deck side 132 and a right rear edge extremity 140 adjacent the right tree deck side 134 .
- the rear tree deck edge 136 is contoured to substantially conform to the shape of a tree 148 (described below and shown in FIG. 9 ) such that, when in use as a tree stand 146 , the rear tree deck edge 136 typically contacts the tree 148 at more than one point along the rear tree deck edge 136 .
- the rear tree deck edge 136 is V-shaped and has a rear edge apex 142 located forward of and substantially mid-way between the left and right rear edge extremities 138 and 140 .
- the rear tree deck edge 136 may be arc-shaped or shaped any other way in which the left and right extremities 138 and 140 are rearward of a portion between the left and right extremities 138 and 140 .
- the surface of the rear tree deck edge 136 is made uneven or serrated by projections, such as the crenellations or protrusions 144 gripping a tree's outer circumferential surface.
- the protrusions 144 enhance the suitability of the tree deck 128 as a tree stand 146 , including reducing the possibility of slippage between the rear tree deck edge 136 and the outer surface of the tree.
- Front tree deck edge attachment points 159 and lower strap attachment points 168 are provided at or adjacent to the four comers of the deck 14 .
- FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the multi-use cart 10 , in accordance with the second embodiment, configured as a tree stand 146 .
- the tree stand 146 is shown attached above the ground, in situ, to a tree 148 .
- the tree stand 146 includes the entire hunting cart 12 ( FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a tree support, such as the tree clamp 150 shown in FIG. 9 .
- the tree clamp 150 functions to support the tree deck 128 above the ground adjacent the tree 148 when the multi-use cart 10 is in the tree stand configuration.
- the wheels 46 and the handle 52 (not shown in FIG.
- the tree clamp 150 can be removed from the multi-use cart 10 so as not to interfere with the operation of the multi-use cart 10 when being used in the cart configuration.
- the multi-use cart 10 is operable to support and transport the tree clamp 150 unconnected from the multi-use cart 10 .
- the tree clamp 150 includes a pair of upper strap attachment points 152 located near opposing sides near the top of the tree clamp 150 .
- the upper strap attachment points 152 permit an upper strap 154 to strap the tree clamp 150 to the tree 148 .
- the upper strap 154 can be used to strap the tree clamp 150 to the tree 148 by surrounding the tree 148 with the upper strap 154 and the tree clamp 150 , attaching opposite ends of the upper strap 154 to the tree clamp 150 at the upper strap attachment points 152 , and tightening the upper strap 154 and the tree clamp 150 around the tree 148 to secure the tree clamp 150 in place.
- the upper strap 154 has an adjustable length which permits the upper strap 154 to strap the tree clamp 150 to a variety of trees having a variety of trunk sizes, including the tree 148 .
- the tree clamp 150 includes a pair of angle strap attachment points 156 located near opposing sides near the top of the tree clamp 150 .
- the angle strap attachment points 156 can receive a pair of angle straps 158 extending from the tree deck 128 at or near the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134 , respectively, toward the tree to the angle strap attachment points 156 .
- the angle straps 158 can be attached to the tree deck 128 at or near the front tree deck edge 130 (including at or near the cross brace 38 closest to the front tree deck edge 130 ), at front tree deck edge attachment points 159 located at or near front tree deck edge 130 , such that the angle straps 158 extend upwardly at an angle toward the tree 148 , and can be removed from the tree deck 128 .
- the tree clamp 150 includes a pair of frame bars 160 which extend vertically in parallel, spaced apart relation to each other between the top of the tree clamp 150 , where the upper strap attachment points 152 and the angle strap attachment points 156 are located, at opposing sides of the tree clamp 150 and the tree deck 128 at the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134 at or near the rear tree deck edge 136 .
- the frame bars 160 can serve to enhance the stability of the tree stand 146 .
- the frame bars 160 include a seat support crossbar 162 which extends between the frame bars 160 and a pair of seat stops 164 respectively attached to the pair of frame bars 160 above the seat support crossbar 162 at its ends.
- the seat support crossbar 162 and the pair of seat stops 164 cooperate to support a seat of the tree stand 146 , such as the seat 166 shown in FIG. 9 , above the tree deck 128 and below the top of the tree clamp 150 .
- the seat 166 is supported at a height suitable for the average person to be able to sit comfortably on the seat 166 with their feet resting on the tree deck 128 .
- the seat 166 may be padded for additional comfort.
- the seat 166 can be secured in position by inserting one edge of the seat 166 into the gap between the seat support crossbar 162 and the pair of seat stops 164 .
- the seat 166 can be removed from such secure position so as not to interfere with the operation of the multi-use cart 10 when being used in the cart configuration.
- the multi-use cart 10 is operable to support and transport the seat 166 unconnected from the multi-use cart 10 .
- the tree deck 128 includes a pair of lower strap attachment points 168 located at or near the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134 at or near the rear tree deck edge 136 .
- the pair of lower strap attachment points 168 are formed by the cross brace 38 closest to the rear tree deck edge 136 at the wheel opening 40 .
- the lower strap attachment points 168 permit a lower strap 170 to strap the tree deck 128 to the tree 148 .
- the lower strap attachment points 168 can serve to enhance the stability of the tree stand 146 .
- the lower strap 170 can be used to strap the tree deck 128 to the tree 148 by surrounding the tree 148 with the lower strap 170 and the rear tree deck edge 136 of the tree deck 128 , attaching opposite ends of the lower strap 170 to the tree deck 128 at the lower strap attachment points 168 , and tightening the lower strap 170 and the tree deck 128 around the tree 148 to secure the tree deck 128 in place.
