Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
App!. No. 2,947,269 Our
Ref: 29484-157
CARRYABLE LAYOUT BLIND
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This application claims benefit of United States Provisional Patent
Application
No. 62/249,663, filed November 2, 2015.
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Date Recue/Date Received 2020-11-04
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BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[002] This disclosure relates to the field of hunting equipment, and more
particularly to systems
and methods for disguising the presence of a hunter.
2. Description of the Related Art
[003] It is well known in hunting that camouflaging the hunter is often
essential to success.
Unlike most animals, humans are not naturally camouflaged and tend to stick
out in the
wilderness. Thus, hunters commonly wear camouflaged clothing or set up
camouflaged
structures to hide in, commonly known as "blinds."
[004] Hunting blinds may be permanent or portable structures, and are
manufactured in a
variety of configurations. One such configuration is the "layout" or "laydown"
hunting blind,
which is configured to allow the hunter to sit or recline within the
camouflaged structure. This
allows the hunter to see the surroundings and monitor for prey, while keeping
the majority of the
hunter camouflaged by the blind. Often, the hunter has a weapon loaded within
the blind. When
prey is spotted, the hunter can quickly release the cover and sit or stand to
fire the weapon at the
prey.
[005] One problem with layout blinds is that closing the blind can be
difficult. For example, the
lower body and torso should be covered by the blind as much as possible for
maximum
camouflage, but positioning and covering oneself within the blind can be
difficult. The hands
must be free to arrange the camouflage over the body, but retrieving the hands
within the cover
can disturb the camouflage previously set.
[006] Relatedly, even minor movements of the hunter within the blind can
disrupt the
camouflage, or cause parts of the hunter to become exposed, requiring that the
camouflage be
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reset. The more that the hunter arranges the camouflage, the more likely the
hunter's movements
are to scare off prey.
[007] Other problems include the fact that layout blinds are generally
deployed directly on the
ground, which causes the blind itself to become soiled and may be
uncomfortable for the hunter,
particularly if the hunter must remain in place for an extended period of
time. Where the ground
is wet or moist, such as in marshes or wetlands, this may cause the hunter to
become wet or
chilled.
[008] Another problem is that blinds tend to be bulky and difficult to
transport. This is
particularly true with layout blinds, which are approximately the size and
shape of a person.
Typically, the hunter will drive to a location near where the blind is to be
set up. In this scenario,
the blind will be transported only a short distance from the hunter's vehicle.
However, dragging
the blind to the spot can soil it. Where a good hunting location is a long
distance from navigable
roadways, which can make it difficult for the hunter to get the blind to the
location.
[009] What is needed in the art is a portable and easily carryable temporary
layout hunting
blind which elevates the hunter from the ground, and is easy and fast to
configure.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[010] The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basic
understanding of
some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or
critical elements
of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose
of this section is to
present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to
the more detailed
description that is presented later.
[011] Because of these and other problems in the art, described herein, among
other things, is a
carryable temporary layout blind comprising a frame for elevating the seating
elements off the
ground, and one or more closeable doors or flaps with a handle for simple and
rapid opening and
closing. The layout blind described herein is collapsible into a carryable
configuration and
includes straps for carrying the collapsed blind in a fashion similar to a
backpack.
[012] Described herein, among other things, is a layout hunting blind
configured to collapse
into a carryable configuration, comprising: a seating element; a lower frame
comprising two
lower frame opposing sidebars having a first part of the seating element
attached thereto and
disposed therebetween; an upper frame comprising two opposing upper frame
sidebars having a
second part of the seating element attached thereto and disposed therebetween,
the upper frame
hingedly attached to the lower frame, the attachment configured such that the
upper frame and
the lower frame may be folded together to dispose the two lower frame sidebars
and the two
upper frame sidebars in an adjacent and generally parallel position; a lower
leg element having a
distal end and being hingedly attached at an opposing proximal end to the
lower frame, the
attachment configured such that the lower leg element and the lower frame may
be folded
together to dispose the two lower frame sidebars and the lower leg element in
an adjacent and
generally parallel position; and an upper leg element having a distal end and
being hingedly
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attached at an opposing proximal end to the upper frame, the attachment
configured such that the
upper leg element and the upper frame may be folded together to dispose the
two upper frame
sidebars and the upper leg element in an adjacent and generally parallel
position; wherein the
seating element is configured to accommodate a human in a reclining position
when the layout
hunting blind is unfolded.
