Patent ID: 8657071

Claim:
A tree-based platform support assembly, comprising: a rod configured to be inserted through the trunk of a tree; a first ring having an inner diameter and defining an opening configured to receive a portion of a tree; a first plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the first ring, each extending member configured to engage the tree in the opening of the first ring when sufficiently advanced; a second ring having an inner diameter and defining an opening configured to receive a portion of the tree; a second plurality of extending members inwardly advanceable relative to the second ring, each extending member configured to engage the tree in the opening of the second ring when sufficiently advanced; first and second supports, each comprising a bottom rail, a top rail, and side rails, wherein the bottom rails of the first and second supports are configured to be coupled to the first ring, and wherein the top rails of the first and second support are configured to be coupled to the second ring; and a first tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the first support; and a second tension element configured to couple to the rod and the bottom rail of the second support.