Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/584,696, entitled Ladder Stand, filed Jan. 9, 2012, the entire of disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to ladder stands, and in particular to a bracing system for a tree stand. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Hunting wild game from a position elevated above the ground provides several benefits over hunting from ground level. A hunter that is perched above the ground can be positioned above an animal&#39;s normal field of view, reducing a likelihood that the animal may spot the hunter first. The scent of the hunter is also above the prey&#39;s nose, minimizing the chance that the animal will smell the hunter before the hunter can spot the animal. Also, the hunter&#39;s range of vision may be increased and allow shots over otherwise obstructing limbs and brush. 
         [0004]    A variety of tree stands have been developed that can elevate hunters above the ground and allow the aforementioned benefits. These tree stands may be configured to be readily attached to a tree, post, or other vertical support member to provide a platform, seat, or combination of both at any desired level above the ground. One type of tree stand is a ladder stand. Typical ladder stands include a ladder that may be used to support the platform and seat. Ladder stands may be installed by attaching a platform and seat assembly to a ladder, leaning the ladder against the tree, and securing the ladder stand to the tree. 
         [0005]    Some commercial ladder stands are secured to a tree by an installer ascending the ladder and wrapping a securing strap around the tree. During the process of securing a ladder stand to a tree, the Treestand Manufacturer&#39;s Association recommends that two installers hold the base of the ladder to provide lateral support to prevent the ladder stand from pivoting about the tree axis (e.g., vertical axis of trunk of tree) or “rolling-off” the tree. Present ladder stands may also include a pair of tie-off ropes that may be attached to the platform. After the ladder is leaned against a tree, the tie-off ropes are wrapped around the tree and are attached to the ladder, prior to an installer climbing the ladder. When utilized, tie-off ropes provide some additional lateral security to prevent a ladder stand from rolling-off a tree. However, even when tie-off ropes are utilized, it is recommended that two installers secure the base of a ladder to provide additional lateral support. Rivers Edge Tree Stands Operator&#39;s Manual: One Man Tree Stands, which is attached hereto as Appendix A, and hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, describes some present ladder stands and installation procedures. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present disclosure provides embodiments of ladder stands that provide additional lateral security to limit or prevent the ladder stand from pivoting about a longitudinal axis (e.g., vertical axis) of a support post, such as a tree trunk. The ladder stands may be configured to be secured to a support post by a single installer from the ground. The ladder stands may provide greater resistance to pivoting about the longitudinal axis of the support post than tie off ropes and two installers holding the base of the ladder. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the ladder stand is configured to attach to a post to provide an elevated platform. The ladder stand includes a ladder and a platform assembly coupled to the ladder. A pair of lateral support members include proximal ends pivotally attached to opposite sides of the platform and distal ends configured to be positioned toward an opposite side of the post. The distal ends of the support members are configured to be secured to the post. A stabilizer member pivotally connects to an intermediate portion of the ladder and extends toward with the support post. The stabilizing member includes a stabilizing plate configured to engage the support post. At least one support straps connects the distal ends of lateral support members to the post and the distal ends of the lateral support members to the stabilizing member. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, distal ends of the lateral support members include post engagement features configured to engage with the post. Swivel brackets preferably connect the proximal ends of the lateral support members to the platform. The lateral support members are preferably configured to move through at least two degrees of freedom relative to the platform. The lateral support members are configured to move independently from each other relative to the platform. A distance between the distal ends of lateral support members and the platform assembly can be varied by rotation of the lateral support members relative to the platform. 
         [0009]    The stabilizer plate preferably includes a plurality of attachment features to releasably couple with the support straps. The support straps can be releasably coupled to the intermediate portion of the ladder. The support straps are preferably configured to wrap around the post near the distal ends of the lateral support members. In one embodiment, the support straps are configured to extend from the post to the intermediate portion of the ladder. 
