Tree stand step

A step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step includes a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members; a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a step used on a tree stand. More particularly, the present invention is also concerned with providing a step in combination with a single person tree ladder stand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One typical tree stand is comprised of a frame structure with at least one single fixed step that the hunter can stand or sit on. A ladder is typically used for providing access to the tree stand. Existing tree stands do not allow a hunter to shoot in all directions as the arrangement of an existing tree stand does not allow the hunter to point in multiple directions. Thus, the conventional tree stand does not allow the hunter to shoot behind or off to the side of the shooting hand.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a tree stand step that enhances the use of the tree stand and enables a full 360 degree field of view of the surrounding terrain.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand step, in which the step is portable, lightweight and readily engaged with the ladder associated with the tree stand.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand step that enables either a right-handed or left-handed shooter to safely aim in all directions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention there is provided a step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step comprises a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; and two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members. The holding pieces each extend substantially transverse to each respective elongated member and for engagement with rungs of the tree stand ladder. The step further includes a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform.

In accordance with other aspects of the present invention the frame also includes a second pair of said elongated members that extend respectively transverse to and connect with the first pair of elongated members; one of said second pair of elongated members has ends thereof which connect with the first pair of elongated members spaced from and defining the extending free ends; the other of the second pair of elongated members is formed integrally with the first pair of elongated members by means of corner curved sections; each of the elongated members is formed with a hollow steel box construct; the holding pieces are each a pin that extends substantially transverse to each respective elongated member; the planar platform is formed by a metal sheet; the metal sheet is in the form of a steel sheet formed with openings; the formed openings are diamond shaped; the side braces each form a diagonal brace having a planar section attached to the elongated member and a support section that is urged against a ladder rail; and the support section is formed as an open U-shaped channel that rests against the rail.

In accordance with another version of the invention there is provided a step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step comprises a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends and two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated member. The holding pieces each extend substantially transverse to each respective elongated member and for engagement with rungs of the tree stand ladder. The step further includes a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform. The frame also includes a second pair of said elongated members that extend respectively transverse to and connect with the first pair of elongated members. One of said second pair of elongated members has ends thereof which connect with the first pair of elongated members spaced from and defining the extending free ends, and the other of the second pair of elongated members is formed integrally with the first pair of elongated members by means of corner curved sections; the holding pieces are each a pin that extends substantially transverse to each respective elongated member; the planar platform is formed by a metal sheet that is in the form of a steel sheet formed with openings; the side braces each form a diagonal brace having a planar section attached to the elongated member and a support section that is urged against a ladder rail; and the support section is formed as an open U-shaped channel that rests against the rail.

In accordance with still another version of the present invention there is provided a step for use in association with a tree stand ladder. The step comprises a frame that includes a plurality of elongated members that are formed into a rectangular or square form; a first pair of said elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends; and two holding pieces secured at the end of respective free ends of the pair elongated members. The holding pieces each extend substantially transverse to each respective elongated member and for engagement with rungs of the tree stand ladder. The step further includes a planar platform secured within the frame to enable a person to stand on the platform; and a pair side braces that extend from respective elongated members to respective ladder rails to provide support for said frame and planar platform; wherein the frame also includes a second pair of said elongated members that extend respectively transverse to and connect with the first pair of elongated members; one of said second pair of elongated members has ends thereof which connect with the first pair of elongated members spaced from and defining the extending free ends; the other of the second pair of elongated members is formed integrally with the first pair of elongated members by means of corner curved sections; each of the elongated members is formed with a hollow steel box construct; the holding pieces are each a pin that extends substantially transverse to each respective elongated member; the planar platform is formed by a metal sheet; the metal sheet is in the form of a steel sheet formed with openings; the formed openings are diamond shaped; the side braces each form a diagonal brace having a planar section attached to the elongated member and a support section that is urged against a ladder rail; and the support section is formed as an open U-shaped channel that rests against the rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to the drawings for an illustration of the novel tree stand step of the present invention.FIGS. 1-3show details of the step.FIG. 4illustrates the step as engaged with a ladder of the tree stand.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along 5-5 ofFIG. 4.FIGS. 6 and 7illustrate the position of the portable step in association with platforms of the tree stand. The fragmentary perspective views ofFIGS. 8 and 9illustrate an alternate construction.

