Patent Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to tree stands which grasp upright columnar members for example, trees, poles, which are arranged to facilitate climbing and adjusting the height of the tree stand to a desired level and angle. When assembled as a cart, the invention consists of an upper climbing member or frame, lower climbing member or frame, a mechanical-interlocking system, an axle, wheels and a wheel attachment device. The two-climbing-member tree stand may be of a manually adjusting type or of a self-adjusting type which permit adjustment of the spacing of the grasping members so as to effect adjustment of the angle of each tree climber relative to the upright columnar member.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/028,788, entitled Climb and Carry Treestand, filed Feb. 14, 2008. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure is directed to tree stands for hunting, and more particularly to stands formed of two climbing members or frames which are alternately raised by the user to attain a desired elevation on the upright columnar member and which are convertible to a cart for carrying game or other materials by joining the two climbing members by mechanical interlocking means. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Tree stands, or tree climbers, may be configured to grasp upright columnar members for example, trees, poles or the like, and more particularly, to stands formed of two climbing members or frames which are alternately raised by the user to attain a desired elevation on the upright columnar member. A two climbing member tree stand may be of a manually adjusting type or of a self-adjusting type which permit adjustment of the spacing of the grasping members so as to effect adjustment of the angle of each tree climber relative to the upright columnar member. 
     Tree stands may be convertible to a cart for carrying game or other materials. The use of various types of tree stands convertible to carts is known in the prior art, however many of these prior art inventions relate to tree stands not comprised of the two-part grasping-type tree climbers which provide a number of advantages over other types of stands. Two-part grasping-type tree climbing stands allow the user to place his or her weight on the top section so that the bottom section may be raised and repositioned on the tree, pole or the like. Once the bottom section has been repositioned, the user places his or her weight on the bottom section so that the top section may be raised and repositioned on the tree, pole or the like. When the top section is repositioned, the user then transfers his or her weight to the top section again and repeats the climbing cycle. Advantages of a two-part climbing tree stand include portability, ease and speed of setup, and flexibility of seating position. Additionally, when both the user and the entire tree stand are in an elevated position above a deer&#39;s head, the deer is less likely to see or smell the user. 
     Various arrangements of climbing tree stands exist which have upper and lower climbing members that can be connected by the use of quick-clip pins or other types of fasteners or pins, for example, ball lock pins, detent pins or expanding pins, to change from a tree stand to a two-wheeled cart. The fasteners that are needed to connect the upper and lower climbing members together to form a cart are loose pieces that may be lost or misplaced in the field, rendering the cart feature inoperable. Additionally, to connect the upper and lower climbing members together and apply the fasteners takes time, which may prove to be difficult depending upon the amount of daylight available and the ambient temperature. 
     What is needed is a climbing tree stand that can be easily and efficiently converted into a cart in a rapid manner without the use of connecting fasteners for the upper and lower climbing members. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing limitations and shortcomings of the prior art devices, as well as other disadvantages not specifically mentioned above, it should be apparent that there still exists a need in the art for a climbing stand which is safe and simple to use, both during and after placement on an upright columnar member for example, a tree, pole or the like, and during the removal therefrom and which can easily and efficiently be converted into a cart in a rapid manner without the use of fasteners for connecting the upper and lower climbing members. The present disclosure provides a simple, reliable climbing stand comprised of two frame members which surround the tree, pole, etc., in which the spacing of the grasping or gripping members of each of the two frame members is manually adjustable or self-adjustable. 
