Abstract:
A foldable climbing tree stand platform includes a first section having a first arm rotatably coupled to the first section and a second section having a second arm rotatably coupled to the second section. A hinge rotatably couples the first section to the second section, wherein a platform position is obtained when the first section and the second section are substantially coplanar, and a packed position is obtained when the first section and the second section are rotationally folded onto each other and the first arm and the second arm are contained therein. A securing member is connected between the arms, wherein the sections may selectively engage an upright support and the securing member selectively surrounds the upright support for providing cantilevered support when folded into the platform position. A foldable climbing tree stand system is also provided.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention is related to application Ser. No. 11/279,122 entitled “OPERABLE CLIMBING TREE STAND” filed simultaneously herewith and incorporated by reference herein. 
   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to climbing tree stands and more particularly to a portable climbing tree stand. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Tree stands, in particular climbing tree stands, are well known in the art. Such stands may be placed on a tree or pole and used to elevate the hunter or other user to a desired height for observing nature, working or hunting game animals such as deer. 
   Climbing tree stands generally have a lower climbing member upon which the hunter stands and an upper climbing member upon which the hunter sits. Each of the upper and lower climbing members have a toothed or jaw member for biting the front side of the tree and a cable or blade device attached to the climbing member which encircles the backside of the tree, thereby supporting the climbing member in a cantilevered position. The jaws or blades bite into the tree, by pivotal action of the climbing member, to hold each climbing member in place after the tree stand is located in the desired position on the tree. Each climbing member may be released or repositioned by simultaneously raising or lifting the climbing member while releasing the cable or blade device encircled about the tree to pivotally disengage the climbing member. The lower climbing member includes foot straps or foot receiving members that are required to be engaged by a hunter for manipulating the position of the lower climbing member. The hunter typically manipulates and positions the upper climbing member with his hands. 
   When the lower climbing member is within the reach of the hunter, the hunter can use his feet to engage the lower climbing member and together with the upper climbing member may climb the tree as is well understood in the prior art. However, a problem encountered with climbing tree stands occurs when the user steps too close to the tree on the lower climbing member, causing the lower climbing member to lose its bite or connection to the tree and slides down the tree. To overcome this problem, the upper and lower climbing members are tied together with a retrieving rope so that there is little possibility of losing the lower climbing member. In this way, the rope is used to retrieve the lower climbing member should it get beyond the hunter&#39;s reach. However, the rope does not prevent the climbing members from becoming operatively disassociated from one another. In this regard, a shorter rope may interfere with the climbing ability of the climbing tree stand and would resultantly also be undesirable for keeping the climbing members operatively associated with one another. 
   Foot straps or foot receiving members found on climbing tree stands secure the user&#39;s feet to the lower climbing member in an attempt to allow the hunter to control the position of the lower climbing member. However, foot straps or foot receiving members are very awkward for the hunter due to body position and the size of hunting boots. The straps or receiving members provide an encumbrance to the hunter&#39;s motion. It would be desirable to eliminate the need for foot straps or foot receiving members, while still providing for the functionality of the climbing tree stand without inhibiting the hunter&#39;s motion. 
   Because the climbing members are bulky and difficult to pack or carry, the above-mentioned retrieving rope may be used to tie the lower and upper climbing member together. However, even with the climbing members tied together, the climbing tree stand remains bulky and difficult to carry, especially in dense forest or foliage. Also, the support arms that are rigidly fixed to the climbing member and extend upward therefrom also lend to the bulkiness of the climbing tree stand and may also become entangled with tree limbs and other foliage while hauling. The support arms provide attachment support to the climbing member for the cable or blade device, thereby allowing for pivotal deployment of the climbing members into its cantilevered position upon a tree. U.S. Pat. No. 4,553,634 entitled “Tree Stand” discloses a tree stand in which the support arms are pivotally connected and may swing into an inoperative position. However, the support arms extend undesirably beyond the contained platform member such that the support arms are likely to be caught up in trees or shrubs while walking through foliage. Moreover, the supports arms are likely to make undesirably loud noise while being transported. 
