Abstract:
A tree climbing hunting stand comprises a planar frame having an attitude adjuster, including a pair of articulating support arms in contact with the tree. The hunting stand is suspended from a tree by elevating the support arms to encircle the tree and adjusting the attitude adjuster to position the frame at a selected attitude. A ratchet assembly, telescoping arm assembly, or pin assembly is used to selectively adjust the attitude of the planar frame to accommodate trees of differing diameters.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional applications Serial No. 60/319,482, filed Aug. 21, 2002, and 60/319,565, filed Sep. 20, 2002, which are incorporated herein in their entirety. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The invention relates to elevated platforms. In one aspect, the invention relates to an elevated platform with opposed articulating arms attached to a tree for use as a hunting blind. In another aspect, the invention relates to an elevated platform comprising an adjustable leveling apparatus.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0005]    Hunters frequently prefer to hunt from an elevated position. Elevation enables the hunter to more easily avoid detection by his or her prey, provides an improved field of vision, and can provide an unimpeded shot once the prey has come within range.  
           [0006]    Tree stands have been developed comprising one or more platforms that can be mounted to a tree. One type of tree stand comprises two movable platforms attached to an assembly that encircles the tree and enables the user to climb the tree by alternately raising each platform and supporting the user&#39;s weight on one platform while the second platform is raised or lowered to another position. However, suspending these “climbing” tree stands and adjusting them to adapt to trees of differing diameters can be noisy, thereby scaring away the hunter&#39;s prey. Furthermore, many of the diameter-adjustment mechanisms are complex and can require arm and hand strength, dexterity, and flexibility, which the hunter may not possess. Most climbing tree stands are not readily adjustable to accommodate changes in the tree diameter as the user climbs the tree. Unless the tree stand is adjustable to accommodate a smaller tree diameter once the tree stand has been suspended in the tree, the platforms will be positioned at an angle from the horizontal, causing instability and the risk of a fall.  
           [0007]    Climbing tree stands typically have an attachment piece that connects the tree stand on the side of the tree opposite the platform in order to fasten the platform to the tree. Typically, the hunter must hold the platform to the tree and reach behind a tree with a movable V-bar or cable, attaching both ends of the V-bar or cable to the platform with pins, bolts, or other connectors. It can be difficult to hold the platform while attempting to manipulate the various components of the tree stand in order to suspend the tree stand from the tree. It can also generate undesirable noise. The component parts can be improperly assembled, causing potential injury. As well, small parts such as pins or bolts can be lost or misplaced rendering the tree stand inoperable. Finally, component parts can become rusted or ice covered in frigid temperatures, thereby complicating their use.  
           [0008]    The few tree stands, which can be adjusted typically, utilize an adjustment of the V-bars or cables to accommodate different tree diameters. Some adjustments may involve pins, bolts or other connectors. One adjustment mechanism comprises a T-bar that is attached to the V-bar or cable on the side of the tree opposite the platform and is turned by hand. The adjustment can only be accomplished if the hunter faces the tree and then reaches around the tree to turn the T-bar. This operation will typically not be visible to the hunter. Another technique includes using a wooden wedge between the tree and the suspension mechanism to level the platform. This also can be difficult and exposes the hunter to the risk of injury.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0009]    In one aspect, the invention relates to an adjustable elevated hunting stand for supporting a person a spaced distance from the ground relative to a vertical structure, comprising: a first platform comprising a first frame having a first member adapted for compressive register with the vertical structure, and at least one second member attached to the first frame and adapted for tensile register with the vertical structure; a second platform comprising a second frame having a first member adapted for compressive register with the vertical structure, and at least one second member attached to the second frame and adapted for tensile register with the vertical structure; at least one of the first and second platforms including an attitude adjuster interposed between the at least one of the first and second frames and the vertical structure, wherein the person can adjust the planar alignment of the at least one of the first and second frames relative to the vertical structure when the person is supported on the adjustable elevated hunting stand.  
           [0010]    Various embodiments of the invention are also contemplated. The first member can be moveable relative to the at least one of the first and second frames. The attitude adjuster can comprise a ratchet for moving the first member relative to the at least one of the first and second frames. The at least one second member can comprise two support arms. The two support arms can extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the vertical structure. The two support arms can be adapted for locking communication around at least a portion of the perimeter of the vertical structure.  