[013] In an embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the two lower frame
sidebars comprise
first ends and opposing second ends and are bent at an angle, the bend being
disposed between
the hinged attachment of the upper frame and the second ends.
[014] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, when the angle of the
bend is
configured such that when the lower leg element is unfolded and the lower leg
element and the
second ends are disposed on the ground, the first part of the seating element
is elevated above the
ground.
[015] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, when the lower leg
element is
unfolded and the upper leg element is disposed on the ground, the second part
of the seating
element is elevated above the ground.
[016] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind: the lower leg element
comprises
lower leg element sidebars having distal ends and opposing proximal ends, the
lower leg element
sidebars being connected at the distal end by a crossbar; and the hinged
attachment of the lower
leg element to the lower frame comprises the lower leg element sidebars being
hingedly attached
to the lower frame sidebars.
[017] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the lower leg element
crossbar
comprises a bend about at a midpoint such that the lower leg element is
generally in the
configuration of a W.
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[018] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind: the upper leg element
comprises
upper leg element sidebars having distal ends and opposing proximal ends, the
upper leg element
sidebars being connected at the distal end by a crossbar; and the hinged
attachment of the upper
leg element to the upper frame comprises the upper leg element sidebars being
hingedly attached
to the upper frame sidebars.
[019] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the upper leg element
crossbar
comprises a bend about at a midpoint such that the upper leg element is
generally in the
configuration of a W.
[020] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the blind further
comprises: the lower
frame comprising a foot end and the upper frame comprising a head end, the
foot end being
disposed at the opposing end of the layout hunting blind from the head end
when the layout
hunting blind is unfolded; and a fabric skirt attached to the upper frame and
the lower frame.
[021] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the fabric skirt is
configured to hide
the lower leg element and the upper leg element from view when the layout
blind is unfolded.
[022] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the fabric skirt is
configured to have a
generally linearly taut potion from the head end to the foot end when the
hunting blind is
unfolded.
[023] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the blind further
comprises a door
attached to the fabric skirt at the generally linearly taut portion.
[024] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the door is sized and
shaped such that
when the door is closed, a human occupant reclining in the layout hunting
blind is hidden from
view.
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[025] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the door comprises at
least two rigid
panels disposed in a fabric sheathe, the door being foldable between the at
least two rigid panels.
[026] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the blind further
comprises a means
for retaining the layout hunting blind in a folded configuration.
[027] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the retaining means
comprises one or
more straps.
[028] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the blind further
comprises a means
for carrying the layout hunting blind in a folded configuration.
[029] In another embodiment of the layout hunting blind, the carrying means
comprises one or
more adjustable shoulder straps.
[030] Also described herein, among other things, is a method for collapsing a
deployed layout
hunting blind comprising: providing a layout hunting having a collapsed
configuration and a
deployed configuration, the layout hunting blind comprising: a lower frame; an
upper frame
hingedly attached to the lower frame; a seating element attached to the lower
frame and to the
upper frame; a lower leg element hingedly attached to the lower frame; and an
upper leg element
hingedly attached to the upper frame; wherein the lower leg element and the
upper leg element
support the lower frame and the upper frame above the ground in the deployed
configuration;
folding the upper frame to be adjacent to a top side of the lower frame;
folding the upper leg
element to be adjacent to a back side of folded upper frame; folding the lower
leg element to be
adjacent to a bottom side of lower frame, the bottom side opposing the top
side.
[031] Also described herein, among other things, is a collapsible layout
hunting blind
comprising: a lower body reclining means; an upper body reclining means
hingedly attached to
the lower body reclining means; a lower body support means hingedly attached
to the lower
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body reclining means; and an upper body support means hingedly attached to the
upper body
reclining means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[032] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a layout blind in assembled
configuration.
