Platform assembly

Abstract

A platform assembly adapted for securement to a support. The platform assembly includes a base having a front end and a rear end, and a brace adapted to be secured to the support. The rear end of the base is pivotally secured to the brace. At least one flexible strap supports the front end of the base at a selective angle relative to the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a platform assembly for securement to a support.

Platform assemblies that are capable of being secured to a support (e.g., a tree, boat, building) have a wide variety of uses and applications. For example, a platform assembly that is secured to a tree (often called a tree stand) can be used to support hunters elevated above game. As another example, a platform assembly that is secured to the exterior of a hull of a boat can be used to support a hunting dog used to retrieve killed game from the water. The platform assembly allows the dog to spot the killed game that is in the water and allows to dog to have easy and quick access to the water.

A typical platform assembly comprises a brace that is secured to a support and a base that extends outward from the brace. Typically, the angle of the base with respect to the brace is fixed at 90 degrees. This configuration may be adequate or even desirable in many situations, however sometimes it may be more desirable to have the base extend at an angle less than or greater than 90 degrees. For example, if the support (e.g., a tree) is slanted, and the user wants the base to extend horizontally (i.e., parallel with horizon), then the user must be able to adjust the angle of the base with respect to the brace to properly configure the platform. One such platform assembly allowing the user to adjust the angle of the base is a tree stand disclosed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,995,475, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. This tree stand includes rigid metal arms adjustable in length for supporting a base of the stand. Varying the length of the arms changes the angle of the base with respect to the brace.

In another exemplary prior art platform, metal chains support the front end of the base. Typically, the metal chains are secured to the brace using pins that are received through selected links of the chain and detachably secured the brace. To adjust the angle of the brace with respect to the base, the user must remove the pins from the brace thereby detaching the chains from the brace, adjust the lengths of the chains extending between the brace and the base, and then, when the desired angle is reached insert the pins through the corresponding links and into the brace. Detaching the chain from the brace is not desirable. There is also a possibility that the pin (or other device(s) securing the chains to the brace) may inadvertently become disconnected from the brace while the platform is in use.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In general, the present invention relates to a platform assembly adapted for securement to a support. The platform assembly comprises a base having a front end and a rear end, and a brace adapted to be secured to the support. The rear end of the base is pivotally secured to the brace. At least one flexible strap supports the front end of the brace at a selected angle relative to the base.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a tree stand for securement to a tree. The tree stand comprises a base having a front end and a rear end, and a brace. The base is sized and shaped for supporting an adult human in a standing position on the base. The rear end of the base is pivotally secured to the brace. A securement device having opposite ends adapted for connection to the brace is adapted to pass around the trunk of the tree to secure the brace to the tree. At least one flexible strap supports the front end of the base. The flexible strap is adjustable in length for selectively adjusting an angle of the base with respect to the brace for use in leveling the base.

In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to a platform assembly adapted for securement to a support. The platform assembly comprises a base having a front end and a rear end, and a brace adapted to be secured to the support. The rear end of the base is pivotally secured to the brace. At least one flexible member is attached to the base and the brace for supporting the front end of the base. The platform assembly also comprises an adjustment device for adjusting a length of the flexible member without detaching the flexible member from either the base or the brace.

Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective of one embodiment of a platform assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the platform assembly of FIG. 1 with a portion of a mounting chain broken away;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the platform assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the platform assembly of FIG. 1 configured such that the angle between a base and a brace of the platform assembly is a right angle;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the platform assembly of FIG. 1 configured such that the angle between the base and the brace of the platform is obtuse;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective of a flexible strap of the platform assembly of FIG. 1 illustrating increased thickness of an intermediate portion of the strap

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a buckle of the strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 a fragmentary perspective of the strap showing a safety stop; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective of another embodiment of a platform assembly of the present invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of a platform assembly of the present invention secured to a structure is generally indicated at 10. The platform assembly of this embodiment is a tree stand adapted to be secured to a trunk of a tree T (FIG. 1). A tree stand is typically used by hunters to elevate themselves above their game. It is understood that the platform assembly of the present invention may be of other types, besides the illustrated tree stand 10, and may be secured to other supports besides trees. For example, in other embodiments, the platform assembly may be adapted to be secured to a boat, a building, or other structures. Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, the tree stand 10 comprises a base, generally indicated at 15, and a generally elongate brace, generally indicated at 17, pivotally secured to the base and extending upward therefrom forming an angle A (FIGS. 4 and 5) with respect to the base. As will be disclosed more fully hereinafter, the angle A between the base 15 and brace 17 can be changed to keep the base oriented generally horizontally (compare FIGS. 4 and 5). The brace 17 is secured directly to the tree trunk T such that a U-shaped bracket 18 of the brace engages the tree. In addition, a curved foot 19 extending from a rear end of the base 15 engages the tree, and the base extends outward from the tree T to a front end. A flexible strap, generally indicated at 24, is secured to the front end of the base 15 and extends to and engages the brace 17 to support the front end of the base.

