Climbing treestand

Abstract

A treestand apparatus has a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight, a toothed belt attached to the frame at first and second points, with a portion of the toothed belt between the first and second points being configured to extend around the tree. At least one of the points of the frame includes a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust the length of the portion of the toothed belt.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/787,098, filed Mar. 28, 2006, in the name of Raymond Bedell, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many people prefer to observe or hunt large game animals from the vantage point provided by an elevated platform in a high tree. Such vantage points provide the opportunity to hunt and observe wildlife while avoiding detection by big-game animals roaming through the general vicinity of the platform-bearing tree.

Climbing treestands are frequently used by hunters to ascend tree trunks and provide an elevated platform on which to support their weight during hunting. A climbing treestand is both a climbing aid and, eventually, a platform supporting the climber in the tree. These treestands typically rely on a cable or strap that extends around a tree trunk to support the weight of the hunter during ascension and subsequent hunting operations. It is common for some climbing tree stands to include a top piece, upon which the hunter may sit, and a bottom piece, configured to receive one or both of the hunter's legs. The top and bottom pieces are used to ascend a tree trunk using what is known as the “sit and stand technique.”

In the “sit and stand” technique, a user alternately rests his or her weight on one of the pieces while raising the other piece with respect to the tree trunk. Thus, when the hunter's weight is on the top piece and the bottom piece is being raised with respect to the trunk, the hunter is sitting. Conversely, when the hunter's weight is on the bottom piece and the top piece is being raised with respect to the tree trunk, the hunter is standing. Climbing tree stands are generally more versatile and less dangerous than fixed tree stands, and consequentially enjoy widespread usage by many large game hunters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary top piece of a climbing tree stand, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of an exemplary bottom piece of a climbing tree strand, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a view of an exemplary bottom piece of a climbing tree stand, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an exemplary ratchet mechanism, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a portion of an exemplary ratchet mechanism and an exemplary toothed belt, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a user carrying an exemplary climbing tree stand, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a user pulling an exemplary climbing tree stand behind him, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of an exemplary climbing tree stand in the process of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of ascending a tree, according to principles described herein.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Notwithstanding the many benefits associated with climbing treestands, users of climbing treestands available in the art often encounter problematic situations. For example, tree trunks tend to taper in diameter, becoming more narrow as a climber ascends. Typically climbing treestands include cables configured to extend around the trunk of a tree. These cables are difficult to adjust or may not be adjustable at all. Without adjusting the cable, the user has very little control over the pitch of the climbing treestand, which may vary substantially due to the change in tree trunk diameter upon ascension of the tree.

An additional problem often encountered by users of climbing treestands is that of encountering branches in a tree trunk upon ascension of the tree. Generally, climbing treestands have only one cable extending around the tree trunk, and therefore the maneuver of dismounting and disassembling the treestand in order to move around the branch may be unsafe. Typically treestand users faced with this problem cut the branch off of the trunk, which in turn causes damage to the tree, may cause a hazard on the forest floor, and may startle or notify game of a hunter's presence.

To address the issues mentioned above, the present specification describes a climbing treestand having a toothed belt configured to extend around the diameter of a tree trunk. The toothed belt is connected to the climbing treestand by at least one ratchet mechanism. The ratchet mechanism allows for adjusting the length of the portion of the toothed belt that extends around the tree trunk, thus providing enhanced pitch control to a user. The present specification further describes an example of a climbing treestand having first and second toothed belts configured to extend around a tree trunk. The plurality of toothed belts allows for a user to safely maneuver the treestand around branches and other obstacles protruding from the tree trunk.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present systems and methods. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present systems and methods may be practiced without these specific details. Reference in the specification to “an embodiment,” “an example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or example is included in at least that one embodiment, but not necessarily in other embodiments. The various instances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or similar phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The principles disclosed herein will now be discussed with respect to exemplary climbing treestand apparatus and systems for climbing trees.

Exemplary Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary climbing treestand apparatus (100) is shown. The climbing treestand apparatus (100) includes a main frame (140) having a first end (110) and a second end (115). The first end (110) is configured to engage a tree, and includes components generally forming a “V” shape permitting the first end (110) to engage tree trunks having a wide range of diameters. The second end (115) is configured to support the weight of a user. In this case, the main frame is configured to support the user's weight by providing a seat (145) for the user to sit on during and after climbing operations.

The main frame (140) includes first and second arms (120, 125) to which a toothed belt (105) is removably attached with ratchet mechanisms (130, 135). The arms (120, 125) may be angular extensions of the main frame (140). The ratchet mechanisms are configured to allow the user to selectively alter the length of a portion of the toothed belt (105) that runs between the first and second arms (130, 135). The toothed belt (105) may have a substantially resilient material, and be capable of sustaining the weight of the treestand apparatus (100) and a user against the trunk of a tree.

The main frame (140) may be partially or substantially made out of a lightweight, strong composite material. In other embodiments, the main frame (140) may be made out of metal.

