Abstract:
A portable elevated observation chair is provided. The portable elevated observation chair has a telescopically extendable ladder and a seat attached at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder with a foot rest attached below the seat. The chair can be carried to a location with the extendable ladder in the retracted position and then used as a observation chair by extending the extendable ladder and positioning a top end of the extendable ladder against a trunk of a tree so that the extendable ladder is leaning against the tree with the seat and footrest extending substantially horizontally from the extendable ladder.

Description:
[0001]    This invention is in the field of portable observation apparatuses and in particular an observation apparatus that can be converted from an upright position into a compact position for transport. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Elevated platforms are useful for hunters, photographers and observers of wildlife who seek to limit the possibility of being noticed by the animals or require a higher vantage point than the ground with which to view the animals. This elevation allows a person to maintain a proximate position relative to the animals while at the same time decreasing the possibility of frightening or scaring off the animals. Additionally, by elevating a person above the ground, the elevated platform can enable a person to see over low vegetation or other obstacles giving the person a better line of sight with an animal. 
         [0003]    These elevated platforms must be able to be erected so that they have a platform suitable for at least one person to sit or stand so that the person is several feet above the ground (commonly 8′ or more). These platforms must also be strong enough to support the weight of a person and any equipment that they may have, as well as provide a means for a person to gain access to the elevated platform. Additionally, because these elevated platforms are used to hunt or view wild animals, these elevated platforms are typically placed in relatively remote areas, many of which are also relatively inaccessible. 
         [0004]    One type of these elevated platforms is the relatively permanent elevated platforms. These permanent elevated platforms are constructed in a specific location and then left in that location for a significant period of time, such as weeks or even years. The people who construct these permanent elevated platforms often use these platforms numerous times, often over several years. Because they are relatively permanent structures (i.e. they are not meant to be portable and moved from location to location) they can be easily constructed for sufficient strength to hold one or more people and their equipment. Additionally, because they are built in place the ease of erection is not a concern because the builder usually has sufficient time in which to assemble these permanent elevated platforms. The builder is also not concerned with having to erect the permanent elevated platform quietly and quickly so as not to disturb or miss animals in the area because these permanent elevated platforms are meant to be used at a later date from when the platform is constructed and over a relatively long period of time rather than for a short period of time, immediately after construction. 
         [0005]    These permanent elevated platforms are limited to only one specific location. Once these permanent elevated platforms are constructed they remain in that location until they are taken down. Not only is a person limited to one specific location with these elevated platforms, but they typically must also either own the land the permanent elevated platform has been constructed on or must have permission to erect the permanent elevated platform in its location. This prevents these permanent elevated platforms to be erected in parks or other locations that a person using the elevated platform only has temporary permission to enter or does not have permission to erect a long term structure. 
         [0006]    The other type of elevated platform is the portable elevated platforms. These portable elevated platforms are typically designed so that they can be convertible from a “transport” mode to an “operational” mode. These portable elevated platforms are converted into some type of “transport” mode and then transported to a location a user wishes to use the portable elevated platform. The portable elevated platform is then convened or setup into an “operational” mode for use by the person. Unlike the relatively permanent elevated platforms that are constructed in a single place, these portable elevated platforms are designed so that they can be moved from place to place and relatively quickly setup for use. 
         [0007]    Some of these portable elevated platforms, such as those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,908 to Frenud, U.S. Pat. No. 5,314,042 to Adams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,566,780 to Bambrough, U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,538 to Magyar, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,555 to Strange and U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,523 to Howard, are quite substantial structures. These portable elevated platforms are designed to be transported by a powered vehicle, limiting their use to areas accessible by powered vehicles and due to the noise and commotion their transport and setup usually entails, prevents them from being moved into an area quickly and setup quietly while wildlife is nearby without disturbing the wildlife. 