           [0011]    The attitude adjuster can comprise a telescoping portion comprising part of the at least one second member. The at least one second member can be pivotally attached to the at least one of the first and second frames.  
           [0012]    In another aspect, the invention relates to an adjustable elevated hunting stand for supporting a person a spaced distance from the ground relative to a vertical structure, comprising: a first platform adapted to support a person in a standing position; a second platform adapted to support a person in a seated position; at least one of the first and second platforms including an attitude adjuster interposed between the at least one of the first and second platforms and the vertical structure, wherein the person can adjust the planar alignment of the at least one of the first and second platforms relative to the vertical structure when the person is supported on the adjustable elevated hunting stand.  
           [0013]    Various embodiments of this aspect of the invention are also contemplated. The attitude adjuster can comprise a ratchet for moving at least one of the first and second platforms relative to the vertical structure. The attitude adjuster can comprise at least one member attached to the at least one of the first and second platforms and the vertical structure, and can be adapted for telescoping adjustment of the length of said at least one member.  
           [0014]    In an additional aspect, the invention relates to an adjustable elevated hunting stand for supporting a person a spaced distance from the ground relative to a vertical structure, comprising: at least one platform adapted for at least one of seated and standing support of a user when occupying the hunting stand the spaced distance from the ground relative to a vertical structure.  
           [0015]    The at least one platform can comprise: a first member having an inner surface adapted for compressive register with the vertical structure; a second member having an inner surface adapted for tensile register with the vertical structure, wherein the inner surface of the first member and the inner surface of the second member cooperate to define a selectable distance therebetween; and an adjustable mounting between the first and second members, wherein the adjustable mounting between the first and second members allows for adjustment of the selectable distance between the respective inner surfaces. Vertical structures having varying perimeters can thereby be accommodated by selective adjustment of the selectable distance.  
           [0016]    Various embodiments of this aspect of the invention are also contemplated. The at least one platform can comprise a first platform adapted for seated support of a user when occupying the hunting stand and a second platform adapted for standing support of a user when occupying the hunting stand. The first member can be moveable relative to the second member. The adjustable mounting between the first and second members can comprise a ratchet for moving the first member relative to the second member. The second member can comprise two support arms. The two support arms can extend around at least a portion of a perimeter of the vertical structure. The support arms can be adapted for locking communication around at least a portion of the perimeter of the vertical structure. The adjustable mounting can comprise a telescoping portion wherein one of the first and second members is received within the other of the first and second members. The at least one second member can be pivotally attached to the first member. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    In the drawings:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tree with an adjustable hunting tree stand attached thereto according to the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a standing platform comprising a first portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 1.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a seat platform comprising a second portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 1.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the standing platform of FIG. 2.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 1.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of a hinge assembly forming a portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 1.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7A is a plan view of a frame forming a portion of the standing platform of FIG. 2.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 7B is a plan view of an arm assembly forming a portion of the standing platform of FIG. 2.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 8A is a plan view of a frame forming a portion of the seat platform of FIG. 3.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 8B is a plan view of an arm assembly forming a portion of the seat platform of FIG. 3.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the standing platform portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 1 in preparation for attaching the adjustable hunting tree stand to a tree.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the standing platform portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 8A in the process of being attached to the tree.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 9C is a first perspective view of the standing platform portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 8A attached to the tree.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 9D is a second perspective view of the standing platform portion of the adjustable hunting tree stand of FIG. 9C attached to the tree.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 10 is a plan view of the standing platform of FIG. 2 suspended from a tree having a first diameter.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 11 is a plan view of the standing platform of FIG. 2 suspended from a tree having a second diameter.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 12 is a plan view of a frame forming a portion of a seat platform comprising a first alternative adjustment mechanism.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 13 is a close-up perspective view of the first alternative adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 12.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 14 is a plan view of a frame forming a portion of a seat platform comprising a second alternative adjustment mechanism.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a tree stand comprising a standing platform and a seat platform attached to a tree through an extendable support arm assembly.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the standing platform shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the seat platform shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 18 is a close-up plan view of a portion of the extendable support arm assembly shown in FIG. 15.  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the seat platform shown in FIG. 15 with the extendable support arm assembly positioned for suspending the seat platform from the tree. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0042]    [0042]FIG. 1 shows a tree  12  to which is suspended a first embodiment of a two-part adjustable hunting tree stand  10  according to the invention for supporting a hunter thereon in an elevated position. The tree stand  10  is similar in many respects to a conventional tree stand known in the industry as a “climbing” tree stand, and is suspended from a tree and used in a manner similar to a conventional climbing tree stand. The tree stand  10  comprises a standing platform  14 , on which the hunter stands, and a seat platform  16 , on which the hunter can sit.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 2 shows the standing platform  14  assembled for suspension from a tree (not shown), and FIG. 3 shows the seat platform  16  assembled for suspension from a tree (not shown). The standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16  are identical in most respects, and like numbers are used to identify like parts in each. The following description of the structure and operation of the standing platform  14  is the same as for the seat platform  16 , except where otherwise noted.  
