Combined propulsion device and fishing shelter

Abstract

A fishing shelter combined with a propulsion device including an engine driven track drive supported on a frame. In one embodiment the frame is pivoted to be articulated with respect to a base-hull either at the front or rear thereof to enable towing or pushing transport of the fishing shelter. Steering is achieved by a steering member attached to the frame and inclined are the base-hull to enable a person seated in the base-hull to steer the propulsion device. In another embodiment, the base-hull is carried on the frame and pivoted skis are used to steer the propulsion device.

1 . In combination, a propulsion device for powered transport of a fishing shelter including a base-hull said propulsion device including a frame supported on one or more re-circulating drive tracks, an engine mounted on said frame and driving said one or more re-circulating drive tracks, said base-hull held by said frame to be adjacent said engine, a steering member mounted to said propulsion device and projecting over said base-hull to be graspable by a user seated on a seat mounted in aid base-hull, said propulsion devices so as to enable steering thereof by a user.  
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein said base-hull defines an enclosed space and is shaped with a sloping front end to enable minimal resistance to sliding over ice and snow, and wherein said frame and base-hull are connected by a pivotal joint establishing an articulated relationship between said base-hull and said propulsion device.  
   
   
       3 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein in said steering member is attached to said frame to enable turning thereof to enable steering.  
   
   
       4 . The combination according to  claim 1  further including a pivoted seat on said base-hull allowing a user to face forwardly or to one side of said base-hull.  
   
   
       5 . The combination according to  claim 1  wherein a seat is mounted in said base-hull to be slidable in a fore and aft direction to be positioned closer or further away from said steering member.  
   
   
       6 . The combination according to  claim 3  wherein said base-hull is pivotally connected to said frame to the rear to be towed thereby.  
   
   
       7 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein said base-hull is pivotally connected to said frame to be forward of said propulsion device to be pushed thereby, said steering member comprising a tiller extending forwardly over a rear part of said base-hull.  
   
   
       8 . The combination according to  claim 2  wherein said steering member is U-shaped having spaced apart legs each attached at free end to the rear part of said frame, at cross member connecting other ends thereof said steering member extending rearwardly over said base-hull to be graspable by a user in said base-hull.  
   
   
       9 . The combination according to  claim 1  wherein said propulsion device frame defines a platform extending rearwardly from said engine, said base-hull resting on said platform.  
   
   
       10 . The combination according to  claim 9  and wherein a pair of skis are mounted to an underside of said frame to support a front part of said propulsion device, said skis each pivotably supported on said frame and said steering member connected to both of said skis to cause turning thereof by rotating said steering member.  
   
   
       11 . The combination according to  claim 1  where a pair of side by side spaced apart recirculating tracks are mounted beneath said frame.  
   
   
       12 . The combination according to  claim 1  wherein said fishing shelter has a plurality of collapsible bows mounted to said base-hull having a flexible covering attached to said bows and a protective enclosure.