The base 15 of the illustrated embodiment comprises a frame 26 having a pair of laterally spaced elongate side members 28A, 28B and a front cross member 30 (FIGS. 1 and 2). As illustrated, the frame 26 is formed of a single piece of channel bent into a roughly truncated triangle shape (as seen in FIG. 2). Webs 32 extend between the side members 28A, 28B to form a generally planar top surface on which, for example, the user's feet rest. As described above, the foot 19 of the base 15 extends rearwardly from the rear end of the base for engagement with the tree T. The foot 19 is generally concave (FIG. 2) to accommodate some curvature of the tree T, although other shapes are within the scope of this invention. Preferably, the entire base 15 is constructed of metal or other rigid material.

The brace 17 of the illustrated embodiment is pivotally secured to the base 15 at a lower end and projects up from the base (FIGS. 1-3). As shown best in FIGS. 3 and 4, the brace 17 comprises a front column 36 pivotally mounted on one of the webs 32 of the base 15 by a bolt 37 extending through a pair of angle irons 38 attached to the web. A pair of spaced apart rear columns 39A, 39B of the brace 17 are pivotally attached to the base 15 by respective bolts 40A, 40B extending through respective ends of a U-shaped mount 41 attached to another of the webs 32 (FIGS. 3 and 4). As shown in FIG. 3, an engagement bar 44, the function of which is described in detail below, extends between the rear columns 39A, 39B. A link 46 (FIGS. 1 and 3) pivotally interconnects the rear columns 39A, 39B and the front column 36 giving the brace 17 additional stability. A seat 48 is pivotally attached to the top of the rear columns 39A, 39B (FIG. 4). The front of the seat 48 rests on the front column 36 when the tree stand 10 is in use. The link 46 completes a parallelogram linkage formed by the front column 36, the rear columns 39A, 39B, the base 15 and the link. This linkage keeps the seat 48 substantially parallel to the base 15 as the angle A between the base and the brace 17 changes. Preferably, the entire brace 17 is constructed of metal or other rigid material. As described in more detail below, a securement device, generally indicated at 50, is used to secure the brace 17 to the tree trunk T. The brace 17 can fold up against the base 15 for transportation and storage.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the flexible strap 24 of the tree stand 10 supports the front end of the base 15. The strap 24 has a pair of opposite end portions attached by connecting members 53A, 53B to respective side members 28A, 28B of the base 15 adjacent its front end, and an intermediate portion 55 disposed between the ends of the strap along its length engaging the brace 17. As such, the strap 24 extends generally rearwardly from its opposite ends and forms a generally inverted V-shape configuration, with an apex 57 of the strap (FIG. 3) located where the strap engages the engagement bar 44 of the brace 17. The strap 24 is preferably constructed of lightweight and durable fabric or web material to adequately support the base 15 and additional weight (such as the weight of the user or an animal) exerted thereon. Such a suitable fabric or web may be constructed of materials such as polyester, nylon and/or polypropylene. Other material may be used to construct the strap 24.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the length of the strap 24 is selectively adjustable to allow the user to adjust the angle A of the base 15 with respect to the brace 17. For example, shortening the length of the strap 24 decreases the angle A between the base 15 and the brace 17 (FIG. 4), and lengthening the strap increases the angle (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, this is accomplished by incorporating a buckle, generally indicated at 60, on the strap 24 and allowing the intermediate portion 55 of the strap to slidably engage the brace 17. Using the buckle 60, the length of the strap 24 between the end portions may be shortened or lengthened without detaching the strap from either the base 15 or the brace 17. The intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24 is looped around the engagement bar 44 of the brace 17 such that as the length of the strap is shortened or lengthened the intermediate portion 55 of the strap slides on the engagement bar 44 (FIG. 3). This particular construction allows for there to be only one strap 24 and one buckle 60 for adjusting the angle A of the base 15 with respect to the brace 17.

