Game Carcass Dragging Tote with Self-Clamping Rigid Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transporting heavy game carcasses from remote areas to locations suitable for vehicular transport or processing is challenging due to the difficulty in securely dragging them, especially in wet or muddy conditions where tow ropes or cables often come loose.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, pocket-sized tote with two rigid members that clamp securely to grip the leg or ankle regions of a game carcass, allowing a flexible tow rope or cable to be used to drag the carcass, featuring aligned passages for the rope and a knot to prevent slippage, and optionally incorporating a commercially available clamping device for secure retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a tow rope or cable is tied to the carcass for dragging, then the carcass can be transported from remote location, but the rope or cable frequently comes loose when carcass becomes mired in wet or muddy ground
Solution Approach 1:
The tote device automatically clamps onto the carcass leg when dragging force is applied, and self-retains through friction and geometry without requiring manual intervention. The device serves itself by using the dragging force to activate and maintain its gripping function, eliminating the need for continuous human attention to prevent loosening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tote acts as an intermediary device between the tow rope and the carcass leg. Instead of directly tying the rope to the carcass (which comes loose), the rope connects to the tote, which in turn securely grips the leg. This intermediate gripping mechanism prevents the connection from loosening in wet or muddy conditions.
2Reliability
If a game drag device is used to securely drag the carcass, then the carcass can be dragged without coming loose, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The tote is segmented into two separate rigid members that can be stored independently in a hunter's pocket or pack. When needed, they are assembled into a functional gripping device. This segmentation allows the device to be compact and lightweight for carrying, yet provide full gripping function when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tote members are designed to be flexible during storage (can be bent or rolled) but become rigid and stable when assembled and engaged with the carcass leg. The device transitions from a compact, flexible storage state to a rigid, functional state during use, providing secure gripping without excessive weight.
3Reliability
If the two rigid members are clamped securely to grip the leg, then the carcass can be retained, but the members need to be precisely aligned for proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The recesses on each rigid member are designed with asymmetric geometries that complement each other, creating a unique fitting relationship. This asymmetric design provides natural alignment cues that guide the members into proper engagement position, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances while ensuring reliable retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A tote for dragging a game carcass has first and second identically configured rigid members that are movable toward each other to bring each of two side-by-side recesses defined by one of the members into alignment with a different one of the recesses defined by the other of the members when the members are urged toward engagement. An alignment assisting projection carried by the one member is extensible into an opening defined by the other member. The recesses are preferably substantially semi-circular and sized to close about and grasp small regions of front or rear legs of a game carcass. A flexible tow rope or cable extends through aligned passages of the rigid members and connects with a handle. Pulling the tow rope or cable can help clamp the rigid members together.