Adjustable tree stand

Abstract

A tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface includes an outer frame rail and an inner frame rail. The inner rail is telescopingly engaged within the outer rail, thereby allowing the frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis. One of the rails includes a plurality of locking features and the other includes a lever having a head adapted to be engaged with the locking features. At least one of the head or the locking features are adapted to be disengaged from the other when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head and the locking features is further adapted to prevent movement of the rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

Description

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/546,071, filed Feb. 19, 2004, entitled ADJUSTABLE TREE STAND, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to devices which may be used to hunt relatively large game and more particularly to a tree stand which may be used to hunt relatively large game.

Tree stands are used by hunters for various reasons. Although not meant to be limiting, the reasons for elevating the hunter typically include using the stand to give the hunter a better view of the surrounding area and therefore a better “shot.” Additionally, by elevating the hunter, the hunter is removed from the direct or horizontal line of sight that a game animal will typically investigate and thereby removed from the game animals view. Still further, by elevating the hunter, he or she is removed from the ground cover that can block a shot. Therefore, a tree stand offers the hunter better concealment from the game and more accurate marksmanship. Additionally, tree stands also prevent human scent from easily reaching the game animals. This is considered a necessity by most hunters in the effort to harvest more and/or larger game animals.

However, tree stands have been problematic and there has been a long felt need by hunters for a simple, lightweight, portable and safe tree stand which can be easily transported and mounted in a tree to provide a stable seat or stand from which the hunter is positioned above the game.

In spite of the available types of tree stands, the need persists for a lightweight, inexpensive, portable, adjustable and secure tree stand which permits ease of use while ensuring the safety of the hunter utilizing the tree stand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface includes an outer frame having a first end which is adapted to be engaged with a first limb of a tree and includes at least one tubular outer frame rail. An inner frame having a first end is adapted to be engaged with a second limb of a tree and includes at least one inner frame rail, wherein the inner rail is telescopingly engaged within the outer rail, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis. One of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a plurality of locking features which are disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail and the other of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a lever, wherein at least a portion of the lever is adapted to be positioned adjacent to at least one of the plurality of locking features to prevent the telescoping movement of the inner and outer frame rails. The lever is further adapted to be withdrawn from the at least one of the plurality of locking features, thereby allowing telescoping movement of the inner and outer frame rails.

In another embodiment, a tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface includes an outer frame including at least one tubular outer frame rail and an inner frame including at least one inner frame rail, the inner rail telescopingly engaged within the outer rail, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis. At least one of the outer frame and the inner frame includes a covering which is adapted to support a user thereon. One of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a plurality of locking features disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail and the other of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a lever. The lever includes a head which is adapted to be engaged with at least one of the plurality of locking features. At least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features is adapted to be disengaged from the other of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features is further adapted to prevent movement of the inner and outer frame rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

In yet another embodiment a tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface includes an outer frame having a generally V-shaped first end which is adapted to be engaged with a first tree limb and a pair of generally tubular outer frame rails. An inner frame, including a generally V-shaped first end, is adapted to be engaged with a second tree limb, and a pair of generally tubular inner frame rails, each of the inner rails telescopingly engaged within one of the outer rails, allows the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis. At least one of the outer frame and inner frame includes a covering disposed thereon which is adapted to support a user thereon. At least one of the inner frame and the outer frame includes a foot rest attached thereto, the foot rest including an angularly adjustable trunk and an angularly adjustable rest. At least one of the inner rails and the outer rails includes a plurality of locking features disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail, the other of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a lever and the lever includes a head which is adapted to be engaged with at least one of the plurality of locking features. At least one of the head and the locking features are adapted to be disengaged from the other of the head and the locking features when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head and the locking features are further adapted to prevent movement of the inner and outer frame rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon a consideration of the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The above brief description sets forth rather broadly the more important features of the present disclosure so that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and so that the present contributions to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment of the disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the detail of the construction and the arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The above system of the present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in other ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for description and not limitation. Where specific dimensional and material specifications have been included or omitted from the specification or the claim, or both, it is to be understood that the same are not to be incorporated into the appended claims.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be used as a basis for designing other structures, methods, and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that any claims associated with this application are regarded as including such equivalent constructions as far as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the abstract is to enable the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with the patent or legal terms of phraseology, to learn quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. Accordingly, the abstract is intended to define neither the invention nor the application, which is only measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

These and other aspects of the invention, along with the various features and structures that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the tree stand of the present disclosure, its advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.

