Hunter's backpack

Abstract

A hunter's backpack comprises a pack bag having a forward-facing side positioned to face an individual's back when said backpack is worn. A rigid frame extends substantially the full width and height of the pack bag. The rigid frame is removably fixed to the pack bag adjacent the forward-facing side so that it serves as a backpack support frame for maintaining the shape of the backpack and transferring the load of articles stored therein. The rigid frame includes axle attachment means for removable attachment of a pair of axles to the frame, the axles being stored in the backpack. A pair of wheels is also stored in the backpack. The wheels are removably attachable to the axles and rotatable thereon. Thus, the rigid frame, when removed from the pack bag, can be assembled with the axles and wheels, to form a game cart.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to hunting, and particularly to a backpack especially useful to hunters in that it can be used as a backpack for carrying hunting gear and supplies, but incorporates components of a two-wheeled cart that can be assembled by a hunter in a forest at a hunting site that is inaccessible to a motor vehicle, and used to transport the carcass of a deer or other game animal through the forest to the vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]The average weight of an adult male deer exceeds 200 pounds (91 kg). Even when field dressed, the weight of the deer carcass can exceed 150 pounds (68 kg), making it very difficult for a hunter to carry. The site at which a deer is killed is more often than not at a location in a forest that is far from a road, and inaccessible to a truck or automobile. For these reasons, it is common for a hunter to utilize a cart to transport a deer carcass from a hunting site to a vehicle parked at a remote location. V...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]This invention utilizes a removable internal backpack frame that can be quickly and easily converted into a game transport cart.

[0007]A hunter's backpack in accordance with the invention comprises a pack bag formed of fabric and having a forward facing side positioned to face an individual's back when said backpack is worn. A rigid frame is provided in the pack bag, extending substantially the full width and height of the pack bag. The rigid frame is removably fixed to the pack bag adjacent the forward facing side so that it serves as a backpack support frame for maintaining the shape of the backpack and transferring the load of articles stored therein. Axle attachment means, preferably sockets, are provided for removable attachment of a pair of axles to the frame, the axles being stored in the backpack. A pair of wheels is also stored in the backpack. The wheels are removably attachable to the axles and rotatable thereon. Thus, the rigid frame, when removed from the pack bag, can be assembled with the axles and wheels, to form a game cart.

[0012]In a preferred embodiment, an additional fabric layer overlying a panel on the forward-facing side of the pack bag and located either on the inner or outer side of the panel, forms a pocket having a height extending from a location adjacent the top of the backpack to a location adjacent the bottom of the backpack, and a width extending from a location adjacent the right side of the backpack to a location adjacent the left side. The pocket has an opening, extending along its top, its right side, its left side or its bottom, for removably receiving the rigid frame.

Problems solved by technology

Even when field dressed, the weight of the deer carcass can exceed 150 pounds (68 kg), making it very difficult for a hunter to carry.

Even when designed for compactness, or constructed so that they can be taken down or folded, game carts are generally cumbersome, and increase the burden on the hunter, who also needs to be equipped with a rifle, ammunition, and other hunting gear and supplies.

However the frames themselves add to the overall weight of the backpack.

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