US20110203629A1

US20110203629A1 - Hunting blind and frame system

Info

Publication number: US20110203629A1
Application number: US12/860,382
Authority: US
Inventors: David L. Smith
Original assignee: SMITH WORKS Inc
Current assignee: SMITH WORKS Inc; Smithworks Inc USA
Priority date: 2009-08-21
Filing date: 2010-08-20
Publication date: 2011-08-25

Abstract

The invention includes a hunting blind and frame tall enough to allow an adult male to stand upright within the frame. Horizontal frame members are connected to vertical frame members to increase the strength of the frame. The horizontal frame members also serve as weapon rests. The blind may include several selectively openable and closable openings having a lower edge positioned vertically proximate to the horizontal frame members. The blind can include magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements disposed proximate the opening. The elements are useful for magnetically detachably attaching a window to the blind to cover the opening.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/235,904, titled Hunting Blind and Frame System, filed Aug. 21, 2009, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to hunting blinds and frames.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hunting blinds are structures erected to provide cover and camouflage for a hunter during a hunt. Generally, blinds are erected in locations selected for the likelihood of spotting prey during a hunt. Many of these locations are remote, and must be accessed via foot or all-terrain vehicle. Accordingly, hunting blinds are often carried to the hunting location and assembled in the field. For some hunts, a hunter may be in the hunting blind for many hours.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention include a hunting blind and frame. In some embodiments, the frame has a height that allows an adult male to stand upright within the frame, which provides greater comfort to a hunter utilizing the hunting blind. In such embodiments, horizontal frame members are connected to vertical frame members to increase the strength of the frame. The horizontal frame members are positioned at a vertical location such that they can also be used for a weapon rest during hunting. Accordingly, the horizontal frame members have a dual purpose: to strengthen the tall frame and provide a convenient location for a hunter to rest a weapon, such a rifle, while hunting.
The blind may also include several selectively openable and closable openings having a lower edge positioned vertically proximate to the horizontal frame members. A weapon may be supported by one of the horizontal frame members and extend outward of the opening. The opening can include at least two opening closure mechanisms, such that the opening may be selectively openable at a multitude of angles and configurations useful for hunting.
In some embodiments, the blind can include magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements disposed proximate the opening. The elements are useful for magnetically detachably attaching a window to the blind to cover the opening. The window may also have magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements about its periphery located to mate with the magnets on the blind, or loose magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements can be provided to magnetically attach the window to the blind, to provide for protection from outdoor elements and/or insects. Such embodiments allow a hunter to view the outdoor environment from the interior of the hunting blind. When prey is spotted, the magnets allow the window to be opened or detached from the blind in silence, so as not to alert the prey to the presence of the hunter. The hunter may then fire his or her weapon through the open window or extend the weapon through the opening, optionally resting it on one of the horizontal frame members.
Embodiments of the invention also include methods of constructing any of the hunting blinds and frames discussed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale (unless so stated) and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1A shows an exploded perspective view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a left side view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows a right side view of a hunting blind frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A shows a side view of a hunting blind frame base in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of a hunting blind frame base in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a hunting blind panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 shows a left side view of a hunting blind panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 shows a rear view of a hunting blind panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 shows a right side view of a hunting blind panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 shows a magnet placement for front, left, and right side panels in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of a magnet placement for a rear panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of a zipper in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 shows a front view of a zipper sleeve in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a front view of a grommet and reinforcement material in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a front view of a loop and ring in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17A shows a front view of a window in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17B shows a front view of a window screen in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18A shows a front view of a magnet holder and magnet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18B shows a front view of a magnet holder and magnet in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19A shows a top view of a shelf in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19B shows a bottom view of a shelf in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20A shows a side view of a hook in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20B shows a front view of a hook in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of platform in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of two platform members in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of two connected platform members and a base in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawing and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended; any alterations and further modifications of the described or illustrated embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. It should be noted that all references to vertical, horizontal, above, below, front, rear, left, and right are terms of convenience referring to the hunting blind in its properly installed position.