Referring now to FIG. 2, another exemplary climbing treestand apparatus (200) is shown. The climbing treestand apparatus (200) includes a main frame (240) having a first end (210) and a second end (215). The first end (210) is configured to engage a tree, and includes a “V” shape, similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the second end (215) of the main frame (240) is configured to support a user's weight by providing foot straps (265) to attach the user's feet to the main frame (240) and allow the user to stand on the main frame (240).

The main frame (240) may be substantially or partially fabricated from a lightweight, strong composite material to provide more versatility in transporting the climbing treestand apparatus (200).

The treestand apparatus (200) also includes first and second toothed belts (205, 207) made of resilient material, both of which are removably attached to first and second arms (230, 235) of the main frame (240) with ratchet mechanisms. The ratchet mechanisms allow the user to selectively alter the length of the portion of the first and second toothed belts (205, 207) between the first and second arms (230, 235) of the main frame (240). These portions of the toothed belts (205, 207) are configured to extend around the tree engaged by the first end (210) of the main frame (240).

The toothed belts (205, 207) may be independently adjustable. One of the toothed belts (205, 207) may be disengaged from the main frame (240) while another of the toothed belts (205, 207) maintains its position extending around the tree trunk and attached to the main frame (240).

The exemplary treestand apparatus (200) further includes wheels (245, 250, 255, 260) that may be used to conveniently transport the treestand apparatus (200) on the ground. The wheels (245, 250, 255, 260) may be used in conjunction with a pop-up handle, similar to those used with many suitcases.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view is shown of a portion of the treestand apparatus (200) of FIG. 2. Notably, the first and second arms (230, 235) of the main frame (240, FIG. 2) are shown to include housings (310, 315, 330, 335) for the ratchet assemblies by which the toothed belts (205, 207) are attached to the first and second arms (230, 235).

The ratchet assemblies permit the free movement of the toothed belts (205, 207) through the ratchet housings (310, 315, 330, 335) in one direction and prevent movement of the toothed belts (205, 207) in a second, opposite direction. Movement by the toothed belts (205, 207) in the second, opposite direction may be accomplished by pressing lever, cam, or pawl of the ratchet assembly concurrent to the movement.

Specifically, the ratchet assemblies of this embodiment permit the movement of the toothed belts (205, 207) through the ratchet housings (310, 315, 330, 335) in a direction that shortens the length of at least one of the portions of the toothed belts (205, 207) configured to extend around a tree. The portions of the toothed belts (205, 207) configured to extend around the tree may be lengthened only by depressing a ratchet pawl, as will be shown in more detail in subsequent figures.

Also shown in this embodiment are shoulder straps (340, 345) which may allow a user to mount the treestand apparatus (200) to his person for convenient transportation of the treestand apparatus (200).

Referring now to FIG. 4, an exemplary ratchet mechanism (400) is shown. The ratchet mechanism (400) includes a housing (410), a pawl (405), a pivot pin (415), a spring (425), and a spring pin (420). The spring (425) has one end in contact with the ratchet housing (410) and another end that engages the pawl (405).

A toothed belt (205, FIG. 2) may be fed through the housing (410) where it is engaged by the spring-loaded pawl (405) and restricted. An outer end of the pawl (405) provides a lever which may be depressed by the user to disengage the pawl (405) from the toothed belt (205, FIG. 2) and permit the toothed belt (205, FIG. 2) unrestrained movement in either direction through the housing (410).

Referring now to FIG. 5, a side view of the ratchet assembly (400) is shown in conjunction with a toothed belt (205). The housing (410) and spring elements (420, 425) have been removed to better illustrate the interaction between the pawl (405) and a toothed belt (205).

The pawl (405) has a recess (505) designed to engage individual teeth (515) of the toothed belt (205). The geometries of the teeth (515) and the pawl (405) are such that movement of the toothed belt (205) to the right is possible. The spring-loaded pawl (405) locks the toothed belt (205) into position by preventing it from moving to the left as long as the pawl (405) has engaged one of the teeth (515). When a leftward motion of the toothed belt is desired, the pawl (405) must be disengaged by rotating it counterclockwise about the pivot pin (415). This rotation may be accomplished by depressing the top of pawl (405).

Referring now to FIG. 6, an exemplary climbing treestand apparatus (200) is shown mounted on the back of a user (605) with shoulder straps (340, 345).

Referring now to FIG. 7, an exemplary climbing treestand apparatus (200) is shown as having an extendable handle (710). The climbing treestand apparatus (200) may be rolled on wheels (250) behind a user (705) holding the extendable handle 710).

Exemplary System

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate an exemplary system (800) for climbing a tree (805) in various stages of ascending a tree. The system (800) includes first and second climbing treestand apparatus (100, 200). Each climbing treestand apparatus (100, 200) has a main frame.

The first climbing treestand apparatus (100) is configured to support a user's weight with the user sitting thereon, and has a toothed belt (105) attached to the main frame at two points with ratchet mechanisms. A portion of the toothed belt (105) extends around the tree (805) thereby securing the apparatus (100) to the tree.

