Abstract:
A climbing tree stand having a continuous length adjustment for the tensile member passing around the tree. FIG.  1  shows the stand, incorporating a foot platform and a seat platform. Each platform is bound to the tree by a flexible tensile member. Each tensile member is removably connected to a first and second slider. Each slider rides along a bar. The slider is ordinarily clamped firmly to the bar. It can only be moved by the user pressing a lock plate and sliding it along. Thus, the tensile member can be adjusted without ever releasing it from the platform. In addition, if the user should accidentally release his or her grip on the slider, the slider will lock itself in position and prevent the platform dislodging.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit, pursuant to 37 C.F.R. §1.53 (c), of an earlier filed provisional application. The provisional application listed the same inventors. It was filed on Jun. 8, 2004 and assigned Ser. No. 60/578,181. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
       [0002]     Not Applicable  
       MICROFICHE APPENDIX  
       [0003]     Not Applicable  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0005]     This invention relates to the field of tree stands. More specifically, the invention comprises a tree stand having a continuously adjustable tensile member for passing around a tree and attaching the stand thereto.  
         [0006]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0007]     The prior art contains numerous examples of climbing tree stands. These devices incorporate two major assemblies. The first assembly incorporates a foot rest and the second incorporates a seat of some type. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,975,342; 6,182,792; and 6,397,873 to Woller et.al. show typical examples.  
         [0008]      FIG. 1  of the present disclosure shows the two major assemblies, denoted as seat platform  16  and foot platform  14 . Both platforms incorporate some type of flexible tensile member  22  passing around tree  10 .  
         [0009]     Those skilled in the art will understand the conventional operation of such devices. When weight is placed on either platform, the combination of the tensile member and the standoffs built into the treeward-facing side of the platforms will bind the platform to the tree. If an upward force is placed on the platform, however, it can slide up the tree.  
         [0010]     The user typically faces the tree while climbing. The user stands on the foot platform and hooks his or her feet into toe loops  20 . Seat  18  is stowed out of the way so that the user&#39;s torso rests inside seat frame  24 . The user braces against the seat platform and lifts his or her feet upward to raise foot platform  14 . When weight is placed back on the foot platform, it locks again to the tree. The user then raises seat platform  16 . This cycle is repeated, so that the user crawls up the tree caterpillar-style.  
         [0011]     The reader will appreciate that the length of tensile member  22  is critical to the proper adjustment of the two platforms. If it is too long, the platforms will be pitched downward. If it is too short, the platforms will be pitched upward. Thus, the length is ideally made adjustable. The aforementioned Woller patents include such adjustment features.  
         [0012]     The user must typically adjust the length of the tensile member during the initial installation of the platforms at the base of the tree. Such tensile members are generally not adjustable while the platforms are in use (Manufacturers actually discourage such adjustment, since it is inherently unsafe). Of course, tree trunks often taper as one proceeds upward. Thus, the experienced user will set the length too short for the diameter found at the base of the tree. The platforms will therefore initially be pitched upward. As the user climbs, though, the pitch will transition to the desired horizontal orientation.  
         [0013]     The reader will appreciate that even the experienced user will often misjudge a tree&#39;s diameter 15 to 20 feet off the ground. In this case, the stand must be readjusted. While the prior art devices allow such adjustment, it cannot be done easily. The user must descend the tree, readjust the stand, then climb back to the original position. This necessity results from the fact that the prior art devices require the tensile member to be disconnected during the adjustment, making it unsafe while off the ground. Thus, it is desirable to have a climbing tree stand in which the length of the tensile member can be easily adjusted without having to disconnect it from the platform.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The present invention comprises a climbing tree stand having a continuous length adjustment for the tensile member passing around the tree.  FIG. 1  shows the stand, incorporating a foot platform and a seat platform. Each platform is bound to the tree by a flexible tensile member. Each tensile member is removably connected to a first and second slider. Each slider rides along a bar. The slider is ordinarily clamped firmly to the bar. It can only be moved by the user pressing a lock plate and sliding it along. Thus, the tensile member can be adjusted without ever releasing it from the platform. In addition, if the user should accidentally release his or her grip on the slider, the slider will lock itself in position and prevent the platform dislodging. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view, showing all the components of the present invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view, showing details of the seat platform.  
