“Tree winch” portable game hoist

[0002] This application is entitled to the benefit of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/423,124 filed Nov. 1, 2002.

[0003] Not Applicable

[0004] Not Applicable

[0005] 1. Field of Invention

[0006] The invention relates to wild game hoists, more specifically, those hoists that are lightweight, portable, and easily used in the field for the immediate dressing of wild game.

[0007] 2. Background of the Invention

[0008] Hunters often fell their game in remote areas. The meat, if not quickly processed and cooled, can spoil. Therefore, there is a need for a device that will allow one to quickly and easily raise the animal above dirt and debris for processing in the field. Hunters often carry with them, besides their weapon, extra clothing, camping equipment, and devices that might aid them in their pursuit of wild game. Therefore, it is important that any game hoist be light in weight, compact, and easily transported by the hunter.

[0009] The portable game-hoisting devices available to hunters are one of three types. The first being those that are designed to be mounted to a vehicle such as a truck or a four-wheeler. U.S Pat. Nos. 4,806,063; 5,662,451; 5,791,858; 5,975,831; 6,109,855; 6,138,991; 6,152,175; 6,155,771; and 6,250,483 are all examples of this type of game hoist as are U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 2001/0043852 A1; 2002/0045417 A1; 2002/0168258 A1; 2003/0000906 A1; and 2002/0173262. These types of hoist are of no value to the hunter unless a vehicle is readily available, thus limiting its use to only those areas accessible by vehicle. Many hunters do not have the luxury of affording off-road vehicles of the type necessary to reach remote areas. Also, many state, nationally, and privately owned lands do not permit use of off-road vehicles.

[0010] The second being those hoists that are free standing. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,997,152 and 5,211,601 are examples of freestanding game hoists. This type of hoist must be sufficient in size and strength to lift a large game animal, such as a deer, to a height of seven feet or more. For this reason, the freestanding hoist is bulky and cumbersome for the hunter to carry into the woods.

[0011] The third being those that are dependent upon a natural object, such as a tree, for functionality. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,395,284; 5,417,609; 3,854,168; 5,562,534; 5,820,455; 6,045,442; 5,049,110, and 6,062,974 are examples of this type of game hoist.

[0012] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,395,284 to Frisk and 5,417,609 to Oldham are examples of game hoist that are suspended from an overhead limb by a J-hook. Overhanging limbs of a height and strength suitable for the suspension of game can sometimes be difficult to find. Also, devices of this design have a tendency to swing and be difficult to steady while being used.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,854,168 to Bradley attaches to a tree by a chain at the top. The bottom of the hoist consists of a set of teeth that are held against the tree by the weight of the animal. The user must take special precautions to assure that the bottom teeth bite the tree sufficiently enough to prevent slippage, as there is no strap to secure the bottom. Also, if the top is mounted too close to the tree, the weight of the animal being hoisted could cause the hoist to slide down the tree.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,534 to McGough is a portable game hoist and skinning aid. The hoist is secured to a tree by straps. There are no teeth or cleats to prevent slippage and side-to-side movement. McGough's invention is non-folding and non-collapsible making it less portable.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,455 to Breedlove is a portable game hoist comprising a vertical member connected to a horizontal member by a bracket and a pair of diagonal braces that provide support. Disassembly of the invention for transportation requires removal of the diagonal braces at one end. The top and bottom cross members, used to prevent slippage and provide lateral stabilization, are bulky and add to the weight of the apparatus. The apparatus must be assembled at the tree, which makes the process cumbersome.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,442 to Bounds is a game hoist for suspending large animals in a stable position for cleaning in the field. Bounds's hoist consists of two vertical members, two horizontal members, a diagonal member, and a gambrel device, which is also attached to a vertical member. Bounds's invention, which is not collapsible, is large in size and would be difficult for a hunter to pack into the woods.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,049,110 to Owens refers to a frame with two legs that pass around the trunk of the tree, a connector bar that engages the front of the tree, and a V-shaped bar that is connected to the hoist after it has been placed around the tree. Owens' hoist is rigid, bulky, and non-foldable, which makes it less portable and more cumbersome for the hunter to transport into the woods.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,974 to Williams is a portable game hoist consisting of a diagonal support brace pivotally attached to a horizontal member. The horizontal member is attached to a tree by a chain, and the vertical member is equipped with two prongs designed to penetrate the tree to prevent slippage and provide support to the horizontal member. The problem with Williams' device is that the bottom prongs are only held in place by the weight of the load. There is no strap to prevent slippage of the diagonal piece should the invention be bumped while being loaded. Williams's device is susceptible to lateral movement, as there is nothing in the design to prevent such movement.

