Pump jack tree stand

The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a foot lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tree stands for hunting purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When hunting deer, many hunters find it advantageous to wait in an elevated position to reduce the likelihood of being detected by an approaching deer. This is conventionally achieved by building a stand that is supported in or by a tree; however, such a structure requires a considerable amount of work. The tree stand is left in place so the hunter isn't required to rebuild every time he hunts. Theft and damage due to weather and vandalism is thus a concern. Hanging tree stands are commercially available and are generally constructed of robust metal. The hanging tree stand, which includes a frame, a platform, and a seat, is strapped to a tree at the desired height by a user who must climb a ladder to install the tree stand. The user also uses the ladder to get onto and off from the hanging tree stand. The hanging tree stand has a difficult setup and, if the user wishes to reduce damage due to weather, robbery, and vandalism, he must remove the hanging tree stand from the site. This requires the user to carry both the tree stand and a ladder to the site every time he wishes to hunt. Further, he must deal with the difficult setup and take-down every time.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,874 by Treants describes a tree climbing apparatus having a platform and an independent foot support. The climbing process is a two-step process wherein the user shifts her weight to the foot support and pulls up on a handle connected to the platform to raise the platform. The user then shifts her weight to the platform and lifts up her other leg to raise the foot support, which is strapped to her foot. Each of the platform and the foot support are secured to the tree by an adjustable cable and sprockets. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,582 to Lindemood describes a tree climber with a platform and a foot support that both engage the tree directly. The climbing process is, again, a two-step process. Both Treants and Lindemood describe apparatus that are attached directly to a tree and thus require the climbing components to be adjustable. Both references also require lifting of components with the user's arms in an undesirable two-step process; i.e., the user lifts one component and then another component. What is needed is a climbing apparatus that engages a pole of known dimensions with its moving parts, the pole engaging the unknown dimensions of the tree with stationary brackets. What is further needed is a climbing apparatus that utilizes an easier climbing process raising the apparatus as a single unit.

Even further, what is needed is a tree stand that is easy to get into and out of, allows repeat uses without requiring significant setup, does not leave expensive or difficult to replace materials at the site, and does not overburden the user with materials and equipment, such as a ladder, to carry to the site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises, in one form thereof a pump jack tree stand including a platform and a seat engaging a pump jack. The pump jack cooperates with a pole that is supported by an adjacent tree. The user actuates a lever on the pump jack to climb the pole. The pump jack's release is hand actuated as opposed to the commonly used foot-actuated release.

In one form, the pump jack tree stand includes a vertical support configured for engaging a grounded object; a pump jack for engaging the vertical support and operable to translate up and down the vertical support; and a platform coupled to the pump jack for traveling with the pump jack up and down the vertical support.

In another form, the invention includes a method of installing and using a pump jack tree stand. The method comprises the steps of installing a vertical support against a grounded object; assembling a pump jack onto the pole, the pump jack having a substantially horizontal platform attached thereto; and actuating a foot pedal pump arm on the pump jack to cause the pump jack to climb the pole.

The invention has the advantage of using a pole of known dimensions to engage the tree with stationary brackets. The climbing apparatus (the pump jack) engages the pole, thus the moving components may be simpler and have a lower probability of malfunction. Further, the pump jack is actuated to climb when the user actuates the foot lever. This allows the user to utilize his more powerful legs and his body weight to aid in climbing. The user is not required to lift components with his upper body during climbing. Further, the climbing apparatus climbs the pole as a unit; the user is not required to lift one component and then another component. Even further, the tree stand is easy to get into and out of, allows repeat uses without requiring significant setup, does not leave expensive or difficult to replace materials at the site, and does not overburden the user with materials and equipment, such as a ladder, to carry to the site.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The examples set out herein illustrate several embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIG. 1, there is shown the pump jack tree stand assembly of the present invention. The assembly10includes a pole12, a pump jack14, and a platform16.

The pole12is a wooden 4-inch by 4-inch (4×4) board or two 2-inch by 4-inch (2×4) boards nailed together to form a 4×4. In alternative embodiments, the pole has a different cross-section, a different size, or both. Further, the pole12may be alternatively made of metal, such as aluminum. The pole12is about 16-feet long in the current embodiment, though other lengths may be used. A lower brace20and an upper brace22are affixed to the pole12by placing the pole between a pair of prongs24and tightening a pair of cross members26to squeeze the pole12between the prongs24. Alternatively, the braces20,22are affixed to the pole12by fasteners such as bolts or wood screws. The pole12is vertically aligned with a tree A, or another sturdy, grounded object, and the braces20,22each have a pair of abutting arms28that form a wedge to engage the tree A. A strap30(FIG. 6) is affixed to each pair of abutting arms28and wraps around the tree A to secure the braces20,22against the tree A. The strip30is tightened using the ratchet31. When using the pump jack tree stand10on private land, the user may wish to secure the braces20,22to the tree with screws or other fasteners.