Therefore, while embodiments of the tree stand are herein illustrated and described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims annexed to and forming a part of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the adjustable tree stand embodying the present invention disposed between two limbs of a tree;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 1 in a collapsed state;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partial bottom view of a lever and locking feature of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the lever and locking feature of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 4, taken along line V-V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial bottom view of a lever and locking feature according to a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein a section of the rail is cutaway to show the locking features;

FIG. 7 is a partial bottom view of a lever and locking feature according to a third embodiment of the present invention, wherein a section of the rail is cutaway to show the locking features;

FIG. 8 is a partial end plan view of a fastening feature and strap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial end plan view of a fastening feature and strap according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a partial end plan view of a fastening feature and strap according to yet another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial end view of one embodiment of a foot rest disposed on the adjustable tree stand of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a partial end view of another embodiment of a foot rest disposed on the adjustable tree stand of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a foot rest according to the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a bottom plan view of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 2 in a closed position; and

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the adjustable tree stand of FIG. 2 in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the inventions as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

With respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, the reference numeral 2 generally designates an adjustable tree stand embodying the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the tree stand includes an inner section 10 telescopingly engaged and adjustable with an outer section 30, thereby allowing a first end 11 of inner section 10 and a first end 31 of outer section 30 to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis with respect to one another. This adjustability allows first ends 11 and 31 to be adjusted to a crotch in a tree, such as is that formed by a pair of tree limbs (depicted with dotted lines and not forming part of the invention), which is capable of supporting an adjustable tree stand 2. Inner section 10 also includes a first top surface 14, and outer section 30 includes a second top surface 34. First and second top surfaces 14 and 34 combine to create platform 4 which is used, when the tree stand is installed between a pair of limbs in a tree (FIG. 1), to support a hunter in either a standing or sitting position above the ground.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, inner section 10 includes a frame 13 which is comprised of a first top surface 14 including a covering 15 and a pair of tubular rails 17 and 17′ disposed in a generally parallel relationship along the outer longitudinal edges of first top surface 14. With respect to FIG. 4, disposed along an inside edge 18 of at least one rail 17 is a plurality of locking features 19 which may be engaged by a corresponding locking lever 39 disposed on outer section 30 (described below).

Outer section 30 includes frame 33 which comprises a second top surface 34. As with first top surface 14, second top surface 34 may also be covered by a covering 35. Disposed along the longitudinal edges of second top surface 34 are tubular rails 37 and 37′. Disposed along an inside edge 38 of at least one rail 37 is a lever 39 which may be engaged within the plurality of locking features 19 to prevent the telescoping movement of rails 17, 17′ within rails 37, 37′ (described in more detail below).

Inner section 10 and outer section 30, and more particularly the inner rail members 17, 17′, and outer rail members 37, 37′ which make up the inner and outer frame sections, may be fabricated from numerous materials. Generally, a tubular rigid material is used such that inner rail members 17 and 17′ are capable of telescoping movement within outer rail members 37 and 37′ as well as capable of supporting a user on the first and/or second top surfaces 14 and 34, respectively, making up platform 4. Such materials are commonly known within the art and may include, but are not limited to plastics and metals. In one preferred embodiment, steel tubing is used. Further, the method of fabricating the rail members is not critical to the inventive concept and, although the preferred embodiment uses steel tubing which is typically drawn, this is not meant to be limiting in any manner and the rail members may be fabricated from any known method, including machining, molding and the like. Additionally, in one preferred embodiment, coverings 15 and 35 employ a steel mesh to support a user. Again however, this is not meant to be limiting and various other supporting surfaces may be utilized, such as solid thin-wall plates.

