Abstract:
The tree stand includes a column permanently or semi-permanently secured to a tree or other support by one or more circumferential cables or bands and/or one or more threaded fasteners driven into the tree. The ends of the band are captured in a slot on the column, the threaded fastener, or optionally an unthreaded pin, capturing the ends of the band in the slot. Access to the pin is blocked by a lock that may only be removed by a person having the proper key, thus assuring that the column can be safely left in place. A platform and seat are removably attached to the column when use of the stand is desired. The user of the stand may install several columns in various locations and transport only a single platform and seat to one of the previously installed columns when the stand is to be used.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/213,370, filed Jun. 2, 2009. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to stands used by hunters, wildlife observers and photographers, and the like, and more particularly to a tree stand having a fixed component that is permanently attached to the tree, and a platform and seat removably secured to the permanently attached component. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The general concept of elevating a hunter, photographer, or observer of wildlife has been known for some time. The concept involves the principle that most ground-based wildlife, e.g., deer, etc., generally do not elevate their view significantly above the horizon, as they have learned that most threats are on the same plane as they are and do not arrive from above. Accordingly, hunters have found it much easier to sit in wait in an elevated tree stand for game to approach, and wildlife observers and photographers have also found it much easier to observe and photograph wildlife from an elevated tree stand. 
         [0006]    As a result, a number of different types of tree stands have been developed for use by hunters and others interested in wildlife. Some such stands are equipped with a ladder or other means enabling the user to climb to the stand once it has been secured at the desired level. Others are self-climbing stands, capable of being ratcheted up the tree by the user as he or she climbs the tree using the stand. Perhaps the majority of stands are configured for installation about the trunk of a tree, with any ladder or other climbing gear being ancillary to the stand. 
         [0007]    Such stands usually include some structure that is attached directly to the tree, a platform, and a seat, although either the platform or seat may be omitted for some very light weight and simple stands. While most manufacturers of such stands make reasonable efforts to reduce the weight of the stand assemblies insofar as possible while avoiding the use of costly exotic materials, it will be seen that a stand assembly including components for secure attachment to the tree, a platform, and a seat, results in a fair amount of weight. This assembly must be carried to the desired site, carried up the trunk of the tree and installed on the tree at each site where the user wishes to observe the wildlife, and then removed and carried back out from the site to a vehicle for transport or to a storage facility for future use. While some of this work might be carried out by a small all-terrain vehicle or the like, it is still generally necessary to park such a vehicle at some distance from the site where the stand is erected in order to avoid alerting the game to human presence. 
         [0008]    An alternative to the work presented by removing and erecting the stand each time a hunting or observation session is desired is to leave the stand erected permanently at a site that has proven successful in the past. However, this alternative requires the hunter or observer to erect multiple stands at multiple locations, if it has been found that such multiple locations produce better results at different times. This is obviously quite costly in comparison to having only a single stand. Another drawback to such an arrangement is that a stand left unattended may be seen as abandoned property, and taken by some other individual. This is clearly not a desirable possibility, and as a result, most persons using tree stands will accept the labor involved in removing the stand after each use and carrying it from the site. This is obviously a laborious and time consuming task, and may limit the use of such tree stands only to those capable of such exertion. 
         [0009]    Thus, a tree stand solving the aforementioned problems is desired. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The tree stand includes a column with separable platform and seat. The column attaches permanently or semi-permanently to a tree or other suitable structure elevating the assembly, while the platform and seat are removably attached to the column to allow the user to remove them and take them to a safe location for storage until further needed. The column may be secured to the tree by one or more threaded screws and one or more circumferential attachment bands, straps, cables, or the like. An additional circumferential security cable or band is locked in place by the threaded screw or, alternatively, by a pin, that captures the security band in a slot in the column structure. The screw or pin, in turn, is precluded from removal from the column and tree by a lock mechanism. Thus, even though the attachment bands may be loosened and removed, the column cannot be removed from its installed site by unauthorized persons without damage to the column and/or its mechanism due to the locked security cable or band. Suitable tools and the proper key must be used to remove the column without damage thereto. 
