Abstract:
Designs for a flexible component to be wrapped around a tree as part of a tree stand is provided. Designs of the present invention utilize a length or loop of cable. Segments are threaded onto the cable for the entire length. Significant features of flexible components of the present invention include the provision of adequate tensile strength to support the weight of the stand and the user. The flexible component is preferably flexible so it can wrap around the tree, but yet it preferably is also rigid enough so it does not sag when pressure is removed. It preferably also can be easily adjustable to easily accommodate different size trees.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/107,944, filed Jan. 26, 2015 and titled “CABLE FOR CLIMBING TREE STAND”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to tree stands as may be used to gain a height advantage for hunting game. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Tree stands have been developed to provide easier, safe and comfortable access to elevated vantage points within a tree. Such tree stands are typically used for hunting or observing nature from a higher elevation than the ground for improved target vision. 
     One type of tree stand is a climbing tree stand that can be manipulated by a user to incrementally climb a tree or similar post structure. Such climbing tree stands generally utilize a similar concept and comprise both a top section or seat platform and a bottom section or foot platform. The seat platform and foot platform typically each include a tree engaging portion and either a rigid back bar or a flexible strap member for wrapping around the tree and to hold the platforms in vertical positions on the tree. Such a back bar or flexible strap are typically provided as adjustable to accommodate trees within a range of diameters. 
     To use a typical climbing tree stand, a user starts near the base of a tree and installs both sections by engaging each platform with the tree and wrapping the flexible strap or positioning the rigid back bar around the tree. The strap or back bar is secured to the platform after it is adjusted to accommodate the tree diameter. In the case of a strap, one end of the strap can be secured to one side of the platform at one of plural connection points to provide the adjustability. With a rigid back bar, the bar ends can telescope within structure of the platform for adjustability. Once the platforms are secured in a position along a tree with the seat platform above the foot platform, a climbing operation can commence. A user stands on the foot platform facing the tree and attaches his/her feet to the foot platform with a strap. The user tips the seat platform up in front thus removing pressure and slides the seat platform a distance up the tree. The user can then sit on a front portion of the seat platform. This downward pressure locks the seat platform in place. The user can then tip a front of the foot platform by lifting his/her heels as the user faces the tree so as to remove downward pressure. The user can thus lift the foot platform by lifting his/her feet while keeping his/her heels up. The user stands on the foot platform. This pressure locks the foot platform in place. This action is continued until the desired height is reached. 
     As to flexible straps for wrapping around a tree, metal cables, rubber belts and roller chains have been used that are typically permanently attached at one side of each of the seat and foot platforms and adjustably attached at the other side of each of the seat and foot platforms. As above, this adjustability allows for supporting the platforms on a range of tree diameters. Roller chains provide sufficient strength for supporting the platforms and a user&#39;s weight and provide flexibility along its length generally within a single plane, which allows the roller chain to wrap around a tree. Roller chains, however, do not slide up a down a tree&#39;s bark surface easily as the links tend to catch on the uneven surfaces of the tree bark. Likewise, a flexible rubber belt, similar to a snowmobile drive belt material, can provide sufficient strength and flexibility if wide enough, but such belts can be cumbersome during climbing and difficult to slide along the tree&#39;s bark surface. Unlike a roller chain, belts can also twist and flex transversely when attempting to slide the belt along a tree surface as such belts are flexible in more than a single plane. Metal cables made up of twisted metal strands or the like also provide sufficient strength and flexibility to wrap around a tree&#39;s surface and support a platform and user. Metal cables typically can slide along the tree surface easier than roller chains and belts, but cables can be too flexible along its length in all directions such that it is difficult to slide the cable along the tree by lifting upward on a platform. Moreover, during a platform lift step, cables are not sufficiently rigid so as not to sag when pressure is removed. Roller chains and belts better tend to hold their shape when an upward force is provided to a platform so that the chain or belt is moved along the tree surface along with the platform while maintaining their shape and the angle of attachment to the platforms. Maintaining this angle of attachment is important to providing adequate support without downward sliding of the platform. Rigid back bars are advantageous over flexible roller chains, belts and cables in this aspect. Rigid back bars, however, are not nearly as adjustable to fit different size trees and add unnecessary weight to the tree stand. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a new design for a flexible component to be wrapped around a tree as part of a tree stand. Designs of the present invention utilize a length or loop of cable. Segments are threaded onto the cable for the entire length. 
