System and method for a tree shelf
The system contains a backing having a proximate end and a distal end. A base, having a proximate end and a distal end, is pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing to the proximate end of the base. At least one base strap is connected to the distal end of the backing and to the distal end of the base. A length of the strap between the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base is adjustable. At least one tree strap is connected to the backing, whereby the tree strap is for mounting the backing to a tree.
The present invention is generally related to a portable shelf and, more specifically, a portable shelf that is mountable to a tree.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONOutdoor recreational activity is common. Camping, hunting, and hiking are all common recreational activities. Often, individuals will set up a camp or similar location where they will leave the substance of their belongings. The belongings typically stay within a bag, cooler, or other portable container, where they are generally inconvenient to access. The belongings stay in these portable containers because there is no other location on which to keep or store belongings, short of dragging furniture into the woods. Ideally, there would be a transportable item, built for outdoor use, which could be used to hold belongings in an accessible position.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONEmbodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for a tree shelf. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. The system contains a backing having a proximate end and a distal end. A base, having a proximate end and a distal end, is pivotably connected from the proximate end of the backing to the proximate end of the base. At least one base strap is connected to the backing and the base. A length of the strap between the backing and the base is adjustable. At least one tree strap is connected to the backing, whereby the tree strap is for mounting the backing to a tree.
The present invention can also be viewed as providing methods for using a tree shelf. In this regard, one embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: mounting a backing having a proximate end and a distal end to a tree using at least one tree strap connected to the backing; pivoting a base having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base, to an angle with the backing; connecting at least one base strap to the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base; and adjusting a length of the strap between the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base to hold the base at a substantially horizontal position.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSMany aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
As shown in
The tree shelf 10 may further include a second tree strap 18B connected to the backing 14. The first and second tree straps 18A, 18B may include female fasteners 20A, 20B and male fasteners 22A, 22B that are removably fastenable about a tree. The first and second tree straps 18A, 18B may include adjustment mechanisms 24A, 24B that may be used to adjust a length of the tree straps 18A, 18B to securely fit the circumference of a tree. Other means of fastening the backing 14 to a tree are understood by those of ordinary skill in the art and are considered to be within the scope of the invention.
A length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjustable. As shown in
The base sections 44A, 44B, 44C may have base support members 46 connected internally to the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C. The base 12 may further include base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C mounted separately over each of the base sections 44A, 44B, 44C, respectively. The base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C may be separate so as not to interfere with the hinges 42. The base surfaces 32A, 32B, 32C may be a grate material, as shown in
The base 12 may further include a rod sleeve 54 (shown in
As is shown by block 202, the backing 14 having a proximate end and a distal end, is mounted to a tree using at least one tree strap 18A connected to the backing 14. The base 12, having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing 14 is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base 12, is pivoted to an angle with the backing 14 (block 204). At least one base strap 16 is connected between the backing 14 and the base 12 (block 206). A length of the base strap 16 between the distal end of the backing 14 and the distal end of the base 12 is adjusted to hold the base 12 at a substantially horizontal position (block 208).
The base strap 16 may further be used to strap the tree shelf 10 in a compact position, such as that shown in
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A tree shelf comprising:
- a backing having a proximate end and a distal end;
- a base having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base;
- at least one base strap connected to the backing and the base, wherein a length of the strap between the backing and the base is adjustable, whereby the at least one base strap limits pivotable mobility of the base relative to the backing; and
- at least one tree strap connected to the backing, whereby the tree strap is for mounting the backing to a tree.
2. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a plurality of base sections and wherein the plurality of base sections are pivotably connected.
3. The tree shelf of claim 2, wherein the pivotable connection between the base sections allows the base sections to pivot to a position parallel with each other.
4. The tree shelf of claim 2, further comprising a rod sleeve formed in a plurality of the base sections and a rod removably insertable through the rod sleeve whereby insertion of the rod prohibits the base sections from pivoting.
5. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the backing is angular thereby conforming to the shape of a tree.
6. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the at least one tree strap further comprises two tree straps connected to the backing.
7. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a metal frame and a porous surface mounted on the metal frame thereby preventing the base from holding water.
8. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the pivotable connection between the base and the backing allows the base to pivot to a position parallel with the backing.
9. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the base strap is adjusted to hold the base in a substantially horizontal position.
10. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the base strap is positioned to hold the base in a substantially vertical position.
11. The tree shelf of claim 1, wherein the base strap is connected to the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base.
12. A method of using a tree shelf, the method comprising the steps of:
- mounting a backing having a proximate end and a distal end to a tree using at least one tree strap connected to the backing;
- pivoting a base having a proximate end and a distal end, wherein the proximate end of the backing is pivotably connected to the proximate end of the base, to an angle with the backing;
- connecting at least one base strap to the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base; and
- adjusting a length of the strap between the distal end of the backing and the distal end of the base to hold the base at a substantially horizontal position.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising pivoting a plurality of base sections that form the base into a common plane and inserting a rod through a rod sleeve in the base sections to impede pivoting of the base sections.
14. The method of claim 11, further comprising pivoting the base to a substantially vertical position and adjusting the base strap to hold the base in a substantially vertical position.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 31, 2006
Publication Date: Aug 2, 2007
Inventor: Armand Paquin (Manchester, NH)
Application Number: 11/344,438
International Classification: A47B 5/00 (20060101);