Abstract: A convertible cooking grate provides dual cooking surfaces for use with barbecue grills. In a first position, a grate-like cooking surface is formed by a plurality of spaced apart bars that support an item being cooked above the heat source. In a second position, a substantially flat griddle-like cooking surface is formed by a plurality of bars having substantially coplanar surfaces that fit closely together. The bars are rotatably supported by pins that extend from each end thereof and fit into corresponding holes in an outer frame. A mechanical linkage is provided to rotate the bars together simultaneously between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A hunting stand for hunting includes a platform, a frame assembly extending above the platform and a transformable seat assembly supported by the frame assembly. The seat assembly includes first and second seat members supported for rotation about respective vertical axes. The first and second seat members are movable between a closed position in which the seat members are positioned close together to provide a seat at the center of the hunting stand, and an open position in which the seat members are positioned apart to provide a standing area at the center of the hunting stand. The hunting stand can be either a single-person stand or a two-person stand. In a two-person stand, the first and second seat members can be arranged to provide two spaced apart seats in respective corners of the stand for accommodating two people.

Abstract: A system for erecting a ladder stand for hunting has a pivoting base assembly connected to a bottom end of a ladder, and a pair of support legs pivotally attached to respective sides of an upper section of the ladder. The pivoting base assembly includes first and second foot pad members, anchoring stakes for anchoring the foot pad members to the ground, a base frame pivotally connected to the foot pad members, and first and second receiver tubes connected to the base frame for receiving the bottom end of the ladder. The pivoting base assembly receives and anchors the bottom end of the ladder and allows the ladder to be easily moved from a horizontal position to an upright position. The support legs have ground pegs at their lower ends for engaging the ground to support the ladder stand in an intermediate position as the ladder stand is being erected.