         [0044]    Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2,  4 ,  7 A and  7 B, the standing platform  14  comprises a floor frame  20 , an arm assembly  22 , and a V-brace assembly  24 . The floor frame  20  is a generally rectangular planar frame comprising a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side frame members  26  rigidly connected by an outer cross frame member  28 , an intermediate cross frame member  30 , a ratchet cross frame member  32 , an inner cross frame member  34 , and a V-cross frame member  52  in spaced-apart, parallel juxtaposition orthogonal to the side frame members  26 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame members  26 - 34 ,  52  comprise structural steel tubing having a rectilinear, preferably square, cross section of suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein. The frame members  26 - 34  comprise straight lengths of tubing. The V-cross frame member  52  comprises a generally V-shaped member opening away from the interior of the floor frame  20 . The members  26 - 34 ,  52  are joined by welding or other suitable conventional fastening methods, such as threaded connectors, to provide a frame  20  having sufficient strength and rigidity for the purposes described herein. Additional cross frame members (not shown) can be utilized to provide additional strength and rigidity to the frame  20 .  
         [0045]    The side frame members  26  are provided at an intermediate point with coaxially-aligned side frame pivot pins  122 . The pivot pins  122  are preferably threaded, bolt-like fasteners that are welded to the side frame members  26  and adapted to receive mating threaded nuts  120  thereon. Intermediate the outer cross frame member  28  and the intermediate cross frame member  30 , side frame member apertures  86  extend through the side frame members  26  in coaxial alignment for pivotable attachment of the arm assembly  22  as hereinafter described.  
         [0046]    Attached to the members  26 - 34  is a floor  40 , preferably comprising a structural steel mesh. The floor  40  is fixedly attached to the floor frame  20 , preferably by welding along the members  26 - 34  around the perimeter of the mesh floor  40 . As shown in FIG. 7A, the floor  40  extends from the outer cross frame member  28  to the ratchet cross frame member  32 .  
         [0047]    The side frame members  26  terminate in a first end  36  having a channelway  38  extending longitudinally into the side member  26  from the free end  36  for receipt of the V-brace assembly  24  as hereinafter described.  
         [0048]    The arm assembly  22  comprises a first support arm  60  and a second support arm  61 , each of which is pivotably attached at a pivot end  78  to the side frame members  26  through a pivot assembly  72 , and at an intermediate point through a hinge assembly  100 . The support arms  60 ,  61  comprise a pair of elongated, parallel, spaced-apart pivoting members  62  comprising structural steel tubing having a rectilinear, preferably square, cross section of suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein. The pivot end  78  has a pivot member aperture  84  therethrough. The first support arm  60  terminates in a first hooking member  64 . The second support arm  61  terminates in a second hooking member  66 . The first hooking member  64  terminates in a hooking end  68 . The second hooking member  66  terminates in a hooking sleeve  70 . Intermediate the pivot ends  78  and the hooking members  64 ,  66  are coaxially-aligned hinge apertures  88  extending through the pivoting members  62  for pivotable attachment of a hinge assembly as hereinafter described.  
         [0049]    The hooking members  64 ,  66  preferably comprise steel angle having suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein and are preferably welded to the pivot members  62  at a generally obtuse angle as shown in FIGS. 4, 7B, and  8 B. The hooking sleeve  70  is preferably steel angle of the same cross section as the hooking member  66 , and is welded to the hooking member  66  at a generally obtuse angle as shown in FIGS. 4, 7B, and  8 B.  