One embodiment of locking lever 39 is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As mentioned above, lever 39 may be disposed along the inside edge 38 of rail 37. This configuration allows lever 39 to engage the corresponding locking features 19 disposed on inside edge 18 of inner section 10, thereby locking inner section 10 and outer section 30 to prevent the stand from telescopingly adjusting inward. Locking lever 39 includes a spring biased lever 40 having a head 41. Lever 40 is biased through spring 42 so as to position head 41, or at least a portion thereof, through slot or opening 43, thereby allowing head 41 to engage one of the slots 19 to prevent telescoping movement. However, it is envisioned that both outer rails 37 and 37′ may include a lever to engage a series of fastening features disposed on both inner rails 17 and 17′ (not shown). Further, the levers and fastening features need not be positioned along the inside edge of the rails and may be positioned in any location along the outer and inner rails as the specific requirements dictate. Further yet, the illustrated form of lever 39 and its spring biased operation are not meant to be limiting and various other “levers” and biasing mechanisms well known in the art may be used. Still further yet, the described embodiments are not meant to be limited to a locking lever and may include various other features such as, but not limited to, pins, various screw-downs, or other features generally well known within the art.

One embodiment of locking features 19 are best illustrated by FIGS. 4-5 and comprise a plurality of holes 19 which are configured to receive a head 41 of locking lever 39. In this embodiment and as best illustrated by FIG. 5, head 41 extends through a hole 43 in outer rail 37 and into one of the holes 19, thereby preventing the frame from telescoping movement and further adjustment without first disengaging lever 39. Of course, there are numerous other shapes, configurations and forms which fastening features 19 may take on.

With respect to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the locking feature includes teeth 19A which have an angled surface or edge 20. In this embodiment, lever 39 may also include an angled surface or edge 46 which allows the tree stand to self adjust (expand) outward. For example, as the tree limbs upon which the tree stand is disposed, spread apart, angled surface 46 of head 41 will automatically ride on angled surface 20 of teeth 19A, thereby allowing inner frame 10 to automatically telescopingly adjust (expand) within outer frame 30. However, a non-angled surface 21 of locking feature 19A and a non-angled surface 47 of head 41 cooperate to prevent the inner and outer frames 10 and 30 from moving inwardly (collapsing) until locking lever 39 is disengaged. These angled features 46 and/or 20 allow the tree stand to automatically adjust outwardly (expand), or at least allows the stand to adjust with out the need for unlocking lever 39, when the tree stand is being installed or used. Simultaneously the non-angled features 21 and/or 47 insure that the stand 2 does not close or move inward (collapse) until locking lever 39 is manually operated or unlocked. This self adjusting feature, as well as the locking feature, make for a tree stand which is easily installed and yet very stable, as the adjustable tree stand of the present invention will automatically expand to ensure the stand is securely mounted within the tree and thereby preventing the unintentional collapse of the tree stand from the mounted position.

A third embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 7, wherein a plurality of teeth 19B are utilized. In this configuration only the head 41 of lever 39 has an angled surface 46 to initiate the self adjustment feature as described above. Of course, teeth 19B could also have an angled surface (not shown) as the specific requirements dictate.

Locking features 19, 19A and 19B, may take-on various configurations and the illustrated examples are not meant to be limiting. In the first embodiment (FIG. 4), locking features 19 consist of a plurality of slots, holes or openings 19 disposed along the inside edge 18 of rail 17 of inner section 10. Of course, it is to be understood that rail 17′ could also utilize these locking features, either alone or in combination with rail 17. The other two illustrated embodiments include locking features 19A (FIG. 6) and 19B (FIG. 7). These embodiments operate in a similar manner to the first embodiment. However, these embodiments also include the angled surfaces which provide for the self adjusting feature of stand 2, as described above. Again however, the method and operation of locking features 19, 19A, 19B and locking lever 39 are not critical to the inventive concept and are generally well known in the art. Additionally, the particular characteristics of locking features 19, 19A, 19B are also not critical to the inventive concept and various geometries, patterns, and styles may be used without departing from the inventive concept. It is also contemplated that numerous other methods may be used to prevent the inner section 10 and outer section 30 from relative movement and the inventive concept is not meant to be limited to “levers” and “teeth”.

As seen in FIG. 2, at least one stop pin 22 and 22′ may be disposed along and through at least one of the rails 37 and/or 37′ and its corresponding rail 17 and/or 17′. For example, at least one stop pin 22 may be disposed through an aperture (not shown) in the at least one rail 37 and through a corresponding collinear aperture (not shown) in the rail 17, wherein the stop pin is positioned through both apertures so as to positively prevent inner section 10 and outer section 30 from relative movement even if locking lever 39 is inadvertently unlocked. In one embodiment (not shown), stop pin 22 may be a bolt which is inserted through both rails 37 and 17 wherein a nut may be secured to the bolt, thereby preventing the stop pin from being removed. Of course, this too is not meant to be limiting and various other features may be utilized.