     Significance features of flexible components of the present invention include the provision of adequate tensile strength to support the weight of the stand and the user. The flexible component is preferably flexible so it can wrap around the tree, but yet it preferably is also rigid enough so it does not sag when pressure is removed. It preferably also can be easily adjustable to easily accommodate different size trees. 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a climbing tree stand that includes a seat platform including a tree engaging portion and a pair of structural support arms extending at a desired angle from the seat platform at two spaced locations, and a first flexible component that is operatively connected to one arm of the seat platform and adjustably connectable with the other arm, the first flexible component comprising a first inner cable onto which a plurality of rigid segments are threaded, wherein the segments are sufficiently connected with the first inner cable to allow for the flexible component to be flexible in a desired plane but otherwise sufficiently rigid for substantially maintaining the flexible component at the desired angle of the arms to the seat platform. 
     Preferably, the flexible component comprises a combination of holed and non-holed segments arranged along the first inner cable. One of the arms can include an internal passage within which an end portion of the flexible component can slide for providing an adjustable connection between the flexible component and the arm, the arm can also be operatively connected with a movable element to selectively engage with a segment of the first flexible component. More preferably, the arms are each pivotally connected with the seat platform and a further structural support is connected between the seat platform at a spaced location from the arms and ends of the arms for maintaining the arms at the desired angle from the seat platform. Also, the further structural support can be pivotally connected with the ends of the arms and is detachably connected with the seat platform to allow the arms and further structural support to collapse relative to the seat platform when detached. The inner cable can be threaded to run through each of the segments of the first flexible component more than once and the inner cable can be connected to an end segment provided at one end of the first flexible component at each end of the first inner cable. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a tree stand including a combination of a seat platform including a tree engaging portion and a pair of structural support arms extending at a desired angle from the seat platform at two spaced locations, a first flexible component that is operatively connected to one arm of the seat platform and adjustably connectable with the other arm, the first flexible component comprising a first inner cable onto which a plurality of rigid segments are threaded, wherein the segments are sufficiently connected with the first inner cable to allow for the flexible component to be flexible in a desired plane but otherwise sufficiently rigid for substantially maintaining the flexible component at the desired angle of the arms to the seat platform, a foot platform including a tree engaging portion and a pair of structural support arms extending at a desired angle from the seat platform at two spaced locations, and a second flexible component that is operatively connected to one arm of the foot platform and adjustably connectable with the other arm, the second flexible component comprising a second inner cable onto which a plurality of rigid segments are threaded, wherein the segments are sufficiently connected with the second inner cable to allow for the flexible component to be flexible in a desired plane but otherwise sufficiently rigid for substantially maintaining the flexible component at the desired angle of the arms to the foot platform. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of making a tree stand comprising the steps of operatively connecting a seat platform including a tree engaging portion to a pair of structural support arms while extending the arms from the seat platform at two spaced locations; threading a plurality of rigid segments onto a first inner cable to create a first flexible component, wherein the segments are sufficiently connected with the first inner cable to allow for the first flexible component to be flexible in a desired plane but otherwise sufficiently rigid for substantially maintaining the first flexible component at a desired angle; and attaching a first end of a first flexible component to one arm of the seat platform and adjustably connecting a second end of the first flexible component with the other arm. 
