A tree stand, for attaching onto a tree and creating an elevated platform thereon, comprising a platform having a pair of side members, a pair of seat supports pivotally attached to the platform, a bracing system for fixing an angle between the platform and side members, and a pair of upper levelers and a pair of lower levelers. The lower levelers extend from the side members and adjust to the contours of the tree. The upper levelers extend from the seat supports and further aid adjustment to the contours of the tree. The bracing system is adjustable to adjust the angle between the platforms and seat supports. A seat assembly is mounted to the seat supports and provides height adjustment to the user. The adjustability of the upper levelers, lower levelers, and bracing system help ensure that a horizontal platform can be achieved despite trees of varying configurations and lean angles.
|
1. A tree stand, for use on a tree, comprising:
a platform, comprising a front member, a rear member, and a pair of side members, the front member extending between the side members, the rear member extending between the side members, the side members angled toward each other such that the front member is longer than the rear member, the side members having an open end near the rear member;
a pair of seat supports, each having a seat support top, the seat supports pivotally attached to the rear member opposite from the seat support top such that the seat supports are capable of varying an angle formed with the platform;
a seat assembly, including a seat, mounted to the seat support tops such that seat is adjustable in height with respect to the platform; and
a pair of lower levelers, including a pair of lower stanchions, each of the lower stanchions extending into a respective one of the open ends of one of the side members such that each of said lower stanchions is independently adjustable with respect to said side member to meet varying contours of the tree;
a pair of upper levelers, each upper leveler including a sleeve and an upper stanchion mounted for slidable movement within the sleeve, each sleeve mounted to a respective one of the seat supports, the upper levelers each adjustable to accommodate varying contours of the tree; and
a strapping means, for supporting the tree stand upon the tree by extending from one of the seat supports, around the tree, and then to the other of the seat supports.
0. 13. A tree stand, for use on a tree, comprising:
a seat support disposed generally along a longitudinal axis;
a strapping mechanism operatively attached to the seat support member for operatively attaching the seat support to a tree;
a seat operatively attached to a top portion of the seat support;
a platform operatively pivotally attached to a bottom portion of the seat support, said platform having a top portion for permitting a person to stand thereon;
at least one member operatively attached to the seat support and to the platform to hold the platform transversely disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat support;
a leveler mechanism operatively attached to said seat support and engageable with said tree for adjusting the position of the seat support between a first position and a second position with respect to the tree, said first position being closer to the tree than the second position thereof;
wherein said leveler mechanism includes a first and second sleeve and a respective first and second stanchion each mounted for selective movement within the respective first and second sleeve, each of the first and second sleeves being operatively attached to the seat support, the first and second stanchions each being independently adjustable with respect to a respective first and second sleeves to accommodate varying contours of the tree;
a locking mechanism for selectively and operatively locking the leveler mechanism in a selected one of the first or second positions thereof; and
a leveler for operating, at a minimum, as a fulcrum to allow the seat support to pivot at a point against the tree as the leveler mechanism is used to adjust the seat support closer to or farther from the tree.
0. 8. A tree stand, for use on a tree, comprising:
a seat support disposed generally along a longitudinal axis;
a strapping mechanism operatively attached to the seat support member for operatively attaching the seat support to a tree;
a seat operatively attached to a top portion of the seat support;
a platform operatively pivotally attached to a bottom portion of the seat support, said platform having a top portion for permitting a person to stand thereon;
at least one member operatively attached to the seat support and to the platform to hold the platform transversely disposed with respect to the longitudinal axis of the seat support;
an upper leveler mechanism operatively attached to said seat support and engageable with said tree for adjusting the position of the seat support between a first position and a second position with respect to the tree, said first position being closer to the tree than the second position thereof; wherein said upper leveler mechanism includes a first and second sleeve and a respective first and second upper stanchion each mounted for selective movement within the respective first and second sleeve, each of the first and second sleeves being operatively attached to the seat support, the first and second upper stanchions each being independently adjustable with respect to a respective first and second sleeves to accommodate varying contours of the tree;
a locking mechanism for selectively and operatively locking the upper leveler mechanism in a selected one of the first or second positions thereof; and
a lower leveler for operating, at a minimum, as a fulcrum to allow the seat support to pivot at a point against the tree as the upper leveler mechanism is used to adjust the top portion of the seat support closer to or farther from the tree.
2. The tree stand as recited in
a pair of seat support bracing plates, each seat support bracing plate attached to one of the seat supports;
a pair of platform bracing plates, each platform bracing plate attached to one of the side members; and
a pair of bracing cables, each bracing cable extending between one of the seat support bracing plates and one of the platform bracing plates.
3. The tree stand as recited in
4. The tree stand as recited in
a seat carrier having a pair of parallel seat mounting members and a cross bar extending between the seat mounting members, the seat mounting members are spaced to extend into the seat support and are capable of telescopic height adjustment within the seat support; and
a seat, having a bottom, having a pair of parallel brackets extending longitudinally along the bottom, the brackets fastened to the seat mounting members.
