Abstract:
A collapsible tree stand and tree stand mounting apparatus is claimed. The tree stand consists of a bottom platform and a seat mounted to a vertical support. A coupling member attached to the vertical support is mountable onto a separate tree stand mounting apparatus. The tree stand mounting apparatus has a receiver with an aperture suitable for receiving the coupling member. The fastening component is mechanically bonded to the tree stand receiver, the fastening component suitable for draping about a tree or post. The fastening component comprises a plurality of loops and a carabiner-type device, each of the plurality of loops suitable for fastening in the carabiner-type device to adjust a length of the fastening component. The tree stand receiver is first fastened to the tree or post with the backside of the receiver against the tree or post and the top facing in a downward direction. The tree stand receiver is then cammed, which causes the front side of tree stand receiver to be against the cylindrical vertical support and the top facing in an upward direction for receiving the coupling member.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application claims priority to Non-provisional patent application U.S. Ser. No. 10/357,944, entitled “Tree Stand and Tree Stand Receiver” and filed on Feb. 4, 2003, now abandoned which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field 
   The present invention relates generally to devices used for observing wildlife and, in particular, to collapsible tree stand and mounting apparatus suitable for receiving and securing the tree stand about a tree. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   It is advantageous for outdoorsmen, such as hunters, photographers, and naturalists, to be positioned in an elevated vantage point to view wildlife from a distance and without detection. Typically, an outdoorsman positions him or herself in a tree at a height sufficient to attain a desired elevated vantage point. Many conventional tree stands that enable an outdoorsman to achieve this goal are readily available. 
   One type of suitable tree stand is a non-climbing tree stand. Typically, a non-climbing tree stand has a platform, such as a foot plate and/or a seat, and is fastened to a tree via a fastening device such as a cable or a chain. An outdoorsman typically climbs the tree, carrying the tree stand, to an elevated position within the tree. Once at the desired elevated position, the outdoorsman attaches the tree stand to the tree trunk using the supplied fastening device. Once fastened, the tree stand and fastening device, in combination, grips the tree, and allows the outdoorsman to sit and/or stand on the platform to observe the wildlife. 
   The above described conventional tree stand, although providing an elevated vantage point, is typically difficult to assemble by a user while the user is positioned up in a tree. The fastening device can be cumbersome to place around the tree, and even more unwieldy to assemble to the tree stand. Moreover, the weight of the tree stand and/or the fastening device can cause the tree stand to separate from the tree, thus making it even more arduous to securely fasten and tighten the tree stand while positioned up in the tree. Thus, there is a need for an improved fastening device that can be more easily and readily fastened and secured to a tree by a user while the user is positioned up in the tree. There is also a need for a fastening device and tree stand that fastens tightly to the tree and which provides a stable and secure platform for use by its user. 
   SUMMARY 
   For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
   In one embodiment, a tree stand receiving apparatus comprises a tree stand receiver and a fastening component. The tree stand receiver comprises a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, the tree stand receiver comprises an aperture suitable for receiving a component of a tree stand. The fastening component is mechanically bonded to the tree stand receiver, the fastening component suitable for draping about a cylindrical vertical support. The fastening component comprises a plurality of loops and a carabiner-type device, each of the plurality of loops suitable for fastening in the carabiner-type device to adjust a length of the fastening component. The tree stand receiver is first fastened to the cylindrical vertical support with the backside of the tree stand receiver against the cylindrical vertical support and the top facing in a downward direction. The tree stand receiver is then cammed, which causes the front side of tree stand receiver to be against the cylindrical vertical support and the top facing in an upward direction. 