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a detail view, showing a slider and a bar.  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a detail sectional view, showing the interaction of a slider and a bar.  
         [0019]      FIG. 5  is a detail view, showing an end of a tensile member.  
         [0020]      FIG. 6  is a detail view, showing the connection of a tensile member to a slider.  
         [0021]      FIG. 7  is a detail view, showing the operation of a guide channel.  
         [0022]      FIG. 8  is a detail view, showing the operation of a guide channel.  
         [0023]      FIG. 9  is a detail view, showing the operation of a guide channel.  
         [0024]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view, showing an alternate construction for the guide channel.  
         [0025]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view, showing a supplemental lock. 
     FIG. 12  is a perspective view, showing the operation of the supplemental lock.      FIG. 13  is a perspective view, showing the use of a spring ring to secure the tensile member.      FIG. 14  is a perspective view, showing the operation of the spring ring.      
       REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS  
       [0000]    
       
           10  tree  
           12  climbing stand  
           14  foot platform  
           16  seat platform  
           18  seat  
           20  toe loop  
           22  tensile member  
           24  seat frame  
           26  foot frame  
           28  bar  
           30  slider  
           32  vee brace  
           34  upright  
           36  guide channel  
           38  boss  
           40  pin receiver  
           41  lock plate  
           42  slot  
           44  spring  
           46  bearing point  
           48  jacket  
           50  core  
           52  termination  
           54  pin  
           56  ring  
           58  lock member  
           60  access slot  
           62  outside wall  
           64  lock plate opening  
           66  angled pin  
           68  through hole  
           70  supplemental lock  
           72  safety pin  
           74  actuation surface  
           76  engagement surface  
           78  spring ring 
       
     
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0065]      FIG. 1  shows a climbing stand  12  attached to tree  10 . The climbing stand is comprised of two separate assembles—seat platform  16  and foot platform  14 . Both the seat and foot platforms include many conventional features. The novel aspects of the present invention reside in the attachment to the tree. However, in order to fully explain the context of the invention, a general description of the conventional features may be helpful.  
         [0066]     Seat platform  16  includes seat frame  24 . A removable seat  18  is suspended from the seat frame. The treeward-facing side includes a brace configured to bear against the tree (described in more detail subsequently). A tensile member  22  loops around the tree. Each end of the tensile member is secured to the seat platform. The left end is secured to a slider  30 . The right end is secured to a second slider. Both sliders are able to be adjusted back and forth on a bar  28 , which is provided on either side of the frame. Other supporting features for the tensile member and sliders will be described in more detail subsequently.  
         [0067]     The reader will observe that foot platform  14  shares the same features for mounting its own tensile member. Foot frame  26  is generally similar to seat frame  24 . Its structure is a bit different, however, in that it has a number of cross bars to support the user&#39;s feet, an adjustable toe board, and a pair of toe loops. However, the novel aspects are the same for the seat platform and the foot platform. Thus, for the remainder of this disclosure, the seat platform will be discussed in detail, with the reader understanding that the same features are found on the foot platform.  
         [0068]      FIG. 2  shows seat platform  16  standing alone. The treeward facing brace forms the shape of a “vee.” It is denoted as vee brace  32  in the view. It preferably incorporates serrations to facilitate gripping of the tree trunk. Tensile member  22  is positioned to wrap around the tree trunk. It must be flexible, yet fairly stiff so that it does not snag when it is moved up the tree trunk. Plastic-coated wire rope is a good material for this application, as is a metal chain housed within a rubber sleeve.  
         [0069]     The length of the tensile member must be properly adjusted in order for the platform to be safely locked to the tree. The attachment of at least one end of the tensile member to the platform must be made adjustable. Preferably, the attachment at both ends is made adjustable. The reader will observe that each end of the tensile member shown in the view is attached to a slider  30 . Each slider  30  can be adjustably positioned along a bar  28 .  