[0019] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my portable game hoist are:

[0020] (a) to provide a portable game hoist that folds for storage and unfolds for use without disassembling the device;

[0021] (b) to provide a portable game hoist that does not have to be bound in the closed position;

[0022] (c) to provide a portable, foldable game hoist that in the closed position can be carried across the hunter's shoulder freeing the hunter's hands for other tasks;

[0023] (d) to provide a portable, foldable game hoist that can be mounted to a tree in the open or closed position;

[0024] (e) to provide a portable game hoist that can be mounted to a tree from the left or right side using the same method;

[0025] (f) to provide a portable, foldable game hoist that can be folded into the closed position after usage while mounted to a tree, pole, or post;

[0026] (g) to provide a portable game hoist that in the closed position is void of loose parts that might make noise while being carried into the woods;

[0027] (h) to provide a game hoist that is not dependent on a vehicle for usage;

[0028] Further objects and advantages of my portable game hoist will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

[0029] These and other objects and advantages of my game hoist are accomplished in accordance with the principles of the invention by providing a game hoist that is both portable and foldable. A winch is attached to the lower end of a vertical support member. A main bracket is attached to the upper end of the vertical member. A horizontal lifting arm is pivotally attached inside the main bracket. At the end of the horizontal lifting arm opposite the main bracket is a front bracket. A nylon strap is attached to the winch. This strap extends up and across a nylon bushing mounted inside the main bracket and then continues across a second nylon bushing mounted inside the front bracket. The apparatus has two hooks mounted to the top of the main bracket. These hooks are used to secure the invention to a tree, pole, or post with a chain.

[0030] My game hoist allows the hunter to suspend the game animal above the ground. This permits the hunter full access to the animal and requires only a tree, pole, or post for full function.

[0031] When not in use, my game hoist can be readily folded by removing a single pin and rotating the horizontal lifting arm down until it is parallel or near parallel to the vertical support member. By tightening the winch the hoist can then be secured in the folded position. The end of the horizontal lifting arm opposite the main bracket rests inside the drum of the winch. There is no need to take extra steps to bind the game hoist in the closed position.

[0032] In the folded position, my game hoist can be carried across the hunter's shoulder freeing the hands for other tasks. This is accomplished by hooking the chain into the karabiner at one end and the removable pin at the other. The chain is then used as a sling to carry the invention.

[0033] FIG. 1 shows side view of the portable game hoist mounted to a tree, pole, or post with a deer carcass attached.

[0034] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the portable game hoist in the open position.

[0035] FIG. 3 shows side view of the portable game hoist in the folded position mounted to a tree pole, or post.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows side view of portable game hoist in the closed position.

[0037] FIG. 5 shows view of the portable game hoist in the folded position being carried across the hunter's shoulder.

[0038] FIG. 6 shows side view of the portable game hoist, with a mitered main bracket, mounted to a tree, pole, or post.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows top view of the portable game hoist with telescoping horizontal lifting arm.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 2, a portable game hoist 12 includes a vertical support member 16, which is rigidly attached between a left half main bracket 18aand a right half main bracket 18b, which together make up a main bracket 18c. A horizontal lifting arm 14 is pivotally attached inside the main bracket 18cwith a pivot bolt 28 and a removable bolt or ball pin 30. Rigidly affixed to the end of horizontal lifting arm 14 distal vertical support member 16 is a left half front bracket 26aand a right half front bracket 26b, which make up a front bracket 26c. A hand winch 24ais rigidly attached to the lower end of vertical support member 16. A molded removable winch knob 38 secures a curved winch handle 24bto hand winch 24a.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a hoist line 36 is attached to hand winch 24aand extends inside main bracket 18cand is supported by an inner axle bolt 32. Hoist line 36 further extends between front bracket 26cand is supported by an outer axle bolt 34. A gambrel 52 is attached to the end of hoist line 36 opposite hand winch 24aby a karabiner or steel hook 50. A deer carcass 54 is attached to gambrel 52.

