Abstract:
Disclosed is a durable, lightweight, nonslip, camouflage, structurally superior climbing treestand that is inexpensive and simple to manufacture, may be easily compacted for transportation, and includes one or more of arm/weapon rests, interchangeable grips, tactile and visual indicators, safety harnesses, nonslip, adjustable belts, and receptacles for bumpers, sockets, and the like. Also disclosed is a parabolic belt capable of firmly gripping a tree trunk to prevent slippage when used in conjunction with interchangeable or permanent platform grips. Tactile and visual indicators allow a user to ensure that the belt is optimally installed even in conditions in which the user may not view such indicators. Bumpers and safety harnesses are incorporated to prevent falls from heights through trees, tree limbs, and the like. Interchangeable sockets allow the user to customize the treestand to meet the user&#39;s needs (e.g., photography, hunting, snacking, etc.).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation of the U.S. non-provisional patent application entitled “Climbing Apparatus”, having Ser. No. 11/144,135 and filed Jun. 3, 2005, and currently pending, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a portable treestand for hunting or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to a durable, lightweight, nonslip, camouflage, structurally superior climbing treestand that is inexpensive to manufacture, may be easily compacted for transportation, and includes one or more of arm/weapon rests, interchangeable grips, tactile and visual indicators, safety harnesses, nonslip, adjustable belts, and receptacles for bumpers, sockets, and the like. 
         [0003]    Many systems and methods have been created to climb trees while simultaneously providing a platform for hunting or observation of animals. Many such systems include two platforms (i.e., a support platform and a climbing platform). These platforms are used to “climb” upwardly along the tree trunk. This is done by first attaching the support platform to the tree and stepping upon the support platform with the climbing platform in hand. While standing or sitting upon the support platform, the climber then attaches the climbing platform to the tree at a height higher than the support platform. Once the climbing platform is attached to the tree, the climber steps or propels his or her body until it is rested upon the climbing platform. At this point, the support platform is removed and reattached by the climber at a position higher than the climbing platform upon which the climber is now standing. These actions are repeated until a desired final position is achieved. 
         [0004]    Although some systems include two identical platforms, typically, the support and climbing platforms differ. Preferably, the final position of the climbing device is a position in which the climbing platform is affixed to the tree at a height higher than the support platform and the height differential allows the climber to sit atop the climbing platform while resting his or her feet on the support platform. 
         [0005]    To accommodate such a use, the support platform may be formed with an open grid to prevent the accumulation of rain or snow. Alternatively, the support platform may be mounted to the tree at a downwardly sloping angle less than 90 degrees to allow rain or snow to run off the support platform. In addition to being used as a footrest, the support platform may also be employed for equipment storage or to rest weapons, food, drink, and the like. 
         [0006]    Similarly, different variations of climbing platforms exist. In its simplest form, the sitting platform is identical to the standing platform but includes a cushion, sling, or stretch of fabric to be utilized as a seat. More complex systems include a moveable seat wherein the position of the seat may be altered to accommodate different weapons or hunting styles. While most climbing platforms are designed to be mounted perpendicular to a tree, some climbing platforms are designed for mounting at a downwardly sloping angle less than 90 degrees to provide the user with an enhanced view of the area below. Some climbing platforms also include an integral angled bar intended for use as a footrest. 
         [0007]    Many methods and apparatus have been employed to affix the climbing and support platforms to a tree in a manner that prevents vertical slippage. In some such systems, the climber encircles the tree with one or more cables, belts, chains, or the like that are removably or permanently affixed to one side of a platform. The unattached end of the cables, belts, or chains, are then attached to the opposite side of the platform via an attachment mechanism located on the platform. The point at which the cable is attached to the platform is typically adjustable to allow the cable to securely encircle trees having different diameters. 
         [0008]    In some such systems, a rubber belt is inserted into an arm located on the edge of the platform until the desired length is achieved, at which point, the belt is secured to the platform using a pin, bolt, or clip inserted through holes in the arm. In one embodiment of such a system, the pin, clip, or bolt is also inserted through a hole in the belt to provide a stronger attachment. However, in other similar systems, the pin, bolt, or clip secures the belt to the arm only by the pressure exerted on the belt by the arm due to the tightening of the pin, bolt, or clip. In another such system having a similar attachment mechanism, the rubber belt is replaced with a chain comprised of two parallel, spaced apart rows of overlapping links interconnected by pins to provide increased strength. 
         [0009]    Some similar systems contain an additional support member specifically designed to secure the cable, belt, chain, or the like to the platform. In these systems, the support member is attached to the side of the platform that faces the tree. This support member extends upwardly from the center of the backside of the base of the platform, parallel to the tree, and acts as an indicator of the center point of the tree. The support member is advantageously designed to be smaller than the width of the base of the platform and either equivalent or smaller than the diameter of a tree. This design allows the belt to be secured such that a larger portion of the belt is in contact with the tree since the support member may be positioned closer to the tree than the arms that are typical of other climbing systems. 
         [0010]    One such system having a support member employs a toothed belt that is secured with a slide and lock device such that the belt may be adjusted to firmly encircle the entire diameter of the tree. Another such system includes a belt with a plurality of collars that is inserted into a securing device until the desired length is achieved. At that point, the securing device is placed in the locked position, and the collars, which have a diameter greater than the belt, act as a stop that prevents the belt from slipping through the locked securing device. 
         [0011]    Other climbing systems contain bars for connection of the platform to the tree. One such system employs a U-shaped bar having studs on both ends of the bar. The ends of the U-shaped bar are inserted through arms contained on the edges of the platform such that the studs engage with mating members in the arm, thereby preventing movement of the bar. Another similar system includes a V-shaped bar that connects to arms on the platform via quick connect couplings. In this system, the V-shaped bars are attached to the quick connect coupling via pins such that when one end of the bar is disengaged from the platform, the attached end can be pivoted to move the bar around the tree trunk. In this system, it is only necessary to disconnect one side of the bar when moving the platform and the lengths of the arms to which the bar is attached can be altered to ensure contact of the bar with the tree. 
         [0012]    Furthermore, climbing systems exist that include support bumpers between the tree grips and the tree. Typically, these support bumpers are manufactured from a nonslip material to reduce the possibility of vertical slippage of the platform. In many such systems, the surfaces of the platform that face the tree are V-shaped and include toothed support bumpers that grip the perimeter of the tree trunk. Some such support bumpers are also designed with the safety of the tree in mind, while others actually penetrate the tree for additional support. 
         [0013]    Climbing systems have been designed to be lightweight for ease of transportation and climbing. One such lightweight system includes a lightweight core constructed of polymer foam that is covered with a stronger, fiber-reinforced composite material. Platforms of other lightweight systems include meshed or grated platforms to reduce the quantity of platform material, thereby reducing the weight of the platform. 
         [0014]    In addition to decreasing the weight of climbing systems, other methods have been created to facilitate the transportation of such systems. For example, one system designed for ease of transport includes platforms that may be collapsed prior to transportation to reduce the size of the platforms during transportation. Yet another easily transportable system includes a platform having wheels that can be converted into a wheeled cart for carrying supplies, weapons, food, and the like during transportation. Other such systems minimize the size of the platforms during transportation by including removable parts that can be stored in a bag, backpack, or the like during transportation of the system. 
         [0015]    Climbing systems having silencing features are also available. One such system includes gaskets on all moveable parts such that the user&#39;s movements do not generate noise. Other similar systems include foam or cloth seats that muffle the sounds of the user&#39;s movements. Furthermore, some support bumpers, such as those discussed above, are designed to eliminate noise in addition to providing additional support by preventing creaking caused by movement of the platform against the tree. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    A durable, lightweight, nonslip, camouflage, structurally superior climbing treestand that is inexpensive to manufacture, and may be easily compacted for transportation is provided in one aspect of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the climbing apparatus includes, inter alia, arm/weapon rests, interchangeable grips, tactile and visual indicators, safety harnesses, nonslip, adjustable belts, and receptacles for bumpers, sockets, and the like. 