- the lower strap 170 has an adjustable length which permits the lower strap 170 to strap the tree deck 128 to a variety of trees having a variety of trunk sizes, including the tree 148 .
- the operator can quickly and easily reconfigure the multi-use cart 10 into a tree stand 146 at a desired height for hunting, observation, or other purposes.
- the operator can comfortably sit on the seat 166 with his or her back to the tree 148 , with equipment on the deck 128 if desired.
- the operator can quickly and easily disassemble the tree stand 146 , climb down from the tree 148 and reassemble the multi-use cart 10 to exit the area.
- the first and second embodiments are substantially similar.
- the second embodiment can be assembled as a hunting cart, trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), material cart and stretcher, and can be collapsed into a collapsed configuration, with the same ease and effectiveness and in a similar manner as the first embodiment.
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Abstract
A collapsible cart and tree stand operable in cart, tree stand and collapsed configurations is disclosed. The cart includes a substantially planar deck, wheels removably and rotatably mountable to the deck, and a handle removably connectable at a front edge of the deck. In variations, the cart can hitch to a vehicle, hitch to a bicycle, contain loads in a bin, and includes side rails and a backrest for carrying an injured person. In the collapsed configuration, the handle and wheels are removably stowable adjacent to said deck, with two wheels in substantially coplanar relation to each other. In the tree stand configuration, the deck has a rear edge whose left and right extremities are rearward of an intermediate portion therebetween which is adapted to engage the surface of a tree. A tree support for supporting the deck is provided which is removably attachable to a tree.
Description
- The present invention relates to multi-use devices for supporting and transporting loads and, in particular, a collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand. Variable uses of the multi-use cart include use as a hunting cart, a trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), a materials cart and a stretcher.
- Tree stands are used to permit a hunter to hunt from an elevated position. Hunting carts are used to transport game that has been hunted. Trailer carts are used to carry loads while hooked to a vehicle such as an All Terrain Vehicle (“ATV”) or a bicycle. Material carts, such as wheelbarrows, are often used to carry loose, forestry or landscaping materials such as soil, aggregate, logs or chopped wood, or forestry or landscaping supplies. Stretchers are used to carry injured persons. When not in use, it is often necessary to store tree stands, hunting carts, trailer carts (including bicycle led trailer carts), material carts and stretchers.
- Many devices have been developed to perform one or more of the functions of a tree stand, hunting cart, trailer cart, material cart and stretcher. Some of these devices can be folded or collapsed into a collapsed configuration for storage.
- For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,196 (“'196”) issued to Michno discloses a portable deer cart and tree stand having a U-shaped handle and a securement hoop secured to a seat portion of the device. The device is mounted to the tree by coupling a securement hoop of the seat to a hook of a tree strap. The device of the '196 Patent cannot be collapsed into a collapsed configuration for convenient storage, cannot be used as a material cart nor a stretcher; the U-shaped handle impedes the cooperative efforts of multiple persons pulling the device; and the two pairs of support brackets provide a cumbersome construction that results in greater weight and complexity of manufacturing, a lower carrying capacity and impeded maneuverability of the deer cart.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,928 (“'928”) issued to Jury discloses a folding portable cart having a plurality of hinges and latches pivotally interconnecting an intermediate frame member to forward and rearward frame members; and axle assemblies employing primary and secondary struts for attaching a pair of wheels. When the cart of the '928 Patent is in its folded orientation, forward, rearward and intermediate frame members, two side axle assemblies and two wheels are placed parallel to each other. The cart of the '928 Patent cannot be used as a tree stand, material cart, trailer cart nor a stretcher; the plurality of hinges and latches lowers the carrying capacity of the cart; the parallel placement of the frame members, axle assemblies and wheels when the cart is in its folded orientation results in excessive thickness; and the struts of the axle assemblies provide a cumbersome construction resulting in greater weight and complexity of manufacturing.
- The shortcomings of the above devices are addressed by the present invention.
- Shortcomings of the prior art may be addressed by providing, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, a collapsible multi-use cart which is operable in a cart configuration and in a collapsed configuration and by providing, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, a collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand which is operable in a cart configuration and in a tree stand configuration.
- In variations, the collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand is operable as a hunting cart, a trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), a materials cart, and a stretcher. The multi-use cart and tree stand includes a deck and at least two wheels which are dimensioned to permit two of the wheels to be stowed adjacent to the deck in substantially coplanar relation to each other when the multi-use cart and tree stand is in the collapsed configuration.
- The deck of the multi-use cart and tree stand, in accordance with the second embodiment, includes a rear deck edge having an intermediate portion between left and right rear edge extremities. In the second embodiment, the left and right extremities are rearward of the intermediate portion.
- It is an object of the invention that the collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand be easy to manufacture.
- It is a further object of the invention that the collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand be easy to assemble.
- It is a further object of the invention that the collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand minimize the diversity of equipment needed for hunting, landscaping and carrying injured persons.
- Specific embodiments in accordance with the invention are described with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart, in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, shown in a cart configuration. -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , shown in a cart configuration. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , shown collapsed. -
FIG. 4 is a side view of a variation of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , showing a vehicle hitch component. -
FIG. 5 is a side view of a variation of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , showing a bicycle hitch component. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , showing a bin for containing materials. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart shown inFIG. 1 , showing a backrest and side rails. -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a deck of the multi-use cart suitable for use as a tree stand in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multi-use cart in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention, showing in situ use of the multi-use cart configured as a tree stand. - Like components in the different figures for each embodiment are referenced by like reference characters.
- Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , perspective and side views of themulti-use cart 10, in accordance with a first and preferred embodiment of the invention, are respectively shown. Themulti-use cart 10 is shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 assembled as ahunting cart 12 and includes adeck 14, a pair ofwheels 46 and ahandle 52. - The
deck 14 in accordance with the first embodiment is substantially planar so as to define adeck plane 16 and has afront deck edge 18, aleft deck side 20, aright deck side 22 and arear deck edge 24 opposite thefront deck edge 18. Thedeck 14 defines alongitudinal direction 26 within thedeck plane 16 from therear deck edge 24 to thefront deck edge 18 that is indicated by thelongitudinal direction 26 arrow shown inFIG. 1 . - The
deck 14 includes aframe 28 which is generally rectangular in the first embodiment and disposed at the front andrear deck edges right deck sides frame 28 is preferably formed from hollow lengths of pipes or tubing that are joined, such as by welding, at their respective ends and at other reinforcement points. Alternatively, the tubing may be continuous tubing that is bent and welded at reinforcement points. The tubing need not necessarily be welded, but may be riveted or removably attached at intersections by fasteners such as pins, bolts or screws. The tubing preferably has a square cross-sectional shape, but may have any suitable shape, including round, elliptical and polygonal. Theframe 28 is preferably made of a strong and lightweight material. For example, theframe 28 may be made of aluminum having a structural grade of 6061 T6. Theframe 28 may also be made of other suitable materials, including steel, wood, plastic and composite materials. - A
platform 30 is attached to theframe 28 at the front andrear edges right sides deck plane 16 of thedeck 14. Theplatform 30 has atop surface 32 upon which theplatform 30 can carry cargo or other loads, including captured or hunted game animals, and has abottom surface 34 to which theframe 28 attaches. Theplatform 30 is preferably made of a solid sheet of anodizing quality aluminium having a grade 5052 H32, but other qualities and grades may be used and theplatform 30 may be grated or perforated. In the preferred embodiment, thehunting cart 12 weighs less than 18 kg (40 pounds) and has a tested carrying capacity of up to 227 kg (500 pounds). - A
wheel guard 36 is attached to theframe 28 at each of the left andright deck sides wheel guards 36 may be integrally attached to or formed in theframe 28, such as by welding, and made of a material similar to theframe 28. - A pair of cross braces 38 are attached to the wheel guards 36, to the
frame 28, and to thebottom surface 34 of theplatform 30, and extend parallel to and spaced apart from each other between theleft deck side 20 and theright deck side 22. The cross braces 38 increase the carrying capacity of themulti-use cart 10. Preferably, the cross braces 38 are made of a material similar to theframe 28 and are integrally attached to or formed in theframe 28, such as by welding. - A
wheel opening 40 is defined at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 by onewheel guard 36 and theframe 28 and cross braces 38. Eachwheel opening 40 is dimensioned to permit onewheel 46 to fully rotate when placed within thewheel opening 40. -
Wheel brackets 42 are fixed to theframe 28 and to the wheel guards 36 at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 at or near mid-way between the front and rear deck edges 18 and 24, thereby forming one pair of opposingwheel brackets 42 at each of the left and right deck sides 20 and 22. Each pair of opposingwheel brackets 42 permits onewheel 46 to be mounted to thedeck 14 such that thewheel 46 is able to rotate and can be removed after having been mounted. - Angled
wheel guard members 44 are formed in the wheel guards 36 and connect outer ends of the cross braces 38 to theframe 28 at comers of thedeck 14. The angledwheel guard members 44 cooperate with the remainder of the wheel guards 36 to protect the wheels during use and provide contoured sides so as to improve maneuverability of themulti-use cart 10. For example, themulti-use cart 10 is less likely to become caught and come to an abrupt halt when pulling themulti-use cart 10 alongside the trunk of a tree. The angledwheel guard members 44 also serve as corner handles for grasping thedeck 14, such as when lifting or carrying themulti-use cart 10, for example, and serve as attachment points for securing cargo or other loads to be transported using themulti-use cart 10. Preferably, the angledwheel guard members 44 are made of a material similar to the remainder of the wheel guards 36. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , eachwheel 46 has attachment components suitable for attaching thewheel 46 tocorresponding wheel brackets 42. In the preferred embodiment, eachwheel 46 has acentral hub 48 housing an axle about which thewheel 46 rotates, and haswheel nuts 50 for mounting thewheel 46 to thecorresponding wheel brackets 42. The preferred embodiment does not require customized wheels, which would increase costs, nor does the preferred embodiment require an axle to extend between thewheels 46. Such an axle extending between thewheels 46 could impede the motion of themulti-use cart 10 by, for example, catching on underbrush or objects when themulti-use cart 10 is in motion. - The
handle 52 can be connected to thedeck 14 at thefront deck edge 18, and can be removed after having been connected. When connected, thehandle 52 extends in thelongitudinal direction 26 from thefront deck edge 18, extends substantially within a plane perpendicular to thedeck plane 16 at an angle relative to thelongitudinal direction 26, and extends in a transverse direction substantially parallel to thedeck plane 16. Thus, thehandle 52, when themulti-use cart 10 is in the cart configuration, extends in thelongitudinal direction 26 and additionally is disposed in the transverse direction so as to form a T-shape. The angle at which thehandle 52 extends substantially within the plane perpendicular to thedeck plane 16 relative to thelongitudinal direction 26 is optimally equal or near to forty-five (45) degrees, but can be any angle between zero (0) and ninety (90) degrees, and is preferably between 25 and 65 degrees. In the preferred embodiment, thehandle 52 is made from aluminum, but may also be made of other suitable materials, including steel, wood, plastic and composite materials. - The
handle 52 preferably includes handle attachment points, such as the tie-down plate 54 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , for attaching cargo or other loads to themulti-use cart 10. - A front