     Such a method of the present invention can further include the steps of operatively connecting a foot platform including a tree engaging portion to a pair of structural support arms while extending the arms from the foot platform at two spaced locations; threading a plurality of rigid segments onto a second inner cable to create a second flexible component, wherein the segments are sufficiently connected with the second inner cable to allow for the second flexible component to be flexible in a desired plane but otherwise sufficiently rigid for substantially maintaining the second flexible component at a desired angle; and attaching a first end of a second flexible component to one arm of the foot platform and adjustably connecting a second end of the second flexible component with the other arm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other important objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which; 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a climbing tree stand in accordance with the present invention comprising separately movable seat and foot platforms; 
         FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view showing a connection between a spring loaded connection pin and a flexible component of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of seat platform including a flexible component system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of a foot platform including a flexible component system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a flexible component of the present invention with the flexible component comprising holed segments and non-holed segments and being flexed for use with a tree stand of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an unflexed flexible component of the present invention comprising holed and non-holed segments along with an end segment; 
         FIG. 7  is cross sectional view of a non-holed segment of the flexible component as such segment is positioned within a passage of an arm element as part of supporting structure for a seat platform; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross sectional view of a holed segment of a flexible component of the present invention taken along line A-A of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross sectional view of a non-holed segment of a flexible component of the present invention taken along line B-B of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of an end segment of a flexible component of the present invention taken along line C-C of  FIG. 6  and showing a flexible internal cable of the flexible component of the present invention as positioned and swaged within an end segment; and 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged view of an end portion of the flexible component of  FIG. 6 , partially in longitudinal cross section, showing a routing of a flexible internal cable within the end segment as the ends of the cable are swaged within the end segment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following specific embodiments of the present invention and as described within the specification herein are for illustrative purposes only. Various deviations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention without departing from the main theme thereof. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a climbing tree stand is provided in accordance with the present invention as comprising a seat platform  10  and a foot platform  22 . Each of the seat platform  10  and the foot platform  22  are illustrated as being operatively connected, respectively, with flexible cable components  18  and  24 , in accordance with the present invention for replacing the flexible belts and chains of the prior art or a rigid back bar. The platforms can be manipulated to climb as described within the Background section above and in a similar manner as those of the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,986,404; 6,308,800; 5,234,077 and publication no. 2010/126803 shown climbing tree stands, the entire contents of each being fully incorporated herein by reference. 
     By the present invention, instead of sliding a roller chain, flexible belt, rigid back bar, or cable along a tree bark surface, the flexible cable components  18  and  24  of the present invention are used. The flexible cable components  18  and  24  advantageously can be controllably flexible within a plane and can provide sufficient strength for supporting the platforms  10  and  22  along with a user&#39;s weight. The flexibility of each flexible component  18  and  24  preferably allows the flexible components to wrap around trees of a range of sizes. Moreover, by the design of such flexible components  18  and  24  of the present invention, described below, the flexible components  18  and  24  slide more easily up and down a tree&#39;s bark surface as the components can slide along the uneven surfaces of tree bark. Also advantageously, the flexible components  18  and  24  of the present invention are designed to hold their shape when an upward force is provided to a platform  10  or  22  so that the flexible component  18  or  24 , respectively, is moved along the tree surface along with the platform while maintaining their shape and the angle of attachment to the platforms  10  and  22 . Maintaining this angle of attachment is important to providing adequate support without downward sliding of the platform. The angle of the extension of the flexible components  18  and  24  with respect to the respective platform  10  or  22  is preferably determined based upon the ability to support the platforms  10  and  22  is position based upon a downward force as applied to the platforms  10 ,  22 . Maintaining that angle during repositioning steps of the platforms  10 ,  22  is advantageous to a smooth climbing operation. 
       FIG. 3  shows an embodiment of the present invention for a construction of the seat platform  10  onto which a flexible seat  11  (see  FIG. 1 ), as known, can be supported to the platform  10 . Any seat shape and construction is contemplated, although it is preferable that the seat  11  be collapsible along with each of the platforms  10  and  22  for storage and transport. In the illustrated construction, arms  12  and  14  are pivotally connected to the sides of the platform  10  by brackets  13  and  15 , respectively. The arms  12  and  14  could instead be fixed in position to the seat platform  10  if collapsibility of the platform components is not desired. 
     A support  16  connects between a point  17  of the seat platform and points  19  and  21  of the arms  12  and  14 , respectively for fixing the arms  12  and  14  at a desired angular relationship to the platform  10 . This angle also facilitates the preferred angle for the flexible component  18  to adjustably extend from the arms  12  and  14 . The construction of the support  16  and connection points  17 ,  19  and  21 , respectively, with the seat platform  10  and arms  12  and  14  can be varied. The purpose of the support  16  is to fix the arms  12  and  14  at a preferred angle with respect to the seat platform  10 . The connections at points  19  and  21  can be selectively coupled or uncoupled or they can be permanently fixed depending on whether it is desired for the platform  10  and arms  12  and  14  to be collapsible or not. Conventional connectors are illustrated for the connection points of the platform  10 , brackets  13  and  15 , the support  16  and the arms  12  and  14 . These connections are preferably removable to allow collapse of the components to one another. Quick connect and disconnect pins or the like are also contemplated for easy set up and collapse. For example, a threaded knob  23  is shown in  FIG. 3  for securing the support  16  to the platform  10  at connection point  17 . The knob  23  allows a user to easily disconnect the support  16  from the platform  10  and the pivotal connections to the arms at  19  and  21  and to the platform  10  at brackets  13  and  15  then allow the support arms  12  and  14  and the support  16  to collapse to the platform  10 . 
