Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Scaffold external of shaft
Reexamination Certificate
2002-09-18
2003-06-03
Lev, Bruce A. (Department: 3634)
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Scaffold external of shaft
C182S136000, C182S188000, C108S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06571916
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A) Field of Invention
The present invention relates to portable hunting tree stands in general. The present invention is more specifically focused on providing a portable hunting stand, capable of attaching to any tree having any angle. Regardless of the tree's angle, the platform remains level with a seat positioned directly above and parallel to the platform.
B) Description of Prior Art
Tree stands provide a hunter with an elevated area in a tree to hunt and observe game animals. Among the different shapes, sizes and materials used, tree stands generally fall into three categories: a fixed position tree stand; a climbing tree stand; and a ladder stand. The disadvantages associated with these stands are commonly known amongst those who are skilled and have reasonable knowledge in the related field as well as those who have used any of today's tree stands. Each of the three categories aforementioned and the limited disadvantages these stands inherit, are described.
A fixed position stand comprises of a platform and a seating component. The platform connects to one end of a mounting bracket, with the seat connecting to opposite end. Different methods secure the stand to the tree in a substantially upright position. The platform is placed in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the mounting bracket being secured to the tree. The disadvantage of a fixed position tree stand is that it relies on a tree having vertical characteristics. Placing the mounting bracket in an upright position is necessary in order for the platform to achieve a horizontal, leveled position. If the mounting bracket is attached to a tree trunk that is not completely vertical then the platform of the stand will not be level. This then decreases the secured stability of attachment and creates a dangerous situation for the user. Until recently none of the prior art portable—fixed position tree stands were designed to be adjustable to the tree's angle. The tree stand shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,367,585 B1 is one of very few adjustable hunting stand systems. Although the stand's platform and seat are adjustable, a number of disadvantages still exist with the stand shown in the aforementioned patent. Accordingly, the platform pivots about the lower end of the stand's support bracket, with the seat pivoting about the upper end, both are pivotally adjusted to accommodate the tree's angle. A disadvantage associated with this particular design is that the platform is pivoted towards the trunk of a tree. In order for the platform to achieve a horizontal position, the stand must be attached a minimum distance away from the trunk in order for the platform not to hit the trunk when pivoted into its usable position. And like all other fixed-position tree stands, the stand in the aforementioned patent is designed to resist vertical pressure only. No tree stand, with the ability to resist horizontal or sideways pressure, is available on today's tree stand market. This makes it difficult for the user to climb in and out of the stand without the stand moving when sideways pressure is applied. In further, the stand shown in the aforementioned patent is only adjustable to trees having an angle within 45-degrees.
A climbing tree stand uses a unique two piece design, which enables the user to climb a tree with the stand itself. The climbing stand ascends a tree trunk to a desired height. A disadvantage of the climbing tree stand is that the limbs protruding from the trunk that the stand is attached to, determine how high the stand can ascend the tree. Therefore, the climbing stand is limited to trees having a vertical tree trunk that is free of limbs. Very few trees are free of limbs at any given height along its trunk.
A ladder stand is a ladder with a platform attached to the end. The stand is leaned against the tree and secured thereon. Although, no other climbing device is necessary when using a ladder stand, the larger size and weight limits the ladder stands'flexibility and portability; thus, limiting the user to a defined area.
Because all of the above mentioned stands rely on a tree for attachment, limitations will surely be placed on such stands by any trees. The number of limbs on a tree, the size of the tree, and the angle of the tree must all be taken into consideration by the user of these stands when selecting a particular tree for attachment. Accordingly, no tree stand has been made available which has the ability to attach to a tree having any angle found within a 180-degree radius. In further, no tree stand is made available which has the ability to resist sideways pressure. The present invention provides a tree stand not subject to the described limitations; therefore, the user does not have to settle for a tree of second choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the disadvantages associated with prior art tree stands, the present invention's objectives are listed. Such objectives are readily visible and of primary focus. The tree stand in accordance to the present invention also reduces and eliminates a number of problems that are individually viewed as a disadvantage with tree stands of prior art. Such advantages are individually based; therefore, not described herein. However, a broad list of objectives, in accordance to the present invention and the advantages associated therewith are as follows:
a) An object of the present invention provides a fully adjustable hunting tree stand attachable to a tree of any angle. The user may attach the stand to whatever angle so desired. A horizontal tree limb, a vertical tree trunk, and any angle in-between all provide an area the stand of the present invention can attach to, and still maintain a horizontal secured platform and seat.
b) An object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand that can be manufactured with less time and material, compared to some of today's marketed tree stands.
c) An object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand that is light weight and smaller in size; thus, being easily transported from one tree to another.
d) An object of the present invention is to provide a portable, fixed position tree stand that resists sideways pressure, making it safer to climb into and out of.
e) An object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand attachable to either side of a particular angled tree limb or trunk. Precise stand placement allows the hunter to place the stand in accordance to their dominant hand, i.e., either a right or left hand shooter. Such positioning is very important, especially in bow hunting. The hunter is able to draw back his or her bow, so that when at full draw he or she is immediately on target. As a result very little movement is required by the hunter when placing a shot on a particular game animal; thus, increasing the possibility of a successful harvest.
f) An object of the present invention is to provide a tree stand attachable to any portion of a tree limb; thereby, allowing the user to attach the stand at the very base of a limb adjacent the trunk which the limb protrudes from. Adjustable tree stands of prior art can only be attached to a portion of a limb that is at a fixed distance further along the limb and away from the trunk. This minimum space is required in order for the platform to extend out to its usable position without the trunk getting in the way.
The following information is a summary of the tree stand according to the present invention. The described components and their interconnection, along with the process used in making and using the tree stand of the present invention, should not be limited to such descriptive matter. Similar components can be used, altered and manipulated, along with their interconnection and functioning purposes to achieve the same benefits as set forth herein, staying within the scope of what is claimed and sought to have protected under the term patent.
The tree stand of the present invention comprises of a mounting base; a support member; a platform and a seat. A axle bar pa
LandOfFree
Fully adjustable hunting tree stand does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Fully adjustable hunting tree stand, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fully adjustable hunting tree stand will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3108522