Abstract:
A portable tree stand for elevating a hunter or observer above the ground is described. The tree stand can be sized such that it can accommodate one or two users. The tree stand includes a frame assembly that can be reconfigured to allow a user or users to face multiple directions. The railings are adjustable to maximize the functionality of the tree stand in each of the multiple directions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/867,892, filed on Nov. 30, 2006, entitled “Hunting Stand,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to tree stands of the type adapted to be supported upon the trunk of a tree (or a similar vertical support) to elevate a hunter above the ground. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a portable tree stand which allows the hunter to face in multiple directions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Tree stands provide a number of practical advantages to the hunter. For example, the skilled hunter who must wait for relatively long periods of time until a suitable game animal approaches will find it desirable to assume a comfortable position where his view of the surrounding area is relatively unobstructed, and where his relative safety is assured. In areas of dense woods, it is particularly advantageous for the observer to elevate himself well above the ground so that he may have unobstructed command of a sufficient area of woods. 
         [0004]    It is well known by hunters that portable, easily installed tree stands facilitate greater user freedom, require less financial sacrifice, and waste less hunting time. If properly assembled and correctly situated, a tree stand can provide the user with a clear view of a broad area, enhancing the hunter&#39;s chances of success. A suitable tree stand must be lightweight, easily transportable, and it must be capable of simple, quick deployment, without the use of numerous additional hand tools. Most importantly, it must be easily accessible by the user, particularly in areas where the woods are dense and a higher elevation is desired for observation. Additionally, the stand must be securely mounted, stable and capable of rigidly maintaining itself in a constant position to adequately support one or more users. 
         [0005]    Typical tree stands are configured such that the hunter faces away from the tree or vertical support, in a single direction, when waiting for game to wander by the stand. This limits the viewing direction as well as the shooting direction often resulting in a frustrating hunt. Thus, a need exists to provide a more versatile tree stand that allows a hunter to view and shoot game from more than one direction while at the same time proving a safe and secure support. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention relates generally to portable tree stands adapted to be supported upon the trunk of a tree or a vertical support. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the portable tree stand includes a platform and a frame attached to the portable tree stand above the platform. The frame includes at least one railing. At least one multi-directional seat is attached to the frame. The multi-directional seat includes a front edge and a rear edge, such that a front portion of the platform extends beyond the front edge of the multi-directional seat and a rear portion of the platform extends beyond a rear edge of the multi-directional seat. A user can sit facing at least the front portion or the rear portion of the platform. 
         [0008]    The present portable tree stand can be supported by a ladder or can be configured as a hanging tree stand. The ladder preferably includes at least one stabilizing structure adapted to attach the ladder to the tree or other vertical support. The ladder can optionally be a folding ladder. 
         [0009]    The railing is preferably adapted to pivot between at least a first position and a second position. In one embodiment, the railing includes a moveable shooting rail proximate the front portion of the platform in the first position and proximate the rear portion of the platform in the second position. In another embodiment, the present tree stand is provided with a plurality of railings pivotally attached to the frame. The railing optionally includes at least one backrest pivotally attached to the frame portion and at least one shooting rail pivotally attached to the frame. In another embodiment, the railings include a pair of backrests pivotally attached to the frame portion. The backrest can be a split backrest including first and second backrests each independently pivotable between at least a first position and a second position. 
         [0010]    The frame assembly can be configured for a first user to sit facing the front portion of the platform, and a second user to simultaneously sit facing the rear portion of the platform. 
         [0011]    The multi-directional seat is optionally releasably attached to the frame and repositionable at a plurality of locations between the front portion and the rear portion of the platform. In another embodiment, the multi-directional seat is slideably attached to the frame between the front portion of the platform and the rear portion. The multi-directional seat is preferably infinitely positionable along the frame between the front portion of the platform and the rear portion. The multi-directional seat is typically a bench seat. 
         [0012]    A variety of stabilizing structures can be used. In one embodiment, a first stabilizing member is attached to the ladder at a first end and the tree at a second end. The second end is located below the platform. A second stabilizing member is attached to the ladder at a first end and to the first stabilizing member at the second end. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment, a first stabilizing member includes a first end attached to the ladder and a second end attached to the tree at a location below the platform. A second stabilizing member includes a first end attached to the ladder and a second end attached to the tree at a location below the platform. The first and second stabilizing members are optionally pivotally attached to one another at a mid point. 
         [0014]    The present invention is also directed to a method of using a portable tree stand. A frame assembly is attached to a platform. The frame assembly includes at least one railing. At least one multi-directional seat is attached to the frame assembly at a location that permits a user to sit facing a front portion of the platform or a rear portion of the platform. The tree stand is secured to a tree or another vertical support. The multi-directional seat can optionally be repositioned on the frame assembly. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a tree stand in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a tree stand in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a tree stand in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a top portion of a tree stand including a platform and a frame in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a top portion of a tree stand including a platform and a frame in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 6-11  are perspective views of a platform including adjustable railings and a multi-directional seat arranged in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a platform including a frame and an adjustable multi-directional seat according to yet a further embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a tree stand according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0023]    While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    In the description which follows, like parts or elements are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. 