     Seat platform  10  also preferably is shaped at one end thereof for tree engagement. Preferably, the platform  10  is shaped in that portion to partially encircle or surround a tree during use. To facilitate gripping of the platform  10  with a tree, tree engagement elements  25  are preferably positioned along the tree engagement end of the platform  10 , which elements can comprise a plate having a series of tree engaging spikes. The tree engagement elements can comprise other known or developed designs, the purpose of which is to dig into the tree bark when a downward force is applied to the seat platform  10  during climbing and in use. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a connection at  21  between the support  16  and a top portion of the arm  14 . The end of the arm  14  preferably includes a receiver opening for a passage  26  (see  FIG. 7 ) that extends within and along the arm  14  into which a portion of a flexible component  18  of the present invention can slide. This connection allows a spring loaded pin  20  to insert into any selected opening  27  as are provided along the flexible component  18  for adjustability of the flexible component  18  around trees of different sizes. A user can pull the pin  20  against a spring force, as such spring loaded pins are known, and slide the flexible component  18  to a desired position within the passage of the arm  14  and then release the pin so that the spring bias locates the pin  20  within the selected opening  27  of the flexible component  18 . 
     One end of the cable  18  is preferably connected to an end of the arm  12 , such as by a conventional bolt and nut assembly. The other end of the cable  18  is preferably fed within an internal space extending longitudinally within the arm  14 . As above, this end of the cable is connected to the arm  14  by selective activation and positioning of a spring loaded pin  20 . The cable  18  is preferably of a sufficient length to accommodate a variety of tree sizes, which can be varied for different products. 
     The foot platform  22  can be similarly constructed. Referring to  FIG. 4 , a construction of the foot platform  22  is shown. The foot platform is shown as including a frame  28  and a plurality of fixed slats  30 . Other configurations are contemplated. In the illustrated construction, arms  32  and  34  are pivotally connected to the sides of the platform  22  by brackets  33  and  35 , respectively. The arms  32  and  34  could instead be fixed in position to the seat platform  22  if collapsibility of the platform components is not desired. 
     A support  36  connects between a point  37  of the foot platform  22  and points  39  and  41  of the arms  32  and  34 , respectively for fixing the arms  32  and  34  at a desired angular relationship to the platform  22 . This angle also facilitates the preferred angle for the flexible component  24  to adjustably extend from the arms  32  and  34 . The construction of the support  36  and connection points  37 ,  39  and  41 , respectively, with the seat platform  22  and arms  32  and  34  can be varied. The purpose of the support  36  is to fix the arms  32  and  34  at a preferred angle with respect to the seat platform  22 . The connections at points  39  and  41  can be selectively coupled or uncoupled or they can be permanently fixed depending on whether it is desired for the platform  22  and arms  32  and  34  to be collapsible or not. Conventional connectors are illustrated for the connection points of the platform  22 , brackets  33  and  35 , the support  36  and the arms  32  and  34 . These connections are preferably removable to allow collapse of the components to one another. Quick connect and disconnect pins or the like are also contemplated for easy set up and collapse. A threaded knob  43  is shown in  FIG. 3  for securing the support  36  to the platform  22  at connection point  37 . The knob  43  allows a user to easily disconnect the support  36  from the platform  22  and the pivotal connections to the arms at  39  and  41  and to the platform  22  at brackets  33  and  35  then allow the support arms  32  and  34  and the support  36  to collapse to the platform  22 . 
     Seat platform  22  also preferably is shaped at one end thereof for tree engagement. Preferably, the platform  22  is shaped in that portion to partially encircle or surround a tree during use. To facilitate gripping of the platform  22  with a tree, tree engagement elements  45  are preferably positioned along the tree engagement end of the platform  22 , which elements can comprise a plate having a series of tree engaging spikes. The tree engagement elements can comprise other known or developed designs, the purpose of which is to dig into the tree bark when a downward force is applied to the seat platform  22  during climbing and in use. 
