Abstract:
A portable ladder stand for outdoor use, which provides a hunter or naturalist with an elevated vantage point for viewing or harvesting game. The stand includes a pivotally attached seat to permit the hunter or naturalist to change from a seated position to a standing position or vice versa in a comfortable and secure manner. The stand further includes a plurality of adjustable rests, capable of being manipulated by the hunter or naturalist in either the seated or standing position, for convenient placement of various objects, such as a bow, pack, camera or gun.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to portable ladder stands, for use by outdoor enthusiasts in climbing to an elevated position. More particularly, the present invention relates to a portable ladder stand including a ladder and a pivotally movable seat portion. Optionally, the ladder stand may include at least one adjustable implement rest. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   There are many known climbing and elevated support devices for elevating the position of a hunter or naturalist in the field. The known support devices vary greatly in terms of their function and ability. For example, some of the known devices include:
         (a) tree stands, which encompass two general varieties, climbing and non-climbing, both of which suspend the hunter or naturalist at a desired height, and secure solely to a tree;   (b) ladder stands, which elevate the hunter or naturalist to a maximum height relative to the length of the ladder, and which require the assistance of a tree for support and securement; and   (c) tripods, which do not require the assistance of a tree for support, yet which elevate the hunter or naturalist relative to the ground.       

   While any device within the above three general categories will elevate the location of a hunter or naturalist on many types of terrain, each will perform better than the others given certain field conditions. By way of example, a hunter or naturalist would opt for a tree stand when the forest or vegetation canopy is high; thereby enabling the hunter or naturalist to position himself at or near the top of the canopy, for optimum concealment. Alternatively, when ground cover or brush is high, a hunter or naturalist may opt for a ladder stand to position himself slightly above the ground cover for maximum concealment and optimal visibility. As another option, a hunter of naturalist may choose a self-supporting tripod when the terrain does not include trees of suitable girth for securing a tree stand or ladder stand. 
   As a result, there exists a demand for each of the three general categories of elevated stands. Like all of the general categories, within the category of ladder stands there exist many variations on the general concept, which include an array of methods for attachment to the tree, seating and platform configurations, portability/collapsibility, etc. 
   Some known devices that depict ladder stands with various seating and platform configurations are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos., 4,782,918, 4,905,792, 5,009,283, 5,279,390, 5,368,127, 5,465,933, 5,518,083, 5,791,436, and 5,839,538. 
   Brunner et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,918, entitled, “Portable Collapsible Tree Stand,” discloses a foldably collapsible tree stand, which does not include a ladder. Part of the structure disclosed in the Brunner reference includes a seat which is pivotally attached to a seat mounting extension, for pivotal movement between extended and retracted positions thereof. 
   Prejean, U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,283, entitled, “Hunting Stand System,” discloses a foldably collapsible hunting stand, which may include a ladder. The hunting stand of Prejean includes a movable seat which is pivotally mounted on a central post. 
   Blennert, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,083, entitled, “Swing Arm Tree Stand,” discloses a portable tree stand including a base for attaching to a tree, and a platform pivotally connected to the base by a swing arm. The base is held to a tree by chains or the like. A pair of lugs, secured to the base, pivotally support the swing arm therebetween. A seat is fastened to the distal end of the swing arm. 
   While the aforementioned inventions provide a variety of climbing devices to assist the hunter or naturalist who wishes to stand or sit in an elevated position, a need still exists in the art for a ladder stand which enables the hunter or naturalist to easily, comfortably, and quietly switch between standing and seated positions, and which also provides an adjustable implement rest for supporting an accessory, such as a gun barrel or camera lens. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention has been developed to overcome many of the limitations and disadvantages of known ladder stands, and to generally fulfill a need in the art for an improved ladder stand. The ladder stand according to the present invention enables the hunter or naturalist to easily, comfortably and quietly change from a seated position to a standing position, or vice-versa, with minimal effort and movement. The ladder stand hereof alleviates problems associated with other known ladder stands, while also providing an adjustable implement rest for an accessory such as a gun, bow, telescope, or camera lens. 