Again with respect to FIG. 2, relatively near both first ends 11 and 31 of inner section 10 and outer section 30, respectively, are a pair of fastening features 50 and 50′ corresponding to the inner and outer rails 17, 17′, 37 and 37′, respectively. These fastening features are utilized to aid in the securement of stand 2 within a tree. As best illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, disposed on each fastening feature 50 and 50′ may be a pair of straps 52, one of which may include a buckle or fastener 54 (FIG. 8). Straps 52 are used to secure the ends of the adjustable tree stand 2 to a tree trunk or limb. With both frame ends 11 and 31 secured to a pair of tree limbs, the tree stand is ready for use and is capable of supporting a user thereon without becoming inadvertently dislodged.

Buckle 54 is not critical to the inventive concept and may take on various forms which are generally well known within the art. For example, a simple female/male engagement type buckle 54B and 54B′ (FIG. 9), double D rings 54C (FIG. 10), ratcheting mechanisms (not shown), and various levers and hooks 54D and 54D′ (FIG. 10). Other configurations may also be used without departing from the inventive concept disclosed herein.

In another embodiment of tree stand 2, a foot rest 60 may be disposed along one of the rails 17, 17′, 37 or 37′ (FIGS. 11-12). As depicted in FIG. 11, foot rest 60 is pivotally attached to outer frame section 30 and includes trunk 62 having a first end 63 pivotally attached to outer section 30 and includes an adjustability feature 64 which is used to adjust the angle of trunk 62 relative to stand 2 for optimal safety and comfort. A second end 65 has a rest 66 attached thereto. Rest 66 includes a first end 67 pivotally attached to trunk 62 at end 65 and includes an adjustability feature 68 which is used to adjust the angle of rest 66 with respect to trunk 62, thereby allowing the rest to be positioned for optimal safety and comfort. Adjustability features 64 and 68 may take various configurations and are not critical to the inventive concept. Adjustability features 64 and 68 may include levers (FIG. 11), spring loaded protrusions (FIG. 12), screw mechanisms, gears and other features which are generally well known within the art. Further, it is envisioned that the height and length of trunk 62 and rest 66, respectively, may also be adjustable.

In yet another embodiment (FIG. 13), foot rest 60A is disclosed, wherein trunk 62A includes a slot 69. In this embodiment, at least one foot rest 60A is secured to a tree through a belt or strap (not shown) which is disposed through slot 69 and around the tree trunk or limb. In use, the strap is positioned and temporarily secured around the tree limb. The foot rest is then positioned on the limb by sliding slot 69 through the belt, around the limb, to the correct position. The strap is then finally secured to the tree trunk through a securing means disposed on the strap which are generally well known in the art. Of course, other step sequences may also be employed.

The following step sequences are for illustrative proposes only and are not meant to be limiting in any manner. In use, adjustable tree stand 2 typically would be transported when the tree stand is in its most compact position as illustrated in FIG. 14. The hunter would then position either end 11 or 31 against one tree limb. In the illustrated embodiments, ends 11 and 31 are characteristically V-shaped to facilitate the insertion and support of ends 11 and 31 to a circular tree limb. Of course, this too is not meant to be limiting and various other end geometries may be utilized. The hunter then pulls outwardly on inner frame 10 or outer frame 30 to initiate telescoping movement of the frame rails. At this point, in one embodiment, head 41 of lever 39 will automatically and repeatedly disengaged from one of the plurality of locking features 19 and engage the corresponding adjacent locking feature. This automatic adjustment occurs until the frames are no longer expanded. The frame rails are then opened or extended outwardly until the opposite end is abutted against a corresponding tree limb. A stop pin 22 may also be utilized to further secure inner section 10 and outer section 30 from movement by inserting stop pin 22 through now collinear apertures (not shown) disposed in inner and outer frame rails 17, 37 and/or 17′, 37′.