         [0025]      FIGS. 1-3  show perspective views of a portable tree stand  10  for use by game hunters and observers, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the tree stand  10  is secured to a tree  12  or another vertical support. The tree stand  10  includes a platform  22 , a frame  26 , and at least one multi-directional seat  30 . 
         [0026]    The portable tree stand  10  can be constructed of any suitable material capable of bearing weight and withstanding the weather elements. For example, the tree stand  10  may be constructed of powder-coated all-weather steel, fiber reinforced thermoset resins, natural or engineered wood products, composite materials, and/or combinations thereof. The tree stand  10  can optionally be camouflaged and/or covered by a blind to conceal a user&#39;s presence. Additionally, the tree stand  10  can be constructed so as to support the weight of more than one adult user. 
         [0027]    The portable tree stand  10  can include an optional ladder  16 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Alternatively, the portable tree stand  10  is a hanging tree stand, and is secured to the tree or other vertical support using one or more flexible members, as best shown in  FIG. 13 , which will be discussed in further detail below. 
         [0028]    The ladder  16  can have a variety of configurations as are known in the art. In general, the ladder  16  includes an upper portion  32  and a lower portion  34 . The ladder  16  typically includes at least one stringer  36  and a plurality of spaced-apart rungs  40 . According to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the ladder  16  includes a pair of stringers  36  connected to plural, transverse spaced-apart rungs  40 . According to a further embodiment, the ladder  16  can be a folding ladder such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,742,888, which is herein incorporated by reference. Alternatively, the ladder  16  can include two or more sections that can be releasably secured together using fasteners  17 , such as for example, quick-clip connectors or other suitable mechanisms as are known in the art. 
         [0029]    According to the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the tree stand  10  preferably can include a stabilizing structure  20  for stabilizing and securing the ladder stand  10  to the tree  12 . The stabilizing structure  20  of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  includes support members  54  and  58  attached to the tree via a bracket  60 . In general, the bracket  60  or fastener must be capable of effectively engaging and securing a member  62  attached to the tree, such as for example the flexible strap shown in  FIG. 1   
         [0030]    One or both support members  54 ,  58  may be rigid members, operating on both compression and tension. In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the support member  54  includes a first portion  54 A and a second portion  54 B. The first portion  54 A preferably slides telescopically within the second portion  54 B, permitting the user to adjust the length of the support member  54 . Similarly, the support member  58  includes a first portion  58 A and a second portion  58 B. The first portion  58 A preferably slides telescopically within the second portion  58 B, permitting the user to adjust the length of the support member  58 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the support members  54 ,  58  are metal, hollow tubular structures. Alternatively one or both support members  54 ,  58  can be flexible tension members, such as for example ropes, chains, cables or straps. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 1-3  show various alternate arrangements of the stabilizing structure  20 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the stabilizing structure  20  includes first and second support members  54 ,  58  each having a first end  64 ,  68  releasably connected to the ladder  16  and a second end  70 ,  72  releasably connected to the bracket  60  at a location below the platform  22 . The bracket  60  is preferably secured to the tree by a flexible member  62 , such as for example a nylon strap. In an alternate embodiment, second ends  70 ,  72  of the support member  54 ,  58 , respectively, each include a bracket  60   a ,  60   b  that is attached to the tree  12  at separate locations, such as illustrated generally in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0032]    According to another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the stabilizing structure  20  includes a first support member  58  having a first end  68  connected to the ladder  16  and a second end  72  connected to the tree  12  via a bracket  60  at a location below the platform  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first support member  58  includes a first portion  58 A telescopically engaged with a second portion  58 B. A second support member  54  having a first end  64  connected to the ladder  16  is connected at a location  74  along the first support member  58 . In the illustrated embodiment, the location  74  is approximately the mid-point along the length of the first support member  58 . The second support member  54  can optionally include first and second portions to permit the length to be adjusted. The location  74  is optionally adjustable along the length of the first support member  58 . According to a further embodiment, the second support member  54  can be pivotally connected to the first support member  58  at the location  74 . 
         [0033]    According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIG. 3 , the stabilizing structure  20  includes a first support member  54  having a first end  64  connected to the ladder  16  and a second end  70  connected to the tree  12  via a bracket  60   a  and a second support member  58  having a first end  68  connected to the ladder  16  and a second end  72  connected to the tree  12  via an additional bracket  60   b . The first support member  54  is preferably pivotally connected to the second support  58  member at location  80  such that the first and second members  54 ,  58  are moveable relative to one another in a scissor like fashion and can be collapsed against the ladder  16  when not in use. For example, if one of the ends  64 ,  68  is disconnected from the ladder  16 , the stabilizing structure  20  can be folded flat against the rungs  40 . 