     One embodiment discloses an apparatus for climbing an upright columnar member. The apparatus includes a first climbing member including an inner frame having a first jaw to grip the columnar member and a pair of inner arms connected to the first jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member; an outer frame having a second jaw to grip the columnar member the second jaw lying in a separate plane from the first jaw and disposed on the side of the columnar member opposite the side gripped by the first jaw, and a pair of outer arms connected to the second jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. The inner and outer frames are pivotally connected adjacent one end of the pair of outer arms. A pair of connectors is attached to the inner and outer frames to maintain a relationship between the inner frame and the outer frame. An adjustment arrangement is configured to engage or disengage the second jaw from the outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to accommodate a circumference of the columnar member. A second climbing member includes an inner frame having a third jaw to grip the columnar member and a pair of inner arms connected to the third jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. An outer frame includes a fourth jaw to grip the columnar member, the fourth jaw lying in a separate plane from the third jaw and disposed on the columnar member opposite the third jaw. A pair of outer arms is connected to the fourth jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. Inner and outer frames are pivotally connected adjacent one end of the pair of arms. A pair of connectors is attached to the inner and outer frames to maintain a relationship between the inner frame and the outer frame. An adjustment arrangement is provided for engaging and disengaging the fourth jaw from the outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to accommodate the upright columnar member. A surface is mounted on the inner frame and a strap is attached to the inner frame and extending across the surface. The first and second climbing members are adapted to be used stepwise in tandem fashion to ascend or descend the upright columnar member. A wheel assembly is removably attachable to the inner frame of the first climbing member or the second climbing member. The first climbing member includes an interlock member to engage the second climbing member to form a cart. 
     Another embodiment discloses an apparatus for climbing an upright columnar member. A first climbing member includes an inner frame having a first jaw to grip the columnar member and a pair of inner arms connected to the first jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. An outer frame includes a second jaw to grip the columnar member. The second jaw lies in a separate plane from the first jaw and is disposed on the columnar member opposite the first jaw, and a pair of outer arms connected to the second jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. Inner and outer frames are pivotally connected adjacent one end of the pair of outer arms. A pair of connectors is attached to the inner and outer frames to maintain a relationship between the inner frame and the outer frame. An adjustment arrangement engages or disengages the second jaw from the outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the first jaw and the second jaw to accommodate a circumference of the columnar member. The adjustment arrangement has an adjustment assembly removably attached to the second jaw and slidably mounted on each outer arm; the adjustment arrangement comprising a locking pin engageable with the outer arm for retaining the adjustment arrangement in a selected position along the length of the outer arm. A resilient biasing member is releasably attached to the adjustment arrangement and independent of the first jaw, for biasing the second jaw against the columnar member. An attachment device is connected to the resilient biasing member for externally securing the resilient biasing member to the outer arms, The attachment device is attachable and detachable from the outer arms while the climbing apparatus is in use. A second climbing member includes an inner frame having a third jaw configured to grip the columnar member and a pair of inner arms connected to the third jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. An outer frame includes a fourth jaw to grip the columnar member. The fourth jaw lies in a separate plane from the third jaw and is disposed on the side of the columnar member opposite the side gripped by the third jaw. A pair of extendable outer arms is connected to the fourth jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. Inner and outer frames are pivotally connected adjacent one end of the pair of outer arms. A pair of connectors is attached to the inner and outer frames to maintain a relationship between the inner frame and the outer frame. A surface is mounted on the inner frame, and a strap is attached to the inner frame and extending across the surface. An adjustment arrangement engages and disengages the fourth jaw from the outer arms to permit extension and retraction of the distance between the third jaw and the fourth jaw to accommodate the columnar member. The adjustment arrangement is comprised of an assembly removably attached to the fourth jaw and slidably mounted on the outer arms. The adjustment arrangement comprising a locking member configured to maintain the adjustment arrangement in a selected position along the length of the outer arms. A resilient biasing member is releasably attached to the adjustment arrangement and independent of the third jaw, for biasing the fourth jaw against the columnar member. An attachment device is connected to the resilient biasing member for externally securing the resilient biasing member to the outer arms. The attachment device is attachable and detachable from the outer arms while the climbing apparatus is in use. The first and second climbing members are adapted to be used stepwise in tandem fashion to ascend or descend the columnar member. Another advantage is a means to enable the user to safely and securely hold the upper frame member to the lower frame member. 
