Utility perch and trailer

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a combination utility trailer. More specifically, the invention is a convertible elevated observation stand, luggage/personnel/kayak carrier, tent, pontoon boat, and farm plow which can be mounted on or trailered by open bed vehicles such as ATV's, trucks or farm tractors.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] The related art of interest describes various hunting stands, tents, carts, and the like for towing by a vehicle, but none discloses the present versatile invention. There is a need for a convertible trailer for serving multiple uses. For connection to an open bed vehicle such as an ATV, a tent with inside lighting, a pontoon boat, a fishing platform, a kayak, a luggage and personnel carrier, and a hunting stand combination is provided. For a trailer converted to a farm plow, an ATV or a tractor can be used.

[0006] The relevant art will be discussed in the order of perceived relevance to the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,614 issued on Aug. 27, 1991, to Robert P. Rainey describes an adaptable hunting stand for use as a ladder against a tree or an A-frame and mountable on an ATV comprising a ladder-like frame which includes a leveling seat platform, ladder elements, quick-grasping base connector assemblies, and a ground support. Sleeves are required for joining the ladder parts. The apparatus is distinguishable for requiring joining sleeves.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,541 issued on Mar. 28, 1995, to Anthony Ennamorato et al. describes a tepee tent with a door for a tripod tree stand which is distinguishable for being limited to a free standing tent and tree stand not being convertible to any other apparatus.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 issued on Mar. 22, 1994, to Daniel J. Mullin describes a multipurpose hand-pulled hunting cart convertible between a two-wheeled cart, a sled, a tree stand, and a free standing deer-stand. The convertible cart is distinguishable for requiring two wheels and two angled L-shaped members.

[0010] The following patents each describe a mobile hunting stand positioned on a vehicle.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,881,839 issued on Mar. 16, 1999, to Cecil A. Stanley describes a mobile and collapsible hunting stand removably based in the bed of a pickup truck which is distinguishable for being limited to a hunting stand.

[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,844 issued on Mar. 29, 1994, to Herbert H. Haustein describes a removable cab and hunting stand apparatus based on an ATV with a stabilizer bar and ladder. The stand can be enclosed for weather protection with one openable window and latchable door. A foldable stand is positioned on top and includes a seat. Lighting can be provided inside. The apparatus is distinguishable for its limitation to a position on top of an ATV.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,696,374 issued on Sep. 29, 1987, to John E. Hale describes an ATV or motorcycle mounted portable hunting stand with a seat and rear support pedestals, which apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to mounting on an ATV or a three wheeled motorcycle for support.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,614,252 issued on Sep. 30, 1986, to David E. Tarner describes a portable observation structure removably attachable to the rear of an ATV comprising two pairs of upright front and rear legs, wherein the rear legs have telescopically extendable legs which extend to the ground. A notched planar seat is attached to a tree trunk by a belt. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to mounting on an ATV for support.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,784 issued on Oct. 22, 1968, to Glendale Jones et al. describes a portable hunting blind tower mountable on the cabin and bed of a pickup truck having a ladder accessible side covered blind having a square configuration and requiring clamps to secure the apparatus to the truck and portaged in an inclined position in the bed. The apparatus is distinguishable as being limited to a hunting blind on a pickup truck.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,508 issued on Jun. 23, 1981, to Tommy L. Hughes et al. describes a hunter outlook collapsible ladder seat positioned on a collapsible ladder secured by two staked guylines, and the seat protected by a triangular shaped transparent plastic tent. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to a staked down ladder.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,676 issued on Mar. 30, 1999, to Daniel H. Harbin describes an accessory kit for allowing use of a tree stand as a game carrier comprising a pair of handle bars attached to the hinged ends of a pair of support members pivotally mounted to a collapsible tree stand frame and supports wheels. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to a two-wheel loading cart.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,291 issued on Jul. 18, 1995, to Richard F. Shoestock, Sr. describes a combination tree stand and two-wheeled game carrier, wherein a two-piece tree stand discards the wheels for attaching to a tree. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to wheels added to a collapsible tree-stand to form a handcart.