5. The tree stand as recited in
6. The tree stand as recited in
7. The tree stand as recited in
0. 9. The tree stand of
0. 10. The tree stand of
0. 11. The tree stand of
0. 12. The tree stand of
0. 14. The tree stand of
0. 15. The tree stand of
|
The invention relates to a self leveling tree stand. More particularly, the invention relates to a tree stand which provides a portable platform which may be quickly and easily mounted in a tree, and which has several leveling adaptations to create a level platform despite the formation and lean angle of the tree.
Tree stands are often used by hunters, nature observers, photographers, and campers to achieve a higher vantage point than could be obtained while at ground level. Once securely mounted in a tree, the stand gives the user to ability to see for further distances as well as see terrain which would otherwise be obscured by undergrowth. When used for hunting in particular, the stand provides the hunter with an advantage, since the senses of many wild animals are naturally attuned to dangers at ground level, making it less likely that the hunter will be detected by the game.
Various stands are available on the market which will provide a comfortable and safe platform when used on a tree having a certain angle and a certain configuration. However, it is well known that trees grow in an infinite number of configurations. May of these configurations are either incompatible with these tree stands, or may be used with these tree stands with less than ideal results.
Generally when using a tree stand, it is desirable that the platform and seat is perfectly level. A level tree stand gives the user the greatest sense of security and perhaps the greatest amount of actual safety.
Accordingly, several attempts have been made in the prior art to provide a “leveling” tree stand—which has provisions for leveling the stand in circumstances which would otherwise leave the platform extending at a non-horizontal angle. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 36,276 to Smith, discloses a tree stand which allows adjustment of the bracing cables in attempt to level the platform under certain conditions. U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,868 to Anthony et al. discloses a portable tree stand which allows adjustment of the seat and platform with respect to each other, but provides little adaptability to the tree itself. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,016,733 to Bradley and 6,363,941 to Richard, both discloses tree stands which use a centrally located cradle, coplanar with the platform, to help adjust the angle of the platform.
While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose employed, or for general use, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as disclosed hereafter.
It is an object of the invention to provide a tree stand which is quickly and easily attachable to various trees having different configurations and lean angles to provide an elevated platform for the user. Accordingly, the tree stand has provisions for attaching to the tree and adjusting the stand for optimum comfort and safety of the user.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tree stand which has a platform that is easily leveled to a horizontal position. Accordingly, the tree stand has both upper and lower levelers, located both coplanar with the platform and at the seat mount—maximizing the ability of the tree stand to adjust to trees of various sizes and configurations. Further, the stabilizing cables are adjustable to provide relative adjustment of the platform with respect to the seat mount.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a tree stand which maximizes the comfort of the user. Accordingly, a seat is provided which is adjustable to the taste of the user. In addition, a bow holder may be provided for the convenience of the user.
It is a still further object of the invention to provide a stand which is portable and is easily transportable to a remote location for use. Accordingly, the tree stand folds compactly and may be carried by the user like a back pack.
The invention is a tree stand, for attaching onto a tree and creating an elevated platform thereon, comprising a platform having a pair of side members, a pair of seat supports pivotally attached to the platform, a bracing system for fixing an angle between the platform and side members, a pair of upper levelers, and a pair of lower levelers. The lower levelers extend from the side members and adjust to the contours of the tree. The upper levelers extend from the seat supports and further aid adjustment to the contours of the tree. The bracing system is adjustable to adjust the angle between the platforms and seat supports. A seat assembly is mounted to the seat supports and provides height adjustment to the user. The adjustability of the upper levelers, lower levelers, and bracing system help ensure that a horizontal platform can be achieved despite trees of varying configurations and lean angles.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.
In the drawings, like elements are depicted by like reference numerals. The drawings are briefly described as follows.
The seat supports 14 are hingeably mounted to the rear member 26, and are capable of extending perpendicularly upward from the rear member 26, as shown in
In accordance with the present invention, the tree stand 10 has a pair of upper levelers 30 and a pair of lower levelers 40 at the rear 10R. The upper levelers 30 include an upper stanchion 32 and a sleeve 34. The upper levelers 30 are sized for close, slidable movement within the sleeves 34. The sleeves 34 are each preferably mounted on the inner sides 14A of the seat supports 14.
The lower levelers 40 include a lower stanchion 42, and are sized for movement within the side members 22. Accordingly, the side members 22 are tubular and each have an open end 22A at the rear 10R which allows close, slidable movement of the lower stanchions 42 therein.
Each upper stanchion 32 and lower stanchion 42 has a contact end 32C, and a plurality of transverse boxes 35 spaced along the stanchions 32 and 42. The sleeves 34 and side members 22 each have a matching bore 36, which may be selectively aligned with one of the transverse bores 35 of its associated stanchion, and secured with a pin 38 to fix the relative position of one of the upper stanchions 32 and its associated sleeve 34, or one of the lower stanchions 42 and its associated side member 22. Accordingly, the combination of transverse bores 35, matching bores 36 and pins 38 allows the relative position of each of the stanchions 32 and 42 to be adjusted.