     A further embodiment discloses an apparatus for climbing an upright columnar member. The apparatus includes an inner frame having a first jaw to grip the columnar member and a pair of inner arms connected to the first jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. An outer frame includes a second jaw to grip the columnar member. The second jaw lies in a separate plane from the first jaw and is disposed on the columnar member opposite the side gripped by the first jaw, and a pair of outer arms connected to the second jaw and adapted to extend outwardly from the columnar member. The inner and outer frames are pivotally connected adjacent one end of the pair of outer arms. A pair of connectors is attached to the inner and outer frames to maintain a relationship between the inner frame and the outer frame. An adjustment arrangement engages or disengages the second jaw from the outer arms to permit extension and retraction between the first jaw and the second jaw to accommodate the columnar member. The adjustment arrangement includes an adjustment assembly removably attached to the second jaw and slidably mounted on the outer arms. The adjustment arrangement includes a locking member configured to maintain the adjustment arrangement in a selected position along the length of the outer arms. A resilient biasing member is releasably attached to the adjustment arrangement and independent of the first jaw, for biasing the second jaw against the columnar member. And an attachment device is connected to the resilient biasing member for securing the resilient biasing member to the outer arms. The attachment device attachable and detachable from the outer arms while the climbing apparatus is in use. 
     One advantage is a climbing stand which, when in place, offers the user side support in any direction, thus eliminating the danger of falling when the hunter is shooting from awkward positions. 
     A further advantage is an improved means for adjusting the angles formed by the upper frame member and lower frame member relative to the upright columnar member so that the user may be maintained in a level position or in a position slightly inclined, or cocked, toward the tree to tend to force the user toward the tree rather than away from the tree. These objects are achieved by a two-part climbing stand with an upper climbing member and a lower climbing member in which each climbing member has opposing gripping members which encircle and engage the upright columnar member, at least one of which is attached to adjusting assemblies slidable upwardly and downwardly along parallel arms of the climbing member frame. A spring-biased pin maintains the position of the adjusting assembly along the length of the climbing member frame and releases the adjusting assembly from the parallel arms of the climbing member frame. A resilient biasing member, for example, an elastic cord or spring, maintains the gripping members attached to the adjusting assembly in contact with the upright columnar member. Thus, when each climbing member is raised in alternating fashion, by adjusting the position of the adjusting assembly along the length of parallel arms of the climbing member frame, the spacing between the gripping member attached to the adjusting assembly and the other gripping member can be changed automatically, or be rendered self-adjusting, and thereby the angle can be adjusted such that each member is substantially level and parallel to the ground or maintained at some other preferred orientation at each elevation. 
     Still another advantage is a substantially level platform for standing and sitting at lower elevations while achieving the desired angle at the ultimate elevation. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and accompanying drawings which are merely illustrative of the invention. Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention which is a manually adjusting tree climber stand mounted on the trunk of a tree. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of an upper climbing member of the tree climber stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a perspective view of a lower climbing member of the tree climber stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective exploded view of the wheel assembly. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the orientation of the interlocking means. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the cart formed by interlocking the upper and lower climbing members. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an alternate embodiment, of a self-adjusting tree climber stand mounted on the trunk of a tree. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of adjusting assembly. 
         FIG. 6A  illustrates a cross-sectional detail of an adjusting assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of the adjusting assembly and resilient biasing member mounted on an outer parallel arm. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of the orientation of the interlocking means. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of the cart formed by interlocking the upper and lower climbing members. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of a ladder-style tree stand. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals, there is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  1 B a first embodiment includes a manually adjusting tree climber stand convertible to a cart by interlocking means. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  1 B, an apparatus is disclosed, designated generally as climbing apparatus  10 , includes a first, or upper, climbing member  12  and a second, or lower, climbing member  14 . The upper climbing member  12  and the lower climbing member  14  are disposed around the circumference of an upright columnar member  16 , for example, a tapered tree trunk. Upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  each include a number of substantially identical components, which are designated by the same numerals. 