   A ladder stand in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, generally includes a ladder for enabling travel from the ground to the platform, an upper frame assembly attachable to the top of the ladder, a standing platform for supporting a hunter or naturalist thereon, a movable seat which is pivotally connected to the upper frame assembly, and a plurality of securing members for attaching the ladder stand to a vertical support. 
   In a particular embodiment of the invention, the ladder stand hereof includes at least one implement rest, attached to the upper frame assembly, for supporting an implement thereon. 
   Accordingly, in a first embodiment thereof, the present invention provides a ladder stand including a ladder section, as a way for the hunter or naturalist to traverse from a ground position to an elevated position. When the ladder stand is set up in the field, the ladder section extends vertically upward from the earth at an angle less than 90° for a predetermined span. The ladder section may be made to disassemble into sections, or alternatively, it may be foldable and collapsible onto itself to provide a more compact and convenient mode for transportation. 
   The ladder stand according to the first embodiment also includes a standing platform, operatively attached to the ladder section, for extending outwardly therefrom toward a tree or pole to which the upper frame assembly is attached. The standing platform includes a substantially rectangular or U-shaped perimeter, with a plurality of cross members spanning across the interior portion of said perimeter. The upper surface of the standing platform may be covered with a vented or grate-like material, suitable for both improved grip and minimal water retention/collection. 
   Also in the first embodiment, the apparatus hereof further includes multiple securing straps for placement extending downwardly from the standing platform and wrapping around a vertical support such as a tree or pole, and for re-attaching to a predetermined area of the ladder section. These securing straps are equipped with a tightening mechanism. 
   The ladder stand according to the first embodiment also includes a seat assembly with a pivotally movable seat. The seat assembly includes a seat, first and second side rails, securing members for pivotally connecting the seat to said support members, a removable securing strap and a grooved angular plate for attachment to a vertical support. 
   Optionally, the apparatus may further include a plurality of downwardly extending cables interconnecting the standing platform and the side rails, in such a manner that the standing platform is not required to engage the tree or pole. 
   The ladder stand may also include at least one adjustment brace extending outwardly from a side rail of the upper frame assembly. The side rails may further contain additional adjustment braces and/or extension arms for an implement support, such as a gun rest or camera lens. 
   Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which, in conjunction with the annexed drawings, describes the presently contemplated embodiments of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a ladder stand according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is an enlarged perspective view of a top section of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 , focusing on the standing platform, pivotally attached seat, and implement rests. 
       FIG. 3  is a detail perspective view of a seating platform and upper frame assembly, which is a component of the apparatus of  FIGS. 1–2 , showing the seating platform in a flipped-up position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a ladder stand according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at  10 . The ladder stand  10  generally includes a ladder  11 , a standing platform  12 , and an upper frame assembly  45  supporting a pivotally movable seat  21 . 
   The ladder stand  10  is provided to be used with a vertical support  40 . It will be understood that the vertical support  40  does not form a part of the ladder stand  10  according to the present invention, but instead, the ladder stand is intended to be used in conjunction with a free standing vertical support, which will usually be a tree. 
   Throughout the present specification, relative positional terms like ‘upper’, ‘lower’, ‘front’, ‘rear’, ‘top’, ‘bottom’, ‘horizontal’, ‘vertical’, and the like are used to refer to the orientation of the apparatus as shown in the drawings. These terms are used in an illustrative sense to describe the depicted embodiments, and are not meant to be limitative. It will be understood that the depicted apparatus may be placed at an orientation different from that shown in the drawings, such as inverted 180 degrees or transverse to that shown, and in such a case, the above-identified relative positional terms will no longer be accurate. These relative positional terms are used herein to describe components the ladder stand in the installed configuration thereof, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
   Specifically referring to  FIG. 1 , the ladder  11 , in the depicted embodiment, is a multi-rung ladder, extending to a predetermined height, and constructed of a strong, lightweight material such as aluminum, steel, metal alloy, or high-strength plastic. The ladder  11  may be formed from hollow tubing to minimize the weight thereof. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the ladder  11  may be made up of several interlocking ladder segments  36  which fit nestingly together, and which are joined at the ends  2  thereof. The number of ladder segments  36  used may vary, depending on the application, thereby enabling the hunter or naturalist to either increase or decrease the height of the seating platform  21  and the standing platform  12 , by adding or removing segments. The interconnecting ladder segments  36  also may be disassembled to provide for a more convenient mode of storing and/or transporting the apparatus  10 . 