         [0017]    The climbing apparatus may include a climbing platform and support platform. These platforms can be used to “climb” upwardly along the tree trunk to a final desired position. To do this, the climber first attaches the support platform to the tree trunk. Then, while sitting or standing on the support platform, the climber attaches the climbing platform to a location on the tree trunk that is higher than the location of support platform. The climber then steps or propels his or her body until it rests upon climbing platform. Next, while sitting or standing on climbing platform, the climber removes the support platform from the tree trunk and attaches it to a location on the tree trunk that is higher than the location of the climbing platform. These actions are repeated until the climber achieves a final desired position. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the platform bases are fabricated from a lightweight, durable material such as fiber reinforced plastic (“FRP”), which may include polyester resin, polypropylene, or the like. Embodiments are envisioned having fibers of metal, fabric, or the like. FRP is preferred as it is lightweight, which facilitates both climbing with and transportation of the climbing apparatus. Furthermore, use of FRP creates a climbing apparatus having superior corrosion resistance, dimensional stability, rigidity, and load capability. 
         [0019]    Use of a moldable material such as FRP also allows the platform bases and all of the components of the bases (e.g., floors, sidewalls, slide apertures, floor receptacles, bumper receptacles, socket receptacles, and grip receptacles) to be manufactured via a simple, inexpensive, streamlined, one step process such as thermoplastic or thermoset injection molding. Such injection may be implemented, for example, using plastic resin or pelletized plastic particulates. Fabrication of all components of the platform bases via injection molding greatly reduces the time required to fabricate each of the platforms of climbing apparatus while simultaneously providing more features and options than available with climbing apparatuses requiring a longer fabrication time. Additionally, this method of manufacture further minimizes cost of manufacturing by eliminating the use of additional machinery after the injection molding process. In lieu of thermoplastic or thermoset injection molding, alternate methods of manufacturing may be substituted including, but not limited to, resin transfer molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, structural foam molding, or compression molding. 
         [0020]    In addition to reducing the time and cost required to fabricate the platform bases, a process such as injection molding provides several other advantages. First, injection molding greatly increases the structural integrity of the platform bases by creating the bases and all of the components thereof as a single plastic piece, thereby eliminating points of failure. That is, there are no fasteners, adhesives, or the like required to affix the components of the platform bases thereto. Rather, a failure of the bases may only occur upon the destruction or breakage of the FRP or similar material used to fabricate these bases. Therefore, as FRP is a highly structurally sound material, the risk of failure of the platform bases is greatly minimized, thereby creating an extremely safe climbing apparatus. 
         [0021]    Second, the use of injection molding allows the platform bases to be fabricated from a corrosion resistant, nonslip material that enhances safety by preventing slips from heights through trees and/or tree limbs. In embodiments of the present invention having this safety feature, sand, silica, or similar abrasive materials is added to the FRP to create the bases comprised of a tractable, nonslip material that cannot wear off or otherwise deteriorate with use since the tractable, nonslip material is incorporated consistently throughout these bases. Unlike nonslip pads that are applied to a platform&#39;s surface with adhesive or the like, the sand-augmented, or otherwise augmented, FRP continues to provide a tractable, nonslip surface as the outer layers wear away. Consequently, the platform bases are guaranteed to have tractable, nonslip surfaces for the life of climbing apparatus. 
         [0022]    Third, the use of injection molding allows the platform bases to be fabricated of a camouflage material that does not wear off with use. The camouflage material facilitates hunting and animal observation by causing climbing apparatus to blend with its treetop environment. In embodiments of the present invention having this feature, camouflage coloring may be added to the FRP before injection for creation of the platform bases. Therefore these bases are comprised of a camouflage material that cannot wear off or otherwise deteriorate with use since the camouflage material is incorporated consistently throughout the platform bases. Or, a pattern such as military camouflage could be included in the plastic resin or pellets to allow climbing apparatus to blend in with the environment. 
         [0023]    Fourth, to provide further camouflage, the shape of climbing apparatus could be altered to include molded segments that resemble tree branches or leaves. Similar to the aforementioned components of the platform bases including floors, sidewalls, slide apertures, floor receptacles, bumper receptacles, socket receptacles and grip receptacles, these segments may be created in the same, single shot injection process utilized to create the platform bases, thereby minimizing fabrication time and cost. 
         [0024]    Although the embodiment of the present invention illustrated herein includes platform bases that are comprised of a single piece of FRP or the like, many features and advantages of the present invention may be realized by using bases having individually assembled components including floors, sidewalls, slide apertures, floor receptacles, bumper receptacles, socket receptacles and grip receptacles, rather than a single injection-molded base. Or, a subset of the components may be fabricated through a process such as injection molding and other individually assembled components may be added thereto. In addition, materials other than FRP may be used to fabricate the platform bases without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0025]    Climbing and support platforms each include three main components, namely, platform bases, arms, and belts. Preferably, the platform bases contain floor receptacles within their floors. The floor receptacles prevent water, rain, snow, and the like from accumulating on the floor of the platform bases. Furthermore, these receptacles reduce the weight of the platform bases by reducing the quantity of base material. Additionally, bumpers may be inserted into floor receptacles to minimize noise caused by movement of the user. Preferably, the floor receptacles are square and are arranged as a symmetrical, square lattice, but alternate configurations and arrangements of floor receptacles may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Sidewalls, which may include one or more of a slide, slide aperture, bracket aperture, and arm/weapon rest clamp are preferably fabricated as an integral component of the platform bases. That is, the platform bases and sidewalls are a single unit. Sidewalls allow the arms and brackets to be attached to the platform bases. Each sidewall extends vertically upward from the left and right sides of the platform bases. In some embodiments of the present invention, the minimum height of sidewalls is selected such that it exceeds the height of the arms and brackets when these components are in their collapsed position. Such height of the sidewalls protects the arms and brackets from damage during transportation of climbing apparatus. Although sidewalls are depicted with a sloping upwardly facing surface, this surface may be flat or may embody other variations in height without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the arms are connected to the sidewalls of the platform bases via slides and brackets. The slides are inserted through a slide aperture prior to connection of the arms to the slide. The arms are connected to the sidewall of the support platform via the slide. The slide is inserted through the slide aperture prior to connection to the arm. The slide aperture includes an embedded reinforcement strip that may be fabricated of any durable, heavyweight material but preferably is a metal such as steel or aluminum. The embedded reinforcement strip may a completely tubular rail molded within the platform or, alternatively, may be a support beam that is contained within a support platform located below the slide aperture. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the slides include a head and a threaded shaft and the arms include a corresponding threaded aperture. Upon selection of the desired location of the arm, the slide is inserted through the slide aperture and its shaft is threaded into the arm aperture until the head and the arm are flush to their respective sides of the sidewall. This process prohibits further movement of the arm until the user unthreads the slide from the arm aperture. 
         [0029]    The elongated slide apertures, as compared to the circular slide apertures, guide movement of the respective slides and allow the respective arms to be fixed at a variety of angles with respect to the respective platform. The arms may be secured in their upright position by moving the slide within the locking step of the elongated slide aperture. Additionally, for safety, the locking step is configured such that when weight is applied to the platform, the slide automatically moves within the locking step securing the arms in their upright position. Alternatively, the arm may be collapsed by moving the slide to the elongated slide aperture end. The arm can also be secured in intermediate positions by securing the slide to the arm in any location between the locking step and the elongated slide aperture end. For additional support, brackets may support the arms in their upright position. 
         [0030]    The climbing and support platforms may be collapsed for simple transportation or storage. To achieve this position, the brackets, which are collapsible brackets, are folded allowing the bracket to lie between the inwardly facing surface of its respective sidewall and the outwardly facing surface of its respective arm. As the bracket is collapsed, the slides simultaneously move through the elongated slide aperture until they are located opposite of their initial position. Or, for platforms having circular slide apertures and no brackets, the arms and corresponding slide simply rotate within the circular slide as necessary to allow the arms to lie flat on the upwardly facing surface of the respective platform. These actions transform climbing and support platforms into virtually flat objects that may be stacked upon one another to simplify transportation. In this collapsed position, climbing and support platforms may be easily stored under a seat, in an automobile trunk, or in a backpack, duffle bag, or the like during transportation to the user&#39;s desired location. Also, this design allows a user to carry the platforms as a backpack or contained within a backpack. 