         [0034]      FIGS. 4 and 5  are close-up perspective views of the upper portion  32  of the ladder  16 .  FIG. 4  shows a platform  22  better suited to accommodate a single user, while  FIG. 5  shows a platform  22  better suited to accommodate two users. 
         [0035]    The stringers  36  optionally include upper curved portions  82  and  84  and laterally extending distal portions  86  and  88  upon which the platform  22  is supported. Optional support braces  92  and  96  extend from the stringers  36  to an underside of the platform  22  to provide extra support for the platform  22 . As shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the platform  22  is attached to the laterally extending distal portions  86 ,  88 . The platform  22  is secured to the laterally extending distal portions  86 ,  88  of the ladder  16  using any suitable fastening means such as quick-release connecters, pins, bolts, etc. 
         [0036]    The tree stand  10  also includes a tree blade  98 . The tree blade  98  provides additional stability and security for the tree stand  10 . As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the tree blade  98  extends from the platform  22  between the distal portions  86  and  88  and preferably includes a serrated edge  100  for gripping the tree  12 . The tree blade  98  optionally includes a flexible member  62  for further securing and stabilizing the tree stand  10  to the tree  12 . 
         [0037]    A frame  26  is secured to the tree stand  10  at a location above the platform  22 . The frame  26  can be secured to the platform  22  and/or the upper portion  32  of the ladder. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIGS. 4-10 , the multi-directional seat  30  is secured to the frame  26 . The multi-directional seat  30  is generally rectangular in shape and includes a front edge  116  and a rear edge  120 . Non-rectangular seat configurations are also contemplated by the present invention. The multi-directional seat  30  is positioned on the frame  26  so that a front portion  124  of the platform  22  extends beyond the front edge  116  and a rear portion  128  of the platform  22  extends beyond the rear edge  120 . In this manner, the platform  22  provides a surface to support the users&#39; feet regardless whether the user is facing the front portion  124  or the rear portion  128 . Additionally, this configuration allows a user to sit facing at least the front portion  124  or the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . Alternatively, a user may straddle the multi-directional seat  30  and face toward the sides. 
         [0039]    As used herein, the term “multi-directional seat” refers to a stationary seat located above a platform that permits a user to face in multiple directions, without moving or reconfiguring the seat. Multiple users seated on the multi-directional seat can each face in different directions simultaneously. The platform provides a foot rest in each of the multiple directions. Since the platform provides a foot rest on each side of the multi-directional seat, a user can straddle the multi-directional seat to face toward a side. 
         [0040]    A plurality of railings  104 ,  108 ,  112  are attached to the frame  26 . According to one embodiment of the present invention, the railings  108  and  112  are pivotally attached to the frame  26 . The railings  104 ,  108 ,  112  can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as metal, plastic, composites or combinations thereof. The railings  104 ,  108 ,  112  optionally include padding for the comfort of the users. 
         [0041]    Railing  104  is a guard rail and can be secured to the tree  12  using a flexible member  62 . Railing  108  is preferably a gun rail. The railing  108  is preferably secured to the frame  26  with a bolt or other fastening structures that permit pivotal movement. The railing  108  is moveable between a first position  130  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) proximate a front edge  132  of the platform  22  and a second position  134  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) proximate a rear edge  136  of the platform  22 . The full range of motion of the railing  108  is approximately 180 degrees, but can be adjusted as necessary. The railing  108  can be placed in the second position  134  to allow for bow hunting from the tree stand  10  or to reconfigure the frame  26  such that the user or users can face in a different direction on the platform  22 . 
         [0042]    The railing  112  is preferably a backrest. Like the railing  108 , the backrest  112  is pivotally attached to the frame  26  using a bolt or other fastening structures that permit pivotal movement. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the frame  26  includes a pair of backrests  112   a  and  112   b  (referred to collectively as “ 112 ”). Each backrest  112  is pivotally attached to the frame  26  and is independently moveable between a first position  140  proximate the rear portion  128  of the platform  22  and a second position  144  proximate the front portion  124  of the platform  22 . 
         [0043]    As best shown in  FIGS. 6-11 , the frame  26  can be configured to allow a user or users to face either the front portion  124  or the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . With the gun railing  108  and backrest  112  in their first positions (shown in  FIG. 6 ), one or two users can sit in the tree stand  10  facing the front portion  124  of the platform  22  resting their guns on the railing  108  in front of them. If bow hunting, the gun railing  108  can be moved to the second position  134  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) proximate the rear portion  128  of the platform  22  such that the railing  108  is now behind the user or users allowing for a clear shot with a bow. Additionally, the frame  26  can be configured such that the gun railing  108  and the backrest  112  are in their second positions  134  and  144  (as shown in  FIG. 8 ) allowing a user or users to face the rear portion  128  of the platform. Again, if bow hunting, the gun rail  108  can be moved to a position that is behind the users. 
