Patent Abstract:
A combination tree stand and hand truck are herein disclosed, comprising a seat mounted on the bottom of a conventional wheeled hand truck. The rear of the hand truck comprises a plurality of cross members and is attached via a pair of hinges to an additional section of a ladder like structure that is capable of being foldable extended to form a ladder. In use, the wheeled hand truck may be used to transport items to and from a hunting location. Once at a hunting location, the hand truck may be converted into a tree stand by deploying the folding ladder section and placing the deployed stand upside down against a tree or other structure therewith a securing means. The apparatus is particularly useful in game lands and other restricted hunting areas where an all-terrain vehicle or other motorized vehicle is not permitted.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Sep. 26, 2008, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a tree stand for use while hunting, and in particular, to a collapsible, impermanent tree stand with an integral dolly for transporting the tree stand easily. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Hunting is an increasingly popular and technological endeavor. Much of the success and enjoyment of hunting comes from the ability to approach hunting from a variety of different angles and different challenges. In particular tree stands are a popular way to approach various hunting situations, allowing a user the ability to spot game from an elevated and hidden position. 
     While tree stands provide added safety to a hunter in an elevated perch, they have many difficulties. The ease of access and installation is one such consideration. Stability is another concern. While some simple, permanent type tree stands are relatively simple to install and stable as well, transporting and uninstalling them is very difficult. In many areas, tree stands are not allowed to be left in place, and the user has great difficulty managing the removal and transport of the stand after use. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide a tree stand. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,165, issued in the name of Latini, describes a portable tree stand. The Latini stand has backpack type straps for the transportation of the apparatus. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,306,074, issued in the name of Voorhies, describes a climbing tree stand. The Voorhies apparatus helps a user to scale a tree as well as providing a perch. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses are cumbersome or uncomfortable to transport. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide the user with easy access to the upper reaches of a tree. Also, many such apparatuses do not provide easily installable, secure perches to the user. Furthermore, many such apparatuses do not provide any additional storage or transportation capabilities to assist the hunter in the storage and placement of other hunting accessories in addition to the tree stand. Accordingly, there exists a need for a transportable tree stand without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide a transportable tree stand which allows a single user to easily transport the device while also providing secure installation, easy perch access, item storage, and quick and simple single-person breakdown capabilities. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to combine a portable laddered tree stand with a combined wheeled platform. The apparatus comprises a ladder portion, a bottom portion able to be transported and anchored, a top portion comprising a seat assembly, and an intermediate portion comprising an adjustable tree brace. 
     Another object of the present invention is to comprise the ladder portion of a plurality of rungs, a pair of upper side rails, and a pair of lower side rails in the form of a tubular inclined rigid ladder. Ratcheting tie-downs are preferably utilized to securely position the apparatus to a tree. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the bottom portion of a pair of first wheels and a ground anchor. The ground anchor comprises a pair of parallel metal rods with pointed ends which easily puncture a ground surface. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise an intermediate portion of the apparatus of an adjustable tree brace to stabilize the apparatus on a tree. The brace comprises a plurality of adjustment indentations and an extension rod with an adjustment fastener. The brace mates with the extension rod in a slidably engaging manner and is secured via the adjustment fastener. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the adjustment fastener of a bolt which is screwed into a desired depressed portion of the tree brace by means of a washer which is welded to the extension rod. The extension rod is permanently attached to an intermediate rung of the ladder portion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise the top portion of the apparatus of a seat frame, a back portion, a seat portion, a hanger, and a foot portion. This provides a user with a sitting position and a hanging storage for equipment such as a coat, gun, bag, or the like. The seat frame is integrated into a horizontal top portion of the apparatus. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is for the first wheels to provide movement while in the collapsed position in conjunction with the tree brace. A perpendicular contoured extrusion of the brace allows the user to grip and pull the brace like a handle and easily transport the apparatus due to the first wheels. The wheels are mounted to a lower side rail via a wheel bracket, and they use a conventional axle system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a pair of second wheels located behind the seat frame to guide the invention while it is being placed against a tree. The wheel assembly also includes a pair of tree anchors. The tree anchors comprise a means of stabilizing the apparatus against a tree in the deployed position. A pair of compression springs allows the wheels to be depressed toward the seat portion, thereby extracting the tree anchors and allowing them secure to a tree. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a pair of hinges at a pivot joint located between the upper and lower side rail portions. The hinge provides a conversion means allowing the apparatus to fold into the collapsed, movable state. The hinge further comprises a sliding bracket and a fastener to allow a user to adjust the length of the hinge as well as locking the hinge in place when used in the straight, deployed position. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of allowing a user to utilize an impermanent tree stand in a manner which is quick, efficient, and physically tenable for a single user. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collapsible tree stand with dolly  10  depicting an erected state and a cross-section view of an adjustable brace  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the collapsible tree stand with dolly  10  depicting a collapsed position, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up view the collapsible tree stand with dolly  10  depicting a pair of tree anchors  82  and associated components, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a close-up view of a hinge  92  depicting a collapsed state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 4   b  is the close-up view of the hinge  92  depicting an erected state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
         
         
           
               10  collapsible tree stand with dolly 
               20  seat frame 
               25  back portion 
               27  seat portion 
               30  hanger 
               40  foot portion 
               42  first bracket 
               44  second bracket 
               50  rung 
               55  upper side rail 
               56  lower side rail 
               59  ground anchor 
               60  tree brace 
               62  adjustment indentation 
               64  adjustment fastener 
               66  extension rod 
               68  washer 
               70  first wheel 
               72  wheel bracket 
               75  second wheel 
               80  compression spring 
               82  tree anchor 
               84  plate 
               85  plate fastener 
               86  second wheel fastening means 
               88  fork 
               90  hinge brace 
               92  hinge 
               94  bracket fastening means 
               96  sliding bracket 
               100  ratcheting tie-down 
               110  weld 
               120  tree 
           
         
       
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 4   b . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a collapsible tree stand with dolly (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a portable laddered tree stand therewith a combined wheeled platform. The apparatus  10  comprises a seat frame  20 , a hanger  30 , a foot portion  40 , a plurality of rungs  50 , a pair of upper side rails  55 , a pair of lower side rails  56 , a ground anchor  59 , a tree brace  60 , a pair of first wheels  70 , a pair of second wheels  75 , and a tree anchor  82 . The apparatus  10  is ideal for a hunter whom hunts in areas which prohibit the use of permanently erected tree stands. Said apparatus  10  also allows for the removal and transportation of game animals therewith the wheeled platform. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an erected state and a cross-section view of an adjustable brace  60 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  takes the form of a tubular inclined rigid ladder, thereby enabling a user to climb therein and situate them in an elevated position. The ladder portion is similar to conventional ladders and/or ladder tree stands and comprises a plurality of rungs  50 , a pair of upper side rails  55 , and a pair of lower side rails  56 . The apparatus  10  is envisioned to be fabricated from a metal such as, but not limited to: steel, aluminum, or the like. Ratcheting tie-downs are also preferably utilized thereto securely position said apparatus  10  to a tree  120 . 
     A bottom portion of the apparatus  10  comprises a pair of first wheels  70  and a ground anchor  59  (see  FIG. 2 ). An intermediate portion comprises an adjustable tree brace  60 , thereby stabilizing the apparatus  10  thereon a tree  120  or other vertical surface. The tree brace  60  comprises a plurality of equidistantly-spaced adjustment indentations  62  and works in conjunction with an extension rod  66  which comprises an adjustment fastener  64 . The tree brace  60  mates with the extension rod  66  by a slidably engaging technique and is secured to a desired length with the adjustment fastener  64  mating with a desired adjustment indentation  62 . An aperture (not shown) is located on an end portion of the extension rod  66 , thereby permitting an insertion of the adjustment fastener  64 . Said adjustment fastener  64  is a bolt that which is inserted and screwed onto the desired depressed portions of the tree brace  60  by means of an attached washer  68 . Said washer  68  is attached to the extension rod  66  with welding  110  techniques parallel to the aperture. The extension rod  66  is attached to an intermediately located rung  50  with common fastening means such as, but not limited to: welding  110 , hinges, or the like. The adjustment indentations  62  are located on an end portion of the tree brace  60  and comprise a slight depression to mate to the corresponding adjustment fastener  64 . The tree brace  60  comprises a perpendicular extrusion at one (1) end, thereby enabling resting against the tree  120  for support. The tree brace  60  also provides a handle to enable the user to pull the apparatus  10  when in a collapsed position (see  FIG. 2 ). The tree brace  60  and extension rod  66  are fabricated from similar materials to the ladder portion aforementioned. The intermediate portion also comprises a hinge  92 , thereby allowing the apparatus  10  to fold and collapse for transporting (see  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b ). 