         [0031]    The climbing and support platform are attached to a tree trunk via a belt. The belt includes teeth, a center indicator, and tactile length indicators. The belt may be fabricated of any pliable material with a high durometer rating such as elastomeric, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, and the like. The use of such a material provides a belt having sufficient rigidity to maintain a parabolic shape, while also providing a belt having sufficient flexibility to tightly encircle trees of various diameters without vertical slippage. Preferably, the belt is fabricated with an internal support core such as cable cores or band core. These cores provide additional strength and durability and aid in maintaining the parabolic shape of belt. The cable or band cores may be fabricated from steel or a woven fiber or cord, however, any rigid material could be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention. However, the support core may also be omitted from the belt without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0032]    Equally spaced semi-hexagonal indentations having one half of the thickness of the belt are fabricated within the interior of the belt to form teeth. As well as being equally spaced, semi-hexagonal indentations are fabricated within the belt such that they are inversely equivalent in size and shape to the teeth. The teeth begin at both ends of the belt and encompass three quarters of the length of each belt half. The exclusion of teeth on the portions of the belt that engage the tree is intended to prevent damage to the tree. The un-toothed portion of the belt may be smooth but preferably is textured to prevent vertically slippage of belt. 
         [0033]    The belt is parabolic in shape to allow the un-toothed portion of belt to grip a tree while the toothed portion of the belt angles toward its climbing or support platform allowing the ends of the belt to be inserted into attachment mechanism of arms. The belt begins angling downwardly at a point at which the ends of the belt may be inserted into the attachment mechanism of the arms while retaining its fabricated parabolic shape. 
         [0034]    The center indicator is a tactile and visual marking located at the midpoint of the belt on its outwardly facing surface. A user may tactilely trace the length of the belt until center indicator is found to ensure that the belt is centered about the tree prior to connecting it to the climbing or support platform. The center indicator is tactile to allow the user to locate it in conditions such as darkness, fog, or if the tree trunk is too large to view the center indicator. Preferably, the center indicator is fabricated as an integral part of the belt, however, the center indicator may also be attached to the belt after fabrication without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0035]    The belt also contains tactile length indicators. The tactile length indicators are protrusions in the belt that allow the user to measure the length of the portion of each belt half that has been inserted through attachment mechanism of climbing or support platform. These tactile length indicators allow the user to confirm that equal lengths of belt halves have been inserted through each of the respective attachment mechanisms, thereby, maximizing the possibility that the respective platform will be level. Conversely, attaching different lengths of belt halves to each of the two attachment mechanisms located on climbing or support platform, is likely to cause an unlevel platform that may result in injury or loss of equipment. 
         [0036]    In some embodiments of the present invention, the tactile length indicators are depicted as a line extending across the entire width of the backside of belt. However, alternate configurations could be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the tactile length indicators could be circles, dots, squares, triangles or other shapes or could be a number that represents the distance from the belt end. Alternatively, the tactile length indicators may be replaced with visual indicators, but preferably the tactile length indicators are both tactile and visual. 
         [0037]    The belts are attached the platforms via one or more attachment mechanisms. That is, both ends of the belt may be removably attached to the platforms, or one end may be permanently attached and the one end may be removably attached. To attach either platform to a tree trunk, the belt is passed about the tree trunk such that it encircles the tree trunk. The belt is then threaded into the attachment mechanism, pulled taut, and clamped or otherwise fixed to the arm via a fastener such as an attachment mechanism. 
         [0038]    The attachment mechanisms are employed to lock the belt to the climbing or support platform at the user&#39;s desired position after the belt is threaded into the attachment mechanism and pulled taut. The attachment mechanism includes a toggle that allows the user to adjust the attachment mechanism to a locked or unlocked position. The attachment mechanism includes two teeth that are equivalent to semi-hexagonal indentations of the belt. The attachment mechanism teeth are positioned opposite belt teeth such that when the toggle is in its locked position, the attachment mechanism teeth are inserted into the semi-hexagonal indentations with sufficient pressure to secure belt within arms of support platform. When the toggle is moved to its unlocked position the attachment mechanism teeth are disengaged from the semi-hexagonal indentations and the user can remove the belt from the arm or alter the length of the belt end that is inserted into the arm. 
         [0039]    Tightening of the belt about the tree trunk causes the grips to grip the tree bark and/or tree trunk, thereby securing the climbing or support platform to the tree. The grips may be modular or may be fabricated as an integral part of the platform bases. A modular grip may be detachably connected to either platform by inserting the grip into the grip receptacle. Although non-marring grips, which may be manufactured from materials such as polypropylene or high durometer rubber, are depicted in the detailed description, various types of grips may be affixed to the platform without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the grips may be marring to provide additional support by actually penetrating the tree trunk as well as the bark of the tree. However, because some state or local regulations may restrict the type of grips allowed, the inclusion of the grip receptacle and modular grips allows the climbing apparatus to be used in both regulated and non-regulated areas by simply inserting the desired or required grips into grip receptacles. Furthermore, incorporation of modular grips allows the grips to be easily replaced if they wear out or otherwise become ineffective or damaged. 
         [0040]    Once a user achieves a final climbing position, the climbing platform may be used as a seat. To accommodate such use, the climbing platform optionally includes arm/weapon rests and semicircular or semi-elliptical recessed edges. The recessed edges are shaped such that the user can comfortably suspend their legs over the edge of climbing platform for extended periods of time. Additionally, the user can position support platform below climbing platform such that it can be used as a footrest. The recessed edges and the use of support platform as a footrest allow the user to rest comfortably and increases the ability of the user to maintain proper blood circulation in their legs. Since most local, state, and federal hunting regulations limit hunting to colder months, maintaining proper blood circulation in a hunter&#39;s legs is even more critical as circulation is typically slowed in cold weather conditions. When proper precautions are taken by the user, these features of the present invention may help the user to prevent conditions caused by poor circulation such as loss of feeling to the extremities, frostbite, chilblains, leg ulcers, or cyanosis. 
         [0041]    Bumpers, such as rectangular, circular, or elongated rectangular bumpers, may be inserted into bumper and floor receptacles such that flanges located on the upper end of the bumper rest atop the climbing or support platform base and, thereby, prevent the bumper from falling through the receptacle. These bumpers provide a soundproof surface upon which a user may rest a weapon or other device without creating noise that may alter the behavior of the specimen being hunted or observed. Bumpers may also act as a safety feature by indicating the edge of the support or climbing platform to the user and providing a raised surface that may help prevent the user from falling from the respective platform. Alternatively, bumpers may be added for comfort (e.g., bumpers may be used as a footrest) or to protect the platforms during transportation or use. 
         [0042]    Bumpers may be fabricated from any insulating material such as rubber, leather, foam, plastic, or the like. Preferably, bumpers are fabricated from a material that absorbs noise. Also, preferably, upwardly facing surfaces of the bumpers are fabricated with a curvature that allows the upper surfaces to form a continuous surface between bumper edge and the platform to prevent tripping, stumbling, or the like. However, other torsions of upper surfaces may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0043]    Sockets may also be incorporated in the present invention. Such sockets may be inserted in socket apertures located in either of both of the climbing and support platforms. A socket may include a support aperture for secure placement of a weapon such as a gun or bow at a desirable and ready position for the hunter. Or, sockets may be designed to support a camera, video recorder, or the like. Alternatively, sockets may be designed to hold drink, food, bullets, or other object that may be easily misplaced or spilled without proper containment, although many embodiments of the present invention may omit food holders since scent-emitting items may impair the user&#39;s ability to hunt. 
         [0044]    While it is envisioned that many sockets will be fabricated to meet specific, predetermined needs, solid sockets that may be altered by the user to suit his or her unique needs are also envisioned. Such a socket would be fabricated from a malleable, yet durable, material such as polypropylene or a similar polymer. Fabrication from such a material would allow the user to alter the socket to their desired need via sandpaper, cutting tools, rasp, drill, rotary tool, or the like. 
         [0045]    The platforms also optionally include security indicators with serial numbers or the like for identification purposes. Identification may be required, for example, if either platform is lost or stolen. Although a serial number may be included on the climbing platform only, or two different serial numbers may be included on the climbing and support platforms, preferably the serial number on the climbing platform is identical to the serial number of the support platform. This allows the climbing and support platforms to be identified as a set having equal wear and tear if either platform becomes intermingled with other similar platforms. Although the present embodiment depicts the form of identification as a serial number, other methods of identification such as UPC codes, nametags, or the like may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, preferably, the form of identification is such that it may be permanently incorporated in either platform by molding it into such platforms during the single step molding process as discussed above, thereby minimizing the possibility of removal of such identification. 