     Upper climbing member  12  is comprised of a tubular inner frame  18  and a tubular outer frame  20 , which are pivotally attached by fasteners  22 , for example, a nut and bolt arrangement, with the nut affixed to the exterior side surface of outer frame  20 . A first and second connecting member  24  are disposed between inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 . Each connecting member  24  is attached to inner frame  18  by fasteners  22 , in this case with the nut affixed to the inner side surface of inner frame  18 , and to outer frame  20  by a fastener  26 , which in the exemplary embodiment is shown as a wing nut and bolt arrangement, but may be any suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt, lever clamp, etc. The fastener  26  allows for connecting member  24  to be detached from outer frame  20  so that the upper climbing member  12  may be collapsed to a flat position for easy handling and storage. Alternatively, connecting member  24  may be comprised of a locking hinged connecting member  27  as depicted in  FIG. 5  which would allow upper climbing member  12  to be collapsed to a flat position without the removal of a fastening device. Inner frame  18  is comprised of a base end  28 , a first and second inner parallel arm  30  projecting outward from base end  28 , a first cross member  32  connecting and bracing the inner parallel arms  30 , and an inner jaw  34  at the distal ends of inner parallel arms  30 , said inner jaw  34  having a concave shape for engaging one side of the upright columnar member  16 . Outer frame  20  has an outer jaw  38  attached by suitable means, such as fastener  26  to the projecting ends of the first and second outer parallel arms  36 . Outer jaw  38  can be provided with serrations or teeth  40  or alternatively can be provided with other gripping means such as replaceable spikes  42  attached to inner jaw  34  by fasteners  22 . A seat  46  is slidably mounted on inner frame  18 . The seat  46  position may be adjusted between cross member  32  and axle sleeve  44 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  1 A and  1 B, the length of the first and second inner parallel arms  30  permit seat  46  to be positioned toward the pivotal connection of inner frame  18  and outer frame  20  to permit the user to sit inside the inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 , facing the columnar member  16 . The seat  46  can also be moved along inner frame  18  toward cross member  32  to permit the user to sit facing away from the columnar member  16 . The upper climbing member  12  is attached or removed from the upright columnar member  16  by removing a fastener  26  from outer jaw  38 . When attaching the upper climbing member  12  to columnar member  16 , the distance between inner jaw  34  and outer jaw  38  is set by inserting the fastener  26  through the appropriate hole  48  of a plurality of holes spaced along a part of the length of the first and second outer parallel arms of outer frame  20 . 
     Lower climbing member  14  is substantially the same as upper climbing member  12  except that lower climbing member  14  is adapted to serve as standing platform and a footrest. Hence, no seat is provided on lower climbing member  14 . Lower climbing member  14  includes a tubular inner frame  50  and a tubular outer frame  52 , which are pivotally attached by fasteners  22 . First and second connecting members  24  are disposed between inner frame  50  and outer frame  52 . Each connecting member  24  is attached to inner frame  50  by fasteners  22 , and to outer frame  52  by fastener  26 . Inner frame  50  includes a base end  54 , a first and second inner parallel arm  56  projecting outward from base end  54 , a first and second cross member  58  connecting and bracing the inner parallel arms  56 , a first and second cross brace  60  connecting the first and second cross member  58  to provide strength to the inner frame  50  and act as a base for a mesh screen floor  62  and an inner jaw  64  at the distal ends of inner parallel arms  56 . Outer frame  52  includes an outer jaw  72  attached by suitable means, such as fastener  26  to the projecting ends of the first and second outer parallel arms  74 . Foot rest bar  66  attached to the first and second outer parallel arms  74  by fasteners  22 . The foot rest bar  66  may be adjusted by inserting the fasteners  22  into the appropriate hole  48  of a plurality of holes spaced along the distal ends of the foot rest bar  66 . An adjustable foot strap  68  is affixed by a permanent fastener  70  to the first and second inner parallel arms  56 . Adjustable foot strap  68  is used by the user to lift the lower climbing member  14  up with the foot of the user while seated in seat  46  so that the lower climbing member  14  may be repositioned at a greater height on upright columnar member  16 . An interlocking member  76  is affixed to the top surface of outer jaw  72 , in this case by welding. The interlocking member  76  includes a tubular catch  78  mounted on a first and second catch leg  80 . 
     Lower climbing member  14  may be tethered to upper climbing member  12  by removable lines  82  which are shown attached to upper climbing member  12  on inner frame  18  and to the lower climbing member  14  on outer frame  52 . 
