Duck Blind Ladder Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel duck blind ladder device. The device is a specialized steel frame ladder to help hunters navigate in and out of a duck blind. The duck blind ladder device comprises a body component, comprised of two end-rail components with a plurality of step rails connecting the two end-rail components into a steel welded ladder that is approximately 30 high and 17 wide. Further, the duck blind ladder device comprises a removable handle for holding on to. Additionally, the duck blind ladder device comprises two right-angle hooks at the top of the ladder to secure to the lip of the duck blind. Finally, the ladder also compromises a 6 bottom step to accommodate a user's boots when using the device.

Claims

1. A duck blind ladder device that helps hunters navigate in and out of a duck blind, the duck blind ladder device comprising: a body component comprising two parallel end-rail components and a plurality of rung rails; wherein the plurality of rung rails are disposed between the two parallel end-rail components and secured to create a ladder configuration; and wherein the plurality of rung rails have a substantially horizontal orientation and ends of the plurality of rung rails engage the two parallel end-rail components to create the ladder configuration; and further wherein the plurality of rung rails provide weight bearing support for a user to climb up and down the duck blind ladder device and into and out of a duck blind.

2. The duck blind ladder device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of rung rails are comprised of three rung rails.

3. The duck blind ladder device of claim 2, wherein the duck blind ladder device is approximately 30 in height and 17 wide.

4. The duck blind ladder device of claim 1, wherein the duck blind ladder device comprises a plurality of step rails that are disposed between the two parallel end-rail components and secured.

5. The duck blind ladder device of claim 4, wherein the plurality of step rails each comprise a front step portion, a rear step portion, a first side portion with a step connector and an opposing second side portion with an opposing second step connector.

6. The duck blind ladder device of claim 5, wherein the plurality of step rails or the plurality of rung rails comprise a non-slip tread component to prevent injuries.

7. The duck blind ladder device of claim 6, wherein the duck blind ladder device compromises a bottom step which allows the duck blind ladder device to stand upright to accommodate a user's boots when in use.

8. The duck blind ladder device of claim 7 further comprising a removable handle.

9. The duck blind ladder device of claim 8, wherein the removable handle secures to one or both of the two parallel end-rail components.

10. The duck blind ladder device of claim 9 further comprising two right-angle hooks secured to a top of the duck blind ladder device.

11. The duck blind ladder device of claim 10, wherein the two right-angle hooks are positioned over a lip of a duck blind, to secure the duck blind ladder device within the duck blind.

12. The duck blind ladder device of claim 11, wherein the duck blind ladder device comprises a plurality of battery-powered lights positioned along the two parallel end-rail components or the plurality of rung rails.

13. The duck blind ladder device of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

14. A duck blind ladder device that helps hunters navigate in and out of a duck blind, the duck blind ladder device comprising: a body component comprising two parallel end-rail components, a plurality of rung rails, a bottom step, a removable handle, and two right-angle hooks; wherein the plurality of rung rails are disposed between the two parallel end-rail components in a substantially horizontal orientation and secured to create a ladder configuration; wherein the plurality of rung rails provide weight bearing support for a user to climb up and down the duck blind ladder device and into and out of a duck blind; wherein the bottom step allows the duck blind ladder device to stand upright to accommodate a user's boots when in use; wherein the removable handle is secured to one or both of the two parallel end-rail components during use; and further wherein the two right angle hooks are secured to a top of the duck blind ladder device and are positioned over a lip of the duck blind, to secure the duck blind ladder device within the duck blind.

15. The duck blind ladder device of claim 14 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

16. The duck blind ladder device of claim 14, wherein the duck blind ladder device comprises a plurality of step rails that are disposed between the two parallel end-rail components and secured.

17. The duck blind ladder device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of step rails each comprise a front step portion, a rear step portion, a first side portion with a step connector, and an opposing second side portion with an opposing second step connector.

18. The duck blind ladder device of claim 17, wherein the plurality of step rails or the plurality of rung rails comprise a non-slip tread component to prevent injuries.

19. The duck blind ladder device of claim 14, wherein the duck blind ladder device comprises a plurality of battery-powered lights positioned along the two parallel end-rail components or the plurality of rung rails.