         [0046]    Some embodiments of the present invention optionally include a safety harness, wherein one or more components of the safety harness are integral to the climbing and support platforms. The integral nature of these components is an important aspect of some embodiments of the present invention as it increases the likelihood that a user will employ the safety harness when climbing a tree, thereby increasing the overall safety of the present invention. Since the safety harness moves with the platforms as the user climbs the tree, no additional steps beyond initial setup of the safety harness are required by the user to ensure that the safety harness remains in place. In other words, since the user does not need to remove and reattach the safety harness independent of the removal and reattachment of the climbing and support platforms which is required to climb the tree, the climber is more likely to employ the safety harness throughout the entire climbing process, thereby increasing the safety of each climb. Furthermore, the integral nature of the safety harness prevents situations in which the hunter initially engages the safety harness but fails to engage it during the climb until the final height is reached, which may result in falls during the climb. 
         [0047]    In such embodiments, the climbing apparatus includes, inter alia, climbing and support platforms, a support platform strap fastener, climbing and support platform straps, one or more clips, and a body harness. In one aspect of the present invention, the climbing platform strap is threaded through the grid of the climbing platform base and is stitched or otherwise coupled together below the downwardly facing surface of the climbing platform base such that climbing platform strap remains in a relatively stationary position with respect to the climbing platform. Similarly, support platform strap may be affixed to support platform via one or more support platform strap fasteners. 
         [0048]    Prior to using the climbing apparatus, body harness may be secured to the user&#39;s body (e.g., encircled about the user&#39;s waist). Next, body harness is attached to one or more of the climbing and support platforms by clipping the body harness thereto via a clip such as a karabiner. Thereafter, the climbing platform is affixed to the tree and a user may suspend his or her body therefrom in a sitting position. Such a position frees the user&#39;s hands such that they are able to attach, or remove and reattach, the support platform at the next desired position on the tree. Upon securing the support platform, the user may then climb or propel his or her body atop the support platform, and rest upon it while removing the climbing platform and reattaching it to the next desired position on the tree. These actions are repeated until the user achieves a final desired position. 
         [0049]    The harness increases the safety of the present invention by preventing the user from falling a significant distance. That is, if the user were to slip or fall while attaching or detaching the support platform, or while climbing or propelling his or her body atop the support platform, the user would descend only to the height of the previous sitting position, thereby preventing injury that could occur from falling from a significant height in a tree to the ground. Furthermore, attachment of the climbing and support platforms to the harness via the clips prevents these platforms from falling to the ground if either is dropped by the user, thereby ensuring that the user will have both platforms when descending the tree. This aspect of the harness of the present invention further increases its safety as it is difficult to descend from a tree without the proper equipment. 
         [0050]    Other objects, features, and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0051]    A further understanding of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the embodiments set forth in the illustrations of the accompanying drawings. Although the illustrated embodiment is merely exemplary of systems for carrying out the present invention, both the organization and method of operation of the invention, in general, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, may be more easily understood by reference to the drawings and the following description. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of this invention, which is set forth with particularity in the claims as appended or as subsequently amended, but merely to clarify and exemplify the invention. 
           [0052]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0053]      FIG. 1  depicts a high level view of a climbing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including, inter alia, climbing and support platform bases, arms, and belts. 
           [0054]      FIG. 2  depicts a top plan view of the climbing apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  in its collapsed, or transportable, state. 
           [0055]      FIG. 3  depicts a skewed front view of a toothed belt in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including the belt teeth and center indicator. 
           [0056]      FIG. 4  depicts a side view of a toothed belt in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including the tactile and visual indicators located on the outwardly facing side of the belt. 
           [0057]      FIG. 5  depicts an enlarged sectional side view of one end of a toothed belt in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including the tactile length indicators, the semi-hexagonal shape of the belt teeth, and the relationship therebetween. 
           [0058]      FIG. 6A  depicts a cross-sectional view of a toothed belt in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including the cable cores contained therein. 
           [0059]      FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of a toothed belt in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including the band core contained therein. 
           [0060]      FIG. 7  depicts an enlarged, angled side view of the support platform base in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  including, inter alia, the arm, attachment mechanism, slide, slide aperture, locking step, and bracket. 
           [0061]      FIG. 8  depicts an enlarged, cutaway, front view of the support platform sidewall, arm, slide, and slide aperture in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 9  depicts top and side plan views of a socket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention illustrating, inter alia, the socket flange, socket flange apertures, socket flange indicator line, and support receptacle. 
           [0063]      FIG. 10A  depicts one embodiment of an elongated rectangular bumper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0064]      FIG. 10B  depicts one embodiment of a circular bumper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0065]      FIG. 10C  depicts one embodiment of a rectangular bumper in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0066]      FIG. 11  depicts a high level view of a climbing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention including, inter alia, climbing and support platforms, climbing and support platform straps, support platform strap fastener, and body harness. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0067]    As required, a detailed illustrative embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. However, techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiment. Consequently, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative, yet in that regard, they are deemed to afford the best embodiment for purposes of disclosure and to provide a basis for the claims herein, which define the scope of the present invention. The following presents a detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0068]    Referring first to  FIG. 1 , depicted is a high level illustration of one embodiment of climbing apparatus  100  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Climbing apparatus  100  includes climbing platform  102  and support platform  104 . Climbing platform  102  and support platform  104  can be used to “climb” upwardly along the tree trunk to a final desired position. To do this, the climber first attaches support platform  104  to the tree trunk. Then, while sitting or standing on support platform  104 , the climber attaches climbing platform  102  to a location on the tree trunk that is higher than the location of support platform  104 . The climber then steps or propels his or her body until it rests upon climbing platform  102 . Next, while sitting or standing on climbing platform  102 , the climber removes support platform  104  from the tree trunk and attaches it to a location on the tree trunk that is higher than the location of climbing platform  102 . These actions are repeated until the climber achieves a final desired position. 
         [0069]    In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 , climbing and support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively, each include three main components, namely, climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, arms  110 , and belts  112 . Arms  110  are coupled to climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, via slides  114 . Brackets  134  may also be incorporated to provide additional support for arms  110 . Belts  112  are coupled to arms  110  via attachment mechanisms  116 . 
         [0070]    In some embodiments of the present invention, support and climbing platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, are fabricated from a lightweight, durable material such as FRP (e.g., polyester resin, polypropylene, etc.). FRP is preferred as it is lightweight, which facilitates both climbing with and transportation of climbing apparatus  100 . Furthermore, use of FRP creates a climbing apparatus  100  having superior corrosion resistance, dimensional stability, rigidity, and load capability. 
         [0071]    Also, use of a moldable material such as FRP allows climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, and all components thereof (e.g., floors  118 , sidewalls  120 , slide apertures  122 , floor receptacles  124 , bumper receptacles  126   a  and  126   b,  socket receptacles  128 , and grip receptacles  130 ) to be manufactured via a simple, less expensive, streamlined, one step process such as thermoplastic or thermoset injection molding. Such injection may be implemented, for example, using plastic resin or pelletized plastic particulates. Fabrication of all components of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, via injection molding greatly reduces the time required to fabricate each of the platforms of climbing apparatus  100  while simultaneously providing more features and options than available with climbing apparatuses requiring a longer fabrication time. Additionally, this method of manufacture further minimizes cost of manufacturing by eliminating the use of additional machinery after the injection molding process. In lieu of thermoplastic or thermoset injection molding, alternate inexpensive methods of manufacturing for support and climbing platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, may be substituted including, but not limited to, resin transfer molding, blow molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, structural foam molding, or compression molding. 
         [0072]    In addition to reducing the time and cost required to fabricate climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, a process such as injection molding provides several other advantages. First, injection molding greatly increases the structural integrity of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, by creating the bases and all of the components thereof as a single plastic piece, thereby eliminating points of failure. That is, there are no fasteners, adhesives, or the like required to affix the components of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, thereto. Rather, a failure of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, may only occur upon the destruction or breakage of the FRP or similar material used to fabricate these bases. Therefore, as FRP is a highly structurally sound material, the risk of failure of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, is greatly minimized, thereby creating an extremely safe climbing apparatus  100 . 
