Tree Step

Abstract

A tree step includes (i) a metal or metal alloy core, the core including a threaded section, a first bend proximate the threaded section, an offset section extending from the first bend to a second bend, and a step section extending from the second bend; and (ii) a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including an outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural surface of a tree.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/774,233, filed Mar. 7, 2013 for a Hunter Step, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this patent application by reference.

RELATED FIELDS Screw-in tree steps for climbing trees, such as for use by hunters.

BACKGROUND

Screw-in type tree steps are known. One example is the Ameristep Tree Step manufactured by Ameristep®, Inc. of Clio, Mich. 48420. Another example is the Vortex Magnum Tree Step manufactured by Gorilla, Inc. of Flushing, Mich. 48433. These steps are simply a metal core with a threaded section. Marketing materials for these tree steps emphasize the desirability of a one piece metal construction.

SUMMARY

We have invented an improved screw-in type tree step. In one non-limiting example, the tree step includes a metal or metal alloy core, the core having a threaded section, a first bend near the threaded section, an offset section extending from the first bend to a second bend, and a step section extending from the second bend. In this example, the tree step also includes a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including an outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural surface of a tree.

In at least some embodiments, the improved tree steps are safer than current technology, and are less likely to be detected by game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one non-limiting example of a metal or metal alloy core for a tree step.

FIG. 2 shows one non-limiting example of a plastic coating on the steel core of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are additional views of the core of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are additional views of the core with plastic coating of FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows one non-limiting example of a metal or metal alloy core 10 for a tree step. The core 10 of FIG. 1 includes a threaded section 12, an offset section 14, and a step section 16. There is a first bend 18 in the core between the threaded section 12 and the offset section 14, a second bend 20 in the core between the offset section 14 and the step section 16, and a third bend 22 towards the end of the core 10 opposite the threaded section 12. In alternative embodiments, the core 10 does not include the third bend 22. The core 10 of FIG. 1 is a steel rod, having a thickness or diameter of approximately ⅜ of an inch. In other embodiments, the core may have a diameter between approximately ⅜ to ⅝ of an inch, or greater or lesser diameters. Other metals or metal alloys may also be used, and may be rods or other shapes of material.

In some embodiments, one or more components may be substituted for the metal or metal alloy core 10. For instance, in some embodiments, multiple metal or metal alloy components may comprise the framework of the step. In some embodiments, structures or components other than threaded structures may be used for securing the step to a tree (e.g. a rope, spike, or other mechanism).

In the example of FIG. 1, the threaded and step sections 12, 16 extend along generally (although not exactly) parallel axes and the offset section 14 extends along an axis that is transverse (in this particular instance, generally perpendicular) to the threaded and step sections 12, 16. The offset section 14 is sufficient in length to allow for sufficient torque for the tree step to be installed into a tree by hand. In this example, the first bend 18 is an approximately ninety degree bend, the second bend 20 is an approximately 93 degree bend, and the third bend 22 defines an obtuse angle in the step section 16 of the core 10.

FIG. 2 shows the core 10 of FIG. 1 covered by a substantial plastic coating 24. In one example, the substantial plastic coating 24 is formed during an over-molding operation. In the particular example shown, the plastic coating 24 approximately doubles the thickness of the tree step relative to just the thickness of the core 10 alone. In other words, the thickness of the plastic coating 24 (from a surface of the core 10 to an outer surface of the plastic coating 24) is approximately half of the diameter of the core 10.

The plastic coating 24 may be composed of any suitable plastic material, and may be produced in any color or combination of colors. In some instances, additives could be included in the plastic to resist UV degradation or to control scent (e.g. to mask an odor of the plastic).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the plastic coating 24 covers the first bend 18, the offset section 14, the second bend 20, the step section 16 and the third bend 22. In other instances, not all of these sections will necessarily be covered by the plastic coating 24.

The plastic coating 24 includes outer surface portions 26, 28 that are textured or otherwise configured to simulate natural surfaces of a tree. For instance, outer surface portion 26 includes numerous grooves and ridges to simulate the bark of a tree branch. In this example, the grooves and ridges are irregularly arranged (e.g. are not straight and parallel to one another) and vary in height to simulate natural surfaces. Outer surface portion 28 is jagged, to similar a broken end of a tree branch.