         [0008]    Many portable elevated platforms are designed to be carried or transported by a single person on foot. This allows the elevated platform to be carried into relatively remote and inaccessible areas and relatively quickly setup by a person to be used. However, these portable elevated platforms must strike a balance between ease of setup, strength and weight. It is desirable to have a quick and easy setup for these portable elevated platforms. It is also necessary that these portable elevated platforms be sufficiently strong to support the weight of a person and his or her equipment. However, balancing out the strength and ease of setup is the weight and easy of portability of the elevated platform, these portable elevated platforms must be able to be placed in a “transport position” where they can be carried or moved by a single person. 
         [0009]    Several elevated platforms that can be converted to be transportable are taught in the following references U.S. Pat. No. 5,485,978, Cdn. Pat. No. 1,231,686, Cdn. Pat. No. 2,342,127 and Cdn. Pat. No. 1,122,180. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable observation apparatus that can be converted into a compact form for transport by a single person yet still provide a reasonably stable platform when in use. 
         [0011]    In a first aspect, a portable elevated observation chair is provided. The portable elevated observation chair has an extendable ladder, the extendable ladder being telescopically extendable from a retracted position to an extended position, the extendable ladder having a top end and a bottom end; and a seat attached at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder below the top end of the ladder, the seat angled away from the extendable ladder so that a user can sit on the seat when the extendable ladder is in the extended position and leaning against an object. The portable elevated observation chair can be carried in the retracted position and then used as a portable elevated observation chair by extending the extendable ladder to the extended position and positioning the top end of the extendable ladder against a trunk of a tree so that the extendable ladder is leaning against the tree with the seat extending substantially horizontally from the extendable ladder. 
         [0012]    In a second aspect, a portable elevated observation chair is provided. The portable elevated observation chair has an extendable ladder having a top end and a bottom end, the extendable ladder comprising a bottom ladder section and a plurality of additional ladder sections, the bottom ladder section and each additional ladder section comprising two spaced apart parallel side members and a rung attached to a top end of each side member, the pair of side members being hollow so that each pair of side members of an additional ladder section is telescopically slidable into the pair of side members in a lower adjacent ladder section so that the extendable ladder is telescopically extendable from a retracted position, with each pair of side members of each additional ladder section retracted inside a pair side members of a lower adjacent ladder section, to an extended position, a seat pivotally attached at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder below the top end of the ladder, such that the seat can be pivoted to angle away from the extendable ladder so that seat extends substantially horizontally when the extendable ladder is in the extended position and leaned against an object and the seat can be pivoted to lie against the extendable ladder when the extendable ladder is in the retracted position and a foot rest pivotally attached at a back end of the foot rest to the extendable ladder below the seat, such that the foot rest can be pivoted to extend at an angle from the extendable ladder and the foot rest can be pivoted to lie against the extendable ladder. 
         [0013]    In a third aspect, a method is provided. The method comprises the steps of providing a telescopically extendable ladder having a seat pivotally connected at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder below a top end of the extendable ladder, extending the extendable ladder, pivoting the seat so that the seat is extends at an angle relative to the extendable ladder and positioning the top end of the extendable ladder against a trunk of a tree, such that a bottom end of the ladder is positioned farther away from the trunk of the tree then the top end, so that the extendable ladder leans against the trunk of the tree. 
         [0014]    In an aspect a portable elevated platform is provided. The portable elevated platform has a telescopically extendable ladder that can be extended to full length or collapsed to be made portable. Proximate to a top end of the extendable ladder is a seat that is pivotally connected at a back end of the seat to the extendable ladder and a foot rest pivotally connected at a back end of the footrest to the extendable ladder, below the seat. 
         [0015]    The portable elevated platform can be collapsed so that it can be transported by a single person to a location where the person wishes to use the portable elevated platform. When a person has carried the portable elevated platform to the desired location and wants to use the portable elevated platform, he or she can extend the extendable ladder and place a top end of the extendable ladder against a convenient tree. The user can then secure the top end of the extendable ladder to the tree and pivot the seat and footrest so that they are substantially horizontal. Typically, the seat and footrest are held in the substantially horizontal positions by corresponding support members. Once set up in this position, a user can then sit in the seat, where he or she will be elevated above the ground surface. 