The second climbing treestand apparatus (200) is configured to support the user's weight with the user standing thereon. The second apparatus (200) has two toothed belts (205, 207), which, similar to the first apparatus (100), are each attached to the main frame of the second apparatus at two points with ratchet mechanisms. A portion of each of the toothed belts (205, 207) extends around the tree (805).

The exemplary system (800) is configured to allow a user to climb the tree (805) using the “sit and stand” technique, in which the first and second apparatus (100) serve to alternately ascend the tree trunk and provide support for the weight of the user. This and other similar techniques are known in the art. The user is not shown in the figures for clarity.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the system (800) is shown ascending the tree (805) with a branch (810) as a potential obstacle to the system (800). To continue ascending the tree (805), the first or upper climbing treestand apparatus (100) must be manipulated around the branch (810). To do so, the toothed belt (105) may be disengaged from the main frame using the ratchet mechanism. While the second apparatus (200) supports the user's weight, the first apparatus (100) may then be secured to the tree above the branch (810) and the toothed belt (105) reattached to the main frame with the ratchet mechanism.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the system (800) is shown with the first apparatus (100) above the branch (810), and one of the toothed belts (207) of the second apparatus (200) disengaged. The toothed belt (207) may be disengaged from the main frame using the ratchet mechanism. Once disengaged, the loose toothed belt (207) may be manipulated over the branch (810) and reengaged into the main frame, while maintaining a constant anchor to the tree (805) from the other toothed belt (205) of the second apparatus (200).

Referring now to FIG. 10, the system (800) is shown with the first climbing treestand apparatus (100) and one of the toothed belts (207) of the second climbing treestand above the branch (810).

Referring now to FIG. 11, the system (800) is shown with the toothed belt (207) that was beneath the branch (810) disengaged from the main frame, while the second climbing treestand apparatus (200) is being supported by the engaged toothed belt (207) above the branch (810).

Referring now to FIG. 12, the system (800) is shown with all of the toothed belts (105, 205, 207) connected to their corresponding treestand climbing apparatus (100, 200) above the branch (810). Using ratchet mechanisms in conjunction with toothed belts (105, 205, 207), the treestand apparatus (100, 200) may be successfully and safely manipulated around obstacles such as branches (810).

Exemplary Methods

Referring now to FIG. 13, an exemplary method (1300) of climbing a tree is shown. The method (1300) includes the step of providing (step 1305) a tree-climbing system, as described in relation to FIG. 8. A user's feet are then coupled (step 1310) to the tree-climbing system. The user then ascends (step 1315) the tree, compensating (step 1320) for a diminishing tree trunk diameter by using to ratchet mechanisms to shorten the length of toothed belts extending around the tree.

Referring now to FIG. 14, another method (1400) of climbing a tree is shown. The method includes the step of providing (step 1405) a tree-climbing system as described in relation to FIG. 8. A user's feet are coupled (step 1410) to the system, and the user then ascends (step 1415) the tree, alternately disengaging (step 1420) the toothed belts to manipulate the system around an obstacle in the tree.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe embodiments and examples of the principles described. This description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit these principles to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

Claims

1. A treestand apparatus comprising:

a frame having a first end configured to engage a tree and a second end configured to support a user's weight;

a toothed belt attached to said frame at first and second points, a portion of said toothed belt between said first and second points being configured to extend around said tree;

wherein at least one of said points of said frame comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said toothed belt.

2. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt.

3. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises an independently mounted spring.

4. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a composite material.

5. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises shoulder straps.

6. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises wheels and an extendable handle.

7. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second toothed belt attached to said frame at third and fourth points.

8. The treestand apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of said third and fourth points comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said second toothed belt.

9. The treestand apparatus of claim 7, wherein said ratchet mechanism of at least one of said third and fourth points comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt.

10. The treestand apparatus of claim 1, wherein said toothed belt comprises a resilient material.

11. A system for climbing a tree, comprising:

a first main frame having a first toothed belt attached thereto at first and second points, a portion of said first toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree;

a second main frame having a second toothed belt attached thereto at third and fourth points, a portion of said second toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree;

wherein each of said first and second main frames comprises a ratchet mechanism configured to selectively adjust a length of said portion of said first and second toothed belts, respectively.

12. The system of claim 11, further comprising a third toothed belt attached to said second main frame, a portion of said third toothed belt being configured to extend around said tree.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said ratchet mechanisms comprises a pawl configured to engage individual teeth of said toothed belt.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein said first main frame comprises a seat.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein said second main frame is comprises an apparatus to attach said user's feet thereto.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises a composite material.

17. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises shoulder straps.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of said first and second main frames comprises an extendable handle and wheels.

19. A method of climbing a tree, said method comprising:

providing a system as defined in claim 11;

coupling said user's feet to said second frame; and

ascending a tree; wherein said user uses said ratchet mechanisms to shorten the length of said toothed belts to compensate for a diminishing tree trunk diameter.

20. A method of climbing a tree, said method comprising:

providing a system as defined in claim 11;

coupling said user's feet to said second frame; and

ascending a tree; wherein said user alternately disengages said toothed belts to manipulate said system around an obstacle in said tree.