The plastic coating 24 of FIG. 2 also includes a tread area 30 and a stop 32 on an upper surface of the step section 16. In the example of FIG. 2, the tread area 30 is substantially flat relative to other portions of the tree step, and is relatively wide, facilitating its use as a step. The tread area 30 also includes treads to improve grip. The raised stop 32 also helps to prevent a user from slipping off of the end of the step.

In one non-limiting example, the tree step of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used by placing the threaded section 12 in a substantially horizontal orientation against a tree or other suitable structure. The user then rotates the hunter step axially around the threaded section 12 while simultaneously pressing the threaded section 12 against a structure. This action causes the threaded section 12 to enter the structure and with sufficient rotations become secure in said structure. Finally the hunter step will be rotated such that the tread area 30 is facing up. The user can repeat the above installation procedure on the other side of the tree or suitable structure at a suitable height to facilitate ascending the structure.

In some instances, the step could be used not only to ascend trees but also as a method of ascending any suitable structure for any purpose. Further, the components of the step could be comprised of any suitable material other than the steel core 10 and plastic coating 24. The hunter step could also be constructed with or without the tread area 30, stop 32 or textures 26, 28 shown. Further, the tread area 30 could be oriented as shown or axially along the surface of the step or be comprised of a texture.

Claims

1. A tree step, comprising:

a. a metal or metal alloy component or components including a connecting section, an offset section, and a step section;

b. a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including an outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural surface of a tree.

2. The tree step of claim 1, wherein the metal or metal alloy component or components is a metal or metal alloy core including the threaded section, a first bend proximate the threaded section, the offset section extending from the first bend to a second bend, and the step section extending from the second bend; wherein the connecting section comprises a threaded section.

3. The tree step of claim 2, wherein the plastic coating covers at least the step section, the second bend, and the offset section.

4. The tree step of claim 3, wherein the plastic coating comprises a tread area on an upper surface of the step section.

5. The tree step of claim 4, wherein the textured outer surface portion comprises a plurality of irregular grooves and ridges.

6. The tree step of claim 5, wherein the plurality of ridges comprise varying heights from the core along lengths of the ridges.

7. The tree step of claim 6, wherein the textured outer surface portion simulates tree bark.

8. The tree step of claim 4, wherein the plastic coating comprises a plurality of different colors.

9. The tree step of claim 4, wherein the plastic coating is at least half as thick as the core.

10. The tree step of claim 4, wherein the core comprises a first thickness and wherein the tree step comprises a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is at least two times as thick as the first thickness.

11. The tree step of claim 10, wherein the tread area is substantially flat relative to curved portions of the outer coating.

12. The tree step of claim 4, wherein the plastic coating further comprises a stop extending upwardly relative to the tread area proximate an outer end of the step section.

13. The tree step of claim 2, wherein the outer surface portion simulates a broken tree limb.

14. The tree step of claim 13, wherein an end of the outer surface portion includes a jagged portion simulating a broken portion of the broken tree limb.

15. The tree step of claim 2, wherein the threaded section and the step section extend along generally parallel axes.

16. A tree step, comprising:

a. a metal or metal alloy core, the core comprising a threaded section and a step section, the step section being offset from the threaded section;

b. a plastic coating covering at least the step section, the plastic coating including (i) a first outer surface portion that is textured and simulates a natural tree, the texture including a plurality of irregularly shaped grooves and ridges; and (ii) a second outer surface portion that is substantially flat relative to the first outer portion, the second outer surface portion including a tread area.

17. The tree step of claim 16, wherein the texture includes a jagged portion on an outer end of the tree step simulating a broken portion of a broken tree limb.

18. The tree step of claim 16, wherein the plurality of ridges comprise varying heights from the core along lengths of the ridges.

19. A tree step, comprising:

a. a steel core comprising a bent section and a threaded section; and

b. a plastic coating comprising a textured area and a tread area, wherein the textured area simulates naturally occurring features of a tree.

20. The tree step of claim 19, wherein the textured area simulates a broken tree limb.

21. The tree step of claim 20, wherein the plastic coating comprises a stop on an end of the tree step.

22. A tree step comprising a plastic outer surface having a texture including a plurality of irregularly shaped grooves and ridges extending along at least a portion of its length and a jagged end to simulate a natural broken tree branch.