In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 3), the engagement bar 44 is inserted through aligned openings 62 in the rear columns 39A, 39B of the brace 17. The bar 44 has a hexagonal head 63 and a threaded opposite end 65 for receiving a nut 67 to fasten the bar to the rear columns 39A, 39B. Other ways of securing the engagement bar 44 to the brace 17, such as by welding, is within the scope of this invention. The bar 44 extends generally transverse to the brace 17 (i.e., generally horizontally) and is disposed generally adjacent the upper end of the brace 17. The bar 44 of the illustrated embodiment is generally cylindrical and substantially smooth to decrease frictional forces as the strap 24 slides on it. It is understood, however, that the engagement bar 44 may extend generally vertically or diagonally between the rear columns 39A, 39B and may be other shapes and textures without departing from the scope of this invention. Moreover, the engagement bar 44 can be mounted elsewhere than the rear columns 39A, 39B. The engagement bar 44 may be made of from a metal bar stock or any other rigid material adequate to support the weight of the base 15 and a person standing on the base.

Because of frictional forces produced by sliding movement of the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24 on the engagement bar 44 and the forces exerted on the bar by the strap to support the base 15, the intermediate portion of the strap is preferably reinforced so that it is stronger and more durable than other portions of the strap. For example (FIGS. 3 and 6), the intermediate portion 55 of strap 24 may have a greater thickness than other portions of the strap. Some exemplary ways of providing the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24 with a greater thickness are described below. Other ways of reinforcing the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24 are within the scope of this invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the buckle 60 of the strap 24 of the illustrated embodiment is a conventional buckle comprising a channel-shaped body, generally indicated at 70, having a bottom wall 72 and opposite side walls 74. The bottom wall 72 defines a central opening 78 therein extending through the body 70. Opposite ends 81 of a floating bar 82 are slidably received in elongate slots 84 extending lengthwise in the side walls 74 so that the floating bar lies across the bottom wall 72 above the central opening 78. The floating bar 82 is preferably roughened (not shown) to enhance gripping of the strap 24. It is understood that the terms “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “rear”, and such related and similar terms are not meant to impart limitations on structure but are used merely for reference in describing structure. The buckle 60 also includes a quick release mechanism that in the illustrated embodiment of the invention comprises a strap 88 that extends outward from the lower end of bottom wall 72 of the buckle 60. Use of the quick release strap 88 is described below. It is understood that other types of buckles and other ways of incorporating the buckle in the strap are within the scope of this invention. Moreover, other ways of making the length of the strap 24 adjustable, besides the use of a buckle 60, is within the scope of this invention. In one embodiment of the invention (not shown), a strap may not be adjustable.

In the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 3), the strap 24 comprises a first web 91 and a second web 93 connected together by the buckle 60. The first web 91 has a first end portion 92A corresponding to one of the ends of the strap 24 that is secured to base 15. The first web 91 extends from the connecting member 53B on the base 15, around the engagement bar 44 of the brace 17, and through the central opening 78 of the buckle 60 between the bottom wall 72 and the floating bar 82. The web 91 loops around the bottom wall 72 of the buckle 60 and extends back over the engagement bar 44 such that the web folds over itself in a generally face to face relationship effectively increasing the thickness of the strap 24 in this region. A second end portion 92B of the first web 91 is located between the engagement bar and the first end portion 92A of the web. To reinforce the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24, for reasons discussed previously, the web 91 is secured together in a suitable manner, such as by stitching 96. Although not shown in the drawings, the web 91 of the illustrated embodiment is also stitched together along the longitudinal edge margins of the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24. Reinforcing the intermediate portion 55 of the strap 24 may be accomplished in other ways, such as by attaching (e.g., sewing) a separate piece of material (e.g., web) to the first web 91 such that the two are in a face to face engagement. Moreover, an extra piece of web material 94 is attached, such as by sewing or other methods, to the segment of the web 91 that engages the bottom wall 72 of the buckle 60 between the web and the buckle to strengthen and reinforce the web at this location.

Referring still to FIG. 3, the second web 93 has a first end portion 95A corresponding to the other end of the strap 24 that is secured to the connecting member 53A on the base 15. The web 93 extends from the base 15, through the central opening 78 of the buckle 60 between the bottom wall 72 and the floating bar 82, loops around the floating bar, and runs back through the central opening. The weight of a person on the base 15 causes the web 93 to pull the floating bar 82 towards a lower end of the buckle 60, thereby wedging the web 93 tightly against a lower edge of the opening 78. To shorten the strap 24, the user pulls the second end 95B of the second web 93 downward or outward. This has the effect of lessening the grip of the buckle 60 on the web 93 so that the web can slide over the floating bar 82 to adjust (e.g., shorten) the length of the strap 24 between its ends attached to the connecting members 53A, 53B. To lengthen the strap 24, the user pulls the quick release strap 88 of the buckle 60 upward or rearward. This also has the effect of lessening the grip of the buckle 60 on the web 93 so that the web can slide over the floating bar 82 to adjust (e.g., lengthen) the length of the strap 24 between its ends attached to the connecting members 53A, 53B.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the strap 24 of the illustrated embodiment also comprises a safety stop 100 for preventing the web 93 of the strap 24 from becoming detached from the buckle 60. The stop 100 is disposed on the second web 93 of the strap 24 adjacent its second end 95B. The stop 100 comprises a segment of the second web 93 folded upon itself and secured together to form a loop. The stop 100 should be sized and shaped such that it cannot fit through the central opening 78 between the floating bar 82 and the bottom wall 72 of the buckle 60. Preferably, the stop 100 is formed by folding the web 93 into three stacked layers (FIG. 8). The layers are stitched together to form the loop such that stitching 101 is located solely on a side 102 of the loop generally adjacent the second end 93B of the web 93. In this way the loop is more likely to flip upward (i.e., transverse to the strap 24) when it engages the buckle 60, rather than fold flat (i.e., parallel to the strap). This helps to ensure that the loop will not slide through the central opening 78 of the buckle 60 and detach from the buckle. The stop 100 also prevents the user from lengthening the strap 24 more than a predetermined amount. Other ways of incorporating a safety stop on the strap are within the scope of this invention.

It is understood that in the embodiment where the strap 22 is selectively adjustable, the adjustable strap, in its broadest sense, is an adjustable flexible member and the buckle 60, in its broadest sense, is an adjustment device. It is contemplated that in other embodiments (not shown) the adjustable flexible member can be a cable or a chain, for example, or other flexible member without departing from the scope of this invention. Accordingly, it is also contemplated that the adjustment device can be a cable grip or a chain-hoist, for example, or any other device that is suitable for selectively adjusting the length of the adjustable flexible member without having to detach the adjustable flexible member from either the brace or the base.

In the illustrated embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 3-5), the opposite ends of the strap 24 are pivotally secured to the base 15 so that as the length of the strap 24 changes, angles B between the ends of the strap and the base also change (FIGS. 4 and 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the strap 24 are secured to corresponding connecting members 53A, 53B which are in turn, pivotally secured to the corresponding opposite side members 28A, 28B of the base 15 adjacent its front end. Each connecting member 53A, 53B comprises an opening 109 for receiving a corresponding end of the strap 24. Each corresponding end of the strap 24 is looped through the corresponding opening 109 and secured to itself, such as by sewing or any other method known in the art. A suitable fastener (e.g., a bolt 111) is inserted through each connecting member 53A, 53B and into the corresponding side member 28A, 28B of the base 15 to pivotally secure the connecting member to the base. Other ways of pivotally securing the strap 24 to the base 15 are within the scope of this invention. For example, the ends of the strap 24 could extend around the front cross member 30 and sewn to the strap. In that event, no connecting member would be used.

As shown best in FIG. 1 and as stated above, the brace 17 is secured to the tree T using the securement device 50. The securement device of the illustrated embodiment comprises a chain 115 having opposite ends that are attached to the upper end of the brace 17. The chain 115 engages and extends around the tree T to secure the brace thereto. Preferably, at least one of the opposite ends of the chain 115 is detachably secured to the brace 17 to allow the user to readily remove the stand 10 from the tree T and secure it to another tree. The chain 115 can be adjusted to accommodate different tree trunks T having various diameters. A suitable securement device 50 is described in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,722,472, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. It is understood that the securement device 50 may comprise other devices, besides a chain, such as a clamping yoke or other rigid member as taught in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,659 B2, the entirety of which is herein incorporated by reference. However, securement devices that do not extend around the support are also contemplated. For example, the platform assembly could be bolted directly to a support, or include a bracket that fits over a support.

The tree stand 10 of the illustrated embodiment also comprises a safety belt 123 having opposite ends secured to the brace 17, at least one of which is detachably secured to the brace. The belt 123 engages and extends around the tree T. The safety belt 123 has a buckle 124 for adjusting the length of the belt to accommodate differing diameters of trees. The safety belt 123 is a back-up device in case the chain 115, which is the primary securement device securing the stand to the tree, fails.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated at 210. This embodiment is similar to the previous embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-8, and therefore, corresponding parts are indicated by corresponding reference numbers plus “200” for convenience. The difference between the present embodiment and the previous embodiment is that this platform assembly 210 comprises a pair of flexible straps, generally indicated at 224A, 224B, instead of a single strap. In this embodiment, each strap 224A, 224B has opposite first and second ends. The first ends of the straps 224A, 224B are secured to the corresponding opposite side members 228A, 228B of the base 215 adjacent its front end by connecting members 253A, 253B. The second ends are secured to the corresponding rear columns 239A, 239B of the brace 217 generally adjacent the upper end of the brace 217 by connecting members 307 (only one is shown). Each strap 224A, 224B is adjustable in length and has its own buckle 260 for adjusting corresponding length. The buckles 260 are incorporated into the straps 224A, 224B in substantially the same manner as described above with regard the strap 24 of the previous embodiment. Other ways of making the lengths of the straps 224A, 224B adjustable are within the scope of this invention. The connecting members 253A, 253B, 307 are substantially similar to the connecting members 53A, 53B associated with the base 15, as described above. Other ways of securing the straps 224A, 224B, such as by looping the straps around the front cross member 230 and the rear columns 239A, 239B, are within the scope of this invention.

When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The use of orientational terms like “horizontal”, “vertical”, “up”, and “down” are for convenience and do not require the invention to have any particular orientation.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A platform assembly adapted for securement to a support, the platform assembly comprising

a base having a front end and a rear end,

a brace adapted to be secured to the support, the rear end of the base being pivotally secured to the brace, and

at least one flexible strap supporting the front end of the base at a selected angle relative to the brace.

2. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein the flexible strap is adjustable in length for selectively adjusting the angle of the base with respect to the brace.

3. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one flexible strap comprises a buckle for use in selectively adjusting the length of the strap.

4. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein said at least one flexible strap comprises spaced apart opposite ends each secured to the base adjacent the front end, the strap being secured to the brace between opposite ends for slidably engaging the brace as the length of the strap is being adjusted.

5. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 4 further comprising a pair of connecting members pivotally secured to the base adjacent the front end, said spaced apart opposite ends of the strap being secured to the connecting members to pivotally secure the ends of the strap to the base.

6. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said brace includes an engagement bar extending therebetween generally adjacent the top of the post, wherein the strap loops around the bar to slidably secure the strap to the brace.

7. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the strap has a generally V-shaped configuration, the strap engaging the engagement bar at an apex of the V-shaped configuration.

8. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said platform assembly further comprises a securement device adapted to extend around the support and having opposite ends capable of being secured to the brace, at least one of the ends of the securement device being detachably secured to the brace.

9. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein the strap comprises two flexible webs in generally face to face engagement, the two flexible webs being located where the strap engages the brace.

10. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 6 wherein the strap has a greater thickness where it engages the brace than at the opposite ends of the strap.

11. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 1 comprising two straps each having a front end secured to the base generally at the front end, and a rear end secured to the brace, each strap being adjustable in length for adjusting the angle of the base with respect to the brace.

12. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 11 further comprising two pairs of connecting members, each pair being pivotally secured to the base and the brace, each strap being secured to a corresponding one of the pairs of connecting members for pivotally securing the strap to the base and brace.

13. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein each strap comprises at least one buckle for selectively adjusting the length of the strap.

14. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 2 wherein the strap comprises a buckle for adjusting the length of the strap to change the angle of the base relative to the brace and a safety stop to prevent the strap from detaching from the buckle.

15. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 14 wherein said safety stop comprises a portion of the strap folded upon itself and secured together to form a loop.

16. A platform assembly as set forth in claim 1 further comprising at least one connecting member secured to the base generally adjacent its front end, the flexible strap being secured to the at least one connecting member.

17. A tree stand for securement to a tree comprising

a base having a front end and a rear end, the base being sized and shaped for supporting an adult human in a standing position,

a brace, the rear end of the base being pivotally secured to the brace,

a securement device having opposite ends adapted for connection to the brace and being adapted to pass around the trunk of the tree to secure the brace to the tree, and

at least one flexible strap supporting the front end of the base, the flexible strap being adjustable in length for selectively adjusting an angle of the base with respect to the brace for use in leveling the base.

18. A tree stand as set forth in claim 17 wherein said at least one flexible strap comprises spaced apart opposite ends each secured to the base adjacent the front end, the strap being secured to the base between opposite ends for slidably engaging the brace as the length of the strap is being adjusted.

19. A tree stand as set forth in claim 17 comprising two straps each having a front end pivotally secured to the base generally at the front end, a rear end secured to the brace, each strap being adjustable in length for adjusting the angle of the base with respect to the brace.

20. A platform assembly adapted for securement to a support, the platform assembly comprising

a base having a front end and a rear end,

a brace adapted to be secured to the support, the rear end of the base being pivotally secured to the brace, and

at least one flexible member attached to the base and the brace for supporting the front end of the base;

an adjustment device for adjusting a length of the flexible member without detaching the flexible member from either the base or the brace.