When straps 52 are used, tree stand 2 is installed by positioning either end 11 or 31 against one tree limb and securing the straps 52, thereby retaining the installed end 11 or 31 securely to one of the tree limb. Assuming the hunter first secured first end 31 of outer frame 30, the hunter would then pull outwardly on inner frame member 10 to initiate telescoping movement of the frame rails. The rail is then opened or extended outwardly until the end 11 is abutted against a corresponding tree limb. The hunter would then secure the strap 52 corresponding to this end of the tree stand, thereby positioning stand 2 in a generally horizontal manner above the ground surface. Again, a stop pin 22 may be utilized to further secure inner section 10 and outer section 30 from movement.

Further yet, a foot rest 60 may be used in the above described embodiments by initially attaching the foot rest, if not already pre-installed, then adjusting the foot rest to facilitate the safety and/or comfort of the hunter when in a seated position.

Finally, when the hunter is finished with the hunt, stand 2 is removed by removing straps 52 disposed around the tree limbs (if used), disengaging locking lever 39 from the locking features 19, removing pin 22 (if used), thereby allowing inner section 10 to telescopingly move within outer section 30 to position the adjustable tree stand in a more compact longitudinal width for removal from the tree as well as facilitating the handling of the tree stand to and from the hunting site.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface, the tree stand comprising:

a outer frame having a first end adapted to be engaged with a first limb of a tree and including at least one tubular outer frame rail;

a inner frame having a first end adapted to be engaged with a second limb of a tree and including at least one inner frame rail, the inner rail telescopingly engaged within the outer rail, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis; and

one of the inner rail or the outer rail including a plurality of locking features disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail, the other of the inner rail or the outer rail including a lever;

wherein at least a portion of the lever is adapted to be positioned adjacent at least one of the plurality of locking features to prevent telescoping movement of the inner and outer frame rails, and the lever is further adapted to be withdrawn from the at least one of the plurality of locking features, thereby allowing telescoping movement of the inner and outer frame rails.

2. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the lever includes a head adapted to be engaged with at least one of the plurality of locking features;

wherein further at least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features are adapted to be disengaged from the other of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features is further adapted to prevent movement of the inner and outer frame rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

3. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the outer frame includes two generally parallel tubular outer frame rails and the inner frame includes two generally parallel tubular inner frame rails, each of the inner rails telescopingly engaged within one of the outer rails, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis;

wherein further at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a plurality of locking devices and at least one of the other of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a lever.

4. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the outer and inner frame include a covering adapted to support a user thereon.

5. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the locking features are openings.

6. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the locking features are teeth.

7. The tree stand of claim 3, wherein the locking devices are disposed on an inside edge of at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail and the lever is disposed on an inside edge of the other at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail.

8. The tree stand of claim 3, wherein the locking devices are disposed on an inside edge of one of the inner rails and the lever is disposed longitudinally on an inside edge of the outer rail which is telescopingly engaged with the one of the inner rails having the locking features.

9. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the inner frame and the outer frame include a plurality of fastening features which are adapted to receive and at least temporarily retain a strap.

10. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail include a plurality of longitudinally disposed apertures, the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail apertures disposed adjacently for collinear alignment;

wherein at least one stop pin is adapted to be received within at least one of the plurality of apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail when the apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail are collinear aligned, thereby preventing the inner and outer frames from telescoping movement.

11. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein at least one of the inner frame and the outer frame include a foot rest attached thereto.

12. The tree stand of claim 11, wherein the foot rest includes an angularly adjustable trunk and an angularly adjustable rest for optimizing the angle of the trunk and the rest in relation to the inner frame and the outer frames, thereby providing maximum comfort for the user.

13. The tree stand of claim 1, wherein the inner frame first end and the outer frame first end are disposed opposite one another, the inner frame and the outer frame first ends including a generally V-shaped configuration.

14. The tree stand of claim 4, wherein the covering includes a steel mesh.

15. A tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface, the tree stand comprising:

a outer frame including at least one tubular outer frame rail;

a inner frame including at least one inner frame rail, the inner rail telescopingly engaged within the outer rail, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis;

at least one of the outer frame and inner frame including a covering, the covering adapted to support a user thereon;

one of the inner rail or the outer rail including a plurality of locking features disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail, the other of the inner rail or the outer rail including a lever; and

the lever including a head adapted to be engaged with at least one of the plurality of locking features;

wherein at least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features are adapted to be disengaged from the other of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head or the at least one of the plurality of locking features is further adapted to prevent movement of the inner and outer frame rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

16. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the outer frame includes a first end adapted to be engaged with a first limb of a tree and the inner frame includes a first end adapted to be engaged with a second limb of a tree and disposed opposite the first end of the outer frame.