     The opening  39  defined between inner jaw  34  and outer jaw  38  and inner jaw  64  and outer jaw  72  is occupied by the upright columnar member  16  engaged by upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14 . Because inner jaw  34 /outer jaw  38  and inner jaw  64 /outer jaw  72  are oriented offset or displaced vertically according to the spacing between upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14 , respectively, the horizontal distance relative to the upright columnar member  16  may be adjusted by changing the angle of the climbing member  12 ,  14  relative to the upright columnar member  16 . In this case, the angle of the climbing member relative to the upright columnar member may be set when the upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  are attached to the tree, so that the tubular inner frame  50  and mesh screen floor  62  are generally level for the user to sit or stand. The angular adjustment may be made by removing a fastener  26  from outer jaw  38  and outer jaw  72  and setting the distance between the corresponding inner jaw and outer jaw by inserting the fastener  26  through the appropriate hole  48  of a plurality of holes  48  spaced along the first and second outer parallel arms of outer frame  20  and outer frame  52 . The user preferably may set the angle based on the extent of tapering of the upright columnar member  16  at a predetermined climbing level or destination height of the upright columnar member  16 , and by attaching upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  with base end  28  and base end  54  at an upward angle sufficient to bring the upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  approximately level with the ground at the destination height. 
     The tubular catch  78  of lower frame member  14  substantially conforms to the contour of inner jaw  34  of upper frame member  12  along its most concave point. In the exemplary embodiment, a piece of metal tubing similar to that used to manufacture inner jaw  34  is bent to the desired shape. Catch legs  80  provide sufficient offset height to align tubular catch  78  with the most concave portion of inner jaw  34  so that the two pieces lay along side each other with the side surface of inner jaw  34  which faces away from base end  28  laying against the side surface of tubular catch  78  which faces towards base end  54 . When detached from upright columnar member  16 , the cart is formed by affixing outer jaw  38  and outer jaw  72  to the hole  48  closest to the distal ends of the outer parallel arms  36  and outer parallel arms  74  respectively and securing the fastener  26 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2 , a tubular axle sleeve  44  may be affixed, for example, by welding the tubular axle sleeve  44  to the bottom surface of the inner parallel arms  30  proximal to the pivotal connection of inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 . Axle  84  is inserted through axle sleeves  44  and first and second wheels  86  are secured to axle  84  by suitable wheel fasteners known in the art. In one embodiment, the wheel  86  may be fastened to the axle  84  by a cotter pin  88  inserted through axle hole  90 . The user may optionally use the tree stand while the axle  84  and wheel  86  mounted to the upper frame member  12  while it is being used as a tree stand. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a cart  300  is formed by drawing the outer jaw  72  of lower frame member  14  through the inner sides of the first and second inner parallel arms  30  of upper frame member  12  so the tubular catch  78  rests on the side of inner jaw  34  of upper frame member  12 . Inner jaw  34  opens in the direction opposite from base end  28 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 4 , when upper frame member  12  and lower frame member  14  are interlocked in the cart configuration, the projecting ends  56  of outer parallel arms  74  are resting on inner parallel arms  30  at a first pressure point  92  and the projecting ends of inner parallel arms  56  are resting on inner parallel arms  30  at a second pressure point  94 . Thus, upper frame member  12  and lower frame member  14  are mechanically interlocked by operation of interlocking member  76  and the weight of lower frame member  14  resting on upper frame member  12 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an alternate embodiment of a self-adjusting tree climber stand convertible to a cart by interlocking means. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a climbing apparatus  10  includes a first, or upper climbing member  12  and a second, or lower climbing member  14 . Upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  are disposed around the circumference of an upright columnar member  16 , such as a tapered tree trunk. Upper climbing member  12  and lower climbing member  14  each include a number of substantially identical components, which are designated by the same numerals. 