deck edge collar 56 is fixed, typically by welding, to theframe 28 at thefront deck edge 18 so as to extend in thelongitudinal direction 26 and may extend past thefront deck edge 18. Thehandle 52 is connected to theframe 28 anddeck 14 by inserting thehandle 52 partway into the frontdeck edge collar 56 and securing thehandle 52 in place. - In the preferred embodiment, the
handle 52 is separable into abase section 58, a supporting section 60 and ahandle bar 62. - The
base section 58 has a baselongitudinal portion 64 that is removably connectable to thedeck 14 by means of the frontdeck edge collar 56. Thebase section 58 also has abase extension portion 66 extending from the baselongitudinal portion 64 substantially within a plane perpendicular to thedeck plane 16 at an angle relative to thelongitudinal direction 26. - A joint 68 is operable to permit the
base section 58, at thebase extension portion 66, and the supporting section 60, at a supportingextension portion 70 of the supporting section 60, to connect. Thebase section 58 and the supporting section 60 can be removed after having been connected at the joint 68. Preferably, the supportingextension portion 70 and thebase extension portion 66 extend in substantially the same direction of extension substantially within a plane perpendicular to thedeck plane 16 at substantially the same angle relative to thelongitudinal direction 26. - A supporting
longitudinal portion 72 is formed in the supporting section 60 and extends from the supportingextension portion 70 at an angle relative thereto such that the supportinglongitudinal portion 72 extends substantially in thelongitudinal direction 26. In the preferred embodiment, the angle formed between the baselongitudinal portion 64 and thebase extension portion 66 of thebase section 58 is substantially equal in magnitude but opposing in direction to the angle formed between the supportingextension portion 70 and the supportinglongitudinal portion 72 of the supporting section 60, the angles having magnitudes of approximately one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees. - Angled brace plates, such as the
preferable brace plate 74 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , may be formed in thehandle 52 to support the base and supportingsections 58 and 60 at the angled connections between their respective longitudinal and extension portions. - A
support 76 suitable for supporting thehandle bar 62 is formed in the supportinglongitudinal portion 72 of the supporting section 60. In the preferred embodiment, thesupport 76 is a collar fixed to the end opposite the joint 68 of the supporting section 60. Thehandle bar 62 can be connected to thesupport 76 so as to extend in a transverse direction substantially parallel to thedeck plane 16, and can be removed after having been connected. - The base and supporting
sections 58 and 60 are dimensioned to locate thehandle bar 62 from the deck 14 a distance in the longitudinal direction and a distance in the extension direction that facilitates human-powered transport. For example, the supportinglongitudinal portion 72 and the baselongitudinal portion 64 extending from thefront deck edge 18 when themulti-use cart 10 is in the cart configuration may be approximately equal in length, and each approximately one sixth the combined length of thebase extension portion 66 and the supportingextension portion 70. The angled T-shape of thehandle 52 provides a place clear of obstructions on either side of the base and supportingsections 58 and 60 from which two people may push on thehandle bar 62 so as to pull, or manually tow, themulti-use cart 10. The dimensions of the angled T-shape of thehandle 52 effect a weight distribution that provides a stable and balanced place from which only one person may effectively tow themulti-use cart 10 by pushing on only one side of thehandle bar 62. The angled T-shape of thehandle 52 also permits manual towing of themulti-use cart 10 by one or two persons pulling on one or both sides of thehandle bar 62 and permits themulti-use cart 10 to be pushed, rather than manually towed, by pushing on thehandle bar 62. - The connections between the
base section 58 and thedeck 14 at the frontdeck edge collar 56, between thebase section 58 and the supporting section 60 at the joint 68, and between the supporting section 60 and thehandle bar 62 at thesupport 76 may be secured with the use of any suitable fastener or combination of fasteners, including the use of a clip, a cotter pin, a set screw and a pin and groove arrangement, with or without spring biasing means. - A hollow region within the
handle bar 62 provides anenclosure 78 which is accessible to a user and can store items such as small tools and accessories, including items such as a wrench, tire repair kit, and theelastic cord 88 described below. In the preferred embodiment, theentire handle bar 62 is hollow and open at one end for access to theenclosure 78 formed by the entire hollow interior of thehandle bar 62. - A plug, such as the preferably
water sealing plug 80 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , is provided to seal the accessible hollow region within thehandle bar 62 such that the enclosure is water-resistant. - A
kickstand 82 is preferably included in themulti-use cart 10. Thekickstand 82 includes an attachment end attached to thebase section 58 of thehandle 52 and permitting thekickstand 82 to rotate about the attachment end. Thekickstand 82 rotates about a slidinghinge 84 located at the attachment end between the extended position shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 and a retracted position (not shown). Thekickstand 82 has, at a free end opposite the attachment end, afoot 86 that, when thekickstand 82 is in its extended position, abuts the ground or other surface and thereby supports themulti-use cart 10 such that thedeck plane 16 is generally parallel with the ground upon which themulti-use cart 10 rests and thehandle bar 62 is conveniently located for grasping by a user. In the retracted position, thekickstand 82 and thebase extension portion 66 of thehandle 52 are preferably parallel or nearly parallel to each other and thefoot 86 is near to thebase extension portion 66. - A resilient member, such as the
elastic cord 88 shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , or other elasticized or coiled spring-like attachment, is attached at one of its ends to thekickstand 82 and at its opposite end to thehandle 52. InFIGS. 1 and 2 , theelastic cord 88 is shown attached to thehandle 52 near thehandle bar 62, but other locations may be used. Theelastic cord 88 urges thekickstand 82 toward the retracted position and retains thekickstand 82, after having been moved into the retracted position, in the retracted position. - In the preferred embodiment, moving the