         [0011]    The platform and seat are removably secured to the column. Thus, the hunter, photographer, or observer may carry only the seat and platform to the site where the column is secured and install them upon the previously installed column. When the hunting or other activity has been completed for the day, the user may remove the seat and platform and carry them away from the site for safekeeping. 
         [0012]    This arrangement provides a number of advantages for the serious hunter, wildlife photographer, or observer. Such a person may obtain a number of columns and install them permanently upon a number of trees, poles, or the like at various geographically separate sites. The user is assured that the various columns will remain in place, due to the locking system provided. Moreover, the user need only obtain a single platform and seat, and carry those two components to the desired site where he or she has previously permanently installed a support column for the platform and seat. 
         [0013]    These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is an environmental, perspective view of a tree stand according to the present invention, showing its general features and use. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is an exploded partial perspective of the lower portion of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 , illustrating details of the platform and its attachment to the column. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view showing details of the platform attachment bracket of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 , and attachment of the bracket to the column. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the upper end of the column of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 , showing details of the removable seat frame and its attachment to the column. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a broken away side elevation view of the upper end of the column of the tree stand of  FIG. 1  with the removable seat frame installed thereon, showing details permitting angular adjustment of the seat frame. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a broken away perspective view of the upper end of the fixed column with the removable seat frame installed thereon, showing details of the locking cable mechanism for securing the column to the tree. 
       
    
    
       [0020]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0021]    The tree stand includes a relatively permanently installed component that is immovably affixed to a tree, pole, or other structure with which the stand is to be used and locked in place thereon, and a platform and a seat that are removably attached to the permanently installed component when the tree stand is to be used. The user of the stand may remove the platform and seat to assure their security whenever the stand is not in use. 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  of the drawings provides an environmental perspective view of the tree stand  10  assembled for use. The stand  10  includes an elongate hollow or tubular post or column  12 , details of which are shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6  and described below. The column  12  includes a front face  14 , opposite rear face  16 , and mutually opposed first and second lateral faces. The first lateral face  18  is shown in  FIGS. 2 through 6 , the opposite second lateral face being symmetrical. Upper and lower attachment band anchors  19   a  and  19   b  are shown in  FIG. 1 , with these anchors providing for the removable attachment of tree attachment bands or straps  21   a  and  21   b  that pass circumferentially about the tree. The bands or straps  21   a ,  21   b  are secured to their respective anchors  19   a ,  19   b  by conventional means (e.g., snap hooks, etc.) and tightened by conventional means (e.g., ratchets, etc.) to secure the column  12  to the tree. 
         [0023]    Tree attachment passages, including at least one front passage  20  and at least one rear passage  22  ( FIG. 5 ), are formed through the front face  14  and rear face  16  of the column  12 . The passages provide for the installation of a bolt, screw, or retaining pin therethrough for attachment into the tree, and/or for retaining band(s)  94  extending circumferentially about the tree. It will be understood that the retaining band  94  is distinct from the tree attachment bands  21   a ,  21   b , and does not necessarily fit tightly about the tree. The intent of the retaining band  94  is to form a closed and locked loop about the tree, thereby preventing the removal of the column  12  from the tree by unauthorized persons even if the two attachment bands  21   a ,  21   b  are removed. In  FIG. 1 , a lower retaining band  94  is illustrated, but only an upper set of passages  20  and  22  are shown in the various detail drawings of  FIGS. 2 through 6 . The tree stand  10  may have a plurality of aligned passages spaced apart vertically in the column  12 . It will be understood that the specific location of the retaining band  94  is not critical, as it does not act to pull the column  12  tightly to the tree, but only to prevent the removal of the column by unauthorized persons. 
         [0024]    The lower end  24  of the column  12  provides for removable attachment of the platform, while the opposite upper end  26  is adapted for the removable attachment of the seat thereto. Specifics of the tree securing system are described in detail further below. 