     Upper climbing member  12  includes a tubular inner frame  18  and a tubular outer frame  20 , which are pivotally attached by fasteners  22 , in this case, with the nut affixed to the exterior side surface of outer frame  20 . First and second locking hinged connecting members  27  are disposed between inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 . Each connecting member  27  is attached to inner frame  18  and to outer frame  20  by fasteners  22 . The locking hinge arrangement of connecting member  27  allows upper climbing member  12  to be collapsed to a flat position without the removal of a fastening device. Alternatively, the connecting member may be comprised of a non-hinged connecting member  24  as depicted in  FIG. 1 . Inner frame  18  includes a base end  28 , a first and second inner parallel arm  30  projecting outward from base end  28 , a first cross member  32  connecting and bracing the inner parallel arms  30 , and an inner jaw  34  at the distal ends of inner parallel arms  30 , said inner jaw  34  having a concave shape for engaging one side of the upright columnar member  16 . Outer frame  20  includes a first and second projecting outer parallel arm  36 . A first and second adjusting assembly  96  is slidably attached around the first and second parallel arm  36 , which are slidable upwardly and downwardly along the first and second outer parallel arm  36 . A mechanical stop, for example, a detent button  98 , is situated on the distal end of each outer parallel arm  36  to prevent adjusting assembly  96  from sliding off outer parallel arm  36  at the distal end. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 6A , each adjusting assembly  96  includes a tubular carriage  100  situated around outer parallel arm  36 , a pin assembly  102  mounted on the top surface of the tubular carriage  100 , a first retaining member  104  on the bottom surface of the tubular carriage  100  and a flange  106  on the interior side of the tubular carriage  100  facing the opposing outer parallel arm  36 . Outer jaw  38  is attached at each end to flange  98  by fastener  26  through hole  48  in flange  106 . Outer jaw  38  can be provided with serrations or teeth  40  or alternatively can be provided with other gripping means such as replaceable spikes  42  attached to inner jaw  64  by fasteners  22 . Each adjusting assembly  96  is locked in place relative to each outer parallel arm  36  by pin assembly  102 . Pin assembly  102  includes pin  110  biased within pin housing  112  by spring  114  and ring  116  is attached to pin  110 . Pin  110  extends through hole  118  in adjusting assembly  96  into one of a plurality of holes  48  in outer parallel arm  36 . Pin keeper  120  extends from a lower portion of pin  110  and is designed to engage housing shoulder or block  122  when pin  110  is lifted and turned approximately 90 degrees so as to lock pin  110  in a position out of holes  118 ,  48 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a resilient biasing member  124  extends from a first retaining member  104  on each adjusting assembly  96  to a second retaining member  126  proximal to the pivotal connection of outer parallel arm  36  to inner frame  18 . In this embodiment retaining member  126  includes a slotted flange. Resilient biasing member  124  may be an elastic cord, or other resilient material. 
     Tubular axle sleeve  44  is affixed, for example, by welding to the bottom surface of the inner parallel arms  30  proximal to the pivotal connection of inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 . A seat  46  is slidably mounted on inner frame  18 , having a travel distance determined by cross member  32  and axle sleeve  44 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the length of the first and second inner parallel arms  30  permit seat  46  to be positioned toward the pivotal connection of inner frame  18  and outer frame  20  to permit the user to sit inside the inner frame  18  and outer frame  20 , facing the columnar member  16 . The seat  46  can also be moved along inner frame  18  toward cross member  32  to permit the user to sit facing away from the columnar member  16 . 
