Abstract:
An all-aluminum frame tree stand includes a foldable frame and a width-adjustable, telescoping arms for improving the securing and use of the tree stand with differing size trees.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 61/669,946; filed Jul. 10, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates generally to an adjustable platform support assembly. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable and collapsible platform support assembly for use as a tree stand for supporting a user, such as a hunter, at an elevated position. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Portable tree stands are used for supporting individuals such as photographers, observers, nature enthusiasts, arborists and hunters at an elevated position in a tree. An elevated position is desirable for many reasons such as better observing wildlife and being able to better hunt animals like deer. When hunting for deer, or other wildlife, it is desirable to gain the best tactical position available to increase one&#39;s field of vision and to place oneself out of the normal range of sight of the prey. 
         [0004]    Tree stands come in standard sizes and are typically secured to the tree using a strap which goes around the tree is connected to the tree stand. In some designs the strap goes around a bar of the tree stand; and in some designs the ends of the strap are coupled or anchored to the sides of the tree stand. While tree stands are well known and come in many different types and designs, there remains a need to improve the use and function of such devices. 
         [0005]    However, it can be the case that there are no appropriate size trees available in a prime location for the use of the tree stand (i.e., such as a prime hunting spot). It may happen to be that there is very large diameter or very small dianleter tree in a given area or at a specific location that is particularly ideal for a given reason. If so, the traditional portable tree stand may not be used or it may be unsafe. There are certain types of stands whose seats and platforms can be adjusted to provide leveling abilities where the tree is leaning or it is ideal to adjust the tree stand in a particular position or orientation. Still other tree stands provide adjustability for other features such as a holder for a camera, bow, gun or other item. Despite having all of these types of known adjustments, there remains a serious need to provide a tree stand that is better suited and capable of being better adapted for use in different size trees. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides for a support device, such as a tree stand for use by a hunter, wherein the tree stand has improved adjustability so it may be more suitably used with a greater variety of trees having a greater variety of diameters. In one exemplary embodiment there is disclosed a tree stand having a frame for coupling the tree stand to the tree and a platform for supporting a person at an elevated position on a tree. The frame of the tree stand may include a pair of adjustable anchors that are located generally at the sides of the frame. The tree stand is securely coupled to the tree using a coupling member in the form of a chain and tire ends of the chain are removably secured to the adjustable anchors. For a tree having a relatively very large diameter the adjustable anchors may be extended outward from the frame in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the tree and in a direction generally perpendicular to the tree stand (i.e., in a width-wise direction). In one exemplary embodiment, the tree stand further may include a generally vertical back frame having a first end for pivotable connection with the frame and a second end spaced from the first end for pivotable connection with the platform such that a collapsible tree stand is provided. 
         [0007]    In one exemplary embodiment, the frame may include a first, upper member and a second, lower member and each of the first and second members include width adjustable members or anchors and each having a coupling member having a length for passing generally horizontally around the tree to secure the tree stand to the tree. In one embodiment the coupling member is preferably configured to generally be rigid and self-supporting in a first direction aligned with the central axis of the pole or tree (i.e., the vertical direction) and generally freely movable in a direction perpendicular to the first direction (in a plane generally parallel to the ground), the coupling member having a first end portion to be releasably secured to the first adjustable anchor of the frame and a second end portion to be secured to the second adjustable anchor of the frame wherein the first and second anchors are length adjustable for providing adjustability to the coupling member for coupling the tree stand to trees having varying diameters. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment the platform is preferably pivotably coupled to back frame to provide a collapsible tree stand. The tree stand may also include first and second supports for coupling the back frame and the platform to provide added support to the platform in a substantially horizontal position when supporting a person on the platform. The supports may be any known or appropriate support member and in one embodiment are a steel wire having an end coupled to the back frame member and one end coupled to the side of the platform for transferring the load to the back frame coupled to the tree and reducing the load applied to the pivotable coupling between the back frame and the platform. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment the tree stand further may include tree-engaging or engagement members coupled to one of the back frame and the platform for providing vertical support to the tree stand by engaging the outer surface of the post (such as the bark of the tree). In one embodiment, the engagement members are preferably located at a first end of the platform for engaging the tree to limit movement of the tree stand in the vertical direction on the tree. In one embodiment, the tree-engaging members are movably coupled to the tree stand and can be width adjusted for providing improved engagement of the engagement member with the tree. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment the coupling member is a chain strap having a plurality of holes and wherein the first and second adjustable anchors each include n pin for being received in a hole in the chain to couple the chain to the anchor members. The first and second anchor members each include a first portion for being adjustably received by the frame and a second portion for adjustably receiving the coupling member. Each coupling preferably may include a locking member such as a pin or fastener of any known or appropriate design for providing optional locking of the parts so they may be relatively easily adjusted and then securely coupled for use in coupling the tree stand to the pole or tree. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a graphical, perspective view of a tree stand support in a first or use position according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a graphical, top elevation view of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to the exemplary embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a graphical, side elevation view of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a graphical, partially-exploded perspective view of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a graphical, partial top elevation view of the width-adjustable member of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a graphical, partial front elevation view of the width-adjustable member of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a graphical, partial elevation front view of the width-adjustable member and the tree-engaging member of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1  according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a graphical, partial elevation end view of the width-adjustable member taken along the line  8 - 8  as shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a graphical, elevation top view of the tree-engaging member of the tree stand support of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a graphical, elevation end view of the tree-engaging member of the tree stand support of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a graphical, partial elevation end view of the tree-engaging member taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a graphical, perspective view of an adjustable climbing-type, tree stand according to an alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a graphical, side elevation view of the adjustable climbing-type, tree stand of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a graphical, end elevation view of the adjustable climbing-type, tree stand of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a graphical, perspective view of a tree stand support in a first or use position according to an alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a graphical, perspective view of a tree stand support in a first or use position according to an alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a graphical, partial plan view of the tree stand support the alternate exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a graphical, perspective view of a tree stand support in a first or use position according to a further alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a partial, graphical, perspective view of the tree stand support in of  FIG. 18  detailing the end of the width-adjustable member of the further alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a partial, graphical, perspective view of the back frame of the tree stand support of  FIG. 18  according to the further alternate exemplary embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 21  is a partial, graphical side view of the back frame of the tree stand support of  FIG. 20 ; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 22  is a partial, graphical, top view of the back frame of the tree stand support of  FIG. 20  detailing the engagement with a tree. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    Referring generally to all of the Figures and in particular to  FIGS. 1-4 , an improved tree stand  10  according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. The tree stand  10  may include a back frame  12  and a platform or support  14 , the back frame  12  preferably may include first and second vertical members  20  and  22  and a pair of cross members  21  and  23 . As such the back frame  12  is a relatively simple, substantially rectangular member made of four parts and having a first or upper end  25  and a second or lower end  27 . The back frame  12  is preferably made from relatively lightweight and sufficiently strong material, such as a metal, metal alloy or high strength plastic and is, most preferably, made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy or other generally very light weight metal material. The back frame  12  is preferably assembled or manufactured using any known or appropriate techniques and, in particular, the pieces of the back frame  12  are preferably brazed or welded together using any known or appropriate process for the type of material being assembled. Alternatively, it should be understood that the back frame  12  may be made from any known or appropriate material and may be assembled using any known or appropriate devices or techniques such as fasteners, adhesives or others. 
         [0034]    Similar to the back frame  12 , the platform  14  is a relatively simple, substantially rectangular member made of a plurality of parts and having a first or proximal end  35  and a second or distal end  37 , as also best disclosed in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . The platform  14  is also preferably made from aluminum or other generally very light weight metal material similar to, or the same as, the back frame  12  and is also preferably welded together using any known or appropriate welding process. The platform  14  is preferably pivotably coupled at the first end  35  to the second end  27  of the back frame  12 . Any known or appropriate coupling, pivot or rotatable fastener may be used. In the embodiment disclosed, the platform  14  may include a plurality of dog ear shaped extensions or bosses having holes there through which are aligned with holes in the ends  27  of vertical members  20  and  22  of the back frame  12 . Pins or rivets or any ether known or appropriate fasteners or devices are inserted through the holes in the dog ear shaped extensions and the holes in the ends  27  of the vertical members  20  and  22  for fixedly and pivotably couple the platform  14  to the back frame  12 . Alternatively, it is possible to have a fixed, non-pivotable coupling between the back frame  12  and the platform  14 . 
         [0035]    The platform  14  may include a plurality of side members  31  which provide the platform  14  with a substantially rectangular outline shape. In one embodiment as disclosed in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , preferably the sides  31  extending perpendicularly away from the back frame  12  may be angled to increase the size of the platform  14  distally from the back frame  12  and the tree to which the tree stand Is attached. This provides the person standing on the platform  14  greater space to move and operate while using the tree stand  10 . The platform  14  further may include a plurality of planks  38  spanning from one side member  31  to another side member  31  to provide a relatively even surface for supporting the person thereon. A pair of coupling members  18  are provided for supporting the platform  14  when it is in the use position as shown in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . Each coupling member  18  preferably has a first end coupled to one of the vertical members  20  and  22  and a second end coupled to one of the respective side members  31  of the platform  14 . Each coupling member is preferably a length of flexible, steel cable designed to transfer loads from the platform  14  to the back frame  12  to lower the force applied to the coupling between me vertical members  20  and  22  and the end  35  of the platform  14 . 