         [0010]    Additional aspects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments that are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain of such illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a ladder stand, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of embodiments of a swivel mounting bracket and a lateral support member of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates a more detailed view of the lateral support member coupled to the swivel mounting bracket of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a joint where the lateral support member couples to the swivel mounting bracket of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate a swivel of a swivel mounting bracket of a ladder stand, according to one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate a lateral support member of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  illustrates a stabilizer of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a stabilizer plate of a stabilizer securing lateral straps and a stabilizer strap of a ladder stand according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a ladder stand, according to another embodiment, with the lateral support straps secured to the ladder. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a backside of a support post showing the lateral fixation straps wrapped around the support post. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    The present disclosure provides embodiments of ladder stands that may include lateral support members configured to provide additional lateral support. The ladder stands may be configured to allow a single user to secure an elevated ladder stand to a support post (e.g., a tree trunk) from the ground. The ladder stands may enable an installer to safely ascend the ladder and secure the ladder stand to the support post without needing two installers to hold the base of the ladder. A user may desire an elevated position for a variety of reasons. For example, a user, such as a hunter, may use the stand to obtain an elevated position from which to hunt. As another example, the ladder stand may also be used for maintenance of equipment, such as power lines, that is in an elevated position and/or supported by an upright and/or generally vertical support structure. 
         [0023]    The embodiments disclosed herein are described in terms of their use for hunting and with reference to trees. As can be appreciated, the scope of the disclosure is not so limited and the embodiments described herein can be configured for a variety of purposes and for use with a variety of vertical and/or generally upright support structures. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a ladder stand  100  installed on a support post  10 , such as for example a tree, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ladder stand  100  includes a ladder  102 , a platform assembly  104 , seat  106 , a support brace  108 , lateral support members  110 , lateral securement straps  112 , stabilizer strap  114 , installation straps  116 , and a stabilizer  118 . The ladder  102  supports the platform assembly  104  and allows a hunter to ascend and descend the ladder stand  100 . The platform assembly  104  includes a platform  120  and may be configured to allow a hunter to stand on the platform  120 . The seat  106  may be configured to be positioned above the platform  104  and may provide a place for the hunter to sit. The ladder stand  100  can be constructed of any suitable materials capable of bearing weight and withstanding the weather elements, such as for example, powder-coated all-weather steel, aluminum, fiber reinforced thermoset resins, natural or engineered wood products, carbon fiber, composite materials, and/or combinations thereof. Components of the ladder stand  100  are connected using fasteners, such as bolts or rivets, or welded connections. The ladder stand  100  can optionally be camouflaged and/or covered by a blind to conceal a hunter&#39;s presence. The ladder stand  100  materials can be camouflaged using a powder coating technique, water emersion printing, thin film coating, color fusion, or another suitable technique. 
         [0025]    The platform assembly  104  is connected for example, to a top of the ladder  102 . The platform assembly  104  includes a platform  120 , a post engagement portion  122 , and seat support posts  124 . The platform  120  is preferably constructed of a rigid material configured to support the weight of one or more hunters, such as steel or aluminum mesh welded on top of steel or aluminum tubing. The platform  120  can also be constructed out of cast metals or alloys, such as cast aluminum. The post engagement portion  122  includes a rigid, serrated edge for “biting” into, for example, a tree trunk or wooden post. Example embodiments of a platform  120  and a post engagement portion  122  are described in U.S. patent application No. 13/252,876, which was filed Oct. 4, 2011, and is entitled “TREE STAND,” and U.S. patent application No. 13/293,960, which was filed Nov. 10, 2011, and is entitled “LOAD-BEARING PLATFORM,” both of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
         [0026]    The platform and the seat  104  may be coupled together by seat support posts  124 . The support braces  108  may be coupled to the platform  120  and extend at an angle downward and couple to the ladder  102  at a position removed from (e.g., below) the top end of the ladder that is coupled to the platform assembly  104 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 2  illustrates a detailed view of a portion of the ladder stand  100 , and specifically illustrates a lateral support member  110  coupled to a swivel mounting bracket  128 .  FIG. 3  illustrates a detailed view of the lateral support member  110  coupled to the swivel mounting bracket  128  of the ladder stand  100 .  FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a joint where the lateral support member  110  couples to the swivel mounting bracket  128  of the ladder stand of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    Referring generally and collectively to  FIGS. 2-4 , the lateral support members  110  may be attached to the platform assembly  104  at a swivel mounting bracket  128 . The swivel mounting bracket  128  may include a swivel  130 , a swivel fastener  132 , and a lateral support member fastener  134 . The lateral support member fastener  134  extends along an axis around which lateral support member  110  can rotate. 
