Abstract:
A lightweight portable tree stand incorporating a detachable reclining seat which is used in an elevated position removably affixed to a tree&#39;s trunk. With the recliner tree stand installed on a tree and the user sitting in a reclined position, and upon seeing the quarry, stands, releases the seat, and then has easy access to the entire platform allowing for enhanced, mobility, safety, and visibility of the area below. In the user releasing the seat the seat swings to the tree&#39;s trunk, this along full access to an otherwise limited surface area.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   Tree stands are utilized in outdoor activities for the photography, hunting, and observation of wildlife in their undisturbed natural habitats. Specifically, tree stands are small elevated platforms that have limited space, small seats and as a result are marginally safe, offer limited mobility and visibility and are relatively uncomfortable. As the purpose of a tree stand is to enable the user to view wildlife, it should also provide comfort, mobility and safety. Unfortunately, the present field of tree stands only limitedly accomplish these aspects. In turn, the present invention allows the user unprecedented mobility, visibility, comfort, and safety. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
   Portable tree stands having fixed seats and footrests are attached to trees in fixed elevated positions. Once attached to the tree, and in use, the tree stand becomes immovable in both location and functional positioning. Present tree stands are embodied in rigid fixed mediums. Tree stands are generally comprised of several elements that includes a seat, platform and a manner by which the platform, and attachment are attached to a tree. The seat element usually ranges in size between, for example a rather small 12″×12″ to 12″×24″ whereas the platform is but a little larger than the seat. Additionally, very few tree stands have backrests and the ones that do are also rigidly affixed. 
   When a stand location is located, the tree is ascended by using a ladder, steps, or other suitable climbing means. When in position, the user installs his platform stand at the desired elevation. Then once the platform stand is in position, the user attaches the frame member to the tree using a flexible belt or other suitable material means, with the belt adjusted and drawn tight around the tree, the frame is then capable of supporting the user. When the tree stand is placed into position on a vertical tree the user must then climb onto the platform. Because there is such a limited amount of platform space available this can become a treacherous activity. Once on the tree stand, the user has all of but several inches upon which to “jockey” into the correct seated position. Now when positioned in a tree, the user must remain seated on a small seat and has a limited area upon which to place additional gear and bodily extremities. As a result of being seated without much room to maneuver the user has minimal access to the platform and thus substantially decreasing visibility. Additionally, the user will tend to become uncomfortable and fatigued after being confined to a small platform and seat for an extended period of time. 
   On certain days, a hunter may wish to remain in his elevated stand for long periods of time, often from dawn until well after dark. Remaining in a semi-restrained elevated stand for long periods is boring, uncomfortable, and very fatiguing. Resulting in, the user tending to move around in the seat making noise that may alert game to his presence. 
   Of even greater concern is the potentially dangerous situation that arises when a user is in the tree stand becomes fatigued or attempts to view wildlife because of the height and awkward position in which the user is placed while in the tree stand. Being elevated upwards of 15-20 feet, and having a very limited area upon which to balance, there is substantial risk of personal injury to the user as the user attempts to get into positions to view and observe quarry. The prior art has not fully addressed the problems surrounding the limited access to the platform while the user is standing. Additionally, the prior art has not fully addressed the problems of fatigue that directly result from the user being uncomfortable in a restricted seated position with limited visibility. 
   An aspect of prior art that further unaddressed is the limitation of such stands being of such a design and nature that the user must select only the most vertical of trees. As the presently available tree stands have affixed seats that are limitedly adjustable, aside from vertical height adjustments, any angulated tree will result in the user being angulated either forward or backward while seated. This is extremely dangerous as any weight shift by the user will jeopardize the user&#39;s safety some 15+ feet up in the tree. Furthermore, any such pitch and resulting compensation will further decrease the pleasure, comfort and visibility from the tree stand. 
   An additional limitation on a majority of the presently available tree stands is in the tree stands&#39; containing rigidly affixed back rests. Thus, such back rests suffer from the same drawbacks as the seat and even further restrict movement and visibility. 
   The prior art platform seats, while marginally adequate, hamper the overall effectiveness of the device. As the platforms are small and offer limited space for the user to move about and store gear the full potential of the tree stand can never be achieved. Thus, all the prior art teachings fail to teach an apparatus that effectively offers safety, maximum mobility, visibility, and comfort. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed at and utilized in outdoor activities such as photography, observation and hunting of animals in the wild. Moreover, the present invention modifies and vastly improves upon the prior art that are no more than small elevated platforms offering limited visibility, mobility, safety and comfort and thus allows the user to take advantage of all of the available space. 