         [0036]    The tree stand  10  further optionally may include an upper frame  50  pivotably coupled at the upper end  25  with the back frame  12  in a manner similar to how the end  27  the back frame  12  is coupled to the end  35  of the platform  14 . Alternatively, the upper frame  50  and the back frame  12  may be coupled using any known or appropriate device or technique. 
         [0037]    The upper frame  50  may include a first or upper member  52  and a second or lower member  53  spaced apart there from. Each of the first and second members  52  and  53  are preferably made from aluminum have a generally square, tubular cross section and construction. The first and second members  52  and  53  are preferably coupled by a pair of vertical members  54  and  55 . The vertical members  54  and  55  may have a cross section similar to the first and second members  52  and  53  but may also have a different construction such as a sold member or other shaped cross section. The first and second members  52  and  53  and the pair of vertical members  54  and  55  are all preferably welded together using any known or appropriate welding process but may alternatively be coupled using any known or appropriate device or technique similar to the hack frame  12  and me platform  14 . Each of the first and second members  52  and  53  have a first end  56  and a second end  57  having a hollow center for receiving therein a width-adjustable end member  60  having a substantially L-shaped form as further described herein and as disclosed in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . 
         [0038]    Referring now in particular to  FIGS. 4-8 , it may be seen that in one embodiment, each L-shaped, width-adjustable member  60  has a first leg or end member portion  61  and a second leg or end member portion  62 . The L-shaped end members  60  disclosed in  FIGS. 1-6  and  15 - 17  are a generally flat L shape in that the first and second legs  61  and  62  are in the same plane. In an alternate exemplary embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the second leg  62  is located on top of the first leg  61  such that they are no longer in the same plane. In particular, the second leg  62  is now supported on the leg  61  and is located above the cross member  52 . Accordingly, it may be understood that it is possible to use a variety of differently shaped end members  60 . 
         [0039]    The second leg  62  may also be a preferably hollow, square tubular stock member that may be unitarily or integrally formed with the first leg  61  using any known or appropriate device or technique. Preferably the second leg  62  is welded to the first leg  61  using an appropriate aluminum welding or brazing technique. The second leg  62  is hollow and has a generally square cross-section and a generally square inner perimeter defining a passage  63 . In one embodiment, such as disclosed in  FIGS. 1-8  and  12 - 14 , each of the first and second members  52  and  53  have a generally hollow center defining a substantially square cross-section  69  for receiving the generally square perimeter of the leg  61  of the L-shaped end member  60 . Accordingly, the outer perimeter shape of the leg  61  preferably matches the inner perimeter shape of the cross member  52  (or 53 if there are two cross members) but it may be different. In an alternate embodiment as best disclosed in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the leg  61  of the L-shaped end member  60  has a generally round cross-section and outer perimeter and the cross member  52  has an end  56  that is generally hollow and has a round cross-section having an internal thread. In this alternate embodiment, the end of the leg  61  preferably may include a thread on the outer perimeter that matches the thread on the inside of the end  56  of the cross member  52 . The member  60  is preferably rotated to thread it into the end  56  of the cross member  52  to a desired position which provides a width-adjusted position and until a hole in the end  56  aligns with a hold in the leg  61  and a pin is inserted there through and secured in place such that the leg  61  is secured to the cross member  52 . 
         [0040]    Alternatively, it is possible that the elements do not match and that another device or technique is used to limit movement between each member  60  and the first and second cross members  52  and  53 . As can be appreciated each end member  60  may be adjustably moved within the cross members  52  and  53  and then fixed in position using a pin member (or any other known or appropriate fixing device) passing through holes in each of the members and then the pin is secured in place using any known or appropriate securing device. 
         [0041]    A coupling member  70 , in the form of a plastic wrapped link chain, may be provided for coupling with the end members  60  by having an end of the chain  70  coupled to the end member  60  using a bolt or other type fastener  72 . In one embodiment, as best disclosed in  FIGS. 1-5  and  15 , the leg  62  of the end member  60  has a space  63  for receiving the chain  70  wherein the space  63  is defined by only three (3) sides of the leg  62  such that the leg  62  does not include a top wall such that the coupling member  70  may be easily located and secured in the space  63 . In an alternate embodiment, the leg  62  has a continuous perimeter (i.e., four sides for a square cross-section) and the coupling member  70  is inserted in the passage  63  from an end of the leg  62 . 