The step of the present invention is for use in association with a tree stand and in particular is engaged with and is securely positioned on a ladder. In this regard refer toFIG. 4and the ladder L having a series of rungs R.FIG. 4illustrates the step10of the present invention as supported from one of the rungs R.FIG. 5is a cross-sectional view taken along line5-5ofFIG. 4and also shows the manner in which the step of the present invention is supported from the ladder rung R.

The step10of the present invention is portable and preferably includes a strap12that can be used for carrying the step10. The ends of the strap12are supported at D-ring mounting plates13. The ends of the strap are preferably secured in a manner wherein the strap can be easily attached at the mounting ring or removed from the mounting ring. The mounting plates13are preferably disposed at the sides of the frame and may extend through the support brackets that are discussed in further detail hereinafter. The strap12may be 48 inches long and may be constructed of a polypropylene material. The step10can be easily attached to an existing tree stand such as in the schematic illustrations ofFIGS. 6 and 7. The use of this supplemental step10allows hunters a full 360 degree field of view of the surrounding terrain. The step preferably weighs on the order of seven pounds and thus is easily transported to any existing tree stand. Moreover, the step of the present invention attaches to the ladder of the tree stand with no clamps, bolts or drilling necessary. The step of the present invention allows a hunter, whether left or right handed, to shoot in all directions and in a safe manner.

The step of the present invention is comprised of a frame14that includes a plurality of elongated members16that are formed into a generally rectangular or square form as illustrated in the drawings. A first pair of these elongated members extends substantially in parallel with each other and each have extending free ends16A. Each of the elongated members16may be constructed of a hollow box channel.

The free ends16A of a first pair of elongated members16support respective holding pieces20. Each of these holding pieces are secured at these free ends and each are comprised of a pin that extends substantially transverse to each respective elongated member. Each of these pins20may be constructed by using a hex head cap screw of grade 8 steel along with a hex female threaded standoff which may be of zinc-plated steel.FIG. 3shows the cap screw at21and the standoff at22.FIGS. 3 and 5also illustrate the manner in which the pin or holding piece extends transverse to the elongated axis of the elongated member.

In addition to the first pair of elongated members, there is also provided a second pair of elongated members that extend respectively transverse to and connect with the first pair of elongated members to form the overall frame structure. One of the second pair of elongated members has ends thereof which connect with the first pair of elongated members spaced from and defining the extending free end. This one of the second pair of elongated members is illustrated in the drawings by elongated member16B. As indicated previously, each of the elongated members is formed with a hollow steel box construction.

The step of the present invention also is comprised of a planar platform30that is secured within the frame and enables a person to have a platform upon which to stand. The planar platform is preferably formed of a sheet metal. In the drawings this is illustrated as a grid construction with steel wiring formed with openings. These may be diamond-shaped openings as illustrated. Ends of the platform are secured at each of the elongated frame members. They may be secured by being tack welded thereto or attached in another appropriate manner.

Mention has been made of the elongated members forming the frame. Preferably, at least three of these elongated members are constructed in a U-shape and thus also include interconnecting curbed corners25. These corners25may be formed by bending or may be initially formed in that shape. Also, one additional cross member17may be provided to provide additional support for the frame. The elongated member17may be attached at its ends to opposed side elongated members16. This attachment may be by welding or securing in another suitable manner.

The frame10is also supported by a pair of side braces40. These side braces40are illustrated inFIGS. 1,3and4. These side braces form a diagonal support between the frame14and the ladder rail42. Each of these pair of side disposed braces40have a substantially planar section44that is attached to its respective elongated member16, and also has a support section46that is urged against the ladder rail42. In this regard refer to the perspective view ofFIG. 4that shows the support section46urged against the rail42. The entire brace40may be constructed of ⅛ inch thick low carbon steel. The support section46may be attached to a leg of the planar section such as by welding or other means of securing.