[0019] The following patents are limited to either tents or mobile step ladders, and having no relation to hunting stands.

[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 2,942,609 issued on Jun. 28, 1960, to Elton O. Ferguson describes a collapsible car top tent which is distinguishable for being limited to a tent.

[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 2,371,092 issued on Mar. 6, 1945, to George G. Williams describes a scaffold-ladder combination, wherein the ladder portion can be collapsed below the scaffold portion. The apparatus is distinguishable for being limited to a folding ladder in a scaffold structure.

[0022] U.K. Patent Application No. 2 082 980 A published on Mar. 17, 1982, for Brian Pascall et al. describes a manually pushable wheeled step ladder which is distinguishable for its limited use.

[0023] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Thus, a viewing perch among other utility apparatuses for open bed vehicles solving the aforementioned problems is desired.

[0024] The present invention is a convertible, elevated observation stand with a seat, luggage carrier, tent, kayak carrier and a pontoon boat which can be mounted on or trailered by open bed vehicles such as ATV's, trucks or the like vehicles. The ladder-type frame on wheels can be used as a utility trailer with a folding seat pivoted outside for hauling equipment, game or an injured person, and readily converted to an elevated position with a lifting system and used as a viewing or hunting stand. The apparatus can be raised to the elevated position by hand or by a winch, can serve as a tent shelter with bunk-type cots placed inside, and can be wired for lighting which is energized by the vehicle's battery. For conversion to a trailerable boat, the frame can be covered with waterproof liner, inflatable pontoons can be attached to each side, an additional seat added, and an electric motor mounted on the rear. A fishing platform still attached to the vehicle would not require the pontoons and engine. For carrying a kayak, the apparatus can include a pair of elevated racks. For forming a farm plow, the frame can support cultivator blades for towing by an ATV or a farm tractor. Skis can be attached to the frame for towing by a snowmobile.

[0025] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a combination apparatus trailerable by an open bed vehicle, a farm tractor or a snowmobile.

[0026] It is another object of the invention to provide a combination apparatus trailerable by an open bed vehicle and convertible to an elevated viewing or hunting stand, a tent, a carrier of luggage/injured personnel/game, and a pontoon boat.

[0027] It is a further object of the invention to provide a fishing platform still attached to the vehicle and maintained in shallow water.

[0028] Still another object of the invention is to provide a farm plow by adding an array of cultivator blades below the frame and towing by an ATV or a farm tractor.

[0029] It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

[0030] These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is an environmental, perspective side view of a camouflaged viewing perch apparatus for open bed vehicles as a first embodiment mounted on an all-track vehicle (ATV) according to the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an environmental, perspective rear view of the uncovered viewing perch apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 3 is an environmental, perspective rear view of a folded viewing perch apparatus of FIG. 1 attached to an ATV for towing.

[0034] FIG. 4 is an environmental perspective rear view of an ATV towing a folded viewing perch apparatus carrying an injured person as a second embodiment with the seat positioned outside the apparatus.

[0035] FIG. 5 is an environmental, rear elevational view of the uncovered viewing perch apparatus of FIG. 1 on the ATV and anchored to the ground by guys.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a schematic side elevational diagram of the electrical system utilized for bedding down as a third embodiment in the viewing perch apparatus shown in shadow and an air compressor connection for inflating an air mattress or pontoons.

[0037] FIG. 7 is an environmental side elevational view of a fisherman on a fishing platform in shallow water with the platform attached to the vehicle as a fourth embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 8 is an environmental side elevational view of a fishing boat with side pontoons and an outboard motor in water without the side skirts as a fifth embodiment.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the FIG. 8 fishing boat with pontoons, but omitting the boat frame.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a schematic side elevational view of an ATV equipped with an hoisting element for elevating the viewing apparatus of the first embodiment.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded, side elevational view of the viewing apparatus with projected attachment of a pair of canvas side skirts (only one shown) by snaps.