[033] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a layout blind in assembled
configuration, showing
lower leg elements.
[034] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a layout blind in assembled and closed
configuration.
[035] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a layout blind in partially collapsed
configuration.
[036] FIG. 5 depicts a front elevation of an embodiment of a layout blind in
fully collapsed
configuration.
[037] FIG. 6 depicts a back elevation of an embodiment of a layout blind in
fully collapsed
configuration.
[038] FIG. 7 depicts a bottom elevation of a layout blind in assembled
configuration.
[039] FIGs. 8A, 8B, and 8C depict side elevations of a layout blind frame in
various stages of
collapsing.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[040] The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way of
example and not
by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the
art to make and use
the disclosed systems and methods, and describes several embodiments,
adaptations, variations,
alternatives and uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As various changes
could be made in
the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosures,
it is intended that all
matter contained in the description or shown in the accompanying drawings
shall be interpreted
as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
[041] The term "camouflage" as used in this disclosure generally means the use
of materials,
coloration, shading, shaping or physical structure, or illumination for
concealment, generally by
making the thing camouflaged more difficult to see, or making it appear to be
something other
than what it is. In the context of hunting, camouflage may comprise, without
limitation, the use
or addition of colors, shapes, textures, tones, prints, or objects configured
and/or selected to
match a particular environment and/or season.
[042] An embodiment of the layout blind in assembled configuration is depicted
in FIG. 1. The
depicted blind (101) of FIG. 1 comprises a lower frame (103) with a seating
element (107)
attached thereto. The seating element (107) may include a headrest (113). The
lower frame (103)
is generally made from a rigid, rugged material of sufficient structural
strength to support the
weight of an adult male. The lower frame (103) generally comprises two
generally parallel bars
(104A) and (104B) with a portion of a seating element (107) attached thereto
and extending
therebetween. As can be more fully seen in FIG. 7, lower frame (103) may
further comprise a leg
element (123), referred to herein as the center leg element (123) to
distinguish from other leg
structures.
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[043] In the depicted embodiment of FIGs. 1 and 7, the side bars (104A) and
(104B) of lower
frame (103) are generally straight and parallel. The lower frame (103)
provides support for the
hunter's lower body, with the seating element (107) and distance between the
side bars (104A)
and (104B) configured to accommodate the hips and buttocks comfortably.
[044] Each of the side bars (104A) and (104B) ten-ninates in an angled element
(106A) and
(106B), which folin a part of the center leg element (123). In the depicted
embodiment, a
crossbar (123) extends between the legs (106A) and (106B) of lower frame
(103), but in an
alternative embodiment, legs (106A) and (106B) have no crossbar and
independently support the
device. Side bars (104A) and (104B) are also connected by a crossbar (108) at
the distal end of
the lower frame (103) opposing the center leg element (123). Crossbar (108)
helps to stabilize
the structure and provides additional strength. Also, as shown in FIG. 7, the
crossbar (108) is
useful for attaching a portion of the skirt (117).
[045] The overall shape of lower frame (103) is rectangular or quadrilateral,
with the width
dimension being based on human ergonomics, in particular body width. The
length dimension is
also generally based on human ergonomics, and in particular is configured to
provide legroom.
That is, the length is large enough to accommodate an adult sitting in seating
element (107) with
the legs and knees inside crossbar (108). This allows the user to stretch
while in the blind (101).
The elevated seating position also makes it easier to sit up, aim, and fire a
weapon.
[046] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the seating element (107) extends
between the side
bars (104A) and (104B) of lower frame (103) and an upper frame (127). The
upper frame (127)
is movably and foldably attached to the lower frame (103) via a joint (121).
In the depicted
embodiments of FIGs. 1 and 7, joint (121) includes a hinge element attached to
lower frame
(103) and using hardware to hingedly connect upper frame (127) thereto. Upper
frame (127) is
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also generally constructed of two generally parallel side bars (110A) and
(110B) made from a
rigid material capable of supporting the upper body weight of an adult. Side
bars (110A) and
(110B) of upper frame (127) are connected by a crossbar (112) at the distal
end opposing the
connecting joint (121), again generally for stability, and to provide a place
for attaching seating
element (107) and/or the skirt (117).