     A top portion of the apparatus  10  comprises a seat frame  20 , a back portion  25 , a seat portion  27 , a hanger  30 , and a foot portion  40 , thereby providing the user with a sitting position and hanging storage for associated equipment while in use. The seat frame  20  enables the user to sit therein, which is integrated into a horizontal top portion of the apparatus  10 . The seat frame  20  comprises a back portion  25  and a seat portion  27  comprising interweaved fabric, thereby creating a backing platform and sitting platform for the user. The seat frame  20  is supported via a pair of downwardly angled second brackets  44  each attached to a lower section of the seat portion  27  and to the upper side rails  55 . The second bracket is fabricated from a metal material such as, but not limited to: steel, aluminum, or the like. 
     The top portion of the apparatus  10  also comprises a foot portion further comprising a grated platform located below the seat portion  27 . A rear section of said foot portion  40  is attached to a downwardly positioned “U”-shaped first bracket  42  which is attached to a lower portion of the seat frame  20 . A front section of said foot portion  40  is attached to the upper side rails  55 . Said attachments are created with conventional fastening techniques such as, but not limited to: welding  110 , hinges, or the like. The foot portion  40  and first bracket  42 , are also fabricated from a metal material such as, but not limited to: steel, aluminum, or the like. 
     The top portion of the apparatus  10  further comprises a triangular hanger  30 , thereby providing a hanging storage for the user to associated equipment such as, but not limited to: a coat, a gun, an equipment bag, or the like. The hanger  30  is attached to the upper side rail  55  with fastening means such as, but not limited to: clamps, welding  110 , or the like. Said hanger  30  is also fabricated from similar metal materials as above-mentioned. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a collapsed position, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. Shown collapsed position enables the user to transport hunted animals or other equipment, thereby placing the animal and/or equipment above the upper side rails  55  and carting the apparatus  10  with a pair of first wheels  70  and tree brace  60 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a pair of first wheels  70 , thereby providing movement to said apparatus  10  while in the collapsed position. The first wheels  70  work in conjunction with the tree brace  60 , thereby allowing the user to grip and pull the perpendicular contoured extrusion thereon the tree brace  60 , as like a handle, with ease due to the first wheels  70 . Said first wheels  70  are mounted to each lower side rail  56  and utilize a conventional axle system. Each first wheel  70  is supported therewith a “U”-shaped wheel bracket  72  which is further welded  110  thereto a respective lower side rail portion  56 . Said first wheels  70  are preferably fabricated with a plastic rim and solid rubber tire, thereby enabling a user to transport the apparatus  10  in a variety of terrain. Said first wheels  70  are also preferably sixteen (16) inches in diameter, yet other sized wheels may be utilized without limiting the function of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  comprises a pair of parallel ground anchors  59 , thereby providing stabilizing support while said apparatus  10  is in use. The ground anchors  59  are comprised of metal rods pointed ends to easily puncture a ground surface. Said ground anchors  59  extend from each lower side rail  56  and are fabricated from similar aforementioned materials. 