   Alternatively, the individual segments  36  may be pivotally hinged at the segment ends  2  thereof, enabling the ladder  11  to be collapsibly folded to facilitate storage and transportation of the apparatus  10 . 
   Further referring to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  incorporates a plurality of securing members  5 ,  7 , and  18 , for removably attaching the ladder stand  10  to a tree or pole. 
   As an optional feature, the apparatus  10  according to the present invention may include a substantially Y-shaped anchor arm  3 , situated below the standing platform  12  at an intermediate portion of the ladder  11 , for abutting placement against a vertical support  40  such as a tree or pole. Where used, the anchor arm  3  may be made removably attachable to the ladder  11  at a predetermined point  6 . 
   Alternatively, the anchor arm  3  may be pivotally attached to the ladder  11  at the predetermined point  6 , so as to be foldable thereon. The anchor arm  3 , where used, is constructed of similar material to that of the ladder  11 . The anchor arm  3  may include a substantially Y-shaped end opposite the end secured to the ladder  11 , for removable attachment to a vertical support  40  by way of a first securing strap  5 . 
   According to a preferred embodiment, the first securing strap  5  is constructed of a strong woven cloth material, and tightens to the tree or pole by way of a conventional ratcheting system  4 . 
   Alternatively, the first securing strap  5  may be constructed of chain, braided wire, leather, or other flexible material capable of being securely fastened. Further as an alternative to the ratcheting system  4 , another mechanism may be implemented such as one or more buckles or a draw-tight assembly. 
   Additionally in  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  10  includes relatively long stabilizing straps  7 , which are constructed of material similar in kind to that of the first securing strap  5 , and are tightened by way of a ratcheting system  4 , or other tightening mechanism as discussed in connection with the first securing strap  5 . 
   A first end of each of the stabilizing straps  7  may be attached to a free end of the standing platform  12 , as shown. When the apparatus  10  is assembled and connected to a vertical support  40 , as shown, the stabilizing straps  7  extend downward from either side of the standing platform  12 , traverse around the vertical support  40 , and reattach to the ladder  11  at a predetermined location. In the depicted embodiment, the stabilizing straps  7  may be reattached to the ladder  11  at an area substantially near the anchor arm  3 . The stabilizing straps  7  reduce sway or twisting of the apparatus  10 , thereby providing increased stability. 
   However, in an alternative embodiment of the apparatus  10 , the stabilizing straps  7  may be removed or may solely secure around the vertical support  40  near the standing platform  12 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , the upper section of the apparatus  10  is shown in greater detail. The standing platform  12  may be pivotally attached to an upper ladder section, with one or more stop members such as the suspension cables  13  limiting downward movement of the free end thereof, relative to the upper frame assembly  45 . 
   Alternatively, rather than being pivotally attached, the standing platform  12  may be rigidly affixed to the upper section of the ladder  11 . 
   Extending outwardly from the ladder  11 , the standing platform  12  includes a rectangular or substantially U-shaped perimeter  17 , a plurality of cross members  16  and a grate-like top surface  15 . The perimeter  17  and the cross members  16  are constructed from the same material as the ladder  10 . The top surface  15  of the standing platform  12  may be composed of a metal grate or heavy-gauge screen which provides a number of advantages, namely drainage of rain and debris, non-skid surface for the user, and increased strength of the platform  12 . Alternatively, another material such as vented aluminum, high-strength plastic or wood may provide similar advantages. 
