Hunters able to hang around
CONNOQUENESSING TWP — A hunter all his life, David Phillips wasn't ready to give up on the sport.
And he wanted to make it more comfortable.
So his brain went to work on giving his body a break — and the Collapsible Hanging Chair was born.
Phillips, 57, of Connoquenessing Township took his invention to the Invention & New Product Exposition (INPEX) recently at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. He won a merit award for his efforts.
“This chair is for older, big guys like me who still want to hang out in the woods, but have a hard time getting around in the woods,” Phillips said.
He added that the chair is intended for hunters unable to climb a tree, have back issues and cannot sit for long periods of time.
“It's designed for someone who wants to hunt comfortably while staying in his or her favorite spot,” Phillips said. “And the chair swivels 360 degrees quietly, giving the hunter a complete view of the area while not alarming potential prey.”
The chair can be attached to the trunk of any sturdy tree and hangs like a swing. But it makes no noise.
It also comes with a “quad pod,” enabling its user to set up the chair without utilizing a tree.
“The hunter's feet can control movement of the chair in all directions, keeping his hands free for use of the weapon,” Phillips said.
He added that the chair isn't solely for hunters. It can be used in a yard, on a porch, at a camp, bird watching “at virtually any location.”
And one size fits all.
“The comfort level is my favorite part,” Phillips said, grinning.
He took part in the INPEX 2017 show in hopes of selling his patented rights to the chair, as well as giving exposure to his product.
“I can't produce the thing myself. I don't have the funding for that,” Phillips said. “I have been and hopefully will continue to meet with different stores and companies about marketing the product.
“I know this is worthwhile. There's definitely a place for it.”
The chair includes a blind and roof for the quad pod and tree application.
Phillips pointed out the danger of ticks while being in the woods.
“Sitting in this chair keeps a hunter off the ground or a log ... It greatly lessens the chance of getting a tick,” he said.
But the chair's biggest asset, he insists, is the added time in the wood it provides.
“I couldn't care less if I shoot a deer, a bear, whatever,” he said. “I love being out in the woods. Without this chair, I can't be out there long at all.
“With the chair, I can stay out there for hours.”
Ultimately, Phillips wants to sell the patent.
“I'd take the money if I can get it,” he said. “I'm inexperienced in marketing and all that stuff. But attending that (INPEX at the) convention center, the reaction and comments it got, I know this chair is a worthwhile thing.”
