US005385165A
`.
`5,385,165
`[1 Patent Number:
`United States Patent 1
`
`
`Hazinski et al. Jan. 31, 1995eeeEEEee[45] Date of Patent:
`
`[54] HUNTING BLIND
`[76]
`inventors: Daniel P, Hazinski, 4481 SW. 34th
`Ter., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33312;
`Sidney Samole, 6755 SW. 152nd St,
`Miami, Fla. 33157
`[21] Appl. No.: 191,365
`[22] Filed:
`Feb. 3, 1965
`[5 1]
`Tint, C16 oooccccccssscccccceesscsnsessensese EQ4H 15/40
`[52] WSL CL. cccccscccscsscescesescsccsecceeses 135/126; 135/905;
`.
`135/115
`[58] Field of Search............... 135/104, 106, 109, 115,
`135/117, 119, 905,901
`Ci
`Ref
`ferences
`Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2,442,132 5/1948 Laylthe oe 135/119 X
`3,103,050 9/1963 Reitmeier..........ccecesees 135/119 X
`
`56
`[se]
`
`-
`
`3,800,814 4/1974 Hibbert 0.0...eeseecseesee 135/119 X
`$,249,592 10/1993 Spri
`al.eee 135/905 X
`071999
`Springer et
`Primary Examiner—Carl D. Friedman
`4ssistant Examiner—Lan C. Mai
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A self erecting hunting blind is provided with a quick
`release opening. A self erecting structure is formed
`having a first lower loop and a second upper loopar-
`ranged transverse to the lower loop. The fabric cover-
`ing the upper transverse loop is divided into longitudi-
`nal halves which are releasably held together by a quick
`release apparatus. Upon releasing the quick release, the
`transverse loop halves move away from each other and
`fold flat against the ground completely uncovering a
`hunter within the blind. The blind may be used on the
`ground or over a boat.
`,
`
`10 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`
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`Page 1 of 7
`Page 1 of 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan, 31, 1995
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`Sheet 1 of 3
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`5,385,165
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`Page 2 of 7
`Page 2 of 7
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`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1005
`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1005
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`US. Patent
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`Jan, 31, 1995
`
`Sheet 2 of 3
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`5,385,165
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`Page 3 of 7
`Page 3 of 7
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`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1005
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan, 31, 1995
`
`Sheet 3 of 3
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`5,385,165
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`Page 4 of 7
`Page 4 of 7
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`DBR Finance, Inc., Ex. 1005
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`1
`
`HUNTING BLIND
`
`5,385,165
`
`BACKGROUND
`This invention relates in general to the field of porta-
`ble outdoorenclosures and in particular to the field of
`self erecting enclosures functioning as a duck hunting
`blind having an integral frame with attached fabric
`covering and arranged to rapidly open.
`PRIOR ART
`
`The priorart in the field of self erecting tent struc-
`tures relevant to the present invention is perhaps best
`exemplified in the use of a single continuous rod or wire
`to form the supporting frame. The resulting tent having
`two loop-like substructures crossing each other at a
`right angle whereby-one loop formsthe tent floor and
`the other forms the tent roof and walls. The spring
`supplies the forces needed to form the tent fabric into a
`tent structure. The self erecting feature of the tent being
`such that when thrown upinto the air the tent trans-
`formsfrom a circular shape to that of a fully formed tent
`when it settles onto the ground.
`In the above describedprior art, a relatively weather
`proof enclosureis effectuated which is readily erected
`and folded. While such tents are completely adequate
`for sleeping purposes, the same is not readily used as a
`blind for example, when hunting ducks. The integral
`zippered opening for gaining ingress and egress to the
`tent must first be zippered open. This of course takes a
`certain amountof time andis relatively inconvenientfor
`a hunter who is equipped with a long shotgun. The
`hunter must put the gun down, unzipper the opening,
`pick up the gun,step through the opening, aim the gun
`and then fire. By this time, the ducks may be so far away
`that there is no chance for a clean shot. Then too, there
`is the aspect of safety. Since the gun must be loaded,it
`is undesirable to put down,pick up and step through an
`opening with a loaded gun.
`Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present
`invention to provide a self erecting, pop-up enclosure
`for use as a duck blind which is readily opened by a
`hunter immediately prior to taking aim with for exam-
`ple, a shotgun.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a self erecting duck blind which is extremely portable
`and having a folded configuration allowing for such
`portability.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a duck blind which is not observable by passing over-
`head ducks and yet allows a hunter to be able to see
`passing overhead ducks.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a self erecting duck blind which is adaptable for use on
`land or a boat.
`Another object of the present invention is to provide
`a self erecting duck blind which can also be used to
`shelter a hunter from inclimate weather.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention accomplishes the above stated
`objectives, as well as others, as may be determined by a
`fair reading and interpretation of the specification
`herein including the drawings, abstract and claims ap-
`pended thereto.
`A single rod or wire is arranged and connected by a
`single connector and together with attached fabric
`forms a self erecting, pop-up, rapidly opening duck
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`blind. The base enclosure includes a lower loop which
`may be placed on the ground or over a boat. An upper
`loop is arranged transverse to the lower loop. A rod
`having spring-like characteristics is fitted to a substan-
`tially continuous sleeve provided in the tent fabric,
`which sleeve is configured in accordance with the
`lower and transverse loops.
`A slit opening is provided in the fabric along the
`length of the transverse loop at the approximate center
`thereof thereby dividing the transverse loop into two
`halves. A sleeve is formed on each side of the fabric
`along the length of the slit opening. A rod is fitted
`within each of the sleeves along the slit opening which
`rods take on the curved configuration of the sleeves
`along the longitudinal length of the slit opening in the
`transverse loop when the enclosureis erected. A strap,
`having a quick disconnect buckle, is attached at each
`end thereof to halves of the transverse loop. Upon dis-
`engaging the quick disconnect buckle, each half of the
`transverse loop rapidly falls away from the other caus-
`ing the entire blind structure to lie flat on the ground
`fully exposing the huntertherein.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`Various other objects, advantages and features of the
`imvention will become apparent to those skilled in the
`art from the following discussion taken in conjunction
`with the following drawings, in which:
`FIG.1 is an isometric view of the frameof the inven-
`tive duck blind;
`FIG.2 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG.1,
`FIG.3 is a side view of an erected duck blind show-
`ing the fabric attached to the frame;
`FIG.4 is an isometric view of a portion of the trans-
`verse loop halves showing the attachmentthereto
`of a quick disconnect buckle andstrap;
`FIG.5 is a side view ofthe blind of FIG. 3 showing
`partial opening of the transverse loop halves;
`FIG.6 is a side view of the blind showing the same in
`a fully open configuration; and
`FIG.7 is an isometric view of the blind in an open
`configuration.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`
`As required, detailed embodiments of the present
`invention are disclosed herein; however,it is to be un-
`derstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
`exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in
`various forms. Therefore, specific structural and func-
`tional detail disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
`limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
`representative basis for teaching oneskilled in the art to
`variously employ the present invention in virtually any
`appropriately detailed structure.
`Reference is now madeto the various figures of the
`drawings, wherein like characteristics and features of
`the present invention shown on the various figures are
`designated by the same reference numerals.
