Patent Publication Number: US-8991669-B2

Title: Tree stick and carrier system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a non-provisional application claiming priority from co-pending U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/731,425 filed on Nov. 29, 2012 by John Brian Priest et al. and entitled TREE STICK AND CARRIER SYSTEM, the full disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Tree sticks are utilized by hunters and by wildlife observers to climb or scale trees. Some tree sticks enable the hunter or observer to climb to an elevated platform or tree stand. Existing tree sticks are cumbersome to store and transport. Existing tree sticks may not ergonomically fit the hunters or wildlife observers. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an example tree stick and carrier system in an open state. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the tree stick and carrier system of  FIG. 2  in a closed state. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the tree stick and carrier system of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is enlarged fragmentary view of another example of the tree stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram of another example of the tree stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of an example carrier system for use with the example tree stick of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a fragmentary view illustrating the tree stick of  FIG. 4  or  FIG. 5  mounted along a tree. 
         FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary side view of another example of the tree stick of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of another example implementation of the tree stick of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional view of another example implementation of the tree stick of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1-3  illustrate an example tree stick and carrier system  20 . System  20  facilitates transport and storage of a tree stick. System  20  comprises carrier  22  and tree stick  24 . Tree stick  24  generally comprises post  26  and steps  28  projecting from post  26 . In one implementation, steps  28  extend in opposite transverse directions away from post  26 . In some implementations, steps  28  on opposite sides of post  26  are in substantial alignment, whereas in other implementations, steps  28  are staggered. 
     Carrier  22  wraps about and protects post  26  and the junctures between post  26  and steps  28 . Carrier  22  facilitates easy handling, manipulation and transport of tree stick  24 . Carrier  22  comprises panel  30 , post retainers  32  and panel retainers  34 . 
     Panel  30  comprises a sheet or panel of flexible material having a sufficient flexibility so as to allow panel  30  so as to wrap about post  26 . In one implementation, panel  30  comprises one or more sheets of a fabric material, such as a canvas material. In other implementations, panel  30  may be formed from polymeric sheets or other sheets or panels of flexible and foldable material. As shown by  FIG. 1 , panel  30  comprises openings  38  which extend through panel  30  at spaced locations corresponding to steps  28 . Although openings  38  are illustrated as being rectangular, in other implementations, openings  38  may have other sizes and shapes allowing steps  28  pass-through openings  38 . One implementation, openings  38  may be lined with an elastic material, allowing openings  38  to resiliently flex to a larger state as steps  28  are pass-through opening  38 , wherein openings  38  constrict about a received step  28  to seal against the received step  28 . In some implementations, openings  38  may alternatively comprise slits, with or without elastic perimeters. Although panel  30  is illustrated as including an individual opening  38  for each step  28 , in other implementations, panel  30  may be provided with an opening which receives greater than a single step  28 . In one implementation, openings  38  may comprise a pair of continuous elongate slits through which the steps  28  on each side of post  26  project. Openings  38  enable panel  32  more closely wrap about post  26  thus to reduce the overall profile or footprint of panel  30  of securely retaining and protecting tree stick  24 . In some implementations, openings  38  further permit  728  project from panel  30 , allowing additional items to be hung from steps  28  for transport. 
     Post retainers  32  (schematically shown) comprise mechanisms configured to retain post  26  within and against panel  30 . In one implementation, post retainers  32  comprise loops through which and portions of post  26  are inserted. In one implementation post retainers  32  comprise straps releasably retained in closed states about post  32  using hook and loop fastener systems (also known as VELCRO). In yet other implementations, post retainers  32  may comprise straps releasably retained in closed states using buttons, snaps, buttons and the like. In some implementations, post retainers  32  may be omitted. For example, the provision of openings  38  themselves may assist in retaining post  26  in place against and within panel  30 . 
     Panel retainers  34  (schematically shown) comprise mechanisms coupled to panel  30  which are configured to retain panel  30  in a state wrapped about post  26  with steps  28  projecting through openings  38  as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In one implementation, panel retainers  34  may comprise a single panel retainer comprising two separate portions of a hook and loop fastener arrangement coupled to different portions of panel  30  such that when fully wrapped about post  26 , such hooks and loops engage one another to releasably retain panel  30  in the wrapped state. In other implementations, panel retainers  34  may comprise other mechanisms for releasably securing different portions of panel  30  together while panel  30  is in a wrapped state. Examples of such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, zippers, snaps, hooks, buttons, tieable straps, cables or ropes and the like. 
       FIGS. 2 and 3  illustrate system  20  in a closed state. As shown by such figures, steps  28  project through openings  38  when panel  30  is retained in a raptor folded state about post  26 . As shown by  FIGS. 2 and 3 , and one implementation, system  20  may additionally comprise shoulder strap  40  and pocket  42 . Shoulder strap  40  is secured to opposite ends of panel  30  and facilitates carrying system  20 . In other implementations, additional or alternative straps may be used for facilitating manual, hand carrying of system  20 . In some implementations, a pair of straps  30  may be provided to facilitate carrying of system  20  as a backpack. In some implementations, strap  40  may be omitted. 
