Abstract:
A device which aids in the insertion and removal of tree steps within a tree, particularly during hunting, is herein disclosed, comprising an offset “L”-shaped crank with an upper end that has a hole which slips over the step portion of the tree step. An offset lower end of the crank comprises an outward facing rotating handle. To use the device, the user inserts a tree step into the tree using its pointed end, the device is slid over the step, and the step is cranked into the tree using the increased leverage provided by the device. Should the step need to be removed, the process is reversed by turning the device in a counter clockwise manner.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Dec. 16, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to tree steps used in hunting to gain access to elevated perches in tree stands and the like, and in particular, to a device to aid in the installation and removal of such tree steps. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hunting is one of the most widespread and popular outdoors activities in the world. Many devices exist to assist, enhance, and enable the various types and aspects of hunting. In particular, it is often desirable to hunt game from an elevated position such as a tree stand or a blind. Most such locations are difficult to access, and thus tree steps are affixed to the trunk of the tree in order to allow the hunter stable, easy access to the desired perch. 
     The process of affixing and removing tree steps can be arduous. Many times, this can lead to an adverse effect on the outdoors experience. Steps take a long time to install properly, which can be problematic should the hunter desire to change locations quickly. Often, the steps will not be installed properly, or too few steps will be installed due to time constraints, or the steps may be left behind once installed in order to save the time spent in removing the steps. Accordingly, this has led to inefficiencies and problems with regards to the safety, cost, expediency, and environmental sensitivity of such endeavors. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a device for the expedition of installing tree steps. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,353, issued in the name of Browning et al., describes a tree step socket device. The Browning device employs a socket system with modified tree steps. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,258,045, issued in the name of Smith, describes a tree step installation device. The Smith device provides a series of apertures to engage a tree step. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are difficult or time consuming to employ. Also, many such devices do not allow the device to be used in multiple rotational directions. Furthermore, many such devices do not help in the initial engagement of the tree step thread with the tree. Also, many such devices do not provide the user adequate gripping means. Accordingly, there exists a need for a tree step installation devices without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a device which allows for the quick, easy, and safe installation of a plurality of tree steps in a manner which is simple and efficient. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device which comprises a body, a hammer, portion, a pair of shoulders, a support aperture, a handle, and a strap. The device is utilized in conjunction with a conventional tree step which is used to assist a hunter in climbing a tree in order to gain access to a tree stand or blind. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise an “L”-shaped body to secure the tree step and supply additional torque while inserting or removing the tree step. The body comprises a hammer portion, a pair of shoulders, a support aperture, and a handle aperture. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to attach a conventional tree step to an upper portion of the body and a handle to the lower portion of the body. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the body to measure approximately twelve (12) inches in length and one (1) inch in width. The body functions similar to a conventional wrench and is fabricated from a flat steel stock that is cut, bent, or punched into the necessary shape, although other materials and methods may be incorporated. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the upper portion of the device of a pair of shoulders which provide parallel members extending outward in order to secure a vertical portion of the tree step, thereby fixing movements along the X-axis. Each shoulder is fabricated from an identical material as the body. The shoulders are preferably formed during a metal forging process, although other suitable fastening methods may be incorporated without limiting the function of the device. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide each shoulder with dimension of approximately one (1) inch in width by one-and-a-quarter (1¼) inch in height, with a gap of approximately one-half (½) inch between for placement of the tree step. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the upper portion of the device of a through-hole support aperture which encompasses an upper horizontal portion of the inserted tree step to fix the movement of the tree step along the Y-axis. The support aperture expands among two (2) opposing surfaces of the body parallel to the orientation of the handle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the support aperture of an innermost diameter measuring approximately seven-sixteenths ( 7/16) of an inch and an outermost diameter measuring approximately three-fourths (¾) of an inch. The support aperture is preferably formed during a metal forging process, although other suitable methods may be incorporated without limiting the function of the device. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a hammer portion, which comprises an outward protrusion located opposing the shoulders and acts as an impacting means to initially drive the tree step into a tree. The hammer portion is generally fabricated from a similar material as the body. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the lower portion of the device of a handle, which provides a grippable portion to rotate the body and rotatably insert or remove the tree step into or from a tree. The handle comprises a shaft and a fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the handle to rotate freely around the shaft. The handle is approximately four-and-three-fourth (4¾) inches in length and preferably fabricated from wood with an anticorrosion finish, although other suitable materials may be incorporated. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to insert the shaft through a handle aperture and body aperture. The shaft is fastened to a threaded end portion with a fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a distal end portion of the handle of a strap, which provides an attachment means to the user&#39;s wrist or the like. The strap comprises a strap adjustment and a strap fastener, and is fabricated from a material such as nylon, cotton, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a strap adjustment, which comprises a conventional digit operated drawstring synching adjusting means. The strap adjustment is made of a plastic material, although other materials may be incorporated. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to further comprise the strap adjustment of a “T”-shaped thumb grip. The thumb grip depresses an internal spring and aligns an adjustment aperture with a fastener aperture, enabling the strap to be adjusted in length. When released, the thumb grip synchs the strap inside the strap adjustment. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a tether, which comprises a circular member to secure the strap to the handle. The tether is inserted through the shaft prior to insertion through the handle and is fabricated from materials such as plastic, metal, wood, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of easily, quickly, and safely engaging tree steps with a tree for the purposes of climbing the tree. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a section view of the tree step installation tool  10  taken along line A-A thereon  FIG. 1 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an opposing side view of the tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the tree step installation tool  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 tree step installation tool 
               