`FIG. 1 shows, in perspective, the rod or wire frame
`of the pop-up blind hunting structure 10illustrating the
`base, self erecting, single rod, frame 12 together with
`the additional frame 14 forming the rapidly opening
`hunting blind portion when the rod frameis fitted to
`tent fabric and when the blind structure 10 is in an
`erected mode. The base portion 12 may comprise a
`single rod or wire 16 which may be made from any
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`appropriate material having a spring like characteristic
`The spring tension in rods 16, 32 and 34 doestherest. It
`such as metal wire, fiberglass or the like, joined at its
`is to be noted that this simple procedure by a hunter
`ends by a single connector 18 forming an endless loop
`does not require putting down and picking up a loaded
`structure having a first lower loop 22 and a second
`gun. The invention herein is not to be limited to the use
`upper loop 24. For purposes of this description the
`of a strap and buckle, obvious equivalents such as vel-
`lower loop. 22 is sometimes referred to as the ground
`cro fastener may also be used.
`loop and the upper loop 24 is sometimes referred to as
`A top view of the ample opening 56 provided by
`the transverse loop. Thus, the ground loop 22 is in-
`blind 10 is shown in FIG. 7. Moreover, since halves 42
`tended to lie flat against the ground where theblind is
`and 44 completely fall away from each other, a hunter
`placed. The transverse loop 24 forms the height struc-
`has absolutely no obstructions in his way when he takes
`ture which provides the blind 10 with its vertical height
`aim and shoots. This aspect is extremely beneficial from
`and shape.
`.
`both a convenience and a safety standpoint.
`As seen in FIG. 3, blind fabric 26 is fitted to the
`Theblind fabric 26 maybe ofa screen or see through
`ground 22 and transverse 24 loops and formsthe protec-
`type having camouflage coloring. This allows a hunter
`tive fabric shell of the blind 10. A substantially continu-
`to have three hundred and sixty degrees of visibility
`ous sleeve 28 following the shape ofthe loops 22 and 24
`from within the blind 10 and yet provides him with
`as shown in FIG. 1 is provided in the blind fabric 26.
`hunting invisibility. Blind 10 may or may not be pro-
`Thus, the combination of the spring tension in rod 16
`vided with a floor. Without a floor, the blind 10 may be
`and the constraining configuration of sleeve 28 forms
`used with a boat. With the use ofa tentfly, the blind 10
`the blind 10 into the taut, self erecting and standing
`may be used for sleeping or other tent living purposes.
`shape shownin FIG.3.
`The divided halves of the transverse loop may also be
`Referring again to FIG.1, a first rod 32 extends be-
`used with a self erecting structure having two or more
`tween the front portion of the transverse loop 22 to the
`independent loops which are attached to each other by
`back portion thereof. A second rod 34 Similarly extends
`appropriate connectors located at opposite locations of
`between the front and back portion oftransverse loop
`the transverse loop at the end of the longitudinal axis
`22 and is substantially parallel to the first rod 32. In
`thereof.
`FIG.3,it is seen that rods 32 and 34 fit within sleeves 36
`While the invention has been described, disclosed,
`and 38, respectively, in tent fabric 26. Since sleeves 36
`illustrated and shown in certain terms or certain em-
`and 38 and 38 retain rods 32 34 and16 in position ac-
`bodiments or modifications which it has assumed in
`cordingto the configuration ofblind 10, there is no need
`practice, the scope of the inventionis not intended to be
`to providea hingeat thejuncture of rods 32 and 34 with
`limited nor should it be deemed to be limited thereby
`rod 16. In actuality, the blind fabric 26 at the juncture
`and such other modifications or embodiments as may be
`locations provide the hinging function.
`suggested by the teachings herein are particularly re-
`The framestructure shownin FIG. 2 provides a top
`served especially as they fall within the breath and
`view of the configuration of ground loop 22 and trans-
`scope of the claims here appended.
`verse loop 24. The center location of rods 32 and 34
`Weclaim as our invention:
`along transverse loop 24 is also shown.
`1.Aself erecting hunting blind comprising
`FIG. 3 showsblind 10 in a fully erected mode when
`one or morefirst elastic rod means joined at ends
`the sameis self erected by simply throwing the blind
`thereof by one or more connectors for forming a
`into the air and allowing it cometo rest on the ground.