         [0073]    Second, the use of injection molding allows climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, to be fabricated from a corrosion resistant, nonslip material that enhances safety by preventing slips from heights through trees and/or tree limbs. In embodiments of the present invention having this safety feature, sand, silica, or similar abrasive materials is added to the FRP to create climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, comprised of a tractable, nonslip material that cannot wear off or otherwise deteriorate with use since the tractable, nonslip material is incorporated consistently throughout these bases. Unlike nonslip pads that are applied to a platform&#39;s surface with adhesive or the like, the sand-augmented, or otherwise augmented, FRP continues to provide a tractable, nonslip surface as the outer layers wear away. Consequently, climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, are guaranteed to have tractable, nonslip surfaces for the life of climbing apparatus  100 . 
         [0074]    Third, the use of injection molding allows climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, to be fabricated of a camouflage material that does not wear off with use. The camouflage material facilitates hunting and animal observation by causing climbing apparatus  100  to blend with its treetop environment. In embodiments of the present invention having this feature, camouflage coloring is added to the FRP before injection to create climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively. Therefore these bases are comprised of a camouflage material that cannot wear off or otherwise deteriorate with use since the camouflage material is incorporated consistently throughout climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively. Or, a pattern such as military camouflage could be included in the plastic resin or pellets to allow climbing apparatus  100  to blend in with the environment. 
         [0075]    Fourth, to provide further camouflage, the shape of climbing apparatus  100  could be altered to include molded segments that resemble tree branches or leaves. Similar to the aforementioned components of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively (e.g., floors  118 , sidewalls  120 , slide apertures  122 , floor receptacles  124 , bumper receptacles  126   a  and  126   b,  socket receptacles  128  and grip receptacles  130 ), these segments may be created in the same, single shot injection process utilized to create climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, thereby minimizing fabrication time and cost. 
         [0076]    Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  includes climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, that are comprised of a single piece of FRP or the like, many features and advantages of the present invention may be realized by using bases having individually assembled components (e.g., floors  118 , sidewalls  120 , slide apertures  122 , floor receptacles  124 , bumper receptacles  126   a  and  126   b,  socket receptacles  128  and grip receptacles  130 ), rather than a single injection-molded base. Or, a subset of the components may be fabricated through a process such as injection molding and other individually assembled components may be added thereto. In addition, materials other than FRP may be used to fabricate support and climbing platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0077]    In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1 , sidewalls  120 , which may include slide  114 , slide aperture  122 , and sidewall bracket aperture  132 , are fabricated as an integral component of climbing and support platform bases,  106  and  108 , respectively. That is, climbing and support platform bases,  106  and  108 , respectively, and sidewalls  120  are a single unit. Sidewalls  120  allow arms  110  and, optionally, brackets  134 , to be attached to climbing and support platform bases,  106  and  108 , respectively. Each sidewall  120  extends vertically upward from the left and right sides of climbing and support platform bases,  106  and  108 . In some embodiments of the present invention, the minimum height of sidewalls  120  is selected such that it exceeds the height of arms  110  and brackets  134  when these components are in their collapsed position as described below with respect to  FIG. 2 . Such height of sidewalls  120  protects arms  110  and brackets  134  from damage during transportation of climbing apparatus  100 . Although sidewalls  120  are depicted in  FIG. 1  with a sloping upwardly facing surface, this surface may be flat or may embody other variations in height without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0078]    Arms  110  are connected to sidewalls  120  of climbing and support platforms,  102  and  104 , respectively, via slides  114 . Brackets  134  may also be incorporated to provide additional support for arms  110 . Slides  114  are inserted through slide aperture  122  prior to connection of arms  110  to slide  114 . The connection of slide  122  to arm  110  is discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . For additional support, brackets  134  may also attach arms  110  to sidewalls  120  as discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . Also, stops  148  are located adjacent the inwardly facing surface of sidewalls  120  and are provided to prevent arms  110  from folding backward beyond the minimum allowable position. Furthermore, arm support  152  provides additional support and prevents arms  110  of support platform  104  from collapsing inwardly. 
         [0079]    Belts  112  attach to climbing and support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively, via one or more attachment mechanisms  116 . That is, both ends of belt  112  may be removably attached to climbing or support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively, or one end may be permanently attached and the one end may be removably attached. For embodiments of the present invention having parabolic belts, both ends of belt  112  are removably attached. To attach either platform to a tree trunk, belt  112  is passed about the tree trunk such that it encircles the tree trunk. Belt  112  is then threaded into attachment mechanism  116 , pulled taut, and clamped or otherwise fixed to arm  110  via a fastener such as an attachment mechanism. Belt  112  and its integral teeth  136  are discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 . Likewise, one embodiment of an attachment mechanism  116  is described in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0080]    Tightening of belt  112  about the tree trunk causes grips  146  to grip the tree bark and/or tree trunk, thereby securing climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively, to the tree. Grips  146  may be modular or may be fabricated as an integral part of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively. A modular grip  146  may be detachably connected to either platform by inserting grip  146  into grip receptacle  130 . Although non-marring grips  146  are depicted in  FIG. 1 , various types of grips may be affixed to climbing platform  102  and support platform  104  without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, grips  146  may be marring to provide additional support by actually penetrating the tree trunk as well as the bark of the tree. However, because some state or local regulations may restrict the type of grips allowed, the inclusion of grip receptacle  130  and modular grips  146  allows climbing apparatus  100  to be used in both regulated and non-regulated areas by simply inserting the desired or required grips  146  into grip receptacles  130 . Furthermore, incorporation of modular grips allows grips  146  to be easily replaced if they wear out or otherwise become ineffective or damaged. 
         [0081]    Climbing and support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively, also optionally include security indicators  138  with serial number  140  or the like for identification purposes. Identification may be required, for example, if either platform is lost or stolen. Although serial number  140  may be included on climbing platform  102  only, or two different serial numbers  140  may be included on climbing and support platforms,  102  and  104 , respectively, preferably serial number  140  on climbing platform  102  is identical to serial number  140  of support platform  104 . This allows the climbing and support platforms,  102  and  104 , respectively to be identified as a set having equal wear and tear if either platform becomes intermingled with other similar platforms. Although the present embodiment depicts the form of identification as a serial number, other methods of identification such as UPC codes, nametags, or the like may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention. However, preferably, the form of identification is such that it may be permanently incorporated in either platform by molding it into such platforms during the single step molding process as discussed above, thereby minimizing the possibility of removal of such identification. 
         [0082]    Finger grips  150  may also be optionally included in the present invention. Such grips provide the user with a comfortable location for to be gripped by the user&#39;s hands while the user remains idle. 
         [0083]    Bumper receptacles  126   a  and  126   b  allow the user to detachably add bumpers such as bumpers  1000   a  and  1000   b  ( FIG. 10 ) to climbing or support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively. Such bumpers help minimize the noise caused by movement of the user. However, bumpers may also be added for comfort or to protect the platforms during transportation or use. For example, bumpers may be used as a footrest while using climbing platform  102  as a seat as described with respect to  FIG. 2 . Bumper receptacles  126   a  and  126   b  are discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIGS. 10A and 10B . Although this embodiment depicts one bumper receptacle  126   a  and two bumper receptacles  126   b,  other quantities or locations of bumper receptacles could be included without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0084]    Socket receptacle  122  allows the user to attach a socket such as socket  900  ( FIG. 9 ) to climbing or support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively. Socket  900  is discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 9 . Such sockets may serve as a rest for a weapon, drink, food, or the like. Or, sockets may be fabricated for other purposes such as supporting a camera, video recorder, or the like. Alternatively, a socket could be fabricated as a receptacle for bullets or other objects that could be easily misplaced or spilled without proper containment. Additionally, other quantities or locations of socket receptacles could be included without departing from the scope of the present invention. Although the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  depicts socket receptacle  122  and bumper receptacles  126   a - 126   b  within support platform  104  only, other embodiments are envisioned in which similar receptacles are included in climbing platform  102 . 