   Therefore, there is a need for an improved climbing tree stand that keeps the upper and lower climbing members operatively associated with one another. It would also be advantageous to provide a climbing tree stand that eliminates the need for foot straps or attachment members on the lower climbing member. Of further advantage would be to provide a climbing tree stand that is compactable into a user packable profile, especially advantageous for pack-in/pack-out hunting trips. 
   SUMMARY 
   Accordingly, a climbing tree stand is provided that advantageously keeps the upper and lower climbing platforms operatively associated with one another. The climbing tree stand advantageously eliminates the need for foot straps or attachment members on the lower climbing platform. Also, the climbing tree stand is compactable into a user packable profile, especially advantageous for pack-in/pack-out hunting trips. 
   A foldable climbing tree stand platform includes a first section having a first arm rotatably coupled to the first section and a second section having a second arm rotatably coupled to the second section. A hinge rotatably couples the first section to the second section, wherein a platform position is obtained when the first section and the second section are substantially coplanar, and a packed position is obtained when the first section and the second section are rotationally folded onto each other and the first arm and the second arm are contained therein. A securing member is connected between the arms, wherein the sections may selectively engage an upright support and the securing member selectively surrounds the upright support for providing cantilevered support when folded into the platform position. 
   A foldable climbing tree stand system is also provided. 
   Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of this invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying drawings and described below by way of examples of the invention. 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a climbing tree stand system being used to advantage in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an upper platform in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2A  shows a slidelock in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a lower platform in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a top view of the upper platform  30  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 5  shows a top view of the lower platform in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the slidelock rigidly securing the first section and the second section in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an isomeric view of the climbing tree stand system compactly folded for packing in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 7  shows the securing member in accordance with the invention. 
       FIG. 7A  shows a partial assembly view of the securing member as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a plan view of the elasticized rope member according to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 9  shows a plan view of a second embodiment of an elasticized member assembly usable to advantage with the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   In the following description, various operating parameters and components are described for one or more constructed embodiments. These specific parameters and components are included as examples and are not meant to be limiting. 
     FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a climbing tree stand system  20  being used to advantage in accordance with the invention. The climbing tree stand system  20 , shown attached to a tree  21 , includes an upper member or platform  30  operatively connected to a lower member or platform  50  by elasticized rope members  22 ,  24 . The elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  provide a restoring force when stretched beyond their free length by either platform  30 ,  50 , thereby providing self return of the lower platform  30 . The elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  eliminate the need for foot straps or foot members typically required to raise or lower the platform. 
   The elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  each have an upper end  25  and a lower end  26 . The upper end  25  of each elasticized rope member  22 ,  24  is connected to opposite sides of the upper platform  30 , while the lower end  26  of each member  22 ,  24  is connected to respective opposite sides of the lower platform  50 . The elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  may have different lengths and or spring constants, but have the same length and spring constant for the embodiment here shown. The free length of the elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  is selected or adjusted by the user so that the lower platform  50  provides for comfortable seating while still providing for the operative action required for climbing, e.g., the free length of the elasticized rope member being just shorter than a lower leg of an adult male. 
   The upper end  25  of each elasticized rope member  22 ,  24  may be connected forward or backward of the cantilevered center of gravity of the upper platform  30 , but is shown here being connected approximately at the platform&#39;s cantilevered center of gravity. The elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  connected to the lower platform  50  will enhance the upper platform&#39;s  30  securement to the tree  21  by providing additional downward loading and engagement loading thereon. A user may detach the upper platform  30  for adjustment up or down the tree  21  while standing on the lower platform  50 . 