The bracing system 18 provides structural support between the platform 20 and the seat supports 14 and helps maintain an angle between the platform 20 and seat supports 14. In particular, the bracing system 18 includes a pair of bracing cables 50 which are each attached between one of the side members 22 near the front 10F and one of the seat supports 14. To facilitate attachment and adjustment of the bracing cables 50, a platform bracing plate 52 is attached to each side member 22, and a seat support bracing plate 54 is attached to each seat support 14. The seat support bracing plates 54 are preferably attached on the outer sides 14A of the seat supports 14. Each of the seat support bracing plates 54 and platform bracing plates 52 have a gated cutouts 56. Each of the gated cutouts 56 have a plurality of slots 58. Each end of each of the bracing cables 50 has a coupling 58 which extends in the gated cutouts 56, and selectively rests within one of the slots 58, where a strong structural bond between the bracing cables 50 and plates 52 and 54 is achieved. The various slots 58 of the gated cutouts 56 allow the point of connection of the bracing cables 50 to be adjusted vertically on the seat support bracing plates 54 and horizontally on the platform bracing plates 52. Being that the bracing cables 50 are of fixed length, such adjustment allows the relative angle of the platform 20 with respect to the seat supports 14 to be adjusted.
The coupling 58 is shown in simplified form, comprising a pair of parallel washers or eyelets, connected by a rod, which sandwich one of the plates 52 and 54 therebetween and allow easy adjustment into the various slots 58. However, in actual practice, a more secure scheme would be employed, perhaps involving a washer extending against one side of the plate, a bolt to extend transversely through the slot, and a wing nut to fasten against the other side of the plate to fix the position of the coupling 58 within the slot.
The seat assembly 16 includes a seat 70, having a bottom 72, and a pair of parallel brackets 72 extending longitudinally along the bottom 72. The brackets 72 engage the seat mounting member top 62T and are fastened thereto by a long bolt 74 which extends through the brackets 72 and through a pair of the transverse bores 65 in the seat mounting members 62. The brackets 72 are positioned to still allow the seat 70 to pivot upwards, wherein the seat 70 extends substantially parallel to the seat mounting members 62 and to the seat supports 14.
Referring to FIG. 1 and
Referring now to FIG. 4 and
However, in
Referring to
Referring to FIG. 3 and
In conclusion, herein is presented a tree stand which may be compactly stored and transported, and which will quickly and easily deploy and adjust to trees of different configurations and having different lean angles to create an elevated platform thereon. The invention is illustrated by example in the various drawing figures contained herein. Numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention.
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
10015957, | Apr 07 2010 | Leveling hunting stand system | |
10524467, | Jan 05 2016 | Tree stand assemblies and methods of use | |
10912293, | Feb 06 2012 | Body support stand | |
8074770, | Nov 07 2008 | Portable hunting tree stand | |
8230972, | Jun 18 2010 | Tree stand | |
8397867, | Feb 22 2011 | Tree stand adapted to create a spiral step around a tree | |
8794383, | Jan 09 2012 | RIVERS EDGE TREE STANDS, INC | Ladder stand |
8991555, | Oct 04 2010 | Ardisam, Inc. | Tree stand |
8997933, | Oct 04 2010 | Ardisam, Inc.; ARDISAM, INC | Load-bearing platform |
9089125, | Apr 07 2010 | Leveling hunting stand system |
Patent | Priority | Assignee | Title |
4819763, | Jan 04 1988 | Tree stand for observation post | |
5016733, | Apr 04 1988 | Wedging tree stand | |
5339922, | Nov 15 1993 | Richard, Benante; BENANTE, RICHARD B | Tree stand for hunters |
5363941, | Dec 10 1993 | Hunter's tree stand | |
5458215, | Jun 14 1994 | Tree stand leveler | |
5927437, | May 07 1998 | Universal hunting stand | |
6085868, | Aug 14 1998 | SCHIRER, MICHAEL | Portable tree stand assembly having seat and platform with position adjustment arrangement |
6196354, | Aug 14 1998 | SCHIRER, MICHAEL | Portable tree stand assembly having seat and platform with position adjustment arrangement |
Executed on | Assignor | Assignee | Conveyance | Frame | Reel | Doc |
Date | Maintenance Fee Events |
Dec 21 2009 | REM: Maintenance Fee Reminder Mailed. |
May 16 2010 | EXP: Patent Expired for Failure to Pay Maintenance Fees. |
Aug 26 2013 | M2553: Payment of Maintenance Fee, 12th Yr, Small Entity. |
Date | Maintenance Schedule |
Jul 17 2010 | 4 years fee payment window open |
Jan 17 2011 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jul 17 2011 | patent expiry (for year 4) |
Jul 17 2013 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 4) |
Jul 17 2014 | 8 years fee payment window open |
Jan 17 2015 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jul 17 2015 | patent expiry (for year 8) |
Jul 17 2017 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 8) |
Jul 17 2018 | 12 years fee payment window open |
Jan 17 2019 | 6 months grace period start (w surcharge) |
Jul 17 2019 | patent expiry (for year 12) |
Jul 17 2021 | 2 years to revive unintentionally abandoned end. (for year 12) |