         [0025]      FIG. 2  of the drawings shows the structure for the removable attachment of the platform  28  to the lower end  26  of the column  12 . The platform  28  may have a rectangular or other polygonal or circular form, and is preferably constructed of a series of spaced apart hollow tubular members  30  in order to reduce the weight as much as practicable while still providing the desired strength. A number of blocks  32  of rubber, foam, or other suitable material may be installed within the tubular members  30  to dampen vibration and resulting sound that might be produced from standing on or otherwise contacting the platform  28 . 
         [0026]    An angular platform attachment fitting  34  is secured to the lower end  24  of the column  12  by a pivot bolt or pin  36 . This allows the fitting  34  to fold closely against the lower end  24  of the column  12  when not needed, and also allows the angle of the platform  28  to be adjusted relative to the column  12  as desired. The inboard end of the platform  28  includes a column attachment receptacle  38 , with the receptacle  38  installing removably over the fitting  34 . A locking pin  40  is removably installed through the ends of the fitting  34  and receptacle  38  to secure the platform  28  to the column  12 . Further security is provided by a threaded lock screw  42  installed in the receptacle  38  of the platform  28 . After the receptacle  38  is installed on the fitting  34 , the lock screw  42  is tightened to preclude any potential noise making rattling or play between the fitting and receptacle. Additional insurance against unwanted sounds may be provided by installing a thin sleeve of plastic material (not shown) over the platform attachment fitting  34 , with the sleeve captured between the fitting  34  and the inside of the receptacle  38  to prevent metal-to-metal contact. The platform  28  further preferably includes a couple of generally longitudinal members having angled or sharpened inboard ends or tines  44  that engage the tree when the platform  28  is installed on the column  12 . 
         [0027]    First and second platform stays  46 , each comprising a flexible cable, band, or the like, have platform attachment ends  48  secured to the opposite sides or edges of the platform  28  and opposite column attachment ends  50  that attach to a platform stay bracket  52 , shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the column  12  includes a series of platform stay anchors comprising pins  54  extending laterally from the opposite lateral faces of the column  12 . The platform stay bracket  52  includes a pair of pin engagement hooks  56  that secure over a corresponding pair of the pins  54  on each side. The hooks  56  include downwardly and inwardly turned ends to preclude the bracket  52  from slipping from the pins  54  unless intentionally removed. 
         [0028]    One or more latches  57  may be pivotally installed upon the lateral bolt or pin extending across the platform stay bracket  52  that serves as an anchor for the column attachment ends  50  of the two platform stays  46 . These latches  57  hook over selected ones of the pins  54 , with their geometry preventing the platform stay bracket  52  from lifting from its installed position on the pins  54  when the latches  57  are engaged. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, a chock  58 , shown in  FIG. 3 , may be placed removably between the inside of the bracket  52  and the front face  14  of the column  12 , to prevent the bracket  52  from being displaced toward the column  12  and disengaging the bracket hooks  56  from the anchor pins  54  of the column  12 . A lock screw  60 , similar to the lock screw  42  for the platform attachment receptacle  38 , may be provided through the bracket  52  to provide better security for the assembly and to preclude rattling and noise from the assembled components. It will be seen that the five pins  54  extending to each side of the column  12 , and the two hooks  56  to each side of the bracket  52 , are exemplary, and that more or fewer such pins and hooks may be provided. Alternative platform stay bracket attachment means may be provided, e.g., a lateral pin or pins that pass through holes in the sides of the bracket and corresponding lateral holes through the column  12 . 
         [0030]      FIGS. 4 through 6  provide further details showing the removable attachment of the seat to the upper end of the column  12 , and various embodiments of the tree attachment or anchoring mechanisms. The seat includes a frame  62  having a seat attachment bracket  64  comprising a pair of parallel rearwardly extending arms, with a seat installation or attachment tube  66  pivotally captured between the arms of the bracket  64  by a lateral pivot bolt or pin  68 . The seat installation tube  66  fits over the upper end  26  of the column  12 , and may include a sleeve (not shown) of plastic or other suitable material disposed between the seat installation tube  66  and the upper end  26  of the column  12  to reduce rattling and potential noise. 