         [0085]    Climbing and support platform bases  208  and  210 , respectively, contain floor receptacles  124  within floors  118 . Floor receptacles  124  prevent water, rain, snow, and the like from accumulating on floor  118  of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively. Furthermore, receptacles  124  reduce the weight of climbing and support platform bases  106  and  108 , respectively, by reducing the quantity of base material. Additionally, bumpers  1000   c  ( FIG. 10 ) may be inserted into floor receptacles  124  to minimize noise caused by movement of the user as described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 10C . Although floor receptacles  124  of the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 1  are square and are arranged in as a symmetrical, square lattice, alternate configurations and arrangements of floor receptacles  124  may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0086]      FIG. 2  depicts a top plan view of climbing and support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively. Once a user achieves a final climbing position, climbing platform  102  may be used as a seat. To accommodate such use, climbing platform  102  optionally includes arm/weapon rest  154  and semicircular or semi-elliptical recessed edges  144 . Arm/weapon rest  154  may be manufactured of a tubular metal or the like, an end of each being inserted in respective arm/weapon rest clamp  156 . Once inserted thereto, arm/weapon rest  154  may be held in place via tightening of the respective thumbscrews. However, alternate methods of attaching an arm/weapon rest  154  to either platform may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0087]    Recessed edges  142  are shaped such that the user can comfortably suspend their legs over the edge of climbing platform  102  for extended periods of time. Additionally, the user can position support platform  104  below climbing platform  102  such that it can be used as a footrest. Recessed edges  144  and the use of support platform  104  as a footrest allow the user to rest comfortably and increases the ability of the user to maintain proper blood circulation in their legs. Since most local, state, and federal hunting regulations limit hunting to colder months, maintaining proper blood circulation in a hunter&#39;s legs is even more critical as circulation is typically slowed in cold weather conditions. When proper precautions are taken by the user, these features of the present invention may help the user to prevent conditions caused by poor circulation such as loss of feeling to the extremities, frostbite, chilblains, leg ulcers, or cyanosis. 
         [0088]    In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 2 , climbing and support platforms,  102  and  104 , respectively, are depicted in their collapsed or transportable position. To achieve this position, brackets  134 , which are collapsible brackets, are folded from the position depicted in  FIG. 1  allowing bracket  134  to lie between the inwardly facing surface of the respective sidewall  120  and the outwardly facing surface of respective arm  110 . As bracket  134  is collapsed, slides  114  simultaneously move through slide aperture  122 , if required, until they are located opposite of their initial position as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Or, alternatively, when brackets  134  are not incorporated, arms  110  and slides  114  are simply rotated within the slide aperture until arms  110  rest atop the upwardly facing surface of the corresponding platform. These actions transform climbing and support platforms,  102  and  104 , respectively, into virtually flat objects that may be stacked upon one another to simplify transportation. Slides  114  and brackets  134  are discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . In this collapsed position, climbing and support platforms  102  and  104 , respectively, may be easily stored under a seat, in an automobile trunk, or in a backpack, duffle bag, or the like during transportation to the user&#39;s desired location. 
         [0089]    Support platform base  108  includes socket fastener apertures  202  for attachment of a socket such as socket  900  ( FIG. 9 ) to support platform base  108  after insertion of such a socket into socket aperture  128 . The attachment of socket  900  to support platform base  108  is discussed in further detail with respect to  FIG. 9 . Although socket aperture  128  is included only on support platform base  108 , a similar socket aperture could be included in climbing platform base  106  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0090]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is a skewed top plan view of an embodiment of belt  112  in accordance with the present invention. Belt  112  includes teeth  136 , center indicator  302 , and tactile length indicators  304 . Belt  112  may be fabricated of any pliable material with a high durometer rating such as elastomeric, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, and the like. The use of such a material has provides a belt  112  having sufficient rigidity to maintain a parabolic shape, as discussed in detail below with respect to  FIG. 4 , while also providing a belt  112  having sufficient flexibility to tightly encircle trees of various diameters without vertical slippage. Preferably, belt  112  is fabricated with an internal support core such as cable cores  602   a  ( FIG. 6A ) or band core  602   b  ( FIG. 6B ) as discussed in further detail below with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6B . These cores provide additional strength and durability and aid in maintaining the parabolic shape of belt  112 . However, the support core may be omitted from belt  112  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0091]    Center indicator  302  is a tactile and visual marking located at the midpoint of belt  112  on its outwardly facing surface. A user may tactilely trace the length of belt  112  until center indicator  302  is found to ensure that belt  112  is centered about the tree prior to connecting it to climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively. Center indicator  302  is tactile to allow the user to locate it in conditions such as darkness, fog, or if the tree trunk is too large to view center indicator  302 . Preferably, center indicator  302  is fabricated as an integral part of belt  112 , however, center indicator  302  may also be attached to belt  112  after fabrication without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0092]    Belt  112  also contains tactile length indicators  304 . Tactile length indicators  304  are protrusions in belt  112  that allow the user to measure the length of the portion of each belt half  306  that has been inserted through attachment mechanism  116  of climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively. These tactile length indicators  304  allow the user to confirm that equal lengths of belt halves  306  have been inserted through each of the respective attachment mechanisms  116 , thereby, maximizing the possibility that the respective platform will be level. Conversely, attaching different lengths of belt halves  306  to each of the two attachment mechanisms  116  located on climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively, is likely to cause an unlevel platform that may result in injury or loss of equipment. The relationship of tactile length indicators  304  and the length of belt halves  306  is discussed in further detail with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0093]    Teeth  136  begin at both ends of belt  112  and encompass three quarters of the length of each belt half  306 . The exclusion of teeth  136  on the portions of belt  316  that engage the tree is intended to prevent damage to the tree. The un-toothed portion of belt  112  may be smooth but preferably is textured to prevent vertically slippage of belt  112 . The semi-hexagonal shape of teeth  136  and the method of attaching belt  112  to arms  110  are discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 5 . 
         [0094]    A side view of one embodiment of belt  112  in accordance with embodiments of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Belt  112  is depicted folded in half at center indicator  302  to further indicate its parabolic shape while simultaneously showing that both halves of belt  112  are identical. Belt  112  is parabolic in shape to allow the un-toothed portion of belt  112  to grip a tree while the toothed portion of belt  112  angles toward its climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively, allowing the ends of belt  112  to be inserted into attachment mechanism  116  of arms  110 . Belt  112  begins angling downwardly at a point at which the ends of belt  306  may be inserted into attachment mechanism  116  of arms  110  while retaining its fabricated parabolic shape. 
         [0095]    In this embodiment of the present invention, each tactile indicator  304  is a protruded line that extends across the full width of belt  112 . Therefore, to measure the length of each belt half  306 , the user must count the quantity of tactile indicators  304  on each belt half  306  on either side of attachment mechanism  116  to determine if equivalent lengths of belt halves  306  have been threaded into arms  110 . However, other embodiments are envisioned in which different tactile indicators are incorporated for each length, thereby eliminating the need to count tactile length indicators  304 . For example, each tactile length indicator  304  could include a number of protrusions equal to its length. 
         [0096]    Although  FIG. 4  depicts tactile length indicators  304  as protruded lines that extend across the entire width of the backside of belt  112 , alternate configurations may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, tactile length indicators  304  could be circular, square, or triangular protrusions or protrusions embodying other shapes. Or, tactile length indicators  304  could be a number that represents the distance from the end of belt  112 . Alternatively, tactile length indicators  304  may be replaced with visual indicators, but preferably tactile length indicators  304  are both tactile and visual. 
         [0097]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , illustrated is an enlarged sectional side view of one end of belt  112  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5  further illustrates the relationship between teeth  136 , tactile length indicators  304 , and semi-hexagonal indentations  502 . Equally spaced semi-hexagonal indentations  502  have a depth equal to approximately one half the thickness of belt  112 . Fabrication of semi-hexagonal indentations  502  creates teeth  136  along the interior of belt  112 . Furthermore, these indentations are equally spaced such that teeth  136  are the inverted equivalent of semi-hexagonal indentations  502  in both size and shape. 