         [0050]    The pivoting members  62  are pivotably attached to floor frame  20  through a pair of pivot assemblies  72  so that the hooking members  64 ,  66  extend toward the V-brace assembly  24 . The pivot assembly  72  comprises a pivot fastener  76  passing through the pivot member aperture  84  and the side frame member aperture  86  and secured thereto with a pivot nut  74 . The pivot fastener  76  comprises a suitable pin-type fastener, such as a threaded bolt or a pin with a cotter key.  
         [0051]    Referring now to FIG. 6, the hinge assembly  100  comprises an upper arm  102  pivotably attached to a lower arm  104 . The upper arm  102  and the lower arm  104  comprise generally conventional elongated, bar-like members pivotably attached through an intermediate pivot assembly  110 . In the preferred embodiment, the intermediate pivot assembly  110  comprises a generally conventional pin-type assembly for securely attaching the upper arm  102  to the lower arm  104  while allowing relative rotation of the arms  102 , 104 . The upper arm  102  is provided with an upper pivot aperture  108  at a first end and a locking detent  116  at a second end. In the preferred embodiment, the locking detent  116  comprises a semicircular-shaped depression. The lower arm  104  is provided with a lower pivot aperture  112  at a first end and a locking boss  114  intermediate the pivot aperture  112  and the intermediate pivot assembly  110 . The locking boss  114  comprises a semicircular-shaped protrusion of a size and shape suitable for mating communication with the locking detent  116 . The upper arm  102  is pivotably attached to the pivoting members  62  by an upper pivot pin  118  passing through the upper pivot aperture  108  and the hinge aperture  88 . The lower arm  104  is pivotably attached to the side frame member  26  by inserting the side frame pivot pin  122  through the lower pivot aperture  112  and pivotably securing the lower arm  104  thereon by the nut  120 . When the support arms  60  are rotated away from the floor frame  20  the hinge assembly  100  will extend so that the upper arm  102  and the lower arm  104  are in longitudinal alignment, and the locking boss  114  will be received in the locking detent  116  to lock the hinge assembly  100  in a linear alignment.  
         [0052]    The support arms  60 ,  61  can be independently pivoted. For example, the first support arm  60  can be rotated upwardly while the second support arm  61  remains folded against a side frame member  26 . The second support arm  61  can be rotated upwardly to be joined to the first support arm  60  by nesting the hooking end  68  into the second hooking member  66  and enclosing the hooking sleeve  70  around the first hooking member  64 , as shown in FIG. 5. The locking of the hinge assemblies  100  in the extended position will retain the support arms  60 ,  61  in operable juxtaposition and will help retain the hooking end  68  and the hooking sleeve  70  in position relative to the hooking members  66 ,  64 , respectively.  
         [0053]    The V-brace assembly  24  comprises an adjustment member  80  and a pair of parallel, spaced-apart sliding arms  82  (see, e.g., FIG. 7A). The adjustment member  80  is a generally V-shaped member of structural steel tubing having a rectilinear, preferably square, cross section of suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein. The vertex of the adjustment member  80  is oriented toward the inner cross frame member  34 . The sliding arms  82  are rigidly attached to each end of the adjustment member  80  and comprise structural steel tubing having a cross section of suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein and adapted to be slidably received in the channelways  38 . Preferably, the sliding arms  82  are attached to the adjustment member  80  by welding to form a rigid, generally planar assembly. The V-brace assembly  24  and the floor frame  20  form a generally planar assembly when the sliding arms  82  are inserted into the channelways  38 .  
         [0054]    A threaded rod  48  is rigidly attached to the vertex of the adjustment member  80 , such as by welding, to extend from the vertex of the adjustment member  80  in parallel, spaced-apart juxtaposition with the sliding arms  82 . A conventional ratchet assembly  44  having a ratchet handle  50  is adapted for axial movement of the threaded rod  48  along the ratchet assembly  44 . The ratchet assembly  44  is attached to the floor frame  20  in a conventional manner for movement of the V-brace assembly  24  relative to the floor frame  20  as the threaded rod  48  is moved by operation of the ratchet assembly  44 . The ratchet assembly  44  can be operated to selectively move the V-brace assembly  24  toward or away from the floor frame  20 . Bearings (not shown) can be attached to the frame members  32 ,  34 ,  52  for support and alignment of the threaded rod  48 .  