   The lower end  26  of each elasticized rope member  22 ,  24  may be connected forward or backward of the cantilevered center of gravity of the lower platform  50 , but is shown here being connected approximately at the platform&#39;s cantilevered center of gravity. If the lower end  26  of each elasticized rope member  22 ,  24  is connected too far forward of the cantilevered center of gravity, then the lower member  50  may become inoperable or will not properly engage the tree  21 . If the lower end  26  of each elasticized rope member  22 ,  24  is connected to far behind the cantilevered center of gravity, a user may have difficulties in releasing or disengaging the lower platform  50  from the tree  21 . In this regard, a user may raise the lower platform  50  by first raising the upper platform  30  and increasing the spring force in the elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  and then lifting his feet, thereby allowing the restoring force in the rope members  22 ,  24  to raise the platform  50 . However, the lowering of the lower platform  50  requires strategic or approximate placement of the user&#39;s feet upon the lower platform  50  between the elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  and the tree  21  while exerting a downward force upon the lower platform  50  thereby increasing the spring force in the elasticized rope members  22 ,  24 . The lowering of the lower platform  50  is completed when the upper platform  30  is carefully lowered thereby restoring the elasticized rope members  22 ,  24  to their free length and decreasing the spring force within the elasticized rope members, else the lower platform  50  will have a tendency to climb back up until the spring force is minimized. 
     FIG. 8  shows a plan view of the elasticized rope member  22  according to  FIG. 1 . Elasticized rope member  22  includes stretchable element  27 , shown here as a bungee cord, but may include any other type of elasticized strap, belt or rope. The stretchable element  27  is connected between the upper and lower ends  25 ,  26 , which are selectively connectable to each platform as described. The upper and lower ends  25 ,  26  are each securable to the platforms by tightening bracket bolt  28  and nut  29 . While a particular attachment is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 8 , it is recognized that various alternatives for attaching the elasticized rope member  22  to the platforms  30 ,  50  are available. Optionally, the stretchable element  27  may be directly attached to each platform. Also, the stretchable element  27  may optionally include a quick release connector  23  to facilitate assembly and removal of the climbing tree stand system  20 . 
     FIG. 9  shows a plan view of a second embodiment of an elasticized member assembly  92  usable to advantage with the invention. Elasticized member assembly  92  includes elasticized or stretchable straps  93 , each shown here as a bungee strap, but may include any other type of elasticized strap, belt or rope. The stretchable straps  93  are connected between the upper and lower end connectors  95 ,  96 , which are selectively connectable to each platform  30  and  50 , as described herein. The upper and lower end connectors  95 ,  96  adjustably secure the straps  93  to the platforms by spring retention clips  97 ,  98 . The elasticized member assembly  92  includes a quick release connector assembly  94  for connecting the stretchable straps  93 , thereby facilitating assembly of the climbing tree stand system. 
     FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an upper platform  30  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  shows a top view of the upper platform  30  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 . The upper platform  30  includes a first section  32  and a second section  33  separated by hinges  31  wherein the sections  32 ,  33  can compactly fold onto each other. The first section  32  and the second section  33  are generally symmetric about hinges  31 , therefore similar parts are representatively discussed generally for the first section. It is recognized that while the sections  32  and  33  are generally symmetric, they may have different sizes or proportions consistent with the invention here presented. The first section  32  includes a front frame member  34  and a back frame member  35  separated by a side frame member  36 . The frame members  34 ,  35  and  36  substantially define a compact plane in which the first section  32  conforms and is generally C-shaped for providing an opening in which a person will fit through. The front frame member  34  receives one hinge  31  and the back frame member  35  receives another hinge  31  thereby allowing the planar first section  32  to be rotated and received by the substantially similar planer second section  33 . The first section  32  is rectilinear in shape, however it is recognized that other shapes may be utilized to advantage to form the first section. The members  34 ,  35  and  36  are each made from steel square tubing welded together, however they may also be from other structural shapes and materials, including rounds, L&#39;s, bars, pipe, and made from plastics, aluminum or other materials, respectively, for example. Also, the members  34 ,  35  and  36  may be made from a continuous piece of stock material or may be made from separate pieces of material that are appropriately joined as is understood by a person of skill in the art. The first section  32  may include additional support members in order to structurally strengthen the platform. A triangular shaped member  37  provides support for and completes the connection between the side frame member  36  and the back frame member  35 , such that when the second section  33  and the first section  32  are folded into the same plane, each of the triangular shaped members  37  of each section  33 ,  32  form a V-shaped contacting member  38  for engaging a tree. The triangular shaped member  37  may optionally include a friction or tooth element  46  for providing additional securement when engaging a tree or pole. 
