FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally related to a portable shelf and, more specifically, a portable shelf that is mountable to a tree.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Outdoor recreational activity is common. Camping, hunting, and hiking are all common recreational activities. Often, individuals will set up a camp or similar location where they will leave the substance of their belongings. The belongings typically stay within a bag, cooler, or other portable container, where they are generally inconvenient to access. The belongings stay in these portable containers because there is no other location on which to keep or store belongings, short of dragging furniture into the woods. Ideally, there would be a transportable item, built for outdoor use, which could be used to hold belongings in an accessible position.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for a tree shelf. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system contains a backing having a proximate end and a distal end. A base, having a proximate end and a distal end, is pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing to the proximate end of the base. At least one base strap is connected to the backing and the base. A length of the strap between the backing and the base is adjustable. At least one tree strap is connected to the backing, whereby the tree strap is for mounting the backing to a tree.
The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for using a tree shelf. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: mounting a backing having a proximate end and a distal end to a tree using at least one tree strap connected to the backing; pivoting a base having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base, to an angle with the backing; connecting at least one base strap to the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base; and adjusting a length of the strap between the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base to hold the base at a substantially horizontal position.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the tree shelf, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the backing of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the backing of the tree shelf of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the base of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 7 is a side view of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using the tree shelf of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1 is a front view of the tree shelf 10, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tree shelf 10 contains a backing 14 having a proximate end and a distal end. A base 12, having a proximate end and a distal end, is pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing 14 to the proximate end of the base 12. At least one base strap 16 is connected to the distal end of the backing 14 and to the distal end of the base 12. A length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjustable. A first tree strap 18A is connected to the backing 14, whereby the first tree strap 18A is for mounting the backing 14 to a tree.
As shown in FIG. 1, the base straps 16 are connected to the distal end of the backing 14 and to the distal end of the base 12. A length of the base straps 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjustable. The base straps 16 may be connected to other portions of the backing 14 and the base 12, such as, for example, a middle of the backing 14 and a middle of the base 12. Changing the connection points on the backing 14 and the base 12 for the base straps 16 may affect the course/fine leveling of the base 12 through length adjustment of the base straps 16.
The tree shelf 10 may further include a second tree strap 18B connected to the backing 14. The first and second tree straps 18A, 18B may include female fasteners 20A, 20B and male fasteners 22A, 22B that are removably fastenable about a tree. The first and second tree straps 18A, 18B may include adjustment mechanisms 24A, 24B that may be used to adjust a length of the tree straps 18A, 18B to securely fit the circumference of a tree. Other means of fastening the backing 14 to a tree are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a top view of the backing 14 of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the backing 14 of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown, the backing 14 may be made of a plurality of crossbars 26 and a plurality of vertical bars 28. The crossbars 26 may be angular or curved to conform to the shape of a tree. The backing 14 may further include a connection element 30 to facilitate connection between the backing 14 and the base 12.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tree shelf 10 contains a backing 14 and a base 12, pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing 14 to the proximate end of the base 12. The pivotal connection of the backing 14 and the base 12 is at pivotal connector 48 along connection element 30. The base strap 16 is connected to the distal end of the backing 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the base strap 16 may be connected to the distal end of the backing 14 by looping the base strap 16 around one of the crossbars 26 and stitching the base strap 16 to itself. Another way to connect the base strap 16 to the distal end of the backing 14 would be to use a bolt or other mechanical fastener to connect the base strap 16 to the backing 14. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other means of connecting the base strap 16 to the backing 14 are available and are considered within the scope of the present invention.
A length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjustable. As shown in FIG. 4, the base 12 may include multiple snap receivers 36 and the base strap 16 may have a snap connector 34 on an end of the base strap 16. The length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 may be adjusted by altering which snap receiver 36 is connected to the snap connector 34. As trees are generally not entirely vertical, adjusting the length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 may allow one to adjust the base 12 to a substantially horizontal position. Other means of making the length of the base strap 16 adjustable, particularly between the backing 14 and the base 12, are known to those skilled in the art and are considered within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a top view of the base 12 of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the base 12 may include a first, second, and third base section 44A, 44B, 44C. The base sections 44A, 44B, 44C may be pivotably interconnected by hinges 42. As shown in FIG. 5, the hinges 42 may be on alternating sides of the base 12. Specifically, one hinge 42 may be between the first and second base sections 44A, 44B may be on a top surface of the base 12, while another hinge 42 may be between the second and third base sections 44B, 44C. As will be detailed further herein, alternating locations of the hinges 42 may aid in storage purposes.
