US20020124975A1

US20020124975A1 - Stealth blind system

Info

Publication number: US20020124975A1
Application number: US09/803,185
Authority: US
Inventors: Bill Kendrick; Manuel Montoya
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: KENDRICK BILL R
Priority date: 2001-03-08
Filing date: 2001-03-08
Publication date: 2002-09-12

Abstract

A stealth blind system for providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen. The stealth blind system includes a covering having an outer sleeve forming a desired shape, a wire member positioned within the outer sleeve, an upper bracket attached to an upper portion of the wire member, and a lower bracket attached to a lower portion of the wire member. The brackets are formed for allowing removable attachment to a vertical structure such as a pole, tree, bow, or stand. The wire member is formed into a looped structure from a resilient material such as spring steel. The covering is comprised of a camouflage material to conceal an individual behind the covering.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to blinds and more specifically it relates to a stealth blind system for providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Blinds have been in use for years. Typically, a conventional blind is constructed of heavy pole frame with camouflage netting positioned about the frame. Conventional blinds may be permanent or temporary. Temporary conventional blinds are difficult to assemble requiring significant amounts of time and effort to assemble. Another problem with conventional blinds is that they are typically not suitable for removably securing to an object such as a tree or pole.

Examples of patented blind devices which are illustrative of such prior art include U.S. Pat. No. 3,179,102 to Peckham; U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,168 to Friddle; U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,579 to Mathias; U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,817 to Hill; U.S. Pat. No. 5,944,041 to Kitchens; U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,575 to Mitchell; U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,180 to Norton et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,235,772 to Mendick, Jr.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,950 to Johnson, Sr.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen. Conventional blind devices are not easy and lightweight to utilize.

In these respects, the stealth blind system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of blinds now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new stealth blind system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new stealth blind system that has many of the advantages of the blinds mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new stealth blind system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art blinds, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a covering having an outer sleeve forming a desired shape, a wire member positioned within the outer sleeve, an upper bracket attached to an upper portion of the wire member, and a lower bracket attached to a lower portion of the wire member. The brackets are formed for allowing removable attachment to a vertical structure such as a pole, tree, bow, or stand. The wire member is formed into a looped structure from a resilient material such as spring steel. The covering is comprised of a camouflage material to conceal an individual behind the covering.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a stealth blind system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

A second object is to provide a stealth blind system for providing a lightweight and foldable blind that allows an individual to approach wildlife without being seen.

Another object is to provide a stealth blind system that is easy to assemble and disassemble.

An additional object is to provide a stealth blind system that may be removably attached to various objects.

A further object is to provide a stealth blind system that is foldable into a compact storage structure.

Another object is to provide a stealth blind system that does not utilize fasteners to construct.

A further object is to provide a stealth blind system that can be formed to various sizes and shapes.