         [0016]    When the user is finished using the portable elevated platform, he or she can pivot the seat and footrest against the extendable ladder, remove the top end of the extendable ladder from the tree and collapse the extendable ladder. With the portable elevated platform in the collapsed position, the user can then pick up and carry the portable elevated platform. 
         [0017]    In a further aspect, straps are provided so that a user can carry the portable elevated platform on his or her back. In a further aspect, a bag mounted to a frame releasably attachable to the collapsed portable elevated platform is provided so that a user can carry both the collapsed portable elevated platform and a bag for additional items on his or her back. 
         [0018]    In a further aspect, a brace is provided that can be positioned between a tree the portable elevated platform is placed against and one of the rungs of the extendable ladder to reduce or prevent the extendable ladder from flexing when the portable elevated platform is in place against a tree and a user is climbing the extendable ladder or sitting on the seat. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a portable elevated platform setup for use in an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the portable elevated platform of  FIG. 1  setup for use; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the portable elevated platform of  FIG. 1  in a retracted position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a front view of the retracted portable elevated platform of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view at a portion of the extended ladder with the seat and footrest; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the retracted portable elevated platform with straps attached for carrying; 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the retracted portable elevated platform with a bag for carrying additional items attached to the collapsed portable elevated platform; and 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a brace in an aspect; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the brace of  FIG. 8  in use with the portable elevated platform of  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an aspect of a portable elevated platform  100  setup for use and positioned against a single tree. The extendable ladder  110  is telescopically extendable and has a number of rungs  130  and a number of side members  140  with a seat  115  and a footrest  120 . 
         [0030]    When the portable elevated platform  100  is setup for use, the extendable ladder  110  is placed in an extended position and the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  is positioned against a tree  50 . The top end  112  of the portable elevated platform  100  is releasably secured to the tree  50  by a yoke strap  150  and corresponding tensioning strap  155 . The yoke strap  150  has a plurality of pins  152  to penetrate into the tree  50  and prevent the yoke strap  150  from sliding up or down the tree  50 . The tensioning strap  155  encircles the tree  50  and can be tightened to secure the yoke strap  150  against the tree  50 . The bottom end  114  of the extendable ladder  110  is positioned against a ground surface  60  away from the tree  50  so that the length of the extendable ladder  110  is angled towards the tree  50  rather than running vertically, such that each next adjacent higher rung  130  is positioned closer to the tree  50  as a person climbs up the rungs  130  of the extendable ladder  110 . 
         [0031]    The seat  115  is positioned proximate to the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  when the extendable ladder  110  is extended. The seat  115  extends out from the extendable ladder  110  and is supported in a substantially horizontal position by seat members  116  when the portable elevated platform  100  is placed in an extended position for use and positioned against the tree  50 . The seat  115  can be made out of metal sheeting, wood, etc. providing a rigid platform for a user to sit on or it can be formed of a fabric sheet to provide some flexibility in the seat  115 . 
         [0032]    The footrest  120  is also positioned proximate to the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  when the extendable ladder  110  is extended and below the seat  115  so that a user sitting on the seat  115  can rest his or her feet on the footrest  120 . The footrest  120  extends out from the extendable ladder  110  and is supported in a substantially horizontal position by footrest members  122 . 
         [0033]    In operation, when the portable elevated platform  100  is setup for use, with the extendable ladder  110  in the extended position, a user places the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  against a convenient tree  50 . The yoke strap  150  can be placed around the trunk of the tree  50 , with the pins  152  (if pins  152  are provided) protruding into the bark or the trunk of the tree  50 . The user can then climb the extendable ladder  110  and use the tensioning strap  155  to secure the yoke strap  150  and the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  securely to the tree  50 . Once the portable elevated platform  100  is securely attached to the tree  50 , a user can sit on the seat  115 , place his or her feet on the footrest  120  and view the surroundings. 