         [0070]     The two bars  28  are attached to the seat frame by uprights  34  and associated braces. The tensile member is also passed through a guide channel  36  (one on either side). The guide channel is not strictly necessary to the operation of the present invention, but it does provide a significant safety enhancement. It also guides the ends of the tensile member into an appropriate position for reattachment to the sliders.  
         [0071]      FIG. 3  shows a slider  30  in more detail. It includes boss  38 , which opens into pin receiver  40 . The pin receiver is sized to receive a pin on the tensile member, thereby attaching the tensile member to the slider. The slider can be moved along bar  28  and locked in any desired position. Those skilled in the art will know that numerous mechanisms could be employed to achieve this operation. One particularly suitable mechanism is similar to one found in woodworking clamps and caulking guns.  
         [0072]      FIG. 4  shows the internal details of this mechanism, with the slider itself being sectioned in half. In the lower view, the reader will observe that lock plates  41  are mounted on bar  28  by sliding a slot  42  found in each lock plate over the bar. The lock plates are biased to pivot in the counterclockwise direction (with respect to the orientation shown in the view) by the action of spring  44 . The upper portion of the lock plates is therefore pressed against bearing point  46  on the slider&#39;s internal surfaces.  
         [0073]     The upper view in  FIG. 4  shows spring  44  more clearly (Note that the spring has a slot allowing it to slide over bar  28  and still flex). Lock plate opening  64  passes through the slider from top to bottom, allowing a portion of each lock plate to pass out the top and bottom of the slider, where it can be actuated by the user.  
         [0074]     In studying the lower view in  FIG. 4 , those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the following: If one grasps the slider and attempts to pull it to the left, the lock plates will jam against the bar and the slider will be locked in place. If one grasps the slider and attempts to pull it to the right, the lock plates will slide along the bar and allow the slider to move.  
         [0075]     Still studying the same view, the reader will also realize that if the user presses on the lock plates at point B in the direction indicated by the arrow, the assembly will unlatch and slide toward the left. Likewise, if the user presses on the lock plates at point A in the direction indicated by the arrow, the assembly will slide to the right (Of course, as mentioned previously, the user need not press at point A. The user can grasp the slider anywhere and slide it to the right).  
         [0076]     In operation, the tensile member will be passed around the tree and attached to the sliders. The user then grasps one of the sliders and slides it away from the tree (The reader will recall that it slides freely in this direction) until the slack is taken up. The reader can then begin climbing the tree. Because the tree trunk usually tapers as the user climbs, additional slack will likely develop. The user removes this slack by grasping one of the sliders and sliding it further away from the tree.  
         [0077]     Returning now to  FIG. 2 , the user will understand the operation of the sliders and the tensile member. The tensile member—when loaded—will tend to force the two sliders to the left in the view. The sliders will therefore lock to the bars and hold in position. It is not generally possible to move the sliders while the tensile member is in position. Thus, the user cannot accidentally release the sliders while the tensile member is under load.  
         [0078]     If the user wishes to add slack to the tensile member, he or she must first unload the tensile member, then press the exposed lower portion of the lock plates to the left (direction B in  FIG. 4 ). If the user wishes to remove slack from the tensile member, he or she can simply grab the slider and pull it to the right or press the exposed upper portion of the lock plates and push toward the right (direction A in  FIG. 4 ). The user can choose to adjust one or both of the sliders, depending on how much adjustment is needed. Moving the sliders will increase or decrease the available length of the tensile member.  
         [0079]      FIG. 5  shows a detail view of one end of tensile member  22 . The tensile member in this example is composed of a core  50  (typically braided wire rope) encapsulated by a jacket  48 . Termination  52  is formed on the end of the core, typically by swaging or casting. A pin  54  extends downward from this termination. Ring  56  is provided to facilitate gripping and removal by the user. The pin  54  is preferably welded to the end of the tensile member, so that it cannot become separated and lost. A removable pin attached by a fastener of some type could also be used.  
         [0080]      FIG. 6  is a detail view showing a pin  54  being pulled up and out of pin receiver  40  on the slider. This action detaches the tensile member from the slider. It is important to be able to detach the tensile member, since it must be passed around the tree trunk before it can be locked in place. However, one obviously does not wish the tensile member to become accidentally detached. A safety feature to prevent accidental detachment is therefore desirable.  