   The first section  32  and the second section  33  further include pivot arm support members  39 ,  40  that pivotally rotate from the plane of each section into a near perpendicular position, respectively. The pivot arm support member  39  includes an arm or triangular member  41  and a base  42 . The base  42  of the pivot arm support member  39  is rotationally connected to the members of the first section  32  by a retaining rod  75 , thereby allowing pivotal rotation of the pivot arm support member  39  in and out of the plane of the section  32 . The retaining rod  75  may be a pin or hinge-like structure that allows for the structural attachment of the pivot arm support members  39 ,  40  while providing the pivotal functionality as provided herein. In this regard, the pivot arm support members  39 ,  40  may pivot toward or away from a tree or pole thereby facilitating adjustment or positioning of the climbing tree stand system  20 . The triangular member  41 , although not necessarily triangular, includes upward angled receiving channel  43  that positionably and releasably receives an adjusting member  44  of a securing member  78  that is securable by a locking pin  45  thereto. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the adjusting member  44  includes user selectable pin outs  47  for receiving the locking pin  45  for securing to the triangular member  41  or cable pin  48  for selectively securing a securing member or cable  49 .  FIG. 7A  shows a partial assembly view of the securing member  78  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The pin outs  47  allow the adjusting member  44  to be adjusted to advantageously conform to various sizes of trees or poles. While the cable  49  is shown connected to the adjusting member  44  releasably attachable to the triangular member  41  by pins  48  and  45 , respectively, other fasteners or attachment methods may be used to accomplish the same purpose. Also, the pivot arm support members  39 ,  40  may optionally include a backstop  69  that prevents the pivot arm support members from rotating beyond the plane when stored into a compact position. 
     FIG. 2A  shows a slidelock  80  in accordance with the invention. The upper platform  30  includes a slidelock or bar  80  positionably engaging a first channel slot  81  in the front frame member  34  of the first section  32 . When the first section  32  and the second section  33  of the upper platform  30  lie in the same plane, the bar  80  can be positionably slid into a second channel slot  82  of the second section  33  to rigidly secure the sections  32 ,  33  for use. The bar  80  may also include a retainment knob  83  that engages a keyway  84  in the front frame member  34  of the first section  32 . The retainment knob  83  is a threaded or compressive fastener that is capable of sandwiching the front frame member  34  to secure the bar  80 . The retainment knob may also be used to position the bar  80 . While the slidelock or bar  80  is shown engaging a first channel slot  81  in the front frame member  34  of the first section  32  for engagement with a second channel slot  82  of the second section  33 , the bar  80  may be utilized to advantage in another frame member or may be any securing system that may rigidly hold the first section  32  and the second section  33  in substantially the same plane. 
     FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a lower platform  50  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 5  shows a top view of the upper platform  50  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 . The lower platform  50  includes a first section  52  and a second section  53  separated by hinges  51  wherein the sections  52 ,  53  can compactly fold onto each other. It is recognized that while two hinges  31  are shown, one or more hinges may be utilized to advantage. The first section  52  and the second section  53  are generally symmetric about hinges  51 , therefore similar parts are representatively discussed generally for the first section. The first section  52  includes a front frame member  54  and a back frame member  55  separated by a side frame member  56 . The frame members  54 ,  55 , and  56  substantially define a compact plane in which the first section  52  provides a first surface  70  which a person may stand upon. The front frame member  54  receives one hinge  51  and the back frame member  55  receives another hinge  51  thereby allowing the planer first section  52  to be rotated onto a substantially similar planer second section  53 . The first section  52  is rectilinear in shape, however it is recognized that other shapes may be utilized to advantage to form the first section. The members  54 ,  55  and  56  are each made from steel square tubing welded together, however they may also be from other structural shapes and materials, including rounds, L&#39;s, bars, pipe, and made from plastics, aluminum or other materials, respectively, for example. Also, the members may be made from a continuous piece of stock material or may be made from separate pieces of material that are appropriately joined as is understood in the prior art. The first section  52  may include additional support members in order to structurally strengthen the platform. A triangular shaped member  57  provides support for and completes the connection between the side frame members  56  and the back frame member  55 , such that when the second section  53  and first section  52  are folded into the same plane, each of the triangular shaped members  57  of each section  53 ,  52  form a V-shaped contacting member  58  for engaging a tree. The triangular shaped member  57  may optionally include a friction or tooth element  66  for providing additional securement when engaging a tree or pole. 