     Like that illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 7 , the end of the arm  34  preferably also includes a receiver opening for a passage  26  that extends within and along the arm  34  into which a portion of a flexible component  24  of the present invention can slide. This connection allows a spring loaded pin  50  to insert into any selected opening  27  as are provided along the flexible component  24  for adjustability of the flexible component  24  around trees of different sizes. A user can pull the pin  50  against a spring force, as such spring loaded pins are known, and slide the flexible component  24  to a desired position within the passage  27  of the arm  34  and then release the pin so that the spring bias locates the pin  50  within the selected opening  27  of the flexible component  24 . 
     One end of the flexible component  24  is preferably connected to an end of the arm  32 , such as by a conventional bolt and nut assembly. The other end of the flexible component  24  is preferably fed within the internal passage  27  extending longitudinally within the arm  34 . As above, this end of the flexible component is connected to the arm  34  by selective activation and positioning of a spring loaded pin  50 . The flexible component  24  is preferably of a sufficient length to accommodate a variety of tree sizes, which can be varied for different products. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the flexible component  18 ,  24  preferably comprises a plurality of metal segments, such as comprising segments  60  and holed segments  62 . These segments  60  and  62  can comprise aluminum extrusion pieces, although other metals and plastics and the like are contemplated. Any number of segments  60  and  62  can be utilized of one or more lengths, but it is preferably to keep the segment lengths short enough to provide a desired level of flexibility to easily wrap around a tree trunk. A length of about 30 mm is preferred for typical tree size design. The segments  60  and  62  are preferably shaped to facilitate flexibility of the flexible component  18 ,  24  in a single plane while maintaining its shape with minimal sag in other off-plane directions. Specifically, it is desirable that the flexible component  18 ,  24  does not sag significantly so that the shape of the flexible component  18 ,  24  does not significantly change. Moreover, the flexible component  18 ,  24  should have sufficient tensile strength to support the weight of a user along with the weight of the stand. 
     Each segment can be provided with one or more bores  61  for receiving a flexible cable  64 . This flexible cable  64  is important in providing the needed tensile strength to the flexible components  18 ,  24  in order to support the weight of a user along with the weight of the stand. In a preferred embodiment, a steel braided cable of less than 0.125 inch is threaded as the cable  64  through a bore of 0.125 inch of the segments  60 ,  62  to create a flexible component  18 ,  24  for supporting the seat and foot platforms of the present invention. Each segment  60 ,  62  is preferably spaced just slightly from an adjacent segment  60 ,  62  to allow for the desired flexibility. The steel cable length and spacing aspects can be determined empirically based upon desired flexibility and the ability of the flexible component  18 ,  24  to substantially hold its shape during a climbing operation. That is, it is desirable for the flexible component  18 ,  24  to substantially maintain the desired angle with the seat and/or foot platforms  10 ,  22  while climbing so that the segments  60 ,  62  and thus the flexible component  18 ,  24  slide along the tree trunk. 
     Preferably, the segments  60 ,  62  comprise a smooth shape and material to facilitate sliding along a tree surface. Segments  60 ,  62  having a greater width (as viewed in  FIGS. 8 and 9 ) than height are preferred. The relatively shorter height dimension more easily allows for the desired flexible component  18 ,  24  to have flexibility in a single plane, while the greater width dimension prevents movement out of plane. These dimensions and shapes of the segments can be varied based upon design criteria including expected tree diameters. The smaller the tree diameter, the greater is the need for flexibility in the single plane. The desired level of flexibility and thus each of the segment designs can be determined empirically based upon segment sizes and the spacing between segments as determined by the length of the flexible cable  64 . As above, an aluminum or other material extrusion having a desired width and height and preferably also having one or more bores for receiving the flexible cable  64  can be utilized. As an extrusion, holes  27  can be drilled at spaced locations, and the extrusion can simply be cut into desired segment lengths providing segments  60  without holes and segments  62  with holes located as desired. Aluminum or another light weight metal is preferred for the segments  60 ,  62 , although other materials including plastics, ceramics, or the like can be used. Holed segments  62  need not be provided within all of the length of the flexible component  18 ,  24  and may only be provided in the portion of the flexible component  18 ,  24  that is needed for adjustment for a range of tree sizes (like a belt for clothing). 