[0042] Continuing with FIG. 1, portable game hoist 12 is secured to a tree, pole, or post 56 at the top by a chain 20. Chain 20 is looped into a pair of mounting hooks 42alocated on top of main bracket 18c. The end of main bracket 18c, distal horizontal support arm 14, serves as cleats 42b. Cleats 42bprevent the hoist from sliding down the tree. Portable game hoist 12 is further secured to the tree, pole, or post 56 at the bottom by a cinch strap 22. A pointed bolt 40, used to secure hand winch 24ato vertical support member 16, extends through vertical support member 16. Pointed bolt 40 serves to penetrate tree, pole, or post 56 and further prevent slippage.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the portable game hoist 12 can be folded by removing a removable bolt or ball pin 30. Horizontal lifting arm 14 is then rotated so that the end distal main bracket 18crest inside the drum of hand winch 24a. A ball pin 48 and a removable plug 46 can be removed. The chain can then be stored inside horizontal lifting arm 14.

[0044] (12) portable game hoist

[0045] (14) horizontal lifting arm

[0046] (16) vertical support member

[0047] (18a) left half main bracket

[0048] (18b) right half main bracket

[0049] (18c) main bracket

[0050] (20) chain

[0051] (22) cinch strap

[0052] (24a) hand winch

[0053] (24b) curved winch handle

[0054] (26a) left half front bracket

[0055] (26b) right half front bracket

[0056] (26c) front bracket

[0057] (28) pivot bolt

[0058] (30) removable bolt or ball pin

[0059] (32) inner axle bolt

[0060] (34) outer axle bolt

[0061] (36) hoist line

[0062] (37) lifting eye

[0063] (38) molded removable winch knob

[0064] (40) pointed bolt

[0065] (42a) mounting hooks

[0066] (42b) cleats

[0067] (43) mounting slot

[0068] (44a) bushing

[0069] (44b) pulley

[0070] (46) removable end plug

[0071] (48) ball pin

[0072] (50) karabiner or steel hook

[0073] (52) gambrel

[0074] (54) deer carcass

[0075] (56) tree, pole, or post

[0076] Portable game hoist 12 is constructed of a lightweight alloy, preferably aluminum. Referring to FIG. 2 the main body of portable game hoist 12 consists of two pieces of aluminum tubing, vertical support member 16, and horizontal lifting arm 14, connected perpendicular or near perpendicular to each other by main bracket 18c.

[0077] Main bracket 18cserves five purposes. First, main bracket 1&c serves as a support mechanism for horizontal lifting arm 14. Second, the design of main bracket 18cprovides a pair of cleats 42b. Cleats 42bprevents portable game hoist 12 from sliding down tree. Third, main bracket 18cserves to provide a pivot point on which horizontal lifting arm 14 can be folded for storage. Fourth, main bracket 18cserves as an anchor for inner axle bolt 32. Finally, main bracket 18cprovides an anchor point for mounting hooks 42aused to anchor portable game hoist 12 to the tree.

[0078] Still referring to FIG. 2, main bracket 18cis made up of two unequal angles identified as left half main bracket 18aand right half main bracket 18b. Left half main bracket 18aand right half main bracket 18bare rigidly attached on opposite sides of the top end of vertical support member 16. Horizontal lifting arm 14 is pivotally attached to main bracket 18cby pivot bolt 28 and removable bolt or ball pin 30. Pivot bolt 28 is located near the end of main bracket 18cdistal from vertical support member 16. Removable bolt or ball pin 30 is located between pivot bolt 28 and vertical support member 16. Inner axle bolt 32 is located in main bracket 18cinside the point where vertical support member 16 and horizontal lifting arm 14 meets. Rigidly attached to opposite sides of horizontal lifting arm 14, distal main bracket 18care a left half front bracket 26aand a right half front bracket 26b, which together form a front bracket 26c. Outer axel bolt 34 is located in front bracket 26c. A bushing 44ais used on the outer and inner axel to prevent wear of the nylon strap used as hoist line 36.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 1 hand winch 24ais rigidly attached to the lower end of vertical support member 16 on the same side as horizontal lifting arm 14. Attached to hand winch 24ais hoist line 36 with a lifting eye 37. Hoist line 36 extends over inner axle bolt 32 and further extends over and beyond outer axle bolt 34. Gambrel 52 is readily attached to the end of hoist line 36 via karabiner or steel hook 50. Hand winch 24ais secured at the bottom by pointed bolt 40. Pointed bolt 40 is used to steady the hoist, once on the tree.