   In another embodiment, a method for fastening and tightening a tree stand receiving apparatus about a cylindrical vertical support comprises: positioning a tree stand receiver against a vertical cylindrical support, the tree stand receiver having an aperture suitable for receiving a component of a tree stand, the tree stand receiver having a top, a bottom, a front side, and a back side, wherein the tree stand receiver is positioned with the back side facing the cylindrical support and the top facing downward; draping a fastening component about the cylindrical vertical support, the fastening component comprising a first segment and a second segment, the first and second segments of the fastening component mechanically bonded to the tree stand receiver; appropriately sizing the fastening component to be taut about the vertical cylindrical support; fastening the first and second segments of the fastening component; and applying a cam action on the tree stand receiver, wherein the cam action causes the front side of tree stand receiver to be against the cylindrical vertical support and the top facing in an upward direction, the cam action increases tension in the fastening component. 
   These and other embodiments of the present invention will also become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular embodiment(s) disclosed. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate, and together with the detailed description serve to explain the various aspects of the implementation(s) and/or embodiments of the invention and not of the invention itself. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tree stand receiving apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the tree stand receiving apparatus of  FIG. 1  fastened about a tree and before being tightened into a position to receive a suitable tree stand. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates the tree stand receiving apparatus of  FIG. 1  fastened about the tree and tightened into a position to receive a suitable tree stand. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tree stand suitable for use with the tree stand receiving apparatus of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the tree stand of  FIG. 4  attached to the tree stand receiving apparatus of  FIG. 1  in a fully unfolded position. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the tree stand of  FIG. 4  attached to the tree stand receiving apparatus of  FIG. 1  with a seat assembly in a folded position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The various embodiments of the present invention and their advantages are best understood by referring to  FIGS. 1 through 6  of the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Throughout the drawings, like numerals are used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
   Referring now to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tree stand receiving apparatus  10  in accordance with the present invention. When properly fastened and tightened about a tree, or other substantially cylindrical vertical support, tree stand receiving apparatus  10  facilitates the receipt and attachment of a tree stand securely about the tree, thus providing a user a stable and safe vantage point from which to observe wildlife. Tree stand receiving apparatus  10  may be made or formed from any of a variety of materials such as, by way of example and not limitation, steel, aluminum, or an appropriate alloy compound. 
   As depicted, tree stand receiving apparatus  10  comprises a tree stand receiver  102  to which a chain  104  is attached. Tree stand receiver  102  generally functions as a receptacle for a suitable tree stand. Chain  104  generally functions as a fastening component of tree stand receiving apparatus  10 , and chain  104  is used to securely fasten tree stand receiver  102  to a tree. For example and as depicted in  FIG. 1 , chain  104  is positioned about a tree  106  to secure tree stand receiver  102  against at least a portion of the outer surface of tree  106 . 
   According to one embodiment of the present invention, tree stand receiver  102  comprises an aperture section  108 , a first wing section  110 , and a second wing section  112 . Aperture section  108  is generally shaped as a rectangular cube having four sides, a top, and a bottom. The four sides comprise a front side, a backside opposite the front side, and two lateral sides, where one lateral side is opposite the other lateral side. When properly fastened and tightened about a tree as shown in  FIG. 1 , the front side of aperture section  108  generally faces in a direction toward the tree while the backside of aperture section  108  generally faces in a direction away from the tree. When so positioned, the top of aperture section  108  generally faces upward toward the sky and away from the ground while the bottom of aperture section  108  generally faces downward toward the ground. 
