Abstract:
A tree stand including a first support secured to the tree and which has a platform secured thereto which may be adjustably positioned with respect to the first support to compensate for variously angled tree trunks or branches. A seat assembly is rotatably mounted on the platform so as to be movable 360° with respect to the platform.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to a tree stand and more particularly to a tree stand which may be mounted on trees which are not straight but which may be angled in one or more directions. Further, this invention relates to a tree stand having a seat which may be rotated 360° with respect to the platform of the tree stand. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Many types of hunting tree stands for use in hunting have been previously provided but they suffer from one or more problems. First, most conventional tree stands must be placed on a tree which is fairly straight which prevents their use on trees which are not straight but which are angled. Second, the seats of the conventional tree stands are not rotatable 360° with respect to the platforms thereof which requires the hunter to shift his/her body on the fixed seat for different shots with that shifting possibly creating noise which will spook the approaching animal. Third, the platforms on conventional tree stands which include seats thereon, do not provide adequate space for the hunter should the hunter desire to stand rather than sit. Fourth, conventional tree stands do not provide the hunter with adequate room to assume a shooting position whether the hunter is rifle hunting or bow hunting. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
         [0006]    A tree stand is disclosed which comprises a generally rectangular first support having an upper end, a lower end, a first side edge, a second side edge, an inner side and an outer side. Means is provided for attaching the first support to a tree trunk whereby the inner side of the first support is positioned adjacent the tree trunk. One way of attaching the first support to the tree is by wrapping a pair of straps, which are attached to the first support, around the tree. Another way of attaching the first support to the tree is to extend lag bolts or the like through openings in the first support into the tree. A pivot member in the form of a threaded stud bolt is secured to the first support which extends transversely outwardly from the outer side of the first support. A second support is positioned at the outer side of the first support which is selectively pivotally or rotatably mounted on the stud bolt. A nut is threaded onto the stud bolt to maintain the second support on the first support. In the preferred embodiment, the second support is generally disc-shaped and which has at least a pair of elongated arcuate slots formed therein with the first support having a pair of spaced-apart bolt members secured thereto which extend therefrom into the slots of the second support for selectively positioning the second support in various positions with respect to the first support to compensate for different side-to-side tree trunk angles. A platform is selectively pivotally secured to the second support about an axis which is transverse to the stud bolt. A length adjustable connector member is secured to and extends between the platform and the first support for selectively positioning the platform in a generally horizontally disposed position. The length adjustable connector permits the platform to be selectively positioned in a generally horizontally disposed position regardless of the fore and aft angle of the tree trunk. An elongated, upstanding seat support is provided having upper and lower ends. The upper end of the seat support is laterally offset with respect to the lower end thereof. The seat support is selectively rotatably secured at its lower end to the platform and extends upwardly therefrom. A seat is secured to the upper end of the third support. In the preferred embodiment, the seat support is selectively vertically adjustably secured to the platform. 
         [0007]    It is therefore a principal object of the invention to provide an improved tree stand. 
         [0008]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand which may be placed on trees which are not straight but which may have trunks which lean from side to side or fore and aft and any combination thereof. 
         [0009]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand which has a rotatable seat assembly mounted thereon which may be rotated 360° with respect to the platform of the tree stand. 
         [0010]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand including a platform which is sized to provide adequate room for the hunter. 
         [0011]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand having a unique seat arrangement so that the hunter will have adequate room to stand on the platform rather than sitting on the seat. 
         [0012]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand which is quickly and safely secured to a tree. 
         [0013]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree stand which is safe to use. 
         [0014]    These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the tree stand of this invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a partial plan view of the tree stand of  FIG. 1  attached to a tree; 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a partial side view of the tree stand of  FIG. 1  attached to a tree; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a frontal view of a portion of the tree stand of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a side view illustrating the manner in which the tree stand of  FIG. 1  may be adjusted to compensate for a tree leaning in an aft manner; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  is a partial exploded perspective view of a modified form of the tree stand; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the modified tree stand of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0025]    Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims. 
         [0026]    With respect to the description of the tree stand and the tree on which the tree stand is to be placed, the tree trunk and tree stand will be described as one faces the tree trunk from the side on which the tree stand is to be placed. As used herein, the term “fore and aft angle” will refer to the angle of the tree trunk with respect to the side of the tree trunk on which the tree stand will be placed. In other words, if the tree trunk is leaning towards the side on which the tree stand is to be placed, that would be a “fore” angle. Conversely, if the tree trunk is leaning away from the side on which the tree stand is to be placed, that would be an “aft” angle. 