     Lower climbing member  14  is essentially identical to upper climbing member  12  except that lower climbing member  14  is adapted to serve as standing platform and a footrest. Hence, no seat is provided. Lower climbing member  14  includes a tubular inner frame  50  and a tubular outer frame  52 , which are pivotally connected by fasteners  22  through hole  48  in flange  106 . A first and second connecting member  27  are disposed between inner frame  50  and outer frame  52 . Each connecting member  27  is attached to inner frame  50  and to outer frame  52  by fasteners  22 . Inner frame  50  includes a base end  54 , a first and second inner parallel arm  56  projecting outward from base end  54 , a first cross member  58  connecting and bracing the inner parallel arms  56 , a plurality of lateral members  108  connecting the first and second inner parallel arms  56  to act as a platform floor and an inner jaw  64  at the distal ends of inner parallel arms  56 . An adjustable foot strap  68  is affixed by a permanent fastener  70  to the first and second inner parallel arms  56 . Outer frame  52  includes a first and second projecting outer parallel arm  74 . Around the first and second outer parallel arms  74  is seated a first and second adjusting assembly  96 . On the distal end of each outer parallel arm  74  is situated a detent button  98 . Outer jaw  72  is attached at each end to adjusting assembly  96  by fastener  26  through hole  48  in flange  98 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , a resilient biasing member  110  extends from a first retaining member  104  on adjusting assembly  96  to a second retaining member  104  mounted on the bottom side of outer parallel arm  74  proximal to the pivotal connection of outer parallel arms  74  to inner frame  50 , which in this embodiment are comprised of slotted flanges. An interlocking member  128  comprised of a three-sided clasp is affixed to the bottom surface of outer jaw  72 , in this case by welding. 
     Lower climbing member  14  may be tethered to upper climbing member  12  by adjusting lines  130  which are shown attached to ring  116  on the upper climbing member  12  to ring  116  on the corresponding side of the lower climbing member  14 . 
     The climbing operation of the second embodiment of the invention is substantially the same as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,379,861, which is incorporated herein by reference, but modified to provide for an improved automatic or self-adjustment feature. Both the upper and lower climbing members  12 ,  14  have fasteners  26  for loosening the outer jaw  38  for surrounding or for engaging the upright columnar member  16 , and only one fastener  26  need be removed and the outer jaw  38  (or  72 ) wrapped around the upright columnar member  16  and reattached to the adjusting assembly  96  to engage the upright columnar member  16  and thereby mount the climbing member  12 ,  14  to the columnar member  16 . 
     Once outer jaw  72  has been reattached to adjusting assembly  96 , the initial position of climbing member  14  is set around upright columnar member  16  by bringing inner jaw  64  against the surface of upright columnar  16  while climbing member  14  is positioned flat on the ground or at a desired initial elevation above the ground. Pin  110  is then released from the stored position within pin housing  112  by turning pin  110  approximately 90 degrees using ring  116 . Appropriate holes  118  and  48  along the outer parallel arm  74  are aligned by cocking the lower climbing member  14  upward slightly so that the adjusting member  96  slides under biasing force relative to the outer parallel arm  74  until outer jaw  72  comes in contact with the opposite side of upright columnar member  16  and pin  110  drops through aligned holes  118  and  48 . The process is repeated for the adjusting assembly  96  on the opposing outer parallel arm  74  to bring both ends of outer jaw  72  into the desired position. This results in the lower climbing member  14  being placed in an initial position on upright columnar member  16  in either a substantially level orientation relative to the ground or with the base end  54  cocked slightly upward. Next, the upper climbing member  12  is mounted on the upright climbing member  16  in substantially the same fashion with the initial elevation of upper climbing member  12  being chosen to correspond to a desired sitting position on seat  46 . 
     Once an initial position is established for both climbing members  12 ,  14 , the user can sit in the seat  46  of upper climbing member  12 , facing the upright columnar member  16 . Using his or her feet, the user places his or her toes and insteps under foot strap  68 . By pulling up on foot strap  68 , the user cocks the lower climbing member  14  upward, increasing the horizontal spacing between inner jaw  64  and outer jaw  72 . Lower climbing member  14  is thus free to slide along columnar member  16 . By pulling up with his or her feet, the user can pull lower climbing member  14  up to a position just below upper climbing member  12 . By pushing down on lateral members  108  and cocking the lower climbing member  14  in the opposite direction, the horizontal space between inner jaw  64  and outer jaw  72  is reduced, thus reengaging climbing element  14  with upright columnar member  16 . The angle of base end  54  can then be adjusted by pulling on lines  138  attached to rings  116  of pin assemblies  102 . This pulls pin  110  out of aligned holes  118  and  48 , respectively. Resilient biasing members  124  keep outer jaw  72  biased against upright columnar member  16 . The user, by slightly rocking the lower climbing member  14  with his or her feet can cause holes  118 ,  48  to align and can then release pin  110  to engage the holes and again adjusting assembly  96  in place. The horizontal distance between inner jaw  64  and outer jaw  72  will be changed to account for tapering (reduced for ascent, increased for descent) because resilient biasing member  124  ( FIG. 7 ) pulls outer jaw  72  toward inner jaw  64 . 