The support section46is formed as an open U-shaped channel47that rests against the rail42. The channel47has side walls48that essentially capture the rail42. The side walls48are spaced a predetermined distance so that they snugly engage with the ladder rail42. This engagement prevents any substantial side to side motion of the step10. The weight of the hunter upon the step also firmly engages the U-shaped channel47with the ladder rail42. In connection with this engagement of the step with the ladder, refer to the perspective view ofFIG. 4which clearly shows the support section46engaged with the ladder rail. With braces40being on either side of the step, this provides a firm engagement with the ladder to provide a very stable platform for the hunter.

Reference is now made to the schematic diagrams ofFIGS. 6 and 7illustrating the tree stand at50. This may be comprised of two separate steps50A and50B that are staggered one to the other. The step50A overlaps a portion of the step50B. The schematic diagrams ofFIGS. 6 and 7also illustrate the ladder L and the step10supported at a position on the ladder so that the step10is lower than the tree stand step50B and also extends outwardly from the ladder, as illustrated. This arrangement provides a full 360 degree viewing by the hunter standing on the step once secured in place.

As mentioned previously, the step of the present invention is comprised of a frame16with a pair of elongated members extending substantially in parallel with each other and each having extending free ends16A. In this regard reference may be made toFIGS. 3 and 4showing the free ends16A as well as the holding pieces20. These holding pieces are in the form of pins that may be constructed using a hex head cap screw along with a hex female threaded standoff as previously described. In this regard refer to the standoff22inFIG. 3, as well as the cap screw at21.

Now, with regard to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, reference is made toFIGS. 8 and 9. InFIGS. 8 and 9the same reference characters are used to identify similar components. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8 and 9, rather than having the standoffs22fixedly secured to the free ends16A of the elongated member16, the standoffs22are secured to a short section of bar illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9at60. The cap screw21and the standoff22illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9may be attached to the bar60in the same manner as previously described in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4. The bar60may have a rectangular or square cross section and may be constructed of a heavy metal material. The bar60may either be constructed of a solid piece of material or may be tubular. The outer perimeter of the bar60is constructed so that the bar60can telescopically slide within the recess62in the member16.

The bar60is provided with at least one through hole64and the end16A is provided with opposed side slots66.FIGS. 8 and 9show only one of the slots66, it being understood that there is a like slot on the opposite wall defining the end16A.FIGS. 8 and 9also illustrate the bolt70, nut72and associated washers74. The nut72is preferably a lock nut that can be tightened onto the screw or bolt70as various positions along the length of the screw or bolt. The slot66is slightly elongated as illustrated inFIG. 9in the longitudinal direction of the member16.

Thus, in accordance with this alternate preferred construction shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the locking pin or standoff22allows for a limited sliding action of the pin22. This is advantageous in allowing for the stand to engage with different ladder rung configurations, thus essentially fitting all units that are on the market. In accordance with the present invention, the bar60is also preferably solid so as to greatly increase the strength of the connection at the standoff. The bar60may be square as illustrated of ⅝ inch solid steel material.

Thus, in accordance with the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 8 and 9, these steel bars60, one at each side of the stand, slide respectively into the main tubular steel frame and attach to the frame using preferably ¼ inch—20 grade 8 steel hex head screws illustrated at70inFIGS. 8 and 9. These screws are tightened to a relatively loose but secured fit so that the square steel bars can slide in and out by approximately ½ inch. This allows for a small amount of play so that the stand can be properly adjusted relative to any misalignment of a ladder rung on the ladder stand.FIG. 9also illustrated in dotted outline an optional second hole65in the event that there may be some need for additional adjustment of the location of the bar60. The hole65may be closely spaced to the hole64.

As indicated previously, the slot66is elongated. The elongation of the slot66, along with the fact that the screw or bolt70is not completely tightened, allows for a certain play of the bar60in the direction of arrow61.

Having now described a limited number of embodiments of the present invention, it should now be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous other embodiments and modifications thereof are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.