   The present invention is comprised of a platform stand, a frame that encompass safety rails, and a seat and methods of seat attachment to said platform and safety rails. 
   Specifically, this invention deals with an elevated tree stand comprised of a seat support structure. Particularly, the seat is detachable, therein allowing for complete retraction and thus the user&#39;s complete access to the entire platform. This enhanced access permits the user to gain unprecedented maneuverability resulting in enhanced comfort, safety and viewing opportunities of the subject. The user may attach the seat to the frame member in any number of means. Furthermore, the seat is of a nature that allows for a curved configuration capable of anatomical conformation to the seated user&#39;s back and posterior features. When the user is seated in a reclined position the stand&#39;s platform may be utilized to support the feet or the front rail, thus allowing for a more comfortable seated position. The nature of attachment in the present invention allows the user to rapidly stand and release the seat permitting full access and the maximum mobility upon a limited sized platform. Accordingly, as the seat is detached the entire platform becomes fully accessible, therein allowing the user enhanced mobility and utilization of the tree stand&#39;s platform. The ability to seat or retract the seat will permit the user to quietly alter sitting comfortably and standing. 
   In sum, the invention embodying the detachable seat allows the user the comfort of a seat and conforming back support with that of having full access to the entire platform of a tree stand. Accordingly, the present invention addresses all concerns regarding safety, maneuverability, comfort and visibility more fully than any of the prior art. The invention consists of a side member, top and bottom cross members which form a rectangular frame that supports a seat. The seat member is preferably fabricated from a flexible heavy synthetic material of a dark or camouflage pattern that would help to visually obscure it. The metal frame of both the recliner and the platform could also be obscured by utilizing a non-reflective flat finish. The seat has a curved configuration capable of anatomical configuration to the seated user&#39;s back posture. When seated, the user&#39;s weight exerts a downward force that maintains a compressive interface between the recliner seat, the platform portion of the stand and the tree. On each side of the seat member, beside the user&#39;s knees a rope or like support is sized to be inserted into slot retainers. The upper seat member is likewise supported in a similar manner. With the user sitting in a reclined position a foot rest is utilized to support the feet which allows for a comfortable leg and foot position. When assuming a reclined position, the hunter can quickly and quietly assume a standing position by releasing the seat at his knees and moving it slightly rearward. With the seat member released, it swings toward the rear, allowing the user complete access to the platform. When the bottom seat member is in the retracted position, the platform is accessible so that the user may stand and maneuver as desired. 
   In conclusion the present invention discloses novel and extremely useful method and apparatus that far exceeds the functionality of the prior art. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the portable hunting lounge/stand of the present invention with the lounge seat  60  in place. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the portable hunting lounge/stand of the present invention with the lounge seat  60  in the rearward position. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the lounge seat  60  in place. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the present invention with the lounge seat  60  in the rearward position. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the portable hunting lounge of the present invention with a hunter standing in a shooting posture with the lounge seat  60  in the rearward position. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of the portable hunting lounge of the present invention in a collapsed position for transporting to and form the hunting location and storage when not in use. 
       FIG. 7  is a sectional view taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 1 , of an extendible support member engaged via a sliding mechanism within upper support frame  41 . 
       FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally flat web strap  62  with a knot which is secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 9  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally linked chain  62  with a link secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally linked chain  62  with a link secured over a post at the side frame  42 . 
       FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general wire rope  62  with a shank ball end fitting secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general wire rope  62  with a thimble and compression fitting secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 13  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general wire rope  62  with a thimble and compression fitting secured over a post at the frame  42 . 
       FIG. 14  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general seat  60  corner tabs with a grommet which is secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 15  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general seat  60  having corner tabs with a grommet which is secured over a post in the frame  42 . 
       FIG. 16  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A general “S” hook  85  secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally flat web strap  62  with a grommet which is secured in a slot at the frame notched member. 
       FIG. 18  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally flat web strap  62  with a grommet which is secured over a post at the frame  42 . 
       FIG. 19  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally round rod  81  extending from seat corners  60  which are secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 20  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally woven rope  62  extending from the seat corners  60  and secured in spring activated securing cam  82  at the frame  42 . 