         [0031]    Further security is provided by a seat installation lock screw  70  threaded through one side of the installation tube  66 , serving to tighten the attachment between the tube  66  and column upper end  26  to preclude rattling and noise therebetween. The seat installation tube  66  may include a plurality of lock pin holes  72  formed therethrough, with the upper end  26  of the column  12  having a mating passage  74 . A spring-loaded lock pin  76  is installed in the lock pin passage  74  of the upper end of the column  12  and engages a selected pair of the lock pin holes  72  in the seat installation tube  66  to secure the seat assembly in place atop the column  12 . The plurality of lock pin holes  72  permits the height of the seat assembly to be adjusted as desired atop the column  12 . 
         [0032]    The seat frame  62  may also be adjusted angularly relative to the axis of the column  12 . The seat attachment bracket  64  includes a selectively pivotable seat angle adjustment block  78  disposed therein. The block  78  has an eccentric lateral passage therethrough and pivots on a lateral seat angle adjustment bolt or pin  80  that passes through the seat attachment bracket  64  and the adjustment block  78 . A friction washer, compression spring or the like may be disposed between one end of the block  78  and the adjacent face of the seat attachment bracket  64  to impede free rotation of the block  78 . 
         [0033]    The adjustment block  78  includes a plurality of faces  82   a ,  82   b , etc., generally as shown in  FIG. 5  of the drawings. The block  78  may have a quadrilateral cross section with four angle adjustment bearing faces, or some other polyhedral shape as desired. Due to the eccentric location of the seat angle adjustment pin  80  through the block  78 , the distance from the center of the pin  80  and any given face  82   a , etc. is different from distance from the pin center to any other face of the block. Thus, the block  78  may be turned or pivoted as desired to position the desired face  82   a , etc. to bear against the adjacent face of the seat installation tube  66 . This results in the angle of the seat frame  64  changing relative to the seat installation tube  66 , and thus the column  12  when the seat assembly is removably secured thereto, allowing the user of the stand  10  to adjust the seat angle as desired. 
         [0034]    In the tree stand  10 , only the column  12  is permanently or semi-permanently secured to the tree, as noted further above. The platform  28  and seat frame  62  (with seat cushion) are removably and adjustably secured to the column, enabling the user of the stand to remove the platform and seat assembly when the stand is not being used. Various means may be used to secure the column  12  permanently or semi-permanently to the tree, as shown particularly in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . In each of the embodiments, at least one tree securing cable or band extends from the column  12  circumferentially about the tree. Again, it should be understood that this tree securing band, e.g., cable or band  94 , is distinct from the tree anchoring or attachment straps or bands  21   a ,  21   b  of  FIG. 1  that actually pull the column  12  tightly against the tree to hold the column in place on the tree. In some embodiments, a threaded fastener may also be driven through the column  12  and into the tree for further security. 
         [0035]    Accordingly, each embodiment includes at least one band attachment bracket  84  extending from the rear face  16  of the column  12 . The band attachment bracket  84  includes a fastener attachment passage  86  therethrough, aligned concentrically with the front and rear tree attachment passages  20  and  22  through the column  12 . A threaded fastener  88 , e.g., a lag bolt or screw, etc., may be passed through the tree attachment passages  20  and  22  and passage  86  of the bracket  84 , and driven into the tree to assist in securing the column  12  to the tree. Alternatively, a shorter unthreaded pin  90  may be used if damage to the tree is to be avoided. 
         [0036]    It will be noted that the band attachment bracket  84  includes a lateral slot  92  thereacross, extending through the passage  86 . This slot provides for the placement of the ends of a tree-securing band  94  (e.g., cable, chain, strap, etc.) therein, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The tree securing band  94  includes a first end portion  96  having a loop formed therein, and an opposite second end portion  98  having a swaged or otherwise permanently attached enlargement thereon. The band  94  is passed around the tree, with the swaged second end portion  98  passed through the loop of the first end portion  96 . The two end portions  96  and  98  are then placed into the slot  92  of the band attachment bracket  84  with the loop end  96  of the band on one side of the bracket and the swaged or enlarged end  98  of the band on the opposite side of the bracket, and the band retaining pin (either the tree attachment component  88  or unthreaded pin  90 ) is inserted through the front and rear passages  20  and  22  of the column  12  and fastener attachment passage  86  of the band attachment bracket  84  to capture the end portions  96 ,  98  of the tree securing band  94  therein. 