kickstand 82 from the retracted position to the extended position is accomplished by rotating thekickstand 82 towards the extended position and against the urging of theelastic cord 88 until the slidinghinge 84 has caused the attachment end of thekickstand 82 to slide toward thehandle 52 and has locked thekickstand 82 in its extended position. Moving thekickstand 82 from the extended position to the retracted position is accomplished by first pulling thekickstand 82 away from thehandle 52, which moves thekickstand 82 toward the ground when themulti-use cart 10 is upright, until thekickstand 82 is released from its locked state. Thekickstand 82 is then, accompanied by the urging of theelastic cord 88, rotated toward the retracted position. -
FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of thedeck 14 of themulti-use cart 10 configured, in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention, in acollapsed configuration 90. In thecollapsed configuration 90, thebase section 58, the supporting section 60 and thehandle bar 62 are separated from each other and are stowed adjacent to thedeck 14 alongside thedeck plane 16. The parts of the handle 52 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) are each connected bycollars 92, including the frontdeck edge collar 56, to thedeck 14 and can be removed from thecollars 92 for assembling into the cart configuration. In the preferred embodiment, thecollars 92, including the frontdeck edge collar 56, are attached to themulti-use cart 10 at theframe 28 adjacent thebottom surface 34 of theplatform 30. Thekickstand 82 is typically placed in its retracted position when themulti-use cart 10 is collapsed into the collapsed configuration. The pair ofwheels 46 are removed from thewheel brackets 42 and can be stowed adjacent thedeck 14 alongside thedeck plane 16 next to each other in substantially coplanar relation to each other. Theelastic cord 88 is removed from thekickstand 82 and from the handle 52 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and can be used to secure bothwheels 46 to thedeck 14. Theelastic cord 88 can be removed and thewheels 46 removed from their stowed position. Thedeck 14 and thewheels 46 are dimensioned to permit the generally coplanar relation of thewheels 46 in the collapsedconfiguration 90 to minimize the width or thickness of themulti-use cart 10 for improved convenience of storage. In the preferred embodiment, themulti-use cart 10 in the collapsedconfiguration 90 has a thickness of 20 cm (8 inches) or less. - In operation, the user transports the
multi-use cart 10 into a recreation area in the collapsed configuration, either by vehicle or carried. Themulti-use cart 10 can be quickly and easily assembled at the recreation area, then pushed or pulled by at least one operator to a desired location. Theelastic cord 88 is used to secure equipment to thedeck 14 as is desired. Themulti-use cart 10 is lightweight, and with a high ground clearance, and well balanced weight distribution, is easy to navigate over uneven ground and variable terrain. Game and other objects can be lifted, dragged or levered onto the deck and transported on themulti-use cart 10. -
FIG. 4 shows a side view of atrailer cart 94, which is a variation of themulti-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. Thetrailer cart 94 has a trailer hitch component 96. With thehandle 52 removed from themulti-use cart 10, the trailer hitch component 96 is inserted at one of its ends into the frontdeck edge collar 56 and secured by any suitable fastening method, including the same fastening method used to connect thehandle 52 to thedeck 14. Ahitch member 98 of the trailer hitch component 96 is operable to permit hitching themulti-use cart 10 and avehicle 100 such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), a tractor or other farm or landscaping vehicle, including a lawn tractor and a garden tractor, or other vehicle. Typically, thehitch member 98 is hitched to atrailer tow hitch 102 of thevehicle 100. Hitching thehitch member 98 and thetrailer tow hitch 102 permits themulti-use cart 10 to be towed by thevehicle 100. Thetrailer cart 94 is preferably towed at speeds below highway speed. The trailer hitch component 96 is removably connectable to themulti-use cart 10 and can be removed from themulti-use cart 10 by releasing the trailer hitch component 96 from the frontdeck edge collar 56 and separating the trailer hitch component 96 from thedeck 14. -
FIG. 5 shows a side view of a bicycle ledtrailer cart 104, which is a variation of themulti-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. The bicycle ledtrailer cart 104 has abicycle attachment component 106. Thebicycle attachment component 106 permits themulti-use cart 10 to be towed by abicycle 108 in a stable manner. To install thebicycle attachment component 106; thebase section 58 of thehandle 52 is connected to the front deck edge collar 56 (FIG. 2 ) as previously described. However, the supporting section 60 is removed and replaced by thebicycle attachment component 106, which is, in the bicycle towed configuration, connected to thebase section 58 at the joint 68. The connection at the joint 68 can be secured by any suitable method, including using the same fasteners used to connect the base and supportingsections 58 and 60 of thehandle 52. Abicycle attachment end 110 of thebicycle attachment component 106 is operable to be removably connectable to the bicycle, and preferably to theseat post 112 of thebicycle 108, to permit hitching themulti-use cart 10 and thebicycle 108. Thebicycle attachment component 106 is removably connectable to themulti-use cart 10 and can be removed by releasing and separating it from thebase section 58 or by releasing and separating thebase section 58 from themulti-use cart 10. -
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a materials cart 114, which is a variation of themulti-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. The materials cart 114 includes theentire hunting cart 12 and a bin 116 suitable for carrying within it a load such as materials or other cargo. In the preferred embodiment, the bin 116 is particularly suitable for carrying or containing loose, forestry or landscaping materials such as soil, aggregrate, logs or chopped wood, or forestry or landscaping supplies. The bin 116 is removably connectable to thedeck 14 by operation ofbin fasteners 118. In the preferred embodiment, thedeck 14 and bin 116 are of such dimensions to permit the materials cart 114 to have a volume carrying capacity that is significantly larger than the typical carrying capacity of a standard wheelbarrow. -