[047] Seating element (107) in the depicted embodiment is constructed from a
generally
flexible material for comfort, strong enough to support the weight of an
adult. The material also
should have the flexibility to allow the seat to adapt to the contours of the
hunter's body for
additional comfort. The depicted seating element (107) comprises a plurality
of grommets at
opposing sides, which grommets are used to attach the seating element (107) to
side bars (104A)
and (104B) and to side bars (110A) and (110B). In the depicted embodiment, the
seating element
(107) is attached using a durable, rugged fabric, thread, or rope. By way of
example, but not
limitation, such material may be nylon or polyester. Seating element (107)
also is flexible so that
when upper frame (127) is folded against lower frame (103), the seating
element (107) also folds
for storage. The seating element may be attached using other means, such as,
without limitation,
a sewn loop, or a hook-and-loop system. In an embodiment, the seating element
(107) may
comprise further structures or features, such as reinforcing or stabilizing
elements to provide
additional back support. Such elements may include, for example, rigid or semi-
rigid ribs, straps,
or bars, or rigid or semi-rigid plates or panels sewn into or otherwise
attached to the seating
element (107).
[048] The lower frame (103) and upper frame (127) are generally sized and
shaped similarly,
such that when the upper frame (127) is folded against lower frame (103), the
frames (103) and
(127) are generally parallel and have similar dimensions, forming a more
compact, generally
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rectangular shape. In the folded configuration, the crossbar (112) of upper
frame (127) is near the
crossbar (108) of lower frame (103).
[049] In an embodiment, the lower frame (103), associated portion of the
seating element (107),
and the component parts of each together comprise a lower body reclining
means. In an
embodiment, the upper frame (127), associated portion of the seating element
(107), and the
component parts of each together comprise an upper body reclining means.
[050] Referring again to FIG. 1, the blind (101) further includes one or more
flaps (109) or
doors (109). When the blind (101) is assembled, the crossbar (112) of the
upper frame (127) and
the crossbar (108) of the lower frame (103) are generally disposed at opposing
ends of the blind
(101), and are generally parallel to one another. The four corners of
crossbars (108) and (112)
define a generally rectangular opening, as can be seen in FIG. 1, with seating
element (107)
recessed therein.
[051] The doors (109) are generally in the configuration of a rectangle, and
are attached to the
frame via the skirt (117). Although two doors are depicted, other
configurations are specifically
contemplated, including, without limitation, single-door and four-door
configurations. In a
configuration with two doors (109), such as that depicted in FIG. 1, the doors
(109) are movably
attached at opposing sides of the blind (101) and can be closed similar to
French doors. The
depicted doors (109) comprise a handle (111) disposed on the inside of the
door (109). The
handle (111) can be grasped by the hunter when seated in seating element (107)
and used to pull
the doors (109) shut over the hunter's body. In the depicted embodiment, the
doors (109) are
hingedly attached to opposing sides of the skirt (117) and swing inward toward
the middle of the
device (101) to close, but other connection locations and operating geometries
are possible, such
as, without limitation, connecting one or more doors (109) along the short
side.
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[052] It also should be noted that in some configurations, it may be desirable
to provide a
means or mechanism for fully or partially fastening the doors (109) in a
closed position, such as
for transportation or to inhibit disturbing the doors (109) when the hunter
moves or shifts within
the blind (101). A fastener or fastening system may thus be included, such as
but not necessarily
limited to a zipper, buckle, hook, snap, or other such fastening means.
[053] The doors (109) are generally constructed from fabric with one or more
rigid or semi-
rigid elements disposed therein, such as panels and/or bars. This may be done,
for example, by
sewing one or more rigid pipes or bars around some or all of the perimeter of
the door (109).
This imparts some rigidity and structure to the door (109), such that when the
hunter pulls on the
handle (111) the door (109) pulls shut over the hunter, eliminating the need
to manually set
camouflage fabric over the hunter. Because the hunter, when disposed in the
blind (101), has the
majority of his lower torso below the plane of the doors (109) when closed,
the doors (109) will
generally close over the top of the hunter. Also, by providing at least some
rigidity reinforcing
elements, as opposed to only one, the doors (109) also may be folded with the
rest of the blind
(101) as described elsewhere herein.