   Aperture section  108  comprises an aperture  114  that extends down the length of aperture section  108  from the top and through the bottom of aperture section  108 . Aperture  114  functions to receive a section of a tree stand, thus, allowing tree stand receiver  102 , once properly fastened and tightened about a tree using chain  104  or other appropriate fastening device, to secure the received tree stand about the tree. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , aperture  114  is shaped similar to aperture section  108 , in this case, a generally rectangular cube cavity. Furthermore, aperture  114  generally extends through the middle of aperture section  108 . In other embodiments, aperture  114  can be of a general shape that is suitable for receiving a section of a tree stand, and the shape of aperture  114  need not be substantially similar to aperture section  108 . It is appreciated that aperture  114  need not extend through the bottom of aperture section  108 , but, may extend down a portion of the length of aperture section  108  from the top and terminate before reaching the bottom of aperture section  108 . 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, first wing section  110  and second wing section  112  are integral to aperture section  108 . In such embodiment, the first and second wing sections  110  and  112  may be extruded as a single piece with the aperture section  108  or they may all be formed together. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , first wing section  110  is positioned at and extends from one of the lateral sides of aperture section  108  and second wing section  112  is positioned at and extends from the opposing one of the lateral sides of aperture section  108 . In relation to aperture section  108 , first wing section  110  and second wing section  112  are substantial mirror images of each other. In other embodiments, first wing section  110  and second wing section  112  can be mechanically attached or bonded, for example, welded, to their respective lateral sides of aperture section  108  to form tree stand receiver  102 . 
   Each wing section  110 ,  112  is generally shaped as a trapezoidal cube having four sides, a top, and a bottom. The four sides comprising the general trapezoid shape comprise a front side, a backside opposite the front side, a short base, and a long base positioned opposite the short base and of a length longer than the short base. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , each wing section  110 ,  112  is integrated with or mechanically attached to aperture section  108  such that the front sides of wing sections  10 ,  112  and aperture section  108  generally shapes or forms the letter “C” or the letter “V” having a substantially flat bottom instead of its customary acute bottom. Worded another way, the front sides of wing sections  10 ,  112  and aperture section  108  forms a yoke-like shape and, when properly fastened and tightened about tree  106 , the front sides of wing sections  110 ,  112  and aperture section  108  at least partly straddle tree  106 . 
   Stated differently, the short base of each wing section  110 ,  112  is generally formed or positioned at its respective one lateral side of aperture section  108 , and the long base is generally formed or positioned opposite the short base and away from the respective lateral side of aperture section  108  where the short base is formed or positioned. Also, the front side of each wing section  110 ,  112  extends away from its respective short base at a generally obtuse angle and, thus, meets or joins its respective long base at a generally acute angle. When so formed or positioned, the top of wing sections  10 ,  112  generally face in the same direction as the top of aperture section  108 , and the bottom of wing sections  10 ,  112  generally face in the same direction as the bottom of aperture section  108 . It is appreciated that the front sides of wing sections  110 ,  112  and aperture section  108  may form a generally arcuate shape instead of the generally flat shape as depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
   Each end of chain  104  is attached to the backside of one of wing sections  110 ,  112  by a bolt  116  and a washer  118 . Bolt  116  passes through washer  118  and a link in chain  104 , and is passed through a hole (not depicted) in the backside of wing section  110 ,  112 . Washer  118  is positioned between bolt  116  and chain  104 . Bolt  118  is of a size appropriate to pass through a link in chain  104  and washer  118  is of a sufficient size to enable bolt  118  to securely fasten chain  104  to wing section  110 ,  112 . 
   As depicted in  FIG. 1 , wing section  110 ,  112  comprises a cavity that generally extends from the top of wing section  10 ,  112  to the bottom of wing section  110 ,  112 . A nut (not depicted) is positioned in the cavity of each wing section  110 ,  112  and receives bolt  116  to assist in securely fastening bolt  116 , and chain  104 , to the backsides of wing sections  110 ,  112 . It is appreciated that, depending on the size of bolt  116  and, in particular, the size of the head of bolt  116 , washer  118  may be omitted. It will also be appreciated that wing sections  110 ,  112  may comprise a threaded opening that is mated to receive bolt  116 . In this instance, wing sections  110 ,  112  may not have the cavity and, furthermore, a nut is not needed to assist in securing bolt  116  to wing section  110 ,  112 . 
   Chain  104  is attached to the backside of wing section  110 ,  112  at a location that is closer to the top of wing section  110 ,  112  than the bottom of wing section  110 ,  112 . Stated differently, chain  104  is attached at a location somewhere in the upper half of wing section  110 ,  112 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , chain  104  is attached approximately one-third of the distance from the top of wing section  110 ,  112  to the bottom of wing section  110 ,  112 . 