         [0081]      FIG. 7  shows such a safety feature. Each side of the platform includes a guide channel  36 . A lock member  58  projects transversely across the treeward mouth of each guide channel. An angled cut is provided in outside wall  62  of each guide channel on the treeward end. The relative position of this angled cut and lock member  58  create access slot  60 , which is large enough to allow the tensile member to pass. The guide channel helps guide the tensile member into the appropriate position for placing pin  54  into pin receiver  40 .  
         [0082]     In the configuration shown in  FIG. 7 , however, the reader will observe that lock member  58  bears down on top of tensile member  22  and holds it within guide channel  36 . These components inhibit the upward motion of termination  52  and thereby secure the attachment of the tensile member to the slider.  
         [0083]      FIGS. 8 and 9  show the detachment operations. Once the tensile member is unloaded, it can be bent upward around lock member  58 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . This allows the pin to be pulled free of pin receiver  40 . It is only essential to make one end of the tensile member removable. In other words, only one end needs to have a pin receiver and movable pin. The other end can be permanently affixed to the slider. Of course, both ends can be made removable.  
         [0084]      FIG. 9  shows how the tensile member can then be forced sideways to pass out through access slot  60 . It is then free to be passed around the tree. The reader will appreciate, however, that accidental detachment of the tensile member is unlikely.  
         [0085]     It is possible to simplify the manufacturing of some of the features illustrated previously. Guide channel  36 —as shown in  FIG. 8 —is formed by attaching a piece of “C-channel” to the side of the platform. A suitable guide channel can be formed more simply.  FIG. 10  shows an alternate embodiment in which guide channel  36  has been formed by attaching angled pin  66 . Its operation is essentially the same, in that the tensile member must be passed through access slot  60  in order to be removed.  
         [0086]     Additional safety features are also possible. Although the one-way latching mechanism described for locking the slider to the bar can hold substantial force, some users may desire a positive mechanical interlock as an additional safety device.  FIG. 11  discloses one such device. The bar has been modified by adding a series of evenly spaced through holes  68 . A supplemental lock  70  has been added to the slider. It is slidably mounted to the slider, so that it can move toward the viewer in the context of the view as shown. Spring biasing means tend to keep it firmly clamped against the side of the slider (as shown). An arm extending outward mounts safety pin  72 , which is locked into one of the through holes  68 . In the position shown, the slider cannot move even if the one way latching mechanism fails.  
         [0087]     However, if a user presses against actuation surface  74  in the direction indicated by the arrow, safety pin  72  will slide out of engagement.  FIG. 12  shows supplemental lock  70  after the user has pushed it over far enough to disengage safety pin  72  from though hole  68 . The supplemental lock can be configured so that as the safety pin comes free, engagement surface  76  slides out of contact with the two lock plates. This action frees the lock plates and allows the slider to move. Once the desired position is reached, the user releases pressure on actuation surface  74 . The one-way latching mechanism then reengages. Safety pin  72  will also lock into one of the through-holes  68 . The slider is thereby locked in position by two latching mechanisms.  
         [0088]     Another safety feature can be added to the engagement between the tensile member and the slider.  FIG. 13  shows the use of a spring ring  78  on the top of pin  54 . Those skilled in the art will know that a spring ring is a loop of thick wire with a helical offset. It “snaps” into two positions. The first position is snapped “up”—as shown in  FIG. 13 . The second position is snapped down. These types of rings are commonly used to secure pins in place when attaching agricultural implements to tractors.  
         [0089]     In  FIG. 13 , spring ring  78  is snapped up out of the way. The user slides pin  54  into the pin receiver on a slider.  FIG. 14  shows the pin in place. Once it is pressed down into the pin receiver, the user rotates spring ring  78  downward in the direction indicated by the arrow. The spring ring then snaps downward, so that a portion of the spring ring locks under boss  38 . The helical offset in the spring ring ensures that it remains in the position shown. The pin cannot be removed until the user rotates the spring ring back to the “up” position.  
         [0090]     Although the preceding description contains significant detail, it should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but rather as providing illustrations of the preferred embodiments of the invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be fixed by the following claims, rather than by the examples given.