[054] The doors (109) have a distal end disposed generally near crossbar
(108), and an
opposing transparent or semi-transparent portion (115) disposed generally near
crossbar (112).
This element (115) provides some protection to the hunter's head from the
elements (e.g., sun,
precipitation, and pests), while also giving the hunter a view of the skyline
to watch for prey.
Also, the mesh provides camouflage for the hunter's face, which may otherwise
provide a high-
contrast element that reveals the hunter's location, particularly for hunters
with a light
complexion. Preferably, this material (115) is also at least semi-flexible,
again to facilitate the
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collapsing and folding of the blind (101). In the depicted embodiment, this
clement (115) is
made from a mesh fabric.
[055] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, the blind (101) comprises a skirt
(117) which is
generally disposed around the perimeter of frames (103) and (127) and sized
and shaped such
that when the blind (101) is assembled, the skirt (117) drapes down from
frames (103) and (127)
to, and across, the ground. The skirt (117) is generally camouflaged, such as
with a camouflage
print, to cause the blind (101), when assembled, to blend into the
surroundings. The skirt (117)
provides further camouflage of the hunter's torso and lower body from the
side, front and back
angles, while also providing a windbreak, as well as insulative properties for
warmth and
comfort. It is preferable that the skirt (117) be a flexible element, such as
a durable fabric, so that
it may be spread out to reduce shadows.
[056] It should be noted that the dimensions of frame elements (103) and (127)
and the door
elements (109) are configured in cooperation such that when the frame (103)
and (127) is
assembled, the side of the door (109) connected to the skirt (117) is taut
between the opposing
ends of the frames (103) and (127). That is, if the height of the door (109)
is too great, the door
(109) will droop and produce shadows, reducing the effectiveness of the
camouflage. However,
if the door (109) height is too short, the blind (101) cannot be fully
deployed, or the door (109)
fabric may tear. This can be seen in FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C, which depict the
process of collapsing
a deployed layout blind (101) according to the present disclosure. The height
of the door (109) is
indicated in FIG. 8A as element H. As can be seen in FIG. 8A, the height of
the door (109) is
about the same as the linear distance between the opposing ends of lower frame
(103) and upper
frame (127) (i.e., crossbars (108) and (112)).
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[057] FIG. 3 depicts a blind (101) according to the present disclosure in
closed configuration.
In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 3, the doors (109) are closed for
concealing a hunter within
(not depicted). In the depicted embodiment, the doors (109) are sized and
shaped so that they
partially overlap when closed, but other configurations are possible, such as,
without limitation,
wherein the doors close together without overlapping. This helps to conceal
hunters of various
sizes and shapes, and provides additional insulating properties. When closed,
the transparent
viewing portions (115) also overlap so that the hunter can see through both
doors (109) when
disposed in the blind (101). The external side of the door (109) may be
camouflaged, and the
camouflage may further match the camouflage of the skirt (117). It is
generally preferred that the
camouflage (regardless of the type of camouflage used) is continuous from the
doors (109) to the
skirt (117), providing an unbroken camouflage which conceals the majority of
the hunter's body
from view when the doors (109) are closed.
[058] As can be seen in the depicted embodiments of FIGs. 4 and 7, additional
framing
components may be used to stabilize the blind (101) when assembled. For
example, in the
depicted embodiment of FIG. 7, lower frame (103) has attached thereto a
moveable lower leg
element (131). The depicted lower leg element (131) is generally in the shape
of a U or W with
the stems movably attached to frame (103). It should be noted that in an
alternative embodiment,
the lower leg element (131) may have an alternative shape or connecting
element, or may
comprise two independent leg elements without a crossbar or other connecting
element. The
attaching joint (133) includes a bracing element which prevents the lower leg
element (131) from
hyperextending, locking instead into a stable deployed position. Thus, when
the blind (101) is
deployed, lower leg element (131) and center leg element (123) cooperate to
provide stabilizing
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points with the ground, which holds the lower frame (103) in place, and
elevates the seating
element (107) from the ground.