Another object is to provide a stealth blind system that can cover broad areas in front of an individual.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein: [0023]
FIG. 1 is a front upper perspective view of the present invention attached to a pole. [0024]
FIG. 2 is a rear upper perspective view of the present invention attached to a pole. [0025]
FIG. 3 is a side view of the present invention attached to a pole. [0026]
FIG. 4 is a front view of the present invention being folded into a compact storage position. [0027]
FIG. 5 is a side view of the present invention being twisted prior to folding. [0028]
FIG. 6 is a side view of the present invention being folded after being twisted. [0029]
FIG. 7 is a side view of the present invention in a partially folded position. [0030]
FIG. 8 is a side view of the present invention in a compact storage position. [0031]
FIG. 9 is a front upper perspective view of the present invention attached to a tripod. [0032]
FIG. 10 is a front upper perspective view of an alternative rectangular shape for the present invention. [0033]
FIG. 11 is a side view of the present invention attached to a tree. [0034]
FIG. 12 is a side view of the present invention attached to a bow. [0035]
FIG. 13 is a front view of the present invention. [0036]
FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view taken along line [0037] 14-14 of FIG. 13 illustrating the outer sleeve of the covering surrounding the wire member.
FIG. 15 is a magnified upper perspective view of the clasps surrounded by a gripping cover. [0038]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 15 illustrate a stealth [0039] blind system 10, which comprises a covering 20 having an outer sleeve 28 forming a desired shape, a wire member 50 positioned within the outer sleeve 28, an upper bracket 30 attached to an upper portion of the wire member 50, and a lower bracket 40 attached to a lower portion of the wire member 50. The brackets are formed for allowing removable attachment to a vertical structure such as a pole 12, tree 16, bow 18, or stand 14. The wire member 50 is formed into a looped structure from a resilient material such as spring steel. The covering 20 is comprised of a camouflage material to conceal an individual behind the covering 20.
As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0040] 4, 9 and 10 of the drawings, a sheet of covering 20 is provided that is formed into any desired shape such as but not limited to triangular, square, rectangular, circular, oval, hexagonal or the like. The covering 20 includes an outer sleeve 28 within the outer perimeter thereof for receiving the wire member 50 as best illustrated in FIG. 14 of the drawings. The outer sleeve 28 is preferably formed to allow movement of the wire member 50 within the outer sleeve 28 during usage of the invention. The covering 20 is comprised of a conventional camouflage material commonly utilized within the hunting industry having various patterns, colors and the like.
As best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0041] 9, 10 and 13 of the drawings, the covering 20 includes an upper slot 24 and a lower slot 26 for receiving the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40 respectively. The upper slot 24 and the lower slot 26 expose a portion of the wire member 50 as further illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 10 and 13.
As further shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0042] 9, 10 and 13, an opening 22 may extend through a portion of the covering 20 for allowing viewing, photography or shooting of arrows through. The opening 22 may have any well-known shape as can be appreciated. The opening 22 is preferably positioned centrally within the covering 20, however it can be appreciated that the opening 22 may be positioned anywhere upon the covering 20 as desired by the user. In addition, the user can position and create at least one opening 22 within the covering 20 utilizing a sharp utensil such as a knife or scissors.
As best shown in FIG. 14 of the drawings, the [0043] wire member 50 extends through the outer sleeve 28 of the covering 20. The wire member 50 is constructed of a resilient material that is collapsible for allowing the covering 20 to be collapsed into a compact storage position. The wire member 50 may be constructed of spring steel material commonly utilized within the collapsible tents, fish tape wire pullers, or the like. The wire member 50 is connected to form a resilient looped structure about the covering 20 thereby holding the covering 20 in a taut flat position when fully expanded as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 9, 10, and 13 of the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0044] 3 and 9 of the drawings, the upper bracket 30 includes an upper tube 32, an elongate upper member 34 attached to the upper tube 32, and an upper clasp 36 attached to the distal end of the upper member 34. The upper tube 32 is rotatably positioned about the upper portion of the wire member 50 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The upper member 34 extends a finite distance from the upper tube 32 preferably in a downward angle as best illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The upper clasp 36 is preferably formed into a U-shaped or V-shaped structure to allow easy positioning about a structure as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 of the drawings. The upper clasp 36 may also have an upper cover 38 positioned about the upper clasp 36 for assisting in the gripping and preventing damage to an object such as a stand 14 or bow 18.
As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, [0045] 3 and 9 of the drawings, the lower bracket 40 includes a lower tube 42, an elongate lower member 44 attached to the lower tube 42, and a lower clasp 46 attached to the distal end of the lower member 44. The lower tube 42 is rotatably positioned about the lower portion of the wire member 50 as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings. The lower member 44 extends a finite distance from the lower tube 42 preferably in an upward angle mirroring the upper member 34 as best illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The lower clasp 46 is preferably formed into a U-shaped or V-shaped structure to allow easy positioning about a structure as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 15 of the drawings. The lower clasp 46 may also have a lower cover 48 positioned about the lower clasp 46 for assisting in the gripping and preventing damage to an object such as a stand 14 or bow 18.
In use, the user expands the covering [0046] 20 and the wire member 50 into a taut position. The user then positions the upper clasp 36 and the lower clasp 46 about an object such as a pole 12, stand 14, tree 16, bow 18 or the like. The clasps 36, 46 frictionally engage the object to prevent movement of the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 40 thereby supporting the covering 20 and wire member 50 in a desired position. The user is then able to view wildlife through the covering 20 or through an opening 22 within the covering 20 as desired. The user may also position the lower edge of the covering 20, wire member 50 and pole 12 upon a ground surface to provide a self-supporting blind structure. When finished utilizing the blind system 10, the user then simply removes the clasps 36, 46 from the object attached to. The user then twists the wire member 50 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings to allow the wire member 50 to be folded upon itself as further shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The user then folds the wire member 50 along with the covering 20, upper bracket 30 and lower bracket 40 upon itself to provide a compact storage structure as shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 of the drawings.
As to a further discussion of the manner of usage and operation of the present invention, the same should be apparent from the above description. Accordingly, no further discussion relating to the manner of usage and operation will be provided. [0047]
With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed to be within the expertise of those skilled in the art, and all equivalent structural variations and relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. [0048]
Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. [0049]

Claims

We claim:

1. A stealth blind system, comprising:

a covering having an outer sleeve;

a wire member positioned within said outer sleeve;

an upper bracket attached to said wire member; and

a lower bracket attached to said wire member.

2. The stealth blind system of claim 1, wherein said wire member is comprised of a resilient material.

3. The stealth blind system of claim 2, wherein said wire member is comprised of a spring steel material.

4. The stealth blind system of claim 3, wherein said wire member is foldable into a compact storage position.

5. The stealth blind system of claim 1, wherein said covering includes an upper slot for exposing an upper portion of said wire member for said upper bracket to attach to, and a lower slot for exposing a lower portion of said wire member for said lower bracket to attach to.

6. The stealth blind system of claim 5, wherein said upper bracket is comprised of:

an upper tube rotatably positioned about said wire member;

an elongate upper member extending from said upper tube; and

an upper clasp attached to said elongate upper member opposite of said upper tube.

7. The stealth blind system of claim 6, wherein said upper clasp has a U-shaped structure.

8. The stealth blind system of claim 6, wherein said upper clasp has a V-shaped structure.

9. The stealth blind system of claim 6, including an upper cover surrounding said upper clasp comprised of a protective material.

10. The stealth blind system of claim 9, wherein said upper clasp is U-shaped.

11. The stealth blind system of claim 6, wherein said upper member is angled downwardly from said upper tube.

12. The stealth blind system of claim 5, wherein said lower bracket is comprised of:

a lower tube rotatably positioned about said wire member;

an elongate lower member extending from said lower tube; and

a lower clasp attached to said elongate lower member opposite of said lower tube.

13. The stealth blind system of claim 12, wherein said lower clasp has a U-shaped structure.

14. The stealth blind system of claim 12, wherein said lower clasp has a V-shaped structure.

15. The stealth blind system of claim 12, including a lower cover surrounding said upper clasp comprised of a protective material.

16. The stealth blind system of claim 15, wherein said lower clasp has a U-shaped structure.

17. The stealth blind system of claim 15, wherein said lower clasp has a V-shaped structure.

18. The stealth blind system of claim 12, wherein said lower member is angled downwardly from said lower tube.

19. The stealth blind system of claim 1, wherein said covering is comprised of a camouflage material.

20. The stealth blind system of claim 1, wherein said covering includes at least one opening.