         [0044]    Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 9-11 , the frame  26  can be configured such that one user can face the front portion  124  of the platform  22  and another user can face the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 9 , the gun railing  108  has been placed in the second position  134  proximate the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . A first backrest  112   a  has been moved from the first position  140  proximate the rear portion  128  of the platform  22  to the second position  144  proximate the front portion  124  of the platform  22 . A second backrest  112   b  remains in the first position  140 . 
         [0045]    In the arrangement shown in  FIG. 10 , the first backrest  112   a  remains in the first position  140  and the gun railing  108  and the second backrest  112   b  have been placed in their respective second positions  134  and  144 . Likewise, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the first backrest  112   a  is moved from the first position  140  to the second position  144  while the gun railing  108  and second backrest  112   b  remain in their respective first positions,  130  and  140 . 
         [0046]    The ability to arrange the frame  26  to allow different shooting directions may also benefit the left-handed shooter, increasing their options for angling for a spot to shoot from. Additionally, the ability to reconfigure the frame  26  also allows for both the right-handed shooter and the left-handed shooter to comfortably share the tree stand. 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  is a close-up perspective view of the upper portion of the tree stand  10  according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the frame  26  includes a pair of supports  150 ,  152  extending generally from the front portion of the platform to the rear portion of the platform. The multi-directional seat  30  is releasably attached to the supports  150 ,  152 . The multi-directional seat  30  preferably includes a slideable bracket or other suitable fastening mechanisms to releasably attach to the supports  150 ,  152 . The multi-directional seat  30  can preferably be positioned between the front and rear portions  124 ,  128  of the platform  22  by a user without the need for tools. 
         [0048]    According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-directional seat  30  is releasably attached to the supports  150 ,  152  and repositionable at a plurality of locations between the front portion  124  and the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . Alternatively, the multi-directional seat  30  is slideably attached to the frame  26  along the supports  150 ,  152 , from the front and rear portions  124 ,  128  of the platform  22 . According to a further embodiment, the multi-directional seat  30  is infinitely positionable along the frame  26  between the front portion  124  and the rear portion  128  of the platform  22 . The multi-directional seat  30  is generally constructed out of the same material as the platform, but can include padding to make a long stay in the stand  10  more comfortable and enjoyable. 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. The portable tree stand  10  of  FIG. 1  is configured as a hanging tree stand, without the attached ladder  16 . The hanging portable tree stand  10  is secured to a tree  12  or another vertical support using one or more of the flexible members  62 . Optional stabilizing structure  20  extends between the front portion  124  of the platform  22  and the tree  12 . The stabilizing structure  20  is preferably pivotally attached to the platform  22  and secured to the tree  12  using the bracket  60  and flexible member  62  shown in  FIG. 1 . The hanging tree stand  10  of  FIG. 13  is typically accessed using commercially available climbing sticks or tree climbers. 
         [0050]    In reference to  FIGS. 1-12 , the set up and usage of the tree stand  10  will be described. The entire tree stand  10  is first transported, in a folded or otherwise transportable arrangement to the tree  12  or another vertical support where it is desired to be put in use. The unassembled tree stand  10  is placed on the ground prior to assembly. The ladder  16  and the platform  22  including the frame  26  and multi-directional seat  30  are assembled separately. Next, the platform  22 , including the frame  26 , is secured to an upper portion  32  of the ladder  16 . 
         [0051]    The assembled tree stand  10  is then lifted and placed in position against the tree  12  with the tree blade  98  firmly gripping the tree trunk so as to provide additional stability to the tree stand  10 . The stabilizing structure  20  is assembled according to one of the configurations as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , and secured to the tree  12  by wrapping a nylon strap, chain, or other flexible member  62  around the tree  12  and engaging a length of the strap in the bracket  60  and tightening the flexible member  62  in the bracket  60  so as to firmly engage the tree  12 . Additional flexible members  62  may be used as necessary or desired at different locations on the tree stand  10 . The ladder  16  is then stable enough to be climbed to complete any necessary adjustments to the frame  26 . 
         [0052]    The tree stand user climbs the ladder  16  and mounts the platform  22 . Once on the platform  22 , the user or users can arrange the frame  26  so as to face the direction of their choice. Additionally, the multi-directional seat  30  can be adjusted along various positions between the front portion  124  or the rear portion  128  of the platform  22  as necessary or desired by the user or users. A proper safety harness should always be worn when using the tree stand  10 . 
         [0053]    Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, while the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.