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of astretcher 120, which is a variation of themulti-use cart 10 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. Thestretcher 120 includes theentire hunting cart 12, abackrest 122, and a pair of side rails 124. Thebackrest 122 provides support for a load between thedeck 14 and an attachment point at an upper portion of thehandle 52, such as at the tie-down plate 54 of the supportingextension portion 70. Thebackrest 122 cooperates with the pair ofside rails 124 to facilitate using thestretcher 120 to transport a person, such as an injured or tired person. Thebackrest 122 is formed from a mesh or solid sheet made of a fabric or similar material. Thebackrest 122 can be connected to themulti-use cart 10 and can be removed from themulti-use cart 10. In the preferred embodiment, thebackrest 122 has a generally triangular shape forming threeapexes 126 of thetriangular backrest 122. Thebackrest 122 attaches at theapexes 126 to themulti-use cart 10 at the tie-down plate 54 of thehandle 52, and at the left and right deck sides 20 and 22 near thefront deck edge 18, including near thecross brace 38 closest to thefront deck edge 18. The side rails 124 are removably connectable to themulti-use cart 10 at the left and right deck sides 20 and 22, respectively. Preferably, the side rails 124 attach to themulti-use cart 10 at the left and right sides of theplatform 30, thereby placing the side rails 124 adjacent to thewheels 46 when in the cart configuration, but inward of thewheels 46 to protect an injured person being transported by thestretcher 120 from the turning of thewheels 46 during transport. Thebackrest 122 andside rails 124, of which there may be more than two, cooperate to enhance the comfort of any person resting on or being transported by themulti-use cart 10. The side rails 124 can be used without thebackrest 122 to protect any load, including hunted game animals, from thewheels 46 of themulti-use cart 10. - In operation, the
stretcher 120 variation of themulti-use cart 10 can be stored in the collapsed configuration on, for instance, an emergency vehicle, and assembled when necessary to transport an injured person over rough terrain. In addition, thestretcher 120 attachment may be carried with the huntingcart 12 in case of emergency. -
FIG. 8 shows a bottom view of atree deck 128 of themulti-use cart 10, in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, in which themulti-use cart 10 is suitable for use as a tree stand 146 (described below and shown inFIG. 9 ). In the second embodiment, thetree deck 128 is substantially planar and has a fronttree deck edge 130, a lefttree deck side 132, a righttree deck side 134 and a reartree deck edge 136. The reartree deck edge 136 includes a leftrear edge extremity 138 adjacent the lefttree deck side 132 and a rightrear edge extremity 140 adjacent the righttree deck side 134. The reartree deck edge 136 is contoured to substantially conform to the shape of a tree 148 (described below and shown inFIG. 9 ) such that, when in use as atree stand 146, the reartree deck edge 136 typically contacts thetree 148 at more than one point along the reartree deck edge 136. Preferably, the reartree deck edge 136 is V-shaped and has arear edge apex 142 located forward of and substantially mid-way between the left and rightrear edge extremities tree deck edge 136 may be arc-shaped or shaped any other way in which the left andright extremities right extremities tree deck edge 136 is made uneven or serrated by projections, such as the crenellations orprotrusions 144 gripping a tree's outer circumferential surface. Theprotrusions 144 enhance the suitability of thetree deck 128 as atree stand 146, including reducing the possibility of slippage between the reartree deck edge 136 and the outer surface of the tree. Front tree deck edge attachment points 159 and lower strap attachment points 168 are provided at or adjacent to the four comers of thedeck 14. -
FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of themulti-use cart 10, in accordance with the second embodiment, configured as atree stand 146. Thetree stand 146 is shown attached above the ground, in situ, to atree 148. Thetree stand 146 includes the entire hunting cart 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2 ) and a tree support, such as thetree clamp 150 shown inFIG. 9 . Thetree clamp 150 functions to support thetree deck 128 above the ground adjacent thetree 148 when themulti-use cart 10 is in the tree stand configuration. To configure themulti-use cart 10 as thetree stand 146, thewheels 46 and the handle 52 (not shown inFIG. 9 ) are typically removed from themulti-use cart 10 and may be stored, for example, on the ground or in the manner of the collapsed configuration 90 (FIG. 3 ). Thetree clamp 150 can be removed from themulti-use cart 10 so as not to interfere with the operation of themulti-use cart 10 when being used in the cart configuration. When in the cart configuration, themulti-use cart 10 is operable to support and transport thetree clamp 150 unconnected from themulti-use cart 10. - The
tree clamp 150 includes a pair of upper strap attachment points 152 located near opposing sides near the top of thetree clamp 150. The upper strap attachment points 152 permit anupper strap 154 to strap thetree clamp 150 to thetree 148. Theupper strap 154 can be used to strap thetree clamp 150 to thetree 148 by surrounding thetree 148 with theupper strap 154 and thetree clamp 150, attaching opposite ends of theupper strap 154 to thetree clamp 150 at the upper strap attachment points 152, and tightening theupper strap 154 and thetree clamp 150 around thetree 148 to secure thetree clamp 150 in place. Typically, theupper strap 154 has an adjustable length which permits theupper strap 154 to strap thetree clamp 150 to a variety of trees having a variety of trunk sizes, including thetree 148. - The
tree clamp 150 includes a pair of angle strap attachment points 156 located near opposing sides near the top of thetree clamp 150. The angle strap attachment points 156 can receive a pair of angle straps 158 extending from thetree deck 128 at or near the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134, respectively, toward the tree to the angle strap attachment points 156. The angle straps 158 can be attached to thetree deck 128 at or near the front tree deck edge 130 (including at or near thecross brace 38 closest to the front tree deck edge 130), at front tree deck edge attachment points 159 located at or near fronttree deck edge 130, such that the angle straps 158 extend upwardly at an angle toward thetree 148, and can be removed from thetree deck 128. - The