[059] It should be noted that the length of the stems of lower leg element
(131) and the angled
elements (106A) and (106B) of lower frame (103) determine the height of
seating element (107)
from the ground. Thus, the dimensions of these structures are configured to
provide an elevated
seat (107) which does not touch the ground when a person is seated, similar to
a zero-gravity
chair.
[060] Similarly, upper frame (127) also has moveably attached thereto an upper
leg element
(125) which serves the same general purpose as lower leg element (131) with
respect to the
hunter's upper torso. That is, upper leg element (125) is a generally U or W
shaped element with
stems moveably attached to upper frame (127). It should be noted that in an
alternative
embodiment, the upper leg element (125) may have an alternative shape or
connecting element,
or may comprise two independent leg elements without a crossbar or other
connecting element.
Upper frame attaching joint (129) also includes a bracing element which
prevents upper leg
element (125) from hyperextending. Thus, when the blind (101) is deployed,
there are three (or
six) points of contact with the ground. The lower frame (103) is supported by
lower leg element
(131) and center leg element (123) and the upper frame (127) is supported by
center leg element
(123) and upper leg element (125). The force of gravity on the hunter will
pull down on these
elements, and the bracing elements in the joints (121) and (129) and (133) are
configured such
that the non-hyperextension points hold the device stable in an open
configuration.
[061] In the depicted embodiment of FIGs. 4 and 7, upper leg element (125) is
hingedly
attached to upper frame (127) to allow the device to be collapsed as described
elsewhere herein.
Also in the depicted embodiment of FIGs. 4 and 7, upper leg element (125)
further comprises a
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stabilizing crossbar (114), which provides additional strength and rigidity
for supporting the
upper body, which is typically the heaviest part of the hunter. This crossbar
(114) also provides a
stabilizing element when the blind (101) is collapsed for transport as
described elsewhere herein.
As with other crossbars in this disclosure, in an alternative embodiment, this
stabilizing bar may
not be present, or may be connected in a different location or fashion from
that depicted.
[062] In an embodiment, the lower leg element (131) and its component parts
comprise a lower
body support means. In an embodiment, the upper leg element (125) and its
component parts
comprise an upper body support means.
[063] Referring to FIGs. 5 and 8A, 8B and 10C, the collapsing aspects of the
blind (101) are
described. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, the blind (101) is in
collapsed configuration for
transport. In the depicted embodiment, one or more shoulder straps (143) are
attached to the
underside of seating element (107). In the depicted embodiment, the shoulder
straps (143) are
attached to the back of the headrest (113), but the shoulder straps (143) may
be attached at any
point on the device. The attaching point is generally configured in
consideration of human
ergonomics, such that a human may carry the collapsed device using the
shoulder straps (143) in
a generally comfortable fashion. The shoulder straps (143) are also attached
(151) to the bottom
crossbar of the upper leg element (125). The depicted shoulder straps (143)
are adjustable (145)
to accommodate the size of different users.
[064] Because the device (101) will naturally unfold by the force of gravity,
a strap (141) is
included to hold the collapsed device (101) together. In the depicted
embodiment of FIGs. 5 and
6, strap (141) is attached to the bottom of seat (107) and connectable to a
corresponding latch
(153) also disposed on the back of seat (107). The attaching points for the
strap (141) and latch
(153) generally are on opposing ends of the bottom of seat (107) so that when
the device (101) is
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collapsed, strap (141) may be disposed snugly over the top of the collapsed
device and connected
to the latch (153), preventing the device from opening.