     In order to set the segment spacing, the ends of the steel cable  64  can be connected with a final segment  66  on each side of the cable  66  by conventional means, such as by a swaging technique. 
     As shown by the cross sectional drawings of  FIGS. 8-11 , it is preferable that the flexible inner cable  64  be threaded through each segment  60 ,  62  at plural spaced points, the spacing being in the width direction of the segments  60 ,  62 . As shown, the inner cable  64  can travel through the plural segments  60 ,  62  along one side thereof and then be returned to travel back through the plural segments  60 ,  62  along another side of each segment  60 ,  62 . Such an arrangement can include a loop at one end of the cable  64  where the cable  64  turns back into the same end segment. At the other end, see  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the cable  64  can be run back into an end segment  66  and swaged in place. The cross section of  FIG. 8  shows a cross through an opening  27  of a segment  62  of the flexible component  18 ,  24 .  FIG. 9 , shows a cross section through a solid portion of a segment  60 , and  FIG. 10  shows a cross at an end segment  66  swaged to the flexible cable  64  at three points. The swaging or other functionally equivalent manner of defining the length of the flexible cable  64  relative to the segments  60 ,  62  sets the length, segments spacing, and flexibility of each flexible component  18 ,  24 , as described above. 
     In  FIG. 11 , the flexible cable  64  is shown in an example of cable routing with both end portions of the cable  64  within the end segment  66 . In this example, the cable  64  runs from the end segment  66  through all of the other segments  60 ,  62 , then turns back at the distal end of the flexible component  18  and again runs all the way through the segments  60 ,  62 . Also in this example, the end of the cable  64  is then turned back into the end segment  66  and terminated within the end segment. That way, the cable  64  can be swaged with the end segment  66  by partial compression of the end segment  66  to frictionally secure the cable  64  with the end segment  66  at three locations, as shown in  FIG. 10 . This cable routing example thus defines the length of the flexible component  18  while the segments  60 ,  62  are freely slidable along the cable  64 . The end segment  66  limits movement of the segments  60 ,  62  at one end of the flexible component  18  and a cable loop limits movement of the segments  60 ,  62  at the other or distal end of the flexible component  18 . 
     Other cable routing variations are contemplated. For example, a single bore  61  can be provided through each segment  60 ,  62  and the cable  64  can pass only once throughout the length of the flexible component  18 . In this case, a swaging or other cable locking technique can be utilized at each end of the flexible component  18 . More than two cable runs can also be accomplished by having additional segment bores  61 . The cable  64  can be connected to any one or more end segments  66  as desired. The cable  64  can also be connected with any one or more of the segments  60 ,  62  if desired to limit segment movement at any point along the cable  64 . Other cable and segment clamping techniques can be used including utilizing other mechanical clamps or fasteners, adhesives, or bonding or welding techniques. 
     The flexible component  18 ,  24  can also be coated with or provided within a flexible material. An advantage of providing a flexible material, such as PVC, over the length of the flexible component  18 ,  24  is that noise is reduced when climbing the platforms  10  and  22 . Such a material could allow the desired flexibility in a single plane, as above, and can help limit movement in other directions. Such a material can facilitate easier sliding of the flexible component  18 ,  24  over tree bark. Materials other than PVC are contemplated including other polymeric materials including natural and synthetic rubbers and the like. The material preferable does not significantly affect the flexibility of the flexible component  18 ,  24  in the single plane. 
     Other manners of adjusting one end of the flexible component  18 ,  24  relative to a structural component of a platform  10 ,  22 , such as arm  14  or  34 , are also contemplated instead of utilizing a spring pin  20 ,  50  to be inserted within a hole  27  of a segment  62 . For example, a movable fork element can be guided and operatively connected with an arm  14 ,  34  to engage between adjacent segments  60 . Other locking mechanisms can likewise be operatively connected with an arm or other structural component of a platform to engage and lock any segment, such as comprising clamps or other mechanical fasteners. Adjustability can be provided by any mechanism for engaging and disengaging with a segment.