         [0029]    A mounting plate  136  may be secured to the platform assembly  104 . In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting plate  136  may be welded to the platform assembly  104 . The swivel  130  is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate  136  via the swivel fastener  132 , such that the swivel  130  can rotate. The swivel fastener  132  comprises an axis around which the swivel  130  can preferably rotate 360 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel fastener  132  may include a nut and bolt combination running through a hole  140 . The lateral support member  110  is pivotally connected to the swivel  130  such that the lateral support member  110  can freely swing about one hundred and eighty degrees. 
         [0030]      FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate the swivel  130  of the swivel mounting bracket  128  of the ladder stand  100 . The swivel  130  may be a U-shaped bracket having a hole  140  through the base, for coupling the swivel to a mounting plate  136  and/or the platform assembly  104 , and holes  142  through the ends, for coupling the lateral support member  110  to the swivel  130 . The swivel mounting bracket  128  permits the lateral support members  110  to move independently through at least two degrees of freedom. In another embodiment, the lateral support members  110  are telescopically extendable to independently increase or decrease their length. 
         [0031]      FIGS. 6A-6C  illustrate a lateral support member  110  of the ladder stand  100 . The lateral support member  110  includes a shaft  150 , a post engagement member  152 , lateral stabilizer strap connection  154 , and a swivel connection  156 . The swivel connection  156  of the lateral support member  110  is connected to the swivel  130  via the lateral support member fastener  134 . In the illustrated embodiment, the swivel connection  156  may be a hole and the lateral support member fastener  134  may be a nut and bolt combination. The lateral support member fastener  134  (e.g., bolt) is placed though the holes  142  and swivel connection  156 . The swivel  130 , which can rotate three hundred and sixty degrees, and the swivel connection  156 , which allows rotation through about one hundred and eighty degrees, allow the lateral support members  110  to accommodate trees (or other support posts) of various widths and sizes and allow the post engagement members  152  to be aligned to engage a tree (or other support posts) in a plane that allows maximum contact with the tree or other support post. 
         [0032]    The lateral stabilizer strap connection  154  allows a lateral securement strap  112  to be connected to lateral support member  110 . The lateral securement strap  112  can be connected to the lateral support member  110  using a hook, clip, carabineer, or the like. When the ladder stand  100  is installed, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the lateral securement straps  112  may be connected to lateral support members  110  at one end, wrapped around the tree (or other support post), and connected to the stabilizer  118  at the opposite end. 
         [0033]    The stabilizer  118  is shown in detail in  FIG. 7 . The stabilizer  118  may provide additional support for the ladder  102  and may provide lateral support for the ladder stand  100 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the stabilizer  118  may include a stabilizer bar  162  and a stabilizer plate  164 . The stabilizer plate  164  may be configured to engage a tree trunk or other wooden support post and may dig into the wood to provide slip-resistant engagement with the support post. The stabilizer plate  164  may include one or more eyelets configured to accept hooks of the lateral securement straps  112  or otherwise allow connection of the lateral securement straps  112 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral securement straps  112  may be secured to the stabilizer plate  164 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 8  illustrates a stabilizer plate of a stabilizer, according to one embodiment, securing straps of a ladder stand. 
         [0035]      FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective view of a ladder stand  900 , according to another embodiment. Lateral support straps  912  may be secured to lateral support members  910 , wrapped around a tree, and coupled to a ladder  902  of the ladder stand  900 . 
         [0036]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a backside of a support post showing the lateral straps wrapped around the support post. 
         [0037]    Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges, which may independently be included in the smaller ranges, is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure. 
         [0038]    Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the disclosure, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All patents and publications mentioned herein, including those cited in the Background of the application, are hereby incorporated by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited. 
         [0039]    The publications discussed herein are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present disclosure is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed. 
         [0040]    Other embodiments of the present disclosure are possible. Although the description above contains much specificity, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form various embodiments. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above. 
         [0041]    As can be appreciated, the scope of the present disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” All structural, chemical, and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred embodiment that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, it is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present disclosure, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. 
         [0042]    The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise embodiments, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Technology Category: y