A pump jack concept and design is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,259,478 to Berish, et al., which patent is herein incorporated by reference. Alternative pump jack designs may also be used in conjunction with the invention. The pump jack14of the present invention, best shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, includes a frame32that straddles the pole12, an upper guide roller34, a lower guide roller35, a lower shackle assembly36, and an upper shackle assembly38with a foot pedal pump arm40. The frame32comprises two frame members held together by several tie bolts42which extend through spacer sleeves that establish the spaced relationship between the frame members. The upper guide roller34is coupled to the frame32by a pair of brackets44that are welded or fastened to the frame32. The guide rollers34,35each comprise a rod extending through a roller sleeve46that is rotatable about the rod. The upper guide roller34engages the tree side of the pole12, and the lower guide roller35engages the opposite side of the pole12.

The lower shackle assembly36comprises a U-shaped support member48which comprises a pair of side arms and a rear connecting arm49. The side aims have aligned holes at their rear ends sized to make a close rotatable fit with the guide roller35. Another pivot shaft52is attached to and extends between the side arms of the member48. The lower shackle assembly36also includes a U-shaped shackle yoke54that is rotatably mounted on pivot shaft52. A torsion spring56is coiled about pivot shaft52, with a center section of the spring extending outwardly of shaft52so as to overlap and engage connecting arm49of the U-shaped support member. The opposite ends of spring56overlap the lower shackle yoke54. As a consequence, spring56biases the yoke of the lower shackle against pivotal movement in a clockwise direction (clockwise as viewed inFIG. 2A). The ends of the yoke54have keyed openings in the form of rectangular holes sized so as to accommodate and make a close sliding but not rotatable fit with the rectangular front clamping bar58of the lower shackle assembly36.

The release mechanism includes a vertical release bar60and a release handle62. The release bar60is affixed to the front clamping bar58of the lower shackle assembly36, and slidably engages the brace44. The release handle62is affixed near the top of the release bar60and extends away from the frame32so that a user may use a hand to push down on the handle to release the lower shackle36.

The substantially U-shaped pump arm40is pivotally connected to the frame32by pivot rivets. The pump arm40comprises a pair of side struts and a connecting end strut. A strap64is connected at the proximal end of the pump arm40; the strap64may be adjusted to fit different foot sizes.

The upper shackle assembly38is connected to the pump arm40, and comprises a U-shaped support member66that is substantially identical to the U-shaped support member48of the lower shackle assembly36. The side arms of the support member66have aligned holes at their rear ends sized to make a close rotatable fit with a cylindrical pivot rod67that is mounted to and extends between the side struts of the pump arm40. Another pivot shaft68is attached to and extends between the side arms of the support member66. A U-shaped shackle yoke70is pivotally mounted on pivot shaft68. Pivot shaft68extends through aligned holes in the side struts of the shackle yoke70that are sized so as to make a close rotatable fit with the pivot shaft68. A torsion spring72is coiled about pivot shaft68, with a center spring section extending outwardly of the pivot shaft68so as to overlap and engage the connecting arm of the U-shaped support member66. The two opposite ends of the spring72overlap the connecting strut of the shackle yoke70. As a consequence, the spring72biases the yoke70against pivotal movement in a clockwise direction as viewed inFIG. 2A.

Adjacent pivot shaft68the upper shackle38is provided with a rear pole-gripping means in the form of a rod74with a rotatable cylindrical sleeve. Alternatively, the rod74and sleeve are replaced by a flat angled plate. At the forward end of the upper shackle yoke70is crank rod76. The front of the side struts of the yoke70are formed with aligned rectangular holes. The Crank rod76comprises a helical center portion having a rectangular cross-section, an end section of circular cross-section, an intermediate section of circular cross-section, and a crank section having a rectangular cross-section at least where it joins circular intermediate section. A cotter pin inserted in a hole in the end section releasably prevents removal of the crank rod76from the yoke70. An extended crank handle78is attached to the crank rod76for easier manual cranking of the crank rod76. The handle78includes a rotatable cylindrical sleeve. The circular end section and the circular intermediate section each have an axial length sufficient to permit the crank rod76to be moved axially relative to the yoke70from a first rotatable position wherein circular sections are aligned with the struts of the yoke70and a second locked position wherein the end of the rectangular cross-section helical center portion of the crank rod76is disposed in registration with the rectangular hole in the yoke70, whereby the crank can not be rotated. The crank rod76is normally in its second locked position.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, a seat80is pivotally attached to the top of the frame32via a hinge so that the seat80has a vertical position shown inFIG. 1and a horizontal position shown inFIG. 3. In the vertical position, the seat allows the user to stand on the platform16and actuate the pump arm40with his foot to climb the pole12with the pump jack14. A seat bracket82engages the pump arm40when the seat80is in the horizontal position and the pump arm40is in its highest position. This provides a sturdy seat for the user and prevents accidental actuation of the pump arm40.