17. The tree stand of claim 16, wherein the inner frame and the outer frame first ends include a generally V-shaped configuration.

18. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the outer frame includes two generally parallel tubular outer frame rails and the inner frame includes two generally parallel tubular inner frame rails, each of the inner rails telescopingly engaged within one of the outer rails, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis;

wherein further at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a plurality of locking features and at least one of the other of the inner rail or the outer rail includes a lever.

19. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the inner frame rail is tubular.

20. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the outer and inner frame covering is steel mesh.

21. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the locking features are openings.

22. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the locking features are teeth.

23. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the locking features are disposed on an inside edge of at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail and the lever is disposed on an inside edge of the other at least one of the inner rail or the outer rail.

24. The tree stand of claim 18, wherein the locking features are disposed on an inside edge of one of the inner rails and the lever is disposed longitudinally on an inside edge the outer rail which is telescopingly engaged with the one of the inner rail having the locking features.

25. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the inner frame and the outer frame include a plurality of fastening features which are adapted to receive and at least temporarily retain a strap.

26. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail include a plurality of longitudinally disposed apertures, the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail apertures disposed adjacently for collinear alignment;

wherein at least one stop pin is adapted to be received within at least one of the plurality of apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail when the apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail are collinear aligned, thereby preventing the inner and outer frames from telescoping movement.

27. The tree stand of claim 15, wherein at least one of the inner frame and the outer frame include a foot rest attached thereto.

28. The tree stand of claim 27, wherein the foot rest includes an angularly adjustable trunk and an angularly adjustable rest for optimizing the angle of the trunk and the rest in relation to the inner frame and the outer frames, thereby providing maximum comfort for the user.

29. The tree stand of claim 17, wherein the covering includes a steel mesh.

30. A tree stand for supporting a user between two limbs of a tree at an elevated position above a ground surface, the tree stand comprising:

a outer frame including a generally V-shaped first end adapted to be engaged with a first tree limb and a pair of generally tubular outer frame rails;

a inner frame including a generally V-shaped first end adapted to be engaged with a second tree limb and a pair of generally tubular inner frame rails, each of the inner rails telescopingly engaged within one of the outer rails, thereby allowing the inner and outer frames to be adjustable along a longitudinal axis;

at least one of the outer frame and inner frame each include a covering disposed thereon, the covering adapted to support a user thereon;

at least one of the inner frame and the outer frame include a foot rest attached thereto, the foot rest including an angularly adjustable trunk and an angularly adjustable rest; and

at least one of the inner rails and the outer rails includes a plurality of locking features disposed longitudinally at discrete locations along the frame rail, the other of the inner rail or the outer rail including a lever, the lever including a head adapted to be engaged with at least one of the plurality of locking features;

wherein at least one of the head and the locking features are adapted to be disengaged from the other of the head and the locking features when the inner and outer frame rails are telescopingly moved outwardly, and at least one of the head and the locking features are further adapted to prevent movement of the inner and outer frame rails when the inner and outer frame rails are forced inwardly.

31. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the outer and inner frame covering is steel mesh.

32. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the locking features are openings.

33. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the locking features are teeth.

34. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the locking features are disposed on an inside edge of one of the inner rails and the lever is disposed longitudinally on an inside edge of the outer rail which is telescopingly engaged with the one of the inner rails having the locking features.

35. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the inner frame and the outer frame include a plurality of fastening features which are adapted to receive and at least temporarily retain a strap.

36. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail include a plurality of longitudinally disposed apertures, the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail apertures disposed adjacently for collinear alignment;

wherein at least one stop pin is adapted to be received within at least one of the plurality of apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail when the apertures of the inner frame rail and the outer frame rail are collinear aligned, thereby preventing the inner and outer frames from telescoping movement.

37. The tree stand of claim 30, wherein the covering is a flat plate.