         [0055]    Referring to FIG. 8A, the seat platform  16  is identical to the standing platform  14  except that the frame members  28 - 34 ,  52  and the adjustment member  80  of the seat platform  16  are shortened so that that the seat platform  16  can be stacked onto the standing platform  14  with the side frame members  26  of the seat platform  16  bracketed by the pivot assemblies  72  and support arms  60  of the standing platform  14 . Additionally, the seat platform  16  has no floor  40 , and a seat  92  can be supported over the area bounded by the intermediate cross frame member  30  and the ratchet cross frame member  32  as shown in FIG. 3.  
         [0056]    Referring now to FIGS.  9 A-D, the tree stand  10  is attached to a tree  12  and progressively “walked” up the tree in a fashion similar to a conventional tree climber hunting stand. FIGS.  9 A-D show the steps taken in suspending the standing platform  14  from the tree  12 . Similar steps are taken in suspending the seat platform  16  from the tree  12 . However, the tree stand  10  is adapted so that the seat platform  16  can be “stacked” onto the standing platform  14  so that both components  14 ,  16  can be suspended from the tree  12  in unison in a single operation. The following exemplary description will address the steps taken in suspending the standing platform  14 .  
         [0057]    As shown in FIG. 9A, the standing platform  14  is suspended from the tree by first raising the first support arm  60  and locking the hinge assembly  100  in the fully extended position. The second support arm  61  remains folded against the floor frame  20 . The standing platform  14  is oriented so that the floor frame  20  is essentially vertical and the support arms  60 ,  61  straddle the tree  12 . It is anticipated that the adjustment member  80  will be brought into or almost into contact with the tree  12 . The standing platform  14  is then rotated so that the floor frame  20  assumes an essentially horizontal position with the first hooking member  64  and the second hooking member  66  positioned around the tree  12  opposite the floor frame  20 . As shown in FIG. 9C, the second support arm  61  is then raised and the hinge assembly  100  is locked in a fully extended position. The hooking finger  68  is nested into the second hooking member  66  and the hooking sleeve  70  is enclosed around the first hooking member  64  so that the support arms  60 ,  61  are locked together (FIGS. 5 and 9D). The standing platform  14  will then be suspended from the tree  12 , as shown in FIG. 9C, with the hooking members  64 ,  66  and the adjustment member  80  in contact with the tree  12 . The seat platform  16  is suspended from the tree  12  in an identical fashion. The tree stand  10  is then “stepped” up the tree  12  by the hunter as for a conventional tree climber.  
         [0058]    Alternatively, both the standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16  can be suspended from the tree in a single operation by first stacking the seat platform  16  onto the standing platform  14 . The pair of first support arms  60  are then raised in unison and the hinge assemblies  100  are locked in the fully extended position. The climbers  14 ,  16  are then oriented so that the pairs of support arms  60 ,  61  straddle the tree  12 . The platform is then rotated to a horizontal orientation, the pair of second support arms  61  are raised, and the hinge assemblies  100  are locked in the fully extended position. The hooking fingers  68  and the hooking sleeves  70  are joined to the hooking members  66 ,  64 , respectively, so that the support arms  60 ,  61  for each climber  14 ,  16  are locked together, thus suspending both climbers  14 ,  16  from the tree  12 .  
         [0059]    The attitude of the standing platform  14  can then be adjusted for the diameter of the tree  12  so that the floor frame  20  is suspended from the tree  12  at a selected attitude, such as horizontal. The adjustment of the attitude of the standing platform  14  is accomplished by operation of the ratchet assembly  44  to move the adjustment member  80  toward or away from the tree  12 . FIG. 10 shows the attitude of the standing platform  14  adjusted for a tree  12  having a relatively large diameter. With a large-diameter tree, the adjustment member  80  is positioned adjacent to the V-cross frame member  52 . FIG. 11 shows the attitude of the standing platform  14  adjusted for a tree  12  having a relatively small diameter. With a small-diameter tree, the adjustment member  80  is positioned away from the V-cross frame member  52 . This adjustment is the same for both the standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16 .  
         [0060]    Once the tree stand  10  is suspended from the tree  12  at the desired height by “stepping” the tree stand  10  up the tree  12 , the attitude of the standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16  can be individually adjusted to accommodate the hunter&#39;s preferences and any difference in diameter of the tree  12  that may exist. This can be readily done at any location on the tree  12 , while the tree stand  10  is supporting the hunter, by operating the ratchet assembly  44  to move the adjustment member  80  inwardly or outwardly as desired, thereby individually adjusting the attitude of the standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16 .  