     Pocket  42  comprise a pocket formed on an exterior (or an interior in some implementations) of panel  30 . Pocket  42  is configured to receive accessories of tree stick  24  such as strap  46  utilized to secure post  26  against a tree. An example illustrated, pocket  42  is releasably closable by a hook and loop fastener arrangement, a zipper, a latch, a button hook or the like. In other implementations, system  20  may include additional pockets or pocket  42  may be omitted. 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating tree stick  124 , a particular example implementation of tree stick  24 . Tree stick  124  is similar to tree stick  24  and that tree stick  124  comprises post  26  and steps  28 . However, tree stick  124  is specifically configured such that one or more of steps  28  are removably mountable to or coupled to post  26 . In particular, post  124  comprises step retention mechanisms  150  (schematically shown). Step retention mechanisms  150  enable steps  28  to be separated and removed from post  26  and later remounted or reattached to post  26 . As a result, post  26  and steps  28  are more easily packed to facilitate compact storage and transport. In addition, tree stick  124  may left in place on a tree overnight or until further use with one or more of the lower or intermediate steps  28  removed from post  26 . As a result, the risk of a child or a stranger using tree stick  124  or gaining access to an overhead tree stand (or property stored in the tree stand) is reduced. 
     In one implementation, each of step retention mechanisms  150  comprises a hook associated with one of post  26  and one of steps  28  and a hook receiver (or detent) associated with the other of post  26  and said one of the steps  28 , wherein the hook receiver receives the hook to releasably secure the step  28  in a substantially horizontal orientation, projecting substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis of the associated post  26  and tree. In yet other implementations, other step retention mechanisms may be employed to secure and retain step  28  to post  26  while also allowing the particular step  28  to be dislodged, disconnected and completely separated from post  26 . For example, in some implementations, hook retention mechanisms  150  may comprise fasteners, such as screws or bolts, which releasably secure steps  28  to post  26 . In yet other implementations, hook retention mechanisms  150  may comprise snaps, clips and the like. In some implementations, post  124  may include tethers  152  (one of which is shown) between a step  28  and post  26 , providing accidental loss of a particular step  28 . Such tethers  152  may be disconnectable from one or both of post  26  and the associated step  28  to allow the particular step  28  to be stored away from post  26 , such as when post  26  is left on a tree and the particular step  28  is removed to prevent use of tree stick  124 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates tree stick  224 , another implementation of tree stick  24 . Tree stick  224  is similar to tree stick  124  in that tree stick  224  comprises post  26  and individual steps  28  which are removably connectable to or coupled to post  26 . However, unlike posts  26  of tree stick  124 , post  26  of tree stick  224  includes a multitude of step retention mechanisms  250  at spaced locations along post  26 . As shown by  FIG. 5 , the number of step retention mechanisms  250  associated with post  26  outnumbers the number of steps  28  having their associated step retention mechanisms  150 . The numerous step retention mechanisms  250  associate with post  26  facilitate selective positioning of steps  28  along post  26 . As a result, a hunter or wildlife observer may selectively secure steps  28  at any of a variety of different positions along post  26  to accommodate the individual&#39;s personal preferences or to accommodate the individual&#39;s ergonomic characteristics. For example, a tall individual having long legs may prefer a greater distance between steps  28  as compared to an individual shorter in stature. The numerous step retention mechanisms  250  further permit individual to align or stagger the arrangement or layout of steps  28  as desired. An individual may you lies as many or as few as steps  28  as he or she wishes. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates tree stick carrier  622 , an example implementation of tree stick carrier  22 . An example illustrated, tree stick carrier  622  is configured for use with a tree stick such as tree stick  224 , wherein steps  28  may be releasably mounted to a post  26  at one of multiple spaced locations, wherein the number of spaced locations outnumbers the number of steps  28 . Carrier  622  is identical to carrier  22  except that carrier  622  comprises openings  638  and indicia  640 . Those remaining components of carrier  622  which correspond to components of carrier  22  are numbered similarly. Although not illustrated, carrier  62  may additionally comprise strap  40  and pocket  42  as shown and described above was with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . 
     As shown by  FIG. 6 , post retainers  32  pertain post  26  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) along an axis  644 . As shown by  FIG. 6 , opening  638  extend through panel  30  on opposite sides of axis  644 . Openings  638  are similar to openings  38  except that opening  0638  extend that multiple locations along opposite sides of axis  644 , wherein the multiple locations outnumber the number of steps  28  which may extend from the post to be mounted by post retainers  32 . Example straight, openings  638  correspond in location to the location of each of strap retainers  250  and post  26  of tree stick  224 . As a result, carrier  622  may accommodate any of the selected locations at which steps  28  are mounted to post  26  such that an individual does not need to disconnect or reposition steps  28  to fit tree stick  224  within carrier  622 . As noted above, opening  0638  may have various sizes, shapes and configurations. 