`frame comprising a first lower loop and a second
`Theblind fabric 26 at the location of the transverse loop
`upper loop, said second loop arranged transverse
`24 may be consideredas beingslit along the line of rods
`to said first loop,
`32 and 34 or may be considered as being divided into
`a fabric covering configured to fit over said frame,
`two substantially identical haves 42 and 44. Asprevi-
`one or morefirst sleeve means provided in said fabric
`ously stated, a sleeve openingis provided at each end of
`covering for fitting therein said one or morefirst
`each half 42 and 44. Rod 32 is positioned within sleeve
`rod means and for constraining said rod means into
`36; rod 34 is positioned with sleeve 38, but, the overlap-
`said lower and upper loop configurations and
`ping is not essential to the invention. The existence of
`whereby said one or morefirst elastic rod means
`slight gap between sleeves 36 and 38 is not consequen-
`and said one or morefirst sleeve means form said
`tial.
`fabric into a taut, self erecting, hunting blind struc-
`FIG.4 showsa strap 46 attached between halves 42
`ture,
`and 44. One end 48 ofstrap 46 is attached such as by
`the fabric of said transverse loop being divided into
`sewing to half 42; while, the other end 52 of strap 46 is
`two longitudinal halves, and
`attached to half 44. A quick disconnect type of buckle
`means for releasably attaching together said two
`54 connects the sections of strap 46 together. When
`halves.
`buckle 54 is connected, the halves 42 and 44 remain in
`2. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 1 including
`the overlapped position shown in FIG.4 andtheblind
`second and third rod means for supporting adjoining
`10 is in the erected position shown in FIG. 3. When
`edges of said transverse loop halves.
`buckle 54 is disconnected, the spring tension in loop 24
`3. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 2 including
`causes halves 42 and 44 to rapidly move away from
`second and third sleeve means in said fabric halves
`each other and blind 10 begins to open as schematically
`fitting therein said second and third rod means.
`shown in FIG. 5. Almost immediately thereafter, the
`4. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 1 wherein
`blind fully opens, as schematically shown in FIG.6,
`said releasing means comprises a strap having two ends
`with each half42 and 44 oftransverse loop 24 comingto
`one of whichis attached to one ofsaid transverse loop
`rest against respective portions of loop 22 which is
`halves, and the other end being attached to the other of
`already on the ground.It maybe readily envisioned that
`said transverse loop halves.
`the opening of blind 10 is initiated by a hunter from
`5. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 4 including
`inside of the blind by simply disconnecting buckle 54.
`buckle connecting halves of said step.
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`5
`6. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 4 wherein
`said buckle is a quick release buckle.
`7. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 1 wherein
`said blind fabric comprises a see through fabric.
`8. The hunting blind apparatus of claim 1 wherein
`said blind fabric is colored to blend into the environ-
`ment surrounding said hunting blind.
`9. A self erecting hunting blind comprising
`first elastic rod means forminga first lowerloop,
`second elastic rod means forming a second loop, said
`second loop arrangedtransverseto said first loop,
`said first and second loops being connected together
`at a location at opposite longitudinal ends of said
`transverse loop,
`a fabric configured to fit over said first and second
`loops,
`said fabric over said transverse loop being divided
`into longitudinal halves, and
`
`6
`means for releasably attaching together said trans-
`verse loop fabric halves.
`10. A self erecting hunting blind comprising
`a single elastic rod means joined at ends thereof by a
`single connector for forming an endless frame com-
`prising a first lower loop and a second upper loop,
`said second upper loop arranged transverse to said
`first loop,
`a fabric covering configured to fit over said first and
`second loops,
`sleeve means provided in said fabric covering for
`fitting therein said rod means and for constraining
`said rod means into said lower and upper loops,
`said fabric over said second loop being divided into
`two halves, and
`means for releasably attaching together said halves of
`said fabric over said second loop.
`*
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`*
`*
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`5,385,165
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