   While the standing platform  12  is secured to the ladder  11  by rivets, bolts or other conventional fasteners, it is preferred that the standing platform  12  is adapted to be further secured to a vertical support  40  by way of the stabilizing straps  7  (as previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 ), when the apparatus  10  is fully assembled and deployed in the field. 
   Additionally, the standing platform  12  may be further supported by suspension cables  13 , which may interconnect the standing platform to an upper frame assembly  45  attached to the top of the ladder  11 . Where used, the suspension cables  13  secure the free end of the standing platform  12  to the reinforcing rails  20  of the upper frame assembly  45 . 
   The suspension cables  13  may be made of a plastic-coated braided wire. Alternatively, the suspension cables  13  may be constructed from a single strand of flexible elongate material of sufficient gauge to ensure safe operation. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the standing platform  12  may be truncated so that the free end thereof does not directly engage the vertical support  40 , save the contact between the additional support straps  7  and the vertical support. 
   Alternatively, dual contact may be established with the vertical support  40  from both the seat section and the standing platform  12 , if desired. 
   As an alternative to the use of the cables  13 , equivalent structure could be provided by solid tubular members (not shown) substituted in place of the cables. 
   Further referring to  FIG. 2 , in the installed position thereof, the ladder  11  leans inwardly toward the vertical support  40 , and connects with an upper frame assembly  45  at the uppermost portion of the apparatus  10 . The upper frame assembly  45  is disposed substantially parallel to the ground. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1–3 , the upper frame assembly includes a pair of spaced apart L-shaped reinforcing rails  20 , which nestingly engage the ladder ends. 
   The upper frame assembly  45  also includes an adjustment brace  23  secured to the reinforcing rails  20 , as shown. The adjustment brace  23  is substantially U-shaped and having a pair of parallel legs interconnected be a web at a closed end thereof, similar in scale to that of the reinforcing rails  20  and constructed of similar material. 
   Also in the embodiment of  FIGS. 1–3 , a pair of spaced apart, integrally formed support studs  46  ( FIG. 3 ) are provided extending outwardly at the corners of the adjustment brace  23 , to support the ends of an angular blade  14 . 
   The saw-toothed, angular blade  14  and a securing strap  18  with ratcheting system  4  and hooks  31  are located along the rearmost section of the adjustment brace  23 . The angular blade  14  and securing strap  18  are provided to removably attach the upper frame section  45  of the apparatus  10  to a vertical support  40  such as a tree or pole. The angular blade  14  is attached to the support studs  46  using strong fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. The securing strap  18  and ratcheting system  4  are of similar construction and function to those previously discussed, and incorporate similar alternative embodiments. 
   The saw-toothed, angular blade  14  is constructed of rigid material such as aluminum, steel alloy metal, or other material suitable for engaging the exterior surface of a tree or wooden pole, while the hooks  31  are constructed of similar material, but may, as an alternative embodiment, be replaced by a durable clip or carabiner (not shown) of material suitable to handle the stress incurred as a result of tightening the securing strap  18  and supporting the weight of the hunter or naturalist. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , it will be seen that a substantially C-shaped limit bar  47  is fixedly attached to the adjustment brace  23 , to limit downward movement of the seat platform  21 . Most preferably, the limit bar  47  is welded or otherwise fixedly attached to the adjustment brace  23 . The ends of the limit bar  47  may take the form of outwardly extending anchor plates  49 , having openings formed therein to receive hooks  31  of the securing strap  18 . 
   The seat  21  is securely pivotally attached to the adjustment brace  23 , and is pivotally movable relative thereto, so as to enable the hunter or naturalist to sit on the seat  21  or, alternatively, to lift the seat  21  up and stand on the standing platform  12 , leaning comfortably against the vertical support  40 . 
   The seat  21  is constructed of material similar to that of the standing platform  12  (although smaller in scale) in that the seat  21  includes an outer perimeter  50 , a plurality of cross members  52 , and a grate-like upper panel. The seat  21  is preferred to also include a pair of connector bars  19 , extending outwardly from the perimeter  50 , for facilitating pivotal attachment of the seat to the adjustment brace  23 . The connector bars  19  may also extend across the central portion of the seat  21 , as shown, for added strength and reinforcement. The connector bars  19  allow the seat  21  to be pivotally attached to the upper frame  45  at two spaced apart connections, for superior strength as compared to a single attachment point. 
