Mobile hunting stand

Abstract

A mobile hunting stand is provided that is suitable for use by both able and disabled persons. The present invention comprises a towed mobile base having a plurality of stabilizing leg members for use during set-up of the hunting stand. Located on the base is the actuation equipment, a hydraulic cylinder, pump and battery, for a lift mechanism. The lift mechanism is connected to a platform which may be raised above the mobile base for use in hunting, bird watching or otherwise as an observation post.

1 . A hunting stand comprising: 
 a mobile base, said mobile base having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of stabilizing leg members;    a hydraulically actuated lift mechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end mounted to said base; and    a platform attached to said second end of said hydraulically actuated lift mechanism.    
   
   
       2 . A hunting stand as in  claim 1 , wherein said lift mechanism, its associated hydraulic actuation system, and said platform are housed within said mobile base when said platform is in its stowed position.  
   
   
       3 . A hunting stand as in  claim 2 , wherein said hydraulic actuation system comprises: 
 a hydraulic cylinder having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end is affixed to said mobile base and said second end is affixed to said lift mechanism;    a hydraulic pump suitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic cylinder; and    a battery suited for providing power to operate said pump.    
   
   
       4 . A hunting stand as in  claim 3 , wherein said battery has a solar panel recharging system.  
   
   
       5 . A hunting stand as in  claim 2 , wherein said lift mechanism comprises a plurality of inter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a compressive force such that said members are rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical.  
   
   
       6 . A hunting stand as in  claim 5 , wherein said lift mechanism can raise said platform at least twelve feet above said mobile base.  
   
   
       7 . A hunting stand as in  claim 1 , wherein said mobile base is suitable for towing behind a vehicle.  
   
   
       8 . A hunting stand as in  claim 1 , wherein said platform is provided with a safety railing about its periphery and wherein at least one portion of said safety railing serves as a ramp when said platform is in its stowed position to allow for access to said platform by disabled persons.  
   
   
       9 . A hunting stand as in  claim 8 , wherein the width of said platform and said ramp is sufficient to allow access by standard sized manually-operated and motorized wheelchairs.  
   
   
       10 . A hunting stand as in  claim 1 , wherein said stand is provided with a plurality of manually adjustable straps for securing said stand to a nearby tree for additional stabilization.  
   
   
       11 . A hunting stand as in  claim 10 , wherein said platform is provided with foot operated controls to raise and lower said platform.  
   
   
       12 . A hunting stand as in  claim 11 , wherein said platform is provided with a safety ladder.  
   
   
       13 . A hunting stand comprising: 
 a mobile base, said mobile base having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of stabilizing leg members;    a lift mechanism having a first end and a second end, said first end mounted to said mobile base;    a hydraulic actuation system comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder having a piston end and a cylinder end, wherein said cylinder end is affixed to said mobile base and said piston end is affixed to said lift mechanism, a hydraulic pump suitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic cylinder, and a battery suited for providing power to operate said pump; and    a platform attached to said second end of said lift mechanism.    
   
   
       14 . A hunting stand as in  claim 13 , wherein said lift mechanism, its associated hydraulic actuation system, and said platform are housed within said mobile base when said platform is in its stowed position.  
   
   
       15 . A hunting stand as in  claim 13 , wherein said battery has a solar panel recharging system.  
   
   
       16 . A hunting stand as in  claim 13 , wherein said lift mechanism comprises a plurality of inter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a compressive force such that said members are rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical.  
   
   
       17 . A hunting stand as in  claim 16 , wherein said lift mechanism can raise said platform at least twelve feet above said mobile base.  
   
   
       18 . A hunting stand as in  claim 13 , wherein said mobile base is suitable for towing behind a vehicle.  
   
   
       19 . A hunting stand as in  claim 18 , wherein said platform is provided with a safety railing about its periphery and wherein at least one portion of said safety railing serves as a ramp when said platform is in its stowed position to allow for access to said platform by disabled persons and standard sized manually-operated and motorized wheelchairs.  
   
   
       20 . A hunting stand comprising: 
 a mobile base, said mobile base having a plurality of two-wheeled axles and a plurality of stabilizing leg members;    a lift mechanism comprising a plurality of inter-related crossed structural members rotatably affixed to the nearest other member substantially at their ends so as to allow them to is act upon each other with a compressive force such that said members are rotated from the horizontal toward the vertical, and wherein a first of said structural members has a first end and a last of said members has a second end, wherein said first end is mounted to said mobile base;    a hydraulic actuation system comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder having a piston end and a cylinder end, wherein said cylinder end is affixed to said mobile base and said piston end is affixed to said lift mechanism, a hydraulic pump suitable for extending and retracting said hydraulic cylinder, and a battery suited for providing power to operate said pump; and    a platform attached to said second end of said last member fo said lift mechanism.