         [0042]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12-14 , there is disclosed an alternate embodiment of the tree stand  10  in the form of a climbing type tree stand  100  which may include a bottom or base climbing portion  101  and an upper climbing portion  101 . Each of the bottom climbing portion  101  and the upper climbing portion  101  of the tree stand  100  include an upper cross member  52  similar to that of the tree stand  10  and at each end of each cross member  52  there is provided a width-adjustable member  60  similar to that of tree stand  10  such that the climbing tree stand  100  can be width adjusted to fit a variety of tree or pole diameter sizes while still functioning in a manner similar to known climbing tree stands. As noted previously, the width-adjustable member  60  of  FIGS. 12-14  may have a variety of different configurations without departing from the present disclosure. In particular, it should be appreciated that the width adjustable members provide for adjusting the width of the frame of the tree stands  10  and  100  as well as providing for adjustment of the coupling member  70 . 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , there is disclosed a further alternate embodiment of the tree stand  10  wherein the width adjustable members  160  have a different design. As best shown in  FIG. 19 , the width-adjustable member  160  is a generally straight (no longer L-shaped) generally square-shaped, hollow cross section member having a simplified end  162  including a first generally flat, upper member  163  and a generally flat, lower member  164 . The end  162  may be preferably made from a similar material as the leg  161  and may alternatively be integrally and/or unitarily formed therewith. The end  162  may include a cross member  165  extended between the members  163  and  164  in a generally vertical direction. Tile cross member  165  may be preferably a generally round cross-section member but may have any known or appropriate shape. The cross member  165  may be coupled with the members  163  and  164  in any known or appropriate manner including as a fastener, by welding or other means. In one embodiment, the cross member may be a pin having expanded ends and inserted through a hole located in each of the members  163  and  164  and fastened thereto. The cross member  165  may be designed to have an end of the coupling member  70  coupled thereto such as by having an S-hook located at an end of the coupling member  70 . 
         [0044]    Referring now in particular to  FIGS. 20-22 , there is disclosed in a partial, perspective view in  FIG. 20 , a further exemplary embodiment of a tree stand  210 . Similar to the tree stands  10  and  100 , the tree stand  210  may include a cross member  152  having a pair of width-adjusting members  160 . The cross member  152  may be supported on and preferably pivotably coupled to the upper end of the back frame  170 , and as shown in  FIG. 21 , can alternatively be coupled to a cross member  153  using any known or appropriate coupling mechanism, coupler or other process such as welding, forming or the like. 
         [0045]    The cross members  152  and  153  may be pivotably coupled to the back frame  170  at pivot member  154  similar to the previous embodiments. However, in the current embodiment of the tree stand  210 , the cross members  152  and  153  are secured to the back frame  170  using a brace member  175  including a cross member  171  welded on the back side of the cross member  153  (or alternatively to the cross member  152 ) and having a pair of extension members  172  which align with the back frame members  170 . Each extension member  172  is coupled to the respective back frame member  170  using a fastener  174  or other coupling or fastening device which passes through a respective hole  173  in the extension member  172  and a respective hole  176  in the back frame member  170 . A pair of tree barbs  177  may be coupled to the extension members  172  for engaging a tree or other pole member. Since the tree barbs  177  engage the tree (not shown), the brace member or frame  175  is located between the back frame  170  of the tree stand  210  and the tree when the tree stand  210  is installed on the tree by having a coupling member  70  couple the tree stand  210  to a tree or pole. While it is possible to couple the tree stand  210  to the tree without having fasteners  174  fastening the brace member  175  to the back frame  170 , using the fasteners  174  will prevent movement of the cross member  152  with respect to the back frame  170  and the platform  14  to enable a user to more readily install the tree stand  210 . 
         [0046]    Since the tree stand  210  uses cross member  165  for coupling with the coupling member  70  to the width-adjusting mechanisms  160  of the tree stand  210 , the coupling member  70  can be made adjustable using any known or appropriate device, and the coupling member can include hooks or S-hooks, latches or other similar coupling members at the ends of the coupling member  70  for more easily and quickly coupling the coupling member  70  to the cross members  165  of the width-adjusting members  160 . 
         [0047]    It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments, combinations of disclosed and other embodiments, as well as many applications besides the examples disclosed will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above disclosures and teachings. The scope of the claimed invention should, therefore, be determined not solely with reference to the above descriptions, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, giving them the full scope of meaning and equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter. 
         [0048]    It will also be appreciated that the above disclosure is by way of illustrations only. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The term “consisting essentially of” to describe a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients, components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein is intended to be an open term and to include additional elements, ingredients components or steps. 
         [0049]    Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural elements, ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of “a” or “one” to describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.