       FIG. 21  is a partial perspective view showing a variant for securing the seat corners  60  to the side frame  42 . A generally woven rope  62  extending from the seat corners  60  with an adjustable chuck type mechanism  83  which when tightened exerts a compressive load on rope means which is secured in a slot at the frame notched member  47 . 
       FIG. 22  is a partial prospective side view of the present invention with in-line holes of lower support frame  42  aligned with slots  75  in slot member  71  and secured with threaded bolt and nut or pin  44 . 
       FIG. 23  is a partial prospective view of the alternate embodiment of the present invention with in-line holes of lower support member  42  aligned with notched slot  76  in slot member  71  and secured with threaded bolt and nut or pin  44 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the present invention is a recliner  30  comprised of rectangular-like frame  40  and sling-like seat  60 , with said seat  60  shown in the ready-to-sit position. Recliner  30  is illustrated on a commercially available platform stand  70  that has a generally rectangular-like shape when viewed from above and is structurally designed to support an individual, and is attached to a vertical support element, such as a tree. While said platform stand  70  is typically used with a tree, it could also be used with a generally vertical pole or post as well. Rectangular frame  40  is comprised of a u-shaped-like upper support frame  41  and u-shaped-like lower support frame  42  having a similarly shaped footrest frame  48  that may be pivotally attached to the side rails. The two piece frame members  41  and  42  facilitate collapsibility for portability. However, it is understood that a one piece of said rectangular frame  40  could be used.  FIG. 6  illustrates said rectangular frame  40 , seat  60  and said platform stand  70  in the collapsed position for storage and transporting. 
   For durability and strength said upper support frame  41 , lower support frame  42 , and footrest frame  48  are formed of lightweight durable material with various recliner  30  elements being fabricated from similar type alloy or alloy-like material and joined to each other by weld or other comparable means of attachment. However, it is obvious to one skilled in the art that a number of alternative materials such as glass fiber reinforced resins, carbon filled reinforced composites and the like could be utilized in the fabrication of said upper and lower support frames  41 ,  42 , and footrest frame  48 . The finish for upper and lower support frames  41 ,  42 , and footrest frame  48  it is preferably of a dark non-glare or camouflage type. 
   Said upper support frame  41  is configured with two vertical side rails which maybe bent slightly rearward at their upper ends, then bent at right angles to form a horizontal rail. The vertical side rails of the top section on upper support frame  41  has notched members  46  positioned to accept knots on cordage  61  of seat  60 . However, it is understood that said cordage  61  could be permanently attached to the top section of upper support frame  41 . Affixed to the top horizontal rail is wedge member  72  used to secure rectangular seat frame  40  to tree using a ratchet strap, tightening buckle, chain, cable or other appropriate mechanical means  32 . 
   The lower support frame  42  is configured with two vertical side rails which maybe bent slightly downward at their lower ends, then bent at right angles to form a horizontal rail at the bottom. The ends of vertical side rails of lower support frame  42  have extended support member  43  which are extended outward and engage via a sliding or sliding-like mechanism into the ends of upper support frame  41  side rails as shown in  FIG. 7 . Both upper support frame  41  and extended support member  43  have matching holes which maybe engaged by a threaded bolt and knob or pin  44 . 
   Although not shown in  FIG. 7 , a mechanical spring activated button type device with its springs installed against the inside walls of extended support member  43  and the button device protrudes from holes in extended support member  43  the button device then protrudes into and engages the holes in the upper support frame  41  side rails. This device prevents unintentional or accidental disassembly of rectangular frame  40 . The vertical side rails near the middle section of lower support frame  42 , have notched members  47 , which have a plurality of slots that engage the knots on cordage  62  of seat  60 . The slots on notched members  47  are used for adjustment when different inclinations of seat  60  is desired. However, it is understood that a single notch in member  47  could be used as an attachment for seat  60 . 
   The lower support frame  42  has a shaped footrest frame  48  pivotally attached to the side rails with threaded bolt and knob or pin  44 . With rectangular frame  40  and seat  60  installed, footrest frame  48  is pivoted downward until it engages footrest stop  49 . When said recliner  30  is collapsed for portability, footrest frame  48  is pivoted rearward until it engages footrest stop  49 .  FIG. 6  illustrates footrest frame  48  in the upward collapsed position for portability. 