[0042] FIG. 12 is an environmental, side elevational view of the basic frame having a farm plow attached to an ATV as a sixth embodiment.

[0043] FIG. 13 is an environmental, side elevational view of the basic frame having a farm plow attached to a farm tractor as a seventh embodiment.

[0044] FIG. 14 is an environmental, side elevational view of the basic frame having skis attached to a snowmobile as an eighth embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 15 is an environmental, side elevational view of the basic frame supporting a kayak on an added rack attached to a towing vehicle as a ninth embodiment.

[0046] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.

[0047] The present invention is directed to an apparatus capable of multiple utility. In a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 5, an elevated viewing perch 10 useful for hunting or observing wild animals is covered (as best seen in FIG. 1) by a camouflaged canvas tent cover 12 positioned on an all-track vehicle 14 (hereafter referred to as an ATV) in a country setting 16.

[0048] In FIG. 2, the cover 12 having a zippered opening 18 is opened, detached from its snap attachments 20, and gathered on one side to reveal the perch 10 having an A-frame structure with a ladder or base element 22 having steps 24 fixedly pinned in the rear, joined by a horizontal floor plate or platform element 26 to a front frame element 28 having a lower crossbar 30 and pivotable on a pin 32. A tiedown cord 31 is attached to the crossbar 30 and the vehicle's lug 33 to hold down the perch 10. The pin 32 permits the rotation of the front frame element 28 to fold proximate the ladder or base element 22 for towing by a hitch 92 which is hinged to the free ends of the base element 22 and has an inch square male receiver on each end as seen in FIG. 3 and in the subsequent embodiments.

[0049] A folding chair 34 on a standard 36 is fastened to the floor plate element 26. A pair of water-immersible wheels 38 are, attached to the floor plate element 26. The notched feet portions of the ladder element 22 and the front frame element 28 are secured to the front and rear fender bar elements present on an ATV 14 by suitable brackets (not shown). Also, a pair of anchor straps 40 on the sides of the cover 12 are utilized to stabilize the perch 10 as shown in FIG. 5. A pair of ring pins 42 are attached to opposite sides of the floor plate 26 to secure the upper end of the anchor straps 40, and a pair of ringed anchor stakes 44 are attached to the opposite ends of each anchor strap 40 to place into the ground 46. A tie-down ratchet 48 is positioned on each anchor strap 40 to provide a taut anchor strap.

[0050] A foldable box frame covered with canvas on its sides (not shown) fastened by snaps 20 to the floor plate or platform 26 can be added to hide the hunter or observer when the camouflaged tent cover 12 is not used. Rope steps at the bottom of the frame on each side can have a looped rope step (not shown).

[0051] The basic frame is made of 2 inch by 4 inch aluminum tubing. The frame is 2 feet wide on top, 3 feet wide at the bottom and approximately 90 inches high when erected. The floor plate or platform element 26 can be made of treated 2 inch by 4 inch wood studs with plywood facing. The fasteners and pins are made of rustproof metal.

[0052] In FIG. 3, the perch 10 is folded, the pair of wheels 38 are extended down, and the floor area over the ladder or base element 22 is covered with a rigid galvanized iron mesh 50 with ¼ inch square apertures to form a bed area. A conventional air inflatable mattress (not shown) configured to fit the floor area can be used with the perch 10 utilized as a tent. The folded perch 10 has camouflaged canvas sides or skirts 52 (FIG. 11) which are snapped also onto the sides of the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10 to be discussed below. The chair 34 is folded and the perch 10 can then be towed.

[0053] A pair of exterior lamps 54, e.g., standard cargo lights, are shown here and also in FIG. 6 to be explained below in the lighting for the tent 60.

[0054] In the second embodiment of a towable cart 56 illustrated in FIG. 4, an injured supine person 58 is being carried in the cart 56 with the chair 34 pivoted outside the cart, but shown separated for purposes of clarity of the cart 56.