tree clamp 150 includes a pair of frame bars 160 which extend vertically in parallel, spaced apart relation to each other between the top of thetree clamp 150, where the upper strap attachment points 152 and the angle strap attachment points 156 are located, at opposing sides of thetree clamp 150 and thetree deck 128 at the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134 at or near the reartree deck edge 136. The frame bars 160 can serve to enhance the stability of thetree stand 146. - The frame bars 160 include a
seat support crossbar 162 which extends between the frame bars 160 and a pair of seat stops 164 respectively attached to the pair of frame bars 160 above theseat support crossbar 162 at its ends. Theseat support crossbar 162 and the pair of seat stops 164 cooperate to support a seat of thetree stand 146, such as theseat 166 shown inFIG. 9 , above thetree deck 128 and below the top of thetree clamp 150. Typically, theseat 166 is supported at a height suitable for the average person to be able to sit comfortably on theseat 166 with their feet resting on thetree deck 128. Theseat 166 may be padded for additional comfort. - The
seat 166 can be secured in position by inserting one edge of theseat 166 into the gap between theseat support crossbar 162 and the pair of seat stops 164. Theseat 166 can be removed from such secure position so as not to interfere with the operation of themulti-use cart 10 when being used in the cart configuration. When in the cart configuration, themulti-use cart 10 is operable to support and transport theseat 166 unconnected from themulti-use cart 10. - The
tree deck 128 includes a pair of lower strap attachment points 168 located at or near the left and right tree deck sides 132 and 134 at or near the reartree deck edge 136. Preferably, the pair of lower strap attachment points 168 are formed by thecross brace 38 closest to the reartree deck edge 136 at thewheel opening 40. The lower strap attachment points 168 permit alower strap 170 to strap thetree deck 128 to thetree 148. Thus, the lower strap attachment points 168 can serve to enhance the stability of thetree stand 146. Thelower strap 170 can be used to strap thetree deck 128 to thetree 148 by surrounding thetree 148 with thelower strap 170 and the reartree deck edge 136 of thetree deck 128, attaching opposite ends of thelower strap 170 to thetree deck 128 at the lower strap attachment points 168, and tightening thelower strap 170 and thetree deck 128 around thetree 148 to secure thetree deck 128 in place. Typically, thelower strap 170 has an adjustable length which permits thelower strap 170 to strap thetree deck 128 to a variety of trees having a variety of trunk sizes, including thetree 148. - In use, the operator can quickly and easily reconfigure the
multi-use cart 10 into atree stand 146 at a desired height for hunting, observation, or other purposes. The operator can comfortably sit on theseat 166 with his or her back to thetree 148, with equipment on thedeck 128 if desired. When leaving, the operator can quickly and easily disassemble thetree stand 146, climb down from thetree 148 and reassemble themulti-use cart 10 to exit the area. - Apart from the differences described above between the
deck 14 of the first embodiment and thetree deck 128 of the second embodiment, the first and second embodiments are substantially similar. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the second embodiment can be assembled as a hunting cart, trailer cart (including a bicycle led trailer cart), material cart and stretcher, and can be collapsed into a collapsed configuration, with the same ease and effectiveness and in a similar manner as the first embodiment. - As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.
- Our Ref: 223G
- Title: COLLAPSIBLE MULTI-USE CART AND TREE STAND
- Applicant: Mooremac Industries
- Inventor(s): MACDONALD et al.
-
multi-use cart 10 - hunting
cart 12 -
deck 14 - a
deck plane 16 - a
front deck edge 18 - a
left deck side 20 - a
right deck side 22 - a
rear deck edge 24 - a
longitudinal direction 26 - a
frame 28 - a
platform 30 - a
top surface 32 - a
bottom surface 34 - wheel guards 36
- cross braces 38
- a
wheel opening 40 -
wheel brackets 42 - angled
wheel guard members 44 - a pair of
wheels 46 - a
central hub 48 -
wheel nuts 50 - a
handle 52 - tie-
down plate 54 - a front
deck edge collar 56 - a
base section 58 - a supporting section 60
- a
handle bar 62 - a base
longitudinal portion 64 - a
base extension portion 66 - A joint 68
- a supporting
extension portion 70 - a supporting
longitudinal portion 72 - brace
plate 74 - a
support 76 - an
enclosure 78 -
water sealing plug 80 - a
kickstand 82 - a sliding
hinge 84 - a
foot 86 - the
elastic cord 88 - a
collapsed configuration 90 -
collars 92 - a
trailer cart 94 - a trailer hitch component 96
- A
hitch member 98 - a
vehicle 100 - a standard
trailer tow hitch 102 - a bicycle led
trailer cart 104 - a
bicycle attachment component 106 - a
bicycle 108 - A
bicycle attachment end 110 -
seat post 112 - a materials cart 114
- a bin 116
-
bin fasteners 118 - a
stretcher 120 - a
backrest 122 - a pair of
side rails 124 - three
apexes 126 - a
tree deck 128 - a front
tree deck edge 130 - a left
tree deck side 132 - a right
tree deck side 134 - a rear
tree deck edge 136 - a left
rear edge extremity 138 - a right
rear edge extremity 140 - a
rear edge apex 142 -
protrusions 144 - a
tree stand 146 - a
tree 148 -
tree clamp 150 - a pair of upper strap attachment points 152
- an
upper strap 154 - a pair of angle strap attachment points 156
- a pair of angle straps 158
- front tree deck edge attachment points 159
- a pair of frame bars 160
- a
seat support crossbar 162 - a pair of seat stops 164
-
seat 166 - a pair of lower strap attachment points 168
- a
lower strap 170
Claims (22)
1. A collapsible cart operable in a cart configuration and in a collapsed configuration, the cart comprising:
a) a substantially planar deck having opposing front and rear edges and left and right sides;
b) at least two wheels, said at least two wheels respectively being, when the cart is in the cart configuration, removably and rotatably mounted to said deck adjacent said left and right sides so as to define a longitudinal direction of travel; and
c) a handle, said handle being, when the cart is in the cart configuration, removably connected to said deck at said front edge, said handle being removably stowable adjacent to said deck when the cart is in the collapsed configuration,
whereby said deck and said at least two wheels are dimensioned to permit two of said at least two wheels to be stowed adjacent to said deck in substantially coplanar relation to each other when the cart is in the collapsed configuration.
2. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said handle, when the cart is in the cart configuration, extends in said longitudinal direction and additionally is disposed in a transverse direction so as to form a T-shape.
3. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said handle is separable into a plurality of sections, said plurality of sections comprising:
a) a base section, said base section being removably connectable to said deck at said front edge;
b) a supporting section, said supporting section being removably connectable to said base section; and
c) a handle bar disposed substantially transversely on said supporting section.
4. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises:
a) a longitudinal portion, said longitudinal portion extending from said deck substantially in said longitudinal direction when the cart is in the cart configuration; and
b) an extension portion, said extension portion extending, when the cart is in the cart configuration, substantially within a plane perpendicular to the plane of said deck at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to said longitudinal direction.
5. The cart of claim 3 , wherein said base section comprises:
a) a base longitudinal portion, said base longitudinal portion extending from said deck substantially in said longitudinal direction when the cart is in the cart configuration; and
b) a base extension portion, said base extension portion extending, when the cart is in the cart configuration, substantially within a plane perpendicular to the plane of said deck at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees relative to said longitudinal direction.
6. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises at least one attachment point for attaching a load.
7. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said deck comprises a frame and a substantially planar platform for carrying a load, said platform being attached to said frame.
8. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said cart comprises at least two wheel brackets attached to said deck at said left and right sides, said at least two wheels being removably and rotatably mountable to said at least two wheel brackets, respectively.
9. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said cart comprises at least two wheel guards attached to said deck at said left and right sides, respectively, each of said at least two wheel guards defining an opening dimensioned to permit placement therein of one of said at least two wheels.
10. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said at least two wheels are removably and rotatably mountable to said deck without the use of an axle between said at least two wheels.
11. The cart of claim 1 , further comprising at least one collar attached to said deck at said front edge, said at least one collar being operable to connect said handle sections to said deck when the cart is in the cart configuration and operable to stow at least one section of said handle sections adjacent to said deck when the cart is in the collapsed configuration.
12. The cart of claim 1 , further comprising a kickstand having an attachment end and a foot opposite said attachment end, said kickstand being removably attachable at said attachment end to said handle.
13. The cart of claim 1 , wherein said handle comprises a hitch member operable to permit hitching the cart and a vehicle.
14. The cart of claim 1 , further comprising a bin for containing a load, said bin being removably connectable to said deck adjacent a top surface of said deck.
15. The cart of claim 1 , further comprising a backrest for providing support between said deck and an upper portion of said handle.
16. The cart of claim 1 , further comprising at least two rails removably connectable to said deck at said left and right sides, respectively, such that said at least two rails are inwardly adjacent to said at least two wheels when the cart is in the cart configuration.
17. An apparatus, the apparatus being operable in a cart configuration and in a tree stand configuration, the apparatus comprising:
a) a substantially planar deck having opposing front and rear edges and left and right sides, said rear edge having a left extremity adjacent said left side, a right extremity adjacent said right side and an intermediate portion intermediate of said left extremity and said right extremity, said left extremity and said right extremity being rearward of said intermediate portion;
b) at least two wheels, said at least two wheels being removably and rotatably mountable to said deck adjacent said left and right sides, respectively;
c) a handle, said handle being removably connectable to said deck at said front edge; and
d) a tree support, said tree support being removably attached to a tree and operable to support said deck when the apparatus is in the tree stand configuration, said tree support being unconnected from the apparatus when the apparatus is in the cart configuration.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said tree support is operable to support a seat above said deck and below said upper strap attachment points when the apparatus is in the tree stand configuration.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said tree support comprises a pair of frame bars extending in parallel, spaced apart relation between said upper strap attachment points and said deck when the apparatus is in the tree stand configuration.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein said tree support comprises a seat support crossbar extending from one frame bar of said pair of frame bars to the other of said pair of frame bars and a pair of seat stops respectively attached to said pair of frame bars above said seat support crossbar, said pair of seat stops and said seat support crossbar cooperating to support a seat above said deck and below said upper strap attachment points when the apparatus is in the tree stand configuration.
21. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said rear edge comprises a plurality of projections for gripping the tree when the apparatus is in the tree stand configuration.
22. The apparatus of claim 17 , wherein said deck and said at least two wheels are dimensioned to permit two of said at least two wheels to be stowed adjacent to said deck in substantially coplanar relation to each other, and wherein said handle is removably stowable adjacent to said deck.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002501122A CA2501122A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2005-03-17 | Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand |
US11/084,760 US20060207831A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2005-03-18 | Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002501122A CA2501122A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2005-03-17 | Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand |
US11/084,760 US20060207831A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2005-03-18 | Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20060207831A1 true US20060207831A1 (en) | 2006-09-21 |
Family
ID=37667161
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/084,760 Abandoned US20060207831A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 | 2005-03-18 | Collapsible multi-use cart and tree stand |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20060207831A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2501122A1 (en) |
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