20. A method of entering and exiting a duck blind via a ladder device, the method comprising the following steps: providing a duck blind ladder device comprising a body component with two parallel end rails with a plurality of step rails connecting the two end rails into a steel welded ladder; utilizing the two right angle hooks at the top of the ladder to secure the device to the lip of the duck blind; securing the removable handle to the duck blind ladder device, such that a user can use the handle to easily climb up and down the ladder device; and utilizing the 6 bottom step, which accommodates a user's boots to climb up the ladder device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of one embodiment of the duck blind ladder device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the duck blind ladder device of the present invention showing the 6 bottom step to accommodate boots in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the duck blind ladder device of the present invention showing the two right-angle hooks at the top of the ladder in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of one embodiment of the duck blind ladder device of the present invention showing the removable handle in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart showing the method of entering and exiting a duck blind via a ladder device in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0031] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0032] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a duck blind ladder device that provides users with a three-step steel ladder for use with a duck blind. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a duck blind ladder device that features two right-angle hooks for convenient attachment to the lip of a duck blind. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a duck blind ladder device that includes a 24 removable handle for ease of lowering a hunter into a duck blind. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that eliminates dangerous maneuvers of standing on less than sturdy furniture or equipment to climb in and out of a duck blind. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a duck blind ladder device wherein the handle can be removed for concealment while using the duck blind. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a duck blind ladder device that comprises a 6 bottom step to accommodate boots.

[0033] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel duck blind ladder device. The device is a specialized steel frame ladder to help hunters navigate in and out of a duck blind. The duck blind ladder device comprises a body component comprised of two end-rail components with a plurality of step rails connecting the two end-rail components into a steel welded ladder. Further, the duck blind ladder device comprises a removable handle for holding on to. Additionally, the duck blind ladder device comprises two right-angle hooks at the top of the ladder to secure to the lip of the duck blind. Finally, the ladder also compromises a 6 bottom step to accommodate a user's boots when using the device.

[0034] The present invention also includes a novel method of entering and exiting a duck blind via a ladder device. The method includes the steps of providing a duck blind ladder device comprising a body component with two parallel end rails with a plurality of step rails connecting the two end rails into a steel welded ladder. The method also comprises utilizing the two right-angle hooks at the top of the ladder to secure the device to the lip of the duck blind. Further, the method comprises securing the removable handle to the duck blind ladder device, such that a user can use the handle to easily climb up and down the ladder device. Finally, the method comprises utilizing the 6 bottom step which accommodates a user's boots to climb up the ladder device.

[0035] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the duck blind ladder device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the duck blind ladder device 100 is an improved duck blind ladder device 100 that helps hunters navigate in and out of a duck blind 110. Specifically, the duck blind ladder device 100 comprises a body component 102 comprised of two parallel end-rail components 104 with a plurality of step 106 or rung 108 rails connecting the two end-rail components 104 into a ladder configuration for use in a duck blind 110.

[0036] Generally, the duck blind ladder device 100 comprises a body component 102 comprising two parallel end-rail components 104 with a plurality of step 106 or rung 108 rails connecting the two end-rail components 104 into a ladder configuration. Any suitable number of steps 106 or rungs 108 can be utilized as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the ladder device 100 comprises three steps 106 or rungs 108 to comfortably allow a user to climb up and down with case.

[0037] Furthermore, the duck blind ladder device 100 is approximately 30 in height and 17 wide but can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as a user can utilize the ladder device 100 to enter and exit a duck blind 110 or other similar structure. Preferably, the duck blind ladder device 100 should be the same height as the duck blind structure 110 and typically flush with the top 112 of the duck blind 110 to maintain concealment of the structure. Further, the width of the steps 106 or rungs 108 are typically wide enough, such that a user can stand with both boots or other shoes on a step 106/rung 108 at the same time.

[0038] In one embodiment, there is a plurality of step rails 106 that are disposed between the two parallel end-rail components 104 and secured. The step rails 106 are typically rectangular components manufactured of wood, metal, or heavy-duty plastic. Each of the plurality of step rails 106 comprise a front step portion 114, a rear step portion 116, a first side portion 118 with a step connector 120, and an opposing second side portion 122 with an opposing second step connector 124. The step connectors 120 and 124 secure the step rails 106 to the end-rail components 104 via gluing, bolts, screws, welding, etc., or any other suitable means as is known in the art.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, in another embodiment, there is a plurality of rung rails 108 that are secured between the two parallel end-rail components 104 creating the ladder configuration. The rung rails 108 are typically rods of metal, such as steel, iron, aluminum, an aluminum alloy composite material, metallic alloys, wood, ceramic composites, heavy-duty plastic, or any combination of these materials, etc. The rung rails 108 are secured to the end-rail components 104 via any suitable securing means, such as welding, bolts, screws, etc.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment, either the rung rails 108 and/or the step rails 106 comprise a non-slip tread component 200. The non-slip tread component 200 can be any suitable non-slip material that prevents a user from slipping on the rungs 108 and/or steps 106 during use.