         [0061]    [0061]FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate a second embodiment of a seat platform  128  in which the ratchet mechanism  44  and handle  50  of the first embodiment seat platform  16  are replaced by a pin adjustment mechanism  130 . The second embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 shares many of the elements of the first embodiment illustrated in FIGS.  1 - 11  and, thus, like numbers are used to identify like elements. It will be recognized that only a standing platform portion without an arm assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, and that the arm assembly described for the first embodiment shown in FIGS.  1 - 11  will be attached to the seat platform portion shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 to provide the seat platform  128 . Furthermore, while only the second embodiment seat platform  128  is illustrated, it is intended that the same inventive concept can be incorporated as well into a second embodiment standing platform in which the ratchet mechanism  44  and handle  50  of the first embodiment standing platform  14  are replaced by an identical pin adjustment mechanism  130 .  
         [0062]    As shown in FIG. 12, the pin adjustment mechanism  130  comprises a sleeve  132  into which a slide member  134  is slidably received. The sleeve  132  comprises a hollow tube-like member, such as square or round tubing, rigidly attached to the cross frame members  30 ,  34 , in longitudinal alignment with a longitudinal axis of the seat platform  128 . The slide member  134  comprises an elongated member, shown in FIG. 13 as a length of steel channel, adapted to be slidably received within the sleeve  132 . Alternatively, the slide member  134  can comprise a length of square or round tubing, or angle iron, of suitable strength for the purposes described herein and adapted to be slidably received within the sleeve  132 . The slide member  134  is rigidly attached at one end, such as by welding, to the vertex of the adjustment member  80 . As shown in FIG. 13, the sleeve  132  is provided with a circular pin aperture  144  extending through an upper wall of the sleeve  132 . The slide member  134  is preferably provided with a plurality of regularly-spaced circular pin seats  136  adapted for concentric alignment with the pin aperture  144 .  
         [0063]    A pin strap  138  comprises a thin strap of resiliently flexible material, such as spring steel, pivotably attached at a first end to the sleeve  132  using a pivotable connector  142 , such as a rivet or a threaded connector. Preferably, the pin strap  138  comprises a material having an elastic limit of sufficient magnitude to accommodate deflection of the pin strap  138 , as hereinafter described, without permanent deformation, and has a width of 1 inch and a length of 6 inches. A cylindrical pin  140  is fixedly attached at a second end to the pin strap  138  in concentric alignment with the pin aperture  144  and is adapted for slidable communication with the pin aperture  144 . Preferably, the pin  140  has an enlarged head to facilitate grasping and pulling up on the pin  140  to remove the pin  140  from the pin aperture  144 . The pin strap  138  will tend to retain the pin  140  in the pin aperture  144 . However, the second end of the pin strap  138  and the pin  140  can be deflected upwardly by lifting up on the pin  140 . Releasing the pin strap  138  will return the pin  140  to the pin aperture  144 . The pin  140  will also slidably engage a pin seat  136  aligned with the pin aperture  144  to thereby retain the slide member  134  in position relative to the sleeve  132 . The pivotable connector  142  enables the pin strap  138  to be pivoted about the pivotable connector  142  to thereby translate the pin  140  to either side of the sleeve  132  so that the slide member  134  can be adjusted relative to the sleeve  132  without having to maintain an upward deflection of the pin strap  138 .  
         [0064]    When the seat platform  128  is suspended at a desired location from the tree  12 , the attitude of the seat platform  128  can be adjusted by removing the pin  140  from the pin aperture  144  and a pin seat  136  so that the slide member  134  can be moved inwardly or outwardly of the sleeve  132 , thereby moving the adjustment member  80  toward or away from the tree  12 . When the desired attitude of the seat platform  128  has been achieved, the pin  140  can be reinserted into the pin aperture  144  and a pin seat  136 , thereby fixing the slide member  134  to the sleeve  132  and the adjustment member  80  against the tree  12 . A similar operation can be performed for the standing platform. The pin strap  138  will retain the pin  140  in position in the pin aperture  144  and the pin seat  136 , and will prevent the pin  140  from being misplaced or lost during transportation, storage, and use of the seat platform  128 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment of the pin adjustment mechanism  130  in which the adjustment member  80  is replaced with a V-shaped contact member  148 , and the sliding arms  82  are omitted. The contact member  148  is a generally V-shaped member, similar to the adjustment member  80 , of structural steel tubing having a rectilinear, preferably square, cross section of suitable structural properties for the purposes described herein. The vertex of the contact member  148  is oriented toward the inner cross frame member  34 . The elimination of the sliding arms  82  enables the V-brace assembly  24  to be more readily adjusted relative to the floor frame  20  by eliminating the tendency of the sliding arms  82  to bind inside the side frame members  26 .  