In some embodiments, the invention includes a hunting blind 10 and frame 20. The hunting blind is sized and shaped to fit over the frame. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the frame 20 can include a first vertical frame member 30, a second vertical frame member 40, a third vertical frame member 50, and a fourth vertical frame member 60. The vertical frame members are attached to a platform 64, as described further herein, and support the weight of the frame and the blind when it is attached to the frame. Any or all of the vertical frame members can include two or more components joined by a connector 70.
Embodiments of the invention include a frame 20 having a height that an adult male can stand upright within the frame. In some embodiments, the maximum height of the frame is between about 70 inches and 90 inches (e.g., about 80 inches). In such embodiments, horizontal frame members connected to the vertical frame members to increase the strength of the frame are included. In some embodiments, the frame includes a first horizontal frame member 80 operatively coupled to the first vertical frame member 30 and the second vertical frame member 40, a second horizontal frame member 90 operatively coupled to the second vertical frame member 40 and the third vertical frame member 50, a third horizontal frame member 100 operatively coupled to the third vertical frame member 50 and the fourth vertical frame member 60, and a fourth horizontal frame member 110 operatively coupled to the first vertical frame member 30 and the fourth vertical frame member 60.
In such embodiments, the first, second, and third horizontal frame members can be operatively coupled (e.g., with pegs, clamps, rivets, or the like) to the first, second, third, and fourth vertical frame members at a first vertical location, shown at V1 in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, V1 is between about 25 and 35 inches (e.g., about 29 inches) from the lowermost ends of the vertical frame members and the platform. In this position, the first, second, and third horizontal frame members are conveniently located to provide a rest for a weapon while also providing structural support to the hunting blind frame.
The fourth horizontal frame member can be operatively coupled (e.g., with pegs, clamps, rivets, or the like) to the first and fourth vertical frame members at a second vertical location, shown at V2 in FIG. 5. In some embodiments, V2 is between about 45 and 55 inches (e.g., about 50 inches) from the lowermost ends of the vertical frame members and the platform. The second vertical location is above the first vertical location to provide easier access to the interior of the hunting blind while also adding strength to the frame.
Some embodiments of the frame include a fifth horizontal frame member 120 and a sixth horizontal frame member 130, the fifth and sixth horizontal frame members positioned at a third vertical location, shown at V3 in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, V3 is between about 60 and 70 inches (e.g., about 65 inches) from the lowermost ends of the vertical frame members and the platform. The third vertical location is above the second vertical location, generally at the top of the vertical members.
As shown in the Figures, the frame may also include a seventh horizontal frame member 140 at a fourth vertical location, shown at V4 in FIG. 3, which is located above the third vertical location. In some embodiments, V4 is between about 70 and 90 inches (e.g., about 80 inches) from the lowermost ends of the vertical frame members and the platform. The seventh horizontal frame member 140 may be supported by first, second, third, and fourth inclined frame members 150, 160, 170, 180, which are in turn supported by the vertical frame members. Such embodiments are useful for proving an inclined roof to the hunting blind, which increases headroom and reduces water pooling on the top of the blind.
As shown in the Figures, the frame members may be joined by a connector 70. Although any connector type will work to join the various frame members, nylon friction fit connectors, such as those supplied by Esto Connectors, Inc., may be used to join the frame members.
In some embodiments, the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members are each received within a first, second, third, and fourth base 190, 200, 210, 220, respectively, which is useful for securely attaching the frame to a platform. As shown in greater detail in FIGS. 6A and B, the bases can include an opening 230 to receive an end of the respective vertical member. A thumb screw 232 may be provided to secure the vertical frame member within the base opening. The base may also include a base portion 240 adapted to rest on a generally horizontal platform and be attached thereto. In some embodiments, the base portion includes a 90 degree edge to be aligned with a corner of a platform, and comprises aluminum and apertures to allow for secure attachment to the platform with fasteners, such as screws. Such a base allows the frame to be quickly, easily, and securely attached to any platform. This allows a hunter to utilize the hunting blind without having to carry a platform into the field for each hunt. Further, it allows a hunter to install several platforms at desired locations and easily erect a single blind at each location during use. In some embodiments, the frame is sized for positioning on an existing four foot by four foot platform, which can be constructed using a half-sheet of standard sized plywood. In other embodiments, the frame is sized for positioning on an existing four foot by six foot platform. In such embodiments, the horizontal framing members (e.g., members 90, 110, 120, 130, and 140) can be about two feet longer than the horizontal framing members sized for a four foot by four foot platform to accommodate the larger platform size and provide for greater room within the blind.
Each of the frame members can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the frame members comprise aluminum, such as T6063 aluminum. Such embodiments are useful for proving a strong but yet lightweight frame. In some embodiments, the frame members include a square cross section (e.g., a 1 inch by 1 inch cross section).
As shown in FIGS. 7-12, embodiments of the invention also include a hunting blind 10 adapted to fit over the frame 20. As shown, the hunting blind may include a front panel 260, left panel 270, rear panel 280, and right panel 290, which may be stitched together. An entry way 292, such as a zipper, may be provided on the panel facing the fourth horizontal framing member to provide easy access to the interior of the hunting blind.
Each of the various panels may themselves include various panels attached together, along with portions adapted to serve as a roof covering. The blind may include any material, such as a polymeric fabric (e.g., polyester). In some embodiments, the material includes 600D coated polyester fabric for water-proof protection. A camouflage pattern may be printed on the fabric. Such a blind is useful to camouflage a hunter and to provide protection from outdoor elements, such as rain or snow.