[0055] In a third embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, wherein a tent 60 shown schematically in shadow employs the aforementioned standard pair of cargo lamps 54 connected in parallel by an electrical wire 62 to a male electrical plug 64 and controlled by a separate switch 66. The lamps 50 can be 55 Watt bulbs operated by the vehicle's 12 Volt D.C. battery. The air compressor 68 connected to a hose 70 is operated by the vehicle's electrical system by female plug 67 to pressurize the air mattress used in the tent and the pontoons in a later boat embodiment.

[0056] In the fourth embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, the bare framework is basically used as a dock 70 in shallow water 72 up to approximately 2 feet in depth and hitched to the ATV 14. A rigid wooden platform 74 configured in shape to overlap the dock 70 on top is secured by any means such as fasteners, clamps and the like. Thus, the fisherman 76 can back up into shallow water 72, hop on the dock 70 to fish, and hop back on the ATV 14 and move to another location. In this embodiment and in FIGS. 8 through 13 and 15, the pair of wheels 38 are supported on a 2.25 inch diameter pipe 130 by two pairs of U-bolts 132, and a swivelling wheel base 134 on each U-bolt to hold the wheels 38 in a wheel frame 136.

[0057] In a fifth embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, a pontooned fishing boat 78 in deep water 79 is equipped with a pair of inflatable side pontoons 80 attached to the basic framework 81 (not shown in FIG. 9), lined on the bottom with a thick rubber liner 82 which keeps out the water 72 by suitable fastening. The canvas cover 12 (not shown) covers all sides except the top boat surface and attached by the snaps 20. Two chairs 84 are supported on crossbars 86. An electric battery (not shown) operated outboard trolling motor 88 is supported on the platform 26 now serving as a boat transom. An air hose 90 is available for pumping up the pontoons 80 with compressed air from the air compressor 68 shown in FIG. 6. This boat 78 on a pair of wheels 38 can be trailered with the hitch 92.

[0058] In FIG. 10, the hoisting system 94 comprises a cable 96 attached to the end of the pivotable front frame or rail element 28 by a hook 98 on a ring fastener 100 on a crossbar 102. The opposite end of the cable 96 travels to a fold-up pulley system 104 attached to the front end of the ATV 14 and to a hand driven or electric winch 106 on the vehicle. This apparatus will erect the viewing perch 10.

[0059] In FIG. 12, a sixth embodiment 108 is illustrated for the modification of the basic frame 108 lacking a seat to a farm plow 110 by attaching a plow element 112 on the ladder or base element 22. The platform 26 now supports a ringed fastener 114 on top and the pair of wheels 38. A steel cable 116 attached to the fastener 114 is attached to an electric winch 118 on the ATV 14. The cultivator 108 is attached to the ATV 14 by a hitch 120.

[0060] In FIG. 13, a seventh embodiment 122 is depicted with the same cultivator system as shown in FIG. 12 hitched to a farm tractor 124.

[0061] In FIG. 14, an eighth embodiment 126 is illustrated with the basic frame 128 having the folded chair 34 and a pair of skis 130 connected to the wheel frame 136 by studs 138. A skimobile now pulls the basic frame 128 by a hitch 92.

[0062] In FIG. 15, a ninth embodiment 140 depicts a basic frame 108 without a folding seat and pulled on wheels 38 by an ATV 14. A kayak 142 is supported on a rack 144 comprising two pairs of posts 146 with a crossbar 148 between each pair of posts.

[0063] Thus, a utility perch and trailer combination apparatus attachable to open bed vehicles has been disclosed which can function as a viewing perch having a hoisting system supported by a vehicle or on the ground, an injured person, a luggage or kayak carrier, a tent with illumination, a pontoon boat with an inflator compressor, a shallow water fishing platform, and a support for a farm plow or skis.

[0064] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.