   As will be further discussed below, attaching chain  104  in the upper half of wing section  110 ,  112  eases the cam action or rotation of tree stand receiver  102 , which is performed to tighten tree stand receiving apparatus  10  about tree  106 . Furthermore, when a suitable tree stand is properly affixed to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  (e.g., by inserting an appropriate member of the tree stand into aperture  114 ), the increased weight applied to the top of tree stand receiver  102  results in an increase in the tension of chain  104 . The increased weight causes the tree stand receiver  102  to slide a small distance down the tree  106  thus tightening the chain  104  about the diameter of the tree  106 . Additionally, the bottom of the front side of tree stand receiver  102  digs into or pierces tree  106 , thus resulting in an increase in tension of chain  104 . The increased tension on chain  104  about tree  106  allows the present invention to more securely support the tree stand in its intended position. 
   Chain  104  is of sufficient length to encircle most typical vertical supports and comprises a plurality of links, including at least one locking carabiner-type link or device. The carabiner-type link or device facilitates the adjustment of the length of chain  104  by interconnecting one of the plurality of links in chain  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the locking carabiner-type device is a quick link  120 . Quick link  120  comprises a screw mechanism, which is appropriately rotated or turned to expose or close an opening in quick link  120 . Therefore, quick link  120  can be opened to receive a different link in chain  104  and, once received, closed to secure the received link. It is appreciated that quick link  120  may comprise a locking mechanism different from the aforementioned screw mechanism, such as, by way of example and not limitation, a snap or a spring-loaded clip. It is also appreciated that appropriate fastening components other than chain  104  may be used such as, by way of example and not limitation, a cable having a plurality of loops dispersed throughout the length of the cable for interconnection with quick link  120 . 
   The front sides of wing sections  110 ,  112  and aperture section  108  form the front or engaging side of tree stand receiver  102 . When properly fastened and tightened about a tree or other cylindrical vertical support, some or all of the front side of tree stand receiver  102  makes contact with portions of the generally curved surface of the tree or other cylindrical vertical support. Moreover, the front side of tree stand receiver is shaped such that when attached or coupled to a tree stand, the bottom of the distal ends of wing sections  110 ,  112  which are away from aperture section  108  appropriately dig into or pierce the surface of the tree to provide further security and stability to the tree stand. 
   In  FIG. 1  as well as other figures, tree stand receiver  102  is depicted as having aperture section  108  and wing sections  110 ,  112  of generally the same approximate height (i.e., length from top to bottom). Those of skill in the art will appreciate that this need not be the case, and that tree stand receiver  102  may be comprised of wing sections  110 ,  112  and aperture section  108  having different and varying heights. Additionally, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the backside of wing sections  110 ,  112  are depicted as being offset from the backside of aperture section  108 . Again, those of skill in the art will realize that the extent of any offset may vary or be eliminated all together. 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate an exemplary process for fastening and tightening the tree stand receiving apparatus  10  of the present invention.  FIG. 2  illustrates tree stand receiving apparatus  10  fastened about tree  106  before being tightened into a position to receive a suitable tree stand. A user, such as, for example, a hunter, transports tree stand receiving apparatus  10  to a suitable location in or about a tree  106 . Upon reaching a suitable location to attach tree stand receiving apparatus  10  to tree  106 , the user opens chain  104  by disconnecting quick link  120  and one of the links adjacent to and currently connected to quick link  120 . The user turns tree stand receiver  102  upside-down (i.e., the top of tree stand receiver  102  faces downward toward the ground) and places the backside of tree stand receiver  102  against the outside of tree  106 . 