         [0027]    As used herein, the term “side-to-side angle” will refer to the angle of the tree trunk as viewed from the side of the tree trunk on which the tree stand is positioned. In other words, if the tree trunk is leaning to the left with respect to the side on which the tree stand is to be placed, that would be a left side leaning tree trunk. Conversely, if the tree trunk is leaning to the right with respect to the side on which the tree stand is to be placed, that would be a right side leaning tree. 
         [0028]    The tree stand of  FIGS. 1-7  is designated by the reference numeral  10  and generally includes a mounting base  12 , platform  14  and seat assembly  16 . The. stand  10  is designed to be positioned on the trunk or large limb of a tree regardless of whether the trunk or limb is perfectly vertical. The stand may be easily and safely mounted on a tree which leans to the left, leans to the right, leans forwardly, leans rearwardly or any combination thereof. For purposes of description, the tree stand  10  will be described as a person would view the same facing the side of the tree upon which the tree stand is to be placed. 
         [0029]    Mounting base  12  generally includes an upper end  18 , lower end  20 , left side  22 , right side  24 , inner side  26  and outer side  28 . More specifically, mounting base  12  includes an upstanding horizontally spaced-apart frame members  30  and  32 . A vertically disposed plate  34  extends between the upper ends of frame members  30  and  32  and has a pair of openings  36  and  38  formed therein. A horizontally disposed plate  40  extends between the lower ends of frame members  30  and  32 . Brace  42  extends between frame members  30  and  32  intermediate the ends thereof and has openings  44  and  46  formed therein. A horizontally disposed toothed plate  48  extends between the upper ends of frame members  30  and  32  with the teeth thereof facing inwardly for engagement with the tree. A row of inwardly facing teeth  50  extend from frame member  30  below the upper end thereof. A row of inwardly facing teeth  52  extend from frame member  30  at the lower end thereof. A row of inwardly facing teeth  54  extend from frame member  32  below the upper end thereof. A row of inwardly facing teeth  56  extend from frame member  32  at the lower end thereof. 
         [0030]    Ear  58  extends laterally from the upper end of frame member  30  and has an opening  60  formed therein. Ear  62  extends laterally from the lower end of frame member  30  and has an opening  64  formed therein. Ear  66  extends laterally from the upper end of frame member  32  and has an opening  68  formed therein. Ear  70  extends laterally from the lower end of frame member  32  and has an opening  72  formed therein. 
         [0031]    Disc  74  is welded to the outer side of frame members  30  and  32  at the lower ends thereof. An externally threaded pivot member or stud  76  is welded to the center of disc  74  and extends outwardly therefrom. A pair of spaced-apart, externally threaded studs  78  and  80  are welded to disc  74  on opposite sides of stud  76  and extend outwardly therefrom. 
         [0032]    The numeral  82  refers to a disc-shaped support plate having a central opening  83  which receives stud  76 . Support plate  82  also has a pair of oppositely disposed arcuate slots  84  and  86  formed therein which receive the studs  78  and  80  respectively. A nut  87  is threaded onto stud  76  to hold support plate  82  in position outwardly of disc  74 . Stud  76  provides a pivot for support plate  82  so that support plate  82  may be pivoted or rotatably moved with respect to disc  74 . Nuts N are threaded onto the outer ends of studs  78  and  80  to maintain support plate  82  in various rotational positions with respect to disc  74 . 
         [0033]    Support hooks or brackets  88  and  88 ′ are welded to the outer side of support plate  82  and extend transversely therefrom. Inasmuch as support hooks  88  and  88 ′ are identical, only hook  88  will be described in detail with “′” indicating identical structure on hook support  88 ′. 
         [0034]    Hook support  88  has a slot  90  formed therein which includes a generally vertically disposed slot portion  92  and or generally horizontally disposed slot portion  94 . Receiver  96  is welded to one side of hook support  88  with its open outer end registering with slot  90 . Retaining pin  98  may be selectively removably extended through openings formed in the outer ends of the legs of receiver  96 . 
         [0035]    Platform  14  is preferably circular in shape and includes a framework  100  which has an expanded metal floor  102  positioned thereon. A vertically disposed hollow tube or collar  104  is welded to the center of the framework  100  so that the upper end of tube  104  is positioned above floor  102  and so that the lower end of tube  104  is positioned below the floor  102 . Eyelet  108  is welded to tube  104  and framework  100  as seen in the drawings. Framework  100  includes a pair of spaced-apart frame members  110  and  112  having end portions which protrude outwardly of platform  14 . Shaft  114  is secured to the outer ends of frame members  110  and  112  and extends therebetween. 
         [0036]    The numeral  116  refers to a seat support post  116  having a lower end portion, an intermediate angled portion  120  and an upper end portion  122  which is offset with respect to lower end portion  118 . An opening  124  is formed in the lower end of post  116  and a plurality of vertically spaced-apart openings  126  are provided in post  116  above opening  124 . A horizontally disposed flat plate  128  is welded to the upper end of upper end portion  122  of post  116 . 