     Once the lower climbing member  14  is raised to the desired position and locked into place with a satisfactory angle automatically adjusted, the user stands on the lower climbing member  14  and releases the upper climbing member  12  by cocking the upper climbing member  12  outward and upward. As was the case for the lower climbing member  14 , this increases the horizontal distance between the inner jaw  34  and outer jaw  38 . The upper climbing member  12 , which is gripped by the user&#39;s hands can then be slidably moved along the columnar member  16  to a new position corresponding to a desired seating position. At such location, the pins  110  of pin assemblies  102  are pulled, removing the pin  110  from aligned holes  118  and  48 , respectively. As was the case for the lower climbing element  14 , the resilient biasing member  124  pulls outer jaw  38  toward inner jaw  34 . By rocking the upper climbing member  12 , holes  118  and  48 , respectively, can be aligned and pin  110  reinserted into position. The upper climbing member  12  is thus repositioned. 
     By alternately moving the upper and lower climbing members in step-wise tandem fashion as described above, and as is known in the art, a user of the climbing apparatus can advance up or down an upright columnar member. The angle of each of the upper and lower climbing elements can be adjusted at each new position using the invention, as described above. Thus, a stable, essentially level standing and sitting platform can be established at each new location along the upright columnar member. If desired, the angle can be chosen to tend to move the user toward the upright columnar member  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the interlocking member  128  of lower frame member  14  is formed to fit around inner jaw  34  of upper frame member  12  along its most concave point. When detached from upright columnar member  16 , the cart is formed by moving the pin assemblies  100  to engage in holes  48  closest to the distal ends of the outer parallel arms  36  and outer parallel arms  74  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 2 , Axle  84  is inserted through axle sleeves  44  and a first and second wheel  86  are secured to axle  84  by suitable wheel fasteners known in the art. In this embodiment, the wheel fasteners are comprised of a cotterpin  88  inserted through axle hole  90 . It is possible to leave the axles and wheels mounted to the upper frame member  12  while it is being used as a tree stand, however axle  84  would possibly constrain the movement of the user&#39;s legs while sitting on seat  46 . The cart is then formed by taking the outer jaw  72  of lower frame member  14  and pulling it through the inner sides of the first and second inner parallel arms  30  of upper frame member  12  and over the top surface of inner jaw  34  and pushing interlocking member  128  down over the most concave portion of inner jaw  34 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in this position, the projecting ends of outer parallel arms  74  are resting on inner parallel arms  30  at a first pressure point  92  and the projecting ends of inner parallel arms  56  are resting on inner parallel arms  30  at a second pressure point  94 . Thus, upper frame member  12  and lower frame member  14  are mechanically interlocked by operation of interlocking member  128  and the weight of lower frame member  14  resting on upper frame member  12 . 
     The embodiments described herein can be made of any suitable material that is reasonably lightweight and durable and capable of supporting a user of typical weight and physical dimensions. The embodiments are preferably made of welded tubular steel or aluminum steel. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 10 , the adjusting assembly  96  may be used in other applications where a portable platform or seating device, such as upper climbing member  12  or lower climbing members  14 , is needed. An upper climbing member  12  may be attached to one end of a ladder  132 , where the ladder includes a platform  134 . The ladder  132  provides desired elevation for the platform  134 , and the upper climbing member  12  provides a seat  46  or additional safety as the user is surrounded by arms  22 , cross member  32  and base end  28 . Similarly, a lower climbing member may be placed atop one end of a ladder  132  to provide an elevated platform only. In addition to a ladder, other climbing devices may include tripods, scaffolds, and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 5,332,063, discloses an exemplary ladder stand and the same is incorporated herein by reference. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0