   The user then drapes one segment of chain  104  (e.g., the longer segment of chain  104 ) around the outside of tree  106 . The user then pulls the other segment of chain  104  (i.e., the segment with quick link  104 ) to the draped segment and fastens an appropriate one of the links in the draped segment to quick link  104  causing chain  104  to become appropriately sized (i.e., the length of chain  104  is adjusted) and taut about tree  106 . When chain  104  is reconnected in this manner, tension is applied to chain  104  and tree stand receiver  102  becomes fastened about tree  106 . When fastened in this manner and as can be seen in  FIG. 2 , a larger portion of tree stand receiver  102  is positioned or located above the point of attachment of chain  104  and tree stand receiver  102 . 
   The user then cams (i.e., flips, rotates, etc.) tree stand receiver  102  about an axis extending substantially parallel to the top backside of tree stand receiver  102 . The cam action is made easier because a larger portion of tree stand receiver  102  is located above the point of attachment of chain  104  and tree stand receiver  102 . Worded another way, the cam action is made easier because chain  102  is attached to tree stand receiver  102  at a location that is closer to the top of tree stand receiver  102 . The cam action causes the bottom backside of tree stand receiver  102  to pull away from tree  106  and toward the ground. 
   Once cammed in this manner, tree stand receiver  102  becomes positioned right side up (i.e., the top of tree stand receiver  102  faces upward toward the sky and away from the ground) and the front side of tree stand receiver  102  at least partly straddles tree  106  as is depicted in  FIG. 3 . Furthermore, the cam action causes the point of attachment of chain  104  and tree stand receiver  102  to be further distanced or separated (e.g., by approximately the length of the long bases of wing section  110 ,  112  of tree stand receiver  102 ) from tree  106 . The cam action applies an additional pulling force on chain  104 , which causes chain  104  to become more taut about tree  106 , which causes tree stand receiver  102  to be further tightened about tree  106 . When fastened and tightened in this manner, tree stand receiving apparatus  10  is ready to receive a suitable tree stand. 
     FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tree stand  40  suitable for use with the tree stand receiving apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1 . Tree stand  40  comprises a platform assembly  402 , seat back assembly  404 , and seat assembly  406 , and these assemblies may be formed from steel, aluminum, or alloy tubing or sheets. Platform assembly  402 , seat back assembly  404 , and seat assembly  406  can be made to pivot and fold upon one another into a compact arrangement to make tree stand  40  more portable and easy to store. 
   Platform assembly  402  functions to support a user when the user is in a standing position or the user&#39;s feet when the user is suitably seated upon seat assembly  406 . Platform assembly  402  comprises side frame members  408 ,  410 , back frame members  412 ,  414 , and a plurality of slats  416 . Side frame members  408 ,  410  and back frame members  412 ,  414  may be made from an appropriate tubular material or sheet material of sufficient thickness formed into a generally C-shaped cross section. The plurality of slats  416  may be made from an appropriate tubular or sheet material of sufficient thickness. 
   Each of the plurality of slats  416  extends between side frame members  408 ,  410 . The distal ends of each of the plurality of slats  416  is mechanically bonded to the insides of side frame members  408 ,  410 . Starting at one distal end, side frame members  408 ,  410  are separated from each other by a first width. Each of side frame members  408 ,  410  extends from the one distal end substantially separated to the other of side frame members  408 ,  410  by the first width for a certain length before tapering to a second width. Each of the side frame members  408 ,  410  then extends substantially separated to the other of side frame members  408 ,  410  by the second width before being closed by back frame members  412 ,  414 . 
   Back frame members  412  and  414  close the side frame members  408 ,  410  by forming a generally V-shaped yoke. When tree stand  40  is properly affixed to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  as disclosed herein, back frame members  412 ,  414  bears directly against and at least partially straddles tree  106  or other vertical support. 
   A pair of brackets  418 ,  420  is mechanically bonded to side frame members  408 ,  410 , respectively, near the region where side frame members  408 ,  410  finish tapering toward each other. Brackets  418 ,  420  are welded or otherwise mechanically attached, using mechanical fasteners such as, by way of example and not limitation, nuts and bolts, to its respective side frame members  408 ,  410 . Seat back assembly  404  is pivotally attached to platform assembly  402  at brackets  418 ,  420 , and is able to pivot between a raised position (as illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) and a folded position. 