     Indicia  640  comprise text, graphics, markings, protrusions, serrations or grooves configured to identify different sets of openings  638 , wherein each set of openings has different spacings recommended for individuals of different heights or statures. In the example illustrated, carrier  622  comprises indicia  640  in the form of textual markings sewn into, adhered upon, stamped upon, burned into or printed upon an inside surface of panel  30  at locations corresponding to the different positions for steps  28  at the different step spacings. In the example illustrated, indicia  640  identify two possible sets of step positions for persons having heights H 1  and H 2 . Such indicia indicate at which openings  638  individual steps  28  should be aligned with when being removably mounted to post  26 . For example, an individual may place post  26  along axis  644  and utilize indicia  642  properly position steps  28  at appropriate locations along post  26  to accommodate his or her individual height. As a result, steps  28  may be mounted to post  26  at spacings that best accommodate ergonomic characteristics of the person using tree stick  224 . In some implementations, indicia  640  may alternatively comprise distinct markings which simply identify different positions for steps  28 . For example, each of openings  638  may be right with a distinct number, wherein once a person identifies his or her desired step spacing, the individual may record the individual opening numbers or identifications for subsequently reattaching steps  28  to post  26  to duplicate and repeat the desired step spacing. In some implementations, indicia  640  may be omitted. 
       FIG. 7  the fragmentary view illustrating tree stick  224  (or alternatively tree stick  124 ) mounted along a tree  690  utilizing straps  46 . As shown by  FIG. 7 , multiple tree sticks  224  may be consecutively mounted along tree  690  or may be consecutively mounted to one another in an end-to-end relationship along tree  690  to reach greater heights along tree  690 . In some implementations, panel  30  and openings  38  (or openings  638 ) may be sized so as to accommodate multiple tree sticks  224  stacked upon one another, wherein panel  30  concurrently wraps about the multiple posts  26  and is retained in a wrapped state by retainers  34  with multiple steps  28  extending through each opening  38  (or opening  638 ). In some implementations, panel  30  may include distinct openings for each of the steps  28  which are stacked upon one another in substantial alignment with one another. 
       FIG. 8  is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating tree stick  724 , a particular example of tree stick  224 . Tree stick  724  is similar to tree stick  224  except that tree stick  724  is specifically illustrated as comprising the step retention mechanisms  750 . Step retention mechanisms  750  include scratch that comprise a look  780  associate with each step  28  and a series of hook receivers  782  extending along post  26 . In one implementation, post  26  comprises a tubular member (square, rectangular or round), wherein hook receivers  782  comprise spaced sidewall openings and opposite sidewalls of the tubular member. When a step  28  is to be mounted to post  26  at a selected location along post  26 , book  780  is first inserted in the direction indicated by arrow  786  through and into the hook receivers  782 . Thereafter, hook  780  is moved in a vertically downward direction is indicated by arrow  788  until book  780  catches upon the sidewalls of the tubular member  26  (shown the right side of  FIG. 8 ). 
     In other implementations, step retention mechanisms  750  may include other securement structures or mechanisms for further securing step  28  in place once the associated book  780  is engaging post  26 . Although post  26  is illustrated as a tubular member, in other implementations, post  26  may have other shapes. For example, in other implementations, post  26  may comprise an I-beam, wherein one or more panels or walls of the I-beam include spaced I-beam openings through the I-beam for the reception of hooks  780  associated with steps  28 .  FIGS. 9 and 10  are sectional views illustrating alternative implementations of posts formed from I-beams.  FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a post  826  in the form of an I-beam, wherein openings  882  extend at spaced locations along and through the connecting wall  884  of the I-beam. As a result, hooks  780  of steps  28  hook within such openings  882  so as to extend substantially perpendicular to post  826 .  FIG. 10  is a sectional view of post  926  in the form of an I-beam, wherein openings  992  extend at spaced locations along and through the opposite sidewalls  996 . As a result, hooks  780  of steps  28  hook within such openings  992  so as to extend substantially perpendicular to post  996 . 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” shall mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to example embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the defined subject matter. For example, although different example embodiments may have been described as including one or more features providing one or more benefits, it is contemplated that the described features may be interchanged with one another or alternatively be combined with one another in the described example embodiments or in other alternative embodiments. Because the technology of the present disclosure is relatively complex, not all changes in the technology are foreseeable. The present disclosure described with reference to the example embodiments and set forth in the following claims is manifestly intended to be as broad as possible. For example, unless specifically otherwise noted, the claims reciting a single particular element also encompass a plurality of such particular elements.