         [0066]    [0066]FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment of the adjustable hunting tree stand  150  comprising a standing platform  152  and a seat platform  154  suspended from a tree  12 . The tree stand  150  is structurally and operationally similar in many respects to the tree stand  10 .  
         [0067]    Referring also to FIG. 16, the standing platform  152  comprises a platform assembly  156  and a support arm assembly  158  pivotably attached thereto. The platform assembly  156  comprises a pair of elongated side rails  160  in parallel, spaced-apart juxtaposition. The side rails  160  are preferably fabricated of square structural steel tubing, but can comprise any material of suitable size and strength for the purposes described herein. The spacing between the side rails  160  is suitable for the comfortable support of a hunter, and can be selected to accommodate hunters of different sizes and weights.  
         [0068]    Extending between the side rails  160  generally orthogonally thereto is a plurality of crosspieces  162 , preferably of the same material and the same cross-sectional dimensions as the side rails  160 . The length of the crosspieces  162  will correspond to the selected spacing between the side rails  160 . The crosspieces  162  are rigidly attached to the side rails  160  in regular, spaced, parallel juxtaposition to form a platform assembly  156  suitable for supporting a standing hunter. The crosspieces  162  are attached to the side rails  160  through any suitable well-known means, such as welding, riveting, or the use of threaded fasteners, such as bolts or screws.  
         [0069]    A first end of the platform assembly  156  terminates in V-shaped vee-brace  164 , preferably in fixed communication with one of the crosspieces  162  to provide lateral support to the vee-brace  164 . The vee-brace  164  comprises a serrated edge  165  opening away from the crosspieces  162  and adapted for piercing communication with the tree  12 .  
         [0070]    The support arm assembly  158  comprises a left support arm  166  and a right support arm  168  cooperatively adapted to encircle the tree  12 . The support arms  166 ,  168  comprise an extension arm  170  and a sleeve  172 . Both the extension arm  170  and the sleeve  172  comprise elongated members of suitable size and strength for the purposes described herein, preferably square structural steel tubing. The extension arm  170  is adapted to be slidably inserted in the sleeve  172  for shortening or lengthening the support arm  166 ,  168  as the extension arm  170  is inserted into or extended from the sleeve  172 .  
         [0071]    The sleeve  172  is provided at a first end with an extension pin aperture  188  extending therethrough, and is adapted at a second end to be pivotably connected to the platform assembly  156  through a suitable pivot connection  192 , such as a bolted or riveted connection. Intermediate the pivot connection  192  and the extension pin aperture  188  the sleeve  172  is adapted for pivotable connection with a first end of a hinge  194 , such as an articulated lid support hinge or lid stay. The second end of the hinge  194  is pivotably attached to the side rail  160  to enable the sleeve  172  to pivot between a first position adjacent and parallel to the side rail  160  and a second position inclined from the side rail  160  when the hinge is fully extended.  
         [0072]    The extension arm  170  is provided at a first end with a plurality of extension apertures  184  therethrough adapted for coaxial alignment with the extension pin aperture  188 . A pin  190  is adapted for insertion through the extension pin aperture  188  and an extension aperture  184  to retain the extension arm  170  in a selected extended position relative to the sleeve  172 . Spaced somewhat away from the second end is a lock aperture  186  which is adapted for coaxial alignment with the extension pin aperture  188  when the extension arm  170  is fully inserted into the sleeve  172 . FIGS.  15 - 19  show the extension apertures  184 , the lock apertures  186 , the extension pin apertures  188 , and the pins  190  in a vertical orientation, i.e. through top and bottom walls of the extension arms  170  and the sleeves  172 , when the hunting tree stand  150  is supported on a tree. Alternatively, the extension apertures  184 , the lock apertures  186 , the extension pin apertures  188 , and the pins  190  can be oriented laterally, i.e. shifted 90 degrees, to extend through inner and outer side walls of the extension arms  170  and the sleeves  172 .  