[065] It should be noted that upper leg element (125) is moveably (129)
attached to upper
frame (127). Because shoulder straps (143) are attached to upper leg element
(125), this poses
the risk that upper leg element (125) will move with respect to the rest of
the collapsed blind
(101) when the hunter is carrying it. Thus, there is needed a means for
preventing such
movement when the device (101) is collapsed. In the depicted embodiment, this
is done by
means of a stabilizing strap (147) which may be disposed laterally around the
collapsed blind
(101) and connected to a latch near the attaching point for the stabilizing
strap (147). The
stabilizing strap (147) may be used as a belt around the waist of the hunter,
thereby holding the
collapsed blind (101) against the hunter's back and inhibiting the upper leg
element (125) from
falling open. Alternatively, the stabilizing strap (147) may be threaded
inside the shoulder straps
(143), which will also inhibit the collapsed blind (101) from opening. In an
alternative
embodiment, the stabilizing strap (147) may be omitted.
[066] Other features of the depicted blind (101) include one or more stakes
(135), depicted in
FIG. 7, for securing the skirt (117) to the ground. As described elsewhere
herein, it is preferred
that skirt (117) be spread out from the blind (101) to reduce or eliminate
shadows, which can
reduce the effectiveness of camouflage. The skirt (117) may comprise one or
more grommets
(137) through which stakes (135) may be inserted to hold the skirt (117) taut
from the main body
of the device (101), reducing shadows. In the depicted embodiment, stakes
(135) may be stored
in a pouch (155) attached to the underside of the seat (107), or another
element of the blind. The
pouch (155) is generally sealable such as with a hook and loop system, zipper,
or other means of
securing the stakes (135) so they do not fall out in transport.
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[067] Referring now to FIGs. 8A, 8B and 8C, the method for collapsing the
blind (101) is
described. FIG. 8A depicts a side elevation view of a blind (101) in fully
deployed configuration,
with the skirt (117) and doors (109) omitted for clarity. Lower frame (103) is
in contact with the
ground via center leg element (123) and is braced against the ground by
opposing lower leg
element (131), which is also deployed. Upper frame (127) is braced against the
ground by upper
leg element (125), also in deployed position. As discussed elsewhere herein,
the distance
between the opposing ends of lower frame (103) and upper frame (127) generally
defines the
height H of the doors (109).
[068] To collapse the blind (101), upper frame (127) is folded towards lower
frame (103)
(trapping therebetween the doors (109)). FIG. 8B depicts the blind (101) with
upper frame (127)
folded hack against lower frame (103). Next, upper leg element (125) is
counter-folded against
upper frame (127) as depicted in FIG. 8C, and lower leg element (131) is
folded against the
bottom of lower frame (103) as depicted in FIG. 8C. This results in the
collapsed configuration
shown in FIGs. 5 and 6. Generally, prior to beginning the collapsing method,
the doors are
closed and the skirt is folded up on top of the doors so that when the device
is collapsed the
doors and skirt are trapped or contained within the collapsed structure. This
inhibits the doors
and skirt from opening or sliding out, maintaining a compact and easy-to-
transport configuration
of the collapsed blind (101).
[069] In an embodiment, some or all of the exterior of the blind (101),
including but not
necessarily limited to the skirt (117) and/or doors (109), comprises a means
or system for
attaching camouflaging material to the blind (101), such as grasses, reeds,
plants, branches or
sticks, or other materials selected for the particular environment and season.
In an embodiment,
this attaching means or system comprises a mesh webbing, or one or more hooks,
loops, pockets,
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or other attaching means known in the art disposed at various locations on the
skirt (117) and/or
doors (109). In certain uses, such camouflage may be preferred over a
camouflage print, as the
print may actually be counterproductive if it does not match a particular
environment or season.
In such instances, it may be preferred that the print on the skirt (117)
and/or doors (109) be a
shade or color, and that elements be attached to the blind (101) to provide
further camouflaging.
Such elements may be artificial materials or natural materials, such as
grasses or other materials
selected from the environment in which the blind (101) is used.
[070] While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a description
of certain
embodiments, including those that are currently believed to be the preferred
embodiments, the
detailed description is intended to be illustrative and should not be
understood to limit the scope
of the present disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in
the art,
embodiments other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the
present
invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be
made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
[071] By way of example and not limitation, in an embodiment, the lower leg
element may
comprise independent vertical supports or stems, which may be moved
independently of each
other. Alternatively, the lower leg element may be connected by an alternative
stabilizing
structure, such as a set of X-shaped crossbars, similar to a fold-out cot.