     The apparatus  10  further comprises a pair of second wheels  75 , thereby a guiding the apparatus  10  while positioned against a tree  120  in the erected position. Said second wheels  75  are located at a rear portion of the seat frame  20  and are an appropriately spaced distance to engage the tree  120 , thereby allowing for a stabilized vertical upward motion to said tree  120 . Said second wheels  75  work in conjunction with a pair of compression springs  80  and a pair of tree anchors  82  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a close-up view the apparatus  10  depicting a pair of tree anchors  82  and associated components, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a pair of second wheels  75 , a pair of compression springs  80 , and a pair of tree anchors  82 , thereby providing a stabilizing aspect while in the deployed position. These components allow the apparatus  10  to glide upward against the tree  120  and secure into said tree  120 . The second pair of wheels  75  is similar to common caster wheels which each are fastened to a fork  88  by means of a second wheel fastening means  86 . Each fork  88  is attach to a flat plate  84  and each second wheel fastening means  86  is preferably a bolt and nut combination, yet other fastening means may be incorporated without limiting the function of the apparatus  10 . The plate  84  is fastened to the seat frame  20  by means of a plate fastener  85  which comprises a bolt and nut inserted through and fastened to the plate  84  and seat frame  20 . 
     The plate  88  is attached to the pair of compression springs  80  and the pair of tree anchors  82 . Said compression springs  80  allow the plate  88  to be depressed toward the seat portion  27 , thereby allowing the tree anchors  82  to extract and secure to the tree  120 . Each of said tree anchors  82  are affixed to the seat frame  20  and routed through the plate  84  and each of the pair of compression springs  80  encompass the span of each tree anchor  82  between the seat frame  20  and plate  84 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a close-up view of the hinge  92  depicting a collapsed state and  FIG. 4   b , a close-up view of a hinge  92  depicting an erected state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The intermediate portions of the apparatus  10  comprise a pair of hinges  92 , thereby providing a joint to pivot said apparatus  10  to a collapsed state or erected state. The hinge  92  is welded  110  onto the lower portion of the upper side rails  55  and an upper portion of the lower side rails  56  although other fastening techniques may be incorporated without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The length of the hinge  92  may be adjusted by means of a sliding bracket  96  and locked into position by means of a bracket fastening means  94 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a hinge brace  90 , thereby limiting the rotation of the hinge  92  and supporting said hinge  92  while in the erected position. The hinge brace  90  is a tubular metal section welded  110  onto a rear portion of the lower side rail  56 . As the hinge  92  is rotated to erect the apparatus  10  the upper side rail  55  engages the lower side rail  56  to form one (1) rigid member, thereby allowing the hinge brace  90  to align parallel to each side rails  55 ,  56 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIGS. 1 through 4B . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring said apparatus  10 ; collapsing said apparatus  10  by means of the hinge  92 ; utilizing the tree brace  60  and first wheels  70  in order to transport said apparatus  10  to a desired location; erecting said apparatus  10  by engaging the upper rails  55  with the lower rails  56 ; locking the hinge  92  with the bracket fastening means  94 ; utilizing the second pair of wheels  75  to guide the apparatus  10  upward against the tree  120 ; engaging the ground with the ground anchors  59 ; adjusting the tree brace  60  and extension rod  66  with the adjustment fastener  64  and adjustment indentations  62  to a desired position to engage the tree  120 ; encompassing the tree  120  with a ratcheting tie-down  100  and attaching to an intermediate position on the apparatus  10 ; utilizing the rungs  50 , upper side rails  55 , and lower side rails  56  to climb the apparatus  10  to the elevated position; gripping the plate  84 , compressing the compression springs  80 , and puncturing the tree  120  with the tree anchors  82 ; encompassing the tree  120  therewith a ratcheting tie-down  100  and attaching to an upper position on the apparatus  10 ; sitting on the seat portion  27  and resting against the back portion  25 ; positioning the user&#39;s feet on the foot portion  40 ; hanging equipment on the hanger  30 ; partaking in a normal hunting activity for a desired period of time; depressing the plate  84  to retract the tree anchors  82 ; removing ratcheting tie-down  100  from the upper portion of the apparatus  10  and tree  120 ; descending from the apparatus  10 ; removing ratcheting tie-downs  100  from the intermediate portion of the apparatus  10  and tree  120 ; collapsing said apparatus  10  by pivoting the hinge  92 ; utilizing the tree brace  60  to transport said apparatus  10  to a desired location; utilizing the apparatus  10  when necessary; and, enjoying the features and benefits of the portable tree stand. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4