Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Scaffold external of shaft
Reexamination Certificate
2001-09-12
2004-04-06
Lev, Bruce A. (Department: 3634)
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Scaffold external of shaft
C182S133000, C182S136000, C182S188000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06715585
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a tree stand, of the type that is used in hunting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Hunters often use tree stands while hunting. Tree stands have a mechanism for attaching themselves to a tree. The tree stand allows the hunter to be in an elevated position, out of the sight of game. Once attached, the hunter can spend long periods of time in a tree stand waiting for game to come to them. Tree stands are often used when bow hunting, as it allows the hunter to remain hidden in the tree so the game can get close enough for a bow to be used accurately.
Tree stands have been known for some time and there are many devices that are exemplary of the prior art. One such device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,890,694 (Williams). Williams discloses a tree stand, including a platform
12
and a seat
14
collapsible between a position overlying the platform and a position upstanding from the platform. A climbing band
30
circles the tree, as shown in
FIG. 3. A
climbing aid
110
is provided for the tree stand. The aid includes a generally rectangular frame with one frame member slidable toward and away from the opposite end frame member to adjustably lock the frame in a selected position, dependent upon the girth of the tree.
Another such known tree stand is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,101,934 (Sumbro). Sumbro discloses a two-piece tree stand, including a climbing platform
12
and a locking element
60
. The two elements interlock to fasten the components to one another and to add stability to the individual elements. The stand has a horizontal portion provided with a notched portion for engaging the tree and a band
32
,
35
surrounding the tree.
A tree stand is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,975,242 (Woller et al) includes a platform
11
and tubular frame members supporting the platform. A yoke
42
is coupled to the platform and engages the tree, and in cable
50
couples the platform to the tree, with the end of the cable carrying a series of nuts
53
. Cleats
38
are positioned on the tubular frame members for releasably securing the cable end using the nuts upon the cable.
None of the known devices discloses a tree stand that is lightweight and has a simple, secure manner in which to attach the stand to a tree.
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a lightweight tree stand.
It is another object of the invention to provide a tree stand that securely attaches to a wider range of trees than prior devices, regardless of girth.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a tree stand that is easy to set up and comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
These and other objects of the invention will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after considering the disclosure of the invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The tree stand has a platform and seat portion that are used together. The two portions are very similar and differ in that the platform has a grid on which a hunter can stand, and the seat portion has a sling in which the hunter can sit. Both portions have a frame with an upstanding post. A cable extends from one side of the frame across to the opposite side of the post and encircles a tree, crosses the other side of the post and is attached to the opposite side of the frame. This results in a criss-crossed line that both securely attaches each portion to the tree and is easy to set up by a single hunter.
The use of a post that is centrally located relative to the frame provides a guide point for the cable, reduces the overall size, and therefore weight, of the stand. The reduced weight and size allow the hunter to be able to carry the stand for long distances into the woods until a suitable spot is found to set up the stand.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1158173 (1915-10-01), Carpentier
patent: 3871482 (1975-03-01), Southard
patent: 4113057 (1978-09-01), Bessinger
patent: 4120379 (1978-10-01), Carter
patent: 4316526 (1982-02-01), Amacker
patent: 4337844 (1982-07-01), Hice, Sr.
patent: 4813441 (1989-03-01), Kepley
patent: 4890694 (1990-01-01), Williams
patent: 4909353 (1990-03-01), Govin et al.
patent: 5086874 (1992-02-01), Treants
patent: 5097925 (1992-03-01), Walker, Jr.
patent: 5101934 (1992-04-01), Zumbro
patent: 5114113 (1992-05-01), Krinner
patent: 5143177 (1992-09-01), Smith
patent: 5195216 (1993-03-01), Ishii
patent: 5234076 (1993-08-01), Louk et al.
patent: 5311967 (1994-05-01), Kennedy
patent: 5316105 (1994-05-01), Reggin et al.
patent: 5388664 (1995-02-01), Bator
patent: 5462135 (1995-10-01), Ambler et al.
patent: 5680910 (1997-10-01), Sarphie, IV
patent: 5775464 (1998-07-01), Gardner
patent: 5921348 (1999-07-01), Louk et al.
patent: 5975242 (1999-11-01), Woller et al.
patent: 5979603 (1999-11-01), Woller
patent: 6182792 (2001-02-01), Woller et al.
patent: 6264000 (2001-07-01), Johnson
patent: 6267202 (2001-07-01), Nelson
patent: 6308800 (2001-10-01), Graham, Jr.
patent: 6367585 (2002-04-01), Fast
patent: 6386321 (2002-05-01), Muhich
patent: 6397973 (2002-06-01), Woller
Hoffman Wasson & Gitler
Lev Bruce A.
LandOfFree
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 Tree stand, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Tree stand will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3201713