               
                 20 
                 body 
               
               
                 21 
                 body aperture 
               
               
                 22 
                 hammer portion 
               
               
                 24 
                 shoulder 
               
               
                 25 
                 gap 
               
               
                 26 
                 support aperture 
               
               
                 29 
                 handle aperture 
               
               
                 30 
                 handle 
               
               
                 32 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 34 
                 fastener 
               
               
                 40 
                 strap 
               
               
                 42 
                 strap adjustment 
               
               
                 44 
                 strap fastener 
               
               
                 45 
                 spring 
               
               
                 46 
                 adjustment aperture 
               
               
                 47 
                 thumb grip 
               
               
                 48 
                 fastener aperture 
               
               
                 49 
                 tether 
               
               
                 50 
                 tree step 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 7 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a tree step installation tool (herein described as the “device”)  10 , which provides a tool to assist in the insertion and removal of a tree step  50  thereinto a tree for recreational hunting purposes. Said device  10  comprises a body  20 , a hammer portion  22 , a pair of shoulders  24 , a support aperture  26 , a handle  30 , and a strap  40 . The device  10  is utilized in conjunction with a conventional tree step  50  which is used to assist a hunter in climbing a tree thereto gain access to a tree stand or blind. The use of said device  10  provides hunters who hunt from an elevated platform on trees an effective means of reducing the work involved with the installation and removal of tree steps  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a front perspective view of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device  10  comprises an “L”-shaped body  20 , thereby securing the tree step  50  and supplying additional torque while inserting or removing the tree step  50 . Said body  20  comprises a hammer portion  22 , a pair of shoulders  24 , a support aperture  26 , and a handle aperture  29 . A conventional tree step  50  is attached to an upper portion of the body  20  and the handle  30  is attached to a lower portion of the body  20 . Said body  20  measures approximately twelve (12) inches in length and one (1) inch in width. Said body  20  functions similar thereto a conventional wrench and is fabricated from a flat steel stock that is cut, bent, or punched into the necessary shape, yet other materials and methods may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the device  10 . 
     The upper portion of the device  10  comprises the pair of shoulders  24 , thereby providing parallel members, who extend outwardly, to secure a vertical portion the tree step  50  therein. Said shoulders  24  fix the tree step  50  from movements along the X-axis. Each shoulder  24  protrudes outwardly and measures approximately one (1) inch in width by one-and-a-quarter (1¼) inches in height and forms a gap  25  of approximately one-half (½) an inch, thereby providing placement of the tree step  50 . Each shoulder  24  is fabricated from an identical material as the body  20 , yet other materials may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the device  10 . The shoulders  24  are preferably formed during a metal forging process, yet welding other suitable fastening methods maybe incorporated without limiting the function of the device  10 . 
     The upper portion of the device  10 , superjacent to the shoulder  24 , comprises a through-hole support aperture  26 , thereby encompassing an upper horizontal portion of the inserted tree step  50  and fixing the movement of said tree steps  50  along the Y-axis. Said support aperture  26  expands among two (2) opposing surfaces of the body  20  to define the abovementioned through-hole. Said support aperture  26  is parallel with the orientation of a handle  30  (see  FIG. 2 ). Said support aperture  26  comprises an innermost diameter measuring approximately seven-sixteenths ( 7/16) of an inch and an outermost diameter measuring approximately three-fourths (¾) of an inch. The support aperture  26 , as like the shoulders  24 , is preferably formed during a metal forging process, yet other methods maybe incorporated without limiting the function of the device  10 . 