         [0034]    Because of the angling of the extendable ladder  110  relative to the tree  50  and the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  being positioned against the tree  50  when the portable elevated platform  100  is setup for use, any weight that is placed on the extendable ladder  110  forces the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  and the yoke strap  150  against the tree  50 . In this manner, when the portable elevated platform  100  is in use and a user is sitting on the seal  115  of the portable elevated platform  100 , some of the weight of the user creates a horizontal force pressing the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  and the yoke strap  150  against the tree  50 . 
         [0035]      FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate the portable elevated platform  100  collapsed for transport. Referring again to  FIGS. 1-4 , a number of ladder sections are provided with each ladder section having a pair of spaced-apart parallel side members  140  that are hollow and slightly larger than the pair of side members  140  in the next higher adjacent ladder section in the extendable ladder  110 . In this manner, each pair of side members  140  in a ladder section can be retracted into the pair of side members  140  in a lower adjacent ladder section which have a slightly larger cross-section. The nearer a pair of side members  140  to the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110 , the smaller the cross-sections of the pair of side member  140  is, with the pair of side members  140  in a top ladder section at the top end  112  of the extendable ladder  110  having the smallest cross-section and in one aspect lacking a rung  130  at the top of these side members  140 . 
         [0036]    When a pair of side members  140  of a ladder section are retracted into the pair of side members  140  in an adjacent lower ladder section the rung  130  connecting the pair side members  140  is positioned adjacent to the rung  130  connecting the lower pair of side members  130 . When the extendable ladder  110  is completely collapsed, the rungs  130  are stacked one on top of the other (as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
         [0037]    Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in the collapsed position, the portable elevated platform  100  is not much higher than the length of the pair of side members  140  in a bottom ladder section at the bottom end  114  of the extendable ladder  110  plus the height of all the rungs  130  lying adjacent to each other. 
         [0038]    Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when a user wishes to use the portable elevated platform  100 , a user can telescopically extend the extendable ladder  110  by sliding each pair of side members  140  out of their adjacent lower pair of side members  140  until the extendable ladder  110  is extended to the desired length. Typically, a locking mechanism is provided for each pair of side members  140  allowing the pair of side members  140  to be locked in place and to prevent them from sliding back into the adjacent lower pair of side members  140 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 5  illustrates a sectional view of the extendable ladder  110  showing the seat  115  and the footrest  120 . To place the portable elevated platform  100  in a more compact position so that the portable elevated platform  100  can be moved or transported, the seat  115  and footrest  120  can be pivoted to lie adjacent to the extendable ladder  110 . 
         [0040]    The rear of the seat  115  is pivotally connected to the extendable ladder  110  and the seat supports  116  are pivotally connected at a top end  117  to the front of the seat  115 . The bottom ends  118  of the seat support members  116  are pivotally connected to collars  210  that are sized to partially encircle the seat support members  116  and a pin  215  or other device is used to secure the collars  210  around the side members  140  when the portable elevated platform  100  is setup for use. The rung  130  below the collars  210  prevent the collars  210  from sliding lower than the rung  130 . 
         [0041]    To collapse the portable elevated platform  100  for transport, the pin  215  can be removed from the collars  210  allowing the collars  210  to be slipped off of the side members  140 . The seat  115 , pivotally attached to the extendable ladder  110 , and the seat member supports  116 , pivotally attached to the seat  115 , can then be pivoted so that the seat  115  and seat member supports  116  lie against the extendable ladder  110 . 
         [0042]    In the same manner as the seat  115 , the footrest  120  can be positioned so that the portable elevated platform  100  can be collapsed for transport. The footrest  120 , like the seat  115 , is also pivotally connected to the extendable ladder  110  at the rear of the footrest  120  with the footrest support members  122  pivotally connected to the front of the footrest  120  at top ends  124  of the footrest support members  122 . Bottom ends  126  of the footrest support members  122  are pivotally connected to collars  230  that at least partially encircle the side members  140  with a pin  235  to secure the collars  230  around the side members  140 . 