The platform16includes a frame84, a web86, and a pair of support arms88. The support arms88engage brackets89on either side of the frame32of the pump jack14. flexible cords90(such as steel cables) provide further support for the platform16. The platform16also includes two stabilizer arms92, which are best shown inFIGS. 1,4A, and4B. The stabilizer arms92are pivotally attached to the frame84at one end by brackets91and engage a tree at the opposite end with studded grips93. The stabilizer arms92are secured to the tree by a ratchet strap95that engages the ratchet94, passes through a loop97in each of the arms, and terminated at the strap hook99. The ratchet tightens the strap95to force the stabilizer arms92toward each other thereby forcing the studded grips93against the tree A. For storage and transport, the stabilizer arms92may pivot about the brackets91to rest against the frame84. Clasps or similar means (not shown) may be used to releasably secure the stabilizer arms to the frame84. An alternative pair of stabilizer arms92′, best shown inFIG. 3, are slidable within the support arms88so that the user may extend the stabilizer arms92′ to abut the tree. A thumb screw94′ on each support arm88may be tightened by the user to retain the position of the stabilizer arms92′.

The platform16may be reconfigured into a vertical position, as shown inFIG. 5, for easy carrying and storage of the pump jack tree stand10.FIG. 5illustrates the vertical position with the alternative stabilizer arms92′; however, either of the stabilizer arms92,92′ may be used. The stabilizer arms92are moved into the position shown inFIG. 4Abefore reconfiguring the platform16into the vertical position. The platform16is reconfigured by disengaging the support arms88from the brackets89and inserting the support arms88in between brackets96while the stabilizer arms92′ are in the retracted position. In an alternative embodiment, the platform is pivotally connected to the frame32to allow reconfiguring of the platform into the vertical and horizontal positions.

An optional gun rest98shown inFIGS. 1 and 3is fastened to or otherwise installed onto the pole12above the pump jack14when in the user's preferred hunting position. The gun rest provides a railing to prevent the user from falling as well as allowing the user to stabilize a rifle while aiming at prey. A reinforcing arm may be situated between the front of the gun rest98and the front of the frame84as shown inFIG. 1to provide support for the gun rest98.

A pair of shoulder straps102, shown inFIG. 5, are used for carrying the pump jack tree stand10to and from the site. The padded shoulder straps102are affixed to the frame84of the platform16.

In use, the user carries the pole12, the pump jack tree stand10, and the braces20,22to a suitable site with a tall, substantially straight, sturdy tree. The pole12is assembled into a 4×4 configuration if needed and the braces20,22are affixed to the pole12at opposing ends. The pole12is aligned with the tree with the abutting arms28of the braces20,22against the tree. The strap30is attached to the abutting arms28of the lower brace20, wrapped around the tree, and tightened with a ratchet device. The strap30and the abutting arm28of the lower brace20, along with the abutting arms28of the upper brace22provide enough support for the pole12and the pump jack tree stand10until the upper strap may be affixed to the upper brace22. The pump jack14is assembled onto the pole12by first removing the upper guide roller34, the crank rod76, and the clamping bar58. The frame32then slides over the pole12and the upper guide roller34, the crank rod76, and the clamping bar58are replaced. The platform16is configured from the vertical position to the horizontal position and the seat80is placed in the upright position to give the user access to the pump arm40. The tree stand is now ready to climb the pole12.

The user moves crank rod76axially to its locked position wherein the rectangular cross-section end of its helical center portion is in registration with rectangular hole in the side strut of the yoke70, whereupon the crank rod76is locked against rotation. Thereafter, if the pump arm40is moved up and down by the user's foot, the jack will move up on the pole12stepwise, one upward step for each downward step of the pump arm40. When the pump arm40is moved downward, crank rod76will grip the pole12so that downward movement of the pump arm40will cause the jack14to move up. When this occurs, the lower shackle assembly36will automatically release the pole12to permit upward movement of the jack14. When the pump arm40is moved upwardly, the lower shackle36will grip the pole12to prevent the jack14from falling down. Upward movement of the pump arm40releases the crank rod76from the pole12and allows it to move up to a new pole-gripping position.