     The device  10  also comprises a hammer portion  22 , thereby providing an impacting means thereto initially drive the tree step  50  into a tree. Said hammer portion  22  protrudes outwardly in a generally rectangular form that which takes the form of a common hammer head. Said hammer portion  22  is located opposing the shoulders  24  thereon an upper portion of the device  10 . Said hammer portion  22  is also preferably fabricated from a similar material as the body  20 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a section view of the device  10  taken along line A-A thereon  FIG. 1 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. A lower portion of the device  10  comprises a handle  30 , thereby providing a grippable portion to rotate the body  20  and in-turn rotatably insert or remove the tree step  50  into or from a tree. The handle  30  comprises a shaft  32  and a fastener  34 . The shaft  32  is inserted through a handle aperture  29  and body aperture  21  and fastened thereon a threaded end portion with a fastener  34  which is preferably a common lock-nut, yet other fastening means may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the device  10 . The handle  30  freely rotates around the shaft  32 , thereby increases the functionality of the device  10 . Said handle  30  is approximately four-and-three-fourth (4¾) inches in length and preferably fabricated from wood with an anticorrosion finish, yet other materials may be incorporated such as, but not limited to: metal, plastic, or the like. 
     A distal end portion of the handle  30  comprises a strap  40 , thereby providing an attachment means to the users wrist, hunting sack, or the like. Said strap  40  comprises a strap adjustment  42  and a strap fastener  44 . The strap adjustment  42  is a conventional digit operated draw string synching adjusting means similar to draw string adjusters thereon jackets, sweatshirts, pants, or the like. A top “T”-shaped thumb grip  47  thereon the strap adjustment  42  is depressed, thereby depressing an internal spring  45 , aligning an adjustment aperture  46  with a fastener aperture  48 , and enabling the strap  40  to be adjusted in length. Once the thumb grip  47  is released the spring  45  forces said thumb grip  47  to an original position thus unlinking the apertures  46 ,  48  and synching the strap  40  thereinside the strap adjustment  42 . The strap adjustment  42  is fabricated from a plastic material, yet other materials may be incorporated. The strap  40  is also fastened to the handle  30  therewith a tether  49  which is a circular member to secure the strap  40  to the handle  30 . Said tether  49  is inserted through the shaft  32  prior to insertion through the handle  30  and is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: plastic, metal, wood, or the like. The strap  40  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: nylon, cotton, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  through  FIG. 7 , various views of the device  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed.  FIG. 3  depicts a front view,  FIG. 4  depicts a side view,  FIG. 5  depicts an opposing side view,  FIG. 6  depicts a top view, and  FIG. 7  depicts a bottom view. 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the device  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the device  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the device  10 ; utilizing the hammer portion  22  to drive the pointed portion of a tree step  50  into a tree, thereby creating an initial starting position as necessary; positioning a vertical portion of the tree step  50  therebetween the shoulders  24  and inserting a horizontal portion of said tree step  50  through the support aperture  26 ; inserting the tree step  50  into the tree or previously hammered initial starting position thereon the tree; gripping the handle  30  and rotating the device  10  to insert the tree step  50  into the tree until the tree step  50  is inserted to a desired depth; removing the device  10  from the tree step  50 ; repeating as necessary; reinserting the tree step  50  in the device  10  as abovementioned; gripping the handle  30  and rotating the device  10  in an opposite direction from the inserting step, thereby removing the tree step  50  from the tree; repeating as necessary; attaching the strap  40  at a desired location to store or wear the device  10 ; utilizing the strap adjustment  42  to adjust the length of the strap  40 ; and, enjoying the reduced work involved for inserting tree steps  50  into trees. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.