Patent ID: 7584940

Claim:
A tree stand lock apparatus, said lock comprising: a wire rope having a first and second end and having a diameter, said first end integrally affixed to a hook and, a ratchet buckle, said buckle comprising: a base, said base integrally affixed to a hook; a spool, said spool having a transaxial bore with a diameter greater than the diameter of said wire rope, said spool rotatably disposed within said base and having opposing lateral ratchet wheels; a lever handle, said handle rotatably connected to said spool and having a u-shaped yoke pivotably disposed therein, said yoke comprising opposing pawls, said yoke being spring-biased wherein said pawls are disposed to engage said opposing ratchet wheels of said spool and wherein said spool may be advanced by ratcheting; said base further comprising a detent pivotably disposed therein, said detent spring-biased where said detent is disposed to engage said opposing ratchet wheels to prevent said spool from reversing, and; a locking means, wherein said locking means locks said lever handle in relation to said base.