Alternatively the lower
leg element may comprise a Y-shaped leg component wherein the top ends of the
Y are hingedly
attached to the lower frame and the stem of the Y stabilized the apparatus on
the ground. In a still
further embodiment, the lower leg element may be attached to the crossbar at
the foot end of the
lower frame. Similarly, these alternative structures may also, or
additionally, be used for the
upper leg element and its attachment to corresponding structures of the upper
frame.
CA 02947269 2016-11-02
[072] Also by way of example and not limitation, in an alternative embodiment,
the skirt and/or
doors may be configured to be removable and replaceable, facilitating the use
of the layout blind
in a number of different environments and/or weather conditions. In a further
embodiment, the
seating element may be suspended from opposing ends of the layout blind in a
hammock- or
sling-style seat, rather than attached laterally to the side rails. This may
be done, for example, by
including an additional crossbar in the bottom frame for attaching the bottom
of the seat element.
[073] Also by way of example and not limitation, in an embodiment, the base of
the doors may
comprise a metal tubing insert. In another embodiment, the layout blind
further comprises a cam
disposed on the foot-end crossbar of the lower frame for the door or doors to
rest upon. In
another embodiment, the layout blind may comprise armrests. In a further
embodiment, the
armrests may be removable or foldable.
[074] Also by way of example and not limitation, in alternative embodiments,
the blind may be
collapsible in a tri-fold fold configuration, or a four-fold, or additional
folding configurations. In
another embodiment, the skirt may comprise tubing ensheathed at the outside
edges, which
tubing weighs down the skirt to hold it in place, replacing the function of
the stakes.
[075] In a still further embodiment, the frame structures are sized and shaped
to accommodate
both an adult human hunter and a hunting dog. In another alternative
embodiment, the frame
structures are sized and shaped to accommodate a hunting dog along with, or
instead of, the
hunter (e.g., a smaller size with a seating element configured and disposed to
accommodate a
canid).
[076] In a still further embodiment, the device may include a flooring system,
such as, but not
necessarily limited to, a waterproof or moisture-resistant canvas, vinyl,
plastic or other
appropriate ground skirt. This element may be attached to, or separate from
the layout blind, and
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may provide additional insulation, warmth, and protection from ground moisture
and pests. In an
embodiment in which the flooring is attached to the layout blind, it is
removable therefrom.
[077] In a still further embodiment, the doors may be replaced, or
supplemented, by an
attached, removable, and or separate sheet, which the hunter drapes or pulls
over him or herself
to conceal the hunter in the reclining position. This sheet also may be water-
resistant and
thermally insulated, providing additional warmth and protection.
[078] In a still further embodiment, the shoulder straps may be replaced, or
supplemented, by
an attached carrying handle. Alternatively, the blind may comprise a bag or
wrap into which the
blind may be placed for storage and transportation.
[079] In a still further embodiment, the strap for holding the collapsed blind
together may be
replaced, or supplemented, by a latch or hook and loop system.
[080] Throughout this disclosure, relative terms such as "generally," "about,"
and
"approximately" may be used, such as, but not necessarily limited to, with
respect to shapes,
sizes, dimensions, angles, and distances. One of ordinary skill will
understand that, in the context
of this disclosure, these terms are used to describe a recognizable attempt to
conform a device to
the qualified term. By way of example and not limitation, components described
as being
"generally coplanar" will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art to
not be, in a strict
geometric sense, coplanar, because a "plane" is a purely geometric construct
that does not
actually exist, and no component is truly "planer" in the geometric sense, nor
are two
components ever truly coplanar. Variations from geometric descriptions are
inescapable due to,
among other things: manufacturing tolerances resulting in shape variations,
defects, and
imperfections; non-uniform thermal expansion; and natural wear. There exists
for every object a
level of magnification at which geometric descriptors no longer apply due to
the nature of matter.
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One of ordinary skill will understand how to apply relative terms such as
"generally," "about,"
and "approximately" to describe a range of variations from the literal meaning
of the qualified
term in view of these and other considerations.
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