[0041] Generally, the steps 106 and/or rungs 108 have a substantially horizontal orientation and the ends 202 of the steps 106 and/or rungs 108 engage the parallel end-rail components 104 to create the ladder configuration. The ends 202 of the steps 106 and/or rungs 108 provide weight bearing support for the steps 106/rungs 108 and maintain the steps 106/rungs 108 in a substantially horizontal orientation in the ladder configuration.

[0042] Additionally, the duck blind ladder device 100 also compromises a 6 bottom step 204 to accommodate a user's boots when using the ladder device 100. The bottom step 204 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, as long as the bottom step 204 allows the ladder device 100 to stand upright, away from a wall 206 of the duck blind 110. The bottom step 204 prevents the ladder device 100 from being placed directly against a wall 206, such that a user does not have room to place their boots/shoes on the rungs 108/steps 106 of the ladder device 100 during use. Typically, a 6 bottom step 204 extends outwardly from the pair of rail components 104 and provides for a stable base, such that the ladder device 100 can stand on its own without being placed directly against a wall 206 of the duck blind 110.

[0043] Furthermore, the duck blind ladder device 100 also comprises a removable handle 208. The handle 208 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the handle 208 secures to one or both of the end-rail components 104. The handle 208 is typically a rod or bar that fits onto one or both of the end-rail components 104. Once in place, a user holds onto the handle 208 to easily climb up and down on the ladder device 100. Once inside the duck blind 110, the handle 208 can then be removed and placed inside the duck blind 110, to maintain concealment. The handle 208 can then be reattached and used to climb out of the duck blind 110 via the ladder device 100.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the duck blind ladder device 100 comprises two right-angle hooks 300 at the top 302 of the ladder device 100 to secure to the lip 112 of the duck blind 110. The right-angle hooks 300 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as well as the shape and size of the duck blind 110. Typically, the top 112 of the duck blind 110 comprises a lip, an edge, or other suitable configuration for securing the ladder device 100. Generally, the two hooks 300 are shaped in a right-angle configuration, or other similar configuration that allows the ladder device 100 to be hung from the lip 112 or edge of the duck blind 110. The two hooks 300 are secured to the top 302 of the end-rail components 104 at an end of the ladder device 100 via any suitable securing means such as gluing, welding, screws, bolts, etc. Once secure, the hooks 300 are then positioned over the lip 112 or edge of the duck blind 110, holding the ladder device 100 in place within the duck blind 110.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the duck blind ladder device 100 can comprise a plurality of battery-powered lights 400 which are positioned along the end-rail components 104 and/or the step 106 or rung 108 rails to illuminate the device 100 and prevent falls or accidents while climbing up and down the ladder device 100.

[0046] Furthermore, the duck blind structure 110 can be any suitable structure as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the duck blind 110 comprises a frame comprising a closed perimeter base with a front member, a rear member, and side members covered by a cover or other structure with an open top for inserting the duck blind ladder device 100. Any suitable materials and equipment can be stored within the duck blind structure 110, depending on the wants and/or needs of a user.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, the duck blind ladder device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. The body component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the body component 102, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as, but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be hunting, duck, or brand related.

[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of the method of entering and exiting a duck blind via a ladder device. The method includes the steps of at 500, providing a duck blind ladder device comprising a body component with two parallel end rails with a plurality of step rails connecting the two end rails into a steel welded ladder. The method also comprises at 502, utilizing the two right-angle hooks at the top of the ladder to secure the device to the lip of the duck blind. Further, the method comprises at 504, securing the removable handle to the duck blind ladder device, such that a user can use the handle to easily climb up and down the ladder device. Finally, the method comprises at 506, utilizing the 6 bottom step which accommodates a user's boots to climb up the ladder device.

[0049] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein duck blind ladder device, ladder device, and device are interchangeable and refer to the duck blind ladder device 100 of the present invention.

[0050] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the duck blind ladder device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the duck blind ladder device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the duck blind ladder device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the duck blind ladder device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the duck blind ladder device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0051] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0052] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.