   Seat back assembly  402  comprises vertical frame members  422 ,  424 ,  426 , cross beam  428 , vertical coupling member support  430 , and vertical coupling member  432 . Vertical frame members  422 ,  424  are pivotally attached to brackets  418 ,  420 , respectively, near one distal end of vertical frame members  422 ,  424 . Vertical frame members  422 ,  424  taper and are mechanically bonded to each other at the distal ends opposite the distal ends that are pivotally attached to brackets  418 ,  420 , thus, forming a generally inverted V-shape. 
   Cross beam  428  extends between and is mechanically bonded to vertical frame members  422 ,  424  at a region near each vertical frame member&#39;s  422 ,  424  point of pivotal attachment. Vertical frame member  426  generally extends vertically between vertical frame members  422 ,  424  from cross beam  428  toward the apex of the inverted V formed by vertical frame members  422 ,  424 . One distal end of vertical frame member  426  is mechanically bonded to cross beam  428  and the area near the opposite distal end of vertical frame member  426  is mechanically bonded to the sides of vertical frame members  422 ,  424 . Cross beam  428  and vertical frame member  426  generally provide support to vertical frame members  422 ,  424  and seat back assembly  402 . 
   Vertical coupling member support  430  is mechanically bonded to the outer backsides of vertical frame members  422 ,  424  at a region above the midpoint of vertical frame members  422 ,  424 . Vertical coupling member support  430  extends across vertical frame member  426 . As depicted in  FIG. 4 , vertical coupling member support  430  is mechanically attached to vertical frame members  422 ,  424  by two nut-and-bolt assemblies. It is appreciated that vertical coupling member support  430  can also be mechanically bonded to vertical frame member  426  by, for example, welding. 
   Vertical coupling member  432  is mechanically bonded to, for example, by a bolt as depicted in  FIG. 4 , and extends generally downward from vertical coupling member support  430 . Vertical coupling member  432  is attached to the side of vertical coupling member support  430  that is opposite the side attached to vertical frame members  422 ,  424 ,  426 . Therefore, a gap is created between vertical coupling member  432  and vertical frame members  422 ,  424 ,  426  caused by the thickness of vertical coupling member support  430 . This gap provides clearance for and enables vertical coupling member  432  to be inserted into aperture  114  of aperture section  108 , thus, allowing tree stand  40  to be properly affixed to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  as disclosed herein. 
   Tension cables  434 ,  436  are mechanically attached to and extend between vertical frame members  422 ,  424  and side frame members  408 ,  410 , respectively. Tension cables  434 ,  436  support seat back assembly  404  when in a raised position by becoming taut and, thus, prohibiting seat back assembly  404  from rotating substantially beyond a suitable and predetermined angle from platform assembly  402  when in a fully raised or unfolded position. Worded another way, tension cables  434 ,  436  enable seat back assembly  404  and platform assembly  402  to be properly positioned when in an unfolded position. 
   Seat assembly  406  comprises a seat base frame  438  and a seat back support bar  440 . Seat base frame  438  is generally a U-shaped structure having slightly tapered sides as they approach and form to the bottom of the generally U-shape. Seat base frame  438  is pivotally attached at the bottom of the generally U-shape to seat back assembly  404  using a hinge-like device. In particular, the hinge-like device is mechanically bonded to seat base frame  438  and vertical frame members  422 ,  424 ,  426  and enables seat base frame  438  to pivot between a folded or raised position (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ) or an unfolded or open position (as depicted in  FIGS. 4 and 6 ). 