         [0037]    The swaged second end  98  cannot pass through the narrow gap of the slot  92  beneath the band retaining pin  88  or  90 , and the loop of the first end  96  surrounds the opposite end portion of the band  94 , thus precluding its passage through the gap of the slot  92  and assuring that the band  94 , and thus the column  12 , cannot be removed from the tree so long as the band retaining pin  88  or  90  is installed through the column  12  and bracket  84  over the ends  96 ,  98  of the band  94 . The band  94  may include means for the adjustment of its circumference for different tree diameters. Also, it will be seen that the column  12  includes at least one pair of forked lateral grips  100  extending therefrom, to provide a more secure attachment to the tree. 
         [0038]    It was noted further above that the first or forward hole  20  in the column  12  is sufficiently large as to allow the head of the band-retaining pin  88  or  90  to pass therethrough. Thus, the head of the pin  88  or  90  abuts the inner wall of the back face  16  of the column  12 , when installed therein. This provides clearance for a locking device of some type to be installed over or across the head of the pin  88  or  90 , and/or in the larger front passage  20  of the column  12  to prevent removal of the pin  88  or  90  by unauthorized persons.  FIG. 4  illustrates one exemplary type of locking assembly that may be used, comprising a trailer hitch type lock that is often used to secure a boat trailer to the hitch assembly of the towing vehicle. The lock comprises a lock pin  102   a  that installs through a lateral passage  104  of the column  12 , with a lock cylinder  102   b  selectively locking to the end of the pin  102   a  by means of a key  102   c . The lock pin  102   a  passes over or across the head of the band-retaining pin  88  or  90 , to preclude access to its head through the front passage  20  of the column  12 . 
         [0039]    The structure of  FIG. 5  is similar to that of  FIG. 4 , differing only in the type of lock used. In  FIG. 5 , a removable cylinder lock  106   a , as used in vending machines and the like, is installed within the front passage  20  of the column  12  and secured with a key  106   b . The entire lock cylinder  106   a  is removed from the front passage  20  to access the head of the bolt or pin  88  or  90 , for installation or removal of the bolt or pin. Access is denied to the bolt or pin for removal thereof, when the lock cylinder  106   a  is installed. This particular lock configuration and arrangement has the advantage of not requiring additional lock passage or access holes to be formed in the column  12 , as are required for other types of lock mechanisms. 
         [0040]      FIG. 6  illustrates still another locking means that may be used to prevent removal of the column  12  from its installed location. In  FIG. 6 , a cam-type lock  108   a  is permanently installed in a passage immediately adjacent the front passage  20  (not shown in  FIG. 6 , but shown in other views) of the column  12 . The lock  108   a  includes a cam-type finger  108   b  pivotally extending therefrom, actuated by a key  108   c . The finger  108   b  may be selectively positioned over the head of the bolt or pin  88  or  90 , to preclude access thereto. A slot  110  may be provided in the side of the column  12 , to allow movement of the finger  108   b  for access to the bolt or pin  88  or  90  when the lock  108   a  is unlocked. 
         [0041]    The above-described tree stand permits the user of the stand (hunter, wildlife photographer, etc.) to install a column component permanently or semi-permanently at a site, or even to install a series of such columns at different locations. The locking means assures that the column(s) will remain in place when unattended. The user of the stand need only carry a single platform and a single seat to the site of the previously installed column, and temporarily and removably install the platform and seat for use. If the user decides to visit a different site having a previously installed column, he or she may easily remove the seat and platform from the first site and transport them to the next site, as desired. The platform and seat are removed at the end of the day, allowing the user to take those components with him or her for security while resting assured that the column(s) will remain in place for future use. 
         [0042]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.