   Additionally, in accordance with an alternative embodiment, the seat  21  may optionally include a fabric or cushioned top surface (not shown). 
   As further illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the apparatus  10 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment, includes one or more adjustable extension arms. Examples of suitable extension arms are shown at  25  and  26 , which fit telescopically inside of and extend outwardly from spaced-apart side segments of the adjustment brace  23 . The extension arms  25  and  26  are constructed of material similar to that of the adjustment brace  23 , although slightly smaller in cross-section. As noted, the end portions of the extension arms  25  and  26  slide telescopically in and out of the open ends of the adjustment brace, providing for a plurality of extendable positions. The extension arms  25  and  26  are adjustably secured to the adjustment brace  23  by way of tension knobs  22  and  24 . The tension knobs  22 ,  24  include threaded shafts extending downwardly, which fit into corresponding threaded bosses on the brace  23 . The tension knobs  22 ,  24  are able to be manipulated by the hunter or naturalist in either the seated or standing position. 
   While the preferred embodiment of the apparatus  10 , depicts the general shape of the adjustment brace  23  and the extension arms  25  and  26  to be substantially box-like, for which tension knobs  22  and  24  are suitable for adjustment; an alternative embodiment of the apparatus  10  may include a substantially cylindrical tube-like configuration for said brace  23  and arms  25  &amp;  26 , whereby alternative structures other than tension knobs  22  &amp;  24  may be used, such as tension clamps or pressure twist grips. 
   Located on the upper portion of the extension arm  26  is an adjustable first implement rest  30 , which may be used to support a hunting bow or pack. Although the first implement rest  30  is fixably attached to the extension arm  26 , the mounting bracket  28  permits the rest  30  to rotate, thereby enabling a hunter to rest a bow at any desired angle. While, according to the preferred embodiment, the first implement rest  30  is substantially wishbone-shaped and constructed of plastic-coated metal, alternative embodiments may include a cradle-shaped rest (not shown). The first implement rest  30  may alternatively be constructed from a strong plastic or polymer. 
   The other extension arm  25  is substantially L-shaped and includes additional components such as tension knobs  33  and  35 , a height-adjustable elongate member  27 , a swivel arm  29 , rotatable mounting bracket  37  and a second implement rest  48 . The height-adjustable elongate member  27  engages the extension arm  25  similar to that of the engagement between the extension arm  25  and the adjustment brace  23 , and incorporates similar construction as well as similar alternative embodiments. 
   As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in the depicted embodiment, the extension arm  25  is substantially L-shaped; however, as an alternative embodiment, the extension arm  25  may be constructed of another varying shape such as a substantially J or S-shaped member, or may be angled upwardly from the adjustment brace  23 . 
   The swivel arm  29  is rotatably attached to the height-adjustable elongate member  27  by a tension knob  35 , which permits fore and aft rotation relative to the hunter or naturalist. The swivel arm  29  is constructed of material in kind to that of the aforementioned ladder  11  and adjustment brace  23 . The swivel arm  29  is substantially L-shaped and engages a mounting bracket  37  which rotatably secures a second implement rest  48 , for supporting part of a gun or camera lens thereon. The mounting bracket  37  is similar to that of the mounting bracket  28  secured to the extension arm  26 . 
   The second implement rest  48  is preferably constructed of metal, a strong plastic, or plastic-coated metal. The rest  48  is substantially V-shaped, and is rotatably mounted to the swivel arm  29 , to permit the hunter or naturalist to rotatably adjust the rest  48 , through a full range of 360 degrees. 
   Although the present invention has been described herein with respect to a specific embodiment thereof, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art will realize that many modifications of the preferred embodiment could be made which would be operable. All such modifications, which are within the scope of the appended claims, are intended to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention.