Tree glider

Abstract

The present invention is a portable self contained tree stand for elevating hunters above the ground. The tree stand comprises a motorized winch for elevating the hunter and for dragging animal carcasses. The present invention also has a lower attachment tube for adding various accessories, such as gambrels, footrests, trailer hitches, or skinning cables. In addition, the tree stand of the present invention has a remote control for operating the motorized winch. Moreover, a power supply for operating the winch can also be used for powering various other auxiliary devices, such as heating blankets or personal electronic devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/879,348, filed Jan. 9, 2007.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention is directed primarily to the fields of hunting stands, animal carcass manipulation, and animal carcass skinning. Additional fields of use will include any application where a person attains an elevated position and performs tasks at an elevated position or applies a lift mechanism for purposes of dragging or elevating a load to include but not limited to military sniping and utility company pole climbing.

2. Description of Related Art

In the field of hunting, hunters use tree stands to achieve elevated positions where they can sit and wait on deer or other game. Generally, the hunter ascends the tree stand via ladder or mechanical device. Once in place, the hunter may sit and wait for long periods of time before viewing a deer. Once a deer is killed by the hunter, the hunter must descend the tree stand and locate the animal carcass. The animal carcass is then dragged to a convenient location for field dressing. This makes the animal lighter and thus more easily removed from the woods.

In recent years the average age of the hunting population has increased. In addition to the physical affects of aging, less fit persons, physically challenged, and wheelchair bound persons also enjoy the hunting sport. However, there are a number of physically difficult activities associated with hunting. The difficult activities include 1) achieving an elevated position, 2) dragging heavy game from point to point 3) hoisting the heavy game for field dressing 4) skinning the animal, and 5) loading of the heavy game into a vehicle for hauling out of the woods. All of these activities tend to make enjoying the hunting sport difficult if not impossible for older, less fit, physically challenged, and wheelchair bound persons.

Various methods and devices have been used to address the above problems. By way of example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,517 to Payne discloses a power driven tree stand, U.S. Pat. No. 5,803,694 to Steele discloses a portable tree platform, U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,964 to Gearhart discloses a tree attached deer hoist, U.S. Pat. No. 4,580,317 to Timothy discloses a portable hanger for deer or large animal carcasses and U.S. Pat. No. 4,145,028 to Kelley discloses a portable power winch assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,748 to Homer discloses a powered big game hoist.

Although Payne (517) and Steele (694) disclose methods of elevating disabled hunters, they do not address the additional needs of the disabled hunter—such as the need to drag and hang carcasses. A hunter of limited physical capacity may need to bring additional powered items for dragging, hanging, skinning and loading an animal carcass after it has been shot. However, it may not be practical for a hunter to transport all of the items necessary to the hunting location.

Gearhart (964) and Timothy (317) disclose devices for hoisting and hanging carcasses, but neither is integral with the hunting stands. Timothy (317) addresses the need to make hunting items light and portable, however a need may still exist to lift an animal carcass once the gambrel hooks are placed. Gearhard (964) shows a tree attachable hoist for aid in lifting a carcass. However, since the device is not integral with a tree stand, a disabled hunter would still need to find a way to transport multiple items to the remote site.

The Kelley (028) reference teaches a portable power winch for dragging game across the ground. But since this device is also not integral with other hunting items—such as a tree stand, a disabled hunter would still require multiple items to be brought into the woods.

The Homer (748) reference teaches a motorized winch for hoisting big game up for gutting or loading purposes. This device is however attached to a vehicle. Therefore, the hunter would have to bring a vehicle to the kill point in order to avoid manipulating the carcass prior to field dressing.

The disabled or elderly hunter may find devices such as the above useful, but will still find difficulty in transporting multiple devices to the hunting site. A need, therefore, exists for a lightweight portable tree stand with multiple functions tailored to the needs of the disabled or elderly hunter but convenient and cost effective for the hunting community in general.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a tree stand with multiple functions that enable the hunter to operate without lugging multiple bulky components to remote areas in the woods.

The invention consists of a tree stand with a motorized winch and removable/rechargeable power supply. The motorized winch enables automatic ascension up the tree, dragging of the animal carcass, hoisting of the animal carcass and skinning of the animal carcass. The invention is equipped with a rechargeable power supply for powering various other items such as heaters or communications equipment. The tree stand is also equipped with multiple safety features should the winch fail.

The tree stand has four primary modes of operation: 1) elevated mode, 2) animal carcass drag mode, 3) animal carcass hoisting mode, and 4) animal carcass skinning mode

(1) Elevated Mode: When the hunter arrives at the site, the first mode they will operate the tree glider in is the Elevated Mode. The first step is attaching the tree glider to the base of the tree. The tree glider diagonal frame tube attaches to rear roller attachment tube in a slidable manner. The rear roller attachment tube carries back rollers and the tree glider platform carries the front rollers. The rear roller attachment tube is slid over the diagonal frame tube until front rollers and back rollers are in contact with the tree and the platform is level. A frame lock pin attaches the frame tubes together. The hunter then uses a pole, or other device known in the art, to attach the tree cable loop cable connector to a point 15-20 feet above the ground. The hunter then walks onto or rolls a wheelchair onto the tree glider platform and uses a remote control to operate the motorized winch. Once the tree stand platform reaches the correct elevated position, the hunter then locks the cable ascender in position. The hunter then attaches the safety strap around the tree and uses the ratchet tightener to lock the tree glider to the tree and attaches any other electrical devices, such as heaters or communications equipment to the tree glider power supply. The final step in elevation mode involves relaxation and observation until the animal is shot.

(2) Animal Carcass Drag Mode: After shooting an animal, the hunter reverses the above steps to descend the tree. Once on the ground, the hunter uses the safety strap and ratchet tightener to lock the tree stand in the lower position followed by releasing the hook from the tree and using the remote control to operate the motorized winch and release 50 to 100 feet of cable. The hunter will then attach the cable to the animal carcass and use the remote control to have the motorized winch rewind the cable which will drag the animal carcass toward the tree glider.

(3) Animal Carcass Hoisting Mode: Once the animal carcass has reached the base of the tree glider, the cable and hook are released from the animal carcass. The hook is re-attached to the cable connector on the tree cable loop. The safety strap and ratchet tightener are released from the tree. Next, a detachable gambrel is attached to a lower attachment tube at the base of the tree glider. The animal hocks are then attached to the detachable gambrel. Next the remote control is used to operate the winch and the animal carcass is raised off the ground. Finally, the animal is in a position to be field dressed which may include gutting or skinning. Upon completion of the action of field dressing, the carcass can be raised to a level necessary to load the carcass into a vehicle for removal from the woods.

(4) Animal Carcass Skinning Mode: If the hunter desires to remove the carcass skin, he or she may use the tree glider to assist this operation. A cable is attached to the lower attachment tube of the tree glider, and the opposing end of the cable is looped around the animal neck. Cuts are made through the skin on the mid-point of each of the legs. A similar cut is made around the entire animal neck. A golf ball or rock is inserted under the hide at the back of the animal carcass neck. A loop of cable is closed around the outside of the protrusion formed by the golf ball. The other end of the cable is secured to the ground or to a substantial eye screw in the base of the tree. The tree glider is then used to pull the animal carcass upwards. The ground attached cable then pulls the hide off the deer.

There has thus been outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In as much as the foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the disclosed specific methods and structures may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent methods and structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

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

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

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which is lightweight, durable and inexpensive to manufacture.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which can power various auxiliary devices required by a hunter.

Even still another object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which can drag animal carcasses from the kill point to the tree stand.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which can hoist an animal carcass into the air for field dressing purposes.

Yet another object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which can hoist an animal carcass and lower into the cargo area of a vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand which can separate an animal carcass hide from the body.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand with a wireless or wired remote control for operation of the motorized winch.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elevating tree stand with means for connecting various auxiliary devices to the lower periphery, such as gambrels, footrests, trailer hitches or skinning cables.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which 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 invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of this invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the present invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 Side View of the Tree Glider

FIG. 2 FIG. 2a is a front view, FIG. 2b is back view, FIG. 2c is a top view

FIG. 3 Tree Glider attachment components and Accessories

FIG. 4 Horizontal Stabilizer

FIG. 5 Tree Glider in Animal Carcass Dragging Mode

FIG. 6 Tree Glider in Animal Carcass Hoisting Mode

FIG. 7 Tree Glider in Animal Carcass Skinning Mode

FIG. 8 Method of Use of Tree Glider

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1-3, the present invention is shown in the elevated mode. Motorized winch 18 is a motorized tensioning device for raising and lowering a platform 2 by exerting a force on a winch cable 7 or any flexible tension element. A power supply 5 provides power for the motorized winch 18. The power supply 5 also has one or more outlets for powering auxiliary devices such as an electric blanket or personal electronics. Power supply 5 contains rechargeable battery 31. Power supply 5 is wired to supply electrical power to remote receiver 32. Remote receiver 32 receives commands from remote control 10 through a wireless or wired connection. Remote receiver 32 supplies power to a motorized winch 18 in response to commands from hand held remote control 10. Winch cable 7 is attached to tree cable loop 8 by cable connector 37. Winch cable 7 passes through fair lead 14. Fair lead 14 consists of four rollers which provide guidance to winch cable 7. Winch cable 7 has a cable ascender 17 which can be locked to winch cable 7. Cable ascender 17 attaches to the hunter safety belt and serves as safety measure should motorized winch 18 fail. Tree glider 1 or stand has platform 2 which supplies a standing or sitting location for hunter 53. Tree glider 1 has front roller 3 and back roller 4 for providing smooth contact as tree glider 1 elevates and descends. Front rollers 3 are held by front roller attachment bar 38. Back rollers 4 are attached to rear roller attachment tube 13. Rear roller attachment tube 13 is slidably attached to diagonal frame tube 12. Cable guard 41 is attached to platform 2 and creates a barrier between winch cable 7 and hunter 53. For added safety, the hunter may inhibit movement of motorized winch 18 by inserting winch safety pin 57 through a drilled hole in motorized winch 18.

Tree 20 or vertical support element can be various elongated vertically oriented structures such as trees or utility poles. When setting up tree glider 1, rear roller attachment tube 13 is slid over diagonal frame tube 12 until front roller 3 and back roller 4 contacts the tree 20 and platform 2 is level with the ground 22. When rear roller attachment tube 13 reaches the desired position, frame lock pin 9 is inserted through lock pin aperture 54 in rear roller attachment tube 13 and diagonal frame tube 12. With frame lock pin 9 in place, rear roller attachment tube 13 can no longer move relative to diagonal frame tube 12.

Tree cable loop 8 can be positioned at various heights along tree 20. Initially, tree cable loop 8 is loose around tree 20. To secure tree cable loop 8, winch cable 7 is pulled toward the ground 22 while cable loop cincher 36 is pushed toward tree top 19. Cable loop cincher 36 can have internal stop mechanism such that cable loop cincher 36 moves freely toward tree top 19 and resists movement in the opposite direction. Cable loop cincher 36 can further comprise a release button which when activated will allow free movement in either direction. To aid in positioning tree cable loop 8 at various heights, a tree cable attachment pole 33 is provided. A tree cable attachment pole 33 has a pole cable hook 34 for positioning tree cable loop 8 at tree top 19 and then tightening cable loop cincher 36. Tree cable attachment pole 33 also is used to attach winch cable 7 to cable connector 37 when tree glider 1 is being used to elevate loads.

As seen in FIG. 3, safety strap 15 is attached to tree 20 when tree glider 1 is elevated. Safety strap 15 is attached to strap attachment ring 39. Two strap attachment rings 39 are attached to rear roller attachment tube 13. Safety strap 15 is manually tightened by ratchet tightener 16. Safety strap 15 can also aid in positioning tree cable loop 8 at further extended heights along tree 20. Once the tree glider 1 is positioned at a first elevation on tree 20, safety strap 15 can be tightened with ratchet tightener 16. Next, tree cable loop 8 may be manually loosened by pulling cable loop cincher 36. Tree cable loop 8 may then be placed at a higher location. Safety strap 15 is then released, and the tree glider 1 can be elevated further up tree 20 from ground 22.

Shooting rail 23 provides a rest for the hunter 53 when shooting a gun. Shooting rail 23 is slidably attached to adjustable shooting rail attachment 40. A hunter 53 can change the position of shooting rail 23 by loosening thumb screw 35 and moving shooting rail 23 to the desired position for shooting. Adjustable shooting rail attachment 40 is welded to diagonal frame tube 12.

Tree glider 1 contains one or more lower attachment tubes 29 for attaching loads to the platform in addition to the person. When being used in animal carcass hoisting mode, a detachable gambrel 6 can be attached to lower attachment tube 29. Lower attachment tube 29 has a lower attachment tube aperture 30 for receiving tube pin 26. Detachable gambrel 6 has gambrel tube 24 extending from one side. Gambrel tube 24 slides into lower attachment tube 29 until lower attachment tube aperture 30 is aligned with gambrel tube aperture 27. Tube pin 26 is then inserted through lower attachment tube aperture 30 and gambrel tube aperture 27 and causing the two to be locked together. Cotter pin 25 is then inserted through tube pin 26. An animal carcass 52 may now be suspended by carcass suspension hook 28 and tree glider 1 can then be used to raise the animal carcass 52 from the ground 22.

Detachable gambrel 6 has a secondary use as a footrest. For footrest mode, detachable gambrel 6 is removed from lower attachment tube 29. Detachable gambrel 6 is then rotated 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of gambrel tube 24. Gambrel tube 24 is then inserted back into lower attachment tube 29. Tube pin 26 and cotter pin 25 are reassembled as described above. A foot rest bar 11 is now facing upward. This allows the hunter 53 to place his or her feet on foot rest bar 11 while he or she is waiting.

When transporting tree glider 1 to or from the hunting site, detachable gambrel 6 may be removed as described above. A standard square tube trailer ball hitch may be inserted into lower attachment tube 29. Tube pin 26 and cotter pin 25 may then be used to secure the square tube trailer hitch.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a horizontal stabilizer 42 is slidably attached to the fair lead cross support 46 by stabilizer adjustment tube 45. A rub surface mounting bar 44 is welded to stabilizer adjustment tube 45. Rub surface 43 is welded to rub surface mounting bar 44. Rub surface 43 can be fabricated by cutting a cylindrical metal pipe lengthwise. The resulting rub surface 43 is then semi cylindrical—which provides an appropriate leading edge for contacting the tree 20. A second horizontal stabilizer 42 (not shown) is also attached to the fair lead cross support 46. The two horizontal stabilizers 42 are independently adjustable toward and away from each other by sliding and locking the horizontal stabilizers 42 on the fair lead cross support 46. This slidable adjustment provides for use with different width of tree 20.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an animal carcass 52 can be manipulated after the hunter 53 makes his or her kill. Hunter 53 can detach winch cable 7 from tree cable loop 8. Motorized winch 18 is then manually reversed or reversed under power to release a sufficient length of winch cable 7 to reach animal carcass 52. Winch cable 7 is then attached to animal carcass 52. Remote control 10 is then used to operate motorized winch 18 and drag animal carcass 52 along the ground 22 until animal carcass 52 reaches the tree glider 1.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the animal carcass 52 can be elevated from the ground 22 for performing various operations such as field dressing. Tree glider 1 is lowered near to ground 22 where animal carcass 52 resides. Detachable gambrel 6 is inserted into lower attachment tube 29 with carcass suspension hook 28 facing away from ground 22. Animal carcass hocks 56 are then pierced with carcass suspension hook 28. Tree glider 1 is then elevated with motorized winch 18. Animal carcass 52 is then suspended as shown in FIG. 6.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an animal hide 50 can be removed from animal carcass 52 using the tree glider 1. A golf ball 49 is placed beneath the animal hide 50. A ground anchor 48 is attached to the ground 22 or to tree base 21. A skinning cable 47 is then attached to the ground anchor 48. The opposing end of skinning cable 47 is then attached to the animal hide 50 by looping around the lump in animal hide 50 caused by golf ball 49. A neck suspension cable 51 is then looped around the animal carcass neck 55 in the neck region. The opposing end of the neck suspension cable 51 is then hooked to the lower attachment tube aperture 30. The tree glider 1 is then raised which causes separation of the animal carcass 52 from the animal hide 50.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a method of use for the tree glider 1 is described.

A hunter 53 can be elevated toward tree top 19 by activating the motorized winch 18. After making a kill, the hunter 53 can lower the tree glider 1 from the tree top 19 by activating the motorized winch 18. Next, the hunter 53 can can detach the winch cable 7 from the tree 20, attach winch cable 7 to the animal carcass 52, and then move the animal carcass toward the tree glider 1 by activating the motorized winch 18. Next the hunter 53 can disconnect the winch cable 7 from the animal carcass 52, and re-attach the winch cable 7 to the tree 20. The detachable gambrel 6 can then be attached with carcass suspension hooks 28 facing up. The animal carcass can then be attached to detachable gambrel 6. Next, the animal carcass can be raised by tree glider 1, and the animal carcass 52 can be field dressed. The animal carcass 52 is then lowered and detached from the tree glider. Next, the animal carcass neck can be attached to neck suspension cable 51, and the opposing end of neck suspension cable 51 is then attached to lower attachment tube aperture 30. The animal hide is then attached to ground 20 by skinning cable 47. The tree glider 1 is then elevated, which causes separation of the hide from the animal carcass 52.

The embodiment described above is not meant to limit additional uses for the present invention. It is also contemplated that the tree glider may be used in ascending telephone poles by utility workers. In a utility pole application, the tree glider component materials could be electrically non-conductive so as to protect a utility worker from electrical shock.

Moreover, the tree glider could be used in military environments whereby a sniper could ascend a tree and spot or fire at enemies. In such an embodiment, the tree glider could carry multiple armor plates for protecting the sniper from enemy fire. Cables, motor and power components could be appropriately upsized for this more demanding environment.

Claims

1. A stand for elevating a person above ground level comprising:

a flexible tension element that attaches to,

a vertical support member,

a platform for supporting the person,

a motorized tensioning device for raising and lowering the platform by exerting a force on the flexible tension element,

a power supply for powering the motorized tensioning device,

2. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: a remote control for controlling the motorized tensioning device,

3. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 2, wherein the remote control transmits uses infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF).

4. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: one or more outlets from the power supply for powering auxiliary devices.

5. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: one or more devices for attaching the flexible tension element to loads other than the vertical support member.

6. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: a lower attachment tube with one or more apertures, the lower attachment tube having a rectangular cross section and a hollow interior, the lower attachment tube also having a horizontally oriented rectangular opening to the hollow interior.

7. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 6, further comprising: a detachable loading device with exterior rectangular cross section sized smaller than the horizontally oriented rectangular opening of the lower attachment tube to permit removably coupling the detachable loading device with the lower attachment tube by inserting therein, the detachable loading device carrying a secondary bar on the distal end for providing a secondary rest for a persons lower extremities, the detachable loading device also having one or more hooks on the distal end for suspending an animal, the detachable loading device being insertable into the lower attachment tube with the secondary bar facing up or with the one or more hooks facing up.

8. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 6, further comprising: a detachable towing device with exterior rectangular cross section sized smaller than the horizontally oriented rectangular opening of the lower attachment tube to permit removably coupling the detachable towing device with the lower attachment tube by inserting therein, the detachable towing device carrying an upward facing cylindrical ball on the distal end for providing a coupling with a towing vehicle.

9. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: an aperture for attaching an animal carcass neck suspension cable.

10. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: an adjustable rest for steadying the upper extremities of the person,

11. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising: one or more lower attachment tubes with a rectangular cross section, the one or more lower attachment tubes having an aperture for coupling an animal carcass neck suspension cable.

12. The stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 1, further comprising:

a remote control for controlling the motorized tensioning device,

one or more outlets from the power supply for powering auxiliary devices,

one or more devices for attaching the flexible tension element to loads other than fastening to the vertical support member,

one or more lower attachment tubes with a rectangular cross section,

a device with one or more hooks for suspending an animal carcass,

an aperture for attaching an animal carcass neck suspension cable.

an adjustable rest for steadying the upper extremities of the person,

a secondary bar for providing a secondary rest for the lower extremities of the person,

a device for attaching the stand to a towing vehicle.

13. A method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level comprising the steps of:

locating the stand in the vicinity of a vertical support member,

attaching a tension member to a vertical support member,

relocating the stand by retracting the tension member,

14. The method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

separating the tension member from the vertical support member,

attaching the tension member to a load, the load being at a remote location, moving the load from the remote location toward the stand by use of the motorized tensioning device,

15. The method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

attaching a load to the stand,

elevating the load by activating the motorized tensioning device,

lowering the load by activating the motorized tensioning device,

detaching the load from the stand.

16. The method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

attaching a load to a cable,

attaching the cable to the stand

attaching a portion of the load to a stationery member,

severing the portion of the load from the load by elevating the stand,

17. The method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

attaching the tension member to a vehicle,

relocating the stand towards the vehicle by retracting the tension member, attaching the stand to the vehicle for further relocation.

18. The method of use of a motorized tensioning device of a stand for elevating a person above ground level of claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

relocating the stand by retracting the tension member,

separating the tension member from the vertical support member,

attaching the tension member to a load, the load being at a remote location,

moving the load from the remote location toward the stand by use of the tension member,

separating the load from the tension member,

attaching the tension member to the vertical support member,

attaching the load to the stand,

elevating the load by elevating the stand,

lowering the load by lowering the stand,

detaching the load from the stand,

attaching the load to a cable,

attaching the cable to the stand

attaching a portion of the load to a stationery member,

severing the portion of the load from the load by elevating the stand,

attaching the tension member to a vehicle,

relocating the stand towards the vehicle by retracting the tension member,

attaching the stand to the vehicle for further relocation.

19. A method of use of a hunters tree stand comprising the steps of:

elevating a platform for carrying a hunter into the tree by activating a motor,

lowering the platform for carrying a hunter from the tree by activating the motor,

moving an animal carcass towards the platform by activating the motor,

attaching the animal carcass to the platform,

elevating the animal carcass by activating the motor,

attaching the hide of the animal carcass to a stationary member,

removing the hide of the animal carcass by activating the motor.

20. A method of operating a hunters tree stand with a movable platform to facilitate rolling a wheel chair onto the platform comprising the steps of:

lowering the platform to a bottom of a platform travel,

loosening a fastening of a platform lift mechanism from a tree allowing the platform to conform to ground level,

rolling the wheel chair onto the platform,

raising the platform to a desired elevation,

tightening the fastening of the lift mechanism to the tree.