   The first section  52  and the second section  53  further include pivot arm support members  59 ,  60  that pivotally rotate from the plane of each section into a near perpendicular position, respectively. The pivot arm support member  59  includes an arm or triangular member  61  and a base  62 . The base  62  of the pivot arm support member  59  is rotationally connected to the members of the first section  52  by a retaining rod  75 , thereby allowing pivotal rotation of the pivot arm support member  59  in and out of the plane of the section  52 . The retaining rod  75  may be a pin or hinge-like structure that allows for the structural attachment of the pivot arm support members  59 ,  60  while providing the pivotal functionality as provided herein. In this regard, the pivot arm support members  59 ,  60  may pivot toward or away from a tree or pole thereby also facilitating adjustment or positioning of the climbing tree stand system  20 . The triangular member  61 , although not necessarily triangular, includes upward angled receiving channel  63  that positionably and releasably receives an adjusting member  44  of a securing member  78  that is securable by a locking pin  45 , thereto. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the adjusting member  44  includes user selectable pin outs  47  for receiving the locking pin  45  for securing to the triangular member  61  or cable pin  48  for selectively securing a securing member or cable  49 .  FIG. 7A  shows a partial assembly view of the securing member  78  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The pin outs  47  allow the adjusting member  44  to be adjusted to advantageously conform to various sizes of trees or poles. While the cable  49  is shown connected to the adjusting member  44  and releasably attachable to the triangular member  61  by pins  48  and  45 , respectively, other fasteners or attachment methods may be used to accomplish the same purpose. Also, the pivot arm support members  59 ,  60  can compactly fold into the plane created by the frame members  54 ,  55 ,  56  and against a second surface  71  that prevents the pivot arm support members from rotating beyond the plane when stored into a compact position. The second surface  71  on the lower platform  50  also provides additional standing area for a user. The second surface  71  may also help the user to pivotally release the lower platform  50  from a tree or pole by providing a place to exert a gravitational offset force. 
     FIG. 5A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the slidelock  80  rigidly securing the first section  62  and the second section  63  in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 . The lower platform  50  also includes a slidelock or bar  80  for securing the first section  62  and the second section  63  in the same plane, as described herein for the upper platform  30 . 
     FIG. 6  shows an isomeric view of the climbing tree stand system  20  compactly folded for packing in accordance with the invention. Sections  32  and  33  of the upper platform  30  are folded into a packed position. Likewise, the sections  52  and  53  of the lower platform  50  are folded, thereby allowing the upper and lower platforms to be conveniently packed together. Also, the arms  39  and  40 , and the arms  59  and  60  of the platforms  30 ,  50 , respectively, are stored conveniently therein. 
   The climbing tree stand system  20  may include other features that are typically associated with climbing tree stands such as accessory supports, a ladder, gun or binocular racks, or a positionable or hanging seat. Furthermore, the climbing tree stand system  20  may optionally include a rope or tether  90  tied between the lower platform  50  and the upper platform  30  for retrieving the lower platform  50  should it inadvertently fall beyond the reach of the user and the elasticized members  22 ,  24  fail. 
   While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended claims.