         [0037]    Seat assembly  16  includes a horizontally disposed and trapezoidal shaped seat portion  130  which is bolted to plate  128 . Seat portion  130  includes a framework  132  having a pair of rearwardly protruding frame portions  134  and  136 . Seat assembly  16  also includes a backrest  138  including a generally L-shaped support post  140  having a lower end portion  141  which is pivotally secured to frame portions  134  and  136  by bolt or pin  142 . A stop plate  144  (not shown) is welded to the lower end of lower end portion  141  which engages the framework  132  to limit the pivotal movement of support post  140  with respect to seat portion  130 . A curved back support  146  is secured to the upper end portion  148  of post  140 . Back support  146  and seat portion  130  are padded for comfort. 
         [0038]    When it is desired to secure the tree stand  10  to a tree  150 , the mounting base  12  is placed against the tree and secured thereto by an upper strap assembly  152  and a lower strap assembly  154  which are of the ratchet type straps. The hooks of the upper strap assembly  152  are secured to ears  58  and  66  of mounting base  12  and the hooks of the lower strap assembly are secured to ears  62  and  70  of mounting base  12 . As seen in  FIG. 5 , the mounting base  12  may also be secured to tree  150  by a plurality of lag bolts or screws  156 . The lag bolts or screws are extended through the openings  36 ,  38 ,  44  and  46  in mounting base  12 . When the mounting base  12  is securedly attached to the tree  150 , the various rows of teeth will penetrate into the tree  150  to aid in preventing any movement of mounting base  12  with respect to three  150 . 
         [0039]    If the tree  150  is leaning sideways, the nuts N are loosened and support plate  82  is rotated with respect to disc  74  until the hook supports  88  and  88 ′ are substantially in the same horizontal plane. 
         [0040]    If not already previously done, the shaft  114  is inserted into the upper ends of slots  90  and  90 ′ and then moved into the inner ends of the horizontally disposed slot portions  94  and  94 ′. Retaining pins  98  are then extended through the openings formed in the outer ends of the receivers  96  and  96 ′. A length adjustable member  158  is then secured to eyelet  108  and to eyelet  160  which is secured to plate  34 . The member  158  is then length adjusted until the platform  14  is horizontally disposed. If the tree  150  is leaning in an aft manner, the member  158  will be lengthened. If the tree  150  is leaning in a fore manner, the member  158  will be shortened. 
         [0041]    A plastic bushing  162  is then placed on top of tube  104  and the lower end of post  118  is extended downwardly therethrough. When the height of the seat has been properly adjusted, a retaining pin  164  is then inserted through the proper opening  126 . The post  116  is then lowered until pin  164  rests on bushing  162 . A retaining pin  166  is then extended through the opening  124  to prevent post  116  from disengaging from tube  104 . The seat assembly  16  is thus rotatably mounted 360° with respect to platform  14  with the bushing  162  limiting any noise of movement of seat assembly  12 . The 360° movement of seat assembly  12  enables the hunter to assume proper shooting positions regardless of the direction in which an animal approaches the tree stand. The offset nature of post  116  provides additional foot space for the hunter should he/she wish to stand as seen in  FIG. 7 . As previously stated, platform  14  is preferably circular in shape to provide the most area on which the hunter may place his/her feet when rotating the seat. However, platform  14  could be square, oval, rectangular, etc. Platform  14  is preferably constructed of metal but could be constructed of plastic, fiber reinforced plastic or other suitable materials. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a modified form of the tree stand which is designated by the reference numeral  10 ′. The components of tree stand  10 ′ are identical to the components of tree stand except for a few small changes. In tree stand  10 ′, the hook supports  88  and  88 ′ have been moved upwardly on the support plate  82  and a bracket  168  is secured to the lower end of support plate  82 . The inner ends of frame members  110  and  112  have openings  170  and  172  formed therein with those openings being positioned below floor  102 . The outer end of a length adjustable member  174  is pivotally secured to the inner ends of frame members  110  and  112  by means of retaining pin or bolt  176  extending through openings  170 , the outer end of members  174  and opening  172 . The inner end of length adjustable member  174  is pivotally secured to bracelet  168  by pin or bolt  178 . 
         [0043]    In summary, the only difference between tree stand  10  and  10 ′ is that platform  14  in tree stand  10  is adjusted by a length adjustable member from above the platform and in tree stand  10 ′. The platform in tree stand  10 ′ is adjusted by a length adjustable member from below the platform. Both tree stands  10  and  10 ′ are able to be mounted on trees which are not vertically disposed but which may lean side-to-side or fore and aft. 
         [0044]    Although the invention has been described in language that is specific to certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, the specific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing the claimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be practiced without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.