The base sections 44A, 44B, 44C may have base support members 46 connected internally to the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C. The base 12 may further include base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C mounted separately over each of the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, respectively. The base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C may be separate so as not to interfere with the hinges 42. The base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C may be a grate material, as shown in FIG. 5, to allow liquids, such as rain water, to at least partially pass through the base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C.
FIG. 6 is a side view of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 7 is also a side view of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It will be observed that the difference between FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 is that FIG. 6 shows the tree shelf 10 with the base 12 in an extended position, while FIG. 7 shows the base 12 in a folded position, with each of the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C visible. As shown in both FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tree shelf 10 includes a backing 14 having the plurality of crossbars 26 and the plurality of vertical bars 28. The backing 14 further includes a pivotal connector 48 along connection element 30. The pivotal connector 48 connects the backing 14 to the base 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the base 12 may further include a rod sleeve 54, which is discussed further herein. As shown in FIG. 7, the base 12 includes the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, which have been folded at the hinges 42 into parallel positions. The first base section 44A has been folded over the second base section 44B because the hinge 42 between them was located at a top of the base 12. The third base section 44C has been folded beneath the second base section 44B because the hinge 42 between them was located at a bottom of the base 12.
FIG. 8 is another side view of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It will be observed that the difference between FIG. 8 and FIG. 7 is that FIG. 8 shows the tree shelf 10 in a compacted position, with the base 12 folded up against the backing 14. Putting the tree shelf 10 in this position may be desirable for transporting or storing the tree shelf 10. The tree shelf 10 may be folded into this position while strapped to a tree, allowing the tree shelf 10 to be less conspicuous while not in use. The tree shelf 10 includes the backing 14 having the plurality of crossbars 26 and the plurality of vertical bars 28. The backing 14 further includes the pivotal connector 48 along connection element 30. The pivotal connector 48 pivotably connects the backing 14 to the base 12. The base 12 includes the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, which have been folded at the hinges 42 (not shown) into parallel positions. Base straps 16 (shown in FIG. 1) may be wrapped about the base 12 and backing 14 to hold the tree shelf 10 in a compact position. Storage snaps 38 (shown in FIG. 1) may be utilized to secure the base straps 16 about the base and backing 14.
FIG. 9 is a top view of the tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The tree shelf 10 contains the backing 14 having a proximate end and a distal end. The base 12, having a proximate end and a distal end, is pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing 14 to the proximate end of the base 12 at the pivotal connector 48. At least one base strap 16 is connected to the distal end of the backing 14 and to the distal end of the base 12. The base strap 16 is connected to the distal end of the backing 14 around one of the crossbars 26 and to the distal end of the base 12. The backing 14 includes the plurality of crossbars 26, the plurality of vertical bars 28, and the connection element 30. The base 12 includes the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, which may be folded at the hinges 42. The base sections 44A, 44B, 44C may have base support members 46 connected internally to the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C. The base 12 may further include base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C mounted separately over each of the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, respectively.
The base 12 may further include a rod sleeve 54 (shown in FIG. 6). The rod sleeve 54 may receive a rod 50. Inserting a rod 50 into the rod sleeve 54 may impede the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C from being folded at the hinges 42. When the tree shelf 10 is in use, allowing the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C to pivot at the hinges 42 may be undesirable. Therefore, the rod 50 should be inserted into the rod sleeve 54 before using the tree shelf 10. The rod 50 may further be attached to a tether 52, which attaches the rod 50 to another portion of the tree shelf 10. FIG. 9 shows the tether 52 attaching the rod 50 to the connection element 30. Those having ordinary skill in the art will recognize other means are known for temporarily impeding pivoting along a hinge, and those means are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart 200 illustrating a method of using the abovementioned tree shelf 10 of FIG. 1, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention.
As is shown by block 202, the backing 14 having a proximate end and a distal end, is mounted to a tree using at least one tree strap 18A connected to the backing 14. The base 12, having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing 14 is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base 12, is pivoted to an angle with the backing 14 (block 204). At least one base strap 16 is connected between the backing 14 and the base 12 (block 206). A length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjusted to hold the base 12 at a substantially horizontal position (block 208).
The base strap 16 may further be used to strap the tree shelf 10 in a compact position, such as that shown in FIG. 8. The length of the base straps 16 may be adjusted by changing connection points on the base 12 or the backing 14 or by using a strap adjuster similar to the adjustment mechanism 24A, 24B shown in FIG. 1. Also, while a tree is the intended purpose for the present invention, the tree shelf 10 may be attached to other substantially vertical elements without departing from the scope of the invention.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Patent Application
20070175370