   A pair of pin-like devices  442 , for example, cleats, may be mechanically bonded to the outsides of seat base frame  438  (one pin-like device  442  on each side of seat base frame  438 ) near the open end of seat base frame member  438  opposite its point of pivotal attachment to seat back assembly  404 . Pin-like devices  442  function to receive a loop or hook-like device in order to hold or maintain seat base frame  438  in a folded position. Pin-like device  442  preferably has a head that is larger in diameter than its middle, which enables pin-like device  442  to more readily retain the engaged loop or hook-like device. A seat bottom support bar (not shown) extends across seat base frame  438  near the open end of seat base frame  438 . The seat bottom support bar functions to provide added support to seat assembly  406  and, in particular, seat base frame  438 . 
   Seat back support bar  440  is mechanically bonded to seat back assembly  404  near the distal end of seat back assembly  404  opposite the end that is pivotally attached to brackets  418 ,  420 . Seat back support bar  440  functions as a support frame for the back of seat assembly  406 . A pair of loops  444  are mechanically attached to the distal ends (one loop  440  on each distal end) of seat back support bar  440 . Loops  444  may be made from, for example and not limitation, a chord having elastic characteristics. Loops  444  function as a locking mechanism and each loop  444  is interconnected to or looped-around pin-like device  442  to hold seat base frame  438  in a folded position. 
   In one embodiment of tree stand  40 , a pair of pin-like devices  446  is mechanically bonded to the outsides of platform assembly  402 . In particular, one pin-like device  446  is mechanically attached to the outside of each side frame member  408 ,  410  near the distal ends of each side frame member  408 ,  410  opposite back frame members  412 ,  414 . Pin-like devices  446  are similar to pin-like devices  442 , and pin-like devices  446  function to receive a loop or hook-like device (i.e., loop  444 ) in order to hold or maintain platform assembly  402  and, in particular, tree stand  40  in a folded position. 
   Seat bottom and back support element  448  is mechanically attached to seat base frame  438  and seat back support bar  440 . Seat bottom and back support element  448  may be comprised of duck material, canvas, vinyl-coated polyester such as TEXTILENE® or other appropriate material. Seat bottom and back support element  448  provides support to a user&#39;s seat bottom and back when the user is seated upon seat assembly  406  and can be mechanically attached to seat base frame  438  and seat back support bar  440  using a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as, by way of example and not limitation, a rivet-like device. 
   A pair of tension chords  450  is mechanically bonded near the distal ends (one tension chord  450  on each distal end) of seat back support bar  440  and each tension chord  450  extends between seat back support bar  440  and seat base frame  438 . Tension chords  450  support seat base frame  438  when in an open or unfolded position by becoming taut and, thus, prohibiting seat base frame  438  from rotating substantially beyond a suitable and predetermined angle from seat back assembly  404 . Worded another way, tension chords  450  enable seat base frame  438  and seat back assembly  404  to be properly positioned when in an unfolded position. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates tree stand  40  of  FIG. 4  attached to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  in a fully unfolded position. As depicted, tree stand receiver  102  of tree stand receiving apparatus  10  is properly secured and tightened about tree  106  using chain  104  as disclosed herein. Tree stand  40  is then attached to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  by inserting vertical coupling member  432  into aperture  114  of tree stand receiver  102 . When tree stand  40  is properly attached to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  in this manner and is fully unfolded, tree stand  40  in conjunction with tree stand receiving apparatus  10  provides a secure, stable, and safe seat upon which its user is able to sit. 
     FIG. 6  illustrates tree stand  40  of  FIG. 4  attached to tree stand receiving apparatus  10  of  FIG. 1  with seat assembly  406  in a folded position. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , loops  444  are interconnected to pin-like devices  442  to hold seat base frame  438  in a folded position. When seat assembly  406  is in this folded position, tree stand  40  in conjunction with tree stand receiving apparatus  10  provides a secure, stable, and safe platform upon which its user is able to either stand or sit. 
   This invention may be provided in other specific forms and embodiments without departing from the essential characteristics as described herein. The embodiments described above are to be considered in all aspects as illustrative only and not restrictive in any manner. The following claims rather than the foregoing description indicate the scope of the invention.