         [0073]    The extension arm  170  terminates at the second end in an end hook  174 . The end hook  174  comprises square structural steel tubing having the same cross-sectional dimensions as the crosspieces  162  and a length approximately one-half the length of the crosspieces  162 . The end hook  174  extends orthogonally inwardly from the extension arm  170  to terminate in a pin plate  176  extending from one wall of the tubing. A right triangle-shaped serrated brace  178  approximately equal in length to the end hook  174  is rigidly attached to the end hook  174  and the extension arm  170 . The serrated brace  170  has an inclined serrated edge  179  facing toward the platform assembly  156  which is adapted for piercing communication with the tree  12 . Referring also to FIG. 18, the pin plate  176  is provided with a pin  180  extending orthogonally therefrom. The end hook  174  is provided with a pin aperture  182  extending through the wall of the tubing opposite the pin plate  176 , and adapted for slidable insertion of the pin  180 .  
         [0074]    The left support arm  166  and the right support arm  168  are identical in structure and configuration. The support arms  166 ,  168  are adapted so that the end hook  174  of each support arm  166 ,  168  will be placed in abutting relationship when the support arms  166 ,  168  are pivotably attached to the platform assembly  156  and the extension arms  170  are extended the same distance. However, the left support arm  166  is attached to the platform assembly  156  in an inverted manner relative to the right support arm  168  so that the pin plate  176  of the left support arm  166  is on the opposite side of the end hooks  174  than the pin plate  176  of the right support arm  168 . As so configured, the pin  180  of each end hook  174  can be inserted into the pin aperture  182  of the other end hook  174  to lock the two support arms  166 ,  168  together. The serrated braces  178  will also be brought into an abutting relationship to form a vee-shaped brace similar in configuration to the vee-brace  164 .  
         [0075]    Referring now to FIG. 17, the seat platform  154  is identical to the standing platform  152  with the exception that the seat platform  154  comprises a seat frame  196  rather than a standing platform  152 . The seat frame  196  comprises a pair of parallel, spaced-apart side rails  198  and a pair of parallel, spaced apart crosspieces  162  forming a generally rectilinear frame defining a rectilinear opening  200  therethrough. All other aspects of the seat platform  154  are identical to the standing platform  152 . A seat  202 , shown in FIG. 15, can be suspended between the side rails  198 , and can comprise a rigid, semi-rigid, or cushion-like platform suitable for seating the hunter thereon. The seat  202  can be suspended between the side rails  198  through any suitable well-known means, such as straps with buckles or Velcro® closures.  
         [0076]    The tree stand  150  is used in a manner similar to the tree stand  10 . Referring to FIG. 19, the tree stand  150  is suspended from the tree  12  by inclining one of the support arms (shown in FIG. 19 as the left support arm  166 ) away from the standing platform  152  or the seat platform  154  so that the tree  112  can be inserted between the support arms  166 ,  168  with the platform  152 ,  154  in a rotated orientation. The platform  152 ,  154  can then be rotated to its operational position while the second support arm is inclined and locked to the first support arm by inserting the pins  180  into the pin apertures  182  as previously described. The platform  152 ,  154  can be brought to a horizontal or other desired position by lengthening or shortening the support arms  166 ,  168  by removing the pins  190  and inserting or extending the extension arms  170  into or out of the sleeves  172 . Replacing the pins  190  will secure the extension arms  170  to the sleeves  172 , to enable the tree stand  150  to be “walked” up the tree  12  in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the tree stand  10 .  
         [0077]    The novel tree stand  10  is similar in many respects to a conventional tree climber hunting stand, whose operation is well known in the industry. However, the novel tree stand  10  enables the ready adjustment of the attitude of the standing platform  14  and the seat platform  16 , thereby improving the safety of such tree stands. Furthermore, the attitude adjustment does not require the hunter to adjust the support arms  60 ,  61  or an analogous structure, which frequently necessitates an adjustment on the side of the tree opposite the tree stand, thereby requiring the hunter to “hug” the tree and perform an operation without a clear view of the operation. The tree stand  10  is fully adjustable from a position on the floor frame  20 , thereby significantly reducing the risk of a fall or failure of the tree stand  10 . The novel tree stand  10  also is completely adjustable without the use of free pins, bolts, or other components that can become misplaced or lost.  
         [0078]    While the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims should be construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.