Once the pump jack14and platform16are high enough that the user may reach the upper brace22, the user attaches the strap30to the abutting arms28of the upper brace22and the strap30is cinched around the tree. The optional gun rest98is affixed to the pole12at this point. The user then releases the stabilizer arms92from the frame84and swings the arms around until the studded grips93engage either side of the tree A. The ratchet strap95is attached to the strap hook99and passed through the loops97to the ratchet94. The user actuates that ratchet94to tighten the strap95against the loops97to force the studded grips93against the tree A. Alternatively, the user loosens the thumb screws94′ and extends the stabilizer arms92′ to abut the tree on either side of the pole12. The user then tightens the thumb screws94′ to secure the stabilizer arms92′.

Lowering of the jack14requires moving crank rod76axially to its first rotatable position. This is accomplished by first pulling the crank rod76toward the handle of the crank rod76far enough so that its helical center portion is removed from hole in yoke70and its round sections are in registration with the holes, thereby freeing the crank rod76so that it can be rotated by manual manipulation of its crank handle. At this point the pole12is gripped by the front and rear clamp means of the lower shackle36. Then the user presses down on the handle62of the release bar60to cause the front clamp rod58of the lower shackle assembly36to release or reduce its grip on the pole12. Then, while the release bar60is still being depressed, the user grasps the extended crank handle78and rotates it clockwise (as viewed inFIG. 2A) to cause the jack14to track down on the pole12. The releasing action of the release bar60is opposed by the torsion spring56which tends to return the lower shackle36to a pole-gripping position. Consequently, upon release of release bar60, torsion spring56will bias the lower shackle36back into clamping relation with pole12, whereupon the jack14will again be secured to the pole12by the lower shackle assembly36. Thereafter, the user may again move the crank rod76into the locked position.

It should be particularly noted that conventional pump jacks require the user to use a foot to release the lower shackle assembly36, which reduces the user's stability on the platform. The use of the hand operated release bar60in lieu of the conventional foot-actuated release allows the user to keep both feet on the platform16while lowering the tree stand in a more natural position.

The pump jack tree stand10is removed from the pole12by returning the platform16to the vertical position and removing the upper guide roller34, the crank rod76, and the clamping bar58. The user then slides the frame32off of the pole12, replaces the upper guide roller34, the crank rod76, and the clamping bar58. The user may then carry the tree stand10away from the site for storage using the shoulder straps. The pole12is left behind, mounted to the tree, though little is left behind that may be easily damaged by weather and vandalism, and what is left behind is not valuable if it is damaged or stolen. When returning to the site for additional hunting, the user only needs to reconnect the pump jack14to the already-installed pole12and use the pump jack14to climb the pole12to the desired position.

While ascending and descending the pole12on the pump jack tree stand10, the user may use a safety harness to reduce the risk of falling. A harness, such as a full body harness that is worn over the shoulders, thighs, and buttocks, may be worn by the user and engage a fall protection lanyard. The lanyard engages a lifeline rope via a rope grab that allows the lifeline to pass through the rope grab at low speeds, but a cam in the rope grab locks onto the lifeline in the event of a fall. The lifeline is affixed to an anchor point on the tree near the top of the pole12. Alternative belay systems and safety equipment may also be used with the invention.

In an alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the pump jack tree stand210includes the braces20,22, the pump jack14, a commercially available tree stand202, and a universal bracket204. The tree stand202is a hanging tree stand that includes the platform16, the seat80, and two legs206extending upward from the platform16to support the seat80. The universal bracket204is affixed to the top of the pump jack14by welding, riveting, or another suitable affixing means. The user assembles the tree stand202to the universal bracket204by fastening the legs206to the universal bracket204.

In a further alternative embodiment, the invention includes a stabilizer strap that is wrapped around the tree directly below a branch a short distance below the desired height of the tree stand. The user actuates the pump jack14to climb the pole12to the level of the branch and then fastens the stabilizer strap to either side of the frame32. The user then actuates the pump jack14to raise the tree stand the remaining distance to the desired height. The branch prevents the stabilizer strap from ascending with the pump jack, thus a tension with a horizontal component is created in the stabilizer strap. The horizontal component forces the braces20,22against the tree thereby stabilizing the pole12.

While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof to adapt to particular situations without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, pump jacks are well known in the roofing and siding industry and other designs of pump jacks may be incorporated into the invention. Likewise, other tree stand platforms may be combined with such pump jacks to achieve substantially the same results as those achieved with the above-described embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.