[0080] Rigidly attached to either side of the top surface of main bracket 18cis mounting hooks 42a. Mounting hooks 42aare located a short distance behind cleats 42b.

[0081] With reference to FIG. 3, hold portable game hoist 12 perpendicular to tree, pole, or post 56. Place a loop of chain 20 over one of mounting hooks 42a. Wrap chain 20 around tree, pole, or post 56, removing all possible slack and then place chain 20 onto remaining mounting hook 42a. Pull down on the opposite end of the game hoist until pointed bolt 40 makes contact with tree, pole, or post 56. Secure the bottom of portable game hoist 12 to tree, pole, or post 56 with cinch strap 22.

[0082] With reference to FIG. 1, unlock hand winch 24a. Remove removable bolt or ball pin 30 and raise horizontal lifting arm 14 until perpendicular or greater than perpendicular to vertical support member 16. Replace removable bolt or ball pin 30, thus securing horizontal lifting arm 14 in the working position. Pull hoist line 36 down to the desired height. Lock hand winch 24a. Attach loaded gambrel 52 to hoist line 36 via karabiner or steel hook 50. Using hand winch 24a, raise load to the desired height.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, portable game hoist 12 is in the folded position. There is no need to apply any devices to secure portable game hoist 12 in the folded position. Because of the location of inner axle bolt 32 and outer axle bolt 34, portable game hoist 12 can be secured in the folded position by simply tightening hand winch 24a.

[0084] Still referring to FIG. 4, when not in use, ball pin 48 and removable end plug 46 are removed and the chain is stored inside horizontal lifting arm 14.

[0085] FIG. 5 shows portable game hoist 12 being carried across the hunter's shoulder using chain 20 as a sling.

[0086] In the Construction of the Invention section, main bracket 18cis identified as being constructed out of two pieces of unequal angle. Let it be noted that someone skilled in the art might construct the main bracket 18cfrom a piece of material other than unequal angle such as channel, flat plate, equal angle, or other shapes that might provide the same results. Though unequal angle is preferred, it is recognized that it is not the only material that will accomplish the desired results.

[0087] Also, the end of main bracket 18cthat serves as the cleats 42bcan be made several ways. FIG. 1 shows main bracket 18cwith a square cut on the end that serves as cleats 42b. While FIG. 6 shows main bracket 18cwith a mitered cut on the end that serves as cleats 42b. The mitered cut angles vertical support member 16 away from the tree. This eliminates stress on the vertical member created by lifting heavy loads.

[0088] FIG. 6 also shows a pulley 44blocated on the inner and outer axels to prevent wear should a rope or cable be used as hoist line 36.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 7 the horizontal lifting arm 14 can be made of two telescoping pieces. This would allow the hoist more reach in the working position.

[0090] FIG. 7 also shows a mounting slot 43 cut into top of main bracket 18c. Making an angled cut in top of main bracket 18cmakes mounting slot 43. The slot angles back towards the cleats 42b. The slots serve the same function as mounting hooks 42a.

[0091] In the Construction of the Invention section, portable game hoist 12 is constructed out of aluminum. Portable game hoist 12 can also be constructed from a selection of materials consisting of, but not limited to metal, metal alloy, carbon-graphite, fiberglass, epoxy, wood, wood composites, plastic, and plastic composites.

[0092] Portable game hoist 12 is intended to be used as a portable lifting device for hoisting deer, hogs, and the like in the field for immediate processing. It should also be noted that portable game hoist 12 can be used for many other lifting jobs including but not limited to lifting a four-wheeler to change a tire, lifting a lawn-mower to change a blade or tire, or raising a heavy object so that a truck, trailer, or four-wheeler may be backed underneath it for loading. The hoist can be made to lift heavier objects.

[0093] The main body, vertical support member 16, horizontal lifting arm 14 and main bracket 18c, can be adapted to other mounting devices. The invention could then be mounted for use in vehicles or atop platforms such as building, decks, or towers.

[0094] Though a hand winch 24ais preferred for the designed use, an electric winch can be substituted to perform more demanding jobs. Hoist line 36 can be selected from a selection of materials consisting of but not limited to rope, steel rope, and nylon strap.