         [0098]    Starting at the end of belt  112 , the first tactile length indicator  304  is located at the leading edge of the tooth  136  having the closest proximity to the end of belt  112 . Each subsequent tactile length indicator  304  is located at the leading edge of every second tooth  136  with the final tactile length indicator  304  located at the leading edge of the second to last tooth  136 . In this embodiment of the present invention, there are two equally spaced semi-hexagonal indentations  502  between each tactile length indicator  304  due to the mechanics of attachment mechanism  116 , as discussed in greater detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . However, other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned having varying configurations of tactile length indicators  304 . For example, if attachment mechanism  116  includes three locking teeth, there may be three equally spaced semi-hexagonal indentations  502  between each tactile length indicator  304 . 
         [0099]    When a location to connect climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively, to a tree is selected, the user encircles the tree trunk with belt  112  such that center indicator  302  is positioned on the tree opposite the center of the desired location of climbing or support platform  102  or  104 , respectively. The user then equally threads the ends of each belt half  306  through attachment mechanisms  116  of respective arms  110  until belt  112  is taut and grips  146  are in direct contact with the tree. Thereafter, tactile length indicators  304  are counted to ensure that equivalent lengths of each belt half  306  are threaded through arms  110 . Upon verification of same, belt halves  306  are pulled taut and clamped or otherwise fixed to arm  110  via a fastener such as attachment mechanism  116 . An embodiment of attachment mechanism  116  is described in further detail below with respect to  FIG. 7 . 
         [0100]    Referring now to  FIG. 6A , illustrated is a cross sectional view of belt  112  depicting cable cores  602   a  in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. Cable cores  602   a  are included throughout the portion of belt  112  that does not contain teeth to increase the strength and durability of belt  112  while simultaneously helping to maintain the parabolic shape as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Cable cores  602   a  may be preformed in the parabolic shape prior to being inserted into a mold for fabrication of belt  112 . Cable cores  602   a  may be fabricated from steel, woven fiber or cord, or virtually any other rigid material without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 6A , four cable cores  602   a  are included, but cable cores  602   a  may be omitted, or other quantities may be substituted, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0101]    Alternatively,  FIG. 6B  depicts a cross-sectional view of a belt  112  having a band core  602   b  therethrough in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Band core  602   b  is included throughout the portion of belt  112  that does not contain teeth to increase the strength and durability of belt  112  while simultaneously helping to maintain the parabolic shape as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 . Band core  602   b  may be preformed in the parabolic shape prior to being inserted into a mold for fabrication of belt  112 . Band cores  602   b  may be fabricated from steel, woven fiber or cord, or virtually any other rigid material without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 6B , one band core  602   b  is included, but band core  602   b  may be omitted, or other quantities may be substituted, without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0102]    Turning now to  FIG. 7 , depicted is a side view of support platform  104  including, inter alia, arm  110 , sidewall  120 , bracket  134 , bracket fasteners  702 , attachment mechanism  116 , toggle  704 , slide  114 , slide aperture  122 , locking step  708 , and slide aperture end  710 . Attachment mechanisms  116  are employed to lock belt  112  to support platform  104  at the user&#39;s desired position after belt  112  is threaded into attachment mechanism  116  and pulled taut. Attachment mechanism  116  includes toggle  704  that allows the user to index attachment mechanism  116  to a locked or unlocked position. Attachment mechanism  116  includes two teeth that are the inverted equivalent of semi-hexagonal indentations  502  in both size and shape. The attachment mechanism teeth are positioned opposite belt teeth  136  and semi-hexagonal indentations  502  such that when toggle  704  is in a locked position, the teeth of attachment mechanism  116  are inserted into semi-hexagonal indentations  502  with sufficient pressure to secure belt  112  within attachment mechanism  116  and arms  110  of support platform  104 . Conversely, when toggle  704  is moved to its unlocked position, the teeth of attachment mechanism  116  are disengaged from semi-hexagonal indentations  502  allowing the user to remove belt  112  from attachment mechanism  116  or alter the length of belt half  306  that is threaded through attachment mechanism  116 . Although the operation of attachment mechanism  116  is depicted with respect to support platform  104 , attachment mechanisms  116  contained within climbing platform  102  may be configured to operate in an identical manner. 
         [0103]    Bracket  134  is attached to sidewall  120  via bracket fastener  702 , which is inserted through bracket  134  and sidewall bracket aperture  132 . Bracket  134  is also attached to arm  110  via fastener  702  inserted through bracket  134  and arm bracket aperture  712 . Fasteners  702  allow bracket  134  to rotate with respect to both sidewall  120  and arm  110 . That is, bracket  134  can pivot at each end upon movement of arm  110 . Bracket  134  adds support to arm  110  when it is in an upright position. When arm  110  is collapsed, as described below, bracket  134  lays between the inwardly facing surface of the respective sidewall  120  and the outwardly facing surface of respective arm  110 . 
         [0104]    Arm  110  is connected to sidewall  120  of support platform  104  via slide  114 . The connection of slide  114  to arm  110  is discussed in further detail with respect to  FIG. 8 . Slide  114  is inserted through slide aperture  122  prior to connection to arm  110 . A user may loosely connect slide  114  to arm  110  until slide  114  is in its proper position within slide aperture  122 , at which point the user may tighten the connection of slide  114  to arm  110  to hold the position of arm  110  in place. Slide aperture  122  guides the movement of slide  114 . Arm  110  is secured in its upright position by moving slide  114  until it is contained within locking step  708 . Additionally, locking step  708  is positioned with respect to slide aperture  122  such that when weight is applied to platform  104 , slide  114  automatically moves within locking step  708 . 
         [0105]    Alternatively, arm  110  may be moved to its collapsed position by moving slide  114  to slide aperture end  710 . Furthermore, arm  110  may be secured in an intermediate position by securing slide  114  to arm  110  in any location within slider aperture  122  between locking step  708  and slide aperture end  710 . 
         [0106]    Slide aperture  122  includes an embedded reinforcement strip that may be fabricated of any durable, heavyweight material. Preferably, this strip is fabricated from a metal such as steel or aluminum. The embedded reinforcement strip may be a completely tubular rail molded within support platform base  108  or, alternatively, it may be a support beam that is embedded in support platform base  108  slightly below slide aperture  122 . 
         [0107]    An enlarged, cutaway, front view of sidewall  120 , arm  110 , slide  114 , and slide aperture  122  is depicted in  FIG. 8 . In the embodiment of the present invention depicted in  FIG. 8 , slide  114  includes threaded shaft  802  and head  804 . Arm  110  includes threaded aperture  806 , which is designed to mate with threaded shaft  802 . Upon selection of the desired location of arm  110 , slide  114  is inserted through slide aperture  122  and threaded shaft  802  is threaded into threaded aperture  806  until head  804  and arm  110  are flush to their respective sides of sidewall  120 . Slide  114  should be threaded until the pressure exerted on arm  110  by sidewall  120  prevents movement of slide  114  within slide aperture  122 , thereby preventing movement of arm  110 . To alter the angle of arm  110 , a user simply unthreads slide  114  from arm  110  until slide  114  may be easily moved within slide aperture  122 . 
         [0108]    Turning now to  FIG. 9 , illustrated are top and side views of one embodiment of socket  900  including fastener apertures  902 , socket flange  904 , indicator line  906 , and support receptacle  908 . To install socket  900  in support platform  104 , socket  900  is inserted into socket receptacle  128  such that socket flange  904  rests on the portion of support platform base  108  extending around the perimeter of socket receptacle  128 . Indicator line  906  delineates the portion of socket  900  that is intended to rest atop support platform base  108  from the portion of socket  900  that does not rest atop support platform base  108 . Socket  900  is further secured to support platform base  108  via fasteners such as screws or bolts inserted through fastener apertures  902  and fastener apertures  202  ( FIG. 2 ). 
         [0109]    Socket  900  includes support aperture  908  for secure placement of a weapon such as a gun or bow at a desirable and ready position for the hunter. Although socket  900  is depicted in  FIG. 9  to support a weapon, socket receptacle  128  is designed to accept any one of a variety of sockets that may be interchangeably inserted into socket receptacle  128  and affixed to support platform base  108 . For example, sockets may be designed to support a camera, video recorder, or the like. Alternatively, sockets may be designed to hold drink, food, bullets, or other object that may be easily misplaced or spilled without proper containment. 