         [0043]    To collapse the portable elevated platform  100  and place it in the retracted position for transport, the pins  235  are removed from the back of the collars  230  so that the bottom ends  126  of the footrest support members  122  can be removed from around the side members  140 . The footrest  120  and footrest support members  122  can then be pivoted to lie against the extendable ladder  110 . 
         [0044]    In this manner, to prepare the portable elevated platform  100  for transport, the bottom ends  118  of the seat support members  116  and the bottom ends  126  of the footrest support members  122  can be disconnected from the side members  140  and the seat  115  and footrest  120  pivoted to lie against the extendable ladder  110 . The extendable ladder  110  can then be placed in the retracted position by sliding each pair of side members  140  inside the pair of side members  140  positioned beneath them until all of the side support members  140  are retracted into the bottom pair of side members  140  in the bottom ladder section. This results in the depth of the portable elevated platform  100  being not much deeper than the depth of the bottom pair of side members  140  and the height of the portable elevated platform  100  being not much higher than the height of the top pair of side members  140  in the top ladder section (the height being limited to the distance a person could reasonably be expected to climb or step from one rung  130  to the next rung  130  in the extendable ladder  110 ). 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates a further aspect of the portable elevated platform  100  where straps  310  are used to aid in transporting the portable elevated platform  100 . A pair of straps  310  are connected either permanently or removably near the top end of the side members  140  in the bottom ladder section and near the bottom end of the side members  140  in the bottom ladder section. 
         [0046]    In this manner, when the portable elevated platform  100  is placed in the retracted position for transport, a person can use the pair of straps  310  to carry the collapsed portable elevated platform  100  on his or her back. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  illustrates a farther aspect, where a bag  400  for carrying additional equipment or other items is connected to the portable elevated platform  100 . In an aspect, the bag  400  is attached to a rigid frame  410 . The rigid frame  410  is then removably connectable to the collapsed portable elevated platform  100  on the other side of the portable elevated platform  100  from the pair of straps  310 . 
         [0048]    In this manner, a user can collapse the portable elevated platform  100  for transport, connect the bag  400  and rigid frame  410  to the collapsed portable elevated platform  100  and carry the portable elevated platform  100  and attached bag  400  on his or her back using the straps  310 . The user can then transport the portable elevated platform  100  by carrying the portable elevated platform  100  to a location they wish to set the portable elevated platform  100  up in, using the straps  310  and carrying any additional items in the bag  400 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 8  illustrates a brace  500  and  FIG. 9  illustrates the brace  500  in place on the portable elevated platform  100 . The brace  500  is for use in bracing the middle of the extendable ladder  110  when the portable elevated platform  100  is in use. This brace  500  is useful when the extendable ladder  110  is relatively long to prevent the extendable ladder  110  from flexing when a user is climbing the extendable ladder  110  or sitting on the seat  115 . 
         [0050]    The brace  500  is selectively extendable and has a first end  510  having a curved member to be positioned against the trunk of the tree  50 . A shaft  530  of the brace  500  is selectively extendable so that the shaft  530  can be sized to fit between a suitable rung  130  of the extendable ladder  110  and the tree  50 . 
         [0051]    The first end  510  of the brace  500  can be secured against the tree  50  with a tensioning strap (not shown) to secure it in place against the tree  50 . The other end  520  of the brace  500  can then be secured to the rung  130 A of the extendable ladder  110  such as by providing flanges  540  that pass over and under the rung  130 A. The extension of the brace  500  between the tree  50  and the rung  130 A can keep the flanges  540  in position around the rung  130 A or optionally a pin or other device (not shown) can be used to secure the flanges  540  around the rung  130 . 
         [0052]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.