   The platform stand  70  maybe a commercially available stand that is modified, or initially manufactured, to attach slotted members  71  by welding, however, mechanical fasteners could be used and different commercially available platform stands could be modified for use with the present invention. The lower support frame  42  has in-line holes located at the bottom of the side rails. These in-line holes align slots  75  in slotted members  71 .  FIG. 22  illustrates the in-line holes in the side rails of lower support frame  42  aligned with slot  75  in slot member  71  and secured with threaded bolt and nut on pin  44 . With said recliner  30  positioned on the platform stand  70  and its top portion positioned and engaged with tree, the threaded bolts and knobs or pin  44  are tightened against slotted members  71 , thus stabilizing recliner  30  on platform stand  70 . 
     FIG. 23  illustrates the present invention in an alternate embodiment with the vertical side rails of lower support frame  42  terminating slightly below the attachment with notched slot  76  in slot member  71 . Lower support frame  42  is secured in notched slot  76  with threaded bolt and nut or pin  44 . 
   Said seat  60  is detachable fabric seat member with a curved configuration capable of anatomical conformation to a seated user&#39;s back and posterior and is fabricated using spaced plies of fabric or plastic materials connected about the periphery and filled with stuffing material of plastic foam, kapok, or other material of the type used to fill lawn furniture cushions. However, it is understood that various types and styles of materials and means of fabrication could be used. The ends of seat  60  are encircled about a rope, cable, or other like cordage  61  and  62  with the end portion of said rope, etc.  61  and  62  being free and protruding beyond the corners and having knots secured near their mid-section. These knots are used as stops against notched members  46  and  47  on the upper and lower support frames  41  and  42 . However, it is understood that various means of fabrication and methods of seat  60  attachment maybe utilized at notched members  46  and  47 . These variants are illustrated in  FIG. 8  through  FIG. 21 . 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the present invention with the bottom of seat  60  released from lower notched members  47  and retracted rearward fully exposing the platform stand  70  for standing. The upper and lower seat  60  attachments at notched members  46  and  47  are not generally utilized as brace members or load bearing components of recliner  30 . Therefore, installation and removal of seat  60  is simple and has no effect on the stability of said recliner  30  or platform stand  70 . 
     FIG. 3  illustrates the present invention in an alternate embodiment with like numbers designating like components. Said recliner  30  is attached to tree with the bottom horizontal member of lower frame member  42  secured to the top forward most end of a commercially available platform stand  70  using a generally rubber bungee-like strap with “S” hooks, or like means, or ratchet strap, tightening buckle or other mechanical device  33 . 
     FIG. 4  illustrates the present invention in an alternative embodiment with like numbers designating like components. Said recliner  30  is attached to tree with the bottom horizontal member of lower support frame  42  secured to the top forward end of a commercially available platform stand  70  using a generally rubber bungee-like strap with “S” hooks, or ratchet strap, tightening buckle or other mechanical device  33 . Cordage  62  at the bottom corners of the seat  60  are illustrated released from lower notched members  47  and retracted rearward exposing platform stand  70  allowing access to said platform. 
     FIG. 5  illustrates the present invention with cordage  62  at the bottom corners of seat  60  released from lower notched members  47  and retracted rearward, a hunter is illustrated assuming a shooting posture on the exposed platform stand  70 . 
     FIG. 6  illustrates a side view of the present invention and a modified. platform stand  70  in the collapsed position. The folding action is caused by removing threaded bolts and knobs or pin  44  and removing the side rails of upper support frame  41  from engaging sleeve  43 , illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Upper support frame  41  is then rotated 180 degrees and positioned on top of lower support frame  42 . Threaded bolts and knobs or pin  44  are re-installed and tightened to secure upper and lower support frames  41  and  42 . The lower support frame  42  is then rotated downward until it rests against platform stand  70 . The threaded bolts and knobs or pin  44  are then tightened against slotted members  71  and lower support frame  42 . Footrest  48  is rotated rearward engaging footrest stops  49  and is secured by tightening threaded bolts and knobs or pin  44 . Said seat  60  is stowed between lower support frame  42  and platform stand  70 . A generally well known rubber bungee-like strap  84  with an attachment means is wrapped around platform stand  70  to secure the recliner stand for transportation and storage. 
   While I have only disclosed several embodiments of my invention, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that there are adaptations and modifications that can be made to the present invention. Such modifications and adaptations may result in improvements to the present invention; however, such modifications will not depart from the novel inventions contained herein.