         [0110]    While it is envisioned that many sockets will be fabricated to meet specific, predetermined needs, solid sockets that may be altered by the user to suit his or her unique needs are also envisioned. Such a socket would be fabricated from a malleable, yet durable, material such as polypropylene or a similar polymer. Fabrication from such a material would allow the user to alter the socket to their desired need via sandpaper, cutting tools, rasp, drill, rotary tool, or the like. 
         [0111]    Referring now to  FIG. 10A , illustrated is elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  may be inserted into bumper receptacle  126   a  such that bumper flange  1002   a  rests atop support platform base  108  and, thereby, prevents elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  from falling through bumper receptacle  126   a.  When inserted in support platform base  108 , elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  provides a soundproof surface upon which a user may rest a weapon or other device without creating noise that may alter the behavior of the specimen being hunted or observed. Additionally, elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  acts as a safety feature by indicating the edge of support platform  104  to the user and providing a raised surface that may help prevent the user from falling from support platform  104 . Alternatively, bumper  1000   a  may be added for comfort (e.g., bumper  1000   a  may be used as a footrest) or to protect the platforms during transportation or use. 
         [0112]    Elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a  may be fabricated from any insulating material such as rubber, leather, foam, plastic, or the like. Preferably, bumper  1000   a  is fabricated from a material that absorbs noise. Also, preferably, upwardly facing surface  1004   a  of bumper  1000   a  is fabricated with a curvature that allows upper surface  1004   a  to form a continuous surface between bumper edge  1006   a  and support platform  104  to prevent tripping, stumbling, or the like. However, other torsions of upper surface  1004   a  may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0113]    Turning now to  FIG. 10B , illustrated is circular bumper  1000   b  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Circular bumper  1000   b  may be inserted into bumper receptacles  126   b  such that bumper flange  1002   b  rests atop support platform base  108  and, thereby, prevents circular bumper  1000   b  from falling through bumper receptacle  126   b.  Similar to elongated rectangular bumper  1000   b,  when inserted in support platform base  108 , circular bumper  1000   b  provides a soundproof surface upon which a user may rest a weapon or other device without creating noise that may alter the behavior of the specimen being hunted or observed. Circular bumper  1000   b  also acts as a safety feature by indicating the edge of support platform  104  to the user and providing a raised surface that may help prevent the user from falling from support platform  104 . Alternatively, bumper  1000   b  may be added for comfort (e.g., bumper  1000   b  may be used as a footrest) or to protect the platforms during transportation or use. 
         [0114]    Circular bumper  1000   b  may be fabricated from any insulating material such as rubber, leather, foam, plastic, or the like. Preferably, bumper  1000   b  is fabricated from a material that absorbs noise. Also, preferably, upwardly facing surface  1004   b  of bumper  1000   b  is fabricated with a curvature that allows upper surface  1004   b  to form a continuous surface between bumper edge  1006   b  and support platform  104  to prevent tripping, stumbling, or the like. However, other torsions of upper surface  1004   b  may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0115]    Referring next to  FIG. 10C , illustrated is rectangular bumper  1000   c  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Rectangular bumper  1000   c  may be inserted into floor receptacles  124  such that bumper flange  1002   c  rests atop support platform base  108  and, thereby, prevents rectangular bumper  1000   c  from falling through floor receptacle  124 . Similar to elongated rectangular bumper  1000   a,  when inserted in support platform base  108 , rectangular bumper  1000   c  provides a soundproof surface upon which a user may rest a weapon or other device without creating noise that may alter the behavior of the specimen being hunted or observed. Alternatively, bumper  1000   c  may be added for comfort (e.g., bumper  1000   c  may be used as a footrest) or to protect the platforms during transportation or use. 
         [0116]    Rectangular bumper  1000   c  may be fabricated from any insulating material such as rubber, leather, foam, plastic, or the like. Preferably, bumper  1000   c  is fabricated from a material that absorbs noise. Also, preferably, upwardly facing surface  1004   c  of bumper  1000   c  is fabricated with a curvature that allows upper surface  1004   c  to form a continuous surface between bumper edge  1006   c  and support platform  104  to prevent tripping, stumbling, or the like. However, other torsions of upper surface  1004   c  may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0117]    Referring finally to  FIG. 11 , illustrated is climbing apparatus  1100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Generally, climbing apparatus  1100  has all of the same features and function as climbing apparatus  100  as discussed herein, but also includes a safety harness. More specifically, climbing apparatus  1100  includes, inter alia, climbing platform  1102 , support platform  1104 , climbing platform strap  1108 , clip  1110 , body harness  1112 , support platform strap  1114 , and support platform strap fastener  1116 . 
         [0118]    Climbing platform strap  1108  is threaded through the grid of the climbing platform base. Additionally, climbing platform strap  1108  may be stitched or otherwise coupled together below the downwardly facing surface of the climbing platform base such that climbing platform strap  1108  remains in a relatively stationary position with respect to the climbing platform. Similarly, support platform strap  1114  is affixed to support platform  1104  via support platform strap fastener  1116 . 
         [0119]    Prior to using climbing apparatus  1100 , body harness  1112  may be secured to the user&#39;s body (e.g., encircled about the user&#39;s waist). Next, body harness  1112  is attached to climbing platform  1102  and support platform  1104  by clipping body harness  1112  to climbing platform strap  1108  and support platform strap  1114 , respectively, via clip  1110 . Preferably, clip  1110  is a karabiner, but other fasteners may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0120]    Thereafter, climbing platform  1102  is affixed to the tree and a user may suspend his or her body therefrom in a sitting position. Such a position frees the user&#39;s hands such that they are able to attach, or remove and reattach, support platform  1104  at the next desired position on the tree. Upon securing support platform  1104 , the user may then climb or propel his or her body atop support platform  1104 , and rest upon it while removing climbing platform  1102  and reattaching it to the next desired position on the tree. These actions are repeated until the user achieves a final desired position. Although  FIG. 11  depicts a body harness  1112 , any variation of harness may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present invention. The harness increases the safety of the present invention by preventing the user from falling a significant distance. That is, if the user were to slip or fall while attaching or detaching support platform  1104 , or while climbing or propelling his or her body atop support platform  1104 , the user would descend only to the height of the previous sitting position, thereby preventing injury that could occur from falling from a significant height in a tree to the ground. Furthermore, attachment of climbing and support platforms  1102  and  1104 , respectively, to harness  1112  via clips  1110  prevents these platforms from falling to the ground if either is dropped by the user, thereby ensuring that the user will have both platforms when descending the tree. This aspect of harness  1112  of the present invention further increases its safety as it is difficult to descend from a tree without the proper equipment. 
         [0121]    Support platform strap  1114  is attached to support platform  1104  via support platform fastener  1116 . Support platform fastener  1116  is envisioned as an integral component of support platform  1104 . As such, these fasteners may be fabricated during the one step molding process described above with respect to support platform base  108  ( FIG. 1 ). However, other embodiments are envisioned in which support platform fastener  1116  is a distinct component from support platform  1104  that is attached either during or after manufacturing of climbing apparatus  1100 . Furthermore, although climbing platform strap  1108  is manufactured as a distinct component from the climbing platform base, alternate embodiments of the present invention are envisioned in which climbing platform strap  1108  is attached to the climbing platform base via an integral fastener. 
         [0122]    Climbing platform strap  1108 , body harness  1112 , and support platform strap  1116  may be fabricated of ropes, cords, nylon woven belts, or the like. The use of such materials allows climbing platform strap  1108 , body harness  1112 , and support platform strap  1116  to support the user and support platform  1104  while still being sufficiently flexible to allow the user a full range of motion. Preferably, climbing platform strap  1108 , body harness  1112 , and support platform strap  1116  are fabricated with an internal support core similar to cable cores  602   a  or band cores  602   b  as depicted in  FIGS. 6A-6B . Such a core provides additional strength and durability, however, it may be excluded from climbing platform strap  1108 , body harness  1112 , and support platform strap  1116  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
         [0123]    While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, which embodiments have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, such embodiments are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting or represent an exhaustive enumeration of all aspects of the invention. The scope of the invention, therefore, shall be defined solely by the following claims. Further, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that techniques, systems and operating structures in accordance with the present invention may be embodied in a wide variety of forms and modes, some of which may be quite different from those in the disclosed embodiments, without departing from the spirit and the principles of the invention.