The blind can include a selectively openable and closable vertical closure mechanism 300 (e.g., a zipper), the mechanism facilitating the placement of the blind over the frame while in the open position and facilitating the secure attachment of the blind to the frame in the closed position. FIGS. 13 and 14 show details of an embodiment of a zipper 302. The blind may be further secured to the frame by bungee cords adapted to secure the blind to the base. In addition, grommets 304 can be included proximate each vertical frame member to facilitate attaching the blind to the frame, as shown in FIG. 15. As shown in FIG. 15, the grommets can be provided with a reinforcement material, such as nylon webbing. The blind may also include rings 306 to which straps are attached and routed under the platform to further secure the blind and frame to the platform, as shown in FIG. 16.
In some embodiments, the blind defines an opening 310 in at least one of the panels. As shown, the blind provides at least one opening in each of the front, rear, left, and right panels. The opening has a top edge 320 and a bottom edge 340, with the bottom edge located above the first, second, or third horizontal frame members when the blind is positioned on the frame. Accordingly, a weapon may be supported by the first, second, or third horizontal frame member and extend outward of the opening. Such a location is useful for hunting. The opening can include at least two opening closure mechanisms 350 (e.g., zippers), such that the opening may be selectively openable in a multitude of configurations and angles to facilitate sight lines useful for hunting. For example, the opening can be closed, full open, partial open, right corner open, left corner open, or both corners open.
As shown in detail in FIGS. 11 and 12, the blind can include magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements 360 (e.g., neodymium magnets, and/or iron or steel ferromagnetic material) disposed proximate the opening. The elements may be attached to the blind or sewn in to the blind material. The elements are useful for magnetically detachably attaching a window 370 to the blind to cover the opening, which may have magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements about its periphery positioned to mate with the magnets on the blind. The mating elements may be attached to the window, or loose elements may be provided such that a user aligns the elements with the elements on the blind. Such embodiments allow a hunter to view the outdoor environment from the interior of the hunting blind. When prey is spotted, the magnets allow the window to be opened or detached from the blind in silence, so as not to alert the prey to the presence of the hunter. The hunter may then fire his or her weapon through the opening or extend the weapon through the opening, optionally resting it on the first, second, or third horizontal frame members.
The window itself may comprise any material suitable. As shown in FIG. 17B, in some embodiments the window includes a mesh. Such an embodiment allows a hunter to view the outdoor environment while providing air circulation and protection against insects. In other embodiments, also as shown in FIG. 17A, the window is a clear panel, such a vinyl clear panel. FIGS. 18A and B provide details of magnet holders that can be attached to the windows to align with the magnets on the blind. The holder can comprise a flexible material, such as nylon, or hard plastic, and is useful for placing loose magnets in a mating position with the magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements on the blind. Although some embodiments include ferromagnetic elements on the blind side and magnetic elements on the window side, it should be noted that the invention is not so limited and ferromagnetic elements could be provided on the window side and magnetic elements provided on the blind side.
In some embodiments, the frame members may also be used to support accessories useful to a user of the hunting blind. As shown in FIGS. 19A and B, in some embodiments a shelf 400 having a flat planer surface 410 adapted to rest between the first and second horizontal members or the second and third horizontal members is provided. In some embodiments, hook and loop pads 412 are provided to attach the shelf to the members. The shelf provides convenient storage space for gear within the hunting blind.
As shown in FIGS. 20A and B, a hook 450 may also be provided to provide storage space for gear within the hunting blind. In some embodiments, the hook may include a first end 460 adapted to hang from any of the horizontal frame members and a second end 470 adapted to hold an object, such as a jacket or bag.
In some embodiments, a bag (not shown) sized to hold the hunting blind and frame members when the frame members are disassembled. Such a bag is useful for carrying the blind and frame to a hunting location, where it may be quickly assembled and attached to a pre-existing platform.
As described above, some embodiments of the invention are adapted to attach to a pre-existing platform. However, other embodiments of the invention include a platform. An embodiments of such a platform is shown in FIGS. 21-23. In some embodiment, the platform includes first, second, third, and fourth platform members 500, 510, 520, 530. Each of the platform members can be made from any suitable material. In some embodiments, the platform members comprise aluminum, such as T6063 aluminum. The platform members can include a square cross section (e.g., a 1 inch by 1 inch cross section). As shown in FIG. 21, some of the members (e.g., two) can be provided with right angle connectors 540 at each end such that the four members can be connected to form a square or rectangular platform by inserting the right angle connectors in to a corresponding member. Although any connector type will work to join the various platform members, nylon friction fit connectors may be used to join the platform members. When connected, base members 190, 200, 210, 220, as described above, can be mounted to the corners as shown in FIG. 22. In some embodiments, mounting holes 550 are provided in the members to accommodate the base members. Such a platform is useful for resting directly on the ground. In some embodiments, apertures (not shown) extending through the members are provided for receiving stakes to secure the platform to the ground.
Embodiments of the invention also include methods of erecting any of the hunting blinds and frames discussed above. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of assembling the frame, attaching the frame to a pre-existing platform, and attaching the hunting blind to the frame. In other embodiments, the method includes the steps of assembling the platform, assembling the frame, attaching the frame to the platform, and attaching the hunting blind to the frame.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations, which fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hunting blind and frame, comprising:

a first vertical frame member, a second vertical frame member, a third vertical frame member, and a fourth vertical frame member;

a first horizontal frame member operatively coupled to the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member, a second horizontal frame member operatively coupled to the second vertical frame member and the third vertical frame member, and a third horizontal frame member operatively coupled to the third vertical frame member and the fourth vertical frame member, and a fourth horizontal frame member operatively coupled to the first vertical frame member and the fourth vertical frame member;

the first, second, and third horizontal frame members being operatively coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth vertical frame members at a first vertical location, the first, second, and third horizontal frame members providing structural support to the hunting blind frame and a rest for a weapon; and

the fourth horizontal frame member being operatively coupled to the first and fourth vertical frame members at a second vertical location, the second vertical location being above the first vertical location to provide structural support to the hunting blind and access to an interior of the hunting blind.

2. The blind and frame of claim 1, further comprising a fifth horizontal frame member and a sixth horizontal frame member, the fifth and sixth horizontal frame members positioned at a third vertical location, the third vertical location being above the second vertical location.

3. The blind and frame of claim 2, further comprising a seventh horizontal frame member supported at a fourth vertical location by first, second, third, and fourth inclined frame members, the fourth vertical location being above the third vertical location, and the first, second, third, and fourth inclined frame members being supported by the first, second, third, and fourth vertical frame members.

4. The blind and frame of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth vertical frame members include two or more components.

5. The blind and frame of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members comprise aluminum.

6. The blind and frame of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members are each received within a first, second, third, and fourth base, respectively, the bases having an opening to receive an end of the respective vertical member and a base portion adapted to rest on a generally horizontal platform and be attached thereto, the base allowing the frame to be attached to a platform.

7. The blind and frame of claim 6, the bases comprising aluminum and having apertures to allow for secure attachment to the platform with fasteners.

8. The blind and frame of claim 1, wherein the first vertical location of the first, second, and third horizontal support members is between about 25 and 35 inches vertically from a lowermost end of the first, second, third and fourth horizontal support members.

9. The blind and frame of claim 1, wherein the second vertical location of the fourth horizontal support member is between about 45 and 55 inches vertically from a lowermost end of the first, second, third and fourth horizontal support members.

10. The blind and frame of claim 2, wherein the third vertical location of the fifth and sixth horizontal support members is between about 60 and 70 inches vertically from a lowermost end of the first, second, third and fourth horizontal support members.

11. The blind and frame of claim 3, wherein the fourth vertical location of the seventh horizontal support member is between about 70 and 90 inches vertically from a lowermost end of the first, second, third and fourth horizontal support members, such that a grown man of average height may stand within the interior of the hunting blind.

12. The blind and frame of claim 1, further including a shelf having a flat planer surface adapted to rest between the first and second horizontal members or the second and third horizontal members, the shelf providing convenient storage space for gear within the hunting blind.

13. The blind and frame of claim 1, further including a hook having a first end adapted to hang from any of the horizontal members and a second end adapted to hold an object, the hook providing convenient storage space for gear within the hunting blind.

14. The blind and frame of claim 1, further including a hunting blind adapted to fit over the frame, the blind having a front panel, a rear panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a roof panel, the blind defining an opening in at least one of the panels, the opening having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge being located above the first, second, or third horizontal frame members when the blind is positioned on the frame such that a weapon may be supported by the first, second, or third horizontal frame member and extend outward of the opening, the opening including at least two opening closure mechanisms, such that the opening may be selectively openable at an angle to facilitate sight lines, the blind including magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements disposed proximate the opening, and further including a window for the opening, the window having magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements about its periphery, the window elements located to mate with the elements on the blind, such that the window is magnetically detachably attached to the blind.

15. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the blind includes a selectively openable and closable vertical closure mechanism, the mechanism facilitating the placement of the blind over the frame while in the open position and facilitating the secure attachment of the blind to the frame in the closed position.

16. The blind and frame of claim 14, further including straps attachable to the frame to facilitate the secure attachment of the blind to the frame.

17. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the blind includes a polymeric fabric.

18. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the blind includes polyester.

19. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the window is a mesh.

20. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the window is a clear panel.

21. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the window includes vinyl.

22. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the opening closure mechanisms include zippers.

23. The blind and frame of claim 14, wherein the window elements are provided as loose elements that an operator locates to mate with the elements on the blind.

24. The blind and frame of claim 1, further including a platform comprising first, second, third, and fourth platform members arranged to form the platform.

25. A hunting blind frame, comprising:

the first, second, and third horizontal frame members being operatively coupled to the first, second, third, and fourth vertical frame members at a first vertical location, the first, second, and third horizontal frame members providing structural support to the hunting blind frame and a rest for a weapon;

the fourth horizontal frame member being operatively coupled to the first and fourth vertical frame members at a second vertical location, the second vertical location being above the first vertical location to provide structural support to the hunting blind and access to an interior of the hunting blind; and

the first, second, third, and fourth vertical members each being received within a first, second, third, and fourth base, respectively, the bases having an opening to receive an end of the respective vertical member and a base portion adapted to rest on a generally horizontal platform and be attached thereto, the base allowing the frame to be attached to an existing platform.

26. A hunting blind, comprising

a hunting blind adapted to fit over a frame, the blind having a front panel, a rear panel, a left panel, a right panel, and a roof panel, the blind defining an opening in at least one of the panels, the opening having a top edge and a bottom edge, the bottom edge being located above a horizontal frame member when the blind is positioned on the frame such that a weapon may be supported by the horizontal frame member and extend outward of the opening, the opening including at least two opening closure mechanisms, such that the opening may be selectively openable at an angle to facilitate sight lines, the blind including magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements disposed proximate the opening, and further including a window for the opening, the window having magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements about its periphery, the window elements located to mate with the elements on the blind, such that the window is magnetically detachably attached to the blind.