Patent ID: 8191679

Claim:
A safety strap assembly for use by a climber for ascending, remaining secured at height and descending from a tree or pole, the safety strap assembly comprising: a tubular strap comprising a width, a length, a first end, and an opposite end; the length adapted to fit around a tree; the first end adapted to connect to an elastic strap; the tubular strap defining two holes spaced from the ends and extending though a wall of the tubular strap; the opposite end configured for attachment to the climber; a stiffening member slidably fitting within the tubular strap; a string attached to the stiffening member and extending out from the two holes such that pulling on the string extending from one hole moves the stiffening member in one direction and pulling on the string from the other hole moves the stiffening member in the opposite direction; an elastic strap comprising: an elastic-strap end attached to the first end; a second-elastic-strap end folded back on itself through a coupling, the coupling adapted to connect to the tubular strap in a removable slidable engagement that maintains the tubular strap in a snug fit around the tree; and, a finger-pull adapted to: provide a hand hold for the climber; removably engage the first end; and, release from the first end with a force equal to a substantial portion of applied weight of the climber during a fall.